Ella Dumbrell on Motherhood

Ella Dumbrell

On Motherhood

Ella Dumbrell (@ella_dumbrell) joins us to share her reflections on entering motherhood and the journey that lies ahead, from treasured quiet moments with her daughter, Suki, to rediscovering herself in this new chapter.

Captured here wearing our Mum bracelet, these images were taken on the very day Suki was born, making them a timeless keepsake of love, strength, and new beginnings.

Can you share your initial feelings and thoughts when you found out you were pregnant?

It’s so funny because even though I had been trying I was still so surprised, I just remember being by myself at home in shock staring at the double blue lines and thinking okay what do I do now. It seriously feels like a firework going off in your body of just so many feelings and emotions.

What was the most unexpected or surprising part of your childbirth experience?

It would have to be nearly having her in the car on the way to the hospital!!! I got there in the nick of time…. I just remember seeing my midwife in the hallway and being like “I think I’m pushing!!!” Next minute (literally) two big pushes and she was out. No one expected how quickly I would transition - including myself! My midwife literally wants me to have a home birth for the next one as she doesn’t think I’ll make it time!

What are some memorable moments or milestones you’ve experienced with your baby so far?

We just went to Hawaii and she grew up so much in those 10 days. I loved seeing her being so enamoured by the palm trees and squealing in excitement at them. She also found her hands on the trip and her little voice - which is the cutest thing in the world!!!

Can you share with us the most rewarding moment of motherhood so far?

Just having her earth side - it blows my mind every time I look at her that she was growing inside me and now she’s here and I get to keep her forever! It’s actually so crazy.

What are your favourite activities or routines you enjoy sharing with your child?

The mornings are always so special - her waking up and having a big stretch then looking up and doing her little smile at you!! She is always so chatty in the morning too, I sit her up looking towards me and she just bobbles her head around and loves to coo and gurgle.

Do you have any advice would for women who are about to become mothers for the first time?

Learn to pivot pivot pivot! It’s a roller coaster, so much fun but things change constantly. Get yourself a great support system, apart from family I had a doula and an amazing midwife. I also got meals specifically for post partum which was a game changer!!! And lastly a family doctor you trust was something I didn’t have initially and wish I did.