Episode 31 | Tayla
In this episode, Tayla shares her experiences of becoming a mum to Emily and Paul, reflecting on two postpartum seasons that brought different challenges, as well as a growing sense of confidence in herself as a mother.
After unexpectedly falling pregnant with Emily, Tayla prepared for a planned caesarean and the physical recovery that would follow. She shares the overwhelming experience of those first days, learning to care for a newborn, and her decision to formula feed. We talk about the judgement she experienced around feeding, the anxiety she felt when Emily initially struggled with weight gain, and the importance of feeling supported in the decisions we make for our families.
Tayla also reflects on navigating motherhood without a relationship with her own mum, and the enormous role her husband, mother-in-law and close friends have played in supporting her through both postpartum experiences.
When Paul arrived, Tayla felt far more confident in herself and her ability to care for a newborn. But despite a more positive experience recovering from her second caesarean, the transition to two children was challenging. When Paul became seriously unwell at just 10 days old, followed by another hospital admission with RSV at 10 weeks old, Tayla experienced significant anxiety that affected her sleep, confidence and ability to leave the house.
We talk about how opening up to her husband and friends helped Tayla begin to feel more like herself, the importance of connection during difficult postpartum seasons, and why she wishes she had sought support for her mental health sooner.
Tayla also shares her experience of returning to paid work after just three months with both children, a decision driven by financial necessity rather than personal preference. We discuss the realities of combining paid work with caring for two young children, navigating daycare, and the difficult choices families face when parental leave is not financially sufficient.
Looking back, Tayla reflects on the confidence she has developed through motherhood, the joy of watching her children form a sibling bond, and her biggest piece of advice to her earlier self - stop worrying about every little thing, and trust yourself more.
Thank you to this week’s sponsor, Rest in the Postpartum Season - guided yoga nidra practices created for mothers.
If you’re looking for a simple way to slow down, rest and take a little time for yourself, you can find practices ranging from five to fifteen minutes at
https://www.thepostpartumseason.com/rest-in-the-postpartum-season-1