@afterthebabybump
Rachel: www.rachelkurtz.com
Instagram: @iamrachelkurtz
Kelly: Instagram @saidkelly
How did you meet?
Rachel and Kelly met about 10 year ago when they were both auditioning for The Voice. They realized they both lived in the same neighborhood and their kids were the same ages. They became fast friends and have performed together many times over the years.
Talk to us about your music careers. What are the challenges of being a musician, touring, getting gigs, and raising children in the midst of it?
Kelly: She plays in a cover band called Maybe Nebraska. Books a show a Month, plays in a cover band called Maybe Nebraska.
Rachel: Rachel has been performing music for over 20 years. She typically tours all over the country and books shows around the city once every month or two. You can find her music on iTunes and Spotify. She is a worship leader and plays music for some churches in the Twin Cities.
What are some of your favorite memories as a musician
-Going to a Peace Camp in Bosnia to help to help facilitate reconciliation between Muslims and Christians
-Singing in Germany
-Retreat Center in Washington State with Kelly and family
How can we help support local musicians normally and during Covid-19?
Buy their merchandise, CDs, MP3s, and/or find your favorite person and send them money. Some of them are doing online concerts for donation to different nonprofits. Send them notes that their music matters and you are listening to it.
As for artists that are doing live music on instagram. Lena Elizabeth would be a good one to check out, she has been donating to her local food shelf every week. Laura Hugo raised a grand for the Navajo region she is from. Twins of Franklin are doing a show every Tuesday for a different organization.
What made you decide to open up After the Baby Bump?
Kelly first just started just showing up for friends that had a baby. She would show up and bring them a meal, hold their, baby or help them around the house. Some suggested to her that she was so good at that type of work she should start a postpartum doula service. She talked to Rachel and within 24 hours they had a business.
What services do you offer and what sets you apart from other postpartum programs?
After the Baby Bump works with families for 6 weeks, once per week for 2 hours. Both Rachel and Kelley come to your home and support you in different ways. The company also provides you with videography and photography of your new family. Rachel is also a yoga teacher and can incorporate that into your care as well. The duo cooks, cleans, holds the baby and makes sure the new mom is cared for.
How do you ensure the new Mom has a good support system after your program is over?
After the Baby Bump works with families to obtain the names of 6 family members or close friends of the family they are supporting. Rachel and Kelley contact these people and set up a once per week visit for the new family after their care ends. This way the family has 12 weeks of 2 hour visits to look forward to.
Any tips for asking for help when you just had a baby or asking for help in general?
Many people struggle with asking for help because they don’t want to impose on friends and family. You can get past this by remembering how much you love helping others and that by asking for help you are extending that courtesy to others. You can’t assume that a friend or family member does not want to help you. You have to put the responsibility on them. If they can’t help you at this time they are going to say no.
What can we as a society do to help postpartum Mothers get the proper care they deserve?
The biggest thing you can do it just show up in some way and don’t expect the new mom to entertain you. Show up and hold their baby so they can nap or shower. Show up and cook a meal or clean part of their house. If you can’t do any of those things show up and drop off a meal or snacks. You could even have food delivered to them from a restaurant.
Can you also share about your experience as a surrogate?
Kelly was a surrogate for a couple from Rochester. She carried twins for them full term.