Giaan Rooney ‘WHAT BEING A MUM HAS TAUGHT ME’
THE LIFE-SPACE PROBIOTICS AMBASSADOR AND MUM SHARES HER WISDOM
Iremember bringing my first child, Zander, home from the hospital and thinking, where is the manual?! The questions were endless and almost immediately I felt incredibly overwhelmed. It didn’t matter how many books I read, how many tidbits of advice I listened to, how hard I tried – I still felt like I was failing at something that was meant to come so naturally to me.
What got me through this period were the moments of euphoria that come with bringing a new little person into the world. I believe we all need to support one another, so I’d like to share some of my new-mum wisdoms with you.
BE KIND TO YOURSELF
This is the most important lesson that I learnt as a new mum, and one that I’ve needed to remind myself of this year. While I always want the best for my kids and my family, I’m only human and I’ve come to learn that it’s OK to lower the ‘perfection’ bar and make mistakes sometimes. Nobody is judging you but you!
COMMIT TO SELF-CARE
Us mums can easily slip into selfless mode and forget to take care of our needs. Do those yoga classes you’ve been dying to get back to, or take regular walks by yourself and listen to your favourite music. Taking good care of you means the people in your life receive the best of you, rather than what’s left of you.
FILTER THE ADVICE
Once you’re a new mum, you also become a magnet for parenting advice from other mums, well-meaning friends and even complete strangers! While some hints and tips may be helpful, much of it can feel like judgement. Remember, no two babies are the same and neither are their mums. While it takes time to learn your baby’s quirks and needs, trust that you know what’s best for your baby.
CHECK IN WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Many of you may know that I’ve been open about all of my motherhood experiences from the start, and leaning on friends and family has been invaluable. Talk to your partner, your friends, your family or anyone you feel comfortable around. Check in with yourself regularly about your mental health, and if you’re not OK, reach out for help. If there’s anything 2020 taught us, it’s that it’s OK not to be OK.
EXPOSE YOUR KIDS TO HEALTHY BACTERIA
Our microbiome relies on exposure to diverse bacteria to be healthy, so encourage your kids to be active outside, play in the dirt, jump in the puddles and breathe in our clean air every day. I also started my kids on probiotics early on; Zander from around six weeks of age and Lexi from conception. I hope this advice serves you well as you navigate your motherhood journey. And remember, on the good days and the not-so-good days, you’re doing your best and your kids will love you for it.