Stepping into the spotlight doesn’t come naturally to me. In fact, sharing personal stories is a stretch from my comfort zone. But growth often happens when we expand our boundaries (which I'm all for!) so here I am, connecting with you through sharing a piece of my journey. My name is Andrea Lawrie, and while I wear many hats—Midwife, Educator, Holistic Practitioner, Wife, and Mother—my story, like yours, is deeply personal and profoundly connected to the incredible family and friends that sustain me.
I am a proud mum of two amazing sons, Tom and Hugh, and wife to my incredible husband, Thane. Our family’s love is my life force, grounding me in everything I do. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their unwavering support. My path to midwifery was not a straight line; it was paved with curiosity, fear, and an unrelenting quest for knowledge, which began when I was pregnant with my first son back in 1997. Like many women, I wanted to be fully prepared for childbirth. In my search for information, I realised how much was lacking—especially information that empowered rather than frightened—and unfortunately, the same is still true today.
With a background in law, I delved deep into research, determined to arm myself with knowledge that would both protect my rights and ensure my boys had the best start in life. What I found were fear-based stories that left me more anxious than reassured. I didn’t want to give birth in fear; I wanted to feel empowered. This realisation drove me to explore holistic mind-body practices to counteract the negativity. I had already trained in Aromatherapy, and Somatic Trauma Release Therapies in the early 90’s, but this is when I began studying Homeopathy, Herbalism and practising Yoga, Meditation and Shamanic journeying. These practices became my foundation, helping me centre myself and approach childbirth with calm confidence.
Both of my sons’ births were transformative experiences. The preparation I did not only provided me with the knowledge to advocate for myself but also equipped me with mind-body techniques to manage any stress and overwhelm I felt, helping my body to transition into the calm state necessary for gentle childbirth. My first son, nearly 8 lbs was born gently at a local midwife-led birth unit, and my second came quickly and easily at home, weighing almost 10 lbs. I want to honour my midwives, Janet Buchanan, Carol Hinchcliffe, and Anne Marie Rennie, for their knowledge, skills, and compassion in being there and helping me guide my babies earth side.
These experiences had a profound impact on me, igniting a passion that led me to leave a 20-year legal career behind to become a midwife. My journey therefore has been about guiding families through their own powerful and sacred birth experiences, much like I had, but without having to struggle to access support, knowledge and resources.
Since 2009, I’ve walked the midwife path, supporting countless families as a clinical hospital and community midwife and senior charge midwife, and later sharing my knowledge and guiding students as a University Midwifery Lecturer. In 2018, I launched my private practice, driven by a desire to ensure that expectant parents have the support and knowledge they need.
Over the years, my clients have often told me that what I offer goes beyond birth preparation—I offer tools for life. They say they found that the skills and insights they gained has helped them navigate not only parenthood but the ups and downs of life with much more confidence and ease. This feedback has inspired me to dedicate myself fully to this work and to offering my unique blend of expertise which fuses scientific evidence with heart-centred holistic practices.
From high-quality evidence-based educational courses to holistic support and healing; supportive community circles, retreats, and bespoke blessing ceremonies designed to honour life’s many milestones and transitions, I hope you find something here for every member of your family and for every stage of life.
Stay Connected for Upcoming Classes and Events
Please visit my website for a comprehensive overview of my services and subscribe to my social media platforms to stay updated on upcoming Group Classes which guarantee Complete Evidence-Based Birth and Postpartum Education and Hypnobirthing Packages. I’ll also share details soon about my free regular online and in-person Introductory Sessions, where you can come along and get a feel for the work I do and see if it’s the right fit for you.
I look forward to connecting with you and welcoming you to my supportive and empowering community!
If you'd like to connect - I'd love to hear from you andrea@andrealawrie.com, or book a free introductory call at https://www.andrealawrie.com/service-page/free-consultation-online
With much love and warmest wishes,
Andrea
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Great post. Your services are so needed. Good luck 🙏