casey
1. How do you define “mothering” in your own life—and has that definition changed over time?
Mothering is giving of yourself selflessly and pouring into a person who soaks up every ounce of what you pour into them. I don’t believe I even knew what it really was until I became a mom.
2. What has mothering revealed to you about who you are, beyond the roles you play?
Mothering has revealed how strong, determined, patient, and nurturing I really am. It has enhanced the best parts of me and shown me who I really am and what I’m capable of.
3. What parts of your journey feel unseen, misunderstood, or unspoken—and deserve to be named out loud?
Mothering is hard! It’s also necessary to take breaks from it to be able to really give it your all.
4. How has your experience of mothering been shaped by your lineage, your culture, or the community around you?
My mother and grandmother are the most amazing examples of motherhood. Their nurturing and guidance are hugely influential on me as a mother. My mother is my closest confidant and someone I emulate as a mother. She listens and doesn't judge. She gives advice without criticism.
5. What was your postpartum experience like—emotionally, physically, and spiritually? What kind of support (or lack of it) did you receive during that time?
There were so many things I don’t think I was prepared for, especially after having several miscarriages. I feel we don’t share enough as women about the difficulties and complications of pregnancy and conception. I never knew what an ectopic pregnancy was until I had one. I didn’t know so many women struggled through miscarriages until it happened to me and I started sharing about mine. When I had my son, I was literally in a fog for maybe two years until I started to really get adjusted to the new me. It was a life-altering experience that I think women should seek and have more support to navigate. My mother was so kind to stay with me for a month after he was born, but after that, it was all on me to figure it out.
6. If you could design the ideal postpartum care system, what would it look and feel like?
No work for a year!!! Mothers and children need time to bond and grow together without having to be forced back to work to make ends meet.
7. Can you share a moment of deep joy in your mothering journey—one that lives in your body?
A moment of deep joy for me is every time my son just looks at me and tells me he loves me, or when he just comes up and hugs me out of the blue.
8. What grief, loss, or transformation has shaped the way you show up as a mother?
My baby boy was made in May! I paused a little longer on that morning to hold him and cherish the moment, knowing I won’t get to cuddle him like this forever. These cuddles are so precious to me because I’m just so glad he’s here. He’s my rainbow 🌈 baby. He came after two early-term miscarriages, and I’ve had two more since he was born. That’s why I’m eternally grateful for the one living child I do have.
9. How do you access healing—emotionally, spiritually, or ancestrally?
Healing for me means taking breaks and allowing myself to feel my emotions and not push them aside in the hustle and bustle of life. It comes in finding peace and connection in the community of moms that uplift and support me on the journey, reminding me I’m not alone.
10. Are there any rituals, practices, or traditions that keep you grounded?
I remain grounded by being consistent in seeking spiritual enrichment and fellowship.
11. What does community care mean to you—and how do you invite others into your mothering journey to help bridge gaps of support, understanding, or visibility?
I never understood the importance of a play date until I started having them. My girlfriends and their kids are a huge blessing and always there just when I need them. Having sister friends who understand your journey, can offer advice, and be of support is essential in this journey.
12. To mother within systems that weren’t made for you is an act of resistance. How do you navigate, push against, or reimagine those systems in your everyday world?
I don’t let a job or my career keep me from being a present mom. If my son has had to come with me to work or work events on occasion, then so be it.
13. What do you want the world to understand about mothers like you?
It is possible to do it all and have it all without giving up on yourself and your dreams. You can be a great mom and still put yourself and your partner above your child. You have to be whole and taken care of to be the best mom for your little one.
14. What do you hope your child—or future generations—inherit from your story?
I hope my child inherits my sense of adventure, finding joy in the small things, and being able to give it his all in whatever he does. I want future generations to be able to chart their own path and not be subjected to what older generations tell them they should do. Be bold enough to break the mold of what’s expected and stand on your own terms.
