What a pleasure it was to spend time with these two princesses in their ultra-cosy, bright apartment. Althea is THE cool working girl we'd all like to be like. Always smiling and zen, she brilliantly juggles her professional life with her life as a mom. 

Althea, can you introduce yourself in a few words?
I'm PR Director at the Sparkle agency, where I'm in charge of various fashion, beauty, watch and home decor brands. I turned 30 this year (yes, already!). Hispanic-Swiss, born and raised in Geneva, married to Vincent for 8 years and married for nearly 2 years.

You're the proud mother of 9-month-old Sienna. How do you feel?
Hyper-panicked. It's a joy to watch this little flea grow day by day.

I gave birth at the same time as three other girlfriends, so we spent a lot of time together. It was springtime, and we were strolling along the lake, in the parks, enjoying the terraces. I have wonderful memories of those first months with Sienna. Like all transitions, the return to work was harder. What's more, it coincided with the moment when I stopped breastfeeding, in the middle of a hormonal slump, which was really not great. Fortunately, I'm now at 80%. Despite this delicate stage, getting back to my old rhythm has been really good for me! I love my job and I think I've got the right balance between life as a mom, social life and work. 

Crèche or nanny?
We were incredibly lucky to get a place in a crèche right next to our house, where Sienna goes 4 times a week. With Vincent, we're able to be flexible in our schedules and organization, which allows us to be with her as much as possible. Our families are also very present, always available to look after Sienna. We're incredibly lucky! 

If you had to define motherhood in 1 word?
It's cliché but overwhelming.

The first time?
I breastfed. It was extraordinary, even if you're never prepared for it! 

Did you enjoy being pregnant and would you like to be again?
I loved it, but not to the point of being permanently pregnant (laughs). I was happy and fulfilled, but not ecstatic like some women. I was lucky enough not to have any nausea or other discomforts, but the more the months went by, the more I felt dull and tired. I did manage to dance at a wedding 2 days before my due date (laughs).

To sport or not to sport? Secrets of fitness during and after pregnancy?
Up to 6-7 months, cool sport: yoga, Pilates, lots of walking and aquagym classes at the Beaulieu clinic. Afterwards, still walking and Pilates, but specifically post-partum. When Sienna was 4 months old, every Friday we went to the baby swimming class, which was TOP. From a nutritional point of view, my tastes changed, especially during pregnancy. I tried to eat healthily, giving priority to foods rich in Omega 3, but at the same time I was always craving starchy foods (pasta, bread...) and a touch of sweetness. You have to be careful, yes, but above all you have to listen to your body. 

A beauty ritual?
Tons and tons of Weleda oil during and after pregnancy. The specific one for preventing stretch marks and then, from the 36th week, the one for massaging the perineum. This is very important, as it helps prevent tearing during childbirth. At the same time, also from the 36th week, I drank a lot of raspberry leaf tea to help soften the cervix.

 

"The arrival of a child is a huge upheaval, but you have to manage not to forget yourself. 

 

Life as a couple after baby?
First of all, you have to find your bearings as young parents. It's important to be able to take turns, especially in the first few months, as a real team. Now that we have a more or less defined rhythm, we're able to spend time just the two of us, but also each on our own. The arrival of a child is a huge upheaval, but it's important not to forget each other.

If you could teleport there right now, where would you go?
To Thailand, without having to travel by plane. Trip planned in a few weeks with Sienna. 

What's your favorite food?
I'm such a gourmet that I love everything, but I love a good pasta dish, like linguine alle vongole.

Your favorite childcare products?
Cooper's liniment oléo-calcaire. The YOYO stroller for travel, or the Bugaboo Cameleon is a MUST! Charlie Crane's Relax, Lillydoo's natural diapers. They offer a subscription system with home delivery. It's so practical and the designs are so cute. 

Your tips for :

1. A romantic dinner: the Izumi terrace.

2. Girls' night out: the Cottage café.

3. A family Sunday: escape to the mountains or lakeside.

What do you do to relieve the pressure?
A fun evening with friends. 

What fundamental value would you like to instill in your child?
Honesty.

An inspiring female personality?
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. She's the author of "Dear Ijeawele, or a manifesto for feminist education", which I recommend to all mothers-to-be. Something to keep in mind when raising a child (girl or boy).

What irritates you the most as a young mother?
Advice on everything: "you should do it more like this, more like that".

Do you have a weakness?
Cheese, chocolate or, depending on the mood, a good margarita!

On your To Do List?
Go to the gym 3 times a week, alternating between yoga, swimming and running.