The time has come. I'm opening my own business!
Last term, September through December 2014, I continued my degree program in lactation. I am studying to become a lactation consultant and IBCLC (international board certified lactation consultant). In addition to this journey, I completed a course to become a postpartum doula. In winter term I completed the workshop for that and began the practicum portion. I'm nearly finished with my practicum hours, care and services provided to postpartum moms and families with infants from birth to 12 weeks for free. There is a total of 48 hours I need to complete and when I submit my work for certification I will have surpassed that. The last of my hours will come from working with a second-time mom who just had twins. Having experience with multiples was a major goal for me and I'm happy to begin working with her and the family. Completing these hours keeps me on track for the full-blown certification through my college, and after certification I will be completely ready to open my own business.

So, that's the back story. And now the nitty gritty. I have zero experience with business. I've studied education, journalism, and now lactation... and not once in my 9 years (on and off) of college have I taken a business course. I'm kicking my self for neglecting that at this point in my life. Nevertheless, I'm doing it. I've created my own forms, polished my policies, and I'm ready to consult with friends and professionals to build my website and aspects of starting a business that I know next-to-nothing about.

The first leg of my business will be postpartum doula services. As a postpartum doula I help families transition into parenthood and life with a new baby from birth through 12 weeks. Entering into business in this field may be a challenge because part of the marketing will require educating the public what a doula is and what a doula does. There are labor doulas who assist women through birth and postpartum doulas (like me) who assist families with new babies and mothers who are healing after birth. However, I think the value of a postpartum doula and the services we provide are still unknown to a majority of people (please feel free to correct me if you think I'm wrong.) I look forward to adding education to my marketing and helping new parents learn that there is quality help and support available in those critical, difficult, magical first weeks with a new baby. Those sleepless nights, breastfeeding difficulties, and parenting uncertainties can be smoothed out and given the attention they deserve with the help of a postpartum doula. Support is a key factor in the success of the first weeks with a new baby. It's my goal to help families transition into parenthood in a way that is joyful, peaceful, enjoyable, and natural. And that's the foundation of my business.

Here I go. A whole new journey toward the life I am creating for my family. Wish me luck!