Hi mama,
When I first discovered that I could take my birth classes online, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Would it feel as real as being in a classroom? Would I get enough information? But looking back, I can honestly say: choosing virtual support was one of the best decisions I made.
Online Birth Classes
I started my online birth classes with Rayane Vilela, a Brazilian doula and physiotherapist who lives in Australia. Rayane had two very different experiences giving birth in Sydney — one in a hospital and one at home — and she shared not only her professional knowledge but also her personal journey.
She guided us through:
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creating a birth plan,
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the power of affirmations,
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preparing the maternity bag,
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the importance of first aid courses,
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what we should ask our midwives during appointments,
- and so much more.
Every class was rich with information, but also with heart. And the best part? Because the classes were online, all the live sessions were recorded and uploaded to her portal. That meant my husband, who I wanted as my “doula,” could join in after work or on weekends, watching at his own pace. It worked perfectly for us.
One-on-One Physio Support (From My Couch!)
During my second trimester, I started experiencing pretty bad sciatica pain. Rayane offered me one-on-one physio consults online, giving me exercises I could safely do at home. It was truly a lifesaver.
Later, after Ollie was born, I also used telehealth consults for myself. Skipping the ordeal of packing a newborn for what ends up being a two-hour trip for a ten-minute consult was priceless. The ability to connect with a professional without leaving my couch gave me both peace of mind and precious time back.
Why Virtual Support Works
For me — an introverted person who doesn’t always enjoy leaving the house — virtual support was everything. It gave me:
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Flexibility to learn and access care at my own pace.
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Involvement of my husband, who could join even with a busy schedule.
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Comfort of being supported from home during a time when I was most vulnerable.
A Final Note
If you’re a mum-to-be or a new parent wondering if virtual support is “enough,” let me reassure you: it can be life-changing. Whether it’s classes, telehealth, or online communities, these resources can make you feel less alone and more prepared.
Don’t be afraid to lean on them — support doesn’t have to happen in person to be real.
With gratitude for the support that carried me through,
Renata (Ollie’s Mum) 💛