Motherhood Journey: Re from @bestversionof_you_
Next on our Motherhood Journey Q&A series is Re, the mama behind the account @bestversionof_you_. Hear about growing her audience during COVID, simple hacks to make the days easier and the jump from 1 bub to 2!
Image: Instagram @bestversionof_you_
HOW DID YOU FIND THE JOURNEY INTO MOTHERHOOD WITH MILA, BEING CONSIDERED A 'YOUNG MAMA'?
At first I found it very daunting, I was so naive. I instantly thought my "life would be over". I was the first in my friendship group from school to have a baby, it was very isolating. I also felt Drs etc would be quite judgemental.
I took each day as it came. Luckily we lived with my parents so we had help 24/7 for the first 6 months of Milas life. I soon realised having a baby did not mean "my life was over". I have made so many amazing friends during this wild journey of motherhood which I am forever grateful for. Having Mila was a blessing in disguise, she saved + shaped my life more than she or anyone will ever know!
NOW A MOTHER TO TWO BEAUTIFUL KIDS, HOW WAS IT TRANSITIONING WITH THE ADDITION OF #2?
For me transitioning from 1-2 was not as hard as I first thought it would be. There is a 3 year age gap between the kiddies so I feel this makes a massive difference. Mila takes the big sister role very seriously and is always offering to help. Our support aka village also made a massive difference ensuring that Mila never felt "neglected".
Image: Instagram @bestversionof_you_
WHAT DID YOU PACK IN YOUR HOSPITAL BAG? AND HOW DOES PREPARING FOR BIRTH CHANGE AFTER YOU’VE DONE IT THE FIRST TIME?
I packed the basics; oversized tshrits, recovery tights, big beautiful knickers, feeding bra, comfy pjs, slippers, thongs, my cleanse + soothe noonie spray and ice pads!! (these were like heaven after pushing a 10 pound baby out naturally haha)
The second time around packing your hospital bag you realise you just need comfort. You need something quick and easy that you can chuck on! You also realise you actually dgaf what you look like haha
WE LOVE YOUR INSTA - FUN, RAW, REAL.. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START YOUR ACCOUNT? BEST VERSION OF YOU... SUCH A GREAT NAME AND MESSAGE!
This account originally started off as a podcast page. One of my best gal pals and I during the early days of covid decided to do something different, so we started a podcast mainly around self love, self care and listening to people's journeys. Basically about being "the best version of yourself". We felt in our area girls/women needed to be reminded of how normal it was to not have "your life together".
Once life got a little back to normal and we each got busier with our own things we decided to stop recording and then I ended up continuing to post on insta and then here we are today! I wanted to put all my day to day thoughts, issues and struggles out there as I felt "surely someone else would be going through or relate to this" turns out I was right! I love the community that has grown through the page!
Image: Instagram @bestversionof_you_
YOU SPEAK A LOT ABOUT THE DAY TO DAY PRESSURES OF MOTHERHOOD, WOMANHOOD, AND MAINTAINING A FUNCTIONAL FULFILLING PARTNERSHIP WITH MITCH. WHAT'S YOUR ADVICE TO OTHER MAMAS ON FINDING THEIR BALANCE?
I say this all the time and it sounds so cliche but "YOU CAN'T POUR FROM AN EMPTY CUP" Basically you need some YOU time to be the best Mother, partner, friend etc.
I find letting go of the reins a little, allowing your partner an or village to help you can make the world of difference, don't be ashamed to ask for help. Exercise is also a BIG YES from me, once i have moved my body everything feels more achievable, get those endorphins flowing, a good F45 session is the best way to start the day.
And lastly make time for your partner, this is a lot easier said than done but giving them a hug when they get home or putting the phone down when you get to bed and talk about your day! small things add up (and i really need to take some of my own advice haha)
MOST EXCITING OR MEMORABLE (OR HILARIOUS) BIRTH/PARENTING MOMENT?
The most memorable moment thus far of parenting is seeing the bond form between MIla and Parker. They really are little besties! It's the cutest thing. Such a special feeling knowing you get to watch these two little people grow.
MUM HACKS, WE LOVE TO HEAR THEM, WE LOVE TO SEE THEM, WE LOVE TO KNOW THEM.. HAVE YOU GOT ANY TO SHARE WITH THE NOONIE COMMUNITY?
Make your bed every goddamn morning (and if you wanna feel even better, the kids also!) No matter what. I started doing this once I had Parkie and it just makes me feel so put together. Do a load of washing everyday so it doesn't build up, and hang wet clothes on hangers so then they can go straight into the cupboard!
2022 IS WELL AND TRULY UNDERWAY, WHAT LIES AHEAD FOR YOU AND THE FAMILY? (GOALS, INTERESTS, PLANS?)
Umm lots of netball + footy for us! Our sheep will be having lambs soon so lots of time spent out at the farm as a family! My goal this year is to stay as present as possible, these babies are growing way too quickly so I am just wanting to soak it all up. I've taken a little step back from the page recently but am ready to get back into it and continue to create real, raw and relatable content. I enjoy sharing it all, the good, the bad and the ugly!