Meet Mariah Hansen, a dedicated neurologic and vestibular physical therapy specialist with UPMC’s Rehabilitation Institute in Robinson, where she helps patients regain independence and confidence through creative, individualized care. Hansen and her husband, Cedar, live in the Westwood neighborhood of Pittsburgh, where they’re enjoying life as new parents to their 6-month-old son, Sage.
How do you manage to balance the demands of being a nurse and a mom? What strategies help you stay grounded and organized?
Being a working mom is no easy feat, and society expects you to seamlessly balance giving 100% of yourself across multiple areas, most times simultaneously. Between breastfeeding, pumping schedules, healing bodies, doctors’ appointments and everything in between, when you are on maternity leave, the moment you feel that you are “getting into a routine,” it’s time to go back to work. Then comes the whole new adjustment of working mama. I know that I cannot show up for my patients when I am tired (even if the baby was up all night), and I cannot show up for my kiddo disconnected after a stressful workday.
My mom taught me the benefit of “quality versus quantity of time.” Being that I am 40+ hours a week away from my son, I ensure that the time I spend with him is not taken for granted. At minimum each day, my goals with my little guy include reading one book together, five minutes where I am on the floor playing with him and to reflect on one positive memory of feeding him. I truly find that I am a more present and patient parent with time to “focus out” and remain grounded in other passions — I love being a mom AND also cherish my role as a physical therapist, and think we women deserve to have it all.
My spouse, Cedar, grounds me, encourages me, loves our family and is constantly checking in and asking how he can support me. Cedar shows up for our family in so many ways, and I am so incredibly grateful for him. It takes a village, and I really am blessed with mine!
Looking back, what’s one thing you wish you had known or been told when you first became a working mom?
That it is OK to not have all the answers. Most of us are just figuring it out as we go! Looking back, I recognize that I had postpartum anxiety that manifested as perfectionism. I was feeling overly protective of my baby and that I needed to “prove” to the pediatrician and others that he was doing well. I also unfortunately had not given my body the time and grace it needed to heal. Eight weeks post semi-traumatic birth, I was back at work in the clinic lifting patients and hiding my discomfort behind smiles. I also, like many moms, subconsciously have taken on the “mom mental load.” I don’t have it all figured out, but I have learned to give myself grace as we navigate the constant learning and growth that accompanies motherhood.
What do you love most about your community or neighborhood, and how does it support you and your family in your busy life?
We are blessed to live near my parents. We could not do it without them! Pittsburgh is just an incredible city to raise children in. Every weekend I am Googling “events going on in the city” and there are always multiple events that are kid-friendly to choose from. Being out at events and connecting with other families is just the best!
With such a busy schedule, how do you carve out time for self-care, and what activities help you recharge?
I use the Finch app to track my daily goals and ensure I am giving enough attention to each area of my life that is important to me. I also joke that I have my “one hour of self-care a month,” which is my time spent getting my nails done.
How do you hope your work and your role as a mom influence other young women in your community or profession?
I hope that young women recognize that they do not have to choose between career and motherhood. Women are UNSTOPPABLE and our possibilities are endless.
FAMILY FAVORITES:
Weekend Activity: Goldfish Swim School Class, Pitt games, or the Pittsburgh Zoo and the National Aviary — we have memberships to both and our little guy loves watching the animals!
Sports Team: Pitt Panthers!
Date Night Plans: Searching “what is going on in Pittsburgh today” and finding something that interests us! We recently took a sightseeing tour on the Gateway Clipper that was so fun!
Family Restaurant: I have to go with the Olive Garden in Green Tree. It’s close to our house, and our baby loves their minestrone soup!
Carrie Woodard is a National Certified Counselor, National Certified School Counselor and a Pittsburgh mama of two.
