Can I get a wha what?
So I am quite excited to have Outnumbered up a running again. I miss blogging....I miss thinking about the things I'd like to write about...so here I am!!
It's been quite a year! Last year this time I was getting ready to go into my MScN program, full-time. Urghhhh. Now I'm going to take the 4 year route and go part time. It's a huge weight off my shoulders. I still want to do a thesis - but not until my kids are all in school full-time.
I do have exciting news though - this year, I'm starting up my own business!!
When I got my IBCLC certification I started to think about going into private practice. There were a few factors that were pushing me toward this exciting endeavour. First, I love to help moms & babies. Second, my supportive husband was backing me up 100% & as a business man, he thought it was a win-win situation. Third, I had done quite a bit of research on IBCLC's in private practice....I knew this was something I was passionate about, and could do while still working my wonderfully fulfilling educator position.
A few things held me back. I didn't want to step on toes of the amazing services already offered in my community. Fear. Going it alone. Failure? No, not failure. I knew I could do this & it would only ADD to the wonderful group of people offering support to new moms & families in our community.
So I began to research more and more. I wasn't going to jump into this without a TON of information and preparation. I took it one day at a time & did my homework.
Then, in Spring 2011 - my previous colleague and friend Karin (who is a breastfeeding guru) sends me a message on facebook...she's thinking about branching out in her work and is considering helping moms breastfeed in the community - do I have any idea of how it could work?
Talk about perfect timing. It was uncanny actually.
From then, the ball got rolling. Karin is the kind of partner who anyone would want. She works hard & is super organized. In fact, she reminds me of me : ) I'm fairly certain she can now finish my sentences. ha!
Bella Breastfeeding was the name I was thinking of for my lactation consulting business. We threw some names back & forth, and Karin sent me a message one day and said, "How about Bella Vida"? I was sold.
Beautiful Life.
From there, we worked on our business, and business & law homework. We had consulting appointments on our days off (as if moms ever have days off) and did a lot of reading into the wee hours of the morning & on the weekends.
A few short months later & Bella Vida Baby Inc was born.
We are going to offer our community some amazing services. Here's the list:
- Prenatal Classes (we are giving the real deal about what's going to happen & what choices are available during pregnancy, birth and postpartum)
- Dad's Classes (classes for dads to be, learning about what being a dad is all about, through humour & while having beverages & wings)
- Infant Care Classes (from skin to skin to diapering - what you need to know to care for your newborn)
- Sibling Prep Class (a fun and innovative way to help prepare older children for the arrival of their new sibling)
- Lactation Consults
- Breastfeeding drop-ins
- Infertility support groups (this is free of charge, offered for families in Kingston & area. Karin experienced infertility for many years & will lead this session)
- More services to come: carseat safety, infant massage and more...
This is so exciting - and others in our community are excited too. We've received so much support & positive feedback which is wonderful. In fact, a local newspaper came & interviewed us earlier tonight! We look forward to be offering local families CHOICE. Choice that is based on evidence-based information & current research. Choice in a fun, open and safe environment. No matter what families choose, we will be there to support them, provide information & also provide follow-up if challenges arise.
As you may know if you've read Outnumbered in the past, Bella Vida Baby Inc. is truly in alignment with one of my favourite sayings, "It takes a village to raise a child"
I feel honoured that Bella Vida Baby clients have allowed us to be part of their village.
COME VISIT US ON THE WEB:
OR WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BELLAVIDABABY
READ OUR BLOG: Bella Vida Baby Blog
Thanks for your support!!!
: )
Keri
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