In demand as a media figure and speaker, prominent Whadjuk Noongar journalist and television personality Narelda Jacobs chose that year to step away from her high-flying life. She’s loving every minute of her new job as mommy. Jacobs welcomed her baby girl, Sanna, only eight weeks before the webinar, a life-changing experience and adjustment for any new parent. She keeps her mornings clear in Sydney, with Sanna strapped to her chest. In the series, she writes about the joys—and sometimes, the bitterness—of being a mother.
Sanna, after Finland’s youngest-ever prime minister, Sanna Marin, has given Jacobs’ life a jolt of new energy. This was a hard blow for the journalist who had always hoped for a larger family. After launching her daughter Jadé, now 30 years old, the time was finally right. Jacobs had married Karina last year, bringing their family unit together as they take their independent steps into this new world that lies ahead.
For now, Jacobs is mostly preoccupied with cultivating her new family life. During the day, with Sanna at home with her, she focuses on caregiving. At the same time, her spouse Karina recuperates from nights of keeping the infant nourished. Jacobs is on a mission to make Karina’s first Mother’s Day one she will never forget. Unable to celebrate at a distance, they look forward to celebrating right at home.
A New Chapter in Life
Jacobs writes about her move into mothering, feeling anticipation and obligation all at once. After 25 years as a journalist and presenter on Network 10, she’s decided to take a break. These days, she dedicates her time to enjoying life with her husband and three kids.
“You’re allowed to press pause and just be here for your baby,” – Narelda Jacobs
This could turn out to be one of the best decisions they ever made, but it’s not simply about being physically present. Jacobs conveys that her time observing Sanna grow and blossom has been one of the most enlightening experiences of her life.
“We’ve just really loved watching her be more observant and more aware of the world around her,” – Narelda Jacobs
Her commitment to family arrives at a moment when she is acutely aware of the burden placed on mothers.
“If you are a mum and you’ve experienced loss, you know loss of your own mum, loss of a baby, loss of a pregnancy, miscarriage, I feel like it’s your choice to choose how you spend Mother’s Day,” – Narelda Jacobs
In her foreword, Jacobs makes the case that personal choice at critical junctures in life matters, and emphasizes that this experience is different for everyone.
Balancing Motherhood and Career
Jacobs’ decision to take a sabbatical from her practice happens at a moment in time, rife with their own reflection and healing. She knows first hand how hard it is to juggle being a mother and career woman. She understands all of this and says it’s extremely important to her family life. Her wife Karina’s support helps make this change possible, and her support is key in that transition.
As much as Jacobs loves her new daughter, she opens up about the equal amount of love that she has for her eldest daughter Jade.
“Jade is loved an enormous amount. It didn’t impact the amount of the love I have for her; it is just very different experiences now and you can’t compare them,” – Narelda Jacobs
This feeling speaks to the changing family landscape as children age and new ones are born.
It’s Jacobs’ commitment to making her family feel supported that shines through. As she prepares for Mother’s Day, she does so with the understanding that each mother’s journey is distinct and deserves celebration.
Reflections on Motherhood
As Jacobs moves forward into this exciting new chapter of her life, she’s reflecting on the societal issues out there that affect motherhood and identity. Set against a backdrop of pervasive homophobia, Julie recounts her journey as the proud parent of two, raised by herself and her wife in a same-sex union.
“How great for you that you don’t ever have to experience homophobia but for us it’s an everyday thing online,” – Narelda Jacobs
Her remarks spoken of the larger culture wars that are wreaking havoc on LGBTQ+ families. As they mourn, at the same time, she says, “They’re celebrating their love and resilience.”
Jacobs does a great job of owning her identity as both a journalist and a mother. More than anything, she wants to show up for Sanna. In the process, she hopes to inspire other mothers who go through the same struggles.
