Brooke-Sidney Jackson is the founder and CEO of “Bella and The Babe,” a website that has
resources and support for authentic mothering. She is the author of the brand new “Mama Love Planner” and offers Joy and Empowerment sessions for mothers, and women hoping to become mothers. In the past, Brooke-Sidney has been a lawyer, a journalist, and she now works full time for herself, encouraging, guiding, and offering support to other women. Join me as I talk about Authentic Mothering with Brooke-Sidney Jackson.
How to approach Authentic Mothering
I sensed right away that Brooke-Sidney and I had so much in common. We met a few years ago, when we were both leading (in)courage groups and discovered we lived only 30 minutes from each other. It has been a complete joy to catch up with her on this podcast episode. I think you will love her wisdom around so many hot mama topics, and her very loving and sensible approach to how to listen to what YOU want as a mother, instead of listening to what others think is right for you and your child, and your family. I walked away feeling more empowered, more focused, and ready to be more authentic in my own mothering choices.
In this episode, Brooke-Sidney Jackson and I talk about:
– getting away from making mothering decisions based on what other people say, and focusing on what feels right to you
– how to deal with some of the hot mama topics of breast-feeding, cry it out, male circumcision, co-sleeping, car seats in a way that feels authentic to you
– that it’s OK to change your mind on parenting techniques, or change or direction as your child grows
– the major changes that mothers go through from the beginning
– the importance of self care for moms, and how self care can take just 15 minutes a day
– that going after your dreams and goals is even more important once you are a mom, as it sets an example for successes and how to handle failures for children.
– our hopes and dreams for our sons’ generation
– how Brooke-Sidney created her own Mama Love Planner, after not being able to find a planner that assisted with both scheduling and self care
– the impact of a gratitude practice: take stock of at least three things that you’re grateful for each day, a practice that goes hand in hand with bringing more joy and contentment in your life
– why putting your dreams down on paper helps you reach them, and why doing a brain dump helps free up room in your head to do other things
Resources:
Order your Mama Love Planner on Brooke-Sidney’s site – click here.
Visit Brooke-Sidney Jackson’s website: Bella and the Babe
San Damiano Retreat – set up your personal retreat and request spiritual direction
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Comments
31 responses to “Authentic Mothering with Brooke-Sidney Jackson”
It’s amazing how much mamas are underestimated! Great interview plus I lover her planner!
Being intentional about mothering, feeling supported as a mom, and taking care of yourself, too, are all things that are so necessary to feeling and sharing joy, peace and love instead of frazzled, tired and worn. I think it’s such important work to encourage other moms along their journeys. Good work!
Self care for moms and women is so important. As women we tend to be the caregivers and usually at the cost of ourselves. It’s time to put our own life jackets on first, take care of ourselves before taking care of others. Saw a great interview with Jada Pinkett Smith talking to her her daughter willow about this very thing! You should check it out
“The impact of a gratitude practice: take stock of at least three things that you’re grateful for each day, a practice that goes hand in hand with bringing more joy and contentment in your life”
I think this statement is so important to remember, both for women who are mothers and those who aren’t. We get so caught up in being “busy,” we often forget about what it is that brings us joy and contentment.
There are NOT enough moms out there making other mother’s feel good. So much mom-shaming and bullying out there. Thank you.
“Looking at it in your clearest mind”. Such a great bit of advice! Especially when talking about those hot topics, it’s good not to get caught up in the drama of the topic, but make the decision based on clarity. Love it!
I love that you said how important it is to go after your dreams and goals once you are a mom to set an example for your children. It is so easy to get sidetracked and self care is so important not only for your own health, but the health of your entire family. You two covered some great topics!
I’m not a mother myself but while listening I couldn’t help but think about my mom and how great she, and many mothers are. I also LOVED the bit about self care. I’m a very big advocate for self care and I think its so important for mommas to remember that while they may have a child to look after, looking ofter themselves is very important. Will be sharing this podcast with all the important mommas in my life!
XO,
Ana (www.dearanaaa.com)
Hi Ana, thank you for listening and sharing! I’m so glad you stopped by!
I really loved that Brooke-Sidney called that out, too! It’s easy to get caught up in the drama, and so taking the time to figure out what YOU want is a great way to make a solid, authentic decision. 🙂
I LOVE a gratitude practice! It’s a great thing to incorporate in your day – AND I love that both Brooke-Sidney and Alison Arngrim listed it as something that is meaningful to them. Thank you for listening, Liz! 🙂
Thank you, Di. It’s true! We often take care of ourselves last, or, sadly, not at all. I will check out the Jada Pinkett Smith interview. That sounds awesome. 🙂
It is important to encourage each other. There are so many hot topics, and so many opinions. I believe that each of us are doing the best that we can with what we know. I am grateful to have had Brooke-Sidney on the show! Take care, Lisa 🙂
Thank you, Jannine! It is really easy to get sidetracked. If you liked this week’s show, I know you’ll love the Flylady (Marla Cilley) next week. We talk a lot about getting sidetracked.
It’s always nice to inspire and help others in a way we can possible do, and I think that’s what Brooke-Sidney Jackson do, and while sharing your interview you also part of inspiring and helping other moms. Btw, I love that you also share podcast, something I’ve been considered to do in the future.
Thanks for sharing. I sent these resources to my daughter who is 4 months. Mothers are definitely underestimated. Moms need love too .. lol
I’m not a mother *yet* but I do agree that it’s so important to have self-care, for anyone really. Plus it was a breath of fresh air for this to be a positive interview and not one of those shaming or open letter type deals. Uplifting it is so much more important 🙂
It’s so important to mother the way you feel is appropriate and not listen to everyone else. Only you know your child best. She sounds great!
Love the sense of community spirit here; being a mother is more than just as a figure for your children but remaining authentic to your community while still retaining your individuality as a mother.
What a wonderful interview. I love powerful woman who work to encourage other women to be strong and forge ahead. It is very difficult to be a businesswoman and mother
Mothers…this post made me think of mine. The message was beautiful! Great interview XO
I love how you said that it is okay to change direction as a mother. I am parenting in a completely different way now than I did with my older children. You know better, you do better!
I love the connections I’ve made through blogging. It’s even better when you discover a blogger isn’t far from you! How cool that you’re only 30 minutes apart!
I know a ew people that will love this! I”m going to send them the link.
I’m not a mom, but I think this is great advice. Women need to take care of themselves and take some time to think about what they want for themselves, their children and the world at large.
I love all the recommendations. Doing your research and following your heart helps you feel so much more confident in parenting.
Oh I can’t wait to listen to this! I love to listen to encouraging podcasts while I am folding my mountain of laundry 🙂 I wish they still had the (in)courage groups!
That’s very cool that you have found a kindred spirit to connect with on the blogging, friendship and social media level. I listened to a bit of the podcast – a great dialogue between you and Brooke.
So inspiring. I have three children and I am excited for the days when I become a grandma, and I think that having this kind of support for grandparents too is something I would be interested in. mothers of all ages need support. 🙂
Looks like a fab one for me to pin for the future. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Amazing interview! I’m not a mother, but I showed this to my mom and she loved it!
xoxoAna