Kathy Fray's Column

Dear Parent

A dozen years ago, after a couple of years of infertility issues, I was finally thrilled to be pregnant with our first child. At the time I was successfully self-employed within the Travel Industry – and the last thing I ever thought I’d end up wanting to do in a career, was having anything remotely to do with needles, blood or hospitals. But never say never! As over the course of my own three childbirths, I found myself a changed woman … and one that yearned to become a self-employed Midwife.

While my three children were pre-schoolers, full-time University studies was not an option – and so I began to write, cathartically at first, as my passions were fired up to assist mums-to-be and new mothers, to enjoy their intrepid journey, free of piously judgmental and guilt-infusing opinions! Today, I feel utterly blessed that so many women have taken the time to email me with their thanks for my book “OH BABY…Birth, Babies & Motherhood Uncensored”. I just wanted to help, and it sounds like sometimes I have – I’m simply grateful for the opportunity.

Once my children were a little older, and with the support of my Rock-of-Gibraltar eco-natural bio-builder hubby, I then began my own “climbing Mt Everest” journey of completing a degree in Midwifery – and today, finally, I am a self-employed midwife, looking after women from the central North Shore to southern Warkworth.

The birth of every human is a sacred moment in time, and so I feel immensely honoured and privileged every time I am able to assist with a newborn’s safe arrival. My philosophies encourage a healthy pregnancy and natural birth, including referring clients to naturopathic complementary therapies and practitioners.

My contribution to Kiwi Families, is one of aiming to provide down-to-earth, back-to-basics, in-the-trenches articles and information to assist with questions regarding pregnancy, childbirth and newborns… free of agendas. I admit to a few pet peeves, but shouldn’t we all. One of my favourite sayings: The only thing truly ‘Normal’ is a cycle on the washing-machine.

I look forward to your questions.

Love & Light,  

Kathy