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 

 

We're talking Post Partum Relaxation at The Hermosa Co. this fine Sunday!

Based in Torquay Victoria, The Hermosa Co. is a dedicated space for pregnancy and postpartum relaxation.

Postpartum packages aren't strictly limited to massage, The Hermosa Co. also offer bath soaks and - wait for it - a Restless Legs treatment!

FINALLY!!

At The Hermosa Co. postpartum massage is all about re-balancing the body after pregnancy and childbirth. It's like hitting reset. The benefits of postpartum massage include,  the regulation of hormones, promotion of lactation and relief of any muscular aches and pains, particularly in the neck and shoulders which is a god send, did someone say 'cluster-feeding!'

You are welcome to bring your new bundle with you and there is a waiting room available should you wish to feed your little one prior to your treatment.

Inspired by the journey of her clients owner Lydia Latta, crafted a luxury range of high quality postpartum and pregnancy spa products. Lydia has a passion for creating products which best support expecting mums and brand spanking new ones.

One of the most exciting things about The Hermosa Co. is the #Hermosabody Project.

This week it’s a real pleasure to feature Sydney based The BabyBrain. The BabyBrain offer Antenatal and Postnatal breastfeeding education and lactation support.

One of the major regrets I have from my pregnancy is not taking an antenatal breastfeeding class. Initiating breastfeeding was, a totally instinctive action and, at the same time a leap into darkness. Owner and Facilitator Katrina Tucker from The BabyBrain confided “It was almost immediately after the birth of my first child I turned to my husband and cried about how hard breastfeeding was and that I didn't think I could do it. This was after being a Midwife and Registered Nurse for 8 years!”

Mama’s hear me, it doesn’t have to be the latter.

I asked Katrina about the antenatal sessions offered at The BabyBrain

“We aim to offer individualised breastfeeding education, for most women this includes how breastfeeding works, attachment, positioning and infant cues, but for some high risk women this has also included targeted breastfeeding education, dealing with gestational diabetes, multiple births or planned prematurity.We have found a particularly positive response from women and their caregivers who have been diagnosed with Gestational diabetes in their pregnancy and how they can prepare their breasts, and may have colostrum available for their infants at birth if supplementation is required. Providing these women and their families with the education so that they are empowered to offer the best start to their babies makes this so fulfilling”

Katrina’s breadth of knowledge and experience is so vast that I have attached her full Bio* below this feature, trust me - you are in good hands when you enrol in The BabyBrain antenatal breastfeeding sessions.

Because knowledge is power. It is the power to stand up for our choices, and actively pursue solutions to the challenges we encounter.

Katrina’s personal journey with her 2nd child is a testament to this:

“He had a significant tongue tie, and while it didn't impact his ability to gain weight, did cause immense damage to me. This included oversupply, nipple damage, and he was a very unsettled baby. After assessment by midwives, GP's and Child and Family Health Nurses, who all assured me that while they could all see that there was Tongue Tie, that while he continued to gain weight it wasn't a problem. There were many tears from me at this point, which lead me to realising that I had the knowledge and the power to investigate other options. After seeing a paediatric surgeon, who confirmed that my little bub's tongue wasn't able to work effectively whilst performing an ultrasound on him while he fed, the frenectomy was performed and within 48 hours he was a more content boy and finally feeding comfortably until 11 months of age.”

It doesn’t matter if you are a first time mum or a fourth time mum, whether you have mastitis or have had it before and are keen to avoid it again, breastfeeding education is for you. At Bouncing Back From Birth we believe every woman’s journey is unique, it inspires everything we do here and  it’s within this diversity that we are united. As Katrina so eloquently describes,

“What unites all of the women I see is that they are passionate about doing the best for their babies and achieving their varied breastfeeding goals. I aim to create achievable plans with mums and their babies that will work best for each individual family.”

Antenatal and Postnatal Sessions run in the comfort of your own home for 1-2 hrs depending on your needs and Private Health Fund rebates may apply.

For more information about sessions offered at The BabyBrain visit their website and stay connected on their Instagram and Facebook accounts!

*Cue the most impressive Bio. Ever.

Katrina has over 15 years experience as a Registered Nurse specialised in Paediatrics & Neonates, and 10 years as a Registered Midwife, where she has developed a passion for caring for mothers, babies and the new family unit.

Katrina has worked in various roles in both public and private hospital systems in Sydney, however the role closest to her heart is mother to her 3 beautiful children.

It was through becoming a mother, that Katrina learnt the benefits of Infant Massage, and was inspired by her own breastfeeding journey to become a International Board Certified Lactation Consultant® (IBCLC®).

Katrina has been featured in Cosmopolitan Pregnancy, and campaigns for NSW Health.

Katrina is a professional member of LCANZ, CAPEA, IAIM, Australian Breastfeeding Association and ILCA.

With a passion for life long learning, Katrina holds a Bachelor of Nursing, Graduate Certificate of Paediatric Nursing, Graduate Certificate in Neonatal Nursing, Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Health , Graduate Diploma of Midwifery, and is endorsed RegisteredNurse Immuniser.

Sunday = Time for a Shout Out. Let's do this!

So a couple of weeks ago I found myself in tea heaven after the wonderful Samantha Ross from Sage Birth & Beyond sent me some of her delightful organic teas.

Lucky for Mama's in Toowoomba Organic Tea isn't Sam's only *bag* (see what I did there!) Sam is also a Birth Doula, currently completing a mentorship with Anna Watts from Celebration of Birth.

Sam is passionate about supporting and educating parents about birth and believes that "Having a 'good birth experience' isn't about everything going to plan, it's not just vaginal birth vs cesarean. It's about how the birth made you feel."

Can I get that made into a T-shirt?!

The it was the birth of her second baby which sprung Sam into action;

 

Circumstances meant I didn't have continuity of care and evidently I had a birth that left me feeling powerless and traumatized.  After my sons birth, I felt the calling to become a doula. I know that having a familiar and trusting face in the birth room can make a huge difference and that I could help women to feel all the things that I missed out on feeling: safe, empowered, loved, and respected.

 

Sam is bang on, every new piece of research shows that continuity of care is crucial to better outcomes pre and post natal for Mum and Bub.

If you're a Toowoomba Mum-to-be sitting on fence, take a look at some of the ways Sam can support you post-partum.

• Parenting advice for first time parents (information about feeding/sleeping/basic newborn needs)
• light housework (laundry/clean the floors/wash the dishes etc)
• cook you a nutritious dinner of your choice in your home (you provide the ingredients or I can purchase them for an extra fee)
• watch the children so you can nap/shower/take a breather (I have a blue card and first aid certificate)
• come with you on an outing to assist you and help to build your confidence (Especially if you are nervous about breastfeeding publically).
• give you non-judgmental support and advice, or just to listen.
• refer you to outside support for any issues you may be experiencing.
• go grocery shopping for you.
• offer ideas for bonding with and soothing your newborn (Including basic infant massage)
• provide healing herbal products for you and baby.

You can find detailed information about Sage Birth & Beyond and the Pre & Post Natal Packages on offer on their website. And as always stay connected with Sam on Instagram and Facebook.

 

 

 

A short n sweet one for you all, offering my top 3 Instagram accounts to get you pumped for birth.

Yes, you heard me. No, that is not a typo.

Get. Pumped. For. Birth.

There’s a lot of fear and anxiety associated with childbirth and I’ll be the first to admit that I was quietly terrified of labour. My own theories why include a) we perceive we have zero control over how it all goes down, b) people share their horror stories VERY freely and c) we’re diving deep deep into unknown territory.

But, it doesn’t have to be this way.

There are a large number of movements and groups championing bringing women’s strength and kick-assery (Is that a word? It is now!) front and centre. Personally I find nothing more empowering than scrolling through moments captured of women transitioning, pushing, breathing, digging deep deep into themselves and emerging triumphant with endless reserves of power and strength.

So without further ado, here they are.

 

Monet Nicole is a Colorado based birth photographer. And oh my goodness I dare you to view her images without your heart beating deep and swelling to the size of a melon. Vernix, and pulsating umbilical cords and fists and perfect first meetings.

Angela Gallo is a Melbourne based Doula and Birth Photographer, she has a talent for capturing some of the most raw and powerful moments of birth I've ever seen. 'Nuff said.

An absolutely stunning collection of images connecting women with nature, breastfeeding with confidence, joy and abandon. Created by photographer Sarah Murnane, you can register your interest in becoming a part of the project at australianbreastfeedingproject.com.au

Told you it was short and sweet.

You've got this Mama *fist pump*