We sat down with Samantha to talk all things modern motherhood – the juggle, the joy, and the messy middle. From sticky handprints and sleepless nights to the surprising beauty of everyday routines, Samantha shares what motherhood looks like in her world right now, how it’s shaped her, and the little reminders that keep her grounded along the way.
What does modern motherhood look like in your world right now?
It looks like trying to do a lot - and learning to be okay with doing less. It’s juggling work and home, finding time for myself in tiny pockets, and constantly figuring out what “balance” actually means. It’s full of love, guilt, joy, chaos… all of it at once.
Was there a moment that really made you feel like, “yep, I’m a mum now”?
Haha there have been a few! Sticky little finger marks on my white jeans and every window in the house, hot wheels cars clogging my shower drain, one of the many blurry middle of the night newborn feeds, half asleep, hair in knots. But also those little hands holding my face, or reaching for my hand. The random “Mumma, I love you” from the back seat of the car, for no reason at all.
What’s something about motherhood that completely surprised you – in either the best or weirdest way?
How much I would love the mundane parts - the routines, the little rituals, the raw moments. Also how much love my heart could hold - I never experienced an overwhelmingly beautifully sacrificial love like this until becoming a Mother. The protective instinct that kicks in too is wild.
How has becoming a mum changed how you take care of yourself?
It’s made me more intentional. I don’t have endless time anymore, so I really try to protect the little moments I get. A walk alone, a coffee that’s still hot, saying yes to help. It’s not glamorous, but it’s real self-care. I used to feel quite guilty of taking time for myself but I’ve learnt especially in the past year that it’s essential for not only my own mental health but the health of my family.
What do you wish more people talked about in the early years of parenting?
The identity shift. How you can feel like you’ve lost parts of yourself, and how slowly you find your way back - or forward - to a new version of you. I don’t think we talk enough about that in a gentle, honest way.
What’s your go-to for when everything is feeling just a bit too much?
A deep breath. A hot shower. A prayer for inner strength. A call to a friend who gets it. Sometimes just stepping outside for two minutes helps me reset.
Is there a piece of advice that you were given as a new mum that really stuck with you?
“This too shall pass.” It’s such a simple truth, but when you’re in the thick of it - the sleepless nights, the tantrums, the clinginess - it helps to remember that nothing stays the same forever. And those moments are so fleeting.
And a piece of advice that you wish you had been given?
That it’s okay to not love every moment. That doesn’t make you a bad Mum - it just makes you human.
What’s one thing that you’re learning alongside your children right now?
Patience. Every single day. And also how to be more present. Kids are so good at being in the moment, and I’m trying to follow their lead.
What do you hope that your children see in you when they grow up?
That I showed up for them with love, even when I was tired or stretched thin. That I was kind, that I tried, and that I always made space for them to be fully themselves. That I was their safe place and biggest cheerleader.
