Choosing the right contraception is a personal decision, and what works well for one person may not be the best option for another. Whether you’re looking to prevent pregnancy, manage hormonal symptoms, plan for the future, or review your current method, our GPs are here to provide clear, evidence-based advice tailored to you.

At Western Family Practice, we offer comprehensive contraception counselling and management for people at all stages of life, from adolescents and young adults, to those who have completed their family, and everyone in between.

Contraception advice and counselling
Our doctors take the time to understand your individual needs, preferences and health history. During a contraception appointment, we can discuss:

• Your lifestyle, medical history and future fertility plans
• The effectiveness, benefits and possible side effects of different contraceptive options
• Hormonal and non-hormonal choices
• Short-term, long-acting and permanent options
• Reviewing or changing your current contraception if it’s no longer working for you
• We aim to support informed, shared decision-making so you can feel confident in your choice.

Contraception options we provide
We offer advice, prescribing and procedural services for a wide range of contraceptive methods, including:

Barrier methods:

• Condoms

Oral contraception:

• Combined oral contraceptive pill
• Progesterone-only pill

Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC):

• Implanon (contraceptive implant) - We offer Bulk-billed insertion, removal and replacement
• Intrauterine devices (IUDs / IUCDs) - We offer Bulk-billed insertion, removal and replacement
  • Hormonal options (Mirena, Kyleena)
  • Non-hormonal copper IUD

Permanent contraception:

• Vasectomy (for male contraception) - Provided through our dedicated service at Western Vasectomy

Special considerations
Contraceptive needs can change over time due to:

• Age and life stage
• Medical conditions or medications
• Breastfeeding or postnatal considerations
• Side effects or changes in bleeding patterns
• Desire for pregnancy in the future

Our GPs can help you navigate these changes and review your contraception whenever needed.

If you’re unsure which option is right for you, or simply want to talk through your choices, we’re here to help.

To book a contraception appointment, please call us on 9328 0502 or use the “Book Appointment” button above.

This time of early childhood is considered crucial for development as their brains are hard-wired to learn and they do so at a rapid rate.

Children will almost always develop skills in the same pattern, but the timing and rate of development can be different from one child to another.

In combination with their genetics, children develop with input from the world around them. Babies and children need adequate sleep, nutrition, environmental stimulation and social relationships to allow them to develop in a healthy way.

Experiences in the early childhood years will equip your child with skills and attributes that remain with them for life.

The domains of development are:

• Communication
• Fine Motor Skills
• Gross Motor Skills
• Personal-Social
• Problem Solving

A developmental milestone is a skill or ability that most children achieve by a certain age or in a certain timeframe:

• For example social smiling, rolling, bringing hands/objects to mouth, sitting, pulling to stand and walking
• We use them as a way of assessing how development is going- the pattern of milestones is usually the same but the timing can differ- there is a “range of normal”

If you have concerns about your baby and infant meeting these developmental milestones make an appointment with our GP’s today.

We can provide early intervention if we suspect there may be a delay or difficulty in an area of development which will allow your child the opportunity to practise skills and fulfil their potential. Contact us on 9328 0502 or book an appointment using the 'book appointment' button above.

Before having a baby, feeding is often something we assume will come naturally. In reality, feeding can be one of the most challenging and stressful parts of early parenthood. Feeding difficulties are common and are one of the leading causes of distress for new parents.

At Western Family Practice, we understand how overwhelming feeding challenges can feel. Our GPs can help assess and support families experiencing feeding difficulties, including concerns related to tongue tie and other oral ties, as part of our feeding-focused appointments.

Feeding challenges can arise for many reasons and are often multifactorial. They may be baby-related, including:

• Tongue tie or other oral ties
• Oromotor dysfunction affecting latch or suck strength
• Prematurity
• Underlying medical or developmental conditions

Feeding difficulties may also be breastfeeding-related, where breastfeeding has been chosen, and can include:

• Difficulties with positioning and attachment
• Low milk supply
• Delayed onset of milk production (lactogenesis)
• Other maternal factors impacting feeding

As babies grow, feeding challenges can also change, some babies become easily distracted or struggle to prioritise feeding as their awareness of the world increases.

Because feeding issues are rarely caused by a single factor, support often requires a team-based approach. At Western Family Practice, your baby will receive an initial comprehensive assessment, followed by a clear, individualised management plan developed in partnership with you.

Where appropriate, management may include:

• Assessment and management of tongue tie or oral ties, including bulk-billed frenectomy when indicated
• Access to lactation support
• Referral to speech pathology
• Care from GPs with a special interest in paediatrics

Our focus is always on supporting both your baby and you, ensuring feeding plans are practical, sustainable and aligned with your family’s needs.

If you have concerns about your baby’s feeding, early support can make a significant difference. Call us on 9328 0502 or use the Book Appointment button above to make an appointment.

If you are unable to secure an appointment with a member of our feeding team within 72 hours, please contact our reception team and we will assist you, we understand that timely support is essential when feeding concerns arise.

Good nutrition is essential for healthy growth, development and wellbeing across all stages of life. In children, appropriate nutrition supports normal physical growth, brain development and learning, while also playing an important role in long-term health.

Feeding and nutrition are linked to many common childhood concerns, including growth issues, iron deficiency, constipation, dental health and obesity. Across the whole family, nutrition contributes to healthy weight, energy levels, immunity and protection against chronic disease.

Many nutrition-related concerns arise from an imbalance between highly processed, energy-dense foods and nutrient-rich foods such as vegetables, fruit and wholegrains. Understanding and addressing feeding challenges early can help support both immediate and long-term health outcomes.

At Western Family Practice, our GPs can support families across all stages of their feeding journey, from infancy through to childhood and beyond. Whether you are navigating infant feeding, introducing solids and allergens, or managing fussy eating, our team can help guide and support you.

We can help with a range of feeding and nutrition concerns, including:

• Breastfeeding challenges related to both maternal and infant factors (including low milk supply and latch difficulties)
• Bottle feeding challenges
• Growth concerns or faltering growth
• Unsettled babies where feeding and sleep challenges often occur together
• Reflux, constipation and feeding discomfort
• Assessing possible food intolerances and allergies
• Oral ties and oromotor coordination concerns
• Supporting gross motor development related to feeding (such as neck control)
• Introduction of solids and allergens
• Fussy or selective eating
• Weaning from breastfeeding

A team-based approach to care

Where appropriate, your GP may work alongside our broader multidisciplinary team, which may include:

• Lactation consultants
• Paediatric and adult dietitians
• Speech pathologists
• Paediatric and adult physiotherapists

Through our research links with the University of Western Australia, we are also able to offer additional services and evidence-based information to support families on their breastfeeding and feeding journey.

Individualised advice can be provided on topics such as iron and vitamin D supplementation, reflux management, probiotics and food intolerances during routine or extended GP appointments.

If you have any concerns about your child’s feeding or nutrition, our GPs are here to help. Call us on 9328 0502 or use the 'Book Appointment' button above to make an appointment.

Having difficulty falling pregnant? Finding it’s taking longer than you expected, or experiencing repeated miscarriages? You’re not alone, and support is available.

Trying to conceive can be an emotional and stressful time, particularly when things don’t go to plan. At Western Family Practice, our caring and experienced GPs are here to listen, support you, and help identify any factors that may be affecting your fertility.

An initial fertility assessment is designed to provide a thorough and thoughtful review of your individual situation. We take the time to understand your medical history, menstrual cycle or reproductive health, lifestyle factors, and how long you’ve been trying to conceive. We also recognise that fertility challenges can affect individuals and couples in different ways, and we approach every appointment with care, sensitivity and respect.

What does an initial fertility assessment involve?

During your appointment, your doctor may:

• Take a detailed medical, reproductive and family history
• Discuss menstrual cycles, ovulation, timing and sexual health
• Review any previous pregnancies, miscarriages or fertility treatments
• Explore lifestyle factors such as stress, nutrition, exercise and medical conditions
• Arrange initial investigations for both female and male fertility factors, including blood tests and imaging where appropriate
• Identify any potential risks or contributing factors affecting fertility

Where possible, your doctor will also discuss evidence-based strategies that may help optimise fertility and improve the chances of conception, tailored to your individual circumstances.

What happens next?

Depending on your results and individual needs, your GP can:

• Develop a clear plan for ongoing care and monitoring
• Discuss possible treatment options or next steps
• Provide referrals to trusted fertility specialists or clinics if further assessment or treatment is required

We work closely with patients throughout this process, ensuring you understand your results, options and timelines, and supporting you to make informed decisions about your care.

If you have concerns about fertility, are planning a pregnancy, or simply want reassurance, an initial fertility assessment can be a helpful first step. Contact us on 9328 0501 or use the ‘Book Appointment’ button above to make an appointment.

Choosing the right antenatal care provider is a deeply personal decision, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to pregnancy. At Western Family Practice Group, our obstetric and antenatal care is provided through Western Obstetrics, where your pregnancy journey is supported with individualised, compassionate, and evidence-based care.

From your very first contact, our priority is to ensure you feel heard, understood, and respected. While we carefully monitor your baby’s growth and screen for any pregnancy complications, we also place strong emphasis on preparing you for birth and the transition into parenthood. Pregnancy is not just about clinical check-ups, it’s about supporting you emotionally, physically, and mentally as you prepare for one of life’s biggest milestones.

At Western Obstetrics, every midwifery appointment has a dedicated theme designed to help you feel informed, confident, and empowered. These include:

• Keeping Your Baby Safe – A focus on fetal wellbeing, including your personalised baby growth chart.

• Wellness – Supporting your physical health, mental wellbeing, and relationships throughout pregnancy.

• Feeding Planning – Whether you choose to breastfeed or explore other feeding options, we provide guidance that supports your preferences.

• Birth Planning – Your birth is personal, and we support all birth preferences and choices.

• Postnatal Planning – Preparing you for life after birth, recognising the challenges and changes that come with parenthood.

• Preparing for the Big Day – Practical guidance for late pregnancy, labour, and understanding what to expect.

You will also receive an ultrasound and assessment of your baby’s wellbeing at every GP Obstetrician appointment, ensuring continuity, reassurance, and comprehensive care.

We are committed to continually improving the way we support families. Through our research partnerships with UWA and Notre Dame, we have developed our BLOSOM Projects, initiatives focused on early intervention, timely support, and empowering families to be active participants in their care.

If you would like to learn more about our antenatal options or book your pregnancy care with us, please visit Western Obstetrics for full details. Our team is always available to answer questions or help you choose the right model of care for your growing family.

Some babies experience feeding challenges, whether they are breast or bottle fed. This may include difficulty latching, trouble maintaining a latch, or feeding that feels slow, tiring or messy. Feeding can become stressful and prolonged, and in some cases may be associated with slower weight gain.

In some babies, these challenges may be related to oromotor dysfunction — a difficulty with the coordination and motor planning required for effective feeding. This can affect how the muscles of the mouth, lips and tongue work together during feeding.

While feeding coordination often improves as babies grow and develop, it is important to consider and assess for other possible causes of feeding difficulties.

At Western Family Practice, our GPs can help assess babies who are struggling with feeding and guide families through a careful and holistic approach. This may include:

• Considering and excluding underlying medical causes
• Assessing whether tongue tie may be contributing to feeding difficulties
• Exploring breastfeeding factors such as latch challenges or milk supply concerns

Our GPs will work with you to better understand what may be contributing to your baby’s feeding challenges and, where appropriate, help develop a practical and sustainable feeding plan that supports both you and your baby.

If feeding difficulties are something you’d like to discuss, our GPs can help assess your baby and provide guidance and support. Call our friendly reception team or use the "Book Appointment" button to book an appointment with one of our GPs.

When you think that your little baby was formed from a single cell which had to differentiate (change cell type) and develop to form a whole human, it's a miracle that you made your little baby. From a single cell to a fully formed baby, early human development is complex, and it’s completely normal for parents to have questions or concerns along the way.

Many babies show variations in growth, development or physical appearance, most of which fall within the wide range of normal. Others may require monitoring, reassurance or further assessment.

Some differences are congenital, meaning they are present at birth and develop during pregnancy. These can affect how the body is formed (structural) or how it functions. Other concerns may be acquired, occurring during birth or in the early postnatal period.

At Western Family Practice, our GPs can help assess, monitor and guide families through a wide range of neonatal and paediatric concerns, both common and rare. We provide education, reassurance and early management, and can help coordinate referrals and navigate the healthcare system where needed.

Examples of congenital conditions we can assess or support include:

• Blocked tear ducts (nasolacrimal duct obstruction)
• Dermoid cysts and other skin lumps
• Birthmarks and vascular malformations
• Cleft lip and palate
• Inguinal and umbilical hernias, umbilical granulomas and other umbilical concerns
• Undescended testes - Penile variations (such as hypospadias or chordee) and labial adhesions
• Limb differences and talipes
• Developmental dysplasia of the hips
• Spinal concerns

Examples of acquired concerns include:

• Lumps on the baby’s head following assisted delivery (such as cephalohaematoma or caput succedaneum)
• Head shape concerns, including plagiocephaly and brachycephaly

These concerns may be identified during routine appointments at 3 weeks, 6 weeks or 4 months, or raised by parents, family members or child health nurses following discharge from hospital. Our team is here to support you, answer questions and help guide you through the next steps with confidence and care.

If you have any concerns about your baby or child’s development or health, our GPs are here to help. Call us on 9328 0502 or use the 'Book Appointment' button above to make an appointment.

The postnatal period is a time of profound emotional and physical change as you adjust to life with your newborn. While this journey can be filled with joy and connection, it can also bring new challenges—and having the right support can make all the difference.

At Western Family Practice, we understand that the weeks and months after birth are just as important as pregnancy itself. Our Postnatal GPs are here to care for both you and your baby, offering comprehensive, holistic support during this pivotal stage. Whether you’re navigating feeding challenges, recovering physically, adjusting emotionally, or caring for an unsettled infant, we are here to guide you with compassion and expertise.

Our Postnatal GP services include support for:

• Baby Health & Development
• Maternal Mental Health
• Breastfeeding and Infant Feeding
• Infant Sleep & Unsettled Baby Care
• Physical Recovery After Birth
• Contraceptive Advice & Implanon Insertion

You and your baby deserve personalised, evidence-based care—and that’s exactly what our team provides.

BLOSOM POSTNATAL PROGRAM

Beginning in 2026, we are expanding our support with the introduction of BLOSOM Postnatal, a program that builds on our early-screening, early-intervention philosophy. BLOSOM includes enhanced antenatal education, additional postnatal guidance, and a supportive group program for new parents.

Because infant development, feeding, sleep, and behaviours continue to evolve rapidly in the first few months, we are also extending our postnatal program to four months, ensuring families receive the right support at the right time.

Most importantly, our comprehensive postnatal care is not limited to families who received their antenatal care with Western Obstetrics. If you want thorough, compassionate, wraparound support in your postnatal period, we would love to care for you.

To learn more about this program - click here.

Contact us today to learn more or to join our postnatal program. We’re here to support your whole family as you begin this new chapter.

In many traditional healthcare models, partners are often overlooked during the antenatal and postnatal periods, despite being a vital part of the growing family. At Western Family Practice, we recognise that partners play an essential role in the transition to parenthood, and we are committed to supporting them throughout this journey.

Becoming a parent brings significant emotional, relational, and lifestyle changes for partners as well as birthing parents. There are adjustments to life with a new baby, evolving identities, shifting routines, and changes within the relationship itself. We understand these challenges and aim to provide care that supports the entire family unit.

We know that babies, and birthing parents, thrive when they have a loving, responsive relationship with their non-birthing partner. Because of this, we actively involve non-birthing partners in appointments and education sessions. Our medical appointments at 16, 28, and 34 weeks are specifically designed to include partners, ensuring they feel informed, supported, and engaged in the pregnancy journey. We invite and value their input when planning for birth, the postpartum period, and early parenting.

During antenatal appointments, we can discuss expectations, concerns, and the unique factors that shape each partner’s experience, such as personal upbringing, relationships, previous pregnancies or losses, IVF journeys, and the balance of work, life, and childcare. We also prioritise partner wellbeing, recognising that up to 10% of non-birthing partners experience mental health challenges during pregnancy and the postnatal period.

In the postnatal stage, we continue to support non-birthing partners by assessing their adjustment to parenthood and mental health. We acknowledge that birth trauma can impact both birthing and non-birthing partners, and we offer early intervention, debriefing, and compassionate support for those affected.

Non-birthing partners are welcome to book individual appointments with any member of the Western Family Practice team. We are here to support their physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing as they navigate this important life transition.

At Western Family Practice, non-birthing partners are not just included, they are recognised as an essential part of the care we provide throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period.

RESOURCES

1. Sms4dads- sms4dads.com.au
2. Cope Perinatal Institute- Fathers and Partners: www.cope.org.au
3. Prepared Dad Foundation: prepareddad.org.au - Online education program
4. Gidget Foundation: Support for Fathers and Dads
5. Dad space: www.dadspace.com.au

Planning for pregnancy is an important and exciting step, and having the right support early can make a meaningful difference. At Western Family Practice, our Pre-Pregnancy consultations are designed to help you feel informed, confident, and supported as you prepare for pregnancy, whether you’re just starting to think about trying, or actively planning your next steps.

Our experienced GPs take a personalised, holistic approach, ensuring your health is optimised before conception and addressing any factors that may impact a future pregnancy.

Your pre-pregnancy consultation may include:

General Health Review
We focus on your overall health and wellbeing, including:

• Reviewing any existing medical conditions and ensuring they are well managed

• Assessing current medications to confirm they are safe for pregnancy and appropriately dosed

• Discussing weight, mental health, and general wellbeing

Previous Pregnancy History
If you’ve experienced challenges in previous pregnancies, such as recurrent miscarriage, premature birth, gestational diabetes, or blood pressure concerns, we carefully review your history and provide tailored recommendations to support future pregnancy planning.

Genetic Screening
We can discuss carrier screening for genetic conditions and organise appropriate testing prior to pregnancy, helping you make informed decisions early.

Optimising Your Health
We provide practical advice to support a healthy start, including guidance on nutrition, exercise, caffeine and alcohol intake, and lifestyle habits that support fertility and pregnancy.

Immunisations
We’ll review your immunisation status and ensure you’re up to date, reducing the risk of preventable infections during pregnancy.

Women’s Health Screening
Your GP will also review routine women’s health screening to ensure everything is current before you begin trying to conceive.

At Western Family Practice, we believe preparation matters. Our Pre-Pregnancy care is about more than checklists, it’s about supporting you with personalised, evidence-based guidance so you can move forward with confidence.

If you’re considering pregnancy or would like to learn more, call us on 9328 0502 or use the “Book Appointment” button above.

Sleep plays a vital role in a child’s overall health, growth and emotional wellbeing. When sleep is disrupted or inadequate, it can impact physical development, behaviour, mood, learning and family functioning.

Children’s sleep patterns vary widely and are influenced by age, developmental stage, temperament, routines, environment and family dynamics. What is “normal” sleep looks different for every child, and it can also change over time.

Our GPs support families by helping them understand normal sleep development, identifying when sleep challenges may need further assessment, and offering practical, evidence-based guidance.

What to know about children’s sleep:

• Newborns do not yet have a predictable sleep–wake cycle. They sleep in short bursts and wake frequently, day and night, primarily to feed.
• Sleep patterns in babies and young children can vary significantly, both between children and from day to day for the same child.
• Sleep matures alongside physical, neurological, emotional and social development, particularly during the first five years of life. The most rapid changes usually occur in the first 12 months.
• As children grow, sleep generally becomes more structured and predictable.
• By around three years of age, many children are developing the ability to self-settle and manage brief separations from caregivers.

When sleep concerns arise

Temporary sleep disruptions and parental concerns are very common, especially during times of growth, illness or developmental change. Variations in sleep do not necessarily indicate a disorder unless they are persistent, associated with medical symptoms, or significantly impacting the child or family.

Acute illness, chronic conditions and sleep disorders can occur in children, most commonly after the age of one. If needed, your GP can assess your child’s sleep, explore contributing factors, and arrange further investigation or referral to appropriate specialists.

Our focus is on supporting families with practical, individualised care, helping you understand your child’s sleep, build confidence, and find strategies that work for your family.

Do you have concerns about your child’s sleep?

If you have concerns about your child’s sleep, or would like support and guidance, our experienced GPs are here to help. Call our friendly reception team or use the Book Appointment button to make an appointment with one of our GPs today.

Feeding a newborn can be challenging in the early weeks, and if tongue tie has been mentioned, it’s natural to wonder whether it may be contributing to feeding difficulties. This can be an uncertain and worrying time for parents, particularly when it’s hard to know what is normal.

All babies have a tongue frenulum, the tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth, as well as a lip frenulum. These vary widely in appearance between babies. As outlined by the Australian Dental Association, tongue tie assessment should be based on whether the frenulum is restricting tongue function, rather than how it looks alone.

At Western Family Practice, tongue tie assessments focus on function, feeding and the experience of both baby and parent. During a tongue tie assessment appointment, our clinicians will:

• Carefully examine your baby’s oral anatomy
• Assess tongue movement and function using a validated assessment tool used widely in the UK and Europe
• Review your baby’s feeding, including latch and milk transfer
• Discuss your breastfeeding experience and any symptoms or concerns you have noticed

Our providers have completed both paediatric and surgical training and work closely with families to ensure a thorough and supportive assessment. We take a shared decision-making approach, clearly explaining findings, discussing whether tongue tie is contributing to feeding difficulties, and providing evidence-based information to guide next steps.

Where a tongue tie release (frenectomy) is recommended, the procedure can be performed on-site. The assessment appointment, and the procedure if required, are bulk billed.

If you have concerns about tongue tie or your baby’s feeding, our team is here to help. Call us on 9328 0502 or use the 'Book Appointment' button above to make an appointment.

The early weeks and months of parenthood can be joyful, but they can also be confusing, exhausting, and overwhelming, particularly when your baby is unsettled. At Western Family Practice, we’re here to support you through these moments, offering reassurance, guidance, and practical care to help you and your baby find comfort and calm.

Our Unsettled Baby Care service is designed to support families when they’re seeking answers around crying, sleep, feeding, or behaviour. We understand that every baby is different, and our approach is tailored to your baby’s needs and your family’s circumstances.

Led by experienced GPs and supported by our multidisciplinary team, we offer specialised consultations that may include:

• Assessment of excessive crying or fussiness

• Support with infant and toddler sleep concerns

• Guidance around unsettled or difficult behaviour

• Review of feeding and comfort strategies

• Reassurance around normal infant development

Caring for an unsettled baby can take a significant toll on parents and caregivers. You are not alone, and support is available. Our GPs take the time to listen, assess, and work with you to develop a plan that supports both your baby’s wellbeing and your own.

Seeking help is a sign of strength. If you’re feeling uncertain, exhausted, or concerned about your baby’s behaviour or sleep, call us or book an appointment with one of our GPs. We’re here to support you and your family through this important stage.

Women have a unique set of healthcare needs, and the health of families and communities is deeply connected to the health of the women within them.

At Western Family Practice, we understand the importance of supporting women through every stage of life. Our dedicated Women’s Health GPs provide comprehensive, personalised care designed specifically for women, because your wellbeing matters, not only to you, but to the people who depend on you.

From routine check-ups and preventative screenings to support with reproductive health, menopause, mental wellbeing and more, we offer a safe, inclusive space where your health concerns are heard and respected.

We also provide specialised care for women during pregnancy, after birth, and throughout the early years of parenthood, supporting your physical, emotional, and holistic health as you navigate this significant transition.

At every step, our goal is to empower you with the care, guidance, and support you need to feel well, informed, and confident in your health journey.