Wonder Woman: Meet Shlomit Entes Maternity Expert

I’m originally from Israel. I moved to China with my husband in 2009. We came with a plan to stay here for 6 months and we ended up staying for over ten years now.

I’m a pediatric NICU and maternity nurse. I’m also a breastfeeding consultant, sleep coach for babies and toddlers, parent coach for the early years and am now doing my masters in clinical nutrition specializing in pediatrics.

I have been working at American Sino since 2011 as head of the English training programs for expat parents including workshops, breastfeeding clinic, one on one parenting consultations and now ‘Mama Tribe’, an educational and social support group for young mothers. I have four kids aged 12, 9, 7, and 4, three boys and one girl.

What inspired you to dedicate yourself to maternity health?

From a very young age I knew I wanted to be a nurse. I have always been passionate about women’s health and fascinated with babies and children. I decided to study to become an NICU nurse as I believed it combined both maternity and pediatrics.

You are heavily involved with a full-time job and leading numerous workshops relating to infants and toddlers, how do you balance family time?

It can be extremely challenging. I think that time management is one of the most important skills I have learned over the years. I make sure to be at home around the time my kids are. I specifically chose to have flexible hours at work so I can allow myself to manage my time according to my family’s schedule. It is a great privilege to have that flexibility.

I try to be very organized so that I know what my tasks are for the day, both for work and regarding the kids.

What was the biggest challenge you faced and how did you overcome it when you are establishing your career?

I think the biggest challenge for me is learning how to balance being me, a career woman, a partner to my husband and a mother. I’ve had to learn how to prioritize things, still learning.

What is the most rewarding part about your day?

Relaxing on the sofa at the end of a fruitful day at home and at work, knowing I did what I wanted to do and enjoy some quiet time. 

I need to let go, trust others, either regarding things at work or regarding taking care of the kids sometimes, knowing that it is ok to ask for help from others, and that its ok not to do everything perfect and just try my best.