Bloom Mothers

In life, in labour, and in motherhood 🤍 via

I am such a huge advocate of creating a birth map during pregnancy. I prefer conceptualising it as a map as this allows you to plan for many different scenarios, and include your preferences for all of these. You might have heard the argument that “because can be unpredictable, there’s no point planning for it” or that you are “setting yourself up for disappointment” by making a birth plan. I disagree with this, I think creating a birth map is so helpful and empowering, for the following three reasons:

1. The process of creating a birth map is invaluable in providing an opportunity for you to do your research and learn about your options. Thinking about what matters to you and what your preferences would be in a variety of situations is so empowering, and means you won’t be stuck trying to learn a bunch of new things during labour.

2. A clear map allows your care providers to get a good sense of where you are at and support you appropriately. If you are in a continuity model, you will have the chance to discuss this antenatally, which can help everyone get on the same page. If you are meeting your care provider on the day, a clear plan can really help them understand you and tailor their care. For example, if you’ve said you’d like to ask for pain relief only if you need it, they’ll know not to offer it. Or if you’ve said you are keen for a water birth, they can organise you a bath without you having to discuss it too much during labour.

3. Your support people will feel so much clearer and empowered about their role. If you can involve your support people in the writing process, they’ll be able to show up in the birth space knowing how best to support you, and not uncertain or anxious about what they should do.

I’ll be making a post soon about some of the things you might like to include ♥️

Hello! 👋🏼

It’s been a while so I thought I’d hop back on and reintroduce myself.

I’m Laura, I’m a midwife, mother of two, childbirth educator, and Pilates/Yoga teacher based in Melbourne, Australia.

I’ve been running BLOOM Mothers for a few years now and have absolutely loved being part of couple’s journeys through pregnancy/birth/early parenthood.

My aim with this little business is to provide evidence-based, holistic education to support you to make informed and empowered choices regarding pregnancy, birth and postpartum.

I’ve come into midwifery following my career in Pilates and marketing communications, and love how I get to combine these skills and passions through BLOOM Mothers.

Thanks so much for being here ♥️

A few fun facts about me:

🤍 My previous undergraduate degree was an Arts degree with majors in Literature and Cinema/Cultural studies with a Diploma in French. I still absolutely love reading and watching films
🤍 I am incredibly grateful to live just 5 minutes from the beach. We just moved recently and I cannot believe how lucky and privileged we are to live on this corner of the world
🤍 I am always really disappointed by herbal teas. The flavours sound amazing, they smell amazing, but they always just taste like…very slightly flavoured water? Am I the only one? 😂

Photo of me and my littles by the incredible .photography

A quick guide to oxytocin 🤍

My littlest love turned one and it’s fair to say I’m feeling all the emotions 🤍 .photography

Love this ♥️ words by via .beth

I have had the most lovely weekend - some time with my family yesterday, a beautiful, powerful birth last night and a birth workshop today.

I feel so honoured and privileged to be able to do this “work” - thank-you so much to every family who has trusted me to be part of their journey.

I am not fully booked until the new year - if you are wanting to organise some birth education for January/February/March 2023, please get in touch and I’ll keep you in the loop.

Laura x
Image: .botanicals

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One of my daughter’s latest hobbies is looking at pictures of babies sleeping on my phone, and I am here for it 😍 there really is nothing cuter than those little squishy faces and sweet snores 🤍

Some days are really hard ~ be kind to yourself. ♡

Thank-you for the reminder

Precious moments ✨ Our Archie is six months old now. It really is true what people say: the days can sometimes feel long but the months go by in a flash.

Newborn snuggles captured on film by