Hi All,

My name is Rita and reside in rural Victoria in Australia. I have 4
children, the three eldest 13, 11 and 10, and a recent addition of
baby Tyler whom is now 7 months old.

You might say I am a little more than obsessed with pregnancy/child-
birth/breastfeeding/infertility. I have had 6 cycles to donate eggs
to IVF but to no avail.

I am a Registered Nurse, (only did that to get into midwifery - and
now they bring in Direct Entry - ironic, as you will see). I worked
for two years as a Nurse before commencing my Midwifery at Monash
Gippsland on a part-time basis in February 2000.

Disaster struck on June 30, 2000 whilst working a paid shift in an
orthopaedic ward, I suffered a severe back injury. I was receiving
HD's at an average of 95% in my mid subjects, but I am unable to
return to work at all. I am starting some new treatment for my
injuries and hope to get back into mid but need to look at
alternatives in case I am unable to do this. I am currently doing
the ACE Diploma of Childbirth Education that will take me 2 years.
I will be investigating the option of doing the Doula course at Life
Options or anywhere else that includes prenatal, birth and post natal
Doulas. I also hope to sit for the IBLCE.

I would love to be in contact with any other members in Victoria and
especially any practicing Doula's in Victoria.

Anyone else with suggestions as to how I can still remain in the area
of pregnancy/childbirth/breastfeeding/infertility such as courses
etc. would be greatly appreciated.

Looking forward to reading all messages and hope that this group can
grow and prosper especially to educate the public that Doulas' are
around and available


Yours in Childbirth and with the Love of Friendship
Rita
«¤†¤ÐÈ£ÏVÊR¥·WÓMÄѤ†¤»

Mother of David – 13, Haydie – 11, Alysha – 10 and Baby Tyler 8 months
Registered Nurse, Student Midwife (currently in hiatus – due to
injury), Aspiring CBE, Doula, Lactation Consultant and maybe back to
mid???????