Baby Bonding

Baby Bonding Expert Support
IBCLC - breastfeeding, bottle feeding, pumping and parenting.

Mum guilt is real, but it doesn’t have to take oveR!. Here are some gentle reminders and tips to help you navigate those...
09/01/2025

Mum guilt is real, but it doesn’t have to take oveR!. Here are some gentle reminders and tips to help you navigate those tough moments:

1. You Are Enough
Your love, care, and effort are what your kids truly need. They don’t need perfection—they need YOU.

2. Prioritise YOU!
Taking time for yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.

3. Embrace the Mess
Let go of unrealistic expectations, lower your standards and celebrate the small wins—like getting everyone dressed and out the door! Give yourself a bonus point if their socks match 😉

4. Talk About It
Believe us - you’re not alone. Open up to a friend, partner, or fellow mum. Sometimes, just sharing how you feel can lift the weight and knowing others feel the same way can also help.

5. Reframe
Instead of focusing on what you think you’re not doing, remind yourself of all the things you are doing.

Remember, you’re doing an awesome job.

What’s one thing you do to deal with mum guilt? Let us know in the comments.

The World Health Organisation recommends introducing solids when a baby is 6 months old and shows signs of readiness. Th...
07/01/2025

The World Health Organisation recommends introducing solids when a baby is 6 months old and shows signs of readiness. These signs include:

👶Good head control and able to sit up with support
👶Watching and leaning forwards when food is around
👶Reaching out to grab food or spoons to put in their mouth

When introducing solid foods to your baby, try these tips:
👶Be calm and relaxed when you begin.
👶Make sure they sit comfortably and are not too hungry.
👶Be patient. They may only take a spoon File ful at first, but this will increase with time and practice.
👶Be prepared for a mess – all babies will do this when they learn to eat.
👶Stay with your baby while eating to encourage social interaction and to avoid any accidents (such as choking).
👶Try again in a day or so if your baby refuses the first time.
👶Offer foods on a small, infant-sized spoon or finger food.

Let us know in the comments below how things are going for you with starting solids. You might want to save this post for future reference!

Having a baby is an exciting time, and people will be looking forward to meeting your baby, but, you may also want to se...
03/01/2025

Having a baby is an exciting time, and people will be looking forward to meeting your baby, but, you may also want to set some ground rules for when you do start accepting visitors. Some things you might want to consider are:

👉Asking visitors to wash their hands on arrival.
👉Reminding people not to come if they are ill.
👉Would you prefer visitors to be vaccinated?
👉Asking smokers to not hold the baby.
👉Can people kiss the baby?
👉Would you like people to ask before they hold the baby?
👉Would you prefer people bring food when they visit?
👉Are you happy for people to post to social media?
👉Would you like to remind people that you do not want unsolicited advice?

Is there anything that we’ve missed? Did you set some rules for visitors? Let us know in the comments!

In our conversations with our clients recently, we’ve noticed that many people are concerned with what others think, whe...
31/12/2024

In our conversations with our clients recently, we’ve noticed that many people are concerned with what others think, whether that is family, friends or strangers on the street. We get it, it is hard to block out the noise and it seems that whether you're breastfeeding, pumping, formula-feeding, combination-feeding, or weaning, every parent faces judgement about how they choose to nourish their baby. We want you to remember that it is - Your baby, your choice.

But we also understand that navigating these judgments can feel overwhelming.

Here are some tips to help you stay confident and supported:
1️⃣ Trust Your Instincts
You know your baby better than anyone. Feeding choices are deeply personal and should align with what works best for your family, health, and circumstances.
2️⃣ Arm Yourself with Information
Understanding your feeding method helps build confidence. If you’re breastfeeding, know the benefits and challenges. If you’re formula-feeding, know it’s a safe and nutritious choice. Education is empowerment.
3️⃣ Set Boundaries
When unsolicited advice or criticism comes your way, practice polite yet firm responses like:
“Thank you for your input, but this is what works best for us.”
“We’ve made this decision based on what’s right for our family.”
4️⃣ Build Your Village
Surround yourself with supportive people—whether it’s friends, family, or professionals like IBCLCs. Online communities and local parenting groups can also be a judgment-free zone.
5️⃣ Remember: Perfect Doesn’t Exist
There is no "one-size-fits-all" approach to feeding. As long as your baby is loved and fed, you’re doing an amazing job.
6️⃣ Focus on the Positive
Redirect your energy towards the joy of watching your baby grow and thrive. Your bond is built through love, not just how you feed them.

If you are still left wondering if you are doing the right thing or need some additional support - we are here for you. Head to the link in our bio to book an appointment https://www.babybonding.com.au/

👉 Have you faced societal judgment about your feeding choices? Share your story below—we’re here to support you!

Is your baby suddenly feeding non-stop, waking more at night, or extra fussy? Chances are they’re going through a growth...
30/12/2024

Is your baby suddenly feeding non-stop, waking more at night, or extra fussy?
Chances are they’re going through a growth spurt! Growth spurts are a natural part of development, and they often bring on big changes (and challenges). Here’s what to expect:

1️⃣ When Do Growth Spurts Happen?
Growth spurts typically occur around 1-3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 9 months, but every baby is different. These intense bursts of growth usually last a few days, though some may last a week.

2️⃣ Common Signs:
Extra hunger (cluster feeding or more frequent bottle feeds)
More wakeful nights or difficulty napping
Extra fussiness and clinginess

3️⃣ How to Manage:
Follow their lead on feeding—babies eat more to support growth.
Stay patient and try to rest when you can; this phase will pass!
Comfort and cuddle: Growth spurts can be overwhelming for babies too, so extra snuggles help.

Remember, growth spurts are a sign of a healthy, developing baby. Hang in there, and know that you’re doing an amazing job through each stage!

Did you ever think you would talk about poo as much as you do with a new born?  Is it the right colour? Consistency?  Am...
28/12/2024

Did you ever think you would talk about poo as much as you do with a new born? Is it the right colour? Consistency? Amount? Too much? Too little? Too often? Not often enough?

We get it - it’s messy, but here is a quick guide to what’s “normal” and what to keep an eye out for:

1️⃣ The First Few Days: Expect a thick, sticky, dark green or black p**p called meconium. This is totally normal as your baby’s system starts clearing out.

2️⃣ Transitioning Poo: After a few days, you’ll see it change to a greenish-brown as your baby begins to digest breast milk or formula.

3️⃣ Breastfed Baby Poo: Usually yellow, mustardy, and seedy in texture. It can vary from very runny to slightly thicker, and babies can poo frequently (even after each feed) or not for days. Both can be normal!

4️⃣ Formula-fed Baby Poo: Often a bit thicker and tan or yellow-brown in color. Formula-fed babies may also have more regular bowel movements, like once or twice a day.

5️⃣ What is not ok:
Very watery or explosive: This could be diarrhoea, which may lead to dehydration.
Red, black, or white stools: Blood, absence of color, or a very dark color after the first few days may need a check-up.

Mucus or frothy texture: Sometimes, this can happen due to a sensitivity or feeding issue.

Remember, all babies are unique, and what’s normal for one may differ for another. When in doubt, seek support from a trusted health professional!

You might want to save this one if you are due to have your bub soon!

Is your baby suddenly feeding non-stop, waking more at night, or extra fussy? Chances are they’re going through a growth...
28/12/2024

Is your baby suddenly feeding non-stop, waking more at night, or extra fussy?

Chances are they’re going through a growth spurt! Growth spurts are a natural part of development, and they often bring on big changes (and challenges). Here’s what to expect:

1️⃣ When Do Growth Spurts Happen?
Growth spurts typically occur around 1-3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 9 months, but every baby is different. These intense bursts of growth usually last a few days, though some may last a week.

2️⃣ Common Signs:
Extra hunger (cluster feeding or more frequent bottle feeds)
More wakeful nights or difficulty napping
Extra fussiness and clinginess

3️⃣ How to Manage:
Follow their lead on feeding—babies eat more to support growth.
Stay patient and try to rest when you can; this phase will pass!
Comfort and cuddle: Growth spurts can be overwhelming for babies too, so extra snuggles help.

Remember, growth spurts are a sign of a healthy, developing baby. Hang in there, and know that you’re doing an amazing job through each stage!

Thank you for your support over the last year!  Merry Christmas to you and your family.  We look forward to supporting y...
24/12/2024

Thank you for your support over the last year! Merry Christmas to you and your family. We look forward to supporting you in 2025!

If you need support over the holiday period - we are still around - just head to the website to book: https://www.babybonding.com.au/

Embrace the Chaos - Accept that plans might go awry. Babies are unpredictable, and that's part of the adventure! Try to ...
23/12/2024

Embrace the Chaos - Accept that plans might go awry. Babies are unpredictable, and that's part of the adventure! Try to be flexible.

Prioritise naps for baby (and yourself). Christmas time is a busy time, and well-rested people are happy people!

Whether breast or bottle, ensure you have a quiet spot for feeding. This helps you and bub to regulate and bond amongst the chaos.

Plan travel around sleep times. Don't be afraid to adjust plans to suit you and bub.

Festive outfits are very cute, but remember comfort is key, ensure they are appropriate for the weather and any hats or headbands are removed for sleeping and car travel.

Communicate your parenting style kindly. Let everyone know your boundaries. Don’t be afraid to be firm if you don’t agree with something.

Watch for overheating in warm weather. Keep baby comfortable with light clothing, makeshift shade, and plenty of fluids.

Scan unfamiliar spaces for potential hazards, especially where people don’t have children. Look for breakables, power points, and lose cords – anything that may look enticing to little hands.

Amidst the festive chaos, don’t forget to take a moment for yourself. A little self-care goes a long way in keeping your spirits bright. Having some quiet family time to bond and connect is also important.

Embrace the season's joy, create beautiful memories, and remember, you're doing an incredible job!

How will you spend Christmas this year? Let us know in the comments!

Breastfeeding in the summer heat? Stay hydrated! Remember:🥤Drink water before and after feeds.🍉Snack on water-rich fruit...
21/12/2024

Breastfeeding in the summer heat? Stay hydrated!

Remember:
🥤Drink water before and after feeds.
🍉Snack on water-rich fruits like watermelon or cucumber.

Your milk adjusts to keep baby hydrated, so take care of yourself, too!

Expect your baby to want to feed more regularly too - that's totally normal!

It is important to keep yourself fed and watered during the newborn phase.  We recommend having easy to grab one-handed ...
19/12/2024

It is important to keep yourself fed and watered during the newborn phase. We recommend having easy to grab one-handed snacks on hand so that you can stay fueled to look after yourself and your baby. Here are some ideas:
Nuts and seeds
Muesli bars
Fresh and/or dried fruit
Smoothie bags (all divided up and ready to blend)
Protein Balls
Boiled Eggs
Cut up veg and dips
Yoghurt
Cheese and crackers

What were your favourite snacks to have on hand? Let us know in the comments.

We ALWAYS ask Mum’s what they think might be going on with their bub and we always listen if they think there is a probl...
18/12/2024

We ALWAYS ask Mum’s what they think might be going on with their bub and we always listen if they think there is a problem - even if others may be dismissing it. Why? Because in our experience, Mother’s instincts are RARELY wrong!

So, if you think there is an issue with your bub, back yourself and seek the support you think you need. One health professional dismisses you, see another. Get a second, third or fourth opinion if you need it.

Trust your instincts! They are there for a reason and will not let you down!

Do you feel confident to follow your instincts? Let us know in the comments

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