Maternity Blog & News | New Beginnings
A parent's guide to UV sterilisers
There’s a wide range of sterilisers on the market. In this article, we will explore the world of UV sterilisers and explain why they are our number one choice for maintaining sterile baby bottles and accessories.
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How to put yourself first this Mother’s Day
Celebrate Mother’s Day, every day. One day a year people everywhere shower their mums with cards, gifts and little celebrations to remind them how wonderful we all think they are. But why should you limit yourself to one day a year when you’re a mother 24/7, 365 days a year? This year we’re encouraging mums, carers, guardians and anyone playing that vital role in a child’s life, to take some time for themselves and practice some good old self care and love. Every family is different. We recognise that there is no single definition of what it means to be a mother. A mum can come from any background, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. They can be single or in a relationship. They can work full-time or be a stay-at-home parent. A mum can choose to have children biologically or adopt, be young or old, and identify as a parent whichever way she chooses. And we acknowledge that not all mums may identify as a ‘she’. So however you choose to parent, we applaud you! You’re doing a great job. Self care for mothers. What is it and what does it look like? We hear this word a lot these days, and while it’s all well and good to hear it, what does it mean and how can you start doing it? Self-care is the practice of taking intentional actions to improve your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It involves taking care of yourself through activities that promote relaxation, stress reduction, and self-improvement. Here are 5 ways you can start practicing self care today: Take time for yourself: Set aside some time every day to do something that you enjoy. It could be anything from reading a blog like this one, to taking a walk outside. Get enough sleep: It's essential for your mental health and physical wellbeing to get adequate sleep. While it feels nearly impossible to do this when you have a newborn or toddler, asking your family to take the kids for a few hours when needed so you can get some shut-eye is sure to make a world of difference. Eat a balanced diet: While sometimes very challenging, eating well can have a significant impact on your mood and energy levels. So instead of just prepping your kid’s meals each week, pack yourself a lunchbox too! Fill it with all of the nutritious foods you want your kids to eat more of too – they love to follow in your footsteps! Exercise: While running around after the kids does technically qualify as exercise, it’s the time you take for yourself to exercise which boosts your mood and reduces stress levels. Even if it’s just a few minutes of physical activity each day, you’re mind and body will thank you. Connect with other mums: Being around others who understand and relate to your challenges can provide social support and validation, reduce feelings of isolation and offer opportunities to learn coping strategies. Additionally, spending time with like-minded individuals can boost self-esteem, promote relaxation and provide a much-needed break from the demands of motherhood. So what are you waiting for? Pick up that phone and start making plans! Retail therapy: When was the last time you bought something for yourself? If you’re taking a few minutes to think, then it’s time to get that cart firing! Buying yourself little things like jewellery, clothes or even takeaway will give you a psychological and emotional boost. Ready to start shopping? Why not start at New Beginnings where you can find everything you need as a new mum. At New Beginnings, we're committed to supporting mothers and families from pregnancy onwards and want to take this moment to wish you all a very happy Mother's Day, today, tomorrow and every single day of the year! Finding yourself Googling everything from boobs and bums to bubs and bibs? Visit New Beginnings, where you’ll find a range of helpful articles, products and tips for navigating this new chapter of your life - mummahood.
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Will I ever stop crying over everything?
Will I Ever Stop Crying Over Everything? Understanding Emotional Ups and Downs During Pregnancy For many expectant mums, crying over seemingly small things can become a frequent occurrence, leaving them wondering if they will ever stop feeling this way. And while it’s totally normal and nearly every mum will experience it, it’s helpful to know why it’s happening and how you can manage it. Why am I feeling so emotional? Pregnancy is a time of intense hormonal changes. Your body is producing more estrogen and progesterone than usual, which can affect your moods and emotions. These hormones can cause you to feel more fearful, anxious, and bring on sudden crying spells. It can also cause big mood swings, taking you from feeling deliriously happy one minute, to deeply sad the next. Whenever you feel it, however you feel it, just know that it won’t last, and when you start sobbing during infomercials, take comfort in knowing you’re not alone. Will being so emotional affect my baby? Many mums worry if their sudden bursts of emotions are harming their baby. The short answer is no. But it's important to remember that taking care of your emotional well-being is just as important as taking care of your physical health during pregnancy. How to conquer crying spells? Crying spells can be challenging to manage, but there are some things you can do to help reduce their frequency and intensity. Sleep One of the most important things you can do is get enough sleep. Pregnancy can be exhausting, and lack of sleep can make your emotions more volatile. Stay active Staying active and exercising regularly can also help you feel more balanced and reduce stress. Talk to someone Talk to your partner, friends, or family members about how you're feeling. Sharing your emotions can help you feel less alone and provide a sense of support and understanding. Getting your ducks in a row When you’re feeling overwhelmed it helps to make a list of everything you need, and tick those things off one by one. We offer a huge range of resources as well as maternity essentials, breast care and feeding products that can help you cope with how you feel now, and prepare for what’s to come. In summary, experiencing emotional ups and downs during pregnancy is completely normal and won’t last forever. But if you do find yourself not coping, please reach out and speak to your doctor. They can assist with professional guidance to help you navigate your way through your pregnancy. Finding yourself Googling everything from boobs and bums to bubs and bibs? Visit New Beginnings, where you’ll find a range of helpful articles, products and tips for navigating this new chapter of your life - mummahood.
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Do I Really Need a Breast Pump?
Breast pumps - whether manual, electric, single or double, can be one of the best purchases you ever make as a new mum. Not only are they great for producing and storing breast milk, but they can also help in a number of other ways: Breast pumps help you produce more milk. The truth of the matter is, you will never know how your breasts will handle breastfeeding and milk production until it happens. Even if this isn’t your first baby, every birth is different. So if you’re finding you’re not producing enough milk, a breast pump can help stimulate your breasts and nipples to move things along. Breast pumps save your breasts from engorgement. Breast pumps can be used to help manage oversupply by removing excess milk from the breasts. Breast pumps help prevent mastitis. Oversupply can increase the risk of developing mastitis, an infection of the breast tissue that is incredibly painful. Regularly emptying the breasts using a pump can help avoid this. Breast pumps give you back some time! The best part about breast pumps is you can express your milk and store it for future use, meaning you can actually share the feeding and get yourself out of the house for some much needed ‘me’ time. How do you know if you should buy a breast pump? Some mums prefer to wait until after giving birth to see how breastfeeding goes before investing in a breast pump, while others like to have a pump on hand in case they need it. Whether you’re from column A or column B, you’ll still want to choose a pump that’s right for you, so let’s take a look at what’s out there. There are three main types of breast pumps on the market: manual, electric and new to the category, wearable breast pumps. Each serves a purpose and works well for different people in different situations. Let’s take a closer look… Manual breast pumps Manual breast pumps are the simplest and most affordable option. They are operated by hand, usually with a lever or handle that you can squeeze to create suction. The New Beginnings Silicone Manual Breast Pump is perfect for mums on the go. Made from 100% food-grade silicone, this queen of manual pumps is soft, silent and dishwasher-safe. What more could a gal ask for?! Electric breast pumps Electric breast pumps use an electric motor to create suction and extract milk from the breast. They are typically more powerful and efficient than manual pumps, and are a good choice for mums who need to pump regularly or for extended periods of time. Electric pumps can be bought as either single or double. Single electric pumps extract milk from one breast at a time, while double electric pumps can extract milk from both breasts simultaneously. Double electric pumps are generally faster and more efficient than single pumps, making them a good choice for mums who need to pump frequently or for twins or multiples. The New Beginnings double electric pump has micro computer technology embedded within the motor to ensure it provides the perfect suction which dramatically reduces breastfeeding time by up to 50%! Check out our breast pump shopping guide for more tips on how to choose the best breast pump. What will happen if I don’t pump my breasts? Long story short, if you don’t use a pump it’s not the end of the world, but you could experience engorgement and mastitis if you produce a lot of milk, and you won’t have the flexibility of sharing the responsibility of feeding bub. Will I lose my supply if I don’t pump? If you're not pumping or breastfeeding regularly, you may experience a decrease in milk supply over time. Milk production is a supply-and-demand process, so if milk is not regularly removed from the breast, the body may produce less milk. What's the longest I can go without breast pumping? This depends on a few factors, such as your individual milk supply, how long it has been since you last pumped or breastfed, and how often you usually pump or breastfeed. In general, it's recommended that you empty your breasts at least 8-12 times in a 24-hour period to maintain your milk supply. However, this can vary from person to person, and some women may be able to go longer between pumping or breastfeeding sessions without experiencing a decrease in milk supply. Do I need to sterilise my breast pump? Yes, yes and yes! It's important to sterilise your breast pump regularly to ensure that it's clean and free from harmful bacteria. This is especially important if you're using a breast pump to collect milk for a newborn or a baby with a weakened immune system. And while there’s so many reasons to invest in one of these nifty breast pumps, remember that you should always consult with your doctor or talk to a lactation nurse if you’re having any issues with your breasts or supply. Ready to take the plunge and buy your breast pump? Shop our full breast pump range. Finding yourself Googling everything from boobs and bums to bubs and bibs? Visit New Beginnings, where you’ll find a range of helpful articles, products and tips for navigating this new chapter of your life - mummahood. Before You Buy Your Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Breast Pump Open vs Closed System Breast Pumps Wearable Wonder: The Next Generation of Milk Collection
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Managing back pain during pregnancy
Back pain is one of those things you can add to your ‘cons’ list during pregnancy. The good news? There are things you can do to help ease back discomfort during pregnancy. We’ve cut it down to 6 best tips to manage back pain during pregnancy.
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Will my vagina go back to normal after childbirth?
Welcome to our latest edition of Boogle Blog where we’re talkin’ vaginas, and how they’re affected after childbirth. There’s no denying it, our lady parts definitely cop a beating when it comes to making little people. They’re poked and prodded, pushed and stretched, and if you’re a first time mum experiencing a vaginal birth, you’ll have a 9 out of 10 chance of vaginal tearing. Yep, your skin rips to make room for your baby’s head! (Ouch, it hurts just writing that). So how does our vjj recover, and will she ever be the same again? To help put your mind (and vagina) at ease, we’ve put a list together of things to expect when you're expecting.Interested in more postpartum information? Explore our Top 10 Tips for Postpartum Recovery. 1. Bleeding after birth After delivering your bub (either vaginally or by C-section), you’ll experience what's called postpartum bleeding, which can last for up to 6 weeks. This is our body's way of shedding the extra tissue and blood from the uterus, bringing it back to pre baby carrying days. Our advice? Stock up on some comfortable disposable pants and maternity pads! You’re welcome. 2. Vaginal tearing There’s no easy way to say it, but if you’re birthing your baby through your lady flower, it isn’t a question of whether it will hurt, but how much. According to a study, more than 53% of births cause tearing around the vaginal opening, so expect to be a little sore for 4-12 weeks. 3. You’ll bruise in places you can’t see After childbirth you may wonder why you’re so sore inside your vagina walls. This is because as your baby passes through, your muscles and skin actually bruise. And while there isn’t really anything you can do to avoid it, it’s good to know that that’s all it is. And it’s totally normal! 4. Things will feel looser If you can push out a baby and your vagina doesn’t change shape, you could be in the Guinness book of World Records because honestly, that just doesn’t happen! Our vaginas stretch and take a little while to return to their new normal shape. So if you’re using a tampon and it doesn’t stay put as easily as it used to, welcome to a new, wider honey-pot. Thank you mother nature! 5. Sex will have to wait Whilst it’s probably not top of mind after pushing out a human recently, but doctors usually advise to wait around 6 weeks after childbirth before having sex, to give the vagina time to heal. So if your partner is pestering you for some sexy time, tell them to read this! 6. The desert vagina Breastfeeding can cause estrogen deficiency, which in turn causes vaginal dryness. And while this will only last as long as you’re nursing, you can introduce a water-based lubricant into your sex life to help, along with topical estrogen cream that you can get from your doctor. 7. New look, who dis? Pregnancy causes estrogen and progesterone to rise, which in turn causes an increased blood flow that can cause the labia to darken and even change shape. Sometimes it retracts, sometimes it appears larger and sometimes it hangs out when it never used to. And while there are some cases where the colour and shape can return to ‘normal’, most women say that their new labia is here to stay. And they’ve learnt to rock it. 8. The Ohhhh in orgasmn might be a little more, ‘uh’. A weakened pelvic floor can unfortunately cause weaker orgasms. But before you go panicking, this is only temporary! As soon as you start working on those kegels, those muscles will regain their strength and you can regain your big O! So while there aren't a huge amount of pluses, just remember that everything is temporary. And when you look at your new bubba, you’ll hopefully see that it’s all worth it in the end. Finding yourself Googling everything from boobs and bums to bubs and bibs? Visit our New Beginnings website, where you’ll find a range of helpful articles, products and tips for navigating this new chapter of your life - mummahood.
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Ways to bring on labour
Welcome to our October edition of Booble Blog. This month we’re exploring all the tips, tricks (and sometimes a little crazy) things women do to bring on labour when they’re overdue. Before we dive in, it’s important to note that most labour-inducing hacks are still only theories, so it’s best to consult your medical practitioner before you start experimenting. And, of course, waiting for your baby to come naturally is always the best option.For more information about labour, explore our Best Laid Labour Plans pregnancy guide. OK, let’s get into everything from chili to Chinese medicine: 1. Walking The theory of upping your steps in the last few weeks of pregnancy is that it can help draw the baby down into your pelvic area, and the pressure of the baby could prime your cervix for labour. Whether it works, we’re not 100% sure, but any exercise right now can only be a good thing, right? 2. Acupuncture For those who have never paid to be poked with needles, Acupuncture is the art of inserting thin needles into specific pressure points on the body. It’s said to relieve pain and discomfort while helping aid relaxation. When it comes to inducing labour, the needles can stimulate uterine activity, giving the body a polite nudge to get things moving. This one seems to have some weight behind it from a few different studies, so if you’re game, give it a stab! (see what we did there?) 3. Sex While sexy-time probably isn’t at the top of your ‘want right now’ list, sperm contains prostaglandins, a hormone that can help thin and dilate the cervix. So, if you can manage it, channel your inner George Michael and sing ‘I want your sex’ to your partner. If labour isn’t the end result, at least you’ve had some intimate time together, something you won’t get a lot of when your little one is here. 4. Evening primrose oil Many midwives suggest evening primrose oil for their pregnant mummas, since this herb can help the cervix thin and dilate. But of course don't use any herbs without getting the green light from your doctor or midwife. A word of warning, women with placenta previa should stay away from this one. 5. Castor oil This one is a little controversial. It’s said that by drinking a little bit, like only 1–2 ounces of castor oil, it can stimulate a prostaglandin release, which can help get labour started. The problem is that caster oil can also wreak havoc on your bowels, causing a bad case of diarrhea. So we’re a bit meh on this one. If you’re keen to try, maybe chat to your doctor first. But from what we've heard, this stuff does not taste pleasant! God’s speed. 6. Nipple stimulation What better way to get your nipples ready for breastfeeding than to squeeze them like a dairy cow? OK, no, that’s not what they say to do. Apparently if you massage and twist your nipples, this causes your body to release the hormone oxytocin, which brings on contractions. But some practitioners don't recommend this one, because it can cause painfully long and strong uterine contractions that could potentially lower fetal heart rate. 7. Spicy food This is an age-old theory that people still try today. The idea is that spicy food, like castor oil, irritates your intestines, which causes your uterus to contract. There isn’t really enough evidence to prove that it does in fact induce labour, but if you generally tolerate spicy food well, go for it. 8. Massage Probably our favourite labour-inducing hack, massage is thought to raise your body's level of oxytocin, that magical hormone that can bring on contractions. Why do we love this one? Because who doesn’t want a massage when your feet hurt, your back throbs and you just deserve one?! If nothing seems to be working and your baby just isn’t keen to leave his or her warm little womb, then it’s probably time to chat to your doctor about next steps and options to move forward. And don’t forget that your baby could still come at any time, so make sure you have that hospital bag packed and ready to go! Finding yourself Googling everything from boobs and bums to bubs and bibs? Visit our New Beginnings website, where you’ll find a range of helpful articles, products and tips for navigating this new chapter of your life - mummahood.
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Exercises you can do during pregnancy
Curious if it’s safe to run, lift, or keep exercising during pregnancy? This guide breaks down what’s safe (and what’s not) by trimester—plus easy workouts, expert tips, and how to stay active safely for you and your baby.
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Booble Blog: When does morning sickness end?
Feeling queasy all day long? You’re not alone. Morning sickness affects up to 80% of pregnant women and can strike at any time—not just in the morning. Discover what causes it, how long it lasts, and natural remedies that can actually help.
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