Melbourne-based Photographer, Ivana Martyn-Zyznikow on losing freedom, finding balance, and the invisible load no one warns you about.

Can you tell us a little about you and your family?

In my family there is Tim and myself, and 3 boys, Winston, Vivian, and Rupert.

Adjusting to motherhood…

Honestly, I found the transition into motherhood quite easy. I’d wanted to be a mum for a long time, so I was really happy. My life changed – no more late nights – but I took Winston everywhere with me.

The real adjustment came later, when I had more kids. The hardest part was the loss of freedom. With one child, you can take them everywhere. But with two or three, it becomes much more difficult.

How do you manage the juggle?

I manage okay. We’ve had help – there was a nanny for a while, which made a huge difference, but it’s been harder since she left. Now that the kids are at school, I have more time to work, but finding the right help is always a challenge.

The best thing about motherhood?

I just love them so much. Watching them grow, learn, and enjoy life is amazing. There’s so much love – it’s the best part.

The biggest challenge?

Every day has its challenges, but I feel like I’ve become stronger and more focused. My career really took off at the same time I became a mum, and I think the timing actually helped – it made me more resilient and successful. I try not to dwell on the struggles and instead focus on the positives. Of course, there are hard moments, and we work through them as they come.

I think the most difficult thing is figuring out how to parent the right way. I always want to say and do the right things, knowing my kids are absorbing everything. I just want to raise good, kind, successful people – and that responsibility weighs on me sometimes.

The biggest surprise?

I didn’t find it hard at first, but recently the constant early mornings have been tough – and they never end. For my 40th, I asked Tim for a Sunday sleep-in every week. I got it for six months, but sadly, it didn’t last (I thought it was a forever deal!).

What do you wish you knew before becoming a mum?

Childbirth is way more intense than anyone tells you. I was forced to have an induction, and it was a really tough experience. It’s painful and overwhelming – and no one really prepares you for that.

Any advice to a new mum or soon-to-be-mum?

Don’t get induced unless it’s absolutely necessary. I felt pressured into it and wished I’d had more choices.

Any advice to manage the day-to-day juggle?

I can’t focus on anything until the house is clean! But beyond that, you really have to love what you do and believe in it.

Passion makes it all work. I stay flexible and available, even if that means replying to emails on my phone while juggling other things.

How do you manage to fit everything in?

We try to squeeze in the occasional dinner date, but nothing is really planned. Relationship time happens when we can make it work.

Who is in your village?

It used to be our nanny Steph and my best friend Anya. When they lived closer, my parents also helped a lot – visiting regularly, taking the kids out, and helping around the house.

What do you wish people spoke more about when it comes to motherhood?

Motherhood is a massive responsibility.

Even when you have a partner, it often feels like everything ultimately falls on you.

I can’t just walk out of the house or decide I’m not cooking dinner. If both Tim and I are out, I’m the one organising the babysitter or making sure everything’s sorted. The mental load is real. That said, there’s this unconditional bond with your kids that’s just magic. The hard part is we’re conditioned to put ourselves last. There are so many logistics involved in being a mum.

The 5 things in your bag you can’t leave home without:

I’m not a bag person! I usually just take my phone and keys. But if I go out to dinner, I’ll take my mini Chanel bag. If I’ve got one of the kids with me, inside there’ll be one nappy, mini wipes, my phone, my keys, MooGoo Naturally Tinted Strawberry Lip Balm and sometimes a lipstick.

Your favourite holiday spot?

We love Capri and Conca del Sogno. But my favourite place is Greece. We’ve done a few big trips with the kids – we try to spend a month in Europe when we can.

Next on the travel list?

Japan! I’ve travelled almost everywhere, but I’ve never been to Japan. I’d also love to take the kids to Egypt.

Your favourite brand?

Jil Sander, The Row, Christopher Esber (I love his dresses), Friends with Frank and Harris Tapper.

Trend you’re loving right now?

I like what I like, and I’m a ’90s girl through and through. Everything I love comes from the ’90s. I still wear the same cut-off denim shorts I wore when I was six!

Where do you do most of your shopping?

I’m not a big shopper. I prefer boutiques, but I do most of my shopping online now.