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 Charlotte Thornton about being mum to her 6 month old boy Rufus.
1. What’s one thing you said you’d never do as a parent, but have done since becoming a mum?
I tried to be quite easy breezy in pregnancy, so I was a bit ‘never say never’. But I didn’t think I would use a dummy, stick the baby in front of CBeebies or checked to make sure he’s breathing 18 times a night… Basically, until you’ve lived motherhood, I really don’t think you can say what you will and won’t do… different strokes for different folks!
2. What for you is hardest thing about motherhood?
Feeding. Without a doubt. I bottle feed. I am still a huge advocate for breastfeeding, I think it’s amazing, but it wasn’t right for me and my son. Everyone thinks their way is the right way, but in reality every baby and every mother is different. There can’t be a one size fits all. I agonised and made myself ill stressing over the ‘right’ thing to do, when in reality the only people I needed to think about was me and Ru!
3. How much of a routine do you have?
I think we’re kind of there? Ish? He’s not much of a napper, so it’s been really tough to try and find a routine that works. I feel like starting solids has helped though! It gives us more of an anchor through the day. It’s not fine tuned though – I want to sort out his afternoon nap as he often doesn’t go down until about 4 which is very dangerous territory!
4. Tell me something that has surprised you about being a mother?
How vulnerable it makes you, while simultaneously making you the strongest you’ve ever been. One minute you’re sobbing uncontrollably because you can’t find the teething ring you need, the next you’re pulling faces at your baby trying to make him laugh. I’ve overcome my own emotions so many times to be there for him, and I never fail to be surprised by how strong I can be.
5. Do you think social media portrays motherhood correctly?
I think you have to curate the right community. If you follow ‘instaperfect’ Mums, then you’re never getting insight into the fact you’re exactly the same and totally unique at the same time. If something makes you feel rubbish, it shouldn’t be there. It’s easy to just follow and put up, but if you don’t like something you see, deffo do something about it!
6. How do you feel about your postpartum body?
It’s love hate. I am in awe at the fact my wobbly bits made my beautiful boy. But I don’t recognise myself. I had a c-section so I don’t really understand the weird pooch I have going on now, nor am I sure where to start getting back to myself. But for now, as long as my arms allow me to squeeze Rufus tight, I’m happy.
7. What’s your favourite motherhood memory?
HAHAHAHAAHA ok, so when Rufus was really tiny, in the middle of the night, we were just dozing off when we were jolted awake by this almighty ‘HA!’ I’m talking like Mrs Crabapple from the Simpsons in my Moses basket. It was just so ridiculous and I almost wet myself with laughter. Like, I had just had a baby, so it was a real possibility!!!.
8. How have you changed since becoming a mum?
I think I’m a lot calmer, actually. I studied hypnobirthing, and I’ve taken a lot of that into my general life. I’m much more mindful and less anxious (as much as you can be with an anxiety disorder). I live in the moment much more – something I never thought I’d be able to do.
9. Tell me your proudest mum moment?
I feel it every day, when Rufus smiles at me. He reminds me that I’m doing something right.
10. What are you most looking forward to for your little ones future?
Books! Reading was always my favourite thing as a kid – I loved getting lost in different worlds (still do!) and would spend hours and hours exploring stories. I can’t wait until Rufus can experience that immersion himself, but for now, I will settle for reading to him – it’s my favourite thing in 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!
