Candice Alley & her twins.
Mother of twins and wife to swimming legend Grant Hackett, Candice Alley talks to us about the issue of stress and anxiety, motherhood and natural ways to keep mums and bubs happy and healthy.
1. How many children do you have? What age / sex are they?
I have 2 year old girl/boy twins. (Charlize and Jagger).
2. What has surprised you the most about becoming a mother?
How much your life can shift and change for the better in every way. Twins are fascinating too!
3. Do you miss anything about your life prior to having children?
No, maybe just a little more sleep but that’s about it!
4. What is the hardest part about being a mum?
Probably juggling a career and family time. It’s all about finding a good balance.
5. How has your relationship with your partner changed since becoming parents?
We’ve become closer knowing and watching these babies we created grow into these amazing hilarious little people!
6. What advice do you have for new mothers or mothers to be?
Try and get some good help around you and take care of yourself and your body the way you nurture your babies. I tend to be on the run a lot so I eat as organic as possible and take supplements to boost my energy levels and keep me calm throughout the day.
7. What are you great at?
Writing music! I love it.
8. What are you terrible at?
Remembering to bring nappies with me!
9. How has your attitude to work / career changed since becoming a mother and how do you manage the juggle of family and work?
With a lot of family help and a great Mum. It’s certainly hard to juggle both but it’s definitely manageable if you plan things from week to week. My first priority will always be my kids but I’m also lucky enough to be able to work from my home studio. I have a great family around and don’t know what I’d do without them!
10. What do you think about “me” time? Do you practice it, preach it or have you resigned yourself to the fact that you will have to play catch up later on – and how do (or would) you spend your leisure time?
'Me' time occurs when the twins are taking their naps but you learn to incorporate them into your life. My leisure time is spent catching up on some reading or getting the occasional massage if I do not have to work and spending time with my husband.
11. Who do you admire? Why?
I admire my Mum because she is a devoted mother to three girls and I am still learning from her every day.
12. How do you know of the Essential Baby community? Is there anything you would like to say to them?
I know the Essential Baby community from when I was pregnant and it is a great website for all mums that need advice. I would like to thank them for being so helpful.
13. What do you do too look after yourself and stay a calm and relaxed mummy?
I take Nutra-Life Organic Magnesium, organic being that it absorbs into the body better and helps me stay calm on those hectic days. I recommend it to all Mums. I also stay relaxed by planning my days the night before and having good family around to help me.
14. Finally, a question all mums must face (no matter who they are!) – What are you feeding your child(ren) for dinner tonight?
Tonight’s menu consists of baked fish fingers and mashed potato. It’s one of their favourites!
Candice Alley is a spokesperson for Nutra-Life vitamins and supports The Red Ribbon Appeal and Alzheimer's Australia.
