The sisters providing you with support.
Picture yourself and your newborn, snuggled up together and bonding beautifully, undistracted, and feeling confident. We help make this a reality by providing a dedicated professional that visits your home, and whose sole purpose is to look after YOU.
The team at Melbourne Postpartum Services specialise in postpartum doula support, breastfeeding assistance, solving excessive newborn cry/fuss struggles, and parent mental health support. With our backgrounds as a registered nurse and qualified social worker, we bring to you the best evidence-based, empathic, and nourishing care possible.
Our Team
Postpartum Doula, Newborn Care Specialist, Social Worker, Mum of Two
Rachael Andrewartha
Rachael is a strong advocate for changing the negative ways that the postpartum period is often viewed. She has set out to change (for the better) how parents in the postpartum period are supported so that what is often feared, can actually be enjoyed.
With over a decade of experience supporting families in the public system, and by going through the transition to motherhood herself, Rachael is deeply familiar with the physical, emotional and relational challenges that the newborn period can bring.
She is committed to providing high level support and resources so that every family can be prepared and know the essentials of a positive postpartum experience.
Rachael is a graduate of Julia Jones Newborn Mother’s Program, RMIT with honors in Social Science ( Psychology) and Social Work, and is a member of Doula network of Australia
Postpartum Doula, Baby Whisperer, Registered Nurse, Mum of Three
Melissa Hoffman, RN
Melissa has a heart for supporting people through life’s big (and tough) changes, as demonstrated through her 15 years as a specialized nurse in the public hospital system. She knows from personal experience that each addition to the family brings big changes! Adjusting takes time and often requires support. Melissa is passionate about giving the gift of time to each family she serves – time to get to know your littlest one, alongside time to heal and lean in to all the positives that the postpartum period has to offer.
Melissa is on a mission to empower parents to enjoy the early newborn days. She helps parents from all backgrounds discover their own parenting styles and options that suit their family, while simultaneously sharing evidence-based resources that parents can trust and reduce the overwhelm.
Practicing as a nurse, alongside being a mother to three, has given Melissa the toolbox and ability to meet other mothers, no matter where they are physically and emotionally, in a way that helps them become the parent they want to be.
Melissa is a graduate of The Doula Academy of Australia, graduate of ACU, with additional specialist certification from La Trobe Uni and is a Doula Network of Australia member.
Connect with our Vision, Mission and Values? Can you see yourself as part of the Melbourne Postpartum Services team?
Have you heard of a Postpartum Doula before? What are their Essential Qualities?
I want to reassure you that we at Melbourne Postpartum services are professionals and value high-quality care. Sometimes the term ‘doula’ can be off-putting or confusing because many people don’t have a clear picture of who they are and what they do. Let me put your mind at ease.
A postpartum doula, sometimes called a postnatal doula, is a professional! (But they can often feel like the best friend or mother you deeply desire, someone to gently mentor and guide you through this major life transition.)
Here is a list of essential qualities of a postpartum doula:
1. Empathy: A doula should be able to understand and connect with their clients on an emotional level, providing support and understanding throughout the pregnancy and postnatal period.
2. Patience: Pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum can be a long and sometimes difficult process, so it's important for a doula to be patient and able to support their clients for extended periods of time.
3. Physical endurance: Doulas may be required to be on their feet for long periods of time, and may need to assist with physical tasks
4. Communication skills: A doula should be able to clearly communicate with their clients, as well as other members of the healthcare team, family, and support network in order to provide the best support possible.
5. Knowledge of newborns: A doula should have a good understanding of and lived experience with newborns. They should be able to provide information and support to their clients that is relevant and evidence-based
6. Flexibility: Every postpartum experience is unique, and a doula should be able to adapt to the needs of their clients and the changing circumstances of the family.
Be rest assured the professionals at Melbourne Postpartum Services have all these qualities and more.
