Supermamas

#Supermamas Interview Series: Introducing Jenna, The Minimalist Doula

In Life by eva.katona@yahoo.com22 Comments

 What are my #Supermamas interviews about?

Initially, I thought Im going to do a few interviews in the couple of weeks leading up to Mother’s Day. But then I realised that I know so many fantastic Supermamas, that I will keep running these series. My weekly interviews are about mums, who have given up their professional life after becoming a parent and decided to do something completely different for living. In these interviews real women are telling me about their journey of becoming a mother how they have changed their way of thinking about work, pursuing dreams and making money.

Supermamas Jenna Minimalist Doula

I came up with this idea when I realised that I’m lucky to know so many wonderful women. I really am surrounded by #supermamas. Most of all: my own mama. She started an evening course at the university and she was reading law when she was pregnant with me. By the time I was in pre-school, she graduated summa cum laude and became a lawyer! And others too: friends, blogging buddies and creative business owners I have met lately. They are juggling it all: looking after the children, having a newly found profession, running a new business and inspiring us. Their stories are a real inspiration to everyone.

I truly believe when a child is born, a mother is born too. And so we change. We grow, learn and become stronger. We should embrace all these changes and use their power to nurture, create and find our passion. So these mums took risks, pushed themselves, overcame self consciousness, challenged themselves again and again until they found their very own path to balance. My Supermamas Interviews are about them.

#Supermamas Interview Series: Introducing Jenna, The Minimalist Doula

 

Jenna

Jenna

 

Can you please introduce yourself?

Hi I’m Jenna and I live in Surbiton, Surrey with my hubby and two little free spirited children.  I’m a Doula, pregnancy yoga teacher and just a total mother lover.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

 So many things! The one I really remember is a fashion designer. I remember designing a suit for the Queen (on paper) with my Mum’s best friend who was a seamstress. My Gran even got me a mannequin from the car boot but I couldn’t sew so I used to just drape stuff on it!

What did you do before becoming a mum?

I was a secondary school teacher teaching GCSE and A level Media and film studies at an inner London comp.

Why did leave that job?

I finally left last summer to take up doulaing and mother loving full time…to be home more with the kids and to ease the stress of juggling everything!

What do you do now?

I am a recognised birth and postnatal Doula with Doula UK, pregnancy and postnatal yoga teacher, I facilitate a local Positive Birth group, I’m trained in supporting birth trauma and I run antenatal workshops to build birth confidence.

What are you passionate about?

Women being themselves and knowing it’s ok…ok to feel, be vulnerable, question, and let this self love lead to having empowering and positive birth and motherhood experiences. 

Where do you find inspiration?

Everywhere…every birth client, yoga student or Mum friend has a story. All unique, all important. I have learnt that listening to someone is one of the most powerful tools we have.

Did you learn to say no?

Yes…about a year ago I fully committed to my yoga practice which I’ve been dabbling in since I was 18. I kind of retreated a bit last year and did say no to lots of things and did what I needed to do to keep my cup full, which turns out for me, was a lot more yoga!

How did you overcome uncertainties and self doubt?

I read a lot of positive stuff, followed cool, strong women on instagram, read Rise Sister Rise by Rebecca Campbell, hung out with super positive, amazing women…I had to really push through to hand in my notice..so much self belief had to come from somewhere…which is still a daily battle to overcome the inner voices and stand tall in my own business and beliefs.

Did you have to convince your family about making the leap? Or did they support you from the very beginning?

Luckily I have a super supportive husband but yes he was nervous about me leaving my secure job but he knew I’d make it work…I’ve been freelance before.

What’s your latest project?

I’m about to relaunch my website with more of a workshop focus on emotional healing whether it’s through birth prep as a doula or through breath work and yoga.  I am taking my yin yoga training in March so I can give the gift of yoga to more women, at all stages of motherhood. I’m also going to be launching antenatal prep for Dads which I’m really excited about!

Name a thing (or two) you used to give a shit about – but not anymore: Housework…to do lists…

Fill in with the first word comes to your mind: I believe in…love

My super power is…mostly staying calm

Being ethical means to me…being aware and supporting what’s right

Right now I’m most excited about….everything to do with my business, I can’t wait to support more families.

My dream job is…what I’m doing, I feel so so lucky

The most important thing I can teach to my child is….kindness…it takes nothing to be kind.

 
Doula services:
www.theminimalistdoula.com
@theminimalistdoula
Antenatal workshops:
www.doulanatal.co.uk
Antenatal and postnatal yoga classes:
https://www.instagram.com/theminimalistdoula
Fancy reading another of these interviews? Try this: Supermamas interview with Victoria from Lylia Rose
 
The Pramshed

Comments

  1. I would have loved a doula when I was pregnant, it is certainly a big change from teaching too

    1. Author

      I believe it’s certainly a profession you need real passion for it.

  2. Good luck with the launch of your website Jenna, lovely interview , you are definitely a #supermammas

    1. Author

      Thanks for your comment Laura. Jenna is definitely a very inspiring mama friend of mine.

  3. Jenna is a #supermama for sure. I love this series Eva, there are so many incredibly inspirational women all around us. X

  4. I love blog posts that talks about the blogger or person behind their blog and learning a bit more about Jenna is really wonderful! So inspirational.

    1. Author

      Jenna is definitely one of the most inspiring women I’ve met.

  5. Good luck with launching your website Jenna. I love these interviews, especially the questions at the end where they finish your sentence. It’s so interesting to have a sneak peek into people’s thoughts and views

  6. Ahh this is an amazing idea for a series! Jenna sounds really inspiring, and I’ve always been interested about being a doula! x

  7. I’m looking to forward to reading the rest of the series. I loved this. I’m always inspired by anyone who takes the leap to follow their dreams #fortheloveofblog

  8. Great series. I’m always inspired by people who take the leap to work for themselves #fortheloveofblog

  9. What a wonderful and inspiring interview! Jenna is indeed a very busy women! I’d love to hear more about her yoga classes as I’m so into yoga too. I’m also looking into be train a a professional yoga teacher, but it costs so much! I will need to save up big time! Jenna is one inspiring lady!

    Thank you very much for linking up with us on #FabFridayPost

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