Understanding Early Labour: What to Expect Before Active Labour Becoming a mother was a journey that intertwined with my career as a midwife, but it wasn't until the birth of my second son, Sebastian, that I truly understood the intricacies of labour. As a mother before I became a midwife, I had the theoretical knowledge but lacked the personal experience of labour pains. Sebastian's birth, a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean), bridged that gap for me and illuminated why many women are uncertain if they're truly in established labour. The ambiguity often stems from the unexpected duration of ..read more

Breast milk is more than just nourishment; it's a treasure trove of antioxidants, immune-boosting properties, and essential nutrients and inn my work as a midwife at Waterford Birth Centre milk storage is a frequent conversation I have with brand new parents. Whether you're planning for a night out, returning to work, or simply aiming for some flexibility, let this be your guide to how best store your precious breast milk. Preparation for Storage: Start with Cleanliness Washing: Always begin with clean hands. Wash your hands with soap and water or use a waterless hand cleanser. Unclean hands ..read more

I know first hand as a once breastfeeding working mother how exciting and daunting the prospect of returning to work can be, the desire to continue breastfeeding while resuming professional responsibilities is a journey that requires careful planning and support.  Workplace Flexibility: Embracing New Possibilities One of the significant changes in the working world is the increasing availability of flexible work options. As you prepare to return to your career, consider the following options that might be available to you: Work from Home: If your job allows, consider working from home an ..read more

As modern mothers in our busyness we can lose focus on the importance food has in our postpartum recovery + oftentimes a nutritious breakfast is the first thing to drop off. One of my favourite breakfasts is porridge [especially when laden with fruit, brown sugar + cream]. Whether loved or hated oats are most prized for their nutritional value + health benefits. Oats are associated with heart benefits, may prevent a sharp rise in blood glucose, increases satiety [feeling full], the fibre within oats contributes to bowel regularity and the prevention of constipation, they're also an ingredient ..read more

Breastfeeding is a natural but learned skill that can be challenging at times but I want you to know that there is support available to all mothers in Aotearoa. I've compiled a list of services that can be accessed from the tippy top to the very bottom of our nation as well as services local to us here in Hamilton. The BreastFedNZ app is a valuable resource that provides information, support, and guidance on breastfeeding, from birth to weaning. It is available whenever and wherever you need it. Most hospitals in New Zealand offer public-funded access to community lactation consultants, such ..read more

I have a personal experience with these and therefore feel it's my duty that you know what they are too and how to treat them. A milk bleb, or blocked nipple pore, is also referred to as a nipple blister - this occurs when a tiny bit of skin overgrows a milk duct opening and solidified milk backs up behind it - boy do they hurt! A milk bleb manifests as a painful white dot on the nipple or areola, and the pain tends to be focused at that spot and just behind it peaking during a feed. The frustrating thing about milk blisters is that they're persistent, often coming back again an ..read more

Your body is about 50–80% water depending on your age + body weight, water is involved in many processes in our body including - digestion, absorption, transportation, dissolving nutrients, temperature regulation + getting rid of waste products. The average person can survive for about 40 days without food but most people will die if they go for more than 5 days without water! It is recommended that pregnant + lactating women drink between 8-12 cups [2-3L] of water daily + even more if you are exercising. Are you drinking enough? I know I'm probably not! When you don't have enough fluid you ..read more

YES! Why? Unsurprisingly there is an increase in energy requirements during breastfeeding due to the energy cost of producing breast milk, an increase in food intake can be the source needed to meet the increased energy requirement to breastfeed. Studies have shown that most healthy breastfeeding people maintain an abundant milk supply while taking in 1800-2200 [or more] calories per day and the Ministry of Health calculates that the average extra daily energy requirement for a breastfeeding person is 476-500 calories per day. As a general rule of thumb you should simply li ..read more

Having a baby is incredibly exciting for everyone who loves and cares about you - they’re dying to hear the announcement, to check in on you, to shower you with well wishes, care and attention and while that is thoughtful and lovely it can be very exhausting for new parents. Let me offer three tips for managing visitors and creating boundaries with your newborn baby. LIMIT VISITORS For some a steady stream of visitors after you’ve given birth can take its toll, it can be tiring hosting and holding conversations - quite often you’re exhausted, half dressed and still getting to know your newest ..read more

I had big plans to sit down at my computer last Thursday, September 15th to pen a letter  - a letter to you, a letter that surmised the last 12 months since we bought you Lila Jasmine Milk Support Lactations Bars 2.0. Instead, I got a phone call from school informing me that Sebastian [6] had had a nasty fall off his scooter. Once I got to him it was clear that he had a concussion and I took him to ED for a once over. Part of the hospital protocol is to observe patients for 6 hours after a head injury so in that time I pulled out my phone, opened the notes app and atte ..read more