I had the pleasure of meeting Eirene Heidelberger at a BlogHer conference in New York City. We instantly connected and had so many things to talk about; especially how we both support women that are mothers in our work. She is the founder of GIT Mom, a service where she empowers women through her coaching and advice. I was so intrigued by her work and was delighted when she agreed to let me interview her about her work.
Tell me about GIT Mom and your focus on coaching and advice for moms. What do you do and what services do you offer?
I’m the founder of GIT Mom, Get It Together, Mom! GIT Mom is a nationally renowned parent coaching and advice company that empowers moms to feel in control of this totally out-of-control experience called parenting. We believe in the philosophy that happy, confident, independent moms raise well-adjusted, self-assured and happy kids. GIT Mom is the only coaching company in the country focused on the happiness of the mom rather than the kids. We help moms Get It Together!
I find that when moms use my 7-step GIT Mom system to parent effectively they learn how to carve out guilt-free, happy mommy time for themselves. My system starts with sleep, and includes everything from scheduling and feeding, but always ends in happy mommy time. Happy mommy, happy children.
In addition to coaching moms around the country, I write articles on relevant parenting topics. I’ve been featured in the Huffington post, Today Parenting, MSNBC, Motherly and Red Tricycle to name a few. My topics include everything from how to get off “Mommy Island", to dealing with power struggles during the holiday season, sibling rivalry, and sleep tips. I provide actionable steps and advice on how to fix issues, while keeping mommy’s happiness center stage.
How did you get into this work? What is your story?
GIT Mom is 6 years old. It all started with one of my girlfriends. I often joke that she was my last free client. Her first son was not a sleeper and she really had no clue how to survive. When she was pregnant with her second child she literally begged me to help her. I said really straightforwardly, “I am only helping you if you promise you will listen and take my advice." She said yes, yes, yes! Fast-forward to her baby turning 4 months old and we had her sleeping through the night and on a 3-nap schedule. She was like, “This is amazing, it's so easy, I can't believe how calm she is. You need to make this your business!"
When I had my son 15 years ago it was before the advent of social media and parenting experts. My only go-to resource was an 800-page book on sleep training written by a male doctor. I remember thinking “How does he know what I’m going through? There has to be a simpler way!” Little did I know that my girlfriend Lisa would give me the push to empower other mothers and make their lives more understandable and manageable.
What do you find are the biggest struggles for new moms?
Too much information! In this day and age of social media everyone is a parenting know-it-all whether they are a parent or not. Brand new parents are beyond excited to soak up every morsel of advice from every Tom, Dick and Harry. It’s information overload and it’s difficult for parents to know who to turn to. This is why I try to provide straightforward, judgment-free, actionable advice.
What would be the best advice you would give new moms when it comes to taking care of self?
You have to be your own cheerleader! I tell my clients that no one knows exactly what they need and it's up to us moms to advocate for our own wants and needs and stand up for them. Nothing is going to magically happen by silently wishing our partners would get up with the baby in the night, or that we’d love to take a shower without the baby lying on the bathroom floor having a meltdown. We need to have the confidence to speak up and advocate for ourselves. I guarantee that partners across the world really want to help out and be supportive – they just don’t know how without being told.
Do you have any go-to resources such as books or websites that I can offer my audience looking for parenting support?
I love the podcast “Science vs. Attachment parenting.” https://gimletmedia.com/shows/science-vs/gmhnoo/attachment-parenting
This episode explores a popular demanding style of parenting called attachment parenting. It advocates that you should keep your baby close at all times, breastfeed on demand, share your bed, and avoid strollers. The podcast follows Judy and her two children who believe the sacrifices she makes will ensure her kids will become well-adjusted, successful, happy adults. Listen to the podcast to find out what really happens to Judy, her family, and marriage.
This is also a great resource –https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/137/6/e20151486
Is there anything else you would like my audience to know about your company?
Mom life can be really fun and relaxing when you feel in control and take proper care of yourself. I watch parents with their little ones walking 10 paces ahead yelling, “Hurry up." and mom's jaw is clenched, she's sighing, her kids are whining because they're tired or hungry, and mom is burnt out.
Moms are the natural leaders of the family and if they are not on form the family ship will sink. But, if mom is thinking clearly because she is well rested and fulfilled, she is going to be living her best life. And what's really important to note is that if moms value their own happiness and identity they will adapt and evolve more positively as their children develop and become more independent.
What is the best advice you have received?
Stop stressing out! Stop worrying! Your baby is not going to kindergarten fully swaddled with a pacifier and sucking on your boob. The super scary insurmountable challenges brand new moms fear seem all consuming because they don't know otherwise and are so wrapped up in the love for their newborn. They are physically exhausted from pregnancy and birth that they just can't think rationally and have perspective over experiences they've never encountered. My job is to soothe them and provide gentle guidance and perspective.
About Eirene Heidelberger: Eirene Heidelberger is a nationally-renowned parenting expert and founder of GIT Mom (Get It Together, Mom!). Through GIT Mom’s 7-step method, Eirene empowers mothers and mothers-to-be by teaching a “mom-first” parenting approach. She is the only parenting coach in the country who advocates parenting techniques that puts the mother’s needs center stage.
As a mom of three boys, Eirene has experienced the same overwhelm and anxiety most mothers first feel with their children. Her firsthand experiences inspired her to create GIT Mom, which has been embraced by hundreds of moms around the world.
Eirene is a mom motivator, parenting champion and an all-round expert. www.gitmom.com
