BCM - How did your life change when you became a mom?

Amanda - I know this sounds trite, but I never thought I could love so much. It's just amazing how you fall in love with your kids. Of course life just becomes so incredibly busy too.

BCM - What has been your most memorable moment (s) as a mom?

Amanda -I will always remember the day Alexa and Gabriel reached for something for the first time. To this day, I am still amazed by it. It's like in one moment they went from being helpless little babies to real people with wants and the ability to go after it!

BCM - What has been the biggest challenge for you in motherhood.  Any advice for new moms?

Amanda -Temper tantrums! Oh, how I wish I could feel Zen all the way through. Advice? Finding a toddler book that really speaks to you and your partner and discovering how best to handle those difficult moments.

BCM- Congratulations on the success of your store Yummy Mummy!   What was the inspiration behind opening the store?
Amanda -I opened Yummy Mummy and its online store www.yummymummystore.com in May of 2009, 10 months after my daughter was born. Finding breastfeeding supplies prior to and after her birth had been quite challenging and even emotionally draining. I thought, "There must be a better way."

BCM- Do you have any Breastfeeding advice for moms?
Amanda - Expect the beginning to be challenging and be pleasantly surprised if it is not. Seek support in the form of a breastfeeding support group or other friends who are going through the same thing. Go easy on yourself if things don't go exactly as planned.

BCM - How do you manage your work life balance?

Amanda -Having good, reliable help cannot be discounted. I have an amazing nanny and super-helpful parents and in-laws. Thank goodness my husband likes to cook and, like so many working moms I know, I do a lot of work at night after the kids are asleep.

BCM - What types of activities do you like to do w/ your kids?

Amanda -We love to be outside with Alexa and Gabe. Alexa, in particular, is most happy when she's running around. This year, we got into a nice little routine of walking the kids to the Metropolitan Museum of Art one morning per weekend and exploring. Alexa loves big modern paintings...and the knights exhibit!

BCM- What has been your favorite Big City Moms event to date?

Amanda - Unquestionably -- the Biggest Baby Shower! It's just so fun to be surrounded by so many expectant moms. They are all so happy, excited to be there and excited for their impending arrival. I love telling them about Yummy Mummy and how we can help them meet their breastfeeding needs.
 

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FUN FACTS:   

I’m totally obsessed with….

Amanda - My new obsession - Chopped on the Food Network

My biggest influence is…

Amanda - My supportive husband and my entrepreneurial father.

 
My favorite drugstore buy is..

Amanda - Maybelline Superstay 24 Hour Color

Products I can’t live without..

Amanda - I am breastfeeding so...my growing collection of breastfeeding tops and bras and my Pump-ease hands-free nursing bra.

My guilty pleasure is...

Amanda - Ice cream

Favorite restaurant….

Amanda - I just celebrated my 7 year-anniversary at Dovetail on the Upper West Side. Divine!