Ava Fertility and Reproductive Health in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia | Medical and health

Ava Fertility and Reproductive Health

Locality: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

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• Obstetrician-gynaecologist
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25.01.2022 MEET OUR TEAM We’re so excited to welcome Dr Supratik Sen Gupta, Paediatrician and Neonatologist, to the Sunnybank Obstetrics, Fertility and Gynaecology Team. Dr Sen Gupta comes to us with more than 25 years’ experience working across all major hospitals in Australia's East Coast, specialising in neonatology, childhood developmental and psychosocial problems, respiratory, neurology, and endocrine disorders. He also has a special interest in palliative... care and adolescent and young adult medicine. Dr Sen Gupta has commenced private practice from our rooms every Friday. Please contact your GP a referral or phone 07 3344 1656 to make an appointment. See more

24.01.2022 A R T . T H E R A P Y A very talented 10 year old from one of our Sunnybank families wanted to share her mandala she created, freehand, using an iPencil and the graphic design app @procreate . This beautifully drawn Mandala was made without a stencil or tracing. Drawing mandalas as a form of #arttherapy is beneficial for both children and adults. It is believed to reduce #anxiety , tension and overall stress. When we draw, we stimulate creativity, helpi...ng to release emotional blockages. Children draw mandalas as a way to increase their focus and creativity. For children with ADHD, focusing on such a delicate task can help improve their attention span. There are many ways we can encourage children to explore their creativity and expand their imagination in a digital world. Over the next few weeks we will delve further into digital technology and which apps are designed to have an #explorative and education purpose for our children If you have a talented child that would love to share their work, please DM us! We would love to share and acknowledge their work. See more

23.01.2022 Evening all! I tried several attempts at creating a short video to answer one of the more simpler questions in our job, but I couldn’t nail my stage fright. SO. The question I am here to answer is: ‘What skin care should I be avoiding if I’m trying to conceive or am pregnant? ... Great question! I’m glad you asked. In short, there is one skin-care product that is a big clinical NO, and this product is Vitamin A. You may be familiar with Vitamin A - it is the holy grail of skin-care thanks to its highly active state. Vit A produces a rapid-rate high turnover of skin cells, diminishes fine lines, lightens pigmentation, eradicates vivacious active acne and plumps collagen. It is SO active that even when applied topically, published studies have seen an associated link between topical Vit-A creams and fetal abnormalities and/or birth defects. So what can we use in the interim? Plenty! Swipe right to see some of my faves: - Dr Dennis Gross: Vit-C + Collagen Booster. Collagen amino acids deeply hydrates, smooths & brightens your complexion. This is a beautifully cushioning moisturiser that can be applied with your AM/PM routine. - The Ordinary: Vit-B Serum (Niacinamide) manages acne, rosacea, pigmentation issues + wrinkles. - Sukin: Certified Organic Rosehip Oil. Perfect for dry skin. Helps fade post-inflammation pimple scarring (if you catch it in time) Great for a dewy glow and supple skin. Use at night to rehydrate whilst you sleep. Be mindful if you use in the AM that it may cause your makeup to oxide over the course of the day. So there you go! Vitamin A - No Way!

22.01.2022 Obsessed with this post from our Sunnybank mumma @bscentsy_ Words of wisdom!

22.01.2022 - For the right to freedom of speech For the right to freedom of thought For the access to healthcare ... For the ban on tax for sanitary products For the right to choose For the confidence to wear clothing without being slut-shamed or cat-called. For the right to vote For the right to drive a car For the right to marry who we choose For equality in the workplace For recognition of our potential Strong Women Fight for all women who are unable to do so. And we will never give up. . . . . #womensupportingwomen #womenempoweringwomen #womensupportingwomen #righttochoose #strongwomenquotes #womenempowerment #womenshealth #humanrightsactivist #beheardbeproud #beheard #yourvoicematters #standforsomething #standforwhatsright #sisterhoodispowerful #bethechange #sistersquad #womeninpower #womenhelpingwomen #femaleempowerment #neverlosehope #nevergivein

22.01.2022 Yes, these treats tasted as divine as they look! We were treated by one of our beautiful Sunnybank obstetric family, who have shared four pregnancies with us. Two handsome little men and two beautiful girls. Lisa and Andrew we will miss you so much. Caring for you over the last five years has been an absolute honour. We wish you all the happiness as a family of six

20.01.2022 P O S T P A R T U M. B O D Y . There is a huge emphasis on what a post-partum body should look like so soon after birth. This stigma is largely driven by social media and is a main contributer to postnatal depression. @aishaandlife, mother, UNICEF influencer and blogger, has allowed us to share her words. Read her story. #thisispostpartum Aisha & Life

20.01.2022 "10 years on, 10 things I've learnt about becoming a mum at 21" Tap on the link below to read more

19.01.2022 As a teen I managed to avoid pimples and acne. But as a 26 year-old mum, I suffered had an onset of uncontrollable acne that spread from my jawline to my cheeks. This persistently stubborn breakout got my questioning everything from what I ate, to the purification of the air in my office. It took me two years to eliminate it for good. Acne outbreaks aren’t nice at any age. In our teenage years are body produces such a surge of hormones. We can be left with an ac...ne so severe that it leaves behind pitting, scarring and discolouration. As an adult, an unexpected outbreak can be frustratingly difficult to treat as our collagen turnover isn't as regenerative and our skin elasticity not so quick to bounce back. This too can create hyperpigmentation and scarring from an acne cluster. So what can we do if we find ourselves in the midst of a uncontrollable hormonal acne outbreak? Click on the link in our bio to find out! See more

19.01.2022 How clever is this! Clara , a #naturopath based in Sydney, has recreated the colours of the #menstrualcycle using paint swatches! #amazingidea . @clarabailey__ . The colour of your menstrual blood is a very useful indicator of your overall health. Here’s a very simple summary of what your menstrual blood may be telling you:... Pale, light red blood: A sign of overall dryness or atrophy in the body. Reasons may include not having adequate nutrition or calories, over-training, running of nervous energy and stress. Remedy: nourish, warm and moisten, such as licorice Siberian ginseng or Withania. Bright red: Indicates excess heat/inflammation in the body. Potential causes: depletion leading to consuming too many stimulants (caffeine, sugar, spicy foods), unmanaged chronic health conditions that are inflammatory in nature. Remedies: cooling, regulating and calming such as rose petals, hawthorn berry and lemon balm. Crimson (without clots): this is considered normal and healthy menstruation. It indicates that the lining is being built and shed in rhythmic harmony. Dark red with clots: Indicates blood stagnation and excess cold. Potential causes: exhaustion, lack of exercise or movement. Remedies: practices that move the blood, such as warming herbs and foods such as ginger, cinnamon, fenugreek and chilli, exercise and orgasms. Burgundy (reddish-purple): Under-functioning liver due to overburden or general deficiency. Potential causes: over-exposure to chemicals, certain medications, hormonal imbalances, too much alcohol. Remedies: reducing toxic load, herbal tonifying herbs such as raspberry leaf and lady’s mantle and increasing antioxidant intake from foods. Brown: A combination of blood stagnation, excess cold and general deficiency. Remedies: the same as the previous 2. See more

19.01.2022 S P E R M . M O T I L I T Y - how does male factor infertility affect you trying to conceive? What are the statistics? What are the signs + symptoms? What are the cures?

19.01.2022 E N D O : F A C T S #endometriosis is a common disease in which the tissue that is similar to the lining of the uterus grows in other areas of the reproductive organs. Right now, more than 830,000 (more than 10%) of #australian women suffer from endometriosis at some point in their life. That statistic brings us to an average of 1:9 women in Australia, and 200 million women globally. Common symptoms include #pelvicpain - halting life for women during or ...leading up to menstration. It can lead to #infertility . Pain can also occur at any time; not just during a menstrual cycle. It may be felt in the stomach and back and may cause bowel and bladder problems, bloating, nausea, lethargy, fatigue and heavy menstrual bleeding. Managing the pain may involve medication such as anti-inflammatory drugs and pain medication. Surgical treatment can #diagnose and remove endometriosis, cysts, endometriomas and adhesions and can aide in repairing damage to improve #fertilitysuccess In an Australian government report, endometriosis is reported to cost Australian society $9.7 billion annually with two-thirds of these costs attributed to a loss in productivity (time-off work/schooling), with the remainder, approximately $2.5 billion being direct healthcare costs. The average age of formal diagnosis is 34. This is largely due to a delay in treatment or action. Now, more than ever, conversations around endometriosis have become more #organic and understood. The sooner you can access treatment, the sooner you can live a more productive life with a greater understanding of your condition. Don't delay. If you think you fit the criteria, chat to your GP about your symptoms and be asked to referred to a trusted gynaecologist. It's our job to see you live your life #joyfully See more

18.01.2022 ~ This beautifully written recount of an infertile journey to conception was written by one of our Sunnybank couples. Thank you for allowing us to share your story with our Sunnybank Obstetrics community -- And all along, it wasn't me who was the infertile one after all" ... Our journey started two years ago. It began, like most, with timed intercourse; or around thereabout, as a relatively fit, young couple. Six months of trying: Six months of nothing. That twenty-eighth day would come around and continued to squash my hope. Twelve months in, and hella determined now. Timing nailed. Fad diets explored. Finishing in different positions; flat on my back, pelvis in air, bargaining with desperation to the universe that this method would defy all odds and this time was going to be it. It wasn't. Blow by blow, our relationship became tethered. What was fun under the covers, was replaced with methodical routine. Admitting defeat, we decided it was time to seek help. Leading up to our fertility appointment I Googled the life out of "infertility". Am I out of eggs? Are my tubes blocked? Did I long-cycle the pill & ruin my chances of being a mum? Am I punished for partying hard in my 20s? Appointment day: Nervous - understatement. Relaying our journey drained me. Off we went for individual tests. The result was not what we expected. It wasn't me who was infertile after all. My husband's tests revealed a varicocele. An enlarged vein in his scrotum invading his testes. A rather simple, but frustrating as hell, roadblock. They say that up to 40% of male infertility is caused by a varicocele and the great news is it is highly treatable. Without hesitation, my husband underwent an Varicocelectomy to remove the enlarge vein. Finally set free from obstruction. Today, I share my story six months pregnant. I desired to share this to reiterate to all women that it truly does take two. We are too quick to place blame on ourselves. Be kind to yourself. Believe in yourself. See more

18.01.2022 Period pain: Acute? Chronic? Endometriosis? Adenomyosis? Learn more about the differences between Endometriosis and Adenomyosis on our latest post

17.01.2022 Eating Disorders - Our Statistics: The exact figure of Australians affected by an eating disorder is hard to pinpoint. Many suffer in silence. There are thousands in our community suffering from disordered eating. The estimation sits around 16%... What To Look Out For: Binge eating Increasingly noticeable weight loss Disordered eating; ie. only eating portions, eating slowly, cutting up food into tiny portions Bulima (Vomiting) Preoccupation with food Refusal to eat certain foods Uncomfortable eating around others Skipping meals. Cutting out entire food groups Withdrawal from usual friends and activities Extreme concern with body size and shape What Damage Can an Eating Disorder Cause? Fainting episodes Irregular and/or rapid heartbeat Electrolyte imbalance Hypothermia Anaemia Menstrual irregularities Anxiety, OCD and Depression Alienation from friends and family What Triggers an Eating Disorder? This lies with the patient. Early childhood trauma & lack of control (OCD and anxiety) are commonly prevalent in patients with disordered eating. The mind focuses on what it can control; food consumption. How Do I Help My loved One With An Eating Disorder? Be patient and supportive. How you broach the conversation is important. Becareful not to lecture. Be prepared for denial and resistance. Don’t take resistance personally, and much more importantly, do not give up on them. Providing a supportive relationship is vital to their recovery. Your love and encouragement can make all the difference. Tell them you care & believe in them. Promise you’ll be there in whatever way they need, whenever they’re ready.

17.01.2022 - Annnnnd discuss.

16.01.2022 Life just isn’t easy sometimes. Give yourself a mental compliment or two. Oh wait a minute - you deserve three. ... No, hold-up, actually you deserve ten. @mentalhealthblogger_ #replanoly See more

16.01.2022 See ya. I'm checking out. I'm done. ... As a first time mum it's almost week two now and I still don't know what the hell to do. What is this talk of "when bub arrives you'll instinctively know what to do. Your maternal drive kicks in" I call bullshit on that. Three hourly feeds are killing me. My nipples are cracked and sore. I'm not nailing this latching technique one bit. All these other mums I see on social media are nailing it. Why can't I? I'm shit at swaddling. My uterine contractions ache like a period on steroids. I keep forgetting to do my kegels. I was once such a methodical, task-orientated party-of-one. Now as a party-of-two, I cannot remember the last time I conditioned my hair, my legs need a shave, stilletos have turned into slippers and my house has been turned upside down. On my departure from hospital, my midwife chatted to me about the "baby blues" - a full-blown hormonal surge that affects almost half of new mums. I politely shrugged it off. I have never been an anxious or depressed person. Holy shit, was I wrong. The baby blues have battered me; but I won't give in. I recognise my exhaustion and I'm not afraid to ask for help. Nor should you, my first-time mum friend. First time parenting is a village - we are all rookies at some point. Despite my baby blues, I am so overjoyed to be a mother. And these feelings will soon pass. ~ The first two weeks by R. Davis See more

15.01.2022 ‘I always wanted to fit into a mothers group. Has it been hard for you too? I tried a few playgroups in the early days, but I felt so out of place. I wasn’t interested in swapping stories about poo colour or ‘whose kid had reached what milestone first’. I longed for a group that didn’t want to always talk mum talk. I wanted to dance, I wanted real adult conversations, I wanted to sip martini’s; not sing The Wheels on The Bus in a bloody circle. By the time my kids were i...n school, I found my tribe. A dynamic bunch of women all whom evoke differing attributes, which make our mothers group a kinship. The beauty in our contrasting opinions presses one-another to take risks, try something new, learn about life & share vulnerabilities. Without a doubt, these women have made me feel the best I’ve felt in a long time. Our banter is magnetic. We celebrate our each other’s wins. We enjoy dinners, drinks, celebrate (our) birthdays, ring in the new year together... I have lost count on the spontaneous get-togethers where we just charged through to midnight. I am so grateful to have these women because I really felt alone for a long time. I know there are a lot of women really struggling to find their tribe. Just like dating, finding a compatible friendship in adulthood is rather challenging. Playgroups in particular, can really knock the confidence out of you. To the mums who are feeling a little lost, out of place or alone, I promise you, your tribe is out there and you’ll know when you’ve found it x

14.01.2022 MENTAL WELLNESS & FESTIVE SEASONS 10 years ago I landed a job that had always piqued my interest. That was to work within an emergency department in a hospital - any hospital - I didn't mind. So when I was offered a position of an administrative role in the emergency department of the Princess Alexandra Hospital I jumped on it. Working in an emergency department is one of the most eye-opening experiences for any worker within that space. Of course my job ...was not on the intellectual level of the ED doctors or nurses, however, what you do find is that everyone within that space has a shared experience. From the administration, to the paramedics, nurses and the doctors. I saw a lot come through that emergency department. At the time, the PAH was one of the busiest emergency departments in SEQLD. I expected a lot of really confronting moments, and yes they certainly existed, but what saddened and surprised me the most was the rate of mental health presentations in comparison to medical presentations. There was a notable spike in acute mental health conditions during holidays; particularly Christmas and Easter. I recall one shift whereby I knew what was happening in resus room one. When a patient is in a resus room, they require critical care. I had to walk into that room and give the medical chart to the team. The patient suffered from an overdose. It was three days before Christmas. What I took from that is that there are a lot of people in our community who are alone - for whatever circumstances - and get forgotten. So I urge you, especially with this year, please reach out to your friends, your neighbours, or even a stranger that you may notice is struggling. You may well #savealife See more

14.01.2022 I like to believe that everything happens to us for a reason. We write our narrative and build our chapters. We shape our character and forge attractions. We love and loss. We close painful chapters in order to seek new beginnings. I believe that everything that happens to us offers us an opportunity to learn, heal and mature

14.01.2022 To all our parents-to-be, we stand with you during these unprecedented times. Whilst following COVID-19 restrictions in align with Sunnybank Private Hospital, our personalised pregnancy care will not falter . Current restrictions in place at SPH are; - Upon entering the hospital you must wear a mask.... - Only one support person can be present during delivery and for inpatient stay. - Unfortunately this does mean no siblings or additional family/friends to welcome your new addition in hospital. . Perinatal mental health is well on our radar right now. At any point if you are feeling like you need to chat, we are only one phone call away. Always remember @beyondblue and @lifeline are here 24/7 for any additional assistance. See more

14.01.2022 - "Are you stupid?" Actually, no, quite the opposite. I’m brilliantly smart, but these three words I heard on repeat more than any else in this relationship. ... Young and impressionable, determined and intelligent. I’d find myself in repetition: same relationship, different name. I didn’t come from a broken home. I aced high-school, even awarded accolades as a tertiary bound student. But by the time I was 23, I had gone through 4 abusive relationships. I had experienced emotional, financial and physical abuse. One partner totalled my car, another controlled my friendships, one failed to pick me up from day-surgery - telling the nurse they were busy - they sent their neighbour instead. A late night trip to the corner store and a lady approached me, disgusted by conversation she overheard, she told me to escape the verbal abuse. I shrugged it off. For me, It was normal. I spent my entire 20s in a cyclic state of volatile relationships. They say when we’re born, we are born into four major styles of attachment. Our attachment type forms early in life, particularly in our formative years. We generally keep this attachment style in adulthood. The 4 major attachment styles are: - Secure - Avoidant - Anxious - Disorganised Now well into my 30s I’m getting acquainted with my attachment style and how trauma has shaped and defined me. I understand my idiosyncrasies, why they exist and how to best coexist with them. It has taken 3 decades for me to believe in myself. Holding internal belief helped me to heal and strengthen the ties that I will have in the future. To all my exes - No, I'm not stupid. I am all the more wiser for finally breaking the cycle. *Names and gender has been removed to maintain anonymity. Clink on link in bio to learn about Attachment Styles

12.01.2022 Life just isn’t easy sometimes. Give yourself a mental compliment or two. Oh, wait a minute - you deserve three. ... No, hold-up, actually you deserve ten. @mentalhealthblogger_ #replanoly . . . . . #healthymindbodysoul #mindfulness #putyourselffirst #selfreflection #selflovetips #selfawarness #instagram #success #nothingisimpossible #nevergiveupquotes #motivationalpost #lifestyle #believeinyou #inspirationalquotes #positivity #lifemotivation #mindset #dontgiveup #motivationalquotes #failureispartofsuccess #nevergiveup #youcandoanything #motivation #selflove #motivational #instagood #quoteoftheday #focusonyourself #befocused via @hashtagexpert

11.01.2022 M Y T H . B U S T I N G . T I M E : target? PCOS

10.01.2022 - One in seven Australians are currently experiencing an anxiety condition, magnified by COVID and physical separation, financial disparity and, quite simply, loneliness. It’s easy to relay the statistics. What we need to do is reach out to the ones we love, especially during this time of year, and let them know they represent so much more than just a 1:7. ... @anxietyhealer #replanoly See more

09.01.2022 12 years ago I was 21 and at the time my sister was about to become a solo mum. I promised to be her support person despite not knowing an absolute thing about pregnancy, birth & babies. My sister laboured for nine slow hours. A 4am presentation with contractions. By 6am her waters broke naturally - and it stunk. She immediately threw up - and that stunk. The petite frame that she had didn’t handle the pain well. By 1pm she was writhing in agony & swallowing gulps ...of the happy gas with each contraction. When the midwife turned away, I watched her crank that dial right up. The midwife encouraged her to shift positions - pace the room, sit in the shower or lean on the gym ball. She refused. Incredibly timid, she kept to the bed, fully clothed, only lifting her shirt for the anaesthetist to carefully administer an epidural as she inched closer to fully dilated. She pushed for 1hr 10 minutes and got nowhere. Exhausted, the decision was called to perform a vacuum delivery & soon the room was crowded by an entire medical team. Baby was occiput posterior (OP) or facing upward and this explained the struggle. After a few pulls with the vacuum, an episiotomy and 2nd degree tearing, my sister was finally acquainted with her newborn. Then came the blood. Like a scene from a horror movie, the room resembled a bloody massacre. Suffering Postpartum Haemorrhage (PPH), A nurse was palpitating my sisters stomach to assist with the delivery of the placenta as blood gushed. Baby was safe with paediatrician & the obstetrician assisted with management of the PPH. A blood transfusion followed & she remained in hospital for 5 days. That particular day swore me off ever having a baby. But in the 12yrs that have passed, I’ve watched my nephew grow into a kindhearted soul, and I appreciate the love and bond between a mother and a child. To my sister, you’re an inspiration. See more

09.01.2022 The perfect weather for some social media detoxing. Spend today curled up with your favourite book, play a board game with the kids, and appreciate the rain we so desperately needed! ... and stay safe! ... @poosh #rePLANOLY See more

09.01.2022 R U OK ? "No, I'm not okay" - There is no truer statement in 2020. And that is a COMPLETELY acceptable answer. In 2020 we have faced ferocious bushfires along Australia’s east coast, followed by devastating floods just a few weeks later. Then a virus pandemic shut down the entire global economy, killing almost 1 million people. In May, an unarmed black man is killed by a white police officer in the U.S, sparking nationwide riots, bloodshed and internation...al protests. It’s already September, and literally nothing good has happened this year. Today we pause, we reflect, we take notice of our inner voices, we take notice of our loved ones voices. Today every individual persons voice matters. Irrespective of world events, your feelings are not minor - they matter. Your health matters. Your stories deserved to be acknowledged. You are not invisible. You are not alone. Below is a post written by the beautiful Aly Appleby, reflecting on her own journey in 2020. Thank you Aly for allowing us to share your post. If you would like to support Aly raise funds for this worthy cause, please follow her link below @alyappleby #rePLANOLY . So it’s #ruok day and while also supporting #liptember I chose a lipstick that best represents my thoughts over the past few weeks. I faced another miscarriage and faced a lot of dark thoughts and feelings. I found myself asking why? a lot but more importantly found those that brought light into my life (and a lot of chocolate) so no. I’m not ok but I will be. Mental health matters and we should be ready to have it on our lips- so to speak. https://www.liptember.com.au/aly-appleby See more

09.01.2022 - Google searches for 'panic attack' and 'anxiety attack' hit an all-time high in 2020. So, would you be able to tell the difference between the two? Click the link in our bio to see how each differ and what we can do (like our examples above) to deal with each. ... . . . . . . . #pnd #anxietyrelief #anxietyawareness #anxietyattack #anxietysupport #babyblues #babybluessyndrome #depressionawareness #panicattack #mooddisorders #cognitivebehavioraltherapy #meditation #cbttherapy #selfsoothe #selfcare #selflovetips #lifelineaustralia #yourenotalone #depressionhelp #livingwithanxiety #doctorsofinstagram #loveyourself #bekindtoyourself

08.01.2022 W H I T E . B A L L O O N . D A Y. 1 in 5 children in Australia are sexually harmed in some way before their 18th birthday. That statistic is totally UNACCEPTABLE in Australian society - in ANY society. . Today, Friday 11th September is Bravehearts' White Balloon Day for 2020. Funds are raised to raise awareness for the prevention of child sexual assault and exploitation. For 24 years, White Balloon Day has helped educate the greater Australian community about pr...eventing this crime, as well as raising funds for essential counseling and education services. YOU can help PROTECT KIDS by using YOUR VOICE TO BREAK THE SILENCE on child sexual assault. Jump onto https://whiteballoonday.com.au/ to access educational resources and tools, essential phone services and help centres or to donate money. We, as adults, have a duty of care to protect ALL children from harm. If you see, hear or feel in your gut that something isn't right, channel your adult voice to the appropriate authorities. Use your platform. Be a role model. Be a super hero. Be the change that these children deserve. See more

08.01.2022 ~ Truly the best job ever.

07.01.2022 Brilliant wrap for the Spotify reception account! - With 5 girls using this account this year; it’s actually quite a cohesive top 5. Did you know that ‘music nostalgia’ isn't just a phenomenon: it's neuroscience. Put together your perfect playlist and see just how much of it comes from your youth! Listening to a song that instantly reignites personal memories is triggered by your prefrontal cortex; the part of our brain which stores all the beautif...ul, and a little painful, memories we've chosen to keep. We encourage our patients in labour to bring a playlist for this very reason. Sometimes all it takes is just one song at the right time to get you through that final push. And with that, a new music associated memory is formed See more

06.01.2022 ~ Mental Health week 2020 ~ October 10th kicked off Global Mental Health Week for 2020. No year needs this week better than this year... Not true. Truth is, if you’re trapped with anxiety, struggling with depression, suffering from OCD - you know the pain and anguish which follows you Every. Single. Day. Every. Single. Year. Absolutely; this year has challenged us on a global level. Most certainly, there are families in our communities - who have never been afflicted by negative thoughts - but suddenly found themselves suffering financial hardship, job losses, business closures and unpaid medical bills. Their entire mindset has shifted and we grow a vast community suffering from mental health. Quite sadly, we are trying to navigate a changed world. This year’s campaign has been developed with the aim of challenging negative perceptions around mental illness and encouraging people to take a more positive view of mental illness. If you’d like to learn more about what Australia is doing during this week, please hit the link in our Instagram bio.

05.01.2022 Repost from one of our faves! Stephen delivered these two cuties and we were lucky enough to snap a photo of the trio at Kate's six-week postnatal check-up A little late but I saw my OB for the last time last week. He attended to my every need throughout my pregnancy and delivered both my girls beautifully and I couldn’t have been more grateful to have such a dedicated and amazing doctor!

05.01.2022 I have a chronic itch...down there. Don't automatically be alarmed. An itchy vulva can often affect a lot of women at any age. The severity and recurrence is what we need to resolve. We know it feels embarrassing telling your GP "I am really itchy down there" So let's run through examples to help you feel better about seeing your GP for a referral to a gynaecologist for diagnosis & help. 1. Irritant contact dermatitis is the most common reason for an itchy vulva. Key word: C...ontact. Ditch synthetic underwear & wear cotton. Synthetics retain sweat & discharge, cotton breathes. Shaving & plucking are also contact irritants. Too much time between changing your pad or tampon is also a contact irritant. This is a good start!. Just by those reasons above, you can see how easy it can be to get itchy bits! Now let's give some examples of more severe cases. 2. An itchy vulva w/ white discolouration or rough skin around the vulval/clitoral region may be Lichen Sceloris (LS) BUT let's not draw conclusion & let's not use Dr. Google. You must see your gynaecologist. Topical ointments & topical steroids will assist if this is your diagnosis. Potential LS needs to be examined - if you leave it, it may spread or scar. LS is very irritable & can affect your daily lifestyle. It is common in menopause and older women, 3. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) can occur w/ contact dermatitis causing a green, frothy discharge & severe itch. We see it occasionally so don't be embarrassed. If this is a symptom you're noticing, please get it checked! It is commonly due to a primary cause. 4. Genital warts: Is rising as condom use has reduced in young people. It's SUPER important to be checked. Left untreated, you risk spreading it to others. Feeling a little better about seeing your GP now? Good! Your body is your temple and it is important to look after it!

03.01.2022 The science of pregnancy is a fascinating process! For the expectant mother, the body changes that occur to accommodate baby is a beautiful albeit very new experience! It all becomes very real, sometimes confronting! ~ Hips widen... ~ Breasts where there were no breasts before (Loved my sudden full C-Cup!) ~ Melasma and where the f*&k?! did these stretch marks come from?! ~ Oh.. and did we mention hairloss? For some women it can be particularly overwhelming to see such a change to the body they have invested a lot of emotional time in loving. For the first part of our series we will delve into how to keep active in pregnancy To learn click on the link in our bio. See more

03.01.2022 The weather is warming up! How’s your hydration level going? Keeping #hydrated during your period can assist in the reduction of cramps and discomfort. In addition, rehydration will alleviate all the shitty symptoms (literally) that come with menstruation. The human body is #amazing!

03.01.2022 C O N T R A C E P T I O N Two-thirds of Australian women of reproductive age use birth control. A good chunk of that number is made up of women using IUDs (Intra-uterine Device) as their contraceptive method of choice. The IUD is placed into the uterus and remains active for 5 years without needing to be replaced until then. When successful, the IUD will decrease the flow of menses, control hormone fluctuations and reduce symptoms associated with PMS. Th...e permanency of birth control is comforting for women not wanting to worry about taking a pill each day. With no method of contraception, 85 per cent of women in their 20s will become pregnant within 12 months (Australian statistics) Of course, when it comes to choosing your birth control, it’s personal preference. There are so many pros and cons which will defer for each woman. While it’s great to have the feedback from friends, opinions from articles and medical advice from doctors, the birth control method you select should be a decision that is wholly yours. What works for others may not work for you, your method of choice can be entirely different and that is entirely fine! Your body, your choice - and that is the philosophy we live by in our clinic

03.01.2022 YEAH GIRL, YOU ARE AMAZING. See that dilation? You were able to do that! You used the strength you didn’t know you had to make it to banana. You then used your energy stores and mental focus to make it to lime. Hell yeah, it’s tiring! This is the hardest workout of your life.... Making it to lime is no easy feat, and you know what? This is where it starts to get really hard, really painful and rather serious. A sudden change to your birth plan may be required to ensure the life you’ve sheltered arrives safely earth side. It doesn’t matter if you didn’t make it to melon - what matters is your newborn - safely delivered - cradled on your chest. Girl, you are amazing. See more

02.01.2022 This should not be the case, but social media has turned motherhood into The Hunger Games We live in a culture that romanticises motherhood. It’s hard to escape when it’s programmed by social media. The myth of the ‘perfect mother’ exists because of social media. That is, a mother who provides absolute commitment and self-sacrificing devotion to her family. ... Sometimes, it’s easy to claim the rights to the hardships of motherhood - That brutal colic cry, the breakfast dishes piled from yesterday, the cracked nipples from feeding and the sleep deprivation. But when a woman endures the pain of disconnect from her baby, or fails to meet the expectations dictated by what she sees around her - When a mother can’t face her own reflection in the mirror because she has lost touch with the soul withinwho does she reach out to? This leaves us with an honest thought: Sometimes being a mother doesn’t feel good. So what do we do? We need to modify the messages mothers hear. We need to tell them it’s okay to make mistakes. We need to tell them it’s okay to ask for help because social media has turned motherhood into The Hunger Games. It is urgent that we debunk the myth that the transition to motherhood comes easily and naturally to most women. We need to challenge the presumption that good mothers take better care of their children than they do of themselves. In doing so, we can normalise the self-doubt and lower the expectation a new mother sets for herself. Be the voice. Unite motherhood. Change the perspective. - Written by K. Klieman - Edited by N. de Byl See more

01.01.2022 .. Ah. So that’s the terminology to how I’ve been feeling. As a new mum, I’m so glad I’m not alone with these negative thoughts and now feel like I can openly share how I feel. I think I’ll even go easier on myself now

01.01.2022 - It’s almost December. Have we official designated Rain On Me as 2020’s anthem yet? .... . . . . #lockdown2020 #fuck2020 #ladygagafans #rainonmemusicvideo #bettertogether #womenempowerment #atleastimalive #november2020 #arianagrande #bestof2020 #arianafanpage #whatayear #rainonme #newnormal2020 #dangerouswoman #songoftheyear #anthemof2020 #slaying #ladygaga #littlemonsters #isitoveryet #comeback2020 #2020anthem #overit #womensupportingwomen #empoweringwomen #arianalove #2020memes #killingit via @hashtagexpert See more