Woonona mum Ashleigh Hinze knew having three kids under five would be tough, so she organised a doula to support her after the birth.
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Enter Briony Goodsell of The Nesting Place, who has long supported mothers before and during birth, but now specialises in postpartum care. She’s passionate about the idea of ‘’mothering the mother’’ and believes emotional and nutritional support can greatly reduce the effects of postpartum depression and anxiety.
‘’I’ve been working with mums-to-be for a decade, and I’ve seen the gap in care once they’re home alone with their newborn,’’ she said. ‘’It also comes from personal experience; I was overwhelmed after the birth of my first child and had issues with feeding, sleeping and settling.’’
One in seven new Australian mothers are diagnosed with postnatal depression, and Ms Goodsell believes many are afraid to ask for help.
‘’In many traditional cultures, new parents rely on a large support network. But that’s largely been lost in modern cultures.’’
Her service includes home visits to offer advice, practical support and nurturing.
Mrs Hinze said: ‘’Briony’s visits allowed me the chance to have some ‘me time’ each week, which helped me to be a happier and calmer mum and partner.’’
Ms Goodsell will run a free workshop for mums-to-be on March 15, 7-8.30pm at Manic Organic, Woonona.