No feeling is final’ with Kara Tottenham
Eudaimom got in touch with Kara who is a teacher from Melbourne, Australia and passionate about social justice. She’s a Mum to two adorable kids, a four year and special ‘tubie’ 6 month old. Here’s a little snippet of her journey…
How has being a mother changed or impacted you?
It has completely altered my worldview. Changed my priorities and made me both slow down and never stop.
Tell us something about your kids and the kind of parenting technique you believe in.
I have a son (4 years) and daughter (6 months.) I believe in my kids being themselves and am trying to instill kindness and autonomy in them.
What was your pregnancy journey like?
Both had their challenges. With Ralph I had preeclampsia and with Daphne I had Gestational Diabetes- just bad luck. But two babies at the end of them so that’s a win!
What are the toughest challenges you face / have faced as a mom?
Sleep deprivation for sure with both of the kids. Definitely giving myself over to my children but also trying to take care of myself has been hard. Managing my baby’s health has been a huge challenge. You see all sorts of crazy things as a parent, do share an incident which you perhaps won’t ever forget!
Taking my son to the zoo to show him all the animals, to have him obsess over the bins and the seagulls…
Were there any health challenges for you and your baby during and/or after your pregnancy?
My daughter has had some serious health issues, she caught a virus at 2 weeks old and was hospitalized for 3 months. We are very lucky she survived. On top of the challenge of her being at the hospital, it was very hard to have our boy at home too and not be together as a family. She has been home for a few months, but still has a feeding tube and is recovering.
What is the best thing about being a mom?
Cuddles with my special kids. Being able to watch them learn and grow and make connections with others and the community. It is amazing to imagine the world through their eyes
What are the few things you do everyday that keeps you grounded and keeps you connected to your best self.
Get up and wash my face and get dressed before I go downstairs and start the day. It sounds a bit silly, but it was a habit I formed while my baby was in hospital and it just feels good to start the day on a good, fresh note. I also have a shower to unwind as soon as I can in the evening.
What’s a tip you’d like all mums to know?
That none of us really know what we’re doing! We’re all learning and we all feel lost sometimes. You’re never alone and no feeling is final.
