My Birth Geelong

🌷 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE MIDWIFE 🌷

Today we recognise the commitment, care & skill that midwives share with women & their families every single day.

Do you have a fond memory of your midwife? THANK them below (and feel free to share your story!). GO! 💫

PRIVATE POSTNATAL MIDWIFE SUPPORT/ LACTATION CONSULTATIONS 💫

I am so happy to share with you that I am about to launch private midwifery services and lactation consultations in the Geelong community!

For far too long I have witnessed women being rushed home from hospital with very little support postnatally. Women often go home with their milk not in yet, and are struggling with the physical/ mental/ emotional changes occurring in the first days & weeks postpartum.

This is where I feel I can make a difference, and offer my services in a meaningful and personal way.

I will be offering Private Postnatal Midwifery care (that includes full lactation support) in your home. I can also write prescriptions for you & your baby if/ when they are required.

Medicare rebates are applicable on all consults with a valid GP/ OB referral. (**The requirement for a referral is ongoing but is likely going to be removed in November).

Professional fees:

*Initial postnatal/ lactation consult 90min $220 ($73.50 rebate). Out of pocket $146.50

*Follow up postnatal/ lactation consult 60min $180 ($73.50 rebate). Out of pocket $106.50

Rebates are ONLY applicable for up to 6 weeks 6 days post birth, and you can see me as many times are you like in this period (rebates are not capped).

In-person antenatal lactation consults are also available, as are phone/ zoom appointments. Please contact me to obtain prices/ rebates for these.

You may also book a standalone lactation consult at any time without a GP referral, but please note no Medicare rebate applies.

**travel fees/ weekend surcharge may apply**

🫶🏼 TAKING BOOKINGS FROM APRIL 🫶🏼

Please message me to find out more or to book! ✏️

Jess & Zac attended my June Hypnobirthing class and have kindly shared the beautiful positive birthing story of baby Max 🫶🏼

Dear Felicity,

We can’t thank you enough for the education and resources provided in your course. I honestly could not have got through my labour without the hypnobirthing techniques and support from my amazing team: husband Zac, friend and midwife Jordan and Kristy my midwife ✨

My early labour was long but manageable, I used the hypnobirthing breathing techniques, soundtracks (I think we had all the tracks playing on repeat for 30 hours) the shower, massage, clary sage, tens machine, dark environment and positive affirmations to labour at home as long as possible! My waters finally broke at home during the peak of the full moon and 24 hours after my first tightening...I then managed to get to about 6cm dilated at home before the hot water ran out in the shower and I was very keen to get to hospital for some gas and to jump in the bath!

As I knew I would be giving birth in my workplace I was very reliant on the hypnobirthing techniques to keep me focused on my labour and not what was going on around me.. to stay ‘in the zone’ and keep me grounded if I was becoming overwhelmed.

Leading up to birth I had practiced listening to ‘surge of the sea’ in the bath, and during labour it was great to put those visualisations into practice. As I transitioned to fully dilated…the gas, bath and soundtracks had me drifting in and out of the intensity of those final contractions before involuntarily pushing started. I found the pushing stage the hardest, going for over 2 hours and feeling quite stuck.. but Max was finally born with help of a ventouse on Thursday 31st August!

There were definitely many moments of doubt which popped into my head but I was able to regain focus by moving, breathing and resting when possible. It was the toughest thing I have ever done physically and mentally but I feel so fortunate to have experienced physiological labour, and I would advise every woman who wants to work with their bodies in labour and birth to take a hypnobirthing course.. or better yet your course!!

Even now, Max is 2 months old and we play the hypnobrithing track ‘tranquil chambers’ for him during bath and massage time before bed and he loves it… I swear he remembers it from the womb!

Many thanks to you for the work you do educating and empowering couples. Lots of love Jess, Zac and Max 💕

COLOSTRUM EXPRESSING KITS 💧💧💧

Expressing colostrum for your baby before the birth ensures they get every drop of your precious liquid gold, especially when latching baby is difficult or if you are unexpectedly separated from your baby.

Colostrum can be collected from 36 weeks and is easily stored & frozen in syringes ready for your baby’s arrival.

Each kit includes:

💦 medical grade oral syringes
💦 medical grade syringe caps
💦 medicine cup to express into
💦 labels with name, date, time & volume
💦 food-grade soft silicone bag
💦 guide to expressing & storing breastmilk

💦 Medium kit $20 (8 multi-size syringes)
💦 Large kit $30 (16 multi-size syringes)

**All syringes & caps are sterile, medical grade, BPA free and suitable for oral infant use. Compliant with home or hospital use and ENFit compatible
(note that coloured syringes are for oral use only)

🤍Available to purchase now 🤍
Collection from Geelong, or postage available.

DM me here or email [email protected]

Breastmilk + Baby Saliva = hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a staple ingredient in every first aid kit, used on minor scrapes and cuts to prevent infection. In 2015 a team of Australian researchers discovered that the mixture of breastmilk and baby saliva causes a chemical reaction that produces hydrogen peroxide that can kill staph and salmonella infections and inhibit bacterial growth for up to 24 hours.

Described as “a unique biochemical synergism” it is dependent on the potency of baby saliva which has ten times the necessary amount of compounds than adult saliva.

Interestingly, the transition from infant to adult saliva starts as soon as your baby is weaned. Each time your baby feeds, there is the potential for immediate and prolonged antimicrobial effects - literally medicine to prevent and treat infection in your baby’s mouth and gut. Wow!

What is a midwife

A midwife is a chameleon, a leopard with ever changing spots.
A reflection of all those we have cared for
Of who we’re with in the moment
We dress ourselves to match the room, to match you in whatever ways we need
We’re patched together in a quilt of mismatched remnants and wonky threads
A quilt we’re forever picking at, loose threads tied, unpicked, re patched, ironed, scrunched
Some bits destined for the bin, other bits tucked in corners folded just so.
A life long project that is never really finished
I’ve remade myself again and again and I will again

Midwives are a work of art, a work of heart
A strange mix of science, biology.
A vast amount of abstract knowledge that we don’t know we know, yet somehow we do.
We exist in the moment before that first breath
We look you in the eyes, for a moment it’s just us two.
‘Just one more,’ part of me in awe as you pull it from the depths
Then we’re suspended in that brief all consuming hitch of your breath, that seems to last forever
Before we all breathe again when cries ring out like church bells on wedding days.
Towels fall around you like celebratory confetti, wiping away the old as we welcome the new.

And when silence stretches fourth, we will wrap you up tight, stop the world as you prepare to say goodbye.
Drape you in kindness, smallest touch, our words feeling hollow.
A Lilly white blanket that should have seen you home
Nothing feels like it can ever be enough

We’re the hand in your photos, the touch you’ve forgotten
We’re the photographers, the faceless voice, that face you can’t quite place
That person in Tescos that looks familiar, but you’re not sure from where
We’re your advocates, your voice, the rudder in the storm

We’re the rushing feet, the jangling keys
We’re the laughers, the cryers, the jokers.
The back rub that hits just right
The chirpy cheerleader in the middle of the night
Seeing you at your best and worst
Eventually becoming a blue blurry smudge on the periphery of your memories as time passes

But just so you know, just so you’re aware
A midwife is made up of all of you

Copyright: Midwifosaurus
Photo credit: ‘yes, you did it.’ Kate Kennedy Birth Photgraphy (See comments)

YES! Birthing in water has so many positive effects. We need to be more inclusive and not restrict access for women with population-based (not individual) ‘risk factors’.

Earlier this week, a birthing pool company put out a post claiming that there are conditions one needs to meet to be able to use a birthing pool.

These conditions included that one needed to be low risk, and within pre-pregnancy BMI criteria.

In case we’ve not met, hello. I’m not a rival birth pool company. I’m an author and researcher with thirty years of midwifery experience, and a PhD. I write about pregnancy, risk, high BMI and the importance of informed decision making.

And I just wanted to set the record straight.

There are, in fact, only three conditions for being able to use a birthing pool.

1. You are birthing
2. You have access to a pool
3. You want to birth in the pool

Now, it’s true that access can sometimes be tricky.

If you decide to give birth in a facility such as a hospital or birth centre, for instance, there may not be a pool available for you to use.

That's one reason why some families hire, buy or borrow their own.

It’s also true that some facilities and care providers might try and restrict your use of a birth pool if you have risk factors, including higher BMI. (More on this in my upcoming book on Plus Size Pregnancy).

But these are not absolutes. There are plenty of exceptions.

We know many women who have used birth pools in hospitals and birth centres with a higher BMI and/or other supposed risk factors.

And no-one can stop you from doing what you want in your home.

These restrictive statements also aren’t evidence-based. More on this at www.sarawickham.com/water

And the bottom line is this: your body, your baby, your decision.

That’s why it’s good to do your research beforehand and ask lots of questions.

Please don’t let anyone else restrict your options. Not care providers, not your family, and certainly not birth pool companies.

For information on the benefits of water for birth which is based on actual evidence, see www.sarawickham.com/water

I finally remembered to take a group class photo! It’s been a while 😅

Congratulations to these legends who are well on their way to a positive, empowered and joyful birth. I loved having you all and can’t wait to hear your beautiful news 👣

If you are pregnant and thinking about attending a hypnobirthing class, I have some space in my upcoming July group. Link in bio to book ✨

🥂🥂🥂

It’s the most natural, biologically normal thing for a baby to relax in your comforting arms, drinking your sweet warm milk and doze peacefully to sleep. There are chemicals in your breast milk that encourage sleep – oxytocin, cholecystokinin and endocannabinoids. Night milk is also rich in melatonin and tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin which helps the development of serotonin receptors in your baby’s gut. So then, how does it make sense to go against this perfectly normal, natural and easy way of comforting your baby to relax and sleep.

BIG NEWS for My Birth Geelong! 📣

The time has finally come where I have outgrown my little venue at . 💕 I have loved my time there, but the demand for Hypnobirthing classes is strong, so I needed to be able to better meet the needs of the Geelong community.

I have been so fortunate to meet with Donna at and she has welcomed me into her freshly renovated space with open arms! 🤗

From May this year, all of my classes will be at the new venue, which is light, bright & just gorgeous. ✨

As a result, I now have capacity for 2 more couples in my previously booked out May & June classes. If you are due June, July, Aug or Sep and want to join me for a class, jump on the website to book.

I can’t wait to meet you! Felicity x

Monday morning inspiration! ✨

Kelly & Liam attended my Feb course expecting their first baby.

“Hi Felicity. We have been in a baby bubble, our beautiful girl Harper was born last week 💕 I’ve been meaning to write and say thank you for everything, we would not of had the amazing natural birth that we did without hypnobirthing! I was induced overnight and once they broke my waters our baby was here in less than 3 hours, so it was a very quick labour. We are in love❤️”

The birth of Louella June 🎀

Beautiful words by Mum Paige…

“I would firstly like to say thank you so much for your class for all that it taught zac and I. Knowledge is power and I felt so confident and informed going in to birthing my second baby. The tens machine was AMAZING and really got me through that first few gradual hours of labouring. Once we headed into the hospital, I utilised the shower and gravity and things progressed with ease, just myself and my partner, completely intervention free. Only the Doppler was used to check babe's heart rate when needed. The pool was filled up and cannot believe I birthed my baby naturally in the water. What an absolutely incredible experience. Hypnobirthing was a fantastic tool for my mental and physical game and I'm so incredibly grateful.

I am on such a high, cannot believe I did it. Started Saturday night with niggles to birthing her at 4pm on Sunday 🥰 not a single person touched me, no VE or straps I was so in awe of myself!! I caught her and all. This is Louella June, 3.6kg of perfection! Sending you lots of love! Xx”

January 2023 class
What a bunch of legends! 🤩

I had planned to take January off, but when the enquiries kept rolling in, I decided I couldn’t let these awesome people down. We did it a bit differently this time, at Sammy & Luke’s property in beautiful Gherang over 4 sessions. What a stunning setting!

Friendships made ✔️
Birth education done ✔️
Feeling pumped for birth ✔️

If you want to work with me, I have availability in my April group classes onwards. Otherwise, a private 1-1 class is a great option for those fast approaching their due date or for those that can’t make the group sessions.

I can’t wait to work with you!
Felicity ♥️

Natalie Elphinstone. What an OB ✊

📣 ANNOUNCEMENT 📣

I am super excited to be able to announce that I have a new product (or 3!) to offer you all 😊

I have created 3 new essential oils rollers, designed for pregnancy, labour & birth. I have taken guidance from the research and created what I believe to be 3 gorgeous scents that will support you through this journey. ♥️

I am going to be at the in Belmont this Saturday, where I will have a limited number of these babies for sale for the first time! I will also have testers to try before you buy. 🤗

CALM- lavender, frankincense & sweet orange essential oils
LABOUR- clary sage, frankincense & rose essential oils
UPLIFT- peppermint, sweet orange & rose essential oils

$15 each or $40 for the set of three 💫

If you can’t make it to the market and would like some, please DM me 😊

(Please note that rose should be avoided until 34wks)

Hypnobirthing classes + TENS hire Geelong on Instagram: "What if women were told they were strong, capable, fearless and wise beyond their wildest imagination? What if we stopped trying to rescue women from the experience of birth, and allow them... Hypnobirthing classes + TENS hire Geelong shared a post on Instagram: "What if women were told they were strong, capable, fearless and wise beyond their wildest imagination? What if we stopped trying to rescue women from the experience of birth, and allow them to fully immerse, let go of their fears...

Her gaze ... and her baby's hair!!!

Ever wonder how many hearts you melt when breastfeeding your baby? 💗🤱

Some mums wonder where in their community they can find a supportive space to breastfeed.

Click here to find Breastfeeding Welcome Here venues near you: https://aba.asn.au/BWH-venues

“It’s just one day”.

When it comes to your labour & birth, have you heard this or had this comment said to you?

This comment is dismissive of the effort and work a woman puts into her unique birthing experience. This is a life-changing day.

You see, whilst the birth may be over in the blink of an eye, the learning & planning that has occurred throughout pregnancy, and the subsequent choices made during labour & birth, can have a profound knock-on effect in the postpartum period.

Education & preparation needs to start early in pregnancy, and continue on as a fluid and dynamic conversation with caregivers. This is vital so that women are well informed and can make the right decisions for themselves and their babies.

Women should also plan and prepare for their postpartum (physical healing, mental health, feeding, bonding, etc), no doubt. However, one is definitely no more important than the other.

“It’s just one day”. Maybe. But it will have an impact on you for the rest of your life ♥️

~ 💕The birth of baby Lottie💕 ~

Can I just say, I have the best job in the world! Being able to facilitate classes with this awesome couple, then walking into a shift on birth suite last week to see Monique in all of her power, gently and calmly guiding baby Lottie into the world through water, was breathtaking to witness. You absolutely CAN have the birth of your dreams in a hospital setting. 🤗♥️💪🏼

“Hello Felicity,

Monique here, you came in for my birth for a little bit on Tuesday (Andrew and I did your course).

I am sure it didn't sound like it, but we had a wonderful experience, fast and drug free and our baby is feeding easily and I'm feeling so good, I am sure it's because of all we learnt from you, the course gave us so much info and power and we practiced visualizing the birth exactly the way it happened (sans swearing).

We had the knowledge to deliver placenta without drugs and get the oral vit K.  Lottie literally crawled to my breast to feed and I feel I have bonded with her because of this experience. 

We wanted to thank you. I was not in much of a state to do so at the time, apologies!

I will highly recommend the course to friends.

Thanks again, monique and andrew”

We need to expand birthing options for women.

Women should have funded home birth as a genuine birthing option There is a small but passionate movement among women for better choice in birthing.

When this message is sent to you on a Monday morning. Week made! 💪🏼💕💫

Hey Felicity. Just letting you know I had the most amazing positive natural water birth. I'd like to thank you for sharing your knowledge and giving me the confidence to have the birth of my dreams.

The tens machine really helped me labour at home until I got in the pool too. It was great!

I'm so glad she took them [photos]. I cry when I look at them. So proud of myself, my body and my baby.

Introducing you to Llewyn Thomas Robinson, born on 27/5/2022 at 2am 💙✨️

GBS testing in pregnancy 🤰

We need to be clearer about actual risk when it comes to the screening and preventative measures offered to pregnant and labouring women.

For instance, data show that the actual chance of mortality from early-onset GBS disease (EOGBS) in the baby of a healthy woman who has reached full-term (37 weeks or beyond) is 1 in 39,682 (Bevan et al 2019).

To save anyone asking, these data are based on a U.K. mapping exercise. If you have questions, the reference is below and in my stories so you can read for yourself.

We use risk-based screening in the U.K. rather than routine bacteriological screening so these figures include all women, not just those who are known to be carrying GBS bacteria. It is likely that around a quarter to a third of the women in this data set will have had GBS bacteria.

But if we switched to routine culture-based screening, we would need to give antibiotics to between 24,065 and 32,087 women in order to prevent one death from early onset GBS disease.

As these figures show, although GBS disease can occasionally be fatal, it is also rare.

Some babies are far more at risk than others, which is why the U.K. takes a risk-based approach.

The risks of antibiotics include antibiotic resistance, interference with the baby's microbiome, gut problems and allergic reactions.

According to NHS Choices, severe allergic reactions to antibiotics are estimated to occur in between 1 in 2000 and 1 in 10000 cases.

And women who are found to have GBS bacteria often find that their choices are limited by this.

The key is to get better information out there, and to help everyone understand the issues and the evidence relating to the screening and prophylactic measures that are offered to pregnant and labouring women in the hope of preventing early-onset group B strep (EOGBS) disease.

Then everyone can make the decisions that are right for them.

For more information, see http://www.sarawickham.com/gbse

See the study at https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/9/3/e024324

Vitamin K 🌻

In most countries of the world, parents will be asked whether they want their baby to have vitamin K, usually within the first hour of birth.

It’s your decision whether or not your baby has vitamin K.

If you decide that you want your baby to have it, it’s also up to you to decide which kind of vitamin K (oral or injection) you want your baby to have.

So you’ll want to weigh up the pros and cons, as with every decision you’ll make for your child.

I have been researching vitamin K for more than twenty years, and I have written several books and information leaflets on this subject for a number of organisations around the world.

I also have several blog posts that might help you better understand the issues.

In ‘seven things every parent needs to know about vitamin K, I summarise some of the key facts that you might want to consider when making your decision.

You can read it at https://www.sarawickham.com/articles-2/information-about-vitamin-k

I hope you’ll find it useful.

Twin vaginal birth story ✨

This x 1000 ⭐️ puts this so well. Caesareans are complex and never one size fits all 👊🏼

April is Caesarean Awareness month 👶🏼. I've performed over a thousand caesareans, and I've had three caesareans myself, so here are 20 things I know for sure about caesarean births:

1. They are fabulous
2. They are awful
3. They are complicated
4. They are easy
5. They are desperately wanted
6. They are dreaded
7. They are agony
8. They are painless
9. They aren't necessary
10. They are done for convenience
11. They are life-saving
12. They are under-used
13. They are over-used
14. People feel talked into them
15. People feel talked out of them
16. People regret them
17. People regret not having one
18. They are traumatic and psychological damaging
19. They are a wonderful and safe experience
20. They are all of these things and more.

No two pregnancies and caesarean births are the same, and no two mothers have the same wishes and hopes for their birth.

Here's to women choosing to birth by caesaren if they are fully informed and wish to. And here's to every women having an unplanned caesarean birth feeling informed, in control, respected and safe at every step.