Supermodels—they’re just like us, right? OK, maybe not, but when it comes to motherhood, we’re all in the same proverbial boat (some days spent sinking, others spent swimming). 31-year-old Karlie Kloss could be 40 times Vogue cover girl and one of the TIME’s “most influential person,” as well as the founder of Kode to Klossy, a free coding program for young people she founded in 2015. But on any given day, the mother of two is changing diapers or wiping drool off her shirt, proving she’s also a hands-on mom, like the rest of us.
“The experience of putting your child’s needs before your own and now has the same Levi [2] and Elias [7 months] keeps changing for me every day. As a mother myself, I feel empowered to advocate for other mothers, reminding them that, even if your experience is personal, we’re all on this journey together,” Kloss told Motherly.
That’s exactly what prompted Kloss to join the babycare brand Coterie– where he is an angel investor— in the new campaign who researches the physically journey of motherhood both before and after birth.
“The message of this campaign is very important for women and mothers because it serves as a reminder to celebrate the changes and the new version of themselves that emerges from pregnancy and childbirth. It’s a physical and emotional change that we as mothers should be proud of,” shared Kloss.
During pregnancy, a woman’s body changes dramatically. Energy expenditure is doubled, ligaments are stretched and tightened, the rib cage is expanded by 2-3 inches, the breasts prepare for milk production, and the heart pumps 50% more blood to approximately 290 days. And that’s before the first diaper is changed.
“Postpartum is different for everyone. I had a hard time navigating this new normal that was my life the first time with Levi, and now, with a second baby added to the mix, I’ve learned there is no perfect way of doing things. whatever, and I take each day as it comes. Throughout this journey, I’ve leaned on my village, meaning the moms around me and my closest friends, for support.
Kloss also leans on a few essentials to help her juggle her busy life as a tech titan, model, wife and mother of two. We asked Kloss about her motherhood must-haves, what she can’t live without these days, and what she wishes she’d known sooner.
Karlie Kloss’ motherhood is indispensable
Keep learning
A piece of advice Kloss lives by? No matter how long you’ve been a mom, there’s always room to learn and grow. “One of the biggest things that keeps me motivated in my profession, business and time as a mother is my openness to learning. I recognized early in my career that the only way I would succeed was by paying attention to the people around me and those who came before me and striving to emulate the women and voices that inspired me and if who i look up to In all those areas, but especially as a mom, you’ll never have all the answers, but there’s real peace in recognizing that and being willing to always keep yourself open to advice and tips along the way,” Kloss said.
And even if it’s hard, don’t sweat the small stuff. “When you’re a mom, especially a first-time mom, everything feels like the end of the world. Every rash, bump, bruise, hiccup, or tantrum… can scare you that you’re doing something wrong as a mom. But one of my thoughts that always brings me back to equilibrium is that no one will love them more or want better for them than I do,” she added. “My motherhood journey so far has been nothing short of messy but full of amazing little moments that I will cherish forever. [It] has changed every part of my life and who I am.”
