We took a stroll with Barbara, who lives in central Copenhagen with her husband Roberto and their 8-month-old son Emanuel, to talk about her experience of becoming a mother. With over a decade of experience as a model and a partner working in the world of fine watches, Barbara's life has recently entered a new chapter.
In this interview, she opens up about the challenges and beauty of early motherhood - from navigating a high-risk pregnancy to finding strength in the unexpected, and discovering small rituals of joy in everyday moments. With honesty, warmth, and gentle humor, Barbara reflects on the ways motherhood has softened and strengthened her, the joys of playtime on the floor, and the quiet power of morning cuddles.
She shares her favorite family-friendly spots in Copenhagen, how her friendships have grown through motherhood, and how she’s learning to ask for help - all while raising a curious little boy who just learned to crawl.
In what situations do you most often use your baby carrier?
Emanuel is a very curious little guy and has been from the beginning so we often use the baby carrier when running errands like groceries or walking the dog. That way he can be a part of what we are doing and get stimulated. We also use the baby carrier every time we travel, it’s just so easy and practical that our hands are free and we don’t need to pack and unpack a stroller through the airport.
What has the journey into motherhood been like for you?
A very beautiful but also trying journey I would call it. I was about to go into preterm labor in week 30 of my pregnancy, which gave us a big scare but fortunately the very talented doctors and midwives was able to get it under control, but that meant I was on strict bed rest for the last 2 months of my pregnancy as my cervix was way to short.. That experience really changed my view on the remaining time of my pregnancy and my soon to be role as a mother. I learned that I can’t control anything and that is very scary for someone like me who loves to control everything haha. But in some ways I am grateful for what happened because I learned how to adapt which has been very useful after Emanuel was born. I feel stronger knowing I could go through that time and somehow I also feel like it gave me an even deeper connection to Emanuel, we had so much time just me and him those 2 months, I talked to him nonstop and really got the chance to feel every little kick and turn and I felt like we were this little team working towards a goal that only the two of us could make happen.
In what ways has motherhood softened or strengthened you?
I haven’t always been good or comfortable expressing my feelings, but having Emanuel has definitely changed that and made that side of me softer. In another way I would say that motherhood has definitely strengthened my ability to ask my loved ones for help when I am feeling overwhelmed.
What are your favorite ways to slow down and be present with your baby?
I know it’s probably the most normal thing in the world but I would say playtime on the floor is where I find it easiest to be present. I love to sit down with a cup of coffee and look at him exploring and experiencing everything, sometimes with me and sometimes by himself. I especially love playtime in the morning when everything around us is so quiet and the day is just getting started! though I have to be honest at the moment there is not a lot of time for sitting down with a baby who just learned to crawl and stand up haha..
What little rituals or routines mean the most to you right now?
Emanuel sleeps in his own bed but every morning when he wakes up we bring him up in our bed and lay him down between us and cuddle for about 30 minutes, he crawls all over us and it’s my absolute favorite part of the day. I also love his evening bath, he has loved his bath since the beginning and now that he is getting older he plays around with his toys and I actually think it’s the place he relaxes the most. When it comes to my own routines I really treasure my morning and evening beauty routine. I have always loved it, but after becoming a mom it’s even more important for me and it’s something that makes me relax, so I really try to take the time every day to do it.
You’re currently on parental leave with your partner and living in central Copenhagen. Do you have any tips for family-friendly things to do in the area?
There are so many nice things to do in Copenhagen as a family, we have been to “Den blå planet” and Emanuel loved it so that is a big recommendation even with babies, there is also “Barsels Banko” at Banegaarden, The Zoo and often you can be at the lookout for family events in Absalons Church in Vesterbro. It’s also just really nice to take a stroll in Frederiksberg Garden they have a really nice playground and if the weather is good you can check out the Elefants from the Zoo. We love to visit Bette Café in Carlsberg Byen, it’s a really cool family friendly café where the children can run around and play while the parents enjoy a cup of coffee.
Who lifts you up?
I am so lucky to have a lot of lovely people in my life who lifts me up, of course my family plays a huge part in that especially my husband but also my friends, I am the first of my friends to have a child and that made me quite nervous.. I guess I was a little afraid it would change my relation to them but it actually made a lot of my friendships even stronger, they have been so supportive, caring and curious about everything and so good at checking in with me! It has been so special seeing the bond they are forming with Emanuel he is a very lucky little guy. I feel so blessed to have so many people lifting me up who will also do everything in their power to lift up Emanuel.
Thank you, Barbara!
