The StrongHER Side Project

The Hidden Crisis: 77% of Complex Care Parents Are Burning Out

 
In this episode, Hannah flies solo and challenges the myth that Mama’s who suffer from burnout are seen to be weak.  
 
Up to 77% of parents of children with complex care needs experience parental burnout - a level of chronic exhaustion, emotional distance and overwhelm far higher than in the general parenting population.
(Journal of Child and Family Studies, 2004)
 
Hannah unpacks the topic of burnout and the emotional and physical toll of constant vigilance, the invisible load of emotional labour, and the systemic barriers that often exacerbate stress. 
 
Hannah shares personal insights on identity erosion, the societal pressure of the "strong mom" narrative, and the chronic stress that can lead to emotional exhaustion. 
 
Hannah emphasizes the importance of community support, self-care, and reaching out for professional help. 
 
This episode is a connection point for mothers feeling isolated, offering a reminder that they are not alone and burn out is often felt the most by mothers who love over and above.  
 
Listen in to explore the signs of burnout and discover ways to reclaim joy and resilience. 
 
Follow us on Instagram @StrongHERSide
 
Support the podcast and help us reach 1 Million Mama's around the world who are raising children with additional needs. 
 
Learn more at www.stronghersidepodcast.com
Keywords: burnout, emotional exhaustion, invisible load, systemic barriers, identity erosion, chronic stress, self-care, community support, resilience, joy, vigilance, emotional labor, societal pressure, professional help, isolation, caregiving, advocacy, emotional detachment, perfectionism, self-criticism, cognitive overload, loss of joy, survival mode, Stronger Side podcast.

What If Your Child’s Cry Was a Clue? The Untold Story of MEF2C and a Mother Who Trusted Her Intuition

When you know something isn’t right, trust that inner voice.
In this powerful episode of The StrongHER Side Podcast, host Hannah Gair sits down with Tennessee mum Moriah Zwick to share the remarkable story of her son Noah, diagnosed with MEF2C haploinsufficiency syndrome, a rare genetic disorder affecting fewer than 400 people worldwide.
Through honest, tear-filled conversation, Moriah opens up about the earliest signs she noticed—weak muscle tone, lack of eye contact, endless crying—and the frustration of being dismissed by doctors who told her “just keep swaddling.” She explains how one mother’s intuition and persistence led to life-changing answers after months of searching, misdiagnoses, and emotional exhaustion.
Together, Hannah and Moriah explore what it means to advocate for your child, to face grief after diagnosis, and to find identity and hope when life looks nothing like you imagined. 
They talk about the emotional toll of caregiver burnout, the strain on relationships, and the courage it takes to keep showing up—day after day—for a child with special needs.
This conversation is a must-listen for any parent navigating rare diseases, medical advocacy, or the hidden weight of special-needs parenting. You’ll hear practical advice on how to push for answers, build community, and release guilt, plus simple ways to refill your emotional cup when you’re running on empty.
Follow Noah's Story: 
Connect with Moriah on IG @holistically.special
Do you know a Mama who could be encouraged by Moriah's story?  Share this podcast with her and help us impact the lives of 1 Million Mothers around the world who are raising children with additional needs
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Please take 30 seconds to leave us a rating and share this episode with someone, it would mean the world to us. 
 
Keywords: MEF2C haploinsufficiency syndrome, rare genetic disorder, special needs parenting, caregiver burnout, motherhood podcast, mothers raising children with disabilities, carer support, advocacy for children, grief and acceptance, mental health for moms, StrongHER Side Podcast, trusting mother’s intuition, disability awareness, parenting a child with disabilities, resilient motherhood, self-care for caregivers, faith and hope in parenting, women’s stories podcast, raising a child with rare disease, MEF2C awareness, family resilience, special needs mothers community, emotional healing for parents.

Losing It All While Raising a Child With Disabilities — The Truth No One Talks About

When Everything Fell Apart, She Found Her Courage — and a New Beginning
 
On today’s episode of The StrongHer Side, we take a deep dive into the transformative power of courage and how creativity can bring our minds and hearts back into focus. 
 
Hannah openly shares practical strategies for cultivating a strong mindset, being present in the season you are in and being intentional with your small, daily acts which build healthy habits and stronger mental health.  
 
They discuss the challenges faced by mothers, especially those raising children with disabilities, and the significance of embracing different seasons of life while pursuing dreams. The conversation emphasizes the power of choice, courage, and the need for discipline in achieving one's goals.
 
Hannah reminds us to lead our lives with grace and empathy and reminds us that us Mama’s are doing our best, however that looks for each individual. 
 
By the end of this episode you will feel like that light of yours which has been dimmed is glowing up just that little bit more.
 
Takeaways
 
Hannah has rebuilt her life from difficult circumstances.
The importance of dreaming big despite life's challenges.
Courage is essential for taking risks and pursuing dreams.
Mindset plays a crucial role in overcoming adversity.
Every individual has the power to choose their response to life.
Starting small is key for mothers with limited time.
Embracing the current season of motherhood is vital.
Discipline is necessary to execute dreams and goals.
Sharing personal stories can empower and inspire others.
Patience is required as dreams unfold in their own time.
 
Keywords
resilience, mindset, motherhood, dreams, overcoming adversity, personal growth, courage, hope, business success, parenting

Double Diagnosis: Navigating Two Special Needs in Two Months

In this heartfelt conversation, one Mum shares her journey of navigating unexpected diagnoses for two of her children, within weeks of each other.
The discussion delves into the emotional turmoil of being in shock and wishing you could unhear news, the importance of maternal intuition, and the coping mechanisms that helped her and her family through these challenging times. 
Vanessa shares her survival tactics of learning how to focus on resilience, vulnerability, and community support, and in the deep discussions, Hannah and Vanessa discuss and emphasize the need to embrace gratitude and set boundaries while navigating the complexities of motherhood in the face of adversity.
About The StrongHER Side Podcast:
The StrongHER Side is a groundbreaking podcast and global movement created for mothers raising children with disabilities. 
We explore the raw, real, and often unspoken side of caregiving—identity loss, emotional burnout, invisible labor, daily challenges, and the fierce resilience it takes to rise through it all. 
Hosted by Hannah Gair, a mother, advocate, and advisor,  The StrongHER Side gives voice to the women behind the care plans, through expert interviews, solo deep dives, and the stories of other incredible mothers walking this journey. 
This isn’t just a podcast, it’s a lifeline, a transforming of the way mother's see themselves and their role, and creating ripple effects of hope, empowerment, and resilience across families worldwide
Our purpose is to see mothers who are often unseen.
To give voice to her stories that too often go unheard. To remind every mother raising a child with disabilities that she is not invisible, not alone, and not without value.
We exist to create a movement where mothers feel truly connected, equipped, and empowered, with practical tools, heartfelt conversations, and a global sisterhood that stretches far beyond borders.​
Our purpose is simple yet powerful: to help one million mothers rise in courage, in identity, and in hope.​