About Pea in a Pod
Jill Graham (Hammond) | Pea in a Pod
I have been working as a midwife since 2002, both in the hospital and community settings. My love for having a known midwife care for you in pregnancy developed during my many different roles.
Each role has shown me how important it is to look outside the box and having this journey with a midwife you know and trust it makes this time even more special. Another important aspect of my care is the many benefits to be gained by having massage during your pregnancy to help your mind and body.
Training & Education:
- Bachelor of Nursing Charles Sturt University 1993-1995
- Graduate Certificate of Perioperative Nursing The New South Wales College of Nursing 1999
- Graduate Certificate of Midwifery Charles Sturt University 2001-2002
- Diploma of Remedial Massage The Border College of Natural Therapies 2012
- Nuturelife® Practitioner 2013
- Screening, Diagnostics, Pharmacology and Prescribing for Midwives Griffith University 2015
Pea in a Pod specialising in Nuturelife® perinatal massage
What midwives do
A Midwife is a registered health professional, we are committed to providing care, education, advice and support to women and their families during pregnancy, labour and birth, and during the early postnatal period.
Midwives are committed to promoting normal birth whilst recognising that pregnancy is a static state with many changes occurring to your body to support the growth of your baby. Midwives consult, collaborate and refer with other health professionals if needed during your pregnancy to ensure that you receive the care that you want.
A midwife ensures that each woman is treated as an individual and her plan of care recognises this whilst also encompassing the cultural, social and spiritual aspects of pregnancy and birth.
How continuity of care from a midwife can benefit pregnant women
Research from around the world has shown that women who receive care from a known midwife develop and build trusting relationships which increases their confidence in the care of themselves and their family.
Woman cared for by a known midwife are:
- Less likely to need epidurals or use other drugs for pain relief in labour,
- More likely to go into labour on your own,
- More likely to have a normal birth and feel like they are in control during labour and birth,
- Commence breastfeeding earlier and continue to breastfeed longer.
Extra Reading
Below are some great articles that demonstrate the benefits of continuity of care.
You can also visit Australian College of Midwives to have the continuity of care research explained..
Journey to confidence: Women’s experiences of pain in labour and relational continuity
Leap N, Sandall J, Buckland S, Huber U. Journey to confidence: Women’s experiences of pain in labour and relational continuity. Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health. 2010; 55(3): 234-42.
An evaluation of Midwifery Group Practice. Part II: women’s satisfaction
Fereday J, Collins C, Turnbull D, Pincombe J, Oster C. An evaluation of Midwifery Group Practice. Part II: women’s satisfaction. Women & Birth: Journal of the Australian College of Midwives. 2009; 22(1): 11-6.
Photo: Simone Morrissey
Contact Us
Whether it’s for a general enquiry or to make an appointment,
we’d love to hear from you!
Antenatal Care
Once you are pregnant your own midwife can care and support you through each stage of your pregnancy. Antenatal visits are scheduled throughout your pregnancy to check on the health and well-being of you and your baby. We check your health, listen to the baby’s heart beat and measure growth. These visits can be scheduled at the centre or in your own home.
Postnatal Care
The birth of your baby and going home is a huge transition for you and your family. Your midwife will have the flexibility and time to care for you in your home or at the centre. Your midwife will support you by listening to your needs, encouraging and giving you the confidence to care for yourself and your baby this may include mother and baby checks, support and education.
Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy has an effect on every system of your body and enables you to support, grow and birth your baby. As a Registered Nuturelife® practitioner, specialised perinatal massage techniques are used to provide relief from some of the common discomforts of pregnancy including back, hip and shoulder pain, pelvic and ligament pain, as well as leg cramps, carpel tunnel, anxiety and depression.
