Whitney Hubbell
Hubbell is a pharmacist at University of Iowa, an international board-certified lactation consultant and owner of Growing Sweetpeas, which is a children’s brand designed to deliver quality bamboo pajama fabrics at affordable pricing.
Mom to: Brandon, 6, and Beckett, 2
Hometown: Hazard, Kentucky, but I have been lucky to call Marion home for the last seven years.
Favorite ways to spend family time in IA: We love to spend time doing anything outdoors! We play a lot of soccer, basketball and football. We love riding our bikes on the trail when it’s warm, and we enjoy our summers with family at Lake Delhi.
Your most rewarding motherhood moment: Watching my little ones grow and thrive into successful, happy and amazing boys! I love watching them reach milestones, accomplish goals and overcome obstacles. It brings me an overwhelming sense of pride and joy. Every year for them seems to come with different challenges, and being able to cheer them on and see how proud they are is such a joy in itself. I love seeing them smile and laugh, and watching their beautiful personalities develop, but having their tiny arms wrap around me and being told “I love you, Mom!” gives me a sense of wholeness that cannot be found elsewhere.
Biggest challenge as a mom: Being a mom is undoubtedly the most fulfilling and rewarding experience in my life. Still, it comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the biggest challenges I have deals with finding the perfect balance between having a career and having a family. I grew up with both a mother and grandma who were stay-at-home parents, and it looked so different compared to my personal journey as a parent. While I am very thankful for my education, I often compare myself to stay-at-home parents and admire the time they get with their families. Mom guilt is real! I wish there were more hours in the day to spend with my family, cook, clean and also to focus on my own personal aspirations. Being a mom is undoubtedly a challenging journey, but it is also fulfilling and worth every moment.
A mother who inspires you and why: I am lucky to be surrounded by an abundance of amazing mothers who all inspire me. From my other mom friends, coworkers who are mothers, and my own amazing mother, grandma, mother-in-law and sisters-in-law, I am inspired every day. They each embody strength, compassion, and resilience. They are role models for their children and for others around them. They show unconditional love and support to their children—they are patient, kind, understanding and always put their children’s needs first. They are hardworking, dedicate, and committed towards making a positive impact in the world. They are a source of strength and inspiration for their family and for others, and their impact on the world is immeasurable.
Best piece of advice for a new mom: People will have all sorts of advice for you—and you can learn a lot from them—but in the end, only you will know what’s best for you and your baby. Trust your instincts. Becoming a first-time mom is a new territory for everyone; no one walks in as an expert! To your little one, you are perfect. Try to give yourself 15 to 20 minutes outside each day, in the sunlight breathing in fresh air. It’s amazing what sun can do for your mood.
Your biggest hope for your children: My biggest hope for my children is for them to be happy and fulfilled in their lives. I hope they find their passion and purpose, and are able to pursue it with all their heart. I hope they always look for the good in the world, and when they can’t find it, they create it. I hope they show kindness in everything they do and they spend most of their days smiling and making others feel joy. I hope they have meaningful relationships with family and friends, and are surrounded by love and support. Most importantly, I hope that they always know how much they are loved and cherished, and that they have the strength and resilience to overcome any challenges that come their way.
How are you celebrating Mother’s Day? My husband and boys always make me a special breakfast on Mother’s Day. I look forward to it every year! I usually pick out a new flower with my boys to plant. I like to spend it simple, spending the day with my family and being grateful for another amazing year as their mama.