‘I was at the peak of my career when we decided to start trying’
S ‘hopping centre managing consultant Louise Mcwhirter, 33, from London, has two sons – two-year-old Myles, and two-month-old Cameron – with her husband Will, 35.
In my 20s, I fully embraced the London lifestyle. I worked all day before going out drinking with friends and I enjoyed having very few responsibilities. When I married
Will at 29, I felt like I’d grown out of partying, and I was done with hangovers.
I’d never worried about my fertility, so
I was surprised when having children did not come easily, and I sadly suffered a miscarriage. Myles was eventually conceived through IVF, but luckily I fell pregnant naturally with Cameron.
When we were struggling to conceive, I thought maybe if I’d started trying earlier I wouldn’t have had these problems. But now, blessed with my two sons, I know that we did everything when it was right for us.
Hearing the boys laugh is my favourite thing in the world, and I don’t resent not going out so much. I got many selfish desires out of my system before motherhood and am mature enough to embrace life as a mum. We’re more financially stable than we were in our twenties, and have bought our own place.
I loved my job and was at the peak of my career when we started trying for a baby. It was my identity and I feared stepping away and the industry moving on without me. But I really enjoyed my maternity leave, and then worried I wouldn’t feel as passionate about my job as I do about motherhood. But I’ve found the right balance – interacting with other adults, but cherishing every moment with my family, too.
It’s a juggle, but at my age, many friends are in similar set-ups, so we’re supportive and are watching our children grow up together.