Hello Louise, tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m Louise, 37, and I have worked as a Dietitian in a large NHS teaching hospital for past 15 years. During the COVID -19 pandemic and whilst still working for the NHS, I followed my long-standing interest in all things pregnancy and childbirth and I trained with the Real Birth Company to become a qualified antenatal teacher. During this time, I set up my business Nourish and Nurture Ltd where I provide both nutritional advice to antenatal or post-natal ladies alongside antenatal education to prepare families for pregnancy and childbirth. This has allowed me to combine my two passions.
Additionally, I have two children, Isla who is 6 and Theo who is 4. I am also pregnant with my third baby, a little boy who is due in August.
1. ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE HOW BEING A WOMO MAKES YOU FEEL?
Empowered (and of course exhausted!)
2. WHAT’S THE FUNNIEST EXPERIENCE YOU HAVE HAD JUGGLING KIDS AND WORK?
Having to explain to my children that I am not a rugby player, when I was going to work in the Wales Millennium Stadium, when it was transformed into a Nightingale Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic.
3. WHAT IS THE ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU COULD OFFER ANOTHER WOMO?
It’s ok, for it to take time to readjust to the new work/life balance you now have following returning to work. There is always someone who has been through the same or similar situation to you. You are not alone. Take each day / week as it comes.
4. WHAT’S THE LEAST AMOUNT OF SLEEP YOU’VE GONE TO WORK ON AND HOW DID YOU COPE?
Probably about 2 hours – I had a little boy who was not good at sleeping for a loooong time. I think I coped ish! Coffee, chocolate and friendly colleagues definitely helped!!
5. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT YOURSELF AS A WOMO?
It’s possible to achieve both work and family goals!!
6. IF YOU HAD A WORKING MOTHER’S ANTHEM OR MANTRA, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
You’ve got this! And you will always make the right decision for your family.
7. WHAT IS YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE TO COMBAT WOMO GUILT THE BEST?
I really don’t know, dedicating time to my children doing something that they love!
8. WOULD YOU RATHER BE DEALING WITH A TANTRUM OR PRESENTING IN A BOARD MEETING?
Definitely presenting in a board meeting!
9. IF YOU ASKED YOUR CHILDREN WHAT YOUR JOB IS, WHAT WOULD THEY SAY?
‘Some days you are a nurse in the hospital looking after poorly people and some days you help people who are having babies’.
10. WHAT’S THE ONE THING YOU WISH YOU’D KNOWN BEFORE YOU BECAME A WOMO?
Every WoMo will have the mummy guilt at times, you are not alone!
11. TO DATE, WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BEST WOMO ACHIEVEMENT?
Feeling brave to take myself out of my comfort zone and set up my own business
12. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO TEACH YOUR KIDS ABOUT WORKING MOTHERS?
It’s normal for mothers to work. Mothers have the ability to be a great mum and employer / business owner. Never give up on what is important to your career or family.