Krista McCrimmon-Birth and Postnatal Doula

Krista McCrimmon-Birth and Postnatal Doula A Doula offers continuous, professional support and education to couples during pregnancy, childbirth Lets make it a Joyful, rewarding and memorable experience.

Having a baby is such a wonderful and exciting time and I am passionate in supporting expectant mothers. Inspiring you to be confident and trust in your ability to birth your baby your way.Providing you with evidence based information to guide you to make informed and educated decisions that will enable you to make the right choices for you and your baby.,supporting you and your partner through pregnancy, your birth and beyond . Meeting your baby for the first time is a once in life time moment,a day you will never forget .It is an honour and a priveilage to share in this journey with you . The proven benefits of using a Doula:

50% reduction in cesarean rate
25% shorter labor
60% reduction in epidural requests
30% reduction in pain medication use
40% reduction in forceps delivery
40% reduction in oxytocin (pitocin) use

We will be able to catch up regularly prior to your expected birth date. During these visits I can answer any questions or concerns you may have. We will discuss birth options and pain relief strategies. I can also assist you in developing a birth plan or wish list. My role as your Doula:

• Uses comfort measures: breathing, relaxation, visualisation, movement, aromatherapy and Rebozo techniques for pain relief.

• Gives unbiased information. Helping parents become informed about various birth choices.

• Allows the woman’s partner to participate at his/her comfort level.

• Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labour.

I have the honour to see time and again the strength that unfolds when women allow themselves to simply be. Birth isn’t ...
12/11/2025

I have the honour to see time and again the strength that unfolds when women allow themselves to simply be. Birth isn’t about performance or perfection — it’s about trust, presence, and embracing who you truly are. When you bring your whole self, birth meets you there.🙏🏻💛💫

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Bring all your parts to the party.

🙏🏻Well said Renee ♥️   with .repost・・・The tragic death of a mother following a freebirth has sparked renewed calls from ...
05/11/2025

🙏🏻Well said Renee ♥️

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The tragic death of a mother following a freebirth has sparked renewed calls from RANZCOG and ACM to regulate — or even criminalise — doulas.

Our hearts are with Stacey Hatfield’s family and loved ones. Every maternal death is heartbreaking. But blaming doulas will not make birth safer.

We must ask the real question: why are women choosing to freebirth in the first place?

Lack of access to midwives, unaffordable homebirths, previous birth trauma, and a maternity system that leaves too many women unheard — these are the real issues that demand attention.

Doulas are trained, non-clinical professionals who offer emotional, physical and informational support — never medical care. For over two decades, our accredited doulas have been guided by a Code of Conduct that prohibits attending or supporting freebirths.

The system is failing women. Targeting doulas will only make things worse.

Read the full statement on our page. See our Code of conduct on our website.


♥️well said ♥️  .dad.vibes with .repost・・・Most of our frustration as new parents doesn’t come from our baby, it comes fr...
02/11/2025

♥️well said ♥️

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Most of our frustration as new parents doesn’t come from our baby, it comes from our expectations of them. How many of us have been asked “Are they good for you” through the night 😂 We’re told “good babies” sleep long stretches, settle easily, and feed on schedule. But the truth is… most newborns don’t.

When we let go of the myths and lean into what’s normal, frequent waking, constant feeding, needing closeness, everything starts to feel lighter. Of course, this doesn’t make things easier; the sleep deprivation and emotional rollercoaster are real. However, this thinking certainly allows us to let go of those undue stresses and frustrations.

It’s not that your baby is difficult. It’s that society’s expectations are unrealistic.

   with .repost・・・More tips here 👇I know it can feel exhausting when you just need a break. So here’s what can help:📲But...
01/11/2025

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More tips here 👇

I know it can feel exhausting when you just need a break. So here’s what can help:

📲But first, make sure to LIKE & SAVE this post - you’re going to want to come back to it later! ⁠

👉🏻 Make sure your baby is SUPER familiar with their sleep space - this is key! If they don’t love it awake, they are certainly not going to want to sleep there. ⁠

👉🏻 Support them ALL the way to sleep, and transfer them into their crib or settling them on their floor bed.

👉🏻 Replicate your scent in their sleep space; this helps build the familiarity and provides a wonderful sense of comfort. ⁠

👉🏻 Practise solo naps for the first nap of the day, or alternate with contact, especially if they are shorter (to avoid overtired). The first nap is often the easiest nap of the day, and this way you can make up for a shorter nap later on!

👉🏻 Keep expectations realistic! Not only is this going to help your mindset, but it’ll help your baby if you’re feeling calm and confident, keeping things low pressure. Even 5 minutes in the crib for a nap is a win in the beginning! ⁠

👉🏻 Be responsive! It is SO important that your child knows that their sleep space is safe and they can trust you to respond to their needs. If they are upset, respond and follow your instincts, avoiding leaving them upset in the crib

👉🏻 Keep in mind that infant sleep can be unpredictable! And this is especially the case in the first year. It is okay if solo sleep comes easier sometimes, and othertimes it may be tricker. But with time, it WILL come. ⁠

👉🏻 Make contact naps work for you: Get comfy, grab snacks, put on a show, or listen to a podcast. This can be your rest time too.

👉🏻 Babywearing = freedom: If you need to be hands-free, a good carrier can be a game-changer. Motion + closeness often means longer, more settled naps.

This is a season, not forever. Your baby will grow into more independent sleep over time💯

If you have been told you are having a big baby . I’m sure you will find this research very informative 💛   with .repost...
31/10/2025

If you have been told you are having a big baby . I’m sure you will find this research very informative 💛

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We’ve just sent out our Birth Information Update for October.

We featured a study in which Norwegian researchers used nationwide registry data on nearly 13,000 first-time mums whose labours were induced at term.

They set out to assess whether the indication for induction affects the likelihood of having a cesarean or operative vaginal birth (Leeves et al 2025).

Women with suspected large babies had the highest chance of having a caesarean if their labour was induced.

Leeves et al (2025) found them to be more than four times more likely to end up with a caesarean (if they had induction) than women who had induction for PROM (premature rupture of membranes).

Alarmingly, 45.7% of the women who had induction for suspected large baby ended up with a ceasarean, the highest rate among all indications studied.

Just as we saw earlier this year in The Big Baby Trial, Leeves et al (2025) found that many women whose labours are induced for a suspected big baby do not actually have a large baby.

In this data set, two-thirds of the women induced for suspected big baby had babies with birthweights below the 95th percentile.

We have known for years that estimation of fetal weight is imprecise. When we consider that this indication carries the highest risk of major abdominal surgery, we must carefully question the justification for induction based solely on estimated weight.

If you’re on our newsletter list, you can find out more about this study and my thoughts on it by checking your email.

I’ve written about this and a related study on my website at https://www.sarawickham.com/articles-2/which-first-time-mums-are-more-at-risk-of-caesarean/

I also have blog posts about The Big Baby Trial and many other aspects of induction, as well as two books which can help you make the decisions that are right for you.

And you can read the original study for yourself at https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/aogs.70060

A very simple and useful tool to help you make choices that feel right for you ♥️   with .repost・・・When you’re faced wit...
30/10/2025

A very simple and useful tool to help you make choices that feel right for you ♥️

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When you’re faced with decisions in pregnancy or labour, it can feel overwhelming to know what’s best for you and your baby.

You want to feel confident and prepared, but the truth is, there may be some situations that could come up unexpectedly.

That’s where the B.R.A.I.N.S tool comes in - and it’s something I share with each and every family I work with.

B.R.A.I.N.S is a simple way to pause, ask the right questions, and make choices that feel informed, calm, and aligned with your values - even if you’re faced with unfamiliar options.

SWIPE to learn more about how this acronym works - and how every Mama can use it, no matter what type of birth she is having.

Birth is rarely black and white - there’s almost always more than one path forward. Having the knowledge and confidence to explore those options can make all the difference to how you experience your birth.

I want you to have the most positive experience possible! That’s why I’m proud to facilitate workshops right here in Tamworth at the Nurture & Nourish Clinic.

We explore mindset, physiology, and practical tools to help you meet birth with calm, clarity, and deep trust in your body and your baby.

You’ll leave feeling grounded, informed, and truly prepared - not just for labour, but for everything that follows too!

Book your Calmbirth workshop in Tamworth with Calmbirth Educator, Ashleigh Foy by going to our link in the bio.

   with .repost・・・Labour doesn’t just “start” out of nowhere!! It is the result of incredible coordination between your ...
19/10/2025

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Labour doesn’t just “start” out of nowhere!! It is the result of incredible coordination between your baby, your body, and your environment.

As your baby’s lungs mature, they release signals that tell your body it’s time to prepare. Your oxytocin and prostaglandin levels rise and they in turn encourage softening of your cervix and uterine activity; helping your body shift naturally into birth mode.

When you feel safe, calm, and supported, oxytocin thrives, helping labour to begin and progress smoothly.

So, if you’re approaching your ‘due date’ just remember: patience, rest, and trust are powerful.

Cervical checks- Sometimes they are needed but most of the time they are not. Vaginal examinations are offered as routin...
17/10/2025

Cervical checks- Sometimes they are needed but most of the time they are not. Vaginal examinations are offered as routine surveillance during most births, but you have a choice. Know that if you don’t want one, that’s ok, because there is no evidence that shows that routine vaginal examinations improve outcomes - in fact, it’s more likely to be the opposite. “- great birth rebellion

I also have a great podcast I’ll share in the comments ♥️
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A cervical check gives your provider info about:
💜 Dilation – how open your cervix is (0–10 cm)
💜 Effacement – how thin your cervix is (0–100%)
💜 Station – how low baby’s head is in your pelvis (-3 to +3)

Cervical exams can be helpful tools when used intentionally — for example, if labor stalls and you want to understand baby’s position so your doula can suggest helpful movements or positions.

But when it’s done “just to see” — like at 38 weeks before even labor starts — it’s often not helpful and can even be discouraging. A cervical check can tell you what’s happening right now, but it can’t predict:
❌ When labor will start
❌ How fast it will go
❌ Whether VBAC will happen or not

Think of it as a tool, not a crystal ball

Want to go into birth feeling informed and confident? Comment PREP below for a discount on our VBAC Prep Course for Parents — your complete guide to preparing for a supported, empowered VBAC!

Such a lovely morning ♥️ spent with beautiful mums, babies, and incredible women who care deeply about supporting famili...
17/10/2025

Such a lovely morning ♥️ spent with beautiful mums, babies, and incredible women who care deeply about supporting families through pregnancy, birth, and beyond.💛

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Here I am today at the Morning Tea, organised by the wonderful Josephine from the 🌞

Days like today remind me why I’m so passionate about supporting families through loss, my own journey began by honouring my sister-in-law and the incredible resource she created with 🪶

I’m also deeply grateful for the training I received from and my participation in the Massage for Pregnancy After Loss study

Even though I only made it for the last 30 minutes (after completing a C-section scar release session) that time was meaningful- connecting with midwives, doulas, and other professionals to talk about neonatal death, termination for medical reasons, and sharing experiences of caring for mothers after a SIDS loss.

This has been on my to-do list for a while now, but it’s time to finally bring it to life. While I already offer massage for mums after loss (you can find me on the Red Nose Practitioner Directory), I’m now working on creating a dedicated postpartum doula package specifically tailored for mums after loss.

Please keep asking me about it — it’s something families need like yesterday, and I’m determined to make it happen 🪽

Positive Friday birth vibes 💫💫💫   with .repost・・・✨ Surrender isn’t giving up — it’s trusting in your own strength. ✨You ...
17/10/2025

Positive Friday birth vibes 💫💫💫

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✨ Surrender isn’t giving up — it’s trusting in your own strength. ✨

You can advocate fiercely and surrender softly.
You can prepare and release control.
You can want your VBAC deeply and still trust however your story unfolds.

Surrender in birth isn’t about letting others take over — it’s about leaning into your body, your intuition, and the wisdom you’ve carried all along. 🌿

When you stop fighting the “what ifs,” space opens for peace, progress, and power to flow through you.

P.S. Inside our VBAC Prep Course for Parents, we walk you through mindset and fear release work like this — so you can prepare your body and your heart for a confident birth. Comment PREP below and we’ll send you a link to the course and special discount code.

Photo credit to the incredible

  .physio with .repost・・・Did you know that regular scar massage can support better recovery after a C-section (or any su...
15/10/2025

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Did you know that regular scar massage can support better recovery after a C-section (or any surgery)? It’s simple and only takes a few minutes.

Here’s what it can do for you:
💆🏻‍♀️ Break down tough scar adhesions
⚡ Reduce scar sensitivity + discomfort
🧘‍♀️ Improve skin and tissue mobility
🙌 Minimise scar-related pain

🔗 Follow the link in bio to my Etsy shop for a patient handout.

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Riverside, TAS
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Our Story

Having a baby is such a wonderful and exciting time, and I am passionate in supporting birthing women and their families,providing physical,emotional and educational support. Encouraging you to feel confident and trust in your ability to birth your baby your way. Helping you to make informed decisions,that will enable you to make the right choices for you and your baby.Supporting you and your partner through your pregnancy, your birth and the early days as you transition into life with a new baby.

Meeting your baby for the first time is a once in a lifetime moment, a day you will never forget.It is an honour and a privilege to share in this journey with you . Lets make it a Joyful, rewarding and memorable experience. The proven benefits of using a Doula: 50% reduction in cesarean rate 25% shorter labour 60% reduction in epidural requests 30% reduction in pain medication use 40% reduction in forceps delivery 40% reduction in the use of induction by by use of artificial oxytocin We will be able to catch up regularly prior to your expected birth date. During these visits I can answer any questions or concerns you may have. We will discuss birth options and pain relief strategies. I can also assist you in developing a birth plan or wish list. My role as your Doula: • Uses comfort measures: breathing, relaxation, visualisation, movement, aromatherapy and Rebozo techniques for pain relief. • Gives unbiased information. Helping parents become informed about various birth choices. • Allows the woman’s partner to participate at his/her comfort level. • Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labour.