Let's Be Mamma - March

Mamma

Let's be Issue 2| March 2020

MAMMA Q+A We chat with Lisa from @the.mamalisa about all things mum life.

MAMMA FIT LIFE We chat with our cover mamma Alex who shares her journey through motherhood and staying fit and healthy

MAMMA SPOTLIGHT Nazanin from @thearchereffect shares her story of courage and strength.

SOMWHERE OVER THAT RAINBOW @the_nakedwife Tanya speaks about her fertility journey.

mamma

IT STARTS WITH YOU To

say

it's

been

a

crazy

few

months

is

an

understatement. With back to school, back to work, life has been go go go. Running to and from

appoinments,

keep

the

appear

in

house an

in

lessons, a

state

episode

of

attempting where

we

hoarders,

to

don't

keeping

the kids, hubby and myself in one piece was a frantic blur. I wont lie, its the begining of the year and I'm pooped. So it's only fitting that this

edition

of

Let's

be

mamma

health and wellbeing, because

focuses

Mamma

on lets

face it, if we don't take time to take care and reflect on ourselves the chain begins to fall apart. Even after three babies I'm still finding my balance, and I'm sure there are

Mammas

out there who would vouch, that finding that balance is hard until you find it. So grab a HOT

cuppa,

a

quiet

space

and

Let's

be

Mamma!

Pauline

xx Let's Be Mamma is a bi-monthly magazine for all mums (+dads) available in Digital and Print with over 1500 copies downloaded in our first edition. We have since begun offering print copies of our magazine and can be found in a number of venues across Melbourne. If you are interested in Advertising please get in touch letsbemamma@outlook.com or check out our website www.letsbemamma.com.au

The opinions expressed herin are not necessarily those of the publishing staff. Reproduction in whole or part is strictly prohibited unless permission is given from the publishers.

Health related articles are designed to be informative and

DID YOU KNOW OUR DIGITAL

educational. They are not intended to provide specific medical advice or replace one-on-one health advice from

COPY IS FULLY INTERACTIVE

your medical practitioner. Please always consult with your

CLICK THIS SYMBOL

doctor prior to using any health advice.

BE TAKEN TO OUR LOVELY MAMMAS PAGES

Lets be mamma

CONTENTS 22 Mamma Spotlight

25 Mamma Q+A

Cover Mamma Alex shares her expieriences of Mumlife

13 MAMMA FIT LIFE

2 Editor's Note 6 5 Steps to better sleep 9 The Complete package Naturopath

12 Quick snacks to beat the 3pm slump 16 Essential Mamma Sammi 18 6 Things to do before bed .

19 The Mamma behind #mummingthelabel 24 Pregnancy health with Dr Andrea 29 Motherhood journey 32 Somewhere over that Rainbow 36 The Mummy Matcher 37 How do we cope without our village?

38 Steps to strengthen your pelvic floor 40 Keep the kids busy 41 Beautiful adventures in a home grown setting 42 Let's be papa

LETS BE MAMMA

BossMAMMA A healthy body leads to a healthy mind and as a busy mamma, it's so important. Located in Melbourne's

North

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BOSS

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They their

recognise own

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and

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They

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built

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women of all shapes and sizes to learn how to love their body.

At

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5BETTER steps SLEEP to Vanessa is a wife and a mother of two gorgeous boys aged 6 and 2. Her firstborn was born at 28 weeks and for the first 2

½ years struggled with sleep, this led her to seek the help of a Sleep Consultant. "The

difference that we saw in our son through the positive changes in his sleep was something that we only dreamed of". As a mother, she understands that overwhelming feeling that can come with a child that doesn't sleep. She saw first-hand how the lack of sleep affected the development of her child, along with her own health. A lot of growth and learning happens during the first few years of your baby's life, and with the challenges that each day presents, a night of restful sleep can make all the difference. – for all of you!

1.

Choose an early bedtime.

The best time to put your baby or toddler to bed is sometime between 6 and 8 p.m. This ensures that your child will be able to get a solid 11-12 hours of sleep during the night (and yes, that is how much sleep children should be getting every night up until the age of about 10).

2. Put your child to sleep in the same place every night.

Whether your child has a room of their own or shares a room with parents/siblings, you must put your child to sleep in the same place every night, including naps where possible. Putting your child to bed in a familiar place lets them know they are safe, and that they are in a place where they know it is time for sleep. You want your child to fall asleep in this space, and if possible, not transitioned once asleep.

3. Create a predictable bedtime routine.

Consistency and predictability are essential to babies and toddlers. When they know what to expect at bedtime, it makes it much easier for them to make the transition from waking to sleeping, and that's why creating a bedtime routine is so important!

An

excellent

example

of

a

bedtime

routine

might

be

something like this:

6:15 pm Nursing or bottle (NOTE: Try not let your child fall asleep while feeding!)

6:30 pm Bath time 6:40 pm Put on pyjamas 6:45 pm Story or songs 7:00 pm Into cot or bed Your bedtime routine shouldn't take more than about 30 minutes, and it's imperative that the routine is the same every

single

what

let

night.

your

The

child

repetition

know

that

and

he

or

predictability she

will

soon

are be

expected to fall asleep.

4. Put your baby to bed awake.

5. If your baby wakes up during the night, wait a few minutes before intervening.

If you've been rocking, nursing, or otherwise soothing your baby to sleep, this is going to seem like a tough one, but it's an essential step! It's only by letting your baby fall asleep WITHOUT your help at bedtime that he or she can

Everyone, babies and adults alike, will wake up several times every night. For most adults, these wakings are so brief that we don't even remember them the next morning. However, many babies will immediately start to fuss or cry when they wake up.

The reason is that they haven't learned how to fall asleep on their own. If a baby has been nursed or rocked

to

surprising

sleep that

at

they

bedtime wouldn't

since know

birth,

it's

not

how

to

fall

asleep independently. The good news is that many

learn the skills necessary to stay asleep through the night.

Unfortunately, this one also includes dummy use for sleep time. If your baby or toddler is using a dummy during sleep time,

I

can

almost

guarantee

their

sleep

will

remain

disrupted. Any of these props that your child uses to fall asleep, they will require these to come back at the end of sleep cycles during the day (catnaps) and throughout their night when they wake. You want your child to fall asleep, ultimately prop free!

babies can figure out how to get back to sleep within just a few minutes of waking up in the night!

If your baby is under six months, I do recommend between 1-3 feeds overnight (depending on their age), however, ensure they are not using this to go back to sleep

Contact Vanessa Ph: 0426934415 vanessa@sleeprightsleeptight.com.au www.sleeprightsleeptight.com.au

At V and Me Custom Designs, we create personalised, custom, bespoke jewellery adorned with handstamped pendants that can hold special names, dates or initials of loved ones. Our collection is hand made to order and created in our home studio in Melbourne.

This means that each piece is unique and made especially for you.

With the choice of dates, names, initials or a message that is special to you, you are sure to stand out with your custom piece. It truly is the most beautiful way to have your loved ones with you always.

If you have an idea in mind for a custom piece of jewellery, please get in touch, we love bringing your ideas to life!

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The Complete package NATUROPATH

Hello there, mammas (and daddas too – we all know you read the magazines while sitting in the loo!) I am so excited to be given this opportunity to share

REBECCA JONES

with you all. Let me introduce myself and tell you a little about what I do and why I do it.

I’m Bec Jones, wife, mum of the two most gorgeous girls (yeah, I know you’ll all argue that one because you have the most beautiful kids, right ?!) and I am The Complete Package Naturopath with a particular interest in children’s health and mental health.

Some of the most common cases I see are in children who have suffered from *anxiety * behavioral issues * food intolerances * allergies * skin issues * sleep problems * bowel problems *

recurrent

infections

like

cold

or

UTI

for

periods

and

without

getting

anywhere with mainstream treatment. Does this sound like your little (or not so little) one? Read on.

Getting to the bottom of your health issue is my job. By working alongside your other health care practitioners, we identify and correct the underlying cause of your concern. We do not get sick or suffer mental health issues because we are missing a pill or potion. Mostly, we get sick because there is an imbalance somewhere in our body. We are lacking, have too much of or cannot metabolize some things properly (there are always things like genetics or external factors such as radiation that we can’t change – but we can support you through this!).

I offer my services a little different to most naturopaths, and I will explain why in a sec, but first, let me tell you how I run my clinic. First, I offer online consulting. So no matter where you are, you can access me. Secondly, I offer my services as packages and payment plans. Not everyone needs a package or a payment plan, and that is ok too. Realistically, most people I see, I see for a minimum of 3 months, working at addressing the root cause of their problem. There are no bandaid fixes here (not for long term chronic health conditions anyway!).

All packages are unique. We work out how many follow-up appointments, usually once a month, (initial consults are not included in packages) and any supplements ( I will get to them in a sec too) that are needed over the following three months work out a cost, and then a payment plan that is affordable for YOU.

When it comes to supplements, I will only ever prescribe

Why do I do this? Because I have lived rural

them when they are highly indicated, all while I teach you

and I have done it tough. I know what it is like

how to get the same results from your food. Generally (like

to not have services available because of my

always there are exceptions to the rules), anything that we

location, or not to be able to physically make

as naturopaths prescribe can be found in your diet. It is my

it into appointments because let's face it,

job to identify what is not working correctly in your body and

sometimes those kids do not want to co-

address that. Sometimes that will require supplementing to

operate with our times! My youngest daughter

get everything working again as it should. Still, I will ALWAYS

suffered from terrible anxiety when she was

tell you where to get that same support from your diet and

younger – and I know she is not alone – but

by making lifestyle changes, while working at correcting

this often meant that I couldn't make it to

those imbalances. This approach addresses the root cause

appointments or engagements. I have had

rather than just popping a band-aid over the problem.

sick kids at times. I have been ill at times,

Example: If you are iron deficient, yes I may supplement you

heck I have been physically incapable at

with an iron supplement, BUT I will also teach you how to

times due to being on crutches, to be able to

increase the iron in your diet to help you maintain optimal

make it into appointments. These situations

levels without the need of a tablet long term. Your health is

are not unique to me. But that shouldn't mean

paramount to me. With this, I will prescribe additional

that we can't access the care we need.

support where required while teaching you how to achieve

Financially, I've done it tough too. I hate the

the same results naturally (as humans, it is not natural for us

whole theory "if someone needs something

to have to take tablets, but it is natural for us to need

they make it happen "– THAT IS

nutrition = food).

CODSWALLUP! People who struggle do go without, and often it is their health or the health of their kids that suffer first because let's face it, having a roof over our heads and some food on the table is essential!

Statistically, there are correlations between money and health, and there shouldn't be. So, here I am. Being the change that I want to see, and that is why I offer my services the way that I do!

What's my tip till next time? Eat a rainbow! Try and get something from each coloured group (red,

purple/blue,

brown/white)

foods

orange/yellow, into

your

green,

meals/snacks

each day. Not only does this look appealing to

kids,

but

it

also

ensures

that

they

are

getting a wide variety of nutrients each day.

More on this in the next edition!

Do you or your little ones or someone you love have a health concern you’d like to get to the bottom of ? Book online at www.thecompletepackagenaturopath.com or get in touch via email : bec@thecompletepackagenaturopath.com Check us out on Facebook @thecompletepackagenaturopath or give us a call on 08 8778 1288

Quick snacks

TO BEAT THE 3PM MUM SLUMP

BANANA AND PEANUT BUTTER- Bananas may be one of the best foods for energy. They are an excellent source of carbohydrates, potassium and vitamin B6, all of which can help boost energy levels in your body and peanut butter is a good source of monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, as well as nutrients like magnesium, folate, and vitamin E HUMMUS AND CRACKERS - Hummus is low in fat, typically contains no sugar and is low in calories. It is also high in protein, so it provides energy without packing on the pounds.

ALMONDS- Almonds make a great pick-me-up snack. They are packed full of Vitamin E and Magnesium and contain lots of protein to help you sustain energy throughout the day.

EDAMAME- Edamame is a great energy-boosting snack, like eggs they contain B Vitamins which convert food to energy.

DARK CHOCOLATE - If you need to curb your sweet craving dark chocolate is the way to go. Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, both of which will boost your energy levels. The darker the chocolate, the less sugar and the more energy-boosting it is.

Mammas FIT LIFE Can you share a bit about your story? All

I

ever

wanted was to be a mum. I got married at just 23 and had my first baby by 24. We were fortunate that our first pregnancy took and we had a healthy baby boy; we named

him

Hudson.

Mum

life

was

everything

I

ever

thought it would be; I loved it! We always knew we wanted more than one child, so just before our eldest turned one, we were trying again. We found out on Hudson’s were

first

SO

birthday

excited.

we

were

Unfortunately,

pregnant the

again,

excitement

we was

short-lived, at six weeks we miscarried. No one ever prepares

you

for

what

a

miscarriage

feels

like,

your

logic knows that the baby wasn’t viable and your body was

doing

what

it

had

too.

However,

the

irrational,

emotional part of your brain still wonders what you did

What are you listening to right now? I listen to a lot of podcasts! My favorites are, Plant Proof and The Healthy Hustlers.

Sweet or savoury? Sweet Beach or bush? Beach If you could bring back one toy from your childhood what would it be and why? Not a toy but I collected Pokemon cards as a kid and I wish I still had them!

If the mum life journey was a novel what would the title be? Just when you think you’ve got your shit together, you have a baby.

to deserve this, and you feel an overwhelming sense of loss. Tom and I both dealt with it in different ways; this was a rough time for our relationship; it was crumbling.

Somehow we picked up the pieces and continued with life; it took six months of trying from the miscarriage to fall

pregnant

again.

Thankfully

it

was

a

viable

pregnancy, and at 20 weeks we found out we were having

another

boy.

At

this

time

we

were

living

in

Melbourne, a long way from all of our family in North QLD. We decided to move closer to home so our family could be more involved with the children. We moved to a

small

around

town 4hrs

about

from

1hr

mine.

away We

from

had

Toms

our

family

second

and

healthy

baby boy there; we called him Spencer. All seemed ok after the birth, I went through the motions, adapting to life with two children, especially in the newborn days can be tough. Every time the midwife checked on me, I would tell her I was fine, I had done this before after all..

As

Spencer

I

Tom and I separated, and I decided that this was my

was

time, the time I would put myself first. Something I

happening, but eventually, it got to the point where

haven’t mentioned up until this point is that I had

even leaving the house felt too hard most days. I had

been

closed off from my loved ones and would never talk

pregnancy only added to what was already there,

about

and by this point, I was wearing a tight size 16 and

slowly

grew,

began

isolating

myself

everything

or

juggle

myself,

how

I

didn’t

feeling.

I

just

it

thought

for

most

of

my

adult

life,

myself

our

decided

particularly set a goal for myself, I just wanted to be

when we moved that I wouldn’t look for a job and try

happy and healthier. Within four weeks of completely

the stay at home mum life because up until that point I

overhauling my life, I began to feel so much happier,

had been working part-time. Little did I know that was

and I was slowly rediscovering who I was. I had been

the worst decision I could have made for myself at that

to the docs to get a mental health plan but never

time.

ended up booking in because I was feeling so much

My mental health took a dive, I wasn’t happy but just

better

went through the motions. It all came to a head one day

exercising every day. Within six months, I had lost

when

20kgs and felt like a new person. It was around this

completely

family

overreacted

normal.

overweight/obese

opportunity, and we moved again. We moved back to my

was

realise

attempts under my belt so when I decided to put

where

through

harder,

Spencer was around eight months old, Tom got a work

town,

going

was

I

became

weighed in at 93kgs. I had many failed weight loss

I

was

the

When

home

I

and

lived.

at

We

something

the

first

from

change

eating

time. I told Tom that I needed some space, he took the

his life.

children away to visit his parents and for the first time

We both had a new passion and love for health and

since I had Hudson, I was alone. Almost immediately, I

fitness, which became a big part of our relationship

felt like I could breathe again like I was free. I spoke to

as previously, we never had anything in common. Fast

my

forward 18 months, and we are still together, we are

was

extremely

both

separated, and I decided that this was my time, the

trying to get the most from life. At the start of 2019, I

time I would put myself first.

decided I wanted to help other women change their

My mental health took a dive, I wasn’t happy but just

life the way I did and enrolled in my personal training

went through the motions. It all came to a head one day

course. I am now a qualified PT and an online coach.

when

the

Tom is currently studying to become a nutritionist.

children did. I sat on the ground sobbing and had the

Our dream is to use our passion and love for health

realisation that something wasn’t right. I realised I was

and fitness to grow a successful business together.

depressed and it had been that way for quite some

Life is busy, we still juggle the children with our work

time. I told Tom that I needed some space, he took the

and other commitments, but somehow we make it

children away to visit his parents and for the first time

work.

completely

overreacted

at

something

since I had Hudson, I was alone. Almost immediately, I felt like I could breathe again like I was free. I spoke to my

Mum

and

Sister

and

realised

I

was

unhappy in my relationship and within myself.

extremely

different

people

and

are

time

unhappy in my relationship and within myself. Tom and I

I

completely

more

and

again. During our time apart, he also had changed

I

spending

diet

depressed and it had been that way for quite some

realised

started

didn’t

together again. Over time, we fell in love all over

and

I

nutritious

I

realisation that something wasn’t right. I realised I was

Sister

and

healthy

lifestyle;

time

and

Tom

a

my

children did. I sat on the ground sobbing and had the

Mum

that

and

always

Tell us a bit about your daily routine? It’s little

different

working

two

depending

jobs

right

on

the

day

now

but

on

as a

I

a

am

regular

office job day.

I wake up around 5.30-6 am make the kids breakfast make Hudson’s lunch for school get us all dressed organise my lunch and make my breakfast smoothie drive the boys to daycare and school go to work at my office job go straight to the gym after work to do my workout come home eat dinner say goodnight to the kids hop on my computer or phone and do some work for my business, this could be replying to emails, responding to client messages, checking in with clients, posting on Instagram, replying to Instagram DM’s etc.

By 10.30-11 pm I am usually in bed ready to do it all over again the next day.

How do you find time for “you time”? I strongly believe in the idea that you will never “find the time” for yourself, you have to MAKE time. We are all busy, and sometimes our own needs can get pushed to the bottom of our to-do list. On top of my workouts during the week, on the weekends I ask

Tom

to

watch

the

kids

and

go

and

do

something alone, whether it’s a walk, shopping, getting nails or hair done, whatever the case is, this is SO important!

Essential mamma

SAMI

Meet Samantha a gorgeous mamma who used her expierience in life to create a sucessful business. This Mamma overcame so many painful and challengig obsticles yet, still carries on being her best self.

All 3 of my babies spent time in the special care nursery.

After a few days they were well enough to be with me & when I was discharged from the hospital, we all went home together.

In April 2018 our 3rd baby was born. Throughout this pregnancy due to complications from previous pregnancies, I knew this was our last baby & our family of 5 would be complete.

I also knew once bub was born, I’d need a hysterectomy.

It was up to hubby and me to decide when the timing was right to have the surgery, as we knew my caesar scar would be opened up once more. Together we chose the sooner, the better. We had been through raising babies & toddlers before. We knew once baby Stevie was on the move, it took things to a whole new level of crazy, this is why just 12 weeks after Stevie was

Being a Mum is hard. You know going into it this will be

The surgery was brutal. I woke up to drainage tubes

a tough gig, as countless people openly share that

sticking out of my body, intense pain and I didn’t know

with you. But before becoming a Mum, you can’t

how I would ever find the strength to get up out of bed.

fathom just HOW hard it can be at times.

But power is hidden in us all & somehow you dig deep to

You try to research, attend classes & educate yourself.

make it through the day.

But it is impossible to prepare for the unexpected.

As soon as I could sit up, I was expressing milk for my

For me, the unexpected came as all I would have to

baby, by day three post-op. I could hold her to

endure once I was blessed with my three beautiful

breastfeed. Day 3 was also the first day I could stand &

babes. Savanah 6, Logan 4 & my third born, wild child

sit up out of bed. I was well enough to go home on day

Stevie will soon be 2.

My three pregnancies were all very similar. Each time I suffered from irritable uterus throughout which had me in & out of the hospital. My first baby was born via emergency elected

c-section,

caesarean

so

births.

for For

my

next

various

two

bubs,

reasons,

I

but

mostly I wanted to avoid another emergency situation if I could.

born I had my hysterectomy.

6.

Once home, my gruelling recovery began. It broke my heart to be out of action and not present like I usually was for all 3 of my babes. But long term this was the right decision for our family. I recovered well & 12 weeks post-op. I was feeling pretty good.

Come October 2018; I suddenly fall unwell. Weeks dragged

Support. The support I need is hands-on assistance with

into months before I am diagnosed with Handl Syndrome.

the kids and keeping on top of housework. The symptom I

This has been brought on by a Complex Migraine. My illness

struggle with the most is fatigue. So any opportunity to

hits my family hard, and I was in a pretty dark place. Fed up

have help with the kids I take it. If hubby is home in time

with doctors, hospitals and medication, I turned to Essential

he'll bath them, he takes them to their swimming lessons

Oils for support and relief of my symptoms which were

or friends parties on the weekend. My Mum tries to be

driving me nuts.

around for me as much as she can during the week to

I was amazed at the noticeable difference I felt in myself

babysit or help me manage the daycare/kinder/school

and my family once I introduced Essential Oils into our daily

pickups. Most weekends, the kids will sleepover my

routine. So much so that I began to share my story with

mother in law's for one night, which gives me a much-

anyone who’d listen! With all of the love & support I

needed break & time to rest. Once a fortnight, a friend

received, I felt inspired to open up my store.

from my mother's group comes over to clean my house,

www.essentialmamasami.com is a unique space full of

which lifts such a weight off my shoulders as I start to

beautiful products, and it’s where I blog to share my stories.

feel very uneasy when the housework piles up.

Each product has been carefully selected by myself with a

Routine. I have tried my best to simplify my family routine

family in mind. The essential oils are the heart of the store

to make it more manageable. For, eg. My son is now

with many beautiful additions to complement any families’

attending kinder, where my youngest goes to daycare. I

essential oil journey.

managed to get my two eldest into the same morning

2018 was hell on my body & soul, so by 2019, I was

swimming class, Savanah's music lessons are done from

desperately hoping for a good run.

home & any activity that was too tiring for me to manage

Sadly it wasn’t so. June 2019, I have emergency surgery on a

we have dropped.

twisted bowel. During surgery, one fallopian tube needed to

My youngest goes to daycare one day a week & that day

come out, so the decision is made to remove both while

is MY day. I need it & am a better Mum for it.

they’re in there.

I am not a gym junkie & do not exercise every day. But I

November 2019, I again have emergency surgery for what is

try to squeeze in a walk any chance I get. I'll pop on my

believed to be a bowel obstruction at the time & was

activewear in the morning & walk when I can. Around the

treated as life-threatening. (The scariest experience of my

town when I've done drop-offs, at my local Westfield if

life)Turns out not to be an obstruction but adhesions on the

the weather is crappy, on nice days, I'll drive to school

bowel & colon. My appendix is removed to prevent future

early to squeeze in a walk before pickup. I still have my

adhesions, causing that grief. But unfortunately, these

double pram, so if my little two are with me, I load them

adhesions are scar tissue from my many abdominal

up with snacks to keep them content.

surgeries & there is nothing to be done about that.

So I go on trying to live a healthy, happy life and manage my Handl Syndrome symptoms the best I can. The adhesions bridge will be crossed each time (hopefully no more!) we

Convenience. Shop online. Grocery shopping with toddlers isn’t fun. Online shopping is! I love to browse the sale section & can often get free delivery.

come to it.

I’m often asked “How do you do it? How do you manage with three young kids?” Let me break it down for you:

Communication. If I am feeling unwell or overwhelmed I tell my husband. He understands what I need & we take time to work through it.

I am just a normal everyday Mum, (with a slightly broken body) trying my best to be a good role model & keep it all together. I still have my struggles, certainly don’t have it

all

figured

out

but

what

matters

is

I

try!

I

love

to

honestly share my Motherhood journey so will continue to do so & see where this ride takes us next.

Chat soon. Sami xo

Get intouch with Sami www.essentialmamasami.com

6 BEFORE Things to BED do 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

GET READY FOR THE MORNING - MAKE A LIST OF THE THINGS THAT NEED TO GET DONE THE NEXT DAY, GET YOUR OUTFIT READY, LAY OUT THE KID'S CLOTHES, LUNCHBOXES BAGS.

QUICK CLEAN THE HOUSE - PUT THE MOP DOWN!! GIVE THE HOUSE A QUICK TIDY, CLEAN THE KITCHEN AND PACK UP THE TOYS. YOU'LL WAKE UP IN THE MORNING ENERGISED!

TURN OFF SCREENS - GIVE YOUSELF A TIME TO BE OFF THE SCREEN COMPLETELY!!

TALK TO YOUR PARTNER - IN THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE OF KIDS AND LIFE, WE OFTEN FORGET TO HAVE A CONVERSATION EVEN IF IT'S ABOUT THE WEATHER TALK!

LOOK AFTER YOUR SKIN - YOUR SKIN TELLS US EVERYTHING ABOUT HOW YOU ARE FEELING, HOW YOUR DAY WAS. ENDING THE DAY WITH A GOOD SKINCARE REGIME ALLOWS YOU TO CLEAN YOUR PORES, PREVENT WRINKLES, CLEAN AWAY THE STRESS OF THE DAY AND START THE MORNING WITH A FRESH PERSPECTIVE

6.

READ / MEDITATE - GRAB A BOOK (NOT YOUR TABLET OR PHONE), REFLECT AND RELAX

The Mamma Behind #Mumming The Label Meet Heather, a mum who while on maternity leave took a chance and started her fashion label for mums and mums to be.

Hey Mamas! My name is Heather, and I have my very own start-up fashion label for mums & mums-to-be, that is all about showcasing modern motherhood and supporting each other. I’d love to share my personal and professional journey with you, and I hope that you enjoy learning more about the brand and me!

I was on maternity leave with my son (who was ten weeks old at the time), and I was feeling nervous, anxious and completely freaked out about the thought of returning work, especially only having 18 weeks of paid maternity leave.

I was also still breastfeeding (exclusively expressing) and I had no idea how I was going to manage to pump while working, being away from my baby who was still so young and juggling both the motherhood role and the working mum role. I was searching for a humorous and comfortable top that showed who I was and how my life and roles had changed since becoming a mum. I looked everywhere and found nothing that resonated with me – not to mention; they were all American - I started thinking about what it was that I wanted to see on a t-shirt/jumper that genuinely reflected me and my vision of motherhood.

I spent the next week or so coming up with some slogans and mum quotes that I felt summed up modern motherhood. I came up with around 30 designs.

I was so happy that I had created some funny and real quotes that I believed were an authentic version of motherhood and thought, maybe I should make them into t-shirts and put them out there for other mums to wear. I felt amazing as it also seemed to be the answer to helping deal with the anxiety of leaving my son to re-enter the workforce and allowed me to work from home. and like what I am doing?” The answer was and is, yes.

Before I had my son, I worked in the fashion retail world for a few years. The last company I worked for - I was pregnant at the time - was a maternity brand. On the late-night shifts, when it would quiet down a bit, I would read the blog post about how the two owners of that brand, brought their vision to life.

They started their brand over 20 years ago and had come

I was devastated. I had to decide, would I move everything

from 2 different careers. They shared their journey and

over to a web-host that was compatible with offering

the ups and downs of what they did and how they did it.

afterpay, or leave it as is and never know if it was the missing

They also made a point of encouraging anyone who had

piece that I needed? It was a tough call because I worked so

a dream, to follow it and make it happen. I remember

tirelessly building my first website, it felt like such a waste.

thinking “Wow, what a great journey! I’d love to do

Being the hard worker that I am, I rolled my sleeves up and

something like this! If these rockstar mums can do this, I

thought "Challenge accepted!" I crammed 3 months' worth of

can too!” They now have a worldwide recognised brand,

work into three days re-building another website. My son was

that has stores all over the country, their online store and

7 months old at this time and I still have no idea how I did it?

wholesaling to other boutiques and large department

Coffee probably. Lots and lots of bloody coffee. It indeed was

stores. They are my true inspiration. When I have moments

a blessing in disguise. It gave me the opportunity to get to

of doubt or feel like I’m not good enough, I remind myself

know my customers better and to give #Mumming The Label a

of them and say “I will do this.”

refresh and get a clear path of what I needed to grow. The

In June 2019, I launched #Mumming The Label. I was so

first 6 months of being in business, I spent feeling like I had

nervous and excited. I couldn’t believe it had all officially

wasted my time and money – as well as sacrificing my first

started. The first couple of days, I had so many website

early motherhood journey - doing this. I felt like I had no

views. I felt like it was going to kick off with a bang. After

support, no-one cared whether I succeeded or failed. I was

six weeks, I received only two orders. I was feeling like I

alone in this big world of business and motherhood. I had no

was missing something, but I couldn’t figure out what it

idea what to do or where to turn. I started connecting with

was. I discovered that my local council was hosting a

some other mums in business on both Instagram and

five-week Mumpreneur workshop -that was also child-

Facebook. They got it. They knew exactly how I was feeling.

friendly - I went along and learnt so many valuable things,

Every mum I spoke to, encouraged me to keep going and not

both big and small. I made new friends and felt like I was

give up. They saw my vision and where I wanted it to be. They

in

touch

discussing

with

the

outside

everyone’s

world

businesses

again. and

It

was

after

knew I could do it. They believed in me even when I lost my

what

they

were

self-belief, and I sincerely can't thank them enough for their

doing that I then knew what was missing—more payment

love and support. It was their love and support that

options.

contributed to the building and growth of #Mumming The Label and I very much appreciate their help. Safe to say things started looking up, I got my mojo back and started the boss babe hustling again. Beautiful things began happening. I have been approached two mum bloggers, and a mum run business for collaborations and I had two new brand enthusiasts come on board to help get my name out there. I also attended a few networking events and even co-hosted one before Christmas. Life was good.

I am excited, and for all the opportunities coming to me this year, the year this little brand and mamma hit the next level, and I'm so happy to share this journey with you.

Check out Heather and Mumming the Label www.mummingthelabel.com.au

Mamma

WORDS OF WISDOM

We asked our Insta mammas what advice they would give to a new mum here are some of our faves.

"Be kind to yourself..you are the best mamma you can be, and your doing a kickass job, even though you may not know it or feel it."

"Do what works for YOU and YOUR baby. No two babies are the same and that is normal. YOU are amazing and are doing a ripper job."

"When you feel the mum guilt (because you will at some point) remember you are already perfect in your child's eyes and THAT is more than enough. "

" I'ts ok to look after yourself" "Breathe"

"You're doing a great job!"

"Let others help you"

ems

ESSENTIAL MAMA SAMI

Pure, gentle, quality products for the entire family Hand selected by one Mama for another Aroma Diffuser Jewellery for Mama & her Mini Essential Oil Blends, Genuine Baltic Amber Jewellery & more

@essentialmamasami

WANT TO SHARE YOUR STORY?

@letsbemamma

letsbemamma@outlook.com

GET IN TOUCH

Mamma SPOTLIGHT "My son saved me from an abusive marriage and I couldn’t imagine my life without him now."

It was February 2016, my husband and I had travelled from America, where we had been living for the past five years (with a brief stint in the UK) to return home to Australia for his father’s funeral.

At that point, my husband and I had been together for around nine years, and we had started talking about having kids. In fact, throughout our relationship, he had always talked about how he thought he would make a great father and couldn’t wait to have children with me.

I was hesitant at first seeing that I was living thousands of miles away from my family, and I didn’t know how I would cope with having a baby so far away from everyone. Still, I also knew I was getting older, so when my husband said we should try and see what happens, I decided he was right.

So there we were back home for his dad’s funeral, and just like every other time we had come back home to visit our families, we ended up in an argument. I won’t get into the details, but it was

bad

enough

that

he

decided

he

would

head

back

to

America 2 weeks before me. I decided I needed a change of

Imagine finding out you were pregnant, and your whole life comes crashing down before your eyes? We meet Nazanin @thearchereffect a mum whos resilience and love helped her

scenery, so I went to stay with my sister in Perth. It was there that I found out I was pregnant! To say I was shocked is an understatement!

We

hadn’t

been

trying

for

very

long,

and

I

didn’t think we would be pregnant so soon! When I finally got over my shock of being pregnant, I realised that I was happy and excited this was happening, and I wanted to share that excitement with my husband. I knew we had left things on a bad note, but I thought this news would bring us closer together and bring some positivity with it. I never expected what came

pick up, start again and kick ass doing it!

next.

I asked my husband for us to see a marriage counsellor, and Called my husband and told him the news, not only was he not positive about it, he outright told me it was the worst news he has ever heard and hung up the phone on me. The next day he called me to ask me to come back to our home in America so we could talk. I boarded a plane and headed back. On the drive from the airport to our house, he told me he wanted a divorce. He would spend the next couple of weeks going between wanting to stay together and wanting a divorce and all the while I was being dragged along. I know now I should have left him long ago, but I was caught in a tangle of narcissistic abuse which I wouldn't realise until later.

At the time, I was trying to make it through each day.

Not only was I being taken on a rollercoaster ride of my husband wanting to stay with me one day and wanting to leave the next, but now he had started to push me into aborting our baby.

I felt like I was stuck in some alternate reality; this was not what was supposed to happen when I fell pregnant! We were supposed to be celebrating and sharing the news with our family and friends! Instead, I found myself writing pros and cons lists of keeping the baby, but it only made me more confused.

he obliged. Still, during each session, he would blame our issues on everyone and everything else, refusing to accept any blame, and after only three sessions, he quit saying it was a waste of money.

When it finally became clear to me that my marriage couldn’t be saved, I knew I needed to focus on myself and decide what I wanted to do about the baby. I was getting further along in the pregnancy, so I had to make a decision.

My husband was still pushing me to terminate, saying that it would be the best thing for both of us.

After weeks of back and forth and two cancelled appointments at the abortion clinic, I thought I had finally made up my mind to do the abortion. My husband said he would come with me to the appointment and would take care of me after. We sat in the waiting room until they called my name. I was asked to go inside without him. They said they had to do an ultrasound first and asked if I wanted to see? The moment the ultrasound came on, I knew I was making a mistake, and this is NOT what I wanted! I wanted to keep my baby!

When I broke the news to my husband, it was like a switch went off inside him. He became emotionally distant and cold and went out of his way to make life a living nightmare for me, but it didn’t matter, I had decided to keep my baby, and I needed to be strong for the both of us. I went to doctors appointments on my own, I had a gender reveal with my friend, and at the same time, I was dealing with lawyers and a separation.

In June 2016, I packed up my belongings and flew back to Australia, pregnant and alone. My husband had dropped me off at the airport without so much as a goodbye.

In September 2016, our divorce was finalised.

On the 20th of October 2016, I gave birth to my son Archer.

My ex-husband refused to be named on his birth certificate, but

that

was

fine

by

me,

I

knew

I

had

made

the

right

decision to keep my baby the moment they placed him in my arms.

I haven’t regretted my decision once despite all the heartache, heartbreak, and all of the ups and downs. I know one day I will have to talk to my son about his biological father, but right now I’m just trying to give him a happy and joyful childhood and all my love.

My son saved me from an abusive marriage, and I couldn’t imagine my life without him now.

Mamma Q+A Lisa is a gorgeous mamma of two who is also known as @the.mamalisa she chats with us about being a new mum and the juggle from 1 to 2.

What are you listening to right now?

Right now it’s a dance party at Elf residence with Bob Marley Could you be loved blaring out the speaker. My 2 year old son Leo loves music and reggae music is the flavour of the week.

Sweet or savoury?

Sweet. Chocolate is the secret ingredient to make me feel better.

Beach or bush?

Beach. Nothing beats sand betwen your toes, salty hair, building sandcastles, finding interesting shells with my son, ice blocks and watching the sunset while eating fish and chips on the sand dunes.

If mum journey was a novel what would the title be?

My

craziest, happiest adventure.

Can you share a bit about your story?

I remember the day clearly, getting the phone call from my doctor with a positive pregnancy result. I was so happy, my husband Peter was over the moon. I loved feeling the changes in my body. I was 12 weeks pregnant and excited to go to my growth scan and see my baby. The sonographer was quiet then stopped. She had her serious face on, and I instantly knew something was wrong. No heartbeat. I felt my heart drop into my stomach. I spent my first wedding anniversary in surgery, getting a D&C. I then went on to have two healthy pregnancy’s. But that experience had me anxious throughout both my pregnancy’s, questioning every feeling, every symptom and every move. My mind wasn’t at ease until I had my boys in my arms. These experiences break us and make us. It made me stronger.

Your a mum of 2 with a very fresh little babe how is life as a mum of one compared to two?

Hard. Mum guilt is a real thing. I struggle dividing my time evenly between the two. I want to cuddle Orlando all day as I did with Leo and I want to give Leo my undivided attention. I need another set of hands. I’m lucky to have great support from my husband and from my mum to help juggle time between my two boys.

Have you had any mum fail moments? if so can you tell us one?

I wish I was perfect but yes I’ve had a few. The stand out mum fail moment for me was when my son was about 18months old and I was about 12 weeks pregnant with my second child. It was a cold winters day and we had just arrived home from morning playgroup. The news had just reported a wind storm to hit around lunch time. We have a secure house, a front electric gate and locks on all doors. I came inside put the heater on for my son and thought I better quickly go outside and bring the washing in before the storm hits.

As all great parenting stories start, I turned my back for one minute and my son had locked the door behind me and locked me outside with

no

keys,

no

phone

and

no

shoes.

My

scared

son

couldn’t

understand unlock the door. So I ran to the front of my house thinking bloody hell I'm going to have to climb my front fence to get the the neighbours to get a phone. I had one leg over the fence when a man appeared in the middle of the road and asked if I was ok. I broke down in tears and asked to borrow his phone. Called my husband to come home from work to let me back inside. It was the longest 9 minutes of my life. A very distressed babe and mama.

So much pressure these days are put on women to get back to the gym and look amazing straight after having a baby! you embrace all the new lines and curves what advice do you have for new mums?

Body image on social media is changing. Women are embracing their curves and imperfections. It time to be true to ourselves. We can’t afford personal trainers, personal chefs, dietitians, plastic surgeons and makeup artist to keep up with the Kardashians. We are real everyday woman

mums

and

somewhere

that’s

something

struggling

or

to

be

unable

to

proud

of.

There

conceive

their

is

a

little

miracle baby who would be so happy to have lose skin, stretch marks or saggy boobs from breastfeeding in order to be where you are with a

baby

in

their

arms.

So

I

believe

it’s

important

to

embrace

it,

recognise how amazing a woman’s body is and love the skin you're in.

what’s the best thing about being a mum?

Argh so many to chose from. But the very best thing for me is the unconditional love I receive from my little babes. Seeing smiles on their faces and watching them learn and develop new skills are high on my list.

If you could tell your before mumhood self any peice of advice what would it be?

All your dreams will come true, enjoy and embrace every moment.

What is something that your mum journey has taught you?

It’s taught me to make the most of the time spent with my children.

As the talented Benjamin Franklin once said ‘Don’t put off until tomorrow what you could do today’. Time is stolen from us, it goes so quickly. It’s important to make every moment count with my little babes.

Making

memories,

exploring

new

places,

laughing

and

learning. I want my children to one day look back and think we had an amazing childhood.

What was the hardest thing about being pregnant for 9 months?

The hardest thing for me were the endless unnecessary comments, are you having twins? Are you sure there aren’t multiples in there?

Jeez aren’t you due soon? It’s going to be hard work pushing that baby out! Wow you’re really big! You’re going to give birth to a rugby player! If I had a dollar for every comment and remark about the size of my baby bump I would be rich.

Did you have any weird cravings while you were pregnant?

During my pregnancy with Leo I craved tomatoes all the time.

I didn’t have any cravings during my pregnancy with Orlando.

Tell us a bit about your daily routine?

Start everyday making beds and feeling fresh after a hot shower.

My newborn has only just turned two weeks old so I’m currently spending the days juggling my time between demand breastfeeds and entertaining my 2 year old. Usually I try to have an activity on daily for Leo. Baby chat at the library, swimming, playgroup and kindergym. I will do the same for Orlando.

How do you find time for “you time”?

This is something I honestly struggle with. I put my children and my husbands

needs

before

my

own.

I

have

a

nurturing

nature

and

ensure everyone is happy around me before taking time for myself.

It is something I will be working on in 2020. Watch this space

Motherhood

THE JOURNEY

The crazy journey that is motherhood. We get there and face it in so many different ways.

Mamma Brooke, shares her experience with us.

Reaching motherhood was always a dream. If Knowing that the journey wouldn’t be smooth or sexy, it took me months of

preparing

treatment. fertility

my

mind

&

body

for

the

trials

of

fertility

Like many same-sex couples, navigating the

system

was

overwhelming.

Where

to

start?

How

does it all work? Will my body agree with this process? a

lover

of

seeking

‘all

the

information’,

so

I

I’m

started

researching.

After our first few appointments and multiple blood test, I was

alerted

to

previously

suspected

fertility

marks; PCOS & several hormone imbalances. news,

I

looked

for

natural

healing

question With

modalities;

My journey into motherhood was eventful, my birth was not

this

what I had planned, and as a doula, I had all my birth

like

preferences outlined for whatever path I may land on, I had

acupuncture, fertility massage, and a personal trainer to

my doula double-check my plan and triple checked by my

kick my butt & prepare my body for the long haul, that is

wife. Being a doula myself had its advantages in my birth

IVF.

because I knew how to advocate for myself, ask all the

We spent a few years in the fertility world and were

very fortunate after many tears and ‘2-week waits’, to find

questions and still feel like I was maintaining ‘control’.

out we were pregnant in November 2018.

I entered my 37week OB appointment and didn’t leave until

My pregnancy

was nothing ‘glowy’, but it was my greatest achievement.

Not many speak about the anxiety that comes with being

five days later with a newborn in arms. Signs of preeclampsia and a low velamentous cord insertion had me very

pregnant.

quickly swept into the hospital system being induced. [this is

I was an undiagnosed bleeder for my entire first trimester,

how fast it happens and why so many women are easily lead

countless hospital visits and next level ‘all day sickness’.

down the path of ‘intervention’] My mum hat was on, not my

After being riddled with anxiety every second of every day,

doula hat and the stressors of the ‘high risk’ environment I

I mentally struggled to enjoy my pregnancy up until the

was in had me thinking that my baby needed to get out

third trimester. I finally sat with myself during the 28th

ASAP.

week

of

pregnancy,

and

listened

to

my

body;

finally

I had started the induction process of a balloon catheter,

trusting that my baby & my body knew what to do.

which with no effect led to gels, and before I knew it, I was

We didn’t announce our pregnancy to the world until I felt

well and truly on the intervention train. Luckily for me my

like I was ‘safe’ (also because my giant belly would also

doula Sonja was with me asap. I felt like I was in the hospital

clearly give it away) at 29weeks.

whirlwind, and I needed someone who knew me & had the

From this moment, I felt

like I could breathe a little deeper and enjoy the final

knowledge

weeks

with

my

womb

babe

and

my

remind

me

of

my

voice.

My

partner

was

amazing

amazing, holding me when I needed and never left my side,

pregnant body. My gosh, I felt like a goddess in those last

even when my ‘mum brain’ & ‘doula hat’ worlds were starting

eight weeks, waddle and all.

How incredible are we as

to conflict one another. Both women allowed me to talk,

women to create these tiny wonders? Nothing compares to

share my concerns, cry, and stare into space frequently, all

the feeling of your womb coming alive and creating a

while reminding me to breathe.

perfect human.

dancing

to

I felt incredibly grateful that I had all of my doula

The postpartum journey began with a few days in hospital

knowledge under my belt and was able to identify that I

recovering, learning to breastfeed, and all the other essential

was heading down a path that I knew I didn't want to

checks revolving around c-sections. Nothing beats the moment

be. After hours and hours of discussions with my wife &

you take your baby home, though. The newborn bubble is precious,

doula, I declined all further interventions, checks etc.

the support from friends, family, and my doula team was the best.

and wanted to give my body time. Small signs of pre-

I was held, heard & nourished for weeks.

labour began as I walked the hallways and got some fresh air outside. I returned to the birth suite and a wave

As the weeks turned into months and I was getting the hang of

of 'I know what to do' hit me, it wasn't my dream, but it

mum life; I felt like I needed to be more than ‘just a mum’, my

was my reality.

identity was blurry, and so I started to make tiny steps towards launching my Doula business, complete my studies and share a

I spoke to the OB and said 'I need my baby here safely,

little piece of me with the world. It’s during this postpartum period

I've had a long road to get to this point, can you get her

that many women find themselves in the space of unknown; my

out now'. Opting for an 'emergency section' was not on

body has changed, my mindset is different, and I’m not ‘old me’

my radar, but making that decision felt like a thousand

anymore. I’m brand new, just recently born and I’m navigating a

kilos of weight lifted from my shoulders. (Not what was

new world where I’m not sure I fit in correctly.

expected from a room of doulas) I was about to meet my baby; I finally got excited.

It was in those moments that drove me to fully step into my purpose and open myself up to juggling mum life and business life.

So excited, I relaxed enough for my waters to break.

Mum life is the greatest, the most rewarding and the most

(Insert the biggest fear bubble here) I laboured for

challenging path I’ve ever walked. I wouldn’t change anything

almost 14hrs, before being wheeled for a section.

about it, because it continuously encourages me to evolve and do

Contractions were coming hard & fast, but I was utterly

better every single day.

under my hypnobirthing 'tapping' spell.

But Juggling my family and my passionate drive to support women Tapping my way through contractions as they

as a Birth & Postpartum Doula has been a fantastic learning curve.

administered the spinal & the safest birth began for me

Pre-babies, you can do anything. Post-baby, you soon come to

& my baby. I will never regret the decisions I made

realise that the need to plan, prepare, prioritise and seek the

surrounding my delivery because I was fully informed,

greatest support team is very much needed to survive. It is in the

supported entirely by my wife, doula & midwives and the

moments of wanting to be more than just ‘mum’ when I wish

entire medical team created the most beautiful c-

society would better prepare and support women for all that the

section for us. We had calm music playing, and the

motherhood journey encompasses.

sheet dropped as our girl was born, tears flowing, skin to skin, and so much love in the room.

The best piece of advice I can recommend to all mums/families is to seek SUPPORT, during your preconception journey (however

Amongst

the

oxytocin

flowing,

many

other

medical

that looks). During pregnancy, Find a team to support you during

things were going on, but all I kept thinking of was 'I did

birth & build on that team to support you fully during the

it, I made her, she's here'.

postpartum period. Into motherhood One thing I have promised

Reflecting on my birth; I'm

fortunate that I was able to experience all of those

myself is that I will never again in my life, be afraid of seeking

moments, they have made me more grateful, passionate

support, asking for help or honouring that I can’t always ‘do it all’.

and

aware

doing.

of

what

women's

bodies

are

capable

of

Having people who support you (hired or loved ones) to; achieve your dreams, follow your passion, raise your child as you wish, encourage you to practice self-care and hold your hand when it all feels overwhelming is what creating a village of support is all about. I’m very grateful for my support team because without them I wouldn’t be able to spend my days raising my daughter and be a passionate Doula for women as they step into motherhood at the same time.

Brooke Hilton - Doula

Mindfullness the new

SUPERPOWER

By Montse Azaguirre

I have worked in the ‘jungle’ with 300 crew at 3 am making

live

television

surrounded

by

snakes

and

spiders, but that was easy in comparison to going through postnatal anxiety. My second baby was only five months old when I had my first panic attack, and I didn’t know what was happening.

You

see,

I

motherhood, shows

and

always I

had

thought,

I

can

for

souls to guide and love. Love. If I enjoyed myself and let me be, then they would be happy.

assumed

worked

I counted just as I was because the universe had gifted me two

I’d a

sail

long

multi-task,

through

time I’m

on a

TV

hard

worker, but this was different. After that first panic attack, the anxiety-filled whatever mind gap I had left. I didn’t want to leave the house, I was worried something would happen to my kids, and I worried I would collapse and leave them alone and vulnerable.

Mindfulness Principle Two: Acceptance If my cup was empty, then the bowl was dry for them, so selfcare and acceptance are super important. I ask every mum I know to take twenty minutes for themselves every day. Take a shower while listening to your favourite song, have a coffee and watch some reality TV or take a walk, do something just for YOU.

We

also

need

to

not

worry

about

material

things

like

social media or other peoples’ thoughts about us. They don’t live your life, you do, and you are doing the best you know-how.

My

family

were

amazing,

they

did

everything

they

Plus, you are not alone; all mums’ go through something.

could, but the one thing that got me through the darkness was realising I wasn’t sick or dying, I was living in my head too much.Now there are many ways to come at postnatal anxiety, but for me, Mindfulness was a massive key to the locked door.

Mindfulness Principle Three: Compassion Only we can control our lives, so for me, it was a daily practice of asking for help, making time for myself–usually, meditation – even just ten minutes can make a difference. This compassion for yourself in the quiet time of meditation is not selfish; it’s

I began learning how we can create and therefore

imperative to your mind and its’ peace.

change our thoughts and focus because what we focus

on

grows.

When

you

are

anxious,

you

feel

A simple meditation can be mindfully breathing for a minute.

isolated and scared, and anything new can spark a panic attack, so I wanted to learn how to shift my focus from anxiety to calm. Through my learnings as a mindfulness teacher, I knew I had to stop trying to be the mother. I thought everyone wanted me to be and be the woman my children needed me to be.

mindful every moment, I mean every single moment, me

to

regain

my

identity

back

going in through your nostrils or the rise and fall of your chest and stomach. Focus on your breathing, in for four counts and then out for six, imagining you are pushing out a grey cloud from your body. You can even use words, ‘Peace in’ as you breathe in

Mindfulness Principle One: Non-judging Being allowed

Lower your eyes, and notice where you feel your breath, the air

slowly.

I

remembered that my life is not one dimensional, I’m not just a mother and a wife, I don’t have to be a yummy mummy, and I don’t need to bounce back to the pre-baby body to be happy or acceptable.

and ‘Stress out’ as you breathe out.

Becoming a mum is the most significant change and greatest joy in our lives, but by being mindful of how you feel about yourself and speak to yourself, you create a kinder headspace.

When we live and think mindfully, we learn to let go of things and

feelings

that

do

not

serve

us

and

instead

make

each

moment count. This new superpower of mindfulness enables you to listen to your inner voice and find balance, allowing you to craft a life you love.

Somewhere over that

RAINBOW

June 2019. I sat staring out the window, watching the light dance.

Pigments

from

the

sun,

creating

the

most

glorious

rainbow. The line of colourful light stretching above the clouds, linking two worlds to one. The wonder of what happens when the light stretches above the clouds, bending, curving into a crest of the unknown.

The very present energy of love was here, but it wasn’t in the rainbow dancing across the skyline, it was sitting across from me—my

husband.

Awakened

by

the

room’s

energy

and

the

colourful presence, strength and tenacity of the rainbow, was the awareness that I needed to surrender. Surrender to the unknown. Surrender to what will be will be.

To the insta world she is known as @the_nakedwife. Tanya is a mamma with a strong story of perseverance, hope and strength. Read her story as she defeats secondary infertility, diminished ovarian reserve and show the medical world what her body can do.

I knew what I had to do. Set my intention and then let it go. Allow the universe to handle the rest.

Fast forward a few weeks and our world started to shift.

The

universe

showing The universe is showing me a sign that I needed to reconnect and realign to the power that has my back, even when I don’t know what that is. I was now alert to the fact that my mind had overactive

control

–

continually

thinking

about

the

thing

we

think we want, the something we think we need—a baby.

us

was the

reorganising

way.

We

had

our

dysfunction

hope,

and

we

and were

grateful.

I was not more than 15 years old when I heard the words that said I might not ever be able to have children. Sure, I would be ready to fall pregnant, but deliver a healthy baby, that was not likely to be on the cards. Expect miscarriages, expect prematurity, expect loss. My barely

I sat in front of my laptop, staring, surprised. Energy moved through me, unhinged by grief and sadness that my inadequate ovaries were dominating what will be but now conscious that my cynical mind is wiring by body’s output.

pubescent body being criticised much too early, yet the words were somehow necessary. I’ll show them I thought – and I so I did.

From the time my cycle began, problems appeared. From the heavy flow to the constant pain, and the even more

My unconsciousness was limiting my capacity to see the truth.

What is the truth? That real power lies with my submission to the universe. I need to be brave enough to wonder but be braver to release my fears. The smell of chlorine on my skin. The pound of my beating heart. A lightness yet tiredness. I was a few weeks past our failed IVF cycle. The touch of my hands to my lips, the view

of

my

husband

sitting

across

the

room.

A

feeling

of

surrender flowed through me. The hum of the air conditioner failing to pump warm heat into the cold space, yet somehow every

breath

was

calm

and

warm.

Suddenly,

resentment, no grievances, no hostility.

there

was

no

confusing and bewildering blood that trickled despite the use of tampons. I recall asking my mum why I would still be bleeding if I used a tampon? It didn’t make sense.

Sure, the flow was heavy, but not so heavy that a mere few minutes after insertion, my body would give way.

Questions

were

raised,

Dr’s

were

seen,

tests

were

performed. The results arrived. I had a double uterus. A division was separating my womb space into two. The extent was not known. That knowledge would require more invasive examination.

Sometime later, I was booked in for my first of what would

become

many

gynaecological

surgeries:

a

planned laparoscopy and hysteroscopy with a side of dilation and curette.

The surgery confirmed the Doctors intermediate assessment. My uterus was divided entirely, a wall of fibrous tissue creating two cavities, separating my cervix and dividing the vaginal canal. The reason for my trickled bleeding became clear. I was inserting a tampon into one of two possible spaces. Fibrous tissue permitting another stream. Endometriosis was also present; thankfully, it was caught very early, I was 17.

I was medically violated at such a young age; my mind was pondering the thought of parenthood. An expedition that likely would not come. Thinking about it now, perhaps the Doctors words of impending infertility made me less cautious, less careful as I matured into a young woman.

I fell accidentally pregnant with my then-boyfriend, who would later become my husband. I was 18 years old. Seven weeks in, I started to bleed—my first loss. The Doctors premonitions were coming true. The pain was real; the tears flowed—the demise of telling my 18-year-old self that I would not ever become a mother.

I was not quite 20 when I became pregnant again, another accident, but one that was full of hope coupled with exhaustive amounts of fear during those first few precious weeks.

September 11, 2001. I woke to news breaking that the twin towers had fallen. I remember it so clearly. It was the same day that I had my 12-week scan—a scan where I would see a healthy baby dancing inside my split womb. My miracle was beautifully snuggled into my left cavity. Everything appeared normal; everything was progressing well. I continued to have a healthy pregnancy though it was deemed high risk. High risk of premature birth and the possibility of a complete loss. I don’t recall being too worried. I felt my baby’s energy in my body; I knew I provided safety and comfort and that my body was strong. I could sense my body’s ability to defy medicine. I was tuned. Adept to its condition and, its limitations.

The year of 2002 started, natural birth was out of the question.

My baby was breech and had it not have been; my divided cervix presented much too much danger. I was booked in for a 38-week c-section with the knowledge that an emergency would amount should I go into labour before then. Third trimester weeks would pass, and I arrived at the hospital ready to give birth as planned.

The Director of Obstetrics could not believe I was still with child. I was astounded that my body held tight. My beautiful son Jye was born later that day. A healthy, pink, full-term baby. I was a mother. A young mother, but mother, nonetheless.

In May 2004, we welcomed our daughter Taylah, and in January 2007,

we

welcomed

uncomplicated

our

third

pregnancies

child

despite

Zachary. the

Two

medical

additional community

suggesting otherwise. I had successfully side-stepped the brutal world of infertility and brought to life three healthy, beautiful children. Even with my body’s duplication, my body performed and performed well.

Before the birth of my son Zachary, I requested a tubal

I became desperate. I was screaming on the inside, deep

ligation. I was 25 years old. I had three beautiful children

down

and thought that was more than I could ever ask for.

something more planned. I was on a quest to get out of my

Despite being so young, my condition and number of c-

slump, to ignite knowledge of my obstacle and carve a detour

sections

in the right direction to something more, to move towards our

and

surgeries

meant

it

would

not

be

feelings

that

there

was

something

I

was

missing,

recommended to fall pregnant again. Given I seemed to

destiny.

fall easily, I knew I’d be having to decide on abortion if I

Then I found a beacon of hope. A professor so experienced

fell again. Tie my tubes I said.

with my condition that I knew I had to reach out. I emailed him

Now comes the year of 2013. The year that I decided in

directly,

my early 30’s to separate from my husband. No problems, I

requested his clinical opinion and if he would consider taking

can’t

me on as his patient despite the interstate barrier. The email

have

any

more

children,

but

that’s

OK,

I

wasn’t

providing

a

summary

of

my

medical

planning to. I would become a step mum, I’m sure. Little

was sent.

did I know that the universe it all its glory had other plans.

The

Now enters Jordan, my husband, my soul mate. Our paths

rainbow, felt the energy and everything shifted.

were

destined

to

cross;

calm.

I

surrendered.

I

saw

that

exploratory procedure. A time full of revitalised yet realistic

mountains

a

hope. Our approach was different. My mind, body and soul

topic of serious and raw discussion very early on in our

were aligned. What will be? The procedure will determine if

relationship. With knowledge and understanding that he

my

may not become a father to his own, we married in 2017.

correct. Surrogacy was not part of the discussion. My doctor

My body battered, bruised and scarred from additional

believed the information I had been told for years was not

surgeries;

quite

medical

professionals

not

meant

became

In September 2019 Jordan and I travelled to Brisbane for an

does

were

I

to

Jordan

lives

day

I

intertwine. A relationship so full of love that we conquer together.

our

next

history.

have

refused

children,

to

allow

my

body

was

making

healthy

sense.

enough

Once

to

carry

again,

my

a

baby.

body

Yes,

showing

that

the

womb to operate once again. The only option available to

medical world how miraculous it truly is. The results arrived. I

us

had a healthy, proliferative endometrium. One that is capable

was

Surrogacy.

What

a

selfless,

magical

world

Surrogacy is. Together, Jordan and I started researching and

arming

conferences,

ourselves joining

with

forums

information.

and

reaching

Attending out

to

IVF

Clinics. I might not be able to carry a baby, but I’m fertile so we can do this, I thought. How wrong I was.

Secondary infertility has reared its ugly head. Age has crept in; oxidative stress has found its way to my ovaries.

Flailing

now,

they’re

not

what

they

used

to

be.

I

was

prepared for difficulty but not ready for the fact that my ovaries have a mind of their own. How naïve I was.

Our first round of IVF was scheduled for May 2019; I was 37 years old. The plan, get some em-babies on ice. Due to my

low

AMH

(0.9)

and

next

to

nothing

Antral

Follicle

Count, I was placed on a high dose regime. During my cycle, I felt fabulous. The energy was flowing through my veins; I was productive; I was attuned. I was happy. I was excited.

A

small

number

of

follicles

were

growing.

Certainly, many more would have been welcomed, but it was not meant to be, and it was not unexpected. We turned up excited to have our eggs retrieved. Just three, that’s all we got. 2 mature, one not. The count was now down. We remained hopeful and couldn’t wait to hear the news the next day. The naivety was thick and heavy. None made it. One failed to fertilise and the other fertilised with two sperm. Prognosis – poor egg quality. It hurt, it hurt a lot.

of carrying life.

After

three

months

of

preparing

my

body

and

mind

a

new

decade dawned, we travelled to Brisbane to commence our second

IVF

cycle

under

the

management

of

our

fabulous

Professor. On 18 January 2020 injections began. Another high dose round was required, but this time, every step of the way was

monitored,

intercepted

and

tweaked

as

required—

amendments made to suit my body’s reaction. Egg collection was scheduled for 31 January, but again with only three follicles appearing. Out of those three follicles, one miracle egg made itself known—just one. One miracle egg turned into one miracle healthy embryo. Strength is in its DNA. On 3 February 2020, our precious

life

force

was

transferred

to

its

rightful

place.

My

womb.

As I sit here writing these words, I am day nine into our two week wait period. By the time this story surfaces, we will know if we are pregnant. I am filled with positivity and see the outcome.

Another experience to include in my blessed existence.

Life has been my teacher. My experiences have shaped the person who writes this today. My life is as happy as it’s ever been. I genuinely believe the energies around and within us are meant to become more known, more vibrant and completely aligned when we are at our most vulnerable. That’s the place I now choose to live my life from an open heart, an open mind and known vulnerability. I want to be open to the abundance of opportunity and am thankful for the challenges I have faced, including my infertility journey. I now see every day as a gift and a chance to thrive, to become more connected to the truth of who I am.

If I could give one piece of advice, it would be to have the courage

to

turn

toward

the

unexpected

and

lean

into

the

unknown. You’ve got this. We’ve all got this. Don’t give up hope but feel hope from a real place. Quoting wise words from the master Deepak Chopra “The source of the universe is the source of you too.”

The Mummy

MATCHER

WHEN YOUR MUM EXPERIENCE TAKES YOU IN THE DIRECTION OF HELPING OTHER MUMS FEEL SUPPORTED AND CONNECTED. MEET HAYLEY MOTHER OF 3 AND THE MAMMA BEHIND "THE MUMMY MATCHER"

No matter how much research you do, how many books you read, or how many horror stories your friends feel the need to share with you, NOTHING can prepare you for becoming a Mum. I have three daughters under 5 (crazy I know) and an 11year-old step-daughter thrown in the mix just for fun. My youngest was born in November 2018 with a genetic condition called a 2q13 micro-deletion. It has resulted in a life of hospital stays, specialist visits, financial stress all served with a side of crippling anxiety.

Exposed to a whole new world of motherhood, I started to crave the ability to talk to other “medical mums” who understood hospital jargon, and I could have a conversation with that wasn’t centred around well-meaning pity. I searched on social media groups, but this wasn’t the support I was after; I wanted something more private, more personal and someone I could be completely myself with; this is when the concept of Mummy Matcher came to me. I have always had a passion for working with women.

I spent a couple of years at University studying midwifery, however, had a change of heart and went on to work for almost ten years with victims of crime. In 2013 I was given the opportunity to coordinate a state-wide program which assisted female survivors (and their children) of Domestic Violence to remain in their homes once the perpetrator had been removed.

GET IN TOUCH: www.mummymatcher.com.au

mummymatcher

In this time, I was able to obtain an Advanced Diploma in Community Sector Management and a Diploma of Psychology. How have these experiences help me create Mummy Matcher? I've had the privilege of walking alongside hundreds of women at some of the lowest and most vulnerable points of their lives, I have witnessed the sense of empowerment that comes when a woman finally feels understood when she feels believed and when she feels connected. So, if I can play a small part of connecting women which will help to foster the feelings of unity and empowerment, wouldn't that make you want to get out of bed in the morning too?

Village?

HOW DO WE COPE WITHOUT OUR Natasha Sau is a Registered Midwife, podcast host of the ‘Welcome to Motherhood Podcast’, mum of four ranging from toddler to teen & online course creator based on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland.

Motherhood is not for the faint-hearted. You can go from one minute being absolutely in awe of this amazing

Still ensure you are out there, in the real world, making

wee human that you have created to the next thing you

friendships

know feeling so overwhelmed and exhausted that you

moved from my home country of New Zealand to Australia,

would give anything for a break. Either way, what you

I knew not one soul so set out to create a village from the

are feeling is normal, Motherhood is a mixed bag of all

early days. I managed to do this, even though small, but it

emotions. Navigating the journey is best done with a

was

village, and we are currently living in the day and age of

housebound with a sick child, collect my older children

parenting without a village. We are wired to want to

from school when I was stuck at home with a flat car

share experiences, ideas, the mental load and our daily

battery or drop me off dinner when hubby was away, and I

struggles. What we are not wired to do is juggle it alone,

was unwell.

not

This wee village saved my sanity and made me feel safe

have

others

around

to

share

with,

feel

physically

a

and

village

finding

who

a

could

village

bring

close

me

to

bread

you.

When

when

I

I

was

our

and supported. I encourage you all to find your tribe, no

shoulders without tour village to cheer us on and hold us

matter how small, but find a bunch of local friends you

up. Society has changed, and the dynamic in which we

know could bring you that much-needed bottle of milk if

parent has also changed completely. Many more of us,

you were stuck. The feeling of isolation is so much worse

myself included, are parenting our children in a country

when you feel that you have no one to turn to or ask for

or city away from where we are from and where our

help from. For anyone reading who has been unable to

traditional support networks are. Often this is due to

locate a local mother’s group or unable to find a Facebook

financial or employment-related reasons. There has been

page for Mum’s in your area – my advice Create it yourself!

an increase in the instances of partners working away,

Step out of your comfort zone and pop up a post on social

again me included, and these circumstances once more

media asking any Mothers in your area to meet for coffee –

reduce the size of the village we have around us.

as simple as this task may seem I know a lot of you will be

isolated

and

hold

that

mental

load

of

it

all

on

nervous about doing this. Let me put it this way: what do The statistics for postnatal depression are also showing a

you have to lose? Nothing. What do you have to gain?

rise – I do not find this a coincidence at all. How do we

Lifelong friends, an outing each week to keep your sanity

correct this? We cannot only “fix it”, but we can adapt

and a small group of people you can share stories with

and create our modern villages.

along the way. I can also guarantee that if you were to

In different ways, creating your village can be done by

post something, there would be a Mother out there (just

joining local parenting or mothers’ groups and making an

like you) who has been desperately trying to find her tribe

effort to meet other mothers in your local area. This idea

and will be so thankful that you reached out and helped

can be entirely outside of where your comfort zone sits

her on her motherhood journey too. We need a village. So

but trust me – it will help in the long run. We live in the

we need to take the time to create one if need be, you will

day and age of social media so finding your ‘online tribe’

thank me later! Natasha Sau

can be helpful also by way of mothers Facebook groups and on other social platforms – but don’t allow this to be your only support network.

'get in touch with Natasha at www.welcometomotherhood.net

Pelvic floor post birth STEPS TO STRENGTHEN YOUR We all know that pregnancy and babies can make our bodies go through drastic changes like our pelvic floor. Anita Guerra from @fitfor2.pro shares her tips for strengthening that pelvic floor pre and post-baby.

DO YOU KNOW THAT 1 IN 3 WOMEN WHOM HAVE EVER HAD A BABY WET THEMSELVES? That’s pretty scary statistics, wouldn’t you agree? While you are pregnant, you will receive so much advice on the dos and don’t’s. BUT the one topic which people don’t generally talk About is your pelvic floor and if you choose to do NO pelvic floor exercises how it can affect your pregnancy and recovery period. If you are currently suffering from the following due to weak pelvic floor muscles, then I advise you to seek help immediately:

leak urine when you cough, sneeze, lift, laugh or do exercise you can’t control passing wind you feel a strong and urgent need to empty your bladder or your bowel you do not have proper support for your bladder, uterus or bowel (www.pelvicfloorfirst.org.au) DID YOU KNOW THAT WHEN IT COMES TO PREGNANCY, LABOUR AND BIRTH AND YOUR RECOVERY THAT YOUR WEIGHT GAIN AND YOUR PELVIC FLOOR PLAY A HUGE ROLE?

SO WHAT DO YOU DO? Whether

you

are

pregnant,

planning

a

pregnancy

or

have had a baby, it is essential to remember to do your pelvic

floor

muscle

exercises

and

activation

of

your

lower transverse abdominal muscles. This will help to keep

your

muscles

secure

if

you

are

conceiving

or

pregnant and help them to recover more quickly after your baby has been born.

All women should do pelvic

floor exercises for life. From conception to motherhood and

beyond.

WHY?

To

help

prevent

lifelong

complications and minimise the chances of a prolapse.

As a Midwife and certified pregnancy and post-birth fitness trainer and accredited safe Return to Exercise Trainer with Body Beyond Baby, I can’t stress enough about why strengthening correctly from the inside out is so important. Take these actionable steps to enhance your

pregnancy

and

to

minimise

your

chances

of

incontinence during pregnancy and post-birth.

Exercise regularly with a trusted fitness instructor Nutrition – It’s vital that you are focusing on lots of vegetables,

good

fats,

moderate

protein

and

low

carb to keep your body fueled and to keep weight gain down Know how to activate your pelvic floor and transverse

As a Midwife and having been exposed to lots of births, caesareans and caring for women post-birth, the part that scares me the most is weight gain and how women just let themselves go while they are pregnant as they think eating for 2 or 3 is ok. Well, it’s NOT! Weight gain puts a whole lot of strain on the body, your ligaments and most of all, your pelvic floor. Along with excessive weight gain and how it can increase the risk of chances of complications during your pregnancy, there are still things that can create bladder and bowel issues from your birth as well.

abdominal muscles Complete pelvic floor exercises 3 times a day Avoid Heavy lifting While you exercise make sure you breathe and not hold your breath so you don’t place pressure down onto your pelvic floor. Exhale with the movement.

When you lift or pick up anything remember to pick up your pelvic floor at the same time, this includes during exercise as well.

Focus on your posture, good habits now will assist with Breastfeeding.

Your

center

pregnancy.

of

gravity

Focus

on

will

change

strengthening

during

your

your

core

by

doing your pelvic floor exercises and activating your TA.

When you cough or sneeze make sure you activate your pelvic floor first.

When you exercise if you feel unsupported then utilise a tool like a Fitball to create stability or a chair if needed.

Always keep your feet close together, avoid wide stances during Exercise if it aggravates you. Your pelvic floor activation is number 1.

Ensure you can activate your pelvic floor in all positions. Lying, Sitting, Standing, All Fours and on your side.

Don’t activate your glutes while performing pelvic floor exercises. If you are then point your toes towards each other to turn your glutes off.

Build up your pelvic floor to 10 sec sustained holds, but do it gradually so you are building strength.

If your body is tired then rest. Listen to your body at all times. A tired pelvic floor is no benefit to you if your body is exhausted • Avoid exercises which create pain and ask your fitness instructor for a safe modification.

See a Women’s Health Physio if you are currently suffering from incontinence or if you know that you are at risk or you don’t know howto activate your pelvic floor Make sure you return back to pelvic floor exercises within 24hrs post birth, even if you have perineal stitches to help with recovery.

In labour be active as much as you can and speak to your caregiver about not pushing for more than 2hrs to minimise strain on your pelvic floor.

Download the pregnancy pelvic floor app from Pelvic Floor First.

Get in contact with the amazing ladies from Fit For 2 and the Body Beyond babyTeam – www.fitfor2.com.au and www.bodybeyondbaby.com.au

Keep the kids

BUSY

LITTLE CREATURES PLAYSPACE AND PARTY VENUE Welcome to Little Creatures, a special place that is powered by the spirit and curiosity of children’s imaginations! Featuring a fire station, a supermarket and even a magical fairy forest, the children get to go on adventures and enjoy the magic of role play. Their mission is to offer a safe space for the littlest people of the world to experience the magical wonders of life through imaginative play and exploration. A place where a

connection

can

happen

between

adults

and

children.

Space where adults can also find their little inner person and let go of the stress of adulting – and enjoy our delicious coffee

and

snacks

as

well!We

provide

the

freedom

for

children to play, learn and interact with each other in a safe and

fun

environment,

which

allows

parents

&

carers

the

freedom to relax and enjoy a catch up with friends. Or see our fantastic Birthday Party Packages for the ultimate toddler celebration experience!Enjoy an educational and interactive children’s activity every morning at 10:30 am. Ranging from art and craft to toddler yoga and science play, music and dance to Fairy School, there’s no limit to the fun your little one will have at Little Creatures!

Monday-Friday 9:30am - 4:00pm Session times: 9:30am - 12:30pm and 1:00pm - 4:00pm MORNING SESSION BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL!!

Weekends: Closed for exclusive party bookings!

– we hope to see you for a play or party soon!

Beautiful adventures

IN A HOME GROWN SETTING We Chat to travel experts Adela Backhouse and Emma Ross about their next big adventure

Personal travel managers Adela Backhouse and Emma Ross love to design holidays that allow groups of women to escape from everyday life and connect with other likeminded

women.

In

the

past,

they’ve

arranged

bespoke

holidays as far afield as France, but this year, their focus is on arranging their unique brand of holidays, labelled Belle Adventures,

on

Australian

shores. “The

bushfires

that

rampaged through large areas of Australia have had a major impact on local communities, including many small businesses

that

wellbeing,”

Backhouse

rely

on

tourism

explains.

for

“By

their

economic

creating

amazing

holiday experiences that showcase some of the beautiful destinations we have right here at home, we’re doing our bit to support their revival.

”The pair, who both work as home-based personal travel managers

with

TravelManagers

Australia,

launched

their

Belle Adventures concept eighteen months ago when they realised

there

specifically because

was

a

tailored

we

have

demand

to

a

women

lot

in

for

holidays

just

common

like with

that

were

them.“I

think

our

clients

–

juggling the demands of work, kids and households –we really

understand

the

importance

for

women,

and

particularly for mothers, to set aside time for self-care and spending

time

in

a

beautiful

setting

with

friends,”

Ross

says.

According to Backhouse, the group sizes are deliberately kept relatively small, which has resulted in their upcoming trip to Byron Bay in early May selling out already. Another trip to Byron has now been announced for 22 to 24 May, and

further

including

groups

one

that

are will

planned visit

for

Adelaide

later

in

and

the

the

year,

Barossa

Valley.

They are embracing Tourism Australias #holidayherethisyear campaign, which is encouraging Australian holidaymakers to holiday at home this year, is something that we both feel passionately about,” Ross says. “We love supporting small

businesses

developed clients

some

will

be

and great well

local

suppliers,

relationships, looked

and

so

we

after.”Belle

we

have

know

our

Adventures

itineraries are designed to achieve a balance between organised

activities

such

as

welcome

dinners

or

local

tours, and down-time.“We want our clients to have plenty of time to unwind and relax, but also have the opportunity to be sociable if they choose. I can’t think of a better way to decompress from the challenges of a normal life than by enjoying a few poolside cocktails in a stunning setting with a group of fabulous women,” Backhouse adds with a

www.travelmanagers.com.au/belleadventures

smile.

LET'S BE

Papa

Hi Dad's, We know you love a good read of our mag, so we prepared something for you!

Let's celebrate the papas ladies and find out thr truth about why they are in the loo! We interview the brave papa Manny who is 32 and has 3 babes 6, 4 & 2.

How did you feel when you first found out you were going to be a Dad? I was excited but also nervous as I didn’t know what to expect.

What about parenting do you find most rewarding?

Coming home to my kids after a stressful day at work. All the worries of the day go away.

What has surprised you most about parenthood?

How fast the kids grow & how fast they can turn a clean house into a bomb site

What about parenting do you find most challenging?

Bedtime! Being able to provide for them & make sure they have everything they need.

Can you share a funny/gross Dad story?

Whenever the kids are sick, they seem to use me as their personal vomit bucket

Can you share your toughest Dad moment?

May of last year I spent some time in hospital. Being away from them was the hardest part. I knew they were worried & upset & I wasn’t able to do anything.

What was it like being in the delivery room?

It was exciting, but I was also worried about my wife & baby. Each time we’ve had a baby, they have ended up in special care nursery.

If you could bring back one toy from your childhood, what would it be and why?

My hot wheels cars. I had a collection of hundreds. I would have loved to pass these down to my son.

What has been your parenting highlight to date?

I wouldn’t say one particular moment. Seeing my kids smile & be happy every day is my special moment.

What advice would you give your former self before becoming a dad?

Family is the most important thing. We all need to work, but family time, while the kids are young, is very important.

LET'S BE

Mamma