Afternoon tea became 'high tea'

Our first get together s were usually held at a cafe or park so there was no pressure on the Mums to have people around. This progressed to sharing the hosting at our homes. At first everyone just took turns to volunteer their place.

We all decided to bring a small plate of something to make it easier for the mum hosting.
Usually this consisted of biscuits or dips or fruit, sometimes a mother would bake.

I'm not certain when it started changing but I noticed these teas became more lavish and a 'production'.
Particular Mums would go to so much trouble it looked like they were catering for a 'High Tea' at a posh hotel!
This would consist of the white table cloth with silver cutlery, bone china, cakes, petit fours, savories, sandwiches, fruit platters.....
You get the idea!

It is always nice having a special morning or afternoon tea but this sort of 'spread' is over the top and as you can imagine became a contest between certain mums..It appeared certain Mums were bending over backwards trying to outdo one another!

Silly me thought it was supposed to be about a relaxed catch up where we could share ideas and bond over our children.

Although I enjoy cooking I don't usually have the time to bake, let alone with a newborn baby so it did prove a challenge for me at times.
I was also aware that I didn't have the palatial home like some of the other mums (not that it should matter!).

As our children were growing up and becoming more mobile it was suggested that we might find a venue for a playgroup where we could use their equipment and space. One of the mums offered to find a venue and let us know availability.
This is where the trouble started and some catty mum's true colours came out!

The Journey from the beginning

My Journey began almost four years ago when I first discovered that I was pregnant. I was so ecstatic as my husband and I had been trying for almost two years without any luck!

I was still working at the time so time flew by quickly...
Nine months later I gave birth to a beautiful girl called Ella*, who became our pride and joy.

Nothing can prepare you for Motherhood (no matter how many books you read!) as every situation is different and it depends on you as well. Some people seem to be more relaxed, others are nervous...everyone is different.
I had no idea how challenging breast feeding can be (the attachment;how painful it can be initially) and I had breasts that felt like boulders because they were engorged with milk.
I actually had to use breast pads as I often experienced leakage.

This accompanied by sleepless nights can leave one feeling like "What have I done?!". However with the support of family, friends and the health center it became easier.
Where we live, after you give birth to your baby they get you in touch with Maternal health nurses and your local Maternal Health center so that you have support and can join a 'supportive Mother's group.

Initially you meet (as a mother's group) at the center once a week where you learn how to take care of your baby. When these classes are finished they encourage you to stay in contact with your mother's group so that you can be there as support and possibly friends to one another.

I was quite positive about this as a close friend of mine had a fabulous Mother's group that she is still in touch with since the birth of her son (He is eleven).
So I was open to meeting once a week or fortnight at each others place or at the park.
This was a bonding session where we would chat about our day to day lives, any challenges we were experiencing and were able to give each other (at times helpful advice)

It became evident early on that we were all strong minded women (mostly older mums) but there seemed a genuine bond amongst everyone...or so I thought....

*names have been changed for privacy issues