Maternity Blog & News | New Beginnings
Booble Search - Will my areolas go back to normal size?
Welcome to our very first Boogle Blog. A series of posts that tackle the weird and wonderful topics that parent’s search on Google. Each month we’ll cover a new topic, and look at ways we can help you along your journey. Today’s search topic is: Will my areolas go back to normal size? From boobs, to baby feeders. What happens to our breasts during pregnancy? When it comes to pregnancy, it isn’t just our bellies that grow and change. Along with our appetite, and some questionable hair growth, our breasts take on a whole new look and role. But why do our breasts change so much? And will they ever ‘bounce back’? Hello hormones. As women, our bodies are pretty remarkable. And while most months we may whine about our hormones, during pregnancy they play a major role in making sure that everything runs smoothly. Estrogen and progesterone are the main culprits for many of the changes our breasts experience. Estrogen stimulates breast duct cells that generate prolactin (another nifty hormone) that stimulates breast enlargement and milk production. While progesterone supports the formation and growth of milk-producing cells within the glands of the breasts. All of these hormones are to thank (or blame) for our new sized breasts and areolas! Size, colour and shape. Before pregnancy you may have been one of those people with petite areolas that weren’t that noticeable and minded their own business. If so, this might be a big change for you. If you’ve always had large ones, you might not see a lot of difference. The size of the areola during pregnancy can typically range from 1 to 2 inches in diameter. And in some cases, they can claim their own postcode! But don’t worry, this is totally normal. The shape of the areola can also be round or oval and come in a range of different shades of red, pink or brown. What’s important to remember is that everyone is different and every areola, big or small, red or brown is perfect for the job of feeding your baby. Breastfeeding. The good, the bad, the areola. Breastfeeding is when your areolas play a starring role. Their job is to attract your baby’s eyes so they know where to latch and feed. They can also be the main target for abrasion or other tissue irritation if your baby isn’t latching correctly. The trick is to try and get your nipple and about an inch of the surrounding areola in your baby’s mouth, that way they aren’t just sucking on your nipple, causing your skin to crack and bleed. For Breastfeeding support, we recommend trying our Nipple Shields. These are the perfect solution for sore nipples. And while it’s pretty normal to experience some pain and discomfort when you’re just starting out, if it continues, you may want to consult with a lactation nurse to help coach you through it. To help in those early days (and beyond), we recommend using Aqua Gel Breast Pads. These breast-saving cooling pads provide instant relief from any tenderness, and gently protects your nipples so you can get back to breastfeeding sooner. You should also add Breast Care Hot+Cold Packs to your shopping list. These provide both heat and cooling therapy to your breasts during breastfeeding and encourage expressing, healthy let down as well as preventing engorgement and mastitis. And the best bit? They change colour when it’s time to reheat them or pop them back in the freezer! Genius! If after all of that cooling and comfort, you’re still experiencing pain, we recommend consulting your doctor or dermatologist. Will your breasts ever be the same? This is one of those questions that most mums ask. And while we’d love to say yes, you need to remember that you’ve just had a baby and your new body has new breasts. And they are still spectacular, just different. The good news is that once breastfeeding has ended, the Montgomery glands usually shrink back down, and the texture of the areola returns to its pre-pregnancy state. One thing we do recommend is getting yourself a supportive bra to help prevent sagging. Our Everyday Maternity Bra gently moulds to your body, providing ultimate support with UGrow™ technology. This means that your bra will grow and change as you do, leaving you with the perfect fit, always. So while we can’t promise that all breasts will have a comeback, knowing why they change in appearance can make us love them even more.Looking for more information about breastfeeding and the other changes in your body? Read our comprehensive guide to avoiding Mastitis post-birth. If you’re 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 moreUltimate Baby Essentials Checklist | New Beginnings
Newborn Baby Essentials Checklist With a new baby on the way, trying to anticipate everything you’ll need for the first few months of their life can be overwhelming. There’s a lot to stock up on when it comes to baby essentials – the first 3 months especially – but don’t worry, we’ve got you sorted! Here’s our list of all the most important new baby essentials for the first 3 to 6 months – now get started on ticking off your newborn baby checklist, stat! Feeding Whether you choose breast or bottle, there are a few feeding new baby essentials you’re going to want to stock up on before your newest family member arrives. Add any that apply to your newborn baby checklist and leave the rest. To add support to your breastfeeding journey, try our Nipple Shields. Nursing pads These circles of absorbent material are placed between your breast and your bra to soak up any milk leaks, which new mums often experience (whether you’re breastfeeding or pumping. Choose from washable nursing pads and regular or ultra-thin disposable pads (or add both to your baby essentials list and have both on hand until you decide what works best for you). Breast pump If you plan to breastfeed or need to pump, a breast pump is an absolute must. An electric breast pump (either single breast pump or double breast pump) is the most efficient option, and you may also like to add a manual breast pump (great for on-the-go) to your shopping list. Milk storage bags/bottles Another of the new baby essentials for breastfeeding mamas is somewhere to keep your milk after expressing. Milk storage bags are an easy single-use way to store, freeze and reheat breast milk, or milk storage bottles are an eco-friendly reusable option. Bottles & teats Even if you plan to breastfeed, it’s a great idea to have both 180ml bottles and 250ml bottles on hand should you decide to supplement with formula or if you’re planning to pump and feed later. Grab around eight to 10 bottles, with small teats for newborns (up to three months). Bottle steriliser It’s important to properly sterilise your bub’s feeding bottles hygienically to keep them healthy and safe. While there are several ways to do this, using a UV steriliser is one of the quickest and easiest ways to get the job done well. You can also use handy microwave steriliser bags (great for when you’re on the go). Formula Make sure you choose formula designed for newborns – the formula will change as they get older. Bibs & burp cloths Babies are not known for being tidy eaters! Add four to eight bibs to your baby essentials shopping list and the same number of burp cloths. Maternity bras The bras you bought for pregnancy will probably serve you well, but if not, pick up three maternity bras (one to wear, one in the wash, one for tomorrow!) to make nursing easier. Changing Nappies You might be tempted to stock up on millions of nappies to prepare for your new bub’s arrival but hold up. Your newborn will grow – fast! – so you don’t want to overdo it too early on and be left with boxes of nappies that don’t fit. If you’re planning to use disposable nappies, go for one or two boxes max to start. Using cloth nappies? Get yourself two dozen. Wipes Baby wipes are also vital on your newborn baby checklist. Pick up two to three Bamboo Dry Wipes Boxes to keep on your change table and a dry wipes soft pack or two to keep in your nappy bag. Barrier cream It might take a couple of tries before you find the one that’s right for your baby’s delicate skin – add a couple of tubes to your newborn baby checklist. Nursery Decking out your little one’s room can be a lot of fun. But it’s not all wall decals and pastel furnishings! There are a few items that fall under the ‘need’ rather than ‘want’ category, but once they’re ticked off your list, it’s time to get decorating! Cot This is the ultimate of baby essentials! (After all, your little one will spend 65 per cent of their time sleeping.) The safest place for baby to sleep from day one is in a cot. You’ll want to get one that complies with AS/NZA mandatory standards. While bassinets and Moses baskets look great, they don’t have to adhere to any safety regulations. Cot mattress Another of your new baby essentials, the mattress you choose should be clean, firm and flat (not raised or at an angle) and ought to fit snugly inside the cot. Fitted cot sheets It’s a good idea to have three fitted sheets – one in use, one in the wash and one spare in case of accidents during the night. Sleepsuits Baby sleeping bags and sleepsuits are a must to keep your little one safe and snuggly as they nod off to dreamland. They can help babies feel comforted, stop newborns from accidentally scratching themselves as they snooze and keep them warm without additional potentially hazardous blankets and bedding. Add two to three to your newborn baby checklist. Feeding chair This one’s for you, mama! Whether you choose a traditional rocking chair or just something plush and super comfortable, get yourself a cosy space to sit while nursing. Baby monitor Far more than the walkie-talkie-esque baby monitors of days past, the modern-day baby monitors make keeping tabs on your sleeping babe a breeze thanks to video capabilities. Before you purchase yours, check the range is large enough for your home and that the frequency is different to any electrical appliances (eg. cordless phones) to avoid a dodgy connection. Nappy changing table If you’re not keen on a purpose-built nappy changing table, a changing pad atop a sturdy dresser or chest of drawers works just as well. Contoured changing pads help keep baby safe during nappy changes by stopping them from rolling – vital for your newborn baby checklist. Nappy bin Okay, so while you can technically just chuck dirty nappies out with the regular rubbish, a nappy bin is a great idea for making clean-up quick, easy and – dare we say it – less stinky. An optional but advised addition to your newborn baby checklist! Baby wraps Add at least three baby wraps to your baby essentials list. Not just for swaddling, they also come in handy for breastfeeding, throwing over a shoulder during burping, covering bub’s face from the sun in the pram and much more. Baby gym, swing or bouncer Choose a portable option so you can move it to whichever room of the house you’re in (and can easily take it with you if you go out). Clothing Okay, this is the fun part – filling up baby’s new wardrobe! But while cute fits and tiny versions of your favourite Nike sneakers might top your shopping list, they technically aren’t newborn baby essentials… sorry! It doesn’t mean you can’t buy them – just be sure to pick up the items on this baby essentials list first! Onesies We recommend starting with six to eight onesies (also known as bodysuits) and choosing styles that clip together at the crotch – they’re easier to deal with during nappy changes! Cotton singlets These baby essentials are great for layering in the colder months and can be worn solo as a comfy, cute top when it’s warmer. Add six to your cart for a start – you’ll need to pick up more as bub gets bigger, of course. Grow suits Like a onesie with long arms and legs, these all-in-ones are great for daytime or to wear as pyjamas. Pick up four to eight of these new baby essentials and go for options with press studs that go all the way down the inside of the legs to make nappy changing easier. Mittens These will stop bub accidentally scratching themselves while they get used to their hands (and also keep their little hands warm). Grab one to two pairs. Beanies & hats Choose a soft, washable broad-brimmed hat for a summer baby or a couple of soft cotton beanie-style hats that cover the ears for a winter baby. Socks & booties Add seven pairs of socks or cotton booties to your newborn baby checklist – one for each day of the week – to keep their tiny tootsies warm. (Tip: pick one colour so you can pair up odd socks as you lose some. And you will lose some!) Outerwear Buttons and press studs are your friends here – much easier than pulling jumpers you’re your new baby’s head. Pick cardigans, jackets and jumpers that can comfortably fit an additional layer or two underneath, and avoid anything with ties, which are a choking hazard. Grab two or three cold-day options. Bath time We’re not done yet! Bath time with baby can be a beautiful bonding experience, but there are a few things you’ll need to get them clean safely and effectively. Baby bathtub A baby bathtub will help safely support your newborn as you give them a wash. There are options that set up in the kitchen sink or can be sat on the kitchen counter so you don’t need to bend over an adult-sized tub. Baby toiletries Choose unscented natural shampoo, conditioner and body lotion (if desired) that’s specially designed for bubs’ sensitive skin. Hooded baby towels Consider getting at least two, one in use and one in the wash. Soft washcloths Again, have at least two on your baby essentials shopping list so that while one’s in use, the other can be in the wash. Going out Whether you’re taking your newborn home from the hospital, out to meet the grandparents or for their first trip to a café, there are a few new baby essentials to pick up. Car seat When choosing your baby capsule or car seat, be sure it meets Australian safety standards and legislation and have it professionally fitted. Safety is at the very top of your newborn baby checklist! Pram There are so many prams on the market it can be hard to know just which one is right for you. Head to a baby store, if you can, to test out a few different options before putting down money for what can be an expensive item on your baby essentials list. Above all, make sure it’s easy to open and fold away – and that it will fit in your car boot. Nappy bag Pockets, pockets, pockets! Choose a bag that has plenty of internal pockets, is big enough to hold everything you need but small enough for you to carry comfortably. Bonus points for a bag with a foldable change mat included. Portable changing mat If your nappy bag doesn’t have one included, this is a very handy thing to take with you when you head out in case your little one needs a change on the go. Health Of course, there are a few additional baby essentials to put on your shopping list in case of emergencies. Baby first aid kit You can buy these ready to go or build your own. You’ll want to include baby paracetamol, a digital thermometer, cotton wool balls and tips, baby nail clippers and a nasal aspirator.Looking for more information on essential baby products to prepare for pre and post-birth? Visit our guide to the 3 Must-Have Value Packs Every Mum and Bub Needs.
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Breastfeeding 101: How long should a newborn feed for? | New Beginnings
How long should a newborn feed for? When your new baby arrives, you’re bound to have a million questions. How to swaddle them properly, how to tell whether they’re sleeping enough or too much, or if they’re too hot or cold… and just what are breast pads for anyway? There’s a lot to learn about caring for your newest family member. (Don’t worry, you will get the hang of it!) But questions about breastfeeding are bound to top the list. (Read up on everything they don’t tell you about breastfeeding). From newborn breastfeeding schedules to the right breastfeeding duration for newborn babies and how long you should breastfeed on each side, let us break down some common queries new mums have about new bubs’ feeding habits. How often do newborns feed? For the first two to four weeks after birth, your new arrival will likely be a voracious eater and should be fed on demand – which usually looks like every one-and-a-half to three hours or around eight to 12 times in a 24-hour period. This means you’ll need to feed them throughout the night as well as during the day. And yes, night-nursing is important – it can help your baby gain weight while also building your milk supply if you’re breastfeeding, and it’s important that your newborn doesn’t go without a feed for more than four hours. (Psst: Up late with a nursing babe? Check out our Late Night Breastfeeding Spotify Playlist) or have a listen to one of our 10 Favourite Pregnancy Podcasts. How long should it take to breastfeed a newborn? When it comes to breastfeeding duration for newborn babies, it’s important to remember that there is no set time. After all, every baby (and every mum!) is different. So how long should a breastfeeding session last? Newborn babies can take anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes to 45 minutes or even an hour on one or both breasts. As they get older and get better at breastfeeding (remember, they’re learning too!), they may cut that down to as little as five to 10 minutes per side. Keep in mind that all mothers have different milk storage capacities, too, meaning a baby whose mum has a larger capacity can get more milk in one sitting – and may not need to feed again as quickly. If your bub suddenly seems to be constantly feeding, having lots of short feeds close together or wants to nurse every hour, don’t despair. This doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with your milk supply – it’s far more likely they have entered a phase of cluster feeding, which is a normal and expected part of a baby's growth. How long should I breastfeed my baby each time? Again, there’s no set amount of time for how long each feeding session should take. Your baby will take as long as they need, and that is perfectly normal. When they’ve had enough, there will be some tell-tale signs they’re full – they’ll detach and may seem sleepy and relaxed, or ‘milk drunk’. But can you spend too much time breastfeeding? And how long is too long? Breastfeeding isn’t a race, so please take your time and relax – you’re doing a good job! Always remember that while some babies nurse quickly, others prefer to take their time. Newborn babies are often sleepy while feeding, which can mean things take a little longer, and it could take two or three sittings at the breast before they’re done. But if you’re concerned your baby is taking too long to feed, contact your healthcare professional or a lactation specialist. How long should you breastfeed on each side? Alternating breasts so that each has the same amount of time feeding each day is important, as it can help keep your milk supply up in both breasts and guard against engorgement, which can be painful. However, there’s no time limit as to exactly how long your baby should spend on each side while nursing. Nurse your baby on one side until they stop suckling, then burp them, go to the other breast and feed until your bub stops. Be sure to alternate which side you start the next feed. While most babies will nurse from both breasts during a feed, you may find they’re satisfied after just one, and that’s okay. If that’s the case with your bub, offer the other breast first at the next feeding. When is the best time to breastfeed? After your baby is born, it’s great to nurse them within one hour of their birth if possible. Then, in the days that follow, aim to nurse every one-and-a-half to two hours during the day and no less than every three hours at night. This pattern has been shown to help establish your milk supply and ensure your baby is getting the right amount of nutrients for healthy weight gain and growth. While newborns need to be fed seemingly round-the-clock, most mums have an increased milk supply in the morning, which slowly decreases across the course of the day. This makes mornings a good time to pump if you want to. (Check out everything you need to know about choosing a breast pump or view New Beginnings’ range of electric and handheld pumps.) Of course, following the on-demand/every-couple-of-hours schedule may leave you feeling like you’re constantly nursing, especially if baby is taking their time to feed, meaning there really isn’t a “best time” to breastfeed. Feeding time is really whenever your baby needs milk. However, rather than waiting until your little one is so hungry that they’re crying, it can be a good idea to try to anticipate their needs so they don’t end up distressed (which may stress you out, too). Look out for the earlier signs of a hungry baby, for example, lip licking, sucking their hands or opening their mouth and turning their head (known as rooting). Do I need a newborn breastfeeding schedule? Trying to get a newborn onto a breastfeeding schedule will likely be tricky in the early weeks when you’re feeding on demand – and that is normal. Their tummies are tiny, after all, which is why they need refilling every couple of hours (and remember, feeding on demand also helps establish your milk supply). What you will need to do, though, is wake them for their regular nighttime feeding. While many newborns will wake up when it’s time for a feed, some bubs on the sleepier side need to be coaxed to nurse during the night. If your baby prefers to snooze rather than snack, wake them around every three hours, and don’t leave it more than four hours between feeds in these early days. As your baby grows, they’re likely to fall into a bit of a feeding pattern naturally. By about four weeks, they may sleep up to five hours overnight without a feed, and at anywhere from two to four months old, you may start seeing them fall into a routine. It’s around this time you can start to introduce a sleep/eat schedule that gives you a bit more freedom to eat and sleep, too!Looking for more breastfeeding tips and tricks? Visit our Guide to Breastfeeding Newborns: Breastfeeding Tips for New Mums.
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Breastfeeding 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!
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Baby 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!
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Afterbirth 101 : 8 things they don’t tell you!
Pregnancy is hard, child-birth is hard, but no one really talks about how hard the recovery after birth can be… Everyone gives you tips on how to manage your pregnancy, and how to look after bub, but what about you? Well we’ve got you mama, we’re here to tell you the top 8 things that you need to know about your body after birth! 1. You will still look pregnant! I know what you’re thinking, “I'll bounce back after I give birth and be ready to go!” Well unfortunately your body needs some time to recover, so your body will feel squishy and doughy for a little while after giving birth. Regardless of your size, every body will take a little while to realise bub isn’t inside anymore. But remember to go easy on yourself, you’ve just had a whole human inside of you!2. Downstairs is a bit of a nightmare…Swelling, stitches, tears, the works! Going to the bathroom and getting comfortable sitting down is a whole endeavour. She’s been through a lot, so take extra care with her! Soaking in a bath, inflatable ring pillows, ice packs and no tight pants! And trust us when we say, don’t get intrigued and get a mirror out, it’s better not knowing at this stage… 3. Time to put on your big girl pantiesWhether you’ve given birth through c-section or vaginal birth, you’re going to need some extra protection down there. It’s extremely common to have heavier periods and discharge after giving birth. This can last for 2-6 weeks, so stock up on your favourite extra long, wide maternity pads (we recommend our Bamboo Maternity Pads) or even some postpartum nappies! Both will definitely be needed, since tampons are a no go during this time! 4. Cramps while breastfeedingYepp, that’s right! Us women can’t escape a cramp or two. During the first few days to weeks postpartum, strong cramps can be experienced during let down. This is actually your uterus contracting back to it’s normal size! Some women find these cramps stronger than labour contractions, so take it easy in our first few weeks. 5. Escape of the breast milkIf you’re breastfeeding for the first time you may notice milk coming from more than one area on your nipple. Don’t worry, you’re not broken, this is completely normal. As there are multiple milk ducts in your breast, milk can come from various different milk ducts at once.6. Hair lossI know, it’s not what you want to hear right? Don’t worry, it’s normal! With your hormones going crazy and bub no longer inside you, you may find increased hair loss around 3 months postpartum. No need to stress though, once your hormones start to balance again you’ll get some beautiful regrowth which may take a while to blend back in… 7. ALL the feels & emotionsYou will never relate more to song lyrics than Hot n Cold by Katy Perry until after childbirth. With your hormones going crazy not only will you experience hot and cold flushes, but your emotions will be all over the place! Yes you’ll start randomly crying because you can’t put your sock on the right way, and if you can’t find the opening for the plastic bag...it’s getting ripped up right away. You’re not going crazy mama, it’s just your hormones trying to keep it together for you. 8. Our body is just constantly leakingEver wondered what it’s like to feel like a dripping tap you can’t turn off? Well lucky you, now you get to find out! Not only will your breasts start leaking when you see any baby smile, laugh, cry, breathe...literally do anything. But your downstairs will also be doing it’s own thing too! Stock up on your maternity pads, nursing pads, wipes, bras, undies, tshirt, basically anything that goes on your body! You might find yourself changing more than bub! For all your first time mums, we’re right here with you. For all your second/third/fourth time mums, girl you’re superwoman! The challenges our body faces when becoming a mum is truly hurdle after hurdle, but you’re strong enough to jump over every single one of them- all while holding bub and brushing your teeth! You should be proud of your body and everything it’s capable of, and for those mama’s who are yet to face it all...good luck! Let us know what was your biggest shock after giving birth, we’d love to hear from you!
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Women'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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World Breastfeeding Week 2021
World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) is held every year to encourage breastfeeding and spread awareness of the benefits for both mothers and babies. The theme for 2021 is Protect breastfeeding - a shared responsibility. Aiming to create an environment that supports breastfeeding in health systems, workplaces and communities of all levels. Breastfeeding & COVID-19 With the impact of COVID -19 worldwide, there has been a significant impact on the number of new mothers breastfeeding. With online media and businesses pushing false information around the spread of the virus, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has seen greater disruptions to the amount of mothers breastfeeding with fears that it will transmit COVID-19. Not only does the WHO support breastfeeding during this time, but so too does UNICEF and the Australian Department of Health. The WHO states that even if a woman is confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19, they can still safely breastfeed.* So we wanted to take this opportunity to remind you about the true benefits of breastfeeding for both mum and bub. Benefits of Breastfeeding You’ve probably heard it time and time again that “breast is best”, but what is the real reason why? There are many reasons why breastfeeding/nursing is beneficial for both mother and baby - physically, mentally and emotionally. For bub: Provides essential nutrients required for growth and development, Lowers risks of infections, diabetes and allergies Safe, clean and protects against common childhood illnesses. Lower infant mortality rate Lowers rates of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Improved brain function Supports digestive health Builds bond and trust between mother and baby Fewer childhood cancers For Mum: Promotes faster weight loss after birth Stimulates the uterus to contract to normal size faster Less postpartum bleeding Boots connection with baby & encourages skin on skin Naturally soothes hormones, reducing stress Increased confidence and self esteem Shared Responsibility Breastfeeding is an experience that connects mum and bub on a level that can not be explained. Not only is it benefits for the growth, development and protection of babies but assists mum with a faster bounce back as well as developing a deeper bond with bub. With the assistance of families, communities and business the aim to increase the number of mothers breastfeeding can be increased. Sharing the responsibility of education and awareness will enable more mothers to feel not only comfortable while breastfeeding but confident to share their experience. Disclaimer: *For more information about Breastfeeding and COVID-19, consult your doctor or healthcare professional. All information provided has been obtained via the World Health Organisation, Australian Government Department of Health and Australian Breastfeeding Association. New Beginnings Maternity understands that breastfeeding is not possible for all mothers. The breastfeeding journey is not an easy one and we understand that it can come easier for others. We aim to respect the choices of all mothers and how they chose to feed. If you have any further concerns or questions about if breastfeeding is right for you, we encourage you to speak to your GP or healthcare professional.
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Maternity Clothing Essentials | New Beginnings
Pregnancy is a whole journey, so being comfortable and prepared for the road ahead will make things a little easier. Finding the right size clothing can be hard enough, let alone when your body is constantly changing, so we’re here to break it down for you. We’re going to have a look at all the basics you need to get you from bump to breastfeeding!Interested in more maternity clothing tips and recommendations? Visit our guide on How to Choose Maternity Leggings.
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