Pregnancy

Birthing In a Pandemic - Communicating With Care Providers

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.

Birthing In A Pandemic - Tips for Support Partners

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.

Birthing In A Pandemic - Preparing for Birth

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.

Using a Tens Machine for Labour

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.

9 Tips For a Positive Induction

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.

Questions To Ask An Obstetrician Before You Hire Them

Questions To Ask An Obstetrician Before You Hire Them

If you’re considering or have decided on private obstetric care for the birth of your baby, the next steps are to choose an obstetrician and book into a hospital. Choosing a care provider is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during your pregnancy – and it’s also one of the first you’ll have to make. So how do we go about choosing an obstetrician that will suit us best?

This blog explores some questions that may prove useful to consider when choosing your obstetrician.

Nutrition Basics for Pregnancy

Nutrition Basics for Pregnancy

The saying “eating for two” implies that increasing our serving sizes is all it takes to support a pregnancy. In reality, building a new life requires an incredible amount of nutrients! This doesn’t just include energy, it includes physical “building blocks”.

By adjusting diet and supporting your body in the absorption of the nutrients you’re eating, you can assist yourself and your baby, no matter what stage you’re both at. There is so much that can be done with Nutritional Support and this blog explores practical steps you can take.

Preparing for a Big Project - Lessons for Birth

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. 

Book Review: The Positive Breastfeeding Book

Book Review: The Positive Breastfeeding Book

This book has been recently published and is a fast favourite in my Doula Library. I highly recommend it and lend it to clients who are looking for some reading around breastfeeding and general information on postnatal support. This blog is a more expanded review of why I like it so much!

Questions to Ask a Doula

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. 

When Should I Hire A Doula?

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. 

Common Discomforts in Early Pregnancy.… and How To Deal With Them

Common Discomforts in Early Pregnancy.… and How To Deal With Them

A Facebook group I am an admin for has ‘Lives’ on pregnancy and birth topics every Monday evening (click HERE for details of the group!). Last Monday, I hosted a chat with my fellow group admin, Amelia Parkinson from Wonder Birthing on the Discomforts of Early Pregnancy. It was a fun discussion and I summarise what we covered in this blog.i