Becoming Mum: Tales from the rollercoaster ride that was the first year of motherhood

A year on from having their first baby, we asked four mums to share some of the experiences of their first year of motherhood. What were the surprises, the lessons and the challenges, and where did they find support?

Tara Tait with her baby Sophie.

Married to Tristan, East Cork-based Tara Tait’s mum to 16-month-old Sophie:

“You’re an individual before becoming a mother. You can control a lot in your life, be organised, plan your day. Having a baby’s a shock to the system. I lived my 20s, did the mad nights out, spent money on travel and on myself. I thought giving it up wouldn’t be too hard – it’s a lot harder than you think.