The use of dummies (also known as pacifiers or soothers) is a topic that generates controversy. Let’s look at this in more detail.

Breastfeeding is a complex interplay of hormones that affect’s your body. While the act of nursing is often discussed in terms of its emotional and nutritional benefits, the hormonal changes that underpin it are equally fascinating and important.

Hormones at Play

The main hormones involved in breastfeeding are Prolactin and Oxytocin. Prolactin is responsible for milk production, while Oxytocin triggers the milk let-down reflex, allowing the milk to flow from the nipples.

Postpartum Hormonal Shifts

After childbirth, your body undergoes significant hormonal shifts. Oestrogen and progesterone levels drop, and prolactin levels rise to initiate milk production. This shift can have various effects on the body, including changes in mood and physical sensations.

Breastfeeding's Impact on Oestrogen

Breastfeeding can keep Oestrogen levels lower than usual, which can lead to symptoms similar to menopause, such as vaginal dryness and changes in libido. This is a temporary phase, and these symptoms typically resolve once breastfeeding is reduced or stopped.

Nutrition and Hormonal Balance

A balanced diet rich in Phytoestrogens can help mitigate some of the hormonal side effects of breastfeeding. Foods like flaxseeds, soy products, and certain nuts and seeds can be beneficial.

The Weaning Process

If you decide stop to wean or stop breastfeeding, the gradual decrease in breastfeeding leads to a rise in Oestrogen and other hormones to pre-pregnancy levels. This transition can come with its own set of emotional and physical changes, such as breast pain and mood swings.

Support and Self-Care

It's crucial for you to practice self-care and seek support when needed. Whether it's consulting healthcare providers about hormonal concerns or connecting with a community of others, support systems play a vital role in navigating the hormonal journey of breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding your baby who has graduated from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) can be a deeply rewarding yet overwhelming experience. The NICU is a place of miracles, where little fighters overcome great odds. As a NICU graduate transitions home, breastfeeding becomes more than nutrition; it's a continuation of the care and connection that began in the hospital. Let’s explore more.

If you've had a previous Caesarean birth and are considering a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), you're not alone! Let's dive into how you can prepare for a successful VBAC and embrace this incredible journey.

1. Learn the Facts

Education is key! Take a VBAC birth course that focuses on evidence-based information. Understand the risks, benefits, and success rates associated with VBAC. Did you know that 60-80% of people who attempt a VBAC are successful? That's right! The VBAC success rate is surprisingly high¹

2. Find a Supportive Provider

Choose a healthcare provider who fully supports your desire for VBAC. Having a team that believes in you and your ability to birth vaginally is crucial. Seek out a provider who doesn't just tolerate VBAC but actively encourages it.

3. Select the Right Birth Location

Where you give birth matters. Look for a birth centre, home birth team or hospital that has experience with VBACs. Discuss your birth plan with the midwives and ensure they're understand your plan.

4. Consider Hiring a Doula

A doula can provide emotional support, comfort, and advocacy during labour. Having a doula by your side can positively impact your VBAC experience.

5. Join a Support Group

Connect with other parents who have had successful VBACs. Hearing their stories and sharing your own can boost your confidence and provide valuable insights.

6. Process Previous Birth Trauma

If you've had a traumatic birth experience before, take time to process it. Consider seeking counselling or support to release any fears or negative emotions associated with childbirth.

7. Create a Birth Plan

Outline your preferences for labour, delivery, and postpartum care. Be clear about your desire for a VBAC and discuss it with your provider.

8. Practice Meditation and Affirmations

Mental preparation matters. Use positive affirmations and meditation to stay focused and calm during labour.

9. Decide What's Best for You

Remember, there's no failing in birth. Whether you achieve a VBAC or have a repeat caesarean, every birth is an incredible accomplishment. Trust your instincts and make choices that align with your well-being.

10. Embrace the Journey

Your VBAC journey is unique and beautiful. Celebrate each step, trust your body, and know that you're part of a supportive community.

Remember, you've got this! VBAC is a powerful choice, and with the right preparation and mindset, you're well on your way to a successful birth experience.

In this digital age, expectant parents often turn to social media for advice, shared experiences, and a sense of community. However, this seemingly benign resource can sometimes become a source of stress and unrealistic expectations. Here’s how it can affect you and what to do.

So, you've embarked on this incredible journey of parenthood. The sleepless nights, the nappy changes, the adorable baby coos—it's all part of the magical package. But amidst the baby giggles and nursery rhymes, how do you hold onto your own identity? Let's dive into some tips to help you stay true to yourself while rocking that parenting gig.

Birth is a profoundly personal experience, yet it's often clouded by external expectations and pressures. Many people find themselves agreeing to things they don't want, driven by a lack of confidence or a desire to please others. This can lead to a birth experience that feels disempowering and far from what they truly desired. Learn how you might be sabotaging your birth .

Relactation is a remarkable process that allows you to resume breastfeeding after having stopped for a period. Whether due to personal choice, medical reasons, or separation from the baby, relactation can be a fulfilling journey back to nursing.

What is Relactation?

Relactation is the act of stimulating your body to produce breast milk again after having weaned your baby or after a period of not breastfeeding. It's a natural way to re-establish the breastfeeding relationship and can be achieved regardless of how long it's been since you last nursed.

Why Consider Relactation?

You may choose to relactate for various reasons:

- A desire to reconnect with the breastfeeding experience.

- Health benefits for the baby, such as the immune-boosting properties of breast milk.

- Changes in circumstances, such as returning from work or resolving initial breastfeeding challenges.

The Journey of Relactation

- Stimulation: The key to relactation is frequent breast stimulation, either through pumping or direct nursing, to signal your body to produce milk.

- Support: Engage with lactation consultants who can provide personalised plans and encouragement.

- Supplementation: Initially, you may need to supplement with formula or previously pumped milk until your supply is re-established.

- Patience: Relactation takes time, and progress can vary from one person to another.

Success Stories and Tips

Many have successfully relactated, sharing stories of triumph and the deepened bond with their babies. Tips from these experiences include:

- Consistency: Regular pumping or nursing sessions are crucial.

- Nutrition: A well-balanced diet and hydration support milk production.

- Community: Connecting with other mothers on the same journey can offer invaluable support and motivation.

As you prepare for the arrival of your little one, you may encounter the option of cord blood banking. This process involves collecting the blood left in your newborn's umbilical cord and placenta and storing it for future medical use. But is it worth it?

Vasospasm during breastfeeding can be a challenging condition, causing discomfort and pain due to the constriction of blood vessels in the nipple. Read more about it here

As a doula, I’ve witnessed the emotional rollercoaster that comes with being ‘overdue’. The anticipation, the waiting, and sometimes the frustration—it’s all part of the journey. But fear not! Here are some tips to help you stay positive during this waiting game

Breast enlargement (augmentation) can be a transformative journey, and for many people, the desire to breastfeed remains an essential part of their post-surgery experience. Let’s explore the delicate balance between breast implants and breastfeeding, empowering you with knowledge and practical tips.

Labour can sometimes be an intense experience, but there are natural methods that can help manage discomfort. One surprising yet effective technique is acupressure, which involves applying pressure to specific points on the body. Let’s delve into how using an acupressure comb during labour can provide relief and empower you during childbirth.

Preparing for postpartum is a crucial aspect of pregnancy that often doesn’t receive enough attention. As an IBCLC and Doula, I emphasise not only getting ready for birth but also ensuring you’re well-prepared for the postpartum period.

As a parent, you’ve likely experienced those challenging evenings when your baby seems inconsolable. Whether you call it the “witching hour,” “arsenic hour,” or simply a fussy period, it can be incredibly tough. Let’s explore strategies to navigate this common phenomenon.

Parenting is a journey that often forces us to confront our own past. For those who experienced childhood trauma, the path to healing while raising children can be both daunting and transformative.

Postpartum depression is a topic that deserves our attention and understanding. As new parents embark on the journey of parenthood, they often encounter a range of emotions. While some feelings are expected, others can be more intense and persistent. Let’s delve into the nuances of postpartum depression and explore ways to recognise and address it.

Reality Check: You thought you had this whole sleep thing figured out. Your little one was snoozing like a champ, and you were feeling like a parenting rockstar. And then, bam! Sleep regression hit like a midnight freight train. Suddenly, your sweet angel is waking up every hour, refusing to settle, and turning your nights into a blurry haze.

Congratulations! You’ve embarked on the incredible journey of parenthood. But let’s be real: it’s not all rainbows and lullabies. The transition from “baby blues” to “baby bliss” is a wild ride—one that can leave you feeling like you’re on an emotional rollercoaster. Buckle up, because here’s your no-nonsense guide to surviving the ups and downs.