Barbara’s Caring Hands
With over 38 years in healthcare, most of them in midwifery, Coleraine’s Barbara Strawbridge has dedicated her career to supporting women. Through Caring Hands Midwife, she blends traditional midwifery with complementary therapies for a safe, holistic approach to wellbeing.
A Career in Care
Barbara’s career began in nursing, health visiting, and midwifery.
“I started my general nurse training and went on very quickly to do my midwifery training in 1991. Back then you couldn’t go directly into midwifery training without doing your general training first. On reflection I’m glad I did it that way as I learned so much from doing my general training and during my placement in maternity. As part of that training I realised I wanted to be a midwife.”
Her dedication to women’s health has shaped a career that now spans almost four decades.
Blending Midwifery with Complementary Therapies
Caring Hands Midwife combines traditional midwifery knowledge with complementary therapies.
Barbara explains:
“My midwifery knowledge and knowledge of anatomy and physiology provides me with a deep understanding of various conditions and complaints women experience – whether it is in relation to natural conception, the changes in the body through pregnancy, birth, postnatal or even menopause.”
This unique approach allows her to design holistic treatments that are:
- Safe and appropriate for each woman
- Tailored to medical conditions, symptoms, and wellbeing goals
- Focused on supporting physical, psychological, and emotional wellbeing
Supporting Women Today
Barbara believes women in today’s society need more support than ever.
Many juggle multiple roles – working full time, raising children, running a home, or caring for dependants. Stress is a significant health factor, and complementary therapies are gaining recognition for their role in supporting women through these pressures.
Her clients report benefits such as:
- Relief from symptoms like pelvic girdle pain or hip pain
- Greater relaxation and reduced stress
- Babies turning head down in late pregnancy
- Spontaneous labour beginning naturally
- An enjoyable and positive birth experience
Treatments That Make a Difference
Barbara offers therapies including reflexology, massage, aromatherapy, acupuncture, and even moxibustion for breech pregnancies.
“It’s difficult to narrow it down to one specific treatment which has made a real difference. I have found all the modalities have helped women in different ways – whether that is reducing stress and anxiety; supporting better sleep; relieving pelvic girdle back and hip pain; reducing pregnancy sickness; supporting spontaneous labour; or turning breech babies.”
A Holistic Approach to Midwifery
Barbara’s mission is simple: to walk alongside women through pregnancy, birth, and beyond, offering both expert clinical knowledge and the healing benefits of holistic therapies.
By integrating the best of both worlds, Caring Hands Midwife ensures women feel supported, empowered, and cared for at every stage of their journey.
✅ Safe, holistic midwifery support
🌿 Complementary therapies for every stage of life
💜 Dedicated to women’s wellbeing for over 38 years
