The Mama Sisterhood

Heather Evans

Welcome to The Mama Sisterhood - I'm Heather Evans. When my twins were born at 24 weeks gestation, I began to think about the uniqueness of each of our motherhood journeys. I also began to understand the importance of education and support from other moms, no matter how different our lives may be. Each episode will highlight one mother's journey and the lessons she has learned on this crazy path we call life. I'm so happy to have you here. Welcome to the Mama Sisterhood!

  1. 21h ago

    Episode 107 - Olivia's Story - Motherhood at 50 Below: Raising Kids in Remote Alaska

    What is it like to raise four children in remote Alaska, where temperatures can drop to 50 below zero and the road to town closes for six months of the year? In this episode of The Mama Sisterhood, Olivia takes us inside her extraordinary life as a mom raising her family in remote Alaska. Olivia shares what everyday life looks like when you can't simply run to the grocery store, including how her family stocks up on food for months at a time, how her children attend school, and what happens when someone needs emergency medical care. She also talks about raising a sled dog team, keeping her kids entertained when it's so cold outside, and the ways her family spends time together. But beyond the fascinating logistics of living in such an isolated place, Olivia shares how this lifestyle has changed her perspective on motherhood. Living remotely has taught her to slow down, be more intentional with her time, and embrace the moments she shares with her children. She has also seen her kids thrive in a town that is bonded by such a strong sense of community. Whether you've ever wondered what it's like to live in the Alaskan wilderness or you're simply looking for inspiration to slow down and be more present with your family, Olivia's story offers a fascinating look at a very different way of life—and some meaningful reminders about what matters most in motherhood. Follow Olivia on IG: @beyondthemilemarkers

  2. Oct 20

    Episode 106 - Allison's Story - Saying Yes to Gianna: From Foster Care to Forever Family

    In this episode of The Mama Sisterhood, Allison shares her family’s journey into foster care and the little girl who changed their lives forever. Already parents to three young boys, Allison and her husband decided to become a foster family. After one short placement, they received an emergency call asking if they could take in a 4-month-old baby girl who was blind. Despite feeling unsure of what to expect, Allison said yes, and Gianna became part of their family. Allison opens up about navigating the foster care system, becoming a medical mom, and caring for Gianna’s medical needs due to shaken baby syndrome - all while raising three other children. She shares about her interactions with Gianna’s birth mother, and the journey that ultimately led to Gianna’s adoption. Whether you’ve considered becoming a foster parent, are curious about the foster care system, or simply love hearing stories about the unexpected ways families grow, Allison’s story offers an honest look at the challenges, uncertainties, and rewards of foster care. She also shares what she hopes others will understand before taking the first steps toward fostering and how opening their home to one little girl changed their family forever. Support Allison and her family here: https://www.supportnow.org/gianna-s-journey/updates/mindforge Disclaimer: The Mama Sisterhood is a space for sharing stories, experiences, and information—not medical advice. Always talk with your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional about your individual health concerns and before making changes to your care.

  3. Oct 6

    Episode 105 - Mariah's Story - Navigating Pregnancy & Motherhood with Chronic Illness

    When Mariah was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in her 20s, she never could have known how much her chronic illness would shape her journey into motherhood. In this episode of The Mama Sisterhood, Mariah shares her experience navigating three pregnancies while living with rheumatoid arthritis at a time when there was much less research and information available about managing the condition during pregnancy and breastfeeding. She talks openly about having to stop her medication, the flares that followed, and how her health ultimately affected her breastfeeding journey. Mariah also shares what motherhood looks like when you are managing a chronic illness — including the challenges, the guilt, and the need to adjust expectations. Through her experiences, she has learned some powerful lessons about parenting and what truly matters when raising children. Her own experiences eventually led her to create Mamas Facing Forward, a community designed to support women living with chronic illness as they navigate pregnancy and motherhood. Mariah's story is a reminder that motherhood doesn't have to look a certain way to be meaningful. Sometimes, living with chronic illness forces us to let go of the expectations we place on ourselves and focus on what matters most. Find Mamas Facing Forward at mamasfacingforward.com Important note: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice. Always consult your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider with questions about your health, medications, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or treatment.

  4. Sep 22

    Episode 104 - Stephanie's Story - When It's More Than Picky Eating: Stephanie’s Story of ARFID

    As a toddler, Stephanie began noticing that her daughter’s struggles with food went far beyond typical picky eating. But it would be years before she received an official diagnosis of Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). In this episode of The Mama Sisterhood, Stephanie shares her family’s journey through years of uncertainty, therapy, and learning how to understand and support a child with ARFID. Her daughter eventually overcame the eating disorder and is now an adult, but getting there was a long road filled with challenges, questions, and plenty of misconceptions about what was really going on. Stephanie incorporated her daughter’s experience with ARFID into her fiction novel Sad Perfect, using storytelling as a way to help educate others about the disorder and give readers who may be experiencing similar struggles a chance to see that they are not alone. Stephanie’s story is a reminder that sometimes what looks like “just picky eating” can be something much more complex—and that understanding, support, and the right resources can make a meaningful difference. Stephanie's website: https://stephanieelliot.wixsite.com/arfid Sad Perfect by Stephanie Elliot on amazon.com Learn more about ARFID: https://www.arfidcollaborative.com/welcome FB groups Stephanie recommends: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1561802504059071/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/408708434487042 Disclaimer: The Mama Sisterhood is a space for sharing stories, experiences, and information—not medical advice. Always talk with your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional about your individual health concerns and before making changes to your care.

  5. Aug 11

    Episode 101 - Shelby's Story - A Mother's Fight After A Daycare Tragedy

    In this deeply moving episode, I talk with Shelby, a mom whose life changed in an instant after her infant son, Benny, suffered a catastrophic injury while at daycare. Shelby shares the heartbreaking story of the day everything changed—from a police officer arriving at her work to deliver the news to the long road of unanswered questions, hospital stays, and adjusting to a completely different future. Today, she is a full-time caregiver to Benny, whose medical complexities have transformed her family's daily life, while also running an online boutique and raising her two daughters. We talk about what it truly means to become a "medical mom," the resilience required to navigate therapies, appointments, and advocacy, and the hope that keeps her moving forward. Shelby also opens up about pursuing stem cell treatment for Benny and why even the smallest signs of progress are worth celebrating. Beyond sharing her family's journey, Shelby offers practical advice for other parents, including the importance of carefully vetting childcare providers and advocating for yourself in the workplace. She encourages working moms to seek employers who genuinely support the realities of raising a family. This episode is one of heartbreak, incredible strength, and unwavering love. Shelby's story is a powerful reminder of the resilience parents discover in the face of unimaginable circumstances—and the hope that can still exist, even on the hardest days. Follow Benny on FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61591158371122Follow Shelby on IG: @shelbcannon Support Shelby and her family:https://www.supportnow.org/beelieve-in-benny Check out Shelby's boutique:https://shopraeandkae.com/

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Mama Sisterhood - I'm Heather Evans. When my twins were born at 24 weeks gestation, I began to think about the uniqueness of each of our motherhood journeys. I also began to understand the importance of education and support from other moms, no matter how different our lives may be. Each episode will highlight one mother's journey and the lessons she has learned on this crazy path we call life. I'm so happy to have you here. Welcome to the Mama Sisterhood!

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