Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Wachler-Harris.
Hi Anna, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have always had a passion for women’s health–especially as it pertains to pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period. I chose occupational therapy because it afforded the flexibility to work in many settings although women’s health was not commonly practiced in the field at that time. Therefore, I began working in pediatrics after graduating from The Medical University of South Carolina. In my work with children, I noted how little care and resources were being provided for parents and set out to change that model.
During COVID I was afforded the time to dive into learning more about breastfeeding medicine-something I had been very curious about and interested in-I LOVED the education and knowledge and started working more intentionally in this area of practice-despite it being very uncommon for my career field.
I was able to open my private practice, Motion In Motherhood in 2020 and began specializing in infant feeding and lactation, eventually becoming an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant in addition to an Occupational Therapist. This unique skillset allows for me to work with moms and babies in a nurturing and therapeutic way that expands beyond feeding and facilitates an environment for moms and babies to deeply connect with their bodies and each other and bond in profound ways.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The entrepreneurial road has not always been easy. Going to school for healthcare, I was never educated on business or entrepreneurship. Therefore everything I did to start and run my practice, Motion In Motherhood was a new skill and new learning opportunity which has challenged me greatly.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in infant
feeding and development through maternal empowerment and education.
I am highly skilled in helping moms improve connection with themselves and their baby in a nurturing and gentle way. For me, feeling confident in feeding your baby is about much more than nutrition-it also sets an intention for connection with their bodies and baby that can span a lifetime.
I pride myself in providing a safe, nurturing space that facilitates lasting emotional connection, body intuition and confidence as a mother.
The creativity and care that flows in each session is a gift to witness and facilitate. I feel honored to provide a space for moms to experience motherhood in a way that validates and supports their needs and desires.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
It felt like a big risk to go from a consistent paycheck, working for someone else to working 100% on my own in my private practice. I don’t consider myself to be a very risk-prone person but have always felt that when you’re able to follow your intuition and bet on yourself, the world tends to reward you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.motioninmotherhood.com/about
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/motioninmotherhood/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MotionInMotherhood/
Image Credits
Brianne Sanders photography
