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Fill Your Cup Village Blog

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.

FYC Village

When I was pregnant with my first baby, I remember thinking, “I’ve got this.” I’d read the books, followed the Insta accounts, and had a loving partner by my side. But deep down? I was craving someone who just got it, someone who could walk beside me, answer my 3am questions without judgement, and remind me I wasn’t alone in the chaos.

Turns out, that’s exactly what a doula does. 💛

Whether it’s your first baby or your third, having the right support can make all the difference. Doulas aren’t just for “hippy births” or first-timers, they provide evidence-based care, emotional steadiness, and practical help that can completely change how a mama experiences her early parenting journey. So let’s talk about four types of mums who often benefit from having a doula (and why it really matters).

Motherhood is full of surprises. Some we expect, like sleepless nights and endless snack requests, while others, like struggling to conceive, can catch us completely off guard. If you have ever felt lost in the whirlwind of fertility advice, medical jargon, and conflicting opinions, you are not alone.

Fertility can feel like a roller coaster, with moments of hope, frustration, and everything in between. Whether you are just starting your journey or have been trying for a while, there is so much power in understanding your body, your options, and most importantly, reminding yourself that you are not in this alone.

Motherhood is a journey that changes us in ways we never imagined. From the first flutter of tiny kicks to those sleepless nights with a newborn, it reshapes not just our lives but us as people. But did you know it’s not just your heart or body that changes? Your brain actually transforms too.

It’s incredible to think that the experience of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum rewires your brain in ways that prepare you for the role of motherhood. These changes are not just fascinating; they are empowering and offer insight into why we feel and act the way we do as mums.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

We've fast-tracked the research part, skipped past the Google Rabbit Hole and wanted to share some of those books with you. In these books you will learn how to nourish yourself, kick postnatal depletion to the curb, develop an understanding about normal infant behaviour (think sleep and feeding) and how best to prepare for The Fourth Trimester. The authors of these books have all walked the walk and developed these books from years of research and experience in their specialist fields. 

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!
Lily Nichols is a Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Educator, researcher, and author with a passion for evidence-based  prenatal nutrition. Her work is known for being research-focused, thorough, and unapologetically critical of outdated dietary guidelines. She is the author of two bestselling books, Real Food for Pregnancy and Real Food for Gestational Diabetes.

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