Empower yourself to gift life-long health to your baby and future generations through knowledge and support. As a midwife of 30 years’ experience, in the UK and in Australia, I now specialize in prenatal education and postnatal breastfeeding support. The importance of the human microbiome in our understanding of human health and disease has been steadily gaining traction in all fields of health-re
lated research in recent years. I am dedicated to raising awareness of how women can prepare for birth in a way which will minimize the risk of interventions that can impact negatively both on breastfeeding, and on the optimal development of a healthy infant microbiome. The programs I offer draw strongly on current research. They help women and partners prepare for birth empowered by an understanding of how a healthy microbiome in pregnancy, a birth with minimal intervention, and a gentle transition of mother and baby into breastfeeding, set the foundation for well-being and joy in the post-birth family and, life-long health for the new baby, as well as future generations. I am one of the first certified ‘Microbirth Approved Providers’ which means that I have an understanding about the importance of the microbiome during pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and beyond, and how this can be supported. I share this understanding through the new Microbirth education course created by Toni Harman of Microbirth.com. The vital role breastfeeding plays in supporting the development of a healthy infant microbiome is increasingly evident. I am a strong believer that breastfeeding can be a satisfying, joyful and pain-free experience when new mothers are properly prepared and supported in their breastfeeding journey. I offer this preparation and support following the gentle approach of The Thompson Method as a guide. Whilst working in mainstream maternity care I witnessed so many women suffer pain, frustration, and disappointment during their breastfeeding journey. So, discovering Dr. Robyn Thompson’s ground-breaking research came as a breath of fresh air! A key recommendation that emerged is to stop the widespread use of forceful techniques when guiding babies to the breast. This is proving to be a total game changer for many women all around the world thanks to The Thompson Method’s education and support programs. The Thompson Method presents an understanding of how nature has designed breastfeeding to work in a beautiful synergy between mother and baby who are recognised as unique individuals that are uniquely attuned to each other. It is a very gentle approach which helps avoid the common breastfeeding complications that can occur, particularly when birthing in the hospital system. It restores each mother’s unique and instinctive knowledge to central place within the birth and breastfeeding experience. As a Certified Thomson Method Breastfeeding Educator, I am dedicated to raising awareness of how women, and their partners, can prepare for birth in a way which minimizes the risk of the complications that can impact on the breastfeeding Journey. I work with pregnant women to share understanding of how what happens around birth, has an immense influence on the breastfeeding experience that follows. In The Thompson Method’s ‘Beautiful Breastfeeding Program’ we explore how women can become empowered to avoid unnecessary interventions and minimize complications that could negatively impact the transition to breastfeeding. Both programs are offered online, and also in-person to clients in my locality. To find out more or to arrange a discovery phone call, please email me at josie@gentlenesting.com.au or message me via this page. I live with my family in North Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. When I am not working with ‘nesting’ women, I love walking on our beautiful local foreshore and enjoying my garden with the many birds that make it home.
