Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
To be honest I don’t really see it as a balance, it’s more of a blend – because it has to be!
Babies are 24/7 and it’s not that I work 24/7 but it means that people may need me at certain points during those hours. And I am keen to remind myself that it’s because of my children that I have this passion, this venture, and fight this cause for everyone to have a positive birth experience.
It’s also important for my children to understand that I work and to see me do work that I love and enjoy.
I find that especially important for my son to see that his mother works, but also my daughter sees me running a business and working hard whilst doing something I love.
I love that my son, who is only 4, understands birth (at his level), is unfazed by it and frequently plays gently with my pregnant doll, role playing a vaginal or c-section birth, and my daughter will have this too.
But most of all, I love that I am working hard at this cause so that they too will have a positive birth experience should they choose to have a family.
And I have just realised that I haven’t mentioned my husband here yet, who is very much on this rollercoaster ride with me. He is my cheerleader and the stories impact him too, as a father, as a birth partner – he will frequently come home from work and share pregnancy announcements and maternity stories, and experiences that we will grimace over and feel angry about too… so yes, this is very much a deep-rooted blend that we all share as a family.
The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
Getting the housework done…
Cooking my family a nice healthy meal…
Exercising regularly…
Oh wait… you said challenges I’ve OVERCOME… ah yes, these will never be overcome (advice gratefully accepted here).
I guess a challenge would be the same one we had – the pre-conceived conception that ‘hypnobirthing’ is woo woo – but it’s not, it’s science. As soon as people realise this, they sign up to a course or, if they were like us, book one without asking questions, and I witness even brighter lightbulb moments about birth and how they then dash around telling all their friends and family about me and the birth preparation course they are doing.
And I love that 100% of the couples I work with recommend me to their friends and family. So that certainly helps me think there is a way of overcoming the challenging word ‘hypnobirthing’ at least.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
Pros: I do things my way. I give myself the freedom to learn, educate and invest in myself as much as I want. Admittedly, there will be days when I just need to take time out and I don’t have to answer to anyone for that. I can look after myself, my children, and be there for my family at every event any time of day. This also means I can be there for the families I support any time of the day too.
Cons: There are only so many hours in the day and with what I dream for this business, for this cause, I can frequently feel like I’m not getting there fast enough.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
I believe in informed choice. I believe that everyone should have self-belief and conviction in their own capabilities. Everyone should have the freedom to make empowered choices and be able to act according to what they desire and deserve.
This belief is bigger than me and bigger than this current business, so I’ll be expanding. The team will get bigger; I hope to teach children in schools; there will be podcasts for further reach; there will be better technology for clients; we will also be supporting businesses who would like to offer maternity education to their staff as part of their benefit packages. So stay tuned – this is just the tip of the iceberg… because we’re going bold.
And to everyone reading this, my biggest hope is that one day I will be able to make myself redundant – because that will be the day when the maternity system works. That will be the day when most birth experiences are positive, empowering, and personal.
And I will look forward to that day.
Head over to the Bold Birthing website to find out more about the wonderful services Nicki provides. You can also join her supportive communities on Facebook and Instagram, and follow Bold Birthing on Pinterest.
