How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk?
A concern for all parents with a newborn and one of the questions that I am asked most frequently as a midwife and IBCLC lactation consultant- ‘how do I know that my baby is getting enough milk?’. It is a valid question, particularly with breastfed babies as there is no way to know exactly how […]
What is a birth plan and why all women should write one
So you’re pregnant and now your friends start asking you the question “have you written your birth plan yet?” or “What’s your plan for the birth?” It can leave you feeling panicked if you have not thought about this yet and you may be left asking the question – what will happen if I don’t […]
Call The Midwife, Not Dr Google
Instead of asking Dr Google questions about your newborn at 2am- ask your midwife instead. We have all been there. You are in the early throws of your parenting journey, recovering from giving birth, feeling hormonal and sleep deprived. As if this wasn’t enough, you are also now responsible for nurturing a tiny human who […]
A Dietitian’s Guide to Introducing Allergens
As a paediatric dietitian, one of the most common concerns I hear from parents is about introducing allergens when starting solids. The fear of an allergic reaction can make this exciting milestone feel overwhelming. However, current research shows that early introduction of allergens may actually help prevent food allergies, rather than cause them. This article […]
Where to Find the Best Maternity and Nursing Bras
As a pregnant or breastfeeding parent, it’s easy to feel like you need to choose between style and comfort — but you really don’t. Today’s maternity and nursing bras are designed to support your changing body and your personal style. Whether you’re chasing a toddler, heading back to work, or simply enjoying the newborn bubble, […]
The benefits of delayed cord clamping
If you are currently pregnant, you have probably heard of delayed cord clamping. If you are not completely sure what it is, this article will explain the process and its benefits. Firstly, let’s go back to some old school anatomy. If you are currently pregnant, your baby is inside your womb and is connected to […]
Breastfeeding Before Baby is Born
Things that every lactation consultant wants you to know about breastfeeding BEFORE your baby is born When you are pregnant, stories from well meaning friends and family about how they fed their newborn can be overwhelming. This, accompanied with an onslaught of social media ‘advice’ and other random peoples experiences can leave you feeling frazzled. […]
Navigating the Fourth Trimester
Maybe you have heard about the fourth trimester – the first twelve weeks of your baby’s life. A period of great emotional and physical change for a new mother and a time where your baby is adapting to life outside the womb. Typically in our society, this huge shift for new mothers has been underestimated […]
Birth Plans: Important, but Not the Be-All and End-All
It’s natural to go into labour with an idea of what you want your birth to look like. Whether you’ve dreamed of a water birth, planned for delayed cord clamping, or prefer minimal intervention, writing a birth plan—or what we prefer to call birth preferences—is a valuable step in preparing for your baby’s arrival. At Beloved […]
Breastfeeding: Getting off to a good start
As a midwife of over a decade and now a specialist lactation midwife, I’ve been lucky enough to be part of many new mothers’ feeding journeys. Feeding on the boob, on the bottle, and everything in between—I’ve seen it all. Yet I’m still in awe of women’s resilience, strength, and persistence in doing everything they […]