Houston Baby Magazine caught up with Latina Baxter, The Mommie Series Mombassador and owner of Marley & Moo Maternity to find out how she manages her own busy family while helping expecting moms transition into motherhood.
What is the inspiration behind Marley & Moo?
Named after my daughter Marley, Marley & Moo was inspired by my own birthing experience and becoming a new mom. Soon after her birth, I found myself attempting to drag myself out of the car and into my mega-corporate-oil-and-gas job. I felt stuck in never ending regularity of my day job. I knew I wanted to share my passion for helping women take on motherhood “like a boss.” Thus, after much soul searching The Moo was born.
What kinds of services does Marley & Moo offer?
We offer services to help support mom and dad through the entire process. Our services include childbirth and new parent education, labor support, postpartum doula (night nurse) care, postpartum meal delivery, placenta encapsulation, postpartum physical therapy for the pelvic floor and abdominal wall, belly binding and vaginal steams.
In your opinion, what are the major challenges parents face today?
Finding that balance between being a parent, finding time and making your marriage a priority, juggling a career and ‘PTA’ life, as well as focusing on spirituality and the endless search of honoring yourself to not give up on your own dreams.
When do you recommend families connect with you if they are interested in your services?
I suggest they call as soon as they find out they are expecting or before the third trimester. The families we support are not only our clients – they become part of our extended family!
Any advice or special support for new dads?
Yes! Dads need to know they play a major role in the pregnancy, labor and during the postpartum period. It’s so important to be present both physically and mentally as you are essential to this amazing, life changing process. We understand how challenging it can be to navigate through your partner’s hormonal rollercoaster. Hang in there.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Supporting women during one of the most vulnerable moments of their lives with the goal of making them feel strong and confident. When they tell our team they could not of done it without us, or that we literally saved their lives or their marriage, I know we have done our job. Getting to snuggle with all the little babies is a bonus!
Any unique client stories to share?
Oh yeah! Earlier this year I had the pleasure of attending a birth for a repeat client. It was her second baby, so we knew things could progress quickly but we were not expecting what was to come. After laboring at home for a few short hours, she and her husband decided to go to the hospital for peace of mind. Being that she was only four centimeters dilated upon admittance, we figured we had a little while to go. Wrong! As I got her up to help labor progress by changing positions, she yelled out “I have to push.” The next thing I knew, there was baby girl’s head making her way into the world. I quickly directed her husband to go get the nurse, but this little girl was not waiting another second. I grabbed a blanket as mom could not hold back her urge to push one last time and out came baby into my arms. I caught my first baby – it was AMAZING!
What is your favorite mom hack?
Since all families, mothers and kids are different. I don’t believe in mom hacks. My best advice is to follow your intuition and save your sanity!
You are a busy lady. How do you keep your balance? What do you do to de-stress?
I am finally realizing that I am just one person. After having my newest little human, this reality hit home, but I have come to accept it and I’m learning to say NO more often. To de-stress, I go outside and take in as much vitamin D as I can, I go to spin class or meditate, or enjoy a nice glass of wine. I also make time to spend time with my husband on what we call a “daayyy-te” (day date).
Learn more about Marley & Moo at www.marleymoomaternity.com
