About Virginia

My name is Virginia Maddock.

I started studying Herbal Medicine in 1998, which ignited my passion for natural health and led me on a long journey of healing, self-discovery and thirst for more knowledge.

I furthered my education with more studies in Advanced Herbal Medicine, Iridology, Nutrition and eventually Reiki, which I studied in India.

I started private practice at Birthing Rites Australia in Bondi Junction (2005 - 2008), working with some of the many pregnant women who came there for pre-natal classes. It was there that I discovered what a doula was and I knew immediately that I wanted to have the privilege of helping women and couples bring new life into the world.

So, in 2006, I embarked on the doula training course at Birthing Rites, which is the longest course available in Australia at one year long and encompasses over 200 hours of face-to-face training.

With such legendary teachers as Marie Burrows (doula, childbirth educator and counsellor with over 30 years experience in birth) and Sandra Robinson (co-author of the book “Birth: Conceiving, Nurturing and Giving Birth To Your Baby”), I was given not only a great education in birth, but also a thorough guidance in my own self development. This helped me to better understand my own mind, my tendencies and my own birth experience to better benefit those who need my support in such an important yet vulnerable time in their lives.

I have had valuable mentors such as midwives and counsellors, and have attended 9 series of childbirth education classes to educate me on all aspects of birth (including one for myself with my own pregnancy). I continue to keep updated with information from reading books and attending homebirth and doula conferences. I also continue to learn from those who allow me to be a part of their birth, which is always individual, continually challenges my expectations and is such an amazing experience to be a part of.

I have a passion for natural fertility, pregnancy health and well-supported natural birth so that couples can benefit from a continuity of care from the preconception period, throughout pregnancy and the birth of their child, through to primary care of their family’s health (or any part thereof).

My partner and I completed the preconception health programme and I fell pregnant on our 2nd attempt. I enjoyed a very healthy pregnancy and gave birth to my son Jetsun Bodhi at home on February 8th 2009, accompanied by my amazing partner Dan, my wonderful midwife Jacqui and my wise old Burmese cat Yin Yin. Jetsun continues to inspire me to help other couples enjoy the same benefits that a good health programme has given to our family.

Since giving birth, I have become an active volunteer with Homebirth Access Sydney and am currently serving as Memberships Coordinator, Information Officer, E-Newsletter Editor and Managing Editor for the quarterly magazine "Birthings".

I will also be the Beer & Bubs facilitator for the Sutherland Shire, due to kick off in September 2010. Beer and Bubs is a one-night workshop at the pub where dads can learn how to support their partner through the birth of their baby. I will post more info as it comes to hand.

Qualifications
Advanced Diploma of Western Herbal Medicine (incorporating: Certificate 1 Bush Flower Essences)
Diploma of Botanical Medicine
Diploma of Nutrition
Advanced Certificate of Iridology
Post-grad Certificate in Herbal Medicine: The Special Case of  Pregnancy
Doula certificate

If you would like to discuss how I can help you experience a healthier, more comfortable pregnancy, a more positive and enjoyable birth and a smoother transition into parenthood, please contact me.