Get to know me!

“Be yourself because everyone else is taken”

— Oscar Wilde

ANGELA IVORY - Founder OF BESPOKE BIRTHS (NZ)

- Student Midwife, CERTIFIED Childbirth Educator (Hypnobirthing & Lamaze), CERTIFIED Birth & Postpartum Doula, REGISTERED Homeopath, REGISTERED Bach Flower Practitioner, CERTIFIED Healing Birth Practitioner, ACCREDITED Reproductive Health & Natural Fertility Educator/Course Facilitator (NFNZ).

Educate. Inspire. Inform. Empower.

WELCOME! However you found me, I’m thrilled you are here!

It is my wish to hope that you find something here to inspire, inform or educate you - wherever you may be in this journey… your unique life that is yours to live!

I am a true Arian who lives her life authentically. A mother of three children who are now 23, 20 and 13. Somewhere between my own pregnancy to postpartum journey, a vision developed and grew, and grew, and grew…. A vision and focus that has expanded more with time. To seek to learn, to understand, to integrate holistic health principles and wisdom into women’s reproductive health and their wellbeing - particularly in relation to birthing practices.

With this also began the process of looking deeper into hormonal imbalances, Endometriosis, PCOS, menstrual disorders and infertility (to name a few) - which led me to study a Diploma in Homeopathy and complete an Advanced Diploma in Reproductive Health and Natural Fertility. This has allowed the expansion to teach LAM/Breastfeeding charting and teaching fertility charting for those entering the peri-menopause phase of their life. I’m a facilitator for the NFNZ Certificate and Diploma courses which run annually, to support new educators.

Having had a head start - giving birth to 3 children myself long before most of my friends, I went about listening to pregnancy stories from my peers, curious as to how they had planned to birth their baby - What did they know? What were they hearing? What were their beliefs around birth? Their choices? Where did their fears originate? Why was it that similar birthing experiences empowered some of my friends incredibly yet similar experiences created disappointment and even trauma in others? Was there such a thing as birth trauma?

For those who felt elation following their birth, on reflection months or even years later, WHY was it that they still wanted to birth differently the next time? What did they now know? What was still missing? What could be offered? Was there another way or more than another way? WHAT COULD I OFFER?

So, after years of interviewing mothers-to-be, new mothers and mothers in the year postpartum, I worked on compiling their stories, undertaking study in several modalities, ongoing research, and well, even more study and research.... alongside some patient and heart-warming health professionals.

I want to know what works and how it works.

Like your journey, my journey is ongoing. I strive to work harder to provide women, mothers-to-be, new mothers and mothers who may not get the opportunity to hold their babies just yet, the opportunity to explore holistic health, well-being principles and birth practices.

The More Personal Stuff!!

I live with my other half Harry of 26 years, 3 cats: Mr Doos - the ‘Director of Cat Napping’ and Cuddles & Eddie. We also own 2 ponies Misty and Cluedo.

I LOVE coffee and have been known to pack my Nespresso machine when holidaying (even for a night). I gave myself a goal of completing dry July (no alcohol) in 2021 and I have just kept going..(update 2024 - I’m still going!)

I spend my pocket money on really good quality supplements (and a great Holistic GP). However, I am human and tend to fall off the wagon sometimes (or more than sometimes)….especially if there are Maltesers, Snakes or Potato chips involved. This year I am desperately trying to get better at eating fruit instead!….

I love inspirational quotes and affirmations - you will see this throughout my website. If it’s uplifting, it’s in my life!

WHERE AM I AT NOW?

I am undertaking a Bachelor Health Science (Midwifery) - currently in my 3rd year. I am excited to be able to offer Healing Birth Trauma consults as a Certified Healing Birth Practitioner and teach Microbiome Baby - everything you need to know about our gut microbiome and relevance to our immune system, baby’s immunity, Group B Strep, c-section and vaginal seeding, breastfeeding & more………

For 2024, I’m teaching HypnoBirthing and preparing for Lamaze Childbirth Education classes to be back up and running. My clinic is busy with clients seeking support with fertility through Homeopathy and Natural Fertility (STM) and I’m supporting new educators at NFNZ. Whilst studying Midwifery, I’m still accepting people wanting the support of a doula - though only a few clients per year. Postpartum support is offered along with all other services listed on “All Services” page.

If you are interested in any of my support services, I’d love to be there to guide you!

Qualifications & Certifications:

Anatomy & Physiology - Health Science
Registered (NZQA Level 7) Classical Homeopath (Dip Hom) R.C Hom
Bach Flower Registered Practitioner (BFRP)
Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator (LCCE)
CD(DONA) - Certified Birth Doula
PCD(DONA) - Certified Postnatal Doula
Bereavement Doula/Support (Pregnancy loss/Stillbirth)
Certified HypnoBirthing Educator
Accredited Natural Fertility Educator/Course Facilitator - Advanced Diploma of Reproductive Health & Fertility (NZNF)
Approved Microbiome Baby Instructor
Certified Healing Birth Practitioner

Additional Training In:

Spinning Babies
Lactation support
Homeobotanicals
Optimal Baby Positioning
Ayurvedic Principles for Fertility/Pregnancy/Birth
Supporting Baby Loss/Miscarriage

To keep abreast, I attend several hours of professional development per year to ensure my knowledge is current and up to date - you can have complete confidence that my information is evidence-based and research quoted is recent.

I don’t pretend to know what I don’t know and will always point you in the best direction if I can’t help you with your request. I work alongside heaps of awesome people - birth photographer, fertility counsellor, yoga guru, placenta encapsulation specialist and many other brilliant people to call on in the background.