The Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation Dialogue is a moderated panel discussion with local and national leaders to discuss the health issues of Wisconsin families. 2016 marked our 10th Annual Dialogue, and the topic was “Why Can’t Stressed Moms Relax?”
Moderated by Pam Tauscher of NBC 15 and MomsEveryday, attendees were able to learn about stress and coping solutions for busy moms through panelist presentations and a Q&A session.
Kicking off the panel was Raquel Hatter, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Human Services. She discussed “Moms and Toxic Stress” with a focus on the impact of poverty. Toxic stress, which she explained as a chronic activation of the body’s stress management system, is best prevented and managed by a strong support system. She encourages women to be mindful and understanding of each other.
Jyothi Nagraj Marbin, MD, a pediatrician at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland and San Francisco General Hospital, offered “Pediatrician Perspectives on Stressed Parents.” Her talk was centered on smoking cessation and taking care of yourself to help you be the best caretaker for your children.
Just as taking care of yourself physically is important, Katie Gillespei, a maternal/perinatal nurse consultant at the Wisconsin Division of Public Health, spoke on mental health. Her presentation, “Moms Mental Health Matters,” discussed perinatal depression and other mom challenges such as the expectation to be perfect.
Finally, motivational speaker, Patty Hendrickson, offered advice for “Finding Balance in Your Life”. She encourages women to take time for yourself every day, to celebrate the small wins, to be vulnerable, to say no, and to rid yourself of negative people. She left attendees with the strong message that “there is no way to be a perfect mom, but there are a million ways to be a good one.”
Following was a Q&A session which prompted laughs and even a few tears as panelists shared their own mom moments, encouragement and advice.
We want to thank the 200 people who registered for this event! If you were unable to attend and want to hear more from the panelists and Q&A, the recorded livestream can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOOnjhtlcFg