Michelle Clift in Doncaster East, Victoria, Australia | Alternative & holistic health service

Michelle Clift

Locality: Doncaster East, Victoria, Australia

Phone: +61 403 530 536

Address: 41a Tunstall Square 3109 Doncaster East, VIC, Australia

Website: http://www.hypnobirthing.com.au

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• Education
• Alternative & holistic health service
• Pregnancy care centre

25.01.2022 Where are my Melbourne mama's who have birthed since March this year? Would you have time to do a quick survey?

25.01.2022 Positive Pregnancy Post #1 Ive decided to spend a few days focusing on being positive and suggesting some practical things you can do if you are pregnant and feeling stressed or anxious at this time. There are 5 posts in total. First there is probably the same suggestions youve heard everywhere turn off the news, limit screen time or stay off social media altogether and surround yourself (virtually) with people who either make you feel good or hold space while you unravel.... I should probably tell you to exercise every day and eat well but lets face it, our beds are cosy at this time of year and chocolate a necessity. So what can you do? I want to talk to you about making your home or a room in your home, your sanctuary. Lets create that beautiful birth space now, even if labour is weeks or months away, I want to see the fairy lights, the candles, the positive affirmations, the cards from friends, the crystals, the altars, the flowers and everything else in between. Bring together the softest of blankets, the cushiest of cushions, the essential oils and the warmth of a dark room or throw open those curtains and windows and let the Winter sun shine in. BE in your space. BE mindful. Feel the furnishings, smell the scents, listen to the music, turn inward to yourself and your baby. Focus on yourself and what you can control. *** I have a free information session next week where Ill be sharing more ways to have a positive pregnancy and birth. You can register here - https://mailchi.mp/fa44ee84ac80/amazing-birth-info-session I have HypnoBirthing courses starting soon check out dates here https://hypnobirthing.com.au/our-course/class-dates/

24.01.2022 The last few days have been big. For many, no power, no water, more panic buying, loss of homes, loss of lives. It's hard to know what is next or what more we can take. I took a moment last night to just be. To stand in awe of the wind that wreaked havoc on my community and to take in the sunset from my balcony. I don't know what's around the corner, or how I'll cope with it but all we can all do it keep ticking off the days, enjoying the moments that we can.... Michelle x

24.01.2022 Are you pregnant? What comes to mind when you think about labour? I asked on my page yesterday and here are some of the responses. If you'd like to feel like this after birthing your baby, please get in touch to learn more about what we offer. We have a group HypnoBirthing course starting on Monday 7th September at 7pm. There are two places left! Call me 0403 530 536.

24.01.2022 Thank goodness this new policy was clarified. Partners can stay as long as they want to after the birth of their baby - they DON'T have to leave after two hours. I still believe they should be able to stay until the whole family goes home rather than a two hour visit each day but this is better than what the advice was yesterday.

24.01.2022 How are you feeling today? Answer in a GIF. Mine is in the comments xHow are you feeling today? Answer in a GIF. Mine is in the comments x

23.01.2022 Morning! Has anyone had any word from local hospitals about updating guidelines to allow for; + Partners at appointments + More than one support person at the birth + No restrictions around using bath, shower or gas + Unlimited visiting hours for partner... + Allowing siblings to visit in the hospital I'm hoping that all our local hospitals have a plan that matches the dates and easing restrictions for the Melbourne covid road map. PS. I've tried tagging Eastern Health for Box Hill and Angliss hospitals and Mitcham Private Hospital but can't tag If anyone else can, or knows someone who works there, I'd love a tag in the comments.

21.01.2022 Ive been really disillusioned with birth for some time now. I see all these wonderful couples, preparing for their amazing births, feeling empowered and excited, but then being totally de-railed by the hospital system. Its been soul destroying to work so hard for change in an industry which is only getting worse. A clever colleague introduced me to the concept of the magic of birth and I just got it. What is Birth Magic?... + Its the woman being the centre of the experience (not hospital policy) + Its the utmost respect for the physical, hormonal and spiritual journey that is birth + Its the reverence for the Rite of Passage childbirth is + Its the first hands and first voices baby feels and hears being its parents + Its the connection between the woman and her support people + Its the sweat and the tears + Its sensuality + Its respect + Its trust So if people want Birth Magic, why is it so hard to experience, especially here in Melbourne? We have the highest intervention rates in Australia and outcomes arent improving. Firstly, obstetricians dont learn about Birth Magic. A very select few (I can name 2) may come to learn about Birth Magic during their career but trying to find Birth Magic with a private OB is going to be hard. Not impossible but hard. Midwives learn about Birth Magic. Many uni lecturers are ex-homebirth midwives and teach the up and coming students Birth Magic. But then the system happens. Midwives start to forget Birth Magic. They become traumatised, medicalised and stop believing. There are some midwives who hang onto Birth Magic despite the challenges. Women cross their fingers and hope they get one of those midwives. And the homebirth midwives, well I would say they are homebirth midwives because they are all over Birth Magic. We can demand Birth Magic. By standing strong and informed against the system. By recognising the coercion and grooming that happens and not falling prey to it. But thats tough and not many can withstand the intensity of that pressure. I want you to know that you wanted Birth Magic and didnt get it, it wasnt your fault. So, do I have the answers? I dont. Do I know what to do about the issue? Not really. But I know it all comes back to Birth Magic. by Julie Abreu Photography

20.01.2022 Last chance to sign up for my free live webinar tonight - How To Have An Amazing Birth. With so much stress and anxiety happening at the moment, it's my pleasure to be able to share my 5 ways to have an amazing birth in along with my tips and recommendations for pregnancy and birth during covid restrictions. The session is hosted by me and will run for about an hour. I'll teach you a beautiful breathing technique helpful for calming the body and able to be used in labour.... Registrations are essential so you receive the Zoom link. I look forward to seeing you tonight. Michelle

20.01.2022 I read this beautiful blog today about what you can do if you're pregnant right now, preparing to give birth amongst so many restrictions. I have to admit, I've not really known what to say or how to support women during this time which is a new feeling for me. I feel like this article gives a great starting point on some things you can be doing.... So much love for you all right now. Michelle x

20.01.2022 Positive Pregnancy Post #4 One of the biggest concerns people have is partners only being allowed to visit for 2 hours in the days following the birth. Yes, there is the option for early discharge but for those who want to or need to stay longer, here are some practical ideas for making those days a little easier.... Firstly, plan a routine around how youll connect with your partner at home. Phone calls, messages, video calls. Buy a beautiful journal and keep a record of all those moments that your partner wont be there for. Take all the photos and videos pack a tripod so you can set your phone up to video on your tray table. Ask your loved ones to write letters or cards that you can pack and open each day. Even better, get them to include a present or treat each day! What a gorgeous thing to look forward to. But lastly remember that this time can be beautiful. There is something so special about you and your baby getting to know each other. You can have as much skin to skin as you can. This can be a quiet, cosy time. Get to know your baby their sounds, their movements, their behaviours. How do they express their needs? How do they search for milk? For your baby, you are the centre of their universe. Be still in those moments when they look for you, make eye contact with you and you fall in love with each other. *** I have a free information session next week where Ill be sharing more ways to have a positive pregnancy and birth. You can register here - https://mailchi.mp/fa44ee84ac80/amazing-birth-info-session I have HypnoBirthing courses starting soon check out dates here https://hypnobirthing.com.au/our-course/class-dates/ This Positive Pregnancy post has been written in partnership with Irena Sergeeva - https://www.facebook.com/doulamelbourne/

19.01.2022 Thanks to my girl @the.isabelle.jean for sharing this vid on her page this morning, why yes, I did need to hear it. Maybe you do too! Happy Friday x

18.01.2022 Hello lovely x How are you? How are you really? My standard answer is, I'm ok. I'm not great, I'm not rock bottom, I'm somewhere in the middle. How are you filling your days?... We're up about 8/8.30am, remote learning starts by 9.30am, we finish about lunchtime then it's a slow, lazy afternoon. I might go for a walk by myself, watch a movie with Marlie or my husband and I have been tackling sorting out our extensive Lego collection. Work has been taking a back seat until recently where I've felt a little more like myself and able to connect with everyone again. Sending lots of love to you, wherever you are and whatever you're feeling.

17.01.2022 If your frustrated (to put it mildly) about the new policy to not allow bath or shower use during labour, please sign the petition below. Your pregnant sisters will thank you!

12.01.2022 Congratulations to Bec and Geoff on the positive birth of Riley. Thanks for sharing your story to inspire those who are yet to birth during these tough times. Good work to Lisa Moylan too for delivering a wonderful course and support via Zoom.

11.01.2022 Ooo I was featured on the HypnoBirthing International page

11.01.2022 I don't even have words "The decision to deny women access to the shower is the worst I've have seen. It certainly makes you question whether there's an ulterior motive here. Scare mongering and removing a completely safe, natural method of pain relief will mean more women turning to pharmacological options which for many women, is completely unnecessary" Dr Megan Cooper

10.01.2022 I talk in my classes about how we need to treat pregnant women better. That pregnancy is a time to slow down, rest, sleep, eat well, exercise in a gentle way, work less, be less busy. Lockdown has forced this on many of us and interesting many countries are experiencing a reduction in pre-term births. It's still speculation as to why, but it is incredible interesting.

10.01.2022 To those who witnessed the birth of their first childwe celebrate with you To those who lost a child we mourn with you To those who arrive home to chaos each day, tired from work but dig deep to find that little bit extra we appreciate you... To those who butt heads with their troubled teens - we stand with you To those who have to stay strong, hold in the tears and fears while you and your partner walk the hard path of infertility, fraught with disappointment we walk with you To those who are foster dads, mentor dads, and spiritual dads we need you To the grandpas, opas, nonnos and pas - never stop telling your life lessons and stories from the olden days - they are incredibly special To those who have warm and close relationships with your children we celebrate with you To those who have disappointment, heart ache, and distance with your children we sit with you To those who lost their fathers we grieve with you To those who teach your children about respect, self-discipline and courage we are better for having you in our midst To those who are single and long to be married and fathering your own children we mourn that life has not turned out the way you wanted it to be To those who step-parent we walk with you on these complex paths To those who envisioned kicking the footy with grandchildren - yet that dream is not to be, we grieve with you To those who will have emptier nests in the upcoming year we grieve and rejoice with you To those who have no choice but to return to work we commend you for your commitment to supporting your family in this way To those who find the teaching moments in each day - we acknowledge the value you add to your child's upbringing To those who are pushed and challenged by their children and have to learn how to control their temper - we see how hard it is for you To those who never had the role model in their life they are aspiring to be - we know it's tough, new and see you learning and growing And to those who watch their partner's belly grow with each week that passes, both expected and surprising we anticipate with you This Father's Day, we walk with you. Fathering is not for the faint of heart and we have real warriors in our midst.

10.01.2022 What is one inspiring, beautiful sentence to sum up your birthing experience?

08.01.2022 Next Wednesday I'll be hosting my first info session that I've held for a couple of months. I'll be talking about how you can still achieve a beautiful birth experience, despite the current situation and restrictions. I'd love to see you there! Please tag any pregnant friends too!... Michelle x

08.01.2022 I've lost count of how many times I've said 'Happy Iso Birthday' this year. Yes it's sad for the adults having birthday's but today I want to talk about our little ones celebrating their 1st birthday. It's such a milestone for everyone and for my husband and I, it was a celebration of survival and achievement of getting through that first year. Having that gathering of friends and family restricted at the moment is heartbreaking. So..... what CAN you do? Let's start a post... of lots of ideas for all the parents organising a birthday for their bub right now. + Ask friends and family to write a letter to open on the day - perhaps one to baby and one to parents. These can be kept forever. + Ask friends and family to record a short video for you and baby. Perhaps someone clever can make them into a compilation. + Get a helium balloon delivered. Not only is it super fun to watch the balloon come out of the giant box but the box itself will bring loads of play value. + Ask friends and family to bake a cupcake and take a photo of themselves with it. You can create a special album for your bub to keep. + Order yourselves some grazing boxes and champagne. YOU made it a year. This is your celebration too. + Still bake or buy an amazing cake. Maybe half could be a smash cake and half to eat. There is no pressure for it to look or taste good so you can just have fun decorating! + Plan a day of special, unusual activities around the home for the birthday boy/girl. What can you add to the list?

08.01.2022 Positive Pregnancy Post #3 Lets chat about masks. My staff and I received many phone calls and emails when the directive for everyone in the hospital during labour had to wear a mask came out. Ive had my standard line of they are not allowed to not allow you which Ive spouted off at many times but it didnt fit this situation.... We are living in the most difficult of times and hospital staff and your partner wearing a mask while you labour can seem very confronting. If you are worried about this aspect of your experience, put it in your birth plan! Explain to the staff looking after you about your concerns. You could ask them to please speak clearly when they talk, to ensure their smiles reach their eyes and to come closer when they speak to you. Keep communicating whats going on for you and I know that most staff will be more than happy to do what they can to make you more at ease. Im sure they hate wearing the masks just as much as you do! Chat to your partner about your worries. Ask them to relay all staff instructions in an easy to understand way. Keep reminding them that all you can see is their eyes so please make eye contact and smile often. I know it sucks mama. Im sorry xx *** I have a free information session next week where Ill be sharing more ways to have a positive pregnancy and birth. You can register here - https://mailchi.mp/fa44ee84ac80/amazing-birth-info-session I have HypnoBirthing courses starting soon check out dates here https://hypnobirthing.com.au/our-course/class-dates/ This Positive Pregnancy Post has been written in partnership with Irena Sergeeva https://www.facebook.com/doulamelbourne/

07.01.2022 I have to say, I feel like a bit of anomaly after yesterday's announcements. I think having a plan and dates has actually helped me and alleviated some anxiety about the future and the unknown. Do I agree with the plan? Do I agree with Dan? That's probably a story for another day but I do feel like there is a light at the end of this very long tunnel. I really hope our hospitals are updating their guidelines around partners going to appointments, limits on visiting and second support people to match the road map. What about you? How are you feeling?

05.01.2022 Positive Pregnancy Post #5 Yesterday I spoke about what you can do if you have to stay in hospital after your birth. Today Ill focus on what you can do if you are able to go home early. Many hospitals have introduced a 6-hour post birth discharge timeframe. This can be the biggest blessing BUT you have to have the necessary support.... In my dream post-partum scenario, you get discharged from hospital (after your amazing birth ) and are met at home by your care team. This could be a family member, a friend or your local post-natal doula. A huge must would be a lactation consultant too. They will have tidied your house and have an amazing meal ready and waiting. Your sheets will be fresh and your bed turned down, ready for that amazing post birth sleep. You arrive into welcoming arms and a warm house. You are held while you celebrate the birth of this brand new little being. You are guided while you learn how to breastfeed your baby and this guidance isnt a one off! Its ongoing support so you never feel alone as you move from colostrum to breastmilk, from beginner to expert over the coming weeks. Yes, we are in Stage 4. But there are many permitted workers available to support you at this time. Care giving is allowed. Of course, be mindful of who comes into your home but this is not the time to be alone. Many cultures have beautiful traditions around this time going slow, staying in, being nourished and nurtured. I encourage you to explore these traditions and implement what you can. *** I have a free information session next week where Ill be sharing more ways to have a positive pregnancy and birth. You can register here - https://mailchi.mp/fa44ee84ac80/amazing-birth-info-session I have HypnoBirthing courses starting soon check out dates here https://hypnobirthing.com.au/our-course/class-dates/

05.01.2022 I was thinking about the term 'late bloomer' today in regards to girls going through puberty. From our first rite of passage, we are deemed to be 'early' or 'late', signalling that there is something wrong with both options. Both scenarios are often fraught with embarrassment, anxiety and confusion. From so young we are taught that our bodies don't 'do the right thing at the right time'. Fast forward to waiting for our babies to arrive. Can you see how the pattern plays out? Can you see where the distrust comes from? I'm really excited to celebrate my daughters first rite of passage, when the time comes (in many years). And it will be the perfect time, whenever that may be. Hopefully it's the beginning of a long relationship of deep understanding and trust of the female body, in all its mysterious glory.

05.01.2022 Positive Pregnancy Post #2 Ive decided to spend a few days focusing on being positive and suggesting some practical things you can do if you are pregnant and feeling stressed or anxious at this time. There are 5 posts in total. If youre pregnant, you will have heard about changes that have been made around labour itself. Some hospitals arent allowing the use of gas, showers or baths, staff and partners have to wear masks and partner support is limited after the birth.... So what can you do? What do you have control over? My long standing advice would be to wait for spontaneous labour. Just know that your pregnancy may go a little longer than you expect due to increased fear and stress. Our bodies will wait for us to be safe, before going into labour so be patient. Labour at home as long as possible. We hear this over and over but many people dont know what this actually looks like. For a first time mother, with a labour that starts and slowly builds without stopping, it could be up to 12-18 hours. With a stop/start pattern, it could be days! At home you have your partner and anyone else who you need. Care giving for a pregnant person is allowed so your mother, your sister or your friend is allowed to care for you at this time. You may even hire a doula to support you at home which is another one of my recommendations. At home you have the shower and the bath two of the most amazing options for natural pain relief known to women! If all is well medically, your care provider is supportive, your instincts tell you its ok and its not a long drive, I would be staying home until you feel the first urge to push (for first time mums, 2nd time mamas will need to go sooner). This tends to indicate baby will arrive in 1-2 hours enough time to get to the hospital to birth whilst doing the bulk of your labouring in the comfort of your home and with your support network. Youll probably find that your labour will be shorter, more efficient and more comfortable if you do this, who doesnt want that?! *** I have a free information session next week where Ill be sharing more ways to have a positive pregnancy and birth. You can register here - https://mailchi.mp/fa44ee84ac80/amazing-birth-info-session I have HypnoBirthing courses starting soon check out dates here https://hypnobirthing.com.au/our-course/class-dates/

04.01.2022 Need some Friday Funny in your life?!

03.01.2022 So much love for everyone pregnant right now xxx

03.01.2022 Happy Friday everyone! Were almost at the weekend! Oh hang on, every freaking day is the same right now

02.01.2022 Regarding umedicated, physiological birth, well, there is good news, and bad news. The bad news: you cannot be saved. You can have a midwife, you can have a ...doula, but it is you alone who must journey to another dimension, to claim your baby. This is spiritual work. We cannot come with you. The good news? You. dont. need. saving. You see, over time weve capitulated to the idea that we shouldnt need to feel the full extent of the birthing process. Or, that if things get too hard, were doing something wrong. We will agree, up front, to a certain amount of sensation, but beyond that its too much. What if you knew up front that you were going to be thoroughly decimated? What if you understood: birth will bring you to your edge, and beyond that edge there is another edge, and then another, and another? What if, you understood that up front, and gave the universe a handshake and a nod that youre up for it. This is NOT about martyrdom. This IS about reframing most of what youve been led to believe about childbirth. And what if it is not without divine purpose. It IS big, yes. It is ok to be overwhelmed, and even scared because HOLY SHIT, NOTHING has prepared you for this (not even your previous births). Its ok to not know what to do. And it is ok to do it anyway. The sensations, and our thoughts that come up because of them, in no way mean anything is wrong. Surrender. Over and over, soften your muscles, rest between surges, and do it again. Holy shit, yall. We came to this earth, in these bodies, because WE ARE CAPABLE. We were given THE highest honor among humans. And it is BECAUSE of this POWER and CAPACITY we have been convinced of the spin stories. You can curse, and sweat, and cry, and doubt yourself, even wish for a fucking epidural, and you can do. it. anyway. You will emerge from the storm, a tiny boat on the vast ocean just after an epic storm, intact, forever changed, and weathered by the salt of your sweat and tears. This. THIS is your #birthright. @jotisha . - Reposted from @heartofgoldbirth See more

01.01.2022 I recently heard an older midwife say that when epidurals first arrived on the scene that they were so excited. They saw them as an option to be used for a very long labour, when baby was not positioned well or for very early premature pushing urge. They never foresaw that they would become standard and they could never have imagined what that meant in terms of birth outcomes. I've seen epidurals used so amazingly, for posterior babies, for mothers who are exhausted beyond comprehension. They are not the enemy but I also don't believe they should be the first line of defence. There are so many amazing options for pain relief available to start with first, love and support being the biggest and easiest to provide.