Prior to Mother’s Day, talented florist and new mum Amy told us all about her pregnancy journey during lockdown and what it’s been like having gorgeous little Freddie in her life (for over a month now!).
1. Hello Amy! Where are you from and what do you do for a living?
Hello! I’m from Newry and I’m a florist at my business Botanic Lane and also part time Retail Supervisor for an amazing Social Enterprise in Newry called Centred Soul which has a huge passion for gathering women together, in particular supporting, informing & educating those in pregnancy and/or those who are affected by Birth Trauma, Perinatal Mental illness, Pregnancy and/or Infant Loss.
2. What do you love most about your job?
With the floristry, I love being a part of couples weddings, it’s an honour to play a little part in such an important day. In Centred Soul, the atmosphere is the thing I love the most. It’s such a relaxed and welcoming place, if you’re ever in Newry pop by to see what I mean!
3. Mother’s Day is coming up. A very special one for you as you have recently welcomed little Freddie into the world! When was he born and what are your plans for your first Mother’s Day?
Freddie was born on 11th February 2021, we’ve officially survived our first month! I think Mother’s Day will be quiet enough (oh lockdown!) but we’ll probably get out for a nice walk and fingers crossed a bit of extra sleep is on the cards (hopefully my husband sees this! )
4. How was your experience of pregnancy in the midst of lockdown restrictions and Covid-19?
I definitely found pregnancy during lockdown tough at times. It was an anxious time with my husband not being allowed to attend appointments & scans with me and the worry of what way restrictions would be when it came to giving birth. I think it was the unknown and uncertainty that was the hardest part with the added stress of Covid being around. Thankfully when it came to going in to labour and giving birth, we had such a positive experience and had amazing care. Freddie has been the best distraction from everything going on in the world.
5. How did you manage your mental health over the course of your pregnancy and now in your first few weeks of being mum? What do you do to relax and take care of yourself?
We took part in a 5 week hypnobirthing course ran by Sure Start and this was such a massive help during pregnancy and also during labour. The techniques I learnt were such a help when I found myself feeling anxious or overwhelmed. I would highly recommend it to any parents to be. Also having supportive people around you makes such a difference. It’s a big adjustment and my husband Keith has been an absolute star in keeping me sane! Getting me time doesn’t happen too often now but I feel so much better when I get to do my hair, shave my legs and lash a bit of tan on!
6. What do you find is the most challenging thing being a new mum?
It’s a big adjustment in every aspect of life but I think getting used to your whole life now revolving around this little person, so simple things like getting a shower has to fit around naps or trying to get him to sit in his bouncer long enough to have the quickest shower possible! It just takes time to get in to the swing of a new routine.
7. What is the most enjoyable part of being a mum so far?
Seeing Freddie’s little personality starting to come through is amazing. Even on the days when I’m exhausted, he makes a little noise or face and my heart melts!
8. What advice would you give to women who are about to become a mum for the first time?
Go easy on yourself and whatever way you’re feeling is totally ok! It’s so easy to compare yourself to other mums or feel the pressure to be doing this or that but you do you and go with the flow. You’re going to be the best mum to your little one and take plenty of time to rest and recover after the birth, you’ve just brought a little life in to the world, get those feet up!
Follow Amy on Instagram at @botanic_lane