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25.01.2022 ISO life feels Something my 2 year old said while putting her down for her nap just now had me feeling the feels. I havent teared up in weeks but this had me crying after I had got her down. I was putting Lily down and I said after she has a nap we will go for a walk. But she said she wants to go to Grandmas. I said we cant do that after her nap, But we can call her. Then she said no we will go see her tomorrow then. I put her down, walked out and the feeling of s...adness washed over me. I wish I could just jump in the car and take the kids and I to see our friends or family. We all miss their love and physical presence in our life. Its been a long 6 months of disconnection. When we left my parents home at the start of July at the start of stage 3, we didnt know it would be 8+ weeks and counting since we saw any family, even longer since we have spent time with close friends. We are thankful for the occasional few minutes we see a school family walking, but thats about all we have had for the past 6 months. It always gets me feeling the feels when all of this obviously is impacting the kids. My kids may be very small but they still miss the love of those that love them so much. They are too little to stay connected using phone and video as its too hard to hold their attention. They need the physical connection. My heart hurts for all those that are feeling the isolation, disconnection and lack of physical support. I so hope we are through the worst of this and we get to be out and connecting again soon. Just sharing because this is ISO life for us. We have some wonderful moments all at home together, with some s&it shows as well and moments of mixed emotions. I am ok, we are ok, but gosh its up and down! Hang in their Melbourne peeps! Spring and freedom is hopefully on its was soon

25.01.2022 Today I am trying to honour my need for rest After 2 very average nights sleep wise, including only about 3 hours of broken sleep last night I have hit a wall by midday. I did still go for my walk with a friend this morning which I felt was important for me emotionally and physically. We enjoyed a great walk around a river circuit near us, my friend doing over 14k worth of steps! ... Today, like most weekends its an opportunity for me to do some work on the business. Especially as during the week in ISO I have 3 kids in my care full time. However my eyes are so heavy, my body feels so tired, my heart is a little heavy I cant call on my mum to come and help, that I have prioritised rest. I had an early lunch and now I am laying on my bed under my doona. I may not be able to sleep as still have a house full of kids. But rest is rest. My sleep ninja of a 2 year old is napping (catching up on from last nights efforts). Soon the boys will go outside with hubby and enjoy the sunshine. While they are out I will rest my eyes, maybe meditate or see if sleep will arrive. And guess what? I had a rest day yesterday as well!! It was so rainy we didnt leave the house besides an appointment in the morning and grocery shop. The rest of the arvo I read my book, the kids had a movie arvo and at night I soaked in the bath. Sometimes we just have to say F it to achieving anything else and just blow a hole weekend resting and being. Anyone else prioritising rest this weekend? #sundayrestday #needtorest #honourmyneeds #sunnyseaford #weekendnaps #tiredbodyandmind

24.01.2022 When you share what is real and true to you, and you share the medicine that you most need, those who are like you will gather round you. The great gathering I love it when my cards just nail it! ... I have been going around and around in my head about how I can gather those mamas that need to gather within these current restrictions in Melbourne I am so keen to hold space in circle but I dont know that this will be able to happen indoors this year There is of course the online world, which i havent ruled out entering again. But found it fatiguing last time I am waiting for some more announcements on Sunday. But I am feeling drawn to supporting those mamas that have birthed babies this year. Those that had many of their plans of what new mum life would look like. Those that perhaps missed out on being linked with a mothers group. As the cards read I am being called to gather groups of people. When you share what is real and true to you, and you share the medicine that you most need, those who are like you will gather round you. So watch this space. If you are local to me in Seaford, Had a baby this year, and also are craving gathering with other mamas, let me know! Rach. . #motherscircle #womenscircle #womensgathering #spaceholding #mindfulmama #mindfulness #newbornmother #newbornmotherscollective #postpartum #postpartumdoula #socialworker #sunnyseaford #morningtonpeninsulamums #baysidemums #mumsinbusiness

23.01.2022 FREE postpartum cheat sheet. Got a baby on the way? Then get started on planning your peaceful and joyful postpartum. ... All you have to do is jump on my website and join the A Mama is Born’s village. You get sent a free cheat sheet and occasionally hear from me! Find me at www.amamaisborn.com.au

23.01.2022 The lasts slip by so quickly! I already cant remember the last times i had to hold my kids in my arms to get them to sleep! They sometimes still need help to sleep but its not by being on me! Oh how I miss them being in my arms and watching those eyes get sleepier and sleepier! What lasts do you/will you miss?

23.01.2022 5 random things you may not know about me I started ballet at about age 3 and have done dancing off and on since! Contemporary is my fav, I lack skill but love it any way I got back into it a few months after having Lily and enjoyed my once a week adult class until this year! And you know covid life I moved to England a few days before my 24th birthday to live, work and travel. We lived with the Geordies up in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne and I worked as an adoption social w...orker (loved it). We worked and did local trips (England, Scotland, Ireland, Oktoberfest Germany)for 12 months while we saved. Then we put our back packs on and travelled nearly 6 months straight before returning home! Engaged! My maiden name is Kelly so I have a strong Irish heritage. My father was Ned, yes he named him self Ned Kelly Dads family are direct descendants of the famous bush ranger Ned Kelly (descending from Neds sibling). There are images of dad with a beard looking like the spitting image of Ned Kelly I have had major dental work done as an adult! I had a set back bottom jaw which gave me terribly painful TMJ dysfunction. After I got married I had twin blocks to move my lower jaw forward (so painful) and then had braces. My jaw is so much better, sometimes can still get clicky and sore but miles improved! I still sleep open mouthed though Since leaving home at age 20 to move from country Vic closer to Melbourne to finish my studies, I lived in 5 houses. Then we went overseas. When we returned we lived at home for 6 weeks, then in with our brother and sister in law and then finally just before we got married back into our own place again! Finally we stayed put in Chelsea for 5 years and have now been in Seaford for 4 years. So all up since moving out of home Ive lived in 11 homes in 16 years! Hate moving but dont mind unpacking! So thats a bit of light hearted Friday arvo entertainment for you! Happy Friday village x #tgif #5randomfactsaboutme #sunnyseaford #morningtonpeninsulamums #baysidemums

22.01.2022 We did it Vic mamas A full term of remote learning. My foundation boy has now spent I think 12 weeks at school over the two terms, but minus about 2 weeks of sick leave in term 1. He will have had 19 weeks of remote learning when he returns. ... What a year to start school! I am very grateful he has been in the first cohort to return. I am feel terrible for those kids who have to wait longer or possibly may not even go back at all. Its just not fair! We literally have stumbled across the finish line, its been a difficult term. But I am beyond proud of him. Proud of our household. Today mamas enjoy this spring sunshine. Do something to acknowledge what you have achieved. Get out that spring outfit, shave those legs, paint those toes and feel good about yourself! You are bloody amazing! Heres to the tiny sprinkles of hope that things are on the improve . #remotelearning #term3done #mumsareamazing #proudofthesekids #melbourneiso #springishere #timetogetthepinsout #sunnyseaford #morningtonpeninsulamums #baysidemums

22.01.2022 Its a laze around reading kind of day in Melbourne Which book to start first?. #isoreading #untamed #womenwhorunwiththewolves #rainymelbourne

22.01.2022 Finally! A hair cut!! Including wash, blow dry and quick waves!! . #seaford #seaford3198 #itsthesmallthings #haircutpostcovid

21.01.2022 What I wish I knew before my eldest started school. In 2020 my eldest child started primary school. I was nervous. He was nervous. Even though he had surprised me greatly with how he transitioned to kindergarten, school seemed a big leap from play-based learning to a more structured environment. He had formed a few friendships, but he still did not have a strong crew. He was very drawn to playing more with the girls who were more gentle and less boisterous. He was moving to ...Continue reading

21.01.2022 For anyone interested in this free webinar

21.01.2022 If you havent already join the SO READY SUMMIT organised by Anna Cusack - Complete Postpartum Support and hear from a pile of wonderful speakers, all for FREE! I am also presenting!! Link in comments to my chat!

21.01.2022 All of this to the mamas that feel the split of joy and sadness today!

20.01.2022 By postpartum planning it removes the soul responsibility of the mother to prepare for the newborn period , and spreads the load between her village of support. If you can make the time to sit, reflect on how you envision your fourth trimester, and discuss and write down your wishes, you will more clearly and effectively be able to communicate and put into action your wishes. Postpartum planning allows you the space to think longer term. It allows you permission to identify a...reas that you want help with so we can put a plan in place for you to get that help. It allows you to dream about your transformation into motherhood. How does that look and feel to you? Do you want slow days with few visitors? Or do you need to identify those that are loving and on-judging and you want them with you daily? Postpartum planning allows you to write down and delegate tasks that you normally do yourself. It gives you the space to imagine how your day to day life may be with a newborn, and how you will find pockets of peace and joy between the sleep deprivation and feeding. You can have a single postpartum planning session with me (with or without my soon to be mama nourishing hamper). Or you can sign up to not only have the postpartum planning session, you can book me to care for you after baby arrives with my 3 hour home visits!! If you want to know more get in touch via DM, ,

20.01.2022 Another week, another s&$t announcement another loaf. For those playing at home simple sultana and apple loaf from @babyology #isobaking #eatingmyfeelings #atleastitshealthy

20.01.2022 A great discussion between two of my biggest teachers in regards to matrescence and postpartum care. A great listen! https://podcasts.apple.com//happy-mama-movem/id1203707859

20.01.2022 Christmas Gifts It is only 27 days until Christmas This year has been a tough year for so many! But especially for mums-to-be and mamas. ... Mamas have worn the mental and physical load of this pandemic. They have in higher numbers had to reduce work hours, take on remote learning, worry about staying well, all while the usual supports of family and childcare were removed. This year the mamas in your life deserve all the things! They deserve some treats that will encourage them to rest and pamper themselves! I have made spoiling the mamas and mums-to-be easy by pulling together wonderful products into a hamper! I have also a postpartum package which is perfect for a mama due in in 2021 So watch this space! This week I’ll get images up and explain what is inside each hamper! If you don’t even want to wait for the photos then get in touch ASAP and I’ll let you know what’s inside each hamper! Rach #christmastimeiscoming #spoilyourself #spoilyourmum #giftsformum #postpartumgifts #mumtobe2021 #mumtobegifts #newbornmothers #seaford #seaford3198 #seafordmums #baysidemums #morningtonpeninsulamums #mumsinbusiness

19.01.2022 Tips and Tricks for Tummy Time Have you ever wondered why so many people speak about the importance of tummy time for babies? And if so, have you ever as...ked yourself how you could improve your babys ability to perform this movement? Our first tip is - PICK YOUR MOMENTS: Something to keep in mind is really thinking about WHEN you are choosing to do tummy time with your baby. A baby who is hungry, overtired or who has just had a big feed isnt going to be very comfortable on their stomachs and may be quite irritable. To see the importance of tummy time and our other 4 tips on enhancing tummy time, see Simmone's blog "Tips and Tricks for Tummy Time" -- https://totalbalancehealth.com.au/tip-and-tricks-for-tummy/ #osteopathy #naturopathy #wellness #tummytime #neckstrengthening #backstrengthening #happybaby #pattersonlakes #chelseaheights #edithvale #aspendale #carrum #chelsea #bonbeach #seaford #carrumdowns

17.01.2022 When you forget you dropped bananas behind the freezer a few days ago then find them again, slightly worse for wear! So we made muffins with them this cold wet Melbourne spring day! Now time for a movie before having pizza for dinner! TGIF! Have a good weekend mamas! #tgif #isobaking #melbournerainyday

16.01.2022 Oh how I have missed you baby girl. It’s been 3 whole days and nights away from Miss 3 while she enjoys some time with grandma. It’s the longest we have been apart. ... It was divine timing. Grandma was on leave from work. Dadda was due for a visit home with his parents so could take her. I came down with a cold so needed the rest. Her big brother ended up with gastro so hopefully she now has not been exposed to it. Having our kiddos have some one on one time with us or grandparents has become an important tool for us. Having kids who are so close in age they can often at times be doing the same tasks, same experiences and have similar needs. It also means there is not much space for alone time with a loving adult without one of their siblings there. As they have gotten older we have slowly introduced nights away with grandparents. For us it gives us the much needed break from the intensity of having 3 kids in our care. For the kids it gives them something exciting to do. It also helps build their resilience and confidence. There is sometimes nerves about going, but with encouragement and the knowing that we will get them if they really need, they always have gone off happily to stay the night away. Our kids didn’t stay alone at a grandparents house until they were closer to 2 years old. My kids were all breastfed until 11-14 months, had periods of bed-sharing and to be perfectly honest I just wasn’t ready for them to go any sooner! Staying at their grandparents is now something we have been able to add as an ongoing tool in our parenting toolbox. Our family live in the country so it can’t be used super often but on school holidays we especially try to line up some time with grandparents. We are super grateful to have this as an option as we know many who don’t. But if you are needing the break, is there someone in your village who you could trust and rely on to care for your child? Even for a few hours? I strongly believe that children are meant to be raised by a village of loving and supportive adults (and older children). I have the fondest memories of staying with my grandma. I remember sneaking in to her room early in the morning and laying on the sheepskin next to her bed. What memories do you have from staying with grandparents? Lily spending time with her cousins and FaceTiming her big brother.

16.01.2022 I feel grateful I was able to feed despite all of our hurdles. But I also felt a lot of grief when our journeys ended sooner than I had hoped and planned! If you need support about how your breastfeeding journey ended then check out this resource from ABA.

16.01.2022 This seemed like an appropriate start to the day after how last night ended. #forgiveness #repair #awareparenting #mindfulness #mindfulmama #oilymama #morningtonpeninsulamums #baysidemums

15.01.2022 Here’s another little bit of info about me- my star sign is Cancer My birthday is July 12th, so I was a winter baby arriving 4 weeks before my due date and considered slightly Prem. I also came out feet first AKA breech. Unbeknown to my mother! Not many scans those days. Soz mum! Apparently I was terribly bruised from my hips all the way down to my toes Cancer is a water sign so no surprise that I absolutely love the water especially the beach. In many ways I am a ty...pical Cancerians are thought to be: Caring: we care deeply for family & friends & often take on the caregiver role. I’ve been mumming since I could walk & talk. Creative: I love dance, theatre, music, photography, sewing, colouring, baking, the list goes on. Intuitive: we are highly sensitive to our environment, have a knack for getting how you feel, and can pick a lie from a mile away. I can usually tell when someone isn’t sitting in their truth and have a weird ability to know when those close to me are giving birth. Loyal: friends hold great significance to a Cancerian. They love hosting and gathering the people. I still have friendships from school, we may live far apart but I crave their presence often and miss them deeply. I also love party preparations and having people over! So have missed that with covid restrictions. Some big feeling famous ’s are Princess Dianna and Lindsey Lohan. Not surprised there! So there’s some Saturday morning random info for you. Any other fellow s out there?

15.01.2022 Well worth the read, but if you dont have time here are some key things that stood out to me. There is already data emerging in both Australia and abroad indicating that women are, by and large, taking on the lions share of the additional domestic and caring burden associated with lockdown, which is adding to their already disproportionate burden of the so-called mental load. And there is associated data in Australia and abroad that this is impacting parents, particula...rly mothers, mental health. New research from the University of Melbourne found that while those in the general population are reporting higher levels of mental distress, doubling since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, for the sub-group of parents with primary school-aged kids, its particularly bad. When I look at the faces of parents on my video conference every day, I can tell you, everyones struggling, says Anne Hollonds, the Director of the Australian Institute for Family Studies. This second lock down, parents have just hit the wall on so many levels. One of the first things parents can do to help themselves, says every mental health expert Womens Agenda spoke to, is lower the bar. And then lower the bar even further. If any good comes out of this, it is that we focus more of our attention and mental health services on the importance on parenting, she adds. Particularly womens role, both in the home and in the workplace.

15.01.2022 New blog post A concept that I had no clue about until I was sitting in a womens circle 4 years ago was mothering seasons. I guess having children close in age I had not really felt the ebb and flow of the changes in mothering. I had remained busy, highly needed and sleep deprived from the moment my son was born through to my third being past 12 months old. When I was sitting in circle and first heard this concept I was not even pregnant with my third, but I was trying. T...he season that resonated with me most was Winter. I was deep in the trenches of this season of mothering. To read my take on the mothering seasons check out my latest blog post. While you are there feel free to sign up to my email list to keep up to date with whats happening with A mama is born http://www.amamaisborn.com.au/index.php/blog/

14.01.2022 For the toddler mamas!

13.01.2022 The constant transitions of parenting. It’s a big time of change and transitions in our house at the moment! We have our 6 year old yearning for more independence and freedom. So in little ways we have been trying to make the space for that. One thing we do is set up a small pot of milk for him in the fridge so in the morning he can get up and make his and his little brothers cereal. It means he doesn’t have to wait for us to get up. ... Our 4 year old is starting his final year at home with me and heading to kinder. I remember this age for my eldest being very mummy focused. He wants to spend lots of time with me. We are heading out for a mama and Charlie day tomorrow in the city. He is both excited and scared about starting kinder. My 2 year old is currently toilet learning. She also has just had the side of her cot taken off today. Finally today after about a week of wearing underpants for most of her waking hours she did a wee on the potty! She was so thrilled with her efforts. And so are we! My hubby and I have also been busy cleaning up and listing items for sale and bagging up things to give away that our kids have grown out of. Some big items like the pram, high chair and booster seat we are selling. The pram especially has been a major feature in our life for 6 years! These transitions come with mixed emotions. I am proud of my kids for mastering new skills, being brave and trying new things. It makes parts of our life easier that they are able to do these things. However these changes also come with a tinge of sadness. Especially as my youngest masters some new skills and we sell baby items we no longer need. She is our final babe. We never get to go through these stages again. We never need a high chair, a pram again, and soon nappies! I am both exited and melancholy! And I’m ok sitting in all of those feelings. I don’t have to pretend that I’m not worried or that I feel some heartache over my kids moving on. I also don’t have to hide my relief and joy that I’ll soon not be dealing with shitty nappies and I’ll have more space once they are back at school and kinder! Parenting is full of these moments. Beginnings and ends, holding on and letting go, saying hello and goodbye. Give these moments the reverence, emotions and time they deserve. Some of these little things like selling a pram or moving to a big girl bed can feel big! Pic 2: me trying to work, drink my tea and watch Lily while she was on the potty!

12.01.2022 Carving out space in the crazy to find your calm. I have had an intense day with Ms 2 feeling all the feels. Epic long meltdowns that have been hard to help her navigate and move through. Its taken a lot of patience and strength. Also hot tea and bakery treats. Tonights post was going to be about how despite it being a crappy night to leave the house for some exercise and regrouping, I was going to chat about how it can be done while still at home.... See tonight from 6-6:30pm while the kids were being bathed I took myself off to the bedroom to reclaim some calm. I put my oil diffuser on, got my heat pack for my crampy tummy, eye pillow to help with my PMS headache, I read an oracle card and listened to a short meditation while holding my rose quartz crystal. The hope of doing all of that was to give me the calming boost, the filling the cup energy I needed to get through bedtime and then I could rest more. And generally I would say that would be enough. But tonight it wasnt. Tonight there was more meltdowns not just from Ms 2 but also my eldest about bedtime. I have had a child in meltdown nearly all day. And tonight I flipped. I yelled, actually I screamed at him and my throat hurt. He then wanted his daddy Through this ISO 2.0 I have stepped up my self care, Im carving out as much space as I can for myself, more alone walks, meditation and me time. But its not enough. Tonights example of me flipping my lid is I feel a reflection of long term depletion from being in strict ISO for a good part of this year. Its taking its toll. There is no way I can fully fill my needs of space and replenishment while Im at home 24/7 with 3 kids under 5, not being able to see or get help from family, from my community, unable to travel more than 5km to even get a change of scenery from what is Groundhog Day. I am hardly able to get any work done which lights up my soul. The point of this post is... Im not even sure. I think maybe to highlight how bloody hard it is for parents of young kids in ISO. It is busy, there is not much ability to enjoy the slowness (anyone with 2+ boys knows thats a rare occurrence), its lonely, its depleting. And even with as much support as I can muster up within the restrictions its just not enough for this length of time. So tonight I try to forgive myself, focus on repair tomorrow with the kids, give myself more self care tonight, and dream of that overdue birthday weekend away I was suppose to get in July.

12.01.2022 Come join me in the safe & nourishing space I have created for you with in-person mother’s circle! This space is for mother’s who want to connect, share and bathe in the wisdom from the other mamas that gather. It is a safe space that enables your truth to be heard in a non-judgemental way. It gives you the time to focus on your needs, develop your intuition & work on any healing that is needed. We shall spend the arvo connecting, sharing, laughing, meditating, journaling and... relaxing with other divine souls. Afternoon tea also included. When: Sunday the 11th July Time: 2-3:30/4ish Where: Liefde Wellness Centre Seaford Investment: $35 Bookings and Payment via PayPal link in Event. Babes in arms welcome fo attend (so approx under 12 months) if they need you during this time. Mamas we deserve this level of support, space and connection! So prioritise your needs and come join me! Rach https://fb.me/e/8MQ3avdhe

11.01.2022 For all the dads missing their babys or kids being in their arms due to loss. We see you, we feel you and we support you!

11.01.2022 Tomorrow I am having a chat with Katie Parker - Pregnancy, Postnatal & Parenting Support over on her FB page at 10am. I just completed her small group business mentoring program. I’ll talk about my experience in that group but also talk about the services I plan to offer- in particular my fertility supports! I strongly believe our mothering journeys can start before we even have a baby in our arms! So when we experience hurdles to become a mother- like needing fertility treatment or experiencing pregnancy losses, having support from someone that has walked that path is so valuable! I hope our chat helps others walking this path!

10.01.2022 Oh new mamas, I so hope we are near the peak of this mountain. You have been robbed of so much this year bringing babies into the world during a pandemic!

10.01.2022 join me to learn about some handy things to have next to your bed for when you are feeding and caring for baby during the night

10.01.2022 What does surrounding myself with my wise women look like? Thursdays are my afternoon to get a few hours work on the business done while my hubby takes on looking after the kids. I had a silent empty house and the study to work. But today I lacked focus and direction. I messaged a group of postpartum doulas that are part of my wise women village. Very quickly two returned my message saying just go journal, take a bath. I trust in them and know they were totally right! ... So I got my journal, lit a candle, used some essential oils and caught up on a womens circle as part of an online program with @amytaylorkabbaz. Again surrounding myself with more wise women. I was guided through some inner work, journaled and meditated. Following this I jumped online and finally purchased some books Ive been meaning to buy and read for ages. I ordered: women who run with wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes untamed by @glennondoyle stories of hope by @heathermorris These wise women i have been following and learning about their work for sometime! @heathermorris I use to work with and she was a great mother type figure who cared for all of us young social workers in a highly stressful job! Now she is sharing her wisdom and amazing peoples stories and I cant wait to read this third book H. I have several wise women friends who i can message anything to at anytime and know they will respond with loving support and guidance. Same goes for when we can meet in person. I have now reconnected with my wise and grounding psychologist who supported and guided me through the most difficult years of my life while trying to become a mother. It seems fitting to have returned to her recently while the world is so unpredictable and my usual supports are limited. These are just some of the ways I connect and surround myself with my wise women village. I am a social creature who craves the ability and opportunity to talk with others! Do you also surround yourself with wise women? What does it look like for you? If you are wanting me to be part of your wise women village of support than get in touch and we can find a way to work together Rachael x

09.01.2022 What is mothers circle? Mothers circle is a beautiful space for mothers to come together to be heard, held and make connection with others. It is our chance to step briefly away from the outside world and its pressures, and to join with other mothers to share our mothering wisdom, celebrate our wins and to have our losses be heard and held. The focus in circle is on the mother and her needs, while often in a mothers group the focus is more on baby and babys needs and progres...s. I hold space for you in circle so you can put your needs and desires first and have them heard in a safe and non-judgmental space. The aim of attending circle is so you can be held in a safe space so you can honour matrescence, develop deep connections with other wise mothers, and to express overwhelm and worry guilt free. I aim for you to step away from circle feeling like you have replenished your own needs, feel connected and empowered to continue transforming into the person and mother you want to be. If this sounds like exactly what you need this year then comment with a For full details and booking check out FB event in comments.

09.01.2022 Where did the glorious sunshine go Melbourne? . #springrain #melbourneweather #bringbackthesun

08.01.2022 Pink Elephants has partnered with five other pregnancy & infant loss organisations for this beautiful initiative. We are inviting Australian bereaved families ...and their loved ones to add their babys name to a virtual memorial quilt. This quilt will help illustrate to the wider community the size of the issue and the impact that pregnancy and infant loss has on the lives of those left behind. Were calling this project Lullabies and Loss and we invite you to submit a message of remembrance, love or hope to your baby. Your message will be represented on a digital square on the online quilt to be launched on October 15th 2020, International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. We then hope to be able to take this important piece of work around Australia early in the new year. To create your personal memorial tile for the quilt, please visit the Lullabies and Loss website via the link below. www.lullabiesandloss.org.au Submissions will be accepted during the month of September.

08.01.2022 5 tips for a successful sleepover with grandparents Well it’s officially school holidays here in Victoria!! And thankfully (touch wood) we are also continuing to have easing of covid restrictions. Which means we can visit others, including our kids staying with grandparents This post follows on from my post the other day about how we are grateful to have sleepovers with grandparents as a parenting tool and support for our family. I thought it may be helpful to share some ...of my tips on how we support our kids (and us) to have a sleep over at their grandparents. This can of course be adapted to any sleepover with a trusted adult in your village of support. 1.Take a few items from home that provide comfort. For example: teddy, pillow, fav toy or book. That’s a simple one. It’s familiar, so reassuring and also can be used as a tool for connection between child and grandparent. 2.Chat about any worries, acknowledging feelings of anxiety, and reassure them that if they are wanting to come home you will collect them as soon as you possibly can (this may need to be after the event/reason you need them babysat for). It’s OK for them to have these feelings, but it’s also OK for you to go through with the sleepover if you have something on and your child needs taking care of. 3.Stay in touch but not too often. Video chat after dinner/bath to discuss the wonderful things they have done that day and to say good night. But if you try and talk multiple times a day it may interfere with the flow of the experience of their stay. It’s also great to give child and grandparent time to connect and a chance to be comforted by the grandparent. 4.Inform grandparents of your child’s usual routines, likes/dislikes, tips/tricks and any definite NOs. I personally when they were younger left small lists of the kids routines when the grandparents were caring for them. Not so much about time things to occur but what occurs. For example: Lily goes in her sleeping bag, read a story, tuck her in and put her music on, light out and sit on chair in her room. 5.Accept that grandparents won’t care for your children EXACTLY like you do, but that’s OK. That’s part of the wonderful experience of staying with them. Try and surrender to the experience so your child can create the amazing ever lasting memories that they can hold onto for a life time!

08.01.2022 Ginger rice. Last night for a side dish for our peanut satay chicken sticks I thought I’d try ginger rice from @thefirstfortydays It was very easy, and I love that the egg is hidden through the rice so 2/3 kids ate it. Didn’t add any extra on top of what the recipe said, but can easily add veggies as well to bulk it up for a main dish! ... It has ginger and garlic which is great for postpartum and to build immunity. Can you ever really have enough garlic? I say no!

07.01.2022 Hey mamas to be or those in the early parenting days this summit is for you! Anna Cusack - Complete Postpartum Support is pulling this all together with heaps of topics and guest speakers myself included! This is all FREE and is running from the 1st-6th of October! Ill be presenting on the Sunday morning on the 4th of October about mothering after pregnancy loss and IVF. Ill share that link in the comments. Join us and let others know about this fab free event! Its only 3 weeks away!

07.01.2022 Hey local peeps after your thoughts. I am starting to figure out ways to support mamas & move my business forward while we are still living under restrictions. It seems it will be some months still before we can meet in groups inside. So I am trying to come up with a small group offering which is held OUTside. Looking for suggestions of location. So within 5km of Seaford, shade and ability to put down picnic rug. Armstrongs reserve is a possibility, but mozzies can be an issue. Under Seaford pier maybe. Ideally nowhere that gets too busy. Thanks in advance!

06.01.2022 Tonight I was live on The Pink Elephants Support Network FB page. It was all about meeting the peer support ambassadors! I am one of the newest ambassadors but I am so glad I can be a part of this wonderful organisation! These women are so amazing, kind and generous!

06.01.2022 TOMORROW NIGHT | FACEBOOK LIVE EVENT Join us for our next Virtual #circleofsupport in collaboration with Love To Dream focusing on Pregnancy After Loss We are ...once again featuring a wonderful panel for this event. These women have each walked their own journey of pregnancy after loss and will be discussing the feelings of anxiety that PAL brings with it and how you can stay physically and mentally healthy as well as remain positive through coping strategies to get you through this time. Join us via our Facebook page on September 24th at 7pm AEST More details on our events page.

06.01.2022 FYI- for those families in the north and East of Melbourne!

05.01.2022 Postpartum tips and tricks- setting up your feeding chair!

05.01.2022 These are the moments I enjoy in ISO Mid-arvo playing on my bed just because Enjoying big around the neck cuddles and whispers in my ear. ... No pressure to do anything much or go anywhere. It feels like spring is here and with it a ray of hope things are improving here in Melbourne. I wont know myself when my boys are back at school and kinder. I consciously on my walk tonight told myself I have to make sure I still have these moments with Lily. Just hanging around together and going on our daily walks. I dont want to lose that when semi-normal life returns! What is something you will take into semi-normal post COVID life? #postcovidlife #toddlerhugs #dailywalks #springiscoming #bighugs #momentsofjoy

05.01.2022 Toddler sleep So heres a post to normalise baby/toddler sleep. Last night we reached a milestone! My nearly 2.5 year old girl Lily slept through the night for the first time ... She went to bed a tad after 7pm, asleep by 7:30, stirred at 3:45am, but by magic she went back to sleep and didnt wake until 6:15am She is a toddler who usually starts in her cot in her room. When she wakes which can be anytime after midnight she joins us in bed! Sometimes goes back to sleep quickly other times she has a 2-3 hour awake party in our bed. She is our third and last baby and we had no energy to sit with her in her room in the middle of the night when she woke, so she joins us in bed. She actually was in our room in her cot/bassinet until she was maybe 20 months old. What we learned as we had more and more kids, was to go with the flow more with sleep. We let go of the worry that we were creating bad habits with her sleeping in our room/bed. We focused on what we needed at the time to get through, and that was rest. Which meant her being in bed with us even if she was awake. Now I dont believe she will sleep through every night, but she has started to join us later and later. Which is promising. It also means some early starts if she wakes at 4/5am as that usually means she takes a few hours to go back to sleep, or like yesterday not at all (awake from 4am). Sharing this today in case there is any other toddler mums wondering will nights ever get better. More than likely they will, and you will one day get a surprise sleep through like us. Hang in their weary mamas x. #toddlersleep #sleptthroughthenight #cosleepingmama #cosleepingtoddler #theyallsleepeventually #dowhatmakesyouhappy #normaliseinfantsleep #morningtonpeninsulamums #baysidemums

05.01.2022 ISO Sunsets So grateful that I have this to walk to within my 5km. It was lovely seeing Melbourne folk out enjoying the sunshine and getting out of their homes.... As I was ending my walk and the sun was setting I was filled with mixed feelings. Grateful and more relaxed as I had enjoyed a glorious childfree walk on the beach. But my heart also hurt a bit as many of my local peeps stood watching the sunset on the beach in their masks. Trying to savour the final hour before curfew struck at 8pm. Such a full on time right now in Melbourne! I loved the beach today. Would have even been nicer not to be having to wear masks and watch the clock. I just hope so badly we get to move through these stages and enjoy our summer breathing the outside air mask free, with our friends and family and without watching the clock. Night Melbourne xo. #sunnyseaford #morningtonpeninsulamums #isosunsets #melbournecurfew #bayside #morningtonpeninsula

04.01.2022 For any mamas needing some breastfeeding education please join Louise Paterson to more at drop in!

03.01.2022 Are you ok day This year has highlighted how important it is to really check in with those around us and those far away. It has been especially isolating and stressful for many people and families due to the pandemic and restrictions. Its important to check in on those that not only have voiced how hard things are right now, but also those that seem happy and ok on social media. Some people have trouble reaching out or are trying to put on a brave face to get through. ... As well as asking if someone is OK, we can follow through with holding emotional space for them to express how they are going. We can do this by asking open ended questions (that need more than a yes/no response). We can also find a time to connect when we are not distracted to allow the person time to open up if they wish. Today and everyday if you are having a hard time, or feel you need extra physical or emotional support then reach out. Start with friends and family and if you need more support reach out to the professionals! #ruok #ruokday #mentalhealthmatters #reachout

03.01.2022 New blog post My postpartum experience-Part Two Charlie This was my most difficult of my postpartum journeys! A small age gap between the boys, very limited support, and feeding and medical issues to deal with in the first year. ... It was also my greatest learning experience of how to surrender to being in the now and to accepting my current season of parenting at that time. You can read the full blog and/or listen to my FB live. Rach x http://www.amamaisborn.com.au/index.php/blog/

01.01.2022 #liptember Today I am showing my support for womens mental health by popping my lippy and t-shirt on from @stylemeover @melinabagnato is a proud ambassador for #liptember and she has a #popyourlips campaign hoping to raise $10k through the sales of her t-shirts. ... Womens especially mothers mental health is close to my heart. Particularly during 2020. So many women have been impacted greatly by this pandemic. Women, especially mothers outweigh men being more financially impacted by job losses, industry closures and the need to care for and home educate children. Just go take a look at our roadmap and take note of the industries that are opening first (construction, manufacturing). With beauty, retail, entertainment and hospitality the last to fully open. Women will notice these impacts for a greater period of time with the lack of super contributions during this time, lack of career progression and physical and mental depletion from an extended period of time of lack of support and self care. So today I wear my T-shirt with pride, I voice my support for womens mental health and urge anyone struggling to reach out and get support! It is so worth it! Rach xo #liptember2020 #stylemeover #popyourlips #womensmentalhealth #mothersmentalhealth #fillyourcup

01.01.2022 Monday baking We are due for a shop so running low on supplies! But we had very ripe bananas to use and no bread or other options for lunch! So... I made a banana yogurt loaf for our afternoon tea. This one is from @theorganisedhousewife... Then I tried for the first time the Nepali rice pudding. Ill be honest the thought of it had not got me excited. Warm sweet rice. BUT... Ive been surprisingly pleased with it! I didnt have much to add to it other then fresh strawberries and yummy Gippsland blueberry yogurt! It was a great change for my lunch. Ill get some granola to add to it for the rest of the week! This is one of the dry meal kits which are great to send out to newborn mothers from @newbornmothers Anyone else starting their week off baking or cooking? #isobaking #postpartum #postpartummeals #postpartumcooking #nourishingthemother #newbornmothers #postpartumdoula