Maternity Blog & News | New Beginnings
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.
Learn moreBooble Blog: Is it normal to have such vivid dreams while pregnant?
In this edition of Boogle Blog, we discuss the subject of dreams and why, when we’re pregnant, our mind wanders into some crazy places. If you’re pregnant and have woken up in a sweat wondering why you were pashing your year 10 high school teacher in your sleep or fighting off a one-legged dragon to save your baby, you’re not alone. Wild and sometimes worrying dreams are completely normal and extremely common among expecting mums. So what causes us to dream big while our bellies are growing? Hormones or irregular sleep? There are many theories as to why we dream so vividly when pregnant. Some point the finger at hormones, others say that the change in our sleep patterns are to blame. Both play a starring role in our books, and when you break it down it’s easy to see why. Hormones As we know, hormones cause a roller-coaster ride of emotions during the day, but some researchers also theorise that the increase in vivid, detailed dreams may be linked to higher levels of progesterone that arise later in the pregnancy. A 2015 study found that sleep tends to increase during the first trimester, but decreases as the pregnancy progresses. Right before giving birth, our body also produces a lot more oxytocin, which can make insomnia worse. Just what we need before having a newborn, right!? Fragmented sleep As you’d know if you’re in the later stage of your second trimester or now into your third, sleep is starting to become fragmented, with your baby getting bigger, your back getting sorer and your bladder in overdrive. It’s this constant waking that causes us to not quite slip into a deep sleep, and stay in what they call REM sleep (rapid eye movement), which means you’re not only more likely to dream, but way more likely to wake up during or right after a dream, meaning you’ll have a better chance of remembering it, in every vivid detail. Should we worry? The short answer is, no. Dreams are our subconscious mind exploring every scenario possible, to see if we’re equipped for procreation or a zombie apocalypse. Neither of which anyone can truly prepare for. And while dreaming is something we can’t control, there are a few things you can do to try and limit the night terrors, and move those dreams into something a little more PG. Set the mood. Creating a bit of a ritual for yourself each night is a great way to tell your mind and body that it’s time to wind down and chillax. Try lighting a scented candle, running yourself a bath and playing some chill-out tunes. Stick to a routine. Going to bed and getting up at the same time each day can improve your sleep health. Easier said than done some times, we know. Switch off. We know it’s hard, but try limiting your device usage in bed. Wordle can wait till the morning! Keep active. Regular physical activity during pregnancy can help you fall asleep more easily, and has been known to help with restless legs. Prevent heartburn. To avoid heartburn, try eating small, frequent meals and avoid eating three hours before bedtime, if you can. Sleeping on your left side with your head elevated can also help ease heartburn symptoms. If you continue to have trouble sleeping during pregnancy, or your dreams are starting to make you feel anxious, have a chat with your OB or health care provider, and see what they would recommend to put your mind at ease. 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.
Learn moreBooble Blog: How to relieve pelvic pain during pregnancy?
Pregnancy pelvic pain is real—and seriously uncomfortable. From what causes it to where it hurts and how to ease the ache, this guide covers everything you need to know (including must-have products for relief).
Learn moreBooble Search - Will my areolas go back to normal size?
Worried about areola size after pregnancy? Learn about common changes, breastfeeding effects, and how to maintain healthy breast skin.
Learn moreUltimate Baby Essentials Checklist | New Beginnings
We’ve collated all the most important newborn baby essentials so that as new parents you’ll be prepared when your bundle of joy arrives. Read our article now!
Learn moreBreastfeeding 101: What is Newborn Cluster Feeding?
Is your newborn constantly feeding? Learn about cluster feeding, when it happens, its duration, & tips for managing it. Click to read more of New Beginnings' expert guidance!
Learn moreBaby Fruit Size By Week: How big is my baby?
Curious about your baby’s size week by week? Explore our fun and informative guide comparing your baby’s growth to fruits and veggies from 1 to 40 weeks. Download your own baby size chart today!
Learn moreAfterbirth 101 : 8 things they don’t tell you!
First there's pregnancy, then birth, but no one tells you about the post partum fun... Join us as we take a dive into 8 things they don't tell you about after birth. How your body changes, the challenges of your new body and figuring our what's the new normal!
Learn moreWomen's Health Week: Tips to looking after yourself during pregnancy & beyond
This week is Women’s Health Week (WHW). From 6th September to 10th September, WHW aims to bring attention to, and support women’s overall health and general well being. Providing resources and information for those who may be struggling as well as offering a reminder that looking after your health is important. We know that looking after yourself can be difficult at times, with so much going on in our lives. Especially for expecting and new mothers, taking care of you first isn’t always a priority. So we wanted to take this week to remind you that your personal wellbeing is important, and your health both mentally and physically should not be left behind. So what are some ways that you can look after yourself while pregnant or transitioning into motherhood? Pregnancy: Exercise: Not only is exercise beneficial for you physically, but mentally and for your bub’s development. Now we’re not telling you to hit the gym everyday, but incorporating 30-60minutes of light exercise into your daily routine will significantly improve your overall wellbeing. For more information, check out the article here or chat to your doctor about what is best for your situation. Managing Stress: If you’re a first time mum, we understand how stressful the whole pregnancy journey can be. Millions of things running through your brain to learn, remember, buy, plan, the list goes on! But finding a pocket of peace in your daily routine will help you manage this stressful time. Communicating your concerns with those around you, exercising, maintaining your hobbies or even just reading a book are all great ways to manage your stress and take time for you. Rest: Remember to not be so hard on yourself, you’re creating a whole new life and that takes up a lot of energy. Take enough breaks for yourself, even if it's an added 30 minutes to your daily schedule. Getting enough sleep will also help you feel more rested, writing down any tasks or worries before you get to bed will help take the load off your mind so you can focus on a better sleep. Welcome to Motherhood: Motherhood is a whole new ball game. We know how hard it can be to get caught up in the new life, routine and stress but we wanted to remind you that while you’re mum, you’re still YOU. Looking after your own well being as a mum is just as important and looking after your family. So what can you do? Ask for help: You do not have to do it all! They say it takes a village to raise a baby for a reason, motherhood is hard. If you’re struggling with the load, reach out and ask for help. Friends, family and even local community groups are all great resources to get the assistance you need. Whether it be asking a friend to do your grocery shopping, asking a neighbour to put your bins out or a family member to come help watch bub while you sleep, it all adds up! Taking the little things off your plate can make it feel so much lighter, so don’t bear all the weight. Schedule in YOU: Don’t lose your individuality throughout motherhood. Staying in touch with friends, participating in your hobbies and interests, and even having a night off are all great ways to keep balance in your life. Even if it’s once a month, schedule a day in the calendar for something you love to do. Setting these in your calendar not only give you something to look forward to, but create boundaries for yourself and your family. Live in the present: “When she’s older I'll be able to do it again”. “Before I had him, it was easier to do”. If you find yourself wishing for another time, you may find yourself missing the best parts! They grow up so quickly and we often don’t notice until it’s too late. Making sure you’re living in the now and taking in all new experiences and interactions are what make a bond between mum and bub. Not only that, but it helps support your confidence in your own parenting as well as who you are individually. Acknowledging not every parent is perfect and accepting that the challenges along the way are just speed bumps, not stop signs. Take in the messy moments, and you can appreciate the beautiful ones. We know how hard parenting can be and how hard it can be to look after your family and yourself. Throughout your journey of pregnancy to motherhood there are so many challenges and changes that will be thrown at you, but understanding how to manage them will get you through. Remembering that you’re still a human with a unique self worth is the key to finding a balance between mum and me.
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