As a new mum to four month old twins, you’d imagine Rebecca Jackson already has her plate pretty full.
But the TV presenter and racing driver somehow manages to hold up her career and be a hands on mum. We caught up with Rebecca to find out how she juggles motherhood with a busy career.
Rebecca is an advocate of the mantra ‘trust your instincts’ when it comes to her life as a mother and on-screen and on-track superstar. ‘When the twins were born I made sure I spent time getting to know them, I was extremely lucky that Royal Berkshire Hospital supported my decision to co-sleep for the first few nights in the hospital. I focussed all my strength into relying on and nurturing my motherly instinct so I could empower myself to be the best mummy possible to these awesome little people.
‘Being a mother is such a blessing and with twins that’s doubly true! I am also very blessed to have great support around me enabling me to focus my energies on the babies. Whilst I didn’t do any preparation classes or read any self-help parenting books before they arrived, I did make sure that I asked for advice and help from experts when I needed it – for me it’s all about balancing my instincts with help where I need it.’
For her, flexibility and balance are her lifelines, Rebecca now has a live-in nanny to help with twins during the day from Sunday evening to Friday evening, meaning she can fit in work alongside caring for the twins. ’We 100 per cent work as a team, when I have a meeting Jess and I will walk to the venue, introduce the babies and then Jess will walk with them whilst I discuss work. We arrange everything around breastfeeds and nap times so that I am as present as possible for both the children and my work commitments. I do all the overnight parenting so I’m really proud of how far the twins and I have come on our journey so far.’
But it’s not just at home where Rebecca is part of a great team, she is also lucky to have a fantastic support in her racing and on-screen endeavours. ‘I’ve been working with a host of sponsors for a number of years now. This is my second year working with Morris Lubricants who are such a great team and I’m very grateful to them and my other sponsor Motor Easy for their support with my racing career and as a new mum. I took the twins into meet Motor Easy the other day and it was so much fun! I’m really excited to get back in my car later this year and have plans for some Hot Laps in the autumn.
‘I’m also starting to do a little bit of filming and the babies have expressed milk whilst I’m on camera. Once they are a little bit older and are weaned I’ll be doing some more on-screen work which is something I really enjoy.’
Whilst Rebecca admits she is very lucky that her twins are easy babies, she has worked extremely hard to establish a feeding and nap routine as well as building exercise into her daily life. ‘I walk everywhere and try to involve the babies in all my activity. I have a Bugaboo Donkey 2 pram and I can often be found doing fast cardio walks along the river or up a huge hill – if the babies are asleep I take full advantage and walk mega fast! When it comes to strength work I do squats whilst holding the babies making sure I always have a correct hold and that they are completely comfortable. In fact, I’m always moving with them, rocking, dancing, and jiggling away! Their weight is gaining daily too so it’s gradually becoming more of a workout!!’
Human support is one thing, but technology is a vital part of life for us all now, not least for a busy mum! ‘I’ve always made use of my phone and gadgets to manage my diary, keep in touch with friends and my fans via social media, but it wasn’t until I had the twins that I realised the amazing number of apps out there for new mums! I breastfed exclusively for the first three months, and I still do throughout the day, but now I also use the Elvie Breast Pump in the evenings whilst the babies are in bed to build up a freezer supply of milk for my upcoming filming work. It works with an app which is great as it’s handsfree and means I can see how long I’ve been pumping for. I also make use of Wunderlist to keep on top of all the stuff the babies need – it’s a God send!’
When asked if she had any tips for mums trying to juggle work and family commitments Rebecca is pretty clear. ‘Nothing is more important to me than my children. I am extremely blessed to have such a network of support around me, but I know that if my life is in balance then I am fulfilled. I swear by mindfulness; you won’t be breastfeeding all night forever, never feel guilty about whether you work or don’t; get your hair done or don’t. Embrace everything, look forward to weaning and messy bath times – wear a swimming costume if that’s easier! – try and savour each chapter as much as you can. Don’t be afraid to cry in front of your children in tough times – it’s healthy for them to see you show emotion. Do what is right for you and what feels right for your children – you’re the expert in your own life. Just as in motor racing – your line is the best!’
