Profile

Rachael McLeod
Founder of Birth by Nature

"I love what I do. Walking with women on their journey through pregnancy, labour and early motherhood is such a rewarding experience.

My journey into motherhood uncovered a passion for birth that has led me to becoming a doula.  Whilst at home with two young children I studied 5 subjects toward the Bachelor of Midwifery degree, which I thoroughly enjoyed and believed I would one day become a midwife.  However, during this study period I became very disenchanted in the type of care I would one day be able to give women that I looked after.  Caring for several women at a time, running endlessly between women and performing procedures but not really being able to give them my undivided attention. 

Birth is something women generally only undertake a couple of times in their life and they deserve the very best care to make it one oftheir most positive experiences.

When you speak to any woman of any age she can recall her birth as if it was yesterday.  We need to recognise once again, the importance of this initiation for women in our society.  In fact, many of the women who approach me have had undersirable birth experiences in the past and want assistance in capturing the innate birthing instinct that we carry as women.  Please take the time to read the testimonials page as many clients highlight this issue.

The opportunity arose for a particular semester that I couldn’t take any subjects so I studied to be a doula thinking that it would help my prospects in going to study full time.  However, since my doula studies began I have not looked back.  Being a doula is the most rewarding, passionate, exciting job I could ever imagine. The total dedication you can give to one woman is phenomenal and you are emotionally attached, which explodes the current theory in the birthing community that you cannot be emotionally involved with clients. 

Working with women and their partners closely during the pregnancy, helps them become empowered in their choices prior to the birth.  During this time relationships are formed so when the day of the birth arrives the couple feel safe and protected, as a relationship of trust and respect has already been established. It is especially comforting for the partners to have someone to share the experience and reassure them that all is going as nature intended, even though it may sometimes look very unnatural.

Many of the techniques provided during birth, such as massage and reflexology, are also provided during the antenatal visits so that when the woman is labouring she responds instinctively to their relaxing qualities, like she has done throughout the pregnancy.

My passion for women being informed about their choices in birth has introduced me to the Maternity Coalition, which I have been a founding member of a sub-branch in the Macedon Ranges area.  This organisation is consumer based and advocates for women to have continuity of care from a known midwife during the pregnancy and post partum period.  In addition, it promotes women’s control over decision-making about their care through improved access to information, resources and support.

I would love to hear from you….best of luck on your birthing journey.

Regards, Rachael "

Rachael provides doula birth support services in Melbourne, Melton, Sunbury, Gisborne, Macedon, Woodend, Trentham, Kyneton, Malmsbury, Castlemaine and Bendigo

If you would like to discuss the possibility of Rachael supporting you during your journey through pregnancy, labour and new motherhood please contact Birth by Nature.