Tapestry of Life Midwife
Supporting women, with science, soul and compassion.
Providing holistic, collaborative midwifery services and parenting support.
Honouring the transitional stages in the lives of women and families.
Curating spaces to gather, reconnect and bring back the meaning, symbolism and healing to moments we need the most
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COMING SOON
I’m Lauren,
A big sky thinker with bare feet dreams. A cheerleader of women, curious about life, tuned into energy and gentle with the smallest of humans. I offer a holistic approach to maternity care that extends beyond the traditional medical model but remains evidence based.
I trust intuition as much as logic, spirit as much as science and I view health and wellbeing through the lens of the nervous system and maternal and child attachment.
I believe connection is the key to overall wellbeing
An Endorsed Private Practice Midwife (EPPM) with over two decades of clinical experience, supporting women across the continuum of pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period - both the public and private settings. I practice with a whole family approach, preparing parents not only for the pregnancy and birth, but the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual shifts that comes with parenthood, and a new baby.
As a Nervous System Certified Practitioner, First 1000 Days Advocate, Infant Massage Educator, and Published Academic, I hold a deep understanding and care about the fragility of babies and their early experiences, and provide parents with tools to develop healthy bonds and secure attachments to create ripples of change for a safe and connected next generation.
As a woman, and mother of older children, I am moving through this current phase of my life with intention. I deeply value the work of mothering, and midwifery as a thread of who I am - my work reflects the wisdom and experiences I have gained, allowing me to step into this sacred role of guide and witness for these life-changing journeys. With an unique blend of midwifery & nursing training, modern neuroscience, ancestral knowledge, and emotional intelligence, I am passionate about supporting YOU - the person behind the titles (whether that be mother or midwife) and where you are in your life or career.
Hello,
Like woven threads
our experiences
weave who we are in the Tapestry of Life
What is Matrescence?
Working Definition
To attribute [APA Style]: Athan, Aurelie. (Year, Month, Day of D/L). Working Definition. https://www.matrescence.com/
The process of becoming a mother or matrescence, the term first coined by Dana Raphael, Ph.D. (1973) and which I later built upon, is a developmental passage where a woman transitions through pre-conception, pregnancy and birth, surrogacy or adoption, to the postnatal period and beyond. The exact length of matrescence is individual, recurs with each child, and may arguably last a lifetime! The scope of the changes encompasses multiple domains --bio-psycho-social-political-spiritual-- and can be likened to the developmental push of adolescence. Increased attention to mothers has spurred new findings, from neuroscience to economics, and supports the rationale for a new field of study known as matrescence. Such an arena would allow the roundtable of specialists to come together and advance our understanding of this life passage.”
- Definition written by Aurélie Athan, Ph.D. (2016)
Want to pre-order Matrescence Matters Merch?
Motherhood is the most profound threshold many women will cross – not simply a role or a phase but a complete redefinition of self. Every human on earth comes from a mother. Child brain development relies heavily on mothers as the primary attachment figure and the evidence is clear, early experiences in the first 1000 days, shapes the way a child’s brain, body and emotions develop, laying down the foundations for lifelong health and wellbeing.
Yet, todays modern culture often ignores this depth.
Postpartum care remains one of the most tender — and often overlooked services. Although there is a shift in focus of recent years, we have neglected to really honour women’s experiences of this developmental passage from maiden to mother, leaving many to feel disconnected by not celebrating this rite of passage. Yet across many traditional cultures, the postpartum period has long been revered as a sacred time — a window for deep restoration where the mother is nourished, held, protected and lovingly supported. A time to soften, to heal, and to slowly return home to herself and her body.
At Tapestry of Life, I believe postpartum care is not a luxury, but an essential continuation of the birth journey — one that honours the physical, emotional and spiritual unfolding of motherhood.
I am continually drawn to the wisdom of traditions that honour cyclical living and the sacred interconnectedness of nature. Much of my brand has been influenced by this curiosity and of my travels.
Inca cosmology offers a beautiful reminder that we are not isolated beings moving through life alone, but threads woven into something far greater — a living tapestry of nature, ancestry, spirit, and cosmos.
Frequently asked questions
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Bachelor of Nursing (Australian Catholic University) - 1999-2001
Graduate Diploma of Midwifery (Australian Catholic University) - 2003-2005
Masters in Midwifery Research (Australian Catholic University) - 2012-2016
Postgraduate, Prescribing, Screening & Diagnostics (Griffith University) - 2014
Certificate : First 1000 Days: Stronger Foundations (CQUniversity Australia)
Nervous System Certification (Jessica Macguire
Infant Massage Educator (Infant Massage Australia - now closed)
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An Endorsed Midwife in Australia is a registered midwife who has gained additional qualifications and regulatory approval to prescribe certain scheduled medicines and order specific diagnostic tests as part of midwifery care. This endorsement expands a midwife’s scope of practice, allowing them to provide more comprehensive, autonomous care—particularly in continuity‑of‑care and private practice models eligible for Medicare rebates.
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No — you do not need a referral to see an Endorsed Midwife in Australia. Because they are autonomous practitioners within their scope, women can access them without needing a GP or obstetric referral.
Whether you are choosing to have your baby through a public or private hospital, I can see you early to help you navigate your care options. From here, as a private practice midwife I am able to refer you to an obstetrician if you choose this model. However Endorsed Midwife referrals only last 3 months, so please note you will need to see your GP to obtain a referral to your local public hospital or private obstetrician after this time.
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Yes - in order to receive rebates from my services, you will need to hold a current Medicare card.
I can discuss you circumstances should you wish to self fund.
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No, my scope now is offering continuity of care in the antenatal (pregnancy) and postnatal (post birth) periods only.
I can absolutely help you understand your birth options and make warm referrals. Access to continuity of midwife models across the continuum can be limited, but I am well network and will do what I can to help you find the right fit.
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Due to limited days of availability, I only offer home postnatal care within North Brisbane & Moreton Bay Council
Please submit your interest in Appointments if you are unsure and we can discuss.
If unavailable I highly recommend Chantelle and her team from www.ninemonthsandcounting.com.au
Still have questions? Reach out!
Tapestry of Life acknowledges the Jinibara, Turrbal, and Yuggera peoples as the traditional custodians of the land on which I live and work. Their connection to land, sea, and community stretches back countless generations, carrying wisdom about our relationship with the natural world and its profound influence on body, mind, and spirit.
I pay deep respect to their Elders past, present, and emerging, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
