The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
I have unfortunately seen many of my healthcare colleagues (and myself!) succumb to burnout. One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced was learning how to balance my passion for helping others while maintaining my own well-being. It’s easy to get caught up in the demands of running a business, especially when it’s something you care deeply about. I wish I could give away all of my knowledge and services for free, however my husband reminds me that this isn’t the best business model! However, I believe everyone should be entitled to empathetic feeding support, and I offer a payment plan along with reduced or free services for those who are struggling.
Another challenge has been navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship itself-there’s no clear roadmap, and you have to be ready to pivot and adapt. Thankfully, through trial-and-error, and a big thanks to my husband who has been incredibly helpful, I have been able to overcome these obstacles.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
Running a small business is rewarding and challenging. I no longer feel constrained by rigid hospital bureaucracy, which doesn’t allow for nuance and the human factor. For best outcomes, I help parents understand all of their feeding options by sharing evidence-based knowledge combined with the unique needs of each family. I help families understand the vast benefits of offering breastmilk to their babies, but also understand that there are a variety of alternative feeding methods for a reason! I know that having babies can be such hard work, and my aim is to help individuals find their balance.
The biggest pro of running my business is the freedom to make decisions that prioritise both the well-being of my clients and myself. I get to work in a field that I’m passionate about every single day, and that’s truly rewarding. On the flip side, the biggest con is that it can be difficult to switch off; there’s always more to do, and the responsibility ultimately falls on me. But I’ve learned how to set boundaries and manage my time effectively, so I don’t let work consume me. No one can pour from an empty cup.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue growing myself and my business, expanding the services I offer to reach more birthing people. I hope to further innovate in the way we approach women’s health by integrating more holistic and personalised care practices. Ultimately, I want to build a community where people feel supported throughout their entire journey-not just during childbirth, but before and after as well. Continuing to focus on creating that balance of empowerment, education and care is at the core of everything I do.
Photography credit: @lelandwilliam
Visit the Radical Milk website to find out more, and connect with them on Facebook and Instagram.
