Today is a day to celebrate mothers, in all their shapes and forms. But we know that today can also be a hard day for those missing their mums, those who long to be mums, and those whose mums are not all they hoped they would be.
In today's blog, we spend the morning with our co-founder Alex, her gorgeous daughters Quincy and Pearl and mother Madeleine. Alex, Madeleine, Quincy and Pearl all share their thoughts on motherhood, from birth stories to their dreams for the future.
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Alex
1. Let’s go back to the beginning! What do you remember about the births of your kids?
Quincy was an emergency c-section after about 15 hours of labour. She was ramming her little noggin against my cervix so it started to close, and she was getting distressed that all her efforts weren’t getting her out. Eventually they whipped her out the sun roof and I finally held this beautiful girl I’d been waiting about a decade to meet. Pearl was a planned c-section on advice of the doctors because of what happened with Quincy. Pearl was a huge baby (4.4kg), but the planned cesarean was just a walk in the park relative to poor Quincy!
2. Who / what were the essentials that got you through that early newborn phase?
Bobby! My fella was / is a god send. He took paternity leave twice and we really figured it all out together. And the other thing that got me through was a little laser pen that I used when I had severely damaged nipples from breast feeding - that pen worked magic!!
3. How would you describe your own mums parenting style, and what have you incorporated into how you’re bringing up your girls?
Mum was a nurturing and devoted mama. We grew up on a hobby farm on the Mornington peninsula, it was pretty idyllic really although you never recognise it at the time. We probably all took for granted a bit how much she set aside to be there for us 24/7. She is very passionate about art and really incorporated a tonne of creative activities into our lives every week. She was quite strict I think, although my older sisters would say that I had it easy as the youngest child! Mum is an amazing chef too, and really set the bar high for home cooking! We were all encouraged to just do whatever made us happy.
It’s funny how much of mum I see in myself now. Definitely this innate need to craft with my kids is straight from the school of mum! And I really hope I can emulate the sense of safety, support and devotion - that limitless love that I always felt from my parents.
4. What four things do you hope for your kids futures?
Happiness
Good friends
Good health
A society and government that prioritises the environment
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Madeleine
1. Let’s go back to the beginning! What do you remember about the births of your kids?
Charlotte was born on Melbourne Cup Day. As labour was progressing slowly her dad thought it would be a good idea to pop out to the track for the big race. Friends spotted him outside and sent him back in.. just in time! A couple of days later we enthusiastically took the opportunity arranged by the hospital to enjoy a celebratory dinner out, which we did at Hermann Schneider’s famed Two Faces restaurant. Perfect! A week or two later however, not so perfect, was my readmission with excruciating mastitis and raging temperature. Highs and lows!
Sophie’s arrival went comparatively smoothly despite an anxious rush to hospital in the middle of the night and trying nervously to access entry. I remember being sent to shower immediately after delivery, limp back to my bedroom.. and cuddle and feed my new baby. What a joy!
Alexandra was not in a hurry to make her appearance and her father was in fact fortunate to meet his new baby daughter due to the unforeseen delay of the flight back to his interstate work. Some bonding with his daughter as a bonus and off to the airport he went.
2. Who / what were the essentials that got you through that early newborn phase?
Nappy Wash pickups and deliveries. Miraculously meeting Jenny in the playground with her three same-age boys who became dear friends for life. Flying off to join my husband interstate when Alexandra reached six weeks and stay a couple of months as a family of five.
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3. How would you describe your own mums parenting style, and what have you incorporated into how you’re bringing up your girls?
Was nothing short of heroic. Widowed at 48 she raised five children, the youngest only five years old. She must have been lonely and constantly worried in her solo parenting. She was a beautiful person, elegant, calm, dignified, nurturing and loving. A great cook and homemaker and we were surrounded with the stylish trappings of her previous life; but hand-me-downs abounded! Childhood is moulded by the mother’s nurturing and example so each child carries the imprint of the mother for life.
4. What four things do you hope for your kids futures?
Enthusiasm and commitment
Kindheartedness
Respect for themselves and others
Fulfilment of their aspirations.
The maternal instinct is powerful, strong and everlasting. The arrival of a new family member is wonderful and awe inspiring. What a lucky woman am I to have three beautiful daughters to light up my life!
QUINCY (4yrs)
1. Let’s go back to the beginning! What do you remember about your birth?
I liked it when I went to the hospital. I was a bit scared. I did a wee on the doctor.
2. What was the best bit about being a little baby?
I liked all the travelling we did.
3. What do you love doing with mum?
Giving and hugs and love.
4. What kind of mum will you be?
I will be a mum like my mum.
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PEARL (2yrs)
1. Let’s go back to the beginning! What do you remember about your birth?
You were a young lady.
2. What was the best bit about being a little baby?
Baba.
3. What do you love doing with mum?
Playing.
4. What kind of mum will you be?
Lollies.
Read other interviews on the Kip&Co blog
