With You Midwifery

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Mount Eliza, VIC
With You Midwifery

Complete pregnancy, birth & postnatal care on the Mornington Peninsula. We empower, support and care for you with a unique personal-Midwife model of care.

With You Midwifery provides an alternative model of pregnancy care for women and families on the Mornington Peninsula. With one-on-one education, support, guidance and continuity of Midwife care, With You Midwifery have made it their mission to be available, to listen, to encourage and to have faith in your body. Penelope Watson is an Endorsed Midwife with over 20 years experience as a Midwife. Yo

u can receive private, one-on-one care from the moment you are pregnant until your baby is six weeks old. This includes prescription capabilities and ordering of ultrasounds, investigations and routine tests. Postnatally, Pene's support continues with in home support and care after discharge (up to six weeks) including all wellbeing checks of mum and bub.

11/05/2025

In recognition of all People - Women, Mothers, Gender Diverse, Carers, Aunts, Grand Mothers, those no longer with us- today, for all the things you do throughout your days to support, care, raise, teach and guide. You are looked up to and treasured dearly!

05/05/2025

In celebration of International Midwives day - the 5th of May - this special photo of my maternal Grandmother, meeting my first daughter, and also her birthday.
Then me meeting my first grandchild!
As a midwife I feel blessed to be a part of many families first meetings!

13/08/2024

As women prepare for motherhood, it’s vital to arm ourselves with knowledge, support and community.

That’s why we’re thrilled to invite you to our FINAL event of the season: WithYou Talks #6: The Fourth Trimester – happening in just 4 days!

What Will You Learn?

🩵 How to manage feelings of inadequacy in the postpartum period?
🩵 How to support your physical and mental recovery after childbirth?
🩵 Which foods and nutritional practices best support recovery?
🩵 What signs should partners watch for to ensure new mothers are coping well?
🩵 How can family and support networks best assist during the postpartum period?

Why Attend?

Don’t miss this final event, where you’ll gain invaluable insights from five Mornington Peninsula knowledge specialists who understand the complexities of the postpartum period:

💙 Emotional and Mental Wellbeing: Learn from Dr. Nicole Canin on how to manage feelings of inadequacy and anxiety that many new mothers face. Understand the importance of mental health during this critical time.

💙 Physical Recovery: Hear from Tori Everard about the importance of pelvic floor rehabilitation and how it impacts your long-term health. Discover strategies to support your body as it heals.

💙 Nutrition for Recovery: Sara Flynn will share key nutritional tips to help you recover physically, replenish energy and support hormonal balance.

💙 Real Stories: Listen to Rachel Rayson’s personal journey and the impact of having the right support after a challenging birth. Gain practical advice on navigating unexpected challenges.

Don’t miss this opportunity to prepare yourself for the most transformative phase of your life. Secure your spot today and join a community of women supporting women.

🗓️ Thursday 15th August
⏰ 6:30pm arrival, 7-8pm talk
📍 The Nook Gallery, Mornington
🎟️ Tickets via link in bio

Or copy-paste the following:
https://events.humanitix.com/withyou-talks-6-fourth-trimester

Want more reason to go?
We have a special discount code for you! Bring along a friend or partner FOR FREE!

Just use the access code: WITHYOUFRIEND

Can't wait to be with you,
Pen x

05/08/2024

RACHEL'S STORY ✨

Rachel came to With You Midwifery in August 2018, pregnant with her first baby. With a nursing background and experience in a busy surgical ward, she understood the importance of continuity of care throughout her pregnancy.

Eager to learn everything she could, our appointments were filled with chatter and questions. Despite her medical knowledge, the processes of labour, birthing, and newborn care were new to her.

Rachel went into spontaneous labour and experienced intense contractions for several hours before calling for an epidural. Labour was nothing like she had anticipated. It’s different for every woman and every labour. While we can tell you what to expect, it isn’t an exact science.

Rachel’s labour didn’t progress as expected, leading to an emergency caesarean section. While we discussed the possibility of a caesarean, the recovery details were still challenging for her.

With her partner on paternity leave but limited other family support, Penny’s postnatal home visits became a crucial safety net for Rachel during the six weeks after hospital discharge.

Rachel, being fit and active, found it difficult to be restricted in her movements. Her physical recovery went well, but emotionally and mentally, the journey was tough. The baby was often unsettled, crying a lot, and breastfeeding was a challenge due to the baby’s wriggling and vomiting.

Getting outside for walks with the baby in the pram, enjoying the fresh air and sunshine, provided Rachel some relief. However, it was Penny’s reassuring and supportive weekly visits that offered the friendly face and comfort she needed.

While you may never feel completely prepared for childbirth and postpartum, it’s vital to prepare the best you can and consider all scenarios. Talk with your family, friends, and care providers about your needs. Even if you don’t end up needing everything, having those discussions can make a world of difference.

Rachel is now the proud mum of 2, and With You Midwifery has been with her the whole way! X

01/08/2024

Only 1 week until the FINAL event of the season, WithYou Talks #6: Fourth Trimester! Don’t miss this celebration of knowledge and community.

🎟️ Get your tickets today!

Link in bio, or copy-paste:
https://events.humanitix.com/withyou-talks-6-fourth-trimester

Pen x

28/07/2024

🌸 Navigating the Emotional Waves of the Fourth Trimester 🌸

The emotional ups and downs during the Fourth Trimester — baby blues, mood swings, postpartum anxiety, or depression — can take many women by surprise. These feelings can be subtle or extreme, impacting your wellbeing in ways that may concern you and your loved ones.

Each woman experiences postpartum recovery differently, needing unique care and support. It’s crucial to have open discussions about mental health with your partner and family before the baby arrives. The more people aware of what you might go through, the better support you’ll have.

Seek support from these wonderful community resources:

Maternal & Child Health Nurse (MCHN)
Your GP
Your Midwife
COPE: https://www.cope.org.au/
PANDA: https://panda.org.au/
ABA: http://breastfeeding.asn.au
Local Parenting Groups

Remember, YOU matter. YOU are important. YOUR family needs you.

Join us for WithYou Talks #6: Fourth Trimester – the final event of the season! Celebrate Mornington Peninsula's community of supportive women and practitioners. Don’t miss out on this empowering experience!

https://events.humanitix.com/withyou-talks-6-fourth-trimester

25/07/2024

Nutrition and Hydration in the Fourth Trimester!

By the time your little one arrives, your body has given its all. Now, it's time to focus on recovery and replenishment. Here's how to nourish yourself during the Fourth Trimester:

🌱 Nutritious Whole Food Meals: Think protein, healthy fats, zinc, Vitamin C, Haem iron, and fiber. Wholegrain carbs and minimal simple sugars are key to balanced nutrition.

🌱 Plenty of Water: Hydration is essential for healing and maintaining a plentiful milk supply.

🌱 Rest and Inactivity: Give your body the rest it needs to heal and recover.

Bonus Pro Tip: Chat with family and friends before your baby arrives. Let them know how they can support you:

Organize a meal train with nutritious food
Bring extra groceries and necessities
Entertain older children
Keep visits short and helpful
Help with household chores
Your main role in the first 12 weeks (or at least 6) is to recover, heal, establish breastfeeding, and help your newborn transition.

Ready for more expert postnatal support?

Join us at WithYou Talks #6: Fourth Trimester with four knowledge experts from nutrition, psychology, pelvic floor physiotherapy and postnatal expertise.

🎟️ ONLY TWO WEEKS AWAY!! 🎟️

Get your tickets via link in bio, or copy-paste:
https://events.humanitix.com/withyou-talks-6-fourth-trimester

Pen x

22/07/2024

🌸 The most effective recovery 🌸

As many new families will often plan a home renovation or move when they are expecting another baby into the household, we did too when baby number 3 was expected.

Not just a small project and addition, but a whole second story, walls knocked out and rooms moved around downstairs as well!

I clearly remember, one day after arriving home from hospital with the new baby, having her out in the living space in her bassinette sleeping soundly to sounds of a chainsaw cutting through rafters and beams in the roof space, hammers, nail guns and chatter. She wasn’t perturbed one bit!

Thankfully we didn’t continue living in the house for too much longer after this. I had arranged with my parents to stay with them in the country with the children, whilst my husband stayed behind to continue building and co-ordinating the project.

We stayed with my parents for 6 weeks!

In hindsight, this was a wonderful plan. My recovery from the pregnancy and birth of this baby was the best out of all three experiences. I was able to rest; I had mum and dad close by to help with the care of the older two children; meals were prepared and cooked; we were in a small country town so there wasn’t any need to get out and about “doing things”; we were in the middle of winter so this also encourage us to stay in-doors; I was able to establish a good milk supply and breastfeeding routine; I was able to create a good bond with the baby and also help the older children to transition into life with a new sibling.

This 6 weeks of minimal activity, rest, and support was crucial in helping me and my family cope and transition.

I know not all new families are able to have this level of support, but if you can arrange it, do it! Discuss it with your partner, discuss it with your extended family. It may not look like my experience, and it may not be for the whole six weeks, but it can be similar, and it can be your experience.

19/07/2024

Join us for the FINAL event of the season, WithYou Talks #6: Fourth Trimester!

Dive into the physical and emotional transformations of postpartum life with expert insights from Rachel Rayson , Dr. Nicole Canin , Tori Everard , and Sara Flynn , hosted by Penelope Watson.

Don’t miss this celebration of Mornington Peninsula's practitioners and a community of supported women coming together.

📅 Date: Thursday, August 15, 2024
🕒 Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
📍 Location: The Nook, Mornington

Get your tickets now via link in bio, or copy-paste:
https://events.humanitix.com/withyou-talks-6-fourth-trimester

17/07/2024

WithYou Talks #5 was one not to forget!

Our speakers discussed the importance of postpartum care and support, highlighting the challenges of societal expectations and internal resistance. They emphasised the need for education and understanding, and shared their personal experiences with postpartum care and support.

The speakers also discussed various aspects of postpartum life, including physical changes, navigating sexual intimacy, and building a support village. They emphasised the importance of communication, setting boundaries, and prioritising self-care in balancing motherhood and professional responsibilities.

Here are the Top 10 Takeaways about Postnatal Transformations:

1. Postpartum planning and preparation are crucial for a positive experience, including creating support systems and setting expectations.

2. Investing in postpartum care benefits the entire family, not just the mother.

3. Cultural differences exist in postpartum care, with some cultures prioritising rest and support more than others.

4. Physical and emotional changes after childbirth are significant and often underestimated, including brain and hormonal shifts.

5. Creating a "village" of support is essential, whether through family, friends or online.

6. Open communication with partners about postpartum expectations and responsibilities is vital.

7. Self-care and setting boundaries are important for new mothers to avoid burnout and maintain well-being.

8. Pelvic floor health is a crucial but often overlooked aspect of postpartum recovery.

9. Societal expectations of "bouncing back" after childbirth are unrealistic and harmful.

10. Postpartum experiences can vary greatly between pregnancies, and it's important to approach each one with fresh preparation and support.

Thanks to the wisdom of our speakers, Celeste , Charlotte & Tessa .

Stay tuned for more information about our next, and final, WithYou Talks #6: Fourth Trimester coming up.

Pen x

10/07/2024

🌷 REAL TALK: My Motherhood Transition 🌷

Motherhood came to me when I wasn’t quite expecting it and wasn’t really ready for it. I was a student, still in the midst of my nursing studies and unsure of the stability of my relationship.

However, like most things in my life, I prepared myself the best I could, gathered supportive people around me to help and guide me, and learnt on the go!

The first few months of life with a newborn were challenging, I won’t lie. I wasn’t prepared for the wakeful nights, the amount of crying (my baby and myself), and how quickly the days disappeared.

My partner had some time off work, then when he went back to work, my Mum came to stay – which was so helpful. She was able to help me learn how to care for my baby, keep up with the chores – especially the washing, preparing meals, helping me get out of the house for a walk and fresh air, and was great company.

Over time, I felt more able and comfortable with time management and getting through the days feeling like I had accomplished something – whether that was just a load of washing or a trip to the supermarket to get some groceries.

One thing I know is... Family (biological or chosen) is important. I understand not everyone will have family close by, or within the country. So, it becomes necessary to call on friends, neighbours, or social media support groups.

I was the first of my group of friends to have a baby, so I couldn’t really rely on them for advice or knowledge. They were also still studying themselves, so I couldn’t rely on them for babysitting or caring duties either. Even though they didn’t really understand what I was going through, they were willing to listen and provide company at a catch-up for lunch, dinner, or an afternoon of shopping.

With time, and with wisdom, I have learnt a few things...

🌸 Don’t sweat the small things.
🌸 Be organised and prepared.
🌸 Laugh, have fun, and create joy.
🌸 Get down on the floor and play with the baby.
🌸 Mess can always be cleaned up and washed out.
🌸 Your mental health is a priority!

Take care, you are the glue that will stick everything together.

Pen x

📷 Then and now, my motherhood transition

Address

1524 Nepean Highway
Mount Eliza, VIC
3931

Opening Hours

10am - 6pm

Website

http://www.withyoumidwifery.com.au/

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