Melissa Nuttall
Tell us a bit about yourself?
My names Melissa, I’m 25, been married to my husband Daniel for 2 years and together 8 years. I love organising, party planning and getting out and about with my beautiful 8 month old Poppy.
What were you doing before babies?
I worked full time doing administrative/reception work at a smash repair centre. I also studied (and still do) Educational studies part time online.
How did you come to be a mum?
I was itching to be a mama pretty soon after we got married, but we held off as we weren’t quite ready. I’d been collecting baby clothes and items in a box in the cupboard for awhile to appease myself. Our first pregnancy, we call them baby sesame, ended in a miscarriage, I was heartbroken. We ended up falling pregnant again the very next cycle which is how Miss Poppy came to be.
What has your feeding journey been like?
I decided well before I was ever pregnant I wanted to formula feed. I just wasn’t comfortable doing it any other way. I was a bit nervous, worried I would be judged, but everyone barr a few have been really supportive.
What has sleep been like in your house?
I was really worried about this before she was born, so I did a sleeping course online. I feel like I became really prepared, and we were also blessed with a pretty chill baby. I set a flexible routine from the beginning and she has been sleeping through from pretty early on. Recently we have enjoyed the 4am ‘I NEED MILK’ for a few weeks, but that has stopped the last few days so let’s hope she’s over that.
The hardest bits…
The anxiety surrounding aspects of motherhood can be really overwhelming at times. There’s always a next stage, a next step to obsessively google and worry about. I also find a lot of people sit from the outside and perceive your journey to be so ‘perfect’, which isn't a reflection of day to day life at all.
The best bits…
Being able to take Poppy places and enjoy the world through her. We love our Gymbaroo sessions and swimming lessons once a week, and are avid zoo goers. Seeing her light up and smile while experiencing the world makes my whole body feel whole. I’m constantly looking for new things to do with her.
How do you make time for yourself?
I’m a little bad at this, where I wait until I’m feeling really overwhelmed before taking a second. I love the period from 7pm where Poppy is sleeping and I have a few hours to do whatever I want. I make the most if this time and don’t do any chores etc afterwards, once the baby is in bed my day is over.
What’s next for you and your family?
We are a one and done family, pre pregnancy we discussed that we couldn’t see our lives with more than one child, I had terrible HG during pregnancy and am suffering Post-partum Hypermesis now, so another pregnancy is definitely off the cards. Our main focus in life now is to just be happy and enjoy each other. I’m really excited to continue to get to know Poppy as she grows.
If you could talk to your pre baby/kid self, what advice would you give?
Enjoy the moment you are in. Pre baby I was always looking to the next step of life, now I realise how fast time goes, and I try be in the moment each and every day.