Peta Murgatroyd, 30, is basically Superwoman. The pro dancer gave birth just 10 weeks ago to her first child, son Shai, with fiancé and costar Maksim Chmerkovskiy, 37. And while most new moms need time to recuperate and relax, Peta almost immediately went back to work as a dancer on Dancing With The Stars. But returning to the stage has definitely had its challenges — including Peta having to learn to work with her changing new body.
“I think it’s good for mothers to get back out there and to keep doing what they love to do — I think it’s good,” Peta told Ellen DeGeneres, 59, while appearing on the Mar. 22 episode of The Ellen Show along with her dance partner former Bachelor Nick Viall, 36. But as amazing as it is to be back, Peta admitted she’s “exhausted,” and it’s been hard to get back into the swing of things — literally!
“You’re nursing?” Ellen asked while not-so-subtly glancing down at Peta’s chest. “I just guessed.” Peta responded with a laugh, “That’s the other thing! I have to tape these things down now. They’re big.” And asking what we were all probably thinking, Ellen said, “Do you try not to do bouncy dances?” “Yes!” Peta answered enthusiastically. “I directly asked for no jive that first week, thank you.” LOL!
Nursing in itself has also been an obstacle for Peta while she’s busy working. “You’re a dancer and you’re in great shape, but aren’t you tired?” Ellen asked the star. “I’m exhausted to be honest with you,” she truthfully responded. “I am so tired, between feeding every four hours and racing home.” But despite how rough it is at times, Peta is determined to get back to her old self soon.
“I feel like my body is getting stronger. It’s getting more flexible. I’m faster every day. I think it’s going to take another month or so probably to just fully be back into Peta mode,” she told People magazine after the DWTS premiere on Mar. 20. But no matter how quickly she gets back into “Peta mode,” her fans are beyond impressed with her already!
“I can’t imagine how tired you are to be a new mother and to do this. My hat’s off to you!” Ellen concluded the segment. And we could not agree more! TALK about an inspiration!
Tell us, HollywoodLifers — are you amazed Peta has the energy to care for her infant son AND compete on Dancing With The Stars?