Michelle Morgan: From Heartland to Motherhood
Actress Shares Name's Special Meaning and Plans to Bring Daughter to Set
Michelle Morgan, the talented actress who brings Lou Fleming to life on CBC's beloved series Heartland, recently opened up about her journey as a new mother. In a heartfelt conversation, she shared how the arrival of her daughter Mara has transformed her life, echoing the experiences of her on-screen character.
"Having a child completely changed my priorities," Michelle confessed. "I really enjoyed having a social life. With working full time having family time is now my highest priority."
This sentiment resonates with many parents who find their worlds beautifully reshaped by the arrival of a child.
Michelle and her husband, Derek, are determined to nurture their relationship amidst the whirlwind of parenthood. They prioritize weekly date nights, often escaping for "a walk down 17th street, in Calgary, for a late afternoon drink."
These precious moments away allow them to reconnect and return home feeling even more appreciative of their family.
Little Mara is clearly the apple of her parents' eyes. Michelle describes her as "super bubbly and loud...really happy." Mara's infectious laughter and adorable attempts at crawling - she's currently "revving her engine on all fours" - bring joy to their lives. It's heartwarming to hear Michelle speak about her daughter with such love and pride.
Motherhood, however, is not without its challenges. For Michelle, "finding the time to stay in shape between being a mom and my career" has proven to be a hurdle. But like many working mothers, she finds strength and support from her family. When the pressure mounts, she turns to her sisters and mother for advice and encouragement via Skype.
Michelle's return to filming Heartland just eight weeks after Mara's arrival presented its own set of obstacles. The pressure to breastfeed while juggling work, a new baby, and a move to Calgary took its toll. "Biologically I was unable to do it," she revealed. Ultimately, she found peace in supplementing with formula.
Michelle's honesty about her breastfeeding experience is a reminder that every mother's journey is unique and that finding what works best for you and your baby is paramount.
Interestingly, Michelle's real-life experiences mirrored Lou's storyline in Heartland, with the character also navigating the complexities of motherhood and work. "Last year and this year, the show has mirrored my life," Michelle observed. "Lou going back to work is the perfect storyline."
This parallel between art and life adds another layer of depth to Michelle's performance, allowing her to portray Lou's struggles and triumphs with remarkable authenticity.
When asked if she could have played the role of a new mother as convincingly without having gone through it herself, Michelle thoughtfully replied, "No. Being an actor, there are times where we play roles that we have never personally experienced... However, having gone through new motherhood has given me so much to work with as an actor. It’s such an out there experience and it’s hard to imagine what it’s like til you go through it."
Michelle's candid reflections on motherhood offer a glimpse into the joys, challenges, and transformative power of this profound experience. Her story is a testament to the resilience of women and the unwavering love between a mother and her child.
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