Imaging giving birth feeling relaxed, calm, prepared, organised and even joyful! It really is possible.
With more than 30 years’ experience as a Doula and parent educator, Julie Clarke has welcomed more than ten thousand babies into the world. Her philosophy is simple; focus on the needs of the mother, baby and father. Something which is surprisingly uncommon in traditional medical environments, when the needs of the hospital can often come first.
EASING ANXIETY THROUGH EMPOWERMENT
Based at her home studio in Sylvania, Julie offers a range of birthing and parenting courses to help ease any anxiety associated with becoming a parent.
She said: “For most pregnant women, even those who already have children, the labour and birth process can be overwhelming. Working with parents, it is my goal to provide them with a wholesome, enriching, supportive and positive experience. Having a sense of empowerment from being well-informed and thus lessening any potential anxiety.”
HOLISTIC AND THOROUGH PREPARATION
Julie’s Transition Into Parenthood course covers all labour and birth support strategies for women and their partners, together with positive guidance to get you through the first 12 months of being a parent. Her Mindful Hypnobirth course is centred on the belief that woman can experience birth through the natural flow and rhythm of their labouring body; to release birthing over to their mind and body and to trust their body to function as it was intended to.
This course is founded on research from neuroscience, midwifery, obstetrics and epigenetics; and uses the extensive understanding of the relaxation response and its influence on birth.
Julie explained that the courses are designed to complement each other. She said: “Both the Transition into Parenthood and the Mindful Hypnobirth course can be taken in tandem for holistic, and thorough preparation for the arrival of your baby. The content is extensive and goes way beyond that of the traditional hospital courses.”
She continued: “One of the best endorsements, is that these classes are the one that midwives themselves bring their own partners to truly prepare them in the easiest, most positive way, so they know what to do and say during labour.”
Julie Clarke’s antenatal classes are delivered in a variety of formats and times depending on your needs and availability. They can be condensed into a weekend or taken over consecutive weeks.
Classes are in small relaxed groups of 6 – 8 couples, allowing for one-on-one attention and tailored advice. The best time to attend is between 25 and 35 weeks pregnant, although it can be flexible for those with hectic schedules.
A WEALTH OF INFORMATION
BECOME A DOULA
If you would like to play your own part in making pregnancy and childbirth the celebratory experience it is meant to be for other women, you could train to be a Doula.
Doulas are professionally trained women who provide support before, during, and after delivery. Research has shown that Doulas help women have positive birth experiences, decrease the need for pain medication, improve breastfeeding success, and reduce the need for cesarean sections and other invasive procedures.
Julie runs a fun and fascinating 10-week course, at the Doula Academy of Australia.
FURTHER INFORMATION
If you wish to know more about any of Julie Clarke’s course visit: www.julieclarke.com.au or you can contact her directly and in confidence on 0401 265 530 / [email protected]
