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Q: Can you tell us about your background and the motivation behind starting Babyopathy?
A: For 25 years, I owned children’s nurseries. When my first child was born 22 years ago, he struggled with sleep for three years, and breastfeeding wasn’t an option for either of my two children. I wanted a more positive way to support mothers through pregnancy and early parenthood, so I researched everything that could benefit this journey. I explored the biophilia hypothesis, which suggests our well-being is deeply connected to nature and sensory experiences. From here, I developed the foundations of Babyopathy, incorporating nutrition, aromatherapy, music therapy, color psychology, and meditation. Seeing the positive effects of these elements led me to formalize the Babyopathy program as it is today.
Q: How does Babyopathy support women through pregnancy, birth, and early motherhood?
A: The essence of Babyopathy is helping mothers stay relaxed and positive. There’s often too much negativity around pregnancy and motherhood, which affects both mother and baby. Babyopathy’s goal is to help women reclaim this time, focusing on relaxation and enjoyment, even when things don’t go perfectly. The program emphasizes making pregnancy and early motherhood a positive experience.
Q: What’s your philosophy on birth courses?
A: Many women today lack confidence in their ability to give birth and raise a child. Babyopathy aims to empower them, showing that they are capable and have a supportive community. Through a sensory, immersive approach, we build up that strength and confidence.
Q: How do you approach the ‘fourth trimester’?
A: Modern pressures, like social media and work, often push new mothers to present a perfect image immediately after birth. This is amplified by workplace expectations, as many women work right up to their due date due to restrictive maternity pay rules. The first few weeks after birth should be a time for mothers and babies to bond and adjust, focusing on skin-to-skin contact and reducing stress for both. We guide mothers to prioritize their well-being and their baby’s during this sensitive period, encouraging rest and a peaceful environment.
Q: What common challenges do you observe in your field?
A: Stress and negativity are major factors that can impact pregnancy outcomes, potentially leading to complications. Stress has been linked to premature or emergency births and can have lasting effects on a child’s mental health. This is one reason behind our ‘Routine in the Womb’ campaign in June, aimed at helping mothers manage stress effectively.
Another challenge is the strain on working mothers, who often face pressure to work late into pregnancy due to the limited six-month paid leave under Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) rules. This leaves little room for rest in the last trimester, which can increase the risk of premature or complicated births. I believe SMP should provide support up until the baby’s first birthday, relieving financial pressures, and that employers should be proactive in educating and supporting pregnant employees throughout their journey. A relaxed mother is crucial for a contented baby.
