Womb to Tomb Doula

The world needs more Doulas!
Giddy up!!

Birth can be a powerful awakening, a connection to your inner strength that you may have never fully tapped into before.

Doulas who work in the birth world walk beside you, following YOUR lead and learning all about you, offering support, information and guidance.

Imagine having someone by your side who truly listens—not just hears, but really listens to your concerns, your hopes, your fears. A birth doula offers this unwavering support from the early days of pregnancy through the intensity of labour and the moment your baby arrives.

They’re there to validate your feelings, to help you navigate the emotional landscape. This consistent presence can shift the overwhelming or uncertain into a positive, empowering experience; whatever that looks like for you.

During labour, a doula is a steady hand, a witness and guide through the physical demands of birth. They bring techniques that aren’t just about easing pain but about connecting you with your body’s incredible capabilities.

Whether it’s soothing touch, a reminder to breathe deeply, or a trying a new position, they’re there to help you stay centred and comfortable. And when it comes to your birth intentions, they support you to have your voice is heard and respected in the midst of it all.

There’s so much power in knowledge, in knowing what’s ahead and what your options are. A birth doula helps you gather that knowledge, offering evidence-based information that prepares you for the birth process.

With this preparation, you’re not just going through the motions or with the flow —you’re stepping into your birth experience with a sense of readiness, while we can't control birth, we can prepare for it.

This is what a birth doula does: they empower you to embrace every part of your birthing journey, with a steady hand and a compassionate heart.

They help you realise that this journey, with ebbs and flows, highs and lows, is one you can navigate with strength, softness, and a deep connection to yourself.

If you want to be a birth doula comment BIRTH for more info or if you'd like to work with a student doula, comment SUPPORT or send us a DM 🌼

This morning I fly to Darwin to head back out to Galiwin’ku. This time for a new role as the College forefills a new contract as an on the ground Djakamirr coordinator.

I’ll be up for a month to set up the role and I can’t wait to see how this wonderful partnership with CDU Molly Wardaguga Research Centre takes us and this incredible project.

I feel very proud and privileged to be apart of this amazing team and I thank my family and the ADC team for their love and support. ❤️

Woohoo! 🥳

It’s PRIDE month folks!

A month to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and all its colours and culture.

For many of us it’s also an opportunity to reflect and remember our beloved chosen family who aren’t here to see just how far we have come since the hateful times of AIDS and pre gay marriage.

We have come along way but there is still work to be done. Young LGBTQI people need to see and hear they will be loved and supported no matter when they come out or where they sit on the rainbow.

Let’s lead with kindness, compassion, love and support no matter what someone’s sexual orientation, identity or pronouns!

Happy PRIDE to all of my divine q***r family. 🌈🕺🏾😊🙏🥰🥳😎

On this day I remember, acknowledge the truth and apologise for steeling the children of First Nations families. I acknowledge the trauma this caused and continues to cause today through generations of first nations people.

Thinking about and acknowledging all the mummy’s out there today.
I wish to acknowledge, thank and honour my two mothers as well as my two daughters and daughter in law for being the absolute best mummy’s to their children.

To anyone who is longing to be a mum, to the step mums and foster mums, those missing their mum or a child today, I see you.

Bring a parent can be a thank less job but it’s arguably, the most important and rewarding job on the planet.

So here’s CHEERS 🥂 to all the mums out there for all you do.

🏆🙌🥰❤️🌟🤩

Raising a glass on International Day of the Midwife to all the incredible Midwives in my life. To my amazing Midwife Maggie, I am forever grateful to you. And to my beloved friends who made the transition to midwifery, I am incredibly proud of the difference you are making.

Midwife’s matter and I have been blessed to
have crossed paths and walked beside so many over the years.

I honour each of you for your dedication and commitment.

Lest we forget ❤️‍🩹

Thing of becoming a birth and post-natal doula? The ADC has set courses for the second half of the year and some exciting specials coming up.
Stay tuned for some May Madness!

Well the sun has set on summer and we’re all beginning to rug up and settle in for colder nights and many layers (well down south anyway!). What better way to whittle away the upcoming winter nights but by deep diving into your new calling as a doula?

We’ve got a number of courses available for you to start your journey to becoming a birth and postpartum doula and the best thing is we offer a variety of course delivery options.

Starting dates:

14th May - Correspondence, study anytime and anywhere!

12th June - Virtual, online face to face learning delivered over 5 days.

12th July - Brisbane, in person training surrounded by other students and your dedicated educator.

13th September - Melbourne, in person training surrounded by other students and your dedicated educator.

11th October - Sydney, in person training surrounded by other students and your dedicated educator.

Our 2024 training calendar is designed to cater to the diverse range of needs that individuals may have by offering training in person, virtually and via correspondence.

Whether you are wanting to provide support and education at the first or last breath or for someone in between, our courses will help you create a solid foundation on which to begin your work as a Doula.

Head to the website or check this link in bio to see training dates, enrol or to find more information.

Connecting with people in palliative care. Nicely done Colin and St Vincent’s. ❤️

Colin Apelt volunteers for happy hour Trusted and independent source of local, national and world news. In-depth analysis, business, sport, weather and more.

I have just learnt of the passing of the amazing pioneering woman:
Penny Simkin….
A remarkable woman who has specialized in childbirth education and labor support since 1968. It’s estimated she prepared over 15,000 women, couples, and siblings for childbirth as well as assisting hundreds of women and couples through childbirth as a doula.

I once had the honour of meeting Penny at a conference and she was just lovely.
Penny has produced several books and videos for parents and professionals alike over her expansive career.

Penny, is the co-founder of DONA International and PATTCh (Prevention and
Treatment of Traumatic Childbirth).

We have a lot to be grateful and thankful for her leading the way and leaving us Doulas and educators a well lit path.

VALE Penny and rest well knowing you have left an incredible legacy and helped so many.

A recent article for the gorgeous folks at Kiddipedia ❤️

Birth doulas work alongside other healthcare professionals, such as Midwives and Obstetricians. We inform, nurture, and offer resources, assisting women to create a birth and post-natal plan for themselves, depending on their circumstances.

Australian Doula College

https://kiddipedia.com.au/having-a-baby-you-need-a-doula/

Happy International Women’s Day!

A big shout out to all my beloved girlfriends, my daughters, the ADC team and my two mums.

I love women and it’s been an absolute privilege to walk beside so many amazing women throughout my career.

I’m blessed to be surrounded by strong, compassionate, kind and funny women who uplift each other.

What a blessing 🥰

A great option for women on the Central Coast of NSW ❤️

Women on the Central Coast now have the choice to birth at home, with a publicly funded homebirth service now available.

Since the service started at the end of last year, 15 local women have given birth at home, including Charlotte, who is pictured with her beautiful baby girl Maia.

“We’ve had many Central Coast women requesting a homebirth and I am delighted we can now offer this option,” CCLHD Director of Women, Children’s and Families Lynelle said.

For more information please contact 0414 193 132 or [email protected]

Are you having a baby…..or are you a birth doula?

This information is for you ❤️

In modern Western culture, most women and families know about induction of labour before they even become pregnant.

They know that induction is suggested when it is felt that it would be safer for the baby to be born than to stay inside its mother.

Many people also know that one of the main reasons for recommending induction of labour is because pregnancy has lasted for a certain number of weeks and the baby is perceived to be ‘overdue.’

Other reasons for offering induction include that the woman is older than average, that her waters have broken early and/or that she has a health problem or condition.

These days, induction is often suggested where someone has a high BMI, or has been told they have gestational diabetes.

But aren't necessarily evidence-based practices, as I write about in my books.

And there's a big focus these days on telling women when they are deemed to be 'at higher risk,' but not so much on explaining the downsides and risks of interventions like induction.

There are pros and cons to everything!

Some people think induction is oversold.

Some are concerned about how a lot of the 'official' information is geared to promoting induction and doesn't give the bigger picture.

There are many other aspects to the induction decision. That's one of the reasons that I wrote my book, In Your Own Time.

If you'd like to know more, I have a popular blog post which helps explain that bigger picture.

My blog post is called 'Ten things I wish every woman knew about induction of labour.'

I've just updated it, and I hope you find it useful.

It's at https://www.sarawickham.com/articles-2/induction-of-labour/

"There is growing evidence in First Nations doula care as a strategy to address perinatal inequities and improve maternal care experiences. However, there is no evidence around the approach and principals required to successfully deliver First Nations doula (childbirth) training."

Sarah Ireland, Dorothy Yuŋgirrŋa Bukulatjpi , Evelyn Djotja Bukulatjpi , Rosemary Gundjarraŋbuy , Renee Adair, Yvette Roe, Suzanne Moore, Sue Kildea, Elaine Ḻäwurrpa Maypilama explore and describe the approach and principles used in piloting the training of First Nations doulas in remote, multilingual Northern Australian community settings.

Read the article here:

Djäkamirr: Exploring principles used in piloting the training of First Nations doulas in a remote multilingual Northern Australian community setting There is growing evidence in First Nations doula care as a strategy to address perinatal inequities and improve maternal care experiences. However, th…

Happy birthday to my super gorgeous, gentle giant and lifesaver Bailey.
What a joy you are my life Mr B. We have had so many great adventures together and i know we will have many more to come.
Thank you for being such a good big brother to Pricilla and Bear.

I love you 🥰 🐶🐾🦴🦮

Wow! 🤩
Amazing!
What are the chances?

WHAT A COINCIDENCE

A set of twins on the Sunshine Coast have given birth within 22 minutes of each other.

Nicole Baillie and Renee Toole we due two weeks apart but both went into labor naturally early this morning.

Renee had a baby girl called Ruby.

Two doors down in the birthing suites at SCUH, her identical twin Nicole delivered baby Zavian.

The newborns are cousins, but because their mums share the same DNA, technically they are also half siblings.

Today it’s thunder folks!

I’m sick to death of the child services that are supposed to be providing care and safety for the tens of thousands of children in this country.

I am appalled at the way foster carers are treated and disrespected.

I am furious that a child who finds a loving supportive home does not get supported by the services involved, to stay.

It’s time for a shake up!

Please like and share this Insta page below and let’s do this!

https://www.instagram.com/fierce_fostering_?igsh=NzBmMjdhZWRiYQ==

“I’d rather eat pasta and drink wine than be a size 0.” (Sophia Loren, 1965)

That’s a 💯 percent agreed statement right there. A woman after my own heart ❤️

As an ally and friend of First Nations people in this country we call Australia…..I hold hope that more of us folks with white privilege are thinking more deeply about the REAL stories of our history and the struggles that colonialism has placed and continues to do so everyday on indigenous peoples.

We need to do better and more. Let’s stop rubbing salt into the wounds!

Change the date FFS!

A deserving nominee. Huge congratulations Lawurrpa and no matter what happens you are a absolute legend and winner in my eyes.
❤️🖤💛

We are so proud! Associate Professor, Elaine Ḻäwurrpa Maypilama from the Molly Wardaguga Research Centre has been nominated for the prestigious Northern Territory 2024 Senior Australian of the Year.

Associate Professor Maypilama, a Warramiri women from Galiwin’ku, Yolŋu Country, Northeast Arnhem Land, has worked with CDU for more than 20 years. In her role as a Senior Research Fellow at the Molly Wardaguga Research Centre, Associate Professor Maypilama leads a team in Galiwin’ku, working on redesigning maternity services for very remote First Nations communities. Her work is critical in privileging First Nations people, specifically Yolŋu Nation knowledge, priorities and practices, and strengthening the evidence base for improving education, health and wellbeing for women and babies in her community.

Molly Wardaguga Research Centre’s Director, Professor Yvette Roe, reflected on the significance and impact of Associate Professor Maypilama’s work, “Ḻäwurrpa is a gifted educator and has been a pioneer in advocating and ensuring that Yolŋu and Western epistemology is philosophically valued as a combined approach to understanding, exploring, and improving the world. She has been instrumental in this bicultural approach being used in diverse disciplines such as education, health and wellbeing, First Nations research and ecological knowledge translation.”

In recognition of her high-level expertise in developing and conducting culturally responsive and high-quality research over 30 years, Associate Professor Maypilama was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from CDU in 2013. Since then, she has supported six PhD students (four completed) whose thesis strongly reflect the two-way learning, sharing, and understanding between First Nations and non-indigenous cultures.
She has also skillfully guided many non-Indigenous researchers to work with Yolŋu in ways that are ethical, mutually beneficial, and enable cross cultural understanding of each other’s knowledges.

Now aged in her 70’s, Associate Professor Maypilama’s innovative and ambitious work reflects her lifetime of passion for traditional Yolŋu knowledge, education, and research methodology. Outside of CDU, Associate Professor Maypilama’s co-founded a community-based charity research organisation in Galiwin’ku, called Yalu' Marŋgithinyaraw in 2002. Yalu’s driving vision is to nurture and support Yolŋu culture and language to ensure First Nations traditions are handed down to future generations.

The NT Senior of the Year award is part of the NT 2024 Australian of the Year awards. The Territory’s awards recipients will be announced on November 6, 2023, in a ceremony at the Darwin Convention Centre.

End of life doulas fill the gaps and can make an enormous difference for the dying person and their loved ones.
❤️🙏❤️

A helping hand for final journeys | - The Vital Beat Death doulas provide consistent, caring companionship for people at end of life.

Photo dump. It’s my last day in Galiwin’ku. Fly back to Darwin tomorrow.

As always, it’s been a mind blowing trip in so many ways. It’s such an honour to learn from each other and to walk alongside the Molly team to uplift the women and girls here.

I am privileged to work on this project and to be on this beautiful country.

Thank you Galiwin’ku. I am exhausted but my heart is overflowing ❤️🖤💛

See you in February 🙌

Photo dump of the first couple of days in Galiwin’ku.

As always, It’s bloody hot and super humid.

Saw black cockatoos on my morning walk and a croc having a swim off shore this afternoon.

Have already had fresh caught fish and mud mussels and had a welcome fire on the beach.

I’m so blessed to work with an amazing group of women both non indigenous and indigenous and I learn so much.

Finished the set up for Djakamirr training starting tomorrow.
It’s a full class. I’m excited.

That is all ❤️💛🖤

Today I celebrate 58 laps around the sun.

It’s a blessing to be alive and too feel the love I have today. To many, don’t get this far. Thanks for all the messages and calls and to my crazy beautiful ADC team for their fabulous gift.

It’s an interesting shift in life when you realise you have been on the earth more years than you have left here.
Everyday matters!

Had a challenging couple of weeks but enjoyed an afternoon off and some self spoilage.

Here are some photos of my day in b and w because I simply love the depth it offers.

Peace ✌️

I have been with all my beloved fur babies when they took their last breath.
It was hard but it was a privilege and honour to hold them and look into their eyes and tell them they are loved, one last time.
They need us there for their comfort and this piece explains why so beautifully.

💔💔💔😢😢😢

"Pets, it turns out, also have last wishes before they die, but only known by veterinarians who put old and sick animals to sleep. Twitter user Jesse Dietrich asked a vet what was the most difficult part of his job.
The specialist answered without hesitation that it was the hardest for him to see how old or sick animals look for their owners with the eyes of their owners before going to sleep.
The fact is that 90% of owners don't want to be in a room with a dying animal. People leave so that they don't see their pet leave. But they don't realize that it's in these last moments of life that their pet needs them most. Veterinarians ask the owners to be close to the animals until the very end.
"It's inevitable that they die before you. Don't forget that you were the center of their life. Maybe they were just a part of you. But they are also your family. No matter how hard it is, don't leave them."
Dont let them die in a room with a stranger in a place they dont like. It is very painful for veterinarians to see how pets cannot find their owner during the last minutes of their life. They dont understand why the owner left them. After all, they needed their owner's consolation.
Veterinarians do everything possible to ensure that animals are not so scared, but they are completely strangers to them. Don't be a coward because it's too painful for you. Think about the pet. Endure this pain for the sake of their sake.
Be with them until the end.🐾🐾🐾

If there is one ‘thing’ that has stood out to me all these years of shlepping round the country working, its appreciating coming home. I have a comfortable bed, food in the fridge, my fur babies and a secure home with a beautiful vibe.

Very grateful 🥹 🥰🙏

I love and respect Pinky, her teachings and who she is as an authentic human.
Our philosophies are aligned and this article isno different 🥰
Pinky is offering a Masterclass for us coming up. Check out the ADC website for details and to book in.
www.australiandoulacollege.com.au

Busting the BS about Baby Sleep Best-selling Baby Sleep author and leading breastfeeding expert, Pinky McKay Busts common myths about baby sleep.