You might recognize Maria Borges from our wear to work shoot back in August & September, rocking our collection on the streets of Tribeca. Since then, she’s been busy being a new mom while balancing life as a model. Born and raised in Angola, here she shares her birth story, navigating being a Black mother, and how she finds peace during downtime.
Your name:
Maria
Your baby’s name & birthdate:
Athena, she was born on October 28, 2021 (we share the same birthday!).
Your 5-10 word birth story:
I know that every experience in birth is glorious. I was in labor for more than 15 hours pushing the baby. It was a glorious moment in life.
Your pregnancy/birthing wisdom—what have you learned?
I have learned to control the body and mind.
How are you navigating being a Black mother?
In Africa I learned that women are women no matter your skin color…this pandemic has been a hard time to be a mom—it’s a challenge to show that we’re strong and confident.
This breastfeeding shirt makes feeding the baby easier.
What’s a piece of advice you would give your daughter as she gets older?
I would tell my daughter, don’t apologize for who you are and always teach people to respect you.
What does “Black girl magic” mean to you?
It means celebration to me.
The best postpartum style advice you’ve heard/learned:
The best postpartum advice that I always get is to look my best! Pea has the best style for every woman and makes sure that in postpartum, I can feel beautiful and confident as always.
Your favorite postpartum piece from A Pea in the Pod and how you’re styling it:
My favorite piece is the comfortable sleep dress and pants set. I like the quality of the fabric, it’s very soft on my skin, and I can style the pieces that come with it.
Has your style changed throughout pregnancy & postpartum, how?
Definitely. My style has changed because I pay more attention to what looks good on me; like this breastfeeding shirt that Pea has, which makes it so much easier to feed the baby.
Maria in her favorite sleep dress
Favorite product every new mom needs?
My favorite product right now is the Cybex E-priam Smart Stroller. It’s a must have.
How are you juggling being a mom while also managing a career?
Multitasking has been my life since I started my career, and now as a mom I almost feel like a multitasking superhero! Everything is easy when you love it, even when the bad days come.
What’s it like being on camera post-baby?
Been on camera post-baby feels very good. People are saying that I look stronger & more beautiful.
What does your feeding journey look like?
My feeding journey has been a learning experience and I’m glad to have my oldest sister who raised me and is teaching me everything about raising a child.
Has being a new mom been what you expected?
It’s been more than I expected…a daughter is a gift.
How did you feel when you saw Athena for the first time?
When I saw Athena for the first time, I felt blessed to be chosen to be her mom.
When you have free time, what are you doing?
During my free time I meditate, I pray for a better world, and I write my next goal.
How do you take care of you?
I learned to eat only what my body needs—having a balanced diet and eating clean, because healthy is the new beauty.
Share your postpartum beauty routine:
My postpartum beauty routine is to do a detox and cleanser, drink a lot of water, and wear red lipstick, even if it’s only for you!
FOLLOW MARIA ON INSTA @IAMMARIABORGES