megan may

Megan is the creator and chef behind the much-loved Little Bird Organics, specialising in delicious organic, raw food that is mostly vegan, and free of dairy, wheat and refined sugars. Little Bird now has three Unbakeries in Auckland, and Megan is now a mother to little Pepper. This week she shares with us on her experiences of motherhood.

What are some words you live by as a mother?
Try to relax and enjoy watching your little being unfold before your eyes, try not to interfere or hurry the process but rather support and nurture it so it can unfold naturally.

What surprised you most about becoming a mum?
That I couldn’t keep operating the same way of pushing myself to achieve things, trying to be super mum is not such a super idea! You quickly realise it’s not the ideal way to operate for you or your baby. Patience and compassion towards yourself should be abundant.

How do you find balance in your life?
I’m not sure I could speak with any confidence on this one, finding balance is an ongoing process or discovery for me. Accepting your life as it is and not wishing for anything else – just riding the waves that come is as far as I’ve gotten so far, life with a growing business and a baby is full of many waves, so I’m getting lots of surfing practice in.

Words of wisdom for new parents (especially surviving the newborn period)?

Rest! I can’t stress enough how beneficial it is to take time before & after the birth of your baby. Nourishing your body with good wholefoods, some light movement and more importantly focus on your breathing to help you be in the most relaxed space possible for the new adventures ahead. Patience and compassion towards yourself and each other as parents is so essential, running on little sleep can make your perspective narrower than usual, breath and take a moment when things get overwhelming, the moment will pass and there will be some treasure on the other side, like watching your baby do a big smile for the first time.

Meaningful family moments?

Giving birth at home under the stars (we have a glass ceiling – I wasn’t actually outside, although that would have been incredible) on guy fawkes night was a pretty amazing moment for us all. It was a very intense 24 hours and so exhausting (which is why you should not work like a crazy person and get some rest first) but it was amazing and in retrospect seems very romantic.

Has becoming a mother changed you?

It’s been such an eye opening experience, the main thing that is slowly changing is an increased focus on the things that really matter in our business and not spending time and energy on things & people that aren’t in alignment with our values. In a nut shell it’s a focus on working with integrity for ourselves and seeking out others with the same values to work with and build this community into a strong and lasting one that we can proudly pass on to Pepper. There really isn’t time for anything else.

A day in the life of Megan:

I live... next to my favourite city Mountain - Mangawhau

I am currently reading... Sally Fallons, Raising children & babies book (I like to read all sorts of books on health and wholefoods living – always keeping an open mind to learning from other peoples ways of living)

I’m listening... to sing along books with Pepper, current favourite is The Nuts.

My weekends start with... a cuddle, Jeremys special weekend green juice followed by a walk & Frisbee time with our little family - Pepper, Jeremy & our dog Molly (she is the Frisbee fan)

One item I can’t live without... is my predictably my vitamix – we take it on holiday.

Megan's baby essentials list:

1. Moses basket (Pepper slept in this till she was hitting the ends) such a brilliant & portable bed for a new born.

2. Woollen mattress protectors – because there is always accidents.

3. Play Mat – so nice knowing your baby is rolling around on beautiful organic fabric and it cleans easily in the washing machine.

4. Rattle – the willow rattle was one of her favourite first toys.

5. The pointelle range – the best basics for your baby, singlets and bodysuits, so soft and comfortable and easy to get on.

Thank you for sharing with us Megan! We will be popping in for some delicious Little Bird raw cheesecake soon... xx Nb