Canesten currently have a campaign running called #SheHelped which is aimed at highlighting the small and large everyday things that women do to help other women. With the media often trivialising the amazing roles and value women add to society it’s important not to forget how even the smallest of gestures can have far reaching impact.
My #SheHelped story is about the help and support I received from other multiple mums online during and after my twin pregnancy.
My twin pregnancy was my fourth pregnancy but only my second successful one. I had Monochorionoc diamniotic twins, caused by early splitting of a fertilised egg, resulting in identical twins sharing the same placenta but having their own sac. It was a high risk pregnancy and we (me and Mr Dad) had lost of questions … so I joined Tamba.
One of the benefits of Tamba was their members forum and it was here that I befriended a community of women who had one thing in common. They were all multiple mum’s and they were a godsend.
These women were more informed and more helpful than most of the medical professionals we met throughout the pregnancy. They shared their stories (good, bad and very sad), provided direct and indirect support to each other, kept each other company during the long nights when sleep was difficult, shared where to buy equipment (you wouldn’t believe how hard it was to buy a descent twin buggy 10 years ago). You name it they helped. It was empowering and allowed me to work with the medical professionals and feel in control of my pregnancy which is often not the case with a multiple birth.
When my girls were born one of them had a cleft in her soft palate and a congenital heart defect which resulted in her having open heart surgery at nine weeks old. Watching one of my babies thrive, whilst the other was slowly slipping away, was one of the most traumatic things I have ever had to go through. I hardly saw Mr Dad as we took it in turns to do twenty four hour shifts at the hospital. She needed small two hourly feeds that would take an hour to slowly drip through due to all the additives, plus there was all the medication.
I also had her twin sister and older sister (fourteen months older) to look after … to say I was exhausted was an understatement.
It was a terribly lonely experience and the forum became my lifeline. I had no energy or time to socialise in real life so my reality became the hospital staff and these amazing women online. I might not have joined in much, but just being online and reading about their lives … interacting when I could … gave me a lifeline.
Just before my twins turned one we headed West Country for our first holiday away as a family and met up with a small gang of these amazing women and their families. I still cry when I think about how welcoming they were and how badly I had needed that contact with people. I felt safe and understood, they oozed empathy without saying anything and I will remember that trip away and all the emotion that I carried with me for the rest of my life.
As my girls grew older and technology changed, we migrated on to other forms of social media but we still stay in touch. Some of us more than others, but we were all there ,watching over each other from afar, occasionally meeting up, giving advice, sharing a virtual hug, glass of wine and a laugh when needed.
Friendships were formed on that forum that will last a lifetime.
These women kept and keep me and each other sane. They allow me to vent, help me stay strong when I’m feeling low and vulnerable. They might not realise it but their sisterhood and virtual companionship has been a mighty strength behind me and I love and thank them dearly for it.
This post has been supported by Canesten, but all thoughts are our own
“Canesten are helping women around the world, providing education and solutions for their intimate health. We are helping those women who are less fortunate than most of us. That is why we wanted to support, in any way we could, refugee women affected by the Middle East crisis who are living in sub-standard conditions in camps and settlements in various countries. So we offered a substantial donation of Canesten thrush products (around £320,000 worth) to International Health Partners, Europe’s largest charity coordinator that organises the safe and responsible donation of medical products and supplies to developing countries.”
Such a beautiful post… I’m crying as I’m reading this! Open heart surgery at 9 weeks? And you having to deal with her other siblings at the same time? Wow… so glad that you found other mums to help you through all of that – women are an amazing bunch xxx
my wife is the woman that inspires me she does so much for everyone
Your post was was heart wrenching…. My Mum is the women who has been my inspiration. She brought myself and my brothers up on her own while working extremely hard – always putting her family first. If I can even be half the women that she was, I’d be really proud of myself!
My granny was a huge inspiration to me, she was a wonderful kind and patient person with super advice! she was the most loyal person I knew
I joined a local craft group where people who love to do crafts can meet up twice a week to do their crafts with company. When I started going I took along my tapestry, as thet is one of the crafts I enjoy doing and at the craft club I met a lovely lady who makes needle felted sculptures (figures, animals etc) As I have always fancied needle felting, I asked her if she could help me get started and she agreed. So for the next 10 weeks she gradually taught me lots of needle felting skills and noe I make lots of needle felted sculptures in my own time too. It is a lovely group because everyone seems to learn from and teach each other. I have also shown a couple of ladies how to start tapestry and cross-stitching. I love the company too – a really great group! #SheHelped
Sounds fabulous. I love a good crafting session and if it’s combined with friends that makes it even better
my grandma was amazing
Amazing blog post. My mum always told me to follow my dreams. I have her to thank for my dream job.
I met a retired head school teacher through walking our dogs several years ago she has taught me so much especially how to love the out doors and respect the wild life I look at life with open eyes because of this amazing lady
When my partner became very ill with Meningitis, and again when we lost one of the children, online friends and acquaintances were there for me day and night – with advice, support and many thousands of virtual hugs. I wouldn’t be here without them.
Our virtual friends play such an important role in emotional support and well being nowadays xxx
My friend really inspires me, as she’s fighting a terrible condition that has left her completely disabled. Seeing her fight on is just amazing x
my mum has helped me she always says be yourself x
im in helping my nursing friend who staying australia at the moment. been chatting to her as she is having depression. i hope she wont be doing silly thing to harm herself
My mom, sadly not with us now, but brought up 3 children even through her MS, cant ever remember her complaining , was an amazing lady x
One of my primary school teachers who I still see today is a wonderful woman. She helped me with my anxiety at a young age, and does so much for the community even though her health isn’t great.
My mum is my inspiration – she is such a kind hearted person and is always there for me and my family!
Inspired by my mum’s ways to save money and still have fun.
my mum inspired me that you can do anything even when she was ill she still always tried to do everything the other mums did #shehelped
One of my teachers was the first to make me realize my true potential. #shehelped
A neighbour, an older woman, helped me go through when my youngest was born, I had 5 year old twins to look after, take them to school and bring them back. She offered her help. I had no choice but to take it. Husband was working 10 hours a day, he couldn’t take a day off.
She didn’t take a single penny for her help, I offered so many times. She’s been a childminder for about 10 years and I have never known that she was doing it for almost nothing! A golden woman!
I have been helped by al the women in my family with my children, with advice and support and childcare.
We also have twin girls, and one of our girls also had difficulties like yours. She had two weeks of chemotherapy at six weeks old, followed immediately by open heart surgery to fix multiple defects. As with you, we had to cope with looking after one healthy baby while also spending a lot of time at the hospital for the other one.
We only managed to get through those early months because of the support of my parents-in-law and several other amazing ladies who did practically everything for us, even cooking and cleaning.
SO glad you had so much help. I remember how much it meant to me when someone did something simple like make me a cup of tea xxx
I helped my friend who has struggled with breastfeeding and helped an old lady to pick up the coins she dropped on a floor
My nanny has always been an inspiration. She was always there to look after me and my sister after school while my mum worked. My mum couldn’t have done it without her
Grandparents are often the unsung heroes of modern parenting xxx
My Mum always helped me when I needed it, she was a strong woman who had to grow up quickly and help her own mother, she really was an inspiration and the most beautiful person inside and out you could ever meet .
my mum has been a constant inspiration throughout. Battling family loss, ill health and single parenthood. She’s now become an amazing grandmother too x
My Mum #shehelped. She’s been there since day one. She raised my siblings and I on her own and worked long hours yet she always dropped us off at school and was there smiling at the school gates when it was time to leave. She must have been worn out but she never let it show. She’s always been an amazing mother but now she’s an even better Nanna to my son Noah x
I have been inspired by my amazing Mum who sadly passed away last July aged 81. She was a formidable woman! A strong lady with opinions you couldn’t change and a heart of gold. She made me the strong independent woman I am today with her Victorian values and firm beliefs.
Btw I too joined TAMBA when I learned I was having twins. (They are 21 this year!) They were a great help to me as a single parent at the time with their help and advice! Invaluable! x
Tamba is an invaluable source of information and friendships xxx
I have been inspired by the 83 yr old lady I help,in the garden. She always comes out to help me and is always bright and cheerful even though she is in pain. At the end of the session she makes me a coffee and we have a chat. A lovely lady
It sounds a beautiful friendship
My grandma was my main inspiration growing up – she was strong and had a lot of good advice 🙂
My mum is my inspiration, my dad nearly 2 years ago and even though she finds it hard she still tries to do her very best by me and my brother. Just recently she helped me with some decorating and i heard her say to someone ‘i just have to get on, and when it comes to my kids i have to do the jobs now of mum and dad’ i hope to follow in her footsteps with my own kids x
My mum is my rock. She helps me more than she’ll ever know. xxx
My cousin who had breast cancer showed me that smiling through whatever bad things are happening truly helps in difficult circumstances and helps cope with everything x
My mum is the reason I have managed to make it to adulthood, she raised me mostly by herself and always sacrificed her time for me. Don’t think I will ever be able to express how much it meant/ means
#shehelped
i remember when i had my oldest so who was born with a congenital heart defect , this lady Lucy who was at the hospital helped me so much with the whole process and was always there for a chat
my mum is always listening to my rants and giving me advice
My partners nan. She’s a lovely lady
I am inspired by mum she is so strong and hard working.
My wonderful mum Valerie five years ago I had a breakdown with signs of eay onset dementia if was in hospital for weeks and my mum came everyday . Bringing books a teddy flowers and sweets a gift every day . I still have bi- polar but am a lot better . Now she needs me in jan she was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer . She’s battling bravely through it . I feel I fall short of how good she was to me I would give her this prize if I won 🙂
Although I was one of the last to become a Mother amongst my group of friends, I was the first to breastfeed. When my best friend had her third baby, she also wanted to breastfeed after seeing me do it but struggled in the first few weeks. I remember how tricky it was in them early days so told her to ring me day or night if she was stuck. Quite a few times I would get a frantic text from her how her baby was screaming and she couldn’t do it so I would drive over in my py-jamas and remember kneeling over her with her boob in my hand and putting her baby to it. We often joke how its a good job we know each other really well! haha
Also I am a parent of autism so I am often helping other Mums out with my tips and hacks for parenting a child with autis wether thats challenging behaviour or how to deal with family members who are struggling.
Aw, I love your breastfeeding story.
My mum inspires me she’s 86 and brought up nine of us.
Wow, nine kids what an amazing woman
My mum is helping me a lot at the moment as I have been off work for 6 months due to illness, I’m very grateful for her support
I can’t begin to imagine how you coped during that period. My mum is my inspiration.
my nan #shehelped she always inspired and encouraged me to do better, to push myself harder and to achieve my goals, she never lost faith in me even when i had none in myself
My little sister is inspiring me at the moment. She’s just had her 1st baby, and has found out he is not very well, but she is being really strong. Love her <3
I’m a Force’s wife and we were always there for one another
My lady inspirationalist is Liz Curtis Higgs who has written a lot of books about women who have changed the world. She is a funny but inspiring writer. She has made me look at women who maybe in situations I dont agree with in a new light and not to be so judgemental.
Other than that; my late gran was amazing and helped me in my growing years.
my mum always inspires me to by myself and is there for me
My workmate, fund raising for2 charities despite her own illness
My mother is helping those whom she has never met…That’s how I know she is an amazing human being. What is more amazing is that she doesn’t tell anyone..she is truely selfless.
Someone I know online, haven’t ever met her as been a good rock lately. we’ve been through the same problems at home and its been good to talk to her and know there is someone else who knows where I am coming from.
I have some very strong females in my family my mum and sister who both battle illness and show that you can do and achieve what ever you set your mind to regardless of the obstacles life throws at you.
An amazing and inspiring woman in my life was my Grandmother even when she became ill, she always had a smile and a joke to tell.
My sister is my rock. Whenever I am down she always manages to make me feel better, and she always gives out great advice.
Thanks for sharing your story, and for your wonderful giveaway xx
My mum and i helped each other whilst caring for my dad when he was dying
I help run a coffee morning for parents/carers of children on the autism spectrum. We all help each other and its great to be able to have a moan to like-minded people who know what you’re going through
The other mums I have met through my children being at primary school all help eachother out a lot. The demands we all face trying to juggle work, activities for children, running a house, spending time with extended family…it would be impossible without us all sharing lifts and support.
My inspiration particularly for breastfeeding was a neighbour, a single mum with no other family who suffered from PND and she breastfed her baby exlusively. I remember her saying how exhausted she was but it was somethng she wanted to do as she felt it was not only best for baby but she couldn’t really afford the formula (money could be better spent on heating etc). I thought if she can do it so can i when my baby boy was born with tongue tie, most nights i sat there feeding him in the early hours feeling exhausted and in pain and in the back of my mind i tought to myself i have a partner i have family, i have love i can do this as she did it wthout all those things.
My mum was a huge inspiration to me, she was always there to give me valuable advice when I was growing up, give me lots of love and cuddles and was a kind and well liked person
A couple of years ago I stopped and helped an elderly women, whom had broken down in her car on a busy road.
My College teacher Mrs Thompson was the biggest influence on me. She had faith in me and helped me through a very difficult time. I will never forget her and am thankful to her every day
My partners nan was amazing…she was driven, fiery and determined. Despite being severely deaf and blind she never let nothing stand in her way. She found a lump in her breast at the age of 85 – that still didn’t stop her…..until 8 months later when she was finally given 6-9 months to live….we didn’t tell her and her spirit didn’t break. 9 days after the diagnosis she started to worsen…she was staying at my partners sisters at the time and I told her to have a good night’s sleep and I would stay up with nan through the night. She was bright as a button all night, chatting and laughing and scooping ice cream up with her fingers and then sucking it off…by the morning she started to fade…later on the doctor had t9 be called and told us she had less than 24 hours…at 1.20pm on day 11 she took her last breath….she hadn’t really woken since I had left and I believe I got the best of what was left of her….if I hadn’t have been there then who would have stayed up all night with her and gave her the comfort and company she deserved?
That is why I realised what #SheHelped me find – my ‘vocation’ – I am now training to become a Marie Curie nurse to be able to help others in this position.
I felt totally inspired by my midwife when I gave birth to my first son! I walked in to that room a quivering 19 year old in labour, scared and no idea how I was ever going to be a mum. I left that hospital after being cared for by the most caring midwife feeling like I had a chance at being the mum I wanted to be and feeling like I had places to turn to for help and that was invaluable for me! #sheheled!
Lovely to read about a positive midwife experience. I had a great one as well and it really helps sets the tine for your first few days as a Mum xxx
Always aim to be an inspiration to my sister, though secretly she inspires me
My boss is an inspirational woman, that always helps me day to day. She’s fair, kind and really cares about our wellbeing!
When I see how my wife gives everything she has to our two boys each and every day, it really does inspire me to give all that I can to ensure that they all have the best life possible.
My old boss Sol, was truly inspirational and helped me to realise my true potential, owe Lot to her 🙂
My Mother-in-law helped me a lot when the children were small
my partner s my driving force behind me, even tho last yr she had the toughest yr any woman can have she has always been my rock
I took a care package to a friend after she had her first child. It included food and some essentials she didn’t have. I also washed her dishes!
My Mum Is My Inspiration, She Has Always Helped Others, And Now At 81 She Is In Very Poor Health She Still Tries To Be Helpful x
I work in maternity and work on a ward for anti & postnatal women. A lot of the care I give is to women who have had a traumatic birth or CSection. It’s a wonderfully rewarding job.
wow, what a post!
My Mam is my biggest inspiration. She has very severe Crohns disease which has affected our family for 30 years. It’s put many obstacles in the way but she’s always been my rock and my best friend.
My mum inspires me, she is amazing and very selfless, putting others before herself. I can speak to her about anything and everything and she is also great fun.
When I left Holland to return to the UK one of my friends gave me a chinese friendship plant. This plant had been propogated and passed from friend to friend.
Back in the UK, one of my friends underwent surgery for breast cancer. I gave her two of the propogated plants which she nurtured and propogated herself as she went into remission. She took great pride in passing them on to the people she loved in her life, so they would have something lovely to remember her by. She kept going for 10 years after the surgery and managed to give nearly 30 plants away.
I was inspired by every woman whose baby was in the special care unit when my daughter was born early. Their strength was incredible.
Just read through the comments…they r so beautiful… And inspirational. My mum and late father adopted me and my sis. My wee mum stood by me when I was going through really bad times, when others told her to “let me go”. I managed to turn it around. Am now twelve years sober and a qualified school teacher. My mum now has severe dementia and I have give up work just now to care for her. Sometime I find it difficult but I need to keep reminding myself how good mum was to me.
My woman inspiration is my grandma who has loved me unconditionally since the moment I was born. She was always there when I needed someone to talk to, and she never failed to give me the best of her care and advice 🙂
The first people that spring to my mind are the women at my local Breastfeeding group. I was nervous at first going in as i didn’t know anyone but they soon put me at my ease. They helped me to realise that what i was going through was normal and gave great tips on how to overcome issues in early motherhood as a whole, as well as with breastfeeding. It was a relief to have peers to talk to as the specialist who I had seen had completely stressed me out!! Thanks to those women i went on to feed my boy for 14 months. I also like to think that I was able to pass on that support to mothers who joined the group after me xx
I have been inspired by my Mum. First she brought her sisters up, then while bringing us three up she worked part time and completed a university degree so she could be a teacher. She’s now excellent at her job and teaching at masters level as well. A huge inspiration and I’m very lucky to have her as my Mum.
I have a problem with my nerves which mean i get pain when gripping so my mum has taken on the role of my personal clothes repairer and sew-er upper!
my gran showed me how to be content and happy #SheHelped
I was helped by my wonderful Mum-in-Law when my children were born. My Mum had died quite a few years ago so when I was pregnant she offered to come & stay with us after the boys were born to take care of me, she cooked and shopped and let me take care of my boys – and didn’t interfere, she was – and is, wonderful
a woman once taught me that i shouldnt compare myself to others, it really helped me feel more positive! xx
My grandma inspired me with her ability to meet every problem with a smile.
My best friend now became my best friend after a work business trip.. We got talking about babies and found out that we both needed IVF. Needless to say from that day on we shared so much with each other, our first IVF boys were born 3 months apart, followed by my friends natural pregnancy and my second IVF 2 years later, and 3 months apart again. She has been such a rock for me and we have helped each other through allsorts!
My best friend Emma really stuck by me. I have a heart condition and when I was pregnant with my 3rd I was advised to stay in hospital for the last 2 months. Being a single parent with no family to support me I panicked as they said my kids could go into foster care for a while. Well my best friend stepped in and looked after my kids until I was allowed home even though she had her own young ones to care for. I cant ever thank her enough and shes been there for me everytime Ive had to go back in to hospital #SheHelped
My wonderful Mam inspires me to be my best for my son, she’s always there for whatever we may need.
My daughter has helped me by being my rock since her dad died and she is an amazing mummy to her two toddler sons
#shehelped
Inspired by my mum, 3 major stokes and other health issues, yet she is the first to volunteer to help fund raise or help anyone who needs help
My mum and my grandmother helped make me who I am. They bring fun and kindness into everything, and are the strongest women I know. They taught me to never give up and never let negativity bring me down.
I too am ‘Twin One’ – 20 minutes older than my identical twin sister ‘Twin Two’ – I am the one who almost didn’t make it, born six weeks early back in the mid 50s before anything even resembling the sort of technology that we’re lucky to have today. Not even incubators. Our mum wasn’t even aware that she was having twins until the week before we put in an appearance. We’ve always been together through thick and thin growing up, and I could never have hoped for anyone better to share my life with (apart from my husband of course). She’s my best friend, my soul mate, my rock, my other half – as I am hers. It is a very special bond that is hard to explain. We still have tiny bands of gone-hard sticking plaster that was put around our wrists when we were born. One says ‘twin 1’ and the other says ‘twin 2’ – they just about fit on our thumbs! Over the years we’ve always been asked ‘what is it like being a twin?’ We don’t really know because we know nothing different. We are both now Nanas and have shared every minute and every tear and wouldn’t have it any other way. People understand we come as a pair, and nothing could come between us. Wishing your beautiful girls a life-time of happiness. x
Such a beautiful comment. I am always so in aw of women that had twins before technology arrived. There was so little support or information and they were often a complete surprise … just like you guys! xxx
mY MUM IS VERY INSPIRING, SHE HAS DONE SO MUCH FOR PEOPLE AND RAISED LOTS FOR CHARITIES TOO
I stay overnight twice a week at my nieces house, she is a single parent with 3 kids, twins Charlie and Grace and older brother Sam. this allows her to work night shifts and not have to worry about child care costs. #shehelped
I usually babysit my two nephews while their Mum is working 🙂
I’m always inspired by my mother. She is a lovely woman.
My mum was my inspiration, she’s had a lot of operations in her life and always keeps cheerful
I have an amazing friend who has inspired me because she is so strong and determined. She is very independent and won’t rely on anyone’s help. I admire her strength and determination.
a colleague at work with 2 young kids and breast cancer. amazing person – never complains and always positive.
when my son developed severe eczema at 2 months, my mum helped me stay sane through those sleepless nights
I was helped by a woman in my first office job, and she helped me grow in confidence and taught me so much!
I have helped many women myself overcome their eating disorder as I used to be a dietitian and ran a self help group for people with eating disorders using CBT. Eating issues are not food related often, but the underlying factor is how the person feels about themselves. I used a lot of psychology in my sessions as part of my studying was 2 years of psychology. I also went on CBT courses to become a counsellor to help people. I always knew that eating problems could never be helped by dietary advice alone and you have to treat the underlying disorder.
My mum has helped me through some dark times. My Aunty helped my family when my brother died and helped take my dad to hospital appointments for his brain tumour, she also helped with funeral arrangements when he passed away
When my daughter was born, I got involved with a Mums and Tots group in my local church. There were quite a few children around the same age as my daughter. It was great to have a group to talk to and get support from. I can’t think of specific examples of how we helped each other because there were so many. I was really sad to move away from them over a year ago.
My mum inspires me every day. When I was younger I used to worry about things, and she always told me that everything was going to be ok and that what other people said didn’t matter. She gave me the confidence to know that I could do anything I wanted.
I helped a total stranger. She was feeling like there was no hope left in her life and was about to attempt suicide. Although she had love around her, she felt she had nothing to live for. I talked to her and helped her realise that others loved and cared about her. I helped her get medical assistance, and for that night at least I felt I made a difference to her life.
My mum, who always put us first all the time.
My mum has always been my inspiration and my support for so many things in my life x
I’m inspired by my mum every day, she’s had a lot of hard times and has put up with a lot raising my brothers and I, and it hasn’t been easy but despite everything, she’s still the kindest, most amazing person I know
When I went into labour with my youngest child I was home alone. It was a scary fast labour, I didn’t drive, had no local family and the bus stop might as well have been in outer space because there was no way I could waddle that far.
I went door to door. A neighbour I’d never met invited me in and called her parents over to babysit her daughter. She tried her best to help me, and I almost gave birth in her Audi. I was in the hospital about ten minutes before holding my son.
The twenty minutes walk to the bus stop, plus the journey time meant that I’d have given birth IN A BUS if she hadn’t helped.
The woman who has most inspired me is called Silvia and she runs an animal sanctuary in Africa. Not exotic animals, which most people understand need to be valued and protected, but street animals, which many regard with indifference or callousness.
She is full of love, compassion, understanding and calm despite the brick walls and uphill struggles she encounters every day.
She has changed the attitudes of many and inspired all who have the privilege and pleasure to work with her.
My mother and grandmother are my biggest inspirations. Two generations of women whose ideals and morals helped shape me into the person I am today. Their stoicism, warm natures, and sense of humour showed that life can tackled with positivity and verve, no matter the situation, with plenty of smiles and laughter along the way 🙂
my friend helps me alot when i am having a bout of depression
I have various chronic conditions which limit time I can spend with people and forums for me too have also been a lifeline – women on there living through extraordinary circumstances either they themselves are affected or family or both. All ages too I find I have learnt things from much younger women, oceans of support both practical and emotional.
My sister. I had a double mastectomy and reconstruction two and a half weeks ago and she’s been an absolute star. She’s taken me to all of the subsequent hospital appointments (every other day to begin with), come over and done my housework and just been amazing
My best friend is my inspiration she’s so strong and wise, she makes me want to be a better person
My mum has both helped and inspired me 🙂 she has been a fantastic role model and such an inspiration to me, and when I turned out to be severely disabled and require a high level of care she has continued to do that uncomplainingly and so selflessly – she never puts herself first. Of course she isn’t perfect 🙂 but I couldn’t ask for a more wonderful, caring and inspirational mother #shehelped
My mother in law has been a godsend, my own mother died when i was 17 and my mother in law has just taken me in as one of her own
My mother was a true inspiration to me. Unfortunately she passed away too young. I could have learnt so much more! xx
Amazing blog my mum is my hero
My mum is my inspiration
My Mums been through such a lot in these last few years. But even during some of her harder times, she’s always been there to support me through my own highs and lows.
I’ve been very inspired by my Mum. She has brought me up all on her own and done a pretty good job. She was two parents in one and dealt with everything on her own. I love her very much and she deserves all the happiness in the world x
I have polycystic ovaries it took me 3 years and 2 miscarriages to get pregnant there are lots of women who helped me through. Jools Oliver inspired me though knowing she had lovely children and had also struggled it gave me hope
My friend Nikki #shehelped when I was taken in for an emergency c section, she took all my other children to hers and kept them overnight . She brought them to the hospital the next day to see their new baby and they all came with gifts , she had bought for us
#shehelped
I guess I have helped numerous women by being a listening ear when they have been in need <3
My sisters are inspirational- supportive, fierce, motivational and loving #SheHelped
My mum helped me loads when I was setting up my business
I have an elderly neighbour who lives on her own, I make an excuse to call on her each day to check she is ok without making it look like I’m going out of my way. I shop for her and put her bins out. She has family but they are not close by and I know they appreciate it #SheHelped
My daughter is inspiring as she has the confidence I’ve always lacked. She’s backpacked alone in South America, Asia & Australia plus done nutty things like bungee jumping.
#shehelped my nan was an inspiration, she was strong and fought so hard to keep her independence. She had a wicked sense of humour and was my best friend
My Mum inspires me every day, when my Dad died in September, we were all broken, but she still put the feelings of her children first despite how she felt
Everyday I am inspired by my gorgeous mum, she has been through some much in a lifetime, it has sometimes felt like a world a pain. She pushes on and is such an incredibly caring, selfless, wonderful woman who would do anything to help anyone.
I really admire my sister in law. She has so much going on in her life but still keeps the whole family together. When bother her parents died, within 6 months of each other, despite being the youngest sibling, she stepped up and became head of the family and made sure everyone else was OK, despite being a single parent to 4 children.
One of her kids is in hospital, far away from home, she is visiting every day for 5 hours and still making sure she has time for her other kids. I really don’t know how she does it all. I offer to visit the hospital in her place so she can have a day off, but she always gets there, every day for the last 5 weeks.
She amazes me and I have total respect for her. If I ever have a problem, then I always go to my sister in law. She always knows just what to say and do to make things right again!!!
#shehelped I am inspired by my mum. She has raised 6 of us while in full time employment. I Have two children and often feel like I am struggling
I’ve been helped by an online community of mums, we all have children of a similar age and someone is always online to chat to and get reassurance from.
My sisters. They have been through alot but still come out smiling and positive. Keeps me going.
My mum is just simply amazing she’s technically my mum but she’s brought me up since I was 3 months old after her daughter left me she’s been the mum I could ask for
My aunt has been my mum to me since I can remember,she was very patient,always listened and explained things,she never raised her voice either x
defo my mum from the second i told her i was pregnant unbi knowen to me she started saveing up when o was in hospital haveing my baby she filled my house with food clothes enough to feed was and clothe an army for a year she dosent have much money its something i will mow do for my daughter when the time comes
I have a very elderly neighbour who is housebound and I call in to see if she is ok daily and help with shopping,have cups of tea and chat.I am not only helping her but enjoy her company and have found an wonderful friend.
My Mum inspires me who is 81 years old and she goes for swimming every week.She has difficulties to walk but she manages everything and trying her best.
I have a great friend who I met when I had my son. We had nothing in common apart from our babies, but despite that she’s the best friend I have now. We’ve had all sorts of ups and downs, but we still laugh and support each other
My mum is my biggest inspiration, she helped me to become who I am today and helped me to understand how to deal with tomorrow.x
I am always inspired by my mother who has been through a number of misfortunes in her life but always seen the silver lining and taught me how to make it through the bad things!
The most inspiring woman to me is my mum – she brought me up as a single mum and I couldn’t be more proud of her.
My mum is constantly helping me, not sure what i would do without her!
My sister in law and I both take it in turns to look after each others children so that we can both go to work for a few hours a week and not have to pay all our wages to a childminder!
My mum has helped so many people. As well as volunteering at a hospice, she set up a friendship club for elderly people which has been a massive success. In her spare time she visits vulnerable members of the community, taking them shopping or on days out, or just being on the end of the phone for a chat. I admire her so much.
I was in a random women’s ward when I was waiting for an ectopic pregncy to be removed, all the ladies were older, having various things and I was ignored a lot of time by the staff and very upset. There was a lovely lady on the ward who helped keep me chatting and trying to stop me crying.
#SheHelped I diagnosed my mums cancer when doctors told her she was fine. I helped nurse her back to health after her big op and still help her today!
my twin sister always helps me from looking after my kids to doing my house work when im having a bad day
i have twins 19 months olt aron and harrison at 9 months aron was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor my sister has been a rock organising transport, paperwork,babysitters and everything as aron has to spend lots of time in london in hospital even taking her holidays to spend time in hospital with aron.i love you edita
What a heart retching post and such an adorable picture of your twins xx
My Mam who is always full of helpful and wise advise, especially in how to deal with other people x
I was helped by another woman I met at my local multiple parents & tots group. I was so anxious about how to ‘be’ with my twins when they arrived, but she helped me so much and we’ve developed a real strong friendship. Without her at the time, I would have really struggled.
My Mum really inspires me and helps me to be a better Mum to my children
My Tutor at college shes really inspired me to believe in myself and know I am capable to push myself and really inspired to pursue a career in midwifery she has inspired me that much! x
My friend helped me to overcome the postnatal depression.
I helped my friend through the break up of her marriage. She rang me in the dead of night, we talked and talked it through, we laughed, cryed and moaned together. I was glad to be there for her.
My friend helped me to regain my confidence after a tough few months & I’ll always be grateful
Rarely do I read bloggers posts from start to end as I am busy with my own life , and 4 sons, to take time to read about others lives – However this was sensational!
I have 4 sons and always try to “do a good deed” when I can and was immensely proud that my 2 eldest sons have picked up on this –
watching the lady over the road struggle to clean her windows ,struggling as undergoing Chemo – my sons (age 13 and 15) got their shoes on and went straight over, taking her sponge and doing her window. I hadn’t asked them to help her and was immensely proud of the compassion they showed. I had a tear in my eye! It’s only something small, I know , but I was so pleased x
My gran kept her illegitimate daughter when she was an unwed teenage mum during the 1930s & went on to marry a man who treated my aunt as his own #shehelped
I’ve had a lot of support from the women in my family.
My mum inspires me. She is such a brave lady. She has had all sorts of medical conditions that she has had to battle but she still remains positive and has a smile on her face.
This year she is running the London marathon for Cancer Research. I admire her so much.
All the women in my family and work have been supportive of my career and home life
I remember when my second daughter was born, back in 1980, when my first daughter was 18 months old. She was ill from the day she was born and she cried nearly constantly. She had her first operation at not quite 5 weeks old and after that she still never slept, she cried from 8pm till 6 am for 3 years and 9 months, and in a morning I would go round to my friend Irene’s house for 8am and help her get her 2 school age children ready for school in the morning, and also help with her other three, twins of 2 and one of a few months old, Once her children were at school I would go upstairs and sleep for 2 hrs leaving her with the 5 young children. She would waken me and I would go and pick her children up from school and we would eat lunch, that she had cooked while I slept, and then I would take her oldest back to school ( 4 year old was at nursery so only did mornings) and then I would come back and help her with some house work before heading home. Her eldest came home with a friend. I know it was mutual help but I would never have made it through the first few years without her help. She also kept me sane.
My friend is such an inspiring lady she manages to bring up 4 children on her own, hold down a job, look after the house and is always there for her friends and will help anyone at the drop of a hat. She’s loved by many and has a heart of gold.
My mum, as shes moulded me into the woman I am today. I would like to think thats why I always help others out and dont like to see people struggling
One of my oldest friends helped me when I was pregnant, and still helps me now with questions and advice as she has five children and this is my first. #shehelped
Also, to get my baby I had ivf when my mum came round every evening and helped me with my injections #shehelped
I am inspired by a dear lady who sadly is no longer with us. She fought cancer with her last breath. She survived breast cancer, throat cancer and skin cancer but sadly she succumed to lung cancer bless her. But her determination to live even when she couldnt speak brings tears to my eyes. One very brave lady. Love her
That’s amazing. My primary school teacher (year one and two) inspired me to become a teacher. Se is retired now but I work at my old primary school and see her all the time. She encourages me and is like a second mom.
My mum is amazing. After a traumatic birth with my eldest it was the morning after our first night at home, my partner was sick and I was exhausted. A knock on the door at 7.30am and there was my Mum, she’d caught 2 buses from miles away to be there to help me.
I have been inspired by a friend who volunteers for lots of organisations to do with the NHS. She is passionate about making the NHS better and puts her heart and soul into it
my mum has always helped me. she has helped me through 2 labours for my beautiful children couldnt have done it without her
My best friend helped me and my 3 young children leave an abusive marriage. She took us in alongside her own family which meant there were 7 kids in the house!! We lived there for 4 months and she helped very much in helping me build my self confidence so that I could make it on my own.
I am inspired by an amazing friend of a friend. This lady is truly awesome and demonstrates the power of a mothers love perfectly. Her little girl, now aged 9, has a disorder which means that she can’t talk, walk, or even eat solids. Naturally, the little one is on some pretty serious medication. It turns out, some of the drugs can only be administered by doctors. So this mummy, despite having to look after the little girl full time, decides to get qualified so that she can look after the girl in every way possible. Its taken her years, but she did it. I have only met her once, but I will never forget her.
I was helped by another wonderful woman from the age of 13 months old. That beautiful person was my Aunty who raised me as her own after my Dad ( Her Brother ) died. The love and affection care and beauty i learned and recieved from this lady is priceless. I owe everything to this angel who sadly passed away in 2006. I am a lost soul without her as she was my best friend / Aunty / Sister and Mom all rolled into one. I consider myself the luckiest person in the world and so very priviledged to have had this beautiful lady in my life <3 <3 <3
I too am a mummy of twins non I’d… I met an amazing lady when they were about 6 months who’s twins were two she reassured me and helped so much
I met a bunch of ladies in a forum shortly after I had my first miscarriage over 3 years ago. We still speak now & their support has been fantastic x
my mother raised me well #shehelped