Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Craig.
Rachel, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m a Registered Nurse, and most of my professional background took place in the Labor + Delivery, Postpartum, and Nursery units of the hospital. I’ve helped thousands of people enter into ‘parenthood’ and I have also been present during some people’s ‘worst days’.
In July of 2021, I became pregnant with my first child. My thought process during this time was ‘I’ve seen it all, I don’t really need to do anything to prepare. I know babies!’
My daughter was born April 2022 and on my third postpartum day home I burst into tears. I really only knew the first couple of days of a baby’s life! Everything is so different when you bring them home WITH you.
I looked for any kind of group support. What I wanted was to learn about ‘normal infant behaviors’ as well as connect with new parents. I wanted the ‘village’ everyone talks about. It seemed like there was a lot of support during pregnancy + childbirth but once the baby arrived there really wasn’t much.
The Parent Pad was born in that exact moment. A place to learn about babies, because the internet can be a scary place. A place to connect with other parents however they identify… because moms aren’t the only people raising babies nowadays. I created what I was seeking, and my hope is other people are wanting that same support as well.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Owning your own business is tough work! I am already self-motivated but trying to raise a baby full-time and start this business hasn’t been easy. I think it’s also challenging to put yourself out there on social media. But, through that process, I have met so many amazing parents. We constantly fear ‘failure’ and I think my mind will tell me I’m not good enough, but I just need to push past those thoughts.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in helping people feel seen and heard. No matter what you’re going through we can find great comfort in knowing we’re not alone. I help you understand your baby so you can try to get through the early days of parenthood. I believe connecting people to education and the right resources can change their life. My purpose in this life is to help others and becoming a parent has shown me that I am doing exactly what I am here to do.
The parent pad is an online and in person community of support for parents. our mission is to help you feel educated & confident for when your baby arrives & beyond—there is SO MUCH accessible information out there nowadays. We work to be a safe, inclusive, and evidenced based space run by an educated & experienced nurse and mother. Our current in person class/support is EXACTLY what I needed as a new parent & I’m so excited it’s up and running.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
My family. My husband. My daughter. My two dogs. My two cats. I am an absolute homebody and waking up every single day with so many blessings fills my heart with so much joy
Pricing:
- 8-week ‘All Things Baby’ course $287
Contact Info:
- Website: theparentpad.com
- Instagram: @theparentpad
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0BM14WwQmUb7OdfvC2yWVA
