FEATURE - Kate’s motherhood messages

Kate Bowern shares her journey as a doula, through study, loss, fundraising, blogging, and art.

by Rebecca Mugridge

The process of becoming a mother is a period of growth involving the physical, psychological and emotional changes that women go through as they transition into motherhood. 

Many mums navigate this journey without extended family nearby. 

“I want to help rebuild the village, to offer a space where mothers feel held, encouraged, and understood. I love to think of myself as the ‘Village Nanna’, says Kate Bowern. 

Kate is a woman of many talents, she glows with joy as she talks with passion. 

“My journey to becoming a doula really began in my teens when I worked as a babysitter. After finishing school, I became an early childhood educator and later a nanny in the U.S. After having my own three children, I sadly experienced the loss of three babies through my pregnancies,” she says.

“Those losses gave me a deeper, more empathetic perspective on motherhood, a mix of joy, love, fear, and grief.

“That emotional journey helped shape the deep calling I felt to support new mothers in a truly nurturing and compassionate way. 

“Two years ago, when my youngest turned ten, I finally answered that calling and trained to become a birth and postpartum doula.

“A doula provides physical, emotional, and informational support to mothers during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. I see my role as helping them feel empowered, seen, and supported during this major life transition.”

Kate supports mothers in other ways too. “I started a weekly group last year for new mothers, especially first-time mums,” she says. “The early months can feel incredibly isolating and overwhelming.”

It has been a career of helping mothers. “I started blogging over 13 years ago. It began as a resource hub for parents and caregivers. That blog evolved into Healthy Fit Kids. 

“I had the privilege of interviewing child development experts and even hosted a library talk for parents and educators. As I became a doula, the platform evolved again into the First Year of Motherhood, reflecting my own growth.” 

Helping others is in the genes, Kate is also a proud firefighter’s daughter – and wife!

“My dad has served in Victoria’s CFA for over 40 years. Some of my fondest memories growing up include riding in the back of the fire truck for the annual Good Friday Appeal and helping raise money for the Royal Children’s Hospital.

“When I moved to Burleigh Heads at 23 years old, I met my next-door neighbour, who was in the process of becoming a fireman. The following year he was my husband. 

“A fond memory is when our children were at kindergarten, they loved having their daddy visit their kindy classes for fire safety talks. 

“While there are definitely moments of worry, I feel deeply honoured to have two of the most important men in my life serving our communities with such courage and heart.”

Always living life with heart and a sense of adventure, last year Kate did something many think about but never quite do. “We packed up everything we owned and travelled around Australia for eight months in our vintage van, Peaches, with our three kids and three dogs. It was a huge adventure. 

“We’ve now returned to our little hobby farm in Maleny, surrounded by chickens, dogs, cockatiels, cows, and a horse - it’s a pretty special life.”

This year, Kate was selected to be an artist in the Open Studios Sunshine Coast event, sharing another skill – her artistic creations – at the Joy Collective. A place Kate describes as ‘magical and full of creativity, warmth and heart’. 

“For Open Studios, I launched Mother Moon & Whispers from the Wild. It features air plants, driftwood, coconut shells, shells, pebbles, agate slices and mother-and-baby figurines - creating small, meaningful pieces of art. 

“Being part of Open Studios was such a joy, I feel incredibly lucky to be a mother-inspired artisan.”

Kate says this area nurtures those with an artistic heart, “The hinterland seems to grow artists or gently call them in from all directions. There’s such a deep creative energy here, it’s grounding and inspiring all at once. 

“When you walk through the galleries and creative spaces in this region, so much of the art reflects our connection to nature, beauty, and spirit. It’s a wonderful place to create and be surrounded by like-minded souls.

“Both Nambour and the hinterland are fantastic places to raise a family, each with their own special charm. Nambour is perfectly placed between the bush and the beach, with lots of local adventures and hidden gems.”

Kate says a village of women nurtured and inspired her. “The women who raised me, my mum Julie, my nanna Shirley, her mum Hazel, and my dad’s mum Lillian; I had three “nannas” (one of them my great-grandmother) who all played a huge role in my childhood.

“That experience of being held, loved, and deeply seen shaped everything I do now. I know how powerful it is to grow up in a supportive village. And I know how many mothers today are missing that. 

“My work is inspired by them and by the love and strength they poured into me.”

Kate shares, “If you see a new mother, whether she’s a friend, a neighbour, or a stranger on the street, please tell her she’s doing an amazing job.

“You never know how much she might need to hear that. You could be the voice that helps her make it through a tough night or helps her feel a little less alone. Your kindness could change her entire day.”