MAFS' Martha reveals why she's so honest about her motherhood journey

Ever since Martha Kalifatidis announced her pregnancy in September last year, she’s been extremely honest on social media about the challenges she’s faced throughout her motherhood journey.

The former Married At First Sight star was diagnosed with Hyperemesis Gravidarum in the early stages of her pregnancy, which caused her to lose 10kg in five weeks due to severe chronic nausea and vomiting.

She also recently went viral for sharing a hilarious video of her fiancé Michael Brunelli trying to suck one of her breasts in an attempt to unclog her blocked milk ducts.

Martha, who gave birth to her son Lucius in February, tells Yahoo Lifestyle she believes it’s “super important” to be candid with her followers about the highs and lows she experiences as she navigates this new chapter of her life.

“We live in a time where comparing yourself to others on social media is extremely difficult to avoid,” she says.

“It’s something we shouldn’t do, but when you’re served an infinite amount of content showcasing the one per cent of peoples’ lives - the highlights only - it’s hard to not look in the mirror and compare. I’m certainly guilty of doing it at times.

RELATED:

• MAFS' Martha shocks fans with wild breastfeeding video with Michael

• MAFS' Martha and Michael welcome their first child: 'Perfect'

• MAFS' Martha rushed to hospital after health scare: 'Freaking out'

“But with that in mind, and understanding I have access to a large audience, I felt it was super important for me to be honest from the moment I was diagnosed with Hyperemesis Gravidarum during my pregnancy, to the birth of Lucius, and the ups and downs of parenting.

“I want parents to see my content and resonate with the funny times, the good times and the hard times. I want my content to reinforce that it is ok to have down days, to doubt yourself at times, to struggle, to stress, but to always love your baby no matter what!”

'It's so worth it'

Heading into motherhood, Martha admits she “genuinely had no expectations” about what to expect but was well-prepared thanks to all of the amazing mothers in her life.

“They let me know what I was in for and honestly, I’ve enjoyed it,” she shares. “The sleepless nights, the random tantrums, the dirty nappies, the early morning feeds, the stress, it’s all been an experience I wouldn’t change. It’s so worth it to see Lucius smile.

“Feeling my body become so in tune with Lucius’ wants and needs so quickly is what surprised me. We are connected on a level that is impossible to describe and it’s an amazing feeling to have.”

She adds that her bond with Michael, who she met almost five years ago on season six of MAFS, has “grown in such a unique way”.

“We have a deeper level of respect and admiration for each other knowing that Lucius is the most important person to both of us,” she details. “We are now living our lives for him, so it’s a new bond we are both exploring and enjoying.”

Bonds Baby Search

The family of three are the face of this year’s Bonds Baby Search, calling far and wide for Australia’s brightest, messiest or not-so-cutesy bubs from newborns to 3 years old.

“I grew up wearing Bonds and now Lucius is wearing it too, we’ve come full circle!” Martha remarks. “It just made sense to be a part of the return of the Bonds Baby Search.”

The annual competition, which is in its 18th year, officially launches on Tuesday with $30,000 cash and daily prizes up for grabs.

“Real moments are the key here!” Martha says about the ideal criteria. “Letting a baby be themselves and show their true personality while capturing it sneakily on your camera.”

Enter Bonds Baby Search here, with entries closing June 13.

Never miss a thing. Sign up to Yahoo Lifestyle’s daily newsletter.

Or if you have a story idea, email us at lifestyle.tips@yahooinc.com.