The Alchemy of Healing: A Conversation with Kate on Midwifery, Chinese Medicine, and Holding Space for Women

There are moments in our health journeys when we meet someone who changes everything. Not because they have all the answers, but because they truly see us. When I was navigating my PCOS diagnosis and searching for holistic support, I found Kate, The Mama's Alchemist. Walking into her acupuncture sessions became more than just appointments; they became sacred spaces where I felt heard, understood, and supported in a way I hadn't experienced before.

Kate's approach to women's health is unlike anything I'd encountered. As both a registered midwife and a Chinese Medicine practitioner, she bridges ancient wisdom with modern care, creating a unique practice that honours the whole woman - body, mind, and spirit. But what struck me most wasn't just her extensive knowledge or her gentle skill with needles; it was the way she holds space for women in all seasons of their lives, from the grief of pregnancy loss to the joy of new beginnings.

In this conversation, Kate shares her journey from a life-changing encounter with a naturopath in her teens to building a practice centred on continuity, connection, and the profound belief that every woman deserves to feel truly cared for.

Let's start with your story - can you share a little about who you are and the journey that led you to becoming both a midwife and a practitioner in Chinese medicine?

I initially began my journey as a Chinese Medicine practitioner because I wanted to understand more about holistic medicine and how this can support people. In my teens, I had a really positive experience with a naturopath who changed the trajectory of my life. I feel she really listened to me and made me feel seen and heard, and the support she provided through herbal medicine really helped some health issues I was experiencing. I wanted to create this same experience for people.

Halfway through my Chinese Medicine studies - which was a four-year bachelor and master degree - I developed a strong passion and interest in women's health and realised this was something I wanted to focus on in my own clinical practice. This inspired me to study midwifery, which was another three-year bachelor degree at university.

I love working with women and supporting them with their physical and emotional health throughout all stages of their lives. I love that I can support people in my local community with a combination of holistic skills that recognise all women are unique.

Was there a defining moment that made you realise supporting women through motherhood was your purpose?

My partner and I had been trying for several months to conceive, and when it happened, we were both overjoyed. Unfortunately, that pregnancy resulted in a missed miscarriage, which was an extremely difficult time for us both.

I remember feeling that there were not many places to turn to for support. I had a wonderful midwife who did support me in the initial weeks, and for that I will be forever grateful. I didn't have anyone close to me that I knew who had experienced something similar, so it felt like a very isolating time. It was also really difficult because I was working full-time as a hospital midwife and supporting women through their own pregnancy and birth journeys.

It was through this experience that I realised, in particular, that postpartum care is not prioritised enough within our culture, especially for women who have had a miscarriage or pregnancy loss. This was a very profound moment for me and has shaped much of the work I do to support women today through my offerings.

What does "The Mama's Alchemist" mean to you, and what inspired the creation of your platform?

"The Mama's Alchemist" is a name that encompasses the path and journey that each woman will go on through her life. Sometimes it's through conceiving, growing, and birthing children, and for others who may not be able to have children or not want to have children, it's about honouring the 'mother' phase of their lives. Which is often where we are nurturing ideas and growing within ourselves.

I wanted to create a platform and a space that I wish I had for myself. A place where clients could come as they are and feel respected, validated, and supported wherever they were at. Continuity is a value I pride myself on, and being able to provide care to women and their families through my various offerings brings me so much joy.

In the early days when I created my Instagram page, I would post about issues that felt important to me and educate the community about the benefits of Chinese Medicine, particularly in preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum. These days, my brand and platform have evolved, and I support women throughout all stages of their lives.

Your approach blends both modern midwifery and traditional Chinese medicine. How do these two worlds complement each other in supporting women?

There are a lot of similarities between both modern midwifery and Chinese Medicine. The client - or woman - is at the centre of their care, and their physical, emotional, and social health are always considered.

Many women are open to having a professional relationship with a trusted health professional, and this is where my work comes in. Sometimes clients may come for acupuncture support, and through working together, they might then consider utilising midwifery care as well. This is why I love being able to offer both services, because there's something that most women will resonate with.

What do you believe women need most during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum that they often don't receive?

A trusted, known care provider who is providing continuity throughout their pregnancy, labour, birth, and postpartum journey. When a woman builds a trusting relationship with her care provider, they can better advocate and support that woman and her family.

There are several barriers as to why women cannot access care through their known midwife or obstetrician. This is why even through my acupuncture work, I can support clients preconception, throughout pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. That continuity of care is so vital.

What does womanhood mean to you today?

Womanhood to me means embracing all the beautiful and messy parts of myself. It means showing up just as I am in front of my family, my children, and my friends. It means I hold firm boundaries, I express my thoughts and opinions, and I am unapologetically myself.

How do you personally stay grounded, balanced, and connected while caring for so many others?

I have very strong boundaries with what I do and don't commit to. I know I am not the most sociable friend, but that's because in this season of my life, my work, my family, and myself are my priorities for my time.

The older I have become, I've realised that if I am constantly social and giving, I feel very drained and depleted. I tune into my menstrual cycle to help me plan my work and social life. Around my pre-ovulation phase, I am the most social and do tend to work more at this time, whereas in my pre-menstrual and bleeding phase, I choose to work less and have fewer social commitments so I can rest and recharge.

What is one wellness practice you swear by and one you wish more women knew about?

Wearing socks and keeping feet warm! When our feet are warm, this supports our womb. Which can help with our menstrual health, as well as future fertility and pregnancies.

There are several important acupuncture meridians that are located on and around the feet. When our feet are cold, this can create cold in our womb and may also impact our immune system. Basically, wear socks, and if indoors with no shoes on, make sure the sole of your foot is protected by a shoe, slipper, or sock.

What is one lesson 2025 taught you that you're carrying into 2026?

Dream big and take risks! They will pay off!

If you could leave women with one message for 2026, what would it be?

Prioritise YOU - you only have one life. You may be doing everything for everyone else, but when are you showing up for yourself?

Teach your children, your sisters, your friends, and your own mother the importance of self-care through leading by example. This might be saying no to something that doesn't bring you joy, committing to something you've wanted to do for a long time, or prioritising your physical and mental health through participating in an exercise class or a self-care practice like acupuncture or bodywork.

Ready to experience The Mama's Alchemist approach for yourself? Connect with Kate @themamasalchemist and discover what holistic, compassionate women's health care can look like.

As I reflect on my own journey with Kate - the acupuncture sessions that became sanctuaries, the conversations that made me feel truly heard, the holistic care that addressed not just my PCOS but all of me - I'm reminded of the transformative power of being truly seen by your healthcare provider.

Kate's story is a testament to the healing that happens when we blend ancient wisdom with modern medicine, when we prioritise continuity of care over quick fixes, and when we create spaces where women can show up exactly as they are. Her own experience with pregnancy loss didn't break her; it deepened her capacity to hold space for others walking similar paths.

What makes Kate extraordinary isn't just her dual qualifications or her extensive knowledge. It's her unwavering commitment to treating every woman as unique, to building relationships rooted in trust, and to championing the kind of self-care that ripples out to transform entire families and communities.

As we step into a new year, Kate's message feels more relevant than ever - prioritise yourself. Not because it's selfish, but because showing up for yourself teaches everyone around you that they're worthy of the same care. Whether that's through keeping your feet warm (yes, really!), tuning into your menstrual cycle, or finally booking that appointment you've been putting off - self-care isn't indulgent. It's essential.

The alchemy Kate speaks of isn't just about transforming physical symptoms. It's about transforming our relationship with ourselves, our bodies, and what we believe we deserve. And that kind of transformation? That changes everything.

How are you prioritising yourself this year? What does self-care look like in your current season of life? Share your thoughts in the comments - Kate's wisdom reminds us we're all on this journey together.