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Susie Verrill is a writer and social media editor. She previously worked for publications including NUTS and LOOK, but is now freelance so that she can travel with her partner Greg Rutherford (MBE and GB Olympian). The couple have two sons, Milo and Rex. Susie combines motherhood with being a social media manager and running her blog My Milo & Me.
Becoming a mum in her twenties, Susie shares her motherhood story in support of our Selfish Mother collaboration, which raises money for Refugee Support Europe. Find out more below…
HI SUSIE, CONGRATULATIONS ON THE ARRIVAL OF REX! WHAT’S IT LIKE BEING A MUM OF TWO?
It’s certainly busier, but actually, I’ve found the transition a whole lot easier than I did with going from none to one. While I didn’t suffer with PND, I didn’t feel ’myself’ properly for the best part of a year after I’d had Milo; everything felt new and it completely knocked me off kilter. This time around I feel like nothing’s happened, I’ve just got another person to love! My c section recovery was fine, I’ve been tired for the past two and a half years anyway so nothing new there and I’ve got used to hitting the ground running from the second I wake up so Rex’s needs have just slotted in. It’s actually been a very pleasant surprise how well it’s all gone!
Susie with newborn Rex and with partner Greg Rutherford and Milo at a wedding.
DID YOU ALWAYS KNOW THAT YOU WANTED TO BE A MUM?
Absolutely. While I enjoyed my career, I was never a ‘career-woman’. I remember being asked what I wanted to be when I was older and I’d always reply, ‘a mum’. I’ve got a great one myself so I think I just wanted to emulate that.
HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU FOUND OUT THAT YOU WERE HAVING MILO?
Nervous, happy and appreciative I could finally put my finger on why I was so tired…
AND WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST EXPERIENCE OF PREGNANCY LIKE?
Feeling very sick (although Rex’s pregnancy was FAR worse so when I look back I actually got off lightly), and wondering why on earth my boobs were so incredibly painful.
HOW DO YOU THINK MOTHERHOOD CHANGED YOU?
I think motherhood’s made me more patient, be that with my own children, other people’s children and adults in general. During my commuter days I would have inwardly tutted at the mum lugging three kids and a scooter in my direction whereas now I’ve got compassion and admiration for anyone who functions with children in tow. I’ve learned how strongly you can love people, find more fun in the every day moments and go to bed each night feeling truly grateful. I also now cry at adverts.
WHAT ARE THE GOOD BITS AND BAD BITS OF BEING A RELATIVELY YOUNG MUM DO YOU THINK?
I’m not so sure age is a factor, I think it’s more where you are in your life. If you feel as though you’ve progressed enough in your career, travelled (if that’s important to you) and have a home to call your own then there’s also the opportunity to be ready to start a family. As a young(ish) mum, there could have been a danger that I wouldn’t have had all my ducks in a row and been comfortable falling pregnant, but I was at a stage where it was my chosen next step. I think other people can often presume if you’re young then you’re missing out on other opportunities.
IS THERE ANYTHING ABOUT MOTHERHOOD THAT TOOK YOU BY SURPRISE?
Oh, just about everything! How absolutely shattered you are, how heart achingly wonderful watching someone else experience things can be, how loud baby farts are.
LOOKING BACK, IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WISHED YOU’D DONE BEFORE MILO ARRIVED?
I wish Greg and I had gone on more debauched nights out.
Susie and partner Greg Rutherford
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT BEING A MUM?
Seeing your children find happiness in the smallest of things and how much love they want to give you.
AND FINALLY, WHAT ARE YOUR TOP FIVE TIPS FOR ANYONE WHO HAS JUST FOUND OUT THEY ARE EXPECTING?
- Don’t listen to any advice! Each and every baby is different so each and every bit of advice is conflicting.
- Don’t worry if you don’t love pregnancy. One of life’s greatest myths is why people like to make out pregnancy is beautiful.
- Read lots of books and watch lots of box sets while you still have some peace and quiet.
- The first few months of first time motherhood are tough. Tough tough tough. Get through it in any way which suits you and makes you feel happy, there’s no right or wrong. And bear in mind your baby will soon be big enough to get plonked in a Jumperoo and you’ll finally get to enjoy hot drinks again.
- Follow other mums on Instagram! It’s such a great community of support, advice and humour and it’ll stop you feeling alone when you’ve had a really tough day. It’s also great for independent baby brands and who doesn’t love a bargain pair of cute leggings?
Brotherly love. Shop the boys' looks - Rex and Milo are wearing The bonnie mob BRUNO blanket and BRONSKI leggings
Susie and the edible Rex are wearing knits from our collab with Selfish Mother to raise awareness for Refugee Support who do wonderful work helping refugees in Europe survive their time in camps in a little more comfort and dignity. The work they do is especially important over the cold winter months. You can help us raise money and get your own knit on our website now, or head straight to the charity's website to donate directly.
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