My Heart Is Aiken

On this episode, Mara explains why her "couple of weeks" hiatus turned into several months. New episodes starting next week! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're taking a brief, very brief, hiatus while we work on new stories. Mara has a quick message about her plans for the future, and we have an encore of the letter she wrote to new moms who have babies born with Down syndrome.If you have suggestions for topics you'd like us to discuss, or someone you think Mara should talk to, please drop us a line at www.myheartisaiken.comWe'll be back in a couple of weeks with new episodes! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this mindful episode, Mara Zooms with Self-Love & Mindset Coach Carley Weissert about her journey of self-discovery that helped her walk away from her "perfect" life and into the one she really wanted. Plus, how she became a coach, and helpful mindfulness tips everyone can use to stop beating themself up and start living the life they truly want.Useful Links:Carley's Instagram: www.instagram.com/carleyweissert/Carley's Website: www.carleyweissert.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ashley's back! On this episode, Mara and Ashley discuss some tips and advice for making sure you, and your child with and IEP, are prepared to head back to school. They talk about "one sheets", the current state of "full inclusion", and why it's important to communicate with the transportation department.For templates and examples of the things they discussed, visit https://www.myheartisaiken.com/resourcelinks Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Mara talks with her friend Tracy about the grief that comes with motherhood, whether it's mourning for the mother you thought you'd be, the grief that comes from realizing your own mother, or parents, have let you down, and how to find your way through the darkness of postpartum depression.If you, or someone you know, is dealing with postpartum depression speak to your health care provider, or a loved one to get the care you need. There is no shame in seeking help for you and your family. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Mara talks to her husband, Brad, about how having children really puts a strain on your relationship, how you have to work hard to make it work, and why you need to be making "investments" to keep your crockpot warm. ;) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Mara concludes her chat with Ashley, her friend born with Usher Syndrome, as they discuss the challenges faced by a disabled person in the dating world, how a workplace can be a better ally to disabled employees, and the value in speaking your truth. USEFUL LINKS:Usher Syndrome: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/usher-syndromeTraining Seeing Eye Dogs: https://www.seeingeye.org/puppies-dogs/seeing-eye-dogs/training.htmlHow Cochlear Implants Work: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cochlear-implants/about/pac-20385021 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Mara talks to her sister's best friend, Ashley, about discovering that she had Usher's Syndrome as a young adult. If you've ever wondered what it was like to have cochlear implants, use a seeing-eye dog, or how a person communicates when they cannot hear or see then you definitely want listen to this one.USEFUL LINKS:Usher's Syndrome: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/usher-syndromeTraining Seeing Eye Dogs: https://www.seeingeye.org/puppies-dogs/seeing-eye-dogs/training.htmlHow Cochlear Implants Work: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cochlear-implants/about/pac-20385021 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Mara invites her sister Amanda back to talk about all things IEPs.* The "What", the "Why", and the try not to cry. If you're just getting started on the IEP journey, or if you've already started down this road but still have questions, then you're going to want to grab paper and pen and get ready to take notes. Helpful Links:IEP Binder Checklist: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/download-iep-binder-checklistAnnotated IEP: https://www.pattan.net/assets/PaTTAN/2b/2bc7d2b3-1bb2-42a4-a372-c81fe4cba007.pdfIEP Tip Sheet: https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1701848546/romaisdcom/x5mjyjmj02gornlvnngr/IEP-overview-parent.pdfPA Procedural Safeguards: https://odr-pa.org/parent-resources/procedural-safeguards-notice/PaTTAN: https://www.pattan.net/Publications/Education-ABCsPA Back to School Guide: https://www.elc-pa.org/2023-back-to-school-guide-for-pa-students-and-families/*All information in this podcast is based on Pennsylvania IEP procedures. If you live in another state please review your states regulations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Mara talks to her friend Michelle about feeling guilty about all the things they "should" be doing for their kids, working hard to be grateful for the little things, and how the laundry is supposed to be folded. If you've felt like you're not doing enough when you compare yourself to your friends on social media, or struggle with letting anyone else load the dishwasher, you need to listen to this one. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Mara talks to her friend Kelly about living with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), struggling to get pregnant, and how hard it is to get a doctor to believe you when you tell them you are in pain. Plus, the relief of finding a school that helps your child thrive. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Mara has filter-free chat with her friend Karyn about the complicated feelings around dolls with Down syndrome, the journey of accepting a diagnosis, and how to get past the negative thoughts that sometimes creep up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, Mara talks to her best friend, Ashley, about finding each other, having someone you can confide in that won't judge you, and being thankful for everything. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mara talks with her sister, Amanda, about receiving a birth diagnosis of Down syndrome, and all the dark and scary thoughts that came with it. They discuss the lack of support for new parents receiving a diagnosis, and how that led to Mara wanting to create this podcast, where people can talk openly about their experiences raising a child with a disability without being ashamed of their feelings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.