Socialite Nicole Richie was apprehensive about attending the opening of boyfriend Joel Madden's new clothing store because the party was one of her first few public outings since giving birth to her daughter.

Richie and her rocker partner welcomed baby Harlow into the world nine weeks ago and since then, the former wild child has been noticeably absent from the Hollywood party scene.

And although best friend Paris Hilton was a guest at DCMA's Los Angeles launch on Friday night, the 26-year-old remained hesitant about leaving her newborn at home.

Richie tells People magazine, "My mom's with her. It's fun, but it's bittersweet because I don't like to leave her. And I always wonder, 'What is she doing?' (I've checked in) twice so far - and I've only been gone an hour! But this is my adult night so I'm excited to see what the night brings."

Despite heading home before the afterparty at Hollywood club Central, the nursing mum admitted she had come prepared for a long night: "(My breast pump) is in the car. And we have a converter because there's no car charger, so that way I can plug it right in at 10 o'clock!"

-Nicole Richie Pictures

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)