Cozette Laubser on a controversial subject, road trips, and getting dirty
BabyGym Institute International programme director, childbirth educator, and birth doula Cozette Laubser considers what stole her heart; physical exhaustion versus emotional connection; and forgiving quickly and laughing easily.
Cozette with Jurgen and Cornelius with Ulrich
1 Tell us a little about the twists and turns your career has taken.
I have never thought about my working hours as a career Mariette, this makes me smile.
I was born into a home with both parents as educators and I’ve always felt that education is a way of life. I started working alongside my *mom in my second year at university, and frankly, just never left. The work with families totally stole my heart. Today, I too am a business owner in the education industry and I would choose it over and over again. That is a twist I never saw coming!
I find the work to be meaningful, always challenging and stimulating as there is always more to learn. I count myself incredibly lucky to work alongside 50+ other women who have the same family values. You never have to explain to them that your family comes first.
*Cozette’s mom, Dr. Melodie de Jager, is a renowned developmental specialist – read her Up Close & Personal profile here.
2 Which experts have influenced you on your career path?
Dr Melodie de Jager; her inquisitive mind has made learning about the brain and body fun. She has the incredible gift of making complex concepts easy to grasp and her enthusiasm has no bounds. She has also instilled a life philosophy in me that nothing is a problem, and everything an opportunity - this has been the most amazing guide in life!
Tina Otte; I attended her childbirth education classes long before motherhood and realised for the first time that birth is something magical, something to be understood and respected. She put me on a whole new path of learning. She also directed both Melodie and me to Michel Odent.
Michel Odent’s knowledge base is immense, but his presence and way of educating are so much more impressive. I will never forget the look on his face when somebody asked his opinion on a matter. He would look at them and say, “Why is it that people always want my opinion? I have no opinion…,” and he would continue to tell you more about the cultural ways of a population, or the origin of a birth method within the context of a specific time period. This is his way of answering a question. The subject of birth is controversial, political and highly triggering - I strive to reach the maturity to serve people with knowledge in his kind way.
3 You’re the mom of two boys. What does motherhood mean to you?
It means everything to me, Mariette, I have never felt more alive in my life!
Yes, the physical exhaustion is real and your mind and world are fragmented at the best of times, but the emotional connection is immense. I feel lucky to find myself back in the world of children, where I spend hours on the floor and read stories in an animated voice. I did not anticipate having so much fun!
Also, I feel like being mom of two does not equal double the work. Funny how that works, but it does feel like double the joy! (Image Pexels. Models used.)
Cozette describes how skin-to-skin contact right after birth bonds Baby, Mom and Dad - and what to do if the opportunity wasn’t there.
Listen to Cozette discussing crucial questions related to parenting, pregnancy and birth - including when you’re ready to become a parent.
4 Which challenges relating to work-life balance do you deal with?
I had young babies in Covid years, and strangely this slower work pace has been a gift to family life. It has meant far less hours in front of the computer and more time with my family. My husband’s business has grown in this time and I am so grateful that this has put us in a financial situation where I could embrace the slower pace and not have to grapple for more work. I am very aware that things come in seasons and I am savouring this one.
5 The topic of birth is very close to your heart, not so?
Oi, so close! I get emotional every time I see a new-born baby and their mommy lock eyes for the very first time. Birth is holy ground.
Image Unsplash. Model used.
Also listen to Cozette’s explanation of how nurturing your baby “upgrades” your brain - even if you’re not the birth mom, you and the little one benefit!
6 What contributes to a good marriage or long-term relationship?
I wish I knew! My husband and I are so very different and we are constantly trying to figure out a better way. I once heard a wise woman say, “Forgive quickly and laugh easily”, and when I really get worn down, I hold onto this. Long road trips make for great conversation time for us. This year we are doing more of those!
7 Which pleasures does life bring you?
Oh, so many! I love a fresh new day and greenery. I love bird song. I love being in the garden with the boys getting dirty and enjoying all the space the garden offers. I love meaningful conversations and quality time with friends and family. I love good wine, good food and good music, but my very favourite thing is laughter. The type that makes your face pull in ways you can’t control.
8 Which family outings do you simply love?
The ones in nature. We went camping in Golden Gate this past weekend and it was so inconvenient - it was very wet, we had jackals destroy shoes, we had wet bedding at some point, but it was all so utterly enjoyable! No screens, just family time for 4 whole days. Bliss!
Image Unsplash
Lees Cozette se insigte in die artikel “Natuurlike geboorte: wanneer is dit die beste keuse?”
OR
Read Cozette’s insights embodied in the article “Birth pain – from fearful to powerful”.
About Cozette, including contact details
Cozette Laubser is the Programme Director of BabyGym Institute International, an Advanced BabyGym Instructor, Birth Doula and Childbirth Educator from Johannesburg.
Email address: cozette@sensiblebirth.co.za
Websites:
Facebook:
Babygym Institute International
Sensible Birth
Instagram: babygyminstitute_international
Thumbnail image: Unsplash
Photograph of Cozette Laubser’s family: supplied