Welcome to another Together In Mamahood interview. With these interviews I aim to serve motherhood realness from the women who understand best… You! Today I have interviewed Daisy Brown about being mum to her 1 year old girl, Florence.
Together in Mamahood interview.
1. What’s one thing you said you’d never do as a parent, but have done since becoming a mum?
Probably the biggest thing has been having the TV on, although it’s not for her to watch as she isn’t really fussed by the TV – it’s for me to watch in the background! I think once she starts being more aware of it I’ll stop watching The Hills with her in the room but for now, it’s nice to have some background noise to cover the singing toys. I also didn’t think I’d co-sleep but we did it for a few weeks when she was waking up a lot in the night and I have such special memories of that time.
2. What for you is hardest thing about motherhood?
I think it’s how consuming it is. Obviously the early days are particularly intense and it’s completely 24/7, but even now I find that I can never switch off from her. We have had a couple of nights away and even then I find that I wake up early and can’t properly relax because I’m away from home and just want to get back to her or know how she’s doing. It’s mentally exhausting – in an amazing, love-filled way but that takes it out of you!Also, I find some days are so long. I’m so glad that my parents live down the road as I’ll often go over to their house to break up the day. It can feel very repetitive just playing with the same toys and time can go so slowly.
3. How much of a routine do you have?
I love a routine. A routine started to develop around 4 months when she started having regular naps and we started doing a proper bedtime routine. I’ve found that having a routine really helps me organise my day and Florence likes it too – it also helps when we are away or seeing friends as we stick to the bedtime routine and she will (usually) settle well! At the moment she wakes up around 6, has her first nap at 9ish, second nap at 1ish and then is in bed by 7.
4. Tell me something that has surprised you about being a mother?
It’s actually surprised me how much I love it. So many people tell you how tiring and difficult it is, and whilst these are true, it’s also the best thing ever and sometimes I don’t think you hear the positive aspects enough. I loved my sleep and staying in bed until midday but have adjusted to the early mornings much easier than I thought. Also, I’ve found that we still do the things that we love, it’s just different with a baby. We will still go and see friends it’s just that we all have babies in tow! I feel so fulfilled now that I have Florence and I have so much more of a purpose.
5. Do you think social media portrays motherhood correctly?
I follow lots of Mums on Instagram (the community on there has been amazing for me since having my daughter) and I feel that on the whole, everyone I follow is very honest about the good and challenging parts of being a Mum. The Instagram grid is more of a place for beautiful imagery (although long captions are now more commonly used which will be more honest) but I love stories as they are so much more real. I think it’s always good to take everything with a pinch of salt though as however much you post, you’re never going to see someone’s whole day and all of the emotions and complexities behind that day.
6. How do you feel about your postpartum body?
I was very lucky as my body went back to how it was pre-pregnancy very quickly – I think breastfeeding helped with this. Speaking of breastfeeding, now that Florence is only on two feeds a day I can wear more normal clothes – I’d gotten so bored of having to wear nursing tops. I definitely lost my identity a bit with my clothes in the early days – she would look lovely and I just would just throw on anything – It was quite a strange feeling to not really care how I looked. It feels like I’m getting back to normal now with my clothes although I rarely buy anything for myself.
7. What’s your favourite motherhood memory?
Oh my gosh, there are too many to mention. Obviously meeting her for the first time was the most amazing moment and crazy how your world changes in a split second. I love it when we spend time as a family together and she’s happy and laughing. I think her laughing fits (which always give her the hiccups!) are my absolute favourite thing.
8. How have you changed since becoming a mum?
My priorities have changed completely and it’s also given me more confidence in myself. I can definitely function better on less sleep too! Oh, and I thought I was quite productive pre-baby but post-baby I am a productivity ninja. It’s amazing what you can accomplish in a 20 minute nap time!
9. Tell me your proudest mum moment?
Every time she learns something new I feel so proud. Motherhood has definitely made me appreciate the more simple pleasures in life – like learning to clap or seeing her laugh at a dog in the street.
10. What are you most looking forward to for your little ones future?
So much but the first thing that springs to mind is taking her to Disneyworld for the first time when she’s old enough to understand the magic of it!
If you’d like to get involved in a Together in Mamahood interview feel free to email me on clairemacblog@gmail.com or DM me @clairemacblog. I’d absolutely love to hear from you!
During your Together in Mamahood interview you can answer whatever you feel comfortable answering, all I ask is that it’s honest! I wan’t to show the realness behind motherhood & just how hard it can be… Because we don’t give ourselves enough credit for how difficult it can be!
