Baby Expert Interview Series – No.1
Motherhood is a journey filled with joy, love, and growth. Recently, we had the privilege of sitting down with two expert moms, Katie Mick and Kathryn Trower, to learn about the experiences and challenges they faced and continue to face as busy moms.
During our exclusive interviews, these seasoned mothers shared their experiences and knowledge, shedding light on the initial challenges they faced, how they expanded their babycare knowledge, and their transformation from newbies to confident parents.
Initial Challenges as New Parents
Both Katie and Kathryn acknowledged that the start of their motherhood journey presented them with a multitude of challenges. Sleep deprivation was a common theme, leaving them feeling physically and mentally drained in those early years. They also admitted experiencing moments of self-doubt, as they navigated through the uncharted waters of parenting. Adjusting to a new routine and the overwhelming responsibility of caring for a newborn added to the complexity of their journey.
Katie noted, “Those early months were tough, with frequent feedings and waking up throughout the night. I also struggled with self-doubt, questioning whether I was doing everything right for my baby.” Kathryn added, “adjusting to a new routine and finding time for myself were quite challenging.”
Expanding Babycare Knowledge and Gaining Confidence
When I asked both Katie and Kathryn how they expanded their babycare knowledge and gain confidence as new moms, Kathryn emphasized the importance of seeking reliable resources. For example, she found comfort in parenting books, online forums, and reputable websites dedicated to parenting advice. “Joining local mom groups also provided a support system where I could exchange advice and experiences. The knowledge gained from other experienced parents was invaluable, and it reassured me that I wasn’t alone in my journey,” she said.
Katie added that she “sought guidance from experienced family members and friends, who provided valuable insights from their own parenting journeys.”
The Transformative Mommy Journey
Reflecting on their motherhood journey, both Katie and Kathryn recalled feeling a significant transformation from their early days as new parents to becoming more confident and knowledgeable. Kathryn emphasized that learning by experience was crucial in her growth as a parent. She learned to trust her instincts, understanding that every child is unique and that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting. She said, “As a new mom, I often felt like I was stumbling in the dark, but with time and experience, I became more adept at understanding my baby’s needs. Learning from trial and error played a significant role.”
For Katie, she highlighted the importance of self-compassion, acknowledging that it’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them.
Advice for Overwhelmed Parents
When asked about advice for overwhelmed parents, Katie spoke from the heart with this nugget of wisdom:
“One of the most important lessons was to be kind to myself and not strive for perfection. It’s okay to make mistakes, and it doesn’t mean I’m a bad parent. Every day is a learning experience, and I tried to be patient with myself as I adapted to this new role. I also learned the importance of asking for help when needed and accepting it graciously. Parenthood is a team effort, and it’s okay to lean on others for support.”
Kathryn added that she would encourage new parents to prioritize self-care and seek support from their partners, family, and friends and said if she could share her advice with her younger self, she would “emphasize the significance of cherishing every moment, as time with children flies by quickly.”
Babycare Product Recommendations
As seasoned moms, Katie and Kathryn had some thoughtful babycare product recommendations for new parents. Both suggested investing in a high-quality baby monitor to ensure peace of mind and create a safe sleeping environment. A comfortable baby carrier also proved to be invaluable for Kathryn in particular, as it allowed her to keep her hands free so she could play with her oldest child while still keeping her younger child close. She also suggested keeping a nice stash of picture books on hand to help foster of early love of reading. Katie added that a white noise machine was a game-changer for her and her husband, as it helped soothe their babies to sleep.
The motherhood journey is one of growth, learning, and love. Through the challenges and triumphs, each parent discovers their unique path. Katie and Kathryn’s experiences remind us that it’s okay to seek help, learn from experience, and embrace the imperfections that make parenthood so beautiful. To all new parents out there, remember that you’re doing great, and this journey is a beautiful adventure filled with cherished memories.
To learn more about babycare tips and advice, check out our recent blogs: Benefits of Sleep and Why New Parents Should Make It a Priority and Expert Tips for Using a Baby Monitor While Working from Home
About our Mommy Experts
Katie Mick is a dedicated mother of three who spends her days homeschooling. Her oldest is heading into 5th grade and the other two are about to start fourth grade and first grade. She and her kids enjoy reading books, exploring the outdoors on nature hikes, and karate classes.
Kathryn Trower has two young daughters. Her oldest is about to begin kindergarten and her youngest is only a wee two-year-old. Kathryn has also opted to homeschool. As a former elementary school teacher, she enjoys teaching her daughters through play and adventures to the zoo, aquarium, library, and various parks around her Tampa, Florida home.
