Mama Crush: Emily Pereira

Emily Pereira/Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Author/Yoga Teacher/ Retreat leader: I guide women back to their hearts

instagram @emilybegins
​Website emilypereira.com

Name and ages of your children?
Saïa Moon / 5 months
​
What is your name selecting approach?
Manex (my man) and I sat on our deck overlooking the sea and began talking to the spirit we wanted to call in. We closed our eyes and meditated on the life we could offer: Jungle, Nature, Ocean, Surfing, Spirituality, Creativity, Plenty of Travel to California and Europe, Love, Music, Community, Friendship, Learning, Permission, Adventure , Art, Doggies... We said, if you are in alignment with this life, we invite you to join us. Just as we opened our eyes, we saw the Sagittarian moon with a single star in perfect alignment right in front of us. Being French, Manex suggested Saïa, a French name (pronounced sigh-yah), which happens to mean the time when night meets day, and the doors of universe open in Indian-- because it was then she was conceived. For the months that followed, every time we saw that Sagittarian moon, we'd call it the "Saïa" Moon. And we started to like the ring of it. ​

What is your definition of a crushable Mama?
A woman who approaches life and mamahood as a great adventure. She see her child is her greatest teacher and most revealing mirror. She believes pursuing her own dreams and evolving into the fullest expression of herself (so her child sees what's possible) is one of the greatest gifts she can offer. All the while not taking any of it too seriously! Crushing hard on both of you Amber and Jenna!

​What is the most rewarding thing about motherhood?
It's incredibly rewarding to get a overwhelming sense about what she needs or what will heal her, trust myself enough to act on it, and have it work. And the wuuuuuuuv. Holy smokes the love. 

What is the most challenging aspect of motherhood?
HA! Just one? ;) Right now, doing it in (the strongest rainy season in 10 years) Costa Rica! As much as I'm so excited to raise my daughter in the wilds of nature, having limited access to things that could make my life easier has added a whole 'nother dimension to it. Looking forward to following the sun somewhere next rainy season. 

Where has motherhood pushed you to grow the most?
It's forcing me to be more patient, present, and to trust my intuition even when it's totally unconventional. 

What are your top 3 best tips for a new mama?
1. When I was pregnant, everyone told me to "trust myself" and that I have all the info she needs. I was like, yeeeeah, ok... But I really do. There is an energetic cord still connecting you to baby. When you get a weird hit of what to do, trust it; it is baby communicating what she needs!
2. If your milk supply is low at first, don't give up! Pumping tripled my supply at one month! 
3. For a gassy/refluxy/coliciky baby, Baby Magic Tea is a SAVIOR!!!! 

What are your family rituals?
Playing guitar and free- styling songs about Saia as Manex dances with her in his arms is a favorite so far! We love putting Saïa Moon in the Boba and wandering through the jungle. ​

What is your parenting philosophy/approach? Please elaborate.
I trust she has arrived with her specific life directives and she chose me as her guide to achieve them. I really want to nurture her intuition as much as possible, which means being completely honest with her. For example, if she sees her parents arguing, I won't tell her everything is fine, because then she will start to not trust what she sees and senses. I will tell her we had an argument and we are working through it as people do. Of course I will offer her helpful information I've amassed from my journey, but I'm less interested in imparting my views on her, rather understanding and respecting her wisdom she's brought in with her. 

What has been your biggest surprise about motherhood?
How much I LOVE IT! There was nothing I've done before that could prepare me for this 24/7 heart explosion. By American standards I'm basically geriatric (39) but in my opinion, it happened at exactly the right time. I had a lot of learning and growing to do, and now feel like I can fully embrace and enjoy this next phase. Not to mention have a much richer perspective to bring to my parenting. 

What is your approach to food and raising a child?
In the early years I will do my best to be as vigilant as I can about helping her build up a strong digestive system. It's something that's been a big challenge for me this lifetime, and hopefully it wont be for her. That means proper food combining, and focusing on organic, nutrient dense foods, fermented foods, no dairy, white sugar or processed junk. As she gets older I don't want to be the food police because I've seen how that can backfire massively. So I'll defer to her intuition and ask questions like, how do you feel after you eat a cookie compared to an almond milk-banana smoothie (both treats) for example! ​

​What is your approach to disciplining your child?
Oh gosh... I haven't really gotten there yet, but in general I'm a big fan of no blame no shame. I will always seek to understand the motivation behind acting out, and try to address the root cause. I'll also be referring back to all your other mama crushes for advice when the time comes! 
​

4 tips to finding balance in motherhood?
1. Motherhood is a full time job. For two people... apparently ;) And three is really ideal. Get support in whatever way you can. 

2. Find a way to carve out a few hours a day for yourself to pursue something that genuinely makes you come alive and reminds you, that in addition to being a mama, you are also a dynamic woman. 

3. Connect in with the generous, sweet mama sisterhood. There is a wealth of knowledge waiting to be gifted. 

4. Laughter and sex make everything better.

​Your top 4 lessons you wish to instill in your child?
1. You create everything in your life (the good, the bad & the ugly) for your personal growth and evolution. Even in the most difficult and painful situations ask yourself, why did I create this? And have gratitude for the gifts you discover.
2. Perfection is a myth. Permission, passion and progress will take you where you want to go!
3. Inner kindness translates to kindness and respect for all of earths creatures big and small.
4. Your life is yours! Run wild my sweet child, let it be a grand adventure!

What are you letting go of? 
(Trying!) to let go of the feeling that I'm getting "behind" on my creations. Trusting that everything comes in divine time.

What are you calling in? 
Calling in an ever increasing deeply connected, super playful and joyous connection with my healthy daughter as she grows, more ease and harmony with my man and a full recovery for my body (from c-section) so I can surf again ASAP... oh, and a good nights sleep! ​

Join us for more inspiring time with Emily on our podcast episode "From Divorce Drama To Hot 40'S Mama".