Motherhood is a journey that is both rewarding and challenging. From the sleepless nights to the endless hugs and kisses, being a mom is a full-time job that comes with no off days. This Mother's Day, we are celebrating all the Moms of Viome, who have been working tirelessly to provide the best for their families and communities. A few of these incredible women have shared their insights and hopes for the future of motherhood, and we can't wait to share their stories with you.
From raising happy and healthy children to juggling work and family responsibilities, these Moms of Viome are an inspiration to us all. Whether they are stay-at-home moms or working professionals, they have one thing in common: their unwavering commitment to their families. In this blog post, we'll highlight some of their memories and hear from them directly about the joys and challenges of motherhood and their vision for what the future holds.
Meet the Moms!
Anu Jain:
VP Business & Community Affairs
Kids: Ankur - 33, Priyanka - 29, and Neil - 26. Can't believe how time flies!
Janelle Connell
Translational Science, Clinical Expert
Kids: Audrey - 12, Deacon - 7, Theo - 4.
Terri Yeung
Head of Growth & Acquisition
Kids: Connor - 3, and Keira - 1.
Lisa Shomo
Senior Manager Content Marketing & Operations
Kid: Griffin - 15.
Jessica Youngblood
Head of Supplements Growth & Operational Lead
Lucille - 8, Althea - 5, Faroh - 3
Lashaun Dale
Head of Content
Tevan - 17, and Vanessa - 15. Two of my favorite pictures–nearly full-grown humans now!!!
What can individuals do to support Moms better?
Jessica:
Terri:
Offer to help whenever you can. I don't want to speak for other moms, but I rarely get a break. Even an hour's break would be lovely.
Janelle:
Anu:
Individuals can support moms by helping them out with chores and errands as needed and also entertain the small kids so mom can have a break and time to herself.
Lashaun:
It comes down to observation and listening well. With moms, there always seems to be something someone needs from her to do and take care of - and she is always proactively solving problems. How cool it could be if all those around her were so dialed in they can pre-empt what she really needs for support.
Lisa:
What can society do to better support Moms and the “motherload”
Anu:
Society can support moms by providing them with a flexible work schedule and daycare if needed. Support groups are great for moms and kids, also.
Jessica:
Lashaun:
Understand what the motherload really is and that physiological load is real and includes all stimuli and stress and factors. Moms have limited support systems that truly encompass all.
Provide absolute flexibility for her to navigate her responsibility to put her family needs first AND show up as an individual with dreams and career goals and massive skills to serve.
Terri:
Where do I even start?! Our country needs to offer better support for new moms, especially during the first two years. Having had my first kid right before the pandemic, it was extremely difficult to navigate. Even post-pandemic, there are so many resources I wish we had, especially to help with childcare for working parents.
Also, I think, as a country, we need to have more compassion for moms. In other countries, pregnant women and moms are treated so well. People go out of their way to help. Too many moms in the US have little to no support.
Lisa:
What do new Moms, Moms-to-be, and Moms need to understand about the microbiome and personalized nutrition?
Janelle:
Anu:
Personalized nutrition for pregnant and new moms is key to the development of the gut microbiome of a newborn baby. The gut microbiome determines the health of the baby for years to come. Breastfeeding also helps to build the immune system of the newborn baby by feeding the baby's gut microbiome and helping to populate the good bacteria.
Lisa:
Terri:
Our bodies and microbiome can change after pregnancy; it's really important to understand what we can do through nutrition to better support our health. It's not a one-size-fits-all, just like everything else in parenthood.
Jessica:
Lashaun:
At the very least, an understanding that it exists and functions and how EVERY function of the body and health ties back to our microbiome - so that, yes, what you eat matters and that each kid/family member may have different needs (sorry mom - that makes meal time even more of a challenge).
What is your favorite Mother's Day memory?
Jessica:
Anu:
Spending time with my mom and my children! I remember when Neil was young, he would plant sunflower seeds every year so he could give them to me on Mother's Day! So special!
Janelle:
Terri:
I think the day just reminds me that I'm actually a mom. Haha. The first Mother's Day was memorable just because it was my first. Connor and Derek brought my coffee and some chocolates to bed.
Lashaun:
I love the cards and homemade gifts over the years. I also loved it when they figured out that I do not love breakfast in bed!
Lisa:
