My Journey

 

From Coffee and Cake to Birth Savvy

 

Birth Savvy began over a cup of coffee at a Hills Biz Chicks networking event. I wasn’t there to start a business—I was just there for the coffee, cake, and company. But when someone asked me what I did and what I was passionate about, I couldn’t stop talking about quality childbirth education.

 

A friend at the meeting said, “You need to start your own business, Pip. Couples need someone like you to show them what they don’t know about birth.” That conversation planted the seed, and soon after, Birth Savvy was born.

 

Now, I help couples achieve the births and newborn experiences they deserve, free from the constraints of hospital policies, empowering them to make truly informed decisions.

 

My Fourth Birth: The Turning Point

 

Even though I was already a midwife and childbirth and parenting educator, it wasn’t until the birth of my fourth child that I truly understood the need for independent education.

 

My first three births were midwifery-led and normal, but I always felt like I was striving for some elusive “perfect” birth. When I faced an obstetrician-led birth for my fourth baby, I was determined to take control of the process. By questioning routine practices, avoiding unnecessary interventions, and demanding care that respected me as an individual, I had the best birth.

 

For the first time, I felt truly empowered in birth. That experience showed me how critical preparation and support are in helping women achieve births that leave them feeling strong, confident, and connected.

 

 

 

Challenging the Status Quo

 

I’ve learned far more about the physiology of birth through my ongoing childbirth, breastfeeding, and parenting education training than I ever did in midwifery school. While my midwifery training gave me a solid understanding of obstetric practices, it wasn’t until I began attending conferences, questioning hospital policies, and diving into research that I truly grasped how to optimise the physiological process of birth.

 

I trained in two hypnobirthing approaches and spent over 10 years as a Hypnobirthing Australia practitioner, earning multiple national awards, including:

• Practitioner of Excellence: 2014/15, 2016, 2017, 2019
• Outstanding Performance in Course Delivery: 2018

 

Over time, I have combined my training, personal experiences, and ongoing professional development to create my own unique course—one that equips families with the tools to achieve better births, no matter where or how they choose to birth.

 

 

Expanding the Journey: From Birth Educator to Postnatal Support

When I first started Birth Savvy, I thought my role ended at birth preparation education. But over time, I realised how little time an thought was given to after your baby is born; after all, birth is just the beginning. The early postnatal period is such a critical time for parents—it’s intense, emotional, and full of challenges that need just as much support as the lead-up to birth (if not more).

That’s why I’ve expanded my services to include prenatal parenting education, breastfeeding consultations, gentle sleep support, and parental mood guidance. This work lets me walk alongside parents as they navigate those first months with their baby, helping them feel confident and connected. I focus on understanding newborn behaviour and cues, ditching the stress of strict routines, and empowering parents to respond to their baby’s needs while also caring for their own well-being.

The thing that really fuels my belief that health professionals must do better in this area is the research on how transformative this neuroplastic period is for parents. Your brain is literally rewiring itself to meet the demands of parenting—it’s intense, yes, but it’s also an incredible opportunity for growth. My goal is to help parents come out the other side feeling like the best versions of themselves—resilient, capable, and confident in the bond they’re building with their baby, themselves, and each other.

 

At the end of the day, it’s not about perfection. It’s about connection—nurturing the bond with your baby while also nurturing yourself as a parent. That’s where the magic happens, and that’s the heart of what I do.

 

 

 

Standing Up for Families

 

From Introvert to Advocate

 

I’ve always been an introvert, and public speaking didn’t come naturally to me. But as I saw how often birthing women’s voices were dismissed in favour of hospital policies, I knew I had to step up.

 

Since then, I’ve appeared on national radio and TV, including The Today Show and 9 News, advocating for better maternity care. Writing for magazines, newspapers, and blogs has also allowed me to share evidence-based, practical advice that empowers families to feel informed and confident.

 

 

Becoming a BFHI Assessor

I know how vital breastfeeding support is for parents, especially in those critical early hours and days after birth when so much can influence breastfeeding success. Recent research has transformed how we understand and support new mums and babies, but not all hospitals and services have caught up yet.

That’s why I’ve recently become a Baby Friendly Health Initiative (BFHI) assessor. The BFHI works with hospitals and community health services to help them meet the highest standards of breastfeeding support. My hope is that by improving the way these services support families, we can create a ripple effect—empowering parents and fostering breastfeeding success.

Lifelong Learner

 

Because I value evidence-based/informed practices, I thrive on learning—whether it’s attending conferences (I’m the first to grab a ticket if Dr. Rachel Reed is a keynote speaker!) or diving into the latest research on topics like Group B Strep, Vitamin K, and physiological birth with Dr Sara Wickham. I’ve even had the privilege of completing lactology units at the University of Western Australia, home to some of the world’s leading breastfeeding researchers.

I’m constantly looking for new ways to support families during this transformative time, whether it’s through courses like GroBrain, Clinical Applications of EFT, or the Parental Brain Mastery course. I’m also a podcast junkie and can’t get enough of insights from experts like Dr. Rachell Reed, Dr. Sarah Buckley, Prof. Helen Ball, Prof. James McKenna, Nathan Wallis, Dr. Gabor Maté, and so many others who inspire me to keep learning.

For me, staying curious and up-to-date isn’t just part of the job—it’s a privilege. Every new insight helps me bring the very best, evidence-based support to the families I work with, and that’s what makes this work so rewarding.

 

 

 

 

My Philosophy

 

I believe that birth and parenting are about connection, not perfection. Through my classes, workshops, and consultations, I focus on you, your partner, and your baby—helping you build confidence, trust your instincts, and make informed decisions. My goal is to give every family the tools they need to have a positive and empowering experience, whether that’s in pregnancy, birth, or the early months of parenting.

 

Take a look at my Classes and Workshops or explore Bub Savvy Support. I am also expanding my Online Offerings. I’d love to help you create the experience you want and deserve.

 

 

Memberships and Accreditations

 

I’m proud to be a member of the following professional organisations:

 

• Australian College of Midwives
• International Board of Lactation Consultants
• Lactation Consultants of Australia and New Zealand (LCANZ)
• Childbirth and Parenting Educators of Australia (CAPEA)
• Neuroprotective Developmental Care Institution
• Reclaiming Childbirth Collective
• Mental Health Academy

 

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