Fertile Times

Singer/songwriter Chynna Phillips has a new album and a new baby (her third!) on the way.

INTERVIEW BY ANN WYCOFF

Page 1 | 2

This is a busy and fulfilling time for Chynna Phillips. Not only are she and her husband, actor Billy Baldwin, expecting their third child (a girl) in December, she’s also promoting her new album. Titled  California (Columbia Records), it reunites her with fellow Wilson Phillips band members Carnie and Wendy Wilson. During this pregnancy, Phillips has managed to move her family from Los Angeles to New York, and find new schools for daughter Jameson, 4, and son Vance, 3. Here, she speaks candidly about pregnancy the third time around and how motherhood has changed her.

How is this pregnancy, compared with the first two?
I am definitely more tired than I ever was, since I am chasing two kids around. I had terrible morning sickness the first three months, which turned into these dizzy spells where the room would turn upside down. It’s been tough, but I have nothing to complain about now.

Do you have any apprehension about labor?
Not at all. My other two births were crazy easy—they just flew out. But I am dreading the thought of finding myself pregnant again afterward. I’ll have to get on some kind of birth control immediately.

You’re a vegan. Has it been challenging to follow such a diet during pregnancy?
I’m not going to lie: It’s hard and not for everybody. Whenever I get really strong cravings for meat or serious protein, I eat tempeh or nuts, or I’ll make myself a hearty soy yogurt with lots of chocolate chips and nuts. But, I also had scrambled eggs a couple of times and a bite of chicken once, because my body was really craving it.

What’s your favorite thing about being pregnant?
Nesting. I feel this strong sense of home and connection to my family. Not that I’m scrapbooking, but you become acutely aware of what matters and I love that about being pregnant. It gives you a fresh perspective.

How do you feel about breastfeeding?
I love it. I like bonding with the baby for the first few months, just purely breastfeeding, then letting Billy give a bottle at night. After that, I find myself pumping a lot because I’m a busy person.

What do you do for exercise when you’re pregnant?
I usually do yoga and lift weights, but during this pregnancy I haven’t done any formal exercise. Instead, I’ve been walking a lot and pushing my kids in their double stroller.

What’s best about being a mom?
The gratification that comes with being able to instill values in my children and seeing them incorporate them into their own lives. I love watching them be loving and affectionate to other babies and hearing them say “please” and “thank you.” It makes me feel proud.

Page 1 | 2