We asked 5 first time mothers about their journeys so far.

Verna Jean David.

Verna is a stay-at-home mum to her beautiful two and a half-year-old, Ahelia. To start off with, Verna did return to work but soon felt the pull to be at home with her full time – a decision both Verna and her husband made together. She talks about her journey of unlearning, broken elbows after birth and the pure magic of motherhood. 

DD: In five words, sum up your journey so far.

VJD: Beautifully painful, evolutionary, chaotic, magic

DD: What went through your mind in your first 24 hours after birth?

VJD: I felt like I was invincible. I had a positive birthing experience that made me feel empowered. I felt so blessed I birthed my Ahelia and I was in disbelief I was a mother. I also remember thinking… “Help! Where’s the manual? What the hell do I do?”

DD: What has been your proudest moment so far?

VJD: Breastfeeding a newborn with a broken elbow! Three days postpartum, I broke my elbow in the Hospital nursery. Breastfeeding wasn’t something I set out to do no matter what, but this situation led me to this. For the first six weeks, I couldn’t do anything for Ahelia but breastfeed. I am so proud I persevered and sought the right support to help me through my journey.  

DD: What have you found most challenging?

VJD: Breastfeeding with a broken elbow. My proudest moment was also my most challenging. At a week old, we found out that Ahelia had a severe tongue and lip tie, which we had corrected. The pain from nursing, coupled with the injury, being a new mum and having a slow recovery (1.5 years) was the toughest period in my life so far. I cried every single day for the first six months. And nearly every other day after that until just after Ahelia turned one. Recovery was not linear and the expectation of, “it should be better by now” was really hard for me to get my head around.

DD: What has surprised you? 

VJD: How much Ahelia teaches me. She teaches me more than I could possibly teach her. Her resilience with whatever life has thrown at her is something to be admired and I think society doesn’t give enough credit to these extraordinary human beings that are born with unconditional love. 

DD: How has motherhood changed you? 

VJD: I was always the girl that didn’t want to have children, yet Ahelia was planned and wanted. I feel that she came into my life to make me see my soul’s purpose. Motherhood has forced me to look at life in a new light. I see magic in the mundane as Ahelia does. I have become more authentic like her and learnt not to suppress my emotions. Infants are so pure and express exactly how they are feeling. I am a little more mindful now than before. Whether it be what I consume for my body, mind and spirit. 

I’m learning to love myself more than ever. Ahelia’s perception of herself will ultimately be a reflection of how I look at myself. I am kinder to myself about my physical changes postpartum. I know it can be really tough on mothers. I hold so much grace for what the body of a woman can do.

DD: Looking back on those early days, what have you learnt and what advice would you give yourself? 

VJD: Firstly, you can’t spoil a baby. I was so worried about her being held to sleep. It seems so silly now that I think about it. This was my mother’s way of thinking, as this was taught to her by my paternal grandma. And when I really look at it, there was no secure attachment between her and her children. It also explains the avoidant attachment I have with my father. I didn’t want to repeat the same patterns. 

This leads me to, my second bit of advice – break the pattern of generational trauma. Reparenting, reparenting, reparenting.

And thirdly, familiarise yourself with early childhood psychology and parenting philosophies. I remember listening to my first audiobook on babies, pumping in the early weeks and I realised, why the hell am I only listening now?! Mothering/parenting is a lifelong relationship, and the early years are so important to develop a strong bond with your babe and yourself. There is little focus on this in the pregnancy phase of becoming a parent. We spend so much time worrying about prams, cots, nursery décor etc. 

DD: Who is your support network and how have they helped you?

VJD: My husband. My rock and number one supporter. The reason why Ahelia is here and my reason for giving him a child. The ever-patient and calm presence in my life, keeps me going when I think I can’t

My mum. She took me in for the first 3 months after having Ahelia to care for us three. We lived with her as my husband had to go back to work. She bathed me, fed me, cared for Ahelia. Helped me breastfeed Ahelia for almost every single feed for the first 6 weeks (when my husband was not around). If it wasn’t for her, I know I would have suffered from post-natal depression. I will forever be in her debt.

My lactation consultant (I sought privately once I left the hospital). She was the only health professional that diagnosed Ahelia’s lip and tongue ties, gave me practical and emotional support when I needed help with breastfeeding any time of the day and was a major contributor to my breastfeeding journey. 

My girlfriends. For the first two years, I didn’t get to see them much but they were supportive no matter what. Now that Ahelia’s older, I am lucky I get to see them more. They balance me and spending time fills me with so much joy. 

DD: How do you take time out? 

VJD: I meditate twice daily. I journal (when I can) and seeing my girlfriends for Sunday brunch.

DD: Niceties and necessities – what products could you actually not live without?

My beauty regime is low on my priority these days BUT hydrated lips are always a must. I’m currently obsessed with all things Ilia. Moolk for breastfeeding friendly clothes. I love that it’s functional and looks great. It’s also an Aussie brand. I love supporting Australian small businesses, and Hotmilk Lingerie bras. I bought these for the hospital. And I still wear them daily! They are the comfiest bras, easy to unclip/clip and stick on breast pads that don’t budge.

In terms of baby products, something I have used from newborn days (and using currently) is Silky Tots silk cot slip and fitted cot sheet. Ahelia had a full head of hair at birth. I used these and she never had a bald patch or knots in her hair. 

Tiny Tonics essential roller blends. I love the “sleepy time”, “peaceful babe”, “Teething babe” and “Bug buster”. I’ve been using these since she was two months old and these help with calming situations.

I read quite a lot of books and my favourites are Ina May’s Guide To Childbirth, both books by Midwife Cath, The Gentle Parenting Book by Sarah Ockwell-Smith and No Bad Kids: Toddler Discipline Without Shame by Janet Landsbury. I also really love the Reconnected Parenting Course (online) by The Reconnected.

Sally Turk.

Sally works part-time as a customer value specialist at a health insurance company. She is partway through her Master Of Social Work that is currently on hold (for now) as she devotes her time to her eight-month-old baby girl, Layla. She has learnt that comparison is the thief of joy, to trust herself and that a walk outside in the fresh air, can do wonders.

DD: In five words, sum up your journey so far.
ST: Fulfilling, intense, heartwarming, consuming, beautiful.

DD: What went through your mind in your first 24 hours after birth?

ST: The first few hours after I birthed my daughter, I remember feeling like I was on a high. The reality of it hadn’t kicked in yet— the baby that was tucked safely inside of me is now here in my arms. I remember my husband urging me to sleep because I’d been up from 3am the day of but I just couldn’t take my eyes off of her. She was everything I hoped and dreamed for. After a few hours of sleep and waking up to feed and change her for the first time since birth, I was startled at how challenging it actually was to prop her onto my chest to feed. It so seemed simple: latch, feed, change nappy and switch.

I remember feeling nervous about the way I was cradling her and if I was doing it right because I thought she was super fragile and tiny. The nerves finally kicked in; I haven’t even changed a nappy before and I know the nurse showed me how to swaddle her, but how do I do this again? The first 24 hours were a roller coaster of emotions, so excited to be with my daughter but unsure of myself as a parent. I just knew with full certainty that my heart felt warm and full. 

DD: What has been your proudest moment so far?
ST: I used to always second guess myself growing up so as a mum, I’m proud that there are many times I’ve been able to stand my ground and do what I have felt in my heart to be the right thing. Breastfeeding, for example, initially challenging in the beginning has become such a highlight. There were moments where I received conflicting advice about how often to feed and doubts of supply but I continued because I was determined that this was the way I wanted to feed and comfort my daughter. The closeness we share is so special. I’ve learnt to block out the noise, follow my instincts and mother the unique baby in front of me.

DD: What have you found most challenging?
ST: The conflicting advice and constant comparing between other babies were some of the challenging parts, especially in the first few months. It all starts in the hospital when the midwives have different things to say about what you should and shouldn’t do— I was terrified to leave the hospital because I was convinced that they knew how to care for her better than me. When she cried, I didn’t know how to settle her or identify the reason behind her cries. I felt like the worse mum ever! I would take her to the doctors and they would give conflicting advice about breastfeeding and reflux but was never reassured that everything was normal and she was doing what normal babies do. I remember I would (and still) beat myself up for not being able to do the things I was once able to do. I kept waiting for the magic month where babies get easier and I could be the old me. That day hasn’t come yet but I don’t think it ever will. 

I’m also a reserved person by nature and value lots of quiet time to regenerate my energy so I’ve found the lack of me/quiet time as well as being switched on round the clock, super challenging. 

DD: What has surprised you? 
ST: So many things! How resilient motherhood makes you. How intense the love you feel for your kid is. How it’s so much fun seeing her grow up but how equally sad that it makes you. How you miss them as soon as they’re asleep, even though you’ve spent the entire day with them. Everything you expect and said you would do goes into the bin when you finally have your baby in front of you. How it’s actually better being out of the house than it is inside; Layla and I love being out and about (this was initially scary). Oh, and how so many memories of your childhood resurface as you raise your own baby. 

DD: How has motherhood changed you? 
ST: I feel like I’ve become softer— with myself and as a parent. I go easy on myself (sometimes) when things don’t go to plan. I’m trying to be a “go with the flow” type of person. I’ve become more resilient. I’m certainly more sure of myself and can advocate for both of us. I’ve also noticed that there are times when I’m more anxious than before becoming a mum with worries about my daughter’s safety and development, intruding my brain. I know I’ve always been a mental health advocate but my motherhood journey has only intensified this drive to support and care for mums and their mental health.

DD: Looking back to those early days, what have you learnt and what advice would you give yourself? 
ST: I’d tell myself that there is no one in this world that knows your daughter better than you. You are the best carer for her. I’d tell myself that if it feels wrong, you don’t need any research to back you up; just trust yourself! I’d tell myself that it’s okay to be this new person, you’re growing into and it’s great! I’d tell myself not to stress about timing feeds and recording wet nappies and creating bad habits. I’d tell myself that rigid schedules will only make you feel like you’re failing and not to force anything (not sleep, not anything). Parent the baby in front of you and everything will be okay. You’re doing great! Get out of the house for your own sanity, pram walks in nature can do wonders. Most importantly, she’s going to grow too quickly, savour the cuddles! 

DD: Who is your support network and how have they helped you?
ST: My husband is my biggest supporter. From being my birth partner and advocate, to the best co-parent and husband. He hears me out, and gives me time outs when I need them. He bathed and swaddled her and would do the night wake-ups with me too. My mum’s an absolute legend too. She’d spend days at a time with me, making me nourishing meals and helping settle Layla, giving us much needed rest in the morning. Even little things like babysitting Layla so we can have coffee dates (pre-lockdown days of course). My mother-in-law’s fantastic as well, sending us food so that I can have the day-off cooking and bringing by some coffee for me during the day. My siblings would come and bring groceries and keep me company. And my sister-in-law and friend for checking in on my mental health and being so relatable! 

DD: How do you take time out from being a mum? 
I’ve always loved to read and write! I usually spend some of my evenings reading, blogging or watching an old movie. Occasionally, we’ll play the Xbox which makes me feel like a teen again. 

DD: Niceties and necessities – what products could you actually not live without?
ST: For pregnancy, I watched a course created by a Pelvic Floor therapist which helped me make so many of the choices I made during labour and birth. Postpartum, I invested in a really good lactation consultant to clarify all of my worries. So worth it!! Maternity singlets are a much better buy than nursing bras. So much easier and accessible. I used a bouncer over a swing here and there because Layla loved watching me so I would prop her in front of me as I cleaned or cooked! The Ergo Baby 360 is such a lifesaver when out and about. I liked having a rocking chair as well to nurse and rock Layla back to sleep. It was a useful investment.

I always recommend The Discontented Little Baby book as a read for new parents. It was such an eye-opener for me and helped me to understand normal baby behaviour. That’s another thing, learn and understand what is normal so that you’re not shocked when the baby arrives. Unrealistic expectations made parenting harder at the start!

Samantha Hewitt.

Samantha is an interior stylist, content creator and mother to her four month old son, Calihan. She knew nothing could ultimately prepare her for what was to come – she didn’t have a birth plan, nor did she read any books, instead she just let herself ease into motherhood, trusting her instinct and leaning on her support network. She shares her breaking point, the challenge of embracing imperfection and all of her favourite things.

DD: In five words, sum up your journey so far.
SH: One minute at a time.

DD: What went through your mind in your first 24 hours after birth?
SH: Aside from overwhelming gratitude towards my wonderful OB Alexander Owen and the incredible midwives who calmly and safely helped delivered our little man, I was amazed and shocked at what my body had done and the little life that was now in my arms. The first 24hrs was truly a blur but the most magical and transformative 24hrs I’ll treasure forever.

DD: What has been your proudest moment so far?
SH: Watching my team become a family. As challenging as it is welcoming a newborn into your life and the fact it shifts your relationship - it’s a warm feeling knowing you have equal responsibility and unconditional love for this tiny person. It’s almost like you have this newfound bond and respect for each other which is just so special.

DD: What have you found most challenging?
SH: At this stage; his sleep and unsettledness. Our poor little man suffered from really bad wind and in turn, left him really unsettled in those first few months. He was waking 5-8 times a night and after 3 months I hit breaking point. We started sleep training with the divine Francesca from The Sleep Escape who has such a gentle approach. Having the mental support and encouragement daily when I couldn’t see light at the end of the tunnel was exactly what I needed personally. Aside from this, I’m trying to embrace imperfection, which is a journey. Some days are much better than others and it’s just a matter of going with the flow and being at peace with knowing I can’t achieve everything I want to in a day and that is completely ok.

DD: What has surprised you?
SH: After suffering from HG (Hyperemesis gravidarum) throughout my entire pregnancy I learnt to just get on with it. So I’d have to say, my resilience.

DD: How has motherhood changed you?
SH: I had always dreamed of being a mum but nothing or no one can really prepare you so it has changed me in unimaginable ways. It feels like my world is expanding and I’m experiencing everything through a fresh set of eyes. There is awe to be found in the simplest of things and I’ve found what is genuinely important in life. I’m just going through the motions and evolving and growing along the way. I feel very blessed!

DD: Looking back to those early days, what have you learnt and what advice would you give yourself?
SH: Take each minute as it comes and don’t put any expectations on yourself. Do what feels right for you and be completely selfish with your time as that newborn bubble is so special and really does go by fast.

DD: Who is your support network and how have they helped you?
SH: Aside from my partner Conrad, having my mum here for the first 2 weeks (she lives interstate) when Cali was born was truly so special. I honestly couldn’t have done those first few weeks without her. She was running off less sleep than I was, she would make and put a meal in front of me, would wake up every hour overnight which made the nights less daunting and lonely, scrubbed the house head to toe, burped and settled him so I could shower, soaked my washing and have it ironed and folded back in my draws, filled in all the forms that come with having a baby, and the list goes on. It was certainly a false sense of reality but I soaked it all up while I could and knew she treasured that time too. I also have a wonderful group of girlfriends who have babies around the same age or within the year of each other so I feel very lucky to have a network. I’ve found Instagram wonderful too– for connecting with like-minded mums especially when I’m up feeding in the night and get notifications from others who are up also. The community of mums is so amazing.

DD: How do you take time out from being a mum?
SH: My self-care has definitely shifted. Gone are the days of morning gym classes, monthly facials and 8 hours of blissful sleep. It’s the small things I now really value the most. A walk down to the ocean listening to a podcast, having a shower long enough so I can wash my hair, making a healthy meal, popping down to our garage gym to do Fluidform Pilates. Rest and recovery are more important than ever before so I’m really trying to prioritise this as I naturally find myself cleaning the house or doing odd chores when he is asleep. I know when I have an hour or so off from being mum, house cleaner and cook, I come back feeling refreshed and ready to tackle anything that’s thrown my way.

DD: Niceties and necessities – what products could you not live without?
SH: I’m sure I could live without these products (or could I?) but for me, my Rationale skincare routine is the little moment morning and night I get to give back to myself. INBED white linen sheets because jumping into a fresh bed is the greatest feeling after a long day. My Frank Green 1L water bottle as it’s a reminder to keep me hydrated as breastfeeding really does make you extra thirsty! My winter lockdown uniform is my Uniqlo U tracksuit. I’ve got two and they are on solid rotation.

For Cali, I’ve loved the Artipoppe carrier, the ErgoPouch swaddles because who has time to swaddle and re-swaddle these days, and the Baby Bjorn Bouncer so I get the chance to shower, unload the dishwasher or hang out the washing. I didn’t have a birth plan, read any books or complete any birthing course as I knew my body would just do its thing and this was enough for me. That said, I’m really enjoying reading Milk to Meals By Luka Cube & Carley Mendes. It’s getting me in the headspace for solids (so long my beautiful neutral furniture).

Ainslie Murray.

Ainslie is a brand and marketing consultant, and mother to her five month old son, Louie Fox. She shares her newfound admiration for her own parents, the sheer joy she gets by making her son laugh, her gratitude to a cult product, and her pangs with PP hair loss.

DD: In five words, sum up your journey so far.
AM: Abundant. Messy. Enlightening. Joyful. Relentless. 

DD: What went through your mind in your first 24 hours into motherhood?
AM: It was an extreme state of overwhelm. Overwhelmed with emotion, gratitude, Oxytocin, information — all the things! Specifically, an innate sense of protection over this little person I had never met, fear of navigating the unknown, total awe of the new family unit I was now a part of, physical pain from a whirlwind birth, eternal gratitude for the brilliant medical team I had in my corner, complete shock that I’d created a wee human boy that looked a bit like me and calm, I knew that it would all be ok. 

DD: What has been your proudest moment so far?
I feel pride most days. I’m proud of my partner for shining in his role as a father. I was raised by a great man so the bar was set impeccably high for the poor guy. I’m proud of our teamwork to make this little dream work. I am proud of my son’s unwavering efforts to learn, grow and master new things. I was most proud when he attempted mimicking our cues from early on had me certain I’m raising a boy genius (said every mum, ever). I’m proud of all of us learning to adapt and find our rhythm as a family. 

DD: What have you found most challenging?
AM: Having a baby in a pandemic is certainly a constant mental challenge and something I am acutely aware of. For me, motherhood is a constantly evolving, patience-testing, beautiful challenge. Just when you think you’ve nailed one part (looking at you Leap 4) another hurdle emerges — although you’ll always second guess yourself, your confidence grows and develops as your baby does. On day one a glorious midwife said to me ‘you can’t spoil a newborn’ and I think this was my daily mantra for the first 12 plus weeks of his little life!

DD: What has surprised you? 
AM: I was surprised by how much natural instinct really does kick in. Even in the most chaotic of moments when it feels like it’s all falling apart, you know what’s best for your child. You hear tales of mother’s instinct and I certainly had a few ‘you’ll know what to do’ comments thrown my way — turns out that is pretty sage wisdom. Sure, I read some things during pregnancy like many expectant mothers, and information does help negate the fear, but I was surprised to learn very quickly after my son arrived that you really do know what to do — I mean, nobody really knows what they are doing the first time around do they, but we all just wing it and get through!

DD: How has motherhood changed you? 
AM: I am still the same me, just a more evolved version of myself now. Motherhood has been the greatest, most humbling test of resilience and an instant lesson in gratitude. It has certainly taught me more patience, more appreciation, given me greater confidence, a new respect for my own parents and also inspired my passion and creativity for projects outside of being a mother. I often laugh/cry about the freedom of my former life but am amazed at the fullness of my heart these days. 

DD: Looking back to those early days, what have you learnt and what advice would you give yourself? 
AM: I tried to adopt a pragmatic approach throughout my pregnancy and it seemed to serve me well, so I was conscious to take this same mindset into motherhood. The early days were certainly a bit of a blur but I learnt quickly to take each day as it comes. A girlfriend passed on some of the best parenting wisdom I’ve probably ever received; ‘it’s only a problem if it’s a problem for you’, this gives me the confidence to trust myself and my decisions, daily. Advice to myself? Cliché, but just enjoy every moment because it really is so very fleeting. That, and buy all onesies with zips — nobody likes a button at 3am!

DD: Who is your support network and how have they helped you?
AM: Although I don’t have family too close, my parents are a great daily support and would be on my doorstep whenever I need. My cousin too, she is a wonderful ally and was the first face Louie saw outside of medical staff and his stunned parents. I am also lucky to have a group of life-long pals who have been so kind to me throughout this time. Checking in, offering words of wisdom, providing a lockdown lol and keeping pre-child conversions alive and well (very important!!). From mums, dads (yeh the Dads!) and my single mates to friends in the trenches with me — it has been downright heartwarming to receive such lovely and welcomed support.

DD: How do you take time out from being a mum? 
AM: There have been a few stealth escapes to indulge in a massage, a haircut, enjoy a solo walk or do a BodyLove Pilates online class but essentially I do feel like for now, I am always in mum-mode. My son is so young and changing daily so I am just really enjoying the time we have together. I’m making the most of things while he lets me smother him in smooches and is convinced I’m the funniest person in the room (most of the time, I’m the only person in the room).

DD: Niceties and necessities – what products could you not live without?
AM: Aside from a great pram, carrier and breast pump (which I have used every day for the past 5 months), these are the things that have made life, and new motherhood, a little bit smoother – JS Health Hair and Energy Vitamins because post-partum hair loss is a real buzz-kill. It’s in my drains, my sheets, my kid’s mouth and I’m constantly checking his little digits for hair tourniquets! These miracle supplements keep things under control and really jump-started new growth. 

I have a few Juem underwear sets which are comfy, convenient, and chic for every day. Deiji Studios linen lounge sets and robes were my uniform, particularly in the early days. Practical with a newborn and I feel put together enough to face the day — which gets me off to a stronger start. Skincare is important to me, especially in the postpartum phase where skin can feel dry and depleted. I have a low-fi routine that brings me to life each morning, consisting of a few steps but I couldn’t live without Rationale’s The Cleanser, Go-to Face Hero and Beauté Pacifique Puffy Eyes Gel — particularly given my newfound need for such a product!

I don't love carting a big nappy bag around so have found the Cub and Scout personalised neoprene pouches to be both practical and super convenient. They fit everything you need — I have one in the pram and one in the car for easy access when we are on the go. 

While I listened intently to a selection of great podcasts (became marginally obsessed with Australian Birth Stories) and devoured a lot of recommend reading throughout my pregnancy, the book that stood out for its frank simplicity and came highly rated by my Obstetrician, was Baby Love. A baby Bible of sorts, I refer to it frequently along with raisingchildren.net.au for practical, useful and up-to-date information that’s less alarmist than Dr Google. I’ve also found the Wonder Weeks App to be so accurate and such an interesting insight into the changes my son is experiencing as he grows. 

The Snoo. No surprises here but this bad boy definitely saved our sleep from day one. I am someone who pre-baby had 10 hours a night sleep so having a smart bassinet resettle my child in the wee hours is invaluable for us all! And the Vava night light is the perfect amount of light for midnight nappy changes.
The Warren Hill Play Mat was gifted to me by my girlfriends and we truly use it every day to play and read and just hang out. It’s soft, machine washable, portable and won’t ugly up your living room! 

Tessa Tran.

Tessa is a yoga teacher, photographer and mother to her 13 month old son, Jordan. Her answers are calm and thoughtful – just as you’d expect. Her positive birth experience left her feeling connected to her body and the women in her family, and while she can’t get through her to-do list, she is enjoying every moment with her boy.
DD: In five words, sum up your journey so far.
TT: Honest, wonder, rooted, purposeful, and energetic.

DD: What went through your mind in your first 24 hours into motherhood?
TT: Awe and wonder. The birth was one of the most incredible experiences I have had as a person. I was elated and had such a flush of oxytocin and endorphins, on top of the joy of holding and seeing my baby earthside. I felt so incredibly connected to my body and the women in my family.

DD: What has been your proudest moment so far?
TT: The ability to wake up and move through the day according to Jordy’s interests, while maintaining a moderate routine so he is a happy baby. That on a physical level.
Emotionally using this chapter to heal relationships, particularly between my mum and I. This has come quite effortlessly so I can’t take too much credit for it but I am proud that the family structure feels so joyful, easeful and loving.

DD: What have you found most challenging?
TT: Not being able to get all my to-do's done.

DD: What has surprised you? 
TT: How clever and absorbent babies are, how they are already born ‘their own person’. How I have done inner work in the past but through Jordan, the pieces have come together naturally.

DD: How has motherhood changed you? 
TT: It has been a wild ride. I look back on photos and videos from pregnancy but particularly the first months of life with Jordan and I can see the slow unfolding of my matrescence journey. I can see the uncertainty and lean in, I see steady growth in trusting my intuition as a mother and listening to the subtleties of what Jordan communicates to me.

DD: Looking back to those early days, what have you learnt and what advice would you give yourself? 
TT: Trust the process. You have everything you need, and there’s a community to support you. Allow the process of birth to be a spiritual journey.

DD: How do you take time out from being a mum? 
TT: Meditation feels juicier, breathwork gives me more energy, sitting quietly on the balcony or by the ocean. I’m also a Photographer so taking my time taking photos on film and learning new techniques. I also love working with natural dyes and the hands-on, aromatic and visual feast of colours keeps me in awe and present.

DD: Niceties and necessities – what products could you not live without?
TT: I highly recommend She Births. I did The weekend workshop for parents on how to prepare for birth.
I love Weleda products because they seem to last forever, and I use La Mav for my face – I’ve gotten a lot more freckles postpartum.
I wear a lot of Fabric of Society (it breathes beautifully, feels soft and organic and suits all bodies) which stretched with me during pregnancy and then contracted back post-birth!
I also loved the book 10 Moons: The Inner Journey of Pregnancy, Preparation for a Natural Birth.