1. You know what they say - it takes a village to raise a child. How does this resonate/or not resonate with you?
It truly does take a village – and in so many different ways. My mother and sister-in-law are my go-to’s when I need advice, a safe space to vent, or just someone to have coffee with to get out of the house. But for me, I also think the village concept extends beyond my traditional tribe – it includes my hypnobirthing practitioner that empowered me for labour, the lactation consultant that helped and supported me when I came up against breastfeeding challenges, and the mums on Instagram that are sharing the real and raw moments of motherhood that make you realise you are not alone.
2. Can you share a time where a mug moment has influenced your motherhood journey.
There have certainly been many beautiful mug moments along my motherhood journey. Those first introductions when your loved ones meet your baby; keeping a close eye as they have a cuddle, cradling your mug in hand (often in such awe of this little creature you just created, you forget to drink the contents!). The many times you find yourself breastfeeding, or nap-trapped, with your coffee just out of reach, or simply catching up with a friend for a coffee, and being able to drink it, hot, without the distractions that come with being at home.
There are, however, two very special mug moments that do stand out.
The first is one that I will forever cherish. It was when I was told I would be an Aunty for the first time. My brother & his wife gave us all a personalised mug. Mine said ‘Aunty Liv', it took a moment for it to click what was happening, but when it did, I was filled with so much joy. This was the first baby of the next generation, so not only were we all very excited, but it really got me thinking about my future, and started to foster a yearning to become a mother myself.
And the second special mug moment is when my partner gifted me a beautiful boobie mug that I had my eye on from the ceramist, Pink Soy. It is so special to me and represents the special breastfeeding journey I am still on with my 1-year-old daughter.
3. What would you say is the most surprising part about being a mother?
One of the most surprising parts about becoming a mother, would have to be that despite the sleep deprivation, surviving on coffee, and having no time to yourself, you are still able to show up every day, be present and nurture your little one/s. The mental load is insane, your mind is constantly ticking, but you just manage to juggle all the things – it is quite incredible.
Also, as cliché as it sounds, it continues to surprise me just how much you love them. It is a love unlike anything else.
4. Becoming a mother during covid - how has this influenced how your village has been involved?
Entering motherhood during COVID was certainly a challenge. We were in harsh Melbourne lockdown when I first fell pregnant, and then thrown back into the same harsh lockdown weeks after giving birth. Although having an excuse to stay home and adore my newborn was a blessing, I also started to feel as if I was robbed of the maternity leave experience I envisioned – mum & bub Pilates, coffees with other Mums from Mother’s Group, all the fun sensory and music classes for babies to make new friends. Not only was I unable to get hands on support from my tribe, but I also couldn’t extend that tribe. Facetime with my mum became (and still is) a daily occurrence!
To follow alongs Liv's motherhood journey, you can find her @livvan