Perinatal Counselling
& Support
As a perinatal counsellor, full spectrum doula and hypnobirthing educator, I can listen, inform and re-affirm your decisions, so that you feel empowered and confident on whichever path you choose to follow on your planning, pregnancy, birth and parenting journey.
​Antenatal counselling can include:
- Co-creating intentions and goals, including developing birth preferences which prioritise your emotional needs and both psychological and cultural safety.
- Practising fear-release methods to reduce stress and work through past trauma.
- Support with developing a mental health care and/or safety plan if needed.
- Support during labour and birth and with postpartum visits if desired.
- Postnatal de-briefing about your birth experience and ongoing emotional support, including screening for signs of anxiety and/or depression.
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Ongoing Perinatal Counselling
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The perinatal period is often defined as the first 12 months after birth. However, as we all know, the journey of matresence (or becoming a mother) can last a lifetime. While there is understanding that other transitions, such as adolescence, take place gradually over several years, this change is sometimes expected to happen overnight, which can come as a shock. It can require significant psychological and physical adjustment as your identity evolves to include the role of taking responsibility for another human being for the rest of your life. And while there are many moments of joy and celebration, it can also involve feelings of loss, grief or guilt, as well as unaddressed trauma. This can disrupt bonding and attachment, and impact on other relationships, as well as your mental health. So it can be helpful to have support to work through these powerful and sometimes overwhelming emotions, and understand more about your experiences. Counselling can help you to view them in the wider context of your life, and develop positive coping strategies which prioritise your own needs.
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You are very welcome to call Natalie for an informal and confidential chat to find out more on (03) 5910 1103.
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"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
"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
