jeaniedbird

The school run…and how it drives every parent insane.

I’ve been meaning to write for some time about the life altering event that occurred in September of last year. My son started school. For my British friends, you know the deal…in this country, kids start school at age 4, 5 days a week. 8:30am – 3pm (or thereabouts). My son is lucky enough to…

Diastasis Recti – Let’s talk about abdominal separation

We’ve been talking to a lot of mums and mums-to-be recently about Diastasis Recti (abdominal separation) – Now, if you’re reading this wondering ‘what on earth is that?’ you’re definitely not alone. It seems that this common (perfectly natural) outcome of pregnancy is a mystery to so many people including those with children and…

Letting Go…

I’ve had a busy past few months. We’ve moved to a new house, we’ve had visitors almost constantly since January and my husband has started to travel a lot for work. And through all this are my three kids. Amazing and resilient but also all toddlers (3, 1, 1) who are, well, exhausting and a constant…

Taking a Bite Out of Motherhood

MumPowered: THE INTERVIEWS Full Name: Carrie Belcher (previously Wildman) Occupation (outside/during MUM hours): Owner + Creator of Franklin Wolf Kids names: Jasper + Remi Mum of two, Carrie Wildman didn’t exactly put her feet up when she went on Mat Leave. Instead, she decided to channel her knowledge and interests of her work life (she was…

Am I Jealous of You?

As I sit here writing this, it’s after 10 on a weeknight. My hair is a mess, I’m wearing the most unflattering pair of mom jeans and I’m pretty sure I’m on my 4th glass of wine. Not that the wine part is a bad thing but I’ve realised that, having just turned 37, this…

Mummy & Mimmy: (Gay) Parenting

Arriving at a campsite recently I went to reception to book us a pitch: ‘2 adults, a dog and a baby under 1 please’. When it was all sorted the lady, opening the gate for the van, said, ‘Ok, tell him to drive down’. By him, of course, she meant my assumed male partner and…

Sex, Lies and Diaper Duty.

I talk to a lot of mums every week…like a lot. And from couples who are “just trying”, to couples who have older children, sex is a topic that comes up in almost every conversation. Sex is on every couples’ minds. As it should be. It’s the most intimate part of a relationship and its…

My Love/Hate Relationship with Breastfeeding.

I am a new mom. My babe is now 14 months old. She is a happy, healthy little bundle of fun. Just walking and starting to explore the world around her. I’ve breastfed my daughter since day 1. Entering pregnancy I honestly didn’t have much of an opinion about breastfeeding. I’ve seen family and…

Mummy Monotony

I’ve officially hit it. That brick wall that I’ve read about. The glazed look – dead behind the eyes. All I can hear myself saying is, “if I have to wash one more f*&%$king bottle, I’m going to scoop my eyes out with my child’s spoon” (apologies for the graphic nature of my thoughts) I…

How to ask for the work week you want after mat leave.

MumPowered: THE INTERVIEWS Name of this mum: Elaine Bruce Occupation: Solicitor Do you know your rights when asking for a more flexible work schedule after having a baby? Do you know that you CAN ask for flexible working schedule? Elaine Bruce is a mother and just so happens to be a solicitor who knows a…

Flying with a Baby: Top 5 Tips

Many people love to travel but if you’re a new mum, the prospect of taking a baby (or multiple kids) on a plane can be terrifying. My little guy was just 3.5 months old when he took his first Trans-Atlantic flight. All I could imagine was a screaming baby in my arms while the people…

My toddler’s an asshole.

Yes – it’s not a typo. At this moment there is no more accurate word to describe him. Now before everyone gets their phones out to call social services, I LOVE my son. And to be fair to him, he still has his lovely moments when he can make my heart melt with as simple…