Moms Q&A with Kerry McGregor

I chatted to the gorgeous Kerry McGregor about being a mom. Kerry started modeling at the young age of 15 and by 16 she made an international debut. Kerry has been on both local and international magazine covers, some including Cosmopolitan, GQ, Sports Illustrated, FHM and Marie Claire and featured in many ad campaigns around the world. She was the face of Wonderbra for 5 years until 2005. Now married to cricketer, Neil McKenzie, she has started a family and spends her time balancing work and being a mom. I was so excited when she agreed to answer our “famous” Moms Q&A.

1. Was your pregnancy everything you hoped for and expected it to be?

I was lucky enough to have uncomplicated pregnancies. All ran pretty smoothly right up until the end… My focus was on the beautiful end result as I wasn’t the biggest fan of being pregnant. Some woman glow, I did not… 😉

2. Did you have any cravings and what was the strangest one?

With my first I craved Coffee Freezo’s daily x2 and Mebos (a preserve made from dried apricots and other fruit, pulped or flattened.) I don’t think many people know what that is and I couldn’t find it in Johannesburg so my parents would send from Cape Town.

3. What was your reaction when you found out the sex of your babies?

With our first we didn’t find out the sex in advance. I was quite relieved that we had a boy (it took the pressure off) and with Riley, our second, we found out early so I could set up and be a little more organised with things like whether to give away the boys stuff or keep it. We got the doctor to write it down on a piece of paper and seal it in an envelope so Neil and I could read it together privately that night at dinner. It was a girl and I think I shrieked and then took 2 days for it to sink in because I was convinced it was going to be another boy.

4. Did you exercise while pregnant? Share with us some tips.

Yes, I did. With Luke I exercised all the way up to 2 days before he was born. I did classes called Preggie Bellies which is a really stunning way to stay fairly fit and feel like you’ve done something!! With Riley I stopped about 2 months before because I was getting pelvic floor pain. They do say that if your body is used to exercise you should continue to do it (albeit not as intensely). It’s good for both you and baby to stay healthy.

5. Did you have Natural or C-section? Was it exactly like everyone told you it would be?

I was induced with Luke and after about 6 or 7 hours he was going into a bit of distress so my doctor called time on it and we went in for a caesar. I wouldn’t call it an emergency c-section because everything was being so well monitored and was not rushed. I had a very open mind regarding the birth so it made no difference to me how he came out as long as he was healthy and I was capable. We just topped up my epidural and they wheeled me into the theatre. I’m not sure anyone can describe to a new mom what may or may not happen because so many experiences are different.

6. Did you have a birthing plan and did it turn out the way you wanted it to?

I was very open to the process, which I think is so important. I trusted my doctor and we didn’t make any decisions beforehand. It was a wait and see basis for Luke. With Riley we knew we were having an elective caesar as is most often recommended once you’ve had one before (especially with the births being so close to each other – there is a 22 month gap). I felt a little more anxiety about it, as we knew 2 weeks before what the date would be. Riley was born January 4th so we had to know when the date was before my doc went on leave (and that he would be BACK for the birth).

7. Do you breastfeed or did you breastfeed?

I did, yes, with both until about 6 months. We were in and out of hotels (with Luke) with the Proteas side touring in England so over and above everything else, it was incredibly convenient! No bottles, no sterilizing.

8. Did you have a sleep schedule with the kids? Did you try sleep training?

Yes! It’s not for everybody to be honest. I started Luke on a schedule at 10 weeks and he slipped right into it so nicely. Riley was the same but we sleep trained her from 5 months because having two in England with no help was tough and I was being pulled in every different direction. Sleep training is not easy on mom though but if you can stick it out and be very consistent for 3/4 days, it’ll change your life!!

9. What are your favourite baby products?

We were very lucky to get JEEP prams for the kiddies. Telament drops and SebaMed cream (for rash) were my be all!! Could not live without them…

10. How do you manage your successful career while being a mom?

Balance. Juggling. Smiles and love. I am around for the kiddies a lot. I had to slow my work down substantially because Neil still travels loads for cricket and I want to be there for them as much as I can. Takes a lot more organising but we make it work well.

11. Do you think moms lose their mojo after having kids?

For the first 6 months post pregnancy, maybe. But then most of the time things go back to normal, hormones level out somewhat and you get your body back…almost 🙂

12. Please tell us about your kid/s and how they influence you?

Geez, I’m not sure we have enough space… They are a blessing. Really. They have such special personalities. They make me laugh daily and drive me equally as crazy! Being a mom is one of the hardest jobs on the planet. You’re forever questioning you’re doing the right thing and they can push all the buttons you have but the love is unconditional, the hugs and squeezes are flowing, the memories are forever and their hearts are loaded. Now, that makes it all worthwhile right? A million times over!

13. Share with us some of your quick style tips.

We all know a woman’s body changes post kiddies. The idea I think is to not put too much pressure on yourself. It’s a slow process of getting back into shape and the trick is to wear things that make you feel comfortable until you’re ready to burst out in that perfect LBD (little black dress). Wear black. It’s the most forgiving. 🙂

Thank you Kerry for sharing your moments of motherhood with us.

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