Goldfaden MD Co-founder on Life as a Working Mom

Women everywhere swear by Goldfaden MD’s scrubs and serums. The entire skincare line features skin-nourishing, antioxidant-rich plant cell actives that are organic, non-irritating, and free of toxins and unnecessary additives. 

We managed to steal Lauren Wolk-Goldfaden away for a moment, to chat about time management and baby cuddles.

What has been your most embarrassing motherhood moment?

WET, leaking milk marks, on my shirt during a meeting! Oh, the joys of breastfeeding…

Fill in the blank. Motherhood is ___

Equally fulfilling and challenging in every aspect all at the same time.

What makes you feel like a good mom?

When I see smiles on my kids’ faces. It brings me the most joy of all because there are hard moments every day and to be able to rise above them (I am talking about meltdowns, falls, spills, accidents, etc.) to see them happy is the greatest gift of all.

How long after giving birth did you start having sex again?

About 3 months, but it wasn’t until about 6 months until I started to enjoy having sex without any discomfort whatsoever.

Have you ever been mom-shamed? Share your best-worst experience:

I think this comes with the territory of being a mom and people often share their unsolicited advice and/or opinions unconsciously. I am a working mom and I am so proud of that, but I have to travel often and far.

A very typical question is “don’t you feel guilty leaving your kids? (sometimes followed by “I could never do that”) Do you feel like you are missing out?”

The answer is simple: Of course I do, that’s a given, but I am so passionate about bringing cleaner beauty to consumers globally (via Goldfaden MD) and I love what I do and I shut work off 100% when I am with my kids. I am there for them always and forever and they know that.

I’ve also learned that it’s so important to surround yourself with a community of people, including women, who support one another rather than judge because there is really no “right” or “wrong”. It’s all about what works for YOUR family!

Has becoming a mom affected your career? If so, how?

Yes, absolutely; it’s all about time management. I have learned to be laser focused on work when I am working and also to shut it off completely when I am with my kids. I stick to a pretty regimented work hour schedule! I was one to be working 24/7 pre-kids, so this has been a major adjustment for me, but ultimately it has made me become more efficient and resourceful.

If you had 30 extra minutes a day, what would you do with them?

Workout; it’s my therapy!

What did you think you wanted in a partner before? And how has that changed?

Love + companionship in its true form and post-kids, both partners really need to come to the table with support in every form – physically + emotionally + fundamentally – because caring for a little human changes all the pre-existing rules!

What’s your biggest fear as a parent?

To have my children in a dangerous situation. We spend every waking moment as parents worried and aware of our children’s safety (both physically and emotionally). I know that I can’t safeguard them from everything in life, but I want to make sure that they grow up in a safe environment and also learn how to pave a safe path in life for themselves, too.

What were your runner-up baby names?

Remi (for my daughter, Celine) and Jake (runner-up for my son, Liam)

What is the one lesson your parents taught you that you’ll pass on to your kids?

Manners in every form; it’s something that we take very seriously in our house!

What annoying/embarrassing thing did your parents do to you, that you will undoubtedly do to your child?

Kisses…all over and I will also do until they are out of the house!

Draw what you look like on an average morning:

Draw a picture of what your boobs felt like post-birth:

Draw a picture of what they feel like now:

What time did you wake up today?

5:30am

What’s the last thing you ate (snack, meal, anything) and when?

Dark Chocolate; it’s a nighttime ritual!

What would you put in a time capsule for your baby to open on their 21st birthday?

Baby cuddles with kisses. Nothing is sweeter.

What do you value most (after your children, of course)?

Alone time with my husband.

Fill in the blank. Breastfeeding is like ___

At first…like a dinosaur attacking your nipple. The pain can be almost unbearable. Then a relief (especially when you are engorged) and then the bond starts to form. It’s totally magical.

What’s your favorite baby-care shortcut/life hack?

Night time double diaper, snacks + wipes on hand…at all times!

What’s your favorite indulgence?

Mani/Pedi with an extra foot massage. It totally recharges me and makes me feel “put together”.