I've spent so much time thinking and stressing over what this first blog post should be about that I ultimately put it off for far too long. The idea of getting started and putting myself out there was scary...it still is, but much less now. Since the start of the new year I've had a refreshing amount of motivation and clarity when it comes to what I want in my work and for my career as an occupational therapist.
My dream and goal of starting Nurture Motherhood started shortly after having my daughter in 2020. I had the dream for many years that I would work with babies in some capacity. I can remember loving the show A Baby Story, on TLC, when I was a teenager. My plan was to go to college to become a nurse and work in either OB or pediatrics to eventually work in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). I'll spare you the fairly long story about the route my education ended up going but I ultimately went on to get my Bachelor's degree in Nutrition and then my Master's degree in Occupational Therapy.
I had a hard time deciding what "I wanted to be when I grew up." But I now know and understand why it was so difficult for me to pick just one career path... As I've grown up I've learned more and more about what interests me and what I'm passionate about. During college I felt like I was being limited to explore just one interest or path. But when I learned about occupational therapy and the diverse work setting opportunities it felt like I had finally found a career that would keep my interest, enable me to help others and still work with infants after getting additional experience and training.
It wasn't until I had my daughter that my passion for maternal health really came to life. I had finally realized, what I feel is, my true calling for my career. I was able to envision, for the first time, how I could combine both my interests and my degrees. I would work as a maternal health occupational therapist, supporting and empowering moms to care for both themselves and their baby. If the term maternal health is unfamiliar to you....
The World Health Organization (WHO) states, "maternal health refers to the health of women during pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period.
Each stage should be a positive experience, ensuring women and their babies reach their full potential for health and well-being.(WHO, 2023)"
Maternal health should address the entire person...their physical, mental, emotional, and social health.
It's through Nurture Motherhood that I hope to better serve women by bringing other maternal health and pediatric professionals together, into one virtual space, to provide education and care to you from the comfort of your home. Course topics and virtual services you can expect from us will include:
lactation (breastfeeding, bottle feeding, formula feeding, pumping)
pelvic floor therapy
perinatal mental health
maternal and infant nutrition
infant/child development
pediatric feeding therapists
infant massage
...and I hope so much more.
So thank you from the bottom of my heart for being here and please reach out to me with any questions.
Be sure to subscribe to our email list, found at the bottom of the home page, if you'd like to stay up to date on when our courses and services go live!
~Kala
kala@nurturemotherhood.com
Before you go I'd love to know what service(s) and topic(s) you're most interested in!
What service(s) are you most interested in?
- Online courses
- Live courses
- Virtual appointments with a qualified professional
- Virtual Support Groups with other women
What topics are you most interested in?
- Breastfeeding, Bottle feeding, Formula Feeding, Pumping
- Pelvic Floor Therapy
- Perinatal Mental Health (depression, anxiety)
- Maternal & Infant Nutrition
You can vote for more than one answer.