Cyndi Ramirez-Fulton is the "Queen of Chill," literally. As the founder and CEO of Chillhouse, a one-stop destination for all things self-care, Ramirez-Fulton has built a safe space, both physically and digitally, for people looking to recharge and take a "chill break” from the hustle of everyday life. But her wellness empire extends beyond just trendy gel manicures and CBD-infused lattes. Through The Chill Times, the brand’s digital-media arm, Ramirez-Fulton and her team are able to explore more holistic and realistic issues in wellness, including conversations around mental health, financial literacy, and more.
Most recently, the busy founder added a new role to her life: mom. In late July, Ramirez-Fulton welcomed her son, Hendrix Joaquin Fulton, and her Instagram feed is already filled to the brim with snapshots of the adorable mother-son duo taking over NYC.
We asked Ramirez-Fulton about how being a new mom (in a global pandemic, no less!) has changed her wellness practices and perspective, how she’s been adapting to WFH life with a newborn, and, of course, all of the self-care essentials that have helped her through this major life transition.
How did you prepare to be a new mom during COVID-19?
The beauty of becoming a new mother during these times is the ability to slow down and learn how to nest. I was the type of person who was always on the go, always doing something. The pandemic paired with the pregnancy gave me the opportunity to appreciate my home a bit more and become more of a homebody overall.
I spent a lot of time getting his room together and coordinating a routine for our new "WFH with a baby” flow. My team was also incredible at giving me space and being proactive about what needed to get done. I tend to be a control freak, and I have to say, I've never been more laid-back about my business in my life.
Things have gone surprisingly smoothly (minus my birth itself, but that’s another story), and I think it has to do with all the time this pandemic has granted us.
Has anything surprised you in the last month? Was there anything you were worried about that didn't end up being a big deal?
I had no idea my period won’t return until I’m done breastfeeding. Did you?! Moms don’t talk about this perk enough! I was also pleasantly surprised to find out that nipples only get sore in the beginning. The saying goes "it gets easier,” and I’m finding that’s true.
I also was super worried about being sleep-deprived, but we haven’t had much of an issue there either. Though, we think a big part of it is thanks to WFH culture. The fact that we can sleep until 9 a.m. allows us to get that extra hour that takes us from "deprived” to "manageable.” One of the very few perks of parenting through a pandemic, I guess.
Do you have any advice for new moms or moms-to-be?
The main feedback I’ve gotten about my parenting has been that we’re so good about bringing him out to dinners and that it seems like he’s working around our lifestyle, not the other way around. It seems like new parents are made to feel guilty in the early weeks, and they tend to hibernate as a result, but I say you do you.
Don’t worry about what people will think—do whatever feels right. We need sun and air and people to survive as humans. You need rest, yes. But you also need to regain your energy back eventually. Get out there and expose them (safely) to your everyday surroundings. They’ll have to get used to it one way or another.
How has your wellness practice changed since being a mom?
It definitely took a few weeks to get back into a groove, but once you have a routine, there’s no better feeling than that week you get your energy back and want to do things for yourself. My practice is back to what it used to be. Again, luckily because of WFH culture, I’m able to squeeze more time in for myself because I’m not out as much.
Otherwise, it’s about getting physically stronger for my babe. As he gets bigger, I’m going to need to be able to lift him up. That’s my biggest wellness goal right now.
Cyndi's New Mom Wellness Essentials
These have been my go-to prenatal vitamins because of their taste and monthly subscription ease.
Because your belly still needs a lot of love post-babe.
I swear by baths to ease anxiety, and this bath soak is so soothing and delicious.
This never leaves the diaper bag because of COVID-19.
Call me biased, but I'm so proud of our latest and greatest product, a digital wellness guide that allows you to discover your ideal self-care journey. It's packed with prompts, quizzes, and expert advice and will give you all the motivation you need to get into a wellness groove that works for you and only you.
Up next, Taking 15 Minutes for Myself Every Day Made Me a Kinder Mom, Wife, and Friend
This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used in the place of advice of your physician or other medical professionals. You should always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider first with any health-related questions.
