Mom support group launching in SJ

HADDONFIELD - As a working mother of two, Christina Acosta-Martinez has had her fair share of difficulties raising her children.

In 2015, her eldest daughter, 2-year-old Summer, visited the emergency room after suffering second-degree burns during a Fourth of July accident.

"After that happened, I realized I needed someone else who knew what I was feeling and could help to remind me that things are going to be OK," said Acosta-Martinez, a former assistant principal at the Mastery Schools of Camden — East Camden Middle School.

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While on a women's retreat last year, she gained a sense of how she could help others experiencing the same struggles.

"I was surrounded by inspirational women pursuing their dreams," she said.

Acosta-Martinez said one of the women who shared her journey talked about her desire to reach her full potential as a mom, and her decision to leave her lucrative career to care for her youngest daughter.

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"She shared that whatever season you are in (as a wife, mom, or sister) you can find joy.

"I left refreshed."

Acosta-Martinez was inspired to create Growing up Gorgeous, a community of women that can grow together to have a better impact on their children and the world. The first group meeting will be held Sept. 10 at the Haddon Fortnightly on Kings Highway. Acosta-Martinez says the community gives local women the chance to escape their daily motherly duties and focus on "me" time.

She noticed one of the biggest things mothers want is support from other moms who have been in their position. The group includes seasoned moms to help mold and encourage others to be better mothers.

"Becoming a new mom can be lonely, isolating and exhausting no matter what the situation is. Being a new mother feels like you love this little person so much and want to do everything for him or her, but it feels like you are constantly running on a treadmill. It’s the toughest job," she said

"Without having the proper support it can feel like you can’t make it through. I’m not just talking about changing diapers, I’m talking about the heavy things like worrying about your child’s future," she added.

Growing up Gorgeous will meet every second Saturday in different venues throughout South Jersey. Moms from all backgrounds are welcome to attend.

Acosta-Martinez says her group also offers an opportunity for self-care. Members can engage in monthly de-stressing events and activities including spa days, workout sessions, financial workshops, and more. The group also offers onsite nanny care for those who can't find a babysitter during meeting times.

Self-care is a main component of the support group. "A lot of times, mothers who put all of their energy into their children and zero energy into themselves burn out. It's all about giving time to take care of yourself, in order to give of yourself."

Once the South Jersey branch grows, Acosta-Martinez plans on expanding into Philadelphia and surrounding states.

Yolanda Bennett, of Philadelphia, will be one of the volunteer mother mentors. "As a single mother of three teenagers I hope to bring my experience as well as a humility and transparency," she said.

Sarah Grant, of Camden, gave birth to her daughter Amaela nine months ago. A friend of Acosta-Martinez who will be attending the launch event, she found out quickly what it meant to be a mother.

"I felt like I had to apologize to all women around me who’ve ever had a baby because I felt like I could have made it easier for them after experiencing what they went through emotionally."

She looks forward to connecting with other mothers. "To know that I’m not alone and that they’ve been through it makes me feel better. It makes a big difference. I felt like motherhood would be a walk in the park. There’s work that comes with it and you need to find the joy in everyday life."

Fellow Camden mother and Growing Up Gorgeous member Natalie Robinson wants to be looked at as a mentor to new mothers down the road.

"Difficulty doesn’t stop. You don’t just turn it off when they turn 18. You’re always a mother.”

The Haddonfield Fortnightly is hosting the Growing up Gorgeous launch event from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10.

The event will include food, giveaways, games, and raffle prizes.

Cost is $15 per adult attendee. Registration information can be found at www.growingupgorgeous.com. 

Matt Flowers: (856) 486-2913; mflowers@gannettnj.com