Hi, I'm Melissa (she/her)

Midwife, naturopath, yoga instructor, and women’s health advocate. I empower women to thrive during every cycle of life, including adolescence, preconception, pregnancy, early motherhood, menopause, and beyond.

Welcome to LifeCycles 

Through my 20 years experience as a midwife, I have had the privilege to work with many women and families preparing for their birth and welcoming their newborn into the world. I have learned that no two births are ever the same, but what is true is every birth is powerful and like any rite of passage should be celebrated. 

Our world has become more complex, and this includes birth. Today there is more access to opinions, more decisions to make, more interventions, and more choices. But this often comes with a feeling of being less in control. There is a growing number of women anxious in their younger years, fearful during pregnancy, disappointed with their birth, and depressed postpartum. These issues are starting earlier in life and extending further. 

LifeCycles is rooted in the philosophy that birth, and every cycle in life, is a rite of passage that should be celebrated and leave you feeling empowered. I incorporate my knowledge and experience in midwifery, women’s health, naturopathy, acupuncture, yoga, and healthy living, along with my passion for people feeling confident, prepared and excited to move through life’s transitions. 

 LifeCycles group classes are innovative, informative and fun! They provide evidence based information, cultivate self awareness, build connections and a sense of community. Currently, LifeCycles offers Antenatal classes and Pregnancy and Baby and Me Yoga classes.

LifeCycles can also provide advice on naturopathic and wellness in pregnancy, postpartum and beyond through one-on-one consultations. As a registered Naturopath my holistic approach to wellness can help restore health and vitality. 

Qualifications

  • Certificate of Midwifery, Bastyr University, Washington State, USA, 2002

  • Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine, Bastyr University, Washington State, USA, 2001

  • Yoga 200hr Teacher Training through Noah Maze, Los Angeles, California, USA, 2015

  • Prenatal Yoga Certification, through Bliss Baby, Australia, 2016

  • Postnatal Yoga Certification through Bliss Baby, Australia, 2019

  • The Happiest Baby Educator Certification Program, 2020

  • Certificate of Acupuncture for Midwives, Auckland College of TCM and Acupuncture, 2010

My Story

I am originally from the USA, where I trained as a Midwife and Naturopath. I moved to New Zealand in 2004, to further my career in a country where midwives have more autonomy and career opportunities. I worked for 10 years as a self-employed practitioner and assisted in hospital, birth centre and home births. I have been teaching antenatal classes since 2005.

In 2014, my partner and I began our travels. In the 5 years that followed I met indigenous “birth attendants” and learned about the culture, ritual and practices surrounding birth in many different corners of the world. I spent time volunteering in refugee camps in Bangladesh and Greece. Our son was born in 2016, which brought a welcomed new dimension to our travelling lifestyle. I received my 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training, Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga certification. 

We settled back into Auckland in 2020, which gave me the opportunity to focus on bringing the vision of LifeCycles into reality. I am also currently studying acupuncture for my BHSc degree at the New Zealand School of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. 

When I am not spending time with my family, I am swimming, biking, running or doing yoga. I am raising money to run the New York City marathon in 2023 for the Ovarian Cancer Coalition. 

Professional Associations

  • Midwifery Council of NZ, New Zealand Registered Midwife since 2005

  • New Zealand College of Midwives, Member since 2005