Why Prenatal Classes Matter…

As a childbirth educator I see lots of posts all the time on social media, asking;

“is a childbirth education class or prenatal class worth my time?” OR

“Do I need to attend a childbirth education class if I am just going to go with the flow, because you can’t control birth?” OR

“I have been told by my health provider that I need to be induced or have a cesarean section but I don’t want to do that. What can I do?”

These questions come up a lot but what is becoming more frequent is the last one. Where women are feeling that they don’t have a say in their birth, aren’t being presented with evidence based information and don’t know how to navigate this space, all in the last trimester of their pregnancy. This isn’t how women should be spending the last few weeks of their pregnancy nor is it acceptable.

So why are any of these questions relevant to childbirth education classes?

Because an independent childbirth education class will navigate these topics and more. An independent childbirth education class will give you evidence based information and a toolkit that will help you navigate your pregnancy, labour, birth and life with your baby and not just information based on hospital policies and procedures. An independent childbirth childbirth education class will cover consent in pregnancy, labour and birth. It will use the words, NO and teach you that NO is a complete sentence. Or another equally powerful sentence, I do not consent to this procedure.

Undertaking an independent childbirth education class is the start of YOU taking control of your pregnancy and figuring out what is important to YOU and your partner in pregnancy, birth and postpartum. It allows you to take control of what you want and not go with the flow of your health care provider, the midwife who is on duty in birth suite the day that your baby is born, or the new midwife who comes in at change of shift, if you happen to be there for it. An independent childbirth education class will also open you up to thinking about different options and starting the conversation to see if this is the right option for YOU as you navigate the transformative space that you are in. It is a reminder that YOU know what is best for your bodies, babies and families and that you are powerful and strong.

With research showing that we will never forget the day or children were born, our how we felt or were treated on this day, investing in an independent childbirth education class can help you take control and not have to be writing questions like the last one on a social media group at 33 plus weeks. The gift of childbirth education is a gift to yourself, your partner and your baby.

So what do you think? Are you in? Want to know more?Visit my Lamaze Childbirth Prenatal Class to find out what is covered, how I can work with you in person or online to become informed and take control of your pregnancy, birth and beyond. This is also a great Christmas gift for yourself, a loved one or family member and can be purchased in my shop.

Katie xx

What getting your ears pierced and labour have in common.

On Sunday Miss S got the last part of her 10th birthday gift, getting her ears pierced. She has been waiting for a while and we have been working around school swimming carnivals, National Girl Guide camps and mums disorganisation. Anyone else relate to that??? So Sunday was finally the time, to do it and just ready for the wedding that she is in on this Saturday.

When we got to our destination, she was nervous and the lovely lady who did the piercing talked to her about breathing in an out and had an honest chat on what it would feel like. After a few deep breaths in and out, a moment of rest between ear one and two we were done. The reward other than some nice earrings was a slurpie. As we pulled into but the slurpie Miss S told me:

“that wasn’t as painful as everyone told me”

And it hit me, that even at 10 years old Miss S was being told stories about how painful getting her ears pierced and it was going to hurt along with stories of ears getting infected. All just what 10 year old girls need to hear before this happens.

But labour is no different. Instead of focusing on the positive or talking about how to navigate pain we tell women that labour is going to be painful and in Miss S’s case she was told to be fearful of getting her ears pierced. When we go into a situation that we are scared or fearful of, our bodies struggle to relax and it’s harder to control our breathing. Our brain keeps telling us it’s going to hurt and our body tenses up and it does hurt!

I’m hoping that by telling Miss S to ignore these stories again that in the future she can block out any type of advice that isn’t helpful for her or makes her feel scared of whatever she is doing. Because we need to change these stories for 10 year olds getting their ears pierced and anyone having a baby. That is my wish for all women and parents who are pregnant. Block out any negative stories and have confidence in your birth plan and how you are going to navigate labour.

If you are feeling that those negative stories are getting into your head my Lamaze Childbirth Prenatal Education Class is just for you. Covering pregnancy, labour, birth and postpartum this is the perfect class for you and your partner to develop your labour and postpartum tool kit and have the confidence to block out all those stories. For $550.00 you get morning and afternoon tea, Birth Affirmations specific for the birth of YOUR choice, a Lamaze Toy and a Preparing For Birth: Australian Edition and to become informed and excited about YOUR birth. To book your space click here.

Here is to women stepping into their power of birth and blocking out the negative stories that you may be hearing.

Katie xx

Miss S after getting her ears pierced. Picture shared with her permission.

Christmas Gift Ideas for You

On the seventh day of Christmas, Katie gave to me, some really good Christmas Gift Ideas.

Christmas is a time where we are making lists and checking them twice to ensure everyone has a gift. All the family members are ticked off, the kids have all the gifts they need and you may even be sending gif suggestions to family members for your kids. But are you on the list? What do you want for Christmas? Have you even though about that?

What do you need or want? Is it some time to yourself away from everyone, is it a way to fill your cup and feel rested? is it a membership to do a class for the next year whether it’s a gym, yoga or art class?

Or are you pregnant and looking for evidence based support in the form of childbirth education? Are you looking for ways to support yourself in the first year after your baby is born and you are thinking of a postpartum doula? Or is your baby already here and you need help navigating that first year? I can help with all these. And If your significant other is stuck for ideas, bookmark this page and send it to them.

For those mums who are pregnant and expecting a baby, don’t be afraid to ask for something that will help you prepare for your impending baby’s arrival. A few suggestions include: 

⭐️ Digital motherhood affirmations to remind yourself or a dear friend, family member or work mate that they are doing an amazing job on this journey called motherhood.

⭐️ A gift voucher for a postpartum doula visit after baby is born. Vouchers can go towards a package or a one off visit.

⭐️ A gift voucher for postpartum support now that your baby is here and you just need that extra set of hands. I support families for the first year, so go on reach out.

⭐️ A gift voucher for my Stock Your Freezer Package. This involves 3 hours of me cooking and stocking your freezer with meals YOU LIKE before baby arrives or helps you restock that freezer once your baby is here and all those initial meals are gone.

⭐️ A gift voucher to Pregnancy Women’s Circle, Term 1 2024 where you can build your village of mum friends before your baby arrives.

⭐️ A gift voucher for an Independent Childbirth Education Class. You don’t have to live in Ipswich, Brisbane or Gold Coast to do a class with me, I offer them via Zoom, for anyone anywhere in Australia or the world 🌍

⭐️ Membership to The Australian Breastfeeding Association. 

⭐️ An Australian Breastfeeding Association, Breastfeeding Education Class which will give you the tools and information to navigate breast-feeding plus membership for a year. 

⭐️ A gift of connection to your local mothers group communities. Some great communities include Everyday Mums in Ipswich, Kangatraining Ipswich, Keeping Mums Ipswich, Mums of May for their Play Fundamentals, Messy Mates or Modern Mamas - Mother’s Group Done Differently in Brisbane

Want a way to include all of these ideas onto a Gift Registry? Check out Be Her Village and if you don’t know what it involves read my blog post about how it can help you to ask for support and not things for your baby.

Some Christmas Gifts that can fill your cup and help you feel rested include: 

⭐️ A massage from your local beautician or pregnancy massage provider. For Springfield and Ipswich locals check out Harriet from Zelbery Maternity, Orion Family Physiotheraphy, Aleshia from Aurea healing therapies or Gemma from Grounding Essence (check out her new offerings).

⭐️ A facial from your local beautician 

⭐️ A float - you can do this when pregnant too

⭐️ A manicure and pedicure

⭐️ A relaxing meal out without kids with a dear friend 

⭐️ A month pass for classes at your local yoga studio. For Springfield and Ipswich locals check out Revive Yoga, a welcoming studio run by two amazing women Kristy and Sarah.

⭐️ Going and seeing an adult movie without having to share popcorn or drinks

⭐️ Anything that will make you feel like you have had a chance to restore and recharge your cup. 

If you can check out your local beauticians because they usually have amazing specials and supporting small businesses always makes a difference. If you are in the Springfield, Ipswich area check out my local beautician Sarah, as she has some great Christmas Packages at The Skin Sanctuary at Brookwater.

 I hope there is something on this list that helps you think yes I would love to do that and I’m going to ask for it. As mothers we aren’t selfish and always put the needs of our children before ourselves. But I remind you, to make some time for you and ask about a gift that you really want that will help you to fill your cup and recharge. 

Merry Christmas to all mums and to those who play the role of a mother. You are making a difference to the world and you are seen.

Christmas with a Baby

With December well and truly here, things may be feeling a bit more busy at your house. Throw in a newborn, baby and the Christmas period can feel even more hectic.

As a postpartum doula and a mum who has had a baby on Christmas Eve I am even more aware of how busy and crazy this time of year can be. 

However, it doesn’t have to be this way and here are a few tips to help you navigate and make your Christmas break relaxing and enjoyable: 

Relax your Christmas Expectations  

If you are the family member or friend that usually brings three meals for Christmas, this is the year to let it go. Don’t go over the top, take an easy to make meal (if you are desperate to cook), bring a roast chicken from the supermarket, buy a cheesecake or buy a pavlova base, cream and fruit and ask someone to put it together and you have a crowd pleasing dessert. 

In terms of gifts, you and your  baby are the gift. This is the year to drop gifts and just show up. You have just birthed a baby and being there to celebrate with your family and friends is the most amazing gift you can give. 

If you want to purchase gifts, online shopping is your best friend!

Think about not hosting Christmas, unless your family is going to clean your house beforehand, bring everything and leave when you tell them too. If this is your second, third or fourth birth get everyone to come and remind them that they need to bring all the food, clean up before they leave and give lots of love to the new older siblings. This isn’t the day to fawn over the youngest family member. 

But mainly be kind to yourself! Let go of expectations and enjoy your baby. And if that means not going to a big Christmas lunch, don’t do it. Your baby, and you will thank yourself later on.

Create Christmas Memories 

Get in the pictures with your baby and remember this first Christmas. It doesn’t matter how old your baby is and if you are up to it, get that Santa photo. Don’t worry if your baby is screaming you will look back and laugh at the picture in years to come and be grateful you are in those photos.  

Babywearing

Babywearing is the ultimate way to say “stay out of my bubble or don’t touch my baby” without using those words with family and friends. Bubs is close to whoever is wearing them (either, mum, dad or anyone else) and you can monitor feeding, sleeping cues and prevents baby from being overwhelmed. In this post COVID world it prevents germs and family members trying to kiss babies. No one wants RSV as a Christmas gift.

Pass the Food Not The Baby 

Decide between you and your partner if you want other family members or friends holding your baby before you get to the Christmas event. Whatever you decide, communicate it with everyone and stick to it. 

Passing the baby around increases exposure to germs, exposes your baby to different scents and perfumes but you can also miss those feeding and sleeping cues if someone else is holding your baby, which can lead to a tired, unsettled, hungry and cranky baby. 

If you are comfortable with family and friends holding your baby, let them know and just ensure that everyone is washing their hands really well and not kissing your baby. 

Ignore Unwanted Advice 

Christmas can bring together family members that we haven’t seen in a long time and sometimes unwanted advice. If you are on the receiving end of advice that isn’t helpful, smile, nod, and ignore it. Remember you know your baby best and lots of things have changed in parenting in the past 30 years, no matter what your Aunty or any other family member or friend is telling you.

Most of all enjoy the Christmas period. If you are looking for a gift idea remember I offer postpartum support for the first year of your babies life. For that first year, I can be your warm hug to help you navigate the challenges and be that helping hand. A gift voucher for support, or to have me Stock Your Freezer is a great gift for yourself or anyone in your life that you think could benefit from this and can be purchased by visiting my shop.

🎄Merry Christmas xx 🎄 

Be Her Village: how it can help you

I am a big believer that support to women and families as they navigate pregnancy, labour, birth and the first year of their babies life is essential and is something that should be accessible to all women. Which is why I have always offered payment plans with my postpartum packages and Lamaze Childbirth Education classes and later on gift vouchers. But what if there was a way you could put the support of:

⭐️ A postpartum doula
⭐️ An IBCLC or lactation consultant
⭐️ An independent childbirth educator
⭐️ A womens health physiotherapist
⭐️ A cleaner
⭐️ Pregnancy or postpartum massages

Or anything that you need to help navigate pregnancy and postpartum on a baby registry? Well I have discovered the perfect solution, Be Her Village.

Be Her Village was started by an American postpartum doula to ensure that mothers were getting what they really needed after the birth of their baby and able to pay for these services. So instead of having onsies given to you on your gift registry or list, you tell family and friends, you ask them to contribute some money that you can use to get the support and help you need. What a great idea.

It’s a simple process and all you need to do is create a register and then let people know where to go to donate. All the money is distributed to you for you to hire and pay for the support that YOU need.

Now I can hear you saying, Katie this is American. Well yes, it was started in America but anyone can sign up and includes birth professionals like myself who have profiles on the site. You can even search to find other health professionals in your area.

I think this is a great step forward, it helps to normalise that mums and families need support before and after the birth of their families and allows others to give the gift of support and love.

So if you are pregnant, check out the website, my profile and consider setting up a registry because babies don’t need 20 stuffed toys at their baby shower. However they can never have enough books 📚📚

Any questions shout out below.

To visit my Be Her Village Website check me out here

Katie xx

What stories are we telling ourselves?

I love Bluey and the messages that the creators share for our kids and parents. Last month Season 3 dropped and let me share it’s no different. Last week Miss S introduced me to “Stories” and it’s all about the character Indie and the stories she tells herself and in particular thinking she’s not any good at using bees wax.

One line in the episode really hit home for me.

“Indie was back where she started. But what story was she going to tell herself this time?”

As soon as I heard it, I realised that not only was this message there for the kids watching it but us adults. Earlier this year, I started seeing a kinesiologist where we spoke a lot about me worrying about what people think of me and the impact of the stories that we tell ourselves. And how if we tell ourselves the same story enough, we believe it, whether it’s true or not and whether it’s negative or positive.

In motherhood, I have been guilty of this, and I am sure I am not the only one. Telling myself stories along the lines of:

⭐️ I’m not good enough.

⭐️ I’m not doing enough as a parent or wife.

⭐️ That it is my fault that the kids aren’t sleeping through the night.

⭐️ I’m the only one struggling with this issue.

⭐️ Everyone else is better than me.

These stories are also bombarded at us through the media. Newspaper stories comparing parenting styles, parents who stay at home and parents who are working, entertainment and many more. There can be that general feeling of I’m not good enough that we are feed daily.

However we need to stop listening to this message and telling ourselves that and when we do life becomes easier and less harder. I can say that because I know it. After speaking with my kinesiologist (who is an extremely gifted and kind woman) I stopped saying this and started just being me. Gosh it’s a lot easier.

But the stories aren’t just limited to parenthood and parenting. We also tell ourselves stories during pregnancy and let’s face it everyone wants to share a horror birth story to a pregnant woman, without thinking how this can impact how that woman feels about birth. Now I know you may be thinking Katie, you are being negative but lets face it do strangers or distant relatives come up to pregnant women and say let me tell you about my “empowering and wonderful birth?” I know I do, but I don’t remember any strangers telling me that.

Stories in pregnancy are very powerful, and the more we surround ourselves with positive stories about birth and women who have had an empowering physiological or vaginal birth we start believing that we too can do this.

If you are pregnant and finding negative stories about birth are filling your or your partners head and you have fears about birth remember it is never to late to change these stories. An independent childbirth education class will help you navigate these fears and provide you with the tools and confidence to rock your birth and be excited for it. If you are reading this and going yes this is me Katie, check out my Lamaze Childbirth Prenatal Class and then book in for a private class.

So while this message from Blue is more aimed at kids and to remind them that they don’t need to be get it right the first time, to keep trying and learning because you never know what is around the corner, it is also aimed at us parents. Thanks Bluey for reminding us parents to tell ourselves positive stories and to keep preserving on.

So as you read this, think about the stories you are telling yourself:

Are they helping you?

Are they holding you back?

How can I change this narrative?

Be like Indie and think about how you can change that story today. Start by telling yourself:

⭐️ That you are doing enough.

⭐️ You are amazing.

⭐️ I am in control of my birth.

⭐️ I will have an empowering

If you would like to share your story of how you are changing the stories you tell yourself in relation to parenting, pregnancy or birth, add it below because, as we learned from Baz Luhrmanns Strictly Ballroom:

“A problem shared, is a problem halved.

Katie

Mother’s Day

It’s really hard to believe that Mother’s Day is just around the corner. While Term 1 may have felt extremely chaotic and another expression of” this is different” this year is still flying by and it’s May before we know it.

Like most mums, on social media, I am in quite a few big mum groups. From the local groups around Brisbane, Ipswich or Springfield Lakes or big Australian ones, but the common posts I have seen in the past week is

“What should I tell my partner that I want for Mothers Day?” or

“Any suggestions of what I should put on my list for my partner for Mothers Day?”

Both questions are the same and mums are wanting help. These questions then got me thinking, what do I WANT for Mother’s Day and how can I help other mums thinking of something for a list.

So if I was to be brutally honest, and this is what I am doing. My dream Mother’s Day Gift is a night in a hotel room ALL ALONE. No hubby, no kids and a big soft bed to lay in and watch Netflix uninterrupted and a big deep bath that I can have bubble bath in and late check out so I can sleep in. Room service isn’t needed because lets be honest it would be hard to get a good meal that is ceoliac friendly so somewhere close to a nice restaurant where I can go and have dinner and a glass of wine.

Now doesn’t that sound idealic and amazing? One night would be incredible but I think two would just be the right amount to feel fully recharged and just to have space by myself to read and watch tv. 

Now if you are reading this and thinking, Katie there is no way that I can do this? What are you talking about, keep reading because I have some other ideas to on ways that you can charge your batteries, fill your cup and not be away form your family for a full night. I get it I’ve been there. If anyone suggested this to me, two yers ago I would have said you are crazy! 

Other Mother’s Day Gifts that can fill your cup and help you feel rested include: 

⭐️ A massage from your local beautician 

⭐️ A facial from your local beautician 

⭐️ A float - you can do this when pregnant too. 

⭐️ A manicure and pedicure - if you don’t like your feet being touched maybe avoid a pedicure. 

⭐️ A relaxing meal out without kids with a dear friend 

⭐️ Going and seeing an adult movie without having to share popcorn or drinks.  

⭐️ Anything that will make you feel like you have had a chance to restore and recharge your cup. 

And if you can check out your local beuticians because they usually have amazing specials and supporting small businesses always makes a difference. If you are in the Springfield, Ipswich area check out my local beautician Sarah, as she has some great Mother’s Day Packages at The Skin Sanctuary at Brookwater. (She doesn’t know I am writing this either). 

For those mums who are pregnant and expecting a baby, don’t be afraid to ask for something that will help you prepare for your impending baby’s arrival. A few suggestions include: 

⭐️ A gift voucher for an Independent Childbirth Education Class. My next group class is on 4th and 11th June in Ipswich and spaces are still available. Or or a private class that is held in the privacy and comfort of  your own home. 

⭐️ A gift voucher for a postpartum doula visit after baby is born. Vouchers can go towards a package or a one off visit. 

⭐️ A gift voucher for my Stock Your Freezer Package. This involves 3 hours of me cooking and stocking your freezer with meals YOU LIKE before baby arrives in your home. 

⭐️ Membership to The Australian Breastfeeding Association. 

⭐️ An Australian Breastfeeding Association, Breastfeeding Education Class which will give you the tools and information to navigate breast-feeding plus membership for a year. 

 I hope there is something on this list that helps you think yes I would love to do that and I’m going to ask for it. Maybe even send your partner a link to this blog as a subtle hint for ideas!

As mothers we aren’t selfish and always put the needs of our children before ourselves. But I remind you, and I write this as I sit in the Hunter Valley, having some me time. This is a time to be selfish, make some time even if it is just an hour of two for yourself. So you can fill your cup and recharge. 

Happy Mother’s Day to all mums, to those who play the role of a mother. You are making a difference to the world and you are seen.

World Doula Week - Doulas Make A Difference.

Welcome to my first ever blog (and slightly updated),

I have been wanting to write a blog for a long time but I’ve never taken the step to do so. Since today is the first day of #Worlddoulaweek it seems like the right time to put my foot in this pool. 

Today kicks off World Doula Week. This week celebrates how doulas all over the world make a difference to parents as they navigate the challenges of pregnancy, labour, birth and postpartum whether its the first time doing so or the fifth. We doulas are literally there to nurture you, provide evidence based information for you to make decisions, offer non judgemental support and to make life easier as you navigate this time of your life. 

As a postpartum doula in Brisbane, I see it as my absolute privilege that I get to work with families in one of the most the sacred times of their life, when they bring a new baby home. A postpartum doula, comes in and does all of those jobs around the home that you need help with and that don’t stop when a baby arrives. This  leaves you more time to be with your baby and sleep, all without worrying about the ever growing mount washmore or dishes pile that could be building around you.

For me the best gifts we can give parents are: 

Time with their babies

⭐️ Support - telling them they are doing a great job

⭐️ Sleep

⭐️ Evidence based information and not advice that is based on parenting 30 or 40 years ago

As a postpartum doula I get to do that everyday I work with families. I honestly am so lucky to do this.  Depending on the family and the day they are having, I can:

⭐️ Sit and hold space with mum and dad as they share their concerns around parenting

⭐️ Listen to birth stories

⭐️ Wash dishes and put them away

⭐️ Wash clothes, hang, fold and put them away

⭐️ Watch baby while mum sleeps/showers

⭐️ Prepare meals and snacks to keep everyone feed and nourished

⭐️ Do the shopping for you or pick up a click and collect order

⭐️ Play and spend time with older siblings as they navigate the huge change that has just happened

⭐️ Hold baby while they sleep, gosh I love baby snuggles

⭐️ Provide education when asked and help find services to refer you to for help

Or do anything else that makes life easier for you!

A postpartum doula is honestly like that warm hug and reminder that you’ve got this and you are doing your best. Something that new parents, mum and dads need to be reminded of  all the time and I feel very privileged to do so. We know that postpartum is a time where mothers experience a higher rate of perinatal distress, and its not surprising that a postpartum doula can help reduce postpartum mood and anxiety disorders and improve breastfeeding success. We honestly need a cheerleader and someone to support us through early breastfeeding challenges.

 If you are looking for a postpartum doula and live in and around Brisbane, Ipswich or the Gold Coast reach out and let’s chat, to see how I can make a difference to your postpartum and set you and you’re family up on the path to parenthood. 

If you don’t live in this area, but know someone who needs this support, a gift voucher is a great option to help them in this special time. Drop me a line and I can help you arrange that. 

Happy World Doula Week 

Katie xx