ABOUT mamatoto midwives

JULIANA BRENNAN

DIRECTOR AND REGISTERED & ENDORSED MIDWIFE

Juliana will be off call in 2026 but will remain the Business Manager while she studies her PhD.

It was towards the end of my Bachelor of Nursing in 1993 that I realized my calling was to work more closely with women. In 1995 I studied for my Graduate Diploma in Midwifery, and I never looked back on this decision!

As a student, I witnessed many births that were very medicalised with intervention, and it was not until I worked along-side Birth Centre and homebirth midwives that I realized that gentle, calm and empowering birth can certainly unfold for women and their families with the right support and preparation.

As a child, I grew up on a farm, and I witnessed many different mammals (generally cattle) giving birth. Rarely did we have complications with calving, and I was surprised as a student midwife at how many women had so much trouble and difficulty with birth. I couldn’t understand why so many women would hemorrhage, would find labour and birth ‘unbearable’ as the cows we owned rarely (if ever) had these issues. Over the years, I have discovered what I believe the answer. Women who are not fearful of birth and who are undisturbed, supported and who are very well emotionally and physically prepared for birth tend to have very straight forward and uncomplicated labour and births.

In 2011 I was one of the first midwives in Victoria and Australia to obtain my Medicare Eligibility, and in 2012, I was the first Midwife in Australia to get my Prescribing Rights and be an endorsed and notated Midwife with AHPRA. Mamatoto Midwives was launched and is rocketing into the future!

I completed my first Master’s Degree in Midwifery in 2002 and my major area of study was Post Term Pregnancy. I published a comprehensive literature review on “The Risks associated with Post Term Pregnancy” in 2005 in ‘Women and Birth’. It is my long term goal to teach Midwifery in Third World Countries such as Africa…where I’ve already been lucky enough to travel to! I also have a Masters Degree in Clinical Nursing (Nurse Practitioner).

I am married to Tim and we have three beautiful children, all of whom were born in Birth Centres where we were supported by known Midwives. They are all young adults now! I had very positive birth experiences for all three of my children, Grace and Riley were Water Birth babies!

My special interests in Midwifery are protecting the first birth, Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC).

I also offer…

• Acuneedling for common pregnancy symptoms and for labour and birth
• Birth debriefing and counselling.

I believe that every woman should have a known Midwife for her pregnancy, birth and early parenting and I support the research evidence that shows that continuity of midwifery carer improves outcomes for women by working as a Private Midwife and Director of “Mamatoto Midwives”.

DINA PHILLIPS

REGISTERED & ENDORSED MIDWIFE

Mumma, Nanne and Midwife,

I am so grateful to be part of the Mamatoto team, providing holistic midwifery continuity of care to women during one of the most profound times of their life.

I became a mother in 1998 and my experience under the continuity of care model was so positive I knew I wanted to become a midwife and support women as beautifully as I was during this unique and vulnerable time. I was blessed to have my next two children under the same model of care, my choices were heard and respected at all times, leading to a fully supported home birth with my third.

I commenced my Bachelor of Health, Midwifery in New Zealand in 2010 at the wonderful age of 40(better late than never). It wasn’t always easy, as life takes us on journeys that we haven’t anticipated, but my dedication and determination got me through. I graduated in 2013 and two days later moved to Melbourne to commence the next chapter in my life.

After six months of settling into Melbourne I was offered an opportunity to undertake the Midwifery Graduate Programe at St John of God Hospital in Perth. This was an amazing opportunity as I consolidated my learning supported by new colleagues, family and friends.

On completion of my graduate year I returned to Melbourne and undertook a position in the private healthcare sector working with women antenatally, during labour and postnatally. During this time I furthered my study to attain Medicare eligibility and prescribing rights which in turn enabled me to register as an Endorsed Midwife.

I then gained a position on the inaugural team that through collective passion and vision for continuity of care in midwifery practice, successfully established the Know Your Midwife programe into the private setting.

I am dedicated to antenatal education and have been running classes for 3 years. I believe that education is a crucial component of antenatal care, leading to less anxiety and empowering women to make informed decisions that are relevant to them.

As a midwife I feel honored to have the privilege of sharing intimate moments with women from varying backgrounds who place their trust in me. We all have our unique stories, dreams and hopes, we inherently have the same needs which are to be heard, supported, encouraged and loved. Continuity of care with a known midwife upholds and respects these needs.

SHELLEY TAYLOR

REGISTERED & ENDORSED MIDWIFE

On leave May 26 – early 27

It was leading up to and during my sisters first pregnancy that first called me to midwifery. She chose independent midwives to support her through pregnancy and birth and through this grew from a place of fear to a place of empowerment and confidence. I knew then that supporting women on their birthing journeys was what I was meant to dedicate my working life to.

I graduated from the Bachelor of Midwifery at ACU in 2015, completed my honours during my graduate year at The Royal Women’s in 2016. I worked with families in the antenatal, birthing and postnatal setting at RWH and have also been a part of the midwifery team at The Angliss Hospital.

My own personal experiences birthing my two boys further increased my desire to offer truly individualised and woman-centred care to families. After a long labour ending in a caesarean with my first babe, I had private midwives support me through my second pregnancy to achieve the healing VBAC I desperately wanted.

With the right support, I believe that a positive birth experience can show you your inner strength and give you the best start to your parenting journey. My sincere desire working with such a wonderful small team is to be able to partner with families to help them to achieve their best possible experience of pregnancy, birth and postpartum as they bring a new life into their family.

I also offer..

Internal pelvic release work to women to further explore their pelvic space, creating balance, releasing tension and promoting softness in the pelvic tissues.

Acuneedling for common pregnancy symptoms and birth preparation.

In my spare time I enjoy exploring the hills with my family, going to the beach, fishing with my kids, reading, sewing and knitting.

KIRSTEEN SMITH

REGISTERED ENDORSED MIDWIFE & IBCLC

From a very early age I knew I wanted to become a midwife. I graduated as a midwife in 2011 and commenced my graduate year at the Royal Women’s Hospital in Melbourne. I continued to work there for the following 11 years across antenatal, birthing and postnatal before moving into the homebirth space in 2021. In 2015 I worked in a remote village in rural Zambia, in a tiny, ill-equipped 1-room clinic, running pregnancy clinics, birthing services and attended to anyone who walked through the door. While I was there I raised enough money to build a fully functional maternity unit that is now run by 2 nurse/midwives. I continue to raise funds to support this clinic and the vital services it provides the women and children of the region.

I am extremely passionate about women’s health, and firmly trust in the power and strength of the woman’s body. My time in Zambia cemented my belief in the importance of education and how empowering knowledge is during what can be such a vulnerable chapter of life. My passion then led me to study further and become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant in order to support women bettter in their feeding journey in whatever way that looks like. My aim is to equip women with information to help them make the best, informed choices for themselves and their families.

My journey into motherhood began in 2017 when I gave birth to my first son, in the water, at the hospital where I worked. In this birth I felt strong, supported and safe with my independent midwife by my side. For my following two births, it was an easy decision to bring them into the world at home, in my own environment, surrounded by my family and midwives.

Whether you choose to birth your baby in a hospital or at home, the important thing to remember is that the choice is entirely yours. There is not just one way to bring babies into the world and I am extremely passionate about making sure women’s transitions into motherhood are safe, secure and supported.

HANNAH NUGENT

REGISTERED & ENDORSED MIDWIFE

Midwifery truly is a profession like no other. Birth is raw, powerful and transformative and I feel so privileged to witness it over and over again. Wherever and however your baby is born, it is an honour to be able to care for women during this vulnerable and exciting time in their lives.

After achieving my midwifery qualification in 2014, I found employment at Monash Health where I gained vast experience across antenatal, labour/birth and postnatal care.

I have been privileged to care for women from many culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. From observing how these women approach birth, it is evident that your attitude and beliefs can have a huge impact on your experience.

I believe that the highest quality midwifery care comes from a mutual trust between woman and midwife. I am passionate about the importance of antenatal education regarding labour/birth and preparing for postpartum. Ultimately it is up to you to make your own choices regarding your body, your birth and your baby.

My experience birthing my own son in the public system in 2020 was good, largely due to being cared for by known midwives. However after experiencing such holistic and personalised care during my second pregnancy and a magical home birth in 2023 with Dina & Juliana, I just knew my calling was to private practice.

Whilst my own birth experiences were positive, my first postpartum was challenging to say the least. Finding myself isolated in the middle of covid lockdown with an unsettled newborn led to a struggle with PND that clouded my introduction to motherhood. As the restrictions and sleep deprivation lifted, I came out the other side stronger than ever. I later experienced the most healing postpartum the second time around with my daughter. Motherhood is now my favourite job in the world (followed by my beloved Midwifery).

When I’m not supporting women to bring their babies into the world, I enjoy indulging in good food and coffee, wandering the hills and dancing in the lounge room with my babies.

LOUISE NOORBERGEN

REGISTERED & ENDORSED MIDWIFE

I am the mother of three now adult children, and I became a registered nurse in 1986 and a registered midwife in 1991. I have worked in private and public health settings providing antenatal, labour and birth, and postnatal care. Since 2016 I have worked solely in private practice supporting families at home and in hospital. I believe that care of childbearing women is best provided when a midwife works in partnership with woman throughout the pregnancy, birth and early parenting period.

I believe that pregnancy, childbirth and early parenting is a major life transition which occurs in context of being part of community. The birth of a child is a social event; the midwife’s role is to support the transition to parenthood physically, emotionally, spiritually and socially. Globally, there is much evidence to support the role of the midwife as primary carer.

Being a midwife is a privilege; it is a privilege to support a couple through the struggle of infertility or the loss of a child; to be the listening ear as a woman grapples with the issues surrounding an unwanted pregnancy; to facilitate understanding as a couple identifies the changes in their relationship as they move from being partners to becoming partners in parenting; to journey through labour and to witness the sacred moment of birth.

Along with this privilege is the responsibility to ensure competency and currency of midwifery knowledge and practice. This is best facilitated by reflective practice, peer review, client feedback and continuous professional development.

Supporting the transition to parenthood has the potential to impact the wider social determinants of health. It is important that the midwife recognises: the place of significant others in this major transition; the place of inter-sectorial advocacy; social determinants of health and the midwife’s role in advocacy.

I am motivated to be on the frontline of nurturing healthy nations – supporting healthy mothers (physically, psychological and socially) and fathers to nurture healthy babies and become healthy families. I choose not to be a rescuer or the principal actor but more to be the part of the support crew for the journey.

Speaking of support crews, I feel very welcomed into the Mamatoto Midwives team, working alongside like-minded passionate midwives. Together as a team we work together in supporting each other to support women and families through their journeys to becoming parents.

MEREDITH MUNRO

REGISTERED & ENDORSED MIDWIFE

I have recently been welcomed to Mamatoto with warm, open arms, following the establishing of my midwife calling. I am honoured to be part of a group of amazing midwives, who along with their collective experience and wisdom; offer the continuity of care that all birthing women deserve, wherever they choose to have their baby.

I knew from a very young age that being a midwife was my chosen path. My mother was a midwife in Papua New Guinea, and I would sit in awe, as she regaled me with stories of trekking through the darkness, with only a small flame for light, to be with birthing women in the dense jungle; in the middle of the night! That little girl, listening to those powerful stories, knew that one day, she would walk the same path.

I completed my Bachelor of Midwifery in 2012 at Australian Catholic University and went on to study Prescribing for Midwives at Griffith University in 2015. I was working in the private system and learning through the wisdom and experience of the midwives around me. I was guided and supported to develop my own ‘midwife self’. In 2016, myself and a small cohort of fellow midwives, joined forces to establish a ‘Known Midwife’ model of care, for women who had chosen private care for their pregnancy journey. The program reaped incredible rewards for the women who chose to be part of it; many returning to the program for subsequent pregnancies.

I have four children, and their birth experiences were unique and with their own challenges. I experienced the extremes of birth, from highly medicalised, to the beauty and empowerment of continuity of midwifery care. It was during the planning of my own homebirth in 2010, that I was able to have my voice heard, and was empowered by my own midwife who believed in me and what my body was capable of. My journey into motherhood was interrupted by PND following the birth of my first child. I navigated this hurdle to emerge on the other side, more aware than ever about the importance of mental health care during pregnancy and the post natal period. This is a passion I carry with me today, and I believe women should be nurtured physically, emotionally and psychologically during their journey.

Blending compassionate, holistic and evidence-based care, provides women with the opportunity to be truly heard, empowered and deeply cared for. Midwifery is a passion that cannot be ‘faked’. It comes deeply from the heart, where you are loved and protected; just as we would wish for ourselves.

Birth is powerful, private and deeply transformative. I am passionate about ensuring that you have the space to feel loved, respected and advocated for at each stage of your experience.

When I am not being ‘with woman’ you will find me at ‘makers markets’, food and wine events, caravanning to the coast or snuggled up in my pj’s with cat on lap.

JENNA-ROSE SHEEHAN

REGISTERED & ENDORSED MIDWIFE

I’m feeling warmly welcomed as the newest member of the Mamatoto team. After working in private practice independently for over a year, I am excited to step into this next chapter as part of a team that feels deeply aligned and connected.

I initially studied a Bachelor of Nursing and worked as a Registered Nurse, later completing further studies in critical care. It was through this time that I found the courage to follow my passion for working alongside and advocating for women. My path to midwifery began in a regional hospital, where I completed my postgraduate diploma and was fortunate to learn from deeply passionate, intuitive and compassionate midwives. Their influence reinforced what I have always believed—that birth is a profoundly personal and transformative experience, and when women are supported within environments of trust and respect, they flourish.

Since becoming a midwife, I have had two babies of my own. These experiences have further deepened my passion for women’s health and strengthened my commitment to advocacy, as women navigate the transitions of pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period.

Having worked across both regional and tertiary settings within the public system, I came to recognise the profound impact of continuity of care. This led me to become an Endorsed Midwife, supporting women and families through their journeys in a way that is individualised, respectful and aligned with their values.

I feel incredibly privileged to be welcomed into people’s lives during such a transformative and vulnerable time. I see the importance of this work every day and feel grateful to walk alongside families as they grow.

JODIE

ADMIN

I have been working for Mamatoto Midwives in a part time administration role for the past 8 years, coming from a background of administration/secretarial roles in accounting and insurance prior to having my 3 wonderful children. It is a pleasure to work with all the Mamatoto Midwives and assist them with the administration requirements. I enjoy being a part of the Mamatoto team.

I live on a farm and we have some sheep and horses. I love horse riding and holidaying with my family.