Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Heather Nickelson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Heather , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.
From the time I discovered occupational therapy, I was smitten with everything I know OTs could do. Our scope is so wide and amazing – and even though no one understands OT quite like OTs do…. I knew it was such a special field to specialize in.
Little did I know, two years after graduating from OT school, I would completely change my career goals. All thanks to postpartum depression.
See, I was in the thick of it with two babies under two years old. My mother-in-law, who was one of my best friends, passed away a month before my second baby was born. I found myself angry, resentful, exhausted, and nowhere near the mom I wanted to be. I discussed this with my doctor and was given the most lackluster response, followed by “you need to get some sleep.” I couldn’t turn to anyone really, because I had no clue who to turn to. No one seemed to have the struggles I was having – so I must have been a crappy mom.
Then I discovered the wonderful world of perinatal mental health. I found myself obsessed with the topic of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, intrusive thoughts, the effects of babies on relationships, hormones and mood swings, risk factors and protective factors, etc. As I was going through these courses and reading these research papers, I quickly realized that OT was the PERFECT PROFESSIONAL for the job. How we can use our keen eye for task analysis and client-centered practice to help promote a safe and smooth transition into motherhood. It was then I realized that I wanted to be the support I needed when I was in the thick of postpartum depression. I’ve never looked back.
Heather , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
After graduating in 2016 with my master’s in occupational therapy from Washington University School of Medicine, I went on to have three babies of my own within five years. I quickly realized that there is a huge gap of care that left me feeling alone, unsupported, and in need of more than my providers were able to provide.
I offer a wide variety of services to meet the moms where they’re at during the perinatal period:
Prenatal 4th trimester preparation consultations to help mom prepare for bringing the baby home. We discuss everything from sleep to self-care, to support circles and safeguarding their relationships with their spouse. We come up with action plans and plan B/C/D if needed, and I educate moms on PMADs such as PPD, PPA, PPOCD, and the risk factors/ protective factors that are related to them, in order to reduce their risk of a PMAD during the postpartum period.
Postnatal wellness visits, which focus on helping mom recover from childbirth physically, mentally, and emotionally while helping them transition into this role as seamlessly as possible. These consultations include:
* Mental health screening for postpartum depression and general mental health check-in (discussing sleep, self-care, support, etc)
* External evaluation for diastasis recti and coaching through gentle, yet effective exercises to help regain core strength
* C-section recovery tips for abdominal wall healing and strengthening, scar manipulation and desensitization
* Biomechanics of motherhood: Movement and posture evaluation and education on positioning to prevent musculoskeletal disorders and pain (neck, back, and wrist are most common for new mothers)
* Nutrition education to help improve overall health during the postpartum period, and education on its impacts on breastfeeding
* Feeding evaluation of latch, positioning, muscular imbalances, and education on newborn feeding needs
* Early Intervention including newborn / infant milestone information and activity ideas that focus on connection and developmentally appropriate play
Pre/Postnatal Personal Training and Nutrition Coaching, in-person (local) and online through my Mindfully Fit app. There are three tiers of membership and include personalized nutrition coaching, ability to track progress through pictures, measurements, weight, and have a community within the app for support, and direct access to personalized workout programs that are tailored to their individual needs.
Additional trainings include:
Postpartum Support International / 2020 Mom Maternal Mental Health Certificate
Florida State University Partners for Healthy Baby Home Visitor Training
Florida State University Breastfeeding Counselor Certificate
NASM Certified Personal Trainer
AFPA Pre/Postnatal Exercise Specialist
Precision Nutrition Level 1 Nutrition Coach
What sets me apart from others in my field is that I am a mother who has been there, and I am able to use my skills as an OT, personal trainer, health coach, breastfeeding counselor, and mom of three under five years old to help moms feel safe, supported, and most importantly, SEEN while they are working to balance their own personal needs within their new role as “mom.”
I am proud of my mission and all that has gone into it. Mindful Momma Therapy Services + Mindfully Fit are here because there was a need, and I am working my hardest to fill that need. Anyone who has worked with me knows how passionate I am about my business and the moms I work with.
Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?
The ability to create a connection with anyone you come in contact with. The ability to leave someone happier than when you met them. The ability to make anyone feel that they have your full attention and support when they’re with you. There are ways of communicating that I feel make people feel important, or make people feel like a burden. It is SO important to be able to be physically and emotionally present with your clients and to use not just your words, but your eye contact and body language to engage in a conversation. You have to be relatable to work with such a vulnerable population. You’re meeting women in their most vulnerable stage, handling their precious newborn babies, and you’re creating a safe space for that work to happen. You can’t be closed off. You can’t fake that rapport. That ability to empathize and connect is going to make or break your success in this field.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
My reputation in my community was built purely on my empathetic personality, relationships with women in the community, and word of mouth. I haven’t done true marketing for my business in a very long time, and even then, it was a few posts on social media that was barely acknowledged by anyone. I started telling a few friends, who told their friends, who told their friends. In spring of 2022 I decided to start hosting community bootcamps for a very low price because I knew women wanted to work out together. Bonus for them – their children were welcome! We have no fitness center in Ste. Genevieve that provides childcare so again, I saw a need and I filled it. The women who attended started telling others, and before you know it, I had 70+ members of a community bootcamp Facebook page, waiting for updates on the next event. It’s a great feeling knowing that you’re giving women in the community something they can look forward to and I know they can feel my passion when they’re with me. That’s what has built my reputation. Am I perfect? Heck no! But they appreciate me and my services… and I appreciate their hard work and kind words.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mindfulmommatherapy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heather__nickelson/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MindfulMommaTherapy/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-nickelson-ms-otr-l-47026b131
Image Credits
Natalie Rose Photography Chelsea Easter Photography David Mullis, 1st Phorm Alex Luebbers, 1st Phorm