Sep 22, 2023

Labor of Love: Rachael’s Journey of Selflessness and Joy

Becoming a mother transforms you in ways words can hardly describe. Every sleep-deprived night, every worry-filled day, and every moment of joy and wonderment are part of the chapters of a narrative unique to each mother.

Rachael (@bevelingbrunette), from the sunny city of Tampa, Florida, unveils her own chapter in our Labor of Love series. Here, we learn all about the importance of taking care of oneself while fulfilling this new role you’re in.

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Jump to:

Uncharted Territories: The First Days of Motherhood
Facing the Unexpected
Celebrating the Small Moments
Self-care and Motherhood: Finding Balance
Dance: The Rhythm of Rachael's Past and Future
Celebrating Every Mother's Labor of Love with Estella
Check Out Rachael's Full Interview Here!

Uncharted Territories: The First Days of Motherhood

For many, the initial days of motherhood can feel overwhelming. Rachael's journey was no exception. With the challenges of recovering from a C-section and the pressures of attending to her newborn's every need, she found herself running on sheer will and love. Every moment was a learning experience for her. But it was the purity of her love and her determination that saw her through.

In Rachael’s words:

“I just wanted to do everything perfectly and was honestly a bit terrified of this new, tiny human. I was running on empty with no sleep and recovering from a C-Section. I just kept going and learning and pushing through purely out of love.”

Facing the Unexpected

Motherhood is as unpredictable as life itself. Even before her daughter came into this world, Rachael confronted moments of uncertainty during her pregnancy. However, each challenge made her even more grateful that she was a mother.

According to Rachael,

“There were some scary moments during my pregnancy, including being sick at one point, when I was not sure things would be okay. I overcame them by staying hopeful and taking care of myself the best I could. This experience shaped my journey as a mother, because I am so beyond grateful to be able to have this baby here after we went through so much. Life is so fragile and I make sure to appreciate and get the most out of every day with my little love.”

Celebrating the Small Moments

Amidst the sleepless nights and teething troubles, there came moments that made everything worth it. For Rachael, it was hearing her baby's first word, which was "Mama". To her, it meant that amidst the challenges, they were on the right path.

“A recent joyful moment that reminded me of the beauty of motherhood happened when I was feeding her some oatmeal which she absolutely loves. I turned away to tell my mom something and she said “Mama” for the first time in the sweetest little voice. She has been having sleep and teething struggles lately, but this made me feel like we are on the right track and so happy.”

Self-care and Motherhood: Finding Balance

One of the biggest lessons Rachael learned during her journey as a mother is the importance of self-care. In the whirlwind of being a mom, it's easy to forget oneself. But, as Rachael beautifully puts it, a cup of coffee, a short nap, or even a dance class can be transformative. It's in these moments that she reconnects with herself, returning as a rejuvenated mother, ready to face another day with her little one.

“I am a better mom when I can do something that makes me feel like me,” Rachael says. “Don’t neglect yourself. Your baby needs a healthy and happy mama.”

Dance: The Rhythm of Rachael's Past and Future

Before her life revolved around diapers and baby lullabies, Rachael was a professional dancer, traveling the globe and gracing stages with her talent. This love for dance is something she wishes to pass on. Perhaps one day, her daughter, dressed in her favorite Estella organic baby bodysuit, will follow in her mother’s dance steps.

When asked about her dreams for her little one, this is what Rachael had to say:

“One dream I have for my daughter is that she follows her passion whether it simply brings her joy or is something she would like to do as a career. My parents did a great job of allowing me to explore many different activities, sports, and arts in order to find what I truly enjoyed. I plan to do the same for her. Whatever sets her soul on fire, I will support. I would never want her to look back on her life and wish she had taken a different path or felt like she didn’t give her dreams or something she was interested in a chance.”

Celebrating Every Mother's Labor of Love with Estella

Every mother's journey is unique, filled with its own set of challenges and joys. Estella, with its commitment to quality and comfort, is proud to accompany mothers like Rachael on their adventure. From delightful baby gift sets that resonate with joy to clothing that ensures your baby feels cherished, Estella understands the depths of a mother's love and is dedicated to making every moment special. After all, the journey of motherhood is truly a labor of love.

Can you describe a moment during your pregnancy or early days of motherhood where the term 'Labor of Love' felt most real to you?

‘Labor of Love’ felt most real to me when I was a zombie trying not to fall asleep while feeding and caring for my baby constantly in those early weeks. I was so stressed and anxious since I had never been around babies before. I just wanted to do everything perfectly and was honestly a bit terrified of this new, tiny human. I was running on empty with no sleep and recovering from a C-Section. I just kept going and learning and pushing through purely out of love.

What's been one of the most challenging moments you've faced as a mom, and how did you overcome it? How did this experience shape your journey as a mother?

There were some scary moments during my pregnancy, including being sick at one point, when I was not sure things would be okay. I overcame them by staying hopeful and taking care of myself the best I could. This experience shaped my journey as a mother, because I am so beyond grateful to be able to have this baby here after we went through so much. Life is so fragile and I make sure to appreciate and get the most out of every day with my little love.

Every day brings its little joys and moments of love. Can you share a recent day-to-day moment with your child(ren) that reminded you of the beauty of motherhood?

A recent joyful moment that reminded me of the beauty of motherhood happened when I was feeding her some oatmeal which she absolutely loves. I turned away to tell my mom something and she said “Mama” for the first time in the sweetest little voice. She has been having sleep and teething struggles lately, but this made me feel like we are on the right track and so happy.

As parents, we all have dreams, hopes, and aspirations for our children. What is one dream or hope you deeply hold for your child, and why?

One dream I have for my daughter is that she follows her passion whether it simply brings her joy or is something she would like to do as a career. My parents did a great job of allowing me to explore many different activities, sports, and arts in order to find what I truly enjoyed. I plan to do the same for her. Whatever sets her soul on fire, I will support. I would never want her to look back on her life and wish she had taken a different path or felt like she didn’t give her dreams or something she was interested in a chance.

Looking back at your journey so far, what advice would you give to a new mom embarking on her own 'Labor of Love'?

My advice for a new mom would be to do something kind for herself when possible. I know that it seems unrealistic when you can’t even find time to shower, but it is so important. Even just a cup of coffee or a super quick nap made me feel so much better in those early days. Now it is a dance class or a workout when someone can watch her. I am a better mom when I can do something that makes me feel like me. Don’t neglect yourself. Your baby needs a healthy and happy mama.

Family Dynamics: Could you share a bit about your family? (e.g., number of children, their ages, if they have siblings, or if you're a single mom, etc.)

One child, 7 months. Married.

Occupation: What is your current occupation? Do you work full-time, part-time, or are you a stay-at-home mom?

Stay at home mom currently.

Parenting Philosophy or Approach: Do you follow a specific parenting philosophy or approach that guides your daily interactions with your children?

We don’t follow a specific approach. She is still so little. I am sure we will research more eventually. We have established a bit of a routine with her that is working for us at the moment so she has some structure with that. We have a very musical household. We play music each morning and listen during dinner as well. There is always singing and dancing in our home. We also read to her all the time. Right now it is all about having fun and learning.

Fun Fact: Please share a fun or interesting fact about yourself or your family.

Before becoming a mom, I performed professionally and traveled all over as a dancer. I can’t wait to sign my daughter up for dance one day and see if she loves it too.