Staff Profiles

The Childbirth and Parent Education sessions are run by experienced facilitators.

Alana Hurst
Alana Hurst
Registered Midwife/Nurse, Calmbirth® Facilitator, Aquanatal Instructor, Parent Educator, Certificate in Sexual and Reproductive Health

I am a Registered Midwife and a Registered Nurse with a passion for antenatal care. I have been employed as a midwife at Sutherland Hospital for over 10 years and acquired extensive experience across the antenatal clinic, birth suite, postnatal ward and our midwifery support program. I have also embraced my role as a Parent and Childbirth Facilitator at Sutherland Hospital over this time and love easing some of the fears that new parents often develop. I see it as a great privilege to be able to support women and their families on this journey called parenthood.

In my spare time I enjoy being outside with my children and trying to keep fit. My other favourite place to be will always be in a bath, with a good book and a glass of wine.

Dagmar
Dagmar Greenhill
Women's Health Physiotherapist, Pilates Instructor

During my 16 years in private practice I have found it most rewarding and humbling to play a part in a clients journey to achieve their goals. My passion lies in helping women pursue pelvic floor safe exercise at any stage in life. 6 years of specialist training and practice in Women’s Health combined with my sports and rehabilitation background have given me the means required for a holistic approach in the care of female clients.

As a mother of 3, I have come to realise how important the efficient function of the pelvic floor and core musculature is for women to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It plays a crucial role in preventing injuries with exercise and sport during pregnancy and after having children or episodes of pain. Pelvic pain in any shape or form can reduce pelvic floor and core muscle control and bladder function, which may become debilitating factors in a woman’s life.

I believe any woman with children will benefit from a Pelvic Floor Check Up and Exercise Review. My Clinical, Pre and Post Natal Equipment Pilates Classes are giving my clients a rewarding option to regain fitness and functional capacity for day to day living and return to higher intensity exercise.

Outside of work I lead an active and healthy lifestyle with my family. I enjoy swimming, cycling, skiing, running, bushwalking and simply getting outdoors. Originally from Germany, I love travelling and exploring new places. My slightly competitive nature makes me set new goals continuously and does not allow me to sit still for long.

judy
Judy Massey
Midwife & Parent Education Facilitator, Sutherland and St George Hospitals

I trained as a Midwife at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in 1981 & worked there in KGV for a number of years before enjoying some time at home with my two children when they were young.

I have been at Sutherland Hospital since 2002, working in all areas of the Maternity Unit and have been facilitating the Parent Education sessions since 2006.

My passion is encouraging and supporting women and their partners as they prepare for the rollercoaster ride of birth and parenthood.

My aim in the facilitation of the parenting sessions is to reduce the fear of the unknown by giving information and reassurance to the couples I meet. I believe this gained knowledge empowers couples to make informed decisions on their journey into parenthood.

Away from work I enjoy a busy life with my family and try to get plenty of exercise playing tennis and rowing.

Karyn
Karyn Whelan
Physiotherapist - BAppSc (Physio), MAppSc (Physio) (Research), APAM

I am currently providing Physiotherapy services and education in a hospital Maternity setting as well as Physiotherapy sessions for the Preparation for Parenting Programs at The Sutherland and St George Hospitals. I am also a mum.

I have a broad clinical background in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, women’s health and running Mums and Bubs Post-Natal Pilates classes. I bring extensive experience from my previous role as a Lecturer in Physiotherapy at the University of Sydney and the Australian Catholic University and have been involved in numerous research studies. I combine all this experience in my Preparation for Parenting sessions.

I really enjoy providing relevant and interactive Physiotherapy sessions that focus on the key aspects of good physical health throughout pregnancy and following the birth. My focus is to empower women and their partners through education, exercise and practical strategies to prevent and deal with common concerns.

Having a baby is such a special and thrilling time for new parents and I am delighted to play a small part in that journey.

emmy
Emmy Rega
Registered Midwife/Nurse, Parent Educator, Calmbirth® Facilitator,

I am a Registered Midwife and Registered Nurse and have been working at Sutherland Hospital since 2010. I am passionate about preparing women and their partners for birth and parenthood and have been facilitating Parent Education sessions since 2013. I am also an accredited Calmbirth Facilitator and I am proud to be able to offer this incredible program to our couples. 

“I wholly believe that every time a baby is born, a mother is also ‘born’ and with her, a brand new family is created. I feel especially privileged to be part of a woman's special journey right through her pregnancy to the birth of her baby and beyond. I have a special interest in both the antenatal and postnatal care of our women at Sutherland hospital and work across all areas from the Antenatal Clinic to the Midwifery Support program, visiting new parents and babies in their homes. Knowledge is power and I believe that quality antenatal education empowers new parents.”

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and I am a devoted mum to 3 daughters. I also try to find the time to restore furniture and make soap. 

Rose
Rosemary Mcilgorm
Registered Midwife & Parent Educator, Counsellor (inc. 1 year Infant Observations & Supervision, NSW Institute of Psychiatry)

My name is Rosemary and I have birthed and parented four babies, including twins, all now adult children.

In Papua New Guinea after helping a woman give birth to her baby on an outrigger canoe I decided to train as a midwife. I did my training in London, just before we migrated to Australia.

I now delight in preparing others for the birth and early parenting of their baby or babies! I began facilitating these classes at the Royal Hospital for Women in 2001 and I have been with the Sutherland Hospital since 2005.

My facilitation focuses not only on what to expect but also increases support and communication with your partner and baby in this joint event!

Now that my husband and I are empty nesters, we enjoy birdwatching and nature…it’s an amazing world out there too! 

shahla
Shahla Meedya
Registered Midwife/Nurse

I am a registered midwife and register nurse with over 25 years of experience in providing care for women during antenatal, birth and postnatal periods in different high risk and low risk hospitals. I have also trained so many midwifery students to respect and support women within a woman-centred care. My passion is about empowering women to believe in themselves and stand up for their rights to enjoy their wonderful, natural and normal event as our ancestors have done over millions of years. Sometimes we forget who we are, because we do not see the birth of life in the community anymore. What you see is in the movies or in a virtual space. Please remember movie makers are looking for excitement and they may create unnecessary anxiety for you. Just follow your heart and forget about strains around you. You can do it and you will do it, be proud of who you are. 

I am also a lactation consultant, National Baby Friendly Health Initiative assessor and a researcher who breastfed her children for two years. I had many challenges that you can think of, but I was determine and knew how to manage them. If I can, you can do too.  I have completed a breastfeeding project with 450 women for my PhD study. I love to stay up-to-date and I have more than 30 publications in women’s health and breastfeeding.  I feel privileged and humbled to be able to share the memory of birth with women and their families; and be able to support them for giving the best start for their newborns.  Thanks for having me as your parent educator or facilitator.

Sarah
Sarah Holdsworth
Registered Midwife/Nurse, Parent Educator, IBCLC

My main 'job' is being a Clinical Midwifery Specialist in Lactation where I predominantly work with new parents on the postnatal ward which I love. 

My number one goal is to empower women and their partners as they are starting their breastfeeding journey and I strongly believe that antenatal breastfeeding education is a crucial part of that journey.

I am a strong advocate for evidence-based information and like to make sure that families know where best to access it, as there is a lot of misinformation and myths out there that could potentially sabotage your breastfeeding journey. 

The right knowledge is power.

I also do have a wide range of experience throughout Women's and Children's Health including all aspects of Midwifery and Child & Family Health. 

I feel very passionate about education and really enjoy facilitating the Breastfeeding and Having Your Baby sessions at Sutherland Hospital. 

Tusanee
Tusanee Jierasak
Pelvic Physiotherapist

I’m a pelvic health physiotherapy who is passionate about providing the evidence-based and the most up-to-date pregnancy and postnatal care. I have a soft spot for new mums and love teaching about pelvic floor. I believe in raising awareness of pelvic floor conditions, as well as the importance of a postnatal physiotherapy check and ongoing care for every single woman who has given birth.

I have an extensive clinical background in private practice and community centres, which includes pelvic floor and musculoskeletal physiotherapy, running workshops and talks, and clinical exercise classes for pregnancy and postnatal clients.

I believe knowledge is power for new parents and hope to have a positive impact on your parenting journey.