Motherhood Minis: Bitesize Interviews with Real Mums - Keeping it real with Hannah.
Hey everyone and welcome to our October edition of Motherhood Minis, featuring bitesize interviews with real mums. A quick unfiltered glimpse into the lives of our Matchstick Monkey parents and their little ones!
This week, we chat with the lovely Hannah Louise Evans. Hannah is a mum, wife and Parent Panelist for Mammas and Pappas. Hannah’s Instagram features Luna being cute, amazing outfits and beautifully captured moments, but she’s also not afraid to “spread the realness of motherhood as thick as Nutella” in her no holds barred captions. We catch up over a non-decaff coffee on the 3 am club (we all belonged to it, ladies!), winging motherhood and the importance of recharging.
Hannah lives in the North West of the UK with her husband Tom and beautiful 6-month old daughter, Luna. They also share their home with their “other two children”, cockapoos Hendricks and Pippa.
What have you learned about the reality of having children that you could never have predicted before becoming a parent?
Hannah: That the term ‘winging it’ was probably created for motherhood. There’s no right answer, no one-way street, the reality of having children is that you make it all up, and enjoy every surprise that it throws at you.
Do you think parents, mothers, in particular, have a tendency to put themselves under pressure to be the perfect parent?
Hannah: 100%. When we’re obsessed with our little humans why wouldn’t we? Not to mention how easy it is to log onto social platforms every morning and find yourself comparing your world to the airbrushed moments’ others choose to share. We’re all guilty of it - I do it all the time. After a good self pep talk I always come to the conclusion that Luna thinks I’m pretty special, so that’s all that matters right?!
What was the best advice that you could give to an expectant mum/dad?
Hannah: Accept help, and enjoy a HOT, un-microwaved cup of coffee! Whenever, wherever. A happy mum means a happy child and support from others will help you to achieve that, absolutely no judgement. It’s so important to relax and recharge, even supermama looks forward to a day off.
Do you see yourself as an influencer?
Hannah: No, not at all. I write and share because I love it, it’s just a bonus if women relate.
How has your growing Instagram following changed your day to day life?
Hannah: I wouldn’t say it’s changed much, however, it’s wonderful to have a constant support base that I can go to for help, advice, and a bloomin’ good rant. Motherhood can be a scary place, so you could say Instagram has been my saviour when I’m running on empty.
Why do you think your account has become so popular, is this something you planned from the start?
Hannah: I never planned it, no, but I’d say it’s because I try to be real and raw. Instagram tends to showcase a wonderful side reel of ‘highlights’, and it can be easy to think that you’re failing as a mother. I want every woman to know that if every day she goes to bed with a little one that’s happy, she’s smashing it, and that is why they hit the follow button on our account.
How old were your children when they started to teeth?
Hannah: Six months - we’re currently in the midst of it. SOS!
Did any of your children have symptoms of teething, or did they just come through without a fuss?
Hannah: I wish! We are officially part of the 3 am club right now as she wakes every hour. I’d definitely say she loves a good snug at the moment too, which would be glorious if it wasn’t accompanied by dribble.
Did you use any teething products? If so, what helped?
Hannah: We have used our matchstick monkey (OBVIOUSLY!). Luna loves things she can get a firm grip on as her chewing is certainly crazy, plus they’re both bright and cute, which keep her distracted - winner!