Suffering from postpartum depression with her second baby, Jessica Raj knew little about the part nutrition played in hormonal health during such a crucial and vulnerable time. This led her to learn more about how she could support other women and their babies to nourish themselves with real food. A Certified Nutrition Consultant, she specialises in holistic nutrition for pregnancy, postpartum and babies. She is committed to supporting women from preconception to when their baby is eating solids, holistically supporting mums and their baby’s health from the inside out. Here Jessica talks to The Natural Parent Magazine about launching The Wholesome Mama Nutrition.
The passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
I’ve always had a love for learning about holistic nutrition, so when I found a Masters in pregnancy, postpartum and baby nutrition through Oh Baby School of Holistic Nutrition, I knew that I wanted nothing more than to study it.
I had my own struggles with postpartum depression with my second baby, and upon learning about how much nutrition impacts the brain, it all made sense to me why I struggled so much. During that time of my life, I did not take care of myself nutritionally, so this fuelled my passion to empower women in their pregnancy and postpartum to take care of themselves. This starts from nourishing their body with good whole foods from the inside out. In general, I want to educate women about the value of nutrition during pregnancy, postpartum and for their babies, and that’s essentially what my business entails.
The launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
I started advertising it on my Instagram page and began 1:1 consultations with women soon after. The beginning stages are never easy, but belief and consistency are key to sustaining growth.
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
When I learned that running a successful business is discovering the problem that your potential clients have and conveying to them that I can solve it. This has been a gamechanger for my business growth.
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
My mantra is that wherever I am, I’m fully present. So, if I’m with my kids, I’m present. If I’m working on my business, I’m present.
This way, I’m not doing two things at once and don’t feel overwhelmed or conflicted.
I also plan out my week so that I am carving out time for my family and for my work. It looks different week to week, so that’s why planning is key.
