In 2024, I became a mom. It’s been equal parts wonderful and “I’ll-never-make-it-out-alive” hard.

Returning to work in December after maternity leave was a whirlwind. But through the readjustment to my pre-mom work role, there have been a few times it’s felt surprisingly similar to caring for a newborn

As a new mother and social media professional, I’ve noticed a few commonalities between these two very different roles, and in my sleepless delirium, I thought I might have a little fun with my first blog post back from maternity leave. So, here you have it: The unexpected parallels between social media and newborns.

Both require constant attention

A baby’s needs are relentless. From feeding to diaper changes to shushes and “pat, pat, pats,” there’s always something demanding your focus. Similarly, social media never sleeps. Platforms are active 24/7, with audiences expecting real-time engagement, rapid responses, and fresh content. Just like tending to a baby, managing social media requires vigilance, quick reactions, and a readiness to adapt to unexpected situations.

Consistency is key

With babies, establishing routines—like naps and feedings—is crucial for their development…and your sanity. Social media thrives on consistency, too. Posting regularly and maintaining a cohesive brand voice builds trust and fosters a loyal following. Whether it’s a nap schedule or a content calendar, planning and consistency go a long way.

You need to tune into subtle signals

A newborn can’t articulate their needs, but as a parent, you quickly learn to interpret their cries, coos and cues. Social media users are similar—they won’t always directly tell you what they want, but their comments, likes, shares, and engagement patterns speak volumes. Listening to and analyzing these cues helps you adapt your strategy, whether it’s tweaking content types, adjusting posting times or tackling trends.

Patience is a virtue

Parenting teaches you to play the long game. Milestones like crawling, walking, talking, or sleeping through the night (…or even for a few hours) don’t happen overnight. The same goes for building a strong social media presence. Growth is gradual, and success comes from nurturing digital relationships, learning from setbacks, and celebrating small wins along the way.

Community support is invaluable

“It takes a village” isn’t just a saying for new parents. Leaning on family, friends and other parents for advice and encouragement can make all the difference. Similarly, successful social media management depends on collaboration. Whether it’s brainstorming with your team, leveraging user-generated content, or engaging with followers, a supportive community strengthens your efforts. I’m fortunate at work to have a village that supports both my motherhood and manager journeys.

Embrace the unexpected

As my favorite reality show host Julie Chen Moonves says to Big Brother contestants and fans: Expect the unexpected. I think that advice applies here, too, but I’m going to take it a step further: Embrace the unexpected.

Babies are unpredictable. Just when you think you’ve mastered one phase, they’re onto the next. Social media is no different. Algorithm changes, viral moments or crisis situations can throw even the best-laid plans into disarray. Flexibility, creativity and a sense of humor—qualities developed in spades as a parent—are crucial for navigating these twists and turns. And rather than simply expecting the chaos, it’s far more fun (and vital for my mental health) to embrace it.

The rewards are worth it

There’s nothing quite like seeing your baby smile for the first time or watching them achieve a new milestone. Similarly, seeing a social post resonate with your audience, hit its goals, or spark meaningful conversations is immensely rewarding. Both roles are challenging but deeply fulfilling in their own unique ways.

Ram Pride is in both job descriptions

Whether I’m covering Rams games for social or showing my son what it means to be a Rams fan, I’m there either way. And I’m so grateful to get to do both jobs.

Returning to work as a new mother has given me fresh insights and perspectives, not only on life but also on my career. Managing social media and caring for a baby might seem worlds apart, but the parallels are…well, let’s be honest, silly.  Still, both require dedication, adaptability, and a lot of heart. As I dive back into my role at CSU, I’m excited to bring the lessons I’ve learned as a new mom to the ever-evolving world of social media.