Smriti Unfiltered: The Joys and Juggles of Motherhood, Self-Care, and Family Life

Meet Smriti Khanna, your daily dose of sunshine and style! Her Insta is a treasure trove of quirky outfits, heartwarming smiles, and those little moments that make you go "aww." Whether she's rocking the latest trends or just spreading good vibes, Smriti’s little anecdotes will brighten up your gloomy days.

As Smriti graces the launch cover of mapabear, her conversation with Sharanya, co-founder of mapabear, journeys through her second pregnancy and the struggles that come with it unfold in an honest and engaging manner. Smriti keeps it real with her breastfeeding journey during the pandemic, tackling criticism and juggling self-care with motherhood. Her fun, light-hearted posts empower parents everywhere, and let's not forget her love for pets, which adds an extra dose of warmth to her already charming content.

Embracing the Unfiltered Realities

Smriti's excitement is palpable as she graces the cover of mapabear for the first time. "I am extremely obliged to be on the cover and it's the launch cover. I'm very thrilled," she shares. Known for her relatable and humorous content on her YouTube channels, including Mr. and Mrs. GG, SmooFatt, and their recent Romantic with GG podcast, Smriti aims to present life as it is—unfiltered and real. 

"Our reason for starting our YouTube channels was to break the facade of perfect lives on social media," Smriti explains. “We wanted to show the real struggles of womanhood and parenting. The idea is to keep it raw and unfiltered so people understand that no one's life is perfect.”

The Rollercoaster of Pregnancy: A Candid Insight

The transition from her first to her second pregnancy has been anything but smooth for Smriti. Reflecting on her journey, she notes, "The journey has been very real, nothing fancy about it. If my social media depicts it otherwise, I apologize."

Smriti's secon d pregnancy has been marred with challenges that weren't present during her first. Diagnosed with Hashimoto's autoimmune disorder and dealing with complications like Protein S and Protein C deficiencies, Smriti's experience has been a test of endurance. "I was on steroids for five months, and the initial part of my pregnancy was tough," she reveals. "Now, I'm on injections and blood thinners to manage the complications." Alongside these hurdles, Smriti faced the emotional and physical toll of IVF treatments, which added another layer of complexity to her pregnancy journey.

The Joys and Trials of Expanding the Family

When Smriti and her husband Gautam discovered they were expecting again, their reaction was one of profound gratitude. "We had been trying for this pregnancy for a while, and when it happened, we were extremely grateful," Smriti says. Despite the difficulties, including multiple IVF attempts and heartbreaking miscarriages, their determination to give their daughter Anaika a sibling was unwavering.

Adding a new member to their family meant juggling the needs of their beloved dog, Lucas, with those of their growing daughter. Smriti recounts the skepticism they faced. "People questioned how we'd manage with a dog and a baby. Lucas was a baby himself when Anaika was born, and it took time for him to adjust to the new arrival."

Overcoming Challenges: Pregnancy and Parenting

Smriti's insights into motherhood are as educational as they are heartwarming. She emphasizes the importance of preparing for the realities of parenthood. "Pregnancy is just one part of the journey. The real struggle begins when the baby arrives," she says. Smriti's experience with breastfeeding was particularly challenging, revealing how the ideal of exclusively breastfeeding her baby did not align with reality.

"The most challenging part for me was breastfeeding. I did not get enough supply from the beginning, and it became my sole focus," Smriti admits. Her honest account sheds light on the often-unspoken struggles many new mothers face.

The Unseen Strength of Women

One of the most powerful statements Smriti makes is about the strength of women. "Women are not only mentally strong but physically strong as well," she asserts. Her own experiences underscore this belief, as she has navigated the intense challenges of pregnancy and IVF with remarkable resilience. Smriti emphasizes how women endure pain and challenges that many might find unimaginable, from menstruation and pregnancy to menopause. 

"Women’s endurance and tolerance for pain are far greater," Smriti explains. "Whether it's enduring physical pain or managing emotional and hormonal changes, women have a unique strength." She reflects on her own journey, where the physical demands of managing Hashimoto’s autoimmune disorder and the emotional toll of multiple IVF attempts have tested her limits. Smriti notes that the strength required to balance these trials, along with the everyday demands of motherhood, illustrates the profound resilience women possess. "Every step of the way, whether it's dealing with complications or pushing through exhaustion, I've seen firsthand how women rise above and keep moving forward with incredible fortitude."

The Support System That Makes a Difference

Support systems play a crucial role in navigating the complexities of motherhood, and for Smriti, Gautam's unwavering support has been indispensable. "He has been extremely supportive throughout this pregnancy," she shares. Smriti reveals how Gautam has been actively involved, from administering her injections with a level of gentleness that she deeply appreciates to providing emotional reassurance during challenging moments.

"His gentleness during the injections has been a blessing," Smriti says, acknowledging the physical and emotional care Gautam has offered. But Gautam’s support extends beyond just the practical aspects. Smriti highlights how his presence has been a steady source of comfort, especially during the more difficult phases of her IVF journey and the complications of her pregnancy. "It's not just about being there physically but also emotionally," Smriti explains. "Gautam has been phenomenal in that regard, offering a listening ear and constant encouragement when things seemed overwhelming." The depth of Gautam's involvement underscores the vital role that a strong, supportive partner can play in navigating the rollercoaster of pregnancy and motherhood.

The Road Ahead: Balancing Family and Personal Well-being

As Smriti prepares for the arrival of her second child, she reflects on the profound lessons learned and the strength she has gained through her journey. "Every pregnancy is different, and the challenges vary," she notes, emphasizing the unique hurdles she faced with each experience. From the difficulty of breastfeeding during the lockdown, where she struggled with supply issues and the stress of managing it alone, to navigating the complexities of IVF and the emotional rollercoaster of complications, Smriti’s story is a powerful testament to maternal resilience.

 A Silver Lining in Postpartum

Ah, the joys of motherhood intertwined with a pandemic twist! Smriti candidly shares her experience of navigating postpartum during the first lockdown. With everyone homebound, including Gautam, her brother-in-law, and her in-laws, Smriti found a silver lining in having constant support. While postpartum depression wasn’t on her radar, the initial struggle of balancing baby care and personal rest was real. A little formula in the night to ensure better sleep for her baby Anaika made a world of difference, demonstrating that even in the toughest times, practical solutions can bring much-needed relief.

The Balancing Act of Discipline in a Joint Family

When it comes to setting boundaries and maintaining discipline in a joint family, Smriti’s approach is both respectful and realistic. In a household where love and indulgence sometimes surpasses rules, she finds herself playing the role of the “bad cop.” Despite her efforts to enforce screen time limits and maintain a strict diet for Anaika, Smriti acknowledges that flexibility is key. The occasional Peppa Pig episode or chocolate treat from other family members is part of the family dynamics, and she embraces it with a pragmatic attitude.

Handling Criticism and Parenting Choices

Navigating criticism is an inevitable part of parenting, and Smriti handles it with grace. Whether it’s backlash for her choice of a vegan diet for Anaika or differing opinions on parenting styles, Smriti remains steadfast in her decisions. Her mantra? Every mother’s journey is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. She believes in making choices based on what feels right for her family, understanding that everyone’s experience is different.

Love, Kids, and Marriage: A New Balance

Motherhood inevitably shifts the focus of a relationship. For Smriti and Gautam, their conversations and decisions now revolve around Anaika. While this has led to some adjustments, such as planning vacations around their daughter's activities, Smriti reflects on the shift with fondness. She emphasizes the importance of nurturing their relationship despite the parenting whirlwind, making time for each other through small gestures and celebrations, ensuring their bond remains strong.

Self-Care: Finding Joy in the Little Moments

Smriti’s self-care philosophy is refreshingly simple. Amidst multitasking and daily responsibilities, she treasures moments of solitude—whether it's binge-watching her favorite shows or savoring quiet time. For her, self-care isn’t about elaborate routines but rather about finding peace and enjoyment in everyday moments. She’s also a firm believer in the value of being present and engaged, whether it's with her daughter or while indulging in personal interests.

The Message for Other Mothers: Prioritize Yourself

For other mothers, Smriti’s advice is clear: don’t lose yourself in the whirlwind of motherhood. She stresses that a happy, well-cared-for mother is essential for a happy child. Balancing self-care with parenting duties isn’t just beneficial for personal well-being but also for maintaining a positive environment for the children. Smriti advocates for self-love and personal fulfillment as integral parts of parenting.

Pet Parenting: Balancing Love and Attention

Smriti’s love for pets remains strong despite the challenges of a joint family setup. She emphasizes that pets are family too and should be cherished and attended to, even when human kids require more attention. Smriti’s advice to other pet parents? Keep giving your pets the love they deserve, and don’t let the demands of parenting overshadow the bond you share with your furry friends.

Looking Ahead: Future Pet Plans

As for adding another pet to the family, Smriti’s current focus is on balancing her growing family and respecting the dynamics of their joint household. While there’s no immediate plan for another pet, she remains open to the possibility in the future, knowing that it will require careful consideration and planning.

Smriti’s motherhood journey is all about resilience, love, and embracing the beautiful chaos of parenting. She shares candid insights on managing postpartum challenges, balancing discipline in a joint family, and the importance of self-care. With her heartwarming posts about her partner and pets, Smriti’s story is a delightful reminder of the raw and real aspects of bringing new life into the world.