Janet Bloom on Taking a Leap of Faith
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am a work at home mother to a very curious four year old daughter. While I was pregnant, I was working in real estate, started a dress collection with my best friend, and was running around the city 24/7—busy, busy, busy.
After I had my daughter, my focus changed, and she became the center of my universe. I quit my office job in real estate after four months of returning to my job after my maternity leave. It was a leap of faith. My husband was very skeptical, but it felt right for me to be at home with my daughter. I knew that I would figure out the next chapter of my career while I stayed at home savoring every minute with my baby. I continued to work on my dress line (called sirin bloom), and then I started my website when my daughter was three. We were already exploring NYC on a daily basis and doing really fun activities, so I started to write about them and posting our adventures on Instagram via @curiousg_andme. A month or so after I started Curious G and Me, I started curating the feed for Mommy Poppins as well.
Most recently, I also became the Communications Director for York Prep, a private school on the Upper West Side in Manhattan. I work remotely so my schedule is flexible, but I am basically on duty around-the-clock from the time that my daughter wakes up until I hit they hay. My days are never routine, and I love it that way.
You can follow me on Instagram at @curioudg_andme and learn more at Curious G and Me.
What brought you to where you are now? Bring us along from the beginning.
Before my pregnancy, I started modeling while I was a student at NYU, continued modeling through grad school, worked in advertising, and then transitioned to real estate.
What was your journey to parenthood like?
My journey to parenthood had its bumps, but it has been the most enlightening and rewarding (at the same time, an emotional roller coaster) experience ever.
What was happening in your life when you decided to start your family?
We wanted to start a family earlier than we actually did, but I was having back issues that were hindering the whole conception process. I was taking Ibuprofen regularly and getting regular scans and MRIs, which are not conducive elements towards conceiving a child. When I finally got my back issues under control, we started trying ,and it did not happen right away. Eventually, I went to a Fertility specialist—who was AMAZING—and then it happened pretty quickly.
How did you care for yourself while trying to conceive?
I didn't change up my routine that much. I made sure to take my prenatal vitamins and fish oil capsules. Other than that, I carried on with life and tried not to stress out about it. It is very hard to think about (and sometimes talk about) anything outside of trying to conceive a child when you are in the thick of it. It definitely consumed me at times. But towards to end of my journey towards conceiving, I just tried to take it easy, and just let nature take its course.
How did you care for your body while pregnant?
I avoided all the things you are supposed to avoid. I was adamant about eating enough greens and other vegetables. I ate fish whenever I could stomach it for the healthy fats. But I also allowed myself to indulge in sweets—I was in my third trimester during the holidays, and I might have eaten my weight in holiday cakes and cookies throughout the month of December.
What experiences shaped your understanding of conception and pregnancy?
I started my journey a little later than my best friends, so I saw what they went through. They each had their own experiences, and I am thankful that they were there for me whenever I had questions (even though I often received opposing answers, haha).
Tell us how you found out you were pregnant. We'd love details!
As I had mentioned before, I became pretty lax about the process because I wanted to live my life and not allow thoughts of conceiving consume me. So. The weekend before I found out that I was pregnant, we were out of town for a wedding. Let's just say I had a grand old time—but not TOO grand, like a few glasses worth of grand. That Sunday I had a great time at a Mets game for Father's Day. Then the following Monday, I went to a Phantogram concert. At some point during that night, I had a feeling that I MIGHT be pregnant. The next morning, I took a test at home, and I was pregnant! I remember waking my husband up, and shoving the stick in his face. He actually asked me, "What?" I mean, I'm waking you up with this pregnancy test in hand! And you're asking me, what?!! It was funny. Needless to say, I was elated.
What have you learned as a result of trying to get pregnant and/or being pregnant?
I will never take my good health for granted. It's incredible that while I was pregnant, a brain was growing and developing inside of me. Eyeballs were forming—an entire nervous system was made inside of my body. I am so thankful for my body and all that it does and allows me to enjoy in life. Whatever body image issues I had previously, they seem so petty, and I have moved on from them since having my daughter.
What's your wish for women who are trying to conceive?
I know it's extremely difficult, but try to relax. Focus on taking care of yourself because your health is the most important priority—not just for the sake of conceiving. I wish there was a magic pill to swallow to take away the stress of the whole process. Just a little something to take the edge off.
Anything else you'd like to share about your journey to parenthood?
Life as a parent has been such a huge learning experience for me. I feel so inspired by my daughter, and watching her grow up has taught me so much about myself and human nature in general. I learn and discover something new every single day.
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