Tips for Thriving As A New Mom with Mariela Desantiago
Overview
In this episode we chat with Mariela Desantiago, host of the New Mom Talk podcast, about the transformative power of community and self-care during early motherhood. Together, we explore practical ways to prepare for postpartum life, from hiring a doula to building a support network that combats isolation. Packed with honest advice and actionable tips, this episode is a must-listen for new moms navigating the challenges of balancing motherhood, mental health, and self-care.
What You Will Learn
0:00 Empowering Moms Through Community and Self-Prioritization
2:58 Navigating Postpartum Challenges with Support and Community
14:04 Balancing Motherhood, Work, and Self-Care
21:06 Balancing Motherhood, Messy Homes, and Authenticity on Socials
28:37 Building Community and Support for New Moms
Resources
Mariela's Instagram
Mariela's Website
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Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is not to be taken as medical advice.
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Improving Mental Health with Self-Care and Community: Essential Insights for New Moms
Key Takeaways
Self-care is vital: Prioritizing personal well-being enhances the overall capability to nurture and care for others.
Community connection is key: Building supportive networks combats loneliness and isolation in motherhood.
Preparation beyond baby essentials: Consider non-tangible resources in postpartum planning, such as sleep training and professional support.
Understanding the Importance of Self-Care for New Moms
Motherhood is an intricate dance of nurturing and resilience, requiring women to juggle numerous roles and responsibilities. As highlighted in the conversation between Vanna Padilla and Mariela Desantiago, the essence of effective motherhood lies in self-care.
"That's quite honestly why I started this podcast to begin with," explains Vanna, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing oneself. Without adequate self-care, mothers may find their emotional and physical resources depleted, rendering them less effective in supporting their families.
Mariela highlights a common struggle: "You also want, like, your kids to see that you are taking care of yourself so that they know, like, oh, yeah, mom, this is mom's time." By modeling self-care, mothers teach their children the value of maintaining balance and mental health.
Expanding on this, Mariela and Vanna suggest simple, practical strategies for self-care, such as scheduling "me time" daily or seeking professional help where needed. Emphasizing small, manageable steps rather than grand gestures, their insights reveal crucial lessons: "If you're not taking care and prioritizing yourself, you're not going to be able to take care of the people around you either," Vanna astutely observes.
Building Community and Connection to Mitigate Loneliness
Connecting with others in similar life stages provides solace amid the whirlwind of parenting. Establishing supportive communities emerges as a second vital theme in the transcript, offering a lifeline to new mothers experiencing isolation.
According to Mariela, feelings of disconnection are prevalent: "A lot of times the things that we go through as moms aren't really talked about." She stresses how joining local groups, such as the Carlsbad Mom Crew, or platforms like Peanut, helps women feel seen and supported. "It's so nice to have other moms in that stage to connect with and then you make some great friends," she affirms.
Vanna echoes this sentiment, stressing the importance of relatable companionship: "Even if you have a good support system in your family and your friends, there's something to be said about walking through the same seasons of life with different people."
Forming such bonds fosters a nurturing space to share experiences, provide encouragement, and exchange valuable parenting resources. Furthermore, encouraging moms to initiate their groups emphasizes that these networks need not be confined to existing structures. As Mariela suggests, "Sometimes all you need is one to two moms to show up. And there you go. You've got your little community started."
Preparing for Postpartum with Knowledge and Resources
The third significant theme revolves around the concept of preparation—beyond baby registries and nursery designs, extending to a deeper readiness for postpartum challenges. This encompasses assembling a toolkit of knowledge and resources that cater to the unique needs of new mothers.
Vanna and Mariela advocate for a shift in focus when preparing for a baby, emphasizing non-tangible assets like lactation consultants, postpartum doulas, and sleep training courses. As Mariela advises, "Have a list of resources that you may need so that you're not trying to find these resources when you have a newborn baby."
This approach, backed by tangible experiences, brings light to often-overlooked aspects of postpartum readiness. Vanna recounts her own journey: "I was pretty a pretty balanced person before I had a child. My pregnancy was very easy, but as soon as baby came, I was so ill prepared for all that came after that."
Choosing to invest in professional support, like a postpartum doula, can significantly ease the transition into motherhood. As Mariela describes these roles, "A postpartum doula essentially comes over and supports you, the mom, with whatever it is that you need during that postpartum stage."
Insights from Inspiring Discussions
The discussions between Vanna Padilla and Mariela Desantiago offer transformative insights for mothers navigating the complexities of postpartum life. Embracing self-care, fostering supportive communities, and equipping oneself with the right resources are integral to a fulfilling motherhood experience. As they eloquently convey, a balanced approach can alleviate the burdens of isolation and overwhelm.
Through their conversation, two messages resonate clearly: That prioritizing self-care empowers mothers to give their best to their families, and that nurturing a community makes motherhood a shared journey rather than a solitary struggle. These insights, grounded in real-life experiences, are pivotal for new and experienced mothers alike as they navigate the beautiful yet challenging path of motherhood.