The Weight and Beauty of "Giving Your All"

We talk a lot about the physical exhaustion of parenting, but the emotional 'always-on' feeling is just as heavy. On the days when you feel completely touched-out and depleted, what is the one tiny ritual or thought that brings you back to centre?

"Honestly, it comes down to a simple, quiet thought: I will never get these exact moments back while she is this little. Reminding myself of how fleeting this stage really is makes even the hardest, most overwhelming days so much more manageable. It gives me that gentle second wind right when I need it most.

As for a physical ritual, mine is delightfully simple right now: sitting down with a quiet cup of tea during nap time. Having that hour or so entirely to myself gives me the space to breathe, recharge my batteries, and mentally reset for the next half of the day."

Motherhood has a way of cracking our hearts wide open and making us vulnerable. Was there a specific, quiet moment with Rae recently that made you suddenly realise the sheer weight and depth of this kind of love?

"Most recently, it’s been the quiet realisation that my breastfeeding journey with Rae will eventually come to a natural end. Looking at her during a feed and reflecting on the bond we’ve built, how her tiny body depended so completely on mine to produce the milk that helped her grow into the thriving little girl she is today, really stopped me in my tracks.

At the beginning, I didn't fully grasp how profound that connection would be. And even though breastfeeding brings tough, relentless moments, I truly love it, and I know Rae does too. Knowing this chapter won't last forever has made me pause and deeply appreciate every single feed."

When you are pouring every ounce of your energy into making sure Rae is happy, fed, and comforted, how do you try to remember to mother yourself, too?

"To be completely honest? I don’t, my husband does! It is so hard to pull the focus back onto yourself after pouring every bit of energy into your baby, even though I know logically that a healthy, cared-for mum is what creates a healthy, happy baby.

I’m so fortunate to have a partner who constantly checks in on me and steps up in the practical ways. Whether it’s topping up my water bottle throughout the day, cooking most of our meals, or nudging me to take time out for myself so I can recharge and keep up with exercise, which is so important to my mental health, he makes sure I’m taken care of, too."