About Us:

Briony Howland is a fully accredited and experienced nutritionist, massage therapist, doula and infant massage instructor specialising in fertility, pregnancy, post-natal and children's health and wellbeing. Briony is also a presenter and committee member for the not-for-profit 'Choices for Childbirth' organisation.  Briony is based in Cronulla, in the Sutherland Shire south of Sydney.

Having always been interested in babies and motherhood, Briony's passion for natural therapies began when  she experienced her own infertility whilst trying to conceive her first child. Through this experience through assisted conception, she discovered the many benefits of natural therapies and became particulary interested in the effects of our modern day diet and lifestyle on our ability to conceive.

After becoming pregnant with her first child, Briony's interests expanded to pregnancy health and nutrition.  She now has 3 young children and experienced beautiful births with each, including two water births. Briony was fortunate enough to find a wonderful doula, who supported her in achieving her ideal births.  After experiencing first hand how beneficial a doula was, she decided to herself 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: