Episode 2 - Moms Supporting Moms with Mariela Desantiago

By Jessica Garrison

Surprise! Two episodes in one week! We have so many amazing guests to share with you this season, which means double the episodes and double the resources. Our second guest of opening week, Mariela Desantiago, has been on an amazing journey as a first time mom, and there’s nothing like motherhood to really make you need F.E.E.L. Mariela is creative, particular, type A organized, flexible, and a learner. She is using her new experiences and knowledge to help mothers find that much-needed balance.

Since this was a new experience, there was a lot that Mariela wasn’t sure about when it came to motherhood. There may be books on what to expect when you’re expecting, but every pregnancy and child is different, so you never truly know what you may come up against. There isn’t a set manual on how to parent, so Mariela still needed guidance in terms of advice and knowledge. She’s a frequent podcast listener, but she still wasn’t finding the topic she was looking for. A lightbulb went off in Mariela’s head, and she decided to create a podcast of her own that would give people advice and share the truth of what it’s like being a parent. I’ve heard the phrase before that if you can’t find a book you want to read, you should write it. Mariela didn’t find the right podcast, so she created it, and that is quite commendable.

This idea came to her as she was on a walk, which is connected to her self care routine. For Mariela, self care needs to be nonnegotiable so she can reset after giving so much of herself to her family. We’ve heard from prior guests that self care doesn’t have to be a major thing you do each day, but even doing something small can change the way you experience the rest of the day.

In addition to keeping up with everyone else, it can be overwhelming to keep up with your own well being. It’s crucial to point out, as Mariela recognized, there’s no need to take everything on yourself. There are people around you—a community, friends, family, loved ones—who are willing and wanting to help. As an “independent woman who can do it all by herself,” I am no stranger to attempting to do everything solo. However, it’s important to take a look around at the people in your life who are willing to help but maybe don’t know where to begin. Just ask. You’ll be thanking yourself later for sharing the load rather than breaking your back trying to carry it all yourself.

Mariela’s podcast, New Mom Talk, is a great resource for anyone who is looking for the truth about parenthood. These conversations are so special and allow us to help those who may not even realize yet that they need help. It takes a village—don’t be afraid to lean on them.

Ways to Engage: If you’re a young/new mom, think of some things you could use help with and share them with a friend or loved one who is willing to take some of the load off. Do you know a young/new mom who could use a hand? Offer ways to help or be supportive during this transitional time in their lives.