Just yesterday I said that I was putting my “moms who blog” series on the back burner but that’s not 100% true. I’d interviewed another mom not too long ago but turns out her answers were swallowed up in cyber space…
But they have been retrieved and you get to meet an amazing blogger who seems to be taking the SA blogging scene by storm, Shaney Vijendranath from You Baby and I

Tell us a little about your family…

 I’m the only child, my dad passed away when I was 8. I’m lucky to have my mom live with me, she’s my pillar of strength. I wish I had siblings, I think 1 child isn’t enough. I got married when I was 20 to an amazing man – Vije who is formerly from Sri Lanka. We have 1 daughter – Kitana and busy planning to grow the family with a second child.

–What do you do when not blogging?

 When I’m not blogging, I’m busy being a housewife and mom. I work from home so I’m fortunate to have flexible hours. My day is filled with toddler tantrums and dirty diapers while my nights are busy with work.

-What made you decide to blog?

 I needed a place to talk about my journey of motherhood. Not many people around me understood how I felt. Becoming a mother at 21 wasn’t the easiest, people judged me. I always got the Q: “Is your boyfriend still with you?” I’m proud to say that Vije and I planned our pregnancy and I wanted to get married young. It wasn’t something that happened, we planned it. We got married first then had a baby.

-What was your concept behind the blog?

 I knew I wanted to chat about motherhood, my experiences and difficulties. I didn’t realise how fast it would expand into different aspects. I never thought I would be doing so many reviews or competitions.

-Did you find yourself nervous at prospect of letting people into your life in this way?

Yes and I’m still nervous about it.
 

-Do you ever worry that your child will be like “mom why are you exposing my life?”

Yes, I’m sure when she’s older she will have lots of questions for me but because of my blog I’ve connected with so many moms who have the same difficulties. We help each other. I think when she realises the impact of a blog, she will be okay with it…well hopefully!

-Does your family read your blog?

Yes they always do and they support me 100%.
 

-What do you hope to achieve through the blog?

 A support group of first time moms.

 
-What do you think about the blogging culture in South Africa?

It’s improving, I’ve come across some brilliant blogs that are not “big”. I’ve learnt to search for blogs in communities like SA Mom blogs and Blogs to follow SA instead of just visiting the popular ones. I just wish bloggers in SA would be more friendly and helpful.
 

-What do you think makes for a “good blog”

Pictures. A picture can say a 1000 words.

-How do you personally measure success in the blogging world

I don’t measure my success from stats but by the feedback I receive from my readers. I love chatting to my readers and when they tell me I’ve helped them, I feel like I’ve won an award. I still feel like a newbie in the blogging industry, sometimes I have no clue what I’m typing but if someone connects with me via an article, it’s worth it.

Social media links:

Blog: http://www.youbabyandi.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/youbabyandi

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/youbabyandi