Kate Levett

Kate Levett is a Research Fellow at the University of Notre Dame, School of Medicine, Sydney, and an Adjunct Fellow at the National Institute of Complementary Medicine, Western Sydney University. Her Doctoral thesis has been completed and the main findings from the RCT have been published in BMJ Open (http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/6/7/e010691.full). It investigated a complementary medicine antenatal education course for pain relief in labour, called the Complementary Therapies for Labour and Birth Study. This program investigated 6 evidence based CM techniques including acupressure, yoga, massage, visualisation, breathing and partner support. This research showed a dramatic reduction in medical interventions during labour, such as epidural use, caesarean section, and requirement for resuscitation of the newborn. Kate has collaborated on several Cochrane Systematic Reviews on acupuncture and acupressure; manual therapies; and relaxation and yoga for pain management in labour in birth.

She has qualifications in research methods, epidemiology, Chinese Medicine and education.
In her work as a Research Fellow at the University of Notre Dame, School of Medicine, Sydney. She has received ND University grants to investigate maternity research at the ND Clinical School, Auburn Hospital, looking a the demographic profiles of the region, and common complaints of pregnancy to inform maternity research and policy. Cultural sensitivity research is also being developed to educate student doctors involved in Obstetric care of women.

She has a private acupuncture practice and treats mainly pregnancy and fertility related conditions, hormonal and mental health concerns, such as anxiety and depression.