5 lessons I’ve learned as a new mum, according to podcast host Ash London
“A lot of early motherhood is quite boring”
Six months ago, former radio host and television personality, Ash London welcomed her first child with husband, Adrian Brine.
Sharing the news of her little one’s arrival in September, 2021 to her 50,000 plus Instagram followers, the podcast host wrote: “Our son, Buddy. Arrived earth-side Saturday afternoon. 2.7 kilos of pure and utter magic. Three weeks early. Perfectly on time”.
Ash London with her baby boy, Buddy.
Now, half a year into her new role as a mum, Ash shares with Bounty Parents the five parenting lessons she’s learnt… so far!
1. The birth of your baby won’t necessarily mean you’ll want to kill your career.
I love work and I’m proud of the career I’ve built. When I was pregnant, I was terrified that I’d love motherhood so much that I wouldn’t want to work anymore. But, since laying eyes on Buddy, I’ve felt more inspired and more motivated to build something brilliant for our family than ever before. That’s my experience, and if that’s not yours that’s ok!
2. There is magic in the mundane.
A lot of early motherhood is quite boring and you need to be prepared for the regularness of it. That doesn’t mean it’s any less magic, but for me it’s been a big change from normal life. There are highs and lows but for me I’m mostly going through the motions of a regular routine.
It’s been so wonderful for me to learn to just slow down, enjoy the moment and not rush to the next thing. I used to get annoyed when I couldn’t reach my phone while I was breastfeeding…then I learned to think of it as a mediation of sorts. Instead of distracting myself…learning to just sit, breathe and enjoy.
Ash London says with motherhood she has learnt to slow down and enjoy the moment.
3. Be prepared for your relationship with your significant other to change
Adrian and I never fought, there was never any tension in our relationship. And then along came Buddy. Having a baby changes everything. You’re tired, you’re stressed, you’re hormonal.
I’ve navigated this by accepting the change, riding it out and always making sure to find a minute before we go to sleep to check in with a kiss, a kind word or a giggle.
4. Ask for what you need to curate the life you want
Easier said than done, right? Asking for what you need can look different for everyone. You might need a day to yourself every week, you might want to go back to work part time (or full time). My point is you can exist outside of parenthood.
You might love solely being a mum and devoting every minute of your life to your baby. But, if that doesn’t make you happy, maybe you need to build something that is different and you can choose to do that. Smash the narrative of the selfless mum.
It’s ok to ask for help and to carve out time for yourself. You’ll probably be a better parent for it. I know I am.
5. Be kind to yourself
Just that. Be kind to you. You’re doing a great job.
Ash London is a part of the Acast Creator Network. You can hear more from Ash on her podcast The Ash London Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.
