Podcast: Play in new window | Embed
“To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power. Or the climbing, falling colors of a rainbow.” – Maya Angelou
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Meet Marlene Hofer
Marlene Hofer is a Psychiatrist, Psychotherapist, and Postpartum Doula, who passionately champions women’s causes. She’s not only dedicated to her work but also to fostering a supportive community for mothers in Zurich, Switzerland. Marlene’s journey intersects with that of #impact founder Regina Larko, her close friend of over two decades, starting from their days as Sinology students at the University of Vienna.
In this episode, Marlene and Regina talk about something that is very close to both of their hearts. You will hear them talk about an adventure that’s both beautiful and heartbreaking, something that fills them personally with so much love, joy but also rage and despair.
The Emotional Spectrum of Motherhood
“Love, joy, rage, despair.” These are just a few of the emotional coordinates on the map of motherhood within the complex system mothers find themselves.
Marlene elaborates on the multifaceted nature of these feelings and invites us to explore the depths of how we personally experience motherhood.
The Hardest Thing About Becoming a Mom
What’s the hardest thing about becoming a mom? Marlene and Regina reflect on the challenges, offering vulnerable insights into the profound changes that they have experienced in their own lives as they became mothers.
“And while it makes perfect sense , that the mother and the baby are a unit even after the baby is born (…) That’s the human condition that the women and the kid are connected but that’s why it’s also so easy and a real pitfall that women lose themselves in the process. They give so much and they dissolve. They do not even transform in the process of becoming a mother (…) their boundaries get all mixed up.”
Marlene Hofer
Building “The Village”
Marlene is building a nurturing community for mothers, aptly named “The Village.” It’s not just a community; it’s a safe space for mothers to find support and understanding.
Mothering the Mother
What does this expression mean to Marlene, and how does it translate into her work and advocacy for mothers?
“Mother is a verb”
Marlene Hofer
Marlene challenges conventional ideas of power, portraying motherhood as a bottom-up force, the root of family and society, an entity that transcends traditional power dynamics.
The Birth of Postpartum Doula Work
“How did your postpartum doula work come to be?” They explore.
Marlene shares her story – a tale of passion, empathy, and the desire to support women during one of the most transformative phases of their lives.
A Passion for Change
Marlene advocates for unity among women and families, emphasizing the strength found in collective action against systemic challenges. Sharing experiences, whether online or offline, becomes a powerful tool for change.
As you listen to this discussion, you’ll gain new insights into the intricate layers of motherhood. You’ll begin to reconsider established societal norms and find yourself intrigued by the ways you can contribute to positive change. You may even uncover new aspects of yourself and the women in your life, irrespective of whether you’re a mother or not.
Listen on Apple, Spotify or any of your favorite Podcast players.
In this episode you learn:
- 09:57 The nurturing community Marlene is building with The Village and more
- 14:27 Marlene’s journey into motherhood and the moment it got more complicated
- 19:11 The importance of connection with other women
- 26:49 The real danger of dissolving in motherhood
- 28:21 When we need a village but don’t have a village
- 29:38 Why we need to rethink societal structures
- 32:40 Looking at the issue through Marlene’s lense as a Psychotherapist
- 35:48 How to listen better as we discuss these complex topic
- 42:18 A little taste of what it feels like to have Marlene as your doula
Featured Guest
Connect with Marlene Hofer here:
- On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grow_human/
- On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marlene-h-119793305/
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Mentioned in the Podcast
Connect with us
Connect with the #impact team on Instagram @hashtagimpact or just send us an email at hello@hashtagimpact.com
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