Honouring your unique journey, every step of the way.
About me:
My name is Mel! I’m an experienced Occupational Therapist with a passion for working with women to help support them through the life changing journey in becoming a mother. My practice is guided by evidence, and the individual needs of each woman, and their family. Just like no mother is the same, I don’t feel that every approach should be the same either.
My own transition to motherhood was a challenging one. I felt the greatest love and appreciation I had ever experienced. Yet at the same time, I also felt lost, scared, inadequate, overwhelmed and confused. I felt unsure in my ability to manage looking after a baby that was depending on me in every way. And so, eventually I sought help to manage the way I was feeling.
My experiences navigating the health system made me realise how much better we could be helping those feeling vulnerable too. From that point, (and for a long time afterwards), I started asking some big questions about how I could help women who felt that their own stories and voices weren’t being heard. I went on to complete research with marginalised women in Sydney. I realised just how much my profession could offer. How many mothers and families could benefit in the process. I made the decision to lean into the empty spaces I found in maternal health, in the hope I could fill some of the gaps with my knowledge, and my experience.
And so- here I am! In working with me, you will find someone that will truly listen- often over a cup of coffee! I will work closely alongside you to make sure your goals are being heard.
How can motherscape help me?
I’m based in the beautiful Eastern suburbs of Sydney. I offer flexible intervention with 1-on-1 sessions in person (please contact me to see if this is possible in your area), online or through telehealth services. This means that I can connect with those that live in remote or rural areas, as well as clients that prefer the convenience of being at home without excessive travel time/costs. Please reach out to discuss the option that works best for you!
Why motherscape?
As they say, when a baby is born, so is a mother. The transition to motherhood or ‘matrescence’ brings with it significant life changes. Yet at this challenging time, culturally we tend to focus our attention to the new baby, rather than the physical and psychological needs of the mother. However many families are struggling alone through what should be one of the most joyful times in their lives. The needs of the family as a whole are not being fully addressed.
At least 1 in 5 women experience anxiety, depression or both during the transition to motherhood.
Around 1 in 10 fathers experience difficulty adjusting to becoming a father.
The experience of motherhood can bring with it vast and an ever-changing terrain. Each mother navigates her own unique landscape encountering peaks of joy, valleys of exhaustion and many winding roads of change and growth. Hence ‘Motherscape’ came about as I wanted to create a meaningful impact on the landscape of each individual and their family.
‘When I became a mother, I became a landscape. Flattened and silent, I became a backdrop to my children’s everyday lives and sleepless nights. But beyond that, I also became a vast space as my body and being composed an entire world for my young children. Hence, my “motherscape” is a space of opposing forces: reduction and expansion, isolation and connection, anxiety and bliss, rage and love.’
-Jayne Matricardi.
My aim with Motherscape is to support new mothers and parents throughout the perinatal period by helping establish healthy routines, personalised interventions and adaptations tailored to your individual situations.
Fees:
Motherscape is an approved Medicare and ancillary provider for most health insurers.
I would encourage you to consult your private health insurer prior to our consultation to confirm if individual and group Occupational Therapy is included in your policy plan.
Individual consultations or packages are available.
Private:
Private therapy sessions can be offered via telehealth.
Face to face sessions are offered in the Eastern suburbs of Sydney. Travel costs may occur.
Rebates may be available through your private health fund, please check this.
Medicare:
With a referral letter addressed to me, you may have access to a medicare rebate on our interventions sessions together.
I can process your rebate at the time of your appointment, but do not bulk bill.
Rebates vary depending on telehealth, clinic and home visit sessions.
Summary:
A comprehensive fee schedule for Motherscape support will be outlined upon request.
Let’s get started on your healing journey
I look forward to starting a journey together here at Motherscape! However, here are some additional contacts below.
Useful resources:
Should you like further support:
Panda National Helpline: Find someone to talk to, Monday to Saturday 1300 726 306.
If you need help now:
Lifeline: If you require immediate support contact 13 11 14 for 24/7 lifeline crisis support.
