TV Personality Nadine Bubeck Not ‘Expecting Perfect’ in New Book

First-time mom, TV personality, author and mommy-blogger, Nadine Bubeck, discusses her rocky start into motherhood in her new book, Expecting Perfect: My Bumpy Journey to Mommyhood.

When Bubeck decided to journal about her adventures in conception, she and husband, Nate, never thought her private road would turn into such a public path. In addition, she never imagined that 20 weeks into her pregnancy, she’d receive a doctor’s report threatening her life, and the life of her baby.

In our exclusive interview with Nadine Bubeck, we discuss the 29-year-old’s journey into motherhood, her online mommy show, why she’s no longer in TV news, plus her completely candid, uncut and totally raw pregnancy book. The mommy entrepreneur is doing it all, conquering her passions, all with her 8-month-old son, Nicholas, attached to her hip.

So, when does your pregnancy journaling begin?  I’ve always been a writer, so when Nate and I started our reproduction attempts, I began journaling. I thought the whole thing was comical, considering we honored baby-making myths like me putting my legs in the air, post doing the deed.

It starts when we began trying to get pregnant, continues throughout my pregnancy, and ends after my son’s 7-night stay in the NICU.  My last entry is our first night home, but I end the book a very special way.  (You’ll have to read it to find out!)

Tell us about your diagnosis mid-way through pregnancy. At 20 weeks pregnant, my doctor told me I had complete placenta previa. That meant I was at risk, my baby’s life was at risk, I would likely bleed, be hospitalized, on bed rest, and birth a preemie, all of which happened.

During pregnancy, most women unknowingly have a low-lying placenta, which usually self corrects by the 20-week mark, but in my case, my placenta completely covered my cervix. It doesn’t happen for any rhyme or reason, however, a complete placenta previa is very worrisome.

But, I remained rational. I followed my doctor’s orders to a tee, with the hope that I wouldn’t have a bleeding episode.  I made it blood-free until the 29-week mark.

Did you have any idea when you’d have your baby? There was no telling when our mandatory c-section would take place. My goal was to keep him cooking as long as possible. But, if I bled again, doctors would likely deliver.

Well, after a month on bed rest, I bled again.  It was the day before my baby shower.  From then on, I was on hospitalized bed rest.  Nicholas was born after my third and final bleed.

What was your pregnancy like after your diagnosis? I stayed positive.  I was determined to keep my mind and body at peace; I didn’t want my growing embryo to sense any stress. Luckily, my Nicholas was born 4 pounds 11 ounces and completely perfect.  I don’t resent my pregnancy whatsoever.  It resulted in the greatest gift of all: my son.

At what point did you realize you wanted to turn your private journey into a very public one, with a book, no less? As I journaled, I realized how much of a whirlwind pregnancy really was. I experienced so many thoughts, feelings, and emotions. I literally transformed–both physically and emotionally–into a mother. I was faced with challenges (placenta previa, bleeding, bed rest, and a preemie), that I was forced to overcome.  As I wrote, I did, in fact, consider publishing my diary; but once I was finished, and once I re-read my diary, I came to the conclusion to make it public. And so I bit the bullet…

There is an authentic and comedic element to your book.  Is that indicative of your personality?  Absolutely…Baby-making and pregnancy was a mix of emotion.  I experienced highs, lows, laughter, and tears.  I’ve always been a positive, optimistic, smiling person, in addition to being a totally Type-A OCD perfectionist.

I write the way I talk.  I always have.  The entire book is told in my authentic words; I didn’t even have my book hyper-edited because I wanted things to remain real; why alter my diary?

What do you hope others will get out of your book?  Many of us are under the impression that pregnancy is perfect; we see perfect pregnancies in movies, beautiful bellies on Facebook, etc.  The truth is, though, that pregnancy is an adventure often stocked with challenges, hurdles, and a roller-coaster of emotions. I want to break the barrier of perfection and let women know that imperfection is OK; that even a bumpy journey to mommyhood can be a wonderful experience. And in the end, it is all worth it. Becoming a mother is the greatest most rewarding thing in the entire world.

I know a lot of moms share your sentiment.  And, speaking of motherhood, you left your job in TV news soon after becoming a mother. Why?  Once I became a mom, everything changed.  Everything, including my job in TV news, all of a sudden became secondary.  I had been in the TV news biz nearly 10 years; on-air for 7. My career has always meant so much to me and it still does; however, things are different now.

I will never look back at this time wishing I had worked more. Instead, I’ll think: Man, I’m so lucky I had the opportunity to greet Nicholas in the morning, tend to him all day, and put him to bed every night.  Because I’m a work-at-home-mom, I’ll never miss a first; he’s now starting to sit, and I witnessed it!  His smile and laughter fills my heart with the ultimate joy.

However, I do believe in maintaining a sense of self. I’ve always been a self-starting, ambitious person with high hopes and big dreams. Therefore, I’m now forming a balancing act: being mom, wife, author, host, producer, blogger, speaker, etc.  I have never been happier; and admittedly, have never been busier!

Busy mom, we can all relate to that.  Tell us about your online mommy show. I produce and host, All Things Mama, my online mommy show on YouTube. It is a hot spot for the modern mom, modern wife, and modern baby. I release at least one episode per week showcasing baby fashion, mommy must-haves, new mom tips and tricks, how-to videos, and more. Some episodes include interviews with dynamic experts, and others showcase my personal favorite items and essentials.  However, every episode includes my very adorable and darling co-host: my sweet son Nicholas.

              Bubeck’s Online Mommy Show, All Things Mama

Why did you decide to include Nicholas as part of your show? I don’t want to sacrifice spending time with him; therefore, I am determined to work WHILE being with my son.  I want women to know you CAN do it all, even with a baby glued to your hip. My videography team knows we break when I need to feed him, change him, etc; they’re all very kind and accommodating towards his needs.  Plus, my show is about being a mom and having a baby; why not include him?  It’s a blast and I love it.

You’re a TV personality, author and mommy blogger.  What’s next for your career? I am still extremely active in media.  My second book is in the works; I pour my heart into my online mommy show; I run a lifestyle website; I’m the style contributor for a popular Arizona-based magazine; I am utilized on broadcast outlets as a mommy expert, and I’m constantly promoting my book on television.

I’m also looking forward to speaking at a Disney-sponsored event this June for mommy bloggers and influencers, in conjunction with Mom Talk Radio and Maria Bailey.  It’s a very exciting opportunity. I love speaking engagements.  I’m also working on my second book, as writing remains my ultimate passion.

In addition, I’m growing my brand and enjoy being utilized as a “mommy expert” for TV programs and other media outlets. I hope All Things Mama will continue to evolve as well. And I’ve always loved the fashion industry, so perhaps I will tap into the baby-clothing business. Who knows?! I welcome new, exciting opportunities with open arms!

Is there anything else you want to share with us?  We all have a story to tell, and I simply want to share mine. I think all women should feel free and empowered to pursue their passion while still assuming the most important role in the world: mom. Becoming a mother has made me realize that everything in life is secondary to my husband and child.  As long as you’re happy with your family unit, even a bumpy path can be a beautiful journey.

To purchase Nadine’s Book please visit expectingperfect.com. It’s also available on Amazon.