Meet Jessica, a Las Vegas-based esthetician and photographer building a creative life around being present for her baby daughter. In this month's Mustela Mom of the Month spotlight, Jessica shares what contact naps taught her about letting go of parenting expectations, why she is rethinking her career to stay home longer, and the bath-time ritual that reminds her how fast it all goes.
"Taking care of myself isn't selfish, it's part of taking care of our family."
Key Takeaways
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Jessica came into motherhood thinking she knew what kind of parent she would be. Contact naps, attachment, letting her baby cry a little: she had opinions on all of it. She has since changed her mind on every single one.
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Her favorite daily moments are breastfeeding, contact naps, and the smile her daughter gives her right after waking up, when she finds Jessica's face and lights up.
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Bath time has shifted as her daughter has grown. Jessica used to sit in the bath with her baby on her thighs. Now her daughter doesn't fit there anymore, and that change is what made bath time feel so precious.
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As an esthetician, Jessica is deliberate about what goes on her daughter's skin. The Gentle Cleansing Gel and Hydra Bébé Lotion are her bath-routine staples.
A Little About Jessica
Tell us a bit about you and your family
"My partner and I are both creatives, so we're really just building a life where we can be fully present for our baby. I'm very big on helping women feel confident, so I tattoo eyebrows and do photography, and I'm slowly stepping into content creation. He's a videographer, so there's pretty much always a camera around us. We love capturing memories, especially now that we have a baby. At the end of the day, we're just trying to create a life that feels right for us. Something flexible, creative, and centered around being present for the little moments."
Where are you based?
"Las Vegas"
What are you passionate about?
"I'm very passionate about living a life that feels meaningful and I'm a big advocate for doing what you love."
How would you describe this season of life in one word?
"Present"
Jessica's Journey
Jessica's experience of early motherhood has been shaped by letting go of the version of herself she expected to be. The lessons she describes here run through everything else she shares.
What has been one of the most meaningful lessons you've learned as a caregiver?
"One of the most meaningful lessons has been learning to give myself permission to take care of me too. I naturally make sure everyone else is good first, and I used to feel guilty putting myself first, especially because my partner works just as hard. But having a supportive partner has really changed that for me. He makes sure I eat and get my rest so I can show up better. It's helped me realize that taking care of myself isn't selfish, it's part of taking care of our family."
What's something you wish you'd known earlier on?
"It might sound cliché, but you really don't know what it's going to be like until you have your own baby. I grew up helping my mom raise my siblings, so I thought I knew exactly what I would and wouldn't do. I used to say I wouldn't be 'too attached.' I thought contact naps weren't a good habit. I said I'd let her cry a little. I even thought I'd be ready to go back to work right away. Now? The second she makes a sound I'm picking her up. I love the contact naps. I don't mind being attached. And instead of rushing back to work, I'm actually rethinking my career so I can stay home longer. They're only little for so long, so I'm just trying to enjoy it while I can."
For more on the bonding moments that make those early weeks so powerful, Mustela's guide to newborn activities covers skin-to-skin contact, gentle massage, and other ways to connect with your baby.
Everyday Moments
Two moments define Jessica's days with her daughter: the contact naps and the bath. Both are about closeness, and both remind her that her daughter is growing faster than she expected.
What's a small daily moment with your little one(s) that means a lot to you?
"My favorite bonding moments are breastfeeding, contact naps, and the smiles she gives me right when she wakes up. They're the cutest because at first she kind of cries like she's unsure where she is, but once she finds my face she gets so happy."
For parents navigating those early breastfeeding weeks, Mustela's article on the benefits of breastfeeding covers what to expect for both mom and baby.
Is there a routine (bath time, bedtime, morning reset) that feels especially special in your home?
"Bath time is really special for us. In the beginning I would sit in the bath with her and have her on my thighs, and now she doesn't fit there anymore. It makes me emotional seeing how fast she's growing. Now she loves splashing and playing, and it's so much fun watching her enjoy it."
Caring for Skin, Caring for Family
Why is gentle skin care important to you?
"As an esthetician, skin health has always been important to me. So when it comes to her, I'm very intentional about what I use. Her skin is still developing, and I care about keeping things as gentle and safe as possible. There are so many products out there with long ingredient lists, and I prefer simple formulas that feel supportive and not overwhelming."
Are there any Mustela products or routines you reach for regularly?
"The Gentle cleansing gel and Hydra bébé lotion are staples for us. They're part of our bath routine and make her skin feel soft without irritation. And the smell is my absolute favorite. It gives sophisticated baby energy and I love it haha."
Community & Support
What helps you feel supported during busy or challenging days?
"Having time to myself to work on me and recharge really helps. It can be hard because I sometimes feel guilty leaving her, but I always come back happier and more patient. That reset makes a big difference."
What does being part of the Mustela community mean to you?
"Being part of the Mustela community feels supportive and helps me feel connected to other parents who are in this season too. We're all learning and trying to be intentional about how we care for our babies."
Read more from parents in the Mustela community.
A Note to Other Parents
What would you want to tell someone in a similar season of life?
"Communication with your partner is so important. You're both learning and adjusting, and being open about what you need helps you show up as a team for your baby."
One reminder or intention you're holding onto right now?
"To give myself permission to take care of me too. I tend to feel guilty when I need time to work or reset, but I've realized I don't multitask well. Having focused time helps me show up better for my family."
Suggested Products
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Gentle Cleansing Gel: Jessica's bath-time staple. Dermatologist-tested and safe from birth, it cleans and nourishes without irritation.
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Hydra Bébé Body Lotion: The second half of her bath routine. A gentle daily moisturizer that leaves baby skin soft and lightly scented.
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No-Rinse Cleansing Water: For an esthetician who values intentional, simple formulas, this micellar water is a practical on-the-go essential between baths.
Suggested Articles
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Newborn Activities: 10 Ideas for Interacting With Your Baby: Jessica describes contact naps and close physical moments as her most treasured bonding time. This guide covers ten simple ways to connect with your newborn through play and touch.
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Breastfeeding Benefits for Mom and Baby: Breastfeeding is one of Jessica's favorite daily rituals with her daughter. This article covers what those moments are doing for both of them.
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Baby Sleep Positions: The Complete Guide for Parents: Covers safe sleep and developing a bedtime routine, including bath time and winding down, for parents building their own rituals.
More Mom of the Month Stories
Read more from the Mustela Mom community, or browse other entries in the series: