Miami Mom Collective Welcomes MIA Mom Grettel Martinez

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Miami

Grettel and her husband, backed by a Miami sunset

Hi! My name is Grettel Martinez. I was born in Cuba and moved to Miami in 1996 at the age of 15. Miami opened up a whole new world of possibilities for someone that grew up in a communist country. I love my city. And I owe so much of my life and success to its vibrant, eclectic, yet strong-flavored Latin and Cuban roots. I love to travel and meet other cultures, but Miami is and will always be my home and favorite city. 

Mom

Grettel's oldest daughters holding their newborn sister

I met my husband 20 years ago (yikes!) and have been married for 15 years. We have three beautiful daughters who have much contributed to our gray (or as my husband likes to refer to them, fallen) hairs. They are the light of our lives. I always wanted to be a mother of three. We were blessed to conceive three miracles because babies are truly miracles. Motherhood and parenthood have been beautiful journeys for us. I would not be the mother I am without my husband’s support. 

We co-slept, breastfed for almost 7 years in total (holy moly!), and tried attachment parenting, all interests that originated during my internship and first experience working with toddlers and young children. Motherhood took a whole new meaning when I became a first-time mom and had no clue how to breastfeed a hungry baby who wouldn’t latch. Or when the youngest baby later became the oldest sister and I had to juggle between two breastfeeding very young children.

A recent family photo

But things really became interesting when the third one was born. My then 6-year-old had to help change diapers and my then 3-year-old moved up to the “middle child” title and was no longer the baby. I remember driving back and forth between the office and my parents’ house to breastfeed while pumping at the office until my supply was steady. Twelve years later, three wonderful pregnancies, and one miscarriage, albeit all the sleepless nights, sacrifices, and stress endured, I would do it all over again. 

I strive to be the best mother I can be to my girls knowing that I am far from perfection. The journey has not been easy by any means. But having the support of my parents has always made it so much easier. No wonder they say, “it takes a village.” 

Collective

It does take a village to raise children. I have been so fortunate to have my husband, grandparents, uncles, sisters-in-law, and friends to share my journey with. Support during motherhood is crucial, especially in a society that favors individualism. I take my hat off to those moms who are raising their children alone because post-partum depression is real. Isolation and lack of resources can be devastating to anyone, let alone a mother with a young child.

Grettel's professional headshot

I am here to be part of this wonderful growing community of moms, for moms. My hope is that I can contribute in any way possible to anyone that may benefit from my experience as a mom and professional.  

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