FYC Village

Motherhood is an incredible journey but let’s be real, it can also be a bit overwhelming at times. Between the endless advice, the “must-haves,” and making decisions about how you want to birth, it can all feel a little bit much. But what if I told you there was a way to make these decisions your way? A way to feel truly supported and empowered as you welcome your baby into the world? That’s where private midwifery comes in, and trust me, it’s a gamechanger for so many mums.

Why the Shift to Private Midwifery?

Lately, we’re seeing more and more mums choosing private midwives, and for good reason. The global pandemic forced us all to take a hard look at the way we approach healthcare, and for many, that meant reconsidering hospital births. With private midwifery, mums get to take control of their birth experience in a way that feels more personal, more supportive, and dare I say more real.

The catalyst for this inquiry was the increasing awareness of birth trauma and concerns about its effects on individuals and families. The Australian Birth Experience Study (BESt) from Western Sydney University highlighted that 28 percent of women experienced birth trauma, with more than one-in-ten experiencing some form of obstetric violence. Additionally, a complaint lodged with the Health Care Complaints Commission on behalf of 30 women who alleged traumatic birth experiences at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital underscored the urgent need for action.

Ultimately, the exhaustion and stress from her postpartum experience meant White and her husband decided against having another child. “I had a really, really rough time and I always thought I wanted two children. But after that experience, we were one and done and it broke my heart.”

Third trimester. Immaculate make-up and lighting. Miranda donned a black Bumpsuit, a company owned  by another Aussie model - Nicole Trunfio. Seated behind a giant yellow travel all Louis Vuitton bag with an estimated value of AUD$6,300. I already knew this wasn’t going to be your ‘average hospital bag checklist’. 

If you're umming and ahhing about hiring a doula, here a few key things you should know before deciding on one. (Hint hint... this is why they are so fabulous!)

There are several reasons why someone might choose to use a doula during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period:

Fill Your Cup has birth and postpartum doulas located in Sydney, Melbourne, Newcastle, Geelong and Hobart. 

One of the questions I get asked most often is, how do I choose the right doula for me?

Both doulas and midwives play crucial roles in supporting women during childbirth, doulas primarily offer emotional and physical support, while midwives provide medical care and assistance throughout the entire childbirth journey. Together they can work together as a team for your birth alongside obstetricians, paediatricians and other allied healthcare practitioners. 

Ever wondered why people tell you that skin to skin with your baby is so important?

Well, let me tell you a little bit about the magic of a baby being born. 

Following the birth of your baby your brain receives messaging that a baby has arrived (interestingly thanks to the birth of your placenta, not baby) and a wonderful hormone called prolatin begins to upregulate. As you would expect from its name, prolactin is responsible for the initiation of lactation or production of your milk supply. 

Another hormone which is critical for breastfeeding is oxytocin. 'The Love Hormone'. Oxytocin is responsible for the milk ejection or removal of the milk from your breast into your bubba's mouth. 

The 6-week Check-up. This is typically a huge milestone placed on mothers, a time where evidently we can all ‘get back to it’ and we can return to ‘regular programming’. But let me assure you that, it’s not always the case. 

Whilst your bubba may have penciled in a shopping list of appointments with the maternal child health nurse, GP and/or paediatrician, mama’s are often only afforded a single ‘6-week’ follow up appointment and sent on their merry way. So let’s talk about the type of care and observations you should be looking for from your Village of Health Professionals. 

Very rarely do we recommend products for our FYC Mamas, we believe every mama and babies journey is unique and therefore the MUST HAVES are just not going to fit for everyone. 

BUT, there is one product that we suggest for our Mamas, something tried, tested and tested again. A product which has lifelong functionality, not something you will be selling off on Facebook Marketplace in 3 months time. 

Behold, the Mama Trolley.

Our guided steps to a gentle c-section. Now, this may not be your story, planning the c-section, perhaps it has been bestowed upon you, but remember it is still your body, your birth and we are here to empower you each step of the way. 

Did you know that 95% of women stepping into motherhood say they would like to breastfeed, however only 39% are exclusively breastfeeding at 16 weeks.

In our podcast interview with Dr Pamela Douglas, Founder and Medical Director of POSSUMS Neuroprotective Developmental Care, I asked her why we see such a significant decrease in rates of mother’s breastfeeding journeys. Her response: 

‘The health system is letting women down..they don’t have the clinical skills to be able to deal with the distressing problems women encounter while breastfeeding’

Much of the problems Dr Douglas describes comes from nipple pain, which in her opinion is highly over medicalised at the moment. Typically stemming from continual breast tissue drag from incorrect fit and hold of the mother:baby dyad. 

Which birthing class do I choose, Hypnobirthing, hospital classes, Calm Birth, SheBirth or a really personalised one on one chat with a midwife? Come and choose your Birth Class adventure!