Today we’d like to introduce you to Doreen Brass.
Hi Doreen, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I became an RN in 2003 and started in ICU. By 2005, I was ready for a switch and to pursue a passion I had since nursing school, Labor & Delivery. There is something magical about welcoming new life in the world while supporting and guiding new parents through one of their toughest challenges.
So, in 2006 when I had my first child you would think I would have had all the knowledge I needed. The reality is there is no such thing as being completed prepared for parenthood but I did think I would have an advantage as an L&D RN. I was so wrong! I had so many uncertainties bringing my daughter into this world and plenty of complications too. I remember turning to my husband and asking “so they’re just going to let us walk out of here with her?!” as we were discharged from the hospital. I can laugh now but at the time, this was a serious question since I did not feel prepared to take care of such a tiny helpless little being. Despite having the knowledge to inform and educate my patients, I found it difficult to apply that knowledge to my own reality. So I did what most do, I leaned on my village for support. My mom, family, mom friends and co-workers were who I bombarded for all my “am I doing this parent thing right” questions. The issue with that was no two answers were ever the same and sometimes when leaning on support from an older generation, you can get outdated guidance.
By 2010, we had moved across the country, away from family and friends when baby #2 arrived. No two pregnancies, no two births and no two children are exactly alike and despite logically knowing this, I still expected a rerun of my first. My old village was missing and despite being an “experienced mom” I once again felt unprepared and uncertain especially when breastfeeding didn’t go as well as the first time so once again, I was desperate to lean on a new village.
Since having my kids, I started a quest for knowledge on everything that burdened me in those early years: high-risk pregnancy, physiological birth, post-partum healing, breastfeeding (I’m now an IBCLC), newborn care, sleep and OMG I haven’t even talked about the misery that was potty-training. After over a decade of learning, observing and absorbing what I could, I found myself looking for an outlet to share my knowledge. Hospital births come with short stays and new parents are exhausted and bombarded with education already. COVID had thrust virtual learning to the forefront and while that works well for many, there are still others that require a more personalized, intimate setting to meet their needs where they can see, feel, touch and experience. The answer came in discovering the global brand, The Mama Coach. It was an opportunity to start a business by utilizing my nursing license and have the opportunity to work one on one with growing families to offer support, empathy and evidence based solutions.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I started this business with 20 years experience in nursing and zero in business so there was lots to learn. Nurses are trained to advocate, support and educate their patients so these skills don’t well apply to entrepreneurs especially those just starting out. I love to teach and interact with current and prospective clients but pricing, marketing strategies, SEO, social media, technology, ugh. Oh how I wish I can skip to the fun stuff! But, I have learned along the way that my knowledge, my journey and my experience are of great value and I should be respectful of that. If I don’t see the value in my service, no one else will.
One of the most common questions I get from new parents: “when does it get easier?” But the harsh reality is it doesn’t. When things seem to get easier, new challenges arise. Not necessarily easier or harder, just different. For example, I’m in my Sandwich Generation phase meaning I’m raising teenagers/young adults while dealing with aging parents. Just when I think I can juggle that, here comes perimenopause to knock me down! Essentially, hormones and health whether it’s mine or my loved one’s have been my battleground for the last 20ish years. I’m determined to emerge victorious.
We’ve been impressed with The Mama Coach – Doreen Brass, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Mama Coach is a global team of Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners. Our mission: To support women and families through every stage of their journey with evidence-informed care rooted in empathy, compassion, and the power of nursing.
Although we are all individual business owners navigating our own nurse consulting business, we do collaborate with each other in a private space. While I bring 20+ years of experience in Obstetrics, post-partum and nursery, another nurse may bring 15 years of experience in pediatrics while another can have a 25 years in NICU. I like to brag to my clients that if I don’t know the answer, I can tap into over a hundred other nurses of various backgrounds all over the world.
My Mama Coach business is centered on Maternal/Child health. I offer prenatal classes in childbirth and breastfeeding either virtual or in person. Once the baby is born I offer newborn support, feeding and sleep consultations, starting solids w/infant CPR/choking and I offer potty training support as well. I am also an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) so lactation services can potentially be covered through insurance. The best part is that if your local to me, I come to your home. Having a new baby is hard enough. Trying to pack them up and travel to another location in order to recreate the issues you are having at home is quite another challenge I don’t want new parents to bear.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
To quote Maya Angelou: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” This is no greater joy than to know that a person’s day got easier, their stress got a little lighter or their frown turned into a smile simply because of the impact you had on them.
Pricing:
- Private Prenatal Class $250-$350
- Newborn Support Packages: Sleep and Feeding $400-$700
- Sleep packages $250-$450
- Feeding Support $150-$200
- Potty Training $200-$300
Contact Info:
- Website: https://doreen-brass.themamacoach.com/
- Instagram: @doreenbrass.themamacoach
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themamacoach.Doreen.Brass
Image Credits
Elizabeth Ann Photography
