I was recently able to catch up with Rebecca Martin, musician, mother and community organizer for a phone interview last week. As she has been very busy with a 21 month old son, releasing a record and organizing a neighborhood civic group, we were excited to catch her in between projects. I first asked Rebecca to tell me a little about herself. For people who don’t know her, Rebecca has been involved with music her entire life and moved from Maine to New York City to follow her music career a few years back. She has recently released a new CD, “The Growing Season” and is enjoying all aspects of being a new mom to her son, Charlie James.

Celebrity Babies Blog: When did you decide on Charlie’s name and did you have any other names picked out?
Martin: Charlie James was born in December 2005. We both knew he’d be a “Charlie” before he was even born though added “James” to ground the name. As my parents were antique dealers, I had many antique items in the attic and happened to hang an etching of a baby in a cradle over his crib. Upon looking closer, I found that “Baby Charlie” had been etched in to the piece. I knew then that I’d definitely chosen the perfect name.
Celebrity Babies Blog: How are you adjusting to life with a baby? How have you changed?
Martin: Having Charlie deepened my experience as a woman. The journey is unique and different for every mother. I was lucky to have a small and fantastic support system and a community of friends having babies at the same time around me. Being a mom has made me more flexible as a person. Charlie needs both structure and freedom to flourish, so I work to create a “disciplined structure” per say for him to move out in. A contrast, I know, but they go together. I encourage Charlie to be creative and free. Raising him has taken the focus off of myself.
Celebrity Babies Blog: After Charlie’s birth, did you make any changes in your personal and social life?
Martin: The experience of becoming a mother is very cocoon-like. The new feelings of love, the life changes and responsibilities have transformed me completely. After Charlie’s birth I just wanted to be around him so I stayed in my bed at home for a while. It’s terrible that maternity leave in America is only three months. That’s just not enough time to give a mother with her new child. I was just getting my sea legs at three months. I’d like to lobby new legislation one day to extend it to a year. At least.
Since Charlie’s birth, I’ve also developed a broader sense of the world and I’ve deepened my own commitment to being a more responsible human being. Charlie is being raised in the garden, at soup kitchens, caring for animals, being outdoors and in the woods exploring. Very similar to my childhood in fact in the woods of Maine.
Celebrity Babies Blog: Did you have a lot of experience with children before you had your own?
Martin: In a word, no. I’ve always loved children but have been consumed with work and my own path throughout the past few years. Becoming a mom has me so present, that I can enjoy the simplicity of things. I find that now I take the time to appreciate the little things that make Charlie happy.
Celebrity Babies Blog: What is more stressful, managing a music career or being a new mom?
Martin: As a new mom, anxiety was more of a problem to manage then anything else. It was an overwhelming feeling to drive out of the birthing center with a 7 pound baby in the back. My husband is a great partner and friend – and very active in taking care of Charlie. Of course, I was able to call my mom too.
Celebrity Babies Blog: What’s the one baby product you can’t live without?
Martin: I love Welleda’s Diaper Cream – it is the best! Will clear up any kind of diaper rash. Also, I use Born Free glass bottles for feeding and had good luck with Seventh Generation Diapers. I was drawn to Seventh Generation diapers because they are made without chemicals. Plus, they fit Charlie pretty snugly and didn’t leak!
Celebrity Babies Blog: What is the one piece of advice you can give to a new mom?
Martin: Hire a doula! It’s the best money I ever spent! Throughout, they will explain what is happening as it’s happening and advocate for you during the birth. They work great with your partner at home or at a birthing center and/or hospital – whichever one you may choose. It’s comforting – and I don’t even want to think about how the day might have gone without her (Mary Riley, serving the Hudson Valley area in New York State).
Celebrity Babies Blog: For the upcoming holiday season, what do you think would be the perfect gift for Charlie James?
Martin: Without a doubt, the 5 piece Today’s Tot Drum Set!
Celebrity Babies Blog: What is the most important lesson you want to share with your son?
Martin: I want to teach Charlie that nothing in life is disposable and that the choices we make, even the smallest of ones, matter. I want him to grow up with a strong sense of worldly awareness and responsibility. And I want him to know and feel that he is deeply loved.

Thanks to Rebecca for taking the time to share her experiences with us. We wish her the best of luck with her music career and family!