*How did things change between you and your mother when baby was born?

I think I had a new respect for what she had gone through after having 5 babies (and losing her 1st baby and only boy because he was still-born). I guess you kind of understand those "knowing" looks your Mum gives you when you say "My child will do this, my child will do that". Once you have had your own baby, you know that a lot of that idealism is far-fetched. I certainly turn to my mother more often and she doesn't annoy me as much as she used to.

*Did you think your relationship would be different after the birth or did you expect your mother to react in this way?

I knew that things would be a little different. I had hopes they things between my mother and myself would be better as we had had a pretty rocky relationship during my teens and early adulthood. I was expecting Mum to be over-bearing and take over a little but she hasn't. She has been a wonderful support. She is an enthusiastic Nanna and there is no doubt in my mind that Gabby will know how much she loves and cares for her.

*What would you like to be different?

I wish that Mum and I lived closer. She doesn't have very much money so petrol to come and visit is an issue. Sometimes it's just too difficult for me to get to her.

*What support did you expect a mother would provide for her daughter?

I think that fact that Mum has "been there, done that" helped me. She has always been up-front with any questions we had about labour and birth (especially in regards to my brother being still-born). I also expected that she would be there to help me once I got home with house work, meals etc. Of course, she did all of that and then some!

*What would you ideally like for your mother to be able to do for you?

She already does it! She is there for me when I am at the end of my tether. She knows when to tell me I am being silly (but puts it in a much nicer way) and she also knows when I just need to vent. I know that she would drop everything if I needed her. She has already said that she would look after Gabby any time (and is more than keen to have her to herself!! ).