Kate Ferdinand admits having a second baby was a 'worry for everyone'
Looking at Kate Ferdinand, it's hard to believe she gave birth just six months ago. Not only does she look incredible, but she's feeling it, too. "I'm feeling good," says the 32-year-old. "I'm in my Zen era. I'm not always this chilled, though - it's because I'm away from my kids!"
Despite her calm energy, Kate's life has become a lot busier since she and husband Rio, 45, welcomed their daughter Shae in July. She's also mum to their three-year-old son Cree, and stepmum to Rio's children Lorenz, 17, Tate, 15, and Tia, 12.
Shae was born by planned C-section, and Kate's recovery has been "much easier" this time around, after previously having an emergency C-section with Cree. "I was easier on myself this time because I've been through it," she explains. "I don't put as much pressure on myself. I'm not stressed, I'm just going with my body. Whatever my baby needs, I'm going with it. I'm relaxed."
Kate Ferdinand spoke about her family life whilst promoting her latest clothing range (Instagram)
Her family now includes daughter Shae, who was born in July last year (Kate Ferdinand Instagram)She certainly seems it, and that's partly down to the ease with which Shae has settled into the family. "She's the happiest baby," says Kate. "She smiles from when she wakes up to when she goes to sleep. She's a dream."
Welcoming a new addition is a big adjustment for any family, but Kate says things have gone smoothly so far. "It's always a bit of a worry for everyone in the family, even me and Rio. It affects everyone, because a new baby in the house changes the dynamic," she says. "But like anything in life, everyone just adapts. You get used to it and you find your space."
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Thankfully, the children all adore their new sibling, and the eldest three have been on hand to help out. "Tia is really helpful," she says. "We're happy we've got another girl on side! The boys are out a lot because of football, but they help me out with Cree, so I'm able to look after the baby."
And how has Cree taken to having a younger sister? "He's doing well," says Kate. "He's such a character. He's hyper and he rules the roost. He's like the king of the house! He's kind and caring. Don't get me wrong, there have been moments when he's been a bit… I don't know if the word is jealous, but it's all changed for him and he's had to adjust. Touch wood, we're doing OK at the moment. It's going smoothly, but I don't want to jinx it!"
Kate admits life with five children can be a challenge. "It's mental," she says. "Our house is very busy now. In recent weeks, I've been struggling with the load of just managing schedules and being there for everyone. But I wouldn't want it any other way. I always dreamed of having a big house with lots of kids, and that means it's mental from the minute you get up to the minute you go to bed. But it's fun!"
Kate has teased that her and husband Rio Ferdinand won't be expanding their family any further (Dave Benett/Getty Images)With all the responsibilities in her life, Kate admits she often experiences mum guilt. "How do I spread myself across five children? How do I make sure I'm there for everyone and giving them all quality time?" she ponders. "I don't all the time, obviously, because it's impossible. I'm struggling with that a lot at the moment. Mum guilt is huge, but I suppose you just have to ride it out because you're never going to be perfect.
"I put pressure on myself, and society puts pressure on mums as well. You want to be a great mum, cook lovely food for your husband and kids, go to the gym, look and feel good. I've learned I can't do it all, and it's OK if I can't do it all. It doesn't make me less of a mum or a woman."
Despite its challenges, Kate says motherhood brings her "so much joy". "I love family life," she smiles. "I love being with my kids. I love banter around the table. It's just a joy to watch them grow up and be happy."
Kate has been open in the past about the highs and lows of being in a blended family, but seven years after meeting Rio, she's "really happy". "Some days are tough in a blended family, like Christmas and anniversaries, but most days are great," she says. "This is the life I dreamed of. It's not perfect – we've all had to adjust and learn how each other work, and that takes time. There are still hard days, but we're close-knit now, we know how to deal with them."
Kate spoke about the couple's family whilst promoting her new F&F clothing range (Instagram)
She's described it as a mix of activewear and also athleisure whilst talking about the collection (Instagram)Can she see her family expanding in the future? "I think five is more than enough," she insists. "I'm just about managing, so I think we're happy where we are." Kate and Rio married in 2019 and, despite their hectic schedules, they make the effort to fit in quality time. "Time together is different now," she says. "Before, it might have been date night, now it might be just going for a walk. But we love that. Quality time has changed, but it's still important we spend it together."
It's also hard to find "me time", but Kate prioritises working out - without putting any pressure on herself. "I'm feeling more like myself as the weeks go on, but I'm not super confident yet," she admits. "Your body changes so much when you have a baby, you have to get to know yourself again. I feel good for where I'm at. Our bodies are remarkable. Growing a baby, seeing [your body] change - you have more respect for it. Also, after becoming a stepmum, your priorities have to change. It's not possible to go to the gym every day, so I'm easier on myself."
Kate nevertheless has an impressive exercise routine. "I used to work out five times a week, now I work out three times," she explains. "But I'm happy with that and it works for me right now. Pilates is my new love. I find it relaxing but difficult at the same time!"
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Kate is now easing herself back into work after becoming a brand ambassador for F&F. In fact, she has just launched a new clothing range. "It's a mix of activewear - gymwear and Pilates wear - and also athleisure, like tracksuits and chilled, comfy clothes," she says. "Everything I basically live in! I struggle to be dressier now, because I'm so used to that athleisure vibe. Everything in the collection is stuff I really love - my favourite is the shearling coat."
With work back on the agenda and so many children to care for, has Kate made any New Year's resolutions? "I just want a peaceful, happy life," she says. "That's all I’m here for. It's about being as happy and healthy and chilled as I can be."
Kate Ferdinand's ACTIVE collection with F&F is available at the majority of Tesco stores, in sizes 6-22. Visit clothing and follow @fandfclothing
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