Life as a new mom - Cecilie N. Hartmann

In this lovely episode we get to know the caring mother of two, the Copenhagen based Cecilie N. Hartmann, who talks to us about her experience of becoming a second-time mom. Read about the highlights, the biggest changes and the most usefull baby products to stock up on.

 

Hey, Cecilie!
Hi!

Who are you?
My name is Cecilie Hartmann. I am 28 years old, living in Copenhagen with my boyfriend and our two daughters. Currently, I'm on maternity leave. Prior to this, I worked in marketing. However, our plan is to start a business venture once our daughter begins nursery.

Tell us about your family?
My boyfriend’s name is Emil, he is 34 years old. Together, we have two little girls, Cornelia and Ellie. There is a 21-month gap between our girls. Ellie is 2 years old, and Cornelia is 6 months old. We live right in the heart of Copenhagen, close to the lakes, the city, and the parks. Ellie, our first child, came very early in our relationship, so we've essentially experienced being both partners and parents from the start.

 

Tell us, what has life as a second-time mom been like?
Life as a second-time mom has been quite different from the first. This time around, I've felt calmer in my role as a mother because I haven't had all the same worries. However, there have been other concerns, like feeling guilty for not being able to give 100% attention to either Ellie or Cornelia. You want to be there for both without one feeling jealous, yet you also want to give as much love to the younger one as you did to the first. Thankfully, I'm learning to balance and adapt to our new routine as a family of four.

What has been exactly as you expected and what has come as a surprise?
I knew it would be incredibly fulfilling to see Ellie with her little sister; that wasn't a surprise. However, before having our second, you can't imagine having as much love as you have for your first born, but you do. You love them both equally, even more than life itself, and you love seeing them together and the bond between them

 

Biggest change now that you have two children?
Maternity leave is different; you now also have to consider taking care of and picking up your older child, as well as tidying up and cooking. It's not the same leisurely experience as it was with the first child. There's a lot more practicality involved

So far, what have been your highlights of life with a new baby and as a mother of two?
It's hard for me to pinpoint, because even though it can be chaotic and tough sometimes, being a mom is also the best thing in the world. It feels like life has truly begun now, everything makes so much more sense, and I love everything about it.

 

What’s the most useful baby products you have?
The most useful baby products I’ve had is a baby carrier, a Moonboon, and our sibling stroller. All of them are lifesavers, especially when your baby doesn't want to sleep. And when you’re outside with two children under two, a sibling stroller is a must-have.

Name a few of your favourite baby accessories from Elodie?
We love our footmuffs for the stroller; they've been incredibly useful during the Danish winter. Additionally, we use their kid’s dinner plates and bowls daily, along with their cute drink bottles and bibs. We also love our travel stroller, which we have in beige. We sometimes also use it indoors when our older daughter has taken a nap.

 

Which products would you recommend for the first baby months?
For the first months I would recommend Elodie's pointelle blanket and their baby nest.

 

What advice would you give new moms?
Don't feel guilty if you haven't accomplished much during your days on maternity leave. It's understandable to be more tired with all the nighttime wake-ups and constantly meeting others' needs. It's okay to just relax and do nothing or take a nap. Enjoy it instead and prioritize self-care.

Best advice you´ve received from others?  
Don't compare your child's development with others'. Each child is unique, with their own timeline of growth and milestones.

You can follow Cecilie and her family on instagram @cecilienhartmann

Shop Cecilie's favourites