12 months and 150 families!

I have been feeling a little reflective today. Maybe it's the changing seasons. Or the thought of my wee one starting school soon. Or maybe the fact that I have finally completed all my work towards becoming an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Whatever it may be, the last year has felt both achingly slow (hello exam prep!) and so fast at the same time. Small milestones have been happening all the time at home; laces now tied, bikes and scooters mastered, nappies gone and it feels a good time to think about all that Hailey and I have achieved this past year.

Hailey and I love running antenatal classes. We have been bringing expectant folk together, 'growing' and 'gathering' together since 2020. And it has been so much fun. During our various conversations this week, we worked out that our support has extended to 150 families since this time last year. Most of this support has been in the form of our Gather Workshop. A two day, sociable and friendly, antenatal class with a dedicated first aid class included too. It has also included those of you who have attended our active birth class to learn more about breathing and movement as well as people seeing us on a 1:1 basis for support at home.

That is 150 birthing duos who are better prepared, more informed and more confident about birthing their babies and entering into new parenthood. And how awesome is that? We have 139 five star reviews on google. Saying things like;

'lots of useful information without being overwhelming'

'a balanced, evidence-led, open-minded and non-judgemental approach taken'

'the weekend was amazing'

'feel so much more confident'

It is honestly, the best feeling. Before people come to our classes we ask them how they are feeling about birth. Often they tell us; scared, anxious, overwhelmed, worried, frightened, unprepared. To turn those phrases into the reviews we get after our classes means so much.

It's not just about information though, it's about providing a sociable space too. Our reviews talk about connections made and friendships formed. We know this to be true because Hailey and I are all too often bumping into you all out walking with buggies and slings!

Hailey and I are midwives and mothers. We know first hand, both professionally and personally, the benefits of honest support and mindful connection. We love watching people grow in confidence as they build knowledge and friendships throughout our classes. 2026 has been a joy so far! We cannot wait to meet more of you and I cannot wait to share a little more about all that we are doing postnatally too. Why not come and join us?

www.growandgather.co.uk

@growandgatherbirth

hello@growandgather.co.uk