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
• Certified Infant Massage Instuctor
• 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
• Member of the Infant Massage Information Service

Our clinic is located in Cronulla in the Sutherland Shire, south of Sydney.  We are easy to find, there is plenty of parking available and we are open extended hours to suit your needs.  We are accredited with the Australian Traditional Medicine Society and rebates are available with most major health funds.

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