Lilah Richcreek Estrada has been working as an actress for over 15 years, with roles on Criminal Minds, Two and a Half Men, Cougar Town, and currently, Man on the Inside and Chicago Med. Off-screen, she’s also taken on the role of Mom; her son Jade is just six months old.
The new mom says post-partum life has been hard—really hard. “My body was really sensitive to the hormone drop and juggling everything while going through that was extremely destabilizing. I had and still have a really great village, and a lot of support, thankfully,” says Lilah.
In this week’s Meet a Mom interview, Lilah shares more about her postpartum journey and her return to work when her baby was a newborn, what it’s been like working with Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen, and more.
Congratulations on your new son Jade! You went back to work at just 5 1/2 weeks postpartum. Can you share a bit about that experience?
It was an accelerated learning curve! Learning everything about having a new baby from, you know, keeping them alive, in addition to learning about them as a tiny human on top of knowing that I had to put my actress hat back on within weeks was a lot to wrap my head around.
Who helped you through returning to work so quickly, and how?
Everyone. Everyone in my life really showed up for me. My husband stayed home for the first three months with the baby so I could go to work and not worry about his safety. My mom came over every day to help him and give him an extra set of hands. Our show’s producing team made sure I had everything I needed to make sure Jade and my husband could come to set as often as necessary.
The wardrobe department did regular fittings with me to make sure my clothes were fitting properly and that I felt my best and most beautiful. The hair and makeup department literally gave me pep talks every day to boost my confidence and on a day when I was feeling really overwhelmed, they snuck out and got me a cake to cheer me up. Everyone has been incredible.
Love that! What would you tell yourself before you became a mom that you wish you had known?
The first six months are going to be really challenging. But you will get through it because every mom does. Also, Jade is perfect.
Congratulations on the second season of Man on the Inside! What has it been like working with Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen?
Well Ted and Mary are dreamboats. Both separately and together…so it’s been so a delight getting to work with them. Julie has a very special storyline this season that was so fun to shoot. I’m so grateful I got to tell the story of that side of her life.
You describe yourself as an “Everyday Meditator” on your Instagram profile. Can you share a little about your meditation?
Yeah! I follow Dr. Joe Dispenza‘s work. He teaches meditations based in neuroscience and brain rewiring. I’ve been meditating every day for the past 10 years and it has been truly life changing.
What’s your favorite role to date?
Well, to be honest, A Man on the Inside has been my favorite role and experience so far. But outside of that I would have to say Chicago Med! I got to bond with everyone that I worked for such a long time that it made the overall experience feel really special. And I loved traveling to and working in Chicago. It’s such a beautiful and vibrant city.
What’s a mom mantra that gets you through hectic days?
“Today doesn’t need to be perfect. You’re doing a great job and I’m so proud of you.”
What’s next for you?
Hopefully season 3 of A Man on the Inside! I also wrote a rom com that I’m going to start sending out very soon. Fingers crossed for all of it!
Speed Round with Lilah Richcreek Estrada:
What’s in your in purse right now?
EVE. RY. THING. It’s really heavy. Ha!
What’s your go-to “mom-uniform”/outfit when you’re off-duty?
I live in athleisure. It’s my love language. So Vuori lounge pants, a tank top and a linen button up shirt over it.
What shows are you watching right now?
Black Rabbit, Boots and we’re going to start Task soon!
What books are you reading/hoping to read soon?
I‘m re-reading You Are the Placebo by Dr. Joe Dispenza!
What’s your favorite store to online shop for clothes? And shop local?
Reformation, Quince, A&F and, locally I love The Canyon in Franklin Village.
What are your 3 fave makeup products – anything you can’t live without?
My favorite makeup is NO MAKEUP! Sunscreen moisturizer and sunscreen!
What’s on your holiday wishlist – anything you hope to receive? And anything you’re definitely giving to others this year?
To be honest, I’m not a big gift person. I like experiences with people. So my wishlist is to just spend lots of good quality time with family and friends and give Jade a great first Christmas with traditions he’ll hopefully grow to love.
Other Profiles on The North County Moms:
Meet a Mom: Actress Hilary Swank
Meet María Felicia Kelley, Author & Founder — The North County Moms
