A word on language and accessibility

Anatomical Names

I strive to name anatomical structures and positions plainly and descriptively, rather than attaching physicians’ names—often those of male doctors—to our bodies or techniques. This approach is intended to break down barriers to learning and increase accessibility for all. I recognise that many eponymous terms do not reflect the true origins or the diverse contributions to our understanding of anatomy and care. Medical and research knowledge has often been built at great cost, frequently benefitting those in positions of power while marginalising or appropriating the knowledge, experiences, and bodies of others. I acknowledge that much of what we know has been learned, gifted, co-opted, appropriated, or taken from various cultures and peoples over time.

Inclusive Language

I am aware that anatomical language often carries assumptions. When I use the term “female anatomy,” I refer to both anatomical resources and the bodies of people with external and/or internal female genitalia. I acknowledge that some individuals may have external female genitalia but internally have undescended testes and XY chromosomes, while others may have a combination of external female and male anatomy. Intersex characteristics are present in approximately 1.7% of the population. I recognise the full spectrum of gender identity including non-binary and intersex experiences. As a white, cisgender, able-bodied woman, I am accountable to continuous learning and unlearning. I welcome feedback about my use of language and assumptions at any time.

Cultural Respect

I recognise the ongoing impact of cultural appropriation, erasure, and disrespect embedded in mainstream culture, including within healthcare and healing practices. Many “alternative healing modalities” have their roots in Indigenous knowledge, often without due recognition. Where possible, I include the history of origin in the practices I share and acknowledge that there is always more to learn and unlearn.

Credit and Community

I give credit where it is known and due, and I strive to honour the legacies and living sources of knowledge. I acknowledge that I am not the originator of these practices, but rather a participant in a broad and ongoing community movement in woman-to-woman care. My work is shaped by shared experiences, knowledge exchange, and relationships within my immediate community and beyond. It is through community relationships and shared values that we collectively grow and evolve.

Trauma-Informed Care

Trauma-informed care is fundamental to ethical and effective practice, especially in internal pelvic release work. This approach recognises the prevalence and impact of trauma, and places the client’s emotional and physical safety at the centre of care. Trauma-informed bodywork is essential not only for trauma prevention, but also for reducing pain and promoting healing for all women, including their babies. I am committed to ongoing education and reflection to ensure my practice is safe, respectful, and supportive for all clients.

Costs and Equity

Access to bodywork, midwifery, and related care is not equally available to all. Many practitioners alongside myself donate time, skills and resources to community clinics to help increase accessibility. We continue offering this work without cost where we can while also advocating for broader solutions and sustainable funding. At the same time, I believe all body and birth workers deserve a living wage and recognition for their contributions. These values may sometimes feel in tension, but both are true. I remain committed to advocating for change and greater accessibility for all women and people across all stages and walks of life.

Disclaimers

1. Nature of Treatment

Internal Pelvic Release Work is:

• A complementary therapy to conventional medical care. We are women offering care to women.

• NOT a medical procedure, but specialised bodywork.

• NOT a '“treatment”, nor a substitute for appropriate medical treatment.

• NOT intended to diagnose medical conditions, or be a substitute for medical diagnosis.

2. Limitations of Practice

This practice does NOT provide:

• Medical diagnosis or treatment

• Prescription medications (except within endorsed midwife scope)

• Surgical interventions

• Mental health counselling or therapy

• Treatment of acute medical conditions

3. Referral Requirements

You do not need a referral to receive internal pelvic release work.

Individuals may be referred by the practitioner to other appropriate professionals for:

• Acute medical conditions

• Conditions outside scope of practice

• Suspected pathology requiring medical investigation

• Mental health support needs

4. Therapeutic Outcomes

No guarantees are made regarding:

• Specific service outcomes

• Timeframes for improvement

• Complete resolution of symptoms

• Prevention of future conditions

Individual responses to therapy vary significantly based on multiple factors including but not limited to: overall health status, compliance with recommendations, severity of condition, and individual physiology.

5. Emergency Situations

In case of medical emergency:

• Call 000 immediately

• Seek immediate medical attention

• Inform emergency services of any relevant treatment history

• Contact your regular healthcare provider

Terms and Conditions

Abby Holmes: Midwifery & Internal Pelvic Release

Professional Qualifications and Registration

Abby Holmes Midwifery is operated by Abby Holmes, a Registered Midwife and Endorsed Midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) and qualified Internal Pelvic Release Practitioner. All services are provided within the scope of practice as defined by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and in accordance with NMBA standards for practice.

1. Service Description

Internal Pelvic Release Work involves the assessment and treatment of tension in the soft tissues of the pelvis through gentle internal techniques. This specialised bodywork commonly addresses but is not limited to:

• Pelvic floor dysfunction and tension

• Birth preparation and recovery

• Painful vaginal scars from birth

• Prolapse support

• Pelvic pain conditions

• Vaginismus and sexual dysfunction

2. Scope of Practice

All services are provided within the defined scope of practice for midwifery and internal pelvic release work. This practice operates under:

• NMBA Midwife Standards for Practice

• Safety and Quality Guidelines for Privately Practising Midwives

• Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) guidelines

• National Law requirements for health practitioners

3. Professional Indemnity Insurance

Abby Holmes Midwifery maintains comprehensive Professional Indemnity Insurance through Medical Insurance Australia (MIGA) under the Midwife Professional Indemnity Scheme (MPIS).

4. Informed Consent Requirements

Prior to any internal pelvic release work, comprehensive informed consent must be obtained in accordance with Australian healthcare law. This process includes:

4.1 Explanation of Procedure

• Detailed description of internal pelvic release techniques

• Purpose and clinical rationale for the assessment/treatment

• Expected benefits and potential risks

• Alternative treatment options

• Right to decline or withdraw consent at any time

4.2 Documentation Requirements

• Written consent for all internal examinations

• Documentation of consent discussion in medical records

• Ongoing consent verified throughout each session

4.3 Capacity to Consent

Clients must demonstrate capacity to provide informed consent. Special considerations apply for:

• Clients with intellectual or physical disabilities

• Those experiencing mental health challenges

• Culturally and linguistically diverse clients

• Clients under 18 years of age

5. Appointment and Cancellation Policy

5.1 Booking Terms

• Initial consultation: 2 hours including education and hands-on work

• Payment required at time of service

• 24-hour cancellation policy applies

• No-show fee: 100% of scheduled appointment fee

5.2 Cancellation Fees

• Less than 24 hours notice: 50% of appointment fee

• Less than 3 hours notice: 100% of appointment fee

• Emergency circumstances considered on case-by-case basis

6. Privacy and Confidentiality

All client information is treated as "protected information" under the National Law and managed in accordance with:

• Privacy Act 1988 (Commonwealth)

• National Privacy Principles

• AHPRA confidentiality requirements

• Professional codes of conduct

6.1 Information Storage

• Secure electronic records maintained

• Access limited to authorised personnel only

• Retention periods comply with professional standards

• Disposal procedures for confidential materials

7. Professional Boundaries

Abby Holmes Midwifery maintains strict professional boundaries in accordance with healthcare professional standards:

7.1 Therapeutic Relationship

• Professional boundaries maintained at all times

• Appropriate privacy protection

• Clear communication about procedures

7.2 Chaperone Policy

• Client reserves the right to bring support person to be present for services.
  

Legal Protections and Limitations

1. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Abby Holmes Midwifery limits liability for:

1.1 Excluded Damages

• Indirect or consequential damages

• Loss of income or business opportunities

• Emotional distress (except where directly caused by negligence)

• Third-party claims

1.2 Maximum Liability

• Total liability limited to the Professional Indemnity Insurance coverage amounts

• Single incident liability capped at fees paid for relevant treatment

• Aggregate annual liability limited to insurance policy limits

2. Client Obligations

Clients are required to:

• Provide accurate health information

• Disclose all relevant medical history

• Follow pre and post-treatment instructions

• Seek appropriate medical care when advised

• Maintain confidentiality of other clients

4. Professional Standards Compliance

All services comply with:

• Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) standards

• Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) requirements

• National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) guidelines

• Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care standards

5. Dispute Resolution

In the event of disputes:

5.1 Internal Process

• Initial concern raised with practitioner

• Formal complaint process available

• Response timeframe: 28 days maximum

• Documentation of all communications

5.2 External Avenues

• AHPRA complaints process available

• Professional indemnity insurance coverage for eligible claims

• Legal proceedings as last resort

• Mediation services preferred where appropriate

Risk Management and Safety

1. Infection Control

Comprehensive infection control measures include:

• Universal precautions for all treatments

• Single-use gloves for all internal work

• Sterile techniques where appropriate

• Equipment sterilisation protocols

• Hand hygiene compliance

2. Contraindications

Internal pelvic release work is contraindicated in cases of:

• Active pelvic infections

• Acute inflammatory conditions

• Recent pelvic surgery (without medical clearance)

• Certain gynaecological conditions

• Client distress or inability to consent

3. Adverse Events

Potential risks include but are not limited to:

• Temporary discomfort during or after therapy

• Emotional release or trauma responses

• Rare risk of infection (minimised through proper protocols)

• Temporary symptom exacerbation

4. Emergency Procedures

Emergency response protocols include:

• First aid training current and certified

• Emergency contact procedures

• Immediate referral pathways

• Documentation requirements

Specific Conditions for Internal Pelvic Release

1. Pre-Treatment Requirements

Before internal pelvic release work:

• Comprehensive health history obtained

• Explanation of procedure in detail

• Consent process completed and documented

• Client comfort and privacy ensured

2. During Treatment

Throughout internal pelvic release sessions:

• Ongoing consent verified

• Client comfort monitored continuously

• Professional draping maintained

• Clear communication about procedures

• Right to stop respected at all times

3. Post-Treatment Care

Following internal pelvic release:

• Post-treatment instructions provided

• Self-care recommendations discussed

• Follow-up arrangements made as appropriate

• Emergency contact information provided

Payment and Financial Terms

1. Fee Structure

Service fees are:

• Payable at time of service

• Subject to change with notice

• No insurance billing available

• Receipts provided for private health insurance claims

Technology and Communication

1. Electronic Records

Electronic health records are:

• Securely stored with encryption

• Backed up regularly

• Access controlled and audited

• Retained according to professional standards

2. Communication Channels

Client communication:

• Appointment confirmations via email/SMS

• Secure messaging systems where available

• Emergency contact protocols established

• Response timeframes clearly defined

3. Social Media and Digital Boundaries

Professional digital boundaries:

• Professional social media use only

• Client confidentiality maintained online

• Photography/recording only with explicit consent

Updates and Modifications

1. Terms and Conditions Changes

These terms and conditions:

• May be updated periodically

• Changes communicated to existing clients

• Effective date specified for modifications

• Current version always available

2. Professional Standards Updates

Practice standards are updated to reflect:

• Current professional guidelines

• Regulatory changes

• Best practice evidence

• Legal requirements

Contact Information and Complaints

1. Professional Bodies

Regulatory oversight:

• AHPRA: 1300 419 495

• NMBA: Via AHPRA contact

• Professional indemnity insurer: MIGA
  

Acknowledgment and Agreement
By engaging the services of Abby Holmes Midwifery, you acknowledge that you have:

• Read and understood these terms and conditions

• Received explanations of any unclear aspects

• Had opportunity to ask questions

• Agree to comply with all stated requirements

• Understand the limitations and risks involved

• Consent to the collection and use of health information

• Acknowledge professional indemnity insurance coverage.