Thomas’s Story

Kate, thank you so so so much. As a young father navigating a high-conflict separation during pregnancy and all my family overseas, your support transformed my journey of caring for my baby girl.

You helped unlock my nurturing capabilities and built my confidence as a father. Your consistent presence during my "How do I do that?" moments and little panic ones (Thanks WhatsApp:)) provided both technical guidance and reassurance; I just knew what to do. Your style worked very well with us, balanced between practical, expertise and creativity.

Your support helped me become a resilient, present, and engaged parent, especially during those crucial first two years. Thanks to your guidance, my daughter has blossomed into an incredible little girl who feels secure, knowing her father can confidently meet her needs (sometimes in a funky way!). And we did all this remote! Wow!

Thanks for empowering people to be beautiful parents.

Thomas Ludot

After the birth of my son I struggled adjusting to my new role as a mother. I felt very isolated and alone. I lacked clear guidance and reassurance that I was doing a good enough job. When I fell pregnant with my daughter just 11 months later I knew I wanted a different experience. I wanted to feel supported. I wanted someone on my team who I could trust.

From the first time we met Kate over zoom it was clear she knew her stuff. I liked the fact she is a midwife and had the clinical knowledge as well as incredible interpersonal skills. She immediately made us feel comfortable and I couldn’t wait to meet her in person.

Kate’s role as a doula for me was predominantly as emotional support and advice. We faced many challenges in the first 12 months of Lily’s life but Kate was always my voice of reason. She had the ability to make me feel empowered and confident. Whenever I felt like giving up I had Kate there to pick me up and dust me off. I became so close to Kate she would know what I needed before I even did.

She sent me a beautiful email when I was 40 weeks pregnant (with a 10lb 7oz baby) and in so much pain waiting to go into labour; she called the pathology lab ahead of time to make sure they had a nurse there confident in taking my 8 week old babies blood; she would check in with me when she knew I was having a tough time; she visited us at the hospital when we were admitted for a B12 deficiency.

Kate became the person I would message first, whether it was to celebrate a win or as a shoulder to cry on. She made me feel like I was good enough and everything that my children needed. She taught me how to be kind to myself and celebrate the mother I have become. Getting to know Kate over the past 18 months has been such a blessing. If you have the opportunity to take advantage of any of Kate's services don’t hesitate because it will be the best decision you ever make!

Jess Laws

I am extremely grateful for Kate's guidance and support in navigating a number of challenges I experienced with breastfeeding my baby that was slow to gain weight.   

In the world of early motherhood where many people can be very judgmental and opinionated, Kate was a breath of fresh air. She allowed me to feel comfortable and supported whilst making my own decisions in how I wanted to care for my baby. Kate was able to teach and explain different techniques in a way that no other professional had offered or provided me. 

I live interstate and was extremely impressed with the level of care and support that Kate offered despite being located in different states. She taught me skills and corrected my technique via FaceTime without any need for me to leave home!

The support that Kate provided me over a few challenging and exhausting months was priceless. She is simply brilliant and I cannot thank her enough.

Aisling Clifford

Kate’s Role: Postnatal Support

I have known Kate going on 5 years now; since the birth of my daughter. Since then I have had also had a son and Kate has always been there with a listening ear, and when needed (quite a bit!) sound, practical and really helpful advice.

She is my number 1 speed dial when the kids crack their head open, need advice on how to put eyes drops in a 2 year old, when my sleep deprived self needs someone to whinge to about getting no sleep; or the late night ‘I have no kids pain relief left- please help’ phone call!!.

Kate is always willing to help out- and her kind and generous nature is a wonderful trait. Her dedication to her passion is inspiring- and I wish her well in this new chapter.

Kate Skehan

Kate has been what I didn't even know I needed! Of course I appreciated that the transition into motherhood was going to be a transition - but I really could not have seen the pockets of quicksand. With each one I knew I could connect to Kate, and each time she always responded right away with helpful questions and advice.

Kate's style is thoughtful, caring, non-judgemental and very resourceful. Nothing ever felt prescriptive and she always took the time to listen (really listen) and understand what was at hand - whether related to our baby's development, motherhood or family life.

I am quite humbled at how big a shift parenting is and I am so incredibly grateful for the layer of support Kate has been. There is something really unique and valuable about the long term support that Collective Wisdom offers.

Kate has been there both before birth in helping honor and prepare for the weeks and months to follow, and certainly after, as I negotiate stepping back into work, living away from family and watching this little human change before my eyes!

I can't say enough how valuable it is has been to have a safe and resourceful space to figure this all out - Kate Drew is the best!

Courtnae Dunn

– A delightful update from Courtnae, a number of years and another baby later…

Hello Kate Drew!

I've thought of you quite a few times the past six months. In August we welcomed a new little one into the family, little sister Maya. I think about HOW incredibly helpful you were when navigating the first year of motherhood with Oliver - and how much of that learning I carry now was per your support.

I remember your emails checking in landing and feeling SO grateful that a call or email with you was possible - to answer all the unknowns. From the very concrete things like feeding and sleeping, and navigating going back to work etc... and to the more thematics tectonic shifts: "you can have it all, but not all at once"  "just when you get a handle on it, it changes again" "sleeping will evolve and it is about considering the whole family's needs" "there is not one way". For it all - thank you for being THERE. Available. Knowledgeable. I always remember the seemingly magical power you had to always check in, precisely when I needed it.

You were like a lighthouse for me that first year. So THANK YOU. I simply want you to know how useful and meaningful your support was as I was fumbling through it all with Oliver in Cambodia. Especially as I find the changes coming quickly with Maya I think that the confidence and ease that I am able to approach it all this time around I credit it very much to the help and wisdom you offered/guided me through in 2016.

I have no doubt that whoever has been lucky enough to be supported by you, as you have continued to grow your business, shares the gratitude! I hope YOU are finding a groove with your offerings and that you are able to share your gifts! AND! OMG bow down! Holding down a family with three kids blows my mind!?! 

I sign off now, with Maya sleeping on my chest feeling lots of love! ALLLLLL my best to you dearest Kate Drew!

xx Courtnae

Often so much emphasis and preparation, surrounds the birth that the newborn phase and how one copes, can be neglected. Kate’s hands on approach, encompasses caring for both the mother and the baby.  She would patiently listen to me and gave me practical, achievable advice. She showed empathy and genuine concern for helping me seek balance with an unsettled newborn.  As time passed, Kate would check in on me to make sure I didn’t have any lingering concerns surrounding the birth.  Something I still reflect on today with appreciation.

Kate it is clear, you are an extra ordinary midwife whose passion for the job is second to none.  Kate you have a wealth of knowledge, which eases ones transition into parenthood.  The support, empathy and expertise shared by you exceeded all my expectations, and to that, I will be forever grateful.

Jo Bonney

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