Reflecting on her journey to motherhood, new mum Sharlene Singh says she looks back in disbelief. “The notion that I’m now responsible for a little human has not been lost on me!”
Diagnosed with hyperemesis (severe type of nausea and vomiting) early on in her pregnancy, it was endless rounds to the hospital that took its on toll on her. “It was the toughest thing physically or mentally that I’ve ever done – with the constant thought of ‘there is no way I can do this’. But here we are nine months postpartum – with our son now earth-side longer than he was in the womb.”
Sharlene’s son who is named Kiran, a Sanskrit word for ‘rays of the sun’, entered the world in a breathtaking fashion – quite literally. “After an emergency caesarean he was promptly whisked away to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) due to trouble with his lungs,” says Sharlene recounting the day her little sunshine was born.
“Our little fighter showed the world who was boss, with us finally being able to hold him on day four, and the oxygen machines unhooked the day after. It was an unexpected start to motherhood, and proof that you should throw that birth plan out the window!” laughs the young mum.
“The moment Kiran looks straight into my eyes, I forget all about the ups and downs we’ve been through and the sleep deprivation. I can’t help but feel wonder and pride towards this little human I’ve grown, watching him explore and discover this world around us. Don’t get me wrong, it hasn’t all been sunshine and rainbows, and I absolutely couldn’t have done it without the support of my loved ones. They weren’t kidding when they say it takes a village!
“I thought that I would miss the routine and person that I was, with a job in Marketing that I love, devoting all my spare time to our dog Louie. As an introvert I thrived on solitude and independence. But now I am so much more, and will continue to adapt as Kiran evolves.
“So how has motherhood changed me? I’m now a nurturer, a speedy nappy-changer, a kisser of booboo’s, middle-of-the-night-cuddler and so much more. I’m Kiran’s mum, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
