Mama to nine-month-old Vayu, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, is basking in the glory of motherhood. From the time she announced to the world her pregnancy to the birth of baby Vayu and to date, Kapoor Ahuja has revelled in every moment of this new chapter of her life.
The decision to bring another life into the world was to be a calculated one by Kapoor Ahuja and husband Anand Ahuja. But the global pandemic threw all plans out of the window; it was Christmas Day, in their London home, when she found out that she was pregnant. She has openly accepted, in interviews, that despite wanting to rejoin the workforce, her little boy will be her ultimate priority and she is giving herself time.
Sonam Kapoor Ahuja also acknowledges that motherhood is not a bed of roses and what works for others will not work for you. At the same time, being a mother is a multifaceted role that straddles strength and tenderness while thinking on one’s feet and evolving as per the need of the hour. This philosophy is why she chose to be the brand ambassador for mother and child care brand, The Moms Co.
“I am picky about the brands I use and endorse — particularly skincare and wellness. And motherhood has made me even more aware of the importance of scrutinising product ingredients. From the beginning of my pregnancy, I made a deliberate choice to use natural and toxin-free products. I have been incorporating The Moms Co. products into my daily skincare regimen for some time now and have found them to be effective,” she said, on her association with the brand.
Most recently, she was part of their new campaign, ‘For Every Mom, Through Every Change,’ which establishes and caters to the evolving needs of mothers and babies in every phase. We took the opportunity to catch up with the new mom and find out about her motherhood journey so far.
Edited excerpts from the interview:
1. Can you share the importance of self-care as a mother?
It is critical to take care of yourself as a mother to ensure a healthy birth for your baby. Personally, during and even after my pregnancy, I prioritise my diet, exercise routine, and quality time with my husband, Anand. Self-care is vital for us, especially as mothers, and using quality products can really help with that.
2. How would you describe your parenting style? Do you think it will evolve with time?
Anand and I share parenting responsibilities and work as a tag team to take care of our son. I think this comes from watching the way my parents brought us up. Dad and Mum are partners in every sense of the word, and their motto was equal parenting. And we are raising Vayu in a similar environment.
3. How has motherhood changed you?
Becoming a mother has made me more aware of skincare and wellness. I carefully choose natural and safe products, like The Moms Co., for myself and my baby. It’s been a rewarding journey, although challenging at times. Our priorities have shifted to focus on our child, but we wouldn't have it any other way.
4. What have been the biggest lessons you’ve learned so far, in your journey as a mother?
I’ve learned that motherhood is a journey full of surprises and challenges. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting. Each child is unique, and as parents, we need to be open to learning, growing, and evolving with them. It has taught me the importance of being patient, present, and adaptable to the changing needs of my child.
I’ve also realised the significance of self-care and taking the time to prioritise my physical and emotional well-being to be the best version of myself for my child.
5. Apart from your husband, who has been the biggest support through your pregnancy and now motherhood? And what has this support meant for you?
Without the unwavering support of our loved ones, our journey would be incomplete. Despite the challenges that came with my pregnancy, my siblings stood by my side, and their constant presence has helped me grow stronger and calmer. Their support allowed me to prioritise my well-being and that of my baby.
6. In those moments when self-doubt creeps in, how do you center yourself and find balance and peace?
I have learned that self-doubt is a natural part of the journey that motherhood is. In those moments, I take a step back, take a deep breath, and remind myself of my strengths and capabilities. Meditation and mindfulness practices have also been incredibly helpful in helping me find balance and peace. Additionally, seeking support from loved ones, whether it be family or friends, has been essential in helping me navigate the ups and downs of motherhood. At the end of the day, it’s about trusting my instincts, being kind to myself, and focusing on the joy and love that comes with being a mother.