Down to Birth and Beyond

Sometimes the body works best when it feels safest.

Oxytocin plays an important role in labour, breastfeeding and early bonding. It’s often influenced by factors such as comfort, privacy, support and feeling emotionally safe.

That’s why the environment around a mother matters.

Whether you’re preparing for birth, feeding your baby, or navigating the early postpartum weeks, creating a space where you feel supported can make a meaningful difference.

🤍 Save this for a reminder that support matters too.

Most mothers don’t expect this in the first days after birth.

The “baby blues” can show up around day 2–5 postpartum — as hormones shift rapidly after delivery. It can look like sudden tears, feeling overwhelmed, or emotional ups and downs that don’t always make sense.

It is very common. It is temporary. And it is not a reflection of how you are coping as a mother.

For most women, it settles within about two weeks.

But if it feels intense, heavy, or continues beyond that — support is important.

You don’t have to wait until you’re struggling to reach out.

🤍

If you’ve ever felt like your stomach doubles in size throughout the day, you’re not alone.

Bloating is incredibly common during pregnancy and postpartum. One reason? Hormones.

Progesterone helps support pregnancy, but it can also slow digestion, meaning food moves more slowly through the gut. This can contribute to bloating, constipation and that uncomfortable “full” feeling.

Other factors such as dehydration, eating on the go, stress and changes in your bowel habits can also play a role.

A few simple things that may help:
💧 Stay hydrated
🥗 Include fibre-rich foods
🚶‍♀️ Move your body daily
🍽️ Aim for regular meals

While bloating can be common, persistent or painful symptoms should always be discussed with your healthcare provider.

Have you experienced bloating during pregnancy or postpartum? 👇

You might be surprised to learn that contractions don’t always stop once your baby is born.

Afterpains are caused by the uterus continuing to contract after birth as it returns to its pre-pregnancy size and helps reduce bleeding.

Many women find they’re more intense after their second, third or fourth baby and often notice them most during breastfeeding due to the release of oxytocin.

✨ Why they happen:
• Help the uterus shrink back down
• Help reduce postpartum bleeding
• Often stronger with subsequent births
• Commonly triggered during breastfeeding

🥣 Nutritional support:
• Stay well hydrated
• Prioritise protein-rich meals and snacks
• Include magnesium-rich foods such as nuts, seeds, legumes and leafy greens
• Replenish electrolytes, particularly if breastfeeding frequently
• Focus on warm, nourishing meals during the early postpartum weeks

Did afterpains catch you by surprise after having a baby? 👇

✨ A–Z Pregnancy & Postpartum Symptoms

A is for Anaemia.

Feeling exhausted is common during pregnancy and postpartum, but sometimes there is more going on than sleep deprivation alone.

Anaemia occurs when your body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen efficiently around the body. Iron deficiency is one of the most common causes, particularly during pregnancy and after birth.

Common signs and symptoms may include:
• fatigue or low energy
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• headaches
• shortness of breath
• pale skin
• weakness
• increased hair shedding

Pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding can all place significant demands on your nutrient stores, which is why it’s important not to ignore persistent symptoms.

If you’re experiencing ongoing fatigue or suspect your iron levels may be low, speak with your healthcare provider about appropriate testing and management.

Have you ever experienced anaemia during pregnancy or postpartum?

Follow along as we work through the A–Z of Pregnancy & Postpartum Symptoms.

Next up: B = Bloating.

💛 Save this post for later and share it with a mum who is always being told she’s “just tired because she’s a mum.”

‘Sleep when the baby sleeps’ sounds so relaxing in theory… until you suddenly need to:
✨ clean the house
✨ do the washing
✨ unload the dishwasher
✨ attempt basic self care
✨ and reset your entire life before the baby wakes up again 😂

And somehow they ALWAYS wake up the second you finally sit down 😭

Mums… tell me this isn’t accurate.

Stop buying gummies. Make these instead. 🍓

These are homemade berry gummies made with just:
• Frozen berries
• Water
• Chia seeds
• Gelatine

That’s it. No packets, no guessing what’s in them.

Why I love them 👇
✨ Gelatine supports gut & connective tissue
✨ Chia adds fibre
✨ Naturally sweet from fruit
✨ Perfect fridge or freezer snack for kids

If your kids love gummies, this is such an easy swap.

👉 Save this so you remember it
👉 Share with a mum who’s always buying gummies