Clementine Ford has made an entire career out of bold candour and unapologetic honesty. Her words do not beat around the bush, nor do they submit to a world that expects you to be tactful and sparing.
And being a mother hasn’t hindered her desire to be transparent and honest. A new mum to a ten-week-old baby, Ford has written a beautiful but blunt post on Facebook detailing the reality of being a new mum while juggling work.
After explaining that since her baby was born ten weeks ago she has launched a book and embarked on an interstate tour while still staying true to freelance writing obligations, Ford explains that although she appears to “miraculously” be juggling it all, her reality is far from what it seems.
“I’ve had a few women mention to me that [undertaking all this work] is somewhat miraculous with a newborn. And I worry that I might have created the impression that I’m finding it easy or ‘blitzing’ motherhood. So this post is about dispelling those illusions,” she began.
In her signature well-articulated but forthright manner, Ford also details the inherent loneliness that can come with being a new mother.
“The beautiful, intoxicating smiles I’ve learned to grasp onto like a lifeboat can so quickly turn to red eyed wailing and then it’s just me out there, adrift in the ocean with nothing but sea around for miles.”
And about all those things she bought in preparation for the baby? No thank you, says baby, I’m not interested in the hundreds of dollars you spent preparing for me, writes Ford.
“Before I had my baby, I bought a number of things that I felt sure they needed – indeed, felt sure they’d love because my friends babies do. What a waste. Sleep hammock? Hates it. Baby swing? Nope.”
More than that, it was how her body responded to the birth that left her most surprised.
Top Comments
Good for her, I've always loved how honest and real she is. I'm stoked she's still writing, even though it must be so tough doing it when her bub is yet to reach 3 months of age.
As for the pelvic floor situation, I was exactly the same. It took more than a month for it to begin healing itself - I was literally incontinent! Turns out it's normal, it fixes itself in time, and motherhood (for me) just keeps getting better the older my kids get (they're now 5 and 3).
Love your work Clementine!
Lol to the "Monster" commenter below. Clementine never said she was "uninterested in her baby". She said that there are moments when she finds repetitive motherhood roles uninteresting... Wait, let me guess, you find it interesting to console a crying baby 24/7? Well, sainthood awaits you!
hee hee, too true! I love my kids, I love being a mum, but gee they can drive me crazy and saying and doing the SAME THING over and over is uninteresting!