Motherhood – one of the most wonderful, rewarding and fulfilling yet challenging jobs you can embark on. It is something you should be 100% prepared for and is a decision you should make as a woman without any influence. This is the advice my guest Natalie Langston has for those looking to become a mom.
She had a busy successful career and an idea in mind of what motherhood would be like. She didn’t quite realize how much would be reliant on her and how it would impact her life. It is so easy to have misconceptions of what motherhood will be like until it actually comes to be. It’s important to keep in mind that every mother has her own unique motherhood experience so be careful with setting any expectations for yourself based on what you see with others.
If you really think about it, you as a woman, are growing a human being inside you. Your body is going through major changes to accommodate the needs of this precious life. You are no longer living only for yourself, where you may have been capable of pushing yourself to your limits to keep up with work and life.
Now, you need to listen to your body, slow down, eat healthy nutritious meals, take vitamins and supplements. You will deal with hormone changes, body changes, brain fog, etc. This is quite a change of lifestyle for someone who is used to a faster rhythm. You need to prepare yourself on all levels to experience childbirth, which is the most terrifying part for me personally.
And after you bring your child into the world, you basically have a baby attached to you 24/7 while getting minimal sleep and trying to find your way back to feeling like yourself again.
Alright. I’m exhausted even just typing all this and I know this is only the tip of the iceberg. I’ll be honest, sitting with Natalie and hearing her story really deepened my appreciation and respect for mothers and all that they do. They truly give all of themselves to their child.
It’s important to keep in mind that every mother has her own unique motherhood experience so be careful with setting any expectations for yourself based on what you see with others.
If you really think about it, you as a woman, are growing a human being inside you. Your body is going through major changes to accommodate the needs of this precious life. You are no longer living only for yourself, where you may have been capable of pushing yourself to your limits to keep up with work and life.
Now, you need to listen to your body, slow down, eat healthy nutritious meals, take vitamins and supplements. You will deal with hormone changes, body changes, brain fog, etc. This is quite a change of lifestyle for someone who is used to a faster rhythm. You need to prepare yourself on all levels to experience childbirth, which is the most terrifying part for me personally.
After you bring your child into the world, you basically have a baby attached to you 24/7 while getting minimal sleep and trying to find your way back to feeling like yourself again.
Alright. I’m exhausted even just typing all this and I know this is only the tip of the iceberg. Sitting with Natalie and hearing her story really deepened my appreciation and respect for mothers and all that they do. They truly give all of themselves to their child.
It is healthy for you and your child if you start to take small steps at your own pace to get back to feeling good on all levels. Natalie recommends taking this in small steps as it can be overwhelming at first. Get dressed, even if its in sweats with a messy bun and no make up, grab the stroller and baby and go for a small walk on your street. Getting some fresh air will help you feel grounded and refreshed. The next time, go a little farther.
Figure out what lights you up. Is it a day date with your baby at Chapters looking at books and having a hot beverage, as Natalie loves? Or perhaps going for coffee with friends and the kiddos and chatting for an hour? Is it simply 20 mins of “me time” in a bath with some essential oils and bath salts and your favorite magazine? Do something for YOU even if it is small – because you deserve and are worthy of it.
Often, new mothers give all to their babies but they often lose themselves in the process. We need a little reminder whether mothers or not, that we are not required to be superwoman! It is 100% okay to ask for help and support in whatever way that best suits you.
I encourage you to take a moment and see if there are any opportunities in your routine as a mom where you could have someone else help. Give yourself a little time do something for you. Take a quick shower, shave, do a facial mask, get a pedicure, get your hair done or even simply change into clean clothes that help you feel refreshed. I loved that Natalie also recommended is putting on a little lip gloss. This can go a long way in helping you feel a little more like yourself.
Grab yourself a cup of organic tea and tune into the full episode to hear more of my chat with Natalie, it’s not one to miss.
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IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:
- If she always wanted to be a mom and if she needed to prepare herself (on any level) prior to making the decision to have a baby
- What she has learned since becoming a new mom and how motherhood changed her
- How having a baby changed her relationship with her husband
- One unexpected thing about parenting she wishes she knew before having her baby
- How she and her husband met and how long they have been married for
- How she balances the demands of her career and a marriage
- What her self-care routine looks like and how she makes sure to take the time she needs to recharge and unplug
- Advice she has for new mothers
LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE:
Want to know more about Natalie Langston? Here is where you can find her:
Website | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | YouTube
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