Meet Starter Kit Mom- LaToya

" I learned that “mom multitasking” is not only a skill but it is a super power. If you can handle motherhood, you can handle anything this world throws at you. I’ve learned that I am stronger than I gave myself credit for."

When did you become a mother?

October 10, 2015

What are some of the challenges of being a mother?

Juggling work, and taking care of the household while holding yourself together and maintaining your sanity.

How many children do you have?

1 (3 year old), and 1 in utero :)

What is the best thing about being a mother?

The challenges and joys your child brings to your life. Being a mom makes life so much more meaningful. Their love for you is so UNCONDITIONAL - no love like it. I just stare at him in awe, like “what a gift!!!”

What did you learn about yourself after becoming a mother?

I learned that “mom multitasking” is not only a skill but it is a super power. If you can handle motherhood, you can handle anything this world throws at you. I’ve learned that I am stronger than I gave myself credit for.

What is something that you experienced during pregnancy or parenting that no one prepared you for?

I wasn’t prepared for the slight post partum depression I encountered. It didn’t last long, but I never understood why I randomly cried while my son cried. I thought I was nuts. This is what sparked me to start A Mommycast Podcast. I later learned that I was not alone in this and many mothers experienced the same thing, but no one talks about it.

What are some self care practices that you do to feel like yourself again?

Going on dates with hubby, having girl time with my girls and putting on make up everyday! (whether I go out or not) It makes me feel human, especially feeling so tired on a daily basis

How did you find out that you were expecting?

My boobs were sore for days and I kept sleeping through Game of Thrones! Sooo unlike me to just fall asleep randomly. I knew something was up. So I took a pregnancy test to find a beautiful Positive + !

What scared you most as a first time mother? The thought that I am responsible for a little human being with NO prior experience and they don’t come with a manual :/

Did you have trouble conceiving?

Well to make a long story short - My conception was purely a miracle. I have been on birth control since age 13 because I had the worst, most painful and random periods. My periods were very irregular, so I never knew when it would come or when I’d ovulate. However, my Ob/gyn suggested that I use an ovulation kit once I was off the pill, to see when I was at my peak. I stopped the pill (for the first time in almost 20 years) to “cleanse” the hormones in September of 2014. By the grace of God, I had regular periods (which I NEVER DID in the past) October, November and December and finally conceived in January of 2015. Truly a gift from God

If you could offer a pieces of advice to other Starter Kit Moms what would you say?

Hang tough and keep faith that you are able to handle the tasks of Motherhood. It’s tough (really tough) but it’s doable. Millions of women have done it for thousands of years and you are no exception. You are just as great.

Lastly, looking back what would you say to the expecting mom on how to prepare? Sleep girl, sleep. You need brain power and adrenaline to survive the first 2 months. Those little beings take over your mind, body and soul. Forever.