Hello Nurtured Medical

We bring the qualifications of medical professionals and the hearts of mothers and women to provide evidence- based, warm and holistic care to women and children.

The Nurtured Medical team is made up of 6 practitioners - Dr Eliza Hannam, Dr Ali Hodgkinson, Dr Melissa Tang, Dr Laavanya Aruneswaran, Holly Swinnerton and Lauren Downes.

All of our practitioners have additional training and experience supporting women and babies and a genuine passion to provide women, parents and babies with realistic evidenced based care.

Dr Eliza Hannam

FOUNDER | GP | IBCLC | POSSUMS NDC ACCREDITED

“I’m a GP and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and have young children myself. I have personally experienced challenges with my babies’ sleep and with breastfeeding, so I understand how this feels for families experiencing the same. My mission is to help families to overcome difficulties in a way that aligns with their goals and values.

I discovered the Possums & Co approach during my own parenting journey and it really resonated with me. I then trained to become an NDC accredited practitioner so I could share this evidenced based approach with families. I find that families come to me not feeling right about the idea of sleep training and are relieved and comforted to know that there is an alternative evidence-based solution. Along with my training as an IBCLC, I use the Possums and Co “Gestalt Breastfeeding” principles with Mums and babies during my feeding consults.

It is a privilege to work with families during such a significant time in their lives. I feel passionate about providing care that is sensitive, evidence- based and patient-centred and this is why I created Nurtured Medical.”

Dr Eliza consults via Telehealth, Home Visits in Sydney’s Inner West and in our Leichhardt practice.

Dr Eliza is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays and select Mondays and Fridays.

You can find out more about Dr Eliza via her website here

  • Dr Ali Hodgkinson

    GP | IBCLC (in training) | POSSUMS NDC ACCREDITED

    I am a mother of twins and a GP with a love of women’s health, child health and supporting families in the perinatal period.

    My approach is aligned with evidence- based Possum’s & Co principles, understanding infant neurodevelopment and responsive parenting or ‘cued care’.

    My goal is to empower families with evidence- based information and confidence, so they can experiment and find what works best for their family unit.

    I feel so lucky to work in this space, helping other families find their feet in such an overwhelming time. I understand the joys and challenges of having young children, in particular the unique challenges for families with multiples.

    I am currently enjoying training to become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) under Dr Eliza’s mentorship.

    Dr Ali consults via Telehealth, Home Visits in Sydney’s Northern Beaches and North Shore and in our Avalon clinic.

    Dr Ali is available on Tuesdays, and on alternate Tuesday evenings for Telehealth appointments.

    You can find out more about Dr Ali via her website here

  • Dr Melissa Tang

    GP | IBCLC (in training) | POSSUMS NDC ACCREDITED

    I’m a local mum and a GP who is passionate about providing thoughtful and holistic care for Women, babies and families, from pre-pregnancy through to the postpartum period and beyond. I’m here to help with any concerns, whether big or small - so that you can ease into enjoying early parenthood.

    I believe in warmly collaborating with your family, to find the approach that works best for you and your baby in this very special but often overwhelming phase of life. I am an accredited Possums & Co Neuroprotective Developmental Care (NDC) practitioner – an approach that I found so useful in my own parenting journey. I follow these principles when offering tailored evidence-based care in the areas of breastfeeding, baby sleep, crying/unsettled behaviours and perinatal mental health.

    I have also undertaken further training in Paediatrics and Women’s Health, having completed both the Diploma in Child Health and the FPAA National Certificate in Reproductive and Sexual Health. I am currently on the training pathway to become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).

    I welcome all families and would love to share in your journey in this safe and caring space.

    Dr Melissa consults in our Leichhardt practice.

    Dr Melissa is available on Wednesday mornings.

  • Dr Laavanya Aruneswaran

    GP | IBCLC (in training) | POSSUMS NDC ACCREDITED

    I am a GP who has always been passionate about women’s and children’s health. I love supporting families on their journey through the perinatal period and building up their confidence through this new stage of their life. I recognise the immense amount of information available to you, as parents, during this very exciting (but sometimes overwhelming) time and aim to provide you with holistic and evidence-based care to ease this.

    I am committed to empowering families with the tools to care for their child, providing a collective approach to feeding, infant settling, sleep problems and infant sensory-motor needs. I acknowledge that every family is unique and ensure I tailor my care to their needs and values. I utilise the Possums & Co Neuroprotective Developmental Care Approach, and I am now an accredited practitioner.

    I have completed research in Breastfeeding Medicine which I have presented at the Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand Conference. I have also undertaken additional training in paediatrics, completing my Diploma in Child Health. I am currently training to become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) under Dr Eliza’s mentorship. I am also registered to provide Antenatal Shared Care at RPA Hospital.

    Dr Laavanya consults at our Leichhardt practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

  • Lauren Downes

    REGISTERED MIDWIFE | REGISTERED NURSE | IBCLC

    I am a Registered Midwife, Registered Nurse, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and an accredited Child and Family Health Nurse. I have over 10 years of experience in the health and childcare industry and I have worked extensively in both the public and private healthcare sectors.

    My desire is to help parents to enjoy one of the most exciting and precious experiences of their life and to help alleviate any unnecessary anxiety and stress. I am passionate about caring for women through their transition to motherhood. As a mother of two myself, I understand the importance of receiving care that is personalised and delivered in a comforting and nurturing way. I am also passionate about delivering evidence- based care.

    I offer home visit consultations for birth and breastfeeding education, and postnatal feeding support. I intend to undertake Possums NDC accreditation in order to support families with their babies’ sleep, too.

    I work closely with Dr Eliza, and together we offer “shared medical appointments”, which include a Telehealth appointment with her to address any medical concerns.

    Lauren offers home visit appointments in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire, Eastern Suburbs, Inner West and other areas on request.

    Lauren is available on Wedesdays and limited Mondays and Fridays.

  • Holly Swinnerton

    REGISTERED NURSE | IBCLC | POSSUMS NDC trained

    I’m a Registered Nurse and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) with a background in emergency nursing and General Practice.

    I have undergone training with Possums & co to become an NDC practitioner and I also completed my accreditation to become an IBCLC in 2024, under the mentorship pathway with Dr Eliza Hannam as my mentor.

    Dr Eliza and I work closely together to provide feeding and sleep support to families in our “shared medical appointments”. These are joint consultations in which Dr Eliza provides medical assessment and care and I am able to spend time educating parents, answering your questions and providing hands-on support with feeding.

    I have two young boys and understand first hand the shared experiences we have as parents. I feel really privileged to be able to work alongside families in this community.

    Holly and Dr Eliza offer shared medical appointments at our Leichhardt practice and as home visits in Sydney’s Inner West and other areas on request.

    Holly is available for individual feeding and sleep support on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays and she works collaboratively with our GPs on Mondays and Thursdays, in our Leichhardt practice.

Our partner practitioners

We are thrilled to have these practitioners working from our Leichhardt clinic - our Nurtured Medical practitioners will refer to and work collaboratively with them to provide seamless, holistic care to families.

Niki Mohtat, Bump to Bundle Nutrition

ACCREDITED PRACTICING DIETICIAN

Niki holds a Masters degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from The University of Sydney. During her first pregnancy over 4 years ago, she noticed a huge gap in up-to-date, science backed information available to the public on fertility and pregnancy nutrition, which fuelled her desire to begin to practise in this space. Prior to finding her passion in fertility and pregnancy nutrition, she worked for the largest gastroenterology clinic in Australia which has equipped her with valuable knowledge on the impact of nutrition on gut health and various health conditions. She is passionate about helping women (and men!) to identify and correct nutritional priorities in order to optimise their fertility, support a healthy pregnancy and thrive in the postpartum period.

Niki offers expert nutrition assessment and advice for pregnancy and postpartum including pre-conception consultations for couples planning a pregnancy, in-depth support in pregnancy and postpartum and express supplement consultations. Her ultimate conception to postpartum package provides continuity of care through pregnancy and postpartum; a period of unique and increased nutritional needs. Drawing on her extensive prior experience, Niki can also provide specialised women’s health nutrition consultations for support relating to general health, perimenopause, gut health, allergies and intolerances and other specific medical conditions.

Niki is available on Monday afternoons for in person appointments at Nurtured Medical and Telehealth on other days.

You can read more about Niki and her services via her website - or email her at niki@bumptobundlenutrition.com More details about Niki’s fees and services can be found here. Book online with her here.

Sophie Lynn-Evans, Nimble Minds Clinical Psychology

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST BPsych | MPsych (Clin)

Sophie is a warm and naturally empathetic clinical psychologist who deeply values working alongside women and their families within the perinatal and early parenting space. As a mother of two young children, she has lived experience and a deep appreciation of the emotional complexity that comes with this vulnerable time of growth and adjustment, and believes that gaining support is paramount in order to thrive. 

Sophie has a wealth of knowledge and experience supporting women throughout the perinatal period- from preconception, pregnancy through to postpartum- across private practice, inpatient and outpatient hospital settings. She is passionate about helping her clients navigate the unique challenges that accompany this transformative time, including fertility challenges, grief and loss, birth anxiety and trauma, infant attachment and emotion regulation issues, postpartum depression and anxiety, and adjustment to parenting and relationship dynamics.

Sophie offers a range of evidence-based therapies, tailored to meet the individual needs and goals of her clients. She always strives to provide a safe and nurturing holding space for her clients, connecting them with their values in order to improve a sense of joy and purpose within the chaos.

Sophie is available on Fridays for in person appointments at Nurtured Medical, and Telehealth appointments on Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can book an appointment with Sophie via the contact form on her website here, or email admin@nimblemindsclinicalpsychology.com.au

You can read more about Sophie and her services, including therapeutic approaches, special interest areas and fees, via her website www.nimblemindsclinicalpsychology.com.au

Our team is expertly supported by Janice, Kate and Amber

Janice is our practice manager and admin support officer. She helps remotely with appointments, billings and enquiries.

“I have been working in allied health for over 10 years. I love making sure that the clinic runs smoothly and efficiently so that your questions are answered and the Nurtured Medical team can concentrate on their expertise and passion - supporting you and your family”

Kate has worked as an executive assistant and most recently as a client liaison officer at a psychology practice.

Kate has two young children and found the Possums philosophy incredibly helpful while navigating through her own babies sleep and feeding journeys.

"I feel so excited and honoured to be working at Nurtured Medical in the admin space. I hope to bring warmth and kindness while assisting our patients in what can be a really beautiful but also challenging time in their lives"