The Practical Doula

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The Practical Doula

End of life doula. Compassionate end-of-life planning and support. Melanie Cookes and team are here to guide and support you.

02/01/2026

We hope you had a peaceful Christmas and you were able to honour people who were missing

19/12/2025

As the holiday season approaches, I want to take a moment to wish you a gentle and meaningful Christmas and a hopeful New Year ahead. 🎄✨

For many, this time of year brings joy and celebration. For others, especially those who have lost someone, it can feel heavy or lonely. If that is you, please know you’re not alone. There is no “right” way to feel at Christmas … however you show up this season is worthy of gentleness.

This season is a perfect time to read my blog entitled Honouring Missing Loved Ones at Christmas and New Year, which you can access through this link: https://www.practicaldoula.com.au/blog/honouring-missing-loved-ones-christmas-new-year

I’m here to support you through the tender moments as well as the bright ones. I can accompany you with compassion, understanding and practical care.

To find out more, call Melanie on 0406 622 091 or send a private message here.

16/12/2025

Recently, I supported a family whose world had been shattered by the sudden, violent loss of their loved one. In the midst of shock and disbelief, they were faced with an overwhelming list of decisions no one should ever have to make alone.

Together, we navigated the coroner’s process, talked through what needed to happen and when, explored funeral home options, and gently considered whether bringing their loved one home for vigil was right for them. We visited the cemetery they chose and selected the perfect plot - this provided a quiet moment of certainty in a very uncertain time.

Over the next few days, I supported them in every way they needed: holding space at two vigils, offering practical support at the funeral, baby-sitting when grief left them without capacity, even driving the hearse and stepping in as a pall-bearer.

My role was simple — ensuring they never had to face any of it alone.

To find out more, call Melanie on 0406 622 091 or send a private message here.

13/12/2025

As you all know, I just launched my shop here - https://www.practicaldoula.com.au/shop

Remember that I am offering 10% off, valid until 11:59pm on 31 December 2025. Enter the code DEC10 at check out.

Please note: Appointments must be scheduled by the end of March 2026, but can be fulfilled at any time during 2026.

Remember that I am offering 10% off, valid until 11:59pm on 31 December 2025. Enter the code DEC10 at checkout.

04/12/2025

Join Gilded Poppy Makery and The Practical Doula for a truly memorable night out! This special event beautifully blends hands-on creativity with meaningful discussion. More details below 🎉

Or visit this link: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1508514?qr=true&qr=true

01/12/2025

The wait is finally over! ✨So excited to share with you that our shop is now officially live! Click the link below to be the first to purchase or book any appointments.

Use the discount code DEC10 to get 10% off. The code is valid until 11:59pm on 31 Dec.

Appointments must be 𝙨̲𝙘̲𝙝̲𝙚̲𝙙̲𝙪̲𝙡̲𝙚̲𝙙̲ by the end of March 2026, for fulfillment at any time in 2026.

https://www.practicaldoula.com.au/shop

28/11/2025

My next blog was written in response to hearing how challenging medical appointments can be.

Medical appointments CAN be overwhelming. As The Practical Doula, I offer calm, practical support so you feel heard, informed, and never alone.

Read my latest blog to see how I can support you.

https://www.practicaldoula.com.au/blog/medic

21/11/2025

The heart of The Practical Doula’s work is providing families with calm, connection, and confidence. ❤️

The Practical Doula offers the practical and emotional support (documentation, planning, legacy-making, comfort care etc.) needed to ensure that love is the strongest and loudest voice at the end of life.

19/11/2025

Navigating end-of-life documentation can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Join us for Planning Ahead - A gentle Introduction to End-of-Life Documentation at the Godfrey Street Community House.

This single, supportive session is designed to walk you through the process, giving you the knowledge and confidence to document your wishes.

What: Planning Ahead - A gentle Introduction to End-of-Life Documentation
When: Thursday, November 27, 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Where: Godfrey Street Community House, 9 Godfrey Street, Bentleigh 3204
Cost: $40

Open to the public. Take this important step for yourself and your loved ones.

Book your spot now! 📞 Call 03 9557 9037 or visit the link https://www.godfreystreet.org/events/special-workshops

16/11/2025

You might see that Melanie is busy delivering events, but beneath the busy schedule is a deeply dedicated doula. If you need her, she always makes the time. That's the heart of it all, showing up when it matters most. The Practical Doula creates calm amidst the chaos. Let Melanie take you to the beach or your special place for a peaceful, supported experience. 🌴

Address

Melbourne, VIC
3150

Telephone

+61406622091

Website

http://practicaldoula.com.au/

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