Name: Olivia Regnaert
Children: One baby boy, Llew (2 months)
Location: Lee County, FL
Occupation: Former special education teacher
I found Solly Baby on Instagram several years before I had my son. I didn’t get one initially because I was intimidated by the wrap process. However, my baby hates being in popular buckle carriers and LOVES the Solly. It’s the only way I can get him to nap in the afternoon. He is so peaceful when he’s in it. I think he feels like he’s back in the womb!
My husband kissed my baby and I before he left for work and said, “This is why I go to work.”
What is your favorite thing about your Solly Wrap?
Postpartum as a first-time mom has been so overwhelming for me. My baby doesn’t follow the wake windows and nap schedules that Instagram experts post. When I finally got my Solly at two months I wanted to sing from the rooftops how amazing it was because it calmed my baby in the afternoon when he refused to take a nap in his bassinet. Him being calm and relaxed in the Solly helped me to be calm and relaxed.
It’s my job to protect his childhood and give him a joy-filled adolescence while training him up in the way he should go. I love the quote, “The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.” Being a mom is one of the most important jobs ever!
What’s something about motherhood that has surprised you?
How hard it is? People say it’s hard, but you don’t understand it until you’re there. Also, how difficult it is to make the best choices for YOUR child when there are a million “experts” on social media that tell you the way you should do things. As a first-time mom that is learning so much, it’s hard to trust yourself and not freak out when your baby doesn’t do things the way the experts say they should.
When do you feel at your best as a mom?
When my baby smiles at me.
What would you do with an extra hour in the day (other than sleep)?
Spend time with my husband!
My doctor knew I wanted a natural birth and warned me how painful it was going to be and there was no shame in an epidural. Immediately after I delivered my son I said, “I’m getting an epidural next time!!” And my whole care team laughed!
What’s something about motherhood that you wish people talked about more?
There are so many right ways to do things. I consider myself “crunchy” and decided to have a natural birth. It was such an excruciating experience for me but I felt like all the crunchy people online made it sound euphoric. Contractions were like waves they said. Contractions are like getting hit by a Mack truck!! It’s okay if all your friends do things one way and you do things another. You really have to ignore what other people think is best and do what is the safest and healthiest thing for you and your family!
Tell us about your journey to motherhood.
I had a very difficult first trimester and felt no love or affection for my baby because I was so miserable from being sick. I was so distraught over not loving the little person growing in me and felt like I had no one to relate to because everyone I knew was so happy over their pregnancies and their babies were “already so loved.” I didn’t love my baby until I found out the gender and was able to use pronouns and give him a name. Pregnancy is such a huge transition, we really have to give ourselves grace when things don’t go how we expect.
Favorite piece of advice you’ve received about motherhood?
Every stage has good and bad. Don’t try to rush to the next stage thinking it won’t have its difficult times. Every day I remind myself to soak in those special moments: the finger hold, the scrumptious chubby cheeks, the gummy smiles and coos!
Words of wisdom would you share with other moms?
Don’t let people on Instagram make you feel like your child is doomed if you don’t buy their course. It’s overwhelming for us to live in this time of so much information. As moms, we want what’s best for our babies and we want to improve ourselves and make sure we are doing everything right. Try to find a few people in your life that you trust and admire and ask for their advice and support. For me, it’s my sister and sisters-in-law, older and wiser moms in my Sunday school class, and my pediatrician.
What are three things in your motherhood starter pack?
My Solly Wrap (of course), Hatch portable sound machine, and crinkle toys!
What Solly pieces(s) do you have? What’s on your wishlist?
I have the Rainbow Wrap. I would love a Bleu Toile and Highland Lace Wrap (I love coordinating with my dresses)!
How about a round of rapid-fire favorites…
Indulgence: Dr Pepper
Podcast: Joe Rogan Experience (I learn so many things!)
Children’s book: The Greatest Story Bible storybook
Mama-time activity: Thrifting at Goodwill
After bedtime snack: Häagen-Dazs bar
