birth

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Birthing In a Pandemic - Communicating With Care Providers

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Birthing In a Pandemic - Communicating With Care Providers

Giving birth and becoming a new parent during a pandemic has unique challenges. This blog is the second in a series that covers preparation for birth and parenting at this time - because with restrictions in place for many of our health services, the way you prepare matters more than ever.

This blog is part of a series focusing on how you can empower yourself ahead of your birth. There are currently restrictions on additional birth support in Sydney hospitals and you can expect staff to be working harder than usual with resources being stretched. You will need to be proactive in approaching your birth with knowledge and confidence, this blog series contains suggestions on how to do that. This part is focusing on Communication.

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Birthing In A Pandemic - Tips for Support Partners

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Birthing In A Pandemic - Tips for Support Partners

Giving birth and becoming a new parent during a pandemic has unique challenges. This blog is the second in a series that covers preparation for birth and parenting at this time - because with restrictions in place for many of our health services, the way you prepare matters more than ever.


This blog is part of a series focusing on how you can empower yourself ahead of your birth. There are currently restrictions on additional birth support in Sydney hospitals and you can expect staff to be working harder than usual with resources being stretched. You will need to be proactive in approaching your birth with knowledge and confidence, this blog series contains suggestions on how to do that. This part is focusing on the important topic of Partner Preparation and Support Tools.

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Birthing In A Pandemic - Preparing for Birth

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Birthing In A Pandemic - Preparing for Birth

This blog is part of a series focusing on how you can empower yourself ahead of your birth. There are currently restrictions on additional birth support, such as a doula, in Sydney hospitals and you can expect staff to be working harder than usual with resources being stretched. You will need to be proactive in approaching your birth with knowledge and confidence, this blog series contains suggestions on how to do that.

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Using a Tens Machine for Labour

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Using a Tens Machine for Labour

I love the TENS machine as a comfort measure for birth. I’ve used one for all 4 of my births and have seen many women use them successfully in labour. Most women love them but they don’t suit everyone - and unfortunately no one knows how they’ll feel when they’re in labour. So I recommend giving them a go, having the maximum number of tools at your disposal is a great thing.

This blog explores how and why you might want to use a TENS machine as part of your birth.

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9 Tips For a Positive Induction

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9 Tips For a Positive Induction

The rate of induction in Australia (and many other countries) is increasing. I won’t address the reasons for this increase here but instead aim to provide tips to those who choose to go ahead with one so that they can have the best experience possible.

Having an induction may mean having a very different labour to the one you’ve been preparing for but you can still have a positive birth. Here are my 9 tips for a positive induction.

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Preparing for a Big Project - Lessons for Birth

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Preparing for a Big Project - Lessons for Birth

While I was working on a conference presentation I was struck by many parallels with preparing for birth. I explore these similarities and lessons in this blog. 

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Questions to Ask a Doula

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Questions to Ask a Doula

Deciding to have a doula is a big step - inviting someone into your birth, one of the most vulnerable and important moments of your lives requires careful consideration and plenty of research. Getting the right support is important, this blog provides some ideas and advice for selecting your doula. 

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When Should I Hire A Doula?

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When Should I Hire A Doula?

I am often contacted by women who are wondering if it’s the right time to call. Is it too early? Too late? When do people normally book a doula? Am I doing the right thing? In this blog I’ll examine the most important aspect of working with a doula - and when the best time is to book one……

You Are The Expert In Your Pregnancy

You Are The Expert In Your Pregnancy

  I am currently undertaking a professional mentorship and one of my assignments is to blog about Women in the Maternity System. The aspect I’ve chosen to examine in this piece is how, at a time when women should be tuning into their instincts, they are often undermined by the system that should be supporting them. 

What's a Virtual Doula??

What's a Virtual Doula??

There's a lot of buzz around right now about Virtual Doula Services - so I thought I'd take the opportunity to discuss them in more detail.

Virtual Services still offer the same independent, continuous care that support your choices around your birth. A good Doula will work with you to make sure that you have evidence based information, guidance, practical tools and support - and there is significant evidence that this type of support improves your birth outcomes - no matter how it is delivered. 

My Best Ever Lactation Snacks - Yummy Cookies and Bliss Balls

My Best Ever Lactation Snacks - Yummy Cookies and Bliss Balls

I love to bring these snacks for clients that I support postnatally, they are delicious, naturally sweetened, contain nourishing whole foods, freeze beautifully and make a convenient, nutritious snack that supports their breastfeeding. Did I say they were delicious? I'm not kidding - I have to make a double batch whenever I make them because my kids LOVE them too!! 

Why Wouldn't You Hire A Doula?? Popular Reasons Examined....

Why Wouldn't You Hire A Doula?? Popular Reasons Examined....

I recently took part in an online business course and we were encouraged to think about why people don't use our services and how we could overcome these barriers or misconceptions (if that's what they were). I had actually never thought about this, at that point I had been only really speaking with or aiming at people who were already aware and open to idea of doula support. So it really did get me thinking - why wouldn't someone want a doula? Here are some reasons that came to mind:

The Postnatal Period - The 4th Trimester

The Postnatal Period - The 4th Trimester

As a society we are very focused on pregnancy and birth - and rightly so, it’s a huge life event after all. But not much is spoken about the period that immediately follows. The more clients that I support, the more I notice that this time comes almost as an unexpected shock, mostly because of the focus placed on birth as the main event - when really, birth is just the start, the beginning of your parenting journey. I've outlined some points below to consider so that you can prepare a little before you have your beautiful baby in your arms.