One mum has hit out at the 'false narrative' surrounding motherhood during the festive season, sharing her own raw and honest story. Laura Guckian, who has faced two miscarriages, is raising three neurodivergent children, and has been diagnosed with autism and ADHD herself, is on a mission to debunk myths and speak openly about the challenges mums encounter, especially around Christmas time.
The host of the Momfessions podcast is no stranger to adversity; she's battled mental health issues, which were particularly acute during her early Christmases as a parent. In a candid interview with Reach, the maternal wellbeing expert shared her memories from eight years ago: "I vividly remember my first Christmas as a mum. I was deeply struggling with my mental health and it was the worst Christmas of my life.".
Her journey through motherhood has been fraught with difficulties, including a two-month stint in a psychiatric ward following the birth of her first son. This was all accompanied by an undertone of feeling she was doing something wrong due to the popular portrayal of motherhood, which she now speaks out against in hopes of showing other struggling mums they are not alone.
She specifically criticised Christmas films, saying: "It adds to that false narrative, it’s suggesting if you are an overstretched, overwhelmed, exhausted mother you’re doing it right. " Laura slammed the unrealistic expectations the festive season brings particularly for mums.
She continued: "As a mum I get very frustrated with the whole industry this time of year because there’s such pressure on mothers to enjoy every moment, to deliver the perfect Christmas. It’s utter nonsense. I would love to see more parents challenging it." Laura is calling for a rebellion against the unnecessary pressures of Christmas to ensure mums can cherish the festivities as well.
