Mum’s Journey: Bobby and I Have Fun at Medela’s Morning Tea

I'm Not Usually One to Feel Anxious or Nervous

This is probably because I don't put myself in situations where I don't know anyone, but, on this occasion, I found myself driving up the highway singing along to Whitney (as per usual), sipping the biggest coffee I could get my hands on at McDonald's while Bobby was sleeping peacefully in the back.

All was well… or, so I thought! By the time I hit Melbourne I had a sick feeling come over me, a feeling I had never really felt before. I felt alone and nervous as I was looking for the entrance to the car park.

At one stage I was even thinking to myself, I wish I had of just stayed home!

As I walked into the hotel, I saw hundreds of people who were there for the Medela Symposium. Bobby immediately started to fuss, which made me so nervous. He wanted to be fed!

I wanted to turn and run back to my car, but, as I looked around, people started to smile at me and compliment how sweet my little Bobby looked.

A Few Kind Words Go a Long Way!

I spotted a spare seat and made my way there with my pram. As I took Bobby in my arms and started to feed him, I was approached by two ladies who were also guests at the event. They congratulated me on publicly breastfeeding and offered to get me something to eat and drink.

How sweet of these women to be so kind, I instantly felt comfortable and confident in a place that had me initially feeling nervous.

An Inspiring Speech Almost Brought Me to Tears

I was lucky enough to meet Jessica Macpherson, CEO of a beautiful organisation St Kilda Mums, Geelong Mums and Eureka Mums in Ballarat. She made a speech that was truly inspiring and heartfelt. It was hard to hold back the tears as she read out the statistics of women and children struggling to make ends meet and living in poverty.

Jessica was absolutely wonderful. Her speech has definitely inspired me and opened my eyes. I'm very much looking forward to volunteering at one of her locations and I will be encouraging everyone around me to also consider volunteering or donating to such a deserving cause.

Another amazing speaker on the day was Jarrod from Life's Little Treasures, another wonderful charity that provides support, information and more to families of premature or sick babies. Jarrod spoke of his experience as a father or not only one but two premature babies. He discussed how proud he was of his wife for breastfeeding through such a difficult and stressful time.

What a Wonderful Event!

The team at Medela put on a beautiful morning tea with wonderful guest speakers and some very beautiful artwork created by the students from Holmesglen Tafe and the most stunning photographs of mums just being real, taken by Suzie Blake.

It's important to remember that every journey is different. We have different feelings, reactions and wants. We all parent differently.

This does not mean that one way is right and the other is wrong. It simply means that we are different and we need to support each other.

#everyjourneymatters

Do you agree that, as mums, we need to do everything we can to support each other? How would you describe your experience as a new mum? Let’s have a chat here or on the Medela Australia Facebook page!