Katie Allen Postpartum Doula

25/04/2026

Today we pause to remember those who landed on the shores of Gallipoli 111 years ago and those who have served and continue to serve in the Australian Defence Force.

I think of the families who have had family members serve overseas. Those families whose loved ones haven’t come home and those who live with their experience of service everyday.

To every single Australian who has served and continues to serve, thank you. Thank you for what you have given and continue to give our country.

Today I stand, I pause and I remember.

Lest we forget.

22/04/2026

Six baskets of washing.

That’s what’s currently sitting in my house right now.

And the truth is, I’m really good at folding and putting away my clients’ laundry but, not always my own.

Because when you’re in the thick of motherhood, those everyday tasks can quickly pile up and start to feel overwhelming.

As a postpartum doula, I mother the mother. I step in so you don’t have to spend your evenings folding six baskets of washing when you could be resting, bonding with your baby, or simply taking a moment for yourself.

I help lighten the load in practical, tangible ways so your days feel softer and more supported.

If you’re pregnant and due from July onwards, now is the time to start thinking about the kind of support you want in those early weeks.

What would it feel like to not carry it all on your own?

Send me a DM and let’s chat about how I can support you to truly thrive in postpartum.

20/04/2026

Part of being a postpartum doula is advocating for issues that are important to women. One issue that I continually see raised is the cost of pregnancy ultrasounds in Queensland.

In response to this issue being raised by many others, The Office of the Chief Midwife and Queensland and Maternal Perinatal Council is seeking to hear your feedback on access to first trimester nuchal scan. We are seeking your feedback on;

✨ Experiences accessing first‑trimester nuchal scans (including timing, availability, and location)
✨Out‑of‑pocket costs and the financial impact on families
✨ Impact on location (regional, rural and city areas)

To help us collate feedback please fill in this survey:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CFSQLQ6

The survey is open till this Sunday. Please share far and wide.

Thanks for your help.

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

19/04/2026

When you are pregnant, there is a lot of information that comes your way. Some helpful and some not. When you are an older woman who is pregnant there is even more information.

To be honest, the terminology of older woman is not one I like, but is the nicest terminology that is used in obstetrics. Has anyone heard of geriatric pregnancy or advanced maternal age?

Today I came across a really helpful blog post from sarawickham.com (one of my go to for evidence based pregnancy information) on induction for older women. If you fall into this category this is a really helpful read and a great one to share with anyone who needs to see it.

https://www.sarawickham.com/research-updates/induction-for-advanced-maternal-age/

Happy reading

Dr Sara Wickham looks at the recommendation for induction for advanced maternal age. Is there good evidence for this?

14/04/2026

Have you ever felt like you’re doing everything, but still going in circles?

That was me yesterday, out kayaking.
I thought I was helping paddle but I wasn’t getting us anywhere.

Postpartum can feel exactly the same.

You can be doing 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 and still feel overwhelmed, unsure, and a little lost. Wondering if you’re doing it “right,” while quietly wishing for someone to step in and help.

That’s where I come in 💜

As a postpartum doula, my focus is 𝘆𝗼𝘂.
Making sure you feel supported, nourished, and not like you’re paddling endlessly on your own.

Support can look like:
• meals and snacks to keep you going
• washing, folding, and resetting your space
• time with older siblings
• gentle guidance and education
• and most importantly—someone to listen, without judgement

Because you were never meant to do this alone.

If you’re pregnant, now is the perfect time to book.
I have availability from July, including the busier months of September and October.

And if you already have a baby (0–12 months) and you’re feeling stuck in that “going in circles” space, reach out. I do have a few limited spots available.

Let’s make sure you feel supported, steady, and held in your postpartum.

Send me a message and let’s chat 💜

13/04/2026

Miss S had the most incredible experience last month performing with Hudsons Circus three times. This week is the last week as they are closing due to rising costs.

This is a family business that supports families who are cast members. If you haven’t seen the show, and are able come along and let’s celebrate their last shows all at Orion Shopping Centre with a bang. They do great audience participation with Mr H making it up on stage and taking on Goldie the Clown.

If you aren’t near Springfield, jump on the Springfield train line and take a 50 cent ride.

09/04/2026

My bags are packed
I’m not late
Waiting to get to my departure gate
I’m leaving on a jet plane
Heading to New Zealand for a break

The time has come for me to head off to New Zealand for six days of relax and holidays. With no children and just my bestie you can guarantee chats with no interruptions, sleep ins, good NZ wine and no checking emails.

All emails will be responded to when I am back at work on Friday 17th.

30/03/2026

Thank you to this brave woman who stood up and said ENOUGH is ENOUGH. You have made a difference and hopefully this will make individual practitioners and health services take notice that coercion has no space in labour and birth.

Women this is your reminder that if something doesn’t feel right in pregnancy you don’t have to do it.

Hopefully this decision is the start of a real change.

For anyone who is reading this article and it makes you feel uncomfortable please be kind to yourself or reach out via DM.

Forced vaginal exam = battery and assault and negligence

There was a significant decision made in the Supreme Court of Victoria last week.

A woman had been forced to have a vaginal exam when presenting at hospital. The hospital midwife had withheld access to her continuity of care midwife, birth suite and pain relief until she complied.

The court found that consent cannot be obtained under coercion and found Bendigo Health liable for battery and assault and negligence. A likely precedent in this space. The health service was ordered to pay $275K + costs.

Far too often, strong-arm tactics are used to get women to comply to vaginal exams, including refusing admission to birth suite, to water immersion, or to pain relief. Many women, advocates, lawyers and staff have been saying for a long time that this is not okay; no does in fact mean no, and a yes under coercion /= consent. The court agrees.

Let's address the unfounded rhetoric we have already heard from factions of the maternity space
- women just need to be more educated in the antenatal space. [errrh, no. Yuck. Victim blamey. Just don't digitally pe*****te someone without cosent?!]
- drs need to be more involved in conversations in the antenatal period [errr, for what purpose? No means no, whether it is to a midwife or dr. Women don't need any additional pressure applied to them before they even get to hospital].

I think all staff and services should be on notice. If thousands of women's stories to multiple maternity inquiries across the country hasn't shifted the dial, perhaps it will be the litigation payouts that will.

Thank you to the brave woman that persued this. It was just as much about her own justice as it was for every other woman that has been subjected to forced procedures during maternity "care".

28/03/2026

With only four days left of the school term, consider this your (and my 😅) friendly reminder to go and buy the Easter eggs now.

Trust me, trying to find Easter eggs on Easter Saturday is not a relaxing experience

Also, how are we already at Easter?! This year is flying 🐣

What are you doing to celebrate this year? 👇