Loss…

by | motherhood

I’ve been holding onto this piece for a little while now, partly written, disjointed words on a screen, expressions of thought and feeling.  A mixed state of wanting to speak out to share, to connect, to be a voice for others, and also wanting to hold closely to this very private journey.

But for me, at this time, this is a step forward towards my grief, towards my loss, acknowledging it, nurturing it, holding it with gentle strength.

I’ve been holding onto this piece for a little while now, partly written, disjointed words on a screen, expressions of thought and feeling.  A mixed state of wanting to speak out to share, to connect, to be a voice for others, and also wanting to hold closely to this very private journey.

But for me, at this time, this is a step forward towards my grief, towards my loss, acknowledging it, nurturing it, holding it with gentle strength.

Motherhood Reversed

by | motherhood

When you Mother your Mother.  

The idea of motherhood reversed can be a difficult concept to wrap your head around. In a traditional sense, mothers are the ones providing care and guidance for their children. But what happens when that relationship is reversed, and the child is now taking on the role of caregiver for the mother? In this blog post, we’ll explore the complexities of “When You Mother Your Mother: Reversing the Roles of Parent and Child”. We’ll look at the challenges that come with the reversal of the traditional mother-child relationship and explore the unique dynamics that come with taking on the role of caregiver for your parent.

When you Mother your Mother.  

The idea of motherhood reversed can be a difficult concept to wrap your head around. In a traditional sense, mothers are the ones providing care and guidance for their children. But what happens when that relationship is reversed, and the child is now taking on the role of caregiver for the mother? In this blog post, we’ll explore the complexities of “When You Mother Your Mother: Reversing the Roles of Parent and Child”. We’ll look at the challenges that come with the reversal of the traditional mother-child relationship and explore the unique dynamics that come with taking on the role of caregiver for your parent.

How do I know my newborn is getting enough breastmilk?

by | motherhood

As a new Mama, there is often concern around “how do I know my baby is getting enough breastmilk?”. Unlike feeding via a bottle – where you can “see” what their intake is – here are a few signs that your baby is getting enough:

As a new Mama, there is often concern around “how do I know my baby is getting enough breastmilk?”. Unlike feeding via a bottle – where you can “see” what their intake is – here are a few signs that your baby is getting enough:

The importance of support when it comes to your breastfeeding journey…

by | motherhood

In celebration of International Breastfeeding Week, I’ve written about my own breastfeeding experience and how having an amazing support system has impacted my journey. Breastfeeding has been something that has shaped me as a mother; it’s my go-to to settle my baby, to help him sleep, to comfort him when he’s unwell.
I consider myself extremely lucky to have had (and continue to have) such a special, beautiful breastfeeding experience.
I always feared that I wouldn’t be able to breastfeed. I knew logically that there was no reason why I wouldn’t be able to; I think part of me was perhaps preparing myself, so that the blow wouldn’t be as hard if it didn’t work out. Breastfeeding was something that I always whole-heartedly wanted to do. I did as much as I could to prepare my body for what was to come, I bought all of the products and I began hand expressing colostrum at 36 weeks with the blessing of my care providers. Much to mine, and anybody around me familiar with breastfeeding’s surprise, I expressed almost 200ml over 5 weeks. While I knew that antenatal colostrum supply doesn’t reflect how successful breastfeeding will be, admittedly this gave me confidence.

In celebration of International Breastfeeding Week, I’ve written about my own breastfeeding experience and how having an amazing support system has impacted my journey. Breastfeeding has been something that has shaped me as a mother; it’s my go-to to settle my baby, to help him sleep, to comfort him when he’s unwell.
I consider myself extremely lucky to have had (and continue to have) such a special, beautiful breastfeeding experience.
I always feared that I wouldn’t be able to breastfeed. I knew logically that there was no reason why I wouldn’t be able to; I think part of me was perhaps preparing myself, so that the blow wouldn’t be as hard if it didn’t work out. Breastfeeding was something that I always whole-heartedly wanted to do. I did as much as I could to prepare my body for what was to come, I bought all of the products and I began hand expressing colostrum at 36 weeks with the blessing of my care providers. Much to mine, and anybody around me familiar with breastfeeding’s surprise, I expressed almost 200ml over 5 weeks. While I knew that antenatal colostrum supply doesn’t reflect how successful breastfeeding will be, admittedly this gave me confidence.

The Golden Hour – The ‘Midas Touch of skin to skin

by | motherhood

Welcoming a newborn into the world is a profoundly emotional and transformative experience. As parents, our instinctive desire to protect, nurture, and connect with our little bundle of joy knows no bounds. One of the most beautiful ways to build an unbreakable bond with your newborn is through the magic of touch – skin-to-skin contact. Beyond the warmth and tenderness it provides, skin-to-skin after birth offers a plethora of remarkable benefits for both baby and parent.

Welcoming a newborn into the world is a profoundly emotional and transformative experience. As parents, our instinctive desire to protect, nurture, and connect with our little bundle of joy knows no bounds. One of the most beautiful ways to build an unbreakable bond with your newborn is through the magic of touch – skin-to-skin contact. Beyond the warmth and tenderness it provides, skin-to-skin after birth offers a plethora of remarkable benefits for both baby and parent.

Breastfeeding…

by | motherhood

As an IBCLC I hear a lot of new mums talk about how painful their breastfeeding journey had been and it saddens me. One of the biggest tips I give all new mums is education and preparation! Preparing for childbirth is so important and the Calmbirth classes are magic for this and then this is closely followed by breastfeeding education, which I try to incorporate into our Calmbirth classes (but do advise to do further self-education/preparation).

As an IBCLC I hear a lot of new mums talk about how painful their breastfeeding journey had been and it saddens me. One of the biggest tips I give all new mums is education and preparation! Preparing for childbirth is so important and the Calmbirth classes are magic for this and then this is closely followed by breastfeeding education, which I try to incorporate into our Calmbirth classes (but do advise to do further self-education/preparation).

5 non-essential (but helpful) things to put in your hospital bag

by | motherhood

There are a million different lists and “Pack my birth bag with me” videos to watch out there. I’m always interested to see what people consider the ‘essentials’ to bring with them to have a baby and recover from birth. I’ve cared for a lot of women on the postnatal ward in hospital and I like to think I’m pretty self-aware, so you’ll see from the title that I don’t believe any of these things are necessary for a positive, nourishing postpartum. But, maybe you, like me, always grab your biggest suitcase even if you’re only packing for a weekend and fill it with everything you WILL need, plus a bunch of stuff you MIGHT need and a few things you almost definitely don’t, but WHAT IF YOU DO.

So here’s a list of a few of the things that fit into the ‘not necessary but probable helpful’ category that my heart lives in – little tips from a midwife who has never, and will never, ‘pack light’.

There are a million different lists and “Pack my birth bag with me” videos to watch out there. I’m always interested to see what people consider the ‘essentials’ to bring with them to have a baby and recover from birth. I’ve cared for a lot of women on the postnatal ward in hospital and I like to think I’m pretty self-aware, so you’ll see from the title that I don’t believe any of these things are necessary for a positive, nourishing postpartum. But, maybe you, like me, always grab your biggest suitcase even if you’re only packing for a weekend and fill it with everything you WILL need, plus a bunch of stuff you MIGHT need and a few things you almost definitely don’t, but WHAT IF YOU DO.

So here’s a list of a few of the things that fit into the ‘not necessary but probable helpful’ category that my heart lives in – little tips from a midwife who has never, and will never, ‘pack light’.

My Journey as a Calmbirth Educator and Breastfeeding Advocate

by | motherhood

I have been a Calmbirth educator for 8 years. Becoming a Calmbirth educator has been one of the most fulfilling and inspiring roles of my life. It gives me the opportunity to support expectant parents during one of the most transformative times they’ll ever experience. More than just teaching techniques, Calmbirth is about nurturing confidence, connection, and trust in the birth process and I’m privileged to witness that transformation with every family I work with.
So here’s a list of a few of the things that fit into the ‘not necessary but probable helpful’ category that my heart lives in – little tips from a midwife who has never, and will never, ‘pack light’.

I have been a Calmbirth educator for 8 years. Becoming a Calmbirth educator has been one of the most fulfilling and inspiring roles of my life. It gives me the opportunity to support expectant parents during one of the most transformative times they’ll ever experience. More than just teaching techniques, Calmbirth is about nurturing confidence, connection, and trust in the birth process and I’m privileged to witness that transformation with every family I work with.
So here’s a list of a few of the things that fit into the ‘not necessary but probable helpful’ category that my heart lives in – little tips from a midwife who has never, and will never, ‘pack light’.

Support Her Like Everything Depends On it!

by | motherhood

How to Truly Show Up for a Mother in Birth and Postpartum

Birth isn’t just something a mother does—it’s something she becomes. She enters a vulnerable, sacred space where her entire being is focused on one thing: bringing her baby earthside. It’s intense, primal, and all-consuming. She needs more than presence—she needs to feel held, seen, and protected.

Whether in a hospital or at home, whether it’s her first baby or her fifth, the kind of support she receives shapes her entire experience.

How to Truly Show Up for a Mother in Birth and Postpartum

Birth isn’t just something a mother does—it’s something she becomes. She enters a vulnerable, sacred space where her entire being is focused on one thing: bringing her baby earthside. It’s intense, primal, and all-consuming. She needs more than presence—she needs to feel held, seen, and protected.

Whether in a hospital or at home, whether it’s her first baby or her fifth, the kind of support she receives shapes her entire experience.

Happy Breast Feeding Week…Calmbirth Educator Aimee Sing shares her breast-feeding journey with us. Part 1

by | motherhood

Happy world breastfeeding week!

I’ve shared bits and pieces about my breastfeeding journeys in the past, but I’m unsure I’ve done so with much detail more recently. A fellow lactation consultant (IBCLC) shared about her own journey recently and it helped me recognise just how important it is to understand the philosophy and background of the people you’re following, especially if you’re seeking support from them . I’m not sure I’ve given people much of a chance to do that in recent years! So here goes, I’m going to share a bit about each of my children’s breastfeeding journeys.

Happy world breastfeeding week!

I’ve shared bits and pieces about my breastfeeding journeys in the past, but I’m unsure I’ve done so with much detail more recently. A fellow lactation consultant (IBCLC) shared about her own journey recently and it helped me recognise just how important it is to understand the philosophy and background of the people you’re following, especially if you’re seeking support from them . I’m not sure I’ve given people much of a chance to do that in recent years! So here goes, I’m going to share a bit about each of my children’s breastfeeding journeys.

Happy Breast Feeding Week…Calmbirth Educator Aimee Sing shares her breast-feeding journey with us. Part 2

by | motherhood

Happy world breastfeeding week!!

This is the second post in my breastfeeding journey series Hamish’s breastfeeding journey!

Ahhh little Hamishy! He was the first baby I could get to latch directly to my breast, and with that came the most incredibly intense pain I think I’ve ever experienced Hamish was born at 40 weeks on the dot, a beautiful home waterbirth where I felt I reclaimed my power and autonomy Pulling him from the water was the most surreal experience of my life, and then breastfeeding him for the first time (first photo) was absolutely surreal as well. But it did hurt, right from the beginning – it felt like sandpaper every time he sucked and like someone stabbing a needle through my nipple in between (hi vasospasm).

Happy world breastfeeding week!!

This is the second post in my breastfeeding journey series Hamish’s breastfeeding journey!

Ahhh little Hamishy! He was the first baby I could get to latch directly to my breast, and with that came the most incredibly intense pain I think I’ve ever experienced Hamish was born at 40 weeks on the dot, a beautiful home waterbirth where I felt I reclaimed my power and autonomy Pulling him from the water was the most surreal experience of my life, and then breastfeeding him for the first time (first photo) was absolutely surreal as well. But it did hurt, right from the beginning – it felt like sandpaper every time he sucked and like someone stabbing a needle through my nipple in between (hi vasospasm).