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If you’re a working woman with a job outside of the home, you know that having order and a good routine is essential and sets you up for success in work and in life. Once you throw in pregnancy, like navigating morning sickness, fatigue, and all the other things that may come along with pregnancy while working a highly demanding job, it can be quite a challenge. Not to mention figuring out your new path when you become a new mother and balancing your new role with your career. There’s definitely a transition period, but eventually, you get into your groove and figure it out.
But imagine what it must be like for people in the public eye . . . They’re trying to navigate pregnancy and new motherhood in the spotlight! There have to be pressures they experience that we are unaware of. Do they have it easier or harder? We had to get the scoop on how Jessica Tarlov, a new mother of two, is staying on top of being a mom and having a thriving career.
Who is Jessica Tarlov?
Jessica Tarlov joined FOX News Channel as a contributor in 2017 and serves as a co-host of the nation’s highest-rated cable news show, The Five.
A graduate of Bryn Mawr College with a B.A. in History, Jessica holds two master’s degrees in Political Science and Public Policy and a Ph.D. in Government from the London School of Economics and Political Science. As a new mom to her two daughters, Cleo, and baby Teddy, Jessica shared with the Los Angeles Times that motherhood and parenting have put a whole new column on the board that has made her see the world completely differently. Jessica has also opened up about her postpartum experience and juggling it all as a new mom and co-host of The Five. Jessica is a lifetime New Yorker who grew up in TriBeCa and continues to live there today with her husband and daughters.
What Did We Discuss?
In this episode, we chat with Jessica about navigating a wonderful yet demanding career during pregnancy and early motherhood. We discuss how her personal and professional support systems helped Jessica through pregnancy and early motherhood, how she maintains privacy while navigating the public eye as a mom, and what advice Jessica has for expecting and new mothers. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation:
- How did you become passionate about political science?
- How has motherhood changed your perspective on the world?
- Can you share some of the strategies you use to balance public attention with your privacy during pregnancy and early motherhood?
- How do you decide what aspects of your life you’re comfortable sharing with the public and what you choose to keep private?
- Can you provide some examples of how your support systems have made a difference in your personal and professional life and which ones moms should consider?
- What advice would you give to women who are trying to balance their professional responsibilities with the demands of pregnancy and early motherhood?
- Looking back, what is one piece of advice you wish you had received before becoming a mother?
- How do you prioritize self-care and mental well-being while juggling the demands of your career and new motherhood?
- In moments when you feel overwhelmed, what are some of the strategies or support mechanisms you turn to for relief and balance?
- How do you handle public scrutiny or opinions about your choices as a mother and a professional?
- What is one piece of advice you would give to a new mother?
My Thoughts
As a career mom, listening to Jessica’s story as she navigates motherhood with a busy career was completely relatable. While I’m not on cable television and don’t have the Fox makeup team to help me out ;), I could relate to a lot of what she said. I heard her genuine love for her family and her career. These are things I feel passionate about in my life, too. Sometimes, women feel like they have to choose — be a “good mom” (however you ideally define that) or have a thriving career. But, as Jessica said in this episode, with a solid support system, a good schedule, time for yourself (self-care), and allowing yourself to feel your feelings (let out a good cry when you need to), you can have both and do them both well. It’s like Taylor Swift says, “I cry a lot, but I am so productive.” Jessica and I can totally relate to that!
If you’re a new mom or someone considering growing their family and you also have (and love) a demanding career, this episode is for you. Listen to Jessica’s story and tips and hear how you can continue to pursue your dreams and passions as you also venture through motherhood.
Jessica Tarlov’s Resources
Thank you for listening to this episode! Be sure to follow us on our podcast Instagram page @thebabychickchat. Let us know what you think and if there are any other topics you’d like us to cover. Cheers to navigating motherhood your way!
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