Megan McKenna on Motherhood, Milestones & Finding Her Rhythm as a Mum
Interview By Rachel Ducker
As a mum of three, I’ve always believed that some of the most powerful conversations happen when women open up about the real, unfiltered parts of motherhood, the joy, the chaos, the learning curves and the moments that stay with you forever. So speaking to Megan McKenna, who has just celebrated her little boy turning one, felt like chatting to a friend who completely gets it.
Most people know Megan for her incredible voice, her TV career and her unapologetic honesty, but hearing her talk about baby Landon, the reflux struggles, the sleepy smiles and the big emotions that come with that very first year… it’s clear that motherhood has unlocked a whole new chapter of her life.
In our conversation, Megan opens up about the highs, the hard bits, the advice she took on board, and the things she simply had to figure out for herself. It’s raw, uplifting and beautifully relatable, whether you’re a first-time mum or have been around the block a few times.
Here’s our full chat.
1. Your little boy just turned one–congratulations! How would you sum up your first year of motherhood?
The best time of my life so far. He honestly makes my days so happy.
2. What have been the biggest highs of your parenting journey so far,and what moments have you found the most challenging?
The highs are waking up and seeing his smiley face in the morning and seeing him fall in love with food the way I love food.
The lows were Landons first 3 months when he suffered with reflux it was so awful to see my tiny baby in pain. And was also really hard on me as he wouldn’t sleep and cried more than he was happy. People don’t realise how hard it is with a reflux newborn. I’m proud of myself and so happy Landon is ok now!
3. As a mum of three,I have always found it helpful when others share mum tips with me – what’s the best piece of parenting advice you’ve taken on board, and what’s the worst?
The best tip I got was don’t worry about other people when your out, just take your time, no one is listening to your baby like you are.
I havent had a bad tip but I defo have learned to not listen to people’s opinions, every mum and baby is different and you have to do what works for you.
4. Sleepless nights are something every parent knows too well – how did you cope with them, and did you find any routines or tricks that made a difference?
As Landon had reflux it was abit more challenging with the sleep at the start, Landon had to sleep on a tilt and would throw up numerous times throughout the day and night. I found that when he was a few months old feeding him every 3 hours instead of cluster feeding helped his napping and we got into a routine. Also to not lay him down atleast 20 mins after his feed so he had time to let it settle.
This really worked for us and he started to sleep through the night with all of this.
5. You’ve worked with Johnson’s Baby to create a baby white noise playlist. Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind it and why you wanted to be involved?
I don’t know what i’d do without our white noise machine so I thought it would be silly not to be involved!
6. The playlist uses real parenting advice in a really creative way–how important do
you think it is for parents to feel supported, even through something as simple as
Music?
It’s the most important thing of being a new mum, you need support you need understanding and you need time to heal.
7. As a big foodie, how have you brought that love of food into your parenting–from
weaning to family mealtimes?
Letting Landon experiment with flavours and texture was the best lesson I’ve taught him so far. He loved his food and really enjoys being with me in the kitchen. It’s fun and another way of bonding!
8. How has becoming a mum changed your perspective on self-care and making
time for yourself?
Tbh I don’t have self care time apart from a bath every night hahaha! It’s not the same as before but I wouldn’t have it any other way!
A spa day is needed…. No nails don’t bother me anymore! There’s more important things to worry about!
9. If you could go back and give yourself one piece of reassurance before becoming a parent, what would it be?
The 5pm hour / anxiety feeling goes away, it’s normal. Know one told me about this before I wish I had the warning of that feeling. It shifted after a couple of months of Landon being here.
10. Looking ahead, what are you most excited about in this next chapter of motherhood as your son grows and reaches new milestones?
To hear his speaking voice, to hear him say ‘I love you mummy’.
11. Parenthood can be overwhelming at times. What have you learned about yourself since becoming a mum?
That the kitchen can be cleaned anytime. Just enjoy and be in the moment. They’re not babies forever.
12. Has motherhood influenced your career choices or the way you approach work and balance family life?
It’s made me even more motivated.
13. What’s one thing about being a parent that has completely surprised you – something you didn’t expect?
I have no time to worry about silly things anymore.
14. Every parent has a “go-to” lifesaver – whether it’s a product, a routine, or a snack. What’s yours?
Beans on toast. If he isn’t in the mood for dinner that’s my go to.
15. Finally, what’s your hope for other new mums who might be following your journey – what message would you like to share with them?
It’s the best thing in the world but can also be so hard. But you always pull through on no sleep you still pull through. It’s amazing. Also, if you can and want to try, for me, breastfeeding was so so hard to do, it’s sore, and tender and I even cried but I persisted and wow it is the most amazing thing I have ever chose to do for Landon. I really recommend to give it a go!
Reflections from the interview
Speaking to Megan reminded me why these conversations matter so much. Motherhood isn’t linear, it’s not perfect, and it’s certainly not quiet, but it is transformational. And hearing someone as open-hearted as Megan share her journey gives other mums permission to breathe, to feel seen, and to realise that none of us are doing this alone.
From reflux nights to foodie moments, from tiny milestones to the big emotional shifts, Megan is embracing it all, and cheering on every new mum as she goes.
A huge thank you to Megan for sharing her world with Bounce Magazine. I hope her honesty brings comfort, strength and a little spark of joy to anyone navigating their own beautiful, messy, unforgettable version of motherhood.
Check out the Johnson’s Baby website HERE and the Soothing Sounds playlist, which can be found HERE.
Like Megan, Kevin Simm has also navigated major career transitions – read our interview with Kevin Simm on becoming Wet Wet Wet’s frontman.
