Real Mums – It’s Mostly OK

This feature is to celebrate real mums. Mums are amazing and come in all shapes and sizes but sometimes we can feel alone, we can feel as though we are the only ones struggling to keep on top of things. I want to lift the lid on motherhood so we can all feel part of a sisterhood, to feel proud about our own achievements and know that we are doing the best we can!

Without further a do let me hand over to Emma!

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family.

Hello! I’m Emma 🙂 I’m married to Matt and we had our first baby, Olivia, last year. We live in South West London and I consider myself very lucky as I dont work at the moment so I get to spend all my time with my girl. I started my blog, Its Mostly Okay in December last year and I’m thoroughly enjoying blogging and everything that comes with it.

Describe a typical day in your life

A typical day for us is usually a walk into our local town Surbiton, a meet up with my NCT girls or a catch up with my family. I see alot of my mum and sister and we often meet somewhere lovely like RHS Wisley.

What is the best thing about being a mum?

The best thing is that we made this amazing little person, I still can’t believe it sometimes. She’s so full of character, she makes us laugh every day, just having her, watching her learn new things & spending time with her is the best thing. I never thought I could feel so much love for this little person, but I do.

What have you found hardest about motherhood?

In the early days it was the lack of sleep and the late night feeds, I felt like a sleep-deprived zombie feeding machine! I also struggled with the body pain I experienced after the birth, the pain of stitches, other pain ‘down there’, sore nipples from feeding etc, I wasnt expected that, it hit me really hard but you get through it. Nowadays, its new challenges like tantrums or Olivia not eating anything I cook her!

How has your body changed?

I’m pretty pleased that my body hasnt changed too drastically. Okay yes, I’ve got a bit more of a tummy now and yes my boobs are non existent but I am proud of what it’s done. I’ve definetly had other side effects though, like my face eczema has gotten worse, which I’m certain is linked to hormone changes after having a baby.

Do you wear makeup? If so what does your routine look like? 

I have very senstive skin on my face, so I wear a very natural mascara and cover up, thats it. I put these on every morning before I go outside, people of the world don’t need to see me without!

What’s in your handbag? 

I’m still using a changing bag, which is a lovely Stork Sack bag. There’s nappies, nappy bags, wipes, hand sanitiser, spare clothes, a muslin, nakd snack bars, my purse, water, tissues .. you name it there’s a bit of everything in there!

What is your relationship with housework?

My husband and I agreed that when I had the baby we would get a cleaner, as we knew otherwise we’d be arguing over who should be doing the housework (plus I hate it anyway!) So I just do periferal bits, then once a week we have an amazing lady who comes to clean, thank god.

How do you relax?

DRINK!!! Ha! I do like a glass of wine or some bubbles, especially sitting in my garden in the sun. I also go running which is a great head clearer and I play hockey. Playing a team sport is great fun, I play with a great bunch of girls and it gets me out of the house once a week, which is often much needed time away from day to day life.

What’s the best parenting advice you have ever been given?

Sleep when the baby sleeps ….!! Joke! No I dont have that nugget unfortunately, just take what everyone says to you, nod your head and agree but then do it your own way. Take bits of what people tell you, then do what you want to do. Trust and believe in your own instinct.

For any new mums out there, what would you like to tell them?

I think it would be that you need to give yourself time after having a baby. Dont put any pressure on yourself. I didn’t feel that rush of love for my baby straight away (I wrote about that here. It came eventually but I panicked and stressed about it for a while. I also tried to get back to sport too quickly but pelvic girdle pain meant I had too stop, it was too soon. Give yourself and your body time to get back to normal, don’t worry about what other people are doing, dont fret if things dont work or happen straight away.

What makes you happy?

Sunshine, family, friends, my baby, holidays & champagne.

And finally, complete this sentence:

I am a great mum because…..  I think maybe because I try my best, whatever I do, whether its wrong or right, I’m always trying to do my best for my girl and hopefully that will be enough in the long run 🙂

Great post Emma! I didn’t have that rush of love second time around but it does come. Love that you say nod and smile at people when they tell you stuff- I did the same! 

You can find out more about Emma and her world over at her blog, It’s Mostly Ok.

 She is also on Twitter so go say hi!

If you would like to take part in my Real Mums series then email me at katy@whatkatysaid.com. x