Episode 42: My Postpartum + Motherhood Journey with PSTPRTM
Podcast
Episode 42: My Postpartum + Motherhood Journey with PSTPRTM
“I have become fierce with my boundaries (since becoming a parent). I only have so much energy to give and I have to be protective of it. And it’s ok if other people don’t like it. What’s important is that I honor my highest priorities.” — Carla Contreras
In this short 10 minute podcast episode, I talk about my postpartum and motherhood journey that was featured on PSTPRTM here is the article below:
How postpartum are you?
I have been healing and raising two incredible humans for the last six years.
How have you transformed since becoming a parent?
Work: I created a work-from-home position for myself in 2018. I write, food style, photograph, and create recipes from my home instead of commuting two hours each way into NYC from NJ. It’s an incredible privilege to be able to work alongside my kiddos as they grow up.
Body: I give myself so much grace. I have faith and trust in my healing process. I move, meditate, rest, and nourish myself to feel good in my body. It’s a practice, and I take it one workout, meal, and breath at a time.
Parenting: I stay in my lane. What works for my family may not work for others, and that’s ok. I keep an open mind, heart, and spirit to learn and grow with my children. They are my gurus and my greatest teachers.
Cooking: I used to make everything from scratch. I now permit myself to do what’s easy and convenient to nourish myself and my family. Pre-washed greens, cut veggies, and frozen salmon burgers are self-preservation.
Boundaries: I have become fierce with my boundaries. I only have so much energy to give and I have to be protective of it. And it’s ok if other people don’t like it. What’s important is that I honor my highest priorities.
With the little solo time you do get, what’s your favorite thing to do?
I have a serious self-care routine. I developed the 5/5 Method in 2018 when my kiddos were 2 and 3. I had a total health meltdown from working for six months without a day off while mothering and doing all the things!
In January of 2019, I chose Rest and Deep Nourishment as my North Stars. As the year progressed I added more words: Movement, Mindfulness, and Water. I have hosted 5/5 challenges on my Instagram where I ask people to choose one and focus on it for a minimum of five days.
When most people see the 5/5, they think they have to do “all the things” that they are failing before they even start. That is not the intention. The 5/5 is all about the quick win. Take a deep breath, winning. Fill up your water bottle, winning. What could you do for a tiny win today? I created a free journal to help people with this because we all need a quick win!
If you could describe your postpartum experience in one word, what would it be and why?
HUMBLING. After my first emergency c-section, I went from being a person who moved (barre, yoga, running) every single day to barely being able to walk one block at 10 weeks postpartum. I am still working on healing my body to this day, which includes physical therapy and Pilates.
What’s something that caught you off guard during the first 3 months of parenthood?
The amount of physical pain my body would be in from the emergency c-sections of both my children.
On a scale of 1–10, how supported did you feel as you navigated healing and learning how to take care of your baby? Why?
I was 100% supported. I have written about both of my postpartum experiences here. I wrote about my experience because I want to share what’s possible when we get the proper rest and help we need postpartum.
If you could dream up the perfect postpartum journey, what would it look and feel like?
We would all live close to people who could take care and support us while we heal and nurture ourselves.
What’s the #1 piece of advice you’d give a brand-new parent?
It takes extreme courage to ask for and accept help. Parenthood is full of surrender and releasing control.
I am excited to hear your thoughts!
Eat Well,
xo Chef Carla
PS: Please tag me @chefcarlacontreras on Instagram so I can continue the conversation with you. Use the hashtag #showupfullypodcast
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About Chef Carla Contreras
For the last 24 + years, I’ve worked as a trained chef in: Restaurants, hotels, as a chef instructor at three culinary schools, and personal chef in New York City.
Since 2013, I have been sharing my gift of content creation with publications and brands like Better Homes and Gardens, The Wall Street Journal, Shape Magazine, justBobbi.com, Nutritious Life, Well + Good.
In my personal brand, I not only show up for the hard things, I own them and then share them with the world, like my $38,000 lesson I learned in my business and evolution of a Digital Entrepreneur over the last ten years.
In my online courses, I bring my years of experience as a trained chef, content creator, health and life coach, and meditation teacher to help you with you shift mindset around cooking & the content creation process. Learn more here
Find + Work With Carla:
Online Courses & Book: Learn more here
Instagram: @chefcarlacontreras