Interview

Jade Cottee on work, style & new mumma must-haves

27th June 2018

We talk to Sydney based Jade Cottee about balancing her career with her son Spencer, her new mumma must-haves and what advice she would give to those currently pregnant with their first child. 

Spencer is such a cutie! How have you found your first few months of motherhood? Has there been anything that has surprised you? 

Thank you! It's been wonderful. Of course it's been a huge life adjustment, but it's so exciting watching a little human grow and change every day. 

What surprised me was that I didn't expect motherhood to be so physical. Breastfeeding works your shoulders, wrists and arms — especially in the early days. Then there's the constant carrying, rocking, bouncing... I often refer to Spencer as my mini PT. 

What is your favourite thing about being a mumma? 

Being a mum is both monotonous and unpredictable all at once. For us, an average day would involve an early morning wake up and feed, before Spencer's dad takes over so I can shower and get five minutes to myself. Then, the three of us go out to breakfast, usually to Belgrave Cartel. Then, Baby Daddy heads to work and it's just the two of us! 

Depending on the day, we might meet up with our Mothers Group (Friday rosé at Wharf Bar is the babes' new favourite activity), do mums and bubs Pilates or have family visit, with plenty of naps/feeding/poo explosions in between. 

Prior to having Spencer, my fiancé and I would eat out almost every night. Now, if we want to do that, dinner is at 5:30 so we are home in time to put Spencer to bed. Who said parenthood changes you?!

What are your top three new mumma must haves? 

1. The Ergobaby 360, hands down. I wore Spencer for almost every nap for the first 12 weeks, so this was invaluable. Nothing beats a sleeping baby and two free hands. 

2. Great skincare. Even if I had the time to wear makeup everyday, it would end up all over Spencer's face. Instead, I focus on skincare so I can get away with wearing little more than sunscreen. Alpha H Liquid Gold and Skinceuticals C E Ferulic are my two saviours, and both are safe for use when breastfeeding. The rest of my products are natural, just in case a little bit transfers onto the little man. 

3. A stellar brow technician. Groomed brows on a fresh face say you've got your shit together (even if you might be faking it a little). I make sure I visit Kristin Fisher Eyebrows for a wax and tint regularly — the girls there are the best in the country. 

How do you plan to balance your work as an Editor with Spencer? 

I'm very fortunate in that the company I work for is very supportive, and can offer a flexible working arrangement if needed.

Prior to taking mat leave, I was the commercial editor across Who What Wear, Byrdie, MyDomaine and POPSUGAR Australia, however there's no pressure to return to that specific full-time role.

My boss and I will have an open discussion, with the aim of aligning the needs of the business with my new career goals and family life.

I'm very fortunate, but would also encourage other new parents to at least have the conversation. Whether you want to return part time, work from home or work on a contract basis, it might be possible — you just have to ask. 

Let's talk style! What is your go to outfit as a new mumma? And what are you currently lusting after? 

Oh god, there needs to be more breastfeeding-friendly clothes! Prior to giving birth, easy boob access was the last thing on my mind. Now, I'm living in linen shirts and wrap dresses, paired with denim and leather. Unless I'm at home, then it's activewear. Duh. 

Since my wardrobe is a little limited, I'm focusing on accessories. All I want is a chic handbag that's big enough for nappies and baby wipes! I have my eye on a piece from Saint Laurent, but it's probably not a smart purchase for a spew-covered new mum. 

What is the one piece of advice you would give to any of our readers who are currently pregnant with their first baby? 

Can I have two? First, read Ina May Gaskin's Guide to Childbirth. It really helped me enter the delivery suite in a positive headspace (rather than thinking about all the horror stories people love to tell first-time mums), which allowed me to have a wonderful birth experience. Labour isn't something that needs to be feared! 

Secondly, take every piece of advice with a grain of salt. You'll get plenty, and 99% of it won't actually work for your baby. Babies are individuals, so don't beat yourself up about what he or she is "supposed" to be doing. Just follow your instincts and do what works for you and your fam. 

Actually, I have a third! Research how to co-sleep safely, even if you don't plan on doing it. It changed my life in the early weeks — I wish we'd done it from day one. 

And lastly - where do you see yourself and your family in 5 years? 

Hopefully our family will be a little bigger! We try not to plan too far ahead so we can enjoy being in the moment, but I dare say we'll still be living on the beaches, Spencer will have a sibling or two and we'll have a couple of family holidays under our belts. 

Do you want to see more of Jade + Spencer? Follow Jade on Instagram