We recently connected with Anita Momodu and have shared our conversation below.
Anita, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about the best advice you’ve ever given to a client? (Please note this response is for education/entertainment purposes only and shouldn’t be construed as advice for the reader)
I have the privilege of working with new parents. One challenge a lot of clients face are the challenges of postpartum depression and anxiety. They are overwhelmed by feelings of inadequacy, guilt, and a sense of being lost in their new role as a parent.And never fully share their emotional struggle with anyone, not even themselves.
I encourage my clients to start sharing thier postpartum story, first with me and then, ultimately, with themselves. Drawing inspiration from Brené Brown’s powerful quote, “Shame derives itself from being unspeakable,” we discuss how shame often thrives in silence.
To create a safe and supportive environment, we begin the process of expressing their emotions and experiences. Slowly, we unravel the layers of thier postpartum journey, allowing them to confront thier feelings head-on.
As they began to share their postpartum story, something profound happens. Verbalizing their struggles brings a sense of relief and release. It is as if, by acknowledging and sharing their emotional turmoil, they finally give themselves permission to heal. Some describe it as taking their power back from the shame and self-doubt that had held them captive.
Over time, the act of sharing and self-reflection allows them to reframe their postpartum experience and cultivate a more compassionate understanding of themselves. Feelings of inadequacy and guilt are found not to be their fault but rather a result of the challenges they have faced. This newfound self-compassion becomes the foundation for their healing journey.
In the end, the real power of sharing one’s story lies in the process of self-liberation. By confronting and articulating their postpartum struggles, parents are able to break free from the grip of shame and self-doubt. Learn the importance of sharing your story is not just about sharing it with others, but most importantly, sharing it with yourself. When you speak your truth, you began to reclaim your self-worth, and the ability to navigate your postpartum journey.
Embracing vulnerability and acknowledging their struggles allowed parents to step into a brighter, more authentic version of themselves. Their journey emphasizes the wisdom in Brené Brown’s words: “Shame derives itself from being unspeakable.” It’s only by breaking the silence that we can begin to heal and reclaim our lives.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m Anita Momodu, the founder of Udomom, and I’m incredibly passionate about supporting parents and families on their journey to and through parenthood, while taking their power back from shame. My journey into this industry was deeply personal and inspired by a combination of life experiences.
My path was marked by adopting a child, giving birth to another, and tragically losing a child to miscarriage. These profound experiences ignited a desire to redefine what parenthood means for individuals and families. This journey led me to establish Udomom, a platform designed to empower parents to have the postpartum experience they envision, regardless of their unique circumstances.
At Udomom, we offer a range of products and services that include individual, group, and family therapy to address mental health needs, full spectrum doula services, childbirth education, bereavement services, and an innovative Parent Portal. The Parent Portal is a digital library of expert videos and resources aimed at helping parents navigate their parenthood journeys.
We solve the problem of parents feeling overwhelmed, unsupported, or disconnected during their transition into parenthood. We believe that every parent deserves the postpartum experience they desire, and we provide the tools, guidance, and community support to make that a reality.
What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to inclusivity, mental well-being, and informed decision-making in parenthood. We believe in the power of resilience and understand that every family’s path is unique. We actively engage with the community, collaborating with local experts and reaching underserved communities.
I’m most proud of the positive impact Udomom has had on countless families around the world, providing a safe and supportive space for parents to share, learn, and heal. What I want potential clients and followers to know about Udomom is that we are not just a service; we are a supportive, inclusive, and evolving community that empowers parents to navigate the challenges and joys of parenthood on their terms. Our dedication to helping families redefine parenthood is unwavering, and we are here to support, guide, and celebrate every unique parenthood journey.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
In my journey, one of the most profound moments of resilience occurred during my experience with miscarriage. The loss of a child is an indescribable pain, and it tested my resilience in ways I could have never imagined.
After the loss of our child, my partner and I were shattered. The grief was overwhelming, and the future seemed bleak. It was a journey of navigating through the darkest of emotions and finding the strength to continue..
But amidst the pain, I realized the importance of resilience. It wasn’t about erasing the grief, but about finding the courage to heal and honor the memory of our child. I sought therapy, support groups, and leaned on may support system. I channeled my sorrow into creating a legacy for our child.
This experience showed me that resilience is not just about enduring adversity, but also about the capacity to heal and grow. It’s about transforming pain into purpose.
This journey of loss ultimately led to the birth of The Aftercare Experience. Named after my son ACE. It’s a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to find light in the darkest of times. I understand the profound challenges parents can face and the resilience it takes to redefine parenthood after experiencing loss. It’s a journey I’m proud to share and a source of my unwavering dedication to support other parents in their unique paths.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
In my field, aside from acquiring the necessary training and knowledge, self-care and setting boundaries are two incredibly important factors for success. It’s easy to get caught up in the demands of the job, especially when you’re passionate about helping others, but taking care of yourself and establishing clear boundaries can make a significant difference.
Self-care is like recharging your own batteries. It involves taking time for yourself to rest, relax, and rejuvenate. Just as we give our best to our clients or patients, we need to ensure that we’re at our best, both mentally and physically. This might mean taking breaks when needed, managing stress, getting enough sleep, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. When we neglect self-care, it can lead to burnout, decreased effectiveness, and even harm to our own well-being.
Setting boundaries is equally crucial. Boundaries are like the lines we draw to protect our time, energy, and personal space. They help maintain a healthy and respectful relationship with clients or patients. Being clear about what you can and cannot offer, and establishing limits on your availability, ensures that you’re able to provide the best care within your capacity. This not only prevents overextending yourself but also maintains a professional and ethical practice.
Remember, your well-being is not just important for you; it’s crucial for your clients or patients too. When you are well-rested and have clear boundaries, you can offer better support, empathy, and guidance. So, in my field, self-care and boundaries are not just helpful; they are essential for providing the best care and achieving long-term success.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.udomom.com/links
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/udomomhw
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/udomomhw
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@udomomhw
- Other: TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@udomomhw
Image Credits
Que Images Boss Mom Lens