About Us

about us

Sydneydoula is Gwen Teasdale and Jacqui James. They share a common passion and philosophy around birth and parenting. Sydneydoula has been supporting expectant families since 2003 and in 2010 we added calmbirth® classes, and pregnancy retreats in the Hunter Valley, to our range of services.

Sydneydoula has the experience and wisdom to help you birth your way. We know that each birth is unique, and each couple’s needs are different. We support all birth journeys with respect and without judgement. We are members of the Australian Doula College and adhere to a code of practice and ethics, which ensures we uphold integrity, maintain privacy and continually update our knowledge.

Our calmbirth® classes educate couples on how women’s bodies are designed to give birth and how to work with your body effectively during labour. We teach techniques such as relaxation, meditation and, breathing. calmbirth® enables you to approach your birth calmly and confidently and to be able to embrace whatever happens on the day. As certified calmbirth® practitioners we adhere to a code of conduct and standards. We are also required to engage in relevant ongoing education.

Gwen Teasdale

Gwen Teasdale has been a practising doula since 2003. She has worked with couples in birth centres, public hospitals and private hospitals. Her experiences have taught her that no two births are the same.

Gwen's first experience with a doula was having one attend the birth of her first child in 2002.

"Even after the birth ended as an emergency Caesarian, I had never felt as powerful as I did during that labour. The wonderful support that I received that day from my husband and doula inspired me to train to become a doula myself."

Bringing a doula to the birth of her second child was never in question – and Gwen credits that doula with helping her achieve a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean) – this time using a wonderful tool known as hypno-birthing.

Gwen is a registered calmbirth® practitioner. She also facilitates Blessingway ceremonies.

“I see labouring women as being at their most raw and their most powerful.”

Jacqui James

item7 Jacqui is a mother of three and has been a Doula since 2003.

Jacqui is passionate about encouraging women to have positive and fulfilling births. She understands that each birth is unique and every couple has different needs. She works with both parents to assist in creating a supportive and nurturing environment for the baby to be born.

Jacqui is a registered calmbirth® practitioner. She also facilitates Blessingway ceremonies.

Gwen and Jacqui share a common philosophy around birth and parenting and are available to back each other up should it be necessary.

Photography

All photographs on this website are used with permission of The Pictureman Photography, Randwick.