Heidi is a Calmbirth Educator for the Central Queensland region, CQ Birth & Beyond offering weekend small groups as well as private classes in tranquil Limestone Creek (between Rockhampton and Yeppoon). She is a Registered Nurse who has specialised in the field of Paediatrics for over 18 years, as well as a Registered Midwife since 2008 and is excited to share her knowledge and expertise to take pregnant couples on their own parenting journey of self discovery and embracing birth calmly and confidently.
I first observed Calmbirth in action as a midwife working in a large tertiary maternity hospital in Melbourne in 2008. As I cared for couples who had been through the Calmbirth program I was amazed at how empowered the couples were as they embraced their birth journey. This was in stark contrast to other couples I cared for, who entered the birthing suites often in panic and afraid – seemingly unprepared.
I work at… CQ Birth and Beyond in Central Queensland (Limestone Creek) and Rockhampton Base Hospital as the Paediatric Nurse Educator and casual midwife.
My life in five words… adventurous – purposeful – love – holistic – optimistic.
The best thing about where I live is… 300 days of sunshine all year round.
What I do to relax when I’m not working… have fun with my children & husband on our hobby farm or at the beach collecting shells.
I can’t live without… music.
The person I most admire is…. my five year old son – for his daily smiles, laughs & love for life and adventure, despite suffering ongoing pain and stiffness with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) since he was 16 months old.
What I love most about being a Calmbirth Educator… empowering couples to embrace their “labour of love” no matter how their journey unfolds, and changing birth culture into a positive experience to be embraced (one birth at a time).
If I had to describe my own birth experiences in 3 words… four – empowering – unique.
The 3 essential things you need to take with you into labour are… (1) positive headspace; (2) supportive & knowledgeable birth coach (partner or doula); (3) TENS machine.
My most memorable moment at as Calmbirth® educator… observing an anxious pregnant mother whose husband decided not to be part of his marriage anymore, overcome her heartbreak and anxiety in order to get into a positive, powerful headspace for her birth – and she achieved the birth she wanted. Amazing woman, using amazing Calmbirth techniques.
A favourite quote… “Speak tenderly; let there by kindness in your face, in your eyes, in your smile, in the warmth of your greeting. Always have a cheerful smile. Don’t only give your care, but give your heart as well” ~ Mother Teresa
If you had to describe how seeing a baby being born makes you feel… overwhelmed by the miracle of watching this amazing rite of passage into the parenthood journey. I get teary every-time, with oxytocin flowing through me, just by watching birth unfold.
You can follow me on Facebook through: CQ Birth & Beyond or email me at [email protected]
My next Calmbirth courses are:
24th and 25th August
14th & 15th September
12th & 13th October
2nd & 3rd November
14th & 15th December