Tell us a bit about yourself?

Hi, I’m Sarah. I’m a mum of two, public servant and co-founder of Lily and Cress, a small Canberra business creating gift boxes to support mums, local small businesses and charities caring for families.

What were you doing before babies?

Not much it feels like! Weekend sleep-ins with cups of tea and good books in bed, enjoying all of the amazing restaurants that Canberra has to offer, and meeting friends for walks around the lake. I definitely wasn’t appreciating how little laundry I had to do!

How did you come to be a mum?

I became a mother through pretty standard pregnancies that took a little longer than I’d expected to conceive. It took about a year to fall pregnant with each of our daughters and we experienced a number of early losses and a miscarriage. I’ve been grateful to feel safe and happy with the care I received through both of my daughter’s pregnancies and births, with one in the private hospital system and one in the public.

What has your feeding journey been like?

So different with each child. My eldest daughter would breastfeed every hour for nearly an hour. Our breastfeeding relationship finished just after she turned two, I was pregnant and it just became too painful. She adjusted quite happily which made it easier for both of us. My youngest was much more practical and mostly just fed to feed or for quick comfort and then was happy to go on her way. She weaned herself quite suddenly over a day or two when she was around 14 months old which came as a shock. I was devastated, she was confident though and that helped me to adjust. It took my body a few months to work out what was going on though, it was the first time I hadn’t been pregnant or breastfeeding or both in four and half years so my hormones had quite the party.

What has sleep been like in your house?

With both of our children we’ve had some periods of easy bedtimes and reasonable wake up times, as well as periods of never-ending wakeups and days that start at 5am. My husband and I are pretty good at taking turns to sleep in or nap when it gets dire.

The hardest bits?

The constant adjustment of expectations, especially in those newborn days before I realised that just looking after that baby was my daily achievement, and that was hard enough on its own. The feeling of loneliness in those early days too, finding it hard to build my own supportive community in a city I’d only lived in for a few years. We’re hoping that our Connection Card will help here, reminding mums of all the great resources that are available both locally and nationally to support families.

The best bits?

One of my favourite bits of motherhood so far has been the relationships. The relationship between my daughters has been fascinating and so fulfilling. Also the relationships I’ve developed with other mums, and the deepening of existing friendships as we experience the highs and lows of motherhood together. If it weren’t for the local new parent group I wouldn’t have met Susan, and Lily and Cress wouldn’t exist!

How do you make time for you?

I don’t know if it counts as time for me but long hot showers and going to Bump it up Fitness classes help me to recharge throughout the week. I have annual weekends away with friends and the odd remedial massage. Also have a bit of a thing for skin care, love a good face mask!

What’s next for you and your family?

Hopefully a period of calm and stability, after moving house and launching Lily and Cress in the last few months we’d just like some quiet nights and relaxed weekends!