Category: English
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Pregnancy Rules: What NOT to say to a pregnant woman
Don’t assume a woman is pregnant… EVER! I learned this down the aisle of Woolworths. I’d had three children of my own, so there was no excuse for my brain explosion. There was a young woman, searching for the best breastfeeding pads. She saw me, with a small child, and asked ‘Excuse me, which are the…
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5 Newborn Cues – the Baby Translator
Did you ever see that Simpson’s episode where Homer’s brother invents a baby translator? It goes on to make sense of Maggie’s baby talk. ‘Lavish attention on me and entertain me’ she’s translated to say. It would be nice if one of these was on the market. I know our family would have done whatever…
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Labour hormones… happy, hippy and horrid
Labour is called labor for a reason, it’s tough to work and there’s no getting around it. However, if someone claimed that you could have comfortable and swift labor… you’d want to hear about it, right?The first place to start is to understand some of the crazy, wicked, Yoda-smart hormones that your clever little system…
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Confessions of a Doula: What Your Birth Taught Me
The word ‘doula’ originates from Greek and signifies ‘mothering the mother’, making it a fitting job description. As a doula, I am not medically trained like a midwife, nor do I possess the expertise to deliver a baby. However, I offer invaluable support throughout the journey of a pregnant woman. My role involves providing various…
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For the class of 2017 – a quick lesson on labor drugs
To the class of 2017, You’ve heard it all before… there are no university medals, just a cute bundle to behold. So, let’s be smart and understand all there is to know, so we can make informed, educated decisions about our bodies and our babies. This is not a shame game, mums. We need to…
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Bonding – the way to her heart and yours
As a mum to both biological children (of the womb) and foster children (of the heart), the issue of ‘bonding’ with each baby/child has been a topic I’ve held close. There was never a question as to whether I loved each baby. Of course, I did. They were each longed for and anticipated and they…
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10 Steps to a Safe Sleeping For Babies
As a first-time mum, motherhood can be a labyrinth of well-meaning advice and anecdote. There is so much information out there and much of it is simply picking and choosing what resonates and what is personal preference. However, when it comes to safe sleeping, we need to be well-informed. The lines here are not blurry…
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How to Breastfeed? Mastering Essential Techniques and Positions
As a post-natal doula, I’ve encountered numerous breastfeeding challenges and witnessed the frustration experienced by both mothers and babies when breastfeeding doesn’t go smoothly. One of the most common issues is the lack of a good latch. If you’re aiming to prevent sore, cracked nipples and ensure a comfortable breastfeeding experience for both you and…
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Can I Consume Caffeine During Pregnancy? How Much Is Safe?
Do you find yourself reliant on caffeine during pregnancy? Many women rely on a cup of coffee or other caffeinated beverages in the morning to stay alert and motivated for work. However, dependence on caffeine can develop similarly to tolerance for other substances like drugs or alcohol. Over time, you may find yourself needing larger…
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Top Tips for Tackling a Newborn
My five-year old’s Moana doll comes with one… so where’s my newborn’s? A manual! That’s what I needed when I brought my first baby home from the hospital. I couldn’t believe the nurses were actually going to entrust me with the life of another! Surely, they knew I was completely clueless. Bringing a newborn baby…