Ciara Dowling

Tell us a bit about yourself:

I am a Mumma of 3 little cherubs, a family photographer and just a regular 30- something year old wife, friend and daughter.

What were you doing before motherhood?:

Travelling! I spent years saving and months traveling. I wanted to do as much travel as I possibly could before having a family.

How did you become a mum?:

Once I got married all I wanted was to be a Mum, after having a miscarriage it took me a while to fall pregnant again, and once Covid hit it felt like all I could focus on was starting our family, SO we did.

What has your feeding journey been like?:

I was lucky enough to breastfeed with all three babies, but with my first baby it was a long and hard journey. I had a traumatic birth and she had to go to a different hospital to me and there were no beds for me (being covid and all) we spent the first 6 days seperated, so I did everything I could pumping every 3 hours to ensure my milk would come in. It finally came in on day 7.

What has sleep been like in your house?:

Thankfully we have been blessed with three great sleepers.

The hardest bits...:

Birth!! I had two traumatic births and was essentially forced (for lack of a better word) to have a c-section for my 3rd bub, solely because it was the safest option for me and bub.

The best bits...:

Seeing my babies bond with each other is the sweetest thing to witness. I love how excited they are to see me when I have been away from them (it doesn't happen very often) so I absolutely cherish that complete and utter joy.

How do you make time for yourself?:

I don't! Unless i am at work or it's a special occasion, then I rarely do anything for me. I am working on this!

What's next for you and your family?:

Just enjoying the season we are in. Hopefully a family holiday at some point in the next 10 years lol

If you could talk to your pre motherhood self, what advice would you give?:

Always trust your Mumma gut! You are more capable then you think.