#15 Where’s the Manual? Navigating Motherhood & Finding Community with Amanda Hofmann, The Wilmington Mom
When Amanda Hofmann became a mom in January 2020—just as the world shut down—her life took a wild turn. A seasoned event planner suddenly found herself navigating new motherhood, postpartum anxiety, and total isolation. So what did she do? She strapped her baby into a stroller, started walking the parks of Wilmington, NC… and accidentally created one of the most loved parenting resources in the area: The Wilmington Mom.
In this episode, Amanda and I get real about what it actually feels like to become a mom—and how no amount of planning can prepare you for the emotional rollercoaster. We talk about the identity crisis, the burnout, and the mental health struggles so many moms silently carry. Did you know 62% of parents report burnout, and 73% of millennial moms admit they hide their stress from their families? Yeah. That.
Amanda also shares her personal experience with postpartum anxiety, including the vivid, intrusive thoughts no one warns you about. It’s raw, honest, and something up to 15% of new moms experience—but most don’t have the words or support to talk about.
We also dive into the magic of finding your village—whether it’s a moms’ group like MomCo, a local nonprofit like Fourth Trimester Mission, or just a few other women who say, “Yep, same here.” Amanda offers practical tips for introverted moms, and we explore how community can literally save your sanity.
Oh—and stick around for the part where we talk about how water literally calms your nervous system. No, really. If you take away one thing from this episode, it might just be: get in water, go outside, and call a friend.
If you’re a new mom, an overwhelmed mom, or a woman wondering why motherhood feels heavier than you expected—this one’s for you. You are not alone in this beautiful, messy ride.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Amanda’s story: Becoming a mom during the 2020 COVID lockdown
What inspired the creation of The Wilmington Mom
The real experience of new motherhood (no filters here)
Amanda’s personal battle with postpartum anxiety
Why maternal mental health is a crisis we need to talk more about
The power of community and connection for moms
Tips for introverted moms who want to make new connections
Local resources for moms in Wilmington, NC
The surprising science behind why water calms your nervous system
Resources & Links:
Connect with Kayla:
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