If like many of us, you are a busy working mum, you probably haven’t had time to think about Valentine’s Day yet. Quite honestly, to me it’s just the same as any other day, except that you are encouraged to declare your love for your partner.

Having children doesn’t mean your love life has to end. When you bring a child into the world it’s the most amazing time, but also the most difficult. There are hormones raging, your boobs sag, you gain stretch marks and you now have a muffin top. You no longer feel sexy, attractive and sometimes you feel unwanted.

This month I am bringing you something a bit different. With just 24 days until Christmas, I know most parents are feeling the financial stress and pressure of buying Christmas presents for their children, family and friends.

It was at the beginning of December last year that I was close to breaking point. I was already feeling exhausted, low and unwell so the pressure of the busy festive period made me feel the only way I could be happy was to do what everyone else was doing; drinking, socialising and basically spending energy I didn’t have.