It was so great to have a catch up with the lovely Illy from Mixing Up Motherhood over on Instagram. We could have chatted all day if we had the time. Instead, we continued our conversation with a few questions about balancing her incredible business and motherhood as well as her faves from her ever-growing Beyond Nine collection.
Illy wears the Gingham Winnie Dress
TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF ILLY...
This is always a tricky question, I struggle to talk about myself hah! I am 30 years old and based in Norwich, Norfolk. I am a mum of two, Ihsan who is 4 and Talha who is ten months. I have been a qualified midwife since 2017 and set up my business Mixing up Motherhood in 2020 at the start of the pandemic.
WHAT SERVICES DO YOU OFFER AT MIXING UP MOTHERHOOD?
Mixing up motherhood is a business offering birth reflections in a safe space, with someone who is knowledgeable and impartial. I offer a space for women and their families to debrief the perinatal experiences, anything from difficulty with conception, miscarriage, stillbirth as well as physical or emotional trauma in pregnancy, birth or the postnatal period.
Illy wears the Iris Coverall
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL WEEK LOOK LIKE FOR YOU JUGGLING YOUR BUSINESS AND MOTHERHOOD?
So my 4 year old is at nursery three days a week which is so helpful but my son is still only small so I only work evenings as I'm with him during the day. I work four evenings a week and really enjoy it as time off even though it is work! This time after having a baby I’m way more sociable, weekday mornings my son and I have lots of plans with friends and I also have recently set up a mothers circle to continue building a community of supportive mothers.
Illy wears the Navy Zoë and Jenny
WHAT'S BEEN THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR BUSINESS SO FAR?
The biggest challenge has actually been myself, I feel that sometimes I limit myself and that doesn’t necessarily serve me!
TELL US WHAT YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT BEYOND NINE?
I own 6 Beyond Nine pieces and my collection is growing. I have worn them in pregnancy and outside of pregnancy and they are my go-to. The quality, style, practicality and colour range is just everything to me.
Illy wears the Gingham Winnie Dress
WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE PIECE?
I have the Lilac Jenny and Hugh and to be honest it wins the title and I always get so many compliments on it!
WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS FOR MIXING UP MOTHERHOOD?
I have recently launched my Birth Debrief Masterclass for professionals which I am so excited about. My debut book, The Birth Debrief will also be published in March, I’m still pinching myself that I will be a published author!
Illy wears the Navy Zoë and Jenny
Make sure you check out Illy on her Instagram @mixing.up.motherhood or on her website. The way she supports women and their families through difficult experiences through every stage of pregnancy, birth and beyond is incredible. Illy's book The Birth Debrief is out now. Mother, Midwife, Mentor and Author. What a woman!