In a time of social isolation how are pregnant, birthing and newborn mamas accessing the care and support they need and deserve? How have the services that have usually been offered in our community changed? After all, it is not business as usual but as is natural, birth continues.
Mamatotos, the perfectly descriptive Swahili word for “mother and baby as one unit” need to be protected, supported and honoured especially during this crisis.
So,where do women go to benefit from ante-natal yoga, breastfeeding support, emotional care and more? The trusted local birthworkers have shown how adaptable and creative in adjusting to the current crisis they are.
Below are links to local ONLINE free, discounted or fully paid services and events. We have also included links to online services provided from outside our community. We encouage you to get in touch with the local services where you can.
This is not an exhaustive list so if we have missed a birthworker or business who have taken their services online or on the phone, please email us at betterbirthsillawarra@gmail.com or send us a message on our Facebook page or Instagram.
Lactation support
Louise David - Lactation Consultancy and support via Skype or Facetime 0402 704 826
Nurture and Grow are now holding their lactation consultations via Zoom
Check out the Australian Breastfeeding Association Illawarra Facebook page for the next online get together or for their other services check their website.
Birth education for families
Illawarra Birth Classes are holding their birth classes on Zoom, have reduced their pricing and have a Discount code for thoese families financially affected by COVID-19
Mamatoto Retreat with Melissa Field from the Milton area is offering online pre-natal yoga classes, hypnobirthing resources, womens circles and more.
Education for dads
Nat Harris - Beers and Bubs Online Childbirth education event for dads. Bookings are available April 16th, May 13th and June 6th.
Pre-Conception through to Postpartum
The Nesting Place is offering “The First Days: Free Preparing for our Postpartum” Workshop on Wednesday April 8 and Online Sacred Mama Circle on April 25 plus more on the website
Trudy Legaudi - Full Spectrum Doula Is offering 1:1 distance calls for support on fertility treatment, pre-conception and the whole journey through to post-partum care.
Younga Yoga is live-streaming their popular 6 Week Prenatal Yoga + Birth Skills course with Deb Young starting next Tuesday. Stretch and Glow Yoga is their online platform of 50+ prenatal yoga lessons. There is a free 7 day trial.
Brave Psychology is providing telehealth psychology with a mental health plan for pregnant women and women with a baby under 12 months.
Founder of the Positive Birth Movement, Milli Hill have a payment option to access the Positive Birth COVID-19 Rescue Pack of hypnobirthing tracks, practical tools and knowledge.
Mothers Groups and Circles for pregnant and newborn mamas
Cherish Birth is holding the Mamas Lounge every Wednesday from 1pm. Go to Alyssa’s Facebook page to get in touch and join other pregnant and newborn mamas with a cuppa in your lounge room
Join the Wollongong Region Homebirth Group to be part of a community of homebirth parents, birth workers, and people who are interested in homebirth. Monthly sharing circles are held.
Mamatoto Support for Birth in Crisis is an incredibly supportive Facebook community for ALL pre-conception, pregnant, birthing and newborn mothers. It is a safe space for Mamatotos - the Swahili word for mother and baby as one - to share their experiences, ask for help, guidance and support from birth support workers such as midwives, doulas, lactation consultants, yoga teachers etc.