Becoming a parent is one of life’s biggest transformations - it’s beautiful, challenging, and full of unexpected twists. After more than a decade in the midwifery space and as a mum of two myself, I know firsthand how overwhelming and exciting this journey can be. When I was expecting my second baby, I made the decision to step back from on-call midwifery. I wanted to find a way to continue supporting and empowering parents while also being more present for my own children. That’s when My Little Kiwi was born!

A Little About Me - Finding Purpose Through Midwifery

I grew up in the beautiful Ōhope Beach and moved to Waikato 10 years ago to study midwifery. I had no idea what to expect, but I quickly fell in love - with both midwifery and my now-husband, Alex. I graduated in 2018 and worked as an LMC midwife in Hamilton and North Waikato for seven years, taking breaks to have my own babies. I also taught antenatal classes at a local birthing centre for several years.

What many people don’t realise is that my passion for birth education was deeply shaped by my own experience with trauma. Before becoming a midwife, I struggled with PTSD and my mental wellbeing. When I discovered midwifery, everything changed. It gave me purpose, helped me reframe my own experience, and most importantly, allowed me to support others. Helping parents avoid birth trauma, or guiding them toward a healing experience after a difficult birth became my driving force for the way I practice midwifery and provide antenatal education in a holistic and non-biased manner. My goal is simply to see every parent have the best birthing experience possible regardless of what that looks like for them, and help to reduce the incidence of birthing trauma, which antenatal education is proven to do!

I always wanted to be a mum but my own journey to motherhood wasn’t straightforward. After being told conceiving naturally would be nearly impossible, we pursued IVF to have our little boy, Miller (2 years). Then, two years later, we were shocked to conceive our miracle baby, Maddie (4 months), naturally. Both my babies were born at home, and those experiences were incredibly empowering. But while I personally chose home birth, I’m a huge advocate for all birth choices. My biggest goal is for every parent to feel informed and empowered, because even an emergency C-section can be a positive experience when you have the right knowledge and support.

The Power of Antenatal Education

Through my midwifery work I have seen first hand how quality antenatal education transforms birth experiences. Parents who have a strong understanding of their options are more likely to feel in control, even when their births didn’t go to plan. As an LMC, my time with each client was limited, and even when I taught in-person antenatal classes there were always topics I wished I could explore further. When I became pregnant with my second baby, I knew I wanted to create something more comprehensive - something that gave parents all the knowledge they needed, without time constraints. That’s how My Little Kiwi was born.

Creating My Little Kiwi

I launched My Little Kiwi with a clear vision to provide accessible, practical, and empowering antenatal education. I surveyed mums across New Zealand to identify the gaps in traditional antenatal classes and built my course around their needs. My Little Kiwi is entirely self-paced with the option of an all-in-one comprehensive course, or shorter tailored courses on specific topics like labour & birth, complications or feeding your newborn. My Little Kiwi courses include downloadable resources, activities and expert interviews featuring:

• An osteopath

• An NDC practitioner on infant sleep

• Two women’s health physiotherapists

• A car seat technician

• A NICU nurse

• A C-section rehab expert

I provide evidence-based, holistic, and unbiased information, so parents can make informed decisions that suit their unique journey. I don’t push a specific birth plan or parenting style, I simply want parents to feel prepared, confident, and in control.

Looking to the Future: In-Person Classes Coming to Hamilton

While my online course allows me to support parents across New Zealand, I’ve always loved face-to-face education. That’s why I’m so excited to bring in-person antenatal classes to Hamilton in June! These sessions will offer a hands-on, interactive experience for those who prefer learning in a group setting. I can’t wait to meet parents in person, share knowledge, and continue building a supportive community.

My Connection to Bear & Moo

Bear & Moo has been part of my parenting journey long before this blog. I’ve been a loyal customer, using their cloth nappies full-time for the past 2+ years. Their products have been a game-changer for my family, and I admire their commitment to making sustainable parenting easier and more accessible. When the opportunity arose to share my story on their platform, I jumped at the chance. Bear & Moo’s support is helping me connect with more parents and spread the word about My Little Kiwi, and I’m so grateful for their encouragement.

A Message to Expectant Parents

Every parenting journey is unique, and you deserve to feel informed, empowered, and supported. Whether you’re preparing for your first birth or expanding your family, My Little Kiwi is here to guide you. If you’re expecting or planning your parenting journey, I’d love to be part of your story. Visit mylittlekiwi.co.nz to learn more about my antenatal course, and follow me on Instagram at @mylittlekiwi_ to stay connected!