If you haven't heard (as announced through Instagram @_knorts), Knorts gave birth to baby Knorman last week. Since Knorts loves matching tops with bottoms with purses with hair scrunchies...with everything, it was only natural for Knorts to want to match with its baby. Thus, Knorts Mommy and Me was created --- designs created specifically for cool moms and their kids while keeping breastfeeding in mind.
To begin documenting what its like being a mother, Knorts' founder, Eleanore Guthrie, tapped into the Knorts community and booked it straight to the Hollywood Hills to meet up with soon-to-be mother and "video vixen," Sylvia Kochinski. Sylvia is in the midst of her third trimester, so we figured she could shed some serious light on what it's like in the beginning stages of motherhood: being pregnant.
Like Sylvia, Knorts' baby was unexpected and (unlike Sylvia) it came very quickly!! We were almost not prepared! Needless to say, Knorts needs to get the down low on everything motherhood stat!! ...if not for us, at least for our community. First up, we're discussing pregnancy...
Sylvia Kochinski modeling Knorts' new Mommy and Me designs with Knorts baby Knorman.
Who are you? What do you do?
My name is Sylvia and I’m an American from Saudi Arabia. I moved to LA 6 years ago from Paris. I’ve worked predominantly as a video vixen, but also as a set designer and literary agency editor.
When is your baby due?
Oct 20-ish.
Between now and the due date, what will you be doing to prepare for the baby?
Eating, sleeping, reading, googling baby shit, listening to a lot of classical music.
Have you always imagined yourself having children?
I thought I was infertile, as per Saudi gynecologists. Since I’ve never been pregnant, I assumed they were right. I was utterly shocked when I found out I was pregnant! I've vaguely identified with being a barren woman my entire life, so I've had to completely reassess my identity now that I know I'm fertile (there's nothing wrong with that - it's just 2 very different realities). Now that I’ve wrapped my head around the reality of having a kid, I’m beyond excited!! The process has already been both sane and insane! It oddly enough feels normal because my body automatically knows what to do, but conversely, it feels psychedelic to internalize thousands of years of DNA coagulating in my belly to create new life.
On top of all that, I've also had to reconsider my career. Over the past several years, I've worked as a "video ho" where I've danced and/or substituted for various artists' in their music videos. As a video ho, you’re expected to look a certain way, so, with my pregnant body, my work opportunities have changed. I’ve done a couple videos since being pregnant (“pregnant stripper-type” roles lol), but obviously my body now dictates what I can and can’t do in a very different and concrete way and is somewhat limiting in that respect. I was looking to transition my career anyway, so this pregnancy is the perfect opportunity to re-navigate my life.
Sylvia Kochinksi modeling the new Knorts Too Infinity Baby Wrap with Knorts baby, Knorman wrapped inside. Jeffrey Campbell denim tennis shoes.
Do clothes play a role in positively or negatively affecting your pregnancy? How did the Knorts make you feel?
YES! Maternity clothes are hideous - it’s been impossible to find anything even slightly interesting or chic. When I put on Knorts, I honestly felt stylish for the first time in 7 months. Plus they’re extraordinarily comfy.
Did you have any expectations of what the pregnancy experience was going to be like? Has it been different than you expected?
Morning sickness was brutal. Also, it’s a huge misnomer; it lasted all day during the first trimester. Many women don’t get it, but I was bed-ridden the first three months. That was rough, but I was honestly too debilitated to be frustrated. The 2nd trimester was a dream and the 3rd is exhausting. It’s a rollercoaster.
I always hear about how uncomfortable pregnancy is, especially in the third trimester. Since you're currently in the third trimester, do you experience any discomfort? What are things you do to make those symptoms go away?
It’s just cumbersome to carry around what feels like a massive watermelon all day. I sleep with gazillions of pillows. Little strolls here and there help me feel more “buoyant.” Crossword puzzles relieve stress when I'm feeling extra bitchy.
Another thing I always hear about with pregnancy are those weird cravings!! What can you say about this??
I get cravings by the day...donuts one day, mangoes another. Then I want turpentine and gasoline but alas...
Is there any mom-to-be advice/wisdom/words you would like to share with women currently considering having babies?
Wisdom...not so much (pregnancy brain is very real!!), but I guess I’d say the best advice is that you’re going to get mountains of advice, often conflicting - so just tune in to your own bod and filter out the rest.
Sylvia Kochinski wearing the new Knorts Mommy and Me breastfeeding sweater with matching Knorts baby, Knorman.