I recently had the pleasure of talking to Elise Bates recently about her new business venture. Elise is just weeks away from launching her new business which offers Postpartum services to new Mums and Dads – a service I wish I had available when my two were born.
Elise, What is your business?
Mothering Mama is a postpartum service aimed at supporting mums and dads in the early days of parenting with a newborn. Those first few weeks are a huge learning curve (whether it’s your first, second or fifth baby!), but it can unfortunately become a very stressful time without the right supports in place. A lot of people haven’t heard of postpartum doulas before, but essentially we are non-medical professionals who provide emotional and practical support so parents can focus on bonding as a new family. This can be customised to suit the parent’s needs, whether it be preparing them a nourishing home cooked meal, watching the baby so they can have a nap, or just having a chat about how they are adjusting to this phase of their lives.
How long have you been in this business?
I’ve been working with families and newborns for the past six years as a midwife and women’s health nurse. I’ve recently chosen to pursue my passion for postpartum care and complete my postpartum doula training. I am super excited to be launching my business Mothering Mama in Brisbane in September of this year.
What was the event or trigger which made you decide to start your own business?
It’s definitely been a plan I’ve been developing slowly over the last couple of years. Working with mums and bubs in my capacity as a midwife has made me realise how little support new families have once they leave the hospital. I look after a lot of people who go home to almost no support. Maybe their family is overseas. Or maybe their well meaning friends just want to drop by and see the baby but don’t know how much a new mum would love some practical help. If you look back in time, almost every country and culture have traditional practices for postpartum care. The Chinese observe ‘zuo yuezi’, a month where the new mother is cared for by extended family, encouraged to rest and cooked nourishing meals. Similar traditions are seen in Mexico, India, Thailand… almost everywhere if you look back far enough! In contrast our western culture has very little in the way of community and support for our new mums, and I’m looking to change that.
Why did you choose to start your business in the Brisbane area?
I’ve always been a Brisbane girl! My husband and I both grew up here and we are both very family oriented. I can’t imagine living anywhere else (the weather and food scene is way too good).
What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?
When I’m not spending my time with new mamas and babies, you’ll find me experimenting with a new recipe in the kitchen, sampling the newest brunch spot with my husband, or planning our next travel adventure.
What age did you buy your first home and where?
We just got married in April of this year, so next goal is the house! Saving is obviously a (lengthy) work in progress.
If you could have any superpower in the world, what would you choose and why?
Teleportation hands down. I frequently think how much I’d love to be able to teleport home from work after a long day. Or to a beach in the Bahamas on my days off!
Knowing what you know about life, what advice would you give to your 18 year old self?
So. Many. Things. Primarily to just take some pressure off and be kind to myself. The older I get the more I realise things usually just work out in the end! Stop comparing, prioritise self-care and work on a positive inner dialogue. Unfortunately, I think I always had to figure this out for myself. Life is a great teacher like that!
What is the funniest thing you have seen while driving?
People watching is my all-time favourite. Seeing someone singing their heart out to the radio at the traffic lights never gets old!
If you, or anyone you know could be looking for some help, make sure you touch base with Elise https://www.motheringmama.com.au/
If you would like to take part in Who are the people in my Neighbourhood, then please complete the form with your contact details and I look forward to hearing more about your business!