We spoke to Rachel Nicks recently and were so impressed with her positivity and all her talents - she's a doula, lactation consultant, fitness instructor AND actress! She talks to us about what helped her during her own birth experience, her miscarriage and how she got through it, and how she HATES the pressure that's put on women to get back to their pre-baby bodies soon after birth. When talking about her work, we loved hearing she doesn't feel mom guilt and instead she says she feels her, "best self when all my pieces are at play," and we totally agree! Read below for more of her inspiring interview:
1) As a doula and prenatal fitness instructor, what are the 3 things you believe every mother could do to better prepare for birth?
- Build an intimate relationship with your pelvic floor. Practice the engagement and relaxation of your pelvic floor and practice the engagement of your transverse abdominals. When it’s time to push its important to know how to relax your pelvic floor and engage your transverse abs.
- Adopt relaxation techniques
- Exercise and prioritize your self care
2) What helped you the most during your own labor/birth experiences?
4) You breastfed your first son Samuel until he was 19 months old and you’re currently breastfeeding your newborn son Baldwin. What do you think helped you most to have successful breastfeeding journeys?
I love breastfeeding. I was raised by a mother who breastfed so it was an obvious choice for me. Growing up around women who breastfed gave me confidence and comfort. As an adult I realized all women didn’t have that. Learning how many women struggled with breastfeeding and struggled with being comfortable around others while breastfeeding led me to doing my lactation training. It is important that women have the proper tools and support to have a successful breastfeeding journey. I was blessed to have the tools, support, and comfort to have a successful journey. Not to mention two voracious eaters.
5) Your top 3 Teat & Cosset nursing styles and why you think functional clothes for breastfeeding make a difference in a moms journey.
The hoodie jogger set is awesome - love a breastfeeding friendly hoodie!! Functional and stylish and perfect for my active lifestyle with my boys. I also love the Beatrice sweater. So versatile and fashionable. The zippers are great because as your body changes in pregnancy and postpartum you can adjust the zippers to make you feel more comfortable. The Lia knit top is also great - knits are wonderful and not easy to find for breastfeeding. So as we enjoy fall and enter winter Teat & Cosset is my go to. Breastfeeding friendly clothes are life changing. So important. It provides ease and comfort for mom and baby.
6) How do you feel about the pressure that is being put on new moms to get back to their pre-baby bodies asap?
7) You juggle lots of different things, 2 kids, your home, acting, teaching fitness and being a doula. How do you keep on top of everything?
I do what I can. I stop when I don’t have the presence of mind. Of course there are times I just have to push through but I try not to waste time forcing work to get done when I’m brain dead. My children are my priority. I am ok with asking for an extension to a deadline because I am a human being —a badass one but a human and there are only 24 hours in a day. I am good at prioritizing and time management. I’m extremely efficient. I don’t have time to second guess myself or over edit. I get shit done. I trust my instincts and I shoot and execute. I’ve worked more as an actor since having my son and made the most money in my career since having children.
I am growing constantly. I love to learn and add to my toolbox. I don’t limit myself. I say, “I’m the most unprepared yet most present I’ve ever been” being in the moment is the best. I feel completely psycho sometimes trying to multitask but it fuels me. Balls will drop and eggs will break and messes will happen and things will get forgotten and that is ok. I give myself grace. I’m kind to myself. I’m realistic with my expectations and I am super honest with everyone I do business with. I love reminders. I’m a Pisces. I’m artist and businesswoman...I’m a pretty organized artist but I’m still an artist so I could always be a bit more organized. But I do my best.
8) What about focusing on your career has helped you become a better mother and wife?
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