A Message from Ottawa & Area‘s Chapter Director
I had visions of being a glowy pregnant person, soaking in newborn snuggles, reading books, stroller walks & activities….. Until I gave birth to my winter colic baby, Calvin.
As a first time mom, this rocked me to my absolute core, strained my marriage, tested me in every sense. Overstimulated, underslept, and lonely.
I signed up for my 1st Mommy Connections class in April 2023, terrified of driving with my son who screamed in the car, horrified at the idea of messing with his wake windows (not like he ever slept), and the sheer panic of making small talk with strangers while coming out of my freshly post partum fog was daunting.
I walked into that Orleans Mom and Baby class, the entire trajectory of my maternity leave, changed. I felt validated, heard, and seen by other moms and truly found my village. I learned from them and local experts and honestly found my confidence as a new mom.
I took and facilitated four more sessions during my 12 month leave and continued to feel so inspired by every group.
When the opportunity was presented to me by @erinjgirouard to potentially take over as Program Director – nothing made more sense to me. I am simultaneously dealing with a parent dying of terminal brain cancer and have realized the importance of doing things that make you happy.
Being of service to others has been fully engrained in my being (thank you, 12 step group!) and watching new and veteran parents share their experiences has been one of the biggest joys of my life. I am absolutely honoured to have accepted this role and continue to make motherhood my entire personality.
Erin has left some BIG shoes to fill, well, fortunately, my feet grew so much in pregnancy, and didn’t shrink back, that I have the feet to hopefully fill these shoes.
Thank you so much for being apart of my chaos and joy as we navigate these special chapters of motherhood together. 🤍
Try new things and go on an adventure with your toddler
