Maternity Blog & News | New Beginnings
How to prepare for breastfeeding
As your pregnancy journey nears its beautiful finale, getting ready to nourish your little one through breastfeeding is a wonderful step. Here's your guide on how to prepare for breastfeeding.
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Breastfeeding Myths vs. Facts: Your questions answered
World Breastfeeding Week (Aug 1-7) is just around the corner, a global awareness campaign which reminds us that we all have a role to play in protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding. This year, #WBW2023 is focused on creating breastfeeding-friendly workplaces, and highlighting the importance of paid leave and workplace support for new parents. If you’re an expecting mum, the whole idea of breastfeeding might seem daunting. Especially with a sea of misinformation out there - from your friend that swears your small boobs won't make enough milk to the well-meaning ladies at the supermarket who insist exercise makes your milk sour (what the…?) In celebration of WBW, we’ve separated the old wives' tales from the science to give your bub (and boobs) the best start. Myth: Breastfeeding is easy Those mamas on Instagram make it look so easy – but unfortunately, low or oversupply, cracked nipples, and mastitis are common challenges on the breastfeeding journey. Be prepared with New Beginnings Nipple Shields at the ready, to help with latching and inverted nipples making for a pain-free breastfeeding experience. And if that doesn’t work out? Fed is best, always. If you’re ever feeling overwhelmed, you can contact the Australian Breastfeeding Association Helpline for guidance and support. Fact: Most babies naturally know how to feed Newborn babies have a natural sucking reflex that helps them find the nipple and latch, literally seconds after birth. It's incredible how their little instincts kick in! Myth: You can’t use formula if you want to breastfeed Are you desperate to give your nips a breather, but have heard mixing feeds might cause your baby to go off the boob altogether? Although “nipple confusion” is possible, bub will likely be fine to switch between the two. Opting for a bottle with a slow-flowing teat, taking frequent breaks during feeding, and holding the bottle at a slight angle instead of straight up (so they have to work for it a little) are all great options to help minimise the likelihood of any issues with this transition. Fact: Breast Milk is the perfect food Even better than a superfood smoothie, your homegrown milk is packed with all the essential nutrients, enzymes and hormones your baby needs to thrive. (But don’t feel bad if you go for formula – it’s still a healthy choice with loads of goodness). Myth: You can’t breastfeed if you’re sick You might feel rubbish, but it’s perfectly safe to continue feeding through common illnesses, like the cold, flu, or stomach bug. Just make sure to flag it with your doctor or pharmacist that you’re feeding if you need some meds. Fact: Breastfeeding can keep your baby healthy Breast Milk is an antibody powerhouse, helping boost your baby's immune system and stave off infections, allergies and illnesses. Even more impressive, the exact cocktail is tailored to your exposure to pathogens in your environment, giving your bub protection to what it needs most. Myth: Exercise will make your milk sour There’s zero evidence for this one – so go forth and sweat it out (provided you’ve got your doctor's okay). Fact: There are health benefits for you, too Bonus: breastfeeding can reduce your risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. Plus, it burns around 500 calories daily. Myth: Breastfeeding makes your boobs sag Nope – it's actually pregnancy that causes changes in size and shape, with factors like multiple pregnancies, pre-pregnancy bra size, and even smoking coming into play. Your boobs may feel a little deflated right after you stop breastfeeding, but in the following months, fatty tissue will gradually replace the milk-producing tissue and pump them back up. Fact: Size doesn’t matter Whether you have big boobs or are a card-carrying member of the itty bitty titty committee, your body will likely produce precisely what your little one needs. It’s all down to your hormonal signals and the demand from your baby (more feeds = more milk) that influence milk production. Need some help on your breastfeeding journey? Our New Beginnings breastfeeding collection has got you covered, from Aqua Gel Breast Pads to help cool sore nipples to Hot and Cold Packs to soothe mastitis. If you’re finding yourself Googling everything from boobs and bums to bubs and bibs, our other blogs offer more tips for navigating this new chapter of your life - mummahood.
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Essential Care Packs for New Mums: Postpartum, Pregnancy, and Breastfeeding
Whatever stage you find yourself, new mum care packs can help you navigate this beautiful yet demanding phase. In this blog, we go through essential care packs to support you during each stage of pregnancy, postpartum and beyond.
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Breast Pumps: Comparing the New Beginnings Breast Pumps
To help you choose the best breast pump for your needs, we've created a comparison table.
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A parent's guide to UV sterilisers
There’s a wide range of sterilisers on the market. In this article, we will explore the world of UV sterilisers and explain why they are our number one choice for maintaining sterile baby bottles and accessories.
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How to put yourself first this Mother’s Day
Celebrate Mother’s Day, every day. One day a year people everywhere shower their mums with cards, gifts and little celebrations to remind them how wonderful we all think they are. But why should you limit yourself to one day a year when you’re a mother 24/7, 365 days a year? This year we’re encouraging mums, carers, guardians and anyone playing that vital role in a child’s life, to take some time for themselves and practice some good old self care and love. Every family is different. We recognise that there is no single definition of what it means to be a mother. A mum can come from any background, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. They can be single or in a relationship. They can work full-time or be a stay-at-home parent. A mum can choose to have children biologically or adopt, be young or old, and identify as a parent whichever way she chooses. And we acknowledge that not all mums may identify as a ‘she’. So however you choose to parent, we applaud you! You’re doing a great job. Self care for mothers. What is it and what does it look like? We hear this word a lot these days, and while it’s all well and good to hear it, what does it mean and how can you start doing it? Self-care is the practice of taking intentional actions to improve your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It involves taking care of yourself through activities that promote relaxation, stress reduction, and self-improvement. Here are 5 ways you can start practicing self care today: Take time for yourself: Set aside some time every day to do something that you enjoy. It could be anything from reading a blog like this one, to taking a walk outside. Get enough sleep: It's essential for your mental health and physical wellbeing to get adequate sleep. While it feels nearly impossible to do this when you have a newborn or toddler, asking your family to take the kids for a few hours when needed so you can get some shut-eye is sure to make a world of difference. Eat a balanced diet: While sometimes very challenging, eating well can have a significant impact on your mood and energy levels. So instead of just prepping your kid’s meals each week, pack yourself a lunchbox too! Fill it with all of the nutritious foods you want your kids to eat more of too – they love to follow in your footsteps! Exercise: While running around after the kids does technically qualify as exercise, it’s the time you take for yourself to exercise which boosts your mood and reduces stress levels. Even if it’s just a few minutes of physical activity each day, you’re mind and body will thank you. Connect with other mums: Being around others who understand and relate to your challenges can provide social support and validation, reduce feelings of isolation and offer opportunities to learn coping strategies. Additionally, spending time with like-minded individuals can boost self-esteem, promote relaxation and provide a much-needed break from the demands of motherhood. So what are you waiting for? Pick up that phone and start making plans! Retail therapy: When was the last time you bought something for yourself? If you’re taking a few minutes to think, then it’s time to get that cart firing! Buying yourself little things like jewellery, clothes or even takeaway will give you a psychological and emotional boost. Ready to start shopping? Why not start at New Beginnings where you can find everything you need as a new mum. At New Beginnings, we're committed to supporting mothers and families from pregnancy onwards and want to take this moment to wish you all a very happy Mother's Day, today, tomorrow and every single day of the year! Finding yourself Googling everything from boobs and bums to bubs and bibs? Visit New Beginnings, where you’ll find a range of helpful articles, products and tips for navigating this new chapter of your life - mummahood.
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Will I ever stop crying over everything?
Will I Ever Stop Crying Over Everything? Understanding Emotional Ups and Downs During Pregnancy For many expectant mums, crying over seemingly small things can become a frequent occurrence, leaving them wondering if they will ever stop feeling this way. And while it’s totally normal and nearly every mum will experience it, it’s helpful to know why it’s happening and how you can manage it. Why am I feeling so emotional? Pregnancy is a time of intense hormonal changes. Your body is producing more estrogen and progesterone than usual, which can affect your moods and emotions. These hormones can cause you to feel more fearful, anxious, and bring on sudden crying spells. It can also cause big mood swings, taking you from feeling deliriously happy one minute, to deeply sad the next. Whenever you feel it, however you feel it, just know that it won’t last, and when you start sobbing during infomercials, take comfort in knowing you’re not alone. Will being so emotional affect my baby? Many mums worry if their sudden bursts of emotions are harming their baby. The short answer is no. But it's important to remember that taking care of your emotional well-being is just as important as taking care of your physical health during pregnancy. How to conquer crying spells? Crying spells can be challenging to manage, but there are some things you can do to help reduce their frequency and intensity. Sleep One of the most important things you can do is get enough sleep. Pregnancy can be exhausting, and lack of sleep can make your emotions more volatile. Stay active Staying active and exercising regularly can also help you feel more balanced and reduce stress. Talk to someone Talk to your partner, friends, or family members about how you're feeling. Sharing your emotions can help you feel less alone and provide a sense of support and understanding. Getting your ducks in a row When you’re feeling overwhelmed it helps to make a list of everything you need, and tick those things off one by one. We offer a huge range of resources as well as maternity essentials, breast care and feeding products that can help you cope with how you feel now, and prepare for what’s to come. In summary, experiencing emotional ups and downs during pregnancy is completely normal and won’t last forever. But if you do find yourself not coping, please reach out and speak to your doctor. They can assist with professional guidance to help you navigate your way through your pregnancy. Finding yourself Googling everything from boobs and bums to bubs and bibs? Visit New Beginnings, where you’ll find a range of helpful articles, products and tips for navigating this new chapter of your life - mummahood.
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Do I Really Need a Breast Pump?
Do I really need a breast pump? All of your questions answered! Breast pumps - whether manual, electric, single or double, can be one of the best purchases you ever make as a new mum. Not only are they great for producing and storing breast milk, but they can also help in a number of other ways: Breast pumps help you produce more milk. The truth of the matter is, you will never know how your breasts will handle breastfeeding and milk production until it happens. Even if this isn’t your first baby, every birth is different. So if you’re finding you’re not producing enough milk, a breast pump can help stimulate your breasts and nipples to move things along. Breast pumps save your breasts from engorgement. Breast pumps can be used to help manage oversupply by removing excess milk from the breasts. Breast pumps help prevent mastitis. Oversupply can increase the risk of developing mastitis, an infection of the breast tissue that is incredibly painful. Regularly emptying the breasts using a pump can help avoid this. Breast pumps give you back some time! The best part about breast pumps is you can express your milk and store it for future use, meaning you can actually share the feeding and get yourself out of the house for some much needed ‘me’ time. How do you know if you should buy a breast pump? Some mums prefer to wait until after giving birth to see how breastfeeding goes before investing in a breast pump, while others like to have a pump on hand in case they need it. Whether you’re from column A or column B, you’ll still want to choose a pump that’s right for you, so let’s take a look at what’s out there. There are three main types of breast pumps on the market: manual, electric and new to the category, wearable breast pumps. Each serves a purpose and works well for different people in different situations. Let’s take a closer look… Manual breast pumps Manual breast pumps are the simplest and most affordable option. They are operated by hand, usually with a lever or handle that you can squeeze to create suction. The New Beginnings Silicone Manual Breast Pump is perfect for mums on the go. Made from 100% food-grade silicone, this queen of manual pumps is soft, silent and dishwasher-safe. What more could a gal ask for?! Electric breast pumps Electric breast pumps use an electric motor to create suction and extract milk from the breast. They are typically more powerful and efficient than manual pumps, and are a good choice for mums who need to pump regularly or for extended periods of time. Electric pumps can be bought as either single or double. Single electric pumps extract milk from one breast at a time, while double electric pumps can extract milk from both breasts simultaneously. Double electric pumps are generally faster and more efficient than single pumps, making them a good choice for mums who need to pump frequently or for twins or multiples. The New Beginnings double electric pump has micro computer technology embedded within the motor to ensure it provides the perfect suction which dramatically reduces breastfeeding time by up to 50%! Check out our breast pump shopping guide for more tips on how to choose the best breast pump. What will happen if I don’t pump my breasts? Long story short, if you don’t use a pump it’s not the end of the world, but you could experience engorgement and mastitis if you produce a lot of milk, and you won’t have the flexibility of sharing the responsibility of feeding bub. Will I lose my supply if I don’t pump? If you're not pumping or breastfeeding regularly, you may experience a decrease in milk supply over time. Milk production is a supply-and-demand process, so if milk is not regularly removed from the breast, the body may produce less milk. What's the longest I can go without breast pumping? This depends on a few factors, such as your individual milk supply, how long it has been since you last pumped or breastfed, and how often you usually pump or breastfeed. In general, it's recommended that you empty your breasts at least 8-12 times in a 24-hour period to maintain your milk supply. However, this can vary from person to person, and some women may be able to go longer between pumping or breastfeeding sessions without experiencing a decrease in milk supply. Do I need to sterilise my breast pump? Yes, yes and yes! It's important to sterilise your breast pump regularly to ensure that it's clean and free from harmful bacteria. This is especially important if you're using a breast pump to collect milk for a newborn or a baby with a weakened immune system. And while there’s so many reasons to invest in one of these nifty breast pumps, remember that you should always consult with your doctor or talk to a lactation nurse if you’re having any issues with your breasts or supply. Ready to take the plunge and buy your breast pump? Shop our full breast pump range. Finding yourself Googling everything from boobs and bums to bubs and bibs? Visit New Beginnings, where you’ll find a range of helpful articles, products and tips for navigating this new chapter of your life - mummahood.
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Managing back pain during pregnancy
Top 6 tips for relieving back pain during pregnancy Back pain is one of those things you can add to your ‘cons’ list during pregnancy. It happens because 1 - you're growing a human and there’s way more weight to carry in the front, and 2- your hormones are doing all sorts of funky things to prepare your body for labour. The good news? There are things you can do to help ease back discomfort during pregnancy. We’ve cut it down to 6 best tips to manage back pain during pregnancy. 1. Stay hydrated It sounds totally unrelated, but keeping your fluids up actually helps reduce aches and pains during pregnancy. Reason being it keeps your joints lubricated and helps reduce constipation, which is a big contributor to lower back pain. 2. Maintain good posture This can be difficult, but it is important to try to keep your back supported as your bump grows. Changing positions regularly, placing a pillow behind your lower back when seated and keeping your chin tucked in are just 3 small things you can do that can make a big difference during pregnancy. 3. Pregnancy belts and back support To help take some of the strain off of your back, you may want to add a pregnancy belts or tube to your wardrobe. The New Beginnings pregnancy belt is designed to lift your belly, giving instant relief of pain and pressure to the lower back and abdomen. The New Beginnings pregnancy belly band provides support and comfort that feels like a second skin as it hugs your baby bump. Both are super beneficial and will become your best friends during your pregnancy. Clothing specifically designed for pregnancy and post-birth may also assist with pain. Learn more about maternity clothing essentials. 4. Take it easy Easier said than done, we know, but do try and take it easy. The more you exert yourself in your third trimester, the more chance you have of hurting yourself due to the changes in your muscles. So while you may feel like you can move that piano, we suggest you hold off. 5. See a specialist When muscles need a little extra TLC during pregnancy, you could try seeing a chiropractor that specialises in pregnancy or, if you’re OK with needles, an acupuncturist. A chiropractor can adjust your spine to help reduce the amount of back pain you experience, while acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific muscles to relieve some of the common discomforts associated with pregnancy, such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and of course back pain. Both are safe to do during pregnancy and can really help. 6. Try a heating pad Heating pads can help to reduce the amount of back pain you experience. And the best part? They’re small, portable and only require a quick zap in the microwave. Simply place the heating pad on your lower back and relax! Of course, you should always talk to your doctor about any back pain that isn’t going away. They may be able to recommend some additional treatments to help manage your pain and will always be able to give you good advice. Finding yourself Googling everything from boobs and bums to bubs and bibs? Visit New Beginnings, where you’ll find a range of helpful pregnancy and maternity articles, as well as useful maternity products to help navigate this new chapter of your life - mummahood.
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