This feature focuses on businesses and services dedicated to supporting mums with pregnancy, birth, babies, children and beyond.

From birth to school, a parent’s job is one of the most fulfilling experiences, but it can also come with stresses and strains.

Wholistic approach to motherhood and young families

With more than 25 years of experience in women’s and children’s health and as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) since 2008, medical director of The Mother Hub Dr Sarah Bombell says she’s always been passionate about providing the best care for families.

“At The Mother Hub, we pride ourselves on being a one-stop shop for families seeking multidisciplinary healthcare,” says Dr Bombell.

“Our strength lies in the collaborative approach of our team, where each clinician brings a unique skillset to the table.

“By working together, we provide comprehensive support that empowers families to make informed decisions and achieve the best possible outcomes for their health and well-being.”

Dr Bombell says it’s a privilege to guide someone through their journey to motherhood and being privy to witnessing their growth and transformation.

“Running The Mother Hub [has this] incredible sense of fulfillment that comes from helping women and families thrive,” she says.

Offering a collaborative, safe and compassionate environment where families receive tailored care from a team of professionals, Dr Bombell says they are dedicated to supporting families in overcoming feeding challenges and providing wholistic care during pregnancy and early parenthood.

Dr Bombell says they have 12 clinicians in their service and are frequently shown by clients how their support has made a profound difference in their lives.

“That feedback is what keeps us motivated and passionate about the work we do every day,” says Dr Bombell.

“I work with the most incredible women and am so grateful to be a part of such an amazing team.”

The Mother Hub,114 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan NSW. Call 6196 6722 or visit themotherhub.com.au

Fostering a love of sport and movement at a young age

Designed to introduce preschoolers to the fundamentals of 10 different sports, the owner of Ready Steady Go Kids, Leonie Collis, says she hopes that the program can begin a lifelong love of sports and physical exercise for little ones.

“Both of my boys are graduates of the RSGK program and both developed their co-ordination and physical skills, as well as co-operation and listening [skills] during their years in our classes,” says Leonie.

She launched the Canberra chapter of RSGK after she saw a need for a program that offered exposure to varied physical skills, a good work out and a minimal wait time.

In the program, children are introduced to soccer, tennis, basketball, hockey, golf, AFL, rugby, athletics, cricket and T-ball.

“Each term concludes with a multisport week where we recap some of the main skills of the sports taught during the term,” says Leonie.

Leonie says her favourite part about running RSGK is seeing the big smiles the kids have when they learn a new skill for the first time.

“It’s absolutely the best thing about running this business,” she says.

“I love working with kids of different abilities and backgrounds, and getting everyone moving together.”

Leonie says she loves to bring her program to early learning centres (ELC) around Canberra to allow more children to experience the benefits.

“Ask your ELC to contact us about providing specialist sports and movement sessions each week,” she says.

Ready Steady Go Kids, Palmerston Primary School, Kosciuszko Avenue, Palmerston. Call 1300 766892 or visit readysteadygokids.com.au

Doctor provides support from the first steps

Pregnancy can be a time of immense joy and celebration, says medical director at First Steps Pregnancy Support Dr Sarah Jensen, “yet for some, the same two pink lines can instead trigger great distress, financial pressure and relationship breakdown”.

Finding a gap in the healthcare system for pregnant women in challenging circumstances, Dr Jensen says her experience as a doctor working with pregnant and newly parenting women over 15 years led her to starting up her own clinic.

“I dreamt of starting a clinic that could wholistically address the needs of women throughout their pregnancy and into early parenting, giving hope and a way forward,” she says.

“The resilience and courage they show is inspiring and it’s such a joy to see them slowly grow in confidence and capacity, flourishing as a woman and a mother.”

“I still have to pinch myself that this long-held dream is a reality!”

Dr Jensen says her vision is to see every pregnant woman be a part of a supportive community where she would “know her value, capability and hope for the future”.

Dr Jensen’s team will join with Community Bank to host the Queanbeyan Pramathon at Queanbeyan Park, Lowe Street, on Saturday, May 10.

“This will be a day that celebrates and supports local mums,” she says.

“We also hope to challenge the category of most prams being pushed in one location for the Australian Book of Records.”

Register at pramathon.com.au

First Steps Pregnancy Support. 11/251 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan NSW. Contact contact@fsps.org.au or visit fsps.org.au

All-hemp store has gifts for mum

“At South Pacific Hemp we have plenty of gifts for mum, from a unique collection of hemp foods and hemp seed oils to gorgeous balms and skin creams, homewares, bags and accessories, fabrics, pet products and more,” says manager Sue Booth.

Sue says the store also stocks a range of babycare products and clothing for both mums and their bubs.

“Our clothing is designed for wearability and versatility, is breathable, natural and easy to care for,” she says.

“Hemp protects your skin by naturally filtering UV light. It also resists bacterial growth and breathes excellently, preventing odours, has four times the strength of cotton and it won’t weaken when washed.”

Sue says the store is Canberra’s first all-hemp shop and that the dedicated team welcomes anyone to come and ask about their range of products.

“There’s tea towels, totes, sponges, kitchenware and for the body, there’s shampoos, oils, bath salts and divine creams and much more,” she says.

South Pacific Hemp, 84 Wollongong Street, Fyshwick. Call 0431 318898, visit southpacifichemp.com.au or email sthpacifichemp@gmail.com

Culturally safe and accessible maternity care

Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Service’s midwifery program aims to remove barriers that prevent women from accessing maternity care by providing culturally safe, non-judgemental and flexible care, says CEO Julie Tongs.

“We focus on the clinical, cultural and spiritual needs of Aboriginal clients, families and the community and the midwifery program welcomed 68 babies into the community in 2020 and 2021,” she says.

“The midwifery team offers antenatal and postnatal care, community at home support, baby health checks, breastfeeding support, immunisations, and a range of women’s health services.

“Our midwives work closely with ACT hospitals, and assist in ensuring continuity of care between Winnunga Nimmityjah AHCS and hospital services”.

Ms Tongs says Winnunga also has a comprehensive child immunisation program they encourage patients to access.

“This also allows us to follow up on our patients’ progress with postpartum recovery, and to assist them with any needs in relation to caring for their infants,” says Ms Tongs.

“It is vitally important for high-risk clients to have access to Aboriginal-specific, culturally appropriate midwifery services, as many choose not to access mainstream services without support.”

Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services, 63 Boolimba Crescent, Narrabundah. Call 6284 6222 or visit winnunga.org.au

Supporting children’s early learning and wellbeing

Working closely with children aged between six weeks to five years, centre manager at Harrison Early Childhood Centre, Abbegaile Guanzon, says they are committed to providing care and support to children and their families.

“We are here to support children’s early learning and wellbeing,” she says.

“Five days a week and 51 weeks a year, the centre supports a number of government-funded enrolments such as the three-year-old initiative program and The Preschool program for three-year-olds.”

Abbegaile says these programs have allowed qualified educators to facilitate play-based programs that focus on literacy and numeracy skills, alongside lifelong skills such as social, self-regulation and resilience.

“At Harrison, we have a team of experienced and dedicated educators, with many years of service with our organisation and in the early childhood sector,” she says.

“We also have qualified early childhood teachers within the centre.”

Abbegaile says the foundation of their service philosophy has been formed around prioritising respectful and reciprocal relationships with the children.

“We value our partnerships between families, educators and the wider community to benefit the children’s learning and development,” she says.

“We also believe that every child is unique and therefore understand the importance of respecting, supporting and valuing time spent with children to help them flourish as individuals.

“At Harrison, we work closely to create a strong sense of being, belonging and becoming for children and their families throughout the whole centre.”

Harrison Early Childhood Centre. 24 Wimmera Street, Harison. Call 6171 8050 or visit northside.asn.au

Helping mums breastfeed with confidence

The Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) offers information and support to more than 80,000 mothers each year through the free 24/7 Breastfeeding Helpline Service, says Canberra group co-leader, Emily Stait.

“For access to the Helpline, call 1800 686 286.”

Emily says successful breastfeeding can depend on confidence, knowing you can “do it” and having good information.

“We aim to provide information on breastfeeding and support mothers in their journey, making them feel comfortable and safe.”

In Canberra, the ABA team of breastfeeding counsellors, community educators and volunteers organise local events and activities to help mums on their journey.

“The Canberra group is run by local volunteers who are passionate about supporting other mums and families on their individual journey, wherever it may take them,” says Emily.

“Our volunteers include both trained breastfeeding educators and counsellors as well as our fantastic Locality Mums who are passionate about bringing members together in a safe, judgement-free and inclusive environment.”

This includes playdates at playgrounds around Canberra, where mums can meet others who have “been there”, says Emily.

“We host PlAy-BA playgroups and coffee catch ups in local cafes during school terms in ACT and southern NSW,” she says.

“Meetings and playgroups are run monthly on the northside and weekly from Queanbeyan.”

Emily says they post regular updates on their facebook page.

Australian Breastfeeding Association, 3/70 MacLaurin Crescent, Chifley. Call 6162 2716, visit breastfeeding.asn.au or facebook.com/ABAACTSNSW

Getting a headstart on education

Kidstart is celebrating its 24th year working with children and owner Kristen O’Connor says it’s a privilege to allow parents and carers to have “all the educational fun with children without having to make the fun, just join in!”

“We are not a childcare centre, but provide classes with opportunities for each child to develop socially,
physically, emotionally and intellectually through sequential programs full of fun, structured and stimulating activities,” she says.

“We bring families together to create relationships and connections within the Canberra community.”

With classes available for children aged five months to five years, Kristen says Kidstart has a program to suit all children before they start school.

“If you want to assist your child to develop a lifelong love of learning, give them the headstart they deserve at Kidstart,” she says.

Operating since 1996, Kristen says Kidstart offers five different age-based programs.

According to Kristen, it’s a privilege to see the children thrive each day, from rolling over on the floor to learning phonics in their literacy program.

“We’re fortunate to have long-serving staff members dedicated to providing the optimum learning environment for all our children at Kidstart.

“There’s a special bond with teaching children, from when they are babies and seeing them grow and develop before heading off to school.

Kidstart Southside Education and Activity Centre, 65 Sternberg Crescent, Wanniassa. Visit kidstart.com.au