Jennifer Cooper, E! EntertainmentListen up, expectant mamas.
When Latham Thomas helps pregnant women enjoy their gestation and deliver happy, healthy babies, it isn't just her job—it's her joy (more on that later). As a Columbia-educated woman and a single mom, she's turned her passion for wellness, holistic health with and maternity into a thriving business: Mama Glow. PLus, this New York City-based destination also caters to a spread of A-list clients, as Latham's offered up her celebrity doula services to Alicia Keys, Kelly Rowland, Christy Turlington Burns and more.
Curious as to what Mama Glow's all about? Then read on to get the scoop straight from Latham herself!
What was your first job?
My first job ever was when I was 13 at a restaurant called TJ's Gingerbread House in Oakland, Calif. I wanted to work there so badly, I begged the owner to let me pass for 14 years old so I could work there for the summer. Let's just say, that was my first and last experience waiting tables.
How did you get started in your career?
It all started when I became pregnant with my son, Fulano. I graduated from Columbia University and was already on a path of working in early childhood education and the environmental sciences. I had always had an interest in women's health. When I became pregnant with my son, that interest peaked and became an obsession. Little did I know that he was the impetus that would guide to my extraordinary career path and a fruitful life as an entrepreneur. I began vetting products, services, and practitioners and created a language and movement focused on empowerment in the birth process. We offer nutrition support, doula services and yoga/mindfulness support and pre-pregnancy support for fertility guidance as well. We launched our Mama Glow Film Festival in 2011 with Christy Turlington Burns and Selita Ebanks, then the Mama Glow Salon Series in 2012 with Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein. The celebrity support came pouring in because women believe in the message and in our work.
What is a typical day like for you?
Lucky for me, no two days are alike. I rise up with a mindfulness moment/prayer really early usually. I spend some time alone, and journal, which I often share on Instagram. I make breakfast with my son then get ready for the day. I spend two days a week at least in the office in Soho where I interface with birth clients as well as work on other aspects of our business, including the website, which is a popular destination for expectant and new moms. I sit in on a lot of calls and since we have a few events monthly, I'm being pulled into the tail end of production meetings, too. I love to pick up my son from school so I design my day around drop off and pick up. At the end of every week I have a team meeting with my LA squad who is heading up my other baby- a new business that is a destination for women, in pre-launch mode, and it's all about rituals.
Tell us about your office décor. When did you last give your office a makeover?
I have been in the same office for two years. I furnished it by myself with finds from One Kings Lane- which is one of my favorite brands to work with. I love the white furniture and gold hardware. I love my ceramic Buddha, candles and essential oils. My office is very zen chic.
What's the best part about your job?
I don't have a job, I have a joy! I like to think that the best part of my work is that it doesn't feel like work. I love celebrating the moment of birth with families. I love going to baby showers and birthday celebrations. I get inducted as a family member because it's such an intimate time. I witness women at their most vulnerable and most powerful at the same time.
What's the one item in your closet that you could never go without?
Ah, in the fall I live in a Burberry trench, in the spring and summer my one of my Matta scarfs and year around my hats—I love a good custom lid. I have a solid collection, some of my favorite milliners are Satya Twena and Gigi Burris.
What's the most daring career risk you've ever taken?
I'm a single mom and my son has only me to depend upon. I have to make the right decisions. I'm taking a career risk now with the launch of a new lifestyle brand, LathamThomas.com, while in the midst of running a successful maternity company that is still growing. I don't really wait around to rationalize with myself about whether or not something will work, that extinguishes your potential for greatness. I am pretty risk-friendly when it comes to business and trust my instincts that everything I pursue will work out. I have that confidence and when I don't feel that enthusiasm I know I am not meant to make certain choices and I don't. For me it's all about listening to my inner voice.
What inspired you to launch Mama Glow?
Mama Glow grew out of what I saw as a need to celebrate and amplify the experience of pregnancy and motherhood- to elevate birth. Mama Glow is an abundant, radiant energy that comes from within. It's about your initiation, birthing yourself as a powerful woman, as you prepare to give birth to your bundle of joy. Birth is our rite of passage, and Mama Glow is our birthright. Having trust in our bodies, our wisdom and the process. This act of standing in your power ignites a force within that glows from the inside out. It's a personal style that reflects confidence, beauty, radiance, and balance. I wanted to change the conversation and this dialogue is alive everywhere. I wrote a bestselling book, Mama Glow: A Hip Guide to A Fabulous Abundant Pregnancy, which was endorsed by Christy Turlington Burns, Alicia Keys, Dr. Christiane Northrup and more.
What's the biggest misconception about women taking care of their bodies during pregnancy?
So many women think they need to eat for two, when really they only need to increase caloric intake by 300 calories in the second trimester. For perspective, 300 calories is a smoothie or a slice of toast with almond butter.
And what are some good snacks for pregnant women to keep with them all the time?
I encourage moms to eat smaller and more frequent meals to maintain stable blood sugar. Also busy moms on the go should always carry snacks with them in what I call a pantry-on-the go. I like to suggest fresh fruit sliced, bars like Health Warrior Chia, trail mixes, packets of almond butter, hummus and flax crackers. At home you can do fancier things like avocado toast boosting your healthy fat intake. And always have a water bottle on hand so you can sip throughout the day.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Dress for the dreams you have.
Finish the sentences below:
Today for lunch I had… homemade pumpkin soup and a salad.
My favorite yoga pose is… Child's Pose while breathing Lotus Wei anointing oils.
The first website I log onto every day is… Mama Glow of course.
My usual Starbucks order is… nothing. I don't do coffee.
If I wasn't doing this job, I would… be a professional connector—I love introducing people.
My favorite place to visit is… Kerala, India.
List five things that are on your desk right now… A Garance Dore notebook, a gold stapler, a Diptyque candle, a white mini orchid, CR magazine.
The book I'm reading right now is… The Gift by Hafiz (the Sufi poet).