Local Spotlight: Zoe Papadatos, Acupuncturist and Owner of Coastal Wellness Cottage
Each month I love shining a light on a local Central Coast legend who's doing beautiful work in the world of wellness, birth, and beyond.
This month, meet the warm and wonderful Zoe Papadatos, an acupuncturist who owns and runs the Coastal Wellness Cottage in East Gosford. If you’ve been thinking about acupuncture to support your fertility, pregnancy or general wellbeing—Zoe is your girl!!! Her grounded, holistic approach is just what the doctor (or doula) ordered, ha!
Acupuncture has long been used as a gentle and effective tool to support women through conception, pregnancy, birth preparation and postpartum recovery. It can help regulate cycles and hormones, reduce stress and anxiety, relieve common pregnancy symptoms (like nausea, insomnia and pelvic pain), and even support natural induction and cervical ripening in the final weeks. More and more women are turning to acupuncture as part of their birth toolkit—and for good reason!! When you're in the hands of someone like Zoe, it's not just about sticking in little needles all over the bod, it's about feeling held, seen, and supported throughout your journey wherever you may be in it.
Meet Zoe in a chat with The Modern Doula:
What led you to becoming an acupuncturist?
It was always a dream to work in health, but I wasn’t sure which path to take. My aunty is an acupuncturist, so I went to study with her—and I completely fell in love with the approach. Chinese medicine is such a phenomenal way to look at the body. I knew I’d found my thing.
What’s your favourite part of the job?
Seeing people’s lives transform, week to week. It’s honestly the most incredible thing to witness. And when I get those messages that a baby has made it earthside after our treatments—that’s the sugar on top!
What’s one item in your household you can’t live without?
Is my dog an item?! If not, then I’d have to say my bed. Sleep is everything to me.
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
Invite my dog up for a cuddle before starting the day. Non-negotiable.
What’s the thing you’re most grateful for?
Hands down—my health and this beautiful life. I’m forever grateful.
Coastal Wellness Cottage isn’t JUST for acupuncture though, and that’s what makes it such an incredible hub for health and wellness. Inside the Cottage you’ll find access to counsellors, massage therapists, physiotherapists and more. Contact Zoe today for more info.