Birth for Humankind in North Melbourne, Victoria | Charitable organisation

Birth for Humankind

Locality: North Melbourne, Victoria

Phone: +61 1300 073 086

Address: 552 Victoria Street 3051 North Melbourne, VIC, Australia

Website: http://www.birthforhumankind.org

Likes: 3223

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• Medical and health
• Medical centre
• Non-profit organisation
• Charitable organisation
• Pregnancy care centre

25.01.2022 We are very concerned for the pregnant women and new parents who are in hard lock down in the North Melbourne and Flemington apartment buildings. We are working hard to get information to them about the resources available to them. If you know of anyone in need of our support, please do get in touch.

23.01.2022 Dont forget to sign up for our webinar tomorrow! We will be discussing vulnerability and the psychological aspects of pregnancy and birth. Rhea Dempsey is a highly sought after childbirth educator, counsellor, speaker, author and birth attendant with experience at over one thousand births. She is highly respected both in Australia and internationally as an insightful thinker and presenter on the topic of working with pain both physical and psychological in childbirth, a...nd the implications of this for normal physiological birth and postnatal wellbeing. Join us tomorrow (Tuesday), 15th September at 1pm (AEST), and register with the link below. https://www.crowdcast.io/e/a-conversation-with-rhea

22.01.2022 One in ten dads experience perinatal anxiety and/or depression. Many are surprised to learn that perinatal anxiety and depression also affects men.

22.01.2022 Have you registered for our next webinar yet? We will be discussing pregnancy and homelessness. Women experiencing homelessness are often presented with a number of barriers to equitable maternal health care. In order to move towards equitable maternal health and wellbeing for all, a better understanding of these barriers is required. In this webinar, we will discuss the issue of pregnancy and homelessness, the research, projects and people who are driving a movement in improving the situation for these women and their babies. Join us for this free event Thursday December 10th at 1pm (AEDT). Register here: https://www.crowdcast.io/e/webinar-homelessness-and/register

22.01.2022 Our bicultural doulas trainees are on their way to finish their training! They complete their training by supporting 3 clients for birth. They each have a current Birth for Humankind volunteer doula who is their mentor, supporting them through the process. This means more women experiencing disadvantage from culturally diverse backgrounds can be supported by doulas from similar language and cultural backgrounds. Find out more about the program here: https://birthforhumankind.org/t/train-as-a-bicultural-doula

21.01.2022 We are hosting a webinar with special guest: Rhea Dempsey! We will be discussing vulnerability and the psychological aspects of pregnancy and birth. Rhea Dempsey is a highly sought after childbirth educator, counsellor, speaker, author and birth attendant with experience at over one thousand births. She is highly respected both in Australia and internationally as an insightful thinker and presenter on the topic of working with pain both p...hysical and psychological in childbirth, and the implications of this for normal physiological birth and postnatal wellbeing. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, 15th September at 1pm (AEST), and register with the link below. This event is free, but we would greatly appreciate donations. https://www.crowdcast.io/e/a-conversation-with-rhea See more

20.01.2022 Applications for our volunteer doula program are due tomorrow! Find out more here: https://birthforhumankind.org/get-involved/volunteer #volunteer #doula #birthsupport #care #health #healthequity #womenshealth #empowerment #pregnant #pregnancy #birth #baby #newborn #mum #mother #family

20.01.2022 Birth for Humankind volunteer doula Maison shares her favourite thing about volunteering with us! Our current recruitment round for volunteer doulas is open. Learn more here: https://birthforhumankind.org/get-involved/volunteer

20.01.2022 Join us for a free webinar Thursday, 10th of December, 2020 at 1pm (AEDT). Sign up here: https://www.crowdcast.io/e/webinar-homelessness-and/register

19.01.2022 "I would definitely recommend a volunteer doula, 10/10 because it meant a lot to me that [my doula] was there for me when I needed someone the most to support and stand by me." -Birth for Humankind client

19.01.2022 Despite the challenges of 2020, with support from our community, we have helped 140 women with complex needs feel safe and supported throughout pregnancy, birth, and early parenting. Your generosity this giving season can help us reach even more women in need. Please donate today to give new mothers and their babies the best start possible. Donate here: birth-for-humankind.raisely.com/

17.01.2022 Traditionally offering non-medical support to women during pregnancy, doulas are now providing care during abortions. Read the full article here: https://www.themonthly.com.au///gina-rushton/doula-choice

17.01.2022 Will you join us for this special conversation with Rhea Dempsey? Sign up here: https://www.crowdcast.io/e/a-conversation-with-rhea

17.01.2022 Our bicultural doula trainees have just completed their 18-week training. Next, they will be mentored by 6 members of our volunteer doula team and will attend 3 births before going on to be matched with their own clients. This means more women experiencing disadvantage from culturally diverse backgrounds can be supported by doulas from similar language and cultural backgrounds. Lets celebrate all the hard work they have done!

17.01.2022 Have you heard about the new Australian donation dollar? Its a coin designed to remind you of the difference you can make if you give as little as a dollar to charity. Weve got 3307 followers here on Facebook with just one dollar from each of you we would have enough to provide 44 women with 12 hours of extended postnatal support. Will you donate today? https://birthforhumankind.org/donate

17.01.2022 Our next recruitment round is open! Are you a qualified doula, midwife or retired midwife, or midwifery student who has attended a minimum of three births? We would love to hear from you. To be eligible for this intake, you must be available to attend full-day training on both Saturday October 10th and Saturday October 17th. ... Applications close on September 7th. Apply here: https://birthforhumankind.org/get-involved/volunteer #doula #midwife #birthsupport #volunteer #support #care #birth #pregnancy #pregnant #newborn #baby #family #health #healthcare #healthequity #empower #women #wellbeing See more

16.01.2022 Are you looking to be your own boss and start a business? Or revitalise your existing business or brand? Sister School is a free 10 week business education program that provides the practical knowledge and support needed to start or grow your business. From financial foundations and building an online presence to marketing your personal point of difference, we will help you on your business journey. Join us from Wednesday 15th July. Delivered online in the safety of your own home. Places are limited so register now at https://globalsisters.org/join-us/

16.01.2022 Recently, we have had 3 referrals for repeat clients! Two of these clients are having their 2nd baby and requesting the same doula. The third client is pregnant with her 3rd baby, and she will be our first client to have had a doula for 3 births. What an incredible reminder of the value of doula support! Our volunteer doulas provide free one-to-one support for women during pregnancy, birth and early parenting. We couldnt do this work witho...ut your help. Please consider donating, so all women get the support they need. https://birthforhumankind.org/donate #doula #care #birthsupport #birth #support #volunteer #give #mother #mum #motherhood #pregnant #pregnancy #baby #newborn #health #wellness #healthequity #equality See more

15.01.2022 "Its always good to be reminded of the value that doula support can bring to all members of the family. New dad Sean Miller said, "It was really helpful in the hospital for us to know where we stood with other professionals, which we wouldnt have known at all if we didnt have a doula, knowing what your birth rights are, what you can say no to and that you do have a say." https://mobile.abc.net.au//why-more-people-are-e/11189990

15.01.2022 As COVID-19 continues to spread, we must ensure that women arent left behind in a response and recovery. Visit Gender Equity Victorias website to read about the gendered impacts of the pandemic. https://www.genvic.org.au/resources/covid-19-resources/

15.01.2022 We are thrilled to announce that Clare Bowditch has joined us as a Birth for Humankind Ambassador. As a mother, artist and women’s advocate, Clare is committed to raising awareness of the incredible work of our volunteer doulas, who provide practical and emotional pregnancy, birth and postnatal support to women experiencing disadvantage. Clare joins us as we launch our 2020 Giving Season Appeal, an opportunity to extend the spirit of generosity and help us continue to suppor...t women in need. Donate today at birth-for-humankind.raisely.com/

14.01.2022 Help us win $2,500, and you can win a years worth of wine! Yes, you read that right. The good folk at Goodwill Wine are giving away a YEARS worth of wine! Theyre also giving away $2,500 to one lucky charity. If you enter via our link below, well get an extra 20 entries into the draw. Enter now! https://upvir.al/ref/mc45345177/

14.01.2022 Have you heard that our recruitment round for volunteer doulas is now open?! If you are a qualified doula, midwife or retired midwife, or midwifery student who has attended a minimum of three births, then we would love to hear from you. To be eligible for this intake, you must be available to attend full-day training on both Saturday October 10th and Saturday October 17th. Applications close on September 7th. Apply here: https://birthforhumankind.org/get-involved/volunteer

14.01.2022 Have you registered for our webinar with Rhea Dempsey? We will be discussing vulnerability and the psychological aspects of pregnancy and birth. Rhea Dempsey is a highly sought after childbirth educator, counsellor, speaker, author and birth attendant with experience at over one thousand births. She is highly respected both in Australia and internationally as an insightful thinker and presenter on the topic of working with pain both physical and psychological in childbirth, and the implications of this for normal physiological birth and postnatal wellbeing. Join us Tuesday, 15th September at 1pm (AEST), and register with the link below. Tag a friend that you think should join! https://www.crowdcast.io/e/a-conversation-with-rhea

14.01.2022 Don't forget to join us for this free webinar tomorrow! Women experiencing homelessness are often presented with a number of barriers to equitable maternal health care. In order to move towards equitable maternal health and wellbeing for all, a better understanding of these barriers is required. In this webinar, we will discuss the issue of pregnancy and homelessness, the research, projects and people who are driving a movement in improving the situation for these women an...d their babies. Join us for this free event tomorrow, Thursday December 10th at 1pm (AEDT). Register here: https://www.crowdcast.io/e/webinar-homelessness-and/register

13.01.2022 Have you applied yet?! Our volunteer doula recruitment round is still open and applications are due in one week. Visit the link below for more information and to apply. We look forward to hearing from you. https://birthforhumankind.org/get-involved/volunteer

13.01.2022 The new Australian donation dollar is a great reminder that every little bit counts. We have 3,184 followers on Facebook. If everyone here donated just $1, then we could provide on-call birth support to 21 women in labour, so no woman has to birth alone. Can you give today? https://birthforhumankind.org/donate

12.01.2022 "[My doula] pointed out good things to think about the first time we met. I felt terrified about parenting - just knowing someone in local community was there to reach out to was great." - Birth for Humankind client

12.01.2022 This year, Birth for Humankind is a part of the Melbourne Womens Fund Annual Grant Awards Celebration. The celebration takes place tonight and we couldnt be more excited to be considered alongside other important organisations that support "A future where vulnerable women and families in Melbourne thrive." You can read more about the Melbourne Womens Fund here: https://melbournewomensfund.org/events/

12.01.2022 At Birth for Humankind, our doula support programs aim to reduce social isolation, by building trusted personal relationships and connecting women to appropriate professional and social support services, and support bonding during early parenting, by visiting mum and baby after the birth, and continuing to provide emotional and practical support, such as breastfeeding advice. Reading stories like these from Australian women overseas feeling isolated and unsupported is an important reminder of the value of this work. Link in bio.

12.01.2022 We fully support the Australian College of Midwives (ACM) call for or all hospitals to continue to provide water immersion and showering for labouring women. Slowing the spread of COVID-19 is essential. But while there are concerns surrounding the safety of water immersion, research demonstrates that there is no increased risk when compared with labour and birth out of water. We must ensure that all interventions are evidence based and not at the expense of the rights of bi...rthing parents. https://www.midwives.org.au//hospitals-suspend-use-water-l

11.01.2022 The issue with self-isolation and social distancing is that many mothers and families are feeling lonely. They cant normalise their experiences, learn from their peers and receive broader emotional support to feel heard and have the knowledge to make informed and empowered decisions. Doulas bridge these gaps. -Erika, Birth for Humankind volunteer doula. Read the article here: https://www.miragenews.com/doula-support-vital-for-pregnan/

11.01.2022 The COVID-19 pandemic is greatly impacting women, and pregnant women experiencing disadvantage are really being hit by this crisis. During this pandemic, we must ensure their pre-existing challenges are not being overlooked and that they are not being left behind. Visit the link to see more COVID-19 resources from Gender Equity Victoria.

11.01.2022 Thank you all for selflessly honouring the women we support by donating, joining one (or all!) of our webinars or engaging with our posts this year. The funds we raise through your generosity this Giving Season determine how we will grow our programs, which means more women will get to feel confident, prepared, and supported from pregnancy to parenting." Ruth Dearnley, Birth for Humankind CEO Thank you for supporting our 2020 Giving Season Appeal! We wish everyone a safe and peaceful holiday season. If you can, please donate today: birth-for-humankind.raisely.com/

11.01.2022 If you are over 18 years old, pregnant and seeking asylum in Australia, would you consider participating in this research study? There are more details in the images, and please share if youd like! *This is not a Birth for Humankind research project, and we are not directly affiliated with this study.

08.01.2022 Did you know it is also Birth Trauma Awareness Week? On Friday the 11th at 10am there will be a special panel discussion live on the Maternal Mental Health Matters page. The panel will discuss the many facets of birth trauma including the mental, emotional, physiological, biological and social/societal aspects. Join in on Friday for a meaningful discussion with experts, clinicians and maternity consumers (people who access maternity care in Australia). https://www.facebook.com/events/241554850477350

08.01.2022 Did you know that women who experience social and financial disadvantage report worse birth experiences and have poorer maternal and child health outcomes? Its because vulnerable women face a range of social barriers to accessing appropriate childbirth education, social supports and public health services. Our professional doulas ensure that women in need can overcome these barriers and access the support they need and deserve. You can help make a difference too. Please donate so we can give mothers the support they need and babies the best possible start in life: https://donorbox.org/give-babies-a-chance

08.01.2022 Our volunteer doulas are still support clients during Stage 4 restrictions. This includes providing virtual support during pregnancy, and where the client has no other support person our doula will be there to support her during labour and birth. Our Extended Postnatal Support service is continuing in a limited capacity with our doulas providing virtual support and only visiting clients where other supports are in place [ie. MCH/EMCH (Maternal and Child Hea...lth/Enhanced Maternal and Child Health) & other services] and it is safe for the doula to visit. #doula #birthsupport #care #midwife #midwives #volunteer #community #womenshealth #birth #pregnancy #pregnant #baby #newborn #mum #mother #family #prenatal #publichealth #birthforhumankind #hospital #newmum #youngmum #childbirtheducation #melbourne #australia See more

06.01.2022 Our volunteer doula recruitment round is still open. Wed love to see how you use your doula skills to support women. To find out more and apply, visit the link below. Applications close September 7th. https://birthforhumankind.org/get-involved/volunteer... The video above is of Julie-Anne, one of our incredible volunteer doulas. See more

05.01.2022 We have produced some advice and information sheets for pregnant women and new parents in lock down in Melbourne and Victoria. If you know of families that need support, please pass this on. We are working hard to translate this information into community languages and it will be made available soon. https://birthforhumankind.org//antenatal-education-resourc

05.01.2022 Professor Hannah Dahlen from Western Sydney University is conducting a survey and wed love your help. She and her team are exploring the experiences of Australian childbearing women in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic to understand the impact of these experiences on the wellbeing of women and development of their babies. If you are pregnant or have given birth since March 2020 (during the COVID-19 pandemic), and are willing to share your experience, we would appreciate you taking the time to complete the survey. Find out more here: https://surveyswesternsydney.au1.qualtrics.com//SV_8A1eQ6p

04.01.2022 What does $30 mean to you? For women experiencing social isolation or economic and social disadvantage, it means safe and trusted ongoing support during pregnancy, birth and early parenting. It means they can get safely to their appointments and give their babies the best possible start in life. A tax-deductible donation of just $30 can keep vulnerable pregnant women and their babies safe and healthy. Donate now: https://donorbox.org/give-babies-a-chance

04.01.2022 Up to one in three mums experience the birth of their baby as traumatic. Many parents experiencing perinatal mental health challenges feel overwhelmed, confused, isolated and ashamed about how they’re feeling. If this is you, try to remember that these thoughts are common, you are not alone and that help is available. Share this post and help us get the word out. Let's raise awareness about perinatal mental illness and reduce stigma so those affected can seek help. ... #PANDAWeek2020 #TellSomeoneWhoCares https://www.panda.org.au/ See more

04.01.2022 Maeve* is eight months pregnant and living in crisis accommodation on the outskirts of Melbourne. At a time in her life when she needs the most support, she has the least. Sadly, this is the unimaginably difficult reality for many women in Australia experiencing social and financial disadvantage. With your help, we can provide free pregnancy, birth, and postnatal support to women like Maeve so that they don’t have to go it alone this holiday season. When women feel safe an...d supported their babies thrive. No woman should birth alone. Donate today at birth-for-humankind.raisely.com/ *names and identifying features have been changed to honour the privacy of our clients.

03.01.2022 While physical distancing restrictions ease in Australia, this isnt the case everywhere. The pandemic has put a lot of limitations on doulas, but they are still providing essential services from a distance. Read the full article here: https://www.theguardian.com//doulas-childbirth-coronavirus

03.01.2022 We have created some COVID-19 general information resources for women and their babies. They are available in Arabic, Amharic, English, Farsi, and Vietnamese. You can find the information sheets in the link below. https://birthforhumankind.org//antenatal-education-resourc

03.01.2022 There is a lot of mixed information and understandable concern about the new maternity restrictions that were announced by Jenny Mikakos, Minister of Health yesterday. The actual changes are: - Only one support person can visit a woman in the postnatal ward and it has to be the same person throughout her stay. (Previously there were two people allowed). - Each visit will be a maximum of two hours a day. (Previously the Victorian Government didnt give a time limit on postnat...al visits, however some hospitals did. This brings postnatal visits in line with the restrictions for all other hospital visits). - This is not applicable immediately post-birth. The partner or support person can stay as long as needed. It only applies to subsequent visits once transferred to the postnatal ward. However, if the partner or support person leaves at any time immediately post-birth, it is likely they will not be allowed to return that day. If you know of any hospitals implementing different guidance to this, please let us know. Whilst we fully understand the need to limit the total number of people in a hospital setting to slow the spread of COVID-19, we strongly urge the Victorian Government and all hospitals to consider the individual needs of birthing parents. The time after birth is a critical for parent and child bonding, as well as one where women need significant practical and emotional support. Protections should not come at the expense of the practical, emotional and mental wellbeing of new parents. We encourage all hospitals to make exemptions based on extenuating circumstances, especially for people with complex care needs or who are experiencing other forms of social disadvantage or social isolation. #covid19 #birth #maternitycare

02.01.2022 "When women understand what’s happening in the body, even though it’s uncomfortable it’s reframing it as a positive," says Hilary Rorison, an adviser from the Australian College of Midwives. "It’s your body actually working hard to do something, it’s not pain for the sake of pain."

02.01.2022 At Birth for Humankind we do not endorse any particular companies or brands, but we do celebrate seeing more natural, honest portrayals or birth and postpartum motherhood like this one: https://www.buzzfeed.com//the-oscars-rejected-this-postpar

01.01.2022 This video was originally prepared for the Melbourne Womens Fund Annual Awards night. Whilst we did not take home the full finding required, we have since received some generous support to help get this project up and running. Thank you to Melbourne Womens Fund and the Argo Foundation for helping us continue to deliver our services! Can you donate today? Every little bit counts. Donate here: https://birthforhumankind.org/donate https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxPjZ_h2-fQ

01.01.2022 Doulas are facing increasing pressures from physical distancing restrictions unable to provide the same level of support to pregnant women with complex socio-economic needs or complement the care provided by midwives, as seen prior to the pandemic. When we consider the gendered impacts of COVID-19, there has been a significant effect particularly for pregnant women. There are hospital policies which limit the number of people allowed to support a mother during birth - meaning they have to choose between their skilled birth support worker, such as a doula and their partner, family or friend. -Birth for Humankind CEO Ruth Dearnley.