Gemma G

Wagga Wagga, NSW

Tell us about you as a mum right now, what does this season of motherhood look like for you?

This is my final season of motherhood, which makes me both happy and sad. I’m spending the rare moments I have alone to reconnect with myself so that I can be the best person for my kids.

What were you doing before motherhood?

Before motherhood I was working in a before and after school care program in Canberra, which is where I met my husband. We then loved to Darwin on a whim where I was sweaty and hot every single day! Once I fell pregnant I knew we had to move back closer to family - and a cooler climate.

How did you come into motherhood?

Motherhood happened very quickly for me. I had only been with my partner (now husband) for 3 months.
Ira was the start of everything for us, born in October 2016. We went on to have Molly 2.5 years later, then little Daisy was born 6 years after that. My girl tribe was complete and I wouldn’t change a thing.

What is something you're currently navigating as a mum?

I’m currently navigating the emotion behind all of the ‘lasts’. We’ve already had our last first birthday, our last first steps and our last first words. It’s bittersweet because we love seeing our youngest grow and play with her sisters but it’s so hard to see all the little things for the last time.

What has been bringing you joy lately?

I absolutely adore the relationship my kids have with each other. My eldest is 9, middle is 7 and youngest is 1. It brings me a huge amount of joy to see how much they love each other every day, even through the smallest, hand holding moments and thoughtful gestures, like snuggling up and sharing the blanket on the couch on a chilly morning.

Was there a moment that really shaped your experience as a mum?

I think each of my birth and recovery experiences being so vastly different really opened my eyes to how strong mums really are right from the very start. I use to struggle with a lot of self doubt and still do from time to time, but I’ve given birth to 3 whole humans… I can literally do anything.

What’s something that’s felt harder than you expected?

Regulating my own emotions and not getting angry when I’m not in a good mood. I’ve been working a lot on getting my frustration under control. I do snap occasionally and hate it immediately, I always apologise which I think is so important. I’m not an angry person by any means but my kids shouldn’t cop it if I’m stressed.

What’s something you’ve learned recently that’s helped you?

The way you show up is so important. Kids notice everything - mood, tone, expression. I’ve learned that if I can show up for my kids with a smile on my face and show them I’m so happy to see them then they’ll be happy too, but if I’m being a massive bummer then they’ll just avoid me. I never want them thinking I’m upset with them, so I try to show them how they make me feel rather than letting outside things bring us all down.

How has motherhood changed you?

Motherhood has made me so much stronger, more emotionally intelligent and empathetic. It really creates a love so deep it touches your soul. I also cry way more in movies than I use to!

What’s something people don’t always see about your life as a mum?

It can be stressful and at times overwhelming. “How can I be better” is always nagging at the back of my mind, which is why it’s so important to me to have time to ground myself and to focus on everything amazing that I have.

What would you say to another mum who might be feeling the same way you have?

Take time for yourself. Reconnect with who you were at the start of your journey and reflect on the family you’ve built.
As mums we will naturally always want to be better, but to our kids we are already the best. That’s all that matters.

Is there someone who has supported you in this season of motherhood that you’d love to give a little shoutout to?

My husband, Jake - always there to listen and to get all the kids energy out before bedtime, to spoil our girls and who always lets me know that I’m a good mum. He loves us SO big.
My little sister Halie also deserves a shoutout, she has helped the both of us get through some crazy times, including 2 out of 3 of my births. She’s my best mate and I’d be lost without her.