45. Caring for Moms First: Wellness, Loss & Longevity with Shelly Jefferis
In a heartfelt conversation, wellness educator Shelly Jefferis shares her journey through motherhood, wellness, and the importance of community support for moms. With over four decades of experience in health and wellness, Shelly has dedicated her life to helping mothers thrive through the ups and downs of parenting.
Shelly's journey in health and wellness began many years ago, evolving from a college professor in kinesiology to the founder of Moms Who Flourish. Her personal experiences with infertility and miscarriage have shaped her mission to create a supportive community for mothers. During the podcast, she emphasizes the challenges many moms face in prioritizing self-care, often putting their own needs on the back burner.
Shelly speaks to the isolation many mothers feel, despite being part of a sisterhood. "It’s like a sisterhood, like no other, yet there are many moments where you have that feeling of being isolated," she notes. This realization sparked her passion for creating a movement that supports moms not just in health goals but in navigating different phases of motherhood.
One common myth Shelly seeks to dispel is that self-care requires a significant time commitment. She encourages moms to take small moments for themselves, whether it’s stepping outside for five minutes or going for a brisk walk. "A little bit is better than nothing," she says, highlighting that every small effort counts in the journey of wellness.
Shelly believes in the power of sharing personal stories to foster connection and support. During her wellness events, she opens up about her own experiences with infertility and miscarriage, helping other moms feel less alone. "Everybody has a story, and we all have experiences we go through," she explains, emphasizing the importance of normalizing conversations around difficult topics.
As her children grew and became independent, Shelly found herself navigating new challenges as an empty nester. She recognizes the emotional rollercoaster that comes with this transition and aims to create a safe space for moms to share their feelings. "I hope that they can feel the encouragement from me and know that they’re not alone," she shares.
Shelly Jefferis’ insights remind us of the vital role community plays in motherhood. By sharing experiences and supporting one another, moms can embrace their journeys with resilience and joy. Whether it’s through small acts of self-care or open conversations about grief and joy, the message is clear: mothers deserve support and connection.
Connect with Shelly:
https://www.instagram.com/wellnesswithshellyj/
https://www.instagram.com/momswhoflourish
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The views and opinions expressed by guests on The Cyclical Doula Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Emma Goff or Emmamma LLC. This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice.
Key Takeaways:
- Prioritizing self-care does not have to be time-consuming.
- Building a supportive community can alleviate feelings of isolation among mothers.
- Sharing personal experiences can foster connection and understanding.
- It’s essential to navigate transitions in motherhood with support and encouragement.
Tags: motherhood, wellness, self-care, community support, infertility, miscarriage, Moms Who Flourish, Shelly Jefferis, health and wellness.