Motherhood changes everything, rhythm, body, thoughts, priorities. Every woman goes through this experience in her own way. For Maja Hadžić, this journey was not just a physical change, but a deep emotional transformation. In a candid conversation, she reveals what her entry into the world of motherhood was like, how she coped with the challenges of the first weeks, and what she learned about herself along the way.
1. Did being a mom and motherhood turn out exactly as you imagined it would be during pregnancy, or did it surprise you in any way?
Honestly, it surprised me in more ways than I could have imagined. During my pregnancy, I
listened to other people's experiences but I knew that every experience, every woman, is different and
I didn't put pressure on myself. It's only when you're the one experiencing it that you realize how different everything is in reality. There is no theory that can really prepare you for the feelings, the changes,
responsibility, but also the love you feel. My situation was additionally emotionally
demanding because I didn't have my side of the family with me. That was very difficult for me because I
I imagined that we would share that period, that he would be there physically, and not just through messages or calls. Although I had tremendous support from my husband and my mom came when she could, the emotional 'empty space' was something that still hurts me to this day.
2. How did you cope in the first few weeks – what was the hardest and what was the best?
The first few weeks were like being thrown into a vortex of emotions, hormones, and complete lack of sleep. Even the feeling that I am sometimes totally "absent", as if I am not present in my body or in
head. It all came quite naturally to me and my husband, but your life changes overnight. Luckily,
My husband was there for me in every way, he was very understanding, but it's hard to explain the mental burden that motherhood brings.
And the most beautiful thing? Watching my husband become a dad in a second. His relationship with his son, from the first day, from cutting the umbilical cord to changing and bathing as if he had done it before
a hundred times. It touched me in a way I could never have imagined. And the awakenings – our mornings, when I wake up and see the two of them together.
3. Everyone has some “advice” for new moms. Has that advice helped you more or sometimes hindered you?
Haha, I have to admit – I've always been stubborn. I like to listen, really, but at the end of the day, I still do what I – or we as a couple – think is best. It was useful tips, especially those related to breastfeeding or the baby's first bath, and I'm grateful for it all. But I didn't have too many of those "uninvited" pieces of advice, maybe because the people around me know me well and they know that I don't like having my opinion imposed on me. In any case, I choose what resonates with me and what suits our family – I let everything else go.
4. Is there any advice or sentence that really stuck with you and guided you through the first months?
Yes, there is. My husband and I have our own little mantra that we often repeat to ourselves when things are tough: "We will succeed together." It's a sentence that keeps us going even in the most trying moments, especially when we feel the weight of being far from home, from our base, from our people. Both he and I we carry some kind of burden and "sacrifice" for our better tomorrow, we function as a team. In the first few months, that sentence would often echo in my head when, for example, I was alone with my son while my husband works – I knew that this situation, no matter how difficult it was, would teach me, shape me and make me stronger. Both me and my husband, because it's not easy for him either. Today I can say that I am grateful even for those days. It may sound strange, but in those situations and in that "solitude" I found a new me and I really like that Maja.
5. What does your typical day with your baby look like? Do you even have a “typical day”?
Honestly? We still don't have a classic "typical" day. Every day is a new adventure.
The baby grows, changes, his needs and rhythm change – and then you just go along with that. What somehow always repeats itself is my morning coffee and our walks – those are our little rituals. Everything else depends on various factors. I am learning to let go of control and not expect a perfect schedule (which is extremely difficult for me).
6. What has motherhood taught you about yourself – have you discovered any new strength, patience, or side of your personality?
Motherhood has completely changed me – stripped me to the core, and then rebuilt me. I’ve realized that I can be my strongest and my weakest at the same time, and that’s okay. I’ve never been more tired, but I’ve never had more energy for the things that matter to me. I’m learning to appreciate the small victories, to be gentler with myself, but also self-aware. That balance between vulnerability and strength – that’s what surprised me the most.
7. Do you have a "trick" or routine that has made your everyday life easier?
Walking was my salvation. I've always loved being outside, and when the baby came, it became our shared routine. In addition, I started introducing small self-care rituals – nothing big, but enough to feel more "me". Put on a little makeup, do your hair or just wearing something other than pajamas – it helps me stay connected to myself, not only as a mom, but also as a woman.
8. What would be your most important advice to future mothers who are expecting their first child?
I would tell them one thing – it's okay to say that it's not easy for you. Admitting that it's hard for you, that you're exhausted or confused, it doesn't diminish your love for your child. You don't have to know everything right away, you don't have to be a "supermom" from the start. Let go of expectations, listen to yourself and your child – and give yourself time. And most importantly – seek support when you need it. You are not alone, and you don't have to carry everything alone.
9. And finally – how did you deal with the changes that pregnancy and postpartum brought to your skin and hair? Did you go through any major changes? What products were the most helpful for you?
I really relaxed during my pregnancy. I gained over 20 kilos, but I didn't feel any better at all.
I felt good, I was active and happy, I enjoyed that period maximally. I am often asked how I "got back" because now I only weigh two kilos more than before pregnancy – but I think the key was that I didn't put
pressure on myself. My focus wasn't on losing weight, but on health and balance. The female body
is a miracle to me, and really deserves more respect and less criticism. Of course, there was
change – skin had its phases, hair, face... But I learned to accept it. From products, natural and gentle ones helped me the most. I fell in love with Immortelle. This collection is the only thing that helped my dry face and forehead in particular (because I hit my head on the bed a few times during labor haha). I've shared my experience with this collection with my followers a few times.
