The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
This really ties in with the balance thing to be honest. In the beginning, I tried to do it all and I was failing. Once I realised that our society is not set up to nurture families, for women to be successful in business, to have a social life and to be themselves, I quickly learnt that a village is so important. We live at least 24 hours’ drive away from all family, so I created my own village. I have the most amazing friends, I outsource what I can at home, like cleaning, and I have an incredible babysitter who helps with the kids when I need her. Accepting and asking for help has absolutely been my biggest challenge so far – and I’m sure I have many more hurdles to overcome.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
I love the lifestyle that I have created for my family. Being able to work from home predominately has been the absolute best. On-call life, however, can be a struggle with a bunch small children. And as we know, birth is unpredictable! But ensuring I have support and back-up plans in place makes that aspect much easier to work with. Another huge lesson for me has been not overcommitting. It’s hard, but I can’t say yes to every client, and in the beginning, I was so stretched for fear of disappointing someone. I want to help everyone! But face to face that’s not possible, which is another reason I created The Empowered Birth Program.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
Oh gosh!! I’m a manifestor so I’m continuously dreaming up future plans! I’m expecting our fifth baby at the end of the year so I’m really looking forward to preparing for birth and another sacred initiation into motherhood. Business wise, this year I’m really focusing on offering more 1:1 virtual doula sessions and coaching women in preparation for their births, but also the huge emotional, identity and relationships that come with birthing a baby. I’m so driven to help women embrace the changes and provide practical skills and tools to help them on this journey.
Visit the Sage Birthing website to find out more and join their supportive communities on Facebook and Instagram.
