Motherhood by Jemma Leighton

Please introduce yourself: Name, what do you do & how many children you have.

Hi, I’m Jemma founder of Stilettos to Strollers and I live in South West London. I have two children Everley who is 2.5 and Rory 9 Months.

I started Stilettos to Strollers to empower more women to have the birth they want through learning about their options, their body and how their birth partner can support them. I am a hypnobirthing teacher and run courses throughout South West London, I’m also a birth trauma Rewind practitioner. I’m passionate about women understanding and owning birth.

How do you manage to juggle work and life balance as a mother?

Since having my second child it’s become a bit trickier, but I have time blocked out for when I’m working. Whether that is teaching a course, preparing for a group or building my business I find I have to be strict about the hours I’m working. I’m also a serial list maker and knowing what I’m going to achieve each week is key.

What top tips would you give to any working mum?

Take some time for you. Make sure in your busy schedule you plan time where you can just relax, or do something you love. We all feel the same way, every working mum has days where she is riddled with guilt where you fee thatl you’re either neglecting your child or your work. Make sure you don’t neglect yourself.

What do you love most about London? Do you have a favourite spot with your children?

I grew up in London, so the city really is home to me. Whenever we return from holiday and fly over the city I get goose bumps I just love it and there is nowhere in the world like London.

London in the summer is just the best, wondering along the South Bank is great fun as there is so much for kids to look at. Stopping at the Royal Festival hall as it’s a brilliant space for young ones and a brilliant location to meet friends.

How do you define quality ‘me-time’?

Going for a run is a real indulgence for me, which I know sounds crazy but I just don’t have the time to do it in winter. So often my ‘me’ time might be just going to get my nails done or having a blow dry, reading some magazines and just relaxing.

What is your favourite & least favourite thing about parenthood?

My favourite has to be bath time, I love watching my kids play together and they are both total water babies. The sleepy cuddles are hard to beat, and knowing that you’re the last one they say I love you to is really special.

Least favourite thing would not having alone time, sharing your toilet break, drinking cold tea and hearing ‘mummy’ 100 times a day. (that’s with only one of them talking)

Tell us something people don’t know about you.

I spent half my childhood stateside, New Jersey to be exact and worked hard not to have the accent when I moved to London.

Given we are all about embracing Motherhood, what advice would you give a first time Mum?

The first thing I always say to mum’s is “you’re doing a great job”, there is so much doubt when you are a new parent and now there as so many books, blogs, influencers all with their own ideas. My advice would be to follow your gut, you know what’s right for you and your baby. You don’t need to follow the pack.

The second this is – it’s just a phase, It’s always just a phase and it won’t last forever.

 I’m a mum and……a birth advocate.

Finally, please let us know what you love most about Kensington Mums?

I love looking at it for inspiration for what to do with my kids, but I like that it’s not all about parenting there are articles that are for me as a woman too.