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!

 

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

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.

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*

Shout Out Sunday returns this week featuring Bianca from Hush a Bee, Bianca is a certified pediatric sleep consultant (read: sent by the angels themselves) helping families pull themselves out of exhaustion.

As a mum of one, soon to be 2 Bianca rejects the pressure on a parent to suck it up, she's been there she says,

"In the depths of severe sleep deprivation, where everything in your world feels like it is crashing down around you. It’s crap. And it’s also the reason I do what I do, because I never want to end up there again and I don’t believe any parent should feel like that is the norm."

Best of all the Sleep Sense online program is all about your family and what works best for you. You'll never be asked to leave your child to cry it out alone, or anything you don't feel comfortable with. 

A Hush-a-Bee Sleep Sense program tailored to your families needs can help with children aged 4 months to pre-school to address night-waking, cat-napping, bedtime battles (she writes at 9:45pm with her son still yelling out for her) and more.

And here's the best part - Bouncing Back From Birth and Hush-a-Bee have teamed up to bring you an awesome giveaway over on the Hush-a-Bee Facebook page to win a place on their Online Sleep Program valued at $200. This includes a sleep evaluation, 2-hour group consultation, customised sleep plan, access to the Hush-a-Bee Community and 2 weeks of follow-up support. To enter, you must be likers of both our pages (Bouncing Back From Birth and Hush-a-Bee) and tell us, in 25 words or less, what a full, uninterrupted night’s sleep would mean to you. Competition closes at 11:59pm ADST on Sunday, 29th of January 2017. *T&Cs Apply!

I might just enter myself!!

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Fun fact about me. I am a little mad about tea. Sure, I start my day with a well established coffee routine but I take great joy in finding unique tea sets and accessories but mostly in brewing the perfect cup of tea.

It’s a great way to unwind and practice a bit of mindfulness.

Stop.

Spoon.

Smell.

Steep.

Sip.

So when Toowoomba based Doula and tea-maker Sage Birth & Beyond sent me three glorious sachets of postpartum tea’s to try let’s just say I was a touch excited. Three different flavours, of course, requiring three different teapots. The choice of tea cup for me is key. It’s definitely hereditary. Three generations of women have come before me with a particular preference of vessel.

“I want it in a pretty cup”.

But less about my fussy Great-Grandmother* and more about these delicious teas.

 

Calm Goddess.

I choose my elephant tea-pot and a simple white cup. They’re both pure white and I think this purity pairs well with this blend, which is designed to calm a busy mind. Who needs a busy floral pattern when you’re trying to achieve inner peace. Am I right?! The Calm Goddess tea is sweet and subtle, neither flavour dominates. You can sweeten with honey if you prefer but I think it’s perfect just as it is.

If you are anything like me and could never “sleep when the baby sleeps” then this is the postpartum tea for you.

Stop.

Spoon.

Smell.

Steep.

Sip.

Enjoy the ritual on your way to Calm City

 

Next up: Milky Goddess

To honour the modern breastfeeding woman I choose a modern mid-century inspired tea pot and bright complimentary accessories. This larger tea-post also accommodates the recommended 3-5 cups per day and my insulated tall glass will keep it warmer for longer.

 

Stop laughing at my nerdy tendencies, I’m about to tell you how divine this tea is.   

Like the Calm Goddess this tea is beautifully balanced and the sweet anise flavour from the fenugreek and caraway lingers on my tongue. While Raspberry leaf and Nettle can be bitter I set my kettle for 80 degrees Celcius so as not to burn the leaves and there’s not a hint of bitterness.

Winning at tea.

The Milky Goddess is an excellent addition to your breastfeeding routine as Fenugreek and Caraway are famed for increasing milk production to meet the demands of your Booby Monster.

Last but not least: Balanced Goddess.

Made of: Organic Honey Bush Tea, Raspberry Leaf, Chaste Berries, Lemon Verbena and Rose Petals.

Smells like: An afternoon walk along the bay in Summer. Fressssssssssh.

This blend smells so delicious I have to bring out the mother of all tea sets. A four piece set with each piece serving a very important purpose.

• The brewing pot
• The pouring pot
• The aromatic cup: The tall thin cup receives the first pour and then is brought to the nose to inhale in the aroma.
• The sipping cup: The round glass cup from which you drink, the experience heightened as your senses are already stimulated by the aroma.

 

I have made a wise choice and reap all the benefits, the aroma is even more beautiful once brewed. It’s sweet and a bit more robust than the others. The Balanced Goddess assists in balancing hormones and the symptoms of PMS making it an easy choice when Aunt Ruby begins visiting again.

And we’re done, a BIG thank you to Sam at Sage Birth and Beyond for sharing your beautiful range of teas with me.

Mama’s tell me about your tea rituals and tea-pots. I can’t be the only tea-nerd out there!

 

*My darling departed Great-Grandmother Marnie, we remember you when we sip from our pretty cups.

 

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After a brief hiatus last week - I was basking in the hot Perth sun with family - it’s time to jump back into our Shout Out Sunday feature!

Today: Melbourne based birthwell birthright led by Tanya Strusberg

I first discovered birthwell birthright not long before my son was born in 2014. Due to my tardiness we had missed out on a place in the hospital run birthing classes, whoops! But it was, as it turned out, the greatest ‘mistake’ I ever made.

Like most first time Mum’s I’d heard ALL the horror stories and ALL the opinions. I thought I would most likely have an epidural, because that's what women did and my fear and anxiety was focused on the procedure itself, having the catheter in my spine as well as the loss of feeling to my body. Let's just say I got a lot more than I bargained for!

Here’s a few key learning's from Tanya’s Lamaze birthing class which gave me all the confidence I needed to have the birth I WANTED.

• An insanely accurate understanding of contractions, most importantly understanding their purpose and feeling.
• Detailed information about Epidurals and exactly how it affects labour. This. This one Mama’s is super important. Not because women shouldn’t have epidurals, but you most definitely - 100% - without a doubt should be well informed about them and how it will affect your labour. Tanya’s favourite quote from authors Diana Korte and Roberta Scaer who co-wrote, A Good Birth, A Safe Birth is very appropriate to mention here: “If you don’t know your options, you don’t have any.”
• More techniques for relieving ‘pain’, pressure and increasing calm and focus than you can shake a stick at.
• Amazing resources and practical guides for my birth partner (my husband). He left our class totally pumped and excited as well as completely aligned with my intentions. Because of Tanya’s class, he never doubted my strength throughout the birth of our son. 

Tanya is incredibly passionate about empowering women to have the birth they want and her list of training and accreditations is too extensive to list in full here. She is a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator (LCCE, FACCE) and volunteers with Birth for HumanKIND as a doula, providing free birth support for women in need including young mums, refugees and asylum seekers.

You can book a place in any birthwell birthright course via the website. And of course stay up to date on all things Lamaze and birth via the birthwell birthright Facebook and Instagram accounts.

There’s something really wonderful unfolding before my eyes as I program Shout Out Sunday each week. The joy in discovering unique postpartum support across Australia makes my little heart glow. And at the heart of each business I’ve featured thus far; Birthiful, The Wise Hippo and Your Village Doula is a foundation of strength and surrender.

This week we’re deviating not from strength and surrender but from midwifery and doula postpartum support and entering, Liquid Room, a Yoga, Flotation and Massage Studio. Located in Bayside Melbourne at 191 Bay Road Sandringham.

Liquid Room offer's pre-natal yoga classes 11:15am Sundays. $25 per class/casual drop in.

The class is run by Miriam Eve (Full disclosure, Mim is a friend, connected through our mother’s group. It is a pleasure to share the journey of motherhood with her). After the birth of her son in 2014, Mim discovered a heart-felt interest in empowering women to approach pregnancy and motherhood with a sense of fearlessness and increased confidence, encouraging unique connection to both themselves and baby.

Fearlessness. Yes!

Confidence. YAS KWEEN!

Mim’s pre-natal classes offer rejuvenating slow asana flow, with an emphasis on stability and alignment. Most importantly her classes assist in strengthening the pelvic floor, toning up the birth muscles, improving posture and alleviating aches and pains from other common ailments in pregnancy. 

At Liquid Room the benefits of Mim’s class extend not just through pregnancy but during labour and post-natal recovery. The mental fitness and physical stamina aquired in a pre-natal class will without doubt serve each and every Mama-to-be in the labour ward.

What resonates with me most is the use of visualisation techniques to promote being present and helping us to let go of worry and fear.  

It is easy in the early postpartum period to lose confidence quickly. Pre-natal yoga classes are a great way to create centering, stillness and connection. As well as relieving exhaustion and fatigue.

For more information about Liquid Room (which by the way is the sexiest looking studio I HAVE EVER SEEN) hit up their website and definitely stay connected on their Facebook and Instagram page.

It may be old news now, but I haven’t forgotten it, or the last time it happened. And I’ll probably still be thinking about it the next time it happens.

“What is she talking about!”

You know that thing that happens when a well known woman of slight build falls pregnant, successfully ejects the foetus and as far as we can tell (key use of words there), there’s no evidence she was actually pregnant. Cue, every woman who has ever successfully ejected a foetus losing their mind while simultaneously sinking into a vat of cookie dough eating their way to the bottom.

How is it possible!
It’s been 45 years and I’m still trying to lose my baby weight!
I’m a swamp beast!

No Mama, you’re not a swamp beast. You’re a real woman. And guess what?

SO. IS. SHE.

Kate Middleton is a REAL woman.
Rebecca Judd is a REAL woman.
Miranda Kerr is a REAL woman.

I’m not sure when this simple fact of life vanished from our collective minds but life, in all it’s myriad of forms is diverse.

Women you see, come in so many gloriously beautiful shapes and sizes. We are no different to everything that’s ever flourished on this earth, diverse.

Unfortunately this diversity is not represented at all on our screens, magazines and news-feeds. This, is the problem. THIS, is where to direct your anger.

The division of “Model” and “Real Woman” is the problem.

And it grinds my gears. Hardcore.

Earlier this year I had the opportunity to take a very real stance on this issue. I leapt and literally put my money where my mouth was.

Now you have probably heard me RAVE about the Cantaloop Nursing range. It’s in-store and AH-MAZING. It’s ridiculously soft, and accommodating for all the fluctuations in breast size throughout the stages of pregnancy, initiating breastfeeding and establishing supply. The Cantaloop range is designed for your hospital stay and sleeping. And, because it’s fully adjustable it’s one of the very few bra’s you’ll need to get fitted for. (I highly recommend being fitted for everyday bra’s, an ill-fitting bra is not only uncomfortable AF but it can increase your chance of encountering THE DREADED M! Which is Mastitis for those of you playing at home).

As it turns out the Cantaloop range is crazy comfortable and importantly supportive for women with, to quote Absolutely Fabulous, “Great, big, large, pendulous breasts!”.

And like every other maternity label the product images provided were of a single type build and ethnicity.

So I threw those images in the bin and re-shot the full range with 6 women. It was and has been the largest financial investment I’ve made in my business but I wouldn’t and won’t do it any other way.

The images speak for themselves.




Strong, Fierce and Diverse. I look at these women side by side and it make's my heart full.

When it comes to having an opinion on other women's bodies it's this; I don't. You're perfect.

Love BBFB x x x

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Sunday Fun-day!

I tell you what Mama’s there is no shortage of brilliant women offering exceptional care during your labour and beyond.

One of the great things about launching our Shout Out Sunday feature is connecting with like-minded women who are passionate about self care and informed choice.  On that note, meet Kate from Your Village Doula!

Kate is a Melbourne based mum of 3 and knows personally what we mean when we say ‘every mother’s journey is unique’. She has experienced a C-section birth, a medicated VBAC, and an un medicated VBAC. (VBAC = Vaginal Birth After Cesarean)

Kate is an advocate for gentle birth preparation to calm any fears or anxiety as well as ensuring Mum is respected, protected and comfortable during her birth.

#WomenSupportingWomen indeed!

Her capacity as a Doula also extends to the postpartum period where she can assist in your physical and emotional recovery, breastfeeding, cleaning, shopping and caring for your newborn so that you may rest and tend to your needs.

YES ladies such a thing exists, her name is Kate, she is a Doula.

Kate knows and understands the importance of care in the immediate postpartum period noting that;

“40 days post birth is so important as it allows the uterus to return to a smaller size, most tears or scars are closed over by then too.  Women have so much to focus on post birth that the last thing they need is to have their babymoon and breastfeeding experience associated with intense pain in their nipples, back, stomach, pelvis, and perineum.”

The word going round on the Your Village Doula Facebook page is that Kate gives the most incredible massages going round.

And the line starts back here!

Your Village Doula is launching their website soon, so stay connected with Kate on Facebook and Instagram.