Amanda Youssef - Mom of the Week!

Name:  Amanda Youssef

Instagram Account: @amanda5.20

Little One: Mikey, 2 Month Old

1. Tell us about the first time you really felt like a “mom/dad”

I instantly felt like a mom the moment I felt my baby kick while I was 14 weeks pregnant. Luckily I kept a weekly journal which now allows me to remember that special moment. I started talking and touching my belly every day after that because of the strong connection.

2. Who is your mom role model?

There are so many women on instagram who I admire and who inspire me to be a better version of myself. But my go-to mom is @ellenfisher Her YouTube channel is extremely humbling and full of awesome advice. She posts everything from yummy recipes to offering day to day parenting skills. I learned so much about nutrition for kids and staying healthy during pregnancy. She even inspired me to have a homebirth, which I never thought I'd do. :) 

3. give us one word that describes your mom style?

One that comes to mind is RELAXED. Whether it's physically or mentally, I'm constantly trying to remain cool, calm, and collected no matter what I'm doing. I can achieve it easily by taking 30 min for myself at the end of the night to read or write. It's what I find comforting to keep me sane lol. This also means staying organized and keeping things simple whether at home or out.

Fun Fact: When I'm on the go, I always wear nursing clothes and a baby carrier so I can feed my little one before he fusses. It's funny watching myself walk and feed him since it's so discrete inside the baby sling. My baby can eat peacefully and I can stay relaxed and not worry about pumping or going home to feed him.

4. Two tips for a new mom?

• Tip 1: Have your postpartum items ready. A must have in your home is: nursing bras, nursing pillow to keep your hands free, oh and a journal to record all the sweet "first time" memories because they grow up so fast.

• Tip 2: I also recommend investing in a Lactation Consultant. It's so important to get the right help before you give up. It's a wild journey and you will want a professional there immediately when things don't go as planned.

5. Favorite Finn + Emma product and why?

I can't decide between the origami romper I have or the play gym. I might pick the Woodland Play Gym for today only because I'm staring at it in my living room and it looks like another art piece. It's a baby item that you'll never have to put away because the wood and craftsmanship is so pretty. Plus my little one enjoys staring and reaching for the foxes.