How Collaboration Redefined Support in My Motherhood Journey

Pregnancy and early motherhood support look different for everyone, and I had no idea what to expect before my pregnancy and the start of my parenting journey. But as I’ve navigated this path toward and into motherhood, I’ve discovered that the village raising me—and my baby girl—extends far beyond what I ever imagined. When I first shared news of my pregnancy, I expected the usual outpouring of love from family and close friends. What I didn’t expect was how strangers would become friends, how business relationships would become genuine connections, and how a simple invitation to my baby shower would open doors I never knew existed. The truth is, I built my village by simply showing up as myself—sharing my story, being vulnerable about this journey, and saying yes to connection. And my community showed up right back.

When Conversations Became Collaborations

The difference between connection and collaboration became clear early on. Connection is when someone sends congratulations. Collaboration is when they ask how they can actually support you—and you’re brave enough to tell them. Here’s what that looked like for me:

The Clean Living Magazine community became a unique source of support during pregnancy. I attended a few of their events, and the conversations were illuminating and real. I interviewed a few of their members on The Conscious Publicist Podcast, and those conversations kept me inspired and motivated through moments when I felt a bit lost. There’s something powerful about hearing other women’s stories when you’re in the middle of writing your own.

Through the podcast, I also connected with other founders and entrepreneurs navigating motherhood. Samantha Gold, founder of Motette, was one of those people whose conversation stuck with me. We discussed motherhood and being a woman in business, and I recall thinking, “Oh, so I’m not the only one feeling this way.” When she sent sleepers for our baby girl afterward, it felt like an extension of that conversation—like she was still saying, “I see you, I’ve been there, and you’re going to be okay.” We reach for those sleepers all the time, and I think about that every single time.

The founder of Short Stuff Shop? She’s offered support in the way that actually matters—checking in and just being present when we’ve connected. She gifted us a sleeper as well, but what I valued most was knowing she was someone I could reach out to on the hard days, if needed. That’s genuine care.

When Jennifer Imus Photography and I did our newborn photo session (way later than most people do theirs, but that’s a whole other story), I knew it would be special because she understands this chapter well. We discussed the identity shifts that occur in motherhood, and she photographs from that understanding. The photos we have now? They’re proof of who I am becoming.

When Brands Became Part of My Self-Care

Here’s the thing about postpartum: your body is not your own, and then suddenly it is again, except it’s completely different. I needed products that helped me feel human again.

Meeting the Marigoldbub founder was honestly perfect timing. She sent me their entire Ayurvedic beauty line, and while the baby massage oil is lovely, what I actually fell in love with was the stretch mark eraser cream and face polish. In those first postpartum weeks when I barely recognized myself in the mirror, having a self-care routine—even a quick one—reminded me that I am still my own person, not just a mom. These products became part of that.

During my pregnancy, I pitched Primally Pure my pregnancy story and invited them to be part of our baby shower, not really knowing what would happen. They sent baby products that were waiting when our daughter arrived, and their baby oil? It’s become our thing. After bath time, I massage her with it, and it’s this special moment that’s just ours. We’ve basically collected their entire baby care line at this point because when something feels right, you stick with it.

As for another special brand, Earth Mama was another baby shower invite that turned into something I actually use every day. I care a lot about what goes on my daughter’s skin, and their commitment to organic, clean ingredients means I don’t have to think twice. I trust it.

When Packages Felt Like Care Packages

Sometimes the best support comes in the mail when you need it most.

Bump Box gets it. They create these subscription boxes for expecting moms, and I got a few before the baby arrived. Each one felt like someone had thought about what I might need and sent it my way. During those final weeks when I was excited and terrified in equal measure, opening those boxes reminded me I wasn’t doing this alone. Someone out there understood.

Now that the baby’s here, Bitsy Box (which is Bump Box’s baby version) has become this lovely surprise every month. She’s growing so fast that I can barely keep up, and these boxes arrive with exactly what she needs at precisely the right stage. It’s like having someone anticipate what’s coming next when I’m still figuring out today.

What This Taught Me About Modern Support

Here’s what I didn’t expect: that collaboration would be the key. Not just making connections, but actively partnering with brands, pitching my story, inviting people into my journey, and showing up at events even when I felt huge and exhausted. Having honest conversations on my podcast—not waiting for support to find me, but building it intentionally.

My support system is now a diverse mix of connections from all stages of life, including new collaborators, family members, founders, podcast guests, and people I’ve met at various events. It’s defined not by proximity or how long I’ve known someone, but by who sees me, who shows up, and who chooses to walk alongside me during this transformation.

Now I know it means being brave enough to be seen. And when you’re brave enough to be seen—when you show up to events pregnant and vulnerable, when you share your story publicly, when you reach out and say “I’d love to collaborate”—your community shows up in ways you never imagined.

To every founder, brand, small business owner, and community member who became part of my pregnancy and early motherhood journey: thank you for showing me that support comes in many forms, and that building community isn’t about fitting into a mold—it’s about creating something authentic to this moment, this baby, and this version of myself becoming a mother.

Copyright 2025 – Simply Ashley Graham – All Rights Reserved