Kimberly Ann Haverstock
Loving life at 32 in St. Louis, Missouri
BR: What do you love most about being a mom?
KH: Discovery on so many levels. Becoming a mother has made me view the world from an entirely different perspective. I have discovered emotions, joys, fears, strengths, and limitations within myself that I didn't know existed. I love discovering new qualities about my children as I watch them grow and develop their own personalities. And through their innocence, I have enjoyed rediscovering humanity and the innate goodness that I believe we are all born with. It saturates me with hope and gives me a new love for life.
BR: What is the number one way in which motherhood has changed you?
KH: I love differently, I worry differently, I pray differently, I laugh differently, but most of all, I have a different appreciation for the simple joys in life. A smile, a hug, hearing the words "I love you," those are what make my heart beat.
BR: Why was breast-feeding your children important to you?
KH: From a scientific standpoint, I believe that breast milk is a superlative source of nutrition and immunity. Emotionally, breast-feeding was an incredibly intimate bonding opportunity that allowed me to connect with my baby in a way that no one else could. The closeness, the security, the skin-to-skin contact is all beautifully powerful and unparalleled to anything that I have ever experienced.
BR: While breast-feeding, what was your day-to-day style? Did you wear maternity clothes during and/or post pregnancy?
KH: During my pregnancy, I lived in tunics with leggings and maxi dresses, a style that I continued with postpartum. My pregnancy wardrobe revolved around two key concepts: comfort and femininity. It's so easy to struggle with the physical changes of pregnancy, but women should embrace their evolving bodies. Pregnant women have a natural resplendency. I believe that a mother-to-be and nursing mothers should dress in a way that makes her feel as radiant and beautiful as she truly is.
BR: What are three key pieces for a breast-feeding mom's closet?
KH: Button up blouses, wrap dresses, and wrap cardigans are essential for quick accessibility and stylish coverage.
BR: How did you stay in shape during your pregnancy and while breast-feeding?
KH: Running is my euphoria, but I scaled back to power walking during each pregnancy. My early postpartum workouts consisted mainly of light aerobic and strength training with a gradual ease back onto the pavement.
BR: What is a typical day like for you and the kids?
KH: Organized chaos! Having three children (ages 11, 6, and 9 months) in completely different stages of life can be challenging at times. We are constantly striving to balance work, two schools, extracurricular activities, sports, church, and family time. We have learned that the perfect equilibrium is achieved when we make time for ourselves and make time for each other every single day. Both components are critical.
BR: Between family and work, do you ever find time for yourself? How do you unwind?
KH: Routines and a general family schedule allow me to set aside time for friends, exercise, and hobbies. An avid runner and self-proclaimed culinary master, I also love to unwind with a good book or an ambitious home improvement project.
BR: How do you and your husband make time for each other?
KH: Date nights! The perfect dress and a night out on the town keeps the romance burning.
BR: What is the one piece of advice you would give to soon-to-be mothers?
KH: To learn about infant sleep patterns and to have a sleep plan in place. Sean [Haverstock's husband] and I both agreed on one before the baby's arrival. By our third baby, we learned the importance of consistency and routine for an infant to establish great sleep habits. Camden [Haverstock's son and third child] is by far our best sleeper. I can efficiently plan my day around his sleep schedule and make quality time for Nick [Haverstock's other son], Lane [Haverstock's daughter], and Sean. And, of course, a well-rested baby makes a well-rested mama! It's a win-win situation for the entire family.