Perinatal Counselling
& Birth Support
As a perinatal counsellor, full spectrum doula and childbirth/parenting educator, I can listen, inform and help to re-affirm your decisions, so that you feel more empowered and confident on whichever path you choose to follow for a positive conception, pregnancy, birth and parenting journey.
​Perinatal support can include:
- Co-creating birth preferences and strategies which prioritise your emotional and cultural needs.
- Practising fear-release methods to reduce stress and work through past trauma.
- Support with developing a mental health care plan and/or emotional wellbeing plan.
- Fourth trimester planning including balancing baby, family and relationship needs with self-care.
- Doula 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, yet the journey of 'matrescence' - or becoming a mother - can last a lifetime. While other transitions such as menopause are expected to take place over several years, it can feel like adapting to this new role is supposed to happen overnight, which can come as a shock. In reality, it requires significant psychological adjustment as your identity evolves to include your new responsibilities. And amidst the joy, it can also involve feelings of loss, grief or guilt, as well as unaddressed trauma. This can disrupt bonding and attachment with your baby, and impact on your relationships, as well as your mental health. Counselling can help you to view these experiences in the wider context of your life, and develop positive coping strategies. It can also help to strengthen connection and communication with your partner, family members and other support networks, so that you can work together in overcoming challenges.
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It's never too late to reach out for support at any stage of your journey as a mother.
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You are very welcome to contact Natalie for an informal and confidential chat to find out more about online appoinments and face-to-face sessions in Langwarrin or Parkville on (03) 5910 1103 or via opencirclewellbeing@gmail.com.
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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
