A doula’s role is different from that of a midwife or obstetrician. Rather than providing medical care, they’re there for practical, emotional and informational support before, during or after birth.
And not all doulas do the same thing. Some focus on preparing for and supporting birth, others step in during the postnatal weeks, and some offer both. There are also different approaches, from private birth education and breastfeeding support to nourishing meals and in-home postpartum care.
Here are some of the doulas, birth support services and training options available to Shire families.
In this guide
Birth doula, since 2006
Natural Beginnings
Virginia Maddock from Natural Beginnings has been supporting Shire women through pregnancy, birth and the postnatal weeks since 2006, which makes her one of the longest serving and most experienced doulas in the area.
Her particular interests include natural birth, water birth, VBAC and home birth, with her doula care combining evidence-based information with practical preparation and ongoing support.
Virginia also has a background in natural healing and offers bodywork, childbirth education and birth photography, along with techniques to encourage baby into an optimal position for birth.
In her own words, she brings wisdom, humour, storytelling, intuition and evidence-based information together, so couples can face the birth of their child with calm and confidence.
Birth preparation & doula support
Creative Birth Services
Rebekah from Creative Birth Services supports families with the many decisions that can come with preparing for birth.
Her services include Birth Options Consultations, doula support and Beer + Bubs classes, with education covering topics such as birth settings, labour, hypnobirthing, partner preparation and understanding your options.
Sessions can be booked directly through her online calendar.
MOTS offer: Save $50 on a Birth Options Consultation, plus receive 10% off any Beer + Bubs class or doula service with code MOT10.
Birth & postpartum doula, Como
Nourished Feels
Paola is a certified birth and postpartum doula and experienced yoga teacher based in Como.
Through Nourished Feels, she offers personalised doula care alongside pregnancy yoga, Mother Blessings, Wise Woman Nourishment and postpartum support.
Her postnatal care can include seasonal meals and traditional healing practices, with a focus on rest, recovery and nourishment for the mother during the early weeks after birth.
A complimentary Doula Connect Call is available if you’d like to talk through what you’re looking for and learn more about her approach.
MOTS offer: Your first pregnancy yoga class is free with code MOTS26.
Birth & postnatal doula training
Julie Clarke
Julie Clarke offers flexible Birth & Post Natal Doula training for women looking to turn their interest in pregnancy, birth and supporting families into a new career.
The course can be studied from home at your own pace, with in-person training also available in Sutherland. Julie provides personal support, guidance and mentoring throughout, with no exams or formal assessments.
Most students complete the course in around two months, with up to a year allowed, and the training also covers how to get started with your own doula business.
BIRTH & POSTPARTUM DOULA · CRONULLA & THE SHIRE
The Collective W
The Collective W, Women • Wisdom • Wellness, was created around one simple idea: Move. Birth. Belong. So women feel confident in their bodies, supported through birth, and connected to one another in every season of life.
Founder Bianca Ducharme is a Women’s Health Pilates Specialist, Prenatal Yoga Teacher and Birth Doula, bringing a steady, judgement-free presence to every woman she supports.
Bianca blends doula support with breath-led movement and evidence-informed care. Her signature closed-group Embodied4™ Prenatal and Embodied8™ Postpartum programs, with the latter launching later this year, run a few times a year for women wanting more structured, in-depth guidance.
Birth & postnatal doula, lactation counsellor
At Your Side Doula Services
Grace Bartlett is a local mum of two, qualified birth and postnatal doula and lactation counsellor. She is also currently completing a Diploma of Counselling.
Her services include birth doula support, postnatal care, private birth education, one-to-one breastfeeding classes and in-home breastfeeding support.
Grace also offers pregnancy-only support for families who want more preparation and education during pregnancy but don’t necessarily want a doula present at their birth.
A free, obligation-free introductory chat is available before booking.
Postpartum doula, in-home
The Golden Month
Faye from The Golden Month provides in-home postpartum doula support to families across the Sutherland Shire, with her care focused on supporting the mother through recovery and the early weeks with a new baby.
Sessions are tailored to what you need on the day and can include nourishing meals, newborn care guidance and practical support while you rest.
MOTS offer: Receive $50 off any postpartum support package.
Pregnancy, Birth & Beyond in the Sutherland Shire
Doula support is just one part of our Pregnancy, Birth & Beyond Guide. You’ll also find fertility services, obstetricians and midwives, antenatal education, pregnancy and postnatal health, feeding support, mental health services, photographers, baby services and more.
