A Journey from NICU Physical Therapist to Empowered Entrepreneur: Emily Spaeth's Story

This podcast episode features an in-depth conversation with Emily Spaeth, detailing her professional evolution from a physical therapist in a NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) to the founder of Be Well Baby PDX. Emily shares her early career experiences, including how she recognized the need for and successfully advocated for more physical and occupational therapists in the NICU. She delves into how her background in yoga and massage therapy enriched her NICU work, particularly through introducing infant massage. Facing personal and professional challenges, including navigating her own pregnancy while working in the NICU, Emily realized the impact of empathy and the importance of setting boundaries for self-care. This realization prompted her to further her education in trauma-informed care, leading to a pivotal career transition during her maternity leave. Emily's entrepreneurial venture, Be Well Baby PDX, combines her skills in physical therapy, yoga instruction, massage therapy, pelvic floor health, and lactation consultancy to offer a holistic service to pregnant and postpartum individuals and their babies. The podcast also touches on the concept of 'matrescence,' the transition into motherhood, and the significance of community connection, nervous system regulation, and the therapeutic use of touch. Emily emphasizes the importance of creating meaningful connections and fostering a supportive community as both a professional strategy and a personal philosophy. Links: FREE 8-minute Yoga SequenceBe Well Baby - Parent Centered Online Courses@bewellbabypdx on Instagram and Facebook   Join Mary and the star-studded faculty at Caring Essentials' 4th Annual Trauma Informed Developmental Care Conference, October 13-15, 2024 taking place at the iconic Hilton Boston Park Plaza, Boston MA, USA.  LEARN MORE   Caring Essentials' is all about helping health and human service professionals cultivate meaningful practices and routines to live their best selves and serve at their highest potential. Join us to discover the transformative nature of trauma-informed care through education, reflective processing and tapping into the wisdom that emerges through community - BECOME A TRAUMA INFORMED PROFESSIONAL TODAY!