The new mum: ‘God has called me to this role’

My name is Carys Nurcombe-Pike. I’m married to Josh, and we have a three-month-old daughter, Zipporah – whom we call Zippy. 

Becoming a mum has been an incredible and life-changing experience. Despite reading extensively and being surrounded by wonderful friends who are mums, nothing could prepare me for the joy – or how hard it’s been. Zippy arrived four weeks early, and life has been a whirlwind ever since.

Each day is different. I’m constantly trying to work out how to care for this tiny, ever-changing life. Zippy brings us deep joy, and it’s amazing to see glimpses of both Josh and me in her. We love her smiles. 

But there are also tough moments. Despite strong support, being a new mum can feel isolating and lonely. I’m used to a fast-paced life, but becoming a mum has forced me to slow down. Your body changes and what you do is very different. I’m not sure that the role of a mum is particularly valued in society.

I believe God has called me to this role, and I’m asking him to help me serve faithfully, even as I rethink what ‘work’ and a ‘full day’ mean now. My hope is to glorify God in caring for Zippy, while allowing God to refine me in areas like patience and selflessness. I’m discovering value in small, repetitive acts of care like feeding, changing nappies, being covered in sick and enduring sleepless nights. 

I’ve got to know new people through becoming a mum. It’s early days, but I want to build friendships grounded in honesty about both the joys and challenges. When I’m open about the hard parts – beyond the Instagrammable moments – other mums feel comfortable sharing too. When I say: “This is difficult”, they say: “Yes, that is difficult!” It’s got me thinking about how the Church can encourage us to celebrate the highs and support each other through the lows. I trust I will have opportunities to have more direct conversations about Jesus. 

Please pray that I grow into the mum God is calling me to be and that I’ll show Zippy what it means to love Jesus, extending grace and love to her each day.

Carys Nurcombe-Pike was speaking to Paul Woolley