Sarah Murdoch
Sarah Murdoch grew up on the Northern Beaches of Sydney before going on to become one of Australia's most successful international models.
Her success has included major contracts with L'Oreal, Revlon, Estee Lauder and Ralph Lauren, major campaigns with Christian Dior and Yves Saint Laurent as well as joining the prestigious Revlon family as a global face alongside Cindy Crawford, Salma Hayek, Shania Twain, and Halle Berry.
Sarah also became a favourite of American talk television with appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, MTV, VH1 and E Entertainment. She also appeared in Sports Illustrated Annual Swimsuit Issue, and graced the cover of the Australian edition. Sarah made her film debut in the 2001 release of Universal's Head Over Heels alongside Freddie Prinze Jr. and Monica Potter.
In 2001 Sarah launched a multi year deal with the Australian icon Bonds, developing an enormously profitable womens line, appearing in all major advertising campaigns, and being a key part of the brands ongoing success. While living in New York she undertook a double major in History & Literature at New York University.
In 1997 Sarah began working with National Breast Cancer Foundation of Australia . Since then she has committed herself to charity work and is now patron of the National Breast Cancer Foundation, an ambassador for the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute and a director of The Australian Ballet.
Over the summer of 2007 Sarah was appointed co-host of Channel Nine's morning news and current affairs program The TODAY Show with Karl Stefanovic. Sarah's new book Birth Skills, co-authored with Juju Sundin, was released March 2007 and is published by Allen & Unwin.
Sarah lives in Sydney, Australia with her husband Lachlan and their children Kalan and Aidan.
How many children do you have? What age / sex are they?
I have two boys ages 33 months and 15 months (as at August 2007).
What has surprised you the most about becoming a mother?
I couldn't have imagined how amazing it would be. I guess I never knew I could feel such love. It really started from the moment I fell pregnant. Then that moment at the birth was just indescribable. It can be challenging, too. Every day brings new challenges. Oh, and one thing I couldn't have imagined is how you go from really only looking after yourself to being last on the list!
Do you miss anything about your life prior to having children?
No, I really don't. I feel so fortunate to have travelled and lived such a full life before children. Now my life is fuller anyway. I was also fortunate enough to have spent a lot of time with my husband, just him and me. This wasn't intentional as it took us many years to fall pregnant. Looking back now it was a blessing in disguise. We had so much fun the two of us!
What is the hardest part about being a mum?
I think the guilt. I absolutely love being with my kids. Absolutely. And when I leave home for a few hours I feel great the first hour and then just want to get back home! I like to be busy and always challenging myself so I know it is good for me to have my own life somewhat, too, but I still feel guilty whenever I am not with my babies.
How has your relationship with your partner changed since becoming parents?
Oh for the better. We look at each other in amazement at our beautiful sons. And we laugh about all the funny things they do. It is something only we can share with each other. Well, anyone else would get bored hearing about our children as much as we talk about them! Except, maybe, their grandparents!
What advice do you have for new mothers or mothers to be?
As difficult as it is try to see the big picture. If your baby doesn't sleep well today it won't have an impact on tomorrow. I used to panic that I was setting up bad habits for life! Bad habits only take a couple of days to break. There will be tears but it is over very quickly. (I know mums that still wake up a few times a night for their 3 year olds!) I think a lot of mums think that bad habits will take years to break. Nup. A couple of days and it is all over!
What are you great at?
Kisses and cuddles.
What are you terrible at?
Annoying them with kisses and cuddles.
How has your attitude to work / career changed since becoming a mother and how do you manage the juggle of family and work?
It is the age-old question. But I feel so fortunate to have the option of how much to work. Any decision I make about work has to feel right for me as a mum, first and foremost. My charity work (National Breast Cancer Foundation, Murdoch Children Research Institute) is so rewarding and it keeps me busy. But when I was hosting the Today show I was exhausted as I would be up all night with the kids when they had coughs and colds and then would leave home at 3.30am for work. Then I would be in a weird, tired fog all day so I knew I couldn't keep it up for me or the kids.
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?
My me time is in the moments of absolute bliss with my boys. Laying on the couch all together before bedtime. Or all climbing into our bed in the morning when we first wake up. (Having just re-read that I have to say the ultimate luxury for me is laying down reading a book or magazine. It does feel pretty good but rarely happens!)
Who do you admire? Why?
My mum. I now understand her so much more. And appreciate her so much more.
What kind of 'Australia' do you hope for your children's future?
I hope we can all value what it means to be Australian. We are traditionally an egalitarian society and I really like that. I believe we are all to be given a chance in life.
How do you know of the Essential Baby community? Is there anything you would like to say to them?
I came on Essential Baby after my first miscarriage. I felt, like so many other women I'm sure, like a failure. Why couldn't I carry a pregnancy properly? What was wrong with me? I went on Essential Baby and found out I wasn't alone. Really not alone. It was great for me to be anonymous and get the support I really needed. You are all so wonderfully supportive. Thank you x
Finally, a question all mums must face (no matter who they are!) - What are you feeding your child(ren) for dinner tonight?
I know this sounds terrible but I found this great recipe for macaroni and cheese! I use wholemeal pasta, a white sauce, frozen spinach, cherry tomatoes (sometimes), grated cheese on top, into oven, yum! And then good old watermelon and yoghurt for dessert.
