Jana Pittman has opened up to her Instagram followers about her recent struggles.
The Olympian, 40, shared a picture of herself smiling next to an affirmation card that read, ‘Smile at the obstacle for it is actually a bridge.’
‘Today is hard… you guys know I try to own my truths and share my life, warts and all… but today I definitely feel a little rocked emotionally… cried pretty hard!’ she wrote in the caption on Monday.
She revealed that her two-year-old son, Charlie, had a fever-related seizure during the previous night.
‘I got up hoping one of my au pairs could help me with the other kids… but the house was empty of adults…’ she revealed.
Jana Pittman (pictured) shared a heartfelt and honest message with her Instagram followers about the tough few weeks she’s been through
Jana then revealed what had happened to her employees.
‘My au pair of several months gave me notice two weeks ago that she wasn’t happy. Her last shift was supposed to be today before a goodbye dinner tonight. I had tried to make her feel welcome but somehow I fell short.’
Pittman continued, writing that she had found another ‘lovely girl’ that she tried hard to make feel welcome.
‘I woke today to find both girls left in the middle of the night, no note, no message, no goodbye to the kids, and an untidy room with a bin overflowing with rubbish… heartbreaking!’ she stated.
Pittman revealed her son, Charlie, two, had a fever-related seizure during the previous night
The former Olympian, who is now a doctor, mentioned that being the sole parent to six kids is incredibly challenging, especially with all the other demanding things going on in her life.
She then talked about the photo she shared, referencing the inspiring quote.
‘I believe we can achieve many things in life but when your village crumbles around you, the only way out is to build a bridge… hence the quote!’
‘Thankfully I do have my mum, a wonderfully Fijian nanny that helps and my au pair from last year is coming back later this year wahoooo; but 6 kids and me absent with work is tough for anyone! So for the next few weeks, it’s going to be hard!!! We will be in survival mode,’ she said.
Her followers promptly left comments, offering their support and words of encouragement.
Jana then revealed what had happened to her employees. ‘My au pair of several months gave me notice two weeks ago that she wasn’t happy,’ she wrote
‘I hear you, Jana.. it does get easier as they get older but this has been my life for years. 6 kids is tough. They always need a part of you,’ one said.
‘Oh Jana, you are tough and your resilience shines through!’ said another.
‘My goodness are those beautiful kiddos of yours lucky to call you Mum and have the most incredible role model to look up to – hard times and all,’ another fan remarked.
The former Olympian, who is now a doctor, mentioned that being the sole parent to six kids is incredibly challenging
After the outpouring of support, Jana replied: ‘I agree time to back off a little and my amazing hospital has offered me part-time next year (amazing as a 1st year reg) but then when I go full time at least the twins will be 4!’
‘I will then stop the extra speaking gigs but for now they pay the bills! It’s a juggle! Thank you all again.’
Two of Jana’s children, daughters Emily, seven, and Jemima, five, were born via IVF and through an anonymous sperm donor.
She also has a 15-year-old son, Cornelis, from her marriage to her first husband and former coach Chris Rawlinson.
She shares son Charlie with husband Paul, and last March the couple also welcomed twins.
Pittman is a doctor specializing in women’s health at Blacktown Hospital in Sydney, working towards her goal of becoming an obstetrician-gynecologist.
Pittman is a doctor specializing in women’s health at Blacktown Hospital in Sydney, working towards her goal of becoming an obstetrician-gynecologist
