The Mothers Day Interviews: My Mum

This year to celebrate Mothers Day, I've interviewed a group of Mums that I particularly admire. They are all Mothers with different experiences, views, stories and opinions. Some are from the blogging and social media world whilst others are ones I know in real life. I'm running the series through out this week and we'll be talking about birth stories, parenting advice, sleep deprivation and much, much more!

My final interview in the series is with my own Mum, Ann. She's raised two girls from neurotic to rebellious and back again. She is the most patient, diplomatic and loving person I know. She's also pretty cool and will fight my corner no matter what.

What has been the most challenging aspect of being a Mother?
I don't think there is any one thing, being a mother is challenging, it's still challenging, you never stop being a mother.

What kind of Mum did you think you would be?
To be honest I didn't think about it much, I guess we all hope we will get it right, be loving, gentle, caring.

Did you turn out to be that kind or completely different?
Yes I was loving caring and gentle, I was also tired, tearful, desperate, sometimes bordering on hysterical and emotionally drained.


In what ways are your children most like you?
I'm not sure they are, I have always seen both my daughters as individuals, traits they do share are that they are both loving and caring, hard working, strong independent women.

Can you tell us about your birth experiences?
Every birth has its moments of worry, my first birth was a very long labour, I was exhausted but our a beautiful baby daughter Sarah was very content to sit tight and had no intentions of rushing into the world until she was ready and nothing has changed, when she's ready it will happen, walking, riding a bike etc etc. They tried drugs, gels, breaking of water, epidural, eventually she decided it was time.
My second birth was more text book but still took over 12 hours and I still had to be induced, but crikey this one was in a hurry and I didn't get from waiting room to delivery, I kept telling the midwife it's coming but oh know they knew best until I screamed at the midwife like some crazy women, get my husband back here bitch this baby coming, she had a quick look and all hell broke loose, our beautiful baby girl Amy was on her way head well and truly presented.
I can remember the feeling in my heart when both ours daughters where given to me for the first time, I have never felt such over whelming love, pride and the need to protect. I actually thought I was the cleverest person in the whole wide world. I shared this wonderful time with their father, I could not have done it without him and I know both times were very emotional for him and as I looked at him holding his daughters I saw such love and pride in his eyes.

How do you feel about sharing and giving parenting advice?
Parenting advice is difficult, things change, things that were except able 25 years ago are not now, I think help is probably better.

Whats the worst parenting advice you've ever been given?
I can't remember being given any bad parenting advice.

What are the main differences between motherhood and grandmother-hood?
Motherhood is 24/7, the buck stops with you. Being a grandmother, you still have responsibilities, but most of the time it's just great fun.

Do you treat your Grandchild differently to how you did your own children?
Yes definitely, when you are a mother your children have to fit in with routines and day to day life. When you are a grand mother you make sure your time with your grandchildren is just devoted to them, there are tears sometimes, but most of the time it's just great fun.

How will you be celebrating Mothers Day this year?
Mothers Day, I am being taken out by my daughters, all very secret.