Modern Motherhood in Atlanta: McKenzie

Modern motherhood asks us to release the pressure of doing things the “right” way and instead choose what truly works for our families. For some, that means working from home. For others, it’s staying home, working outside the home, juggling schedules, couponing, carving out self-care, or all of the above. Modern motherhood is defined by you, not by your mother, not by the generations before you, and certainly not by anyone else’s expectations.

Here at ABC, we believe in walking alongside our families as they find the choices that feel right for them, and that includes photography. Some parents feel most connected to light, bright imagery; others are drawn to a golden, candlelit warmth. Whatever your style, we’re here to create something beautiful with you, shaped by your preferences and the story you want to remember. Let us know what style(s) you love.

Did you know each parent gets to decide how they want their birth photographed? McKenzie didn’t want bright lights or bounced flash, so her photos have a more candlelit glow. Let us know what type of Atlanta Birth Photography you want at your own birth :)

Modern motherhood can look so many different ways, and posts like McKenzie’s offer the kind of honesty and intention that make the journey feel less overwhelming. Based here in Atlanta and known for her beautiful, thoughtful online content, she offers a grounded perspective on modern motherhood, postpartum life, and the realities of raising a baby in Atlanta. In this conversation, she opens up about life with baby Olive; the confidence she found in her feeding choices, the realities of traveling as a new family, the rhythm of work and marriage, and what it means to slow down in a city that pulls mothers in every direction. Her insights reflect the heart of Atlanta Birth Collective: community, support, and the freedom to create a motherhood that truly fits you.

Below, McKenzie shares her reflections in her own words - honest, present, and deeply relatable. You can read about McKenzie’s birth story here.

Motherhood, Creativity, and Identity

“Motherhood has really put into perspective what matters most to me, especially as a new mom in Atlanta navigating work, creativity, and postpartum life. I’ve always been a go-getter with a million goals and several jobs at once, but becoming a mom has slowed me down in the best way. When I have space to think, that’s when I’m most creative. I’m learning not to stress as much and to embrace the small windows of time I get during the day.

It has been fun to express myself through motherhood. There are so many layers to this season, and I enjoy sharing those parts of life through my content in a way that feels honest. I try to highlight the positive sides of being a mom (as there’s enough negativity already out there) and sprinkle in relatable humor where I can.

Before Olive, I imagined modern motherhood as working while raising children. Now I see it differently. I always thought daycare would be our plan, but when I toured the classroom, I knew instantly it wasn’t the right fit for us. We chose a part-time nanny instead, which allows me to work while still being with Olive almost every day. For me, modern motherhood means your child joining your life alongside you, whether you’re cooking, working, cleaning, or moving through the day together. And if that slows me down, that’s okay.

You can absolutely blend ambition, artistry, and family life. I plan my work week around Olive’s schedule, and things shift constantly, but growing a family while pursuing your dreams brings so much joy.”

Balancing Marriage, Work, and Daily Life

“There’s no secret to balancing everything. I’m doing the best I can each day, and I’m grateful for the people in my life who show me grace during tough seasons. I do have a nanny I adore three days a week, which helps tremendously, but my marriage will always come first. My husband and I both believe that the best way to parent is to show our children what a healthy partnership looks like.

On the days I’m home with Olive without help, I work during her naps. Not every day goes as planned, and I’m learning to be okay with that. Being her mom comes first on the days we’re together. It’s a rhythm so many Atlanta moms are navigating; blending work-from-home life, childcare, and the desire to stay connected in marriage.

Staying connected with my husband has required more intentionality. It’s easy to get lost in chores and logistics, so we make time for just the two of us by asking for help, hiring babysitters, and allowing family to help.

I’ve also gotten much better at saying no. Anything that doesn’t align with my family or career goals gets a no. I used to say yes to everything, but not anymore.”

Travel and Life on the Go With a Baby

“Traveling with a baby means bringing more stuff, but I try to keep things minimal because the world of baby products can get overwhelming. For families who travel often, especially new parents in Atlanta, keeping baby gear simple really is everything.

The Doona has been an incredible help since it’s both a stroller and car seat. I also bring a compact bottle-washing kit so I can pack fewer bottles. And after learning the hard way, I will never travel without a sound machine again.

As for things I didn’t really need: everything seems to come with a built-in sound machine anyway, so buying a separate one isn’t necessary. And using nontoxic products keeps things simple you don’t need separate detergents or specialty washes for every baby item.”

Feeding Choices and Postpartum Clarity

“With the number of jobs I juggle, I knew I wouldn’t have a true maternity leave. I didn’t want the pressure of feeding to fall entirely on me, especially knowing how delicate my mental health can be during big transitions. I made the decision early to formula feed and be confident in that choice, and I hope more moms feel supported no matter what feeding path they chose; formula feeding, breastfeeding, or a mix. For our family, formula feeding was the best choice for my wellbeing and for showing up as the mother I want to be.

It’s funny because I’m very crunchy and health-conscious, and I do believe breast is best nutritionally. But I’m proud that I stood firmly in the decision that was right for me at the time. I plan to try breastfeeding next time, and now that I’ve seen both sides, I understand why each feeding approach has its own pros and cons.

I wish women felt more freedom to talk openly about feeding without judgment. I received more criticism online than I expected for choosing formula from day one, but I’ve also seen friends shamed for breastfeeding. It truly goes both ways. We’re all doing what we genuinely believe is best for our children and that should be enough.

Postpartum recovery was harder than I expected, and like many Atlanta moms, I found that getting bloodwork helped me understand what my body needed during healing. Once I replenished the nutrients I was deficient in, I felt so much better both mentally and physically.”

Support Systems: Community, Friendship, and Birth Doula Care

“I always wanted a natural birth and knew I’d feel more confident with a doula. You really don’t know what birth will be like until you’re in it. Having an experienced Atlanta doula made all the difference in feeling supported and grounded during labor. My husband wasn’t convinced at first, but once I showed him videos of what doulas actually do, he immediately said, ‘Okay, if you want an unmedicated birth, we absolutely need a doula.’

And don’t wait too long like I did. Hire your doula before 30 weeks.

Having that support from Maegan was invaluable. Even after reading all the books, I was still blown away by the intensity of birth. Having someone experienced there to guide you when things feel overwhelming is everything. My husband still says it was the best money we ever spent. Right after birth he told me he would have paid double.

Outside of birth support, I’m still building my community. Finding community as a new mom in Atlanta has taken time. Motherhood can be isolating, and I’m realizing how much I need more connection in this season. I recently joined a local playgroup and am excited to see where that leads.”

The Power of Atlanta Birth Photography

“My Atlanta birth photos are the most incredible, sacred images of my life. Some are just for me and my husband, but all of them are treasures I’ll hold forever. I’m so grateful we chose Atlanta birth photography to document that day and the images capture strength, softness, and transformation in a way I’ll carry with me always.”

Motherhood is never one-size-fits-all, and McKenzie’s life is a beautiful reminder that every family gets to define what support, balance, and intention look like. Her openness about feeding choices, postpartum care, travel, partnership, creative work, and community-building reflects the heart of Atlanta Birth Collective - a space shaped by women’s real motherhood experiences. To follow her journey, you can find her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/mckenzgillespie/