Alana Healthcare

29/10/2025

📣 Did you know that pregnancy changes a woman’s biology permanently?

Fetal cells cross into the mother’s body and can remain for decades — a process called FETAL MICROCHIMERISM.

These cells have been found in the mother’s heart, brain, liver, and skin. They may help heal injuries, but also play a role in autoimmune disease. A mother’s body, quite literally, becomes a mosaic of her children. 💚

Read more about it here: https://www.alanahealthcare.com.au/2025/10/29/fetal-microchimerism/

22/10/2025

This morning vs this afternoon. Well done to all the patients on their collective efforts! 💪🏼
Next puzzle level unlocked 🔓

16/10/2025

Today’s floral gift 💐💕

15/10/2025

Periods: when to seek help
With A/Prof Erin Nesbitt-Hawes

04/10/2025

🌸 Birth trauma isn’t always about medical emergencies — often, it’s about how you felt during your birth.

Feeling unheard, pressured, or disappointed when things didn’t go as planned can leave a lasting mark, even when everyone is healthy.

In our latest blog, we explore the most common — and often surprising — causes of birth trauma, including:
💡 Overly rigid birth plans
💡 Not feeling able to trust your care team
💡 Harmful cultural beliefs about “good” births, pain relief and birth interventions
💡 Antenatal classes that don’t prepare you for all scenarios
Plus, we share our “10 ways to protect your mental health in birth”.

✨ Read it here ➡ https://www.alanahealthcare.com.au/2025/10/01/whats-really-behind-birth-trauma/

Let’s start talking about birth experiences that leave women feeling empowered, not traumatised. 💕

30/09/2025

🌸 Introducing Dr Sara Ooi 🌸

We are delighted to welcome the lovely Dr Sara Ooi to the Alana team!

Sara will be joining Minke, Neetika and Erin as the 4th member of the wonderful Alana Obstetrics Group Practice! 💕

Alana Obstetrics offers a unique model of care with the collective expertise of (now) four specialist obstetricians, as well as midwifery and physiotherapy (among other things), with significant benefits for mother and baby.

Sara brings a wealth of expertise in compassionate, warm, and patient-centred care. With her commitment to supporting women through every stage of their journey, we are excited to welcome Sara as part of our collaborative group practice.

Please join us in giving Sara a warm welcome to Alana. 😊💐

📞 Appointments with Dr Sara Ooi are available from 6th November 2025 – contact our rooms on 02 9009 5255 to find out more.

29/09/2025

23/09/2025

In case anyone was wondering, we at Alana do not agree with Trump’s claims regarding paracetamol. They are misleading and unhelpful. This is a statement from the Australian college that explains the science behind it. Feel free to chat to your obstetrician if you would like more clarity.

The Trump administration has made highly controversial claims about the causes of autism and ADHD, asserting that paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen) use during pregnancy increases the risk of children being diagnosed as neurodivergent.

RANZCOG joins leading clinicians and scientists worldwide in rejecting these claims. Scientific evidence shows no link between paracetamol use in pregnancy and autism or ADHD during childhood, with several large and reliable studies directly contradicting the administration’s statement.

The causes of neurodivergence are incompletely understood and remain complex, involving both genetic and environmental factors. Earlier studies raising concerns about paracetamol could not determine whether the medicine itself was responsible, or whether other factors explained the association.

A much larger and stronger study, published in 2024 by Ahlqvist and colleagues, looked at 2.5 million children in Sweden. When they accounted for important factors like family history of autism/ADHD and sibling comparisons, they found no link between paracetamol use during pregnancy and children developing autism or ADHD.

The use of medications during pregnancy should always balance the potential benefits against any potential harms - both of the medication and of the condition being treated - to the mother and the fetus. The Ahlqvist study provides conclusive evidence that paracetamol use during pregnancy does not increase the chance of neurodivergence in the offspring and therefore should be considered safe to use in pregnancy where there is a clear reason to do so.

People who are uncertain about medication use in pregnancy should discuss this with their doctor or midwife.

Learn more in a statement on the College’s website: https://ranzcog.edu.au/news/paracetamol-use-in-pregnancy/

17/09/2025

Telehealth: a women’s health game-changer — or a compromise?

Video appointments can save time, reduce travel, and connect you with specialists from anywhere. But some health concerns still need in-person care.

The key is finding the right balance — using telehealth for convenience, and face-to-face appointments when hands-on assessment is needed.

We break down the pros, cons, and how to make telehealth work best for you in our latest blog.

📲 https://www.alanahealthcare.com.au/2025/09/17/telehealth-for-womens-health/

10/09/2025

💛 R U OK? Day – A gentle reminder for all women

Life’s demands can feel relentless — caring for others, juggling work, managing households, and navigating your own health. It’s easy to hide exhaustion behind a smile.

Today, we want to remind you: you matter, your feelings matter, and it’s always okay to ask for help.

Whether you’re recovering from childbirth, living with chronic pain, navigating menopause, or coping with an invisible struggle — your mental health is just as important as your physical health.

Take a moment today to check in with yourself, and reach out to another woman in your life with a genuine:
“I’ve been thinking about you — how are you really going?”

Small conversations can make a big difference. 💛

If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available:
📞 Lifeline 13 11 14
📞 Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
📞 PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) 1300 726 306