Diary of a First Time Mom Launches Mother’s Day 2012

Brand new mommy Blog, Diary of a First Time Mom, launches Mother’s Day 2012. The site will include fabulous features, such as Gaga Reviews & Giveaways, Mom Minutes, The Mommy Experiment, and a Video Diary. Although the blog is written with ALL moms in mind, many topics target the African American community in hopes of raising awareness about important issues, such as breastfeeding, SIDS, and infant mortality rates. Not long ago, I was an award-winning television host in the Cayman Islands. Now, I’m back home writing a different kind of story as a new mom.

Who is Heather Hopson?

I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. My passion for writing ignited at an early age when I penned my high school’s Black History play. I later obtained a B.A. in Journalism from Michigan State University and worked as a reporter and producer at television and radio stations throughout the U.S. On a whim, I applied to a position in the Cayman Islands, mostly because I was scuba certified. To my surprise, I landed the gig and moved to the island five days before a category five hurricane hit. I later hosted an award-winning television program, traveled the world, and served on the Board of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Cayman Islands. In 2010, I traded in the sand for the snow and pursued a long-term relationship and a teaching career in Prince George’s County, MD. During my first year, I became pregnant, and nine months later, I welcomed Baby C into my home and my heart. My biggest accomplishment of all—becoming a first time mom! I currently live in my hometown (Sixburgh) and am a member of Mount Ararat Baptist Church.

Why did you give birth to Diary of a First Time Mom?

I wanted to merge the two things I loved most—Journalism and Baby C. I was a stay-at-home mom who spent a lot of time reading baby blogs, chasing the latest parenting news, and exposing my daughter to videos, books, and classes. Although I enjoyed being a mom, I missed being a reporter. So, God poured lots of ideas into my brain (I really can’t take the credit as I was sleep deprived and forgetful!) I connected with other bloggers, a production company, and a graphic and web designer. After a long labor, Diary of a First Time Mom was born and I returned to work full-time days prior!

How does Diary of a First Time Mom stand out from other baby blogs?

Well, you can’t reinvent the wheel, but you can buy new tires, add fancy rims, and drive your ideas to the next level. The blog is confessional. I want other moms to know they’re not alone, even if they don’t have financial or emotional support. In my own mother’s words, I tell house business! I write about being dumped in my second trimester, getting stretch marks, and receiving WIC benefits. Fortunately, my family has stuck by me and allowed Baby C to become the boss. The blog is also humorous. Followers will swap stress for smiles when they read posts, such as Odd Advice and Stuff Single Moms Say (written by the comedian who brought you the viral video Stuff Boujie Black Girls Say.) The blog is informative. We offer advice and provide information on everything from placenta encapsulation and postpartum sex to eczema in infants and fertility yoga. Very Smart Brothas Relationship Guru Damon Young, Leading Black Pediatric Dermatologist Dr. Patricia Treadwell, and Hip Hop’s Financial Advisor Rob Wilson are among our experts. The blog is relatable. Although some topics target the African American mother, the blog is written with ALL moms in mind. The stories make everyone laugh, cry, or shake their head. You don’t have to be a new mom to join our community either. Maybe you’re trying to conceive, already pregnant, a seasoned mom, or a new dad.

What features does Diary of a First Time Mom offer?

Dear Diary: A close friend told me, “Being a mom is exhausting. I have to take a nap to become tired!” If you don’t have a lot of time but want to get a lot of information, this is the section for you. Entries are confessional, humorous, informative, and relatable. I share personal stories, give advice, and help women navigate the journey through motherhood without losing their minds along the way.

The Mommy Experiment: Motherhood is like a school science project. We test ideas and hope to find the winning formula to raise our kids. Join Baby C & I as we reveal our (unscientific) lab results on cloth diapers, homemade baby food, sleep strategies, and other infant experiments.

Mom Minutes: Each week, I’ll interview a mom, who will share her unique story. Maybe she’s raising her children alone, or she adopted or underwent IVF to have kids. Perhaps she has an interfaith or an interracial household. Despite our differences, as moms we have one thing in common: our love for our children. So, it’s important to come together and celebrate motherhood. You’ll meet a mom in a matter of minutes, and she may impact your life for years to come.

Gaga Reviews & Giveaways: Read this section to find out the latest must haves on the baby block. Also, enter to win exciting prizes, like certificates to Mommy & Me classes in cities across the nation. Video Diary: In my former life, I was an award-winning television host in the Cayman Islands. Today, I’m reporting on whether or not baby sign language really works, how to make Soul Food baby food, and reasons why more Black moms should breastfeed.

Contact/Follow: Drop me a line, suggest a story, or join Diary of a First Time Mom’s community.

Website: www.diaryofafirsttimemom.com

Email: dearmomdiary@gmail.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Diaryofafirstimemom

Twitter: @dearmomdiary