The Mama Perspective

Motherhood and Maternal Wellbeing

  • How Motherhood Has Changed Me

    As I sit down to write this post, I can’t help but think about the incredible journey me and Danny have been on for over 10 years. Becoming mummy and daddy to our little boy is up there as the best thing to happen to the both of us. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions, sleepless nights, and countless nappy changes. But in the middle of the beautiful chaos, there’s something that I want to share – how motherhood has changed me.

    I’m stronger than before

    I’m stronger than I ever thought I could be. I don’t just mean pregnancy, labour, and giving birth, or the meltdowns between cries, and tantrums. There’s something that’s given me the confidence to stand up for myself though I’m still in the process of sticking to my gut when I believe in something.

    A new perspective

    Motherhood has also given me a new perspective on time and how precious it is. I used to think I was busy before, but now I understand what it means to spend time with your family and how they will always come first. Every minute counts, and I’ve learned to prioritise and make the most of each day including all the little moments. It’s no longer just about me; it’s about creating a loving home for our boy.

    And here’s another thing, patience. Some days I have it and other days it’s challenging. The cries, the toys around the room, and trying to figure out what’s wrong – they’ve all taught me to take a deep breath and approach things calmly. I’ve realised that it’s not about dealing with everything at once but about being there, listening, and comforting when needed.

    Stronger relationships

    As a parent, I’ve also become even closer to my mum. I now understand some of the decisions she made and her great deal of love in a way that I didn’t quite see it as before.

    But perhaps the most beautiful change is falling in love with Danny all over again. Seeing him become a dad, the love and care he has for our son, it’s everything.

    So, it’s clear to see that motherhood has changed me in many positive ways. I hope that other mums reading this post take one thing away – embrace the way motherhood has changed you.

  • The Beautiful Chaos of Motherhood

    Motherhood – a journey that began on the day I found out I was pregnant with my son. From the sweetest sound of giggles and lots of cuddles, it really gives you the most heartwarming feeling. Anyone who is part of the motherhood tribe, knows that it’s also a whirlwind of chaos but the most beautiful time of your life.

    1. Morning madness
      I’ve always been an early riser in the morning but as my son is a toddler now, I do wonder if he’ll be awake earlier or later than usual. Once he wakes up and I hear him chatting away to himself and his teddies, it makes me and his dad smile so much.
    2. Multitasking
      From unloading the washing machine to singing “If you’re happy and you know it…” to your toddler. Meanwhile, wishing you hadn’t let another cup of tea go cold.
    3. Messy but cute stuff
      Finger prints on the walls and cupboards, Cheerios and Wotsits crumbs on the floor, Lego blocks piles on the and another book, you get it. It used to be hard for me because I lovely a tidy, clean home but now I remind myself, that these messy moments won’t be around forever.
    4. Bedtime
      Where did the saying “slept like a baby” even come from? It’s not always warm cuddly moments; it can be pretending to fall asleep in the hope your child will; trying to avoid eye contact; or hoping they don’t grab another toy. But when my son is asleep, I look through photos of him on my phone and start to miss him. A good night’s sleep is always bliss though.
    5. Snacks and more snacks
      Give me crisps and I’m a happy woman. In fact, let’s say crisps, chocolate, chips, and anything that my husband thinks is just for him to enjoy! Sometimes a snack, let’s be honest multiple snacks, gives you what you need during the chaotic moments in motherhood.
    6. Emptying the washing basket
      I feel like I’ve accomplished something great when I manage to empty my son’s washing basket but then… there’s the pile of clothes hanging out of the bigger one that belongs to me and his dad.
    7. Embracing the chaos
      From the spilled milk, tantrums (especially during that terrible two stage), and never-ending piles of clothes to be washed, there’s an indescribable love that overpowers all the chaos. It’s in those sweet cuddles, kisses, and grabbing my hand to see where my son wants to go. That’s it – the love – it makes it all worth it.

    So, to all the mums out there, know that you’re not alone. Embrace the mayhem, cherish the giggles and smiles, and hold onto those moments that you’ll never get back but stay in your memory forever.

  • Navigating Through the Challenges of Milestone Anxiety

    Did you know that milestone anxiety is a thing? Yep, Google it and you’ll find out. We live in a world where someone at least once will ask, when you’ll learn to drive, get married, have kids, the list goes on. For me though, I don’t think it’s ever been about those things. I started to feel milestone anxiety when I became a mum to my son or maybe even during pregnancy. I feel like there’s a lot of pressure in society to reach their milestones including social media, what you see of other kids in nursery or school, and comments from people can heighten how you feel.

    Personally, as a first-time mum, I worry a lot. It was a part of me before my son was born. I can’t help but wonder if ‘everything is okay’. Whether it be if my son is doing things he should be by his age or if I am really doing the best I can to be the mum he needs, and the wife to my husband.

    When it comes to my son, I tend to wonder if I need to do something better to motivate him to reach new milestones. For example, people will ask, how many words can he say? He still loves his bottle doesn’t he? Does he take his blanket everywhere with him? And I can’t help but worry if I need to try more; to take those things away. Maybe I do but right now, he just isn’t ready. The child across the room is different and the person asking you all these questions isn’t or hasn’t been the perfect parent either.

    Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve spoken about a few times about how, as adults, we rarely sit in a room and wonder when between the 2, 3, 4, 5-year-old mark, did we start to speak with sentences, recognise animal noises, understand how to count, or let go of the things that used to comfort us when we were younger.

    I wish we could live in a world where we let kids be kids, in fact, in my son’s case, still a baby (2 years old). Okay, I know he’s technically a toddler but he’s only been in the world for two years. To rush him into the things he isn’t ready to do, just doesn’t seem right to me. He surprises us every day and I know a lot can change within a few months. We, as his mum and dad, will do everything to help him but we’re proud of him nonetheless.

    He shines in everything he does, no matter how much more or little it is compared to other children. Comparison is the worst. It’s not fair on the child when they are so happy. I’m guilty of it and need to try to stop how of this I do of it.

    Similar to what I said earlier about worrying, the same goes for comparing to others when I was growing up, seeing how I could be or look like someone else. Today, again, guilty! BUT the difference is, it’s more so on wanting to be the best mum and wife. The way I look affects me from day to day with weight changes, or bad skin days. Whatever it is, my therapist has taught me to outweigh those negative thoughts about my image to all the good things I’ve done in a day e.g. made my son smile, told him and my husband I love them, gave them both extra cuddles, put all the shopping and washing away (sometimes productivity is about the small wins).

    Oh, and the same goes for a woman ‘bouncing back’ after they reach a certain time of postpartum life. Sorry, but I’m two years in and I’m still learning about the new version of myself, every damn day. It’s hard but I much prefer the side of me that prioritises my mental health, family, and what’s important. I don’t have my pre-mum body, the energy to socialise/party as much, or patience with day to day life (not sure if I ever really did have that to be fair) but you know!

    Milestone anxiety stays with me but I know now that if I let it challenge me for the better, I will win. I always wondered if I would ever make it – being a mum and a wife. It’s the most magical journey I’ve been on and to have achieved each of the two, is everything. Sure, everyone has their own path in life but this is mine and no matter how it looks on the outside, it’s different from anyone else’s.

    The next time milestone anxiety hits you, stop and give yourself a break. Before it gets to you too much, try something to focus on, like exercising or a new hobby. Getting back to writing is helping me. I’ve always loved having a space to let my thoughts out and resonate with others. So, I hope at least one of my readers can take something away from this post.

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