Gemma Andriolo

Tell us a bit about yourself?

My names Gemma, I’m 30! Been with my wonderful husband for 9 years ( married for almost 4 years). A mum to an almost 7 month old (girl) and a 3 and half old (boy). I’m Canberra born and raised.

What were you doing before babies?

I was working an all rounder for a family business! I wore multiple hats from graphic designer, project manager, office manager, personal assistant, receptionist, accountant once I became a mum I needed more flexibility and joined the public service.

I had also just started to get into non competitive power lifting and was dreaming of deadlifting 100kg, I came close (97.5kg) but then fell pregnant

How did you come to be a mum?

My at the time fiancé and I were talking about our plans after our wedding, which was locked in for late October. Mind you me this was April! We talked about the struggles some of our family members were having with fertility issues, and with my PCOS, we decided that we would start trying before our wedding. Little did we know we would conceive that same night! We figured it would take months, and with my husband being Italian, the questions of children would be asked from his parents from the moment we said ‘I do’

What has your feeding journey been like?

With my first it was a bit of a struggle street! From a traumatic delivery, crazy cracked nipples, fast let downs, latching issues and low supply. To my second, who latched from the moment she was birthed, and still feeding like a champ! My family have been calling me ‘Daisy the cow’ I guess you can say I’ve had both ends of the stick, and enjoying the second time around much more.

What has sleep been like in your house?

Sleep!?!? You can say I’m running off coffee, and maybe a couple of hours sleep

The hardest bits…

I would have to say postpartum depression and anxiety! I’ve struggled mentally this time round. Between my son and daughter we had a miscarriage. When my daughter was born everything was planned, when we would start trying, how she would be delivered, when she would be born! But little did I know that falling pregnant again would lead me to discover that I hadn’t fully dealt with losing our angel baby. My daughter was also a very difficult baby, that would scream blue murder for a minimum of 6-8 non stop a day, for no apparent reason! This lead me to have a full meltdown, and decide that I needed professional help.

The best bits…

Oh were do I start! I love watching my daughter face light up as soon as she sees my sons face. Their love for one another is incredible! I love the laughter that fills my lounge room. The daycare pick up cuddles. The list is forever growing!

How do you make time for yourself?

I’ve recently started to get back into power lifting, with the goal to try and attempt my first ever competition later in the year!

What’s next for you and your family?

We would love to start making memories and are starting to plan our first holiday as a family of 4!

If you could talk to your pre baby/kid self, what advice would you give?

Oh this is a good question!

Embrace it all! The chapters go way too fast. Don’t be afraid, you are so much stronger than you could have ever imagined!