While pregnancy is often a time of excitement, it can also bring a multitude of physical and psychological challenges. I can offer you a safe and confidential space to unpack the many, sometimes conflicting, feelings that might be coming up for you during your pregnancy, as well as support you to start preparing for life after birth.
When the focus suddenly shifts from you and your wellbeing to being all about your baby/ies once they are born, it can come as a shock. I want you to know that you and your feelings and experiences still very much matter after birth. I believe it is incredibly important for long-term maternal health for someone to hold the mother while she holds her baby, and would love to provide this safe and nurturing space for you to be held.
* After clicking the ‘Book In-Person Session’ link, navigate to the ‘Counselling’ tab and search for Katie Parker’s name. In-person sessions are held at Warragul Wellness Centre (34 Mason Street, Warragul).
Babies are not born with a manual and you may at times wonder if you are qualified for the job of ‘parent’. I remember the moment so clearly when my partner and I looked at each other as we were about to leave the hospital with our son in his capsule, and half-joked if we were allowed out, alone, with our baby! It was honestly one of the most daunting moments of my life. Then came all the unsolicited (and often conflicting) advice about a whole range of matters, the most stressful one being our baby’s sleep. Doesn’t everyone have an opinion about that?!
If you find yourself unsure, unhappy, or anxious either during pregnancy or after your baby is born, please know that support is out there.
With nearly two decades of experience as a social worker, almost five years as a postpartum doula, and additional training in a wide range of perinatal and parenting related areas, I’ve helped countless mothers and parents navigate the often-complex transition to parenthood, whether with their first or fourth baby. It is my passion to provide you with the tools, resources and support that you need to enter parenthood feeling as confident and prepared as possible, while also offering a space for you to work through any challenges and uncertainty you may experience along the way.
I am not yet another health practitioner here to tell you what you ‘should’ be doing (or what your baby ‘should’ be doing either!). I am curious about what sort of parent you want to be and am here to support you to step into whatever this looks like for you. I can provide you with evidence-based information about baby sleep and development if this is what you’re seeking, but most important to me, is that you’re feeling supported to parent in a way that is aligned with your values and works for you and your family – without the side of judgment so many parents report receiving.
Some of the things I can support you with during your pregnancy and postpartum period include:
Perinatal refers to the period from conception to one-year post-birth. If you are more than one-year post-birth, I encourage you to explore my motherhood or parenting support sessions.
You do not need a GP referral to see me (although GPs are welcome to refer to me and I am always willing to chat with GPs in order to provide consistent and collaborative care with your consent).
You do not need a mental health diagnosis to access my services.
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I respectfully acknowledge the Gunaikurnai People who are the traditional owners of the land on which I live and work. I recognise their continued connection to Country and Community. I pay my respects to Elders past and present. I extend that same respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It always was, is and will be Aboriginal land.
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