Supermum: Rebbeca Jenkins - Micasso Baby Club

Supermum Rebbeca Jenkins

How did Arabella enjoy her Mini Mozart baby music classes?

Arabella was less that 4 weeks old when she started her first Mini Mozarts class! In her first few weeks of term, she would be asleep for some parts of the class; although, even when a baby is sleeping, they are still processing their acoustic environment, so she was never missing out! As the weeks went by, Arabella became more engaged and mesmerised by the class; the mix of live instrumentation, singing and musical baby instruments is a great blend for babies.

Can you tell us the funny story about Arabella's inscription to Micasso Baby Club?

I signed Arabella up to Micasso before she was even born! Sounds crazy, I know, but we moved to Madrid not long before she was due. I wanted to secure a spot before it became fully booked, as I knew Micasso was a popular baby class, one of the very few English-speaking baby classes in Madrid. Arabella is my second daughter, so I already knew the importance of socialising and meeting new Mums, especially in a new city where I knew no one.

You founded Maternal Mayhem - Can you tell us what the company is about?

Maternal Mayhem was founded through my desire to help families with breastfeeding and sleep challenges. Milk and sleep are fundamental to a child’s health and well-being. The company name is a lighthearted take on life being turned upside down since starting a family and embracing all the challenges that come with it.

What are a Paediatric Sleep Consultant & Breastfeeding Specialist - could you let us know more about this profession?

As a Paediatric Sleep Consultant, I work with parents whose children, mainly infants and toddlers have sleep challenges. Common sleep challenges include; difficulty falling asleep, waking multiple times throughout the night, resistant or short naps, and waking too early in the morning.

In addition I am also a Breastfeeding Specialist, so I work with Mums who are having breastfeeding/feeding challenges with their baby. Common breastfeeding challenges include; difficult or painful latching, sore or cracked nipples, and concerns over milk supply and weaning.

What path led you to this career?

My daughter’s breastfeeding and sleep successes inspired me to train as a Breastfeeding Specialist and a Paediatric Sleep Consultant to help families in their time of need – creating Maternal Mayhem.

Would you say that Micasso Baby Club enhances the well-being of parents on parental leave? If so, could you explain how?

Absolutely! While on parental leave, you need that escapism from the day-to-day things that come with being a parent. So, attending a Micasso class every week, you are getting out of the house and being surrounded by other mums who are in a similar situation to you, and you can share all things (the good – the bad) relating to Motherhood. Looking after your well-being is crucial when you have a Child.

After class, did you notice feeling more at peace and connected to your child?

The Micasso classes definitely created a fun bonding experience with Arabella, and after our classes, we would go for coffee with other Micasso mums and their babies. Our Micasso mornings were great, and we look forward to them every week. I am still very close to the other mums I met through Micasso!

In the early days of motherhood, would you say that Micasso Baby Club made it easier for Arabella to socialise with other babies of the same age?

I feel socialising with other babies from a young age is very important for a baby’s social development and general interaction with other children. Interactive Baby classes like Micasso can help build a child’s confidence, and Arabella has always been very comfortable in social settings.

What would be your best advice for any ambitious working woman who wants to start a family, just the way you did?

It is important to take time for yourself to focus on what you want from both a career and family perspective. Being happy and content with your life decisions is essential for you to thrive. It is possible to have a successful career and be an incredible mom – it’s just a balancing act we have to navigate.

Is there any other advice or thing you would like yo add for the amazing community of parents who are reading you?

As mums, we often feel capable of doing it all, but never be afraid to ask for help and support from friends and family. Your own downtime is needed in order to re-energise.