Personalised support throughout your pregnancy, birth and early parenting experience.
SERVICES
Welcome to Connected Journey Doula & Counselling Service
My name is Melissa Russell and I am a doula/birth attendant, breastfeeding educator/counsellor and social worker.
I offer a range of professional services for pregnancy, birth and parenthood including:- Labour, birth and postnatal doula support
- Childbirth education and/or birth options
- Breastfeeding Information & support
- Counselling &/or birth debriefing
- Workshops & Groups
- Birth pool hire.
I am located in Berwick and service Melbourne as well as the Mornington Peninsula, Phillip Island and West Gippsland regions.
HOW CAN A DOULA SUPPORT YOU?A doula is a woman who is trained and experienced in childbirth who provides continuous emotional, physical and informational support during pregnancy, birth and throughout the early weeks of parenthood.
Studies* show that when doulas attend births; labours are shorter, women have fewer interventions and mothers feel more satisfied with their birth experience. Statistics include a:
- 50% reduction in caesarean rate
- 25% shorter labour
- 60% reduction in epidural requests
- 40% reduction in oxytocin use (induction of labour)
- 30% reduction in analgesia use
- 40% reduction in forceps delivery
- improved breastfeeding
- decreased incidence of postnatal depression
- greater maternal satisfaction
- better mother-infant interaction
*Mothering the Mother, "How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier and Healthier Birth’ ~ ’Klaus, Kennell and Klaus
ABOUT MELISSA RUSSELL'S BIRTH SUPPORT
I believe pregnancy and birth is an intense, powerful and unique experience to every woman.
I am passionate about every mother finding her own path. Being provided with good information; having your choices respected and feeling confident in your body and the process of birth are ways to guide and navigate this process. I have an innate trust in birth and understand that your individual journey is the right one for you. It is deeply moving to witness the power of birth and the transformation this process brings to a mother.
The relationship you have with me, as your doula, is the foundation of my support. I focus on what is most important to you. As a doula I aspire to journey with you throughout your pregnancy and birthing experiences; to be guided by you, to listen to you, to respect you and nurture you - whatever your birth choices and however your unique journey unfolds. Drawing on my knowledge and experience about the process of birth and how the maternity system works, I endeavor to 'hold the space' in your chosen birth place, to create a safe and gentle environment for you to birth your baby, and in doing so open a pathway for you to discover your own birthing power.
Are you interested in attending independent birth preparation classes?
Positive Birth: Empowered Birth Preparation for Couples
Yoga Plus and Connected Journey Doula and Counselling Service present:
This interactive, educational and fun workshop is designed to inform and empower you and your birth partner in preparation for the birth of your baby.
This workshop creates an opportunity for you to build on your knowledge, resources and confidence to enhance your birthing experience, in a small and supportive environment.
Some of the topics we will cover:
- understanding the process of normal birth
- working with your instincts and creating your own labour rhythm
- learning and practicing a variety of comfort measures
- active labour/birth techniques and yoga inspired birthing positions
- the role of your support people
BIRTH DE-BRIEFING
The journey of pregnancy and birth is not only a physical process, but also an emotional, psychological and spiritual process. Birth is a peak moment in a woman's life and for many women, the way they feel about their birth experience has far reaching affects on other aspects of their life. Having the opportunity to share your birth story, particularly if you have experienced a traumatic birth or your expectations of your birth were not met, is an important part of healing.
Birth de-briefing may be a one-off session or run over several sessions depending on your needs.
Testimonial
"I was fortunate to have Melissa as my doula at the birth of my first baby, she was calm, caring and a great source of support. During my pregnancy Melissa played a large role in developing my confidence in my body's ability to give birth. She spent time with my partner and myself and provided as much information as we asked for. During the labour Melissa made me feel strong, confident, reassured and capable. She worked collaboratively with our midwives and knew when to offer my husband and I support. I had a long labour, and Melissa stayed with us during the early stages of labour right through until the baby arrived. After our baby was born Melissa was fantastic at providing breastfeeding support and came to our home for several postnatal visits. We will definitely use Melissa again when we decide to have a second baby"
first-time mum November 2009
*** FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OTHER SERVICES I PROVIDE PLEASE VISIT MY WEBSITE www.connectedjourney.com.au
QUALIFICATION DETAILS
Practicing Doula/Birth Attendant (Dial a Doula)
Certificate IV Breastfeeding Education (Counselling)
Bachelor of Social Work
Antenatal Classes, Counselling, Doulas, Womens Health
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