We asked some of the Mums from our stores to reflect on their experience of being a new mum, the best advice they were given and who they lean on for support.
What do you wish you knew before becoming a Mum?
It is not always as daunting as you think it will be. All that overthinking will cost you more in time and stress than its good for, so follow your intuition. The most valuable thing you can give your children is your love and time. Show them love and respect and they will grow to do the same for others.
If you could go back to when you first became a Mum, what would you say to yourself?
Time is precious. You don’t get to relive these moments again. So put in the hours, make the memories - everything else can wait.
Kate, from our Westfield Southland store, with her children Finny and Molly.
What do you wish you knew before becoming a Mum?
It is the most challenging job – but also the most rewarding.
Jean, from our Westfield Marion store, with her son Cameron and daughter Kayleigh.
If you could go back to when you first became a Mum, and give yourself some advice, what would that be?
Stay calm and breath everything will be ok!
Any words of wisdom for others in the Motherhood?
Never feel afraid to ask for help. The more help, the better. You never know what someone’s advice will do for you and your family in the long run.
Rosie from our Highpoint store with sons Tyler and Josh.
What do you wish you had been told about Motherhood before becoming a mum?
That Motherhood would be the most rewarding job that I would have the privilege of having. Hard, yes, tiring, yes, emotional, yes. But at the end of the day, it's amazing seeing my children grow into the beautiful adults they have become and to think that I created them.
If you could go back to when you first became a Mum, what would you say to yourself?
I remember it being daunting, to say the least! I didn't have my Mum around for support, but hey, I did it and I am proud of my strength and independence. I would say “Job well done Rosie!”.
Brooke from Westfield Southland with daughters Evie and Scarlett.
What do you wish you knew before becoming a new Mum?
You can’t do it all, so reach out when you need help. I had post-natal depression and the amazing services of PANDA helped me immensely, but I had to reach out to them first.
If you could go back to when you first became a Mum, what would you say to yourself?
Accept all the help that is offered and ask for more if you need it.
Any words of wisdom for others in the Motherhood?
Let Motherhood grow you rather than trying to curb it into an ideal.
Monique from our Westfield Southland store has 3 children; Ben, Catherine and Nick.
What do you wish you knew before becoming a new Mum?
Not all babies fall asleep on their own.
If you could go back to when you first became a Mum, what would you say to yourself?
Be kind to yourself.
Any words of wisdom for others in the Motherhood?
Even though it is the longest, hardest job at times it is also the most rewarding and worthwhile.
