CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH OUR MOTHERS

In celebration of Mother's Day this year, we caught up with four mums all in different stages of their motherhood journey and asked them to share their honest reflections—on the highs, the challenges, the unexpected lessons, and the everyday moments that have shaped their experience.

How many kids do you have?

Marly: Three little girlies.

Eloise: I've got one at the moment, and I'm pregnant with twins. 

Bianca: Just the one.

Tash: I have two girls.

What is something you found surprising about becoming a mum?

Marly: That I still felt like myself.

Eloise: I’d always hear people talk about this unimaginable love you feel for your child — and it’s true. But what I didn’t expect was how much we sacrifice as mums. I never thought I’d give up so much, even the little things, like skipping my own breakfast just so she could have the last piece of toast, and I’d end up nibbling on the crusts.

What was the biggest struggle in becoming a new mum?

Marly: The biggest struggle for me was giving up my social life. I had the best fun in my 20s and that was super tough. I'm still struggling with that and trying to get my social life back. 

Bianca: I think the biggest struggle is not having enough 'me' time and always being on call, it is a 24/7 job. It’s pretty exhausting, but definitely worth it.

Tash: Finding my identity.

What have you loved about being a mother?

Marly: Oh, my kids, obviously, they're just the best. They're so cute, they're such little characters and they all have their own little personalities.

Tash: Being a mum gives life so much purpose and I love that. You’ve got these two little ones, and to them, you’re their whole world. There’s something really special about that.

What’s something you never expected to feel or go through when you became a mum?

Marly: Learning how impatient I really was.

Bianca: I think what’s really beautiful is being someone’s everything. It’s the little moments, like when she wakes up from a nap just to check I’m still there, or gives me a tiny smile. It reminds me I’m all she needs right now.

Tash: Just the amount of sacrifice that it takes to be a mum and give everything to your children. It's hard, but it's very rewarding.

How do you get some 'me' time in your week?

Marly: I go to the gym. I've just forced myself into going at night because it's the only time I have. And a sauna - it’s glorious

Bianca: I would say getting up early before she does and trying to squeeze in a little bit of housework or a bit of self care.

Tash: I get my mum to babysit, and when my husband can watch the kids I go for a little walk on my own.

Is there a small piece of advice you would give to a new mum that you wish you had heard?

Marly: I wish someone had told me how hard it is to find time for yourself, and how much you have to fight for it. It doesn’t just happen. It’s so easy to lose yourself in motherhood if you don’t intentionally make space for 'you' time and ask for the support you need to make it happen.

Bianca: Don't put too much pressure on yourself. Every baby's obviously different, just do the best you can, and take every piece of advice you get with a grain of salt. 

Tash: Motherhood is very seasonal and it's very hard but very beautiful. So just embrace it and you'll get through it.

One product you can’t live without during motherhood?

Marly: Probably just a really great bag to carry everything in.

Bianca: A good nappy bag, a good size that can fit all of my day to day items.

Tash: Definitely the dummy.

What is your go-to Mum uniform?

Marly: Honestly, it's that chocolate brown Apéro set. I literally wear it every second day. I am not even kidding.

Eloise: Definitely a coordinated set that’s easy to chuck on.

Bianca: My go-to mum uniform is definitely oversized button up shirts. Anything that I can feed easily in public.

Tash: Honestly, a matching shirt and short set, or jeans and a tee.