There’s something really exciting unfolding in pregnancy circles, women are moving beyond focusing solely on birth and beginning to talk more and more about the postpartum period, you know, those blurry weeks when you dive into the deep waters of motherhood - and then someone throws you a baby!

When I was pregnant with Cooper now 4.5, there was very little talk about what happens after labour. Everything was geared towards birth and meeting baby. But I feel in my Mama bones that a change is coming, the circle is opening and we are rebuilding our village. Our postpartum Mama village, we are truly blessed to have no shortage of inspiring and passionate women leading us back down the path of woman-centred care and support. Secrets once locked away are now being shared and we are beginning to return to the wise ones to guide us.

Sophie Walker of the chart-busting, highly successful podcast Australian Birth Stories has created a 4 part educational series, Postpartum: Life After Birth to openly discuss and demystify early postpartum. Specifically:

• Breastfeeding with Amberley Harris of Maternal Instincts by Amberley
• Pelvic floor and abdominal rehabilitation with Shira Kramer of Be Active Physio
• Post Natal Depression with Psychologist Lisa Fetterling and;
• Sleep and settling with Midwife and sleep guru Amelia Lamonte aka The Midwife Mumma.

I was so very fortunate enough to be given access to this wonderful four-part interview series which by the way I absolutely loved and highly recommend. You can liken this series to sitting at a round table enjoying the gentle and encouraging conversation. What strikes me most is the genuine passion each guest holds for their profession, their enjoyment and desire to support and nurture women is unmistakable.

It’s the kind of resource that every expecting Mum needs.

• Evidence-based
• Easy to digest and;
• Supportive of the unique needs of individuals and their families

Even as a Mum of two, well beyond the immediate postpartum period I gained so much from this series. Of particular note is the incredibly important yet, rarely discussed, topic of how birth impacts breastfeeding, how to recognise the difference between ‘baby blues’ and postpartum depression and how to begin to seek help as well the importance of listening to what feels right for you.

I personally found Lisa Fetterling's interview to be pure magic, could there be anyone who adores women and mothers as much as this woman? I think not. Her encouraging and frequent affirmations made my little heart warm and fuzzy: “It is because they ARE SUCH GOOD MUMS!”, “Because they are WONDERFUL Mums”

It’s true babes - You are damn wonderful Mamas.

You can purchase the four-part interview series here and listen to Sophie’s exquisite podcast Australian Birth Stories on iTunes or Spotify.

 

When I launched Bouncing Back From Birth I reflected on my own personal experience and postpartum challenges, a natural inclination of course, however when I acknowledged that, I am but ONE Mama in a tribe full of totally amazing and unique Mama’s the real work began. And so, I asked countless questions (sorry friends) and surveyed literally hundreds of women about their experience too. I spoke with Midwives, Lactation Consultants and Doulas everyone I could think of to get a bigger diverse picture of what postpartum looks like.

We hear about having a freezer full of meals ready to go and ‘leaving the dishes and washing alone’, (personally this one shits me because - really?! Can no one else possibly do it!?)  So I thought I would add some practical and effective tools for healing vulva’s and boobs as well as giving the middle finger to unhelpful thoughts to that advice.

1. Clean and dry

I think we get told this a lot - it’s a bit of a banal throwaway.
“Keep the area clean and dry”
But HOW!?
HOW?! It was the question I had for every midwife at every home visit, and I see variations of this asked in Facebook group thread after Facebook group thread. Because, how can you keep stitches clean AND dry when you have heavy (totally normal) postpartum bleeding?

Allow me to introduce you to the three ‘S’s -

SOAK - in a bath
SITZ - in a sitz bowl (over the toilet) or, a warm bath filled to hip height
SPRITZ - with a perineal irrigation bottle or a Perineal Spritz

Do one, do all three but just don’t leave this out of your daily routine.
C-Section Mama’s stick with the Sitz and Spritz until your care provider gives you the A-OK for a bath soak (Countdown!) When in the shower opt for fragrance-free simple and gentle body cleansers. Lather up and carefully avoid your incision site. Simply let the goodness cascade down. Pat very gently dry with a super soft towel.

2. Easy Breezy

This one is a cinch for Summer babes, but a bit trickier for winter ones!
After your soak, sitz or spritz, pause a while - don’t pop those disposable undies on yet Mama. It’s time for phase two - (one of my personal favourites FYI). Place a towel on the bed or couch anywhere you feel comfortable and lay down on your side, knees bent.

If you’ve just finished feeding - take a boobie breather and let ‘the girls’ hang out
Let the fresh air caress your lady loves like millions of little healing kisses. Take this moment to remind yourself how awesome you are and that you are doing an amazing job.

3. Just Chill.

Aaaaah cold compress therapy your very best friend for:
Reducing pain and inflammation
Slowing bleeding
Controlling bruising

Can I get a collective sigh of sweet relief from Mama’s with
Swollen vulvas
Perineum Stitches
Engorgement
Haemorrhoids
Tender cesarean incisions

Some No No’s using a cold compress though:
Never put the ice/cold source directly on the skin, wrap in a clean towel or sleeve
20 minutes of contact is ample, return to the fridge or freezer for recharging of its chilly goodness and allow your skin to return to its normal temperature before applying again.

4. Kindness is key.

In every way.
Kind words to your body
Kind and nourishing food in your belly
Accepting kindness and generosity from family and friends
Walking away from places or people where kindness is not present
Kindness to others whose journey is different to your own

5. Trust your Instincts aka Be a ‘Difficult Woman’.

YOU are the expert and authority on YOUR body
YOU are the expert on your Babe
When you feel uncomfortable, worried or anxious this is your body telling you to stop and assess.
“Is this what is right for me?” or perhaps “Am I satisfied that I have been heard or supported?”

Do you have anything you would add to this list?

Go forth and conquer! But like . . . totally at your own pace. . .  with kindness . . . and confidence.

You've Got This! x o x o 

 

You asked for it so here it is! The Bouncing Back From Birth Haakaa How To:

But first, let me gush (pun intended) about the Haakaa!

• It’s totally silent. 
• It’s muthafugdging hands-free
• It’s gentle and works best with your bodies natural let down. 
• Fantastic for gentle relief from engorgement in those blurry early days. No need to worry about flange size or suction due to the silicones flexibility. 
• Easy to clean and no parts!
• Easy for travel - no batteries or power required.
• Perfection for early breastfeeding days. 

So how do you get the most out of your Haakaa?

(side note) As mentioned, using your Haakaa while nursing babe yields exceptional results

Step one: Set up your Mama breastfeeding nook and complete all pre-breastfeeding rituals.

Yes, a nook. 
Hot damn yes, your breastfeeding rituals.

My early days breastfeeding nook was the lounge section of our couch and my favourite pillows arranged *just so*. My ritual consisted of making a milo or cup of tea with some kind of delicious treat* i.e. lactation cookie, cake, TIRAMISU!! Swivelling the TV into optimal viewing position was a crucial part of this ritual and my chosen binge-worthy shows at the time were, ‘Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee’, ‘Big Mouth’, ‘GLOW’ and the almighty ‘UnREAL’! And look, the above has nothing to do with the Haakaa but damn girl, treat yo’self! As ‘Born to Breastfeed’ notes:

“Oxytocin is a shy hormone and will run away at any sign of stress"

So why not create a special RELAXING place just for you, find CALM in the chaos. Anchor your breastfeeding to positive and enjoyable moments. Get that tingly let down goodness flowing! Trust me this process, like the Haakaa, is a game changer especially during cluster feeding!

SO yes.
Nook. Check
Rituals. Check

Now that you’re all set up:
Fold back the flange

Insert over your nipple 

Give a little squeeze
Release and let the flange flip back over the breast

Now, latch that babe. While bebe stimulates the nipple and your body is getting ready to release that sweet liquid gold the Haakaa waits patiently getting ready to collect the flow of milk.

If you need a little more suction, squeeze from the base of the pump. 
As this attachment process is a touch different to conventional pumps you might be used to I highly recommend practising this process a few times before giving it a try with babe attached. Don’t worry young padawan, master soon you will. 

For Mama’s with freshies a few truths:

The mls you pump is no indication of how much breastmilk you have. Fun fact! Your let down is triggered by the hormone of love Oxytocin, as Rowena Gray IBCLC and author of Born to Breastfeed puts it:

“Your baby will always be able to drink more milk himself than you will get from a pump. This is because you love your baby but you do not love your pump”

Breastmilk is easily digested and only takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour to digest! A babe which demands boob every 2 -2.5 hours is totally normal. Limiting your feeds or the length of feeds equals babe drinking less milk which can equal stifling the production of milky goodness. Trust that babe and back yourself!

With a great support team, you’re unstoppable. Raise any concerns you may have, for example, excessive pain while feeding or a sudden drop in babes wet nappies or growth asap with a trusted IBCLC. 

GO forth and Haakaa, I L. O. V. E. seeing your wins so puh-lease share them via socials or in the comments below.

As always Mama's

You've got this. x 

 

 

If you’ve been following the Bouncing Back From Birth journey for a while you’ll know how much I love the BodyICE range. And not just because it was created by a champion Lydia Lassila, no really, she’s an actual gold medalist Olympic champion *BOO YA!* For those of you who are new here, let me bring you up to speed.

Like what, you ask?

feeling sharp pains in your pelvis or pubic bone? Rocking a waddle? Calm the pains by warming your BodyICE Perineum Strip and folding it in a ‘V’. Place inside your underwear on your pubic bone. So discreet, much warm, very Aaaaah that’s better!

During the second stage of labour warm your strip and gently place directly on the perineum. Warmth encourages your Perineum to do its stretchy work and (hopefully!) remain intact.

Time to change it up and pop your strip in the freezer. This is her time to shine and soothe your tenders.

C-section Mama’s can get in on the action too: use cool on top of your dressing to alleviate swelling

Use as above for PSD/PGP once your period returns, it’s bliss!

Tuck a frozen strip inside a headband at the base of your head -  better than a cold flannel by far and hands-free!

If any MacGuyvers out there think of more uses, let me know in the comments below. And as always Mama’s; stay confident. You’ve got this.

* For comprehensive directions for use please check out the product page! This list is not intended to be taken as or replace medical advice if you have any concerns about pain during pregnancy - go see your GP/OB/Midwife ya goose!

Ok, so here’s part 2 of Lola’s Birth - you can read part one here.
 
What is it that they say about hindsight being 20/20? I know I’m not alone in that I have a long list of things I wish I knew before having my first born.
 
How much the emotional experience of labour mattered
 
That pregnancy and labour were the easy part, it’s true - there is no epidural for Motherhood!
 
That I can and should fight for my body and choices
 
To that end, part two of Lola’s birth begins at the end of my first born Cooper’s. Roughly half an hour after the most empowering and heart bursting moment of my life came one of the worst. My sweet boy, born at 6:48am, just shy of 7am. Staff changeover. The beautiful midwives who supported me for the duration of my labour vanished and new unfamiliar faces walked in. It didn’t bother me - I was in that giant oxytocin bubble! They performed all the routine checks, it all looks good, not too bad - a bit of tearing.
 
We’re waiting for the OB to arrive - he’s just finishing up another Mama and then I’m his last one for the evening.
 
He arrives, rushed and impersonal, that’s O.K. cos I’m still in that bubble. He looks at my file.
 
“What no epidural?”
 
He is incredulous and impertinent.
 
I respond matter of factly “No.”
 
“Oh, and this was your choice was it?”
 
Bubble - BURST.
 
I should have kicked him out of my birth space and demanded someone with respect. I was totally speechless but the weight of his authority crushed me and my confidence like a cinder block.
 
With little to no explanation he begins to suture my tearing. He fails to inform me of the extent of my tearing as well as what the procedure entails.
 
I am clearly just another god damned vagina that he has to stitch tonight.
 
The injection of anaesthetic stings, but it’s not enough I can still feel the stitching. With every other ‘stitch’ I instinctively and uncontrollably jolt away. All he can do is bark at me to “Keep your bum down!” but I am not complying.
 
He takes his frustration out on my body which is being pulled and jolted with every tug of every stitch.
 
The procedure feels never ending, and the midwife who has just started her shift gives me her hand for comfort. We lock eyes and I realise in the way that she is feigning a smile that this is not how it’s supposed to be.
 
If you are a birth professional reading this remember this truth: People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
I have never forgotten how I was made to feel.
 
My recovery from the suturing was long and painful. I couldn't comfortably walk for 3 weeks, I suffered serious bruising and swelling.
 
Fast forward 3 years and I am preparing for Lola’s birth. I am infinitely more educated and empowered to stand up for my choices - to have the birth I want and deserve.
 
Tanya (our doula) and I are discussing birth plans and preferences. We talk at length how we’re going to avoid a perineum tear and how to communicate this best in my birth plan.
 
As it turns out Little Miss had her hand up on her cheek and her shoulders did sustain me a tear. If you read part one of her Birth Story you’ll recall her entrance was fast and furious.
 
My Birth plan requested that we were not rushed following birth and we were blissfully left alone for some time before the Dr advised that the OB would be on their way up to check me.
 
I reminded them of one of my most important preferences. Female only care.
(and yeah, yeah - not all men. But remember MY own personal choices can only be informed by MY personal experience and this tells me that 100% of the time that I have had male care in pregnancy and birth that I have felt small and disempowered and shit.)
 
This prompted a long discussion about my previous experience. I give so many thanks to the midwifes attending me for truly listening and making me feel understood and heard.
 
My female OB arrived and talked through my labour and with the midwives present began to talk me through the tear I had sustained and the procedure step by step. With Tanya and Jules on either side supporting me I accepted what needed to be done and gave the Ok. I found great strength and courage with Tanya beside me I know she, along with my husband, was fiercely watching to ensure I treated respectfully and gently.
 
While they prepped my body shook with anxiety, remembering what happened last time.
 
Every one in that room helped me to breathe and find calm.
 
The OB respected my birth preferences and sought my consent at every turn - she talked through each step before proceeding and gave me updates on how many minutes were remaining and how many more steps there were to do. I felt no pain. The procedure was slow and still.
 
I was up and walking comfortably the following day.
 
With my trusty perineal irrigation bottle, perineum strip and postpartum sitz - physically I healed beautifully. And emotionally too.
 
Too many of you reading can relate, I know this because women talk, and it is not OK. Time to fight for something better, actually scrap that - for the best.

I get asked A LOT about our range of compression wear, and to be honest I’m really pleased that you do. For many Mama’s out there compression wear is a big investment and you want to be sure that you’re investing in a product that is going to serve you well.

There are quite a few choices out there when it comes to choosing a garment for your postpartum recovery it can be a little overwhelming, but for me, choosing brands to offer you was so bloody simple. I am really proud to stock the

SRC Health Recovery Leggings and

Solidea Postpartum Compression Shorts.

 

Which leads us to FAQ number one: What are the differences between the two.

To give you a really good idea of their differences I’m going to start with their similarities because they’re actually really important.

1 - TGA (Theraputic Goods Association) approved as a medical device - this means the product complies with strict regulations, is listed on the ARTG and supported by clinical data and evidence.

2. Designed to:
Repair abdominal separation (DRAM)
Relieve lower back and pelvic pain
Support C-Section recovery and;
Perineal Trauma

This is incredibly important particularly if you are tempted to purchase shape wear in an attempt to save some moolah. Mama, Let’s get clear shape wear is a garment which cinches one area and not others to achieve an altered silhouette. Shape wear was not designed to gently support your postpartum recovery or function as an effective tool to manage the above conditions.

3. Incredibly high quality and manufacture. This is primo stuff made to last.

And that’s where their similarities end. So here are the differences.

Fabric

Lets start with SRC, it’s fabric is designed to retain it’s shape and compression during use and after a significant number of washes. Comprised of three layers including a breathable knit fabric and power mesh lining.

Level of support and compression: Boss.

To the touch it feels like a firm lycra.

Now Solidea, the most notable feature of it’s fabric is the wave knit, it also features silver ion technology which prevents the build up of bacteria and odour for the life of the garment.

To the touch it feels like a strong ribbed stocking.

Price

SRC $199

Solidea $129

Both worth Every. Single. Penny. But hey, why not Afterpay it!?

Style

SRC Recovery Leggings are a full length legging, style your SRC Leggings with your favourite active-wear or comfy tee and head out of the house in comfort or stay at home boobin’ and binge watching Netflix!

Solidea Shorts are more like an undergarment, you would not be comfortable wearing this garment out of the house on its own but it is very suitable for wear as a second skin under almost anything, making it a fantastic choice for Mama’s who have an early return to work date or if you live in a warmer climate this one is for you (North West Aussie and Queensland Mama’s I’m looking at you!)

When can I size up / Purchase? 

You can start sizing up for SRC after 36-38 weeks. But ideally you'll wait a couple of days after birth - aiming for your first wear one week after birth. This allows you to gain accurate measurements as well as allow postpartum bleeding to calm down a bit. See the below images for sizing as well as indications for hip measurements: standing with feet together, and measurements to be taken by someone else. 

 

SRC SIZING

SOLIDEA SIZING 

Fitting Notes:

To fit you before you have your bub is impossible, (As we don’t know how big your bub is nor do we know how much fluid you are carrying), we strongly suggest that you wait to purchase until after delivery and on ordering.

When measuring Post-Delivery for your Solidea Recovery Shorts;

• It is imperative you stay within the chart above.
• You need to go by your Height & The weight you are on the day you weigh yourself Post Delivery.

 

Are they worth it? 

Yes. yes - YES! Your compression wear is made to last and made to support your postpartum journey. Through C-sections, Abdominal Separation and Perineal trauma - the LOT. I promise you won't regret the investment.  

I hope this has answered any questions or concerns you might have about our range of compression wear, be confident that both products are an excellent investment in your recovery. You can wear these garments as early as a few days after birth (I recommend waiting one week to allow postpartum bleeding and swelling to subside) and continue to wear them for as long as you feel comfortable and supported for current and future postpartum journeys.

You’ve Got This!

 

If you’re obsessed with Birth Stories as much as I am - you’re in luck! For today is the day I share Lola’s Birth story. I began writing how it all came to be a while ago but as we are in the midst of International Doula Week I felt it fitting to add a few extra bits and share with you.

I’m going to take it back to the day before my waters broke to an appointment I didn’t think I’d attend at the Hospital because I was *certain* I would have gone in to labour by then. Begrudgingly I head on in. I’m terribly uncomfortable and am beyond ready for the pregnancy to end and in all honesty I’m emotionally fragile at this point. I’m expecting to go in, tick the boxes and then be on my merry way - but this is not what happens.

Bloods from the following week return a low platelet count and my fundal height has plateaued. The very lovely OB tells me they may want to induce me and isn’t that great because it means I’ll get to meet my baby sooner.

I burst into tears (told you I was fragile) and tell the OB, probably quite incoherently, that I do not want to be induced. They book me in for monitoring later that afternoon and a redo of the bloods to see if the results are accurate or if the platelet count has increased or dropped.

Once I get home I call my husband to come home from work early and contact our Doula Tanya from Birthwell Birthright.

(Meeting Tanya as our Childbirth Educator 3.5 years earlier was the happiest accident of my life! At 36 weeks I still hadn’t booked into hospital classes and when I went to do so they were full. As it happened Tanya’s weekend intensive class had a place left. I entered that class completely terrified of the ‘pain’ of labour and highly anxious about the possibilities of something going wrong. I left transformed into a confident and excited woman ready to birth.)

Tanya, with her calm and gentle nature reassures me and reminds me if an Induction is what is needed well, that’s ok and we can still honour the birth I want. I calm down a bit.

We spend the better part of the afternoon and early evening at Sandringham. Lola is active and her heart rate is good. The ultrasound shows all the right things. So why has my fundal height growth stalled? That box is still not ticked. They want to book an induction.

I stress to the Dr that I do not wish to put myself or the baby in any kind of danger or compromise, but before I am to give any consent to an induction what can they do to show me that the placenta is compromised, or beginning to show signs of compromise? After a good chat we agree to more imaging and monitoring the following day as well as a stretch and sweep given I am so close to my due date. They perform the stretch and sweep then and there, I am already 1cm dilated. They book in an induction for one week later. We head off home and I take myself off on a short but very brisk walk, during our time at the hospital the weather had turned - squalling winds and torrential rain. The path I had intended to take along the bay had been flooded.

I put on my labour playlist as I had been doing the nights before and go to bed.   

At 2am my water breaks.

Regular contractions begin.

I am fucking ecstatic. I am Birthing this Baby.

I call Tanya so she knows to be ready.

I call Birth Suite to let them know and we agree to go in to simply confirm that labour has started. More (uncomfortable and laborious) monitoring and an internal which I consent to but immediately wish I had felt brave enough to stick to my Birth Plan and decline; the events from the afternoon before have shaken my confidence a bit.

The Midwife asserts - not asks - that an induction will be booked for 7am the following morning if I have not progressed further.

Hot diggidy damn. A few hours of very early labour in and I’m already on the clock. 

I tell her that I won’t be booking that induction but am open to discussing other ways to manage any risks of infection if and when we get to that point and we go home.

Contractions are about 7 minutes apart and super manageable. I’m really excited and have energy to burn so I put on an enviable old school 90’s hip hop playlist and get my groove on.

Somewhere between Notorious B.I.G "Hypnotise" and Ginuwine's ‘Pony’ things really slow down.

   

I remember that 7am induction and my confidence slips again. I text Tanya, she reassures me it’s totally normal.

And that’s what I do.

I sleep, we eat, binge watch Netflix and play a few rounds of Mario Kart (64 version, of course)

- Imma’ WARIO! Imma’ gonna’ WIN!

At some point between Royal Raceway and Bowser’s Castle my contractions pick up, I breathe through them all while handling tight corners and dodging bananas like a boss. Eventually I jump in the shower to relax and stretch out a bit. They intensify again. I’m thinking about the hospital and when to head in, I want to labour for as long as I can at home. But I’m not confident making that call. I ask my husband to call Tanya, can she meet us here instead of Sandringham.

Within half an hour, Tanya arrives. I jump out of the shower to greet her. Tanya is nothing but calm and ready. She doesn’t rush into anything but just observes me and puts a glass of water in my hand. I hang over a fitball while she and my husband take turns to massage my lower back with a magical rolling contraption from Kmart. I put on my labouring playlist, we talk and have an occasional laugh. Bliss.

I relax

I breathe

I find my rhythm and confidence

Tanya reassures me I’ll know when it’s time to be where I want to be to have my baby.

Contraction

Hip Squeeze

Rest

Repeat

Somewhere between Sia “Breathe” and Garbage “Milk” the intensity and frequency surges.

BIG TIME

8:20: I get in the shower for some pain relief and to relieve the pressure and all of a sudden I know. It’s time to go.

8:35: I dress between surges and have my last contraction at home hanging on to the side of the car door.

8:38: We live very close to Sandringham and arrive just along with the next surge.

8:39: A parking attendant brings a wheelchair, my lovely kimono robe is open and free in the breeze and I am roaring this baby out at the entrance. Tanya places her hands on my shoulders, she can see I’m becoming overwhelmed in the chaos.

Breathe.

Breathe.

Breathe.

You’re in control.

Somehow she does the impossible and slows down time. 

8:42: We make it upstairs and are greeted by a very calm and nonchalant Midwife, arm in arm we walk to my assigned room. I kick of my thongs (Trend Alert! Kimono robe and thongs!) rip off my robe and climb to the top of the bed. I’m perched high on the head of the bed and Roar at someoone to take my underwear off! 

I can finally surrender to the urge to breathe her out.

I’m not going to lie. It was intense.

8:46: Our Midwife asks if there’s anything she needs to know, Tanya recalls our birth plan instantly - thank god because I was not present on this earth

Protect my perineum

Don’t direct me to push

Don’t rush me

Lola clearly did not get the memo on that last one.

There’s no time for anything else. I have my husbands strong safe hands on my left and Tanya’s guiding words on my right. Her simple reminder keeps me focused:

You’re in control.

I have completely surrendered to my body and it knows exactly what to do.

Head

Shoulders

And a big gush of fluids

8:50pm: My perfect vernix covered babe arrives into my arms. A girl. 3.300 kg. 52cms long with a very healthy placenta.

Tanya stays on, I know she is making sure no one is rushing us, and waiting for a Dr to confirm whether or not I'll be needing stitches. She knows I'll continue to need her support if I do (I did - that's part 2). There is laughter and we talk excitedly about how quickly everything happened.

I thank Tanya for being there as our Doula, I could not have coped or honoured the birth I wanted without her. 

Every birthing woman deserves to feel the way that I did

Safe

Respected and 

Almighty powerful

Thank you to all the Doula's out there serving women everyday. 

Engaging a Doula to serve you in labour is an investment in your emotional health and a gold tier birthing experience. Having Tanya attend me during birth was not some fanciful naive luxury, it was an absolute necessity to ensure that my needs were being served and that I was best armed to have the birth I deserve. Doula's are for every woman and every birth. Their benchmark of success is how empowered and satisfied you were with your birth experience. First time mother's know - this matters. Your birthing experience matters. Fight for your right to choose.

 

Crack open the non-alcoholic champagne this Mama has finally reached 39 weeks! I am certain I have been pregnant forever, in my local village familiar faces and neighbours give me that “still?!?” look. And while I have been staring down the end of this pregnancy for awhile it just recently hit me that it’s actually going to happen and that there are things I need to do apart from waiting.

The most sensible of them being: pack my hospital bag. Now, I’m not planning to stay in the maternity ward for long - I’ll be coming home as soon as they’re satisfied we’ve ticked all the boxes (hopefully within 24 hours - or earlier would be great!) So my needs are pretty simple but I do have a swag of products which I’m NOT leaving home without, most of which will support me during labour as well as in the immediate hours postpartum.

Obviously everyone’s journey is unique and your hospital bag will reflect that, I view my hospital bag as an extension of my birth plan. What comfort measures are a priority for me in those 24 hours, what makes me feel safe, and confident? What do I need to begin to thrive?

My hospital bag, therefore, is divided into 3 top priorities (each of which have been heavily influenced by the experiences of my first birth and the learning that has taken place since).

1. Save my va-jay-jay
2. Save my nips
3. Save my sanity

So without further ado, let’s get into it - or as my son would say - Let’s go rock and roll!

Save My Vajayjay

My number one priority for this labour is an intact perineum. No stitches! So, of course the BodyICE Perineum Pad is the first thing I’m packing! Are you guys sick of me harping on about the brilliance of this heat/ice pack yet? Too bad - it’s the best and no birthing Mama should be without it. I’ll be using this cheeky lady in early labour as a warm compress, folded in a v and placed on my pubic bone. My birth plan is solidly geared towards a water birth, but the Perineum Pad will be an important back up in case I’m unable to deliver in the bath - still used as a warm compress and placed on my Perineum to protect the area, encouraging softness and offering some pain relief. Once bubs is in my arms (squuuueeeeeeee!) It’ll go straight in the freezer and I’ll place it back on the perineum cold to soothe swelling.

Next to go in is my trusty Perineal Irrigation Bottle. She’ll get filled with luke warm water to take the sting out of those first trips to the bathroom. She’ll also assist in keeping my perineum clean and dry - reducing any risk of infection and irritation.

• Technically not for saving my Vajayjay but my BodyICE Hip and Lower Back Heat/Ice Pack will be coming in with me. Hospitals can be a bit thingy with using kettles and microwaves (not all - but some - ask at your ante-natal visit!) but I need not worry, all she needs is hot or cold/ice water. The pack is designed to provide warm or cold compress - wait for it - hands free! Which is brilliant for labouring Mama’s with freedom of movement high on their list of birth preferences.

Save My Nips

A pair of seamless, soft cup fully flexible Nursing Camisoles and Nursing Bra. This one is pretty self explanatory. I choose Cantaloop nursing wear for the BBFB range. Namely because of the quality of the material and comfortability whilst wearing. Little one will be nursing frequently and I’ll need to be comfortable at all times.

Nipple Balm. My balm of choice is Sal Remedia Nipple Balm - handmade, natural and simple nourishment and hydration. Here’s the best bit about having a Summer baby is the opportunity to let the girls hang out! (apologies in advance to my maternity ward roomie!) Allowing the nipple to air dry, in the sun is even better, prior to applying any balms or fabrics/pads will go a long way in protecting your precious nips! While initial discomfort is normal Mama’s, put your foot down and say no to any painful cracking or bleeding - reach out to a trusted IBCLC Lactation Consultant to ensure there’s no underlying issues. Rule #1: Look after those nips!

Bamboo Re-Usable Breast Pads from Milk and Cookies by Jewels. Now it’s unlikely that my supply will burst forth in the first 24 hours, but these re-usable breast pads are oh so soft, they’ll provide an extra layer of comfort as well as catch any early leakage if I need it.

Save My Sanity

I respond really well to touch in times of stress and discomfort so the pure and simple Body Oil by Sal Remedia is not being left at home! A simple blend of Sweet Almond and Apricot Oil makes this perfect for massage in labour and every hour thereafter (demanding much!?) The exclusion of additional fragrances or oils means it’s completely safe to use for Mama.

Eco. Aroma Essential Lavender Oil. For calm and relaxation in Labour. Say no more! A drop or two on my Kayelle Aromatherapy Necklace will diffuse my favourite scent for as long as I need it. Find what makes you feel at home, safe, alone and peaceful and bring it will you.

Bad Ass Birth Affirmations by Angie Bee Holtz. Because laughter is what I live for, I fight stress and worry with humour and these affirmations are exactly what this foul-mouthed, goofy Mama needs. Equal parts of both focus and hilarity.

And that’s it! Of course the ol’ toothbrush will come along as well as my Maternity mattresse-pads, I mean pads. Oh and pants *note to self: pack pants. Stay tuned for what I’ll have waiting for me at home!

I hope you’ve found my checklist useful - especially if you’re finding yourself overwhelmed with a seemingly endless list of items to bring! Of course all items*** are available online here at Bouncing Back From Birth, don’t hesitate to shoot any questions about these products and their benefits in labour or postpartum in the comments, via email, social media or carrier pigeon - whatever you prefer Mama!

Now go forth and birth your babe like the glorious goddess you are - you’ve got this!!

Brooke x  

*** Except for these beauties

Bad Ass Birth Affirmations by Angie Bee Hotz

Aromatherapy Necklace by Kayelle

BodyICE Hip and Lower Back Pack by BodyICE Recovery

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Years ago before my son was born (or as I like to say BC - Before Cooper) I stumbled across the ‘Diva Cup’ - a menstruation cup for those of you playing at home, don't worry this isn't a blog post about menstruation cups! - and was immediately repulsed followed by insanely curious. I went home and googled the darn thing - I had so many questions. The internet told me it was a game-changer, that it revolutionised dealing with ‘that time of the month’ but I didn’t act. Periods came and went until eventually I gave in and decided to give it a crack.

“WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL MY LIFFFFFFE!”

I hope you know that feeling I’m describing because it’s been the overwhelming response to my most recent read Born to Breastfeed by Rowena Gray

Finally, someone wrote a boobs manual and it doesn’t read like IKEA instructions.

Reading 'Born to Breastfeed' is like being given the reigns to take charge of your breastfeeding destiny. It is your trusty companion *literally* minute by minute, day by day and month to month.

First a bit about Rowena: registered nurse, midwife and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant with more than 15 years experience. Rowena is a mum to 3 babes and is passionately committed to providing evidence based support and guidance

 

In our digital age that’s an important phrase that can’t be understated, and I’d like to take this opportunity to remind those reading that ‘evidenced based support and guidance’ comes about from individuals who dedicate their careers and life to research, clinical trials and large scale studies. Evidenced based support and guidance comes from a real life person who’s ‘Why’ in life is to better support you and your babe and your breastfeeding journey. The only thing they gain is knowing that you both thrive.

And, yes, 'Born to Breastfeed' is chock block full of facts and research that will remind you just how incredible our bodies are, but it is so much more than that. I cried on the first bloody page.

 

“A familiar smell encourages him to continue his search by reaching, licking, lifting his head and falling into you again and again. Even though he has poor eyesight, the dark shade of your nipple guides him to it.

. . .

He knows where to go. He knows what to do. He is born to breastfeed.”

 

It was such a beautiful opening passage on our babes first quest to the breast, it reminded me of my son’s birth and why I initiated our first feed together. Our journey started strong and like the 96% of women who initiate breastfeeding I had goals. But I also had concerns, our first weeks included me:

• Asking every midwife to observe me feed to confirm I was doing it right. “Yep” and off they’d go.
• Freaking out when my milk came in, (according to my husband I looked like I was going to float away) then pumping like a mad woman. “Be careful” the visiting midwife says “your body will start thinking you have twins”. Whoops!
• Convincing myself I didn’t have enough milk for my son because he fed all the bloody time.
• Crying at 3am on hold to ABA because he wouldn’t stop feeding all the bloody time.

Now you don’t know what you don’t know. And knowledge is power. 'Born to Breastfeed' would have given me:

• The power to correctly and confidently correct my latch or at the very least identify that there was an issue with it.
• Relief from cluster-feeding shock and the knowledge that it was normal and that my breasts would adjust to my sons demands.
• A step by step guide to help me determine whether my concerns of low supply were backed up by any actual evidence.

Rowena’s dedication to address every conceivable concern and challenge is remarkable and she has provided comprehensive - evidence based - markers and indicators to help you troubleshoot. And as I mentioned earlier 'Born to Breastfeed' follows your journey from first days right through to 6 months and beyond. Rowena doesn’t bail on you once the basic mechanics of breastfeeding are covered. She stays with you through the introduction of solids and managing returning to work. This structure means that the information is never overwhelming.

But what makes 'Born to Breastfeed' so unique as a breastfeeding resource are the seamlessly inserted chapters, bookends if you will, at every step focused on Mum’s health and nutrition to best support her and fuel herself to meet her breastfeeding goals. These chapters are written by dietitian and nutritionist of 35 years experience, Anne Hillis. And what a god send they are, it is so easy to forget about you, your health and what you need in order for both of you to thrive.

As a mother who ceased breastfeeding before I was ready to, 'Born to Breastfeed' would have been my saviour when I lost confidence. My reminder of why I initiated breastfeeding and my power to make informed decisions to overcome challenges. A cheer squad on my bedside table.

If you are an expecting mum or have recently welcomed a babe into the world and intend to initiate breastfeeding I urge you to arm yourself with this powerful resource.

You can purchase Born to Breastfeed via www.borntobreastfeed.com.au