Together In Mamahood interview: Sam, Mummy Conquering Anxiety

Welcome to another Together In Mamahood interview. It's been quite a while since my last so I'm really excited to share this one today with you from the wonderful Sam who runs the blog Mummy Conquering Anxiety.

Sam talks very openly about her motherhood journey. There's parts which will make you laugh, but there's also parts which will make you want to reach out and give her a virtual hug. Motherhood is a wild, wild ride and I feel priviledged having Sam speak so vulnerably about her journey.

Together In Mamahood interview.

1. What's one thing you thought you'd never do as a parent, but have done since becoming a mum?

Become like my mum! But slowly I am doing it. Meal planning, washing up when we have a dishwasher! 

2. What's the hardest thing about being a mum?

The tiredness. It's something which makes my anxiety worse. But unfortunately, when you have a child, you sleep when they do. The days of living on four hours of sleep with a newborn were not fun for me and it's a big consideration in deciding whether or not to have another child. 

3. How much of your parenting journey do you share online?

Quite a lot, in respect of mental health. I've just started showing the back of my little one's head in Instagram reels.

At the moment I'm not comfortable showing her face. But who knows in the future. This mainly stems from me having a bad experience with social media in the past. It took a lot to set up the blog and run social media accounts and I stay away from Facebook, given past experiences. 

Maybe further down the line, I will change my view on this. Let's be real. My two-year-old has a tablet and knows how to work my phone. Therefore it's probably best to embrace technology and social media. 

Ultimately, In the blogging world, I believe you connect with other people by showing honesty, and the truth and making a connection with the person in question. Therefore I will be showing a little more of myself and my family. Watch this space. 

4. Tell me about something which has surprised you about motherhood?

The mess and the disgusting habits toddlers have. I was literally picking up rice grains individually off the sofa the other day because the hoover ran out of charge. I mean, nobody tells you that. It's exhausting. 

I am aware toddlers know no better and they are constantly learning about the world around them. But you can easily see how germs spread between them in a nursery setting. 

I'm particularly squeamish about snot. I don't know why. Everything else I can deal with. 

5. Do you think social media portrays motherhood correctly?

Mostly, no it doesn't! I hate how picture-perfect motherhood accounts on Instagram get rewarded with top brands working with them. Some of those children don't look like they are having fun in the pictures. 

I would rather look at an honest mum, with messy hair, and kids covered in muck, having fun, because that's reality! That's life. (currently writing this in the park after not washing my hair for four days!)

From a mental health perspective, as someone who suffered from antenatal depression, we must tell the truth about the experience of motherhood. We have a responsibility, to be frank, and honest about how difficult it is.  

I'm conflicted really. I think about who I want to see advertising a pram from a top brand and whether I am a hypocrite because I want to aspire to be a flawless mother? Or do we just live in a world where that's what we expect to see? I find the flawless mum intimidating because it just isn’t how people live. Well unless you have a nanny and team of people working for you. 

I will be honest and say, I  actively shy away from brands, as a customer and blogger, that use unrealistic images in their advertising. It just isn't what I am about. 

6. Tell me about your favourite motherhood memory?

Definitely baby cuddles on the sofa at 4 am. I try and do it now, but she's too heavy with long legs and wriggles away to go and play. 

7. How have you changed since becoming a mum?

I am not the same person I was. I think motherhood changes you forever. Mums come second, there isn't enough time in the day for everything on your to-do list and it's exhausting. But I've accepted this now and I'm enjoying the special moments when I can because I'm okay with the transition I've made. 

I have finally adapted every other area of my life around the fact I am a mum. Big changes have recently happened to ensure I only work part-time and we both spend enough time with our little one. It's all about having a happy family life, as well as working and managing other areas of your life. There is no right answer and it's difficult to balance everything. 

8. Tell me about your proudest mum moment?

I think it's now. She was a slow talker and suddenly she is chatting, relating new words to the conversation and making sense. It's so lovely to watch. Having a conversation with her in a cafe is lovely. I feel like she is my best friend! We spend a lot of time together at the moment. I will be forever thankful for this time because every minute with them matters, and I truly believe time together aids their development and strengthens the bond between mother and daughter. I will also say, I know some people don't get the privilege of time with their little ones. Especially in the UK when there is no real incentive for both parents to return to work. With my new job, I'm about to be busy again. But I'm forever grateful for this time and the fact I will still have two days a week with her moving forward, due to working part-time hours. 

She is also putting her own shoes on and following all the instructions I gave perfectly. It's so cute and I'm proud she is growing up to be a little star. I am going to say that! 

9. What are you most looking forward to in the future for your children?

She's very strong-minded (like her mummy), so I can wait to see what she will do! I will encourage it all. I can imagine her staging a protest at school or something. Haha! 

10. Who are your favourite mothers to follow on Instagram?

• Corinne - SkinnedCartree 
• Rosie - LoveRosiee  - loving the new baby content (I did love all her content before)
• Claire - ClaireMacblog - of course
• Jess - TheProseccoMum
• Smelly socks and Garden Peas

I will leave you with my final thoughts on motherhood by referring to a comment I left on one of Claire’s blog posts about the use of the term ‘mum boss’. This about sums up my feeling about the need to be honest about the realities of motherhood. 

From now on, I'm all about the reality of motherhood, pictures on social media which convey this and I'm literally blocking the fake images that look like they are out of a picture frame when you buy it! I mean, we're all tired! 

It's hard work and I wish more people would openly say this. God knows when I will fit in blogging from next week. Argh! It's nice to have other people you can relate to.

Sam

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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!