We had the good fortune of connecting with Leslie Owens and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Leslie, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
There is a running joke in the entrepreneur world that “I quit my 9-5 so I could work 24/7” and that is very true, especially when you are just starting out. I am still in the workforce while I get my business off the ground, and it is truly nonstop. I always have a never ending list of tasks to do. My hope is that putting in a lot of work now will mean not requiring so much work in the future.

What should our readers know about your business?
Mother Nurture Maternity is my passion project that I am cultivating into a career. As an RN, IBCLC I provide prenatal breastfeeding education and I provide in person and virtual lactation consults. I also provide postpartum doula services. When a client books me, they are getting the whole package. I am able to help new parents with establishing breastfeeding, building a milk supply, troubleshooting problems around the way, and I can be extra hands (and ears) to help them adjust to their new roles.

My calling to perinatal work dates back to my 20’s when I was in nursing school. I was afraid I’d made a big mistake and chosen the wrong career. That was until I go to my OB clinical rotation. I knew on the first day that was where I belonged. I walked into a room where a young mother was about to give birth and was clearly terrified. The nurses were busy setting up equipment and her relatives in the room were standing way back watching wide eyed. It came natural to me to walk up to her and take her hand. I looked her in the eye and told her it was going to be ok, and that she could do it. I will never forget the relief that washed over her face. I stayed with her and held her hand while she brought a new life into the world. What an honor and privilege!

I went on to eventually become a labor&delivery/mother-baby nurse, and later an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant). Most recently I’ve trained as a Doula. It was my background in the perinatal field and lactation, as well as my personal experience breastfeeding my oldest son and currently my twin toddlers, that inspired me to start a private practice as a lactation consultant as well as offer postpartum doula services. What sets me apart is that I have extensive medical background and experience along with a genuine caring and compassionate heart that was made to advocate for mothers/birthing people and babies. My clients can trust that I know what I am talking about from my education and experience and that I have their best interest at heart.

The path to entrepreneurship has not been easy, but it is so worth it. My goal is to create a legacy and to be the captain on my own ship. I am able to push through the tough days telling myself that the work I’m putting in now is setting the foundation for the future. I have learned that there is no elevator to success, its a very steep mountain to get there, with an amazing view.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would pick them up from the airport, bring them to our house to relax from traveling and have my husband grill us some of his amazing steaks for dinner. We would stay up late watching TV and talking over wine.

The next day we would take all our kids to six flags (don’t forget we are all parents). We would probable have pizza from Nancy’s.

Day 3: Slow morning, brunch at home, then hit the aquarium. When the kids to go bed, I may leave the kids at home with daddy and step out to Ra Sushi for sushi and drinks.

Day 4: Rest. We are tired. Mexican restaurant for dinner since it’s loud in case any of the kids have a melt down.

Day 5: Big breakfast, haul the kids to the zoo.

Day 6: Simple. Park with the kids. Girls night. I will ask around for where the grown and sexy crowd goes (I don’t know, I’ve been pregnant or home with twins for over 2 years now lol)

Day 7. Take them to the airport, take my kids to daycare, and take a long nap.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband for being my biggest supporter. He believes in me so much, he makes me believe in myself.

Website: http://www.mothernurtureatl.com

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/mothernurtureatl

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mothernurtureatl

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