Sinead Jennings is a Team Ireland Olympic rower who will be heading to Rio later this year. As well as an impressive sporting career, she juggles her training with a busy family life. She and her husband Sam Lynch have 3 young children together. She told us, in her own words, about the things she has learned since becoming a mum...
1. Breastfeeding
I found breastfeeding really convenient as there are no bottles to sterilise or feeds to prepare, which is a real bonus at nighttime. You can just feed in the bed which meant I was fresher in the morning. When I was out and about with the girls, I had a ready-made supply so I never had to worry about them getting hungry if I was out longer than expected. It really was a lovely bonding experience too. There is a real closeness with feeding that gave me special moments with the girls. I also found it great for helping me get back in shape after each of my three pregnancies.
2. The Power of a Smile
Nothing can prepare you for the joy you get from seeing your child smile. A smile from one of my girls can brighten up my worst day. I will never forget their first smiles. It’s such a simple thing, yet it’s amazing what power your child’s smile holds.
3. Managing Expectations
There is a high expectation to be the ‘perfect mum’, especially as a new parent. You are inundated with advice and everyone has strong opinions on the ideal way to raise children. I certainly struggled to come to terms with what I had planned versus what reality served up. I believe that routine is very important for children but I’ve also learned to be more flexible. Each of my girls has a different personality so I need to respond to that. Before the girls came along, I would have had very strong opinions about healthy diets with plenty of variety but then you have a strong willed toddler on your hands and it can be a game-changer. What I’ve learned from all of these experiences is to manage my expectations, bend the rules when needed and to always trust my instincts.
4. Exercise is Good for Mum and Kids
Finding the time to exercise seemed like a tall order at first. I was feeling sapped of energy but, because I was trying to get back in shape to compete, I had to find clever ways of fitting in some exercise. In between my time as a competitive rower, I also spent some time as a competitive cyclist. So when my first daughter was napping, I would jump on the stationary bike that was set up in nursery. I felt that once I got into the routine of exercising, my energy levels increased. I always enjoyed bringing the girls for a walk in the buggy too. It’s one of the easiest ways to exercise in those early days. Getting out of the house always helped to lift my mood and it was great to have a change of scenery. Now exercise is something we enjoy together. Getting my girls out and about for a run around in the playground or a walk in the park is a surefire way to make for happier children who sleep well!
5. Motherhood is an Olympic Pursuit
Motherhood is like trying to qualify for the Olympics. No matter how tired you are or how much you feel like giving up, you always find the extra strength that pushes you on. You find reserves you never thought you had. Really, it’s all because of love. I love my girls and I love my sport. That’s why I am proud to be part of Electric Ireland’s #ThePowerWithin campaign for Team Ireland. It really articulates the challenges we’ve had to overcome and the resolve we need to qualify and represent Ireland at the Olympics Games. And personally, I think every mum has the power within them to achieve great things – they’re already doing it every day as they bring up their families.
For more 'things I learned about motherhood' pieces, click here. 
