Kristen Beckedahl is one of our loyal supporters. Since 2012, Kristen has helped 1100 mothers have a smoother postpartum. We had a chat to Kristen about why she chooses to support the work we do.
Tell us about your business? I’ve been a Naturopath for 22 years, working mostly with women’s hormonal health, pregnancy care and postpartum support. For the last 15 years I have also been a Childbirth Educator and Doula.
9 years ago I created a small product range, initially just for my doula clients. There were various herbal teas for pregnancy and breastfeeding, plus some postnatal herbal bath products.
They proved popular and a few years later (in 2015) my range had expanded. So I decided to create an online store (The BodyWise BirthWise Store) to house them all! Today it holds close to 30 handcrafted, naturopath formulated products. These are specific to pregnancy, birth preparation, breastfeeding, the early weeks postpartum and the baby.
Why do you choose to support BKFA and the work we do? As a doula, I attend births in Australian hospitals surrounded by privilege; first class obstetric and midwifery care, modern equipment, birth choices and endless resources.
I was truly shocked when I learnt of the maternal and infant mortality rates in some parts of the world. So I immediately felt compelled to support the work of BKFA! I was so impressed by the simple, yet effective concept of the Clean Birth Kit. It’s truly changing and saving lives! And respecting women at the same time.
What ignited your passion for motherhood and maternal health? It’s definitely a result of becoming a mother myself, plus two decades of working alongside women as they transition to motherhood themselves.
I’ve seen the difference that support can make to a pregnant woman, and to a woman in labour. I’ve seen how so often the true needs of mothers in postpartum are neglected within our culture.
Mothers matter. When they are well physically, mentally and emotionally, then the child/children benefit. The family unit benefits and the community benefit.
Why do you think the work of BKFA is so important? First and foremost, it’s the respect it provides to women and girls. It acknowledges the basic human right that every birthing mother deserves a clean and safe childbirth. Regardless of where she is in the world, and in what circumstances she’s born into herself.
How women experience their pregnancy and birth can have a significant impact on how they feel about themselves, and themselves as a mother. This has a ripple affect to their children, their family and their community.
What is the best thing about being a mother? I’d say the growth it stimulates within you. Motherhood within itself can be bumpy, full of surprises and challenging, but the evolution from maiden to mother can often be profound. Motherhood has intrinsically made me more compassionate, more curious, more creative. I don’t think I’ve ever loved so deeply or wanted to protect so fiercely. My children have become my greatest teachers. What a gift that is!
Find out more about BodyWise BirthWise