OUR FOUNDERS
After years running our own mother centric businesses, we have combined forces to deliver what we believe to be best on the market solutions to prepare parents on their journey to and through parenthood.
cathy shortt
Cathy Shortt is the director and owner of Milk and Mums Co. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Graduate Diploma in Midwifery, and is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).
Additionally, she has specialised training in Infant Oral Habilitation (Tongue tie and its treatment/ support).
With 25 years experience she has become an industry leader and her expertise spans extensive international experience in leading European maternity hospitals, speaking events at national baby shows, followed by roles in both public and private hospitals across Sydney.
This broad background and 25 years experience has provided a strong foundation for her transition into private practice.
She now focuses with her team of Lactation Consultants, paediatric nurses and midwives on supporting families through expert lactation and midwifery care.
Aiming to provide feeding guidance (breast, expressing, formula, bottles, solids) in addition to day and night support utilising midwives and paediatric nurses.
These services aim to provide curated, unparalleled care to families fitting perfectly with Cathy and her team’s passion to educate and support all aspects of the family.
rikki-lee calleja
Rikki-Lee Calleja is a highly experienced birth and parenthood educator, qualified doula, and the Director of The Doula Pod. With a strong focus on antenatal preparation, and the postpartum period, she has worked extensively with expectant families, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to navigate early parenthood.
Rikki-Lee has delivered antenatal education at one of Sydney’s leading teaching hospitals and is widely sought after for her expertise in bridging the gap between medical care and practical, hands-on postpartum support.
As a mother of three, her own experiences have fuelled her passion for ensuring families feel informed, supported, and empowered during this transformative time as new parents. This latest initiative, Prepare for Parenthood Online, is designed to complement obstetric care by providing evidence-based, practical guidance for expectant parents.
DAISY MANSON
Daisy Manson is a qualified nutritionist, holding a Bachelor of Health Science (Nutrition). Passionate about educating families, she empowers parents with the knowledge to understand whole foods, their nutritional benefits, and how to use ingredients to prevent nutrient depletion and improve overall health outcomes.
As a co-owner of The Whole Bowl Co., Daisy plays a vital role in recipe development, continuously creating, testing and improving recipes for both our menu and to share with our audience. She finds innovative ways to enhance classic recipes using high-quality, nutrient-dense ingredients, ensuring that every meal supports the health and well-being of families.
For both The Whole Bowl Co. and The Parenthood Society, Daisy shares her expertise through accessible nutrition articles, providing practical insights on key topics that help parents make informed food choices.
As a mother to a busy toddler, she deeply understands the importance of being prepared for the postpartum experience and the lasting impact proper nourishment can have on recovery, energy levels, and overall well-being.
ELLE DORAN
With a background in corporate sales operations and business strategy, I bring a results-driven approach to The Parenthood Society. As a co-founder, I oversee our business growth, marketing strategy, strategic partnerships, supplier relationships, and the development of our online courses and platforms.
Beyond The Parenthood Society, I am also a co-owner of The Whole Bowl Co., a successful venture dedicated to supporting families with nutritious, convenient meal solutions. My passion lies in empowering parents with the resources, community, and support they need to navigate pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.
As a mother of two boys, I understand firsthand the challenges and joys of parenthood, which fuels my commitment to making a meaningful impact on the lives of families.
