WHOLISTIC OSTEOPATHIC CARE
Naarm, Melbourne
ABOUT
Hello, I’m Emily, osteopath, doula and mother to one gorgeous human.
- Over the last two decades, I’ve studied and completed a Diploma, two Bachelor degrees and Master of Osteopathy. I’ve continued post-grad training in doula support, birth education, breastfeeding and breast care, osteopathic treatment of lymphatic congestion, pelvic pain, myofascial strain and much more.
- I carry women’s wisdom in my bloodline. My great grandma, nanna and mum were all midwives and women’s health advocates. I have listened to the stories of women and babies my whole life and am honoured to share this legacy.
- But what most qualifies me to do this work is my dedication to understanding my own life experience and caring for my body. I know what it feels like to live with chronic pain, recover from a severe injury, persist with post viral fatigue, journey through the perinatal years, manage early pregnancy loss, breastfeed, navigate child-led weaning, parent with emotional sensitivity while re-parenting parts of myself, and continue to find and re-find my healing ability amidst the complexity of life.
- I love drawing on my life experience to provide support and community care that reflects your authenticity and unique capacity for healing.
I offer gentle and compassionate health care for every body.
My approach is wholistic and collaborative. I use the biopsychosocial model of healing that considers your body, mental health and social situation, not just your biology or mechanics.
I also value patient/person centred care as the gold standard of health care, so I am continually finding ways to share my knowledge and skills without undermining your own expertise and autonomy.
I see the overlap between my osteo and doula work as supporting people through transitions. I meet you where you are at, help you articulate and access the support you need, and facilitate you moving into a new identity.
I also value patient/person centred care as the gold standard of health care, so I am continually finding ways to share my knowledge and skills without undermining your own expertise and autonomy.
I see the overlap between my osteo and doula work as supporting people through transitions. I meet you where you are at, help you articulate and access the support you need, and facilitate you moving into a new identity.
SERVICES
Support for your body
Osteopathy Lineage
Osteopathy was developed as a new philosophy of health, by Andrew Taylor Still in the 1850s. As a young doctor in Missouri, he lived and worked alongside the Shawnee people, who had an understanding of the world as a living, breathing, sacred place. He learned from them deep respect for the healing power of nature within and around us. Tragically, three of Still's family members died of spinal meningitis after he was unable to help them with medicine. This event solidified his belief that external medicine is not the only answer and the human body contains everything it needs for happiness and health. He developed his philosophy around this principle. Osteo means bone, so the name osteopathy acknowledges the ancient human practice of bonesetting, and the wondrous living structure of our skeletal system that supports our bodies.Osteopathy Today
Osteopaths are trained to assess the body’s living anatomy - the motion and texture of tissues, the mechanics of the bones and joints, and the flow of fluids - looking for health and balance.
We use techniques such as soft tissue massage, muscle activation, myofascial release, joint mobilisation, lymphatic drainage and craniosacral therapy to bring the body into alignment and allow normal function, adaptation and healing.
We are primary care providers, so you don’t need a referral to see us, however we collaborate well with other healthcare providers when needed.Osteopathy Prices
I offer three types of consultations: 40min - for regular appointments60min - for initial and extended appointments 60min home visit - for anyone who has difficulty leaving their house, for any reason
Regular fees for these consultations are $95 / $125 / $165. HICAPS and Medicare rebates are available if you are eligible. I also have a pay-it-forward system you can participate in if you wish. You consider your present financial situation, your historical access to wealth and socio-economic standing and decide if you can pay $15 more per consult. This system allows me to offer all my patients discounted fees, and more frequent care in times of need.
Support for birth & beyond
Full Spectrum Doula
I offer one-to-one continuity of care for the full spectrum of reproductive health. This includes support for conception, pregnancy, pregnancy loss or abortion, birth, stillbirth, postpartum and parenting. I provide regular sessions in my studio including hands on osteopathic treatment, practical guidance and emotional support. My care also includes home visits and attending medical appointments and procedures with you when support is needed. Regular 60min sessions are $125 each and home/hospital visits are $165 each. HICAPS and Medicare rebates are available if you are eligible.Birth Doula
I work as a birth doula for a handful of families each year. Because this level of care is so intimate and transformative, I am careful with my capacity. Birth doula support includes the same one-to-one continuity of care as my full spectrum work. You will have regular sessions supporting your physical and emotional needs throughout pregnancy and postpartum. AND on call availability in the last month of pregnancy with my continuous presence during your birth (up to 24hrs). We also design 2 home visits that suit your particular needs. These personalised visits may include: private birth preparation for you and your partner, strategies for working with pain, guidance for navigating the medical system, processing previous births or medical experiences, postpartum planning, physical recovery and support after birth, breastfeeding and postural care, referrals to other care providers and resources, and more...Birth Doula Prices
My birth doula package is $2000. This includes on call, continuous support for your birth AND 2 personalised home visits. Regular sessions and home visits are paid separately. You can choose a sliding scale payment if you wish. You consider your present financial situation, your historical access to wealth and socio-economic standing and decide to pay more or less than my regular package fee. I also use a payment plan to divide the package cost over time. Use the contact form below to arrange an intial meeting so we can discuss your needs and see if we'll work well together.
We are so incredibly grateful for your amazing support and also your grounding, love filled, knowledgeable presence at our birth - WOW! You are part of our extended family for good now. We love you xxx
Vivienne, Belgrave
Doula Client
Thank you for your care and kindness during this important chapter. We can't imagine having begun this journey without you. All our love xxx
Erica, Coburg
Doula Client
QUALIFICATIONS
Master of Osteopathy 2010 RMIT University Bachelor of Applied Science 2008 RMIT University Diploma of Remedial Massage 2004 ACNT Sydney Bachelor of Arts (Psych) 2003 University of SydneyCONTINUED TRAINING IN OSTEOPATHY
Fascial Pathways and Pelvic Function with George Stylian 2023 Pelvic Anatomy Up Close with Prof Thierry Vancaillie 2022After Breast Cancer - An Osteopathic Approach 2022Exploring Visceral Fascia 2022Managing Pelvic Pain 2021 Embryology Series with Brian Freeman 2019Managing Pain in Pregnancy and Beyond 2018The Rule of the Artery 2 2018Intelligent Fluids and Fascial Relationships with Paul Lee 2016The Rule of the Artery 1 2014Eyes Within Your Spine with Mary Bond 2013The Mother and Baby Unit with Caroline Stone 2012CONTINUED TRAINING IN WOMEN’S HEALTH
Challenging Births with Naoli Vinaver 2023 Doula Conference 2020, 2021, 2022She Births Educator training with Nadine Richardson 2017Building Better Babies Summit 2015Liquid Gold Breastfeeding Conference 2014Traditional Aboriginal Women’s Spiritual Teachings with Minmia 2013Shamanic Dimensions of Pregnancy with Jane Hardwicke Collings 2013Creative Ways of Making Space for the Baby with Jenny Blyth & Fiona Hallinan 2012When Survivors Give Birth with Penny Simkin 2012Gentle Birth with Sarah Buckley 2012Spiritual Midwifery with Rachana Shivam 2012Doula Training with Sunderai Felich 2012
CONTACT
I am currently based in Reservoir, VIC.
I travel for home visits within metropolitan Melbourne. Please enter your details below so we can discuss your needs.
I'm proud to acknowledge the Wurundjeri people as Traditional Custodians of the land and waters where I live and work.
I am grateful for their continued connection and care for this Country.
I pay my respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.