Being a new mom myself, I find something new every day about mommy-hood that I never knew before. From the overwhelming sense of emotions that are experienced due to hormones, a complete change in your life, and a human being to love and care for; there are not a lot of issues that are talked about. Almost like it’s kept a secret because being a mom is supposed to always be glorious! Granted, it is the single most amazing experience of my life, yet it’s also the most challenging and scary time of my life as well. I’ve decided to expose a little bit of how mommy-hood challenges us as women and how it changes our lives by interviewing moms from all walks of life. Whether you are thinking about becoming a mom, are a new mom, are a seasoned mom, or are looking to better understand your OWN mom, I hope you can enjoy and find this information useful!
Diana Graham, Mommy of 3 and IFBB Pro Bikini Competitor
How many children do you have? Gender? Age(s)?
I have 3-Two by choice and one by birth :-) Bailey (F) 12 Jackson (M) 8 and Braden (M) 7
What's the most challenging part of being a new mom (if you remember)?
The roller coaster of emotions I think. There is the new incredibly fierce love, terrifying fear of doing something wrong, and about everything in between; couple that with exhaustion and everything is a little, well...intense.
Did you suffer from baby blues? If so, can you tell us about that?
I wouldn't say I had the "baby blues" but I have dealt with depression on and off since my late teens. The intensity of emotional swings was really difficult for me.
What's one thing about becoming a mom that no one told you about ?
It's not that anyone didn't tell me, but I really think its impossible to explain how you feel for them. I would give anything for any of them to make sure they were safe and taken care of.
How do you find time for you?
I make it. :) My "me-time" is essential for me to be able to train with the intensity in which I need to. It comes after my kids and husband but before everything else. If the laundry goes undone, then it does. If I need to take 30 to relax in the bathtub, I do, and then get back to the things that need doing.
How do you still fit in time with your significant other (if there is one), time with girlfriends, family, etc?
We (my husband and I) are both divorced with partial custody of our kids. We work around that. That makes it easy, but sometimes we go a few weeks without time to ourselves and we know how it feels to have to find time for each other. Fortunately my husband will come to the gym with me for a workout date! That is one of the thing that we talked about before we got married was that we both needed time with the other to feel that connection in our marriage. We are conscious of it, and we get it done! As far as friends, if your kids are little join a MOPS group or a co-op. This is a great way to connect with other women if your kids aren't in school. If they are school age, make the most of that time! Bust thru your chores, hit the gym, and grab a coffee with a girlfriend! To be honest, my competitive life has cut my friend time but I text, twitter, and Facebook my girlfriends all day long!
If you workout or are into health and fitness, what role has this played in your mommy life?
It has give me a sense of ME! In the gym I am ferocious! On stage I am Diana Graham Pro Bikini competitor. At home I am Diana Graham-Dave's wife, Bay Jack & B's mom, ponytail wearing gym rat. If I didn't have my thing (training for and competing in the IFBB) it would be easy to lose the tenacity and drive. I'm grateful to have found an outlet that is completely my own.
How has becoming a mommy affected your work life? What is your job?
My job is competing and representing GNC. I was a personal trainer for 6 years but when my littlest entered kindergarten I quit working so that I could be there when he was.
How has becoming a mommy significantly impacted your life?
It has made me more grateful for all the good, aware of the bad, taught me that I am SO much more capable than I had ever dreamed, and courageous enough to go for it. Seriously, I just think there is a transformation that goes on when you create and give birth to a human life. If you allow it, it can give you an aura, a kind of swagger that says I'm strong, I'm capable, and you KNOW I'm sexy! ;)
What advice do you have for new moms who want it all?
Go for it. Listen to your heart. Focus on the things that make your life full and rich. Hold your head high and don't listen to anyone who says you can't have it!
"Diana Graham can be contacted for appearances through www.fmg-
Gianna S, Chicago – Currently a Stay at home mom.
How many children do you have? Gender? Age(s)?
I have one 5 month old daughter, Avery.
What's the most challenging part of being a new mom (if you remember)?
For me, the most challenging aspect of motherhood (so far) is getting used to my baby's personality and reading her signals. For the first few months it was a huge adjustment trying to learn what each cry meant, what she liked, what she didn't, etc. It used to be so stressful when she would cry and i wouldn't know how to fix it but now that she’s 5 months old, I’m really starting to learn all of that. And getting into a stricter routine has been a huge help as well.
Did you suffer from baby blues? If so, can you tell us about that?
I did! My Drs. warned me about it and told me if i feel "sad' sometimes to not worry, that often new mothers get it and it shouldn't last long. I never thought I’d actually get them. My mom stayed with me for 2 days and was a HUGE help to me. The day she left, i cried uncontrollably. And for the next two weeks or so after, every time the baby cried and i couldn't fix it, i cried because i felt like i was being a bad mom. Now i know that’s not the case!
What's one thing about becoming a mom that no one told you about?
Babies need CONSTANT attention! When she was first born, she'd sleep 95% of the time but now that she's older, she’s awake more and needs so much more of my time. I can't take naps like i used to, when my show comes on but she needs to eat the show has to wait. If i need to take a shower but she's screaming then the shower as to wait. Little things like that i definitely took for granted before i had her.
How do you find time for you?
Every other day or so I will go to the gym for an hour. It helps me get away for a little bit and do something to help take the stress off of a hard day. Also, when the baby goes to sleep i will take a hot shower and sit down with my fiancé and have a glass of wine (or two) and just relax. I always go to bed feeling a lot more calmed down. That time for you is really important!
How do you still fit in time with your significant other (if there is one), time with girlfriends, family, etc?
This has been a challenge for me. When Dan (my fiancé) gets home from work, we only get a couple of hours to hang out alone when the baby goes to sleep. And our weekends are usually pretty busy. But the time we do get to spend alone together we try to make the most of it. And my mom is really good about offering to watch the baby when we need a date night! My family and i have gotten so much closer since I had Avery. I go over to my parents a few times a week so she can spend time with her aunt, uncle and grandparents. My girl friends have been so supportive and have been there a lot for me. We try to get together and have a girl’s night out or they will come by to see the baby and we'll catch up. I may not get to go out with them as much as i used to but we always find a little time for one another, whether it’s a 5 minute phone call or a quick visit, and I think that’s what really matters.
If you workout or are into health and fitness, what role has this played in your mommy life?
It has played a HUGE roll in my life since having the baby. Before I had her, I worked in one of the top fitness centers in the country and despite having that at my fingertips at all times, I RARELY worked out. I would run outside occasionally, but that was the most I would do. I gained close 50lbs in the 38 weeks I was pregnant so going from 106lbs to 148 really took a toll on my body. I gained weight in places I never thought was possible! I since joined a gym and have been getting so much closer to getting my old body back. Will it ever be exactly the same? I highly doubt it. But at least I have a goal and the closer i get to it, the better I feel about myself. Not only is it doing wonders physically, but also mentally. It's such a big stress reliever and gives me a chance to have some "me" time a few days a week. It's a win-win situation!
How has becoming a mommy affected your work life? What is your job?
I worked at a fitness center called "East Bank Club" for a few years up until i was 37 weeks pregnant. Because i wasn't considered a full time employee, after just 6 weeks, they requested that i return to work. After some serious thought and talking it over with my Fiancé, i decided it wasn't in my best interests to return to my job. Nor did i feel as though it would be the best decision for my daughter. I couldn't imagine not being home with her every day, especially being so young. I feel like this should be my job now until i feel more comfortable leaving her with someone else or in a daycare while i work. Washing bottles, doing laundry, feeding her every 3 hours, cleaning our home, bathing her, etc is a hard job in itself but i couldn't be happier to do it.
How has becoming a mommy significantly impacted your life?
It's really made me a better person. I want to be the best mom i can be for her. When i was 23 and living my life, i was doing just that, living for myself. But when i had a baby, suddenly I'm living for someone else. I don't think of just myself. And the things i used to do like going out on fancy dates, partying with friends, going wherever i pleased, suddenly doesn't seem so important anymore. Now the important things are making sure my baby is happy, well fed and most importantly healthy. My life revolves around her and I’m totally fine with that! I thank her everyday because now my life has a lot more direction and responsibility
What advice do you have for new moms who want it all?
My advice would be to make sure you take time for yourself. There's no such thing as Super Mom. You may want it all but no one can do it all. So when you feel really stressed, take some deep breathes, talk to your girlfriends, take a bubble bath with some candles, go to the gym or have some wine. No one will blame you for wanting that time to yourself. It's healthy to need that. And it's ok to ask for help! Remember, a happy mom makes for a happy baby!
Danielle M., Chicago- Currently Asst. General Manager TGI Fridays
How many children do you have?
1 Gender? Male Age(s)? 1 year (15months)
What's the most challenging part of being a new mom (if you remember)?
Not knowing the answers to everything!!! Especially being a new mom...... it is all trial and error. I remember always wishing he could talk so he could tell me why he was crying! LOL Google becomes your new BFF
Did you suffer from baby blues?If so, can you tell us about that?
Luckily, I did not.
What's one thing about becoming a mom that no one told you about ?
Hmmm... thats a tough one...
How do you find time for you?
That's tough too, because I am still trying! Working full time is hard when having a baby. With that being said, when i am off work all I want to do is be a mom. When your a mom who is very into health & fitness, that becomes your "me" time. Now, I find that all I do is be a mom/wife, work, and workout. I know I would find more "me" time or time with friends if working out was not such a huge priority.
How do you still fit in time with your significant other (if there is one), time with girlfriends, family, etc?
After a year, it is still hard. My husband and I do make sure we have 2 days a week off together which is nice. Now we have to work on getting out together more often, because now we just stay home with the lil man. I wish I saw my girlfriends more, but it jut becomes soooooo hard when you become a mom. I am very close with my family, so luckily I see them all the time!
If you workout or are into health and fitness, what role has this played in your mommy life?
A HUGE role. Getting back into shape within 2-3 months after having a baby is a major self-esteem booster! I feel better in my body now than I did before I was pregnant.
How has becoming a mommy affected your work life? What is your job?
As soon as I returned from maternity leave, I realized I was not as dedicated/passionate as I was before. All I wanted to do was go home to my family. I soon went down to 4 days a week after I got back. I am in the Restaurant Industry which is very high demand, stressfull and alot of hours! (55-60week)
How has becoming a mommy significantly impacted your life?
When I look at my son, I can't believe how lucky I am, or even the fact that I am a mom. I love it! I would not change a thing! You cherish more once you become a parent....
What advice do you have for new moms who want it all?
It is VERY important that you make time for you and your significant other, your friends, and family. I am still working on finding more time, but the time I found is priceless.. keeps me happy!
Danielle Martin
Assistant General Manager
TGI Friday's Midway Hotel Center
RLJ Development | Franchisee
Danielle M., Chicago- Currently Asst. General Manager TGI Fridays
How many children do you have?
1 Gender? Male Age(s)? 1 year (15months)
What's the most challenging part of being a new mom (if you remember)?
Not knowing the answers to everything!!! Especially being a new mom...... it is all trial and error. I remember always wishing he could talk so he could tell me why he was crying! LOL Google becomes your new BFF
Did you suffer from baby blues?If so, can you tell us about that?
Luckily, I did not.
What's one thing about becoming a mom that no one told you about ?
Hmmm... thats a tough one...
How do you find time for you?
That's tough too, because I am still trying! Working full time is hard when having a baby. With that being said, when i am off work all I want to do is be a mom. When your a mom who is very into health & fitness, that becomes your "me" time. Now, I find that all I do is be a mom/wife, work, and workout. I know I would find more "me" time or time with friends if working out was not such a huge priority.
How do you still fit in time with your significant other (if there is one), time with girlfriends, family, etc?
After a year, it is still hard. My husband and I do make sure we have 2 days a week off together which is nice. Now we have to work on getting out together more often, because now we just stay home with the lil man. I wish I saw my girlfriends more, but it jut becomes soooooo hard when you become a mom. I am very close with my family, so luckily I see them all the time!
If you workout or are into health and fitness, what role has this played in your mommy life?
A HUGE role. Getting back into shape within 2-3 months after having a baby is a major self-esteem booster! I feel better in my body now than I did before I was pregnant.
How has becoming a mommy affected your work life? What is your job?
As soon as I returned from maternity leave, I realized I was not as dedicated/passionate as I was before. All I wanted to do was go home to my family. I soon went down to 4 days a week after I got back. I am in the Restaurant Industry which is very high demand, stressfull and alot of hours! (55-60week)
How has becoming a mommy significantly impacted your life?
When I look at my son, I can't believe how lucky I am, or even the fact that I am a mom. I love it! I would not change a thing! You cherish more once you become a parent....
What advice do you have for new moms who want it all?
It is VERY important that you make time for you and your significant other, your friends, and family. I am still working on finding more time, but the time I found is priceless.. keeps me happy!
Danielle Martin
Assistant General Manager
TGI Friday's Midway Hotel Center
RLJ Development | Franchisee
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