Maternity Blog & News | New Beginnings
TMI Antenatal Classes!
New Job Application Giving birth to a baby and becoming a parent is like jumping into a new job and very quickly learning how to sink or swim. If you were to apply for a new job you may wish to do some preparation work before the big day and this is how I approached going to antenatal classes. You want to have a look into the company and what the job description is (like learning more about what happens to your body during childbirth and getting some more pointers for breastfeeding etc). You might have a look at the company staff and the building they are located in (like knowing how the maternity staff will help you, options for birthing rooms ie water births & the other facilities at the hospital you will be attending). Then ending your prospective job preparation with weighing up the pros and cons of this new position (like looking at your birth plan, knowing about pain options and what you may find difficult or easy as you become a new mum). Curriculum or KPIs Antenatal classes are kind of like your induction for the role that you are about to perform-child birth and becoming a parent. These information packed classes give you a blow by blow about what happens at every step in the later stages of pregnancy and the ins and outs (pun intended) of the labour process. For some people it’s all a bit too much and for others it’s a great way to learn about it all. Most of us sit somewhere in the middle, like myself with my ignorance in thinking that I have a few nieces, I’ve heard some stories, skimmed through a book and somehow I know the basics! Then you arrive, are handed a class schedule and you read some very foreign words like meconium, mucus plugs, stretch and sweeps and you start thinking…I’m not sure this was the job I applied for! Other Colleagues I found it nice to surround myself with other mums, to be and to watch weekly as they steadily expanded and swelled into an uncomfortable blob much like myself. I enjoyed hearing about why the changes were happening to my body and I found the whole labour explanation quite fascinating (although very graphic! ). My partner and I were able to ask and answer questions amongst a supportive group of peers and open up about what our expectations were pre and post birth. It was nice to hear that similar fears where shared throughout the group and then talk these through in bite size pieces. It was also great to learn some more practical skills like swaddling and changing a nappy. Signing the Contract I would highly recommend going to some sort of antenatal class if you are first time parents. Take the time to invest in learning more about what will happen, ask all the crazy questions that come to mind, why it happens and management plans. It’s also a chance to really touch base with your partner, build a stronger connection as a team and to be around individuals who are dealing with the same issues, in a safe environment. Having a baby and being a parent are both hands on roles and you do learn as you go but if someone was to give you a little bit of advice before you went to that job interview and it made the world or difference, wouldn’t you like to hear it? Author: Elise Bradfield @elise_bradfield
Learn moreLabour & Pregnancy: Best Laid Labour Plans | New Beginnings
As the final stages of pregnancy creep up on you, much like those swollen ankles, you know it’s time to start thinking about the arrival of this baby. I’ll never forget sitting in my antenatal class and having our teacher passionately describe how women have been birthing babies for thousands of years. How it’s such a natural process for the female body to contort and stretch for this very purpose. When I look back at my labour I would agree that it is a miraculous event and my body adapted very well but it didn’t go exactly to plan and holy moly was it painful! It’s all written in the word isn’t it? Labour.....meaning exertion, struggle, hard work and it is! Have a chat with your partner, OB or midwife about what is really involved during birth and have a loose birth plan – think about; - What type of birth do you want- water birth, natural, laying down, or resting on a fit ball? -What tools will aid you ie music, oils, breathing techniques, tens machine? - What type of support will you require from your partner ie pep talks, holding your hand, strong & silent, giving you a blow by blow as it happens, no touching at all? -What pain relief is available and are there any side effects for the baby? -What will happen if I need a cesarean and what does that recovery post baby look like? Here’s hoping everything runs smoothly but in the case your baby needs some extra support post birth, it’s important to know what you and your partner want to do. We decided should bub need to leave my side for any reason, my partner would follow at all times, I felt more comfortable knowing this. This will be an experience where you won’t know what to expect but you can be informed and have asked questions beforehand to help feel comfortable. Your midwife or OB will generally ask what your birth plan looks like so they can cater to you but please remember to be flexible. I had every intention of having a natural water birth and in the end I found the bath offered no relief and that gas was not sufficient enough to relieve the pain. I found the tens machine worked really well in redirecting my brains pain receptors but I did end up having an epidural that did not relieve me completely of pain (no one had told me that epidurals don’t always work) but definitely took the edge off. I knew myself enough to know when I needed extra assistance in the form of pain relief and I was able to continue with my intended plan and give birth to a beautiful baby. Let’s face it, giving birth is a heroic feat and it will test you and your partner’s determination and strength but what an amazing sight it is to see this beautiful baby at the end of all your hard work. Remember to be informed and aware and follow your plan but be flexible about adjusting it to suit the needs of you and your bub. Enjoy it, as much as it is the hard part, be in the moment and communicate with your partner and support team. You are not in this alone, there is a tiny being ready to be glued to your side for the rest of your life. Good Luck x Author: Elise Bradfield @elise_bradfield Image: @leahandeva!
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Top 5 Hospital Must Haves
It took me a while to pack my hospital bag in preparation for my babies arrival, much to the annoyance of my partner. I am normally quite organised but the reality of a life with a baby didn’t really sink in until the last few weeks or my pregnancy. I found my antenatal classes helpful for the basics reminders like pyjamas that button up the front, socks (because its cold in birthing suites) but I was not very prepared for what I REALLY needed or what this hospital stay would entail. Here are my top 5 must haves for first time or returning mammas- both practical and personal. Maternity Pads If you have a natural birth and believe that some large pads from the supermarket will suffice after labour…..you would be mistaken. I was so shocked at how much you bleed after giving birth and in the many weeks to follow. So please invest in a stash of maternity pads as there is nothing worse than running out. New Beginnings has some great maternity pads which I found to be the perfect size and shape. Maternity Bra’s Please remember to have purchased your maternity bra’s (you will need more than one) and to bring them to hospital. You will need these as soon as your baby arrives and they will become your new best friend- providing support and a modest covering in your maternity room with its ever revolving door of visitors and nurses. Toiletries/Makeup Don’t forget to bring creature comforts from home that make you feel fresh and clean ie deodorant, face wipes, moisturiser, body wash, soap etc. It was one of the best parts of my day when I could leave my partner with the baby and have a peaceful shower and wash my hair. It’s a lovely time when you can let sink in the great miracle that you have just created. And after your shower when reality sets in and you’re looking in the mirror thinking ‘wow I look tired’ the best go to miracle – a touch of mascara. Personal Items I found a few other items useful like thongs for the hospital shower, multiple changes of clothes, muslin wraps for the baby, a supply of dummies if you choose to use them, nappies, as the hospital I went too didn’t provide these, water bottle to refill etc. Snacks Finally I need to make mention to pack yourself some snacks from home. A lot of fuel is needed for your body to produce breast milk and adapt to the needs of your baby. It’s also very important for the production side of breast feeding to drink loads of water. I had a supply of muesli bars, crackers, nuts and fruit and my partner did the mandatory post baby sushi run for me! I loved this period of eating all I could and not having to worry about counting the calories, so enjoy ladies! Author: Elise Bradfield @elise_bradfield
Learn moreAre maternity bras necessary? | New Beginnings
Life is such a freeing experience until a young girl hits puberty and is confronted with her first bra. Some girls cannot wait to join the club of young women and wear those new supports with such pride; I was not one of those girls. Being somewhat of a tomboy I found it very confronting to make that leap into womanhood, all because my body clock said so. But as time passed I embraced my new found feminine side, I became friends with my breasts and then realised how fun bras can be with expressing who you are and becoming a confident woman. As soon as you fall pregnant you are once again confronted by a change in your breasts as they start to transform and prepare themselves for being your baby’s lifeline. Some women love the way their breasts enlarge and find themselves quickly queuing up at the shops with arms full of larger bras. The sudden influx in cup size can become every girls dream but as quickly as that joy comes, so too does the discomfort. As your pregnancy continues, the annoying underwire in traditional bras can be very constricting and is not recommended for the later stages of pregnancy as it constricts your milk ducts. So then it’s back to the shops again or we scan online for maternity bras; perhaps the first practical purchase for mums to be. To understand more about your breasts during this phase of life, have a read of our blog: will my areolas go back to normal size? Looks V’s Personality We then have challenges of weighing up practicality over aesthetics. I found the experience to be easy and quick as there is a large array of equally pretty and purposeful maternity bras. Being a woman with larger breasts there were definitely a few keys things on my list when it came to purchasing: Support Appearance Comfort Colour Practicality Cost I remember sitting with my partner and trying on about 5 different types and styles of maternity bras and some were hideous enough that I made my partner turn the other way. Some offered no support for my larger cup size, some made my breasts bulge out in all the wrong places. Some were more like sports bras with a few layers of material sown together, some pushed me out in all the wrong ways with uncomfortable designs and some had very silly designs and colours. It’s important to find a company or a brand that is making maternity bras who know women. Brands that have done their research including talking to real women about how they feel when they are in the bra itself. A great maternity bra can be such a boost, not just in breast support but in the confidence felt whilst the wearing it. I settled on 2x sport style bras whilst being pregnant which offered the most support for me as I continued to work and exercise. I then purchased 2x bras styles (one black and tan) and 2x sports bra style maternity bras to wear after the baby was born. I found in finding the right style and fit made me more inclined to stay with a brand and a style that suited me. I still know of women that continue to wear their maternity bras (like a good pair of maternity jeans) long after they have stopped breastfeeding because they are so comfortable and convenient. It is so important to invest in the breast and feel confident and supported as new mums enter into a world of breastfeeding with their maternity bras. Author: Elise Bradfield @elise_bradfield
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To Breastfeed Or Not To Breastfeed
I never really considered myself to be much of a feminist until I started breastfeeding. Then it became apparent that there are a lot of people who dislike public breastfeeding and are quite vocal about it. The simple act of breastfeeding your child outside has become a real opinion poll and you’d be surprised at the looks or rather the glares you get of distaste and disdain when you try to do what seems very natural, to breastfeed your child. You realise soon enough after giving birth that the ownership of your breasts rest solely with your newborn. You have no idea when that permit will expire and much to the frustration of your partner, you both agreed to sign those rights over 9 months ago. Now I’m all for privacy and being subtle when it comes to sharing flesh in public but honestly when a baby needs to feed, should I feel persecuted for it? Motherhood is already a very isolating experience and now it seems as though we have the unimpressed eyes of those who want us to be shunned to a corner, our car’s or back to our houses. I’ve Been There: I remember having lunch at a nice café in quite an affluent area and my newborn on arrival decided that he wanted to make himself heard and cry without pause for the entire get together. He didn’t want to be passed around, he didn’t want to sit quietly and play with his toys and he certainly didn’t intend for me to enjoy my lunch with friends. There was an older couple, retirement age sitting next to us and I could feel the looks of annoyance burning a hole in the back of my skull. They made subtle glances at me and I could hear hushed comments being made, all while I tried to remain calm. I could have easy whipped out the milk soothers then and there but I felt so self-conscious and flustered from it all that I ended up walking out and feeding my son in the car down the road. Share The Love: As far as I’m concerned, breastfeeding is like all those other human reflexes-blowing your nose, or burping or farting…it needs to be done and there are subtle ways to go about it! I don’t advocate a field of breasts out in the sunshine when I head to a café for my Sunday coffee but I do understand the importance of a new mum getting out and about. There is no need to stand up and declare that you are about to unhinge your maternity bra and feed your ravenous child, just a subtle sling of the shawl over your shoulder and continue like it’s nothing at all. What about giving those mothers a smile, a virtual pat on the back for leaving the house today? How about a high five for being outside and risking a toddler tantrum, or a newborn blowout, or a poo explosion in a public place? What about a ‘good on you’ for doing the toughest of jobs with very little recognition whilst trying to find some normalcy in this new world? Mums need support and I support mums who support their kids with breastfeeding so look away haters and free the nipple I say. Author: Elise Bradfield @elise_bradfield
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Nutrition & Diet during Pregnancy | New Beginnings
While good nutrition is important at any time, during pregnancy it becomes particularly so. While you require extra nutrients for yourself and your growing baby during this time, you don’t actually need to eat a great deal more in the way of kilojoules. The important thing during pregnancy is to eat food that is very nutrient-dense. What is nutrient-dense food? Nutrient-dense food contains a high proportion of nutrients in relation to its energy (kilojoule) count. You could say that nutrient-dense food is the opposite of empty-calorie food, such as confectionary and some other snack-type foods. What are the general daily guidelines for eating? Eat most of – nutrient-dense foods such as wholegrain breads and cereals, vegetables, legumes and fruits. Eat moderately – calcium foods such as dairy or substitutes, and protein foods such as cooked meat, poultry, fish (low mercury), or eggs. Nuts and seeds are also good, and seaweed products for iodine. Smallest amounts of – foods high in sugar, fat and salt. Don’t forget to keep well hydrated at all times as well. What extra nutrients are required in pregnancy? A folate (folic acid) dietary intake of 600mcg per day is especially important to prevent certain birth defects. The best sources are fortified breads and cereals, green vegetables, legumes, oranges, vegemite, strawberries, salmon and nuts. Authorities also recommend a supplement during pregnancy of 400mcg per day for the first month before pregnancy and throughout the first trimester. Iron needs increase in pregnancy to 27mg per day. Best sources are lean meats and fish, fortified cereals and breads, eggs, legumes and green vegetables. Animal sources such as meat and eggs are absorbed more efficiently than vegetable ones. Vitamin C helps with the absorption of iron, so a glass of orange juice with your morning eggs can be a good combination. Iodine becomes particularly important in pregnancy. Iodine is found in seafood, seaweed products, meat, eggs, dairy and iodised table salt. Do I need supplements? It’s important to speak to your doctor about your nutrition during pregnancy, including what supplements you should take. Is there anything to avoid? Definitely, especially since immunity is usually lower during pregnancy. Raw eggs, raw legumes or alfalfa sprouts, undercooked meats – these present a salmonella and toxoplasmosis risk. Soft cheeses, soft-serve ice cream, pate, raw fish, and cold deli meats – these present a risk of listeria. Excess seafood – high mercury risk. Salmon or tuna two to three times per week is fine, but caution should be used with billfish, deep-sea perch and catfish. Excess caffeine – this may reduce iron absorption. Too much vitamin A – which is toxic at high doses. Alcohol – ideally this should be avoided altogether. In addition, it’s important to be particularly scrupulous about hygiene during this time. This includes washing hands, always washing fruits and vegetables, cooking foods thoroughly, and minimising contacts with household cats as they carry the parasite toxoplasmosis – harmful for your developing baby. You may also find your tastes changing during pregnancy, which is quite common. There is no need for alarm, but if you do feel that this might be compromising your nutrition, consult your health care practitioner and/or a professional dietician. Benefits of Relaxation for Pregnant Mums We all know how good it feels to relax, and this can be especially important during pregnancy. Pregnancy can be a time fraught with anxious thoughts and stress for some women, particularly first-time mums. In this post we look at the importance of relaxation during pregnancy, and provide some tips on how to go about it. Pregnancy stress During pregnancy you may find yourself having anxious thoughts about the future. You may be wondering whether you will make a good parent, how you will cope with the labour and with a new baby, and whether you can manage on a reduced income. While these can be very real issues, worrying about them doesn’t change them and nor does it do anything for your happiness. So you may as well relax a little. In addition, it’s hard to solve problems when you are wound up, and relaxation techniques and methods can very often lead to an increase in creative thinking and problem solving. Benefits of relaxation Relaxation has benefits for both mother and baby. Relaxation is good for reducing your blood pressure, enhancing your wellbeing and enjoyment of life, reducing pain and worry, and improving overall health. As for the baby, they are more likely to be relaxed if mum is! Some relaxation methods and tools Meditation helps reduce mood swings, improve sleep, reduce anxiety, and even improve digestion and boost immunity. Types include passive practices such as mindfulness and mantra meditation, or active / dynamic practices like QiGong or Tai Chi. Consider joining a local class or making use of some of the free or low-cost online programs. Regular exercise. Exercise is known to improve wellbeing and reduce stress. Safe options during pregnancy include Hatha yoga, walking, swimming and other water exercises, bike riding, and Pilates. EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) Tapping. This is a practical tool which involves thinking or talking about troubling issues while tapping on certain points on your body. Many people find EFT a wonderful method for reducing stress and anxiety and also for altering their perception of problems and issues. Plenty of rest! At this time, you really need to listen to your body and rest when you need to. And don’t fall into the guilt trap – if people around you want you to put your feet up and wait on you sometimes, lap it up and enjoy! Lots of laughter. Laughter helps reduce stress so make time to watch your favourite comedies and to hang out with happy people at least some of the time! A ‘babymoon’. Go on a pre-birth babymoon with your partner or a friend, or even on your own if you are so inclined. Other ideas for relaxation include massage, aromatherapy, and beauty treatments for a self-esteem boost. Get some more pregnancy relaxation techniques from some of our top rated pregnancy podcasts. Good nutrition can also help you to cope with the stresses in your life – so as well as employing some of the above techniques, make the effort eat really well and to always keep yourself well hydrated.For more information about women's health, explore our Women's Health Week blog.
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Are essential oils safe to use during pregnancy? | New Beginnings
Essential oils can provide a great pick-me-up during pregnancy, you do need to be careful about the oils you choose, and their application. Here are some tips to safely enjoy aromatherapy throughout your pregnancy. The benefits of essential oils Aromatherapy been used for thousands of years. For many expectant mothers, it’s a natural and effective way to enhance mood, encourage relaxation, or even increase energy and vitality. It can also help you to better deal with the effects of pregnancy discomforts like nausea, or aching feet. The thing to keep in mind is that these powerful plant extracts can have a considerable impact on the body. There are hundreds of different oils to choose from, each with their own benefits and potency, and there are some that are better to use during pregnancy than others, so it’s important to select your oil carefully and clear it with your practitioner. Used correctly, the right oil can assist in providing relief for many of those pregnancy aches and pains. And the best part? It’s all natural! How to use oils during pregnancy If you’re just thinking of adding a couple of drops of oil to the bath, a foot soak, or a , this use of essential oils is considered to be very safe, plus it’s a terrific way to unwind and relax. The US National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) states that inhalation presents a very low risk since the concentration of oil is minimal. However, when it comes to applying essential oils directly to your skin, the jury’s still out. With no conclusive research, experts remain unclear on the effect of some oils during pregnancy. The main concern is whether oil constituents might cross over into the placenta, particularly during that all-important first trimester, and what effect that might have on the developing baby. So talk to your doctor or midwife before using any type of essential oil directly on your skin, and if you get the go-ahead, always start with just a drop at a time in a base oil. Oils that are generally safe to use According to the NAHA, the following essential oils are considered to be safe for use during pregnancy: Cardamon German and Roman chamomile Frankincense Geranium Ginger Neroli Patchouli Petitgrain Rosewood Rose Sandalwood Oils to avoid The NAHA recommends avoiding the following oils throughout pregnancy, labour and while seed or leaf Pennyroyal Sage Tansy Tarragon Thuja Wintergreen Wormwood Experts also recommend avoiding nutmeg, rosemary, jasmine and clary sage, juniper berry, laurel, angelica, thyme, cumin, aniseed, citronella and cinnamon leaf. A word of caution Make sure you consult your doctor or midwife before trying essential oils. Aromatherapy can be a wonderful way to relieve some of the discomforts of pregnancy, however it is suggested that those with the following conditions steer clear of essential oils bleeding or any complications during pregnancy History of miscarriage Heart problems Diabetes Epilepsy Blood clotting problems Top tips for using essential oils If you’d like to give aromatherapy during your pregnancy, here are a few tips: Wait until the second trimester. Use only oils. Dilute your oils. If applying to your skin or using in the bath, just use one drop at a time and mix it with a base oil such as grapeseed or sweet almond oil. Try not to leave a on for too long. 10-15 minutes will give you all the benefits, without becoming overpowering. Choose your essential oils with care and avoid using anything you haven’t tried before. Don’t use oils internally, and be sure to keep them away from your eyes. Use oils conservatively. It’s best to keep them as a special treat to use now and then as opposed to a daily indulgence. For more information, visit our Maternity Blog Essential Oil Guide. Take care of yourself through every stage of your pregnancy with our full range of maternity items. You can also shop by trimester and find the perfect maternity bra and support products. For tips and information on a range of pregnancy issues, have a browse through our library of blog articles. Sources:bellybelly.com.au - Essential Oils In Pregnancy – Which Essential Oils Are Safe To Use?Babycentre - Is it safe to use essential oils while I'm pregnant?National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy - Exploring Aromatherapy - Safety Information
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