Fab Moms: Wisconsin

Photo credit: Gena Larson 

Fab Mom: Rachel Werner 

Madison’s Rachel Werner is an often-published author and creative director of The Little Book Project WI, a bi-annual community arts and nonprofit printmaking collaboration. She also has a featured poem in a poetry anthology that is in the works; “Hope Is The Thing: Wisconsinites On Hope and Resilience in the Time of Covid-19″ will be released by The Wisconsin Historical Society this fall.

Mom of: Phoebe, 10

Hometown: Although I’m a California native, I’ve lived in Madison for the longest total number of (nonconsecutive) years than any other location in my life so this is definitely now home.

Favorite ways to spend family time in WI: Oh this is hard…but, the most accurate answer is either running, walking or sitting lakeside (particularly the lakeshore areas surrounding Downtown Madison). Plus (pre-pandemic), we would attend a Brewers game every year at Miller Park.

Your most rewarding motherhood moment: Practically every day. My daughter is such a brilliant, creative and confident human being. I’m continually impressed by what she’s willing to take on and explore next.

Biggest challenge as a mom: Trying to maintain some semblance of privacy and normalcy for us as a family around both of our more professional, “public” lives.

A mother who inspires you and why: Every mother I know who is raising multiple children. Being a parent takes so much patience, attention, energy, compassion, selflessness, humility…I’m barely managing it solo for one child most of the time. Thus, I’m in awe of those mamas doing it with (or without) a partner for two, three, four-plus more kids than what I am currently responsible for.

Best piece of advice for a new mom: Ask the questions you’re afraid no one will understand: how you’re feeling; the ways your body is morphing; how much you may (or may not) be interested in sex; don’t like using a breast pump, etc. There is another woman who can relate. You’re not crazy, or “the only one,” so trust an empathic ear is waiting to help provide the support you need.

Your biggest hope for your children: That she’ll grow up to be healthy and happy on a holistic level. And never stop speaking up when she witnesses an act of cruelty or injustice.

How are you celebrating Mother’s Day: Quietly, I hope. Along with a sweet treat (or two) from Bloom Bake Shop.

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