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!)

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.

*Notes on sizing and measuring! We recommend sizing up after 36-38 weeks. Ideally 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.

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