Motherhood With Lauren Hood

Next up in the motherhood series is Lauren Hood! We are so excited to be feature Lauren, the owner of  Progeny-the fashionable, unique, and practical clothing for little ones. Their online shoppe is adorable, and they also have a brick and mortar store. As a business owner and a mother to her beautiful daughter Lila, I knew that Lauren would have the best advice for entering into motherhood- and oh was I right! Scroll down to read the interview and get a dose of Lauren’s  wisdom.

Do you have any tips, tricks or advice that helped get you through your pregnancy? 

I had months of morning sickness (all day sickness, let’s be real) and the only things that helped me power through were lemon drop candies, saltines, pineapple juice, and sea bands you wear on your wrist that push on pressure points. Prenatal yoga stretches helped me with lower back pain and Epsom salt baths with lavender oil were where I spent about the last 2 months of my pregnancy!

What websites, blogs, books or apps do you like to read/use about motherhood or kid/baby? 

I loved tracking my pregnancy with the BabyCenter App!  Initially, I bought every book that was suggested to me by friends (What to Expect When You’re Expecting, Bringing Up Bebe, Your Pregnancy Week by Week, 100 Healthiest Foods to Eat During Pregnancy, The Happiest Baby on the Block, and more).  I started out reading and following them religiously and then I decided that trying to absorb so much made me anxious. So I stopped reading them. And I felt better. The only book I’ve used since Lila was born is Caring For Your Baby and Young Child – Birth to Age 5, from the American Academy of Pediatrics. I think it’s a great resource for understanding social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth and tracking milestones. 

 As a shop owner, you must know the market well! Aside from Progeny — which we love! What are your favorite places to shop for kid & baby? 

We love Zara Kids for fun dresses and tops, Old Navy for inexpensive leggings, and Hanna Andersson for the softest organic cotton pajamas.  My new favorite independent brand is Little Minis (www.little-minis.com) out of Los Angeles. I recently bought Lila one of their V-neck ruffle bubbles and it’s absolutely adorable. We’re excited to start carrying their line this fall!

 How do you find balance in your day now that you’re a mom and successfully run your business? 

In 2014 when I opened my shop, I put way too much on my plate. I eventually had to give up some control and take to heart the saying “you can do anything, but not everything.”  This summer, I have two amazing ladies who manage the store and I’m spending most of my time with Lila. She starts Montessori School five days a week in the fall, so I’ll have more time to dedicate to growing Progeny’s online presence and my interior design work for children and families. It’s taken me almost two years to decide what is and what isn’t a priority for the business and that is also constantly evolving. 

Images by Petite Simone Photography

What aspect of motherhood made you most nervous? 
Motherhood is so natural and yet so foreign at the same time. The infant stage made me very nervous because I was suddenly in charge of this new, precious life. I had a very difficult time breastfeeding and felt like I had failed as a mother when I finally gave up and switched to formula. We put so much pressure on ourselves – and there is so much judgement –  both real and perceived. You have to block a lot of that stuff out and focus on what’s right for you and your child.

 Do you have any special routines or traditions with your daughter that you cherish?

Our favorite book is Goodnight Moon and we found this sweet little interactive app that we read each night before bed.  She’s also my little coffee shop buddy. We go to our favorite local place several mornings a week for my vanilla latte and bagel and her blueberry muffin and mixed berry juice. We also have serious jam sessions in the car. She LOVES to sing.

 How has being a mom changed your personal style and beauty routine? 

I’m MUCH less concerned about my personal routine and beautification needs in general. I stopped washing my hair every morning, which actually made it much healthier and I also wear less makeup now.  A quick round of dry shampoo, some tinted moisturizer, under eye concealer, bronzer, and lip gloss. Done and done. Out the door. However, I do love when I have time to leisurely take a shower, blow out my hair, and apply some mascara!

How do you treat yourself and relax? 

I sometimes sneak away on Sunday afternoons while Lila naps (while David is there of course) and get a pedicure at a nail salon in our neighborhood. They have the best reclining chairs and they massage your legs forever. It’s wonderful.

 What’s the best piece of advice you can think of for a new mother? 

Best advice I got from a good friend: You will not love every minute of being a mom. It’s the toughest job in the world. You won’t know what you’re doing half the time and that’s okay. We’re all just winging it.