Hayley Sciberras
Tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m Hayley (34); Mumma to two boys - Arlo (4) an aspiring astronaut and Luka (10 months) who is Evel Knievel’s spirit child!
What were you doing before babies?
It feels like such a long time ago…..
I was doing things like brushing my hair, finishing tasks, having adult conversations and getting 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep!
How did you become a mum?
I actually didn’t really think I would have children. It wasn’t something on my radar at all, until my niece came along in 2012. I was smitten. She was just such a barrel of laughter and I felt so blessed to be part of her life and watch her grow.
I got married in 2014, and we did a big trip overseas in 2016 as a last hurrah before trying for a baby. We were lucky and fell pregnant straight away with Arlo and he was born in 2017; and then again with Luka in 2020. My Muma had super quick births so I was prepared for the same, which was lucky as both my boys were born in under 2 hours! I had a great experience with the births for both my boys; I went into labour spontaneously with both (Arlo at 38 weeks and Luka at 39 weeks). I had a wonderful support team at our local hospital for both my births and really felt like I could just let go and trust my body.
With Arlo, we stayed in the hospital for a couple of days and then were so surprised to be discharged. I had been so focused on learning about the heinous things that were going to happen to my body during pregnancy and birth that I totally failed to learn about what happens after giving birth! I honestly didn't think we were qualified to go it alone yet! With Luka, it was late 2020 when he was born so with COVID-19 in swing, and just wanting to be home with Arlo, we decided to go home once the Doctor had given me the all clear after birth.
What has your feeding journey been like?
I have been lucky and have had a pretty good feeding journey so far, but it took some time to get used to. Such an amazing and strange thing all at the same time! I obviously didn’t school myself enough on this aspect the first time around, as I remember going to bed one night and waking up the next morning like Dolly Parton and being so unbelievably overwhelmed!
Arlo gave up being breastfed all on his own around 9 months. I tried to keep at it but he wasn't interested; and I’m pretty sure Luka will never give up the boob! He likes to make sure I'm close at all times just in case he needs some comfort.
What has sleep been like in your house?
Sleep is one of those distant memories from long ago.
Arlo never slept. Ever. We tried everything but just never had any success. The sleep deprivation was intense. It wasn't until we took him to his first dentist appointment just before his third birthday, that we found out the problem. The dentist saw it straight away and told us that Arlo had enlarged tonsils, adenoids and turbinates. He did an oxygen saturation test and asked if Arlo was a bad sleeper because his levels were so low, he wouldn't be getting enough air intake during a sleeping state. Arlo was booked in with a specialist and for surgery within weeks. After recovery, his sleep improved dramatically.
And then I was pregnant with Luka! Luka was a dream sleeper until the four month regression, and then BAM! See ya later sleep!
He crawled at five months, and is starting to walk at ten months; he's clearly just too busy to sleep. He will only really sleep if he's next to me, on top of me, or touching me (I am writing this as he sleeps curled up against me). The cot is like a no fly zone for Luka. The sheer sight of his cot sends him over the edge. Dressing a crocodile in a tuxedo whilst it's doing the death roll would be easier than getting my children to sleep.
The hardest bits…
There are lots of hard bits. Life is sort of turned upside down in so many ways from the very first moment you become a Mumma.
The lack of sleep is hard. Having to function all day, every day on such little sleep and be responsible for EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE is hard work!
The lockdown has certainly made things harder too.
The best bits…
It's the small things, the smiles and giggles, the curiosity and exploration, the creativity and imagination. Seeing my little people learn and grow and experience joy is such a delight. Arlo being so proud of himself when he gets the courage to try a new slide, or when Luka throws his arms up and shows a gummy smile when he's taken a few steps - it's those moments.
How do you make time for you?
I never make time for myself. There is always something going on; washing, dress ups, snack time, cooking, painting, snack time, cleaning, play dough, snack time, swimming, snack time, soccer, snack time, stories. Did I say snack time? And now there is home school for Arlo too! When the boys are older and Luka learns to sleep elsewhere; I am going on a self-time bender! There are books to be read, hot cups of tea to be consumed, naps to be taken, and massages to be had!
What's next for you and your family?
To be honest, I just want to take a nice family holiday. Somewhere warm, sunny, and COVID free!