About Me

Currently residing in Shepparton, Victoria, I am a mother of 4 beautiful daughters ranging in age from 2 to 17 years. While pregnant with my fourth daughter I knew that helping other women during their pregnancy and birth is something that I would be suited to and would love.

Being only 15 when birthing my first daughter I was very restricted in my birthing choices and found little support or assistance from the medical staff available to me. I now know that if I had a knowledgeable support person such as a Doula I would have had a greater birthing experience.

When trying to conceive our 4th daughter it took 10 long months and one miscarrage. Suffering a miscarriage is emotionally draining that coupled with an extended period of trying to concieve a baby was very stressful. After finding out we were expecting a fourth daughter I suffered from severe gender disappointment, which was traumatic to work through.

Early in 2009 I discovered I was pregnant again. I knew I wanted to have a homebirth this time and have since found some great support networks for women wanting a 'normal' birth in the area. When I was 17 and a half weeks pregnant I had some bleeding, soon after I learned that my little boy had died. It would have to be the most heartbreaking thing I have been through. I am now a member of the local SANDS groupe which meets monthly to give and receive support from others who have been through pregnancy and child loss.

I have since given birth to my 5th child and 1st son in 2010 so I am currently on maternity leave until I feel I can give clients 100% of my care.

I am an accepting and non judgemental person who encourages individualism. I take pride in my caring and understanding nature, I am very reliable, punctual and have an eye for detail. I have a fantastic sixth sense and can interpret body language excellently.

Giving women the opportunity to have the best pregnancy and birth experience possible is my goal. I will help this happen by going through all choices available and helping make that choice by empowering my clients with the knowledge to decide which is the best option available for them.

My interests and hobbies include photography, native flora and fauna, conservation, vegetarianism, music, parenting and of course pregnancy, labour, birth and breastfeeding.

I also spend some time moderating a very popular Australian parenting site, which has given me a fantastic insight into a diverse range of pregnancy and birthing choices made by women around the country. I also enjoy helping these women with advice and support all new parents need.

My studies also include a Bachelor of Applied Science with the University of Melbourne.

Doula Experience

Since becoming a doula I have had experience with VBAC's, homebirth, pregnancy and birth after birth trauma and PND, twins, antenatal depression, mature mothers, 2nd, 3rd and 4th time mothers.

Doulas

'What is a Doula?' I hear you ask. A doula, or labour supporter, provides support for the pregnant woman during pregnancy, labour and birth, and the early postpartum period.

We help women and their partners make up a birth plan and inform them of all choices they have (sometimes women aren't made aware of some choices they may have).

We offer support throughout a woman's entire labour and stay with her after the birth. This constant support in proven to reduce the rate of caesarean sections by 50%. Continuity of support is not something that is offerd in most maternity wards, especially with hospital staff being spread very thin. Quite often the midwife or doctor you see in labour is not chosen by you and and may not even be someone you are comfortable with. My services will ensure you are fully supported continually by people you are comfortable with.

I hope to pass on these benefits to women throughout the Goulburn Valley :)

Another reason women are approaching me is to support their partner during the labour and birth. It is so the partner can devote more time to the labouring woman and not have to worry about getting drinks, ice, food, etc that may leave the women alone when she most needs continual support.