Stretched: All the feels from second-time motherhood

by Karen McMillan, Mike Hartney (editor)

103 pages, Paperback

Published February 13, 2024

About the author

Karen McMillan is the author of both fiction and non-fiction. Her books include: Unleash Your Inner Seductress, Unbreakable Spirit; Love in Aotearoa; Feast or Famine and a novel, Watching Over Me.

Reviews

[Tania · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Gifted copy*

Karen @mother_truths truths kindly gifted me this copy of her book, Stretched.

I received this sweet little book on second time motherhood yesterday and flew through it last night. When Karen offered to send me a copy I said it was sure to resonate with me as a second time Mum, but I didn’t know just how much. The age gap between Karen’s children and mine are practically the same, and it often felt like someone had pulled my own thoughts directly out of my brain. It’s been tough, and it’s been wonderful, and this recollection echoes that, with one particular phrase standing out to me:

‘My heart stretched but my arms didn’t’.

The book is full of short musings, writing and memories of her second born’s first year. (I loved the little age washing labels as chapter headers!). I found myself smiling, nodding along and agreeing with so much; wondering if your first born is dealing with this ok, unwashed hair, how the second born just gets on with it. The whirlwind of days being dictated by the school run, the difference in what you gave and who you are as a mum to each of your kids.

Hugely relatable, any second time mum would love this book even if just know ‘you’re not alone’. Motherhood really can be a universal experience, we’re never as alone in our feelings as we think we are.

[Rhiannon Holland · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is split into 3 months age brackets, so I read each section as my baby grew. I also have a 5 year gap with my baby and my eldest, just like the author, so I found the work even more pertinent. So many beautiful moments where I wanted to shout ‘SAME!’. She describes motherhood in that strange way where it’s the hardest and most wonderful thing, all at once. Just lovely.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

For what it lacks in high caliber writing, it makes up for in its touching sentiments. “Still Here” is definitely the best piece of the collection. Had me weeping. Everything else was sweet but not spectacular. 3 out of 5 stars.

[Lizzy Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just read this cover to cover whilst rocking my 10 week old second baby to sleep in the pram outside and I cried throughout. So many of the stories and feelings ring true and the writing made me laugh, smile, cry and also weep a little. Beautiful.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful collection of thoughts and reflections of second time motherhood. Like her first book, the stories are so relatable and a few made me put the book down and wipe away some tears. She captures that bittersweet feeling of children growing up so perfectly.

[Daisy Harris-Burland · Rating 5 out of 5]

So rarely ever write a review but this book warranted one. Such a beautiful summary of becoming a mum of two. I cried twice and had a lump in my throat on countless other occasions. Incredible book.

[Ashley Lymbery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt seen reading this book. It’s nice knowing I’m not alone

[Ibtissam · Rating 5 out of 5]

3 weeks with baby number 2 and so comforting to realize we see all living the same lives. It's weird but comforting too.