Bathtime and Beyond: Parenthood Unfiltered is our interview series getting into the real day-to-day of raising little ones alongside home, work and everything else that makes up this season of life. For this edition, we’re chatting with women’s health expert Dr Shel Gomes about what maternity leave looks like for her, how her family has transitioned from 2 to 3 kids and how evenings really unfold once bathtime is over. Fun fact - Shel and baby Arie are also some of our OG mum and baby models for Smoosh! 

1. For anyone who doesn’t know you yet, how would you introduce who you are and what life looks like for you right now?

I’m Shel, mum of three and very much in the thick of it. My eldest is six, my middle is four and starting school in September, and I have a four-month-old. I'm currently on maternity leave from my role as Head of Global Public Health at Daye, the Femtech brand leading the way in women's gynae health. We're an organic and sustainable tampon brand and our proudest achievement to date is launching a diagnostic tampon for cervical cancer and other STI's. I've also just completed my doctorate in global health and I'm working on publishing three papers from my thesis all while managing a full home renovation.

I had this vision of a calm, slow maternity leave… I’m not quite sure how I imagined that with everything going on. It’s full, it’s chaotic, but I’m grateful and I take moments to pause whenever I can.

2. Talk us through an ordinary weekday: what does mat leave look like for you and how are you finding the transition from 2 to 3 children? 

My husband gives me a lie-in most mornings, which I’m incredibly grateful for as sleep is essential for me, and right now we’re deep in the four-month regression during a heatwave.

The day starts with getting the older two ready and out, then it’s a mix of baby time, seeing friends, lunch dates. I love postnatal reformer Pilates classes with the babe.

The older two play so beautifully together (most of the time!), which really helps, and they’ve been amazing with the baby. I do sometimes worry about giving them enough attention, so I try to carve out small pockets of one-to-one time each day, even if it’s just ten minutes fully focused on them.

3. We know that you’re incredibly passionate about your work in the women’s health space, tell us about Daye and how do you see your transition back to work going - how will your family unit adapt?

I care deeply about women’s health,  there’s still so much to be done, and Daye is doing important work advocating in this space. 

I’ve always prioritised family, and I’ve been intentional about building a career that supports that. I work flexibly around my children, which allows me to be both present and productive.

I used to travel a lot internationally, but now it’s just a few trips a year. I love working from home, being there for school pick-up and bedtime, then picking things up again later. It works for us, and I’m really grateful for that balance.

4. How have you personally changed since becoming a parent? 

Completely. I have a much deeper respect for women and motherhood. My children come above everything, always.

I trust myself and my intuition far more now, and I care a lot less about what others think. I’m also much more focused and efficient,  if something takes me away from my children, it has to really matter.

5. Is there anything in your current routine that really works for you, a habit, boundary or setup you’re quietly proud of?

A gratitude diary and yoga keeps me grounded. Getting all three kids in bed by 7pm, that evening reset, that adult time, is essential for me. And seeing my friends regularly to keep me sane.

6. And to end on our favourite part: once bathtime’s done and the house is (sort of) quiet, what does “beyond bathtime” usually look like for you?

Beyond bathtime to me looks like heading to a yoga class, if kids chaos allows. Otherwise, it’s usually a mix of baking cookies (my love language), seeing friends, or catching up on renovation admin.

Some evenings I’m working on papers from my thesis, and when needed, I’ll book in a massage at home, especially when the breastfeeding hunch kicks in.