In Conversation with Olivia Buchli

On motherhood & transitions...

Three words to describe this current season of motherhood?

Morphing, chaotic, but grounded

Reflecting on your previous two postpartum experiences, what did you find the post supportive of navigating challenging times?

For my first daughter, listening. After a challenging birth and navigating the repercussions of it, I think I just needed to feel heard— I leant on friends a lot during that time, but also learnt how to show myself compassion. For my next two postpartums, food! That, and getting sunlight in the morning

Advice or words of wisdom to a new mother?

Mostly, I would say “go gently and go outside”. On the days where I need to get out of my head and step into my parent mode I tell myself “it’s hard, but I’m not a victim of my children or motherhood”. I don’t know if that works for everyone, I just find it helps me rise to the occasion, while not dismissing that some days it’s really hard. I just find it clears my head when I’m stuck. 

You’re currently getting ready to welcome your third babe, what will preparation for postpartum look like this time?

I mostly made meals and snacks for my freezer. I also made sure that my bedroom felt like a little haven that I wouldn’t want to leave, and bought some cozy cotton pyjamas. 

On community, nourishment & connection...

What does community look like to you?

Community for me feels like going to our local markets and knowing the stall holders, and they know you. It’s regular catch up spots, slow catchups and holding each other’s babies while we take turns having swims. 

Nourishment comes in many different forms, what do you prioritise when it comes to nourishing your body?

My first call is “have I eaten and am I hydrated”, after that I love to sit in the sun (ideally by myself, but it’s usually not haha), also staying up a little later after the girls have gone to sleep to read and have a tea. 

You’re deeply passionate about good food, how would you describe your approach to food in your family?

Wholefoods always— I feel as if it’s a bit of a buzzword at the moment, but I like to focus on “ancestral foods” and eating as nose to tail as possible. I like to make sure there is enough protein with my meal and I’m also really passionate about replenishing minerals. 

A meal that tastes like home?

A bright chicken soup… it feels like soul food when you need it

Staple ingredients we can always find in your pantry/fridge?

Good sea salt, olive oil, butter and eggs

On daily rhythms & rituals...

When and where are you happiest?

In the sunshine, by the ocean— ideally with a book in hand

What is your greatest extravagance?

Oysters… I’m a “simple pleasures” girl at heart though, and I definitely prefer quality over quantity. 

The first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?

Feed my baby

Daily rituals that are a constant of late?

A tea with my love before he leaves for work in the morning. We have a few minutes of quiet together before one, two, three little girls wake up. 

Words or a motto you live by?

“Where ever you are, be there” and “saltwater can fix that”

To follow more of Oliva’s journey you can visit her instagram @oliva.buchli

The journal images have been captured by Kristy Linnan