I wish I had known how to ask the right questions. If I
had asked more questions things might have turned
out better. I guess I thought that what they were suggesting was the only way to go.
Steve: new father
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Resources
Complementary Practitioners
Below are therapists in Victoria that I can highly recommend, who have helped me personally and many clients over several years.
Naturopathy
Helps with preconception, pregnancy and post birth internal balancing with homeopathic remedies. Can assist with dietary deficiencies, allergies (mother and child), restless legs, indigestion, insomnia, gastro-intestinal upsets, breast milk supply, strengthening the immune system, emotional upsets, pre eclampsia, post natal depression and general wellbeing
Gary Hancock: Body, Mind Soul Natural Therapy Centre. 33 Gladstone Street Moonee Ponds (Melbourne Victoria Australia) Tel 03 9372 9511
Osteopathic Care
Highly recommended in the last few weeks of pregnancy to make sure the pelvis is aligned. This helps the labour progress quicker if the pelvis is in the optimal position. Also fabulous for any sciatica, lower back strain or assisting with the general aches and pains of pregnancy.
Anthony Hil.kemeijer: Inner City Osteopathy, Carlton and Moonee Ponds (Melbourne Victoria Australia) Tel 03 9347 0020
Glen Bales: Moonee Valley Osteopathy, 134 Pascoe Vale Rd, Pascoe Vale (Melbourne Victoria Australia) Tel 9370 7888
Paediatric Chiropractor
Highly recommended that babies be given either an osteopathic, bowen or chiropractic treatment in the early weeks after birth. This helps with any misalignment that may occur during the birth process, regardless the manner of birth. It is also a great treatment for reflux, ear infections, gastro-intestinal upsets, colic and breast-feeding problems. Many of my clients have had wonderful results in settled babies after these treatments.
Dr Paul Chamberlain: Chiropractic Children’s Healthcare: Gisborne, Ivanhoe & Boronia (Victoria Australia) Tel 03 9499 1800
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractor’s are also wonderful in aligning the pelvis pre and post birth. In addition,as much of the work is on the central nervous system it is a treatment that is beneficial in pregnancy, especially during times of erratic emotional imbalances.
Brett Houlden: Bendigo Chiropractic Centre, 27 View Street, Bendigo (Victoria Australia) Tel 03 5443 9744
Simon Brice & Bruce Ellis:
Gisborne Chiropractic Clinic
71-73 Hamilton Street, Gisborne (Victoria Australia) Tel 03 5428 2669
Acupuncture
This is the most underused complementary therapy utilised during pregnancy and birth. The most profound treatments are for overdue babies (to avoid hospital induction), breech positioning (usually turns with 48hours), sciatic pain as well as many other gynaecological conditions. I personally have not had one client as of December 2006 that has required a medical induction as a result of acupuncture.
Margaret Virgo Boon: Traditional Chinese Medicine, Melbourne Acupuncture, 11/75 High Street, Woodend (Victoria Australia) Tel 0438815167
Glenys Savage: Chinese Medicine Clinic, 96/98 Union Street, Northcote (Melbourne Victoria Australia) Tel 9489 2656
Massage
A regular massage throughout pregnancy promotes wonderful wellbeing, muscular tension relief, stress management, lymphatic drainage, circulation benefits…and babies in utero just love (scientifically proven).
Elli McLeod: Banksia Street, Ivanhoe (Melbourne Victoria Australia) Tel 9440 9319
Stephen: Body and Soul. Specialises in restoring injured muscles and long-term problematic muscle problems. Is a specialist in lymphatic drainage and is a rather vigorous practitioner. Suited to fixing problems rather than a relaxing massage. Wonderful for women experiencing extensive back pain during pregnancy. 3/38 Margaret Street, Moonee Ponds (Melbourne Victoria Australia) Tel 03 9372 8823
Spiritual Guidance
Many women during pregnancy want to get in touch with their spiritual side, as it is a time of self-introspection. This type of guidance can also be very helpful in recovering from a traumatic event – loss of a loved one, a traumatic birth or just feeling a bit lost and need help in finding your life’s purpose.
Deborah: Healing, Workshops and Courses, Divine Inspiration, Ascot Vale (Melbourne Victoria Australia) Tel 5348 2349
Ruth’s Readings: Direct contact with the other side, Melton (Melbourne Victoria Australia) Tel 0413 342 366
Centre for Human Transformation: Run day and residential courses which are wonderful for women in all stages of their life. They do a fabulous retreat called Women’s Mysteries twice a year. Founders of the College of Spiritual Midwifery and run a doula training cours. Yarra Glen (Melbourne Victoria Australia) Tel 03 5965 2325
Other resources
Pregnancy, birth & motherhood
- a to z fact sheets: Women's Health
These invaluable Women's fact sheets are produced in partnership with women and health professionals by the Royal Women's Hospital. A wealth of resources.
- Baby Names
It's all in the name. With over 25,000 names, you can add a name to your favourites, or even suggest a name.
- Bub Hub
- The Cochrane Library
Healthcare consumers and patients need high-quality evidence about the effectiveness of treatments. This empowers them, with their healthcare practitioners, to make the best possible decisions.
The Cochrane Library provides fast access to reliable evidence.
- Capers bookstore
- Home Birth Australia
- International Breast Feeding Journal
Fantastic breastfeeding research site with free access to lots of useful articles.
- Lamaze International
Six Care Practices that Support Normal Birth: The Lamaze Institute for Normal Birth Care Practice Papers provide more information about the evidence that supports each of these six evidence-based care practices.
- Maternity Coaltion
- MIDIRS Informed Choice
UK Midwives Information and Resource Service Informed Choice resources provide health professionals and pregnant women with an objective appraisal of the best available scientific evidence relating to 21 topics of pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. The professionals’ versions are fully referenced and designed as the basis for best practice, to open up and guide discussion, and as an aid to clinical decision-making. The women’s versions are factual and presented in an easy-to-read format to help expectant mothers understand their choices, consider their options, and be supported in making informed decisions.
- Natural Parenting Melbourne
- Optimum Birth
Doula training
- Women's Health Information Centre
Royal Women's Hospital free, confidential, statewide service for all women, offering advice, support and referral. Got a question? Ask a nurse or midwife by telephone or email. They also have a great free library where you can browse and borrow.
- Femail.com.au
Free Magazine For Every Woman. Articles for women of all ages and stages! Be informed on the latest Movies, Celebrity Interviews & Music, Plus Shopping, Fashion & Beauty. Mother, Baby & Family Articles, Freebies & Fabulous Competitions, Business & Finance, Love & Relationships, Health, Travel, Advice, plus join Free VIP club and virtual women's community.
- Natures Child
Nappies, Cloth Diapers, Birth Videos and Natural Baby Products at Natures Child
Find a Doula - Australia
Find a Doula - International
Hire a doula for caring labour and birth support in metropolitan Melbourne and country Victoria: Contact Birth By Nature
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