48. How to Advocate for Yourself, Your Family, & Others in the Military & Beyond: 12 Things I Wish I Knew As I Began My Career & Motherhood

As mamas, and especially mothers in the military, there are many moments where we want to speak up about something that's not right. Maybe it's being treated unfairly, maybe your child isn't being treated as they deserve, maybe it's something like lactation support or certain regulations aren't being followed, maybe you want to get access to specialty care for pelvic health or mental health concerns, maybe something's not right and you know you want to speak up...but maybe you also aren't sure how to do so, or it feels terrifying.

Maybe you're afraid of what others will think of you, maybe you don't want to ruffle feathers or hurt others' feelings, maybe you don't want to be a burden to others or be seen as a liability, maybe you're afraid of how it would impact the relationship, or other unknowns.

When I became pregnant unexpectedly right away as I began my military career, I felt very alone navigating military motherhood without any peers to turn to for support and camaraderie. It was hard to know where to even begin.

What helped me find my own voice, grow in courage, and start getting involved in advocacy work at higher levels was the example of others who were willing to advocate for me. I started to speak up in little ways, when I knew something wasn't right, instead of not saying anything out of fear. Then this grew into my passion for advocating for my fellow sisters in arms, especially mamas out there in the military so we can thrive in both personal and professional life, without having to choose between. So today I'm sharing what I wish I knew then.

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