The Practical Doula

05/09/2026

Melanie was pleased to visit the Disability Expo at Dorset Gardens Hotel with Linda from the Sarina Russo team, and other participants on the Self-Employment Assistance Program. What an educational experience, and so lovely to share it with so many other small business owners! 🙂

31/08/2026

𝘽𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙎𝙮𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙢𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙋𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝘿𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙖

It's always a little strange (and lovely!) seeing your business featured on someone else's website.

A big thank you to Chase Solutions for sharing The Practical Doula's story as one of their recent case studies.

When the business started, we knew we would need systems that would help us stay organised while still keeping people at the centre of everything we do.

Anushka from Chase listened carefully, accommodated our many questions and slightly obscure requests, and created a CRM that genuinely supports the way we work.

Thank you to Anushka and the team for your patience, expertise and ongoing support. We are delighted to have worked with you and grateful for the opportunity to share your expertise.

🌿 Read the case study here: https://www.chasesolutions.com.au/case-studies/practical-doula/

Here’s a lovely picture of Anushka - the person I worked with: https://www.chasesolutions.com.au/about/
𝘽𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙎𝙮𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙢𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙋𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝘿𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙖

How Chase AI Solutions helped Melanie from Practical Doula build a clearer, more manageable system for handling clients, follow-ups, and day-to-day operations.

27/08/2026

Juniper is a beautiful reminder that every older person has lived a rich and complex life, filled with stories, love, loss and experiences that have shaped who they are.

As an End-of-Life Doula, I was struck by the film's gentle exploration of family, grief, forgiveness and the power of human connection. It reminds us that it's never too late to truly see one another or to have the conversations that matter.

A thoughtful, moving film that I highly recommend. 💚

19/08/2026

🌿 I'm delighted to share that The Practical Doula is now a Victorian Seniors Card and Carer Card Participating Business!

Supporting people to make informed choices about end-of-life care, planning ahead, and navigating life's final chapter is at the heart of everything I do. I'm therefore pleased to be able to make my services and resources a little more accessible for Victorian Seniors Card and Carer Card holders.

"Victorian Seniors Card and Carer Card holders now receive 10% off all products and services, including consultations, workshops and items from my online shop."
Whether you're planning ahead, supporting a loved one, or simply wanting to learn more about your options, I'm here to help.

You can also find The Practical Doula in the Victorian Seniors Card & Carer Card Discount Directory.

Thank you to the Victorian Seniors Card program for welcoming The Practical Doula as a participating business. 💜

17/08/2026

“In the absence of my own support systems, Melanie was my support system.” — Kim

Living interstate while caring for an aging parent with dementia brings unique challenges. When Kim traveled to Melbourne to visit her 93-year-old mum, my role extended beyond regular visits and advocacy—it was about providing a grounding presence, flexibility, and steady support for both mother and daughter during a stressful time.

15/08/2026

"In the absence of my own support systems, Melanie was my support system." — Kim

Living interstate while caring for an aging parent with dementia brings unique challenges. When Kim traveled to Melbourne to visit her 93-year-old mum, my role extended beyond regular visits and advocacy—it was about providing a grounding presence, flexibility, and steady support for both mother and daughter during a stressful time.

11/08/2026

So grateful to have presented and exhibited at the Circle of Care Expo on July 15th! 🤍 It was wonderful meeting everyone and sharing practical doula care support.

Find out more here: https://www.practicaldoula.com.au/out-and-about

09/08/2026

A gentle story about Voluntary Assisted Dying. Thank you to Hilda and Steve for sharing. 🙏

Hilda Quiroga says she was "struck" by Steve Mayer from the moment they first met until his death at 53 through voluntary assisted dying.

07/08/2026

What’s the one song you’d want played at your farewell? 🎶

Whether it’s heartfelt, funny, nostalgic, or completely unexpected, every song tells a story. Sharing yours is a meaningful way to start a conversation with loved ones about what matters most. Because until we share it.

Join Dying to Know Day and add your final song to Australia’s official Spotify playlist! 🎧

How to add yours:
1️⃣ Open the Dying to Know: Australia's Final Playlist on the Spotify app
2️⃣ Tap the + Add button to search for and save your track
(Don't use Spotify? You can submit your track via the form on their website!)

Share your pick using and tag to Know so everyone can hear your track!

27/07/2026

You are invited to join Melanie and another member of the Melbourne East Doula Hub for a cuppa and cake in a safe environment where you CAN talk (or just listen) about whatever is your mind about death, dying and life.

Death Cafes aim to increase awareness around death, with no agenda, to help people make the most of their finite lives.

Note: This is not a grief support or counselling group.

Date:‍ Monday 03 August 2026
Time: 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Location:‍ Menzies Creek Hall, 1 Menzies Road, Menzies Creek VIC 3159

Cost: Gold coin donation for morning tea.

Registration: Call (03) 9754 2039 OR book online: https://www.selbyhouse.org.au/class/death-life-cafe-gold-coin-donation/.

Places are limited.