Empowering Maternal Mental Health in Women Entrepreneurs
Motherhood, especially new motherhood, can be an isolating period for many women. You’re faced with the biggest transition in your life, while trying to remember who you used to be. In fact, 33% of new moms are said to have reported having concerns with their mental health according to Stats Canada.
Now, imagine being a new Mom, with a business that you are trying to nurture, while figuring out your newest, most important role of Mom. While there has not be significant research on this topic and the mental health outcomes for moms who are entrepreneurs, we can only assume that it is much more than 33% who struggle with their mental health while growing businesses and raising humans.
Maternal mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being for both women and their families. There is a powerful connection between supporting women entrepreneurs and promoting maternal mental health (p.s. May is Maternal Mental Health Month!). By fostering a supportive environment for women entrepreneurs, we can positively impact maternal mental health outcomes and contribute to the overall well-being of mothers.
Here’s a few ways we as society can empower Moms and their maternal mental health while supporting them as entrepreneurs:
Creating Flexible Work Opportunities: One way to support maternal mental health is by championing women entrepreneurs and creating flexible work opportunities. Many women choose entrepreneurship to gain greater control over their work-life balance. By providing flexible work options, such as remote work or flexible hours, we enable mothers to prioritize their mental health while pursuing their entrepreneurial goals. This flexibility allows them to fulfill their responsibilities as both entrepreneurs and mothers, reducing stress levels and promoting overall well-being.
Building Supportive Networks: Supporting women entrepreneurs can also foster supportive networks that positively impact maternal mental health. Entrepreneurial endeavors can be challenging, and the journey can feel isolating at times. By creating communities, mentorship programs, or networking events specifically designed for women entrepreneurs, we offer mothers a platform to connect, share experiences, and seek support. These networks provide a safe space for discussing challenges, finding solutions, and nurturing mental well-being, ultimately strengthening the support system available to mothers.
Encouraging Self-Care Practices: Women entrepreneurs often face multiple demands on their time and energy, which can affect their mental health. By actively promoting self-care practices among women entrepreneurs, we indirectly support their maternal mental health. Encouraging entrepreneurs to prioritize activities like exercise, meditation, adequate rest, and seeking therapy or counseling can help them manage stress, prevent burnout, and improve their overall well-being. When women entrepreneurs prioritize self-care, they model healthy behaviors for other mothers, highlighting the importance of nurturing one's mental health while managing entrepreneurial responsibilities.
Providing Access to Resources: Supporting maternal mental health through women entrepreneurs involves ensuring they have access to resources that can assist in their entrepreneurial journey. This includes providing mentorship, funding opportunities, business development programs, and workshops specifically tailored to the needs of women entrepreneurs. By equipping women entrepreneurs with the necessary tools and knowledge, we empower them to succeed in their businesses while minimizing stress and anxiety. Accessible resources also enable mothers to strike a better work-life balance, leading to improved maternal mental health outcomes.
Supporting women entrepreneurs goes beyond empowering business ventures; it directly impacts maternal mental health. By fostering flexible work opportunities, building supportive networks, encouraging self-care practices, and providing access to resources, we can create an environment that enables women entrepreneurs to thrive while nurturing their mental well-being as mothers.
At ProducKIDvity, we believe that working parents, primarily working moms, can have it all with the right systems and support in place. Our shared office and childcare centre tick all the boxes we mentioned above. How are you supporting women entrepreneurs in maternal mental health month? Let us know in the comments below!
