MORE ABOUT ME
Welcome to The Mum Network! I'm Steph, a registered nurse with over 15 years of experience specializing in families, babies, and kids. In 2015, I took a leap of faith, leaving my nursing job in the emergency room to start a new chapter in Rome with my husband, two cats, and our loyal dog.
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The adventure truly began in 2019 when I became a mom for the first time right here in Rome. It was a whirlwind of learning experiences, and amidst it all, I discovered the absolute necessity of babywearing – not just for convenience but as a lifeline for navigating the bustling city and managing daily tasks at home. Unfortunately, my maternity leave was short-lived. Returning to work after just five months presented unexpected challenges. Without the usual support system, I found myself grappling with the all-too-common feelings of guilt that come with being a working mom. The demands of being a new mom and of work, mixed with a global pandemic, all contributed to a diagnosis of postpartum depression. Fortunately, I advocated for myself and found the resources needed to support me and my family, but the struggle highlighted the limited English-speaking help available in Rome. After returning to work I was involved in creating a peer support group within my organization that brought colleagues around the globe together to support each other on their breastfeeding journey. This is when I realized affordable lactation support is not easily available for the majority of the globe. Throughout the last few years, I have been able to offer my support as a lactation counselor to women in countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, and Malawi
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Fast forward to 2022, and our family welcomed our second son. Thinking I was better prepared, I soon realized that each journey into motherhood brings its own set of challenges. Navigating feeding and weight gain issues, a tongue tie, and other health concerns proved to be just as demanding and frustrating the second time around.
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Motivated by these experiences, I decided to share my journey, offering help and insights to friends and colleagues facing similar challenges. This is how The Mum Network came to be. I wanted to create more than just a service – I am creating a safe space where families, regardless of the size of their village, could find success in this new phase of life. Join me on this journey as I share my experiences with breastfeeding, raising a baby without the traditional village support, managing a short maternity leave, and addressing postpartum mental health.
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At The Mum Network, my goal is to provide not only support but also a sense of community, empowering families to thrive in this unique chapter of their lives. Together, let's build a space that fosters success and well-being for every family, no matter the size of their village.
