A mom of two who knows firsthand how debilitating postpartum depletion can be, and how putting yourself first can change everything.
I'm dedicated to helping moms find joy and feel like themselves again, whether they gave birth a day ago or a decade ago.
Which makes room for postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, exhaustion, sleep deprivation, and brain fog to thrive.
So instead of enjoying life with a new baby, we become a shell of our old selves, barely making it through each day. And yet it seems to be accepted as normal.
This is something I experienced firsthand when I had my oldest son, James (now 5). I was so excited for motherhood, but I had no idea that postpartum anxiety was waiting for me on the other side of labor. Being away from family, having a job to return to, and at a loss for how to handle it all led to me questioning every move I made.
My heart and mind were constantly racing. “Why won’t he stop crying? What if I don’t have enough milk for him? What if there’s something wrong with him? Why won’t he sleep? What am I doing wrong? I can’t stand to nurse one more time, my nipples will surely fall off. Why can’t I get this right? Why is it so easy for other moms? I never should have xyz”… on and on.
When I went back to work 5 months later I was hit with yet another hammer of mood swings and such extreme Mommy guilt that I locked myself in the pumping room and cried. I wanted to be with my baby. I was a walking zombie unable to form complete sentences, let alone write software marketing copy. I wanted to quit. I needed help. I decided to make some serious changes.
I did something that felt very uncomfortable, completely counterintuitive, and against societal norms – I made myself the number one priority of my life. I decided to rebuild from the ground up. I knew my previous identity was gone and adopting the sole role of “Mom” also wasn’t right either. I needed to find myself and that meant downshifting on my career, protecting my time, prioritizing nutrition, and ruthlessly comparing every request made of me to my new priority list.
Magic started to happen.
My postpartum anxiety lessened, my energy started to return, and I began to find other amazing women and mentors to help guide me on my new path. Women who lifted me up, never judged me, and provided the baby steps I needed to learn how to be a Mom while also being me.
I am here to Mother the Mother. I want to hold a safe space for you to learn, ask questions, and heal your body postpartum.
Supporting you isn't something I take lightly, which is why I chose to get certified as both a nutritional therapy practitioner and a certified health coach.
Nutritional Therapy Practitioner training through the Nutritional Therapy Association
Mom of 2 very rowdy but extremely cute little boys
Integrative Nutrition Health Coach training through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition
Perinatal Mood Disorders: Components of Care training through Postpartum Support International
Postpartum Recovery & Nutrient Repletion training through the Women’s Health Nutrition Academy
Pregnancy and birth drain your body of nutrients, leaving very little for mom to feel good. When you aren’t getting the vitamins/minerals/macros needed your body begins to break down vital body systems to maintain health. Fatigue, anxiety, digestive problems, and so on all begin to surface.
Serving only the needs of others 24/7, without taking time for yourself, is a quick path to burnout. Planning your days strategically to align with how you want to feel is extremely important for new moms (and everyone else!).
Nothing destroys your sense of self more than becoming a parent. Oftentimes we’re left sitting in a pile of shattered glass that used to be us. Give yourself space to rebuild.
Joy is found in being aware of our current moment: the smile we earned from our baby, the taste of fresh blueberries, the awareness of our emotions when they arise.
We are not meant to live alone – humans are tribal beings that require deep connection and support from others. Our society has somehow let this slip through the cracks, especially when it comes to new mamas.
Here is what I know: moms do not have to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or like they just aren't themselves. With a little help, motherhood can actually feel joyful.
Click the button below and learn more about how Mama Restore is helping women reclaim their energy, and themselves, through nutrition.