Kim And Willow
A year and a half later: A Q&A with a young mum
13 days. 13 of the longest days of Kim’s life. She had already patiently waited for nine months. Dealt with all the pain, uncomfortableness and incredible hankerings for Cadbury’s chocolate Fredo’s, of which she had eaten way more than she will ever admit. She had attended the baby classes, read all the books and prepared herself for what would come in the months which would soon roll into years, but nothing had prepared the 21-year-old for this.
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Finally, after 27 hours in labour leading to Kim being induced, at 9:03pm on the 12th of December 2018 Kim finally met her baby. With 10 little toes and 10 little fingers and weighing in at 7lb 11oz, Kim’s daughter made her appearance into the world and fell into the loving arms of her mother ready to change her world for good. Willow Rose Mathieson. A year and a half after Willow was born, UrbanU catches up with Kim and her daughter to see how they are getting on.
Kim and Willow Mathieson
By Robyn Mclaughlin
'I love being a young mum, but this can have its challenges!
So, Kim, what is it like being a ‘young’ mum?
A parent’s priority is always their child and not going out drinking, but I feel some young mums still go out every weekend and not spend time with their child. You also get looks from other people and comments saying how young I am and how I have wasted my life and will never get my life back, but really my life started when I had my daughter! It does not matter what age you are, all that matters is how you are as a parent.'
Do you feel like having Willow has changed you and your outlook on life?
I think I have changed; I have changed for the better. Before I had my daughter, I did not respect who I was and took my life for granted, I would go out every night and drink every weekend, just wasted my life. I also did not respect my job or my car but now I respect the woman/mum I am today and never take my life for granted. There is nothing else I would rather do than be a mother.
Do you think there is enough support for young mums and mums in general?
Willow Rose Mathieson, 7lb 110z
I think there is a lot of support and groups to go along too. The health visitor or family nurse, for young mums, are a great support system and if you ever have a problem, they are only a call away. Baby classes are also great as there are other mothers with children the same age who are going through the same and they are there to discuss and help you out too. Everyone helps each other.
When you are between 34 and 40 weeks pregnant you get a baby box from the government which is full of baby items to get you started. It is for every mum in Scotland.
My family and family nurse have been a fantastic support system, they are always there when I need them. Also, the small couple of friends I have have been great too. Even though I do not see them every day, I get a message every day and I know they are always there and would help me if I needed them.
I am both mum and dad, i get extra cuddles and kisses
Is it difficult being a young, single mum?
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‘It is difficult being a single parent as there is only one form of income and it can be lonely. It can be challenging with financial strain, low self esteem and guilt. I always feel like I am not good enough and I am guilty that I have had a baby on my own.
A lot of times single parents get judged and it is hard to start speaking to new guys as nobody wants ‘baggage’. I personally think it makes me stronger being single because I am both mum and dad, and I get extra cuddles and kisses.’
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How has the COVID-19 lockdown changed your daily routine and your life?
Covid-19 has really changed my routine as we have never had to stay away from family and friends for so long. We are in
the house all the time now. This has really hit me hard mentally, but I know this is for the best. Willow is at that age where she gets fed up and has tantrums because she cannot tell me why she is fed up, but I’m glad she can go run about in the garden.
Willow is now one and a half years old
'I am thankful for everything i have'
If you could go back in time, would you change anything?
If I could go back, I would make sure Willow’s dad was the right person, but I would never change her. There are a few things in my past I would change but unfortunately, I cannot change them, so all I can do is be a fantastic parent which I try to be.
What does the future look like for you and Willow?
I would love to get married and have more children, and for someone to love Willow as their own. Maybe I would like to go to college or university but when the time is right. For now, I am thankful for everything I have.