The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
When you enter a female dominated industry, it can sometimes feel overwhelming. I personally felt like my personality wasn’t enough when I became a midwife, when I was working beside many strong, extroverted females. When I decided to teach Hypnobirthing, I again wondered if I would be confident enough to captivate a room full of adults! But those fears just faded away when I realised I was in my element and was so passionate about the content I was delivering. My own teacher Melissa Spilsted - who is the director of Hypnobirthing Australia™ - gave me a lot of reassurance too. We all have something different to offer and we just need to be ourselves when we teach. I remember her saying I will naturally attract the right people that resonate with my demeanour if I just be myself. That has really stuck with me and is absolutely true.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
The best part is being so inspired by parents who are eager to learn and who want a positive birth experience. That is what keeps me going. To have an impact on people and see the transformation from people fearing birth, to feeling excited about birth, is invaluable.
I also really enjoy working outside the hospital setting. I love being able to create fresh, light and calming spaces to work in. When you are a midwife, it is very easy to go several days at a time without seeing any daylight, or even out a window!
Of course the busyness that this venture has brought to my life has felt challenging at times. A lot of my free time has become filled with organising schedules and replying to emails. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
At the moment, I am just excited to teach Hypnobirthing, and I hope that I can continue to offer more availability to my community as interest grows. However, my main drive has always been to reach women and families experiencing disadvantage. I love the Positive Birth Program and I want everyone to have the opportunity to access it – because I know that this type of education can not only reduce the rates of birth intervention, but also increase levels of satisfaction that women and families have, and help people to feel empowered and fearless.
Visit the Elephant in the Womb website to find out more and check out Bridie’s profile. You can also follow her journey on Instagram.
