Maternity Blog & News | New Beginnings
Transition Bra
QUESTION, HOW’S MARY-KATE & ASHLEY? Answer, Mumma code for - have your breasts survived months and months of being at your babies beck and call? Response, only just and quite frankly, we feel like a milking cow (best job ever but exhausting) however, there is light at the end of the tunnel. We have reached that moment of transition. The transition from ‘my whole world is my baby’ to ‘ I live in the world with my baby.’ There is a very subtle change in those two expressions as a new era of freedom starts to slowly creep back into your life. Like any time of change, we of course have questions; How do I wean my baby? Will my baby self-wean? Is this the right time? Is there something that will make this next chapter easier? Well Mumma’s, you’re in-luck because New Beginnings has made this an easier process for you. Following research and consultation with Aussie mums, the Transition Bra was developed specifically for when you are starting to wean your baby. Often the when and how is decided by bubs or lifestyle factors (like heading back to work), so don’t put pressure on yourself to fit into a certain timeframe. Let’s try and make this as simple, supportive and comfortable as possible, for you! The Transition Bra is super soft featuring a cross the chest design and seamless elastic band for support. It’s a nice way to practically and mentally wean yourself into a post-baby bra. The Transition Bra removes all the awkward clasps, hinges and ‘largeness’ of a maternity bra whilst offering breathability from 95% cotton. Wardrobe necessity beige and pink colour options, with a range of sizes easy to read off the New Beginnings website. If you already have their wonderful breast feeding bras than this is a no brainer in getting back into the real world with confidence and support in a product that will help you do so. So welcome to stepping out and getting a bit of yourself back and being able to do so in a bra that embraces and supports you again, in a new way, in a new phase!
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How much to budget for a new baby | New Beginnings
Having a baby for the first time will ultimately be one of the happiest times of your life. Sure, you’re a bit nervous and at times overwhelmed but you get to start your own little family. But before that day comes along you have a nursery to plan, baby names to pick and someone who will depend on you forever. As you grow bigger, attend those antenatal classes and build your nursery, it’s natural to start thinking about how your world will change. Your life as you have known it has been all about you and you may begin to notice the ‘life will never be the same again’ comments cropping up. Then on one quiet evening after a distraction free dinner you look at your partner and your partner looks at you, a light bulb goes off and you both unanimously say ‘BABYMOON’. Now baby-moons may vary from a weekend away to an overseas vacation but before you go all ‘baby brain’ on this hare- brained idea let’s share some stats with you. It is said that a baby can cost a family at least $150 per week amounting to over $15,000 in just a single year. Now let’s think about this 10 nappies a day, $33 per box of 90 nappies = approx. $100 per month alone just in nappies. Let’s not forget about formula if you don’t breast feed ($30 per tin), baby wipes, clothes, towels, dummies, prams, change tables, maternity bras, car seats, swaddles, baby monitors, breast pumps, toys, socks, blankets, bassinets, needles, doctors’ appointments, child care (if you go down that route), bottles, cutlery, gymbaroo and on and on it goes. So after making note of all the additional expenses any new mum will face, it’s probably best to ditch the baby-moon idea and become a baby-prepper: -Stockpile nappies when stores have them on special. -Search prices online for wet wipes, dummies and bottles (remember to check delivery fees). -Attend the Baby Expo’s in your area to find better deals and read the reviews on the best pram or car seat. -Don’t leave buying your maternity items until the last minute. As finding the right bra for example can take time. The New Beginnings maternity range allows mums to purchase from their comfy and affordable bra collection and their returns policy will allow an exchange or refund if the bra doesn’t fit. *Keep an eye out for their 2 for 1 bra deals * Start to also be accepting of any help that’s offered when it comes to big purchases as everyone close to you will be getting baby fever with the arrival of your newborn. And if you decide to have a baby shower use a registry to ensure your nursery is equipped with everything you need. So wave goodbye to the baby-moon and life you once knew because life is really going to be so much better then you ever imagined when this baby arrives. Yes you’re tired, yes you’re overwhelmed but let’s try not to add any additional financial worries to the load. Not to mention the late night runs down to the supermarket because you have run out of nappies.
Learn moreHow to shop for Maternity Leggings | New Beginnings
What is a ladies universal guide to comfort, support, style and practicality? Leggings! What is a pregnant mumma's guide to everyday wear, active wear and general go-to? Leggings! One of the things I was looking forward to most when pregnant (obviously in addition to eating for two), was the excuse to wear ‘active wear’ all day every day! There is nothing better than feeling the comfort and flexibility of a pair of leggings. Little did I know there can be more to this wonder-garment than comfort. Around my second trimester, when things really started to move and grow, I was feeling like I needed more to my clothes and bras than your general fashion statement. That’s right, I entered the ‘mummy clothes’ stage. I needed support, I needed compression, I needed flexibility and I needed it now. The general ‘icky’ feeling of the first trimester had left me and I was starting to become more myself. I was entering the second trimester eye of the storm and was lucky enough to trial the New Beginnings Maternity Leggings range, and they couldn’t have come at a better time! Why, you may ask? General leggings just weren’t cutting it anymore. For those of you who are new to the pregnancy scene, here are some must have’s when looking for your second skin! Support and compression; General leggings are a thing of the past. Something purpose made with a support band and over the belly elasticated feature will be your new go-to. Everyday Wear or Active Wear; we all love multi-tasking so why not find some leggings that can do both!? The New Beginnings Maternity Leggings range, cut and style are designed to suit a trip to the shops or light exercise…without that dreaded rise and fall of the lumbar band. Choice; sometimes you just want LBL (little black leggings) and other times you want a classic pattern splash. Full length and ¾ options complete your new maternity wardrobe. Shape; whilst I could (just) pull my cotton leggings over my growing bump, they no longer provided that snug skin to skin contact of a nylon spandex combination. I wanted something that was breathable and provided shape in all the right places. So mumma's, once you are ready to jump on board the maternity band wagon let me tell you, you won’t want to take these gems off. Also let’s not forget New Beginnings have their great bulk deals…perfect timing leading up to Christmas! Author: Elise Bradfield @elise_bradfield
Learn moreWorld's Best Maternity Bras!
If there is one word that could be used to describe pregnancy and having children it would be growth. Your belly and breasts grow, your family and expenses grow and finally the way you view the world and your responsibilities grow. But with all this change it’s nice to have a few things that bring you comfort and support and I’m not just talking about family and friends. What about having a sturdy, supportive and comfortable maternity bra that grows with you! Early on with your pregnancy you will notice a change in the size and shape of your breasts. They become very tender and soon that underwire of traditional bras becomes uncomfortable and unhealthy during your pregnancy. Now begins the start of a possible long and annoying search to find the right maternity bra. Well let me just say that I have done all the research and testing for you. There is no better maternity bra on the market right now than the New Beginnings range and here is why: - Choice of colours and styles including the active wear and everyday maternity bras. - Ugrow Technology – so you only need to buy one bra that can adapt with you from pregnancy to breastfeeding. - Seamless design for comfort and coverage. - Array of supportive bras for ladies of all breast sizes. - Ease of purchase online with great deals if you buy multiples & the returns and exchange policy. With all your forward planning there will always be a product that you forgot to purchase or something that doesn’t do as advertised. But you will not have to worry about any of this with the New Beginnings bra range, in fact you’ll be recommending it to all your pregnant friends and buying more. I remember sleeping in these bras and not even realising, I went out and never had to worry about an accidental Janet Jackson boob slip. I gave some to my sister when she was pregnant and I have them sitting in my drawer ready to use again with my next pregnancy. Now that is a bra that grows with you! Author: Elise Bradfield @elise_bradfield
Learn moreOH AH MATERINTY BRAS
When I was younger I had absolutely no idea about the ins and outs of pregnancy and having a baby. I remember without a care in the world, walking past the maternity shops snickering at the roundness and beige-ness of it all. Maternity wear signalled maturity wear and the end of style and colour and a land I could not see myself ever visiting. Fast forward about 8 years, 10 kilos heavier, basketball size growth under my top….I had arrived at maternity wear world. Funnily enough everything you loathe about maternity wear when you aren’t pregnant is everything you adore when you are pregnant, especially maternity bras! You crave comfort, ease and plain colours because all your time and energy is now given to this beautiful and very demanding little person! My breasts had grown into large beings all on their own and they were tender to touch. Being an already larger breasted gal I knew that I needed to find the perfect maternity bra for before and after the baby was born. I can say hand on heart right now that the New Beginnings Maternity Bra range were the best I tried and here is why: SUPPORT: As there is no underwire in maternity bras I needed a bra that still provided lift for my breasts (the type I could wear outside the house). EASY TO USE: New Beginnings bras have a very easy to use clip that latches to the top strap of the bra. When your baby is screaming for a feed it’s a no brainer to clip off and on. STYLE: I still managed to feel feminine in these bras even though I was feeling very much like a dairy cow. GREAT PRICE: We all know that having babies is expensive so your bras have to be a price that is reasonable and appropriate. NO HASSLES: New Beginnings has some great online deals happening all the time and they are so easy to deal with when it comes to customer support and returns. A selection of great maternity bras is an investment not only in the practical side of motherhood but an investment in your peace of mind. A comfortable, stylish and reliable maternity bra means you don’t have to worry about anything else but navigating motherhood and bonding with your beautiful new baby. Author: Elise Bradfield @elise_bradfield
Learn moreWhy I Choose Bamboo Dry Wipes...
It seems that everybody is hopping on board the wellness, health, Mother Nature band wagon these days and with good reason. We are much more conscious about our bodies and the effects we are having on the planet and we are now bringing that level of awareness back with a focus on our children’s well-being. There has never been a wider selection of healthy and environmentally sound baby products on the market then there is today. Yes some of these products are more expensive and some may seem a little too left of centre but where you decide to draw a line in the sand is up to you. For me personally I could never use natural cloth nappies, I just know that I would find that to be such a headache but I do know of ladies that swear by it. However I have started being more conscious in other ways like using the New Beginnings Bamboo Dry Wipes. Now you wouldn’t naturally conclude ‘Baby does a poo, hand me the old bamboo’ but bamboo is fast becoming natures wonder plant and here’s why. Bamboo is the fastest growing plant that uses very little space and water to grow and it actually helps repair the environment. It adds 35% more oxygen than regular trees and is truly a super plant being used in many industries. Therefore producing baby wipes using bamboo has so many benefits: Perfect for sensitive skin Helps reduce nappy rash by keeping bubs dry Free of parabens, petrochemicals and sulphates Alcohol-free Fragrance free Bamboo is Biodegradable! Highly absorbent New Beginnings are doing their part and offering mothers what they desire with a product that is easy to obtain (online, Coles & Chemist Warehouse), a great price, good for the environment and most importantly free of all the nasties that you find in a lot of other baby wipe products. Additionally dry wipes have a longer shelf life, so they make the perfect travel essential and can be stored in hot areas like your car ready for use anytime. All it takes is the addition of water to turn them into your regular wet wipes to clean bottoms, hands, faces and I will admit sometimes the perfect cleaning chux. Another mention for me is that I noticed my son was getting nappy rash which is perfectly common as that area is often damp for a period time whilst sleeping. The great thing about the dry wipe is that I would use them afterwards in dry form to soak up any residual moisture and I noticed the nappy rash would clear up a lot easier then adding creams for example. So in using New Beginnings Bamboo Dry wipes I feel like I am doing the best for my son with a quality product and the bonus is that I am also doing my small part in helping the environment. That’s a double win for me! Author: Elise Bradfield @elise_bradfield
Learn moreR U OK?
R U OK is an initiative set up by a man called Gavin Larkin in response to his dad’s suicide as a result of his silent suffering with depression. It is a simple question to ask but it can literally save lives! As we move towards R U OK day on the 14th of September, let’s all take a moment to ask our family and friends how they are doing and open up a line of communication. As new mothers, or experienced mothers let’s take this a step further to extend the enquiry to our fellow mothering tribe members. These friends or acquaintances you may have met in your mothers group, gymbaroo classes, child friendly parks or even your favourite coffee hangouts. Motherhood and parenting is the most important job in the world and I think that is why we can put so much pressure on ourselves. It’s a real adjustment especially for first time mothers and parents with lack of sleep, the constant feeding and crying and the general enormity of the role of caring for a tiny human. Add to the mix mothers who have very little support, colicky babies, multiple babies, partners that work away, trouble with breastfeeding and the list goes on. All of these overwhelming things whilst trying to navigate in a whole new world can really compound those feelings of anxiety and stress. You may think of depression and know of someone suffering or medicated for this disease but we may rarely categorise Post Natal Depression within our fellow mothering group! And the statistics are staggering with an estimated 1 in 7 women affected with PND which can develop anywhere from 1 month to 12 months after giving birth. What you may also be very surprised to hear is that new dads are also subject to developing PND with 1 in 10 suffering also. If you are worried about yourself or someone you know, here are some symptoms of Post Natal Depression: Low mood Feelings of failing as a mother Exhausted, teary and sad nonstop Worried constantly Afraid to be alone or leave the house Feeling panicked or anxious Insomnia Worrying about the baby a lot These types of feelings are bound to come up within your daily interactions and experiences of becoming a new mum and parent but if these feelings are persistent for over 2 weeks then please make an appointment with your doctor. The solutions may be as simple as medication, community support, or offering some counselling. So to all you wonderful mothers and parents out there if you can mark September 14th down in your already busy calendars and ask the question R U OK to your parenting friends, we can have a part to play in helping mums and dads to stop tormenting themselves and start enjoying their role of being a parent!For further maternity support, explore our 11 Favourite Pregnancy Podcasts. If you or anyone you know would like to seek some advice please contact: PANDA - 1300 726 306 Beyondblue - 1300 224 636 Pregnancy, Birth and Baby - 1800 882 436 Author: Elise Bradfield @elise_bradfield
Learn moreYOUR BODY PLUS ONE!
You’re pregnant, how wonderful, in comes the hormones and your ability to grow rounder and eat more than you may have thought possible. Unfortunately out goes your ability to control anything about your body, as you become the sole vessel for this miracle to develop and flourish in. We have heard it all before, about the sore backs, the swollen ankles and the general discomfort of pregnancy. If you have a mother like mine who is very hazy on her own pregnancy experiences, I was told these aches and pains are all part and parcel of the process and you just deal with them. Luckily enough we are not this harden up generation, we are the generation of plan B’s, second opinions and how can we fix it! I personally suffered bad reflux, like….almost dragon breathing fire reflux, lower back pain, bad swollen ankles and morning sickness for the first trimester. Now morning sickness can affect pregnant ladies in different ways, from vomiting and nausea, to the general day in and day out feeling of ‘ugh’. I know of a lady who only survived pregnancy with a new BFF…..a bucket, which she had to carry with her the whole 9 months! The influx of pregnancy hormones and how your body deals with sharing its space will vary greatly from woman to woman. My little sister had really bad sciatic nerve pain, but my older sister saw through three pregnancies without a peep! Another girl I know had to quit her job and go on bed rest because she was bleeding and it was too taxing on her body. Then there is the lack of bladder control, the hair growth, the stretch marks, elephant size ankles, the complete left field changes in the size, shape and feel of your breasts and nipples, the breathlessness, the back pain and the list goes on and on. So once the initial excitement wears off you may start to feel some degree of discomfort as your body adapts. Then once progressing to the later stages, being large and uncomfortable whilst this little miracle grows - I have some tips to help you through these 9 months. BACK PAIN - I found the New Beginnings Support Belt and Tube a huge relief and in fact I bought it for my friends and sister when they were pregnant. NAUSEA* - Try to drink plenty of water and sleep it off when you can. I took ginger tablets and tea which helped settle my stomach. REFLUX* - Watching the acidic foods that you are consuming and taking some pregnancy approved tablets or sprays. I always had the chewable Mylanta tablets in my handbag ready to go! STRETCH MARKS - I started using Bio Oil early on and continued right through with this. Although I think stretch marks are unavoidable if you are predisposition to them, either way it made me feel like I was helping. BREAST CHANGES - Your breasts can be so tender, your nipples grow and become very sensitive, so an investment in a great maternity bra ie a New Beginnings maternity bra, is an absolute must. I found the soft fabric and UGrow™ technology a perfect mix to support my growing breasts but gentle enough to not irritate my nipples. So hang in there, take care of yourself and utilise good, safe products. Growing a tiny human can take a big toll on you physically and mentally so rest when you get the chance and try to enjoy the changes and the awesome feat that your body is performing for you. And remember that there are perks too…bigger boobs, eating all you want, a luscious mane of hair, a Jennifer lopez booty, plenty of sympathy from work and friends when you are feeling unwell and get to spend all day at home in bed and of course the beautiful, healthy baby to hold at the end! Author: Elise Bradfield @elise_bradfield *Please consult your health professional before consuming any supplements or medical products whilst pregnant.
Learn moreHow do gender reveals work? | New Beginnings
To know or not to know, that is the question! So what type of couple will you be; will you utilise the modern comforts of technology to find out if you are having a boy or a girl? Will you be the couple that opts for that lovely surprise come labour day? Or are you a new generation of couples that throw a gender reveal party instead? I think if you were to look at your group of friends and peers, there would be a nice mix of couples who need to know (like myself) or like being a bit old school and waiting until the baby is born, or some couples deciding to ditch a traditional baby shower and have a gender reveal party instead! If you are interested in throwing tradition to the wind then here are my top 5 gender reveal party ideas! ADAM OR EVE? -A cake cutting baby shower that centres on a cake being dyed inside either blue or pink! -A piñata party where your guests can all relieve some tension to reveal your babies gender upon cracking the shell with blue or pink coloured lollies, or coloured card! -Helium balloons that have been filled with pink or blue confetti which the couples pop revealing the gender to their guests. -White sugar tablets for all your guests to pop into their drinks that uncover either blue or pink dye when dissolved. -Paint throwing where couples throw small balloons filled with coloured water or paint at a white wall or canvas to show the colour and reveal the gender. Whether you do decide to find out or not, needs to feel right for both you and your partner. I have heard of one partner wishing to know and the other not so the sonographer writes the gender down in an envelope for the couple to take home. It’s then a matter of self-control as to who can resist that tempting piece of information glaring at you from across the living room. I will leave you with how we found out about my first born babies gender. We had our first scan at the usual 19 week mark to excitedly discover that we were having a little baby girl. But my partner and I were not entirely convinced by the sonographer’s findings because our baby had its legs crossed and would not budge from this position. You could image our surprise at 27 weeks when we booked for another scan, to be told beyond a shadow of a doubt that our little girl was actually a little boy. Now that is what I call a gender surprise!Looking for more information about how to prepare for your bub? Read our How Much to Budget for a New Baby guide. Author: Elise Bradfield @elise_bradfield
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