The reality of motherhood showcased this Mother’s Day

No more should mothers have to fit into the status quo. Three mums are here to show the reality of falling pregnant, carrying and raising children in a society that judges meals and screen time. Here are their stories.

IT’S OKAY TO BE A HOT MESS

Wyreema mum-of-two Kate Wilson said there should be less shaming and more supporting mums across the world, with a strong acceptance of being a “hot mess”.

Mrs Wilson, blogger of The Life of Kate, said she never knew she had wanted to be a mum until she met her husband.

“Both my pregnancies were hard,” she said.

“We needed fertility treatment to fall pregnant with Eddie, and I was on bed rest on and off throughout my pregnancy with him.

“We then fell pregnant naturally with Archie when Eddie was only a few months old.”

Mrs Wilson said her second pregnancy with Archie was quite a stressful period, with her body going into labour at 24 weeks.

Wyreema mum Kate Wilson is not afraid to be silly with her two boys Eddie and Archie.

“I was sent down to the Mater Mothers hospital as Toowoomba do not have the facilities for preterm birth that young,” she said.

“The amazing team at the Mater helped keep Archie in a little longer, however he entered the world at 27 weeks.”

As a child born prematurely, Archie has faced numerous health complications and medical conditions, including Autism and Tourette syndrome, for which Mrs Wilson has become his full-time carer.

“Our whole world really changed when Archie was born,” she said.

“We had a few ‘easy’ years but over the last few it took a dramatic turn. I had to quit my job and devote every part of my life to him 24/7.

Wyreema mum Kate Wilson loves her boys Eddie and Archie more than anything, and wants other mums to know it is okay to be a hot mess.

“I lost myself in a sense as there wasn’t any time for me, everything I did and do is about Archie and how it will affect him and what he needs.”

Mrs Wilson said having the perfect kitchen and healthy meals was not realistic.

“You work full time – you’re a bad mum. You’re a stay at home mum – you’re lazy,” she said.

“I think in the world we are in now with social media it’s so much harder. Mums feel guilty and question everything they do for their kids, they don’t need the added pressure of society on top.

“You are a brilliant mum even on the days you feel like a hot mess … heck at this stage I think I’m more hot mess than not.”

LITTLE MIRACLE IS ON THE WAY

Having your first child can be a daunting and thrilling time, and for Chloe Gillis, it is a long awaited gift.

Baby boy Gillis is due to enter into the world on June 7, and Mrs Gillis said she and her husband Jimmy were bursting to meet him.

However, the journey to having their son was not an easy one, with Mrs Gillis – like so many – struggling to fall pregnant.

Oakey couple Chloe Gillis and husband Jimmy are expected their first child, a son, in the coming weeks.

“I had been on the pill for quite some time, I just thought it would take longer than normal as my body got used to not taking it,” she said.

“We tried for 18 months or more and had no luck.

“My husband and I then went and saw a fertility specialist and did all the tests under the sun.

“Turns out I had more than enough eggs I just wasn’t releasing them at the correct time. I took one round of medication and was very lucky to fall pregnant with our little boy.

“I am definitely blessed that we got our little miracle.”

While pregnancy can be quite difficult, Mrs Gillis said she had experienced an “excellent” pregnancy thus far, with limited sickness.

“I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a mum, not straight away as I wanted to be married first, but it definitely was something I had my heart set on, being a mum,” she said.

Chloe Gillis said her pregnancy has run quite smoothly despite somce complications.

“My biggest goal is to be the best mum I can be and always be there for my kids and love them with all my heart.”

Mrs Gillis said while they awaited their baby’s safe arrival, they would celebrate Mother’s Day with their loved ones.

“I have always loved celebrating Mother’s Day and spoiling the ones we love,” she said. “They would bend over backwards to do anything for their children and family.

“My motherly inspiration is definitely 100 per cent my Mum and Ma.

“They have been my inspiration since I can remember.”

MUMS ARE STRONGER THAN YOU THINK

For businesswoman, wife and mum-of-two, Kate Duncan, it motivates her when others tell her she can’t do something.

Serum Skin Studio owner Mrs Duncan said she had faced community members who held strong opinions on a mother’s role.

“I have met people who think we can’t do it all and be good mums and wives,” she said.

“I like to think I break the mould. I have owned several businesses, and my husband and I do what we need to do to give the best we can to our children.

This Mother's Day, the Duncan family, Alan, Jake, 7, and Maddison, 9, will celebrate the wonderful woman in their life, Kate Duncan for all she does for her family. Picture: Amy Philp Photography

“Obviously, those people have never walked a day in a mum’s shoes.”

Mrs Duncan said mums should receive more credit for everything they had gone through, from the body transformation before, during and after pregnancy, to the mental juggling act of motherhood.

“Until you have been a mum, walked in those shoes and been through the whole process, don't throw rocks at glass houses,” she said.

With her truck driver husband working away, Mrs Duncan said the family was blessed to have a nanny who assisted with the household.

Kate Duncan is thrilled to be the mum of two children, Maddison and her "mini me" Jake Duncan (pictured). Picture: Amy Philp Photography.

“I have so much appreciation for what she does for us,” she said.

“I can’t do what I do without her. She is such a support network.”

Mrs Duncan has lost multiple pregnancies and said it was once the couple had relaxed with IVF that their children, Maddison and Jake arrived.

“It was all becoming a bit much; the continual loss and disappointment of not being able to conceive took a toll on my mental health and body,” she said.

“I am blessed. We’ve got one of each and they are just perfect.

“We’re so happy.”