Mindful Mothering Perth

Mindful Mothering Perth Perth based IBCLC
Registered Midwife
Registered Nurse
Mother of two👦 👧
Evidence based information & support on all things breastfeeding 💕

Motherhood is an overwhelming journey, no matter what stage you’re in. Try and remember what’s most important 💕Connectio...
18/08/2023

Motherhood is an overwhelming journey, no matter what stage you’re in.
Try and remember what’s most important 💕
Connection.
Love.
Patience.
Kindness.

To your little ones and to yourself.

Sometimes we all need this reminder to let go of the little things & focus on what’s right in front of us.

World Breastfeeding week 2023 🤱 This years theme is ‘enabling breastfeeding, making a difference for working parents’. W...
04/08/2023

World Breastfeeding week 2023 🤱
This years theme is ‘enabling breastfeeding, making a difference for working parents’.

Workplace limitations remain the most common reason for women to never breastfeed or to stop breastfeeding earlier than recommended by WHO, or than they want themselves.

Even with adequate maternity & parental leave, lack of support for breastfeeding at the workplace can undermine breastfeeding.

Parents need support from the whole society to enable breastfeeding. A warm chain of support for breastfeeding needs to be established including the health sector, workplace & community. Every mother should have access to a lactation consultant, with Medicare rebates available for their service.

Let’s also acknowledge that breastfeeding IS work, and is physically & emotionally demanding of our bodies, our minds & our time.

I recognize that many mothers want to breastfeed, but they’re not able to because our systems have failed them. There are still many barriers to a positive breastfeeding journey.
But I’m still fighting, supporting & trying to make change happen for mothers.

Xx

Photos of some of my powerhouse mothers 💕💕
📸
📸 .flow.her

We are raising human babies, not tiny robots. They need to feel safe, loved & emotional connection just as much as we do...
22/05/2023

We are raising human babies, not tiny robots.

They need to feel safe, loved & emotional connection just as much as we do.

You’re not creating ‘bad habits’. Cuddle them. Don’t doubt yourself.

They need your cuddles and closeness are much as they need milk in their bellies.

Having a bad day? Put them skin to skin 💕
Reach out for breastfeeding support.

Mothers Day Let’s be honest. We need more than just a day. It shouldn’t be about these grand gestures and gifts to show ...
13/05/2023

Mothers Day

Let’s be honest. We need more than just a day.
It shouldn’t be about these grand gestures and gifts to show gratitude for what we do, but gentle presence, support, love and strength that we too can rest in on a daily basis.
We too need to be held.

Society expects more from us than ever. To be the ‘perfect’ mother whilst balancing life with work, study, household and everything in between.
And it’s a lot.

I love the simplicity and beauty in this photo "An elderly mother caressing her daughter's hair while her daughter breastfed, both giving lap and love in two different ways, both feeding the next generation”

I hope all mothers today feel loved, held and valued. But most importantly, I hope you feel this way each and every day.

Sarah x

Happy international day of the midwife 💕 What a journey it’s been for the past 12 years! I started this profession think...
05/05/2023

Happy international day of the midwife 💕
What a journey it’s been for the past 12 years!

I started this profession thinking I could change the world (one woman at a time). I had the most incredible mentors around me since the moment I started as a fresh faced baby midwife. But it’s also been an eye opening experience into the world of the medicalization of birth.

I wish more women knew about what midwives do, and the benefits of continuity of care with a known midwife for both mothers & babies.

To be with women, to see them flourish from pregnancy into motherhood, is like nothing else.
And it’s something I’m continuously learning from.
And I learn most from the families I care for. Each and every one of you.

Thank you to those I have worked alongside - learnt from, shared laughter and tears with, and to my two beautiful midwives who went above and beyond for me and my babies… and most of all- to the women who entrusted me to guide them into motherhood.

As Birth Keepers, Midwives, we are all connected with a similar mission to serve women. It’s in our journey that we discover our uniqueness 💕

Mothers are amazing. It doesn’t matter how many mums I see, I’m still amazed by each & every one of you 💕 For those of y...
07/04/2023

Mothers are amazing.

It doesn’t matter how many mums I see, I’m still amazed by each & every one of you 💕

For those of you who have had to do some expressing from time to time, or full time expressing - you will understand how insanely challenging/time consuming/soul destroying it can feel.

A few tips if you need to express your milk for your baby:

❣️Get yourself a good quality hospital grade pump (hire, borrow, purchase), do some online research to see what the best fit is for you
❣️ Make sure the expressing shields are the correct fit & size for you. This can impact on your production, not to mention comfort levels
❣️Get yourself a hands free pumping bra (or make one)
❣️Gentle hand massage/stroking during pumping increases oxytocin levels
❣️ If you are expressing more than 6 times/day, you do not need to wash the equipment after each use! 🤯 (just give them a quick rinse after use, put them in a clean container, store in the fridge & wash with warm soapy water once/day).
❣️ Have everything you need within arms distance, large drink bottle, phone & charger, nutritious snacks
❣️ A little bouncer or bassinet in front of you, if you need to entertain a baby whilst pumping - or on your lap (as pictured)
❣️ Meal prep throughout the day, get groceries delivered, friends bringing you meals - whatever you can do to make things as simple as possible (always have snacks as you will be hungry, oh so hungry)
❣️It is hard work, please ask for help as much and as often as you need

Every single drop of your amazing milk has so many benefits for your baby, so don’t let that slip your mind when you’re pumping at 2am. If you’re struggling, then please reach out to an IBCLC.

Credit to my amazing twin mum 💕 I am simply in awe of her strength.

Any other tips for expressing mums?

Xx

My copy of the ‘Complete Australian Guide to Pregnancy & Birth’ has arrived 👏🏻💕  We are a little excited, as my story of...
28/03/2023

My copy of the ‘Complete Australian Guide to Pregnancy & Birth’ has arrived 👏🏻💕

We are a little excited, as my story of Chloe’s birth & NICU journey is featured (p. 285).

My little miracle, born at a mere 770g, 15 weeks premature. Now a healthy & thriving 4 year year old girl 💫

I love everything that has been doing over the years. Sharing women’s stories and experiences of pregnancy, birth & postpartum. And they’ve now turned all of this wisdom into a book.. which is more like a bible for women expecting a baby.

So if you’re expecting a baby, or work with women in this space - this book is a must have!! This book will set women up with a comprehensive amount of information which will help them to achieve a positive and empowered birth experience 💕

I hope my story can provide parents navigating the NICU journey with some practical tips to get them through such a challenging time.

I’m currently working on something pretty amazing for NICU families who are transitioning home - so watch this space 💕

I can say that Chloe’s birth & NICU stay (122 days) completely changed my life. Through all of the pain, heartache & agony that is having your baby in the NICU - it does also bring out a strength in you that you never knew you had.

Sarah x

A beautiful reminder 💕  We can’t be all of it, for everyone in this season of mothering. The perfect sister, partner, fr...
19/03/2023

A beautiful reminder 💕

We can’t be all of it, for everyone in this season of mothering.
The perfect sister, partner, friend, neighbour, colleague, gym buddy, school volunteer, cousin, granddaughter - the list goes on!

We often feel so disappointed when we let others down. But remember yours is the most important job of all.
No one can fill your shoes.

So in this busy season, allow yourself to say no more.

Not just for your baby or your family, but for YOU. Slowing down is medicine.

Just some mothering realness to break up your daily social media BS.  I tend to find social media a little toxic. Especi...
23/02/2023

Just some mothering realness to break up your daily social media BS.

I tend to find social media a little toxic. Especially for mothers.

Sure, social media can be a great form of distraction when we’re elbow deep in s**t, washing the 10th load of clothes & calming a toddler for the 90th time in one morning..

But do we really need to see these picture perfect families in matching $500 outfits in their sparkly & immaculate homes?
Or a mum with a newborn who’s got her ‘pre baby body’ back at 10 days postpartum? (Don’t even get me started on this topic as it’s just so many levels of wrong).
It’s just not realistic.

It just makes us feel even more mum guilt (and we’ve already got a s**t tonne of that).

Have a look at the statistics of PTSD, PPD & anxiety in parents- it doesn’t lie. Our mental health is taking a toll in so many ways. Our culture does not support new mothers. And social media, is not helping.

The truth is. We can’t do it all.
There is no such thing as a ‘perfect parent’
Try not to strive for perfectionism. Because it’s unattainable.

Babies & kids are messy. They are noisy. They make us tired to our bones & cranky. They want us constantly (even when we’re on the toilet!).
If we try to do it all, have it all - we often miss out on a lot of beautiful things along the way.

So, try and keep it real with each other.
Tell it and show it how it really is.
You’ll be surprised by how others are feeling exactly the same way.

Let your kids get messy.
Laugh.
Accept that you won’t have a perfectly tidy house for another 18 years.
Embrace the chaos of the day to day.
If you need help, ask for it. Don’t feel shame for seeking help. It’s actually a courageous (and essential) thing to do.

And most importantly - practice loving yourself as much as you love your children.

If you have a mum friend who needs some realness right now, tag her and let her know she’s not alone.

Sarah x

I’m not crying, your crying 🥹 In the thick of those sleepless nights, when you are well & truly most needed by your litt...
17/02/2023

I’m not crying, your crying 🥹

In the thick of those sleepless nights, when you are well & truly most needed by your little ones.. it can be so so hard to focus on the here and now and to soak up and relish those beautiful moments in between the chaos.

The sweet smell of your babies head, the feel of their tiny hand & fingers in yours, the way they nestle into their favourite spot under your neck..

It is one hell of a rollercoaster ride. So try and find those special moments in your day to allow that connection and love to continue to grow 💕 remember, you won’t be this needed forever.



Happy Friday all ###

Oh how beautiful is this 💕 It took years for my hair to grow back - but I’m still waiting for these greys to disappear 😅...
10/02/2023

Oh how beautiful is this 💕

It took years for my hair to grow back - but I’m still waiting for these greys to disappear 😅🤷‍♀️ (they emerged after the birth of my second). No surprise there really

I’ve been quiet on here lately because life has been fairly non stop surgery, lengthy recovery, Christmas, school holidays, we got a fur baby 🐶, still seeing you amazing mums & babies as well as working on some awesome projects with , and about to start studying again so I can hopefully provide a more comprehensive service to mothers & babies… stay tuned. I’m pretty excited.

Happy Friday everyone 💕 I hope all of you amazing mums get a little quiet time to yourself this weekend to recharge, restore your energy levels & to show yourself some self love & care ❤️

Sarah x

One of my beautiful mums recently shared her stunning  family portraits she had done by the amazing .flow.her This is so...
23/12/2022

One of my beautiful mums recently shared her stunning family portraits she had done by the amazing .flow.her

This is something I SO wish that I had done 🤣🤦‍♀️

These photos bring me so much joy, as this beautiful mum has overcome SO much in her breastfeeding & parenting journey this year. She has had times when she wanted to give up, but her sheer determination & strength has gotten her through some very trying times. So, to see her lovingly staring down at her baby, continuing their breastfeeding journey despite the challenges - fills my heart.

To all of the beautiful mums & families who I have supported throughout 2022 - I wanted to say a huge thank you 💕

Thank you for trusting me to support you through a very special yet sometimes stressful time 🤱 I absolutely love what I do!!
I’ve met so many wonderful families this year & look forward to another busy and exciting year next year!

2023 will welcome some VERY exciting changes to my business - so stay tuned.

Wishing you all a very happy, safe and heart warming christmas 🎄💕

See you in 2023 🎉

Sarah ###

Thank you beautiful for the photos

🎅 🎄 This season can be overwhelming & overstimulating not only for us, but also for our little ones. Try not to fill you...
10/12/2022

🎅 🎄 This season can be overwhelming & overstimulating not only for us, but also for our little ones.

Try not to fill your calendar too much. Saying no is ok. More than ok in fact. Prioritizing your baby, family & protecting your energy is incredibly important.

Motherhood is exhausting as it is - let alone driving around to various Christmas events, trying to keep up with conversations when your so tired your eyeballs feel like they’re hanging out of your head. Not to mention the extra cooking, wrapping, baking, packing!

🎁 Pass the presents, not the baby.

🌟 My favourite tip if you’re going to an event where you know that people will want to cuddle your baby - is to feed your baby just as you get there, put them in a baby carrier & voila!! (Baby is secured in their favourite place).

Or you could simply say - no, if people are asking for cuddles.

Enjoy the silly season, soak up the festivities with your family, make wonderful memories together 💕 just remember to slow down, in between the busyness (and get other people to do the cooking).

🌟 Stay hydrated with the weather warming up. Your baby may also need extra feeds due to increase in thirst (but also for extra security) 💕

Thank you for the beautiful image. 💕

A little weekend reminder 💕 This hit me with all of the feels. I’ve always struggled with an untidy house. It is certain...
19/11/2022

A little weekend reminder 💕

This hit me with all of the feels.
I’ve always struggled with an untidy house. It is certainly a trigger of mine. Something that I’m constantly trying to let go of.
A work in progress.

A beautiful reminder for us all -

Heart over home.
Thank you for your beautiful words

Have a lovely weekend with your little babes. Don’t let that giant pile washing or grubby window get in the way of taking in quality time with your little ones (and, time for yourself ☕️ 🧘‍♀️).

Sarah
X

The Birth Project  The ABC want to hear from you! They’re looking into Australia’s maternity system & they would love yo...
16/11/2022

The Birth Project

The ABC want to hear from you!

They’re looking into Australia’s maternity system & they would love your help to explore what’s working, what’s not & what we could do better.

Open to women who have birthed in Australia in the last 5 years or care providers who have attended births in the same time period.

It’s time for change.
Birth is becoming more & more medicalized. More women are experiencing unnecessary intervention, sustaining birth trauma, post-partum anxiety, depression & PTSD.

🌟 If every woman had a known midwife throughout their pregnancy, birth & postpartum - we could see such an incredible change in our statistics, in our mothers, in our babies!

🌟 Pregnancy and childbirth are life-altering events for women, the memories of which will accompany her a lifetime. It’s about time we listened to what women want for birthing choices.

🌟 We need universal access to midwifery continuity of care, Medicare for homebirth, more midwifery representation in government (separate to nursing), more funding for birthing on country.

It is so important to get as many stories as possible, in as much detail as possible - both positive & negative.
Home births, hospital births. Public, private, birth centre.

https://amp.abc.net.au/article/101574750

.org.au

Unfortunately I’m going to have to take a little break 😞 I’m currently undergoing my second lot of surgery for my   and ...
10/11/2022

Unfortunately I’m going to have to take a little break 😞
I’m currently undergoing my second lot of surgery for my and I’m going to take the next couple of months to focus on my recovery.

In the past month, it’s been pretty insane with moving house, holding presentations at the hospital & now surgery.. (not to mention Christmas around the corner 🤯).

I find it really hard to say no to mothers in need of my support, so this will certainly be a challenge for me.

I am still working on some pretty amazing things behind the scenes. 2023 I’ll also be offering my lactation services & classes at a truly awesome clinic in Perth

Much love to you all.

Sarah x

Also - where the f* did 2022 go!? 😅

Nothing will teach you more than your first born child. Navigating motherhood was more overwhelming than I ever could’ve...
24/10/2022

Nothing will teach you more than your first born child.

Navigating motherhood was more overwhelming than I ever could’ve imagined.

It took me quite a while to find my groove. To stop fighting what he was trying to tell me, to ask of me..
To listen to my instincts.

To stop listening to what others were saying -
‘You’re building a rod for your own back’
‘He needs to be able to self soothe’
‘You need to leave him to sleep alone’
‘You wear him too much’
‘He breastfeeds too often’

So here is Mr F, telling them all how it is 🖕😅 🖕

Even the online information that is thrown at you, the marketing that is directed at tired & vulnerable mothers!

Let me tell you that you don’t need a special vibrating magical cot, an essential oil kit, a nursery designed for royalty, clocks, apps, magnesium creams….
💕 You are in fact, all your baby needs 💕

As unaware, learning mothers we tend to look outwards for the answers. The answer is inwards. The answer is you.

I would just like to add that I purchased everything under the SUN to try & help my refluxy, sleep hating son sleep anywhere but on me 🤣 (but of course, he fkn despised all of it).

Address

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