Becoming a mom is life-changing – suddenly you have a range of totally new problems, demands and needs, and you have a lot less time and energy. But it can also mean new opportunities, as is the case with Shannon McLaughlin and Olivia Fox, who turned their challenges into flourishing businesses.
‘I’m a web designer by profession. Before my son Leo was born, I had this vision that after three months off I’d get back into working from home with him sleeping blissfully next to me. But we had a traumatic birth experience and once Leo was there all he wanted was to be on me – sleep on me, be awake on me, all the time.’
Shannon decided to look into babywearing – so that she could be hands-free. ‘I tried several different wraps. I became quite a pro at wrapping Leo around me with one of those fabric carriers, but in summer, by the time we were wrapped and ready, I had worked up a sweat and just wanted to get out of it again! I needed something comfortable, breathable and easy to wear (that didn’t take half an hour to figure out) – and that still looked beautiful. It also had to be easily adjustable so that his dad could also wear it. There were some great options from abroad but it cost a fortune to get them here. The other problem was that I couldn’t find one carrier that could take me through from newborn to toddler, which meant a lot of wasted money.’
Denne historien er fra January 2017-utgaven av Fairlady.
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Denne historien er fra January 2017-utgaven av Fairlady.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
'DESIRE IS NOT WHAT MATTERS'
Emily Nagoski wrote the book on women and desire - literally. And then her own sex life dried up. Here's what a prolonged sex drought (and a load of research) taught her about maintaining intimacy in a long-term relationship.
'We have to tell HARD STORIES'
Theatre director and playwright Yaël Farber is spending time in South Africa after her critically acclaimed run of King Lear at the Almeida Theatre in London. We chatted to her about the importance of the pursuit of truth.
THE WHY, THE WHICH & the wardrobe
We really got into it this month! Read on for more on the allure of a loosey-goosey jumpsuit, vintage-hunting and jingle-jangling jewellery, the best places to find quality African design and short-girl styling tips.
LIFT your GAME
Thought weightlifting was just for bodybuilders and powerlifters? Not so. In fact, 'lifting heavy shit' may be the secret to longevity, hormone regulation and mood for women through perimenopause and beyond.
TREATMENT PLAN ON YOUR MARKS
Armed with a six-month programme from Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates, Jennifer Morin set about tackling her sun damage and melasma.
PLAYING YOUR CARDS RIGHT
Here's how to get the most out of loyalty cards.
BIG SKY Country
Namibia. Twelve friends, five vehicles, 4000 km, thirteen days. Eight punctures, one angle grinder. One martial eagle, one full moon, one ghost town. Plenty of top-quality braais, maybe not quite enough oysters... and the best time ever.
IS YOUR HOME MAKING YOU SICK?
Leaks, damp and poor ventilation in old or poorly built new homes are being fingered for a growing health concern: mould.
HOW TO REALLY GET TO KNOW SOMEONE
The Korean word 'nunchi' describes 'the ability to be sensitive to other people's moods and thoughts'. It's an underrated skill that we seem to have lost.
How to write a memoir
Whether you want to share your experiences and insights with the world, leave a legacy or track pivotal experiences for yourself, writing your memoir can be a grand and worthwhile adventure. Here's some advice on how and where to begin.
