Pregnancy is a miraculous journey filled with joy and anticipation, but it can also bring along some discomforts, one of the most common being leg cramps. These painful spasms in the calf muscles often strike durin the night, disrupting sleep and causing discomfort. However, there are several effectice strategies to alleviate and prevent leg ramps during pregnancy. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to find relief: Stay hydrated: dehydration can exacerbate muscle cramps, so ensure you’re drinking plenty of water. Aim for at least eight glasses of water daily to keep your body hydrated and y ..read more

"Hi Barbie! Hi Barbie! Hi Barbie!" Seen it yet? It's very special - and not just from an overt feminist point of view (but...yeah the girls!!) **SPOILER ALERT*** Barbie is most excited about visiting a gynaecologist at its ending - and we're here for it - naturally! Barbie is all ready for her annual gynaecology appointment. Want to know why?  Here are our top 5 reasons as to why it's awesome to visit your Gynaecologist at least once a year... 1. It's generally a sign you live in a first-world country and have access to public or private healthcare. The privilege of living in Australia ..read more

Pregnancy is a truly exciting, emotional, sometimes turbulent, whirlwind nine months and especially so when you’re pregnant with your first child. Despite the millions of pregnancy and baby books, social media accounts and mothers forums dedicated to pregnancy and birthing, there is nothing quite like receiving information and care personalised to you, communicated in a way that resonates with you, and delivered by someone who is wholly aware of your personal circumstance and preferences. Naturally, here at Womankind Health we are advocates of private obstetric prenatal and postnatal care, and ..read more

Do you have a niggling feeling that you might be pregnant? Is your body experiencing some subtle changes, but you’re yet to complete a home pregnancy test? If you’ve been trying to fall pregnant, and are feeling hopeful that you might have conceived, today we’re sharing some of the obvious, and less obvious signs of early pregnancy. These symptoms might just guide you towards the answer you’re hoping for - until you can see your GP to have everything confirmed… A missed period: One of the most obvious signs of pregnancy. If your period is late and you are sexually active, you should take a pre ..read more

We’ve had many vaginal births overseen by our Womankind Health Obstetricians and Midwives this month - and whilst that typically makes for a rapid recovery for our mothers - there are still some things you can do to make the process swifter and more pleasant… Prevention (always better than ‘cure’, as they say) Perineal massage can commence from 35-36 weeks to prepare your vagina and perineum for birth (meaning less likely to tear). This involves the gentle stretching of the vagina downwards towards the perineum over 5-minute sessions, daily. Rest and ice Post-birth, your vulva and perineum may ..read more

Our Obstetrics and Midwifery teams are always so thrilled to walk through Burnside Hospital doors, and there are a trillion reasons why. Burnside Hospital entrance - we are so fortunate to practise Obstetrics here. Below, we share just a few of them… To start - the entire staff are completely respectful of your individual choices, and the friendly midwifery staff - incredibly experienced. Here, you will begin an excellent breastfeeding journey. And the paediatric team - they’re wonderful, so competent and caring. We must also mention the skilled anaesthetic teams - phenomenal. The labouring e ..read more

What is endometriosis? Endometriosis is a condition where cells, similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium), are found in other parts of the body. Endometriosis affects 1 in every 9 women and the symptoms can range from mild to severe. What are the symptoms of endometriosis? Endometriosis can present with a variety of symptoms, and because of this, it can be difficult to diagnose. Some common presenting symptoms include: Heavy periods or bleeding between periods Pelvic pain - before, during or after your period Painful ovulation Pain that radiates to your lower back, hips or leg ..read more

VULVAL CARE: We explore how simplicity and comfort are the keys. Cleansing Your vagina and vulva are an ecosystem with ‘good’ bacteria and naturally-released oils. Harsh soaps, perfumed soaps, feminine sprays, abrasive washes, disinfectants, and wet wipes can all disrupt the natural oils and the balance of the pH. This can lead to the overgrowth of harmful bacteria, dermatitis, vulval sensitivity, and pain (vulvodynia). We recommend cleansing with either a soap-free cleanser, sorbolene cream, or saline (salt water). You can make saline at home with two teaspoons of salt mixed in a litre of war ..read more

What is a Mirena? A Mirena is a small device inserted into the uterus that releases a hormone called progesterone. This hormone reduces the monthly growth of the lining of the uterus (endometrium), reduces the heaviness of periods, and may also help reduce period pain. What is a Mirena used for? Reducing abnormal bleeding Reducing pelvic pain associated with periods Protecting the uterine lining during hormone therapy Contraception How effective is a Mirena for reducing periods? Research has found that: 90% of patients report a reduction in period pain 70% of patients report thei ..read more

There is a lot of conflicting and rabbit-hole information out there as to what menopause is, and how it can affect women and their physical and emotional health. Here is your definitive guide, and how we, your Gynaecologists at Womankind Health, can assist you with respect, kindness, and understanding on this journey. What is Menopause? Menopause is defined as the last menstrual period when your ovaries have ceased releasing eggs. This can only be definitively diagnosed when you have been 12 months without a period, as during the time prior, your periods can be quite irregular. The average age ..read more