The Being Mum project is about capturing the reality of life for mums after pregnancy, birth and with a baby.
Breastfeeding – I had to combi feed because I couldn’t produce enough milk
The loneliness of motherhood is crippling when you feel so vulnerable
Just how hard I found pregnancy
Sleep deprivation
Baby illness
Feeding and the impact this can have on relationships with other people
Loss of identity
Letting other people be involved
Not being able to do everything I used to do
The impact on my relationship and the strain it has put on us
Coping with an unsettled baby
My partner’s anxieties around parenting and parenting style
The work/life balance
Overcoming a non-typical child
Lacking confidence in my being a parent and trusting my ability to do it well
My dad died unexpectedly three days before I was being induced – navigating grief while learning to be a mam was the most challenging experience for me
Injury, illness, allergies, long term ongoing conditions
Letting go of control, balancing my needs and dealing with maternal rage
Childcare, moving house in a new area, being pregnant and looking after a toddler
My own mental health
How my relationship with my partner has changed and become more challenging
Struggling with my identity
Feeling overwhelmed with trying to get it right
Lack of sleep
Disagreements with grandparents
I suffered awful postnatal depression with intrusive thoughts, anxiety, fear and times where I just wanted to run away
Loneliness, friendships have always been an issue for me so I never found my ‘tribe’ on maternity leave
Being Mum is about giving you a voice and a place to read other women’s experiences to normalise motherhood and to ease the isolation.
It’s also about starting a conversation about motherhood, about how individual it is and the impact it can have.
Please do read, share and take part.
With consultations, digital guides and courses, my practice is here for you every step of the way. You can also become a member for exclusive content, discussion and a place to ask questions.
North East Birth & Baby is where you can read about pregnancy, birth and early parenting.
As a doula I work with parents from across Newcastle and Tyneside.
Copyright: Janine Smith