My dear friend without children.
Hundreds of years ago we used to hang out. All the time. Our lives were entwined, our dreams were aligned and our parallel paths stretched long ahead.
Then these other people came into my life. People I haven’t known as long. The little people that have snatched all of my heart and most of my time.
You and I still hang out, but it’s so different, I know. I’m sorry. Read more
How wonderful are friendships? They bring so much joy into life. But I think you do need the right ones.
I was one of those pregnant women who swore life WOULD NOT change after baby. I’d have the baby, go out often, travel the world, be a fun and constant friend, work full-time and climb the corporate ladder. Needless to say, things didn’t quite turn out that way.
Parenthood turns your life on its head. It shakes up everything. Including friendships. And it’s not just immediately after baby, there are other times when motherhood alters the landscape of your friendship circle.
I adore clothes shopping. Probably a little too much. And it doesn’t have to be shopping for me – I am just as happy to tag along on a friend’s shopping expedition. In fact, I sort of love that.
They say everyone has a secret super power – mine is an encyclopaedic knowledge of what stores stock what and where they are located in Carindale shopping centre. That and the ability to spot a bargain at fifty paces. Plus, I am pretty honest.
Do you want to come shopping with me?
The first few months after having a baby (particularly your first) are disorienting, isolating and a little bit lonely. I am so grateful that I had a network of support around me. Friends that I could call at any hour. Friends to laugh with. Friends to cry with. Friends to complain to. Friends I could hand a baby to when I just needed five seconds to myself.
Note to pregnant mums: build your support networks just as carefully as you prepare the nursery. You are going to need back-up more than your baby will need twenty bond’s wonder suits. And in reality that back-up is most likely to going to in the form of another mum.
