Natarsha Belling
National News newsreader for the Ten Network, Natarsha Belling covers reports on Ten's 11am news, weekend and late night bulletins. Natarsha is currently in the last months of pregnancy - and she took time out of her very busy schedule to talk with Essential Baby as she prepares to go on leave from work. She tells why she's an ambassador for the National Breast Cancer Foundation, and how, like many of us, she struggles with her work/family balance.
At the age of 21, Natarsha became one of Australia's youngest ever news presenters. In the past decade, she has received distinguished awards for her reports on health, including the Heart Foundation's Excellence in Journalism Award and The Juvenile Diabetes Foundations Award for Outstanding Reporting.
Natarsha's genuine and straightforward reporting style has won her much respect in her industry, and no doubt we'll be welcoming her back on our TV screens at some time in the future. For now we wish her a smooth delivery of her new baby!
Natarsha, how many children do you have? What age / sex are they?
I have a 2-year-old son Harrison and I am 38 weeks pregnant with my second child. The gender is still a surprise!
What has surprised you the most about becoming a mother?
The unbelievable joy and happiness Harrison blesses my life with everyday. I have also found balancing motherhood and work far more challenging than I ever imagined.
Do you miss anything about your life prior to having children?
Sleep. But the benefits far outweigh any negatives.
What is the hardest part about being a mum?
The constant juggling act.
How has your relationship with your partner changed since becoming parents?
We are a much better team and we have a greater appreciation for what's important in life, like healthy and happy children. We also tend to live more in the moment and cherish the simple things in life, like belly laughs with our son and spending quality time together. I also adore seeing my husband play with Harrison - he's a wonderful dad.
What advice do you have for new mothers or mothers to be?
Don't be too hard on yourself and a sense of humour is essential. Take each day as it comes and focus on what's really important. The endless list of jobs and chores can wait.
What are you great at?
I'm mastering the skill of multi-tasking. An essential ingredient for any busy working mum.
What are you terrible at?
Being patient. I am also terrible at dancing and singing with my two year old son. The other day he said no mummy and blocked his ears. I burst into laughter!
How has your attitude to work / career changed since becoming a mother and how do you manage the juggle of family and work?
I am far more time efficient and I believe I am better journalist and news presenter. As a working mum I now have a greater understanding and empathy for the many challenges and struggles facing families right around the country.
I refer to the family/work juggle as a 'struggle'. I have found it far more challenging than I ever imagined. I try to manage it by taking one day at a time and being super organised. I also try and focus on the positives and how truly blessed I am to have a happy, healthy child. My extended family is also a great support network, but unfortunately they don't live in Sydney.
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?
Me time is essential, even if it's five minutes listening to the radio in my car or a quick half-an-hour massage. It helps me relax and refocus. But I do see my work as' 'me' time, as I truly love what I do. I always feel guilty though when I am away from my family because I love and treasure them more than anything else.
What kind of 'Australia' do you hope for your children's future?
A country that is free and fair, where all Australians can access good quality health and education. I also hope my children's Australia will protect the innocent, so that every child is given the chance of being loved and supported.
Can you tell us why being an ambassador for The National Breast Cancer Foundation is important to you?
Raising awareness about Breast Cancer is essential and that's why I wanted to become an ambassador. If we can help save one life, than that is priceless. Education is the key to survival and so is well funded research. The NBCF is a fantastic organisation that aims to educate and raise much needed funds for breast cancer research.
Cancer doesn't discriminate and once you have been touched by it, you want to do everything you can to find a cure and support others.
The NBCF is a wonderful community-funded national organisation that raises money for research into the prevention, detection and treatment of breast cancer. Since 1994 it's raised more than 44 million dollars to help fund life saving research and has supported thousands of Australians affected by breast cancer. It's vital we continue to raise awareness about breast cancer, so lives can be saved. Cancer doesn't discriminate and once you have been touched by it, you want to do everything you can to find a cure and support others.
Natarsha, being that you are in the late stage of your pregnancy, here's a question many Essential Baby members would love to ask - How are you feeling?
One word - exhausted. First time around I cherished those afternoon naps. Now with a very active two year old, I don't have the chance. But now I am also super excited - Harrison has already blessed my life with so much joy and happiness and I am so thrilled to be given the wonderful opportunity to become a mother once again. I simply can't wait to meet my gorgeous little baby.
Finally, a question all mums must face (no matter who they are!) - What are you feeding your child for dinner tonight?
Actually the pasta and vegetables are cooking now!
