Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ciara Lyons=Ragains. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Ciara, thanks for joining us today. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.

I am a masters-prepared registered nurse. I have over 13 years of experience as a nurse and most of my experience has been in the maternal/child space. I started my Mama Coach practice in June 2023. I was about 7 months postpartum with my first child. The early days of my postpartum period were rough on me. I felt very lost and had no idea what I should expect. Sounds silly right? I am a nurse, so you would think I would have known. Traditionally I feel that no one fully prepares you for what that first postpartum year and newborn period is really like. Most classes or resources out there are not focused on postpartum care for the mother nor how to care for your newborn. I also remembered that as a Labor & Delivery nurse, I encountered many families who also had a lot of questions or did not know what to expect after having their babies. As I started to emerge from the fog of those early motherhood days. I started thinking about how I could help more mothers/families with this time of their lives. One day I came across an email about this company of RNs that had their private practices. This company was created by a Registered Nurse in Canada by the name of Carrie Bruno. She created it because she felt alone and struggling when she had her children. I reached out to learn more and knew this was something I wanted to do. So I decided to start my private practice here in sunny Southern CA where I reside with my husband and young daughter to provide evidence-informed education and support to families locally in the LA area, across California, and beyond. My advice for anyone wanting to start a business is to go for it. You never know what can be accomplished until you give it a try.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I always knew I wanted to be in the medical field. My mother is a nurse and she always had great stories to share. As a child in elementary school, I wanted to be an OBGYN to deliver babies. Then I got into high school and changed to Dermatology (I am really into skincare). Once I graduated from High School, I decided I did not want to be a medical doctor anymore. I became a nurse and eventually made my way to Labor & Delivery where I get to help families have their babies. I’ve come full circle from that elementary school dream. After having my daughter I started The Mama Coach- Ciara Lyons. As a Mama Coach, I provide education-coaching and support services to mothers from pregnancy to childbirth (especially what it is like to deliver in a hospital, what inductions are and how they are done, C-section preparation if needed), postpartum care, newborn care (what’s “normal” vs “abnormal”), breastfeeding/bottle feeding/starting solids, to early childhood topics such as sleeping, potty training. I also provide choking and CPR training for families. I teach you the skills to save a life. I will start offering perimenopause and menopause services soon as well. Women’s health is neglected and I want to be a part of that change. I am here to provide women/families with the facts and some laughs. I genuinely want everyone to thrive. I do not believe in suffering especially when some resources and professionals can help. I want to help you fix the problems you are facing, and help you feel more confident and secure on your parenting journey. I am not here to judge you just to help find the best, safest solution for you and your family so you can thrive!

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

I would choose the same profession/specialty. As a nurse, I have been able to do different specialties meet different people, and build great friendships. I would choose maternal child/women’s health every time. Women have a special place in my heart. Being us can be hard and overwhelming. We are overwhelmed and underestimated often. We work, take care of the children, our families, and friends, and tend to neglect ourselves. Society has also told us it is okay to neglect ourselves and I do not want that for us. We deserve support and I aim to provide that support. Also, knowledge is power and we deserve evidence-based facts.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

To be successful as a nurse, as a Mama Coach I believe in having compassion. Also truly listening to what the client or patient has to say. Putting yourself in their shoes. My parents used to always tell my siblings and me that we should do unto others as we would have them do unto us. I still follow that. I think it is a great rule to follow. Having a sense of humor helps as well.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ciara-lyons.themamacoach.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ciaralyons.themamacoach/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themamacoach.ciara.lyons
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIHKwHJvZyrnwjd68xlrnHw

Image Credits
Some are photos snapped with my iPhone. Professional photos: Jesselyn’s Creations Photography