Perinatal Counselling & Support
Pregnancy and birth support in Melbourne
Holistic support can include:
- Co-creating birth preferences which meet your emotional, cultural and physical wellbeing needs.
- Relaxation techniques and comfort methods for an positive pregnancy, labour and birth experience.
- Working on open communication and sharing the mental load of pregnancy and birth planning with your partner and/or family members.
- Practising somatic fear-release methods to work through stress and past trauma.
- Support with developing a mental health care plan.
- Fourth trimester planning including balancing baby, family, relationship and personal needs.
- Doula support during labour and birth and with postpartum visits if desired.
- Postnatal de-briefing about your birth experience and ongoing support, including screening for signs of anxiety and/or depression.
As a perinatal counsellor, birth doula and childbirth/parenting educator, my role is to listen, inform and help to re-affirm your decisions and planning, so you can feel more empowered and confident on whichever path you may choose in your conception, pregnancy, birth and parenting journey.
What are the benefits of perinatal counselling?
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The perinatal period is defined as the first 12 months after birth, yet the process of 'matrescence', or becoming a mother, can last a lifetime. While other major transitions are expected to unfold over years, it can feel like you are supposed to adapt to this new role overnight. In reality, it requires significant adjustment as your identity evolves over time and you can begin to feel like your authentic self. It can also involve feelings of loss, grief or guilt, as well as ongoing trauma, particularly when there may have been previous mental health struggles or physical injury leading to post-traumatic stress. This can disrupt bonding and attachment with your baby, and impact on your relationships, with yourself and others.
Perinatal counselling can help with emotional healing and strengthening connection and communication, so that you feel less alone and more supported in dealing with challenges. ​
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Counselling is available via telehealth and in Parkville and Langwarrin, and home perinatal visits by arrangement. I am happy to follow up on referrals when it may feel too difficult to reach out. Sessions with interpreter support are also possible. Please call Natalie for an informal chat to find out more on (03) 5910 1103.
"Natalie helped me work through all my thoughts, emotions and deep fears until we uncovered the type of birth I actually wanted to have. In the weeks and months following, she helped us transition to life with a baby, debrief about the birth and helped me get support for postnatal depression and anxiety. Throughout the whole journey she was there for any questions or concerns. Choosing Natalie for support was one of the best decisions we made."
Lisa
"Natalie made my husband and I feel heard throughout the entire pregnancy, birth and post-partum period. Working with Natalie meant my husband could also feel emotionally supported during the wild journey of our birth. I loved being able to reach out for her expert guidance. I will always be grateful for her presence, strength and support during my entire pregnancy, birth and the weeks following, it felt like having family there."
​Amirah
