“I was a mum, with two under two. I didn’t realise how challenging it would be.”
When Laila welcomed her second baby, life quickly became a juggle. With a newborn and a toddler at home, and her partner working full time — and spending his spare time renovating their house to make it child friendly — much of the day-to-day load fell to her.
“I was finding it hard juggling looking after the newborn and toddler alone while also trying to maintain the household and cook meals.”
Like many parents in those early years, the days were full and often exhausting. Even simple things, like deciding what to make for dinner, could feel overwhelming.
That’s when Bellyful stepped in.
“It really helped to relieve some of the stress on what to prepare for dinner, especially on those very stressful days when you don’t feel like you achieve anything.”
A meal might seem like a small thing, but for Laila and her whānau, it made a real difference — easing the pressure and creating a little more space to focus on what mattered most.
Laila also has a message for others who might be finding things tough:
“Don’t be embarrassed to reach for help if you are struggling. It doesn’t make you weak.”
And for the volunteers who made and delivered those meals:
“Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts and tummies. Your kindness has meant so so much to our family trying to navigate the journey of parenthood.”
