The Postpartum Nutrition Guide for Mamas

Hi, I’m Amy, I am a specialist grief counsellor and I work with women and families facing losses (death-related and non-death-related losses across the lifespan).

Something has happened and you are now trying to pick up the pieces. Grief is often a lonely journey and can feel all consuming. Whether you are trying to start or grow your family, adjusting to pregnancy or early parenting challenges, navigating pregnancy or parenting after loss, or figuring out how to ‘be you’ and still parent in a way that feels congruent to your life values, I am here to hold space for these conversations.

Matrescence is the transition we make from maiden to mother, likened to adolescence, and it is a transition of mind, body, soul and spirit.

As a therapist in this space, I walk alongside you as a companion while you navigate the complexity and challenges of living with loss. Together we create a safe space for your experience to be witnessed, for you to tell the truth about your grief, to be seen and heard without judgment.

You do not have to do this journey alone.

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.

Femme Space Physiotherapy is a dedicated Women’s Health Physiotherapy service created to support and empower women through every stage of life. Founded by Emma Attard, a seasoned physiotherapist with over 15 years experience in the healthcare industry, Femme Space is grounded in compassion, expert care, and a deep belief in the strength and resilience of every woman.

Understanding the challenges women face – be it time limitations, the difficulties of getting out of the house with young children or anxiety around medical appointments – Femme Space offers a refreshing alternative to the impersonal clinical setting, offering in-clinic appointments in Brighton-Le-Sands, convenient home visits throughout St George Sydney and surrounds and online options also.

Femme Space Physiotherapy is proud to offer the Pregnancy and Birth Preparation Program, a hybrid program offering both in-person and online sessions.

It covers all the pelvic health physiotherapy that is recommended during pregnancy, including:

• pelvic floor assessment
• identification of individual risk factors
• an individualised pelvic floor exercise program as well as education and advice around safe exercise
• education around how to minimise and manage abdominal separation
• management of pregnancy-related aches and pains

It also covers all of the specifics of birth preparation, such as:

• perineal massage
• pain relief options in both the first and second stage of labour
• positioning options in both the first and second stage of labour
• pushing technique
• tips and support in early postpartum recovery

Femme Space Physiotherapy also provides Postpartum care, which supports whole-body recovery — from gentle daily movement to returning to exercise or reaching new fitness goals, we’ll work together with your babe in tow to help you become your new self.

At Femme Space Physiotherapy, you’ll find more than just treatment — you’ll find a safe, calming environment where your story is heard, and your whole self is supported.

Emma’s approach moves away from the old, one-size-fits-all model of healthcare. Instead, she focuses on empowering women with knowledge, practical self-care strategies, and tailored physiotherapy support. Through this, you gain the tools and confidence to take an active role in your own recovery and well-being — supported every step of the way.