The First Time I Tried to Leave the House as a New Mum

Before I became a mum, leaving the house was second nature.

Keys. Wallet. Sunglasses. Out the door.

After I became a mum… it felt like preparing for a month long camping trip.

I remember pacing around the house with my baby just a few weeks old. I was desperate to get out, not to do anything huge, just maybe a coffee or a walk, something normal. Something that made me feel like me again.

But the thought of leaving? It felt impossible.

The car seat looked like a puzzle.

It had been professionally installed by Baby Bunting, but I still double-checked everything ten times.

Was it tight enough? Too tight? Why are there so many buckles?

The pram? Terrifying.

I had splurged on one of those fancy ones second hand and couldn’t, for the life of me, remember how to unfold it properly.

Would I get stuck in the carpark unable to open it? Probably.

The nappy bag was chokas.

Two outfits, three blankets, nappies for a week, five dummies, a spare top for me (because leaks), and about fifteen other things I didn’t need.

Then there was the biggest hurdle.. me.

How was I supposed to get ready and tend to a newborn at the same time?

What even was “getting ready” anymore?

Looking back now, I think it wasn’t just the logistics.

It was anxiety.

It was the weight of suddenly being responsible for this precious, tiny human and not trusting myself enough yet.

I wanted so badly to go back to the way things were.. popping out for brunch, visiting a friend, sitting in a café and people-watching.

But that life suddenly felt so far away.

The real issue. I had no friends in Ipswich.

All my people were back in the city.

We’d moved here for a fresh start, more space, a quieter life. But in doing that, I’d unintentionally cut myself off.

I missed conversation.

I missed connection.

And even though my husband is the most talkative man on earth (love you my Joshie), I needed someone else.

Another mum.

Someone who was in it with me.

After enough pacing around the house, I did something brave.

I signed up for a local mothers group.

Was I nervous? Hell yeah.

Did I overpack? 100%

But I made it.

I walked out the door.

And that was the moment everything started to shift.

If you’re sitting at home reading this with a baby in your arms, wondering if you’ll ever feel normal again just know, you’re not alone.

Leaving the house might feel like the hardest thing you’ve ever done right now… but one little step is all it takes.

You’ve got this, mumma 💖

P.S. Want to be the first to know about a new way to meet other mums in Ipswich & Brisbane minus the pressure and awkward small talk?

Join the Thriving Mums Club waitlist here.

Connection is coming.