Brisbane
Marissa Giannake
Education
- 2013 - Diploma of Shiatsu and Oriental Therapies – Australian Institute of Applied Sciences, Brisbane
- 2017 - Diploma of Pregnancy Massage – Pregnancy Massage Australia
- 2019 - Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga Teacher and Active Birth Training – Yogababy Australia
- 2023 - Bachelor of Midwifery degree – Australian Catholic University, Brisbane
Experience
I have been a registered midwife since 2024, and joined My Midwives, Brisbane in April, 2025. I spent my first year of practice at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in the graduate midwifery program, working across all areas of maternity as well as in the special care nursery. I gained valuable skills and experiences there, and I especially loved providing antenatal care and education, and supporting women during labour and birth.
I’m currently completing further study to work towards becoming an endorsed midwife. Prior to midwifery, I was a prenatal massage therapist for six years, and I also spent a short time as a prenatal yoga instructor. I was fortunate to be invited to support some clients in labour before I became a midwife, including at a beautiful home VBAC of a long-term client whose baby was birthed into the water and we all cried happy tears together when he emerged.
I’m excited to join My Midwives and to support women through continuity of midwifery care to enjoy fulfilling and enriching experiences of pregnancy, labour, birth and early parenthood.
Midwifery Interest
I wish that every expecting parent had access to a known midwife for their maternity care – for the best possible outcomes physically, emotionally and socially for mums, babies and families. I do what I can to advocate for change in this area within local health services, and at state and national levels through involvement with the Australian College of Midwives.
My background in prenatal massage and yoga led me to discover the philosophy of “Physiology Before Force” by Gail Tully, the founder of Spinning Babies. I take as many opportunities as I can to attend workshops to learn more about supporting labour physiology and ease in birth. I think that I have attended about eight Spinning Babies workshops now!
Personal Interest
I love spending time with my kids, singing, being inspired by live music and festivals (especially with the family), making things with clay, and practising my Italian. Hanging out with dogs makes me happy, especially with our own good-boy Rufus the Kelpie cross, and cuddling the chooks when they let me.
