The Baby Bag Diary of Meena Tiwana
Welcome to the Baby Bag Diaries. A series where we share real stories from real mums exploring the transformational journey into motherhood, shining a spotlight on their favourite products and the pieces of advice they wish they had before having a baby.
Pharmacist, businesswoman and mother of two, Meena shares her experience of balancing motherhood and running a family business. She describes how she learnt to listen to her instincts and encourages every woman to set their own rules when it comes to raising their babies.
Tell us about yourself? When did you become a mama, how many babies do you have?
I’m lucky enough to be a mother of two gorgeous girls, ages 6 and 1 years old. Nurturing these two is more than a full time job and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Who were you before you became a mum? How has motherhood inspired or changed you? Any light bulb moments?
Before motherhood I was (and still am) a busy pharmacist, running our family run businesses of pharmacies. Motherhood has taught me to listen to my inner instincts rather than following any set rules. The Robin Thompson Method was truly inspirational in all aspects of pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Tell us what you thought motherhood would be like before you became a mother?
Easy, huh, what was I thinking!
What’s in your baby bag right now?
Keep it simple. Nappies, change of clothes, nappy rash creams, nappy bags, baby wipes.
Designated baby bag, nappy bag backpack or your handbag with baby things packed in it. What’s your style?
For local trips: handbag with B&E nappy clutch.
For travelling, a COACH baby bag. SO functional.
Let’s talk looking effortlessly chic even after having a baby. We know this is an area that many women including ourselves find challenging, dressing our new postpartum bodies and reconciling our personal style with motherhood. Do you have any advice for new mums?
Don’t go overboard with the clothes. Buy as needed as your body changes throughout the first year. Or lucky for Covid mums, we were in lockdown and could stay in PJs all day long, and not expect any unexpected visitors. I tried a lot of maternity bras, expensive ones, but found the Target ones the most practical.
What is your go-to baby gift that you give to others?
I have bought the B&E bundle many times for expecting mothers. They love it! It’s a good feeling when you see them using everything in their pram.
What baby products could you not live without?
The B&E nappy clutch is a lifesaver. As a breastfeeding mum, you can just leave the house with your clutch and you're good to go! And, Amolin, an oldie but a goodie (it’s a nappy rash cream).
Sometimes as mums we come across the trifecta of baby products – items that are gorgeous, functional and make your life easier! What are some of your “best kept secret” baby products you’ve discovered?
The B&E nappy clutch is so practical and luxe!
What advice would you give to a first-time mum shopping for all the baby stuff? How do you wade through all the noise and know what you truly need?
Only get the essentials first, then just see what you need. Every week is different with a newborn, so your requirements are often short-lived.
If you could go back to a pregnant you and give yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?
Start getting massages early on.
What kind of mum are you now – can you describe your parenting style in three words?
Follow inner instinct.
What is the best lesson motherhood has taught you?
Don’t follow the rules, make your own.
Any final advice or words of wisdom for pregnant or new mums reading this?
Become a member of the Robin Thompson Method (for pain free breastfeeding). It not only has guidance about breastfeeding but pregnancy and labour as well. It really enlightens and empowers women to be able to be amazing mothers by listening to their babies and themselves. I wish more mothers knew about it. Without this, I would not have been able to breastfeed my baby for more than 3 weeks (still going strong at 13 months).