on motherhood: Maria Bearson
Maria Bearson is a wife, business owner, and mama of 2 under 2. She is fueled by caffeine and chaos, navigating the beautiful mess of raising tiny humans. She is constantly learning, occasionally succeeding, and always loving fiercely.
Hello Mama: For readers who don’t know you, would you tell us what season of motherhood you’re in right now?
Maria Bearson: I have a baby girl, Charlie, who is 18 weeks old and my son Rhett just turned 2! I feel like motherhood is just a constant season of "I'm figuring it out as I go" for me. Because as soon as I feel like I have a solid handle on things, it changes and something else pops up that I'm needing to navigate: from the not-so-fun things like sleep regressions, teething or illness to the fun milestones like crawling and walking and talking to bringing another sibling into the world! Sometimes I feel like I need to have it all figured out, so leaning into this "I'm figuring it out as I go" mindset has really helped me take the pressure off myself.
Hello Mama: You just had your second baby. How has being a mama of two littles changed your approach to your days?
Maria Bearson: Having a second baby has completely changed how my days look. And honestly, the first 6-7 weeks were especially hard because I didn't get out of the house much. But I do feel that I'm getting into a good routine now! My husband and I often split duties when we can. But Rhett only goes to daycare 3 days/week so Rhett is home with Charlie and I the other days. I've been able to go into the gym several days a week and I put the kids in childcare for a couple hours, which gives me time to work (I'm an online health coach) and also focus on my health. I cannot be my best self if I'm not prioritizing my own health and well being. I want to set a positive example for my kids.
Having the two of them home with me can be chaotic at times but I know I'm going to miss these days and I want to spend as much time as possible with them, especially while they're this little.
Hello Mama: Are there any ideas or beliefs you had about motherhood before you became a mother that turned out to be untrue?
Maria Bearson: Yes! Being a health mindset coach and a former bikini bodybuilding pro, I naively thought I'd just be able to “bounce back” in a month or two and that I would feel absolutely amazing in my body again. As it turns out, things will likely take a LOT longer than anticipated to feel good again. What’s worse (and somewhat comical) is that I didn't learn my lesson the first time: I set similar, unrealistic expectations after I had Charlie, thinking that because I knew what to expect, that it would take less time. But deep down, I know better. This is something I've coached many clients through! It's so incredibly important to be kind to ourselves, to trust the process and to understand that it will take time…often longer than we think. I can't help the fact that I have diastasis recti and an umbilical hernia, but if I take the appropriate steps (physical therapy, proper form not only with exercise but with daily activities too like lifting up my kids, not pushing it too hard, etc) things will improve and with time, I'll feel more like myself! For now, I'm embracing it and remembering that this body brought two beautiful, healthy babies into this world and I know I'm so incredibly fortunate for that.
Hello Mama: Biggest challenge you have faced since becoming a mother?
Maria Bearson: Hands down: how to effectively manage my time. And I know I'm preaching to the choir here as time management can be so difficult, especially as a mama. I'm not only having to split my time between my kiddos, but I also run my own business and I never took a leave; I was responding to client check ins 2 days after I delivered Charlie. I also began The Mom Walk Collective, where I host free events in the Green Bay area. Then what about 1:1 time with my husband? And time to myself (which I really need)? And with friends and extended family?
This is something I audit often. It's very important to me that my priorities are aligned with my actions. It's all a balancing act though and it's ever changing through all seasons of life!
Hello Mama: We are usually pretty careful about advice in the Hello Mama community because we know that a one-size-fits-all approach just doesn’t work and we want mamas to feel that they can do what is best for them. And yet, some advice is just so good and has the power to change so much for us. What’s the best advice you’ve received as a mother?
Maria Bearson: That no matter how good of a mother you are, there will always be times you feel inadequate or that you should be doing a little better in x area. Become aware of this, and understand that no mama is perfect. It's totally okay to want to do better for our children (and that's amazing!) but please take time to recognize and acknowledge your strengths as a mother.
“It's totally okay to want to do better for our children (and that's amazing!) but please take time to recognize and acknowledge your strengths as a mother.”
Hello Mama: As a health focused professional, any tips for mamas running short on time?
Maria Bearson: I have so many tips!! I'll share 5:
Weekly meal prep: Protein. Veggies. Healthy fats. Starchy carbs. This saves me SO much time (and money and mental energy!) because I'm not cooking meals every single day.
Find ways to sneak in daily movement: if you can't find time away from your kiddos, find a way to incorporate them! Rhett and I have fun doing workout videos on YouTube, playing basketball with him, or going for a quick walk at the dog park or the mall. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park further away. Even the smallest changes add up!
Consider grocery shopping online and doing curbside pickup! This not only saves time but also helps you avoid impulse buying.
Keep healthy snacks on hand and make it easy to eat them: for example, cut up fruits and veggies so they're readily available. These should be minimally processed, high quality foods.
While being a mama is the greatest title in the world, it's also important to spend time away from them to work on ourselves. Even if that only means a 7-minute shower and taking 10 deep breaths. That alone can change how you feel the rest of the day.
Hello Mama: Any favorite motherhood memories?
Maria Bearson: The memory that sticks out the most to me is having a completely unmedicated birth with Charlie after having to have a C-section with my son who was breech. It was so empowering and reminded me that I can do hard things. We also took a family trip to Switzerland when Rhett was 7 months old - the trip of a lifetime.
QUICKFIRE
Ideal morning?
Get up early. Go to the gym to get a workout in and go in the sauna. Go to a farmer’s market or do something active with my family. And then spend a few hours with my husband at a winery or brewery and being home in time to tuck my kiddos in.
Favorite treat?
Vanilla ice cream & Biscoff cookies
What are you listening to?
“Good Energy” - Casey Means, MD and “Let Them” - Mel Robbins
Favorite color?
Black is the primary color of my wardrobe lol
Hello Mama: Anything else you’d like to share?
Maria Bearson: I love meeting new people! Feel free to reach out to me any time, and also consider joining me at one of my Mom Walk Collective events!
Want to get involved or support this On Motherhood series?
For mamas and readers: my dream is that these interviews will share a diversity of voices, backgrounds, and experiences but there’s so much similarity in my own personal social circles. I could use your help! Know a mother you find inspiring who might like to share her story or maybe you’re feeling up to it yourself? Let me know who she is and how I can reach her.
For business owners: we could use your help keeping these interviews going. Reach out if you’re interested in sponsoring an upcoming blog post.
You can find Maria mainly on Instagram or reach out to her at bearsonfit@gmail.com and don’t forget to follow her events with Mom Walk Collective here.
photography credit: Grace + Honey for Christmas session photos and Jessie Alaura Studios for the others