Episode 105 - Mariah's Story - Navigating Pregnancy & Motherhood with Chronic Illness

<p>When Mariah was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in her 20s, she never could have known how much her chronic illness would shape her journey into motherhood.</p><p>In this episode of <em>The Mama Sisterhood</em>, Mariah shares her experience navigating three pregnancies while living with rheumatoid arthritis at a time when there was much less research and information available about managing the condition during pregnancy and breastfeeding. She talks openly about having to stop her medication, the flares that followed, and how her health ultimately affected her breastfeeding journey.</p><p>Mariah also shares what motherhood looks like when you are managing a chronic illness — including the challenges, the guilt, and the need to adjust expectations. Through her experiences, she has learned some powerful lessons about parenting and what truly matters when raising children.</p><p>Her own experiences eventually led her to create Mamas Facing Forward, a community designed to support women living with chronic illness as they navigate pregnancy and motherhood.</p><p>Mariah&#39;s story is a reminder that motherhood doesn&#39;t have to look a certain way to be meaningful. Sometimes, living with chronic illness forces us to let go of the expectations we place on ourselves and focus on what matters most.</p><p><br></p><p>Find Mamas Facing Forward at mamasfacingforward.com</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Important note:</strong> This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice. Always consult your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider with questions about your health, medications, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or treatment.</p><p></p>