We weren't meant to raise our children alone, Mama. So we are here to give you a helping hand, share a recipe, chat about our insights of Motherhood and give you access to experts in mother care, birth, pregnancy and postpartum. Welcome to the FYC Village.
Ah, the holidays. A time of twinkling lights, delicious food, and endless family gatherings. It’s magical, isn’t it? But if you’re a mum, especially a new or expectant one, it can also feel like a gauntlet of unsolicited advice, constant baby handovers, and little space to just breathe. I get it.
The truth is, navigating the holidays as a parent comes with its unique set of challenges. That’s why I’m sharing some thoughts and practical tips to help you set boundaries that protect your peace, honour your family’s needs, and make the festive season truly joyful.
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?
How to prepare for the first 6 weeks of motherhood?
They say it takes a Village to raise a child, but I would argue your baby is fine - it's the mother that needs the Village.
In my interview with Jessie Stephens and Gemma Pranita I go in depth about the things to expect once your baby arrives but more importantly how you are going to no just survive but THRIVE in motherhood.
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.
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.
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.
