Eimear Varian Barry
Eimear Varian Barry is a busy Mum of 2 precious girls Saoirse and Harper with baby number 3 on the way!
Originally from Cork, she traveled the world working in Fashion, Film and Photography and is now settled in Surrey with her family. Eimear is a creative director, model, PR and media specialist and photographer.
Eimear Varian Barry
As a working Mum of 2 what are your greatest challenges and how do you find balance?
I honestly find it incredibly difficult to keep a balance. I want to be a full-time mom, but also avail of my work opportunities. I say no to a lot of work because I don't want to be away from my babies any more than I am already am. Every single mother is different. Some mums like to go back to work straight away, some never again. For me, it's about being there as the best mother I can be, but also working enough to keep my creativity alive and, essentially, work my brain.
How has your family dynamic changed since going from 1 to 2 children?
Because I am straight on my laptop when i put the kids to sleep, my boyfriend Daniel and i basically just call each other during the day to catch up on whatever it is we need to speak about. Every dynamic is different but as he works from 6am until all hours of the night, it's very difficult to keep a relationship alive, especially after having two kids. We are both building very different, separate businesses. I'm not going to sugar coat it as say "oh we've got stronger!" . It's tough. But when the four of us are in bed and it's laughs and giggles and love, then I know it's all worth the hard times.
You are a great advocate for hard working Mums who breastfeed and who love fashion! How would you style a new mom who wants to look stylish but can still breastfeed comfortably?
Honestly, I think a lot of "breastfeeding clothing" out there are created by companies who purposely make women feel like they HAVE to wear something particular when they are breastfeeding. I never wore anything that was labelled "for breastfeeding". I just wore clothes which complimented my new body shape (my belly is still big, but I hide it well). I just wore tops I could lift up or wore stretchy necked dresses which I could pull down. A vest or a string top underneath what you are wearing works well, if you are conscious of your belly, but I really don't think you need to buy a whole new wardrobe when breastfeeding.
You have such a keen eye for interiors and stunning home wares, is it really possible to have a house full of baby gear and toys and still have stylish and tranquil space for adults? Please tell us how!
Ah yes of course you can! I just have both going on! I have all sorts of toys for the girls which are everywhere! I do love @cottagetoys for the wooden kitchens etc, but the rest is from everywhere! We have a little playroom, but the front room has one basket of little toys and puzzles they can play with, then it be packed away quickly at the end of the evening!