And they say only those like Heidi Klum can make a quick comeback after having a baby? Umm, no think again ladies; because this too can happen to regular women like you and me! One of the reasons that pushed me to write this piece is seeing how today's generation (~25-30years of age) of women are so quick to bounce back to their pre-baby bodies after giving birth. I had to ask if it's a generational thing because women I've came across in the past never made mommy-hood look so sexy!
Since some might not be willing to take my word for it as I am not a mother, I was given the opportunity to interview newly mom (of a three month old), adolescent friend, and model, Stephanie Birch-Molina. Stephanie is mother to a newly born three month old who recently returned to her modeling profession. When asked how she is able to do it, she had lots of advice to give. Our interview is as follows:
Huldah's Eikon: compare your feelings about returning to modeling pre-pregnancy and post-pregnancy.
Stephanie Birch-Molina: During pregnancy I basically did not have to think twice when asked if I would be returning to modeling. But after pregnancy, when the time got near especially for me to partake in Bay Area Fashion Week, I got really nervous. Within two weeks of the show I almost didn't want to do it because of my nerves and logistics (i.e., breastfeeding, etc). I was unsure if my body was ready for it but my main concern was how I can still be me and a mommy at the same time?
HE: hmmm, go on...
SBM: Well, close to the show I was very nervous---like, lump in my throat nervous. That was very unusual for me because getting into modeling mode was never a problem before. But post-pregnancy, the thought of getting into modeling mode and mommy mode at once made me that much more nervous. Like I mentioned before, I almost declined to do the show, but the encouragement from close family and friends gave me a little hope to continue my journey with my first show post pregnancy. I received compliments like 'Steph, you can do this...you're a natural; after all you've got this in the bag'---but little did they know; it was easier said than done. When I got to the show I saw the other models, designers, and vendors. Out of no where it was time for me to take a practice walk on the runway.
HE: How was that?
SBM: Nerve-racking and hesitant at first. All that kept running through my head was 'how can I be me and a mom at the same time?' On the runway a model is required to be sexy, confident, flirtatious, and playful; all things I never had problems with pre-pregnancy. But now as a mom, I know that things would be a little different because I now have a little one to set examples for. To start, I was a bit reserved due to my new role as a mom, but the designer pieces made it a little easier to fall into character. Frock Los Angeles' line is very classy, elegant, comfortable, and best of all, eco-friendly. These dresses make you feel like a woman-so after hair, makeup, and putting on the dress, my nerves slowly turned to excitement!
HE: Tell me something, when you saw the bodies of the other models how did you feel? Was there any sense of competition?
SBM: Quite frankly, I didn't care much about the other models' body regarding extreme skinniness. What other models do is not important to me. What is important is making the designers happy, not the models because at the end of the day the designers are the ones asking me to be a part of their show, not the models. We're all there for a purpose, simply a blank canvas to showcase a designers creation.
HE: Did the other models know you were a mommy?
SBM: Actually no, most did not. The only people who knew were my girlfriend who was in the show with me (also a new mom) the designers. My girlfriend and I were so grateful to do the show together, both being new moms, so we helped pump each other up. She was so sweet keeping me company while I was pumping in the bathroom. We drove together so it was really neat to experience this with her too.
HE: How were they (the designers that is)?
SBM: They were great! Very accommodating. They provided me with everything I needed and made sure I felt comfortable every step of the way. I was able to pump before the show and they made sure to secure my breasts with padding and tape just in-case I leaked; hey the beauty of mommy-hood. Everyone was really nice and I appreciated it. I was there to do a job, but at the same time they also knew my needs as a mother and were very sweet and respectful. Very encouraging too!
HE: How do you feel now?
SBM: Awesome! I can't wait to do it again.
HE: That's great! With that being said, how do you feel now about your continued success within the industry?
SBM: I feel geared for success in the future and highly confident in continuing this profession. I'm now looking forward to a more commercial route, charity events, castings, and more networking opportunities in working with designers. No matter what, I'm still very selective and only open to opportunities that will add actual value to my portfolio and my career. My little man makes things different now; and all for the best!
HE: What message do you have for (a) other moms within the same industry and (b) moms period?!!!
SBM: "Totally go for it." That's my message for moms within or returning to the industry. For moms, "be a good mom! Don't lose yourself in mommy-hood. It's important to be sexy and feel sexy! Don't be lazy, don't let yourself go. That's just not right. If you're fine with laziness, more power to you, but don't complain when your husband or significant other is not attracted and don't whine about not feeling like yourself if you're not doing anything about it (exercise, eat right, etc). I still want to represent being a woman and I do it for myself. Who doesn't like wearing heels and feeling pretty? It really doesn't take much time and effort to put yourself together everyday with a little blush, mascara, and lip gloss."
HE: Other than your newly born son, what is important to you?
SBM: Pursuing my passion(s) versus what everyone else is doing (regular job) from 9-5 is what's important to me. How can I tell my son to live his dreams and go for what he wants when he gets older if I'm not practicing that myself? What kind of message would I be sending to him?
What does Stephanie Birch-Molina have to say about significant others, smacking that ass (yeah I said it), and more about laziness? ...Stay tuned for Part two of "Mamas on the Runway." Meanwhile, feel free to follow her on her blog as she shares special moments of new parenthood on
openbookmoments.blogspot.com.
Til next time!
~HE~
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| pre-baby fashion shoot |
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| 8 months |
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| 39 weeks |
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| post-baby @ Frock LA fashion show |
