The Oxford Mama Club interview Birth Baby Balance
So in The Oxford Mama Club we pledged to champion local businesses and local Mamas of Oxfordshire; firstly because because we are firm believers in #WomenSupportingWomen and secondly as a way of inspiring you lovely ladies…showing you some amazing products & services available to you + that Mamas can achieve some truly amazing things…
In the second of a series of blog posts we meet Sarah and Kirsten from Birth Baby Balance who have grown their business over the last 9 years from providing doula care to women during birth and beyond, to now a wider and more diverse range of services for the women of Oxfordshire.

So lets find out more about Birth Baby Balance, what’s at the top of their reading lists and what they simply cannot survive without living in the Cotswolds…
1) Hi ladies can you tell us a little about yourselves…
We are Sarah and Kirsten, and together we make up Birth Baby Balance. We are passionate about women’s wellbeing in relation to becoming mothers — both the pregnancy and labour journey, and the ongoing adventure of motherhood. We live in the Cotswolds, and have 4 children between us, ranging in age from 8 to 19! We love talking to women about the challenges and joys of being mums, and strive to help and support wherever we can. We’re also passionate about tea and cake!
2) How did the idea for ‘Birth Baby Balance’ come about and what gave you the push to make your ideas a reality?
Birth Baby Balance was born in 2008, as a way to provide fabulous doula care to women during their birth and beyond. Since then, it has grown (as babies do!) to provide a wide range of services — antenatal classes, pregnancy breathing classes, newborn mothers classes, baby massage, postnatal exercise, placenta encapsulation, confident weaning workshops, birth trauma workshops, calm parenting courses — as you can see, there’s never a dull moment! We are motivated by the need we see around us, in a culture that has lost sight of cherishing new mamas for the amazing people they are, and the incredibly hard and demanding job that they do, to make sure they are nurtured themselves so that they can nurture their families.
3) As a busy Mama yourself how do you juggle mini ones, home life and the business?
Some days, really badly! Generally we try to be organised, and to have time for our families as well as our new mamas, but it isn’t always easy to manage. We try not to beat ourselves up on those days, and recognise all that we’re trying to do. A large gin sometimes helps too!
4) What one piece of advice would you give to a fellow Mama looking to start their own business?
Make sure you have support in place. You will need it! The early days/weeks/months will be incredibly demanding, and you may have moments of wondering what you are doing and why, so remember to take time for yourself as well as growing your business.
5) Whats your best ‘self-care’ tip for other Mamas?
Breathe!
6) Whats your favourite ‘family-friendly’ place to visit in Oxfordshire?
Anywhere that’s free! Especially if it is outdoors. There are loads of lovely places to walk, parks to play in, grounds to visit, villages to explore.
7) What about eating out with the mini ones where do you rate in Oxfordshire?
Back to the Great Outdoors — picnics all the way! If the weather’s not picnic-friendly, then we’d suggest finding a small, independent cafe and supporting that rather than a big chain. Going out for tea can be such a fun treat!

8) Can you recall your happiest ‘mama moment’ (or something that brings you the ‘mama joy’)?
Putting the screens away and playing a game together. Connecting with the children in a meaningful way always brings us joy.
9) We are big ‘book worms’ at The Oxford Mama Club’ and are running our own ‘Insta book club’ what would be your top reading recommendations?
For books about mothering, we would recommend both “What Mothers Do” and “How Mothers Love” by Naomi Stadlen — they are both so affirming of the hard work but immense joy that mothering brings. Hollie McNish’s book “Nobody Told Me” is our current favourite for its warm, raw, passionate and honest account of pregnancy and motherhood.
10) In terms of Mama gadgets/products/items what is the one thing you cannot live without?
The car!! We live in little villages in the country and a car is absolutely essential for ferrying children to clubs, friends and activities, to go and see clients, and to escape for a few moments of moments of ‘Me Time’ if we get the chance!
A huge thank you to Sarah and Kirsten, we cannot wait to see what is next for Birth Baby Balance give them a follow on Facebook @birthbabydoulas Twitter @Birthbabydoulas and Instagram @birthbabydoulas . For Mamas having this level of support & services available is invaluable so please do go find out more…
If you are an Oxfordshire Mama and would like to get involved please get in touch via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @TheOxfdMamaClub.
