Navigating Parenthood as a Team: Alexandra & Constantine on Letting Go, and Finding Joy in the Unexpected
In this special edition of our postpartum series, we sat down with Alexandra and Constantine, partners in life for over 20 years and now new parents to their first baby. Their journey into parenthood took an unexpected turn with a C-section delivery, shifting the early dynamics of bonding, caregiving, and recovery. What followed was a powerful experience in leaning on each other, letting go of expectations, and building a new rhythm as a family.
A Different Kind of Beginning
“We ended up at home maybe not the way I thought we were going to... you think you're going to be able to walk around, and then you're told not to.”
Alexandra's postpartum journey began with a C-section—an experience she hadn't anticipated. While her physical recovery was unexpectedly smooth, the emotional adjustment to a birth that didn't go as planned was more complex. Constantine stepped in fully from day one, being the first to hold their baby skin-to-skin, learning to change diapers, and handling much of the early caregiving while Alexandra recovered in bed.
“I didn’t change a diaper until like a week and a half later… or two weeks later. And I was like, can I keep it this way?”
The Power of Letting Others In
“Whoever is in your life, your partner, your mother, your friend, you have to leave space for them to help you.”
One of the strongest themes in Alexandra’s story is learning to lean on others. From Constantine to the Kramzorg, and even their community of friends and neighbors, accepting help became a key part of navigating new parenthood. The Kramzorg's daily visits offered emotional support and encouragement, often beginning with, “You’re doing great,” no matter how overwhelmed they felt.
“The first thing they say when they walk in is, ‘Wow, what a beautiful baby. You're doing so great.’ That alone makes all the difference.”
“It’s not about me. And it’s not just about Constantin. It’s about us.”
For Alexandra, motherhood brought a profound shift, not just in daily life, but in how she saw her relationship. Rather than feeling like she was losing a part of herself, she leaned into the idea that this next chapter was something they were building together. Becoming parents meant creating space, not just for their baby Flori, but for one another, too.
“It’s not even like starting a new job. It’s an entirely new experience. And it really shakes your confidence in unexpected ways.”
It wasn’t always easy, but through vulnerability, late-night talks, and shared laughter, Alexandra and Constantin found strength in their bond. Parenthood didn’t just change them—it connected them on a deeper, more tender level.
Strength in Support and Community
“We were lucky to have an army of cheerleaders. Friends, neighbors, even colleagues who showed up for us in quiet, powerful ways.”
From surprise meals left on their doorstep to friends stopping by just to hold the baby for 10 minutes, their support network became a lifeline. As expats in the Netherlands without family nearby, building a “chosen family” proved invaluable.
“It’s really about letting people into your lives, even when you’re vulnerable.”
Redefining Joy and Identity
“So is it a loss? Or just different?”
As seasoned travelers, foodies, and professionals, Alexandra and Constantine acknowledged that life wouldn't look the same after baby, but that didn’t mean it would be less fulfilling. From taking their first overnight trip to enjoying a simple dinner out, joy just came in new forms.
“It was the best dinner of my life… and it was just a Dutch dinner!”
Advice to New Parents
“Every phase you're going through is not going to last forever.”
From sleep deprivation to newborn snuggles, everything is temporary. This grounding advice helped Alexandra stay present, trust in the ebb and flow, and lean into both the hard and beautiful parts of parenting.
“You think, ‘This is it now,’ but everything changes, sometimes even by tomorrow.”
Alexandra and Constantine’s story is a warm reminder that parenthood isn't about perfection. It's about partnership, resilience, and allowing space for transformation. Whether it’s letting someone else change the first diaper, asking for help, or embracing a totally different life rhythm, this couple shows us that parenthood is a shared journey—and one that’s made richer by leaning in together.
