We’ve recently realised that with the endless amount of resources available for early parenting it is easy to feel overwhelmed in the sea of advice. We have put together a quick list of resources for you that have helped us on our motherhood and parenting journeys.
Australian Breastfeeding Association
We have recommend this exceptional not-for-profit organisation a number of times on the blog, and with good reason! Before I had my first daughter I joined the ABA, which costs just $60 for the year. I made use of ALL of their resources. I read the book “Breastfeeding Naturally” (which is available in The Golden Boobie Box) from cover to cover whilst feeding my daughter in the early days. This book equipped me with all the knowledge I needed. It gave me the confidence to trust in my instincts and know that I could face any breastfeeding challenges head on (and boy were there challenges)! They also send you out a copy of their magazine each month, which I really looked forward to. It is filled with informative and educational articles, and of course personal stories from the lived experiences of mothers in Australia.
Kelly Mom
Kelly Mom is a specialised educational breastfeeding resource. It is US based, but the advice and information on this website is the bees knees! Kelly Mom covers everything from preparing to breastfeed, to the early days with a newborn, starting solids and beyond.
Baby Led Weaning
When it comes to starting solids you must check this website out! They also have a book which is available from our resources section here. It busts all those old wives tales and unpractical advice you may get from well meaning friends and family. You know the ones “Just crush up a milk arrowroot into her bottle it will help her sleep through the night” umm no.
Resourcing Parents NSW
This one is more for face to face courses and information. It can help through that overwhelm especially if you’re a little bit unsure on your direction and how you want to parent. They offer parenting programs such as Triple P and Circle of Security which are truly awesome for any age!
The Lactation Consultants Directory
This one is pretty self explanatory, it is a directory for all lactation consultants in Australia and New Zealand. We have found that when it comes to breastfeeding, people often don’t know where to go for help. They rely upon their GPs and other health professionals and CAN get some less than ideal or outdated advice. It is important when dealing with breastfeeding issues that you speak to a professional who is kept regularly up to date on Breastfeeding research.
Attachment Parenting
The words “attachment parenting” can sometimes scare people off a little due to the way it can be portrayed in the media, of course there are extreme cases, but really it is all about parenting with love and respect. Which is something we all strive towards, right? This website has an abundance of resources for you to explore! Remember we always encourage you to parent in a way that aligns with your values, a way that feels right for you and your family.
Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA)
It is frightening to think that many of us will deal with some form of postnatal anxiety or depression at some stage. However, it is comforting to know that you aren’t alone and that there are organisations like PANDA out there to help and guide you. They also have a brother website called How Is Dad Going. It’s vital we check in with our Dads, too. Their feelings often go unnoticed as there is so much attention on Mother & Baby in the early days.
Birth Trauma Australia
Which is also known as HELD is a wonderful site to support women who have had birth trauma and are having trouble coping with the experience. Having had birth trauma myself which resulted in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder I know the value in seeking help after a traumatic event. It is not something you need to deal with long-term, there is help available to you no matter where you are!
Spinning babies
This one is for all the pregnant mothers! We all want to experience an easy and straightforward birth, where our baby is in optimal positioning and able to smoothly transition earth side. Spinning babies will teach you everything there is to know about getting your baby into the right position for childbirth. I followed all of their techniques with my second born and am living proof that you can avoid having a posterior labour by implementing simple techniques during pregnancy.
Natal Hypnotherapy
You may have heard of Hypno-birthing before, Natal Hypnotherapy is somewhat similar. Both Emma and I benefited greatly from using this resource. It is designed to help prepare you emotionally, physically and mentally for pregnancy and childbirth. You can learn a combination of self hypnosis techniques, deep relaxation and guided visualisation. This will allow you to overcome fears, create a state of calm and relaxation. I also think it helped us both to be more confident in achieving a calmer, relaxed pregnancy and birth. You can listen to recordings for relaxation during breastfeeding as well, which can be beneficial if you are experiencing discomfort in the early days or stress-related supply issues.
What resources did you find helped you during pregnancy and beyond?
Christie
xx