Ambika Asthana, the author of "Beyond Birth," is a multifaceted individual whose influence extends far beyond the realms of the written word. More than just a book, "Beyond Birth" emerges as a companion, offering solace and reassurance to every new mother navigating the labyrinth of early motherhood. It is a testament to the challenges of this phase while gently reminding mothers that it is transient. Ambika's narrative encourages readers to pause, breathe, and savor the fleeting moments with their infants, recognizing that these moments are the catalysts that transform women into mothers.
In the dynamic landscape of global marketing firms and the nurturing spaces of family life, Ambika Asthana stands out as a remarkable figure. Her professional journey as a consummate brand strategist is adorned with innovative campaigns and disruptive strategies for industry giants like DDB, Mudra, Accenture, and Dentsu. Ambika's prowess lies in her ability to navigate shifting paradigms, driving narratives that are not only inclusive but also empathetic, pushing the boundaries of convention.
Beyond the metrics and boardrooms, Ambika Asthana's heart pulsates with a passion for advocacy and change. Her brainchild, "MomTalk," is not just a podcast; it is a crusade aimed at reshaping the landscape for breastfeeding mothers who encounter biases in both public and professional spaces. Through "MomTalk," Ambika has become the voice of a movement, her words crafting a new narrative for mothers in the professional realm—one that embraces the natural aspects of motherhood with dignity and understanding.
Ambika's commitment to fostering change extends beyond her role as an author and podcast creator. Her work serves as a bridge between the corporate world and the profound, often challenging, journey of motherhood. By sharing her insights and experiences, she strives to create a world where mothers are not only acknowledged but celebrated for their strength, resilience, and the invaluable role they play in society.
As "Beyond Birth" continues to resonate with readers, Ambika Asthana emerges as a beacon of inspiration—a woman who seamlessly navigates the complexities of both professional and personal spheres, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of motherhood and advocacy. Her work embodies the belief that literature and activism can intersect to create meaningful change, making her a true trailblazer in the evolving narrative of modern motherhood.
1. Can you share the inspiration behind writing "Beyond Birth" and how it became a companion for new mothers?
>My motherhood journey was the genesis of my book "Beyond Birth" where I documented my real-life anecdotes and experiences which will surely resonate with all the new mothers everywhere. It's a companion for them as they can truly bathe in the spirit of a new mother and what goes inside her mind, body and soul during the fourth trimester.
2. In your professional journey as a brand strategist, how did your experiences at global marketing firms influence your approach to writing and storytelling in "Beyond Birth"?
>My profession has taught me to derive meaningful insights from culture, consumer and everything around us and orchestrate them into a story weaving nuggets of wisdom for brands. Similarly, before embarking on my memoir "Beyond Birth", I undertook surveys, focus group discussions and community engagements to gather key problems faced by new and first time mothers. Basis that, I resolved to weave my personal journey so as to create a strong resonance and relevance amongst modern day mothers community.
3. "Beyond Birth" emphasizes the importance of pausing, breathing, and cherishing moments with a baby. How did your personal experiences shape this perspective, and what advice do you have for mothers navigating the challenges of this phase?
>It's a book that taught me the incredible lessons of patience, resilience and kindness. I learnt how pausing to take a break, living in the moment, in the present and cherishing little wonders and little joys such as no fuss eating time, no screen time rather play and do silly stuff with baby or just learn the art of finding joy in little things such as discovering how objects float in water or splashing water during bathe time or watching flowers bloom in the morning. My only message to new moms is don't get overwhelmed and don't think too much about milestones and making your baby independent, it will all happen eventually, this is the Golden period so cherish everyday moment, celebrate everyday.
4. Your career has been marked by innovative campaigns and disruptive strategies. How did your creativity in the marketing world translate into crafting a narrative for "Beyond Birth" that resonates with new mothers?
>Through my professional experience, I've honed the skill of extracting meaningful insights from the intricacies of culture, consumer behavior, and the world around us. I specialize in crafting compelling narratives that distill these insights into valuable wisdom for brands. In a parallel vein, when delving into the creation of my memoir "Beyond Birth," I took a meticulous approach. Conducting surveys, participating in focus group discussions, and engaging with communities allowed me to unearth the significant challenges faced by new and first-time mothers. Armed with these insights, I made a deliberate choice to interlace my personal journey into the narrative, aiming to forge a profound connection and relevance within the contemporary community of mothers.
5. "MomTalk" is described as a crusade to reshape the landscape for breastfeeding mothers. Could you share some key moments or challenges you've encountered in advocating for breastfeeding mothers, both in public and workspaces?
>I strongly advocate and stand for freedom to feed anywhere, anytime! My campaign to nornalize breastfeeding in oublic and workspaces was the starting point behind MomTalk Podcast and a nudge to create awareness and sensitize masses around normalizing and supporting breastfeeding mothers in public spaces where it's hard to do and women are at the receiving end of social stigmas and social biases. Workplaces need to employ strict rules and laws around nursing rooms and new mom rooms to help breastfeeding mothers pump at work and create inclusivity at workplaces. I personally experienced such a bias at The Taj Hotel, surprisingly the swanky 5 star property failed to have a dedicated nursing room and they redirected me to feed my baby in washroom. This compelled me to initiate the campaign educate and sensitize masses around the taboo subject
6. As the voice of a movement through "MomTalk," how do you see the narrative evolving for mothers in the professional realm, especially in terms of embracing natural aspects of motherhood with dignity and understanding?
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7. How do you balance the worlds of global marketing firms and family life, and how has this balance influenced your perspectives on motherhood, advocacy, and change?
>I believe in the spirit of sisterhood, support system and I am so so fortunate to have such amazing empowering and strong pillars of support including my husband, who's an equal partner in parenting, my do-it-all mom who's compassion and care have been constant cheerleaders throughout my mothering journey and finally, my sweetest mother in law who has always stood by my side at all times. I have been able to complete my book success, conduct my podcasts regularly and ace at my career alongside, thanks to these unsung heroes without whom I am just a lost speck of stardust. Truly.
8. "Beyond Birth" encourages mothers to cherish fleeting moments with their babies. Can you elaborate on how these moments have personally transformed you as a woman into a mother?
>In moments of long sleep deprived nights, days that went without shower, takeaway food became a normal meal and highbuns for party was the new fashionable look, well, only mothers can relate to such moments when they prioritized the needs of their baby, how putting themselves at the back yet cherishing every single milestone, every single toothless grin and giggles and babbles would bring an instant smile to a mother's face These are the moments that transform a woman into a mother.
9. Your narrative involves pushing boundaries of convention and driving inclusive and empathetic narratives. How do you see these principles contributing to a broader societal shift in perspectives towards motherhood?
>It's very generic, please be specific
10. What future projects or endeavors do you envision to further contribute to reshaping societal attitudes towards motherhood, especially in professional spaces?
>I have collaborated with BPNI and trying to educate mothers about the laws at workspaces. I will be organizing workshops and equip my community of mothers with knowledge and information to help them navigate workplace Biases around breastfeeding. I have joined an appeal and signed a petition to build nursing rooms at every workplace, the road is long but we will surely reach there. Later but surer
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