Early postpartum is a whirlwind of emotions and excitement. You finally get to meet the little human you’ve been nurturing for the last 7-9months! It’s a time of celebration and a time of change as your heart expands to include its newest addition. You have just experienced first-hand the changes your body slowly goes through during pregnancy. Postpartum is a new kettle of fish though – your little one is earthside, your pelvic organs are more mobile, and your body is healing from the process of birth. On top of this, you’re attending newborn appointments, learning how to feed and settle a bab ..read more

Did you know that combs and plant pods/seeds have been used for pain relief in birthing for centuries? To explain how it works we need to look at the Gate Control Theory!! The gate control theory of pain says that the brain cannot concentrate on more than one sensation at the same time, asserting that non-painful input closes the nerve “gates” to painful input, which prevents pain sensation from traveling to the central nervous system. The teeth of the comb or the spikes from the banksia pod applies acupressure to points to the hand – creating a distraction and a new focal point for the brain ..read more

I recently had a mum reach out to me (via her paediatrician’s recommendation) needing support around her little one’s sleep, well more lack thereof.  Mum was very apprehensive with reaching out as she generally follows attachment-based parenting drawing from attachment theory from Bowlby and Ainsworth’s work (not “attachment parenting” as coined by Sears). She wanted to be responsive and develop a secure attachment by the development of a secure base and safe haven for her little one. Mum wanted to be supportive and responsive. Mum was surprised with P2B recommendation as she had preconce ..read more

Solids… what a crazy and conflicting world that topic can be for parents. It’s even worse when health professionals advice conflicts … it seems even they can’t agree. How do you know as a parent what to do? When to start seems to be the biggest debate. Who do you listen to? Is it at 4 months, after 6 months, or is somewhere between 4 to 6 months but closer to 6 months. Many parents ask me my thoughts.. and yes, I am probably adding to the conflicting advice with my opinion… but it is a question I get asked at least twice a day so I am going to put myself out there and answer the question! Soli ..read more

If you are looking for some extra motivation and incentive to do your pelvic floor muscle training during pregnancy this blog may be just what you need to read. There have been so many studies looking at the effect of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) in pregnancy and research continues to give them a big thumbs up. Why are they so valuable? Firstly, PFMT helps to improve labor outcomes. When we learn to do our pelvic floor exercises correctly, we learn to fully contract and fully relax the muscles of the pelvis. Having the ability to fully relax your pelvic floor leads to more efficient pus ..read more

Always a hot topic! I’ve had LOADS of questions about dressing bubs for sleep in this weather. Lots of concerns from parents about over heating and also how to know if bub is too cold. I briefly addressed this a few days ago in stories but wanted to give this a permanent spot, so bookmark this for ease of reference. How to tell if your little one is COLD. Common signs include:   How to tell if your little one is COLD. Common signs include: Crying in the cot but generally settles quickly and easily in arms (because you are warm) Sleeping arms but wakes within 10 or so minutes after being ..read more

I often get asked when to offer a cup! Around 6 months is the perfect time. Offering a cup over a “sipper cup” or straw helps your little one develop a mature sucking motion, promotes positive oral development and helps with their hand eye coordination. Just offering 10ml at a time, increasing the volume offered as they become more competent. If you are worried about the mess or spillage using a naturally thicker fluid is also really helpful to slow the flow down and allow your little one time to get the hang of drinking from an open cup. Yoghurt thinned down with EBM or formula, smoothies ..read more

A big thank you to P2B’s resident Woman’s Health Physiotherpists from Chevron Island Physiotherpy who have taken the time to share their knowledge with us! So many new mum’s present to my clinic complaining of neck and lower back pain in the early stages of bringing bub home. With all the duties needed to be done with your new bub, the last thing you need is pain that is interfering with life. Here are some great tips to help reduce your risk of developing neck pain and lower back pain while being a busy mum. Breastfeeding posture – Firstly, getting a comfortable feeding chair is really import ..read more

My daughters smoothie this morning has prompted me to re post my smoothie blog. I know that in 1 hour she will be back for something else to eat – yet if she actually ate that fruit whole, it would have kept her fuller for longer. Let me explain. Blended smoothies are a popular trend with both parents and kids. They are fast and simple, and can allow parents to get foods into a child that they otherwise would not eat. they are also easier when on the run – running late or tryng to get to kindy/work/play date! I know the struggle is real. I have lots of parents giving their little one smoothies ..read more

Let me set the scene with a few common scenarios that are shared by parents that work with a Speech Pathologist: 1. Your pre-schooler is super excited to tell you all about something special in their world, but they can’t seem to get past the first word without repeating the first sound over and over again, and it’s been happening pretty consistently for the past 6 months. Your heart sinks and you feel helpless and uncertain about how to respond. You talk to your partner about it later that night and you both agree that he would probably be too young to see a Speech Pathologist. 2. You pick yo ..read more