Nicola Marsh - romance author

Being a Yummy Mummy: the Glamour of Motherhood

I posted this article over at the PINK HEART SOCIETY (where I'm an editor and blog regularly) to share a few interesting insights on being a mum.

After reading the title I'm sure a few of you are thinking 'the sleep deprivation has definitely got to her.' How can pooey nappies, sleepless nights and the constant running after 2 little ones be glamorous?

I may be sleep deprived but I haven't completely lost the plot yet (no pun intended!) and I'm here to tell you that being a mum can be totally glam. Here's how:

The second that precious baby is placed on your chest at the birth you're transformed into a grinning, glowing picture of loveliness (NB. ignore the delicate sheen of perspiration you acquired from all the pushing to get the bundle of joy out!)

Never has a shower felt so wonderful as the first shower post-birth. The result? Instant glamour!

Spending the first few hours staring at your baby will bring a satisfied bloom to your cheeks (NB. concentrate on the bloom, ignore the dark circles under your eyes!)

As the weeks progress what can be more glamorous than eating loads of food and still losing weight? (NB. breastfeeding essential for this step in your glamour routine.)

Fitting into that old pair of favourite jeans for the first time post-birth. Nothing like the the feel of snug denim to up the feel-good glam meter. (NB. do not, I repeat DO NOT, check out rear view in the mirror due to requisite changed body shape.)

And here are a few more 'serious' tips for a yummy mummy:

Buy a new piece of clothing. Amazing what a funky, non-maternity top can do for you.

Invest in 'me' time, whether it be 5 minutes or longer, and do something you really, truly love.

Stack up you 'to be read' pile. A towering TBR pile is perfect for 'me' time or for that snatched chapter here and there while feeding.

Indulge cravings. (Yes, it can happen! I had none during pregnancy but boy, do I crave stuff afterwards, namely loads of milkshakes and icecream!!)

Spend as much time with your child/kids as possible. Believe me, the time flies and watching the adorable cherubs grow and develop into little people really is an amazing feeling.

Get out and about. A brief sojourn at a local cafe, simply people-watching while sipping on a latte, can feel wonderfully indulgent to a busy mum.

Apart from all of us striving to be yummy mummies, motherhood can also be tough, tiring and trying. So what is it about being a mum that is so appealing to romance readers?

Is it the reality?

Something we can identify with?

I've just learned that WIFE AND MOTHER WANTED, one of my 2006 Harlequin Romances has finalled in the Booksellers' Best Award for Best Traditional Romance 2007, which is great considering I found the 3 books I had published last year difficult to write. The reason? All featured mums and kids, a real break from the sassy city girl romances I had written for my first 5 books.

I was plagued by angst. How could kids be romantic? Would they interfere with the story between the hero and heroine? Weren't romance readers buying my books to escape from the reality of being mums in their everyday lives? Considering all 3 books have finalled in competitions, guess I was wrong.

Readers have contacted me saying they really enjoyed those books and I now have the confidence to tackle more motherhood stories.

So what do you think about 'baby' books or those featuring mums? Are they a fave or do you prefer something lighter?

I'd love to hear!

In the meantime, this yummy mummy is off to change another nappy...before indulging in another bowl of 'cookies and cream'!!