Motherhood Questions [An Interview with Suzi W]

Inside: Find our interview with a working mom of three who has left the corporate world and started a successful online business with her husband. She gamely answered all our questions about her motherhood journey! Ask your own mother and other new moms these questions if you like!

Just the other day, I got to talk to a best friend (one of my closest friends) from across the country.

He mentioned how it was so hard to maintain a household, so he was really amazed at how someone like me with two toddlers under 3 could still write, manage a business, work full-time in a hospital setting, and still function on my regular days.

I just chuckled and told him, “I guess everything they say about mothers is true! They most definitely can handle everything, no matter what.”

That statement from him may have been nothing out of the ordinary for any mother, but it sparked a desire in me.

A desire to bravely approach one of the most, if not the most, encouraging mom bloggers I know for an interview…

“Being a mother means loving your child. It’s learning your child’s love language and understanding how they need to be loved.”

~Suzi Whitford

Motherhood Questions with Suzi

The interview consists of the best questions about motherhood I can think of and everything related to it.

Some are a little controversial, while others are more mundane, but the primary purpose of the interview is to inspire all moms to speak their minds.

So right before Thanksgiving Day, I emailed her. I took the chance and didn’t overthink it at all. I went ahead and hit the send button, never really believing that she would answer right back.

Before this interview, I reached out to her once about some page speed queries, and she was also quick to respond. I was even dumbfounded that her husband was also genuinely accommodating despite it all!

Are you intrigued yet? Let me introduce you to my favorite mom blogger. I have been following her since I started my blogging journey.

She used to be an industrial engineer working for Fortune 100 companies.

She is a mother to two beautiful girls and a handsome baby boy, a wife to a funny (at least that was how he appeared to be when he sent me that video about page speed two weeks ago) and wonderful man, and the creator of the wildly popular site Start a Mom Blog.

Without further ado, please help me welcome Suzi Whitford!

Welcome Suzi!

Thank you for agreeing to do this interview. I know it is Thanksgiving Week, and it’s super busy in the Whitford household, but you still graciously made time for me and my readers.

For that, I am truly grateful and extremely honored.

You gamely answered these most-asked motherhood questions, though some were a tad bit controversial.

Here’s my interview with Suzi, everyone. Enjoy!

Please define motherhood in your own words.

Being a mother means loving your child. It’s learning your child’s love language and understanding how they need to be loved.

There could not be a more accurate statement! Understanding our children’s love languages will make it much easier to communicate with them. Actions speak much louder than words! Allowing them to experience our unconditional love in any way possible is essential.

What advice can you give our mommy readers?

Motherhood is hard. It is very rewarding. But it is also very difficult to sacrifice yourself daily to love another. Don’t be discouraged when you find it hard to be a mom. We all go through it.

Love your child and you’re being the best mom.

Yes, I completely agree with this. Motherhood is the greatest gift. While it may be difficult at times, it is the most rewarding thing ever.

What was the best advice on motherhood you ever received?

It’s that time passes quickly—soon your little ones won’t need you that much anymore.

This hits close to home. As a mother who still works full-time and takes her kids to daycare regularly, I am speechless.

Related article about juggling motherhood and keeping the home tidy: Effortless House Cleaning Tips for Moms on the Go

What has been your greatest fear while pregnant?

Losing my baby. My first birth was also very scary and ended up in a C-section.

Tell me I am copying you, but I have to tell you that we have the very same fear. My firstborn baby boy was through C-Section as well. I was in labor for 22 hours, and he was already in distress. His heart was beating really fast, so my baby doctor decided to perform a C-section.

Do you spank your children?

I won’t lie; sometimes I really want to. But I know it’s just my own anger, and I’m getting out of control of my own emotions. I may have slipped from time to time, but I don’t like it, and it’s not effective.

So when emotions escalate, I try to find a minute to leave the room, take a few deep breaths, and come back as a calm but firm mom in control of my emotions.

I applaud you, Suzi. I lose my cool from time to time, which results in a light spanking on my little boy’s behind. Raising my little humans has been my biggest challenge, but motherhood is the best thing that ever happened to me.

Do you believe in time-outs?

I believe in mommy and child time-outs. We all need a moment to cool down and recollect. It’s not the mean “Go to your room, missie!” It’s taking her to her room, letting her know I love her, and she can come out when she feels better. 99% of the time, she just needs a minute to think and comes out happy again.

I have never tried this approach. Maybe someday.

Related article about the baby registry: Your Practical Baby Registry [Printable Checklist]

What is your most-used item from the baby registry?

Ergo carrier

My favorite thing from the baby registry was the Aveeno Calming Comfort Bath. My kids still use the same body wash to this day. It helps them calm down in time for bed, so it is part of our bedtime routine. I love the smell of it too!

What do you think is the least useful item?

Baby wipe warmers

Truth be told, I used this a lot in my first baby’s first months. He was born during the winter season, and I was still the novice mommy I was then. Ha!

What is your favorite go-to dinner recipe when you are short on time?

Pizza. I love pizza and burgers, and Chick-fil-A, and Nutella, and coffee. I think I’m really hungry right now.

Pizza for the win! The Mortellaro household loves pizza. It’s simple to prepare, and it’s mommy’s favorite food to make in a hurry.  I also make this quick and easy spaghetti recipe that my kids enjoy.

Most of us (if not all) know that you are a mom and an established blogger. What would you do differently if you had to do it all over again?

I would start blogging sooner. It’s tricky to find time to blog as a mom of three, so I do it in the margins and with a lot of help from my husband.

I never really thought that I would even start blogging. I just had this idea of blogging over three years ago, and I still couldn’t believe I acted upon it.

Related article: The Best Gift Ideas for New Moms

This is a little politically controversial, but I want to ask it anyway. You can choose not to answer, though. What is your take on our country’s maternity leave law?

Oh, I thought the spanking question was controversial. Hopefully, I don’t get too many mean comments below. Just being honest here.

Regarding the maternity leave law, I received 3 months when I was in corporate. That’s very short. Your baby is still so tiny at 3 months old. I wish it was longer. Moms need at least a year to adjust to motherhood.

Honestly, that is why I love blogging so much for moms. You’re able to stay at home with your kids and still make an income. It takes time and a lot of work, but golly, it’s better than going to a corporate job with limited income and strict hours.

Well, who is going to disagree with that? Not me! Three months is really short!

Last Thoughts on my Interview with Suzi about Motherhood

As you can see, there is nothing impossible if you just ask! Suzi was so gracious about answering all these questions about motherhood.

Quite honestly, she could have denied my request. I am so glad that women like her exist!

Help me thank her! Let’s check her out at Start A Mom Blog and sign up for her weekly correspondence. You won’t regret it!

She shares time management and productivity tips with busy moms like us and has in-depth courses about starting a successful mom blog if you ever plan to begin one.

Disclaimer: Suzi Whitford did not pay me to promote her. I am doing it by choice because she has been a tremendous help.

It is such an honor, Suzi. Again, thank you for lending us a moment of your precious time. I hope this won’t be the last.

Love,

More Motherhood Queries We Need to Address

What questions about motherhood do you hear regularly? Share it with us in the comment section below. We’d love to know!

Additionally, if you want meaningful conversations with other family members, the list of questions above is a satisfactory place to start at family gatherings.

You could also throw in the following open-ended questions:

• What kind of mom do you hope to be?
• What aspect of your childhood did you wish to weave into how you raised your own children?
• What is your favorite childhood memory?
• What is the hardest thing about being a mom?
• What important lessons about motherhood would you share with your younger self?
• What is the best piece of advice you can give a new parent?
• What is your proudest moment as a mother?
• When was the last time you went out to meet up with friends?
• How do you spend quality time with your children?
• Do you think your children believe you’re the best mother?
• Do you still go on date nights with your spouse after having kids?
• Do you ever get any alone time?

Random Musings on Other Motherhood Concerns

Motherhood is a beautiful journey filled with love, joy, and infinite moments of wonder. However, it is not without its tribulations and questions. As moms, we frequently find ourselves pondering various issues that arise along the way.

This interview with Suzi inspired me to reflect on other critical challenges both new and veteran moms face daily. The hard things we undergo regularly are no laughing matter. It is best to recognize and address these difficulties and work towards unlearning the societal norms and core beliefs that perpetuate them.

By doing so, we can pave the way for a more compassionate and equitable environment for all parents, their families, and future generations.

Here are a few views that come to mind:

• The pressure that society puts on mothers to be perfect
• The stress that comes with being a mom
• The difficulty of balancing work and family life
• The influence of social media on motherhood
• The worries about our children’s overall health
• The loneliness that many moms experience

The pressure that society puts on mothers to be perfect

The first thing that comes to mind is the expectation imposed on mothers to be perfect. Society frequently places unrealistic demands on mothers, such as being primary caregivers, maintaining a clean and organized home, and pursuing successful careers. It helps to realize that perfection is impossible to achieve. Remember to take pauses and to ask for assistance when necessary.

The stress that comes with being a mom

Pregnancy and childbirth can induce tremendous physical and mental changes in women, leading to stress. Fatigue from sleepless nights, mood swings, weight gain, and baby blues or some form of postpartum depression caused by hormonal changes are just a few of the stressors.

We need to prioritize self-care during this crucial period. Getting enough rest, consuming a healthy diet, and receiving support from loved ones or healthcare professionals are great ways to look after ourselves during this difficult situation.

The difficulty of balancing work and family life

Another issue that mothers worry about is balancing work and family responsibilities. Many moms struggle to find a happy medium between their professional goals and their desire to be present for their children.

You must convey your demands and priorities to your employers and look for resources such as flexible work arrangements or daycare services.

the influence of social media on motherhood

Another concern is the impact of social media on motherhood. While social media can be a great way to connect with other mothers and share experiences, it can also foster feelings of inadequacy and comparison.

It’s crucial to realize that social media is frequently a controlled highlight reel and that it’s okay to take a break or limit your exposure if it’s producing negative emotions.

The worries about our children’s overall health

One more issue that many mothers experience is apprehension about their children’s well-being and development. Concerns about our children’s health, education, and socialization are examples of these.

We should stay informed about our kids’ developmental progress and pursue guidance and assistance from pediatricians, teachers, and parenting groups.

The loneliness that many moms experience

Finally, motherhood can be a lonely journey, particularly for new moms. It’s imperative to seek support from loved ones and other mothers and to connect with resources such as parenting groups or online communities.

Accepting these hurdles and seeking answers to our questions first can lead us down a path of self-discovery and growth. Doubts and uncertainties are normal parts of the motherhood journey.

Remember, you are never alone in your struggles. There is a whole community of mothers who have or are dealing with similar issues.

Take solace in knowing you are doing your best as a mother, even when things seem overwhelming. Trust your instincts, seek assistance, and remember that each obstacle strengthens you.

Ultimately, these motherhood challenges shape us into the incredible mothers we become—resilient, benevolent, and capable of unconditional love. Accept the journey with an open heart, knowing you are doing an excellent job!