About Us
Welcome!
We are a group of moms who created the 40-Day Project to share resources, education and support to Somali parents and caregivers during the postpartum period. The first 40 days following birth can be a beautiful time, and they can also be challenging and isolating. Our collective experience as women and mothers has inspired us to learn from one another and from others, and to share what we’ve learned with you.
As you begin this journey, we hope these resources remind you to practice self-care, reach out to others, enjoy your baby and celebrate you! We do this work together because:
"Far kaliya waji madhaqdo."
"You can't wash your face using only one finger.”
- Somali proverb
Meet the 40-Day Project Team
We are (from left to right):
Mollie Kohler - Mom of 2, MPH Maternal and Child Health student and perinatal psychotherapist
Cari Michaels - Mom of 2, Extension Educator with the University of Minnesota Extension Department of Family Health and Wellbeing
Maryan Ali - Mom of 6, Interpreter/translator, community leader, future business owner
Ifrah Nur - Mom of 10 , Childcare owner an advocate for the community, founder of somaliwomennetwork
Sahro Abdullahi - Mom of 5, Currently student teaching at Burnsville High school to complete a masters in education
Lauren Moberg - Mom of 3, Infant & Early Childhood Director with the MN Association for Children’s Mental Health
Illustration by Stephanie O'Donnell
Articles about the 40-Day Project
"Navigating mental wellbeing on the path to new parenthood" (UMN Extension)
"Ku hagidda wanaagga maskaxda ee waddada waalidnimada cusub" (UMN Extension)
This TeleOutreach Extension Workgroup is a partnership with University of Minnesota units (TeleOutreach Center, Extension, MN Leadership in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities, School of Public Health), the Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health, and community stakeholders.
About this project
The 40-Day Project is a collaborative effort supported by the University of Minnesota Extension Department of Family Health and Wellbeing, the Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health, the University of Minnesota Center for Leadership Education in Maternal and Child Public Health, and many parent and professional content experts.