http://www.radiantbirth.com.au/

Radiant Birth, Melbourne (2026)

28/08/2026

Live in 10mins with Ali 🌻Matrescence Doula I Mothers circles | Motherhood Mentoring and Josie Hipwell 🤍

20/08/2025

3 SPOTS LEFT IN OUR SEPTEMBER COURSE

With only two weeks to go until our second birth course for 2025, with emails prepped and ready to go for those already booked in (keep an eye on your inboxes tomorrow!), course goodie bags in the making, and I going over the content flow, needless to say we are honoured and thrilled to be welcoming another group into this space.

These courses are such a joy to facilitate. They are a blend of practical, evidence based and traditional knowledge, embodied learning, and real conversations that bring clarity and confidence to your birth experience.

Every time, we are reminded of the deep trust people place in us to walk alongside them in preparation for one of life’s biggest shifts into that of a mother, a father, a parent.

If you’ve been thinking about joining, now is the time.

We can’t wait to sit with you, move with you, share wisdom, ask you the questions that allow you to get curious about what your most aligned birth feels like and create a supportive, grounded space where you can be your whole self, where questions are welcomed, fears are held, and birth is honoured.

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27/07/2025

Caroline’s story is a beautiful reminder of what’s possible when we are truly supported, within ourselves, by our care team, and in the spaces we choose to birth.

Her home waterbirth was not just about bringing baby April earthside, but about a deepening of trust in knowing what was right for her and her baby, even if that isn’t always reflected back by culture or the people we speak to.

She said: "It was the hardest, most intense, and most rewarding experience of my life—and I’ve never felt more powerful as a woman." And if you’re birthing for the first time, home or hospital, her story is a must read.

And we just wanted to say... You did it!!

Caroline did our course, listened to podcasts, read the books, and prepared like heck! She was also supported by doula and said:

"The best decision I made was finding a doula from the outset. I chose Emilie Darlison from Eden Births, and she completely transformed how my husband and I viewed birth. Since we don’t have family in Melbourne, I didn’t want to burden my husband emotionally, and having a doula provided us both with the support and continuity we needed to support our decision to birth at home."

You can read her full story via Rhea Dempsey’s site. It’s a powerful one. Here’s an excerpt that made me chuckle:

"The hospital staff replied, ‘Caroline who?’ – Tell her to come into the birth suite now,” and I just yelled into the phone in between vomiting, ‘I’m having a FU***NG HOMEBIRTH!!’ That got the message across. They replied, ‘Ok we are sending the midwives out now’."

We’re so grateful she chose Radiant Birth as part of her preparation. On the course, Caroline said:
"The course was jam packed with knowledge and wisdom drawn from lived experience... an incredibly enriching and empowering experience."

Next course: 5 & 6 September 2025 x

26/07/2025

There’s so much that unravels and reshapes you in postpartum. I could talk about the cracking open, the remodelling, the rebecoming… but instead, here are three lessons that have stayed with me. Maybe they’ll speak to you too.

One. There’s no right or wrong, only what’s right for me, for my family.

When you’ve spent your life people-pleasing, tuning into others’ expectations, doing what looks “right” on the outside, it’s a jolt to realise that even the “right” things can feel wrong if they’re not aligned with you. The only compass that matters is the one inside you. It can feel uncomfortable at first to do what YOU want, especially when it’s not what everyone around you is doing. But mama, please yourself. A deeper joy awaits beyond the initial challenge.

Two. It’s okay to change. It’s okay to change your mind.
I am not who I was before I had kids, and I love the younger me… but I think this version of me is my favourite. She is braver, more vulnerable, and she KNOWS things. What once felt clear has shifted. What felt like the plan no longer feels like the path. And that isn’t failure. It’s growth. You’re allowed to change your mind, again and again, or change it back. Follow what feels right. It won’t be a straight line, but it will lead you home.

Three. Ask for help.
Not because you’re failing. Not because you can’t cope. Though both might be true sometimes. But because you’re not meant to do it all alone. Asking for help is a gift to yourself and to those who love you. Especially for those of us who love to give, maybe it’s time to let someone else feel the joy of giving back.

And while I haven’t worked this one out fully, I’m learning every day.

So maybe the unexpected fourth learning is... be where you are. You are (more than) enough.

What has been your biggest postpartum learning?

22/07/2025

What actually helps in labour, and what doesn't?

Here's a quick round-up of our favourite supportive tools and actions, which are also the ones we see used most often.

What you can do:
🕊 Move freely
🕊 Come back to your breath
🕊 Let your body lead
🕊 Feel safe and supported
🕊 Use your voice or sound

Things to use:
🕊 TENS machine
🕊 Birth ball
🕊 Sling or rebozo
🕊 Comb, spiky ball, or stress ball
🕊 A fan
🕊 Flannels dipped in icy water and heat packs
🕊 Water
🕊 Massage oil
🕊 A clear plan for medical pain relief; know what you are or aren’t open to, when you might want it introduced, and make sure your support team understands your preferences

The space:
🕊 Music
🕊 Laughter & love
🕊 Privacy & dimmed lights
🕊 Familiar scents or essential oils (if helpful for you)

Your support team:
🕊 Know your birth intentions & be all over the birth map
🕊 Counter pressure & touch
🕊 Massage
🕊 Words of encouragement, belief, & reassurance
🕊 Steady, calm presence

There’s no doubt we love a big checklist and working through one can feel grounding and purposeful. Gathering your things, fairy lights, a pillow from home, nappies, toiletries and postpartum pads is absolutely part of the process. You know what you need, as doulas we believe that in our bones.

So, what doesn't help labour? So glad you asked! We feel strongly about these.

❌ Feeling rushed or on a timer
❌ Bright lights and noise
❌ Frequent interruptions or unnecessary questions
❌ Restricted in movement
❌ A lack of emotional support or unhelpful presence
❌ Fear-based or negative language
❌ Not being listened to
❌ Pressure to perform or be quiet
❌ Disconnection from your body/instincts
❌ Interventions without informed consent
❌ Being observed or watched without connection

The things that often make birth feel more easeful and embodied often aren’t the things that we can pack in a bag. It’s being in a safe space, having connection, trust, rhythm, and a team who truly know you and how to support you.

Most if not all of the no-no's are around how we are cared for, the environment and access to what we need physically and emotionally; but, more on that another time.

Big love,
Josie x

21/07/2025

Preparing for birth isn’t about scripting the perfect experience, but that doesn't mean we recommend going with the flow. Parents who take part in holistic birth education often feel more emotionally prepared, less anxious, and more confident as they head into labour. It’s about feeling informed, confident, and supported, no matter how your story unfolds.

Research shows that attending a thoughtful, person-centred birth education course (like ours!), especially when it includes space for exploring birth intentions and preferences, can make a big difference.

Better outcomes, fewer interventions. Studies have found that antenatal education can reduce the likelihood of caesarean birth (especially planned ones), increase the chances of going into labour naturally, and support a vaginal birth. Some research also shows it can lower the risk of postnatal depression.

It’s not about learning one perfect "way". Our courses offer a range of information and tools from both a modern and traditional wisdom lens, practical planning, and understanding your individual needs and wants. Meeting you where you are, with whatever birth you're preparing for.

More informed choices. Education helps you ask the right questions, advocate for your needs, and be an active part of every decision along the way. Because knowledge isn’t about control, it’s about clarity.

In our course you'll get 2-days of education and connection including:

🍃Prenatal yoga and meditation for the birthing person each day
🍃Traditional Chinese medicine for pregnancy and labour
🍃The physiology and energetics of labour and birth, from early labour through to birthing the placenta
🍃Body preparation for awareness, tension release and maternal alignment
🍃Understanding and working with pain in labour, with both natural and medical comfort measures
🍃Optimal positions for labour and birth, what you can do when things feel stuck or slow
🍃Partner roles, communication, and support
🍃Birth intentions for your best birth and informed decision-making
🍃Restful but realistic postpartum preparation
🍃Breastfeeding basics and newborn sleep
🍃Hear some birth stories
🍃Radiant Birth handbook
🍃Light lunch and refreshments each day

Join us in a Radiant Birth course and move through birth feeling grounded and prepared. Our next course is the 5th and 6th of September with and .

We also have two 1-day workshops honing in on postpartum preparation and birthmapping. Preparing for a supported postpartum is essential (and it doesn't just happen!) and because birth can take us on many pathways and we want to see you informed and prepared for many different pathways.

We aren't trying to pack everything in to one weekend, we know that things need space to integrate and land. So you can choose what feels needed and necessary for you whether you are birthing for the first time or the third time.

DM us to learn more or head to our link in bio.

27/06/2025

New 2025/2026 course dates are Live on the website.

We’re so excited to share the upcoming dates for our Birth Education Course, Birth Mapping Workshop, and our brand new Postpartum Preparation Workshop. Our courses are all thoughtfully designed to prepare you for birth, postpartum, and the huge shift into parenthood.

At Radiant Birth, our offerings are doula-led and grounded in lived experience, blending evidence-based education, modern and traditional wisdom, and the personal context of each individual and family. Each course includes a guided practice such as yoga, breathwork or meditation and features guest speakers who bring deep expertise in their own specialties, adding further depth to every workshop.

🍃Birth Education 2-day Immersion: 6 & 7 Sep 2025 or 29 & 30 Nov 2025
🍃Birth Map Workshop: 27th September or 13th December or 17th January
🍃Postpartum Preparation Course: 5th October or 18th January

Courses are held across Richmond & Northcote at Green Yoga and Reservoir at Wellness.

We know each of you comes with different needs and areas you would like to focus on, so we have done all the thinking for you with our bundle options - of course you can book for any of the three courses on their own.

Birth mapping & Postpartum Preparation Workshop Duo (2 days)
Radiant Birth Course & Postpartum Preparation Workshop Duo (3 days)
Radiant Birth & Postpartum Preparation: The Complete Series (3 days)

The Sept/Oct Series is perfect for those with due dates between mid-October and early December 2025, while the Nov/Dec/Jan Series is ideal for due dates between late January and early March 2026.
Course investments start from $330 for a single course and The Complete Series is $970.

Early Bird Offer: for 72 hours, use the code YES50 for a further $50 off

Bookings are open 6pm Friday 27 June via the Radiant Birth Shop.

Let’s prepare in a way that honours your story, your body, and your choices.

18/06/2025

What is the saying?

That if you try to speak to everyone, you end up speaking to no one.

This course has been created with intention, to speak to the woman / birthing person who wants to be present with their body, not separate from it. To the partner or support person that wants to show up feeling prepared and ready to be present.

It’s for those who are curious about how sensation, emotion, and physiology weave together, within the physiology of birth and the environments and systems in which we birth.

If you’re looking for a course that explores Western and Eastern philosophies, traditional wisdoms, and peer-reviewed research all at once, that is what Radiant Birth is here for.

It’s not about conquering pain or controlling every outcome. It’s about building relationship, with your body, your baby, your breath, your inner knowing, and the unfolding process of birth itself.

It’s about discovering the supports available to you and choosing the ones that truly hit right for you. It’s about intentionally preparing for your best birth; not through rigid planning, but by exploring your values, your beliefs and what really matters to you.

It’s about honouring yourself and your needs, no matter which path your birth takes.

It’s about preparation, and seeing birth as a peak experience rather than something to endure. It’s about inviting in joy, while also making space for fears and doubts, holding both with compassion.

In birth, we often meet ourselves more fully than ever before and with preparation and support that is something we can run towards with openness.

It’s not for everyone, and that’s the point.

We still have a few spots left. If what you've read here speaks to you, we'd love to welcome you next week!

With love,
Josie x

30/05/2025

Our next subscriber mail will be landing in your inbox very soon!

You’ll be the first to know when our latest In Focus journal article is live. This time, we sit down with the delightful Cinta from .nourish to chat about life and work with two little ones in tow, and her journey from a fast-paced corporate career to creating a business rooted in nourishment and purpose.

This drop also features a wholesome, moorish dhal recipe from yours truly – plus a little sneak peek behind the scenes at all the Radiant Birth goodness we’ve been cooking up.

Subscribe via the link in bio 🔗

Big love,
Josie x

30/05/2025

Care, in its truest form, stretches outward and it touches lives we may never even see.

This is Beth, an RB doula and BFHK volunteer, wholehearted, happy and a little weary-eyed after supporting a mama in a volunteer capacity to meet her baby.

When we support one birthing person, we’re also stepping into a wider conversation about the kind of world are we building through our care? Who is being left out? How do we extend that care beyond who is standing in front of us?

We believe everyone deserves access to safe, respectful and affirming care during birth and postpartum, not just those who can afford it or know how to ask.

That’s why we donate a portion of every doula booking, birth and postpartum course, and book sale to

BFHK is an organisation providing free doula support and childbirth education to women and gender diverse people experiencing disadvantage across Melbourne.

Many of our doulas also volunteer with BFHK, and we see first-hand how essential their work is.

So far this year, our community has helped raise $942, a humble but meaningful contribution to the care ripple.

We want a world where everyone who wants a doula can have one.

When you buy the Radiant Birth Book, come to one of our courses, work with one of our beautiful doulas you are contributing to this dream.

And of course if you’re in a position to give, we encourage you to donate directly to

Every $ helps ensure this vital work continues and that no one births alone.

Radiant Birth

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