Juggling Motherhood, Business, and Big Dreams: Finding Balance and Routines with Jazz from @lets__sleep

Juggling Motherhood, Business, and Big Dreams: Finding Balance and Routines with Jazz from @lets__sleep

This weeks wholesome chat is with Jazz Kostov from @lets__sleep. Jazz shares her journey as a parent and business owner, discussing the challenges of finding balance in life, especially during transitions such as moving and pregnancy. She emphasises the importance of redefining balance as a fluid concept rather than a fixed state. 

Jazz talks through her non-negotiables for maintaining energy and focus, and the importance of creating sleep routines for families for wellness, mental health, routines and finding normality as a mother.

Our chat touches on balancing multiple roles as a Mum from working full time, being a business owner, having and achieving personal goals and growing relationships.

Top Takeaways from this episode are:

• Balance is not a fixed state; it shifts daily.
• Every season of motherhood brings new challenges.
• Creating sleep routines benefits both parents and children.
• Checking in with each other helps maintain connection in marriage.
• Modeling self-care teaches children valuable lessons.

Jazz on Instagram: @lets__sleep
Let's Sleep Website: www.letssleep.com.au
Let's Sleep Podcast: HERE

Transcript

Jazz: You know, your dreams and goals and aspirations, whether they're work related or, you know, exercise related, are just as important as anyone else's. And you really do deserve to thrive in all areas of your life without feeling like you're sacrificing your own wellbeing. And that's even more important when you're a parent because that role modelling, showing our little ones how we nourish ourselves, how we care for ourselves, how we are self compassionate, that then flows back to them and teaches them those practices, apparatuses as well. So I've really kind of realized that in the last year. I think with Hazel going from three to sort of a four year old now it's okay to feel vulnerable in front of her. You know, there's been a couple of times obviously in pregnancy, hormones are raging and like I'll have a cry and it's okay to cry in front of them. It's okay to head out for that walk or run, even if they don't want you to go. Just prioritizing what you need.

Elise: Hello, I'm Elise and this is the inspiring her podcast. It's all about you here. Your wellness, your nourishment, your lifestyle and finding that unstoppable glow. I'm bringing you conversations with my guests and friends to spark change in your health, embrace your power and live your best life. Get ready to be inspired, uplifted and empowered as we chat about the tips and tools that will light up your journey to a vibrant, glowing you.

Jazz: Hello guys. Welcome back to the pod. Today's conversation is so wholesome and you are just going to absolutely feel lifted up and not alone after listening to this episode. Jazz is the creator of let's Sleep on Instagram. She is a mom and also pregnant at the moment with her second baby. She is a midwife and a nurse and she is just so grounded, guys. She has multiple businesses, she's writing a book, she is just doing it all. And she is such an inspiration in the way that as women in this season of our lives, we really do have to show up in so many different areas and it can sometimes be overwhelming and really a struggle on our mental health, our relationships, our self, love and just our journey. Overall. Jaz's perspective on all of this is so empowering and inspirational and this conversation really did lead me to think about my routines, habits and ways that I want to show up as my best self. So I hope that you also get this same feeling. From this conversation she shares more in detail with us about her journey as a Parent, a business owner. And she chats with us about the challenges of finding balance in life, especially during big changes and transition periods. Jaz talks to us about the critical role of sleep in family wellness. So, yes, she is a sleep coach for little children and babies, but I love that she really talks about this from a perspective of how it impacts you as a mother and how important this is for your overall mental health wellness and just how you show up in your daily life. She really encourages you to empower yourself and create sustainable routines that emphasize your own self care and emotional regulation. I know you guys are going to love this, so let's jump in and chat with Jaz.

Elise: Hey, Jaz, it's so lovely to have you on inspiring her. I'm so excited to chat to you today.

Jazz: Thank you for having me. I'm really, really excited to be on the podcast.

Elise: It's really lovely to just connect with other women who are all about helping other women. And I know that that's at your core. So that's why I'm really excited.

Jazz: Yeah, I absolutely love it. And I think throughout my whole career, really, as you know, I worked as a nanny and then I was a nurse and a midwife and maternal and child health nurse and now as a slate consultant. Really. I've always worked with families, but so much with women, which I just love. Yeah, I love that part of my work.

Elise: Yeah. So you mentioned a little bit about what you've done in your career. You are the owner of multiple businesses and you help parents navigate the early years as well as being a mum. And you're also pregnant at the moment with your second bubba. Congratulations.

Jazz: Thank you. She's actually moving around a lot in there at the moment. I just had a coffee, so I think she's bouncing off the walls.

Elise: She wants to be a part of the conversation. She's going to be a chatter.

Jazz: She's just trying to put her hand up in there.

Elise: So I'd just love to know, how have you learned to redefine what balance is in this season of life?

Jazz: Yeah, look, I think for me, when I was reflecting on this question, balance, it's not a fixed state. You know, I think we think about balance as something that we reach and then we get there and it's sorted, but it doesn't work like that. I think, you know, that's something I've learned particularly over the last four or five years, really since becoming a parent and starting my businesses. Um, it's not a fixed state and it's something that shifts every day. So we're constantly kind of trying to fit back into balance, figure out what we need in the moment and really kind of working at that. It's not, it's not something that's a fixed point and that's a big takeaway. I've had, you know, I used to work full time in set kind of shifts and roles within maternal and child health, in midwifery. I had my pre organised shifts and you know, hours of work and I've had to work really hard, um, both, you know, with running businesses and being a mom to make the most, I guess the flexibility that I am fortunate to have now with, with running my own businesses because otherwise you can kind of spiral into overwhelm and you know, having kind of so much flexibility can actually be more overwhelming. I don't know if you've found that as, as a business owner yourself and a podcast host, it's, it's in a lot of ways it's sometimes easier to go to a shift and just know when you're working and then you come home and there's a real divide between those two roles. So I've had to work at it and I'm constantly working at it.

Elise: Yes, I love that you say that it's not a fixed state because that is absolutely true of any woman in this season of life. Whether you, as you say, working a full time job and you have more of a routine focus because it's more of a defined split or a lot of women do find that they can work from home in this season of life, which is a blessing. But I think with that comes different pressures and stresses because as you know, you're trying to fit in things maybe at 9 o'clock at night or 5am in the morning or you know, in between nap times and things like that. And it changes because as our children grow and change, we grow and change. So I think that's really nice how you said you have to continually redefine and figure out what works right now.

Jazz: And that is, you know, it honestly is, it's every day, it's every week we've got different things on our plates. You know, as I just said before we started recording, we're moving interstate in a week and a half. We're moving back to Melbourne. So there's a lot on our plate at the moment that wasn't on our plate say a month ago. And that just that constant kind of reevaluate, reevaluating what you need in the moment. I think as well, you know, it can Be really challenging juggling multiple roles. But I do feel really fortunate to have choice in how I plan my weeks and my days. That's something I'm really grateful for with being a business owner. You know, I can do all the daycare drop offs and pickups. My hubby works, he's a carpenter so he works sort of that early start and normally an early finish. But often, often not. So, you know, if Hazel needs a sick day, I'm there for her. If I want a half day off work for some self care, I can easily organize that last minute which is harder to do when you are in an employed role. So I'm really grateful for that. The other thing I was reflecting on with this was, you know, that constant shift through different seasons within motherhood. It's not like motherhood is one season, I think even within motherhood as you said at the moment I have a, you know, we have a four, just over four year old but we're about to bring a new baby into the world and you know, our whole sense of balance and our normal routine is going to change and you know, we don't plan on starting this next little one in daycare until probably nine months old. So I'll be juggling kind of, I'll have a few months off completely from work when baby arrives and then I'll be juggling kind of having a newborn at home, having a baby at home, daycare drop offs for the eldest and my whole week is going to look really different. So I think every season will evolve and that's where that kind of daily and weekly reflection on balance I find.

Elise: Really helpful and I think the perspective shift that you've just spoken about there is really important. The mindset and the perspective that I am grateful for where I'm at and what I'm able to do right now. Yes, that's maybe just being present in the moment. Do you think?

Jazz: I think so. And that's, you know, that's something I've not always been great at, being present in the moment. I'm really someone that looks ahead and you know, I'm quite a type and ambitious and I think when you have those personality traits we tend to always be looking at the next thing. For us it's always been like the next renovation we're doing or you know, the next baby or the next, you know, this interstate move that we've done for this adventure. So I think focusing on kind of what's. Yeah. What you're enjoying in the moment, what you need in the moment. Is really important, particularly when we have little ones around us because you know, we, we need to regulate ourselves and in order to help regulate them.

Elise: Yeah. So on that note, what are your non negotiables then? Like, it sounds like you love a routine. You're very aware of what like fills you up. Tell us your non negotiables or habits that you use to protect your own energy and focus.

Jazz: Yeah, so I think something my husband and I were reflecting on this the other day, we've really learned about ourselves particularly in this last year with, you know, we've been living up in Far North Queensland and we've had this awesome sort of nine month adventure living somewhere completely different. And it's made us realize that we're actually real creatures of habit. And we take a lot of comfort in our regular rituals, you know, having kind of weekly activities that are kind of the same. Obviously a little bit of spontaneity in there and exploring new things. But that's something we've really found out about ourselves and I think that actually provides us a lot of comfort and helps to protect our energy. There is so many things that I could list that I feel like really fill up my cup and protect my energy, particularly as a mum, you know, having a cup of tea in bed every morning, that's my thing. It was in our wedding vows like he found to bring me a cup of tea every morning. So that's just my. I've always loved that my dad used to bring me a cup of tea in bed, which is really cute. So we've continued the tradition going, you know, for long walks, heading out for a coffee like especially sort of. I work from home, mostly by myself, so I find that, you know, getting out into a different space is really good for me. Heading out for a coffee, working from a different location, I. I don't realize how much I need it until I've actually done that. You know, I've headed out to a cafe and just sat there for a few hours and done some work instead of sitting in my usual office. Yeah, that changes scenery. Even just sitting in a different room, you know, sitting out in the dining room I find really helpful. Another big one that I'm always, I'm still really working hard on is trying my best to limit time on my phone. This is a huge work in progress as I'm sure it is for, you know, the majority of the population of the world. For people who have phones, it's. Yeah. Especially when it's tied into our work, I think just really setting Some boundaries there has been really helpful for me.

Elise: Hmm.

Jazz: Plenty of blank space in my calendar. I love not having a huge amount of plans, particularly after kind of daycare pickup and then on the weekends I love, we love getting away for the weekend and things like that, but I think just not having lots of different social commitments and having plenty of space just to chill out and not feel like we have to be anywhere at a certain time. Yeah, yeah, they're probably the main thing. Slow weekend mornings, we love to, you know, on Saturdays and Sundays, unless we have to be somewhere, we love to take those few hours to just have a couple of cups of tea in bed, make some pancakes, potter at home and then head out kind of mid morning. That's quite our vibe. We're not really out the door at 8am kind of people on the weekend.

Elise: I'm hearing you talk so much about like prioritizing your relationship, you and your husband talking about what works for you. And I think this is such a key point for anyone listening that your family has to do it the way that works for your family. Have those conversations together, like talk about what feels comfortable, where does it fill your cup as a team, also as an individual. And I love that you've mentioned all of those little things that you do together as well as alone because I think when you're doing multiple different things, like my husband has his own business and I'm building mine and you know, you guys are similar. You know, your husband works and you've got so many thriving businesses and projects that you're working on. If you don't work as a team, then that's where that stress comes and it is going to come. Like you can't be blind to it. But unless you keep checking back in with each other and yeah, focusing on that, then yeah, it just all goes.

Jazz: You know, I completely agree and I think, you know, I've been my, my partner and I have been together for husband, sorry, not partner, he's been demoted. But you know, we've been together since I was 19 so we've been together for 14 years, married for nearly seven and I feel like it's. We've been really good at just checking in with each other regularly. Not in a formal way. It's not like the same time every week we have these famil family meetings, but just checking in with each other on how we're feeling and being really open. Another thing that I didn't mention was, you know, exercise for us is. Exercise looks very different for me in pregnancy compared to Normal outside of pregnancy. I'm like a half marathon runner. We'll be out on the trails for like two hours, really enjoy running. I don't run in pregnancy because it just does not suit my pelvic floor. But yeah, for him, you know, he loves working out running as well. He's a big runner too. So I think sometimes supporting each other to make sure we prioritize those things. You know, if we're noticing our cups not feeling as full, I'll say to him, head out for a run. You know, just go out for a run and yeah, go do some stair climbs or whatever he wants to do.

Elise: Like, my husband needs to be in the outdoors. Like if he's overly stressed, I'm like, you need to go and ground yourself. Go for a swim, go for a surf, go for a run. Exactly the same as what you said. Because mental health is definitely reflected through movement, I believe from my own experience. And it doesn't have to be crazy, it can just be a 10 minute, you know, Anna from Naray Shash, like she'll do a sanity walk, a 10 minute walk around the block of an arvo just to regroup.

Jazz: I think we can put a lot of pressure on ourselves for it to need to look like an hour of, you know, going to a class at a gym or something that feels harder to sometimes schedule in. But yeah, for me, sometimes it's just dropping Hazel off at daycare and then I head out for a walk, you know, for half an hour down at the beach or grab myself a coffee or even just sit outside with my dogs for half an hour. Like it's just something like that to kind of ground yourself particularly kind of at the start of the day or the end of the day. I find really helpful.

Elise: Little moments.

Jazz: Little moments, yeah, definitely.

Elise: Let's jump in and talk about sleep because this is your jam. You help mums define routines for their babies to manage everyone's sleep. So it's not, I love that you share. It's not necessarily just about the baby or the toddler's sleep or the child's sleep. It then affects clearly your sleep as a parent. So what are the steps that you like to consider when you're creating a routine for families, with the goal being that you've all got space to feel well rested and show up in the areas that you need to show up to thrive?

Jazz: I'm so glad that we're talking about this because it's so complimentary to the other questions that you've asked. You know, I became Interested in sleep actually before I became a parent and it was probably because of, you know, the conversations I had with families over a four year period working as a maternal and child health nurse. I, you know, would chat to eight to nine families a day in my office and so many conversations around sleep deprivation. Just how much they were struggling not just with the sleep deprivation, but everything else that, that touches. You know, the anxiety side of things with lack of routine impacting their ability to spend time with their partner in the evenings, making it really stressful to return to paid work. There's so many things that I could list there that's really, you know, and as well kind of our ability to do self care regularly, to exercise and show up for ourselves. And that really scared me. I wasn't a parent at that point when I was working as a maternal and child health nurse and I wanted to empower myself before I became a parent. So because I just, I just felt like surely there is a way that we can avoid this chronic ongoing sleep deprivation. Surely we don't need to accept that that is just the reality of becoming a parent. Of course there is some sleepless nights. You know, sleep is never perfect, even for adults. You know, sometimes we just don't sleep that well. But I think, you know, aiming for that good quality sleep majority of the time really helps to just in, you know, our enjoyment of parenting, but also enjoyment of our life. Because when our little ones come along, you know, they're, they're around for, you know, forever. Like that is years where your sleep can be impacted. So that's kind of why I went and studied more about sleep, to empower myself, but also to then be able to better help and support families. Because I just didn't feel that confident in how to actually advise them on what things they could try. But sleep deprivation and loss of routine, they're arguably the most challenging parts of becoming a parent. I think most parents would agree. And when our little one's sleep is disrupted, this can really impact our ability to fill up our own cups and it can deplete our energy very quickly. So I loved how you touched on that kind of that. Essentially I call it a parent focused approach. That's the approach I take to sleep because the parents are at the heart of that family and their wellness really ripples through to the rest of the family. So I always start there with what do the parents need? What are they missing from their life at the moment? Is it that, you know, this sleep deprivation they're experiencing with the 8 month old baby means that, you know, mum, mum can't get to the gym for that class she wants to do at 5:30 in the morning or she's feeling really trapped at home and can't get out for kind of naps on the go with the pram because baby will only sleep, you know, on her at home. Maybe it's that they, they're not getting that time together in the evening because baby's taking a really long time to go to sleep and then they're up lots during the night. So I always ask lots of questions around that and then form their sleep plan with them from there because it, you know, that really individualizes what they're needing, what are they struggling with and then how can we actually change things in a sustainable way for that family? I, you know, I don't believe in kind of a cookie cutter approach because some, you know, some parents really want to offer everything up at home and that suits them. And you know, a lot of families I support really want the flexibility to get out for walks. And that was what I was like as a parent. You know, I was out for every first nap. I'd get my coffee and a podcast in my ears and I'd head out for a lovely walk and she'd have a nap in the pram. So I can't imagine doing all the sleeps at home.

Elise: You'd go crazy.

Jazz: I would, yeah. So that's where I start. I always encourage parents to work on, you know, to think about what's important to them and then we build the sleep plan from there. Yeah. The other thing I wanted to mention is just I love some statistics.

Elise: I've got some statistics I like out on stats too. Go for it.

Jazz: So in I looked at this particular survey, it was conducted in the US with over 1500 parents. And most parents, these were parents with younger little ones under the age of one. They weren't getting the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep per night, which I think most parents would think like, well, yeah, of course they're not. That's just you don't get seven to nine hours sleep when you're a parent. Eight in 10 parents felt heightened parental stress when they were sleep deprived. And 85% of parents reported feeling overwhelmed with parenting responsibilities when they were sleep sleep deprived. So this just shows the importance of sleep for our mental health and our physical health as well. And it's a big reason why I'm so passionate about helping parents to navigate sleep more confidently. It's also having a baby, it increases your chance of Developing depression more than any other time in your life, and particularly chronic sleep deprivation, it increases the risk of developing depression and can actually further exacerbate symptoms of existing depression. So from a mental health perspective, prioritising that sleep and really sustainable routines for your family are really protective of mental health, which I'm a massive advocate for as well.

Elise: Absolutely. Me too. It's so important to talk about that. And from your experience, would you say that it's quite not easy, but it's. Well, yeah, I guess easy to change these routines because I imagine there's some women listening who are like, that's me. I'm there right now, but I'm either too scared to try to change or there's no way my child will fit into a routine or a sleep schedule. So without going into detail of a specific routine because it's so individualized.

Jazz: Sure.

Jazz: Is it achievable?

Elise: You know?

Jazz: Yeah, it's a really good question. I think even families that chat to me over on Instagram in DMs or they book in a discovery call with me, there's always just this hesitation or doubt in their mind that, you know, it just seems too good to be true. You know, surely we can't. I think it's because it's ingrained in us that sleep deprivation and parenting go hand in hand. And I think, you know, it's really important to acknowledge that you can, you can take these matters into your own hands. You can empower yourself just as I did. You know, I'm so, so grateful that I empowered myself before I became a parent and I was equipped with these tools from the beginning to create a sleep plan that suited our family. And that's what I help families through every week. It is 100% doable, you know, within sort of. I work with families generally for a period of two weeks. You know, there's lots of studies that show forming new habits and routines takes an average of 33 days. So definitely consistency for the first month or two is really important both for these new routines and patterns of care for our little ones to become normal for us, but that flows through to it being their new normal as well. So there's no, you know, very rarely do these things just fall into place within a 24 hour period. I wish they did. But, you know, it does take that patience and consistency and it really does pay off. And these are long term strategies that families, you know, I continue kind of chatting to the families I work with years later and they're just the most common thing I Hear is their only regret is not booking in sooner, you know, and they wonder why they put it off for so long. But there's, there's so many reasons why people do. It's, you know, the fear of like sleep training or the stigma that we, that we hear so much about. And I've got a whole chapter on that in my book that's coming out next year because it is real barrier to parents seeking support. And I really wish that it wasn't. But it's just the way that stigma works. It's formed over time and created a lot of fear for families.

Elise: Yeah, I think it does.

Jazz: And it does for sure. I completely, completely get it. And I think that's why, you know, a lot of my clients take a lot of comfort. In my background, you know, I've worked, you know, worked and specialized in babies and toddlers from birth to five in my university degrees, always worked with families and babies. And I think that provides them a lot of comfort that we're not causing any damage. You know, where these are really supportive things, popping these things in place early or whenever it's the right time for your family. For some families, that's four months, might be 12 months. There's no right or wrong. And you've got to come to that decision when it's right for you.

Elise: And it might be, you know, further down the track, you might be up to your third or fourth child and then go, wow, now I'm really overwhelmed. Or maybe you're jobs change, your circumstances change and you just want to add in some more routine and like, that's okay. I love how you say it's, you know, you don't have to be fearful. And I think it is challenging though. Like, I definitely, from my experience, I had three children who were all very different in terms of sleep schedule. And the first two, they were kind of more easy to get onto a routine that suited us, but my third was just not having it. And that was really challenging because it's kind of upsetting too when they're pushing back a little bit and you're just so tired and you're just like, I.

Jazz: Just fit into the routine.

Elise: I'm exhausted and you know what, I just want to go to bed now so I can get up like you said, and do my 6am movement because that's good for my mental health. Like, it's like this flow on effect, you know, it is. So what advice then, from your perspective because you are in the midst of it right now. Do you have for women who really do feel that pull of multiple roles in life, business and just really don't want to sacrifice their own needs or dreams.

Jazz: This is, it's a really tricky one to answer but I think for me staying really connected to my longer term vision both for what we want, you know, as a family and the things that make us happy as a family, but also professionally those things that really helps just kind of keeping that seed planted in the distance as to what I'm working towards at any particular time. I think, you know, we talked about it earlier, readjusting and reaffirming your priorities and that sense of balance as well is really important. So reflecting on that every day, every week, once a month, whatever you need to kind of keep, keep in balance and feel as though those day to day demands kind of aren't getting on top of you. Another thing that I've learned to be better with is asking for help and you know, for some people they may not have family members that are right there to help. You know, we, we're living away from all of our family and friends at the moment. We've been living quite, quite isolated for the last nine months. But you know, even a phone call with someone to have a chat and leaning on those supports and definitely when we are living closer to family and friends, physical support is really good too. Whether it's, you know, like my mum's so amazing with coming over and helping to put on a load of washing or something, but could be just going out for a walk with a friend, you know, and that kind of fills up your cup. The other thing I think, you know, particularly if you're someone that's really quite ambitious or vision focused and you can be quite self critical with your progress towards things. For me I find it a lot like really helpful to break things into smaller kind of bite size goals or kind of weekly things that I can chip away at so that you still feel like you're gaining momentum and moving towards whatever you're working on. So this year, you know, I've written my, my first book and that, you know, I've really had to kind of, you know, you just want the book written. As I said, I'm always looking towards the future and you just, you want that thing done. But even kind of setting aside time each week or each month and seeing that progress coming together has been really.

Elise: Really awesome and celebrating that, you know.

Jazz: Yeah.

Elise: And I guess if you write it down, for example, what you want to achieve that week and then you can reflect on it and say yay I did it. You know, congratulate yourself.

Jazz: Yep, definitely. And some weeks, you know, you won't get as much done as others. You know, we've had weeks where a little one's been really sick and she's not gone to daycare at all that week. And you know, I haven't really got much done. And I think that self, that self kindness and compassion is really, really important. And that positive self talk just, you know, being self critical is just not helpful. No, there's that, that old saying of, you know, think about how you would speak to someone else if you were, if they were feeling similar to you. Would you speak, you know, with these unkind words that you're using towards yourself? Probably not. So why would you speak to yourself in that way?

Elise: Yeah, 100%. Yeah. That's such great advice and I think it's something that you definitely have to practice on the daily because thoughts are a part of your mental health and they can naturally be quite negative. So yeah, just reminding yourself, reassuring yourself, checking in with where you want your goals, checking in with your family. And as you say, it doesn't have to be big formal conversations. It can be little chats over dinner while you're preparing dinner or throwing the washing on or like my personal favorite is I call my husband multiple times throughout the day and we have like these micro check ins because at least I know that we're on the phone, like we can actually have a conversation. It's not getting interrupted by people.

Jazz: Yeah, that is so hard when you've got little ones. And I know like even if we're facetiming with my mom or something and I'm like, I really just want to tell her this story but I know that I'm not going to be able to get through it. And Hazel's like saying stuff to her and showing her toys. I know, so frustrating.

Elise: And I think the main thing here is like for anyone listening, you are so not alone. I feel like we all live in this world now where we are so driven and we have all these dreams and goals and we want to be fit and we want to show up, we want to have energy and you have the right to have all of that, like girlfriend, you can go for it and you can achieve it, but you just need to take the little step. Yeah.

Jazz: The last bit of advice, I guess to answer this question is releasing, as you said, releasing that pressure to trying, of trying to do it all perfectly. Asking for help when you need it. Not feeling selfish or guilty for carving out time for Yourself, you know, your dreams and goals and aspirations, whether they're work related or you know, exercise related, are just as important as anyone else's. And you really do deserve to thrive in all areas of your life without feeling like you're sacrificing your own wellbeing. And that's even more important when you're a parent because that role modelling, showing our little ones how we nourish ourselves, how we care for ourselves, how we are self compassionate, that then flows back to them and teaches them those practices as well. So yeah, I've really kind of realized that in the last year, I think with Hazel going from three to sort of a four year old now that you know, it's okay to feel vulnerable in front of her. You know, there's been a couple of times obviously in pregnancy, hormones are raging and like I'll have a cry and it's okay to cry in front of them. It's okay to, you know, head out for that walk or run even if they don't want you to go. Just prioritising what you need and not feeling selfish for doing that.

Elise: It teaches them emotional regulation. It teaches them that you're a human, you know, that you're allowing yourself to have those ups and downs and sometimes it takes a little bit of extra effort to then explain it to them or sort of bring them into that with you. But I think it's worth it, isn't it?

Jazz: Yeah, for sure. Absolutely.

Elise: Well, Jaz, that's just been so, so much goodness. I know that so many women are going to feel inspired to go on and create and have their goals in motherhood and business because you know, they don't have to be separated. You can, you can do it all at once but you just have to have that flexibility and that evolution and that ebb and flow. Yeah. But tell us what's coming up for you when, when's the book coming out?

Jazz: The book coming out? Tbc, I will let you know. It is dependent on a couple of things. Hopefully next year or at the latest early 2026. But watch this space. Yeah. In terms of what else is coming up really I'm just starting to wind down for Mat Lee which our little ones due in January. So yeah, preparing for that. Getting back to our. Yeah, our Melbourne home and unpacking and everything and doing some nesting.

Elise: Yeah.

Jazz: And as always, you know, I've support families with one to one packages. I've got like digital guides people can purchase with lots of advice around sleep from birth to five years and definitely come and follow over on Instagram because I share lots of tips and advice and really kind of in line with what we've been talking about today. Like from a parent first focused approach.

Elise: Yeah, I love that about your Instagram too, because I'm out of that really young phase of babies. But I still find you so inspiring because you do have that approach. It's almost like a reminder that even though you're in the midst of little children, you can still put yourself first. And we all need that reminder.

Jazz: Yeah, definitely. We really, really do. And I have to remind myself all the time, 100%. I think listening to your body has been a massive thing for me. I. That's when, you know, when I start to feel a bit depleted or a bit burnt out. I've got better at recognizing that as early as possible. And then, you know, that's where I'll take a couple of hours to head out for a long walk or kind of make some slight changes to my week so that I can support myself. Because yeah, it impacts how I show up for myself for, you know, our little ones for my husband. And it just, yeah, it really helps the flow of my week.

Elise: Well, good luck with everything. I can't wait to follow your journey with baby number two. How exciting. It's going to be so great. And where can we find you if we want to come and chat to you over on Insta?

Jazz: Yeah, so it's let's double underscore sleep. And then my website is letsleep.com au and I've also got a podcast as well which you'll see information about on the website. So feel free to come and yeah, check that out as well.

Elise: If you love today's podcast, please share it with your friends and family. And don't forget to come on over and say hi on Instagram @InspiringHer podcast. Until next week. Be inspired and I'll see you then.