The Mama Perspective

Motherhood and Maternal Wellbeing

The voice behind the blog

Natasha is a mum of two little boys and the voice behind The Mama Perspective. Passionate about maternal mental health and self-care, she writes honestly about the highs, lows, and healing moments of motherhood.
  • Looking After Your Mental Health as a Parent

    Looking After Your Mental Health as a Parent

    It wasn’t until I became a mum that I took my mental health seriously, well more seriously than I did before then. I wasn’t prepared for the sleepless nights combined with the change of emotions running through my body during the newborn stage. But I’ve always known how much I love my little boy (Freddy) and wanting to be the best mum I can be.

    There are days that test my patience more than others but then I take a moment to remember, while it might seem like there was never a time without my son in my life, he’s only been on the outside world for almost two and a half years.

    Freddy is growing so fast each day, learning new ways to act out a toddler tantrum it seems at times but I wouldn’t change a thing. While he is growing, I am becoming a stronger person being a mum and learning much more about myself. The little smile, giggle, “mama”, mispronunciation of words in a cute way – it’s everything.

    Here are some reminders I’m trying out when I doubt myself as a mum or feeling like I don’t have enough energy to try harder.

    No one is a perfect parent

    Parenting comes with its fair share of moments you can’t predict, just as you think, “Oh, I’m holding it together pretty well today” until…

    I think it’s important to show your child(ren) that sometimes we make mistakes and that’s okay. I want to show Freddy we don’t live in a ‘perfect world’ but there’s always a reason to smile each day, especially for me as I have him.

    When times get a little challenging I like to think there are things I can try.

    Make ‘me’ time

    Whether it’s to finish a cup of tea whilst it’s still hot or a short walk in outside to get some fresh air, it’s important to recharge. When I’m a happy mum, I can take on the responsibilities on looking after Freddy, to make him happy too.

    Message friends and family

    Parenting, especially in the newborn stage can make you feel lonely, but you’re not alone. I’ve got a small but lovely handful of mum friends. They mean a lot to me and have helped me through parts of my life they won’t even know about.

    Celebrate the little things

    Some days I tell myself, “I got out of bed today, managed to dress my son without him kicking around, and got out to the door to get to work on time.” And sometimes, that’s what I do, take things one step at a time. Just last night, me and my husband thought it was an early night for Freddy until he woke up two hours later. But that went more time see Freddy, cuddle him, see those long eyelashes of his close and he got sleepy again. There are ups and downs but so many special moments which I’ll hold onto forever.

    For me, being the best mum I can be starts with taking care of myself. By prioritising my mental health, it benefits not only me but my family too. So, if you’re having a challenging mum or dad day today, take a deep breath, and remember, you’ve got this!

  • I’m Still a Good Mum

    I’m Still a Good Mum

    Being a mum is filled with moments that test my patience and moments that overwhelm me, but there are also moments that bring me so much love. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, but one thing remains constant – the happiness of being my boy’s mama every single day and wanting the best for him.

    I remember my granny used to believe in the saying, “patience is a virtue”. And as a mum, it becomes a daily thought in my mind. There are moments when the chaos of morning routines, coupled with the demands of a toddler, and every day working life, can make patience seem so far away. Yet, in the midst of spilled water/juice/cups of tea, scattered toys, and a few tantrums thrown in, a mother’s patience shines through. It’s a resilience that stems from a deep well of love, a love that allows us to weather the storms of parenting.

    Frustration, too, is an inevitable part of the journey. Whether it’s struggling to gentle parent or give into frustration when handling a toddler’s tantrum. But in that time, i try to stop and understand, find a solution or a few, and to get down on my son’s level even if he’s decided to sit on the kitchen floor.

    No matter how I feel some days, there’s an undeniable love that overpowers it all. Every giggle, every cuddle, and every kiss means more than disturbed sleep or being close to having a short fuse. It’s a love that goes above exhaustion. As a mum, the instinct to provide, nurture, and protect becomes natural. I’m so happy to be in the midst of parenthood, and love being a mum to my beautiful boy. It means everything to me.

    I’m not a perfect mum but I’m still a good mum. I’m not only evolving as a mum but as the person I am too. And I know I’m meant to be on this journey. My patience is can be tested sometimes but I wouldn’t change the past almost two and half years of motherhood. Through it all, the love I have for my son remains the constant, and he lights up all the tough days.

    So, to all the mums and dads out there, you too are doing an incredible job. Embrace the journey, love the highs, and find more patience during the lows. Every day is a chance to see your child(ren) grow and hold them close.

  • Embracing Resilience for the Year Ahead

    Embracing Resilience for the Year Ahead

    As we’re in the last few days of December, some people set new year resolutions or maybe try to reinvent themselves with the “New year, new me.”

    Instead of aspiring to become an entirely new person, I’m aiming towards becoming a stronger version of myself and that means being happier too.

    Life is an unpredictable journey, filled with highs and lows. The idea of embracing the new year with resilience means that whatever opportunities or challenges come my way, I’ll face them with as much strength as possible.

    Strength doesn’t come from erasing the past or discarding who we were; it’s born out of learning, adapting, and growing from experiences. Reflecting on the lessons of the past year has given me a lot to think about. Every tough time as unfortunate as it might seem at the time, is a chance to learn, and any little or big achievement is something to be celebrated.

    In becoming a more resilient version of myself, I’ll need to focus on building positive habits, and that means a positive mindset rather than reacting with negative thoughts or dreaded worry. Rather than setting resolutions that result in a huge shift in identity, I’m giving myself the chance to make small steps to become a happier version of myself.

    As we’re close to the new year, I’m going to carry this positivity with me and hopefully pass it onto someone else too. Let’s embrace having a different perspective on whatever comes our way. Remember how lucky you are to try – to be stronger, resilient, and happy.

    So, here’s to the new year – an opportunity to face challenges with new strength, to learn from the past, and finding a version of ourselves that is not entirely new but undeniably stronger.

Anxiety Confidence Family Mental Health Mindset Motherhood Parenthood Parenting Positivity Postpartum Self Esteem Wellness