Today we’d like to introduce you to Patricia Martinez.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
As a second-generation Dominican American, I was raised by a family, some being immigrants, who instilled in me the rich cultural heritage of the Dominican Republic. The nature of my culture is deeply rooted to how I was brought up from a child to an adult. The roles in our home, expectations and traditions of our elders, our connection to religion, and the importance of family ties. While balancing it all with the norms and customs of the American society.
And when I became a mother, I knew what was expected of me to raise my child. However, journeying through motherhood, I found myself struggling. From the pressure of meeting cultural traditions like “la cuarentena” during my postpartum phase. Going through mental battles of postpartum depression and anxiety as a first-time mom, without my mother and oldest family members around me understanding. Or they even being able to relate because in our culture, “eso no existe (it doesn’t exist),” or things like mental health in the Dominican culture are very TABOO. Even learning firsthand that breastfeeding was and is more than just our cultural oatmeal and hot chocolate drinks… I found myself diverging from traditional cultural norms and embracing a more modernized approach to parenting.
And that change just marked the beginning of my unique journey within my community. I’m able to blend the values of my heritage with current perspectives to shape the mother that I am today. That’s when Mom of the Modern was born.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road, but it has paved the way for learning and growth.
My biggest struggle in becoming a mother in my Dominican culture, trying to break traditional norms, was getting those around me to respect my form of parenting. It comes with a lot of opinions with disagreements, and pushbacks.
One struggle, in particular, is the expectation that my kids must hug and kiss everyone at a family function automatically. And there might be so much controversy around this topic. But growing up, I remember there were times I would attend family parties, and I didn’t feel comfortable extending hugs to just anyone, and I was forced to out of respect for these individuals. In response to this experience, I’ve modernized this tradition by giving my children the chance to consent to wanting to give a hug. And even allowing my child to take some time to adjust to settings, if they need to, until they feel comfortable to interact with people.
This stirs up a lot of opinions!
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As of now I’m currently a small creator on social media just sharing my knowledge and life experiences to anyone who may relate.
I’ve also found my true calling through motherhood. As a mom who’s birthed 2 babies naturally through advocating for myself and baby. I’ve intentionally encouraged moms to find the strength in all forms of birth. Whether that looks like it’s unmedicated, medicated, a gentle cesarean, vaginal, at home or in a hospital. Guide yourself through pregnancy up to labor and delivery with the confidence to be prepared for the birth you have desired in all phases.
I learned that I wanted to embrace that community of moms who also enjoy birth work. And with the help of my amazing partner and father to my children, I’m proud to say I’ll be attending school to become a Licensed Midwife, Certified Doula and IBCLC (Lactation Consultant).
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
There’s so many individuals who deserve the credit as playing a role in what my brand, MYSELF, is today. My family and friends are always continuing to motivate me with their admiration on how I embrace motherhood/parenting. Push me in ways to embrace the impact I’ve made on them to share that with the world, for whomever would want to listen.
For the many supporters I’ve never met from the internet, it feels like I’ve known them forever. They play a huge part on why I love what I do on social media. For the moms who want a first or second chance at breastfeeding, I’ve been an open door to share my knowledge. For those I’ve motivated who say “they would like to parent a little differently,” just based on how I’ve shared the intentional parenting in my home. I can’t say I wouldn’t be where I am today without their words of acknowledgment! And their engagement to help grow my community.
Lastly my family, Bling, Emitheos and Valhalla they remind me daily on how appreciative they are of the person I am in their life.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patlauren?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@TheBlings?si=EaQG4Iow8qNJJuaS
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@momofthemodern?_t=8keXeJ5erPP&_r=1
