All things birth with Midwife Lucy from Birth and Beyond Education
This week we were lucky enough to sit down with Lucy who is a registered Midwife and runs ‘Birth and Beyond Education’
What drove you to become a midwife? And leading on from this, what led you to starting your business?
I think Midwifery has always felt like a natural path for me. My mum is a nurse, and I was always fascinated by her stories when she came home from work. From a young age, I was obsessed with watching birth shows and learning about pregnancy, labour, and newborns. But the real turning point came when my sister was born at 30 weeks (very premature) after an obstetric emergency. Visiting her in the NICU, I found myself in awe of the incredible work of healthcare professionals, and how they can care for such tiny babies.
Even though I now know midwifery isn’t just about cuddling babies, that early experience cemented my fascination with birth. I had always wanted to be a teacher and was set to study sport science to become a PE teacher, but after some work experience with naughty school children, I decided teaching wasn't for me and midwifery it was!
Now, I get to combine both passions - I’m a practising midwife at a private hospital, but I also teach birth classes, which I absolutely love! Helping expectant parents feel prepared, informed, and confident is incredibly rewarding, and I feel so lucky to do this work every day.
Are you able to tell us about your business and what courses you run?
As a practising midwife, I see birth, parenting, and feeding every day, which is why I feel so strongly about providing real, honest, and practical education for expectant parents. There’s a lot of information (and opinions!) out there, but I believe that when parents truly understand what’s happening within their bodies and what to expect, they feel more confident, more in control, and less overwhelmed - even in the most unpredictable moments.
That’s exactly why I started Birth & Beyond Education. We keep our classes small and engaging, so no one feels shy asking questions. Birth is one of the most magical, intense, and life-changing experiences, and we want parents to walk away feeling prepared and empowered rather than shocked and blindsided.
Can you tell us a little more about your classes?
We run two key workshops:
Birth Preparation Workshop (Positive Birth Workshop) - Covering all types of birth (vaginal, instrumental, and caesarean), pain relief options, induction, and what’s actually happening in the body during labour. Birth is fascinating, and we love helping parents feel excited and ready to embrace it.
Feeding & Parenting Workshop (Fourth trimester & Feeding Workshop) - This is all about post birth - breastfeeding, formula feeding, newborn behaviour, sleep, and those first few weeks of adjusting to life with a baby.
With these two workshops, we make sure parents feel informed, supported, and ready for what’s ahead, because while birth and parenting are unpredictable, knowledge is power, and we want every family to start this journey with confidence.
Do you have any tips for first time mums who are struggling to work out what mode of delivery or birth plan might suit them best?
Choosing how to bring your baby into the world can feel overwhelming, especially with so many opinions and experiences being shared. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to birth - it’s about finding what feels right for you while staying flexible.
At Birth & Beyond Education, we run birth workshops designed to give unbiased, evidence-based information on all types of birth - vaginal, instrumental, and caesarean. Understanding your options in a supportive, judgment-free space allows you to have more informed conversations with your midwife or obstetrician and create a flexible birth plan that works for you.
Our goal is to help expectant parents feel empowered and confident in their decision-making. Birth is unpredictable, but when you understand what’s happening in your body and the options available, you can approach it feeling prepared rather than anxious.
If you’re feeling unsure, we’d love to have you join us at a workshop - we’re here to help you navigate this journey with clarity and confidence.
Do you have any tips for women that are pregnant with their second or third bub and they have perhaps had births in the past that haven’t gone to plan?
If your first birth didn’t go as planned, it’s completely normal to have mixed emotions about doing it all again. The good news is that your body has done this before, and whether you had a vaginal birth or a caesarean, there are ways to prepare so you feel more in control this time around.
For those who had a vaginal birth, your body has already had its practice run, and we often see second labours progress much quicker and smoother. You worked really hard the first time, and your body remembers!
If your first birth resulted in a caesarean, you may have the option of a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean). Educating yourself on this and understanding what’s involved can help you feel more relaxed and prepared, which in turn helps your hormones work optimally during labour. On the other hand, if a planned caesarean is the recommended or preferred option, there are still ways to ensure it’s a positive and informed experience - including refreshing your knowledge on signs of labour, just in case things start before your scheduled date!
We always recommend attending a Birth Preparation Workshop to explore your options and build confidence in your decisions. For those planning a caesarean birth, we also offer a specific Caesarean Workshop, where we go through everything you need to know to feel fully prepared.
No two births are the same, and while birth can still be unpredictable, knowledge is power - and with the right preparation, this time can feel completely different.
And a non work related one! Any favourite coffee spots or spots for an afternoon drink along the Northern Beaches?
My go-to coffee spot right now is Beach Eatery at Curl Curl - it’s right on the water and just so beautiful.
For afternoon drinks, it has to be Manly Pavilion. a spicy margarita on the balcony there, right on the water, I always feel like I'm on holiday!
To find out more or get in contact with the lovely Lucy:
W: www.birthandbeyondeducation.com.au
I: @birthandbeyondeducation
