Tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m 26 years old and mum to my 20 month old daughter Oaklee, my angel daughter Ayla and currently pregnant with our third child. I’m married to my childhood sweetheart and we’ve been together 8 years now and we own Southlands Quality Meats all while living a very busy fast paced life, which we love.

What were you doing before children?

Before I had Oaklee I was working for a small business that I had been with for many many years. After I had Oaklee, I struggled with my loss of identity as all I ever knew before being a mum was the working life. I did go back to this same job after maternity leave and I really felt like I found myself again.

How did you come to be a mum?

My husband and I had been together 6 years and we’d just brought our first home when we decided we wanted to have our first baby. Our daughter Oaklee was born in October 2020. I then went on to have my second daughter Ayla who was born in December 2021, unfortunately Ayla was born sleeping. I am currently pregnant again and due to have our third baby in December 2022.

What has your feeding journey been like?

Breastfeeding was hard for us to establish at first but I breastfed Oaklee for 4 months before I made the choice to switch to formula and she thrived from there.

What has sleep been like in your house?

We were very lucky to be blessed with a great sleeper. Oaks has slept through the nights since 6 months old. I don’t say this out loud often incase the universe hears and it changes.

The hardest bits..

The hardest is definitely the adjustment to motherhood when you first become a mum. It’s a huge change and not many people tell you just how much your life will and does change. I also believe the judgment and opinions from others on your parenting or choices for your child are the hardest thing about being a parent.

The best bits..

The best bits are getting to watch your child grow and learn. Getting to enjoy things again through your child and getting to see the joy on there face experiencing these things with you.

How do you make time for yourself?

We are very lucky to have our parents and family all here so we have a lot of help and support. Oaklee also attends daycare all week. My husband and I are able to have date nights and still do things we enjoy every now and again which I think is very important.

What’s next for your family?

Our business keeps us very busy and we absolutely love it. We are planning to enjoy a family holiday in a few months time, our first in a long time and then getting ready to welcome our third baby later this year.

What advice would you give your pre baby self?

I would say trust yourself more as you really do know what’s best. Don’t let people tell you what you or your child need or don’t need. Things that work for one don’t always work for another and you know your baby best.