NEWSRed Carpet Confidential: Hilary Duff Gives New Mom Advice To Jessica Simpson
May 11 2012, Published 11:25 a.m. ET
Now that Hilary Duff’s son Luca is almost two months old, she feels like a pro.
As Jessica Simpson begins to go through phases with her baby girl Maxwell, born May 1, the singer/actress, 24, fondly recalls those early days of being a new mom.
“Oh, I don’t have that much advice,” Hilary tells me Thursday while promoting her work with Johnson’s Baby Cares benefiting Save The Children. “I’m sure she’s read plenty of books and got plenty of advice. I was just thinking the other day, I had just heard she had her baby, and I was remembering what I was going through – just the whole process, and the experience, and what a wild ride it is. I’m happy for her – I’m really happy for her, and all new moms. It’s such a wonderful experience, and we’re lucky. We should appreciate every moment. That’s my advice.”
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One milestone Hilary will celebrate this weekend is her first Mother’s Day.
“I’m not sure what we’ll do,” she says. “I think that’s up to my husband. He’s being very, very quiet about what’s going on, so I’m not sure if he has something up his sleeve. But it is exciting! It’s been such a wonderful experience, becoming a mother, and I really want to spend the day with my mom as well, because I feel like our relationship is on a whole new level now that I understand what it’s like to be a mom.”
What’s one thing she appreciates more about her mom that she didn’t before she became a parent herself?
“My mom and I are very close, so I have always deeply appreciated the kind of mother that she was to my sister and I, but the amount of love and the patience, the teaching – so many things. The advice, the unconditional love, even when I went through my teenage years and was probably pretty hard to deal with. It’s unconditional, and I feel like I appreciate her on a whole new level.”
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For Hilary, all the little things add up to make for “many” precious moments with baby Luca.
“He’s just now seven weeks, and the other day he started smiling. That was amazing. To have him look me in the eyes and smile at me was so rewarding and made me cry. Those little milestones are all really special now.”
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One thing that is different is her relationship with her husband Mike Comrie, 31, whom she married in 2010. “A baby definitely changes a lot,” she says. “When it’s just two of you, there’s a lot of room to be selfish. We’re married, and we have a great marriage, but there’s more room to be selfish and do your own thing and be on your own schedule.” She adds, “Now everything is about Luca, and that’s wonderful. I think it’s made our bond and our marriage stronger. We feel like a tight family unit. It’s been nice. He’s a great, great dad, very hands-on. He’s awesome. He’s a diaper changer, and loves hanging out him. He’s great!”
Of course, pet lover Hilary’s dogs have also had an adjustment to make now that little Luca has arrived.
“We were nervous because we have four dogs, and they’re extremely spoiled,” Hilary says. “They slept in the bed with us before. Now their life has changed very quickly. We were nervous, but they’ve actually adapted well. The big one goes everywhere the baby goes. It’s cute! He knows it’s his job to protect him. We call him Luca’s personal security guard. They’re all doing well.”
Why has Hilary chosen to team up with Johnson’s Baby Cares benefiting Save The Children?
“When they approached me towards my pregnancy and told me about their campaign and their work with Save The Children, I was so inspired,” she says. “What they’re doing is such an amazing campaign, and it’s going to help so many moms in need.” She continues, “Around the world and in the U.S., it’s scary to think that 90% of children are living in high-risk areas for natural disasters. And what happens to families is that they get evacuated out of their homes and they basically lose everything. This campaign is providing funding and resources and these baby care kits are hygiene kits for babies. It’s a fantastic thing – I’m lucky to be part of it.”
Help Hilary help Save The Children by viewing the 'You're Doing OK Mom' video on the Johnson's Baby YouTube page. When they reach 500,000 views, the brand will donate an additional $50,000 to Save the Children. Go to the Johnson's Baby Facebook page to learn more.
