Power People: Najell x Oh La Mère 

At Najell, we want to encourage parents to maintain their unique identity and continue doing what they love, while being parents in their own way. In our interview series, we highlight inspiring Power People who show how to find your own way in parenting. Read all interviews here.

Becoming a parent is a life-changing journey, filled with both joy and challenges. Many new parents experience a dramatic change in their social life and may find it difficult to find their place in the new role. It was precisely this feeling that inspired Ebba Berggren Lissman and Auguste Faerch to start Oh La Mère – a relaxed mom and dad group where the focus is on the parents, not just the baby. We had the chance to talk to Ebba about their journey as parents and entrepreneurs, as well as how they balance these two roles. 

Ebba at one of the events

Hi Ebba! Tell us, how was Oh La Mère born? 

"A few weeks into my maternity leave, I felt that there was a lack of a place that focused on the mothers in the first place, not just on the baby. There are singing sessions, baby swimming and rhythmics for babies, or child health care meetings where the focus is on sleep and food for the baby. That’s when the idea for Oh La Mère came to life. We wanted to create a space where mothers could enjoy good food and great company without the pressure to 'do something.'"

Your events have had incredible responses, with long waiting lists and lots of buzz. Any memorable moments with parents you've met?

"Absolutely! Many moms and dads can feel isolated and hesitate to come out, especially first-time parents. During our last event, we heard two mothers exchange numbers with each other. It's so brave of many to come here alone with their baby; we're always impressed by them. Our atmosphere is warm and welcoming – you couldn't ask for a safer place!"

Behind the scenes at an Oh La Mère lunch

Balancing events and new parenthood sounds tough. How have you managed it?

"Combining maternity leave with running Oh La Mère has definitely been a challenge. After all, maternity leave is never completely free; it's a 24/7 job. I've learned to email during stroller walks and to be efficient when Ted is sleeping. It's important to take every chance you get!"

How did you feel when you found out you were going to be parents?

"Ted was unplanned, so the news came as a surprise. We actually had a big fight that weekend and decided to wait to have children. But just a few hours after we found out we were expecting, it felt like the obvious thing to do! It's been a big adjustment, but we are so happy with our decision. The first three months were tough, but now life with Ted feels impossible to imagine without it.

Ted is now 9 months old and he makes our life so much more fun. Sure, it's tougher and more logistics are involved, but cliché enough, we feel like life has a new meaning - a new meaning! Seeing Ted smile and laugh brings such joy. The little things in life feel meaningful. Life takes on a different dimension."

What has been the hardest part of parenting for you?

"Apart from the obvious things like sleep and hormones, the most difficult thing has been keeping the relationship in check. We understand why many couples divorce during the toddler years. At the same time, we've realized that we want to stay together. We are constantly practicing how to fight and argue better - sure, you fall apart when you're tired or exhausted, but fighting well takes practice, and we've gotten better!"

How have you managed to maintain a social life while being new parents?

"My tip is to keep things simple! Invite your friends over for dinner or drinks, so they can go out later. It doesn't have to be a fancy dinner. We'll throw together a simple pasta and offer mini magnums for dessert. It doesn't matter if it's messy - don't make it harder than it needs to be!"

Many parents experience loneliness in the early stages. What advice would you give to those feeling isolated?

"I think most people feel lonely, from time to time. It IS lonely to be a parent, not least during parental leave. The best tip I can give is to dare to go on some kind of date, or just call a friend and say exactly how you feel. Talk to your partner about your feelings of loneliness - it's perfectly normal to feel that way. These feelings are also amplified by being tired and a bit worn out. It makes you fragile. Talk about it!

And remember, the feeling doesn't last forever; it comes and goes. I felt completely confused in my new role as a mom, and that's how it should be. Who is the best at their new job from day one? Give yourself time to find your way of parenting - everyone is different. Think about what feels cozy and lovely, and do just that. Your baby will be happiest when you and your partner are happy."

Ebba, Auguste, and their dog Sigge

Looking ahead, how do you see your future as both parents and entrepreneurs?

"Finding the time is of course difficult, but we notice that we are both much more productive now. Ted inspires us with new ideas, and Oh La Mère would never have existed without him. We do our best to keep our networks and channels going while juggling full-time jobs and freelance work. As long as we're driven by passion, we'll keep going - that's when it's at its best!"