NEWSHilary Duff Lends a Positive Voice To Moms In Need
May 9 2013, Published 10:43 a.m. ET
They say it takes a village to raise a child, and as a first-time mom, Hilary Duff knows parenting isn't easy. The actress has teamed up with JOHNSON’S® Baby CARES to provide the funding, resources and social support moms and dads need for their little ones.
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The movement is working with Save the Children to provide everyday moms and moms in need with simple words of encouragement to provide positive reinforcement for the hardest job in the world—being a parent. And Hilary isn't just lending her name to the cause, she's been hands-on in with the campaign, recently visiting families in Yucca Valley, Calif. to participate in activities offering parenting skills and strategies. She also helped create some JOHNSON’S® Baby "Care Cards" which deliver uplifting messages to moms.
With Mother's Day around the corner, there's no better time to chat with Hilary about her own adventures in motherhood and why campaigns like JOHNSON’S® Baby CARES are so important.
OK!: How did you get involved with Johnson’s Baby Cares?
Hilary Duff: I learned about JOHNSON’S® Baby CARES when I was pregnant with Luca and I was immediately drawn to the program and their work with Save the Children®. This is my second year partnering with JOHNSON’S® Baby CARES and I couldn’t relate more to the campaign focus, which is all about the importance of providing support and positive encouragement to moms. I know from my past year’s experience as a first time mom how important and necessary having a strong support system is, so I’m proud to help do the same for other moms across the county.
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OK!: You've done quite a bit of charity work in the past, but how has being a mom changed your approach to helping others?
HD: I think being a mom changes everything, including my approach to helping others. I’ve always had a passion for giving back, but now that I’m a mom, I’ve found myself drawn to programs that support other moms and babies. Not all moms are fortunate enough to have access to basic essentials that will help their babies thrive. It’s campaigns like this year’s JOHNSON’S® Baby CARES that are helping moms and babies in these situations by raising funds for programs that support them.
OK!: What’s the most important thing every mother needs to hear? What words of encouragement do you like to hear on a daily basis?
HD: I think it’s important for every mom to hear “You’re doing okay.” And on an every day basis, the most simple and kind words can really made a big difference, especially during those first few months...but they still help me out now too!
OK!: What has surprised you the most about motherhood?
HD: I think I’m most surprised by how quickly my “mom intuition” kicked in and the confidence I found in it. No one knows how to care for your baby quite like you do. It’s true what they say about trusting your gut. That and how much I love him—my love grows every day!
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OK!: What has been your favorite moment of parenting so far?
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HD: There's so many special moments it's hard to choose one thing specifically that I've loved the most. I tend to really cherish the simple things like snuggling in bed and hearing his little feet running through the house but every time he hits a milestone like walking, using a fork and even having major giggle fits have been some of my favorite milestones!
OK!: Any embarrassing mommy moments?
HD: All breast feeding moms know some of the embarrassing things that can happen when it's time to feed and it definitely takes some getting used to!
OK!: What are your diaper bag essentials?
HD: All of the obvious ones and I tend to overpack just to be on the safe side! Luca loves little matchbox cars so I carry a lot of them around! I have soothers and lots of snacks and always carry Zoli portable placemats and sippy cups!
OK!: So far, who does Luca seem to take after the most—you or your husband Mike?
HD: We see both of us in him! He's really coordinated and athletic like his dad but obviously he's soft and sweet like me!
Want to help Hilary with the cause? Visit www.johnsonsbabycares.com to send a digital “Care Card” filed with words of encouragement to a deserving mom in your life. For every card sent, shared or liked, JOHNSON’S® Baby will donate $1 to Save the Children®, which will go toward early parenting and childhood education programs.
Which celebrity mom do you relate to the most? Tell us in the comments below or tweet @OKMagazine.
