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 Anna Bushell about being mum to her two children Charlie & Evie.
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?
Swear in front of the children!
2. What for you is hardest thing about motherhood?
Not beating myself up thinking I should be doing a better job. I’ve even had CBT over this.
3. How much of a routine do you have?
I always tried to get a routine, but then a developmental leap would happen, and it threw everything out the window. So it was just a case of trying to be consistent. I had a torrid time of trying to get Charlie to settle on his own. It felt like months of trying, but because I’m stubborn I persevered and in the long run it has paid off. Charlie is asleep now as soon as his head hits the pillow. He’s still an earlier riser though and always has been, regardless of what time he goes to bed!
Evie always took forever to go to sleep, but she could self-soothe from early on. At 10 she’s still a night owl, but needs waking up in the morning and she is happy in her room, reading or pottering until she’s ready to sleep. I have a lark and an owl!
4. Tell me something that has surprised you about being a mother?
How much I’d beat myself up trying to be a better mum and compare myself to others.
5. Do you think social media portrays motherhood correctly?
That all depends on what you look at and who you follow. I’ve learnt that if I’m following someone who makes me feel inadequate then that’s not good for me and I stop following them.
6. How do you feel about your postpartum body?
12 years on and I still have a saggy tyre from having 2 c-sections (sighs and rolls eyes!). I do a lot of running now and have run the London Marathon & I teach children and babies to swim in my own swim school that I set up 3 years ago from scratch, so I am very active, but still can’t get rid of the ‘shelf’.
7. What’s your favourite motherhood memory?
Wow, I have 12 years and two children of memories, that’s a super tough one. But probably making the kids giggle so much they get the hiccoughs!
8. How have you changed since becoming a mum?
I still stress that I’m doing right by my children, but I don’t stress about what other folk think of me anymore and woe betide anyone who upsets my child!
9. Tell me your proudest mum moment?
When you’re told how compassionate, kind, caring and funny your children are. As far as I’m concerned there’s not enough kindness in the world, it costs nothing and can change lives.
10. What are you most looking forward to for your little ones future?
Discovering the world and what a beautiful place it is, both here in the UK and abroad. I don’t want them to feel limited and I’d like them to believe that they can achieve anything if they put their mind to it, big or small. As long as they are happy with who they are, they don’t have to conquer the world.
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!
