In Conversation with Jess Smouha

On Made for Mothers & nourishment… 

Can you tell us a little about your journey into creating Made for Mothers? Made for Mother’s is the result of a lot of layering of my creative aspirations and an evolution of my life choices. My time in Sri Lanka, rediscovering self care and health. My qualifications and interest in nutrition. With particular focus on women’s health and pregnancy. And the literal life changing experience of motherhood. All these events and phases in my life, really just came together and triggered my interest in creating a soulful, health focused brand to nourish and support mothers, women and families. 

What does a typical day look like for you? It’s soo busy - hahaha. My feet barely touch the ground. 

I wake up - cuddle - make lunch boxes, breakfast and a cup of something warm for myself - broth, elixir, tea. Shower, chase my girls around the house - getting them ready for school then head for the kitchen, where I literally don't stop. I love working in a kitchen as it is totally dynamic but also so intense! I then pick the girls up from school or after school activities. We walk our dog, have dinner, homework, baths and books before bed. Then do it all over again.

Can you speak to MFM’s approach to postpartum nourishment and what ignited your interest in traditional postpartum care? My interest was ignited by my own personal experience. I had such a hard time falling pregnant. Two ectopics and many miscarriages in between. I was studying nutrition and I felt that nutrition and supporting myself with food kept me ‘together’. Amongst all the variables and challenges, it was wholesome food that kept me strong. 

So my approach with MFM is really the foods I turned to. And the knowledge I gained studying nutrition and then herbal medicine. The slow cooked broths, traditional meals and the warming foods that comforted me. The herbs and other botanicals that i spiked my foods with for all their intense benefits. 

I think supporting a women with food and nutrition, and then also celebrating her postpartum period through this support has profound effects.

For those in pregnancy and considering their postpartum nourishment what ingredients or foods would you suggest focusing on? Broths. Slow cooked foods - stews, soups, curries. Gentle spices. Warming foods. Many plant foods for all the varying benefits. 

Outside of food, how do you nourish yourself? I love a bath, fleece socks and a good book. I also love bike riding with my family, swims in the ocean and a bush walk.

On motherhood & community… 

Three words to describe your current season of motherhood? Fun. Trusting. Patient.

What does community mean to you? I think community is like a family of people who have the best of intentions for each other. Who are open, caring and supportive.

We often see this notion of balance referenced in motherhood, what does balance look like for you? Having my own independence whilst also prioritising my family. Above all being mum is the most important thing in my life. But it can't be the only thing.

On daily rhythms and rituals… 

The first thing you do when you wake up? Cuddle my girls. 

The last thing you do before bed? Read.

Three items always find in your fridge/pantry? Broth. Butter. Eggs. 

Rituals that ground you? Listening to music whilst lighting incense. Drinking a warming elixir in a hot bath. 

An artist or album you always turn to? Fleetwood Mac. 

If you’d like to learn more about Made for Mother’s you can visit their website here or follow Jess on Instagram @made.formothers

All the beautiful imagery to accompany this piece has been provided by Jess