Gemma Styles is an influencer and writer known for speaking on sustainability and mental health. Last year she released her debut book Why Am I Like This?, a Sunday Times bestseller, which explores how to live in the modern world whilst also being compassionate to yourself. She's also a mother to an 18-month-old, and like many first-time parents is navigating this new chapter.
'Motherhood has, unsurprisingly, been the biggest change I’ve ever experienced,' she tells Grazia. 'I still feel like me but also completely different somehow?'
One of the things Styles has been struggling with since becoming a parent and finding time to se see friends. 'That can be hard enough when everyone is busy but when I overthink disrupting a nap time and can’t face adding one more thing to my calendar I end up really missing my friends,' she says.
Still, she's relieved that much of the anxiety she expected to have after giving birth never came. 'Before she was born I downloaded apps to track feeds, naps, everything,' she shares. 'But I didn’t use them, and I’m so glad. Doing a bit of research but then going with the flow felt more natural than I imagined, and it’s given me confidence I didn’t expect.'
Something that has been important to her is trying to make sustainable choices for her daughter however. 'I know how overwhelming it can feel. That’s why I’m so supportive of Pura; their nappies are non-toxic and as eco-friendly as disposable nappies can be, and the nappy recycling trials they’re funding shows they’re serious about making sustainability simpler for all parents.'
The company says its nappies are produced in a carbon-neutral plant, powered by green electricity and with no production waste sent to landfill. 'We want to protect our children now and safeguard the planet they’ll grow up in, and innovations like this make that possible.'
Looking back on the past year her advice to new mothers is to let go of any pressure they're feeling. 'Let go of the idea of perfection. There’s no “right way” to parent, only what works for you and your baby,' she says.
'Trust your instincts, ask for help, and slow down to enjoy the little moments. By the time you’ve spent a couple of weeks stressing about one “issue” they’ll have moved onto something else anyway. The days feel long, but the months and years fly by.'
You can visit Pura here.
Ruchira Sharma is Acting Senior Editor at Grazia, where she writes and edits features for print and digital. From online dating culture, to cryptocurrency and online conspiracy theories, she's most interested by how online life shapes society, and co-hosts the pop culture podcast Everything Is Content.