When I studied Positive Psychology online with the University of Pennsylvania I was really taken with the work of Cathrine Gyldensted who says “Consuming and producing news reports have a substantial negative emotional impact on both users and journalism professionals. This is a concern for both the journalism profession and for society. Does positive reporting and positivity have a place within already existing foundational values and ethics in journalism?” from that point I have been very conscious of what I read, seeking out Positive news. I was very excited to discover Isabella and Us and their Positive Wellbeing Zine for Mums.  

Hi Emma, welcome to No Mum Is An Island. I am a great believer that no mum (or dad) should have to do everything herself, we can’t possibly know it all, and we need all the support we can get, there is a wealth of information out there to help us upgrade our parenting experience, to make our lives easier and this website is a hub for just that!  We love that you have upgraded your life by understanding that celebrating the positives rather than focusing on the negatives has a massive impact on our mental health and wellbeing.

You know about the importance of mental health through your own experience if Post Natal Depression. One in three mums suffer from PND but it seems so many people do not discuss it. Can you share with us your story?

Of course. As my daughter Isabella was 5 months old I was diagnosed with PND, after a visit to my GP. I’d been struggling since Isabella was born, and although many people knew I was having a tough time, I never told anyone just how much I was struggling. I’d become a former shell of myself, living mostly in my head, on autopilot. I spent months feeling empty, in a dark grey fog, feeling not good enough and not bonded to my daughter. In those early months, I desperately regretted becoming a mum.

You have really turned this experience into something to help others please tell us more about The Positive Wellbeing Zine for Mums. 

Being a mum is tough and often so much of what we do, read and buy is for our little ones. We often get put to the bottom of the pile. But it’s so important that as a mum we take time for us, time to re-charge and time to just be us. So I’ve put together a Zine that is just for mums, all about mums and designed by a mum.

It is really lovely the Zine is physical as so many mums want to get away from their phones. This also means you get to include many beautiful illustrations. What is your favourite part of the magazine?

Thank you! Gosh, my favourite part! I think it would have to be that so many women, Mother’s come together to share their advice, support and guidance in one place and that I get to put it all together, make it look beautiful and then put it out into the world, in the hope that it will help another mum.

You have created a Positivity Hub for mums with the Hashtag #WinningAsAMummy can you tell us more?

The group is all about having a positive, safe and supportive place to be. I wanted to create a place that allowed Mums to share their worries and concerns but for it to be a place that was about them, about their journey, whilst also promoting positive wellbeing and self care!
The #winningasamummy hashtag is all about sharing your mummy wins, which has been a massive theme in Isabella and Us. since I started the business.
#winningasamummy Positive

On your Self-Care Mummy Blog series, you share lots of great advice. Why is self-care so important as a mum.

I know it’s talked about a lot and it can often feel like it’s an extra thing to do but we can’t pour from an empty cup. We can’t look after those around us, without making sure we look after ourselves too!

With this in mind, what do you think are the 3 most effective self-care tools we can use?

I think self care is very personal and needs to cater for what you need at that given time, whether that’s an early night, a walk in the sun or 5 minutes in silence. But what I would say is:
1. Make it simple and meaningful
2. Learning to say no (you can’t be everything to everyone)
3. Learn how to rest
You can read the blog and subscribe to The Positive Wellbeing Zine for Mums and you can you follow Isabella and Us on Instagram
If you would like some book inspiration to help with being overwhelmed by parenting please see below: