On Changing Names…

The name “Nourish” came to me one afternoon in September of 2019 when I was daydreaming leaving my job as a nurse at the hospital. I had spend years exploring various ways to offer preventative medicine and true HEALTH care to my community. However, after becoming a mother I realized that mothers are the PORTAL into the cycle of dis-ease. Mothers are the ones who make the sacrifice to perpetuate life — tending to new life and setting the foundation for the future. This is the space where the most healing can occur. “Nourish” was one word that encompassed my intention in caring for my community and included my interests of farming, nutrition, yoga, and postpartum care for mothers.

While “Nourish” initially seemed fitting, I discovered how widely used the name is. I added “Postpartum” to clarify my focus and emphasize my commitment to supporting the nourishment of the minds, bodies, and families in the postpartum time. Over time, I learned that some associate the word “nourish” with food preparation and “postpartum” solely with depression, leading to misconceptions about my services and who I work with. As a result, I began exploring other name ideas.

Over the years in Hawai’i I have learned about the Hawaiian value of “Mālama” — to care for and protect. Last year the phrase “mālama mama” landed in my head. I began to think about what mālama embodies to me — to care for, protect, cherish, uplift, serve, and honor — exactly what mothers need. This is the heart of my holistic postpartum support offerings. Tending to mothers in this way can make a significant difference in their lives. When mothers lack support and are isolated, there is little room for true nourishment and betterment of humanity.

Mothers give their all without holding back. This is mālama in action. However, giving so much without being supported in return can be draining for mothers. It becomes challenging to act in the ways we want when our nervous systems are stressed, exhausted, and overwhelmed. Raising the next generation should not be the sole responsibility of one woman or one nuclear family; it genuinely requires a village.

Mothers need their communities to come around and support them in the monumental task that is raising the next generation. Simple acts such as bringing food, helping carry something, kind words, being present — these are all ways to mālama mamas you may know personally or see out and about.

Changing the trajectory of humanity’s health begins with mothers. It starts with rebuilding a community that recognizes our interconnectedness, rather than seeing ourselves as separate. How we show up to ourselves reflects how we show up to each other and the land. Supporting mothers can protect new life, establish a solid foundation for a lifetime of love and health, and heal what may be wounded in our lineages.

While my commitment to supporting mothers in nourishing their minds, bodies, and families remains,  I am excited to announce a “rebranding” that more deeply reflects the prayer I hold for humanity. As I transition to the name “Mālama Mama”, my focus continues to be on providing holistic postpartum wellness care, lactation support, and education to mothers during the childbearing year. I am here to support mothers in emerging from this experience feeling more whole than ever before — to mālama mamas with the intention of preserving and restoring thriving health.

When mothers thrive, babies, families, communities, and the earth can thrive. May this change begin with you and your family.

xo

Alyssa