Ginger Zee on Pregnancy, Motherhood and Being Kind to Yourself
Posted: January 3, 2018 Categories: Feature New Moms Pregnancy
Who doesn’t love Ginger Zee? The bubbly ABC news chief meteorologist and one of our favorite faces to see on Good Morning America, is pregnant with baby number two! She is also the author of a new book, Natural Disaster: I Cover Them. I am One, that details her struggles with depression. Ginger chats with us about how this pregnancy is different than the first, what’s she’s learned throughout motherhood and why we need to forgive ourselves for not being perfect.
How is this pregnancy different than your last one? What have you done differently?
This pregnancy has been totally different! My first was relatively easy and Adrian was breach for the last two months so he barely moved. This baby is out of control, in my ribs, grabbing my bladder, he’s sooooo active! I’ve done pretty much the same thing this pregnancy, trying my best to stay active but modifying workouts as I get bigger. I’m still boxing and hope to do spin classes all the way through!
What were your favorite baby items you used with Adrian? Anything on your wish list or anything you are wanting to try with baby #2?
We loved our Ergo baby carrier, the Medela breast pump, a bunting by Canada Goose that always made me feel comfortable knowing he wasn’t cold in the deep chill of winter (he was born in December) and finally Doctor Brown’s glass bottles were critical.
What is your key to balancing your career and your personal life?
Realizing that true “balance” isn’t possible. Attempting it is. Giving myself forgiveness and grace and celebrating the times I succeed at living in the moment. Being present with my son while I’m at home then being dedicated to work while I am there.
You are so brave to write your book and share that you have battled depression. I don’t think that there is enough of this—and so many women experience this. Why did you decide now was the time? What do you hope your going public does for others?
The greatest gift from the book is starting the open conversation about depression. For me it’s been a healing moment where I, a perpetual people pleaser, am finally saying “I don’t care if you judge me, or don’t like this dark secret about me…because it’s part of me. And I’m proud of my journey.”
I’ve been so fortunate to get help and find sunshine. I want this book to help others find this too.
What is your favorite part of being a mom?
Purpose and seeing the world again for the first time. From the castle at Disney to his first time popping a balloon, every experience is to be cherished and gives you a new purpose.
What is the hardest thing about being a mom?
Knowing when to stop giving in…I want to give him everything he wants. I know that isn’t the answer so finding that balance has been one of my greatest challenges so far.
What advice do you have for new moms?
Forgive yourself. Perfection just is not possible so you can strive for it, but never beat yourself up because it wasn’t achieved. Also, get ready to love your parents more than you ever thought possible because now you’ll really know what they went through.
How has being a mom changed you?
It’s made me grateful for every single moment in life. It’s the best thing I have ever done.
What is the best way to spend a day off?
Waking up with my son is my favorite part. I don’t get to do that with my Good Morning America schedule. Love his sweetness in the morning. Then I like to do something for me like workout or get a pedicure.
What do you miss most about the Windy City? What don’t you miss?
I miss my family and friends in Chicago, I miss Michigan Avenue during the holidays all lit up, I miss RL (the restaurant) and most of all the beauty of that gem of a lake that lights up the city.
I don’t miss the frozen tundra west of Chicago, they allows the deepest winter cold to brush right over the city. Where I’m from in west Michigan we get a little insulation from the lake and here in NYC the ocean insulates us a bit. You all get it with a north or northeast wind but still…
