Gemma Mases

Motherhood Diaries is a testament to modern-day parenting; from life-changing tribulations, to joyous milestones - and all the chaotic bits in between. Each month, we’ll uncover a refreshingly honest account from the Liberty community, with the aim to support women who might otherwise feel frustrated, isolated or overwhelmed. Here, we invite all maternal figures to speak openly about their journey to motherhood, find light in each narrative and ultimately, a sense of solidarity.

An experienced designer and childrenswear enthusiast, Gemma Mases is the founder of 1+ in the family - an ethical and sustainable clothing collection for babies and newborns. Mother to Pol, 22, Laura, 20 and Jan, 13, Gemma shares with us an honest account of her own motherhood journey, from the joys of being pregnant to the importance of spending quality time with her three children.

I always saw myself becoming a mother and dreamt of having a big family. I have three kids now: Pol, 22, Laura, 20 and Jan, 13 - three absolute treasures! Being a mother has been the best experience life has given me and I often say that having kids is a beautiful opportunity to live everything for the first time again.

I only have positive memories from my three pregnancies. In all honesty, being pregnant is my ideal state, I always felt very good in myself – full of light, energy and love! All of my pregnancies were very special to me, and I had no problem accepting the physical changes my body went through. I looked at each experience and change as a unique and magical moment, both physically and mentally.

My greatest challenge in motherhood so far has been balancing the duties of being a mother with work. For 20 years, I worked as a freelance designer, which coincided with my three pregnancies and the raising of my children. Working as a creative in the fashion industry meant it was not always possible to take a break, however, being a freelancer meant I could easily adapt my workload to suit my children’s needs. I was able to spend a lot of quality time with them. Picking them up from school every day and adapting to their schedules was a priority, even if I had to stay up and work through the night. In fact, I spent a lot of nights working.

Life after pregnancy meant adapting to a completely new way of living. Some moments where wonderful and unique and some were very hard. The arrival of my first child was the most difficult post pregnancy. After having two more, I found that experience and maturity were the key to enjoying every little moment. In my case, there is a 10-year age gap between my first and third child. The experience lived ten years later is totally different but also enjoyed in a very different way. Everything was put into perspective, and it was a gift for all the family. I’ll always remember what my daughter said the day her little brother was born: “Mum, this is the best thing that has ever happened to me”.

Our social life changed quite a lot after we had children, as was to be expected. However, with this new stage in our lives came new plans and friends. I have never found that my children have restricted me from going out or travelling, we just learnt another way to have fun which incorporated our children.

The advice I would give to mothers-to-be is to be unapologetically you and let yourself get carried away by your instinct. Sometimes it will be necessary to put two plugs in your ears (especially during your pregnancy). You are about to live the best stage of your life. Find the time to spend with your children and enjoy every little moment with them. Time flies! Do not listen to the social pressure and seek your best vital moment to be mothers. Each woman is different. Motherhood is unique and special and that’s why it deserves to be lived when you feel it’s the right moment in your life.