Danielle Hampton

Please tell us a little about yourself and what you do for work.

I'm mama to two young children living in Austin, Texas where I host a birth stories podcast called The Birth Hour. My mission with The Birth Hour is to encourage women to be informed about pregnancy and childbirth and know their options while creating a community for moms to support one another through pregnancy and motherhood. The podcast has grown rapidly since its launch in 2015 with over 4 million downloads and a supportive Instagram community. This year The Birth Hour launched it's first online course that prepares couples for everything from childbirth through newborn care and even going back to work after baby!

How did you get the idea to start The Birth Hour?

When I was pregnant with my eldest, my love of (OK obsession with) birth stories began. I would google birth stories and watch youtube videos of birth until 3AM many nights, which is not exactly the healthiest practice when you are growing a human in

So you're a new mama. And although this is supposed to be one of the best seasons of your life, at times it can still feel a little lonely and isolating. Maybe you're living in a new city, or none of your friends have children, or perhaps you just haven't been able to find women to connect with just yet. If you're in that very common situation (been there!) here are some tips for finding your "Mom Tribe."

1. Be yourself. This seems like such an obvious thing, but it's always worth a reminder. Like attracts like, and to find "your people," work at being the most you, you can be! Authenticity always shines through, and to find women you can share those golden "me too" moments with, share your heart and who you really are, right from the get-go.
2. Branch out. Aim to try one new thing "Mommy and me" thing each week. Some ideas: library story time, local Mom and baby workout or yoga classes, babywearing groups, parenting classes or sessions at your local birthing center, Mommy and me hiking groups...put

So you're having a baby. It's such an exciting time! Your due date is getting closer, and you've packed and unpacked your hospital bag more times than you can count- folding and refolding that first, cute outfit for baby to wear home, tiny socks, a nightgown for you...but what do you really need? How do you pack for something you've never experienced before? If you're like many parents it can all seem a little overwhelming. Today I wanted to share five things I'm glad I brought along (or wished I brought along!) for each of my three children's births.

1. Comfortable pajamas. This was only something I packed with my third baby, and I was so happy I did. It was a wonderful, refreshing feeling to put on comfortable (nursing friendly) pjs after taking a shower at the hospital. I brought this set along from Target. In the past, I had always just worn the hospital gown but I actually found these button front pajamas a much easier choice for nursing and just feeling good while in recovery.

From California all the way to the East Coast, today we find ourselves in Brooklyn, NY, in one of Wild Was Mama's  two locations to learn a bit more about their store. You can see them online here, and follow them on Instagram and Facebook too!

How do you choose items for your store?

What is the most challenging part of owning a retail store? And the most rewarding?

30 parents came together in Scottsdale, Arizona at Modern Milk to connect over parenthood and babywearing. New friendships were made as event attendees mixed and mingled while enjoying delicious appetizers and sweets, all while getting a chance to meet other local mamas. Our babywearing educators were on hand to help many expectant parents try on Ergobaby carriers for the first time, and new parents also got a personal fit session to make sure their little ones were snug and safe in their carrier. The spotlight was on Ergobaby's new Omni 360 carrier, the ultimate baby carrier that is ready for baby from day one, without an insert and allows your little one to be worn all ways. Parents loved getting up close and personal with the carriers, trying on multiple color ways and getting tips for a great fit. The evening was a huge success- their were door prizes, giveaways, and every mama walked away with something, including an amazing gift bag. Some of the items inside: Her Name is

One huge perk of babywearing is having extra arms to get everything done. So often we as parents have multiple things to attend to, other children to care for, and a huge to-do list...all with a new baby in tow. It's the "new normal" right? And the funny thing about parenting is that as soon as you have it down, it changes again! But babywearing is something that has a place in all stages of you and your baby's life. Babywearing is there is create a stronger, closer bond, help with naptimes and rest periods, and also assists parents in parenting other children, including very busy toddlers! Below are some benefits of babywearing while chasing your other rambunctious little ones.

babywearing + chasing toddlers

1. If your children are anything like mine, there will be plenty of roughhousing and being silly. When my youngest was born I was always a little nervous to put him on the ground with all the activity all around, so I would find myself wearing him around the house as much as possible.