Who is kate bergamasco ?

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Who is Kate Bergamasco ?

Let’s throwback to student midwife Kate Bergamasco –

This was me when I began my midwifery career. Although when I was 17 and fresh out of school.I knew from the time I was 16 when I witnessed a birth on work experience that I wanted to be a midiwfe
So this photo is me living my dream 

I was 22 years old and this was me during my midwifery training at Modbury hospital.My midwifery training days were focused on learning about how birth happened.We were taught to listen to mothers, build a rapport with families and become proficient at monitoring mums and babies through pregnancy , birth and the postnatal period..

By the end of the 12 month course we were all too aware that while we had passed our exams and delivered many babies, we still needed to gain a lot more experience .There was so much more to learn and I acknowledge now, 33 years on , I will never know everything.

I was very conscious even as a 22 year old graduate that my knowledge about helping mums breastfeed was limited.

WILL  I be able to breastfeed if my mother couldn’t ?

In 1990 so many practises we adopted with breastfeeding caused so much pain for mothers.We used to bath babies within the first hour of birth, we cut the umbilical cord as soon as the baby was out, we wrapped baby and THEN handed b aby to mum for her first breastfeed.We didnt know then the value of skin on skin or the golden hour.

I can remember mums with bleeding painful nipples trying to tolerate breastfeeds.and then sitting with red lamps faced toward their nipples to dry them out with the belief it would +toughen + them up.

No wonder so many mothers stopped breastfeeding before they even left hospital..

This experience is what lead e to study to be a  lactation consultant  , I wanted to ensure i could have a positive impact on mothers feeding journey.

Fortunately over the past 30 years our knowledge and practises have improved greatly and Im always quick to reasure mums whose own mothers couldnt breastfeed (in the 1990s) that our techniques have improved .

How have things changed ?

  • Skin on skin 
  • The golden hour
  • Rooming baby in with mum 
  • Not bathing baby in the first 3 days of birth
  • Giving mums and partners antenatal education on breastfeeding 

If youd like o be supported by Kate BOOK a chat

 

 

Exercise in pregnancy is usually safe and encouraged

Best options for pregnancy exercise in Adelaide

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Best options for pregnancy Exercise in Adelaide

Exercise in pregnancy is not only safe ( unless otherwise advised) it is beneficial for mums mental and physical wellbeing

Best options for exercise include aqua classes / yoga/ pilates and Adelaide active can provide you will options during and after pregnancy for you and your baby

AquaBumps Class

Exercising in the water during pregnancy provides gentle resistance and relief from pressure on your joints. AquaBumps classes are tailored to expectant mums, helping reduce swelling, improve circulation, and provide a calm space to relax while staying active.

Benefits

Relieve pressure on joints and back

Experience relief from musculoskeletal discomfort with targeted techniques that address pain and tension, helping you move freely and comfortably.

Improve circulation and reduce swelling

Boost your circulation with our therapeutic methods, which help improve blood flow, delivering vital nutrients and oxygen to your muscles and tissues.

Relax and feel weightless in the pool

Unwind and rejuvenate as our class promotes relaxation and reduce stress, allowing you to feel calm and centred

Clinical Pilates Classes

Clinical Pilates is a safe and effective way to support your body through pregnancy and beyond. Led by experienced physiotherapists, these classes focus on posture, stability, and controlled movement to help you stay strong, mobile, and confident as your body changes.

Benefits

Reduce back and pelvic pain

Targeted exercises help relieve common pregnancy discomforts, supporting your spine, hips, and pelvis for easier movement and daily comfort.

Strengthen your core and posture

Gentle core activation and alignment work help stabilise your body, improve posture, and prepare you for labour and recovery.

Feel energised and confident in your body

Build strength and body awareness in a safe, encouraging space designed to help you feel capable and supported.

Mums & Bubs Clinical Pilates

Our Mum & Bubs Clinical Pilates classes are designed to help you recover safely after birth with your baby right by your side. These sessions rebuild strength, stability, and confidence while creating space to bond and connect with other new mums.

Benefits

Safely restore strength after birth

Rebuild your core and pelvic floor through gentle, guided exercises that support recovery and reduce postnatal discomfort.

Bond with your baby during exercise

Enjoy the special connection of sharing movement time with your little one. Your baby can lie beside you or join in for gentle interaction.

Connect with other supportive mums

Be part of a community that understands the ups and downs of early motherhood, where encouragement and laughter are always part of the class.

Find out more

Postnatal doula Adelaide

Kate Bergamasco’s Breastfeeding Class

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Why Every Expecting Couple Should Join Kate Bergamasco’s Breastfeeding Class — Yes, Partners Too!

Hello radiant mamas-to-be (and awesome partners)!Are you wondering why you should attend a breastfeeding class

If you’re preparing to welcome a new baby into your world — congratulations! Whether it’s your first time or you’re adding to your growing family, one of the most empowering things you can do right now is join a breastfeeding class. And not just any class — one led by Kate Bergamasco, an experienced midwife and lactation consultant who’s been guiding parents for over 20 years.

Breastfeeding class with Kate Bergamasco

Attending a breastfeeding class helps prepare both parents for the challenges

What You’ll Learn in Kate’s Breastfeeding Class

Kate’s classes are warm, relaxed, and packed with practical wisdom. You’ll discover:

  • How breastfeeding works and what to expect in the early days
  • Tips for getting a comfortable latch and avoiding common challenges
  • How partners can actively support breastfeeding (yes, you’re a key player!)
  • What’s normal, what’s not, and when to reach out for help
  • Real answers to real questions — no judgment, just support

Why Partners Are Encouraged to Attend

Breastfeeding is a team effort. When partners are informed and involved, it makes a world of difference. In our breastfeeding class, you’ll learn how to:

  • Support your partner physically and emotionally
  • Help with positioning and comfort
  • Recognize signs of a good latch and feeding cues
  • Be the calm, confident support your partner needs — especially during those 3 AM feeds

Plus, it’s a great way to bond before baby arrives and build confidence together.

Why Choose Kate?

Kate Bergamasco isn’t just a midwife and lactation consultant — she’s a passionate educator who’s helped thousands of families feel prepared, supported, and empowered. With over two decades of experience, she knows how to tailor each session to your unique needs.

She offers:

  • Personalised breastfeeding sessions for you and your partner
  • Ongoing support after birth, including home visits and check-ins
  • Medicare rebates available for eligible families up to 8 weeks postpartum

Book Your Spot

Book Book Book Now

Kate’s breastfeeding classes are available in Propsect and online, so you can join from wherever you are. Sessions fill up quickly, so don’t wait!

 

What Parents Say

“Kate made us feel so prepared and supported. Her warmth and knowledge are unmatched.” — Emily & Jack

“I didn’t think I needed a breastfeeding class — I was wrong. Kate’s session was a game-changer.” — Sarah & Ben

Ready to Feel Confident About Breastfeeding?

Whether you’re 20 weeks or 39 weeks pregnant, it’s never too early (or too late) to learn. Come as you are — yoga pants, questions, and all. Kate can’t wait to meet you and help you start your parenting journey with confidence and joy.

Breastfeeding: Following Your Instincts and Finding Support

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Breastfeeding: Following Your Instincts and Finding Support, 
Breastfeeding is natural ,it’s meant to be THE BEST food for your baby, it has all the best fats and proteins and it’s easily digested . It also helps babies fight infection and mums to bond with their precious bundles .
Australia doesnt quite achive the rates of breastfeeding WHO recomends  . Why has it become so difficult ? Why do so many mums struggle beyond six weeks ? Why do so many mums struggle with pain , supply issues and mastitis ? The answer to these questions can be answered when you think of a mother in a third world country Imagine a mother who has no breastfeeding or sleep training book or clock to look at , no special “feeding” pillow , no special “feeding” / rocking chair and limited number of care providers to become confused with . What will a mother in a third world country do when her baby cries ? Is breastfeeding a challenge ? She will no doubt follow her instincts She will keep putting her baby to the breast She won’t worry about a routine she’s read about she won’t clock watch She won’t place her baby on a feeding pillow or into a bassinet . She Breastfeeding: Following Your Instincts and Finding Support

Breastfeeding is one of the most natural things in the world. It’s designed to be the very best food for your baby—packed with the perfect balance of fats and proteins, easy to digest, and full of protective properties that help little ones fight infection. On top of that, it’s a beautiful way for mums to bond with their precious bundles.

And yet, despite all these benefits, breastfeeding rates still don’t reach the levels we’d love to see nationally.

So why has something so natural become so challenging? Why do so many mums struggle beyond six weeks? Why do pain, supply issues, and mastitis feel like such common hurdles?

Looking at Breastfeeding Through a Different Lens

Imagine a mother in a developing country. She doesn’t have a stack of baby books, a clock to time feeds, or a special chair and pillow set aside for “feeding time.” She doesn’t have a dozen different voices telling her what she should or shouldn’t be doing.

When her baby cries, she follows her instincts. She puts her baby to the breast—again and again. She doesn’t worry about routines, schedules, or whether her baby is feeding “too often.” She simply responds to her baby’s needs.

By feeding on demand, her baby naturally regulates her milk supply. Her breasts don’t become painfully full, because she’s feeding when her baby needs it. She doesn’t compare her baby’s sleep to anyone else’s, and she isn’t second‑guessing herself every step of the way.

Why Modern Mums Feel Overwhelmed

Every day, I hear from mothers who are struggling with breastfeeding. A common theme? Conflicting advice.

Some are told to limit feeds to a certain number of minutes. Others are warned that if they don’t start a routine immediately, they’ll “make a rod for their back.” Add in the endless stream of books, blogs, and well‑meaning friends, and it’s no wonder mums feel confused and pressured.

To make things harder, many health professionals—GPs, osteopaths, chiropractors, paediatricians, and even some midwives—don’t receive in‑depth training in breastfeeding unless they’ve chosen to study it further. And while there are wonderful lactation consultants out there, not all are regulated or have a medical background.

That’s why it’s so important to ask about qualifications and experience when choosing someone to support you.

Finding the Right Support

If you’re experiencing pain, supply worries, or just feel unsure about your feeding journey, you don’t have to go through it alone. With the right guidance, breastfeeding can become more comfortable, more manageable, and more enjoyable.

As an Adelaide Lactation Consultant, I work with mums every day to help them feel confident and supported. Whether it’s overcoming pain, boosting supply, or simply finding reassurance that you’re doing a wonderful job, I’m here to walk alongside you.

Because at the end of the day, breastfeeding isn’t about rules, routines, or comparisons—it’s about you and your baby, finding your own rhythm together.

✨ If you’re ready for gentle, practical support, please reach out. Your breastfeeding journey can feel lighter, calmer, and more connected—with the right help by your side.

BOOK A CONSULT

or 

Email  kate@myprivatemidwife.com.au

Upright positioning

How Hypnobirthing Can Help You Have a Calm, Confident Birth my

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Pregnancy is an exciting time, but for many mums-to-be, the thought of giving birth can bring up feelings of anxiety or fear. After all, birth is one of life’s most transformative experiences, and it’s completely natural to feel a little nervous about it.If you would like a calm natural birth (or  C section) you’ll want to find an experienced Hypnobirthing Practitioner North Adelaide.

That’s where Hypnobirthing comes in—an empowering method designed to help you approach your birth with confidence, calm, and trust in your body’s ability to do what it was designed to do.

As both a midwife and hypnobirthing practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how hypnobirthing can transform the birth experience. It’s not about eliminating pain (because let’s face it, birth is intense), but about helping you manage your mindset, breathe through the intensity, and stay relaxed—ultimately giving you a sense of control, peace, and empowerment.

In this post, I’ll share what Hypnobirthing is, how it can benefit you, and how you can take my hypnobirthing classes—whether through group sessions or online with a face-to-face option.

What is Hypnobirthing?

Hypnobirthing is a mind-body approach to childbirth that helps you approach birth with a calm, positive mindset. It focuses on using relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and visualizations to reduce fear and anxiety, allowing your body to work more efficiently during labor.

By preparing both your mind and body, hypnobirthing gives you the tools to feel confident and in control. It’s about trusting your body, knowing how to relax, and creating a space where you feel supported during birth.No matter how you choose to prepare for your birth, hypnobirthing is an empowering, positive way to approach labor and delivery. The right mindset and preparation can make all the difference in helping you feel calm and in control.

Hypnobirthing is built on three main principles:

  1. Relaxation – Learning how to deeply relax and let go of tension.

  2. Breathing Techniques – Using controlled breathing to help you stay calm and focused during labor.

  3. Positive Affirmations and Visualizations – Reprogramming your mind to stay calm, positive, and focused.

The Benefits of Hypnobirthing:

  • Reduced Anxiety: By preparing mentally, hypnobirthing helps you release fear and anxiety around birth.

  • More Relaxed Birth: Relaxation techniques help reduce tension, which can ease the physical intensity of labor.

  • Increased Confidence: The more informed and prepared you and your partner are, the more confident you’ll both feel.

  • Faster Labor: Studies have shown that relaxed mothers tend to have shorter, less complicated births.

  • Better Birth Outcomes: Less stress for mum can mean less stress for baby, and more positive birth experiences.

How My Hypnobirthing Classes Can Help:

Kate Bergamasco is a Hypnobirthing Practitioner North Adelaide offering two different hypnobirthing class formats to help you feel prepared, confident, and calm no matter  your location, schedule or preferences .

Tools for a calm birth

Light touch massage

Option 1: Hybrid Group Hypnobirthing Classes

If you love connecting with other expectant mums and learning in a supportive, community environment, my hybrid group hypnobirthing classes are a perfect choice. These are small, intimate classes where we’ll work together to practice breathing techniques, positive affirmations, and relaxation exercises.As soon as you book and pay for your class you’ll receive access to modules 1-2 to begin practise today!

What’s included:

    • In person sessions x 2  of hypnobirthing techniques and relaxation strategies

    • Guided visualizations to prepare you for your birth experience

    • Partner participation: Your birth partner will learn how to support you during labor

    • Group discussion: Share your thoughts, experiences, and support each other

These classes are a great way to build a network of other mums who are on a similar journey as you.

If this suits you BOOK HERE and begin today

Option 2: Online Hypnobirthing with one Face-to-Face Session

For those who prefer the flexibility of learning from home, I offer an online hypno-birthing program that includes everything you need to prepare for your birth, with the added benefit of one face-to-face session to personalize the experience and answer any questions you might have.

What’s included:

    • Access to a comprehensive online hypnobirthing course

    • Interactive modules on relaxation techniques, breathing, and mindset

    • A 1-hour face-to-face session (either in-person or via Zoom) to go over any questions and get support with your specific birth plan

    • Resources to help you stay calm and empowered through the final weeks of pregnancy

This option is ideal for those with busy schedules or who prefer to learn at their own pace but still want that personal connection and guidance.

If this is the best option for you BOOK NOW

Option 3: REFRESHER  Hypnobirthing class with one Face-to-Face Session

Suitable for those couples who have completed a Hypnobirthing Australia course in the past (with any practitioner)

BOOK A REFRESHER here

Get Started on Your Calm, Confident Birth Journey today

Creating a calm birth space

Hypnobirthing Practitioner North Adelaide

Book Your Hypnobirthing Class Today!

If you’re ready to get started with an experienced Hypnobirthing Practitioner North Adelaide., book your hypnobirthing class now, and let’s work together to create the calm, confident birth you deserve.

Have Questions?

If you’re unsure which option is right for you or have any questions about hypnobirthing, feel free to contact me here—I’d love to help!

Induction of labour

The seduction of induction at Xmas

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We are coming into silly season

The time when Xmas plans are being made and when you’re pregnant you’re most likely hoping for your baby’s sake he or she is not born on Xmas day

If your baby is due around Xmas there is often the seduction of being induced to be sure your baby doesn’t have to share hospital birthday

With that concern comes the seduction to accept an induction of labour

Ask any midwife in a private hospital and they will be dreading the week leading up to Xmas as they know the “induction book” will be bursting at the seems with inductions

Of course any one would rather keep Xmas day and the days either side quiet so that more staff can spend the day with their families .

But Xmas ( Easter etc etc ) are not valid reasons to induce a baby .

Induction of labour techniques were introduced with the good intention of ending pregnancy early when there is valid medical reason .

Valid reasons can include hypertension of pregnancy and or a baby who doesn’t seem to be growing and thriving in utero .

Induction of labour comes with risk . When the benefits of induction ( such as reducing risk of hypertension for mum or slow growth for baby ) outweighs the risks – then of course induction should happen in a timely matter – no matter what day of the week it is .

When the reason for induction is – Xmas day / Easter / weekend / Doctor going on holiday – the benefit probably doesn’t out weigh the risk .

What are the risks of induction of labour ?

More discomfort during the labour process and therefore more use of pain medications

More risk of baby becoming distressed during the “artificial” contractions leading to increase risk of instrumental birth ( forceps or c section

Increased risk of infection

Increases risk of postpartum bleeding

Increased risk of baby needing special care nursery due to distress / infection / lung immaturity

Increases risk of baby needing care for jaundice a associated with being born before due date and the use of forceps

Decreases breastfeeding rate – due to pain relieving medication and baby immaturity

Increases risk of perineal tears

Decreased satisfaction of birth experience ( due to increased levels of discomfort )

There have been studies over the past decade which have resulted in higher number of women being “offered” induction of labour – the study did not look at the impact of induction on baby’s in short and long term .

The rates of induction over the past 2 decades have increased dramatically

The percentage of stillbirth has NOT decreased ( and therefore induction of labour at 39-30 weeks can not be claimed to reduce stillbirth rates

Many women are also offered / encouraged induction due to their baby being “large” . This estimate is based on ultrasound which is not effective at predicting size and can over ( or under) predict by 10-20 percent .

Having an induction of labour to avoid Xmas day may seem very enticing BUT keep your eye on the longer term effects of unnecessary interventions .

Gaining more knowledge about your options for birth is vital for you and your baby ( physical and mental wellbeing)

My positive birth classes provide you and your partner with the knowledge , tools and confidence to advocate and take charge over your pregnancy and birth

 

Induction of labour tips