
Mother Essentials: Neha Ruch of Mother Untitled
Written by Katie Hintz-Zambrano
The beginning of the year is all about reflecting on the past and forging a conscious path for the year ahead. For some mothers, this might include shifting ideas about your career and parenting—which is where Neha Ruch‘s new book comes in. The New York City-based mom of two behind the powerful Mother Untitled movement has just released The Power Pause: How to Plan a Career Break After Kids—And Come Back Stronger Than Ever—which offers a reassuring guide to women who want to pause or downshift their careers in order to spend more time with their children. Whether you’re in the middle of a “power pause,” heading back into the workplace after a pause, or considering a pause in the future, this reframing of the so-called “stay-at-home mom” is a powerful one. Below, Neha shares more about her book, alongside her other favorite Mother Essentials of the moment.
Be sure to check out Neha on her The Power Pause book tour—including this weekend’s visit to San Francisco, in conversation with yours truly.
The Power Pause. “This book was a labor of love and life, extensive research and community building to dismantle the tropes that have held so many women back during career pauses and downshifts. I’ve been returning to it to reacquaint myself with my own sense of ambition, financial dignity, redefine success and figure out what comes next.” The Power Pause, $27.90, Bookshop and Amazon.
Insight Timer. “I used the free app as my gateway to meditation during the pandemic and it’s stuck. I start the day with a 5-10 minute chakra cleansing meditation in bed when my husband starts breakfast with the kids.” InsightTimer.com
MWH Health. “I filter for a virtual pilates class under 20 minutes and get in movement. One day I aspire to run again, but for now my pelvic floor and calendar aren’t suited for that.” MelissaWoodHealth.com
Naghedi Totes. “I don’t treat ultra-luxury bags with enough care, so for the day-to-day, these come in such a range of sizes and styles that you can dress them up or dress down and they work for schlepping or as a cute clutch.” Naghedi Tote, $255, Nordstrom.
Ilia Multi-Stick. “I use Ilia’s Multi-Stick (in All of Me) as a lip and a blush and it’s the perfect pick-me-up to make me look awake and bright.” Multi-Stick, $36, Ilia.
Kilte’s Liz Set. “It’s soft and forgiving enough to be loungewear for a running-around day, but knit and the best chocolate brown to wear to dinner with friends.” The Liz Set, $495, Kilte.
The Four Agreements. “This book was a game changer for me in letting go of my desire for everyone’s approval and making peace with criticism.” The Four Agreements, $7.05, Amazon.
Tatcha Brightening Serum & Dew Cream. “This combination keeps my skin clear and feels decadent without a lengthy skincare routine.” The Brightening Serum, $89, Tatcha. The Dewy Skin Cream, $72, Tatcha.
Reebok Classics. “I have a torn meniscus that’s never quite healed (the last major tear happened while playing hide and seek with my daughter—I can’t make this up) and these babies are old-school but look good with crew socks and are soft on my knees.” Reebok Club C 85’s, $74, Zappos.
TKEES Sandals. “I have these in every color. They’re a slightly elevated style from the typical flip flop, so I can get away with them for dinners.” Sandals, $220, TKEES.
Toteme Tuxedo Shirt. “I wear this with leggings or tucked into jeans and it’s boxy and A-line and just so chic but powerful.” Tuxedo Shirt, $500, Toteme.
One Wednesday Waffle Robe. “It can be hard to find margin in our days, so it’s nice to look forward to putting this on and doing my simple skin stuff. It is as absorbent and cozy as it is elegant and feminine.” Waffle Robe, $120, One Wednesday.
Kendra Pariseault Custom Necklace. “I got my grandfather’s ring remade into this pendant necklace with a north star and a lotus on the reverse. It felt special to have before the book launch.” KendraPariseaultJewelry.com
For more MOTHER ESSENTIALS, peep our recent features on model, writer, and activist Cameron Russell, author Nasozi Kakembo, kid-lit talent Bo Lu, artist Suzy Ultman, Super Smalls founder Maria Duenas Jacob, Lanee Slaughter of MAMA & OG, the mamas behind MAJO IDEAS, HAWKS founder Emma Flanders, celebrity hairstylist Kylee Heath, APRIL SHOWERS of Afro Unicorn, crafty mamas ERIN BOYLE AND ROSE PEARLMAN, writers CLEO WADE and ALEX ELLE, comedian JENNY SLATE, poet MAGGIE SMITH, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream co-founder LAURA O’NEILL, author and doula BRANDI SELLERZ-JACKSON, designer CLARE VIVIER, Miles & Milan founder SHENNEL FULLER, GRACE NA of Pistola, and the designers behind MILK TEETH.
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