If you have ever been scrolling on Instagram and thought, how come she makes breastfeeding look so easy? Or, how come her baby sleeps through the night? Or, why is her house always so clean? You are not alone. We are at our most vulnerable after having a baby. We’re sleep deprived, hormonal and often overwhelmed. Adding social media, which often only shows the good parts into this headspace, is a recipe for endless comparisons and judgment.
With the rise of social media, women are just a swipe away from connecting to this mind field of picture perfect images and happy-go-lucky reels. Whilst the purpose may be for entertainment, there is a real risk of the mindless 3am breastfeeding scroll, turning into a barrage of negative self talk.
Just like in the “real-world”, if a friendship is not serving you and meeting your needs anymore, then it’s time to let go. We need to apply this same rule in the digital space. You can unfollow or block accounts to ensure your feed is curated to making you happy. There are more and more mums on social media who are sick of the filtered, photoshop approach and combating this by creating real, raw content. These are your allies. Follow them. And remember, you’re doing a great job!
We asked mums from our community to share a poignant memory from their motherhood journey. Prompted with three questions to help them start, it didn’t take long for them to open the flood gates. Watch their stories below.
Tell us about a time in your motherhood journey that stands out and why?
What do you wish you knew then that you know now?
What would you tell yourself if you could go back in time to this moment?
If you would like to join our #RawMotherhoodMovement, please share your video or post by answering these questions and tagging @cakematernity.
Clare, 30, Mum of 2
I wanted to participate in the Raw Motherhood Movement because I loved the idea of seeing real mothers in nursing bras not models. One of the best parts of being a mother is the other mothers. You find your own village, and they’re the ones who cheer you on and tell you you’re a good mum even when you don’t feel like it.
Ebony, 34, Mum of 2
To be honest I don’t really feel like a warrior right now. I know I’m a good mum, but breastfeeding has been far from easy, and I’m in the middle of working through the grief of not being able to continue the way I would like to. For me, being a part of this warrior campaign feels really raw at the moment. I know though that this too shall pass, and I hope my story can bring courage to others who might be feeling the same way.
Gabriella, 27, Mum of 2
2.5 year old boy and 1 little boy born sleeping in July 2021. Currently 30 weeks PAL with our little girl.
I wanted to be involved because I’m right in the thick of the pregnancy – breastfeeding – pumping – repeat – years. Having breastfed my first son for 9 months and having a relatively easy breastfeeding journey with him, to losing our second son due to a stillbirth at 23 weeks.
Instead of suppressing my milk supply, I wanted to make something good come of our devastating loss, so I decided to exclusively pump and donated over 4L to 8 other babies in need of donor milk.
Now 30 weeks pregnant again, I’m getting ready to be back feeding my little girl once she is earthside.
