Welcome, I’m Melissa, the founder of Nurtured Steps. I’m a qualified Midwife, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), and Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist, but above all, I’m a mum to three amazing children.

Motherhood completely changed the way I see early parenthood. While my professional experience gives me clinical knowledge, it was my own journey through pregnancy, birth, and parenting that really taught me just how challenging those first weeks and months can be, The exhaustion, the questions, the loneliness and the moments of doubt.

Nurtured Steps was born from a simple idea: to provide gentle, evidence-based support that is both professional and deeply compassionate. I’m here to meet families exactly where they are, offering personalised, in-home guidance that nurtures both parent and baby.

My approach isn’t just about clinical care, it’s about building real, trusting relationships. A place where parents feel informed, supported, and empowered to care for their little one with confidence.

Nurtured Steps reflects my passion for family-centered care. It’s where professional experience meets heartfelt understanding, and I feel so privileged to walk alongside families on this incredible journey of early parenthood.

Education:

2007 Bachelor of Nursing ~ Murdoch University
2008 Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery ~ Curtin University of Technology
2022 International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Examination
2023 28 Hour Foundation Course in Orofacial Myology - The Australian Orofacial Myology Collaboration

2025 Currently Studying my Midwifery Endorsement at ECU University