The birth of Nurtured…a personal reflection from Holly

This week, Orangeville families are celebrating the birth of a new business in our community. “Nurtured ~ A Better Birth Family Centre” is celebrating its grand opening on Saturday, September 25th, from 9-4 p.m. They are located at 83 Broadway, down a tiny alley. But big things are happening here! Lots of classes for you and your little one, chances to educate yourself on health and nutrition, research and buy local products, or just hang with other parents. Congrats, Holly and team on your new “baby”! Here, Holly tells her personal story on how the store came to be. ~ Bethany

If this were a pregnancy, I would be at that anxious anticipation stage of the third trimester, where every twinge and odd feeling makes one pay close attention. The difference is, there is no guessing on the EDD (due date)…this baby is going to be born on the 25^th of September, ready or not!

As with many pregnancies, the first trimester of business was full of excitement, worry, planning, dreaming, and of course, risk. It was also a bit of a surprise! A space came available to us that was so perfect we had to take a chance and go for it, even though it was not quite the timing we were going for. It felt a bit like when I found out I was pregnant with our first child, after being told it would take some medical intervention to accomplish just that. Surprise! We were on our way. Growing a baby, however, requires very little in the way of sacrifice IF you were already living in such a way as to prepare for pregnancy. A business, on the other hand, requires your “all” from the start. After the excitement and dreaming and planning slows to a quiet murmur, you are left with the nausea. What have I gotten myself into?

I have always been taught that in all I do, to do my best. Through my pregnancy I took extra good care of myself, took my vitamins religiously, exercised, and prepared for the birth. As a childbirth educator, I had it all figured out. Right. After ignoring 3 hours of painless contractions coming every 2-3 minutes, convincing myself I had at least 12 more hours of this, driving by myself from Bolton to Orangeville, stopping for a sub sandwich (and trying to breath quietly through very intense contractions while eating), then driving yet again to Shelburne to pick up my bags. Thinking I would be able to make it back to Bolton for my planned homebirth with York Midwives at my sister’s house, I literally crawled into my kitchen to heat up a rice pack for my back, which I swore was in the process of breaking. Then the shower was looking like a good idea, until my water broke a few minutes later and spontaneous pushing began. Now on the phone with my midwife (who was on the phone with 911) she coached me on how to deliver my son by myself. This was not the plan!

Needless to say, it has been a bit like that with the birth of Nurtured except for one big difference: I am not alone this time. My amazing husband, Gabriel, has been my biggest support and financier, business coach (whether I like it or not!) and promoter. He missed his son’s birth but he is here for me every step of the way in this. I also have the most incredible team of doulas as business partners, both literally and metaphorically speaking. They are sacrificing family time, money, and reputation to be a part of this dream and see it wriggle into the light of day, our new baby business. Just like new parents we are dreaming and worrying, planning and hoping for big things in the days to come.

How did it all begin? Well, it all started with the birth of my niece, my first ever birth experience, which inspired me to become a doula. It then expanded to childbirth educator certification and group prenatal classes. The new mom and baby groups came after that and have been going steady ever since. Now you can find us doing prenatal yoga, mom and baby yoga, holistic health workshops, organic baby food workshops, Café au Lait breastfeeding drop-ins, Twoonie drop-in playtimes, and so much more! It has become a blended family as well, with Pottery Parties in the Hills, Tunes 4 Tots, Gigi Photography, and all the amazing local businesses who contribute to our space and Boutique.  After 6 years of being “pregnant” with this dream, a very quick labour, Nurtured, A Better Birth Family Centre is about to be born at last!

To register or for more info info@nurtureabetterbirth.com or 647-234-4655