Here at The Bedford Mom we believe that moms deserve to be recognized and celebrated! This month we are so excited to feature Mandy Underwood, a mom in town who gives back to our community through her career as a Physician Assistant and volunteer work at the Educational Farm at Joppa Hill. Learn all about her below!
Tell us about yourself!
My name is Mandy Underwood and I have lived in Bedford for nearly 21 years with my husband and our 13 and 17 year old daughters. I am originally from Shrewsbury, MA and, like many other transplants to NH, I love my state and plan to stay here always! I have been actively engaged in this community since having my first child – professionally, socially and in a volunteer capacity. I thank my fellow Bedford residents for being amazing to work with in all of my endeavors!
Tell us about your work!
I have worked as a primary care Physician Assistant since 2001. I’ve spent my entire career working at DMC Primary Care, the last 6 in the Bedford office. I care for folks from birth to death, helping them navigate the complexities of health and disease. To me, preventive care is by far the most important aspect of my job and I feel honored to help my patients not only treat disease but make the lifestyle changes that keep them out of my office. I am lucky enough to work part time, allowing me to be a part time stay at home mom and volunteer as well. I recently became a substitute nurse in the Bedford school system as a way to give back to the school system that has supported and encouraged my daughters for the past 13 years.
What are your favorite local restaurants?
Flight Coffee for their Honey Thyme Scones!! Pressed Cafe for their shakshuka.
What is your favorite way to practice self-care?
Self care is a tough one for me. I finally got a gel manicure for my birthday this year (first time in about a decade) and my nails splintered after I took the polish off! So much for a spa day… My favorite way to be good to myself is to go for a hike. When I don’t have time to head north to work on the NH 4000-footers with my daughter, I love to do the Joppa/Pulpit loop or the Peabody Mill trails in Amherst. Can a trip to HomeSense and Marshalls be considered self care? If so, add them to the list.
What brought you to Bedford?
We came to Bedford at 26 years old, a few years before school system reputation was even a consideration. My husband grew up in Manchester and knows this area well. We were thrilled to find a roomy and quiet home with acreage close to the city. Although I had heard that Bedford was “snobby” prior to moving here, I have found that sentiment to be untrue and unfair. Bedford is filled with extraordinary, hard-working, giving and caring people. I am proud to call them my neighbors.
What is your favorite thing about Bedford?
We’ve heard it (and probably said it) before, but my favorite thing about Bedford is that it’s an hour to the city, an hour to the ocean and an hour to the mountains. A dream location for a girl who loves to hike, swim in the ocean or catch a Broadway musical in her off time.
What are your favorite local spots in town?
Of course my number one favorite spot in town is the Educational Farm at Joppa Hill. I have been a Board member since 2020 and I started and continue to manage the Farm Stand. I am always struck by the positive feedback and encouragement we get from our visitors, especially during the height of the pandemic. Being a free and happy place to visit with the animals, meet friends for a playdate or walk on the trails is a gift to both myself and the community. Beyond the Farm, my friends know that Trader Joe’s is my guilty pleasure. I have told many people that they will find me at the register or stocking shelves in my Hawaiian shirt once I retire from medicine in a few years!
What is your best piece of advice for moms who are new in town?
Being a new mom can be very isolating, especially if you are new to Town. That was me over 17 years ago, and I am so glad I joined the Bedford Mom’s Club when my daughter was 9 months old. I met my oldest “mom friend” Kristin there and our daughters are still the best of friends. I also joined My Gym, went to library story hour, joined baby swim lessons at the Goffstown YMCA and basically put myself out there so I could meet other new moms. Doing this was totally out of my comfort zone but I knew I needed the companionship of other moms. Once my oldest went to preschool at Lamb’s Workshop, I was so thankful that drop off and pick up occurred inside the building (not curbside), as it allowed me to meet other parents of her classmates.
What is your best piece of advice for expecting moms or new moms?
My best advice when you are expecting is to exercise and practice self care throughout your pregnancy. Moms can safely perform most exercise right through the last trimester and, in my experience, doing so makes labor and delivery much easier to withstand. It also imparts a great deal of resiliency within your body that allows you to bounce back after giving birth. I speak to this as a wannabe expert – I exercised regularly with my first and not so much with my second (toddler at home!) I would also say that it’s easy to second guess yourself as a new parent. Books will tell you the “best” and “right” ways to raise your kids, but in the end YOU need to determine what’s best and right for your family.