Tell us a bit about yourself...

I’m 32. Im mum to Lucy who is nearly 3 and her best friend terry the dog who is 5.

I’m a freelance hairdresser and have been in Canberra 8 years from Newcastle

What were you doing before babies?

Before Lucy seems like another lifetime ago! I’ve always had a creative streak so a bit of Un disrupted art, full time work, eating out after dark. I’d just adopted my dog Terry before I was pregnant so we spent that time getting to know each other.

How did you come to be a mum?

Getting pregnant was a bit of a journey for me and as it happens a self-discovery. It took nearly a year and a half and visits to acupuncture, a fertility clinic for tracking, medications, finding out I have PCOC, getting a laparoscopy then, when I felt I was at the end of easy options, the conversation about IVF. As it happened, while waiting for my period to start the process, I found out I was pregnant! On reflection I’m not bitter about the journey, I discovered strength and more about my body from it.

What has your feeding journey been like?

Like all new mums, I was really quite anxious about breastfeeding. I wanted to do it but had heard the horror stories. I ended up having an emergency cesarean section and was completely put under GA so waking to see my daughter was a bit of a blur as was her first feed so my brain couldn’t kick in and over think it. And from then on until she decided at 10 months that she’d had enough, were really successful.

What has sleep been like in your house?

I was raised in a house of routine and saw it’s success so adapted one fairly soon so I can say very good. I’ve also been blessed with a great sleeper as well.

The hardest bits...

Lucy had mild hip dysplasia diagnosed at her 6 week check up based on the creases on her legs not lining up. We got a referral and saw a specialist at 9 weeks and she was in a pavlik harness for 22 hours a day for 3 months. I initially had a lot of guilt because the specialist explained common reasons being family history, breach birth, and first born daughter. Lucy only fit the last reason so he simply put it down to me being petite. I remember going to the shops the next day in the middle of winter to find her something to wear because none of Lucy’s pants were able to be worn. I got quite frustrated that there wasn’t much I could find for her. The time flew and we learned together to readjust to breastfeed her and treasure the 2 hours a day without the harness. But the hardest of all was support. So many people would say oh this person had that and I knew someone with it but it was all past tense. I couldn’t find much support for the moment and help and recommendations on outfits and tricks and tips. And it’s one of those things that once you’re done, you move on without looking back. That’s why there wasn’t much help. I’ve since loaned out the sleeping bags to others that have been put in touch with me because that’s one thing I know can help.

The best bits...

Lucy is such a fun, happy sidekick. We paint our nails, go on adventures, discos at home, play barbies and best of all tea parties! simple fun is the best. Her smile lights up my life.

How do you make time for you?

After a few years off I’ve reconnected with my art. I like to draw when Lucy goes to bed.

What’s next for you and your family?

Life has been full of surprises. I’m a single mum so making more happy memories with Lucy and living in the moment. I’m also working for myself now and enjoying the freedom! So growing my business and home discos