In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition for the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. The team at KamloopsBCNow.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they do.
What is your name?
Jocelyn Haight.
How long have you lived in Kamloops?
I was born and raised in Kamloops and left after high school to attend university. Seven years later I made my way back and started my family here.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My husband Craig. We have the same sense of humour and enjoy hanging out together and with our friends whenever we can.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Since having a three year old in the house I find myself counting to three all the time. Sometimes to my daughter but often also just to myself. It seems like a good way to try and get a handle on things during frustrating moments.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I’d love to get to spend a whole day with my husband, between kids and work that’s a tough one. Also, just for fun I’d spend a day with Shaun T. I wonder if he can keep up his high energy and motivational talk for an entire day!
Who or what inspires you?
The women I work with through my business inspire me. Having a baby is not for the faint of heart and I see so many women who rise to meet the challenges of early motherhood with a true commitment to doing the best they can for their children.
What are three things on your bucket list?
1. Learn to surf in the ocean
2. Complete an ultra beast spartan race
3. Drive and camp across Canada with my family
Please tell us about a defining moment in your life.
Easily this was when I had my daughter. I was already a maternity nurse who was trying to care for and support women in having a baby but I had no idea how profoundly having a baby rocks your world. I struggled for many months to bond with and breastfeed my baby and getting through that transition in my life was incredibly difficult. Getting through that period showed me an inner strength to myself I didn’t know I had and I am a different person today because of it.
What are you passionate about?
I’m passionate in my professional life about breastfeeding and supporting women in the transition to parenthood. I have a background in nutritional science as well as my nursing degree and lactation consultant certification. Since I was young I have always been interested in, and passionate about, healthy living and lifestyles. Personally I’m passionate about my family and friends and I like getting together with people and having fun as often as possible.
What has been your favourite day of your life, up to this point?
That’s a tough question. I would have to say one of my favorite times is the annual camping trip we do with some of our family every year. We’ve been going since 2006 and it’s always a great time when we get together.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Completing nursing school was a big accomplishment. I knew I wanted to work with women and do breastfeeding support ultimately and to get there I needed a solid background in healthcare first. My first day in the hospital as a nursing student was a huge shock and learning curve as I wasn’t familiar with or comfortable in that environment at all. I actually went home, cried and wondered if I should have gone in for teaching instead. I am happy I was able to push past that and now I actually really enjoy my work in acute care and am excited to go back to work at RIH after my maternity leave ends in January.
Where is your favourite place to dine in your city?
There are a lot of great restaurants and I enjoy nice food but I’m also more than happy to head to a pub. I live near the Fox n’ Hounds and they have great Tandoori Bites and Sopapilla, deep fried dough with honey butter, yum!
What is your favourite activity or event in your city?
Having been born and raised here I am definitely a summer person and I love being out on the lake, swimming, boating, floating, surfing.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Kamloops Breastfeeding Services.
What does your business/organization do?
I offer private lactation consults, usually in the form of home visits. A lactation consultant is someone with specific training and expertise in breastfeeding management. I also offer a prenatal breastfeeding class to help parents get their best start with their newborns and breastfeeding.
Where can people find you or your business online?
www.kamloopsbreastfeeding.com
Where can people find your business on social media? (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook.
Where do you want your business/organization to be in five years?
In five years I would like to have expanded my business to include colleagues of mine who have expertise in different areas of infant and child development and nutrition. I would like to offer more workshops, courses and individual services to help families navigate not just breastfeeding but overall family nutrition, health and balance.
What three qualities do you feel that your business/organization exemplifies?
1.Caring
2.Supportive
3.Knowledgeable
What makes you feel successful? Tell us about it.
When clients tell me that I was able to help them, or made them feel supported through their breastfeeding experience it’s a great feeling.
If you were trapped in an elevator with several wealthy investors from any field, which field would you want them to be experts in? What would say to them/talk about?
I would LOVE to be trapped in an elevator with wealthy investors who were experts in the field of health insurance! Many other allied health providers such as massage therapists, physiotherapists and chiropractors are covered, at least in part under insurance plans. I would tell investors all about breastfeeding and why lactation consulting services should be included under their coverage so that women can access more support and services to help them with breastfeeding.
If I could change one thing about the city you live in, it would be:
I would like there to be more options for childcare for shift workers. There is very little childcare with extended hours in our city. When I went back to work after my daughter as an RN my husband was working shift work as well. Without family to help us with childcare I’m not sure what we would have done. On a lighter note I think we could use a board game store or cafe!
What do you think makes your city great?
Kamloops is such a nice size city with a lot of activities that are easily accessible for all different seasons.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
I just want to say thank you for the opportunity to share some of my thoughts and my business with people in Kamloops. I’ve found it’s been a great and supportive business community since I started my venture just over a year ago.
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE. Thank you, Kamloops.
