Meet-A-Mom of Simply Latched – Amanda Gatia | Birmingham Bloomfield Hills Moms

How many children do you have and what are their names and ages?

I have 3 children, Serafina (7) Zara (5) and Stefan (4)

Where do your children go to school?

My children go to school at St. Hugo of the Hills Catholic School Serafina is entering 2nd grade, Zara is entering kindergarten, and Stefan will be in Pre-K 4

Tell us about your company Simply Latched and what made you want to start this business?

I graduated nursing school in 2014 from the University of Detroit Mercy and directly went into the field of Obstetrics. I had a passion for pregnancy and babies and had the opportunity to work at St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Mother & Baby unit as a postpartum RN. Throughout the 6 years working in the OB unit, I ventured off and was trained in Labor and Delivery, as well as the Neonatal Intensive Care unit. I grew an even stronger passion in breastfeeding due to St. Joe’s being a Baby Friendly Hospital. I became certified as a Lactation Educator and then decided to go further. I am now a Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).

My years spent with mothers and their babies led me to the love of helping and educating families in their most precious moments. Simply Latched was then born and is focused on helping families reach their individual breastfeeding goals and maximize its benefits.

What services does Simply Latched offer?

Simply Latched offers personalized Prenatal Lactation Prep consults, Postpartum consults, as well as phone/virtual consults. Educating mothers on how to successfully breastfeed, prepare for and be able to address any obstacles that may arise. I offer services on pre-baby birth all the way through the first year of baby’s nutritional life, such as transitioning to solids.

What made you decide to raise your family here?

My husband and I got married in 2010 and we began looking in areas surrounding St. Joseph Mercy Oakland, where he practiced as a pharmacist for many years. We love the private feel of Bloomfield Hills and the community amenities that it offers.

What’s your favorite family activity in Birmingham/Bloomfield Hills?

Our favorite family activity is to visit Bower’s Farm in Bloomfield Hills and Booth Park in Birmingham. I remember taking our first daughter, Serafina to the farm during the fall and having her first experience at a pumpkin patch. The farm has so many activities for children, including camps that all 3 of my children will attend this summer. The farm is right around the corner from our home and we are blessed to see the animals outside daily.

We also love visiting all of the different parks in Birmingham and spending the afternoon walking around, shopping and trying all of the amazing restaurants.

Where are your favorite places around town with your kids?

Our favorite places around town with our kids are having brunch at Bills, visiting Franklin Cider Mill in the fall, ice cream in the summer at the Dairy Mat, and spending a lot of family time with friends at Wabeek Country Club in BH to name a few!

What do you do to balance your own life and motherhood? What do you do for “me” time?

Juggling your own business and kids is always hardwork.

I really believe in balance. Balancing your needs with your family’s needs are just as important to me. I try to structure my days where I am able to squeeze in some time for myself. I wake up about an hour before the kids, organize my day while having a cup of coffee or getting in a good workout. I decide then what I will be doing with my day. I dedicate time to my children and doing my best to make sure their needs are met, as well as my husbands. Managing and growing my business is very important to me and brings me happiness, which then ties into my “me” time. After a full day, my evenings are then spent with my husband or catching up with friends. “Happy mom, happy home” I do really believe in that.

 

Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood?

My husband, he is just amazing. He is very supportive and we have built a beautiful family together. My sister is also a huge part of my life and actually mentored me as I started my personal breastfeeding journey. Her dedication to breastfeeding was my biggest inspiration.

If you’re not following her already, give her a follow on Instagram @simplylatched

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