Meet Jenelle Zingg | MammaEase- Brand Builder

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

Hi Jenelle, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I became a new mom just before starting my business. I often felt like I wanted to be present for my son, but also build something that gave me a purpose beyond motherhood. These two desires definitely conflicted with each other. I found myself nursing my son to sleep for his naps and then being stuck there because if I moved wrong he’d wake up and then I wouldn’t have the time to myself or have a happy, well-rested baby. I felt guilty for wanting more and being bored with just playing with and caring for an infant all day. I yearned for adult conversation and time with friends. I dreamed about quality time with my husband without interruption. I missed feeling well-rested and tending to my own needs. I wanted to go to the gym for two hours and not feel guilty. I daydreamed about a mom’s getaway to a tropical island where I could swim without worrying about my son’s safety on the beach and sip a margarita while discussing any topic with female friends besides parenting.

What should our readers know about your business?
I decided to start my business while my son and I were on our breastfeeding journey. Our breastfeeding journey was one of the most wonderful experiences I’ve had in my life, but it was also more challenging than I could ever have anticipated. With breastfeeding, as with anything new and unfamiliar, there were ups and downs and a sharp learning curve. I felt stressed and unprepared. Most of all, I was concerned that Oliver wasn’t getting enough nourishment based on his slow weight gain. Despite our pediatrician’s near-constant pressure to resort to formula, I did not want to give up! I didn’t know that things could get worse. The first time I had mastitis, I had never heard of it. I learned that my flu-like symptoms were actually an inflammation of breast tissue that sometimes involves an infection. (Thank you, Google!) I did everything I could to try to relieve the constant pain and discomfort, while still feeding and caring for my son. Friends shared that doctors had recommended electric toothbrushes to massage sore breasts. I knew that breastfeeding moms deserved something better and more effective, something created just for them. Thus, Lumama Lactation Massager was born! The Lumama Lactation Massager is my contribution to breastfeeding mammas everywhere. My personal journey with breastfeeding inspires my goal to give new mothers hope, support and a community to call their own. My dream is that moms will endure fewer hurdles. My hope is that mammas will have access to breastfeeding education, resources, and support to help them handle any issues that may arise– from plugged ducts to mastitis to low milk supply. And I hope they have encouraging partners who support them in learning how to nurse comfortably. It’s my dream that our community will also have friends and family members who are free of judgment and acknowledge them for their awesome commitment to their child’s health and wellness. Our brand and community has naturally developed into a safe place where moms can share about their challenges in motherhood and learning to prioritize self-care and their own mental health. We want to normalize the discussion about the real experience of motherhood and continue the conversation about postpartum anxiety, depression, and feel supported emotionally and physically in their transition to motherhood. Cheers to a more comfortable breastfeeding journey and supporting moms in their mental health journeys.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh my goodness, I love this question! Breakfast- Richard Walker Pancake House- San Diego Downtown Lunch- Darshan Bakery in Encinitas for their Tuna sandwich, soup, and the best chai latte in town! Dinner- Everest Himalayan Cuisine in the Lumberyard, Encinitas- the vegetarian coconut curry is heavenly! Breakfast- My husband makes the best Dutch Babies- with butter, lemon, and maple syrup! Lunch- Healthy Creations in Encinitas has the most wonderful gluten-free cuisine- The Paleo Cesear Salad is my favorite (local tip- add lemon chicken) Dinner- Blue Ribbon Pizza in the lumberyard, Encinitas cannot be topped for farm to table brick oven delights. Try the truffle heirloom popcorn and enjoy delicious drinks on tap

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband, Tim Fleming has provided encouragement, support, and time for me to work on my vision and goals. My mother-in-law, Anne Wolfe, has been instrumental in providing care for my son so that I can take a shower and build my brand. Tim Ferriss’ book, The Four Hour Workweek was key in my decision to never work for someone else again. His transparency about his own mental health journey is also inspirational.

Website: https://www.mammaease.com/

Instagram: @lumamalactation

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jenelle-zingg-81617114

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lumamalactationmassager/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ip8kj0yxw8

Image Credits
Marci Pascua