Connect with Cecily Moore at www.copeandwit.com or on Instagram: @copeandwitcounseling

Cecily Moore talks about the ups and downs of motherhood throughout the years, and how Balanced Working Mama has impacted her life.

Q: How is motherhood, overall, going for you right now?

Moore: I feel like it's going well. And I say that currently with two sick kids! Donavan has an ear infection and Saniah has some type of viral infection. But I think I feel like it's going well, because on Tuesdays and Thursdays they go to childcare and that's enough reprieve I guess for me to kind of do what I need to do and run a business. So I feel like that two days a week helps balance out us being in each other's face all day.

Q: What does Balanced Working Mama mean to you and how has Balanced Working Mama impacted your life?

Moore: It came to me at a very crucial time in my life. I had just given birth to Donovan and was going through some heavy postpartum depression. And by talking with Dr. Amber and doing the assessment… it highlighted things that intuitively I knew, but I was also like ‘Nope, I'm about to be in my funk and that's just how it’s going to be.’

The support from the other moms was incredible, but also, it gave me an opportunity to hold space for myself and to have other women hold space for me. As a therapist, that's not something that we're good at - caring for ourselves. But it forced me to do that through the six weeks and then also created a habit for me.

“I was definitely drowning but just too stubborn to admit it and having the support of Balanced Working Mama not only forced me to deal with the depression, but also some of my negative thoughts that stemmed from the depression.”

Q: So you talked a little bit about how motherhood is going well, but what have been some struggles or challenges that you've experienced so far in your motherhood journey?

Moore: It's helping ask for what I need. I think before, I really wanted to do everything on my own. And that has been a struggle and a balance for me. And I think Balanced Working Mama gave me the language that I’ve been needing. So, I've been better at communicating what I need. I think my husband saw me going off the rail the other day! Often times when things aren't going well in motherhood I make a point to say, ‘I just need two days, two days a week to work, is that too much to ask?’ And so now since I'm communicating more, he just comes in and says ‘how can I support you? What do you need for me to support you?’ And I don't think before I did the program that wasn't the language I was using.

Q: What some things you've actively worked on, changed or transformed as you've moved forward in your motherhood?

Moore: Outsourcing! Getting help…I think before I did Balanced Working Mama - well, we were in the midst of the pandemic - but I was opposed to getting help or even thinking through what that may look like. But also, with isolation, I think I was making motherhood a lot harder because I was personally depressed and isolating. And now I'm just like… that's not acceptable. And so making connections with other women and moms is definitely something I have worked on.

Want to learn how you can became a Balanced Working Mama?

Q: What's the biggest lesson you've learned, or what has stood out to you the most as you've worked to redefine your motherhood journey?

Moore: The biggest one would be, when you feel yourself drowning, reach out for help and support. I was definitely drowning but just too stubborn to admit it and having the support of Balanced Working Mama not only forced me to deal with the depression, but also some of my negative thoughts that stemmed from the depression. It really like helped me get myself in shape. So probably not being afraid ask for help and reach out when you feel yourself drowning or in a bad place.

Q: Has community played a role in how you navigate motherhood right now? And if so, how?

Moore: Balanced Working Mama prompted me to join another virtual group for women of color therapist. Now like community at large, where I live…not so much because of the culture since we live on a military base. But it has opened my eyes to the power not only of technology, but virtual space and having camaraderie with other women who not only look like me, but also are entrepreneurs have kids and understand the circus.

Q: What words of encouragement, wisdom or helpful advice would you pass on to another mom who may be struggling right now?

Moore: There's light at the end of the tunnel. But the light starts with like listening to yourself and making the decision to seek help and get support. The days are gone of trying to be the strong black woman and do everything for everybody. And not taking care of your health and being mindful of your wants and needs and desires. That's killing black women, we don't have time for that. So let's kind of rewrite that narrative, and start reaching out and building communities and finding the support that we need so that we can be great mothers and great entrepreneurs. And great in all the things but in a healthy way!

Hi there! I’m Dr. Amber Thornton.

I’m a Clinical Psychologist, Motherhood Wellness Consultant, wife, and mama to 2 amazing little ones.

My mission is simple: to help working mothers balance work, motherhood, and wellness. I want to completely change the narrative of what is possible for working mothers.

Learn more about how we can work together!