Louise Scott

Tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m a Perth-born mum of two daughters, Ivy (7) and Margot (4). Our family moved to Canberra at the end of 2020 for two years - for my husband’s work. I’m a news presenter and journalist by trade. I had been working at Channel 9, Perth for 13 years before we decided to make the move to the ACT. Nothing like quitting your job and moving cities during a global pandemic! And I’d just turned 40. So I guess you could say I’m on some sort of ‘journey’ at the moment!!

What were you doing before babies?

I was a total career woman. Working my way up the ranks of the broadcasting industry. I always knew I wanted to have kids - but it wasn’t really on my radar until my early thirties. I loved my work and that was very much my focus.

How did you come to be a mum?

I lost both my parents to Cancer in 2012. I was 32 years old. Loss like that obviously alters your path and your priorities. My husband and I had only been married a few months when my folks died - and we HAD planned to try for kids that year. But I gave myself some time to just sit with the loss of Mum and Dad - and focus on work. It took about 6 months to get pregnant with my first daughter and the timing was just as it was meant to be. Ivy’s birth in 2014 filled a void in my heart I didn’t think could be filled. Then Margot was born in 2017. I talk to them about their grandparents all the time.

What has your feeding journey been like?

I tried to breastfeed both my girls for as long as I could - but it never came naturally to me! I got mastitis several times and eventually just ran out of milk around the 6-month mark. I’m very much of the opinion that you do what works for you. No expectations. And it’s also no one else’s business but yours!

What has sleep been like in your house?

Ivy has always been a good sleeper, so we took it for granted. Then along came Margot to rain on that parade! She’s just turned 4 - and I can count on two hands the number of times she’s slept all night. There’s always something. A cold, a bad dream, wanting a cuddle etc. We’ve spoken to sleep trainers and done all the research. She’s just not a great sleeper! Plus - she’s going through the ‘wake at 5am ready for the day’ phase. It’s harder when my husband is away, because it’s all on me! But I’ve just come to accept it’s who she is and not let it get to me.

But I do dream of uninterrupted sleep!

The hardest bits…

I went back to work around 3-6 months after both of girls were born. I didn’t take much maternity leave. That was the nature of my work. If I took too long away - it would be harder to get back in. Now I’m out of that industry (for now) I feel a bit sad I wasn’t around more for the baby stage. After Margot was born - I took on a role in breakfast TV Mon-Fri. I wasn’t there when my girls woke up during the week for 2 years. I came to really miss the little things - like getting Ivy ready for school and putting her hair in plaits! Or giving them morning cuddles. The guilt was massive. Plus, I was so exhausted all the time I wasn’t as present with them as I wanted to be. The work was fabulous - I loved the job. But the personal toll was major. On me, the kids, my husband. In the end I made the decision to step away from that role and took on an afternoon program. I was lucky I had that option - many don’t. But through that experience - and now, while I’m not working - I really have learned the value of the everyday moments with my kids. They’re the moments they remember too.

The best bits…

The kisses and cuddles, watching them master a new skills, enjoying their impromptu dance concerts, having this little version of yourself around the place! I couldn’t imagine not being a Mum. It’s the most challenging, relentless, emotional, messy and bloody rewarding job you can have!

How do you make time for you?

I’m fortunate to have had the past 6 months to focus on the kids - which has allowed me time to focus more on myself. I’m still totally guilty of putting myself way down the list. Like most Mums! But here in Canberra I’ve been able to enjoy my Xtend Barre classes - which I adore - and generally have more quiet time. But I admit I like being busy - years of training - so I still have to remind myself constantly to calm down and chill out!

What’s next for you and your family?

We have 18 months left here in Canberra - so I’m going to make the most of this experience. I’ve picked up some consulting work in media training and I’m slowly building up some contacts. The kids LOVE their life here - we’re very lucky. They have some wonderful little friends and seem very happy. This experience has been good for all of us. Slowed us down, brought up closer together as a family of 4 and taught all of us about stepping outside our comfort zone. I just have to learn to go with the flow better .. because it’s certainly been a case of so far, so good.