Mother’s Day this year had a whole new meaning for Constance Marie. The 43-year-old actress, known for playing one of the most popular moms on television – Angie Lopez of The George Lopez Show – recently became a mom in real life. But, as she’ll quickly tell you, realizing her dream of motherhood off the small screen wasn’t easy.
A yoga addict and long-time vegetarian, the health-conscious actress never thought she’d have a problem getting pregnant when she wanted to. Like a growing number of women in the U.S., Constance was ready to become a first time mom after the age of 35. But, after a year of trying to conceive naturally, her efforts resulted in two miscarriages.
So, like thousands of women before her, Constance reached out for help and turned to something she knew little about: in-vitro fertilization, or IVF. “I knew nothing about IVF. No clue. I am a veggie, earthy crunchy, natural person, and we wanted to have a baby naturally. But life had a different plan for us,” she explains.
Finally, after three years of trying to conceive first naturally and then through IVF, Constance finally delivered a healthy baby girl, Luna. “Trying to conceive was demoralizing for my fiancé and me,” Constance says. “We had no idea the torture that so many couples suffer to become parents … Everything about it makes you want to scream and cry at the same time. But after seeing my daughter Luna,” says Constance, “it's all worth it.”
Now Constance is ready to share her story of hope, fear, anguish, and love with fellow moms and women trying to conceive. She also wants to shed light on her latest project – being a completely “green” mom. From Luna's nontoxic nursery to her organic clothes and cloth diapers, Constance is raising Luna in a natural environment. “Luna's health has been impeccable, and I think her surroundings are a big part of that.”
CATALINA caught up with the green mom for advice, tips, and words of wisdom for women eager to follow in her footsteps:
When did you decide you wanted to have a baby?
CM: I always knew I wanted kids, in theory, but when I would think about it realistically, it wasn't until I was about 33 years old. I wanted to make sure everything was in place. Make sure I was ready emotionally, career wise, financially, and of course, the right man.
What did you learn about in-vitro that you didn’t know?
CM: What I learned about IVF is how amazing the process is. It is so technical. The doctors can help so much. And I also learned how difficult it is to conceive a baby naturally. There are so many things that have to happen perfectly on time and the fact that anyone ever even gets pregnant naturally is a miracle.
What was the worst part of the process? … Was there a good part?
CM: For me, the worst part of the IVF process was the hormone surges. When your body goes from making one egg a month to 15 eggs, it is like PMS on steroids. One time, during a fight, I yelled so loud and intensely, I stopped in my tracks and thought, "Geez, did that sound come out of me?!" The good part of IVF for me was knowing that I had many options and that science was working to help us get our miracle baby.
What changes to your body surprised you the most during the pregnancy?
CM: The changes! The first one being the fact that I was really nauseous. Smells that I used to love now made me feel really sick. I had no idea a person could get sick as much as I did and not pass out!
How did you stay physically and mentally fit during pregnancy?
CM: I tried to stay mentally and physically fit during my pregnancy by walking. That was the number one thing I did every day, and I walked until my feet got so bloated and sore that my heels ached when they hit the sidewalk. I also did yoga and went to the gym two times a week. I believed what everyone told me that: if I kept moving and exercising, that all the weight would fall off. And it did. (Well, mostly.)
What tips do you have for first time moms for those first few days with the baby at home?
CM: Well, my advice would be to make sure that everyone who comes to visit is: a) healthy and not sick. My mother-in-law was sick when she came to "help" and she got my fiancé sick, and it was a disaster; and b) they can only come over if they bring food. One of the hardest things for me was remembering to feed myself.
What are your favorite baby products that you can’t live without?
CM: Cloth diapers! I am very anti-disposable diapers. Our baby was born so big that she was too big for newborn diapers. We got a gift of three “Happy Heiny” cloth diapers in the right size, and, I swear, we just used those three diapers everyday for a week and a half until we could get some more. It was ridiculous. Our washer was working overtime.
What foods does your daughter enjoy the most?
CM: Her favorite food is breast milk! So far that's all she gets! And she likes the kind of milk I have, vegetarian style.
What type of parents do you and your fiancé plan on being?
CM: We plan on being perfect parents, of course. Ha ha, I’m just kidding. Hopefully we will be the kind of parents that take the best of what our parents taught us and try to improve on the rest. And to just try to raise her healthy and happy.
Any final tips for women trying to conceive through in-vitro?
CM: My advice for women who are dealing with fertility issues is this: remember that if you truly want a family, it will happen. One way or another, you will get. There are so many options out there now, so hold onto that positive thought. Try to remember that you are not alone, and that lots of women are dealing with similar issues. You will feel better if you can find a support system.
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Find out more about Constance, baby Luna, and more by visiting www.constancemarie.net.
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You'll find everything you need to get started -- from the latest cloth diaper styles (no pins needed!) to cost comparisons between cloth and disposables (you can save thousands by making the switch!). ___________________________________________
Homepage image of Constance Marie shot exclusively for CATALINA by John Russo.
