Self-Care Mummy Blog Series - Week 19

This New Year I’m talking all about Self-Care as a mum and how important it is to take that time for us. Every week I’ll be bringing you a new guest blog post with some top tips and hopefully throughout the next few months we’ll have put together an amazing list of different ideas for self-care.

This week is Kate Stoddart-Scott.

Tell us a bit about yourself - who you are, what you do and a bit about your family:

Thirty something year old person who grew up living abroad and believes that because of this (plus some other stuff) I have unreserved ability to talk to anyone! I’m a photographer, a storyteller/reportage photographer. I don’t shoot the posed, I shoot the real! Inspired by the non reality that are photos of kids in fields of corn at golden hour. Just doesn’t represent this chapter of life! Hobbyist turned pro within the past year. Wife of six years and mummy of nearly five years to Hattie (4) and Jack (3).

What do you do for self-care as a mum and how do you make time for self-care?

I walk the dog, truly! We have a six month old puppy and walking her with the children is a chore ... when they are at school and nursery I go for much longer walks, with music (so necessary) and think about me. I also use essential oils and breathing exercises, breathing exercises more so when overwhelmed. And I am a strong believer in the word STOP. Sometimes you’ve just got to get off the world!

What are your three top tips for self-care for mums?

1. Matrescence - it’s actually a thing. Your body changes and your whole psychological set up ALSO changes!! Accept it and don’t fight it, you are not going crazy nor will are you losing your identity. You are merely evolving.

2. Children - they’re like animals, they really are that simple, in particular their communication skills! Remember that when they are screaming at you or they haven’t slept for their usual amount of time - take that as the warning sign that they need something else from you, generally just a cuddle/your attention. ‘If in doubt cuddle it out’ is my motto.

3. Honesty - with yourself, your family and friends. Tell everyone how are you feeling, truly ... even when they’ve annoyed you as they haven’t behaved as you thought they would when you became a parent!

Are there any products/businesses/podcasts ect that you would recommend for self-care?

Sound (music), smell (Neom is my saviour when feeling flush!) and Sarah Ockwell-Smith! I try to keep it as simple as possible! Ooh, when things are mega tough I revert back to my hypnobirthing app, bonkers hey!!

You can see more of Kate over at:

Website

I hope you enjoyed reading this lovely guest blog post by Kate all about self-care as a mum! Be sure to check out the blog next week for another guest blog post all about self-care!

Have a lovely day!

Emma x

If you would love to take part in this blog series please head to our website here!