Finding Balance and Staying True to Yourself
Motherhood is an incredible journey filled with its share of joys, challenges, and lessons. In a recent episode of the Missta Mum's Podcast, we had the privilege of sitting down with Tully Humphrey, a first-time mum, founder of the activewear brand Tully Lou, and an advocate for prioritising personal well-being while raising a child.
Here are some highlights from our heartfelt conversation with Tully that shed light on navigating motherhood, maintaining your identity, and making parenting decisions that work for you.
Making Time for Yourself & Why You Come First
As mums, it’s natural to feel like your baby should come first. But as Tully shared, an important lesson she’s learned is that prioritising your own well-being ultimately benefits your child. Recalling advice from her therapist, Tully explained:
“If you’re in a good mindset and you’re feeling good, that energy transfers to your child.”
For Tully, this means carving out time for herself by attending 5:15 AM Pilates sessions, even though waking up early is tough. “Moving my body makes me a better mum for Roller,” she shared. Whether it’s exercise, meditation, or simply having a quiet moment to enjoy your coffee, remember that prioritising yourself is a gift to your little one, too.
Breaking the Stigma on Choosing an Elective C-Section
Tully made the decision to have an elective C-section—a choice rooted in her desire for control and peace of mind. She opened up about her thought process:
“I’m a very routine person, and the idea of not knowing when or how my baby would arrive gave me anxiety. Choosing a C-section allowed me to feel calm and prepared.”
While this decision drew some criticism from others, Tully emphasises the importance of trusting your instincts and making decisions that align with your mental health and personal circumstances. Every birth story is valid, and as she puts it, “What matters most is that you and your baby are healthy and happy.”
Letting Go of Mum Guilt
Another major decision Tully made was to formula-feed her daughter, Roller, from the start. As someone who struggled with an eating disorder in the past, she knew breastfeeding could take a toll on her mental health. She chose formula feeding as the best option for her family, explaining:
“I didn’t want to risk slipping into old habits or feeling overwhelmed. Formula feeding allowed me to be the present, happy mum Roller deserves.”
Tully’s transparency about her choice highlights the importance of doing what feels right for you and your baby. Her advice? “Do your research, trust your gut, and don’t let anyone make you feel guilty about how you feed your child.”
Tully's experience underscores the importance of choosing a feeding method that aligns with one's mental health and personal circumstances. Whether opting for formula feeding, breastfeeding, or bottle feeding, it's crucial to prioritise both the mother's well-being and the baby's needs. For parents who choose formula feeding, products like the Missta Thermos can offer convenience and support during feeding times. Ultimately, the best choice is one that ensures a healthy and happy experience for both parent and child.
Finding Your Identity as a Mum
One of Tully’s biggest fears entering motherhood was losing her sense of self. “I’ve seen friends lose their identity after having kids, and I didn’t want that to happen to me,” she shared. By staying true to her passions, like running her business and prioritising fitness, Tully has embraced motherhood while staying connected to the person she was before Roller came into her life.
For mums worried about balancing their new role with their personal identity, Tully offers this reminder:
“You’re still you—just a new version. It’s okay to hold onto the things that bring you joy.”
The Power of Vulnerability
Motherhood has brought out a new level of openness in Tully, both online and in real life. She shares her experiences candidly, from parenting wins to moments of doubt, fostering connection with other mums. While the online mum community can be wonderfully supportive, Tully has also faced criticism from strangers on social media. Her approach? Focus on the positives and ignore the noise.
“Every mum and every baby is different. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting, so don’t let others’ opinions dictate your journey.”
Listen to Podcast Episode
Tully’s story is a testament to the strength and resilience of mothers everywhere. Her journey reminds us to embrace our unique paths, make decisions with confidence, and never lose sight of who we are.
What’s one way you’ve prioritised yourself as a parent? Leave a comment on our podcast episode, and let’s keep the conversation going.
Tune in now or save it for later: Missta Chat's with Tully Humphrey
For more inspiring stories and parenting tips, subscribe to the Missta Mums Podcast to check out all our podcast episodes on Spotify or Apple.
Whether you need a thermos for formula, a formula dispenser, or baby bottle, Missta has the solutions to make feeding simple, efficient, and enjoyable.
