It’s a new month and a brand new Her Wisdom post is here featuring an incredible woman with a deeply touching story (trigger warning this months posts features child/baby loss). I met Laura Hibbard last year through a local netwalking group and instantly clicked with her story, courage and passion for supporting other families who had experienced the loss of a child. Read on to find out more about Laura and her journey.
How do you begin your day? What are the things you do to get started each morning?
I don’t have a morning ritual as such, but my day always begins with a cup of coffee. Recently, I've switched to oat milk due to my baby girl's milk allergy, and I'm loving it. I'm also trying to incorporate relaxation and meditation into my mornings, though it's a work in progress, especially when you have little humans that wake up at 6am, but no excuse, I will get there.
What is your go-to thing when it all gets too much?
When I was younger, I was all about sports. If I didn't exercise daily, I found it hard to concentrate and relax; I felt like a coiled spring. As I've grown older, I've mellowed, and my exercise needs have changed. Recently, I've returned to playing hockey, which was a significant hurdle for me. I had stopped playing after losing our baby girl Pip in December 2020 due to heart complications. Hockey became a trigger, and I'd often cry on the way to games. However, now I find solace in going for walks in the beautiful Warwickshire countryside. Just minutes away, the fields clear my mind and give me a sense of accomplishment.
Who are the women that inspire you and why?
As mothers, we often find ourselves pulled in numerous directions—work, home, and, most importantly, our children. Amidst these demands, it's easy to neglect ourselves. However, it's crucial to remember that self-care is essential. If we're not fully charged and cared for, how can we effectively care for others? To all the mothers out there, remember: you are amazing, you are enough, and don't forget to prioritise yourself.
How do you see yourself and what makes up your sense of identity?
As a mother and wife, my family has been my rock through both joyous and challenging times. Bertie, was just 2.5 years old when we lost Pip, and I can honestly say he was our shining light, a source of laughter and love that has carried us through.
While the loss of Pip has left me feeling adrift and my heart a little broken, I've embarked on a journey of self-discovery and healing, as I find expressing my feelings really difficult and certainly does not come naturally. Exploring spirituality through practices like Reiki and Gentle Release sessions has allowed me to feel a deeper connection with Pip, integrating her into my heart. Additionally, delving into concepts like chakras and energy healing through yoga and music has further aided my healing journey.
Since losing Pip, I've been driven to create something meaningful for parents experiencing similar loss. This led me to pursue a jewellery course, where the idea for Snowdrop Keepsakes was born. Crafting memorial and keepsake jewellery has become a therapeutic outlet, allowing me to create beauty with profound meaning for both myself and others. Now, Snowdrop Keepsakes is on the nearing launching, and I'm excited to share these special pieces with the world.
If you could spend 5 minutes with your younger self what would you tell her?
Growing up, I struggled with confidence, particularly in school, and it has continued to impact me as an adult. However, I've come to realise the importance of believing in oneself and embracing new challenges. While my younger self would not have listened, I now recognize the value in finding ways to address my lack of confidence. Exploring new avenues of self-expression has been empowering, and I'm eager to tackle the next challenge: public speaking.
What does confidence mean to you, what builds yours?
I aspire to be engaging, humorous, and loved, to captivate a room where everyone wants to converse and connect. Asserting myself confidently in public speaking is another goal, though I'm still exploring how to achieve it fully. Attending networking events has been beneficial, as has spending time with supportive friends who empathise with my journey.
What's challenging you right now?
With Bertie now in school, it's stirred up old feelings of fear and anxiety from my own school days—fear of failure and being reprimanded, often leading to tears. These feelings still arise, especially alongside my grief and the added responsibility of caring for our rainbow baby, Margot (pictured above with Laura). It's a new challenge for me, but I'm actively working on managing these emotions, which feels like a positive step forward.
Tell us more about your latest or next project.
I'm currently establishing Snowdrop Keepsakes in loving memory of Pip. Beyond honouring Pip's memory, it's about shedding light on the often-taboo topic of baby loss. Each memorial piece I craft is inspired by mothers I've met through our journey, allowing them to name a piece in their baby's honour and share their story. These courageous women will be featured wearing the jewelry on our upcoming website—an incredibly meaningful experience. We also have our launch event on Saturday, June 8th, at Alcester Rugby Football Club.
You can find out more and enter the launch competition for a chance to win a birthstone, memorial, or breastmilk jewellery piece here.
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