https://www.melbournedoulacollective.com.au/home daily 1.0 2025-06-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ada0262c48063cb36dd2a0/1623982080700-X0730SR0K2K9LC4I3SEP/IMG_0240+copy+2.JPG Home Benefits to you and your family… Are you feeling overwhelmed by the enormous amount of conflicting information out there, a little unsure of what your options really are or how to go about putting together your birthing goals? We can help! Feel reassured that you have an experienced birth worker by your side and at the end of the phone as you need; feel supported knowing you have your very own sounding board for all of your questions; a listening ear when emotions are high and skilled hands to support you physically through labour. We can be your anchor to support you as you learn all there is to know about life with your newborn. We can connect you into local support services and professional help if needed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ada0262c48063cb36dd2a0/1623905775583-KJ0WCRJSRGW54VX465WN/f9c41f_63f9f3a4f66c464baa684d7cae46ba6a%7Emv2%5B1%5D.jpg Home hand-drawn armchair icon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ada0262c48063cb36dd2a0/1623905877349-Z57PZFYBYQK4QY91J2YD/BirthreadyGroupMarch2015+copy.JPG Home hand-drawn empty pill bottle icon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ada0262c48063cb36dd2a0/1623905995646-FXQA5CR9PTC223F588AE/6.jpg Home hand-drawn aim target icon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ada0262c48063cb36dd2a0/06c4a080-82ca-4a88-bee2-0bfad1f030f0/croppedKarlEmma.jpeg Home hand-drawn empty pill bottle icon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ada0262c48063cb36dd2a0/1623906221727-D55H6LMY4H2USM5QZFL7/Stephanie+%26+A+1.jpg Home hand-drawn simplified needles in back acupuncture icon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ada0262c48063cb36dd2a0/1621997915694-UD7DYJN385RZXBWCGKRU/ClaireSmHeadshot.png Home Portrait of elegant therapist wearing suit standing holding coffee cup and a folder and looking at camera. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ada0262c48063cb36dd2a0/1621998057281-U4WON0N98OBM66FA2BXF/StephSmHeadshot.png Home Portrait of pretty Caucasian therapist in elegant dress and smiling while standing at modern office. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ada0262c48063cb36dd2a0/1621998097144-90I783SH1DNA9TN33LQW/erikaSmHeadshot.png Home Portrait of handsome young smiling therapist holding smartphone and looking at camera. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ada0262c48063cb36dd2a0/1621998141884-ZEPBKN06YQZLMHHU1XCB/BethSmHeadshot.png Home Portrait of a millennial generation therapist with curly hair and eyeglasses looking at camera. https://www.melbournedoulacollective.com.au/about daily 0.75 2026-03-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ada0262c48063cb36dd2a0/1623982300296-QL4O0HFNV6KL6CX1A7HE/amy+me+hip+squeeze+copy.jpg About - The Evidence: “Doulas make a positive difference to a woman’s birth experience” The Cochrane Library report ‘Continuous Labor Support Reduces Risk of Cesarean Section and Other Adverse Outcomes in Women and Newborns’, reviewed 26 studies, with over 15,000 women, over 17 countries and found that “doula’s contribute to lower interventions and more satisfying birth experiences for the birthing mother”. ACOG – American College of Obstetrians and Gynecologists https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ada0262c48063cb36dd2a0/1623982341591-VH2WKM1E98FYE98VBX2T/bethany-31.jpg About - Who are we as a collective? Melbourne Doula Collective is an experienced group of passionate birth professionals providing a whole health, pregnancy to parenting service to families. We have been actively working together for the past 15 years, supporting each other, collaborating, sitting in circle and debriefing. If we are well and balanced, well researched, well rested we can support you better. We have a combined 50+ years of birth support and attended over 1000 births, these experiences have provided us with an in-depth awareness of how to optimise normal physiological birth in all types of environments (public and private hospitals, and home birth settings). We are respectful and collaborative communicators with your chosen birth team. We support you to navigate medical needs and interventions with respect, consent and emotional guidance. With a comprehensive range of skills and training within the group, and an extensive network of referrals for allied health and birth professionals across Melbourne, we have you covered. https://www.melbournedoulacollective.com.au/services daily 0.75 2025-06-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ada0262c48063cb36dd2a0/1623300655605-AOZ6IMSMKGDPKRQE390F/18835572_1911359209111698_1671910216585405044_n%5B1%5D.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ada0262c48063cb36dd2a0/1623301618102-NXOMRI6Y3CZ946QMSFWK/BirthreadyGroupMarch2015+copy.JPG https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ada0262c48063cb36dd2a0/1623300884103-D1IFRERAPHQE0ZY3LQ6Z/5.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ada0262c48063cb36dd2a0/95402f75-282c-4cae-b796-8e8b1c666ec8/croppedKarlEmma.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ada0262c48063cb36dd2a0/1623305772100-0DKJFCK8O8435JBPXDVO/IMG_0298+copy+3.JPG https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ada0262c48063cb36dd2a0/1623027927788-6IP2JAR8HQG1L11IZCNT/amy+in+water+and+me+supporting++copy.jpg Services - “I went from totally fearful to feeling empowered, educated and prepared. Our birth was a wonderful experience and I am sure I would not have had the same positive experience if it was not for Claire's knowledge and support." — Elyse, MDC CLIENT https://www.melbournedoulacollective.com.au/team daily 0.75 2026-03-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ada0262c48063cb36dd2a0/1623030901988-6H097NGXLI2VS5GWTBWY/stephanieclose.png Team - BIRTH & POSTNATAL DOULA, BIRTH PREPARATION, BIRTH DEBRIEFING, INFANT MASSAGE, BODYWORK Stephanie Norquay 20 + years experience Birthing my own children changed and enriched me in immeasurable ways. I am so inspired by the transformation a woman goes through as she becomes a mother and grateful for the opportunity to support parents to develop their own resources and instincts to navigate this unique time in their lives in the ways that feel right for them. With a deep commitment to helping build happy and healthy family relationships, I work with you to prepare positively for birth and parenting. Supporting you to understand your options and priorities for birth, develop strategies to work with your labour and create a safe and connected space together. I will listen to you without judgement, fully support any decisions you make along the way and help you to put steps in place for a softer landing in the early post-birth days. I look forward to connecting with you. Stephanie | 0412 619 174 | Melbourne’s Inner North Supporting women and families to birth in their chosen locations: Home birth across Melbourne / Public & Private hospitals of Melbourne https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ada0262c48063cb36dd2a0/1623042920543-C1BMMNY1RL9X29HJQ6SM/Erikaclose.png Team - BIRTH & RELATIONSHIP COUNSELLOR / PSYCHOTHERAPIST / EDUCATOR / DOULA Erika Munton BA Psychotherapy, LCCE 25+ years experience Mums and dads, together we build trust and teamwork to bridge the gap between the natural birth process, today’s model of care and what you want. From pregnancy to parenting, you can plan, prepare and experience this significant life change with more confidence, safety and skills. I am your ally and advocate, your educator, your human pain relief, comfort and encourager. I am here for you! Erika | 0407 658 933 | Eastern Region and Inner North (Ringwood) Supporting families to birth at Box Hill, Mercy, The Angliss, The Women’s, Dandenong, Casey, Frankston, & Monash Home birth: Melbourne, Mornington, Warragul & Yarra Ranges (travel fees may apply) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ada0262c48063cb36dd2a0/1623042967203-VTXI76OJ57QDBPRPEXNP/Bethany2.png Team - BIRTH DOULA, POSTNATAL DOULA, CHILDBIRTH EDUCATOR, HYPNO BIRTHING PRACTITIONER Bethany Meakin 17 years experience Having recently stepped back into the birth world after my own surprise baby in 2019 I am tuned in to the enormity of the road ahead. I have a new found respect for the overwhelm of pregnancy, the isolation and the fear of the unknown. I am here to walk beside you answering your questions, listen to you, build your confidence and to hold your hand. I am a huge advocate for childbirth education , hypnosis for birth and truly respect the power of quiet support. Bethany | 0411 128 182 | Located in Melbourne’s West Supporting women and families to birth at Sunshine Joan Kirner, Royal Women’s Hospital, Werribee Mercy, Box Hill Hospital and Homebirth across Melbourne and surrounds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ada0262c48063cb36dd2a0/1623030937829-NGIRGHSHV588IO1TU87X/bethany-77.jpg Team - DOULA, POSTNATAL DOULA, CHILDBIRTH EDUCATOR Claire Wyborn Pregnancy, birth, and becoming a mother are such impactful events in the life of a woman, it is vital that we pay attention to how important it is that women are lovingly respected, informed, and supported during this time. I understand there can be anxious moments, and my passion is to help normalise this experience, and to encourage you to trust your ability to give birth in the best way possible for you and your baby. Claire (no longer taking bookings) https://www.melbournedoulacollective.com.au/contact daily 0.75 2026-03-17 https://www.melbournedoulacollective.com.au/testimonials daily 0.75 2021-07-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ada0262c48063cb36dd2a0/1623317653986-2CLSTNKYMWL6PC263TIN/P+natal+supp.PNG Testimonials https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ada0262c48063cb36dd2a0/1623908692721-JXMJCLS4FMS41QOO5T42/steph.PNG Testimonials https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ada0262c48063cb36dd2a0/1623318976243-J8EXVGDCVN896V6O7Q12/boy.PNG Testimonials https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ada0262c48063cb36dd2a0/1625204912484-WDT22X6H0400ZN243ZSO/unsplash-image-Os2WMpNWpfM.jpg Testimonials https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ada0262c48063cb36dd2a0/1625205064811-JQ7GIZA34KFC4YPPO9NF/unsplash-image-hMebrpmG8iU.jpg Testimonials https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ada0262c48063cb36dd2a0/1625205682103-GX5I0D1EXM6BJDC5Y4VI/unsplash-image-Z39a7lqZusU.jpg Testimonials https://www.melbournedoulacollective.com.au/get-started daily 0.75 2024-05-23 https://www.melbournedoulacollective.com.au/services-1 daily 0.75 2024-05-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ada0262c48063cb36dd2a0/19273d64-36f1-4ffa-9462-10d697bed95d/tempImageiNVlbj.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ada0262c48063cb36dd2a0/1623301618102-NXOMRI6Y3CZ946QMSFWK/BirthreadyGroupMarch2015+copy.JPG https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ada0262c48063cb36dd2a0/1623300884103-D1IFRERAPHQE0ZY3LQ6Z/5.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ada0262c48063cb36dd2a0/93f4cd7f-b563-414a-877d-90b7c02f9ff0/Melbourne+Lifestyle+Maternity+Photography+%287+of+58%29.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60ada0262c48063cb36dd2a0/1623027927788-6IP2JAR8HQG1L11IZCNT/amy+in+water+and+me+supporting++copy.jpg Services (Copy) - “I went from totally fearful to feeling empowered, educated and prepared. Our birth was a wonderful experience and I am sure I would not have had the same positive experience if it was not for Claire's knowledge and support." — Elyse, MDC CLIENT https://www.melbournedoulacollective.com.au/our-approach daily 0.75 2025-05-13