Nara Smith has opened up about her personal journey and the lessons she has learned in motherhood, particularly as she prepares for a new campaign with the organic formula brand Bobbie. Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE, Smith emphasised the importance of giving oneself grace in the often overwhelming period postpartum.
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The campaign is designed to resonate with mothers navigating the challenges of new parenthood, particularly when it comes to feeding their babies. Through a candid promotional video, Smith portrays the anxiety many parents experience while searching for the best feeding options. The clip features her humorous attempts at creating a homemade formula, before ultimately receiving a delivery from fellow model Ashley Graham, representing Bobbie.
In her discussion with PEOPLE, Smith articulated her desire to challenge the stigma that surrounds motherhood decisions, from feeding to personal choices. “I wanted to break the stigma,” Smith stated, noting that parenting is filled with pressures to conform to an ideal. “It’s not perfect every day, and there’s multiple ways to feed a baby,” she expressed, reflecting the variability and complexity of motherhood.
Smith’s personal experience, drawing from her journey as a mother of four, provides context to her advocacy. Together with her husband, Lucky Blue, she has navigated the nuances of parenting children aged five, four, two, and nearly one. Sharing the surprises she encountered during her first pregnancy, she admitted, “I kind of went into it very blind and then learned as I went through good and bad experiences.”
Through these trials, Smith has reassessed her early beliefs about formula feeding. “There was this belief within me… feeling like I failed if I used formula,” she explained. However, as her breastfeeding journey evolved, she recognised the importance of flexibility. “I’m going to breastfeed for as long as I want to… but then it is okay for me to either combo feed or substitute,” she remarked, highlighting her personal journey towards self-acceptance.
The influencer acknowledged that her evolving perspective stems from her experiences with each child. “The more kids you have, the more you get into a routine,” she noted, while also recognising each child has their unique needs. This understanding has led to greater confidence in her decisions as a mother, enabling her to trust her instincts rather than succumb to societal expectations.
Smith’s relationship with her partner has also played a crucial role in her motherhood experience. She credits Lucky Blue for being a steadfast support during both pregnancy and postpartum periods. “He was there for whatever I needed… he was always listening and trying to help me in the best way he knew how,” she reflected, crediting him for assisting her in addressing her mental struggles.
Smith’s campaign not only aims to reach those currently navigating new motherhood but also aspires to build a community of support for women. “Every time I opened up about motherhood… there was such an influx of women that were either in the same boat or have been there before,” she said, highlighting the collective experiences shared among mothers.
In her conversation, Smith urged other mothers to trust their instincts, advising against relying solely on external validation. “You can change your mind… you’re in control, and you can do whatever your heart desires,” she asserted. This message is vital to fostering a nurturing and supportive environment for new parents, encouraging them to acknowledge their own needs and choices.
As the campaign launches, Smith hopes it will inspire mothers to embrace the realities of parenthood, focusing not just on the challenges but also on the significance of self-acceptance. Through her journey, she seeks to convey a powerful message — that each mother’s path is unique and worthy of grace.