Valerie Weigmann: Embracing Her Journey As A New Mom
In an exclusive interview with Modern Parenting, new mom Valerie Weigmann shares lessons she has learned after her son’s birth
Model and beauty queen Valerie Weigmann welcomed her son Lothar Ryujin, her first with partner Bodie Pulido, on October 8. The couple announced the pregnancy in June.
In an exclusive interview with Modern Parenting, Valerie, who represented the Philippines in Miss World 2014, shared how she has been adjusting to life as a new mom and the lessons she’s learning so far.
Adjustments as first-time parents
As first-time parents, Valerie shared she and Bodie have approached the adjustment like they do when plan their travels.
“We approach [it like] our love of travel – as an adventure where each aspect, the good parts and the bad, should be cherished at the moment, knowing it too would pass and won’t happen again,” she explained. “So we just pushed through the late nights and the fatigue and smile while Ryu would be bawling for another bottle of milk.”
Like other first-time parents, she and Bodie read up and asked as many questions as possible. But at last, there are just situations that change like her body.
“No amount of reading or watching educational videos can fully prepare a woman for the immense changes that pregnancy brings to one’s body. Thankfully I didn’t suffer through a lot of morning sickness,” Valerie shared. “However, what was challenging was carrying the added weight – you can really feel it on your back, hips, and legs. I also found it incredibly difficult dealing with my feet swelling to balloon-like proportions at the end of the day and the ups and down of the hormone fueled mood swings.”
And although she and Bodie are just getting started, Valerie’s eyes light up when asked what’s she’s enjoying so far.
” [I’m enjoying] the immeasurable joy of having our child in my arms – knowing I would do everything for this child. Discovering some of his quirky traits to be similar to ours is also a source of continuing amusement,” Valerie mused.
“We’re also looking forward to the life and developmental milestones and the opportunity to travel with our little one [ soon].”
Putting Ryu first as priority
With Ryu’s arrival, it is safe to say that family is Valerie’s priority on top of her work as a model and host. Like modern moms out there, she believes that having a child should not be a hindrance.
“Having children should not be a barrier to a woman’s goals or career. Sure there are challenges, considering that our society still has a way to go in its support of women who have just recently given birth. But, while I embrace the challenge(s), I also know where my priorities lie – that is with my son and my family.”
Judging by the photos Valerie and Bodie shared so far, it’s clear they are enjoying the adventure of being parents.
“We’ve been looking forward to this for so long – and now that we are here, we are just so breathlessly grateful and so happy.”
Embracing the journey
Journeys of first-time moms differ, and Valerie takes everything one day at a time. In an era where so many things are accessible, she pointed out that the only constant is change, and not everyone is privileged to have help being a parent.
“Embrace the journey, embrace the changes. I am just grateful for having a healthy child, an opportunity not everyone has. I’ve also learned, and want more women to be aware, that we cannot overly romanticize parenthood,” Valerie said.
“You must ensure you are ready for it – emotionally, physically, mentally, and financially. You should also make sure that the support is there. The saying that it takes a village is quite true – it [really] does take a village. I’m so grateful for the fact that I have a veritable village supporting us – a luxury that I am painfully aware not every woman has.”
It may be only the beginning of parenthood for Valerie and Bodie, but this early, she is grateful to have been given support and advice from friends and family about being parents, which she also wants to impart to others.
“Be patient and kind. With yourself, with your partner, with your family, and with your life. Prioritize. Don’t try to handle everything on your own – accept help and support when and if it is offered,” she advice.
“Do not ever give in to pressure with how others want you to act as a woman or a mother – stay true to yourself, your goals, and your love for your child.”
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