How Susanna McMillan is Simplifying Motherhood

One rainy afternoon, Susanna McMillan, hit a breaking point that may sound very familiar to a lot of moms and dads. The mother of two kids under two, was precariously low on diapers and her babies were dangerously low on patience. She took stock of everything she would need to venture outside in the now pouring rain: a heavy diaper bag, a rain cover for her infant, a cart cover for her toddler, and about a dozen or so other items. She felt immediately overwhelmed.

But from struggle comes strength and great ideas. Susanna became inspired and the birth of the now patented Nest®, a multi-use nursing scarf, car seat cover, and cart cover with built-in-pocket for on-the-go essentials was born. Susanna sells the Nest® through her L.A.-based business Native Wilds, which is on a mission to design products, “that enable new moms to take on the world, babe in tow and without losing themselves along the journey,” says Susanna.

Her passion is reflected in the thoughtful design of the Nest®. It flexes to fit its variety of use cases and has tapered ends, making it easy to adjust coverage or maintain eye contact with your baby during nursing or in the carseat. It is also made from sustainably grown Eucalyptus trees, which makes the material hypoallergenic, temperature-regulating, moisture-wicking and with an UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) of 50, to protect baby’s sensitive skin. The Nest®‘s colors and patterns also serve a purpose: a baby’s eyesight develops rapidly after birth and by 2 months, a baby will begin to recognize and feel comforted by familiar colors and patterns.

(Several parents at Yumi were already Nest® fans, which is why we decided to team up with Susanna to create a limited edition Yumi Nest®! Nest® is also milled and manufactured just a few miles from our HQ in Los Angeles. We’re in love and if you are too, you can pick up one here)

Today, Susanna’s kids are a little bit older and she’s packing a little bit lighter, but she’s just as busy as ever. We love hearing from moms like Susanna, so we were so happy when she managed to spare a few minutes with us to discuss her obsession with avocados and her favorite rituals.

It’s Saturday morning at the McMillan house. What’s for breakfast?

Of course, becoming a mom changes your daily life rather drastically. What has been your favorite change and your least favorite change?

How difficult is it go from 1 to 2 babies, what was the most unexpected challenge? Give it to us straight 🙂

What’s your favorite ritual or tradition that you’ve established for your family?

What is your best piece of advice for new moms?

Are you a morning person or night owl?

Coffee or tea?

What is the one food you can’t go a day without?

You find out that you have one hour free and home alone. How are you spending it?

It’s a Friday night and you’re going out with your girlfriends. What are you sipping on? 

What would your autobiography be called?

What’s your favorite part about the Native Wilds x Yumi collab?

We chose Yumi for our first Nest® collaboration because they share our brand values and aesthetic! Sustainably and responsibly made in Los Angeles, products that are the best for baby and support moms in the the fourth trimester. We wanted to feature Yumi’s vibrant brand colors based off the vibrant, organic fruits and veggies that go into the baby food. I’m really happy with how the Yumi Nest® turned out!

 

Want your own Yumi Nest®? Click here to order!