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.
​
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?
-
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.
-
Expert-led education about mental health and wellbeing, birth, breastfeeding, babywearing, and the Possums approach to caring for your little one during postpartum.
-
Pre-natal yoga for nourishing your body and mind.
-
Holistic practices such as breathing, relaxation, and visualisation to prepare you for birth and motherhood.
-
Your own journal to record your reflections and learning during the program.
-
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.

Kira Waetford
Private Midwife & Childbirth Educator
Kira has been a midwife since 2013 and has worked in both the public and private sectors of maternity. She now works as a private midwife offering antenatal, postnatal and Homebirth services to women in the Illawarra. Kira’s focus is on empowering women to realise their true potential as child-bearers, mothers, partners, and nurturers of the family unit. She believes in the importance of instilling confidence in birthing women and their families to make their own health decisions by using evidence-based practice, offering practical advice, and taking a holistic approach to each pregnancy in a social, emotional, cultural, physical and spiritual capacity.
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.


Kendall Allsop
Clinical Psychologist & Program Facilitator
Hi, I'm Kendall! I'm a Clinical Psychologist, homebirth mumma, and proud first time Mum to my gorgeous daughter born in early 2024. What was the number one thing that delayed me having kids for so many years? (Aside from the years of study for my career). It was my fear that I’d struggle with postnatal depression and be completely miserable, stuck at home with a crying baby. And it makes sense – because we know this unfortunately happens. What that meant though is that I went on a focused and determined journey of preparation to protect my mental health as best as possible, build my village, and prepare for birth and postpartum. I’m so happy to say, I’ve had a really amazing journey so far as a Mum. I’d love to share parts of that education and preparation with you, while walking alongside and supporting you. I hope you join us!
The nitty gritty details:
-
8-week program (two hours per week) blending education, connection, and practical skills.
-
When: Saturday mornings 10.00am-12.00pm.
-
Where: Sessions will take place in Woonona and other locations in Wollongong (for program activities e.g., yoga).
-
Cost: $600. Medicare rebates may be available (see FAQ's). Payment plans and concession rates available - please contact me to enquire.
Next group starting Saturday 22nd February. Email to enrol!
-
Who’s running the program?The program will be facilitated by Kendall Allsop, with special guests attending to provide education and support.
-
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 you are able to access 10 x individual sessions AND 10 x group sessions! You will need a valid referral letter (see above).
-
How do I get the Medicare rebate? What do I need for the referral letter?The program is a psychology-based program, and 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 10 sessions of group therapy under the Better Access scheme (the Mental Health Care Plans). 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 the 10 sessions of group therapy – you can access all sessions on the one referral letter for a group program) 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.
-
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! Ideal 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.
-
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 would 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! 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 :)
-
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.
-
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.
