The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
Realising that although motherhood was my primary job I could still do this if i I really wanted to. I realised that I don’t believe In ‘having enough time for things’ I believe in ‘making time for the things that are important to you’. Changing that mentality was a breakthrough for me when it came to fitting it in to my busy (stay at home mum to 3 under 4) lifestyle.
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
It’s all about planning, organisation and of course, that magical word ‘support’. I plan all my classes in the evening around my own children (of which 3 are under 5 and one is on the way), and I limit the number of births I can attend each month to one. But I also have a incredibly supportive, hard working husband who backs me 100%, supporting me to do the courses, both of which were a week long each! And now allowing me to shoot off in the night for a birth if need be and to look after our own children.
The Drive: What challenges have you overcome?
It’s certainly a challenge being pregnant and still ensuring I have enough energy for my clients! Thankfully my passion drives me through that though.
Initially, I found it challenging ensuring that I keep my own personal beliefs and opinions to myself when in a doula capacity. You become so invested in these women and their birthing experiences that you feel motivated to ensure everything is “perfect”, but my role as a doula is purely one of support, and to be an advocate of the mother’s stated desires (not my own!) Eventually it becomes a beautiful thing, experiencing and appreciating how differently people operate when in these situations!!
Another challenge is the certification process for both titles. I am now a certified hypnobirthing educator, but my certification as a doula is still a work in progress. The assignments that come with it are a challenge to fit in but I have a goal to certify within the year.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
I think this is pretty universal. The freedom and flexibility to choose my own business hours and core values is special but there is always the niggle of insecurity. I set out in this business to change lives through experiences but I need to make sure people know about me in order to do so!!
Hopes and dreams: What next?
Another baby! This little one is due in the next 6 months so I plan to grow my business slowly, at a pace that won’t disrupt my own family too much. When the time is right I’ll certainly be looking at how I can expand and reach more women nationally. The ultimate goal would be to see our country normalise, perhaps even subsidise doulas, and bring hypno-birthing into our standard birthing education to ensure women have more say in their children’s births, because they’re more knowledgeable and confident that it will NOT be a traumatic experience.
Visit the Bee Birthing website to learn more about the services Margot offers. You can also join her supportive Facebook and Instagram communities.
