Mum of two and healthfluencer, Caitlin Ireland, shares what’s changed in becoming a mum for the second time, and the nursery item she wishes she’d had the first time around.
By Giselle Jones
If you spend any time in the world of modern motherhood or women’s health on Instagram, chances are Caitlin Ireland has popped up in your feed.
A mum of two and Accredited Practising and Certified Prenatal Dietitian, Caitlin has built a loyal following sharing evidence-based nutrition advice on fertility, pregnancy, postpartum recovery and women’s health, delivered with the honesty and practical insight that comes only from living it herself.
At home, Caitlin’s world is less wellness feed and more mama juggle – a reflection of the beautiful chaos of her life with two children under three.
“I’M TRYING TO SURRENDER TO THIS NEW SEASON OF MOTHERHOOD AND NOT OVERDO IT.”
Caitlin says Harvey, six months, sleeps like a baby in the Leander Luna Cot.
CHAOTIC, FULFILLING, HUMBLING.
That’s how Caitlin Ireland describes her current season of motherhood.
It’s mid-morning on the Gold Coast and the baby monitor glows on her desk.
Adriana, two-and-a-half, negotiates a snack in the next room like only toddlers can. A laptop is open on the kitchen bench. A lukewarm almond latte nearby cools another degree.
And on the screen, six-month-old Harvey is asleep, arms flung wide, chest rising and falling steadily in slumber, the room around him light, neutral, uncluttered.
If you’ve done motherhood twice, you’ll recognise this feeling instantly.
Not relief exactly.
Not pride.
But something steadier.
Confidence.
“This season of motherhood feels healing,” Caitlin says. “Becoming a mama for the second time means that I finally trust my instincts now.”
Caitlin cuddles her newborn.
THE LEARNING CURVE
The first time Caitlin became a mum, everything felt high stakes.
Tracking apps. Feed timers. Sleep charts. Google spirals at 2am.
Her daughter, Adriana, didn’t sleep through until she was two years and three months old. Which means Caitlin lived in a new-mama fog.
“Being a first-time mum was such a steep learning curve. I struggled to trust myself,” she says. “Even leaving Adriana to go to pilates felt huge. So, I barely went.”
“This time with Harvey, it’s been different. I’ve felt so much calmer and more open to accepting help. I’ve learnt to trust my intuition. I’ve even deleted the tracking apps!”
In letting go, Caitlin discovered a sense of peace and acceptance she hadn’t experienced before.
“Second time around, you realise that babies are all different, even siblings. And that it doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with you or your parenting skills. Understanding that has felt so liberating.”
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THE SLEEP SWAP
Even with this new sense of wisdom, having two children under three is no mean feat.
“Finding time for myself is a juggle!” the accomplished health professional admits.
And yet, there’s magic too.
“Adriana was born to be a big sister,” Caitlin says. “She’s obsessed with Harvey.”
Having experienced sleep struggles with Adriana, Caitlin knew she wanted to try something different the second time around. So, Caitlin set to work on adjusting the nursery to give Harvey the best chance of sleep.
“AS A FIRST-TIME MUM, THE SLEEP DEPRIVATION SURPRISED ME SO MUCH. WE KNEW WE HAD TO TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT.”
“Second-time motherhood strips away noise. You know what matters and what doesn’t. You realise that the choice of where your baby sleeps is a big one.”
“We knew we had to try something different when it came to sleep. You don’t realise as a first-time mum how much time babies spend sleeping and how important a good cot is. So, we decided to try a new cot with Harvey – one that hopefully he would love being in.”
After plenty of research, and falling hard for Leander’s sleek European design, Caitlin introduced the Leander Luna Cot into Harvey’s nursery. It made a huge difference to their family.
“Harvey is a much better sleeper. I wish we had had this cot for Adriana!”
Caitlin introduced the Leander Luna Cot to the nursery with her second baby Harvey, and wishes she’d discovered it earlier.
Not only does the cot stand proud as an impressive anchor point of the nursery with its clean lines and Scandi modernism, but with Harvey happily snoozing, it’s clear it’s been an addition that has not only changed his experience of sleep, but Caitlin’s experience of motherhood too.
“As a first-time mum, the sleep deprivation surprised me so much (and what we somehow still manage to get done on such little sleep!). This time around with Harvey, it has been a lot easier. He loves being in his cot. The mattress is so comfortable and supportive, I wish it came in an adult size! And the cot is stunning as a nursery centrepiece, I love it. All my friends now want it!”
There’s no hype in Caitlin’s tone. Just conviction. When you’ve done motherhood once already, you realise what is sacred:
Sleep.
And for Caitlin, those moments of calm now begin at home.
CAITLIN’S MOTHERHOOD EDIT
- Biggest change in becoming a mama of two: Navigating the guilt for not being able to be there for Adriana as quickly as I’d like if I’m tending to Harvey.
- Something you stressed about as a first-time mama but don’t anymore: Tracking everything – sleep, feeds etc! I’ve deleted the apps with Harvey!
- Greatest mum tip: Book a few psychology check-ins postpartum. I booked three sessions after having Harvey, not because I was struggling, but because I understood, second time around, that the transition into motherhood deserves care. It was one of the best things I did. Sometimes having someone just actively listen to you and make sense of how you’re feeling is so therapeutic in itself.
- Something no one tells you about newborn life: Their toes smell just as good as their head!
- Coffee order: Almond Latte. Always.
- Parenting style: Calm, flexible, nurturing.
- Your baby sleeps best when: He has had a lot of play time.
- Favourite baby item: Our Leander Luna Cot. I’m obsessed with the whole Leander Luna range.
- I care for myself by: Talking to my friends regularly, wearing clothes that make me feel good and being outdoors. I’m trying to surrender to this new season of motherhood and not overdo it.
- Modern motherhood is: Allowing yourself to be a loving mother who is there for her children and to chase your career.
6 THINGS CAITLIN LOVES ABOUT THE LEANDER LUNA COT
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Comfort sleep
Harvey sleeps so well. Babies spend a large portion of their day sleeping (hopefully!), so this cot has been a gamechanger for us.
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Quality first
We wanted this cot to be something special that Harvey would have through his early childhood, giving him precious memories. Made from oak and beech, it’s not only beautiful, but solid and secure, giving me confidence every time I put Harvey down. Buy once and buy well, as they say!
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Lasting love
The cot converts into a junior bed or sofa, which means it will grow with him, which I love. This means the cot will see him through his early childhood and will save us having to buy those items later.
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Airflow freedom
With open sides that allow air to circulate freely, the cot helps create an airy sleep environment for Harvey.
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Safe and sound
Goes without saying, really. Designed to meet strict European safety standards and compliant with Australian requirements, I have peace of mind that Harvey is in the safest place possible.
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Design goals
I wanted to create a sleep sanctuary for Harvey that I adored too. With its soft curves and Scandinavian simplicity, the cot elevates the entire nursery and makes me happy every time I look at it. Happy mama, happy bubba!
QUICK!
Danish by Design is currently offering 50% off the Leander Luna Cot while stocks last, plus another 10% off if you sign up to their newsletter – offering a total of up to 60% off. Run, don’t walk! Learn more here.
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