Interview Tera Feberwee

Tera is a stunning, globe-hopping model based in Amsterdam. She has an adorable 5-year-old son named Semm, and gave birth to a beautiful daughter Julia this past June. Here, she shares how motherhood changed her life, and a few of her favorite things.

Q: How did you experience your pregnancy?

A: Both pregnancies went rather well! I believe it to be a beautiful time in a woman’s life, a true miracle, and it’s an indescribable feeling when you feel the first little kick.

Q: Did you find it difficult to accept the physical changes that come with pregnancy, especially being a model?

A: It’s always strange when the shape of your body changes, and when you can no longer fit into your regular pants, but that’s part of the experience! I never scrutinized my weight simply because it doesn’t matter at that point, I was pregnant and loving it!

Q: How did you adapt your diet to your pregnancy?

A: There were no major changes because I always ate healthy, but I did refrain from things like red meat. However, I did have a wild craving for bread! Bread and chocolate were my guilty pleasures, I tried not to keep either in the house otherwise it would all be gone in one sitting.

Q: Women are now starting to work on getting back into shape while still pregnant – what do you make of that? Were you the same?

A: I do understand this because during the last 2 months your belly gets in the way and secretly you wish you had your “old” body back. For example, I had to ask my friend to tie my shoelaces and there were other uncomfortable situations. Although dieting during a pregnancy is very dangerous and I would never recommend that, engaging in light physical activity is a good way to stay active and healthy. Though you can certainly start watching what you eat after you give birth, it is best to take it slow and listen to your body and allow it to adjust naturally.

Q: What was your beauty ritual during pregnancy?

A: I didn’t have a real beauty ritual. I got up early every morning, took my son to school, then I did some grocery shopping or I went to work – my last shoot took place when I was five months pregnant. In my spare time I really took a liking to cooking, I suddenly wanted to bake quiches, tarts and cup cakes. I was not at all concerned with my beauty routine, no fussing about my body or face.

Q: How has your career changed now that you are a mother of two?

A: In terms of work, not much has changed! Although now find it very difficult to travel – I can’t be away from my children for more then a day, and I suddenly have fear of flying. I would have liked to go to Asia or Cape Town for a few months, but that’s difficult with two children.

Q: How did you get in shape so fast?

A: Breastfeeding! By breastfeeding your uterus quickly returns to its normal size and your body expends a lot of energy so the pounds melt right off.

Q: Has your attitude towards modeling changed since you became a mother?

A: Well yes, for example, I only take on jobs I am super passionate about – otherwise, it is not worth to give up a day with my kids for a brand or cause I don’t 100% love.

Q: Would you like it if your child (ren) became a model?

A: Admittedly, I would be critical. Before I took on modeling as a career, I first finished school and got my diplomas, so I would require the same from my children. There has to be something else to excel in besides modeling.

Q: Which model mum is an example for you and why?

A: There are so many women in the industry who serve as examples, who have an excellent balance between motherhood and career. I believe it is important that whatever you do, work should never be at the expense of your children.