It is the end of another month (where is this year going already!?) and that can mean only one thing...
...it is time to introduce you to another one of our amazing Kent Mums in Business.
We really do have *so* many fantastic businesses right on our doorstep which are owned and run by incredible local Mums, and I think it is important to celebrate them and show them what a great job they are doing.
This month I would love to introduce you to the wonderful Henrietta Ballard, Kent Mum of three and the proud owner of Cocoon & Bloom, a beautiful range of midwife-led pregnancy and baby classes.
I was lucky enough to spend some time Henrietta as she ran one of her baby massage classes.
...as well as making me rather broody (it was always going to happen!) it was *such* a beautiful experience.
Not only is Henrietta incredibly knowledgeable but the space she has created for new Mums is just wonderful - I wish I had found something like this when my own babies were born.
Tell us about your business and what services you offer?
Hi, I'm Henrietta and I run a range of pregnancy and baby classes; from Aquanatal (water-based pregnancy exercise), Fourth Trimester courses, Baby Massage, Baby Yoga and Toddler Learn & Explore classes in Kent.
The warm private Aquanatal pool is in Goudhurst, with all baby classes being hosted in a beautiful and calming yoga studio in Maidstone.
Is there a story behind the name you chose?
Oh it took me a long time to choose!
I wanted something that incorporated the journey from pregnancy to parenthood, summarising the changes that take place both physically and mentally.
We cocoon our babies in our bellies as we nurture them and prepare to introduce them to the world.
We then witness ourselves change forever as we bloom into a new version of ourselves - not losing who we were before, but now a mother and a baby getting to know each other, blooming into the next phase.
What do you offer to your clients that no-one else does?
As a midwife of 15 years I bring a lot of experience in the pregnancy and postnatal field.
Locally I am the only Aquanatal provider (that I know of), and, being a midwife, am in a good position to support the pregnant ladies who attend the classes and provide information as and when asked.
As a mum to 3 young children, (the littlest being just 1 year old) I am also aware that the path of parenthood is not always easy and that support from fellow mums to be and new parents is vital.
I strive to ensure my classes are more than just the classes 'on paper'.
Everyone who starts on a course is invited to a WhatsApp group for their class which gives everyone the opportunity to chat and ask questions and be there for each other. The conversation just flows beautifully, with no pressure to talk, just to listen - sometimes just to know that others around you are experiencing similar things can help immensely.
Babies are obviously at the heart of all the classes, from bumps, to newborns to toddlers. All the classes are completely baby-led.
If for example a baby does not wish to have a massage (or sometimes whole classes don't!), that's fine - we take their lead and talk about other things, such as tummy time tips, or what everyone uses to help with teething troubles...there's always something to talk about.
Where does your inspiration come from?
Genuinely, it comes from what I have wanted and needed as an expectant new mum over the years, together with the many, many conversations I have had as a midwife, friend, Mother.
I have been to classes and groups with my babies and have felt so left out. When all focus is on bump or baby, and none on how I was doing.
I've considered what I would have wanted and have created it...
A calm, safe, welcoming and friendly space where babies thrive and parents can just 'be' with their little ones, without the hustle and bustle and noise and lights of daily life.
No overstimulation.
No pressure.
Just time and support.
What is your favourite part of your job?
I am always blown away each time someone books on to a class with me. To then have someone who has booked on book again, and again and again.
I get to watch as mums, dads and babies grow together, from the newborn stage, right up until their little one is running around all over the place.
To see ladies in Aquanatal for the second and third time.
To class everyone who books on as friends.
To receive emails from mums saying that they are anxious and nervous about coming out for the first time with their little ones, to then being messaged afterwards saying how much confidence it gave them.
As a midwife I have spent my career working with pregnant women, babies and their families within the NHS. I have now created a role for myself where I can work around my young family, doing the school drop offs and pick ups and watch them grow, whilst still working with the same group of wonderful people.
I can still support these families and be part of their journey.
It's an amazing privilege.
If you would like to know more about the absolutely wonderful work Henrietta does, please visit her website here , give her your support on social media and if you know anyone who is expecting (or has just welcomed) a new little one please send them her way...
Claire xx