Mum, Babe & Meg

I’m Joanna, a mother of two and the founder of Sage Nest—a boutique wellness practice based in Newcastle, NSW. My work focuses on supporting women through the transformative stages of pregnancy, birth preparation, and postpartum recovery with care that is both holistic and deeply nurturing.

I’ve been in clinical practice since 2004 and bring together a unique blend of therapies to support the health and wellbeing of mothers and their families. My approach is integrative and evidence-informed, combining Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine, Naturopathy, Massage Therapy, Nutrition, Herbal Medicine, and the Body Ready Method® to offer well-rounded care tailored to each individual.

At the Sage Nest, I provide support that spans the entire motherhood journey—from managing early pregnancy symptoms and preparing for an empowered birth, to gentle, restorative care in the fourth trimester and beyond. Each session is personalised to address not just the physical, but also the emotional and energetic shifts that come with matrescence.

Birth preparation is a particular focus of my work. I help women feel physically aligned, emotionally grounded, and mentally ready for labour and birth. My sessions may include acupuncture, bodywork, breath techniques, acupressure, body alignment and partner-inclusive education to build confidence and reduce fear. Whether you’re planning your first birth or looking for support after a previous experience, I create a space where you feel informed, prepared, and supported.

For new mothers needing extra support, I also offer postpartum home visits across the Newcastle region. These sessions bring hands-on care, comfort, and therapeutic treatments to your doorstep during a time when leaving the house can feel overwhelming. It’s a beautiful way to receive nurturing support in your own familiar space while you rest and recover.

I love helping women feel more confident in themselves and their mothering. It’s a privilege to witness mothers reach their goals, feel more at ease, and reconnect with themselves during this powerful life transition. It’s an honour to support that process.

Lotus Health and Psychology was conceived with a desire to create lasting change in the life of new parents, by establishing a team of expert practitioners offering holistic, compassionate support during the reproductive and perinatal period.

Our therapists are trained to support a whole range of issues, because clients come to therapy for a whole range of reasons! Our Psychologists have been trained to understand a broad range of presenting problems, and have experience working with all of the common psychological disorders as well as many of the less common. Our therapists adopt a neurodiversity-affirming approach to therapy and can also offer sessions to NDIS participants.

Our patients include children, adolescents, adults and the elderly, and we treat all kinds of conditions including:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Trauma
• Children with behavioural problems
• Children with anxiety problems
• Stress
• Grief and loss
• Life transitions
• Long-term personality problems
• Autism
• ADHD
• Psychosis
• Early psychosis
• Sleep and weight management
• Chronic health problems
• Chronic pain
• Sexual function disorders

Hi, I’m Kirsten! I’m an Australian-trained and registered osteopath with over 20 years of clinical experience, offering holistic osteopathic care for the whole family. I have a special interest in pregnancy and postpartum care, and I love working with babies and children of all ages.

In addition to my osteopathic training, I am also a registered International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). This unique combination allows me to integrate gentle, effective bodywork with evidence-based lactation support—helping mothers overcome challenges and achieve their individual breastfeeding goals, whatever they may be.

I began my career as a senior associate osteopath in a busy private clinic in Australia, where I worked for three years before relocating to Singapore in 2008. There, I joined Osteopathic Health Care and practiced for 12 years, building a strong reputation for family-based care. In 2020, I returned to Sydney and now practise at Body of Life Health Centre, a multidisciplinary health clinic, in Frenchs Forest.

My mission is to provide gentle, informed care for you and your little ones – at every stage. With over 20 years of clinical experience—and a deep understanding of the challenges that come with parenting—I’m committed to helping you understand the root causes of pain or discomfort, whether it’s your own or your child’s.

By explaining what’s happening, why it’s happening now, and how we can work together toward recovery, I aim to give you not just relief, but long-term confidence in your body’s ability to heal. Through skilled osteopathic treatment and personalised care, I’m here to help you feel informed, supported, and well.