A new mum’s journey: Love, overwhelm and everything in between

“Oh my goodness, we have our baby,” Kyra remembers saying.

“I always wanted to be a mum, I dreamed of it.”

While motherhood has brought so much joy, it hasn’t come without its challenges.

“It’s hard … there’s no shame in asking for help when you need it,” she said.

Kyra admits she went into pregnancy with uncertainty, particularly around her mental health.

“I have suffered with mental health for an extremely long time,” Kyra said.

“The first trimester wasn't great with the change in hormones.

“But, since having him, it’s been the best it’s ever been. I have definitely transitioned a lot better than I thought that I would.”

While Kyra had always dreamed of becoming a mum, the reality has been bigger and more complex than she expected.

“It’s life-changing,” she said.

“There’s a lot of overwhelm because it’s a human you’re responsible for.”

But Kyra said there was also a feeling of fascination with her baby.

It is a shift that has brought her sense of self into sharper focus.

“I’ve become a mum, so obviously priorities change,” Kyra said.

“But at the same time, I feel more like myself than I ever have before.”

As for Levi, his personality is already shining through.

“Even at three and a half months old … his personality is huge,” she said.

“He's a chatterbox. He loves to talk. He’s just recently started giggling … I love it so much.”

For her first Mother’s Day, Kyra is hoping for a slow morning, even if she said a sleep-in might be “mission impossible”.

Mother’s Day afternoon will be spent at a flower market with her partner, Matt Zeqir, and their mums.

This year will be extra special, as Levi’s the first grandchild on Kyra’s side of the family.

Being a Tatura local means Kyra is surrounded by family and friends, which has made the transition into motherhood feel more manageable.

“Matt has a huge family, and they're incredible,” she said.

Kyra said she had also found community in Shepparton with other new mums by attending sessions at Matilda’s Playcafe and joining weekly mum walks.

Having that ‘village’ has made all the difference.

“Even if it’s a random question at three o’clock in the morning when I wake up to him, I’ve got people I can text,” she said.

For Kyra, one lesson stands out.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it,” she said.

“Even if it’s something as simple as asking someone to hold your baby while you do the dishes.”

Housework, she added, can wait.

“Now that I’m on maternity leave, I realise work is not all there is to life,” Kyra said.

“He’s taught me how to slow down.”