My husband really wanted kids and we reached a consensus after getting our own place!

How did you feel about having kids, before you became a mum?

I actually never planned to have kids or gave it any thought. Starting a family was never a priority for me; even getting married was a question mark.

I have always been a boyish short-haired girl who beats guys in sports. I always thought that I’d die single, and certainly without any kids. So what I am going through right now is very new to me!

I guess when you have the right partner who can support your dream and goals, you become more receptive to the idea.

Fast forward to today, I can no longer imagine life without Kira.

My life used to revolve around my training; the food I eat and the rest I take. Now, it’s all about getting my training done and heading home to spend time with Kira – even if it’s to catch her sleeping. Priorities have changed!

How do you juggle your time between being a mum and training?

During my training sessions with my friends, I can no longer sit down and have unlimited cups of coffee with them. Even during our rests, I had to time them so that I could make it back on time.

Thankfully, I have a very supportive husband who takes care of things at home. I do not actually need to worry about rushing back home to Kira. It might just be #mumguilt at play.

Athletically speaking, as my joints became more elastic in preparation for birth, it meant that I was not able to push as hard when I first got back into training. My body really forced me to ease into it and take it easy.

Thankfully, I exercised throughout my pregnancy and that helped!

How did you deal with these changes?

I started my run sessions with jog/walk sessions instead – that was something in which I struggled the most. I really needed to leave my pride at home and focus on doing what I could to take care of my body. My husband also bought the Olive Manon Virgin Oil to help with the stretch marks caused by pregnancy. That worked wonders for me when my belly was like a hot air balloon!

That would be the initial breastfeeding period when I had to wake up every three hours in the middle of the night to pump in order to prevent engorgement. I had engorgement the day after I delivered and that’s certainly not a laughing matter!

It was only after I was introduced to my lactation consultant at Oriental Jamu that I was able to keep it controlled. Later on, I managed to stretch the breaks between pumping to eight hours so that it’s less disruptive to my lifestyle!

That my joints would be this sore, especially when I was trying to get back in shape. At times when I was running, my knees almost buckled and would be sore for a day or two!

What’s the most ridiculous thing about motherhood you’ve heard?

I’ve heard all sorts of ridiculous things since I am an athlete, from remarks that I am too boyish and won’t get married, to being too lean and not being able to produce breast milk.

I just want to tell all mums out there that only you are responsible for the birth of your child. Only you can bring up your child the way you want them to be.

Don’t let naysayers dampen the amazing moments you are going to have with your kid. Sometimes you make mistakes, but most of the time you will be making amazing decisions for your child. So just go ahead and explore the journey with your child together!

As cliché as it sounds, I would say: every single moment. Every time I look at her, I am smiling, sans when she’s grouchy and wants milk or sleep.

What do you love most about being a mum?

After my trainings, there is Kira for me to look forward to! She is also my main motivation during trainings these days.

In the past, the cheers I got were “go Ling!”. At my last local triathlon race, my friends were all cheering “go Kira’s mummy, go!”. That left a huge impact on me.

It made me want to set a good example for her. I want to show her what it means not to give up and to pursue what you set your mind to.

How do you deal with grandparents “undermining” your parenting?

It is inevitable. Even my sisters dote and undermine my parenting at some level! As long as they do not go overboard, I believe it actually helps build a healthy relationship for her and the family. That to me is very important.

How have your friendships changed since you became a mum?

I think as long as you surround yourself with the right company, they will be supportive regardless. My group of friends accept Kira wholeheartedly like a “sister” or a “bro”. I know I can rely on them should I ever need their help!

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