Kate Richardson
Tell us a bit about yourself?
I'm a Mama of two, ex Brazilian /Latin dancer (dance since aged 5) and dance studio owner now living in Gundaroo with my family.
What were you doing before babies?
Dancer my whole life, Running and establishing Subsdance Dance Studio ( now sold to fabulous new owners), teaching Afro, Latin and Brazilian dance. Even travelled to Rio to Dance in Carnival ('Carnaval') and learn about the dance culture in 2015
How did you come to be a mum?
My partner and I just decided we were ready after 11 years together .. I was feeling like a career change before I had my babies (and some study) and the sale of my business coincided with the birth of my first and her first year. To be honest the transition from business owner and teacher to stay at home mother was really tough for me although now I understand why. It was a part of my journey to experience a bit of a struggle in order to help with my now profession of Post Partum Doula and providing holistic support to new mama's and their journey's :)
What has your feeding journey been like?
Both of my children had reflux they had medication for and it was really, really hard. I wanted to breastfeed them for as long as I could however I had breast refusal with my first after 5 months, and my second experienced allergy like responses to something in my breastmilk/diet. I was dropping everything out of my diet without the help of a nutritionist and I was exhausted. It was incredibly tough to make the decision to stop with my second, but I believe fed is best and maternal mental health is incredibly important.
What has sleep been like in your house?
Both of mine have been fairly good, although up and down. It's a sleep journey constantly have really appreciated the help of consultants along the way.
The hardest bits…
Personally for me was the shift of identity and the societal pressures I felt surrounding what a 'good' mother was. Also, the conflicting advice from medical professionals surrounding the feeding and pressures related to that.
The best bits…
EVERYTHING. Guiding these little humans and watching them grow, the love they show you and the reward you feel as a mother and the personal growth.
How do you make time for yourself?
I have always been self employed and worked on my own projects. To prioritise time for myself along with this can be tricky and I can be lazy with that, however I have fantastic family support who take the kids three days a week allowing me to work on my projects, personal growth and me time. You have to put in some boundaries to have you time as well, people often forget how tired a mama is.
What’s next for you and your family?
I have just completed a Post Natal Doula course and am studying with The Wellness Breakthrough academy Canberra to be able to provide holistic Post Natal support through my business 'Holding Mum'. If you are looking for Post Natal support, please feel free to contact me through ktrichardson1300@gmail.com My family also are the owners of Petrichor Farm in Gundaroo which is a beautiful rustic wedding venue, the perfect place to get married.
A piece of advice for our readers?
Motherhood is a constant lesson, a constant transformation of self and both rewarding and self less. Don't forget your personal values and what they look like in conjunction with mothering. Your needs, passions and personal goals do not have to be forgotten. A fulfilled mother is a happy mother, and happy mama's equal happy children. Ask for support.