Becoming a Mother
Three new mothers pose for our camera and explain how their little ones have turned their lives upside down. Between love, organization, and maternal instinct.
Laruicci Black taffeta gown
Last May, we met with Mehrie, Fabienne, and Yasmine for a photoshoot dedicated to Maternity Wear. A few months later, we met them again in the same studio, but this time their bellies were less rounded and each arrived with the day's heirs in their arms. We were keen to see them again to ask them about their new lives as mothers and to learn more about the journey they've been on since welcoming new arrivals into their homes. Each spoke openly about these first few months of motherhood and the upheavals of being a mother.
Laruicci White silk belt used as head piece, Lace cut out t-shirt and White faux leather and lace ruffle trousers
ANCRÉ: What is the biggest change in your current life?
Mehrie, 34, mother of twins (San and Mani): The arrival of my two little boys completely turned my life and daily routine upside down. You lose a certain independence, especially when you have twins. You can't go everywhere, all the time; it's a huge organizational effort (big diaper bag, everything in duplicate, big stroller). Everything is a matter of logistics between my partner and me, who takes over. We no longer think just for two but for four. Life choices are different now.
Fabienne, 25, mother of a little boy (Tyler): Since the baby was born 5 months ago, I haven't been sleeping. Unfortunately for me, he still doesn't sleep through the night. I was very tired for this photoshoot with you today, whereas during the previous one on Maternity Wear, I was full of energy. You have to manage your time, and that's the most complicated part. I find it amazing that a small being, a mini-me, can so inexplicably disrupt and manage our lives. Every minute, every second counts.
Yasmine, 22, mother of a little girl: The lack of sleep! They warn you beforehand, but once you experience it, it's completely different. You're on edge about everything and nothing because all you want to do is sleep.
How would you describe motherhood?
Mehrie: It's impressive! At first, your hormones are running wild, so you can be as euphoric as you are sad. Everything is stressful when they are your first children. They get hurt, you panic; they have a fever, you go to the emergency room; you check online if it's normal for them to react like that, etc. And as soon as they smile at you, they are the most beautiful beings in the world, you forget everything! You even forget to be objective. Taking care of twins is super intense; it's a full-time job, and by force of circumstance, you forget yourself very quickly. Hence the importance of being well-surrounded to be able to take time for yourself, rest, and have a social life. After 6 months, I'm super happy to be able to go back to work and change this routine that has set in.
Fabienne: I describe motherhood as a plant you have to water every day.
Yasmine: Motherhood is an exciting adventure where you rediscover yourself mentally as well as physically. It's like surpassing yourself; I never thought a few months ago I could manage this role so well, and I'm really proud of it. You love your child a little more each day, you see them grow at an incredible speed, so you try to enjoy every moment.
What have been the challenges since giving birth?
Mehrie: Being a parent is a challenge. You develop skills you didn't have or that were buried deep inside you. You're super tired, but your body goes into survival mode. In retrospect, I try to desacralize the role of a mother. We put so much pressure on ourselves to be perfect, but perfection doesn't exist. Strengthening your couple is also part of the challenge. We communicate a lot; we support each other. It's important to know that you're not alone. Luckily, he's there for me.
Fabienne: The challenges since giving birth have been the back and forth to the hospital. He is very fragile and often gets sick. For example, he had severe conjunctivitis and almost lost his eye. It was very difficult to manage. Doing administrative paperwork too; the state gives us little time to do administrative documents, and between pediatrician appointments for our little ones, it's sometimes a race.
Yasmine: Having to manage my job as a dancer and teacher with being a mom on the side is a whole organization, and sometimes it's really hard. (Yasmine takes her daughter to her dance classes - editor's note)
Do you feel you were properly supported after childbirth?
Mehrie: I was well supported by family and friends, but on the medical side, as long as you're doing well and the delivery went smoothly, there's no support for the pregnant woman. I find that really a shame, especially when I see that in Holland, there are "kraamzorg" (perinatal advisors) who are sent to your home to help you 8 hours a day for 8 days after delivery, and it's completely reimbursed. As new parents, we sometimes feel overwhelmed, tired. Help would be welcome. There is still home help available in France for those interested, but it's not the same system as these perinatal advisors.
Fabienne: Yes, I was very well supported after childbirth. I have a golden family. As a single mother, I admit I had fears, but ultimately, it was more fear than harm. I was able to rest as much as possible, and the baby was very well received. He is the sunshine of the family.
Yasmine: Personally, yes, by my entourage and the medical staff. After that, we constantly learn this job of being a mother over time, and that's what's beautiful.
What's the best advice you could give a future mother?
Mehrie: To make the most of your maternity leave to prepare for the arrival of your baby (or babies). I'm not talking about the hospital bag or the baby's room, but rather how to juggle your role as a mother and a woman. Your child will turn your daily life upside down, and we are absolutely not ready for this change. Communicating with your partner is the glue of your relationship. It's important to involve them in your child's upbringing. And finally, to be well-surrounded, both for confiding in and for asking for daily help, is extremely important.
Fabienne: Simple advice for future mothers: ZERO STRESS. Don't put pressure on yourself from videos circulating on social media (Tiktok, Reels...) and the advice of some on how childbirth goes or even "What to do with your child." Every birth, every parent, and every child is different; go at your own pace and enjoy every moment of your pregnancy, of your babies, even if sometimes it's hard, I admit... I've broken down several times. But don't be ashamed to cry; it does good. Deciding to have a child means accepting that your heart separates from your body and walks beside you forever.
Yasmine: Trust yourself, listen to yourself, because you alone know what's best for your child. I didn't even know how to change a diaper or prepare a bottle before her arrival, and then I learned everything in the moment. Your maternal instinct is stronger than anything!
Laruicci 'The American Dream' jersey t-shirt and Blue destroyed denim maxi coat (left)
Photo credit:
Artistic direction: Hanadi Mostefa
Photographer: Jauris Bardoux
Stylist: Sebastian .O
Stylist assistants: Leslie Barbedette and Kimberley
MUA: Solène Roux
Nail Artist: Inès
Set assistant: Pauline Enault
Brands: Julia Bartsch, Peng Taï, Ruohan, LARUICCI, Céline Shen