From Backpack to Baby Food: How Finding My Village Helped Me Build the Job of My Dreams to Help Other Parents

Mélody Engelbrecht
Apr 30
3 min read

When my husband and I set off on a two-year backpacking trip around the world, we never expected to come home with more than souvenirs. But five months before the end of our trip, we received the most unexpected (and beautiful) surprise: we were expecting a baby girl. What followed was not just a journey into parenthood, but into community, belonging, and eventually, a business that allows me to help other families navigate one of parenting’s biggest challenges: Feeding their little ones nutritiously and with confidence.

Finding Our Village in a New Country

Group of adults and babies at a party. Decor includes colorful balloons, banners, and a "1" balloon. Joyful mood with playful hats. — The Prepped to Parent Baby Reunion in Amsterdam

New in a country, new in a city: we landed in the Netherlands 8 months pregnant, with no community, no birth prep classes, and no friends sharing the same life stage. The idea of entering parenthood without a village felt impossible, we wanted connection, support, and a sense of belonging.A quick "New Parent Course" Google search led me to the Prepped to Parent A last-minute spot opened up, and within a week, we were attending our first session, surrounded by other expectant parents just like us, unsure and curious. We all had no idea of what to expect on that journey but we understood one thing: better to do it surrounded than alone.

Over the weeks, that group became our lifeline. We learnt so much on the fundamental topics of becoming parents thanks to the great professionals. We asked awkward questions, shared fears, and eventually… became friends. Today, the eight couples from that class still meet up regularly. We are watching our babies grow, cheering each other on through sleep regressions and teething, and celebrating each small parenting win and joy of our babies’s milestones.

The Spark That Lit My Business

Two women in a kitchen, one stirring food in a bowl, the other holding a baby. Cozy atmosphere with a modern setting and neutral tones. — With over 10 years experience as a registered dietitian in France, specializing in various fields of nutrition, I offered to host a small cooking workshop for our group

As our babies approached the age for starting solids, a new wave of uncertainty hit. Dutch guidelines and Dutch food culture (you know it if you know it ;)) didn’t always match our cultural expectations. With over 10 years experience as a registered dietitian in France, specializing in various fields of nutrition, I offered to host a small cooking workshop for our group. The idea was simple: batch cook together and explore the foundations of baby nutrition. What began as a casual cooking session turned into hours of preparation, reviewing global recommendations, translating nutrition science into something practical for expat families living in the Netherlands.

That first session reignited a passion I had buried. I realized I didn’t just love talking about food and child nutrition, I loved helping parents feel empowered, informed, and confident while sharing a fun and safe space together.

From Workshop to Business

Two women in a kitchen using a steamer, smiling. Others in background with a baby. Sunlit room with modern decor and kitchen gadgets. — Every client I meet reminds me why this work matters.

With the encouragement of my friends from Prepped to Parent, I officially launched my business:Petit Gourmet Academy which offers Pediatric dietitian services for international families in the Netherlands and beyond. I now offer guidance to help parents build peaceful, joyful relationships with food and their body from the very first bite through:

Online consultations (in French and English) tailored for expat families navigating weaning, picky eating, allergies but also for pregnancy and postpartum nutrition.
Educational cooking workshops for parents and children to batch cook healthy nutritious meals for their babies and learn all the foundations of baby nutrition and introducing solids.

Every client I meet reminds me why this work matters. And every time I lead a workshop, I think back to that group of parents friends: the ones who showed me that parenthood is not meant to be done alone, and neither is starting a business.

To any new or expecting parents reading this....

A couple cooking; a man with a baby carrier and a woman peeling an apple. Casual home kitchen setting, vibrant food on the table. — Your village might just help you grow into the parent and the person you’re truly meant to be.

Don’t underestimate the power of community and the wisdom of gifted, well-trained professionals. Your village might just help you grow into the parent and the person you’re truly meant to be. Without Prepped to Parent, I might have gone through early motherhood feeling lost and isolated. Instead, I found community, clarity, and the courage to build something deeply meaningful. If you're a new or expecting parent looking for support around introducing solids, feeding concerns, or creating healthy food habits in your family, I’d love to connect. You can find me on instagram at Petit Gourmet Academy. And to The Labour Dept thank you for giving me the space to grow, both as a parent and as a person.