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" Pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and the transition to motherhood, this whole journey will never find you one simple right answer. There is an abundance of information, alternate opinions, multifaceted strategies and more available. The most helpful answer is that when we go back to basics and logical thinking every woman has their own personality and every newborn even at such a beautiful young age has their own personality. My greatest advice to each and every one of you is grow and learn about yourself and your newborn through this transitioning journey. Follow your instincts, listen to your baby’s cues, respond to these needs." Ann Marie Gonzalez RM,IBCLC
Ann Marie's Story
Ann Marie initially began her career as a Nurse 15 years ago in both the public and private healthcare sectors in Midwifery. Her vision to empower women evolved at the age of 18.
Whilst partaking study in the Bachelor degree of Midwifery, her passion to provide women with continuity of care and encompassing a woman centered model enhanced and developed to be at the heart and core of her practice.
Upon graduating Ann Marie became one of the youngest junior graduate midwives to join Western Health's Midwifery Group Practice /Caseload model of care program. This model enabled Ann Marie to continue working towards her vision. Comprising a portfolio of 80-90 women per year with an on-call Midwife colleague she strived to continue working towards all her passions and goals. She continued to work on call full time providing all aspects of holistic care to women and their families from pregnancy assessment and education, labour and birth support, hospital support, in home support and postnatal/breastfeeding support.
Ann Marie then returned to the workforce following the birth and breastfeeding journey of her own 2 children. Her transition to motherhood was challenging but was also an incredibly beautiful life experience. She continued to work in all fields of midwifery with a very strong emphasis in educating women to enhance empowering them through their journey to motherhood and beyond. Ann Marie's great passion and vision for the empowerment of women led to her furthering her midwifery career.
Ann Marie become a lactation consultant and is accredited by the International Board of Certified Lactation Consultants IBCLC. She continues to share her extensive knowledge to both the public and private healthcare sectors aiming to improve standards of care and working passionately alongside multifaceted teams within the healthcare sector.
ACCREDITATIONS/PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
Certificate IV in Nursing, Victoria University, 2007 - 2008
Bachelor of Midwifery, Victoria University, 2008 - 2010
Certified as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), L-307723
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) - Registered Midwife, NMW0001607012
Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation (ANMF) member
Lactation Consultants Australia and New Zealand (LCANZ) member
Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) member
