Honouring Ancient Birthing Practices of First Nations People on Invasion Day
As Australia Day, or more appropriately termed Invasion Day, approaches, it is vital to reflect on the rich cultural heritage of First Nations people and the devastating impact colonisation has had on their practices. Among these are ancient birthing traditions, which embody profound connections to land, spirituality, and community. Let’s honour First Nations wisdom by learning about their enduring cultural practices and advocating for their preservation. Together, we can take steps toward reconciliation by amplifying Indigenous voices and supporting their right to reclaim what colonisation sought to erase. References included.
Building Community: The Heartbeat of Motherhood
In the transformative journey of motherhood, one of the most vital elements that can profoundly influence our experience is community. Whether you are navigating the joys and challenges of pregnancy or adjusting to life with a newborn, having a supportive network around you can make all the difference. Building community is not only beneficial but essential for emotional well-being and resilience during this significant phase of life. This blog includes: the importance or connection; the power of sharing stories; creating meaningful networks; and encouragement and empowerment.
Nurturing Connection: How Yoga Can Strengthen the Bond Between Mother and Baby
As a pre and postnatal yoga teacher and a mother of two energetic boys, I understand just how vital the connection between a mother and her baby can be during this transformative journey. Yoga offers a beautiful platform to nurture this bond through mindful movement, breath, and playful interaction. Included in this blog are practices that honour the unique connection between mother and baby while enhancing your experience on the mat.
8 Books to Help You Lead with Heart and Walk Your Own Path in Motherhood
To walk your own path as a mother means to trust your instincts, embrace your individuality, and parent in a way that aligns with your values, free from societal expectations. This blog includes seven books to help you lead with your heart and walk your own path in motherhood.
The Power of Sustainable Care Postpartum
When entering the world of parenthood, the shift can feel monumental—joyful yet overwhelming. In this exciting new chapter, it’s crucial to approach care with sustainability in mind. This blog includes: empowering decision-making, listening and tailoring support, creating a supportive environment, and C.A.R.E - principles of a sustainable support system postpartum.
Empowering New Mothers & Families
The postpartum period is often filled with a mix of emotions—from joy and love to overwhelm and anxiety. As a postpartum doula, my role is to empower new mothers and families during this transitional time through compassionate support, informed decision-making, and cultural sensitivity. This blog explores supporting decision-making, encouraging self-reflection, supporting families with diverse identities, centring the woman and family, and culturally appropriate care traditions.
Festive Prep for Parents: Navigating the Holidays with Little Ones
The holiday season can be a magical time filled with joy, love, and connection. However, it can also come with its own set of challenges, especially for new parents and families with young children. Here’s your ultimate guide to festive prep, making the holidays memorable while keeping the chaos at bay! This blog includes considerations to holidays as new parents, holidays with young children, travelling with young children, alcohol and breastfeeding.
Finding Centre Amidst the Chaos: The Benefits of Sama Vritti for Parents During the Holiday Season
The holiday season can be one of the most joyous times of the year, filled with celebrations, laughter, and the warmth of loved ones. However, it can also become overwhelming, especially for parents juggling the demands of family, work, and social commitments. In the midst of the chaos, it’s essential to carve out moments for ourselves to reconnect and ground our energy. One powerful tool that can help in this endeavour is Sama Vritti, or “equal fluctuation” breathing. Learn more about this pranayama practice and its benefits.
Embracing Holiday Self-Care for Parents
As we approach the festive season, the concept of self-care often comes to the forefront of our minds. But what does self-care really mean, especially for new parents? The term has become ubiquitous, frequently appearing in articles and social media; however, it’s easy to overlook its importance as we get swept up in the hustle and bustle of holidays.
Self-care is not just about bubble baths and pampering; it's about carving out sacred time to nurture your needs—emotionally, mentally, and physically. New parents carry the immense responsibility of caring for their newborn while navigating their own fluctuating emotions, sleep deprivation, and changing family dynamics. It’s vital to recognise that taking care of oneself is not selfish; it’s essential. This blog explores self care practices for parents.
Supporting Families with the Arrival of a New Baby
Welcoming a new baby into your family is a joyous and transformative experience, but it can also be overwhelming. As a transformative moment in a family’s journey, understanding how to support one another during this time is crucial for everyone involved. Here’s a guide on how friends and family can be the best support for new parents—and how to nurture the entire family dynamic as they navigate this new chapter together.
How a Postpartum Doula Can Support New Parents: Beyond the Basics
Bringing a new baby into the world is one of life’s most rewarding experiences, but it can also be incredibly challenging. New parents often find themselves navigating sleepless nights, emotional highs and lows, and the complexities of caring for a newborn. This is where a postpartum doula can provide essential support. While many people are familiar with the general role of a postpartum doula, this blog will delve into some unique and often overlooked ways a postpartum doula can support new parents during this transformative time. This blog provides insight into the unspoken aspects of the postpartum doula role.
Rest: More Than Just Relaxation
As a new parent, you may find that moments of rest feel elusive amidst the joy and chaos of caring for a newborn or young children. It’s essential to navigate the two critical concepts in supporting your wellbeing: rest and relaxation. This blog discusses types of rest, rest vs. relaxation, and offers ways to invite rest into your day.
Understanding the Role of a Postpartum Doula: What Exactly Do They Do?
Welcoming a new baby into the world is an exhilarating experience, but it can also be overwhelming for new parents. As they navigate the joys and challenges of parenthood, many families find themselves seeking support during the postpartum period. This is where a postpartum doula comes in. But what exactly does a postpartum doula do? In this blog, we’ll explore the essential role of postpartum doulas and how they can make a significant difference in the lives of new families.
Embracing Summer Wellness: A Guide for Pregnant and Postpartum Women
As summer unfolds and the warmth of the sun invites us to celebrate life’s little joys, it’s easy to get swept away in the whirlwind of activities that come with this vibrant season. For mothers, balancing the excitement of summer festivities with the demands of daily life can feel like a juggling act. As a postpartum doula, prenatal and postnatal yoga facilitator, and massage therapist, I understand the unique challenges pregnant and postpartum women face during this busy time.
This summer, I invite you to take a pause, reconnect with yourself, and find balance amidst the merriment. It’s crucial to prioritise your wellness—not just for your own sake but for your family too. Let's embark on this journey of self-care together!
Embracing the Wheel of Life: Movement Through the Mother Season
As women, we embody a unique and sacred rhythm throughout our lives, particularly during the profound transformation of motherhood. The wheel diagram serves as a powerful representation of the many cycles we experience, reminding us of the interconnectedness between the seasonal, lunar, and monthly rhythms that shape our lives. This awareness can significantly influence our movement practices and overall well-being, allowing us to navigate the beautiful yet challenging journey of motherhood with grace and intention.
Understanding the Pelvic Floor: how Goldilocks matters
Pelvic floor health is U N D E R R A T E D!
Perhaps it’s because it’s hidden from view or maybe it’s perceived to be taboo. But the truth is, it is vital to our wellbeing - and Goldilocks can help.
Monthly rhythms :: how the menstrual phase mimics Winter
“winter is an exercise in remembering how to still yourself then how to come pliantly back to life again.”
~ Ali Smith, Winter
Monthly rhythms :: how the luteal phase mimics Autumn
What we forget about the female menstrual cycle, and why the Infradian Rhythm matters
What is the Infradian Rhythm, and how does it relate to the menstrual cycle? Discover why following our cycles can be an empowering act of self-awareness.
On women-centred yoga, and my journey here
Why women-centred yoga is my passion, and its capacity to awaken, empower and honour.