Happy International Midwives Day – From Midwife & Calmbirth Director Karen McClay

Hi, I’m Karen McClay Director and owner of Calmbirth. It’s been a while since I last introduced myself.  I also want to use today, International Day of the Midwife to pay homage to all the wonderful work midwives do around the world and to thank all the midwives I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with.

I’ve been a midwife for over 14 years, and I can honestly say that what I love best about being a midwife is being with women and holding space for them as they transition into motherhood. It is the relationship and trust that is built that enables me to support, guide, and nurture them through their journey knowing they will feel safe. And to be able to bear witness to one of the most amazing miracles of life… birth in my day-to-day work is an honour I will forever cherish.

Seeing the transformation when women become mothers and the the power, resilience, strength, and raw emotion that is all a part of this birthing process never ceases to amaze me. That’s why the work I do with Calmbirth is so important, ensuring that women and their partners are empowered with practical skills, tools, and knowledge to feel empowered to make informed decisions and choices about the kind of birth they want. Calmbirth can help change a couple’s birth experience for the better by changing their beliefs about birth.

Things you might not know about me are:

I have three amazing kids, all with different personalities and all were different birth experiences.

I’m married to an ex-army officer who is now a beekeeper who makes my life so sweet.

I’m the daughter of the Founder of Calmbirth, Peter Jackson and thank him for the vision he had to make birth better for as many couples as possible. Calmbirth will be celebrating their 20th anniversary this year.

I live in the beautiful lands of the Gundungurra people, the Southern highlands of NSW, and I love the peace and tranquillity the countryside gives me. I also love seeing my Calmbirth couples enjoy the Southern Highlands and bond with each other when they have a babymoon weekend retreat with me @southernhighalndscalmbirth.

I have two gorgeous dogs that think they are human.

I do chai lattes, love my podcasts and audio books.

My favourite mantra, quote is: this too will pass!

I do my best thinking in the shower.

I am a true believer that less is more, keeping it simple and authentic.

I am a realistic optimist. I always look for the silver lining in any situation or experience, even when the lining is transparent.