Penny Chote is a registered Critical Care Nurse & Certified Thompson Method Practitioner. She created Innate Nurturing to share her knowledge through breastfeeding consultation and breastfeeding preparation classes. She works with new and expectant mums to help them achieve their breastfeeding goals, so they don’t struggle through painful breastfeeding like she did, without support. Here she talks to The Natural Parent Magazine about the inspiration behind Innate Nurturing, the pros and cons of running her own business, and her hopes and dreams for the future.
The passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
I found the Thompson Method when I was struggling with breastfeeding my second child. I had suffered through a horrible start to breastfeeding with my first child and through pure determination I got through the painful first 8 weeks and then it settled down. I thought it would be easier with my second – it was not. I had completely different issues and was again lost at sea. I found the Thompson Method through the grace of God. It completely changed my breastfeeding experience with my second child.
As a registered nurse, I felt that it was my duty to become qualified as a Thompson Method Breastfeeding Practitioner so that I could share this knowledge with as many women as I could. I never wanted to hear about another mumma going through what I went through.
The launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
My business is relatively new. I have been servicing my local community when the opportunity presents itself.
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
My biggest breakthrough has been working in my community helping women achieve their breastfeeding goals. I am particularly proud of the mummas that overcome the complications that were caused by traditional methods. Their dedication and perseverance is so humbling. The strength that mummas have is something I am so proud to support and encourage in my clients.
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
I make sure that I have Sundays as family time. I also try to book in consultations early in the morning or later in the day, when mummas have the time themselves, and my own children are happy for me to be working.
