Meet The Expert: Midwife Meg Ryan

Introducing Midwife Meg...

Meg Ryan (aka Midwife Meg) is a registered midwife dedicated to helping parents and newborn babies live their healthiest and happiest lives. Meg is also the Founder of LIFE after BIRTH (L.A.B), a registered nurse, clinical midwifery specialist, certified newborn and infant sleep consultant, wife and mother to two beautiful children. Here OFB speaks to Meg about L.A.B, mental health and why it takes a village to raise a child.

Tell us about life before L.A.B?

Prior to founding LIFE after BIRTH, I worked in one of NSW’s largest Neonatal Intensive Care Units, caring for premature babies who are born from 24 weeks gestation, unwell newborns and their fragile families. The hardest part of the job is resuscitating countless newborns. The tiniest was born at 24 weeks gestation and weighed only 450g. This little girl is now four-years-old and defying the odds every day. 

As a mother you saw an opportunity to provide postnatal support to others. Tell us about your vision...

I think one of the biggest contributing factors to the rising maternal mental health rates is the lack of postnatal support given to new parents. It’s a difficult time and life changing transition that many parents don’t realise until they’re in it. LIFE after BIRTH is set to change this by providing that much needed support for new (and not so new) parents from day one of parenthood. Our aim is to educate, support and nurture new families for as long as they need, providing expectant parents, new parents and those with growing babies and toddlers the support they need to feel calm, confident and empowered.

They say it takes a village to raise a child. What's your philosophy?

I’m fiercely passionate about ensuring all new parents have the village of support that is needed. I believe knowledge truly is power and I have founded and created a model and space that provides parents with both education and the supportive village.

Mental health plays an important role in the postnatal journey. What's your advice for achieving balance?

I am a firm believer in self care and its importance in maternal mental health. There is nothing more important for yourself, your child(ren) and your family than your self care. I will forever advocate for this.

Your support system also extends beyond L.A.B, tell us about your collaboration with PANDA?

L.A.B collaborates with perinatal mental health organisation PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia), the only National Helpline for Mothers and Fathers, and their families, experiencing or recovering from anxiety and depression. We donate a percentage of sales to support new families within the first 12 months of life, with life-saving support and resources for those suffering anxiety or depression. According to PANDA more than one in five new mothers and up to one in 10 new fathers suffer perinatal depression. So if you or someone you know is experiencing mental health issues, please contact L.A.B or PANDA today.

Midwife Meg, Life After Birth @lifeafterbirtheducation