Months ago, mega social media star Kim Lim shared with us her new take on life after the birth of her son Kyden Kho. In light of this, we’re celebrating three influential power mums — each with a great career and big social media followings — as they give their frank take on how their lives have changed with #motherhood.
SEE ALSO: Why Kim Lim hid her baby bump
1. Claire Jedrek and Baby Oli Tyler Tan
Singapore’s only female race car driver recently added the title of mother to her accolades — she’s also a presenter and the founder of Karting Arena. “I have no idea why I was worried about how I would handle motherhood. It’s been an absolute cracker of a journey,” Claire said. Prior to Baby Oli’s arrival, Claire and her husband Yuey Tan (also a race car driver) told themselves they would try not to change their lives — he would fit into theirs instead. ” [We figured] we’d strap him to our backs and go!”
When asked how motherhood has been so far, Claire explains that practice makes perfect. “We figure the baby stuff out as we go. Every baby is so different, so we never compare ours to another.” Affectionally called their “little maggot”, baby Oli has been making his way around the circuit, and, judging by the outpour of love in the comments sections, into people’s hearts.
Her advice for new parents? “Do what you feel suits you, don’t feel bad for decisions and lastly make sure the milk cap is on tight…spilt milk really does make you cry!
2. Sara-Ann Shuen Krishnamoorthy and Baby Milo
They say it takes a village to raise a child, and journalist, presenter and social media celebrity Sara-Ann Krishnamoorthy agrees. Taking care of the baby from morning to night can be a lonely and isolating experience. But her secret is her husband Vernon Tan. “Every time I’ve needed more help with the baby, he’s always stepped up.” Sara is one of the lucky ones as her relationship has improved by leaps and bounds after the birth of baby Milo. “The trust is deeper, the love is greater and our bond is definitely stronger”
Her husband aside, Sara is frank about the support system power mums need. “Motherhood isn’t all roses. It’s extremely demanding physically, emotionally and even mentally…But having girlfriends who are going through the same experience as well as a village to lean in to are all essential to you growing into your new role as a mum.”
3. Su-Lyn Tan and Baby T3
CEO and co-founder of Ate Group and food author Su-Lyn Tan is no stranger to motherhood — Baby T3 is her third child. She tell us that her experience of motherhood this time is different. “Other aspects of my life are more settled at this point. The business is more mature, and I have a business partner and team that enable me to contribute to our workflow in a more focused, higher-value manner.”
Her third time around is also made a tad easier as she’s experiencing motherhood with expectant and new mumpreneurs. “Our troubleshooting, sharing, ranting and mutual encouragement make this journey less lonely. It has helped me to keep my head clear and develop life strategies.”
One of Su-Lyn’s biggest challenges with motherhood is her age. She explains that at 45 years old, it took longer for her to recover, and the sleep deprivation takes a more evident toll. “But I’m also now more attuned to my body’s needs and have a greater capacity to take care of myself.”
When asked how life has changed with the birth of her third children , Su-Lyn says she has learnt not to sweat the small stuff. “Cliched as it sounds, life changes in the most unexpected ways when you have children…The only constant seems to be change. However, I am forced to acknowledge my limitations a whole lot more – and I need to refine the order of my priorities more closely.”
A common struggle mothers feel is mum guilt. In the post above, she speaks with candour about the pressure mothers feel. “l I feel guilty when I’m on holiday, when I’m at work and when I’m at home. I always feel that there’s something else I ought to be doing—somewhere else I ought to be.” But it’s clear that she’s acing motherhood, especially so when she describes her other two children.
As she puts it so poignantly above, “each day, my children find new ways to teach me life’s greatest lessons.”
Follow us on Instagram (@prestigesg) and remember to hashtag #PrestigeSG if you want to be featured in our next #Hashtag online column. We’re looking for #FirstClassCabins next.
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