About Joanne'The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn.' Ralph Waldo Emerson
For the past ten years I have supported and encouraged families from all walks of life – through my work as a
health visitor, teenage parent specialist, infant massage instructor and breastfeeding coach.
I am a registered adult nurse (UK and NZ) and registered Health Visitor (UK). In the UK every family with young
children has a named Health Visitor to offer them support and encouragement from pregnancy to birth and beyond.
I would work with the family to tailor the support they wanted to receive. My training and experience means
I can offer help and advice on a wide range of topics including pregnancy, birth debriefing, feelings and emotions,
postnatal depression prevention and support, breastfeeding education and support, feeding babes, children and even adults,
sleeping, child development and play. The role is community based, very varied and focused on helping people stay healthy.
My own childhood, playing with boxes, mud and water and out in the garden with my parents and grandparents has provided a
great resource for my work. It has developed over time with training and experience of caring and working with lots of families.
I believe parenting can be simple provided parents are supported well, encouraged to trust their own abilities and have the time
to listen to their baby or child - who will teach them more than anyone ever thinks is possible. I'm not convinced children
of any age need lots of toys or fancy things but I am sure they need time, boundaries and lots of love.
From my experiences working with teenagers and teenage parents, I really understand that there is great value in teaching children
from the earliest possibility that they can refuse touch even if they like it and that they can ask for positive touch,
central values of the infant massage course I teach.
In New Zealand, Small Beginnings Group began and I had the fantastic opportunity to work and become close friends with
Vida Rye (doula, infant massage instructor and much more) and Penny Wyatt (Midwife/Lactation Consultant) both of whom expanded
my learning and views in different ways.
I have spent much time supporting and learning from new mums, whether as a friend or professionally and I still find this really
rewarding work - a listening ear and some balance seem to be much needed when a baby enters the world. I have a strong emphasis
on building and protecting self esteem for mums, dads, babes and everyone in general.
My journey now continues in Portland...
If you want to know more about me or have any questions please get in touch. Thank you
