My name is Briony Howland and I am a nutritionist, massage therapist and doula located in the Sutherland Shire, south of Sydney. I specialise in fertility, pregnancy, post natal and children's health and wellbeing.

I have always been interested in babies and motherhood, but my passion for natural therapies began when I experienced my own infertility whilst trying to conceive my first child. Through this experience I discovered the many benefits that natural therapies offer. I became fascinated with the holistic aspect of optimal fertility and conception, particularly the effects of our modern day diet and lifestyle on our ability to conceive.

After I became pregnant with my first child, my interests expanded to pregnancy health and nutrition.  I now have 3 young children of my own and have had amazing natural birth experiences with each, two of which were water births. I was fortunate enough to find myself a wonderful doula, who supported me in achieving my ideal births. After experiencing first hand how beneficial a doula was, I decided to myself become a doula.  It was from here that Birth in Balance was created.

As a doula, it is my role to support you and your partner as you progress through this wonderful, yet often overwhelming time. I am committed to assisting you gather whatever information you require about your labour and the options available to you for the birth. I will support YOUR choices - whether it be a natural or medically assisted birth, in a hospital, birth centre or at home. I will help you with birth plans, pregnancy and labour support, as well as post-natal care such as breastfeeding and sleep/settling advice.

I will not attempt to replace partners in the birth process - I am there to guide them in supporting you throughout your pregnancy and birth and assist them to gain the most out of the experience they can. In the postnatal period I will help you both make a smooth transition into parenthood.

I am passionate about pregnancy and birth and the impact it can have on a woman's life. I feel honoured to be able to support a couple during such a special time.

Qualifications:

• Diploma of Nutrition
• Diploma of Remedial Massage
• Doula Certification
• Certificate in Infant and Children's Nutrition
• Certificate in Fertility Nutrition
• Certificate in Pregnancy and Post Natal Massage
• Certificate in Aromatherapy
• Certificate in Reiki I and II
• Member of Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS 15199)
• Member of Maternity Coalition

Birth in Balance specialises in pregnancy, post-natal, remedial/relaxation massage for women, natural fertility and children's nutrition.  We also offer  general nutritional advice and massage therapies.