Introducing: Your GroupChat

A brand new Substack by a brand new mom. Reading time: 3min 30sec

So… what is Your GroupChat?

Hey friends. If you’re seeing this, you’re likely a family member reading this for moral support, a friend I’ve sent this to, and you’re graciously scrolling through, or maybe, just maybe, the internet pulled me a lucky wishbone, and you’ve just discovered this Substack.

I’m Morgan. I’m a new mom with a 5.5-month-old named Leon-Rae. We call him Leon or LRae. I live in Vancouver, Canada, and I have an extremely fluffy cat named Prince. I recently asked my husband how he would describe me to someone if they were looking for me in a crowd, and he said, “short and blonde,” so there’s your visual. In my working life, I write, work on social, podcast, and media strategy, and do publicist type-things at a tech company. But in my real life, my hobby life, I love to research. And more than anything, I love a recommendation.

To paint a picture, on my own volition I created an entire Google spreadsheet with baby product recommendations I got from friends and trusted sources that was organized by product and detailed the price, who recommended it, and why, and the status of if we were going to purchase, get it used, or not buy it. Some call it neurotic, others [like you] might call it organized.

Entering into motherhood, there is the classic trope, “there’s no handbook”, and while that is very true, there is a secret trove of information that I discovered, and that is: the GroupChat. I have read, audiobooked, and podcasted many new-mom and baby advice books and philosophies. I went to a 6-week baby-prep course, and I don’t even want to talk about my Instagram algorithm and the screaming tunnel of advice reels that I have consumed. But the best advice I’ve found is in my group chats with other moms. The one-on-one advice that a friend shares when you’re embarrassed to ask how to put on a swaddle or, in my case, can they wear a swaddle in a car seat back from the hospital? [Yes, I know, I know, they can't, that would be physically impossible].

Motherhood is complex and many things all at once, most of which cannot be summarized in an amateur Substack that is being read by family and friends out of sheer sympathy. But one thing I know for sure is that motherhood is sisterhood. Going through birth and postpartum is like stepping across this invisible threshold where all the other moms in your life are waiting. It’s like you’ve taken off glasses that were the wrong prescription and look around and can say, “I see you”. You can be so different from another woman, but being a mother, you have an inextricable connection. Like you went to this secret war that no one knew about except you and the other moms. It’s this shared understanding that silently bonds you.

I myself am in my infancy as a mom. I’ve only had a baby for 5.5 months and am in no shape or form “an expert” and certainly not a mom-influencer [though I have enormous respect for those that are - thank you for your service and reccos]. But what I do have is amazing friends and family who are moms, and who have excellent recommendations.

Every week, I'm learning something new, and of all the practitioners I have seen in my journey thus far, I have learnt the most from other moms. Whether it’s feeding or the best sleep bag for a baby.

GroupChat is a substack all about mom-reccos, casual observations, and things I’m generally obsessed with or researching in my postpartum journey. No one tells you the best way to plan to change diapers on a cross-country flight, or the most comfortable baby carrier that you can put on with one hand, or what’s a chic stroller cozy for the winter. That’s where GroupChat comes in.

I’m sharing the things I love, what I've researched, and the recommendations I get from my groupchats in the hopes that it is mildly interesting or maybe even helpful. Like the best groupchats, we’ll cover a wide range of topics, everything from new kid clothing brands, to my favourite recipe this week, to my favourite podcast episode, to my tested baby travel reccos. If you love a product recommendation, group chat-sourced advice, or you’re looking for a casual read, this is a Substack for you.

If you’ve gotten this far: congrats, I needed two coffees to get here myself. Thanks for reading, and welcome to Your GroupChat.

If no one told you today: you’re doing a great job.

xx

Morgan

Three things from Your GroupChat…

Wait… have you tried? Product recco’s & more

Summer is over so I’m thinking about Fall & Winter baby gear and alllll the accessories. I’m completely obsessed with BINIBAMBA sheepskin stroller liners. The liners are sustainably & ethically sourced. I learned sheepskin is hypoallergenic, allergy busting, antibacterial & temperature regulating and easy to clean with the lil brushes they give you.

I also love this merino wool snugglesuit from them for the winter. They have them as bunting suits for babies or toddler size! They have cold weather kits with cute hats & mitts which would be the perfect gift for a winter baby [or to add to your registry].

Mom’s gotta eat! Best bites this week

It’s the last of tomato & peach szn! This New York Times salad recipe is one of my fave seasonal salads that majorly slaps with these two fruits this time of year. Plus it has whipped goat cheese which is chefs kiss. I add crushed salted pistachios and crispy shallots on top.

More to come! See you in your inbox next week.