The Conversation - Frances McKenna
Frances is 38, she worked as a Property Manager for an Estate Agency before becoming a full-time mum and she has twin boys who are 2 years old. We asked her about how she adjusted to life as a mum and what it’s like to have twins.
How would you sum up how your life has changed since becoming a mum?
My life has changed so much since becoming a mum, I honestly never knew that a baby (or in my case, two babies) who were so tiny, could change your life so dramatically. Suddenly your life is all about them and their needs, and your own needs become secondary to that. I look after my boys full time (due to childcare costs for two children being so high) so I am with them all the time, I therefore have to try hard to not lose focus on my own identity. I can honestly say that being a mum has been the most challenging, but the most rewarding thing I have ever done.
What’s the best thing about being a mother?
The love I feel from them and for them (which is like no other love I’ve felt before - like my heart could pop) as well as the pride I feel as I see them growing and learning.
What do you miss from your pre-kids life?
Free time, full night's sleep/lie-ins, lengthy showers/baths, lazy lunches / afternoons in pub gardens, the ability to leave the house quickly and holidays feeling like holidays.
Favourite apps for new mums?
Hoop, Mush & WhatsApp (for mummy chats)
If you could give one piece of advice to expectant mothers, what would it be?
Sleep now, while you can.
Can you share with us how pregnancy was with twins and how becoming a mum to twins was?
My pregnancy was naturally exciting, but a worrying time too. Due to carrying twins, I hit quite a few hurdles throughout the pregnancy, which was quite stressful, but we got there in the end.
Being a mum to twins is amazing and I feel very lucky, but it’s definitely a challenge. I think the most challenging part for me has always been the juggling act. From learning how to feed two babies at a time in the early days, to more recently trying to find things to tire them out (while all the time needing to keep them somewhere relatively penned in, so they don’t run too far in different directions). They really keep me on my toes, but they are little rays of sunshine, with a lot of energy and spirit and I wouldn’t change them for the world.
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