Olive & Kin

Hi, I am Angelina — a Clinical Perinatal Psychologist, HypnoBirthing Practitioner and Matrescence Educator. With a passion for women’s health and perinatal psychology, I recognise the perinatal period—from preconception through to parenthood—as a time filled with both immense wonder and incredible challenges.

I founded The Growth Room, a space inspired by my own transformative journey into motherhood, including my second pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic. My personal experiences of navigating motherhood, particularly in the face of isolation and uncertainty, deepened my understanding of the holistic support women need during this life stage. As a result, The Growth Room focuses on providing education, nurturing, and mental health support for women navigating the profound physical, emotional, and psychological changes of pregnancy and motherhood.

In addition to psychological therapy for women in the perinatal period, in which I adopt a strengths-based, collaborative therapeutic approach, The Growth Room also offers childbirth education through HypnoBirthing courses. These courses help expectant mothers and their partners feel empowered and prepared for birth through relaxation techniques, guided visualisations, and education.

The Growth Room focuses on acknowledging the emotional, mental, and physical changes that occur during pregnancy, birth, and motherhood, creating a nurturing environment where women can access both therapeutic support and practical tools like HypnoBirthing to foster a supported transition to motherhood.

At The Growth Room we are passionate about creating a therapeutic space where women can feel empowered, reflect on their experiences, and grow in confidence as they navigate pregnancy, birth and motherhood.

About Dr Edna Lekgabe

Dr Edna Lekgabe is here to support you through every stage of your journey to motherhood and beyond. Dr Edna is a caring psychiatrist with a deep passion for helping women and families navigate the emotional ups and downs of pregnancy, birth, and new parenthood. Her experience bridges both private practice and her role as a consultant psychiatrist at The Royal Women’s Hospital.

Dr Edna believes every woman deserves a safe place to talk openly and feel heard. She understands that becoming a parent is a unique adventure, filled with both joy and uncertainty, and she welcomes conversations about whatever is on your mind—from planning for pregnancy and infertility struggles, to birth worries, trauma, grief, and the challenges of new parenthood. No concern is too small.

Her care is truly holistic. Dr Edna listens deeply to understand not just your medical needs, but your emotional, social, cultural, and spiritual life too. She emphasises early support and welcomes family and loved ones into decision-making, especially when considering medication before, during, or after pregnancy. She offers guidance on mental health treatments, and also supports you with practical lifestyle approaches like nutrition, gentle exercise, mindfulness, self-compassion, and building your support network.

Dr Edna holds a medical degree from Monash University, a Master of Psychiatry from the University of Melbourne, a PhD, and a Diploma from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. She is a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. She has trained at several leading hospitals, including The Royal Melbourne, Royal Children’s, Royal Women’s and Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospitals.

If you are seeking someone gentle, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in your wellbeing, Dr Edna is here to help you find clarity, comfort, and confidence as you move through each chapter of motherhood.

As a Mum of 3, Renee brings her own life experience of motherhood, managing the NICU, being a medical mumma and mental health worker to her role as a certified Postpartum doula. Renee will always hold a safe space and offer non judgemental, empathetic care to her clients both in person and virtually.  Support is individually tailored to you and your families needs on the day, every visit is different from the last. Birth preparation, postpartum planning and birth debrief sessions are also available.