With Mother’s Day approaching, Yawn catches up with Nancy, Karen and Jane on their experience of motherhood. Read on below.
Wearing Yawn's Lovebirds nightshirt £59.00
Last year you announced your pregnancy with Simon. What are you most looking forward to teaching your child as they grow up?
Simon and I are quite different people, I'm much more of a "feeler" and he's a "thinker", hopefully that means we'll end up with quite a balanced child. We both love hiking and being in nature, so I'm looking forward to passing on this passion whilst out on family walks.
You’ve written in your blog that the first stage of your pregnancy you were terribly ill and went to your mum for support. How important to you is your relationship with your in times of need?
I'd say that my mum has been my main support during my whole pregnancy as she had terrible sickness during her pregnancies too. I was in an awful mood most of the time feeling really down and sorry for myself, and she did absolutely everything for me when I was really ill. That's exactly what you need when you're feeling so bad.
What was the transition like when you realised you went from being someone’s child to becoming someone’s parent?
My first reaction was utter shock! But now it feels really natural. I assumed I would lose some of my personality but I'd say that it's actually been heightened during the whole process of growing a human. I feel really connected to my mind and body which has given me great freedom.
Each day is a big learning curve and I know that I'll be constantly adjusting my version of motherhood for the rest of my life. Right now I'm focused on looking after myself so I can grow a strong little girl.
What advice do you have for the next generation as they begin their own families?
That's such a tough question as the world is changing so rapidly and raising children is so challenging. The main thing is to be understanding and kind to people. I feel as though people should be able to live the life they choose as long as they're not hurting themselves or others. The world is already so damaged and I think it's so important to be kind.
Wearing Yawn's Lovebirds & House Of Cards pyjama sets £89.00
What’s your fondest memory you have with you and your mother?
My mum has always been a great storyteller. We used to go camping each year for our holiday and she would make up stories to help us fall asleep. My favourite stories were all about the Woozles, a family who had spiky blue hair, pink and orange stripy leggings and always wore blue & green trainers. She used to draw us pictures of them too.
What's the greatest lesson your mother taught you growing up?
Always tell the truth, even if it will get you into trouble and put your
family first over everything.
Part of being a mother is learning strengths you didn’t even know you had. What strength have you discovered in yourself since becoming a mother?
The ability to function on next to no sleep! And within that, the ability to be woken in the middle of the night repeatedly and not get really wound up!
I am someone who loves to sleep, so I always thought I'd be unable to function and turn into the grottiest person in the world without it. Sometimes I am pretty moody, but I just find after very bad nights my chocolate consumption rapidly increases.
What’s your favourite thing about motherhood?
Cuddles, cuddles and more cuddles.
Jane (left) wearing Yawn's Eve pyjama set & Ruby (right) in Pink Chambray £89.00
What’s the greatest lesson your daughter Ruby has taught you as her mother?
Patience and a strong belief that I as her Mum can do anything, she has given me strength along with lots of love and my life is a better place for having her in it.
What do you find to be one of the more challenging things about motherhood?
Staying true to my own values and seeing my relationship with my daughter for what it is rather than what others think it should be. I'm very lucky that I have a strong bond with Ruby, we talk freely and solve problems when they arise together so I've never really been challenged as such it's more of an adventure.
What’s your favourite activity as mother and daughter to do together?
Jane: I dare say I should be saying something like shopping but alas this isn't true. We absolutely love watching murder mysteries together cuddled up on the sofa, anything from Poirot to Endeavour we also are quite partial to Marvel movies to the point we quote them!
Ruby: I like talking to my mum about boys (specifically Morten Harket I love the 80's and Joe Sugg) and watching fun films like Guardians of the Galaxy and James Bond with her is always cool. My momma is pretty awesome.
You’re a brilliant writer and stylist with a clear passion for beautiful interiors. Has Ruby caught onto any of these traits as well?
Has she just, you want to see her Pinterest feed! She redesigned her bedroom a year or so ago (with a little help from yours truly) and I can honestly say its one of my favourite rooms in the house.
I have one cool girl who knows her mind when it comes to style and fashion, she doesn't follow trends but is making her own waves and I take my hat off to her. I wish I had been that confident in myself when I was 14!