A Day of Connection, Learning & Fun at Stirling: Belly Birth Workshop and 3 C's Baby Massage Class

I am excited to share the success of my recent event held at Bloom Pelvic Health in Stirling. The day was a day of learning, empowerment, and connection as parents-to-be and new parents joined in to learn useful information and skills.

Morning Session: Belly Birth Workshop

The day kicked off with my much-awaited Belly Birth Workshop, where expectant parents attended to gain knowledge on caesarean births in a supportive and open setting. Guided by myself and Cat, the session addressed fundamental topics like what to anticipate when having a belly birth, tips on recovery, and emotional well-being.

We exchanged ideas and experiences, establishing a safe space where everyone felt heard and supported. The workshop focused on the fact that all birth experiences are valid and beautiful, with the expectant parents leaving feeling empowered and ready for their own special journey.

I also got to share this class with the amazing Cat, who was my original sounding board when I was developing this class. Back then, she was a student midwife, and she is now a fully qualified graduate midwife and is looking forward to taking over the running of the classes in the future! Cat has had a long career working with Red Nose Australia, supporting bereaved families and providing education to hospitals and communities. She has also birthed three children, including 2 x caesarean sections and 1 x VBAC birth, and is a wealth of knowledge and care for expectant parents. She is the perfect person to hand over these classes to, as I focus on finishing other workshop presentations and expanding my services.

Afternoon Session: 3 C's Baby Massage Class

The afternoon session was all about bonding and baby wellness with my 3 C's Baby Massage Class. Focused on relieving colic symptoms, constipation, and congestion, this exclusive class provided practical techniques for parents to use at home.

I led parents through soothing massage methods not only helpful for easing typical baby discomforts but also for fortifying the parent-baby relationship. The relaxed environment enabled parents to unwind, exchange experiences, and gain confidence in nurturing their infants. We also discussed all the when/how-to/why/who of baby massage, as well as learning to recognise body language cues from babies - even newborns! - and how to increase confidence with handling and touching baby

Major Highlights of the Day:

Community Connection: Parents came together, shared their experiences, and bonded, reiterating the strength of community while in the trenches of pregnancy and parenting.

Empowerment Through Education: The sessions offered evidence-based education that supported expectant and new parents to feel more equipped to handle any challenges of birth and parenthood that they may find in their future.

Looking Ahead

The success of this event has re-emphasised the need for creating areas where parents can learn, connect, and feel empowered. I am keen to host additional workshops and classes that continue to empower families in parenting. 

Stay tuned with me for upcoming workshops and events tailored to equip you with the knowledge, support, and community that you deserve.

Missed this event? Don't worry! More fun sessions are coming your way. Make sure to follow me on Instagram and stay tuned for my event calendar so you can catch up with me next time.

Together, we grow, learn, and support each other—one step at a time.

-Holly 

My Journey to Home Birth and Private Midwifery Care

Hi, I’m Holly! I’d love to take you with me as I look back on my journey to offering home birth and private midwifery care, a new direction for me this year.

After 13 years as a midwife, I’m so excited to finally offer home birth and private midwifery care as part of my services.

For a long time, I didn’t even realise home birth was an option — it just wasn’t something I knew as common in my community. I used to think, “Working in a hospital is great. This is good work.” But deep down, I often felt like I couldn’t give mums the level of care and attention I truly wanted to. I longed to finish each shift feeling like I had made a meaningful difference, but those days were rare. There was always this sense that something was missing in the care I was able to provide.

When I had the moment of realising that home birth wasn’t just possible but something I could actually incorporate into my career, I was thrilled. I told myself, “One day, this will happen. One day, I’ll do it.”

Fast forward to last September — I found myself thinking, “Next year will be the year. I’m waiting for the right time, the right sign.” Then, out of the blue, I got a message from a friend of a friend. She asked, “Any chance you’re starting to do home births? We’ve just found out we’re pregnant, and that’s what we want this time.” We had worked in the same hospital before, but different areas, and knew of each other. She was so sure: “This is what I want for my birth.”

That message felt like the universe giving me the clearest possible sign — like, it couldn’t have been more obvious. I thought, “Alright, it’s time to get moving. Let’s do this!” And that’s how this new chapter began.

Since starting this journey, I’ve been overwhelmed by the love and support from families who value personalised care and a more intimate birth experience. Each story I’ve been a part of over the last few years has only deepened my passion for empowering mums and helping them create birth experiences that truly reflect their values and wishes. It’s been a reminder of why I became a midwife in the first place — to support families during one of life’s most transformative moments.

If you’re looking for a private midwife or considering a homebirth, I’d love to connect with you.

Feel free to message me on any of my social media platforms or book a consultation call. Let’s talk about how I can support you on this incredible journey. 💛