ALISHA AITKEN-RADBURN: '12 things no one told me about the first 12 weeks of motherhood.'

Alisha Aitken-Radburn and Glen Smith first met on Bachelor In Paradise in 2020, quickly becoming a fan-favourite couple as their romance blossomed. Fast forward a few years, through one seriously stunning wedding, and the couple welcomed their first child in October 2024.

Their daughter, Poppy Florence Smith, was born on October 3, with the couple sharing their joyous news on Instagram.

In the weeks since, the couple have shared glimpses into their new life as parents.

At the 12 week mark, Alisha shared a poignant post about motherhood that truly resonated with mothers in her online community.

Here, republished with permission, are Alisha's 12 reflections on 12 weeks of motherhood.

1. It is so much harder than I expected and I really used to think when people said things like they hadn't showered until 3 or couldn't get out of the house they just weren't "organised" enough or they just needed to rip the bandaid off. I have never been so swiftly humbled, but we are getting there.

2. Again — when I read 'breastfeeding is hard' — I didn't appreciate it as a reality. When it didn't just 'happen', the feeling of failure was crushing. Double feeding, triple feeding, pumping. It's a lot.

3. I thought I'd never gain confidence with all the different contraptions but you do figure them out!!! I'm also learning strategies to continue to get stuff done, when I need to wash the dishes it's time for a dance performance in the kitchen and when I need to get to parents group we're doing a GRWM, doing my make-up while bouncing her with one foot in the bouncer.

Alisha Aitken-Radburn with her daughter, Poppy. Image: Instagram/@alisha.aitkenradburn.

4. The village is a privilege and a blessing. Having my mum nearby has made tackling the trenches possible and my best friend Wendy used her annual leave to visit from Sydney for nearly two weeks. She cooked for us every night and cooked in big batches and froze us food to defrost later. It's one of the most beautiful acts of friendship and love I've ever received.

5. It terrifies me how I'm already forgetting the little things from the beginning like tucking her swaddle in the sides when we put her down because it seemed to make her feel more secure. Time really does move too fast.

6. I was pleasantly surprised at the infrastructure around new mums, I'm sure it isn't perfect but having a home visit from a nurse and them asking about our support network was more than I expected.

7. I've never felt my age or health more acutely. My knee clicked the other day and woke her up oh my god and when I stand up from sitting it's a whole painful exercise.

8. The Wiggles have really adapted to the new media environment and it's going to be a toss-up for our fave between Rattlin' Bog and Michael Finnegan.

9. There isn't a torture quite like being 20 minutes from home in traffic with a crying baby in the back seat. The way it penetrates your soul is unbelievable.

Alisha, Glen and Poppy celebrate their first Christmas together. Image: Instagram/@alisha.aitkenradburn.

10. I've learnt to be so productive in a 40-minute window, I am truly running the gauntlet every time she goes down for a nap.

11. You do just have to learn to let things go, productivity looks different now. The house isn't going to be as tidy as I'd like and you apologise for missing things and people will understand. (Even intended to post this list at eight weeks and it's a month later lol).

12. She could be unsettled all day and one smile makes it all better. The hard days are hard but I feel grateful for all of them.

Feature Image: Instagram.