Hi, I’m Ella, a mum to two energetic boys, 7-year-old Gabriel and 4-year-old Toby. We live in Randwick and have called the Eastern Suburbs home for over 12 years, having moved here from Canberra. Professionally, I work as a midwife and child and family health nurse, and I own a postnatal midwifery business, Get Set Perinatal. My business focuses on supporting families through the fourth trimester, the crucial first 12 weeks following birth. I believe that while a lot of attention and focus is given to pregnancy and birth, the fourth trimester often gets overlooked. I work with women to help them adjust to motherhood, address lactation and feeding challenges, manage sleep and settling expectations, debrief about their birth experiences, and more. I love connecting with women and their families during this transformative period in their lives.
Where and how long have you lived in Sydney’s east?
When we first moved to Sydney, we settled in Edgecliff and lived there until my first son turned one. We then moved to Randwick, where we currently reside. I love where we live and feel very fortunate to have parks, coffee shops, and the beach so close by.
Three words that describe what it’s like to live in the eastern suburbs?
Beautiful, Busy, Lively!
How many children?
2 cheeky boys, 7 and 4 years of age.
Favourite Park?
I have to choose our two local favourites:
- The Environmental Park: It has a bike/scooter track which is great for kids learning to ride, and a fantastic nature space for them to explore freely.
- Bangor Park: It was our saviour during COVID with its simple play equipment and great space for exploring and climbing trees.
Favourite Beach?
We love Malabar and South Maroubra rockpools. Coogee Beach is perfect in winter when it’s nice and quiet.
Favourite kids friendly cafe?
Probably bake bar on Frenchman’s Road, Randwick or Centennial Park café near the bike track playground.
Favourite Coffee Spot?
Bakehouse or Tuga in Clovelly.
Favourite date night place?
The Ritz in Randwick, I love that we can walk to dinner and a movie.
Where in the east have you yet to explore and would like to go?
We do a lot of walking and exploring with the kids on the weekends, somewhere that we are yet to get too are some of the Malabar headland walks.
What would you like to see improve in the eastern suburbs?
Sounds a bit ridiculous but the carpark and lifts at the Royal Randwick shopping centre, so un-pram friendly. Also can we not charge $3 for a babychino!
Favourite Local Shop?
So much of my shopping is done online now but if I have time I do like to explore San Sebastian, on Coogee bay road.
Favourite wet weather location?
There is an old quote that states “ there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing”, I have used this quote so often ever since my kids were little. We get out and walk/play through rain and wind.
If all else fails Bunnings!
Favourite Local family Weekend Activity?
We love to bush walk and catch up with family and friends at a local park. Over winter months we are often watching our eldest play sport.
Work or SAHM?
I work and run my own business, Get Set Perinatal, supporting families in the early stages of the fourth trimester. Our consults are customized, and we can meet either in your home or for a walk and talk in your local park.
@get.set.perinatal
Motherly advice?
Don’t strive for perfection in motherhood; there is no such thing. “Good enough” is exactly where you need to be. So many mothers I speak with, feel like they are failing because they are overwhelmed by the demands of children, work, and domesticity. Mothers have been set up to fail—none of us are perfect. You’re doing the best job you can with the resources you have. Go big on self-compassion, cut yourself some slack, ask for help, and lower your standards. By respecting your needs, your family gets you at your best.
