Bird & Bear

31/10/2022

There is SO much information online about pregnancy, birth and babies, you might wonder whether an antenatal course is really necessary. You can get weekly emails telling you what type of fruit your baby currently measures up to, apps tracking everything from contractions to wet diapers, and of course there are always friends, family members and (my best!) complete strangers offering advice, whether it's asked for or not.

My approach with this Empowered Birth course is to support you in sorting through all the information and advice and finding what is right for YOU and YOUR FAMILY.

We'll explore your expectations, your circumstances and your options. We'll look at ways in which you can prepare for birth as well as for postpartum - for the physical changes you can expect as well as the profound adjustment that is involved with welcoming a new baby into your life.

Email me at justine@yourempoweredbirth.co.za to book now.

22/08/2022

23/02/2022

This 2-day Antenatal Workshop, run by founder Justine, runs over two consecutive Saturdays and will:
- Give you more insight into what to expect during pregnancy, birth and postpartum
- Help you understand different approaches to care and options available to you
- Help build your confidence in your decisions regarding pregnancy, birth, postpartum and your overall parenting journey

Dates: 19th March and 26th March
Location: Constantia, Cape Town.

Cost: R900 per person (for both days) / 10% discount for a partner or birth companion (R1710 for 2).

For more info and bookings: DM / 📱 +27 82 464 5336 / 📧 justine@yourempoweredbirth.co.za

Limited spaces available, so book soon to secure your spot.

22/02/2022

Rest is such an important part of caring for yourself during pregnancy and postpartum. It can provide physical, emotional, mental and spiritual benefits.

Try to incorporate regular time for rest, relaxation, meditation or reflection into your daily routine. This can also be a great time to connect with your baby (whether in utero or skin-to-skin after birth) and/or to reflect on the changes you’re experiencing.

A good time to slot this in, even if only for 5 or 10 minutes, is after physical exercise when your body is in a natural calm state physiologically.

We stock a number of products that can be incorporated into restful and relaxing practices such as baths, foot soaks, meditations and even naps.

Shop link in bio.

31/01/2022

When we talk about pregnancy or antenatal care we often think about care in a clinical sense - i.e. the care you receive from your midwife or obstetrician to monitor the health of you and your baby.

Antenatal care comes in various other forms too, for example:

* Rest
* Relaxation
* Nutrition
* Movement / exercise
* Body work (e.g. massage or acupuncture)
* Education
* Social support

From that perspective, your antenatal care might include regular naps, meditation, delicious and nutritious food, walks, massages, learning, connecting with other expectant parents and/or time alone.

What does antenatal care look like for you? Share with us in the comments.

28/01/2022

Our big fancy human brains are very useful, but they can also make us quite good at complicating some of our more primal physiological functions - like breastfeeding/bodyfeeding/chestfeeding/nursing (whatever feels right for you).

We stock a range of nursing bras, washable breast pads and nursing covers that, rather than complicating things, have been designed to make your experience of nursing your baby a comfortable and smooth one.

Shop now at https://birdandbear.co.za/pregnancy-and-postpartum-supplies/nursing/

26/01/2022

There are certain risk factors that increase one's chances of experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMAD), but even without any of these, it could still happen.

There is also no single cause of these disorders; they could be biological, hormonal, environmental, psychological, or a combination of these.

The GOOD NEWS is that symptoms respond well to treatment and support. And there is no shame in needing help and reaching out for it.

See our Resources highlight for some local perinatal mental health resources, speak to a friend, family member, your therapist, or even DM us and we can help you find the support you need and deserve.

25/01/2022

AFTERPAINS
Throughout pregnancy the uterus changes significantly to accommodate your growing baby, and after birth it starts the process of returning to its non-pregnant state.

Immediately after birth the muscles of the uterus contract to prevent heavy blood loss at the site where the placenta was attached to your uterus.

If it is your first time giving birth you may experience mild discomfort or cramping in your belly, like menstrual cramps, or perhaps not even notice these contractions. After your second or third pregnancy these afterpains are generally more intense and you may find you need to use breathing or other pain management tools to help.

These afterpains can affect you regardless of the type of birth you have – vaginal or caesarean - and will ease within a few days or a week.

Check out our latest blog post to find out more about what to expect with afterpains and how to deal with them: https://birdandbear.co.za/what-goes-up-involution-afterpains/

19/01/2022

for Postpartum with savings on underwear, breast pads, nursing covers, pads, teas.
Ends 31 January 2022

Shop now at https://birdandbear.co.za/sale/

18/01/2022

The beginning of the year can be filled with a lot of expectations and pressure to make changes, improve, make progress. It's exciting. And can also feel quite daunting.

If you're in those early days, weeks and months (or even years) of parenting, remember to go easy on yourself. This stage can be hard work to navigate. Becoming a parent is a huge transition that brings a whole set of changes, lessons, firsts and lasts that can be quite wonderful, confusing and exhausting. It can feel like being in limbo in the context of life before children. So, where possible, try not to add unnecessary pressure to be more and do more than you already are. You are enough. You're doing a great job. You've got this!

09/12/2021

Get to know the face behind the name. Our founder, Justine Cook, started Bird and Bear with a heart filled with passion and a mind full of experience and expertise.

"My own journey as a pregnant woman, mother, doula and childbirth educator has helped me source well-thought-out, useful products that can help make this journey as smooth as possible, with the added benefit of having them all delivered straight to your door! "

08/12/2021

Managing a toddler is hard work. Managing a toddler and a newborn might seem like mission impossible.

Here's a tip to make things a little easier: Get your toddler to help with smaller tasks. Give them the honourary badge of special baby helper and ask them to assist with things like passing you nappies, dancing to entertain the baby or grabbing you a snack from your infinite "Mom bag".

07/12/2021

Sleep and relaxation is tough enough during pregnancy and postpartum recovery, and warmer weather doesn't make it any easier.

You might feel like you need every trick in the book to help you get the 40 winks you so desperately need. All you really need is a soothing soak with our Sleepy Bath Soak from Blom & Co.

The best part is, It can be used during pregnancy or postpartum as a full body or foot soak, as well as in your baby or child’s bath water. It also makes a great addition to a baby shower gift.

Available online.
https://birdandbear.co.za/product/blom-co-soothing-sleepy-soak-900g/

02/12/2021

We'd all love to snap into yoga-doing, skin-glowing, back-to-normal-body selfs after birth but the reality is, the healing process takes time and we might be setting expectations too high for ourselves and each other.

Remember that pregnancy and child birth is nothing short of remarkable. Your body faces more stretching and stressing than it ever has! Plus, every body heals differently.

Be kind to yourself and your body and focus on healing rather than trying to match expectations.

01/12/2021

Yes, your uterus is amazing and does incredible things during pregnancy. Including practicing for labour.
Here's how to know the difference between practice contractions / braxton hicks and actual contractions:

Labour contractions usually come at regular intervals and get closer together as labour progresses. Practice contractions don’t have a clear pattern.


Labour contractions will continue if you rest, move around or change positions. Practice contractions stop when you rest and hydrate.


Labour contractions are usually more intense and get stronger as labour progresses. Practice contractions tend to be more uncomfortable than painful (although they can be painful) and don’t get stronger over time.

Read more on our blog page: https://birdandbear.co.za/weird-flex-but-ok-practice-contractions/

30/11/2021

You could have another bundle of joy in your arms before you know it! Our bundles are on sale and ready to shop online.

Browse our perineal relief packs and underwear double and triple packs.

Available while stocks last.

https://birdandbear.co.za/bundles/

25/11/2021

Today we promote speaking out and standing by survivors of abuse as we acknowledge International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

The statistics are frightening, particularly in South Africa. Let's support all women and children and to end gender based violence.

24/11/2021

Our founder, mother, doula and childbirth educator, Justine Cook has shared some truly valuable tips to help Dads bond with their newborn babies.

Some of her top tips include skin-to-skin contact and "baby wearing". Get all the details in the blog
https://birdandbear.co.za/to-the-newborn-dads/