You First, Mumma.
You First, Mumma is a psychology-based, holistic group program for pregnant women which aims to build connection and community, reduce isolation, and empower you with an epic range of skills, strategies, and knowledge specifically tailored for this transformational chapter of your life.
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We believe that the best way to ensure baby is well looked after is to make sure Mum is well looked after first. Mums who are feeling well in themselves feel more confident and capable with looking after their little one. Hence, You First, Mumma.​​
What's included?
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An 8-week program (two hours per week) bursting with educational content and practical strategies so you feel empowered, confident, and connected with other women during this transformational time of your life.
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Expert-led education about mental health and wellbeing, birth, breastfeeding, babywearing, pelvic floor health, and the Possums approach to caring for your little one during postpartum.
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2 x pre-natal yoga sessions for nourishing your body and mind.
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Holistic practices such as breathing, relaxation, and visualisation to prepare you for birth and motherhood.
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Your own journal to record your reflections and learning during the program.
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Beautiful handouts with summaries of the program content.
- Ongoing connection with your fellow mummas-to-be via a WhatsApp group.
- A goodie bag with helpful tips and local resources, plus a surprise or two.
Meet our Guests
We'll be joined by amazing professionals from our local community who are dedicated to supporting women's health and wellbeing during the perinatal period.
Michaela Suddick
Private Midwife & IBCLC (Lactation Consultation)
Michaela has been a Registered Midwife since 2016, with experience in all areas of Midwifery care. Michaela is also an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Michaela is passionate about approaching women’s health from a holistic perspective. Through her Bachelor of Midwifery Michaela fell in love with supporting women through pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding, and providing warm and caring women-centred care.
Dr Kate McCullough
Specialist GP & Possums Accredited Practitioner
Dr Kate is a Specialist General Practitioner and Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Dr Kate has a special interest in women’s health and perinatal care, which covers from pre-conception, through pregnancy and into new parenthood, as well as caring for your new baby. She is accredited in Neuroprotective Developmental Care (the Possums program) and can provide assistance with breastfeeding difficulties, infant sleep and maternal mental health. She provides antenatal shared care with Wollongong Hospital which allows continuity of care along your pregnancy journey.
Alyssa Booth
Doula, Baby-wearing Educator, & Childbirth Educator
Alyssa is a Doula and co-founder of Illawarra Birth Classes. Alyssa has always had a passion for mums and babies, and this became stronger after the birth of her own daughter. As a Doula, Alyssa provides information and continuous support to parents during pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period. She has a passion to see the current culture of birth changed, for families to own their birth and for the rates of birth trauma to be reduced. Alyssa is also a qualified babywearing educator. Babywearing has been an integral part of parenting all around the world for thousands of years. Wearing babies helps with bonding, settling, sleeping and so much more. As a member of Babywearing Australia, Alyssa provides education on babywearing safety, best practice, and benefits.
Nina Maher
Owner & Yoga Instructor at Home Body Yoga
Nina founded Home Body Yoga with the deeply held belief that your body is your home, so you deserve to feel really good in it. Nina offers a range of yoga classes including prenatal yoga and Mummy & Me postnatal yoga classes. Nina’s style is authentic and refreshing; she creates a space of calm and grounding, with ease and no judgment. A mumma herself, Nina understands the importance of prioritising self-care and the mind body connection during pregnancy and postpartum. She's also no stranger to breastfeeding during class and a poo explosion here or there! Feel at ease in her yoga classes knowing you are welcome to show up exactly as you are.
Sam Craddock
Physiotherapist & Owner - Mae Movement
Sam is a Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist with a special interest in Pregnancy, Postnatal and Paediatrics. She is a Mum of three adoring and energetic kids, and a qualified educator with experience teaching at the primary, secondary and university levels. Sam is self-empowered and passionate about 'Matrescence': the period of time where a woman becomes a mother. Sam has the qualifications and skills to help you on your physical journey of dealing with the pains that may come with pregnancy and early motherhood. With Sam's candid insight into motherhood she hopes you will feel the confidence and power transfer to apply to your own pregnancy and postnatal journey.
Kendall Allsop
Clinical Psychologist, Facilitator, & Owner of Curious Minds Studio
Hi, I'm Kendall! I'm a Clinical Psychologist, homebirth mumma, and proud first time Mum to my gorgeous daughter born in early 2024. I know first hand how important it is to be connected to other women during pregnancy and postpartum, and how having access to up to date information and practical tips can make a huge difference to your experience in pregnancy, birth, and as a Mum. It is my hope that this program will provide you with knowledge on a range of different topics so you know where to turn to if times get tough, and you'll already have a village of amazing women to support you. Motherhood can be a wonderful time, but it can also be isolating and exhausting. We're here to tell you there is always support available, and you don't have to do it alone. You're going to do amazing, Mumma. I hope you join us!
The nitty gritty details:
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8-week program (two hours per week) blending education, connection, and practical skills.
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When: Next group starting June 2025. Currently accepting expressions of interest.
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Where: Sessions will take place in Woonona and other locations in Wollongong (for program activities e.g., yoga).
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Cost: $600. Medicare rebates may be available (see FAQ's).
With a Medicare rebate, your out of pocket cost per session equates to just $9. (!!!)
If not attending under Medicare, payment plans and concession rates available - please contact me to enquire.
Next group starting June. Join the Waitlist now.
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Who’s running the program?The program will be facilitated by Kendall Allsop, Clinical Psychologist, with special guests attending to provide education and support.
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What if I’ve used my 10 psychology sessions already?I have good news. If you have a Mental Health Care Plan, then each calendar year (1 Jan - 31 Dec) you are able to access 10 x individual sessions AND 10 x group sessions! You will need a valid referral letter (see above). If you have used your 10 x individual sessions, then yes, you can still access 10 x group sessions. They are counted separately.
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How do I get the Medicare rebate? What do I need for the referral letter?The program is a psychology-based program, and as per Medicare requirements, psychoeducation and cognitive-behavioural therapy principles will be consistently integrated each week. Therefore, if you have previously seen your GP for a Mental Health Care Plan for concerns such as anxiety, depression, or adjustment difficulties, then you can see your GP to discuss a Referral letter for group therapy sessions (under the Mental Health Care Plan scheme). If your GP deems you eligible, they can write you a Referral letter for up to 10 sessions of group therapy under the Better Access scheme (the Mental Health Care Plan scheme). You need to have a Mental Health Care Plan in place. The referral letter needs to have: Your name, date of birth, and address Your symptoms or diagnosis A statement on whether a mental health treatment plan has been prepared A list of any current medications The number of sessions you are being referred for (as it is a group program, please ask your GP to refer you for 10 sessions of group therapy) Your GP’s name and signature If the letter doesn’t have all this information – sorry! But I cannot process your rebate. You will need to request your GP amends the letter. For group therapy, Medicare allows all ten sessions to be on the one referral letter. The group sessions are in addition to individual sessions, per calendar year. Information about the Medicare requirements can be found on MBS online Item code 80024.
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Who is the program for?Ideal for first time mums who want to connect with others and build their village. Second time (and beyond) Mums are very welcome too! Open to women with or without a history of mental health issues. Helpful for women who could benefit from some additional mental health support or have a history of adjustment difficulties, anxiety, and/or depression. Ideal for women who are planning a physiological birth as some of the education and strategies will be tailored towards this. All birth preferences will of course be respected and welcomed, and many of the strategies will be helpful for motherhood regardless of birth preferences and plans.
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What is the cost?The cost is $600 which includes all program content and activities, a beautiful journal to record your learning and reflections, and a goodie bag with a surprise or two ;) Medicare rebates may be applicable (see next FAQ). The rebate per session is $66, and this can only be rebated after attending each session (i.e., week by week) - as per Medicare rules. Rebates are not available for missed sessions. This means your gap payment if attending under a MHCP equates to less than $10 dollars per session. Wow! In accordance with Medicare rules, the program cost needs to be paid upfront, then the rebate is processed to you after each session. Payment plans are available (pay in two instalments), and a concession rate is available if you would like to attend but the cost is slightly out of your reach. Please note, a concession rate is NOT available if you will be using a Mental Health Care Plan to access a Medicare rebate. Send me an email to discuss these options if needed :)
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How do I sign up?Send me an email to join the Waitlist. Once enrolments open, we will organise a quick phone or zoom chat to confirm its the right fit for you.
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Is there anyone the program is not for?As it is a group program, focused individual psychological support for complex needs won’t be possible. This means if you are experiencing complex mental health concerns (e.g., PTSD, BPD), domestic violence, suicidal ideation, or substance use concerns it will be much more beneficial for you to engage in one-on-one support at this time rather than a group. Please see your GP for referral and support options.
