Each week we chat to local mums in our community group to discuss lots of different topics. We talk about what keep them ticking while navigating motherhood, what their ideal night out looks like, the ups and downs of motherhood, their interests and hobbies and lots more.

Not only does this allow for our mums to keep a strong hold onto that identity that they so much want to find again after having children but it also allows for a sense of connection within our community group which is what we have strived for since day one.

I hope by creating this virtual village it has given you a life line in your postpartum journey.

This week we chat to local mumma Christie who is a first time mum and talks to us about the isolation that becoming a mother can create and what she did to combat that period.

Thank you Christie for taking part in Meet a Local Mumma and keeping our aim to connect local mums strong.

How long have you lived in the area and why do you enjoy it?

I moved to Mortdale after I got married in 2019. I love the parks and how close I am to transport and shops.

How many children do you have and what are their name\s and ages if you wish to share?

I have a 10 month old boy named Joshua.

What are your favourite local walking tracks and \ or parks?

I feel like there is too many to chose from. I do love walking around Olds Park and Jubilee Park.

What is your favourite beach or waterway?

Seven Mile Beach in Gerroa is my favourite as we spent many summer holidays there as kids. 

Favourite local Cafe & Why?

The Grind in Mortdale. Friendly staff, good coffees and love their waffles (with bacon and maple syrup) which I have had on the rare occasion.

What are your favourite kid friendly activities?

I love taking Joshua to the park either on the a picnic mat or play equipment. He is just a crawler at this stage but he loves being outside and seeing the big kids (or anyone really). He is happy just slapping his hands on equipment that is at his height.

What are your Wet Weather plans?

Depending on the day I head to the library for Rhyme Time otherwise it’s a long day in a unit and often Joshua is happiest playing with a ball on the balcony or a basket of pegs.  

Are you a working mum or SAHM (Stay at home mum)? Tell us about your business if you’d like! 

I am a SAHM for now. I go back to work at the end of June.

What is your hidden talent?

Hmmm…not sure if I have one. It might sound weird but I don’t mind weeding.  

What would you say is the biggest challenge of motherhood?

There are lots of things that are challenging. I think feeling that sense of isolation as you no longer see your working friends and you can’t just quickly pop out of the house…and then when you do its hard not to compare your life and baby to others. 

You’re stranded on a desert island and you find a phone, it has one bar battery. Who are you calling and why? 

Mum. Always Mum. Sorry husband. She just seem to always know what to say.

What would you say is the best part of motherhood?

Seeing Joshua smile at me or those around him.

What would you say keeps you sane while navigating motherhood?

Podcasts. I’ve listened to quite a few especially during the isolation period where it’s mums talking about different mother issues and joys. It was probably more of a mother’s group than the one I was allocated.

What are your interests \ Hobbies?

I love taking photos and videos (there is like a billion photos of bub)

I love being outdoors especially when cooped up in a unit.

Finding new and healthy meal recipes.

What is your idea of the perfect night out?

Anywhere out of the house with just my husband except for maccas (as much as I love a good big mac I like to wait and have a chilled out time just chatting).

What does a typical day look like for you?

Wake. Breakie. Rangle my baby into clothes. Walk. Playtime. Lunch. Playtime. Nap (for bub and hopefully me). Snack. Walk. Dinner. Bathtime. Bubba sleep time. Rinse and repeat.  

What’s something not many people would know about you?

Umm…I love olives. As a kid I wanted to call my kids Olive but husband was not going to the name.

What’s your favourite product to recommend since becoming a mum?

Gro sleeping bags. I got so sick of swaddles.  

How do you think you have changed since becoming a mum?

 I feel like I’m quicker at making decisions on the spot.

What advice would you offer a fellow mum or first time mum?

Don’t stress about things. Every baby is different. I remember crying when I tried feeding Joshua solids at 6 months and he was not interested at all while other people shared what looked like happy snaps of their bubs eating their avocados. He eventually went for it in his own time.

Lastly, is there anything else you would like to share with us?

Happy for a chat if you see me in your travels.