Journal: Gather Women's Space

Being Skincare Journal: Gather Women Space — Photo supplied by: Gather Women Space

Gabrielle Nancarrow started Gather Women’s Space in Melbourne to create a place to connect, share stories and gain help and advice for the unique challenges faced by women and mothers. It has since evolved into a community space with yoga, meditation, natural health and doula services amongst many other amazing things. We spoke to Gabrielle about her intentions behind starting Gather, her motherhood journey and what she has in store for this beautiful space.

How do you make a living

I am a birth doula and the founder of Gather, a space for women in Melbourne.

Where did you grow up

In a lovely little coastal town in Victoria called Anglesea.

What prompted you to start Gather

After miscarrying my first baby, I felt incredibly alone. I sought a community of women who might understand what I was going through but did not find one. That was when the idea first came to me. I was living and working in New York at the time and went on to birth my first baby there with the love and support of a doula. When we returned to Melbourne I discovered I was pregnant again and searched everywhere for a doula but could not easily find one. It was so easy in New York, why not Melbourne? So my idea for a women's space with gatherings, yoga, meditation, education and doulas - a self-care haven - was officially born and we opened the doors one year later, in September 2018.

Gather is a place for women to come together and connect. Why do you feel it's important for women to have such a place

We are so connected in the digital world these days but there are less and less opportunities for women to meet in person in a safe space. Before I opened Gather I had a strong sense that women were seeking in-person connection - that it is so important and so needed. And when we opened and women flooded our moon ceremonies, Saturday morning yoga (which begins with tea and conversation) and every workshop on offer, this sense was proven true. Women need a safe space to share, to celebrate, to be vulnerable and to belong, and I am so happy to be offering this space in Melbourne.

There are workshops, gatherings and one-on-one sessions on offer. Can you tell us a bit more about your offerings and which ones are the most popular

Our most popular offering is our moon ceremony, which we hold every new and full moon. It's an intimate space where we gather to share what's been going on, set intentions, and be guided in meditation and sound and energy healing. Many of the women who come will come to every ceremony, and they book out weeks in advance. Our Saturday morning Women's Yoga is also very popular, it's a specialised class that focuses on our bodies and our cycles. Our workshops are really varied and often led by community input. We are also about to launch a doula-led childbirth and postpartum education program unlike any other. And our small in-house team of practitioners include a herbalist, psychologist and nutritionist all specialising in women's health.

What has been your most fulfilling moment to date

I am constantly humbled by the women who come to Gather and thank me for creating it because it has changed their lives in ways big and small. Or when a new mother says her Gather doula helped her achieve a positive and empowering birth. It is hard work running this small business alone but it is the most rewarding work I could ever do.

What does happiness mean to you

Happiness to me is feeling safe and loved and seen.

What is your first memory of beauty

Lingering in my mum's bathroom as she got ready to go out. I can still smell her perfume.

What does being a mother mean to you

It means listening, nurturing, loving, cuddling, laughing and letting their spirits soar.

What has been the hardest thing for you when it comes to being a mother

I feel as mothers we put so much pressure on ourselves, I know I do. My girls are the happiest little girls in the world, but I still feel so much guilt about so many things and I just cannot shake it. Also breastfeeding. I pumped for both my girls for more than a year each and it was the hardest thing I have ever done.

One piece of advice you'd give to a first time mother

Ask for help and be willing to receive it. You were not meant to do this alone. And if you feel like you might be anxious or depressed, tell someone.

What is your favourite thing to do when you are on your own

Oh, so rare! But when it happens I love to lie down with a cup of tea and a good book.

Favourite health ritual

Saturday morning yoga

What are you most grateful for

My family, my health and weekends at my mum and dad's home at the beach.

What piece of advice would you tell your younger self

Everything will work out in the end, I promise.

What are your passions outside of running Gather

Reading, writing, and traveling as much as we can.

How do you achieve balance in your life

I find it very challenging to achieve balance, with a young family, a business and my on-call work as a birth doula. I am getting better at enforcing boundaries, separating work and family time (I say this as I sit here working on a Sunday!) and being gentle.

What is in the future for Gather

I have so many exciting plans for this space, including expansion, collaborations and online offerings. Watch this space.

Website: Gather Women Space

Instagram: gatherwomenspace

GATHER WOMENS SPACE - GABRIELLE NANCARROW