Olive Tree Birth Education

31/10/2024

It’s so exciting to see this research by Jata Elliott & colleagues.

(Full text is available https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1871519224002853)

The review notes “the profound mental health challenges and the pressing need for tailored, sensitive, and continuous support for neurodivergent in- dividuals during the perinatal period.

“The neurodivergent perspective not only emphasises the individualised care required but also advocates for systemic changes to accommodate the diverse experiences of neurodivergent populations.

“Through such a lens, we are reminded of the critical importance of understanding, supporting, and empowering ND parents to ensure their health and well-being during one of life’s most significant transitions.”

01/08/2024

Postpartum is a roller-coaster of emotions and changes. These words are so useful for opening up important conversations pre and post birth. It's helpful to have open communication with your loved ones about the supports (and space) you may need. Take it slow and gently to rest your body and adjust to the tasks of mothering a newborn. You won't regret spending these precious days healing and bonding with your beautiful baby. Check out COPE for mental health information and support in pregnancy and postpartum.

Most people find the first six to eight weeks to be the hardest with a new born baby. And while people may not openly discuss many of the challenges in these early weeks of parenthood (if at all), there are a number of common hurdles you may face at this time.

The greatest challenges commonly experienced by parents in their first weeks include:
~ Recovering from birth. This is particularly challenging if birth has been traumatic or your were highly dissatisfied with the quality of care you received.
~ Breastfeeding and bottle feeding. ⁠Feeding your baby may come easily to you. Or, it may be yet another challenge, and different to what you expected or hoped for.
~ Lack of sleep. This can greatly affect your mood, energy, patience and ability to think clearly.
~ Feeling highly emotional. This can be compounded by lack of sleep and feeling that things are out of control.
~ Coping with an unsettled baby. ⁠Babies all come with unique temperaments which can bring additional demands on your patience and feelings towards your baby.
~ Bonding with your baby ⁠For many reasons, it may take longer than you expected to develop a connection with your baby.
~ Body image. Pregnancy and birth can bring possible changes to the way women may look and feel physically. This in turn can impact on our self-esteem and body image.
~ Managing priorities. ⁠Finding time for everything whilst also meeting the needs of your baby might mean that you need to let some things go for a while.
~ Managing advice from others. ⁠Endless newborn and parenting advice can leave you questioning yourself and your capabilities. Trust yourself as the expert on your baby.
~ Relationship dynamics with your partner. ⁠These are also constantly changing as you begin to adjust and accommodate life with your new arrival.
~ Relationship dynamics with your family. ⁠Not only are your expectations of parenthood likely to be adjusting, but so too are those of family and friends. As part of this transition, you will all begin to see where and how everyone fits into the new picture.

Visit our site to learn more! https://www.cope.org.au
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19/07/2024

Have a read. This is so important. Informed consent is your right as a health care recipient. The time sensitive nature of some circumstances in the birthing space can make this challenging but does not negate your rights. Remember your BRAINS acronym for informed decision making and thinking ahead about your prefrences with birth education can help you navigate some potential unexpected moments in your journey. A positive birth experience can unfold even if not "going to plan" where women and families are supported and respected in their rights to informed consent and decision making.

17/07/2024

Worried about your baby being warm enough in winter? Have a read of this post from Red Nose Australia

🌡️Overheating is one of the major risk factors for SIDS and SUDI, but how do you know how much or what sort of bedding to use to keep baby both warm and safer while sleeping?

To mitigate this risk, Red Nose advises parents and caregivers to use their judgment, considering factors such as climate, heating in the house, and the baby's health status.

Dress your baby in a way that ensures comfort, neither too hot nor too cold, just as you would dress yourself.

Get the facts here: https://rednose.org.au/article/bedding-amount-recommended-for-safe-sleep

11/07/2024

Man we survived some interesting parenting practices in generations gone by! But devastatingly for some babies unsafe sleeping environments contributed to cot death or SIDS. Fortunately we have so much information now from research on how to reduce risks and keep our babies sleeping safely. So get up to speed on the safe sleeping recommendations from and make sure you pass on the info to the soon to be grandparents also!

10/07/2024

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Amazing mama! Congratulations 🎊

10/07/2024

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Experiencing the beauty of a home water birth is a powerful moment of joy and empowerment. Nothing compares to the experience this special moment brings.⁣

Many women are unaware that birthing at home supported by a midwife is not only an option, but that the research shows is it is the safest way to birth for low risk pregnancies and has the best outcomes for mothers and babies.

Knowing your options is the most important first step in getting educated for your upcoming birth. Check out our 'Birthing Options' section on our website to get you started.

https://hypnobirthing.com.au/birth-options/

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28/06/2024

Friday 9th August is Red Nose Day! Get your silly on to support this wonderful organisation that has helped save many lives through research and education into safe sleeping for babies and toddlers.

We've given the red nose a facelift!! 😲🔴

For the first time in our 36 year history you can now purchase a nose with one of two different character faces on the front - taking the silliness of Red Nose Day that one step further!

Our icoinc noses have put a smile of the face of millions of Australian's - and helped us save over 12,000 little lives since 1988.

Now, we've given them a new look to help us on our journey to raise $1 million to fund vital new research and continue our support for families affected by the unexpected death of a baby or child.

Don't worry, you can still purchase the original red nose - these new versions are here as a reminder that it's never too late to get silly, and even the simplest of actions this Red Nose Day can have a lasting impact on those who need it most.

It's a silly nose that makes a serious difference for Australian families in need.

Grab yours today from rednoseday.org.au/shop

21/06/2024

I get asked about these popular bassinets quite often. Follow this link for some useful discussion around benefits and risks to help decision making.

"You might be thinking about trying the Snoo because you're worried about your ability to manage broken nights. Or you might be feeling desperately sleep-deprived and willing to give anything a go. It's not wrong to experiment with a Snoo! But here are reasons why you might decide not to put money into a mechanised bassinet as you experiment your way through." Great info from my friend and colleague Dr Pam Douglas and her Possum Sleep Program https://possumssleepprogram.com/baby-sleep-0-12-months/can-technology-help/will-a-snoo-smart-sleeper-bassinet-help-with-babys-sleep-and-crying?

15/06/2024

Speaking up for babies! The foundations of mental health and wellbeing are created from their time in the womb and early life experiences. Forming a secure and positive attachment to parents and caregivers supports babies mental health development.

Little things parents do everyday helps this process, such as...
- smiling at your baby and sharing joy
- expressing love often
- talking, singing, playing with your baby
- noticing your babies cues (non-verbal communication)
- soothing your baby when they are distressed
- reading with your baby
- helping your baby sleep when they are tired

Remember too it's impossible to "get it right" all the time. New parents are tired and often experience challenges understanding their baby. But "being present" through the tough times with their baby, attending own self-care and seeking support are helpful ways parents can promote everyone's wellbeing in the family.

You can read more at the Australian Infant Mental Health Association on this link https://www.aaimh.org.au/

14/06/2024

Did your labour slow down or have treatment to help it along? Opportunity to help research into women's experiences of these circumstances. Check out this post.

They are surveying women from across Australia to hear about their experiences with plateauing labour in the WEPAUSE Study.

14/06/2024

Hey Dads! Check this post out 😄

You may have some challenging parenting moments, but being a dad can also be a lot of fun as you and your baby get to know each other.

Activities that help you connect with your baby during pregnancy and in the first year after birth can help you feel less stressed and develop confidence in your parenting skills early on.

Read the article for some tips of building a strong bond with your baby.

https://panda.org.au/articles/how-dads-can-build-a-strong-bond-with-their-baby