EINAV SHRAGAI GUEDJ
Einav Guedj is used to working hard and juggling a busy schedule as the Director of Leadership and Personal Accomplishment at the ISAF Foundation here in Israel. With unpredictable days, Einav strives to find balance in her daily routine. She loves to cook healthy meals and stay active with exercise to maintain a strong mind-body connection. Excited for this new chapter in her life (motherhood), but never one to slow down, Einav also plans on beginning an internship as a practitioner in physical psychotherapy post birth!
How are you feeling at 32 weeks pregnant in this summer heat?
It’s super hot and can be hard to breathe in this last trimester. I’m trying to stay in AC, but it’s becoming more and more difficult. I'm still getting out for exercise classes here and there, but I do everything with my car.
What did your path to pregnancy look like?
I was supposed to get married last November, but with Corona it just became impossible. We delayed our plans and thought, why not try to get pregnant? And it happened faster than we thought! We feel very lucky.
What are you most excited about becoming a Mom? Most nervous about?
I’m most excited about just that- becoming a Mom! I think it’s the biggest thing we can do as humans- create life. I feel that all my life I’ve worked hard to create things that were outside of me, and now I’m creating something inside of me that’s going to be forever. Conversely, what I’m most nervous about is the loss of control in my life. I love when things are organized and I feel knowledgeable and prepared about everything that’s going on around me, but I know this will inevitably all change. So much will be out of my control, but I have to be okay with it and be relaxed so my baby will match this energy as well.
Are you doing anything special to prepare for your little one's arrival?
My partner and I did a hypnobirth course with a midwife to talk through and prepare for my labor. It was extremely helpful to set the right mindset. Other than that, we have a nursery set up, we bought some clothes and started to prepare the house for his arrival.
What is the best piece of parenting advice you’ve ever received and from whom?
One of my sisters told me to just listen to myself and my natural maternal instincts. To stay calm and rely on my intuition. I love this advice.
When you get a minute to yourself for some “me” time, what do you do for self-care?
Well currently, I love exercising- barre and pilates classes mostly, dancing, cooking, meeting friends...I hope these can continue to be my outlets as I become a mother. It’s important to have time for yourself.
How important is community and a support-network to you, and how do you go about nurturing it?
I believe that community is so crucial to life- especially in pivotal moments like this. I have friends here, but none of my family currently lives in Tel Aviv, so it will be difficult. All four of my sisters are already Moms, and I have an amazing mother myself, so I know they will help me and come support me when they can. I just moved to a new neighborhood and am trying to build community here and seek out other moms or moms-to-be as well.
What are three beauty products you always have in your rotation?
I’m super natural and have a very low key beauty routine, but I love any of the handmade and natural cosmetics by Michal Sabon Tivi.
How has your style changed or been influenced by your pregnancy? Is there anything you’ve needed but couldn’t find that you wish for The Line 9 to create?
Before the pregnancy, I loved wearing high waisted skirts and cropped tops, but that doesn't exactly vibe with a pregnant belly :) I’m now wearing a lot of dresses- short or maxi length, that are tighter and more form-fitting. I like clothes that make me feel confident and sexy while pregnant. I wish I could have found more flattering pants that worked with my belly instead of fighting against it. I also wish there were better options for activewear.
Shop Einav's Look: The Maxi / The Midi
