Hannah Bronfman on having a baby during the pandemic: 'It wasn't how I envisioned my pregnancy'
Welcome to So Mini Ways, Yahoo Life's parenting series on the joys and challenges of childrearing.
"2020 put a damper on everyone’s smile… we need to bring the smile back!" says DJ and wellness influencer Hannah Bronfman of her new partnership with Pronamel Mineral Boost toothpaste, which she uses twice daily along with a tongue scraper and lip mask. "I miss those days. Your smile is at the center of your own personal confidence so you need to take care of it."
The year did give Bronfman, founder of the health, beauty and fitness site HBFIT.com and author of Do What Feels Good: Recipes, Remedies and Routines to Treat Your Body Right, one major reason to flash a grin: a new baby. Bronfman and husband Brendan Fallis welcomed son Preston Miles Thomas in the fall, with none other than former President Barack Obama breaking the news.
Here, Bronfman talks to Yahoo Life about becoming a mother during a pandemic and how she's switching up old routines.
Aside from becoming a new mother, your life must’ve been affected this past year, just from a social perspective. How are you adapting to post-pandemic life?
It comes with its pros and cons, great things and some challenges. I’m someone who thrives on community and doing things in a group setting, [but] my entire pregnancy was virtual — doctors appointments, my prenatal group, all virtual. I was grateful, but it wasn't how I envisioned my pregnancy.
But I was able to have my partner there for the birth [of baby Preston], and with the turn to work-from-home, and no more events and appearances, I was able to spend so much time with Preston in the early days.
Have you seen any reactions to music from your baby yet? Has he inherited the family love of music?
We play everything [at home] and we play everything for Preston. Recently, I discovered a Bob Marley for babies playlist on Spotify and he fell right asleep to it. It’s so cute… but he’s not really at the age yet where he likes any music in particular. But as our kid, he’s going to grow up in a music-forward household, and I look forward to when he dances and knowing what his favorite song is.
Related video: Hannah Bronfman and Cassie talk pandemic parenting
What’s surprised you most over the past year?
It's so easy to be overwhelmed with parenting advice and not trust your own instincts. I’m constantly reminding myself to trust myself, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised with how naturally mothering has come to me. I just need to remember to trust my gut.
Do you miss life before lockdown?
It’s a mix of getting older and having a baby, but I have never felt more grateful for this slower-paced lifestyle. I can't actually believe that I used to go out six nights a week! I’m so happy cooking at home, and tucking in early, and crossing out Netflix shows from my list. I’m someone who loves to travel and thrives in communities but I am so happy right now being a homebody. I’m just embracing this time we having together; this time is so precious and fleeting.
Speaking of precious time, how has your beauty and wellness routine changed?
My routine has changed so much. I focus on nutrition more than working out at this time, just because finding an hour to work out isn't easy. I use the time when Preston is napping to work or do Zoom calls, but I look forward to my nighttime skincare routine now. Once Preston is down to sleep, I can do the 10-step skincare routine and a nice face massage. My morning skincare routine used to be very involved but… it’s not anymore.
How did you get involved with Pronamel?
[Our mouth is] the gateway to our bodies [but] is left out of the overall wellness conversation. I have a personal story with oral health and I want to remind people that oral health is part of the overall wellness story.
What happened to you?
I was in a bike accident about four years ago — I went over the handlebars and broke my four front teeth. My teeth were traumatized and years later, I was having random symptoms like weight gain, fatigue and bad skin, but couldn't figure out why. People thought it was burnout, but I took a blood test, and a doctor asked if I ever had trauma to my mouth. It all clicked in an instant and they discovered a massive infection due to past trauma from the accident.
We treat teeth like an isolated situation, but really we need to be focused on the overall story. As we know something that affects us up here [points to mouth] can affect the rest of here [points to head] and here [points to stomach]. It’s hard to find a dental practice that takes a holistic approach. It’s important to talk to your regular doctors about the fact that you’ve had four root canals in one year.
This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
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