Miami Moms Blog Welcomes: MIA Mom Andrea Wood

Hello Everyone! My name is Andrea Wood and I’m honored to be a voice on Miami Moms Blog. One year ago, I would have never imagined being a mother. But I am so happy to know the rapid changes in my life over the past year have brought me the love of my life, my daughter Skye.

Why I moved to Miami

My husband Scott and I met in Miami when we were in college. I always loved Miami for year-round outdoor activities and diverse culture. I always wanted to live near a beach and so decided one day with my husband to move back after living in the Northeast for a couple of years.

Why I think I can be a unique voice

I have a doctorate of physical therapy from Columbia University and am a board-certified women’s health clinical specialist through the American Physical Therapy Association. Going through the experience of birth and early motherhood has given me a new perspective on how to potentially help all moms on the gender and sexual spectrum and make them feel empowered. Being a mother in today’s world can come in many forms and occur by many different means, each offering a unique experience. As physical therapists, we learn a lot in school on how “things should be” but motherhood is a time of unpredictability. I am hoping to provide advice to moms of different stages on achievable things they can do to make themselves feel good from a physical therapy standpoint.

Alternatively, while I want to share information on how mothers can improve their pelvic and orthopedic health through exercise, I’m just a new mom learning how to balance my life. I had my daughter Skye about 3 months ago and am rapidly going through many changes. We all go through life experiences where we have personal growth and motherhood can be one of them.

Over the past three months, I’ve had a spectrum of emotions ranging from making mistakes and wondering if other people are judging me to laughing and smiling at all the adorable things my daughter does. The amazing love I feel for my daughter and the support of my family and friends makes it more manageable. The best thing I keep doing is to continue to ask for help when I’m struggling. I hope other moms won’t feel as alone in these types of feelings if I’m more open about them.

My toughest part of early motherhood

I had trouble trying to hold myself back from wanting to do ten things at once. I tell all my patients the first couple weeks post motherhood is a time to not overexert yourself so you can heal. However, I realize how hard that concept can be. You go through the exhausting experience of birth and then are responsible for a rapidly expanding kettlebell to carry around from a physical standpoint. At first, it becomes very difficult on your body to care for a newborn leaving little energy for other tasks such as simply emptying a dishwasher. Asking for help is the best thing. But I constantly struggle to fight the internal pressure I place on myself to “do it all”. Talking to a mental health therapist during pregnancy and postpartum has been the best self-care I’ve done for me.

My best part of early motherhood

I love watching all the little changes she goes through every week. Recently, she started to smile a lot more in reaction to my voice. Many times, I look at my daughter feeling so happy she will now be a permanent fixture in my life. I’ve recently read some essays on striving to find the most enjoyment out of life’s seemingly boring moments. Having my daughter is starting to make me understand that perspective more. Simple things like eating dinner and tucking her into bed will be highlights of my week.

With an open learning mind,
Andrea