Letters from mums of the pandemic- PNDA and returning to the Corporate world for only two hours!

I am a first time mum to a cheeky 16 month old that keeps me on my toes. I was pregnant and gave birth to her during the pandemic which created much uncertainty, however also silver linings that I am grateful for.

Prior to having our girl, I worked in an extremly fast paced role and company that required me to be on call 24/7, 364 days a year. To say it was high pressure and high stress is an understatement.

After a series of challenging events I returned to my Corporate job for ONLY 2hrs and have been off on income protection ever since.

The pandemic and becoming a mum has taught me so much about myself, my purpose and how I have been operating out of alignment for many years.

These days I am learning to embrace the simple things in life and enjoy a slightly slower pace surrounded by much natural beauty where we live.

Before becoming a mum, I was SUPER excited about having a themed baby shower, doing many activities and classes with my baby and of course meeting her (not that we knew she was a her back then hahaha).

I knew sleep deprivation was on the cards, however little did I know what sleep deprivation really meant before becoming a mum mum.

I was a no dummy, no co-sleeping mum to be... both of which I changed my view when I followed our babies lead.

The most AMAZING, yet exhausting thing you could possibly imagine. Having a beautiful little human that you get to watch grow up is the most magical thing, however I thought my corporate job was intense... yes and no! At least I could generally go to the toilet at work in peace! These days having my own personal space is not an option. I have a little shadow that follows me absolutely everywhere and since I had shingles last year and could not be with her for 12 long nights, she will not leave my side... including at night, as she now co-sleeps.

There have definitely been many challenges being pregnant and giving birth during a pandemic.

Not being able to have my partner at all appointments was tough and I felt that I had to suppress my excitement, as I didn't want him to feel as if he was missing out. I was also nervous going to appointments alone.

A themed baby shower was off the cards, as guests were limited to 10 people, so a small gathering with my nearest and dearest became the reality.

Once our baby was born, visitors were restricted to one visitor per day for a max of one hour. Having to create a roster for my family to meet our girl was not something that I had ever imagined.

Face to face mothers groups were on hold and instead we first connected with a mothers group online. Gosh that it awkward meeting all new people over zoom.

Babies classes were restricted and our girl hasn't started swimming lessons or sensory lessons due to classes being on and off during the last 16 months.

One of the toughest parts of becoming a mum during the pandemic is the uncertainty, the desire for your child to be able to grow up in a world that is not so restricted and one that they can get medical treatment by local doctors, without having to delay visits until PCR tests are received. Trying to assess if we need to take our baby to the hospital to get checked vs waiting for a PCR test when she has had cold and flu symptoms adds to the anxiety of being a new parent.

When I was pregnant, I had developed hyperemesis, so I vomited all day everyday. Having my spew bucket on hand next to the computer was a big plus, instead of having to constantly pull over to and from work.

The pandemic has really made me assess my life. My purpose. What drives me. What really matters, and what I want for our little family. I am grateful for the time with our girl, where we could bond without interruption and gain some clarity of what was happening in our world.

The pandemic has taught me to show gratitude for the simple things like being able to leave the house and enjoy nature. Eating out. Seeing our girl playing with her friends at daycare. Without the pandemic, I would have taken these simple things for granted.

Yes it adds to the anxiety of being a new parent, however know that you WILL get through this and there are silver linings in all situations. Those silver linings may merely be growth from going through pain and suffering, however it is through these disruptions that our brightest and boldest self emerges.

Don't take things for granted. Enjoy and appreciate the little things.

This too shall pass. We will get through this pandemic and holding onto the fear and anxiety only makes things worse and stops us from enjoying the time with our little ones, as we never know when our time may be up.

You've got this! We were born to do this and you are NOT alone!

Sending you so much love for your journey through motherhood. May you see those silver linings and amplify them, so that the fears and anxiety do not consume you and steal the most precious resource in your life... time.

The time is NOW, so let's come together as Mums of the Pandemic and leave our mark.

Let's share our stories that will be read by our children's children... giving them insight into what life was like being pregnant, giving birth and/or raising children during a Global pandemic.

I call upon everyone that identifies as a mum or that feels called to share their experience, so that we can inspire mums to be, remind each other that we are all in this and release our stories within a virtual time capsule.