It's been a little over eight weeks since I had my second child Antonio and I'm still having trouble getting back into a "routine." After being pregnant for 38 weeks–and then being home for another two months–it's easy to get stuck in the baby bubble and even easier still to feel like you've lost touch with reality.
I recently had to go back to work. Since I'm an actress, for me work entails auditioning for new roles, working around the clock to get in shape, and spending long hours on set. This has all been tough–I'll explain why: First of all, I'm not in shape right now and second, I don't want to spend a single moment away from my baby–let alone long hours on a set!
Read more ¿Qué más?: 3 HUGE changes since I gave birth to my FIRST daughter 21 years ago
But I knew that the longer I waited to go back to work, the harder it was going to get. I'm sure I'm not the only Latina mom who feels this way, so I thought for this week's blog, I would share some tips to help other mamás Latinas go back to work.
1. CONFIDENCE is key! I recently went on an audition for a movie and the role called for a "sexy nanny." I had to meet with the director, producer and the star of the film and I was SO anxious about the meeting, because I can't fit into anything these days (except for my maternity clothes). I almost canceled the audition a million times. But I knew that if I did, I would feel horrible for not even trying. So I gave up my size 4 jeans and embraced my current sexy size. I bought myself some dark leggings, put on a wide belt and high heeled knee-high boots and put on my best faja! The makeover I gave myself gave me the confidence to ROCK the part and guess what? I got the role!
2.Ask for help: I know you want to be a super woman (and you are!), but you don't always have to be! Between breastfeeding, sleepless nights, your relationship, school and trying to get back into shape, it's easy for mamás to get overwhelmed. I quickly realized after my son was born that I had to put my ego aside and ask for help. I've relied on my mom and my abuelita to help me with childcare and I've asked my hubby to help me rehearse lines for my auditions. It has all been working out.
3. Cut yourself some slack: Don't EVER feel guilty about enjoying some time to yourself! A lot of new moms feel guilty about going out when their baby is at home, but my mom taught me an important lesson about being a mom: "A happy mommy is a happy baby." It's simple, but it's true!
I want to hear from you, chicas: Was it difficult for you to go back to work after having a baby? How did you overcome the stress and learn to balance it all?
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XO,
Paula
