Since her last album in 2013, Kelly Rowland has added quite a few projects to her resume. Not only is the Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, actress and producer passing her wisdom on to music industry hopefuls, but now she is sharing experiences and advice on motherhood as well.
With only days until its release, Rowland talks about her first book, “Whoa, Baby!: A Guide for New Moms Who Feel Overwhelmed and Freaked Out (and Wonder What the #*$& Just Happened)” (Da Capo Lifelong Books, $25), and everything else we can expect her to deliver in 2017.
Of all the things you’ve accomplished, why write your first book on motherhood?
What motivated me was just all the questions that I had. A book like this hasn’t been done about what happens to mommy, post baby; it’s everything about the baby with other books. I wanted “Whoa, Baby!” to feel like it was a conversation between girlfriends. I speak freely about what’s happened with me and to other women. I wanted that professional side as well, (so) there are different people involved, such as Dr. (Tristan) Bickman, M.D., a physical therapist, dermatologist, stylist, and a psychotherapist.
What about a paternal perspective for new fathers?
That’s actually a project that we want to do, “Whoa, Daddy!,” (because) they’re figuring out, “How do I care for my wife and my child?” My husband (Tim Witherspoon) became a lion after (my son) Titan. He became super protective and motivated; he’s just a different man.
And the others in your life? Grandmothers usually have tons of advice to offer that, for some, can be overwhelming.
When my mom was here, she would just hold the baby and just give him love. When Tina (Lawson) would come over, she gave me space to learn on my own. If there was something I had a question about, I knew I could call.
The biggest conversation I hear from all my new mommy friends is all about the snap back! What is your advice for snapping back into shape?
You can’t expect your body to be like anybody else’s. Two weeks after I had my son, I looked six months pregnant. A month after I had my son, I still looked six months pregnant. My body took months to change for a baby to form and exist in there, so it needs time to go back. Cut yourself a little slack!
Rumor has it that you may be expecting baby No. 2!
No! I think some people just wanted me and my friends to be pregnant at the same time, so they make all these stories. Maybe they caught me after I ate and there was a little pooch. (Laughs) I don’t know what happened, but I did hear that too.
What else can we expect from you in 2017, since we’re crossing baby No. 2 from the list?
I am excited about the book, of course, and I am also excited about new music. What I am doing in the studio is encouraging me musically and visually. I am so ready to tour!
See Kelly Rowland talk to “Entertainment Tonight” in 2015, a few months after her son, Titan, was born:
From “Chasing Destiny” to “The Rap Game” and “The Voice Australia,” how does mentoring new artists make you a better artist?
You have to practice what you preach. When it comes to June’s Diary, it makes me check myself a bit more. I think that is why God gave me that opportunity. But the girls are doing great, they are on tour, and they are busy and just so talented.
Now that you’ve teased us with snippets of your single “Conceited,” what can we expect from the rest of your next album?
I have literally been in the studio every single day. I wanted to put together a great body of work. My husband, Tim, and my son really encouraged me to dig deeper. What is my message? That’s what I admire about Stevie Wonder. It’s what I admire about Aretha Franklin. It’s what I admire about Bob Dylan. They were and are artists who have something to say. That’s what I wanted from myself, and I’m making sure I get that.
