About Julie > A Day in the Life of Julie
What does your work involve?
Knowledge, experience, enthusiasm, energy and the dedication to share it with pregnant couples. As an active birth pre natal class educator, in independent private practice for 20 years, a professional birth support person, and calmbirth® instructor. My work involves a wide variety of facets but mostly it is to do with connecting with the lovely couples who attend my classes and require my guidance, reassurance, encouragement and uplifting motivation as they prepare for their "Transition Into Parenthood".
Why have you chosen to do this type of work?
As a young pregnant woman expecting my first baby I received great help through the pre-natal classes I attended and wonderful support from my partner to achieve the birth I wanted to achieve. I understand the anxiety, challenges and concerns that expectant couples face and felt highly motivated to undertake the training and provide really effective and positive education and preparation for them.
Describe a typical day.
Up, showered and washed hair, dressed, breakfast, load of washing, clean up kitchen, drop eldest son to train station with in depth conversation about relationships, hug youngest leaving for high school by about 8.00am, turn my attention to 9am commencement of a 3 hour individual session for a couple expecting twins, lots of questions answered and encouraging information provided by 12 noon lunchtime, salad sandwich and a cup of tea with our golden retriever as my companion, then onto marketing and business bookwork and answering the phone and emails for the afternoon, and preparation of handouts, posters and videos for the evening session. Partner of over 28 years, Geoff, arrives home and all family gather round the table to discuss the day, share dinner, chat and laughs together.
7pm to 9.30pm facilitate the group for the evening, teaching about labour and breathing, options such as positions, the use of the hospital facilities, self help strategies for the women to use and partners role, including massage. After a “rehearsal” for labour where I guide the women and their partners through likely responses to labour we all relax and the partners are guided through foot massage – the women just totally love it!
One couple stay behind, patting our friendly “Bagheera” black cat, after 9.30pm when everyone else has gone home, (relaxed and with very comfortable feet), concerned because their closest friends have just given birth and told them an horrendous story – they need to tell me their story and receive clear ideas and guidance on how to support their friends and yet minimise the risk of it happening to them. They leave an hour later feeling relieved and refocused on their own unique experience. I have a relaxing hot bath, hot cup of tea listening to the beautiful relaxation cd rainforest magic by about midnight.
What is your advice for a woman about to approach labour?
Have courage and determination – be cared for by midwives – have a birth plan clearly communicated to your partner, extra support person, midwife and any other birth attendants. Stay in the shower or bath as long as you wish – grin.