Harriette’s journey into motherhood was far from the idyllic experience she had imagined. A miscarriage followed by health complications during her second pregnancy left her grappling with numerous challenges upon the arrival of her baby girl, Penelope, in Sydney.
Struggling with breastfeeding due to latching issues, Harriette found herself tethered to a demanding schedule of constant pumping and feeding. The toll on her mental and physical well-being was immense, eventually leading to a diagnosis of postnatal depression (PND) when Penelope was just eight weeks old.
The burden of guilt weighed heavily on Harriette, exacerbated by societal pressures and insensitive remarks regarding her decision to switch to formula feeding. However, this transition proved pivotal in allowing her to regain some semblance of normalcy in her daily life, especially as she juggled motherhood with the demands of her real estate business.
Amidst the challenges, a moment of inspiration struck during a postnatal pilates class. Observing the struggle of feeding while trying to maintain her own well-being, Harriette embarked on a journey to create a solution. Collaborating with a manufacturer in Brisbane, she developed the babybotbot Bottle Helper—a revolutionary product designed to ease the feeding process for both parent and child.
After extensive testing and a significant personal investment, the Bottle Helper was officially launched in February. Compatible with various baby bottle brands and crafted from recycled materials, it has garnered praise for its safety and functionality. However, not without its detractors, Harriette remains steadfast in her mission to support parents in making informed decisions about their child’s care.
For Harriette, the creation of the Bottle Helper transcends business success; it symbolizes a journey of healing and empowerment. Through her innovative solution, she hopes to alleviate the burdens faced by mothers and enable them to embrace parenthood with confidence and joy.
