Mama Muse • Naomi Lay

 Mother to Kingston & Ruby - Melbourne, Australia

Hi my name is Naomi, mother of 2 children; Kingston who is 6 and Ruby 4 years old.

I work full time in a busy online family business wearing lots of hats. I am also a group fitness instructor teaching body pump and body step 4 times a week.

My leisure time is exercising including teaching! So when I'm not teaching I'm doing some kind of exercise in the early morning. I find exercise just sets me up for day provides me with mental clarity and I feel physically strong and fit ready for the busy day!

I am one who likes to be in control and motherhood completely took my by surprise! It was and still is one of the biggest life changing events for me. Having Kingston was a real roller coaster of emotions and physical changes to my body. People used to say having kids is the best thing and I did not quite understand this in the first 6 months of my first born being born.

It was a real struggle and I felt like I lost my identity - who I was from being independent doing what I wanted when I wanted to having to stay at home, being with this baby 24 hours and constantly breast feeding - I felt like a cow and didn't know if my life would ever go back to the way it used to be. Upon reflection now that my kids are older - the whole journey of motherhood is part of change and has made me more resilient, forgiving of myself and appreciating the simple things in life.

What was your favourite thing about the newborn phase?

The newborn smell.

What did you find challenging about being a new mother?

Sleep Deprivation.

How were you supported during your postpartum period and what would you change if you could go back in time?

My parents and my parents in law - cooking, cleaning the house, looking after the baby . For me having kids has brought both sides of parents much closer together. And they say you need a village to raise a child and it is 100% true. I am so grateful for my parents.List your top 3 essentials for a new mother.

Are there any rituals or practices during your 4th trimester you'd like to share?

1. Sleep training
2. Quality nutrious food already cooked
3. On hand nurse for support to be able to ask questions

See our Instagram post here.