A conversation with Kayleigh Medeiros, Founder of Heritage Baby and Doula at Heritage Postpartum
Pictured above: Kayleigh with her family.
Before she was a mother of three, Kayleigh was deeply rooted in the corporate world — proud of being the youngest in her role and climbing the career ladder with confidence. “I was very career-focused,” she recalls. “I loved achieving things and hitting milestones.”
But motherhood changed everything.
Today, Kayleigh is the founder of Heritage Baby, a baby carrier brand known for its ring slings, stretch wraps, and buckle carriers — all made with ethical sourcing, sustainability, and accessibility in mind. Two of the carriers are made in Canada, one in Europe.
Pictured above: Heritage Baby Carrier.
Alongside that, she runs Heritage Postpartum, offering support as a certified doula and lactation counselor. Her world now centers around raising her 7, 5, and 2-year-old children — and helping other mothers navigate the same life-altering transition she went through.
A Shift in Identity
Pictured above: Kayleigh with her baby.
“After having kids, my career became less central to who I am,” she says. What once felt like a defining part of her identity took a back seat to a new, more complex version of herself — one shaped by caregiving, connection, and constantly recalibrating priorities.
That transformation didn’t happen overnight. It was messy, layered, and deeply personal — something Kayleigh now sees in many of the mothers she works with. Some feel like they’ve stepped into their purpose the moment their baby arrives. Others struggle with the loss of independence or the shift in focus from self to child. Both experiences are valid — and she makes space for all of it.
Keeping it Real as a Doula
As a doula, Kayleigh takes a no-frills approach to supporting mothers.
“I don’t sugarcoat things,” she explains. “Motherhood is hard. I’m not afraid to say the uncomfortable stuff or even challenge other practitioners when I think a parent needs to hear something different.”
Her goal isn’t to offer perfection — it’s to offer honesty and validation.
She also recognizes the emotional toll the transition takes on partners — especially those who want to help but don’t always know how, particularly in the early days of breastfeeding. “It’s a shift for the whole family,” she notes.
Building a Business While Raising a Family
Pictured above: Heritage Baby Carrier.
Starting a business as a mother added another layer of complexity. Kayleigh launched Heritage Baby while still working in corporate, often working evenings and weekends — sacrificing time with her children in the process. “That was the hardest part,” she says. But over time, she made changes: hiring support, creating boundaries, and taking control of her schedule to prioritize family.
Now, she’s crafted a rhythm that lets her show up fully in both roles — as a mother and as a business owner — without burning out.
Finding Support As a New Mom
When asked what advice she’d give to new mothers navigating identity shifts, Kayleigh is clear: find your people.
“You need a mix — peers in the same stage, friends a bit ahead of you, and older women who’ve seen it all and can remind you this phase won’t last forever.” And if that circle doesn’t come built-in? Go find it. “Join a book club. A craft group. Something where you can feel seen.”
As for her legacy? Kayleigh keeps it simple and heartfelt:
“I just want to be remembered as a decent human,” she laughs. “I know I’m different things to different people — my kids, my husband, my family — but I hope the memory is a good one.”
Leave a comment