By: Hannah Scott
Amidst a world where being a mom can sometimes feel lonely and challenging, it’s crucial to have people who stand up for mothers and empower them.
With statistics showing that 70-80% of new mothers experience some form of mood disturbance postpartum, the need for resources and community support tailored to mothers’ needs is undeniable.
Enter Mariela De Santiago, a source of encouragement and assistance for mothers as they begin their journey into parenthood. With experience as a technical journalist, special education teacher, fitness instructor, and now a motherhood podcaster, Mariela brings a wealth of knowledge to address various challenges faced by parents.
Mariela’s journey into supporting parents wasn’t linear. It started in special education, where she learned about the difficulties faced by people with different abilities, which helped her develop empathy and understanding.
While working as a fitness instructor, Mariela saw how moving and taking care of yourself could make you feel better. Through the interactions she made with her clients, she understood the importance of moms prioritizing self-care amidst the responsibilities of parenting. This understanding reinforced her commitment to supporting others in achieving overall wellness.
But what really drove her passion and propelled her to assist other mothers was her own embrace of motherhood.
This was a reality check for her where she found the lack of help and resourceful information for mothers quite alarming. “Becoming a mother opened my eyes to the challenges and joys of parenthood in a way I never anticipated,” Mariela reflects. “I realized that there was a gap in resources and support for mothers, especially during the early stages of motherhood.“
Fueled by a heartfelt longing to close this void and offer mothers the guidance and encouragement they deserve, Mariela took the plunge and started her podcast “Mama Wears Athleisure.” Her goal was to connect the expertise of professionals with the everyday experiences of mothers, bridging the divide between theoretical knowledge and practical realities.
With honest chats and expert wisdom, Mariela gives moms the strength to tackle parenthood head-on, feeling self-assured and strong along the way.
“My past experiences greatly shape my motherhood advocacy,” Mariela says. “As a special education teacher, I prioritized personalized support to meet individuals’ unique needs. Similarly, as a fitness instructor, I saw how self-care and community support profoundly impact well-being.”
Studies show that 80% of moms feel stressed due to societal expectations, underscoring the need for resources and support tailored to their experiences. This eliminates their self-care factor and they base their worlds around their families.
For new moms, self-care and support is like having a lifeline in the whirlwind of parenthood. It’s the shoulder to lean on when they’re feeling overwhelmed and the helping hand that makes daily tasks a little easier.
But it’s more than just practical help – it’s also about feeling understood and not alone in the rollercoaster of emotions that come with being a parent. Whether it’s from family, friends, or fellow moms, having a support network makes the journey of motherhood a little less daunting and a lot more fulfilling.
As a motherhood podcaster, Mariela empowers moms to embrace every part of their parenting journey. From joyous moments to challenging times, Mariela’s podcasts provide a platform for moms to share stories, find support, and gain practical advice.
Her podcasts cover a wide range of topics with expert insights From tackling mental health challenges to diving into the less glamorous aspects of motherhood like breastfeeding hiccups and postpartum body changes, Mariela creates a space where no mom feels alone.
The impressive success of her podcasts, evident in their high download rates and views, speaks volumes about the impact Mariela is making in the lives of mothers. But her efforts don’t stop there. Through initiatives like the Carlsbad Mom Walks program, she brings parents from all corners of the state together for a refreshing walk and a chance to connect, banishing loneliness one step at a time.
Looking ahead, let us recognize the invaluable role of advocates like Mariela De Santiago in creating a world where every mother feels supported, empowered, and heard.
Published by: Holy Minoza
