On the 9th of January, our colleague, Inyene (Awakessien) Inimfon of Tenoil, welcomed a beautiful baby girl. We caught up with her to find out her interesting journey into motherhood.
Tell us the grand story of Victoria’s arrival
My birth was far from what I had imagined – yet the whole experience was utterly amazing. Victoria Inimfon was born on the 9th of January, 2017, hearty and healthy after 17hours of labour.
What has been your greatest shock about motherhood?
The greatest shock has been the unexpected journey…how all of a sudden I have this 24 hour job that can surprise, educate and confuse me at the same time. It’s crazy how emotional I have gotten.
What has been your greatest joy about motherhood?
EVERYTHING!
Seriously, it’s hard to pick just one. The laughter, unconditional love, the sense of purpose, accepting the responsibility for a life to nurture. If I had to pick one, my greatest joy will be experiencing every emotion – raw and exposed.
Some days, it’s the best experience of my life; other days, I want to run away. Most days, I question every decision, I beat myself up, over-think every result and randomise different scenarios. Feeling it all, the good, the bad, gives my life purpose.
There are no handbooks and no two days are alike.
Three myths you heard about being a mother and babies that you have proven wrong.
- A good mother can do it all, all at once: LIES! Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Nothing beats a great support system.
- Motherhood comes naturally: WRONG! Mothering is a learned skill – Being a mother is a difficult, scary, exhausting job. But it’s not conventional to say so.
- Your maternity leave is like a vacation: LAUGHS OUT LOUD.
How do you cope with little Victoria’s energy? How do you combine sleepless nights and your 9 – 5?
Honestly don’t know how I do it.
You just do what you gotta do. I currently have her on a routine, where she is awake and I am able to spend time with her in the mornings and after work. I am typically a morning person, so my day gets started at 4:30am. We play, feed, shower and put her to sleep before work and the routine is repeated once I get home ( which is typically at 6pm) most days.
Above all, I have a great support system that allows me to sleep through the night 2 times a week every work week. Body no be firewood.
What are your fitness tips as a new mother?
- Work out first thing in the morning before the day gets away from you. If you wait till after work, you may never get a work out in.
- Just move! – Adopt a daily exercise attitude. No matter if it’s a brisk walk, a few sets of crunches, skipping, yoga, find some time each day to move your body.
- Incorporate your child as much as possible during your work outs. Baby tummy time while momma gets in her high intensity workout beside baby.
- Must drink water – at least 10 glasses a day.
- At least 5 fruits/vegetables a day.
- Be consistent.
If you had to make one wish for your daughter, what would that be?
That she sets no limitations on who she is, what she can be and where she can go.
2042 COUNTYDOWN LANE
STONE MOUNTAIN