As we approach our second Mother's Day in national lockdown, no doubt families around the country are doing their best to make the day special for one another.
In a year when so many of us have been separated from our families, or maybe tragically lost loved ones, taking the opportunity to show some love is all the more important.
For Rosanna Davison, it'll be a busier day than last year's, as she has teamed up with One4all to encourage the public to celebrate the joy of motherhood and show their mum how much they appreciate them this Mother's Day.
The former Miss World welcomed twin boys Hugo and Oscar in November 2020, little brothers to Sophia who was born the year before. Here, she opens up about how parenting in a pandemic has been for her, and how she plans to celebrate Mother's Day.
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This will be your first Mother's Day as a mother of three, how are you feeling leading up to it?
This year will be my second Mother's Day, as I had Sophia last year! But it’s going to be even more special this year as a mum of three, and with my family complete. So I’m really looking forward to marking it at home with my husband and babies.
We’re in a support bubble with my parents, so it will be great to see my mum too and have a chance to spoil her.
How will you celebrate mother’s day during a pandemic? Any nice plans?
It’s difficult to plan much around our routine and feeding schedule with the babies, but we’ll get out for a walk locally if the weather is good, and treat ourselves to a takeaway in the evening. We haven’t been out to dinner for over a year now, and miss going out for a nice meal but a pizza or Indian takeaway makes a nice treat!
Your household must be a busy one with twins, how are you finding it?
It’s been intensely busy trying to establish a routine with all three, but we’re just focused on surviving each day without anyone crying too much - including us! The first year is such a special time when you have a new baby (or babies!), so we’re making the most of it and really enjoying watching all three grow and develop. Our daughter Sophia is 15 months now, and walking around, and has started saying some words too. So that’s been a lot of fun!
How have you found the press coverage of your pregnancy and comments from followers?
Everyone has been really positive and supportive, which has been so encouraging for us because it can be daunting to share such a personal story. But doing so has opened my eyes to how many others are struggling with infertility or pregnancy loss, and how important it is to share experiences to hopefully help other couples. I have found speaking openly about miscarriage to be very healing.
Is life as a mum the way you imagined it, or different?
It’s even better than I imagined. It’s a love like no other, and my heart is just bursting with happiness, as cheesy as that sounds! As exhausting and intense as it is to look after two newborns and a toddler, it’s also the most happy and content I’ve ever felt.
What's surprised you about motherhood?
The importance of trusting your instincts and getting to know your own child over taking advice from others. Before Sophia was born in November 2019, I bought books on babies and parenting, and read loads of articles. But nothing is the same as having the hands-on experience of a baby and learning as you go. You can only try your best and do what you feel is right for your own child.
How have you found parenting through lockdown, especially with three young children?
For us, it’s been the best time to go through pregnancy, childbirth and parenting because we can focus completely on our children. I’m back working but my husband is home from work as his business is shut, so it’s been great to have his help and the precious family time together.
What do you do to make time for yourself and destress?
I make sure to take 30-45 minutes each day to get some exercise. We have a small home gym, so I usually train in the morning when the boys are asleep and Wes takes Sophia. I love the bit of time to myself and the energy boost it gives me. It’s helping to keep me sane!
What are you most looking forward to doing with your kids once lockdown lifts?
My grandmother will be 95 this year, and she lives in Wexford so she hasn’t met the twins yet, and we haven’t been able to visit her since late summer 2020. We can’t to visit her once restrictions have lifted and introduce the boys to her. She’s already received her first vaccination, so that’s been a great relief for the family.
