Newcastle-Baby- 2021

NEWCASTLE 

FREE 

2021 EDITION 

Back to 

work 

Article teaser / description goes here 

BabySpotlight Heading 

after Baby 

PREGNANCY 

AFTER LOSS 

Our Miracle Baby 

Having Fun & 

Freedom with 

outdoor play 

SUPPORTING 

your Fertility Journey 

EMBRACING 

BIRTH WITH 

HYPNOBIRTHING

Comfortable and beautil 

Wraps, slings and carriers 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

www.moondani.com.au 

 

_ 

 

 

 

Moondani 

Australia 

Contents 

6. Our Home Birth Story 

9. Simplify Breastfeeding & Seek 

Support 

10. Embracing Birth with Hypnobirthing 

14. Postpartum Physiotherapy Check 

18. Supporting your Fertility Journey 

with Sally 

21. The Newcastle Birth Movement 

22. Newcrest Imaging 

24. Our Miracle Baby 

27. Tummy Time 

28. Choosing Your Birth Care 

32. Keepsakes with Today Tomorrow 

Always 

35. Birth its Your Story 

37. Why Yum Mum Tum 

39. Running a Business with a 

Newborn 

40. Back to Work after Baby 

44. Getting Back to Nature 

Enquiries 

Daniella Ruru 

M: 0438 916 561 

E: hello@newcastlebaby.com.au 

Get social with us 

Facebook & Instagram 

@newcastlebaby 

www.newcastlebaby.com.au 

Art Director 

Sascha Hutt 

Cover Photography 

Bella Rouge Photography 

www.bellarougephotography.com 

With special thanks to Catherine and 

Baby Elsie 

© Newcastle Baby 2021 

All rights reserved, Views expressed by contributors 

do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. 

The editorial and advertising content, products 

and services in this publication are not an explicit 

endorsement by Daniella Ruru or Newcastle Baby 

| 2021 

Welcome 

Welcome to Newcastle Baby, it is an honour and a 

privilege to be here for our second edition. 

Thank you for welcoming us into your hearts, 

your homes, your businesses, your lives. Yes, it takes 

a village, and we are so grateful to you for being 

a part of ours. It is the everyday interactions and 

connections our Newcastle Baby inspires into being 

that makes our hearts sing. 

Life can change in an instant; this is nature and 

more than ever we are aware of this reality. 

The fragility of all we know, love, and have 

perhaps at times have taken for granted as our 

normal way of life has been brought to light. We 

have been reminded yet again that in no uncertain 

terms – people need people – heart to heart 

human connection. YOU are our WHY – We are 

here for you and deeply appreciate that we can 

all be here for one another. 

With so much Love, Blessings & Appreciation 

Daniella 

Our Acknowledgement to Country 

As Indigenous and Non-Indigenous people 

together, let us have a sense of the importance of 

the country upon which we are standing, where 

learning and ceremony has taken place over many 

thousands of years. 

Let us sense the land beneath our feet and 

acknowledge to whom it belongs - The Awabakal 

people - and pay our respects to their elders and all 

elders, past, present and future. 

3

Looking after you, 

Mama 

As a Postpartum Doula, Saira provides 

in-home physical and emotional support to 

help new mothers achieve a confident 

start to motherhood. 

Services include: 

• Home visits catered to your needs 

• SMS support when you need it most 

• Postpartum Planning sessions 

• Thoughtful gifts for the new or 

expecting mother 

? www.thenurturedfamily.com 

v 0402 618 884 

hello@thenurturedfamily.com 

@thenurturedfamily 

Doula support- Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum 

Birth Story Listening 

Spacekeeping 

Love, grounding and support. 

Holding you through life transitions 

0404 018 975 

kathrynprosser.doula@gmail.com 

@bloodandhoneywmncraft 

www.bloodandhoneywmncraft.com.au 

d family 1/4 ad.indd 1 

9/9/20 1:25 pm 

Bec is a Remedial Massage 

therapist and Nurturelife 

Pregnancy Massage 

Practitioner 

She is committed to supporting and nurturing 

women through their pregnancy journey. 

Massage therapy during pregnancy has many benefits 

including 

➺ Mother-baby connection 

➺ Increased relaxation and reduced anxiety 

➺ Improved sleep pattern 

➺ Eases back, shoulder, neck pain and all joint and 

muscular conditions common in pregnancy 

➺ Reduction in oedema 

➺ Improved proprioception to support body changes 

➺ Stabilises hormonal changes and blood pressure 

Address: Level 1/16A Bolton St, 

Newcastle (Above the Reserve Wine Bar) 

Phone: 0401 027 517 

www.rebeccaorchardremedialmassage.com.au



Our home birth story 

was not like the random stabbing pain I had 

been experiencing since 34 weeks, this was 

different - I knew today was labour day. I told 

my husband, Dave, who was in the middle of 

building nesting boxes in our chicken coop. 

Our plan was for Dave to drop our 

daughters, Ella 4 and Brookie 3, to my 

parents’ house for a sleep over. The girls with 

much excitement grabbed their backpacks 

which had been packed and repacked for 

weeks now. I hugged and kissed them both 

her know about the change, she suggested 

me sips of water, placed cold washers on my 

goodbye as emotional tears rolled down my 

a brief walk and lots of water to get the 

face and didn’t leave my side. 

face. Ella our eldest provided that beautiful 

contractions going again. Hubby and I held 

Jenny, my second Midwife arrived so 

innocent child’s encouragement. 

hands and did laps of the backyard, not long 

quietly, she worked in the background, I 

I pottered around the house trying to 

after, the contractions were back. 

barely noticed her, but greatly valued her 

distract myself from the manageable 

On cue, Dave said “I think I’ll order 

support and input at crucial times. 

contractions. I put some music on, spoke 

a pizza!”. Taking full advantage of the 

I visualized myself climbing up a mountain 

to and messaged some friends, unloaded 

homebirth situation. He did this during my 

as the contractions built up, reaching the 

the dishwasher, and did a few more odd 

last labour with Brooke and the smell of his 

summit with a push and grunt then walking 

jobs around the house. When Dave arrived 

Hawaiian pizza was so sickening I told him to 

back down the mountain while breathing 

home, we prepared the lounge room with 

eat it in another room! 

out. I had to focus. During this pushing stage 

pillows, towels, a yoga mat, fit ball, plastic 

My sense of time was warped but 

Asha was letting me know I was progressing, 

and got the camera and video set up. It 

suddenly I knew it was dinner time and 

“There are the eyebrows”, “I can see her 

was important to me to have a video of the 

something in me said “Come on, let’s do 

nose”. This really helped me mentally as I 

ADALYNN DIEHM BORN 29.4.20 

birth and some quality photos as a beautiful 

this”. Things started to ramp up and my 

knew we would meet our baby very soon. 

memory. 

contractions were now two minutes apart, 

“Little push to get the chin out”. Not long 

My 5-year-old daughter Ella asked, “Why 

The eight days between my due date 

Dave called Asha and she made her way 

after, I instinctively reached my hands out 

are you crying Mummy?” I told her I loved 

passing and labour beginning had felt like 

over to our home. When Asha walked into 

and lifted our baby to my chest, we studied 

her, and I would miss her. She reassured me 

eternity. I was so excited today was the day. 

the room I burst into tears, I knew I was in 

each other’s faces, she was perfect. 

and replied, “Don’t worry Mummy, we will 

I was well rested and felt peaceful. 

good hands, I felt safe. We hugged for a long 

Asha stitched me up at home, a small 

be back in the morning so it’s not that long!!” 

I trusted that my body was in perfect 

moment and I knew it was business time. On 

second-degree tear, then I fed Adalynn on 

I wiped the tears now streaming down my 

shape and ready to birth, as I had been 

my second contraction after seeing her, my 

my bed in comfort and in love. I cannot 

cheeks and reminded my girls that they 

supported through my whole pregnancy 

waters broke, this was the best feeling ever. 

thank Asha enough for her care during my 

would get to meet their new baby sister 

with regular chiropractic care. It does help 

I listened to my body as I surrendered and 

pregnancy, she became a part of our family, 

tomorrow. I was now 41 weeks + 1 day I was 

having a hubby whose a chiropractor! 

allowed its innate ability to take over doing 

my older girls adored her and couldn’t wait 

so relieved for labour to begin. 

My contractions had been steadily 

what it knew how to do. 

to see her at every home visit. She was so 

building through the late morning but by 

My hubby Dave was very supportive 

supportive and encouraging during labour, 

It was Friday morning at 10am as I stood in 

1pm they had fizzled out; they were less 

during my whole labour, applying pressure 

she was the exact midwife I needed on 

the kitchen doing my eldest daughter’s hair, 

intense and further apart. 

and a hot water bottle on my back to ease 

the day. n 

I unexpectedly felt my first contraction. This 

I rang my beautiful Midwife Asha to let 

my lower back pain. He attentively offered 

Kathryn Diehm 

6 

7

Simplify breastfeeding & seek support 


Breastfeeding – naturally 

too many benefits for me to 

designed but not always 

list here! 

naturally mastered. It takes 

Have a rhythm over 

preparation, time, patience, 

routine… so avoid watching 

practice, determination 

the clock or following the 

and support to achieve for 

guide of the ‘smart app’ and 

most women. We live in a 

actually get to know your 

world of complexity and 

baby’s behaviours, cues and 

distractions, so simplifying the 

body language by watching 

breastfeeding experience 

them. Tune into your instincts. 

is essential as we adapt to 

Be flexible in your day to day, 

being parents and transition from one of the 

giving yourself grace as you prioritise soaking 

biggest events of our lives – birth. 

up the cuddles and letting go of the other 

Firstly having realistic expectations is 

‘jobs’. 

essential - to be able to remind ourselves that 

Reducing stress and anxiety is vital. It is 

this is a whole new skill with a little person you 

easy to underestimate the impact of stress 

just met a few moments ago. Imagine you 

in regards to breastfeeding. Try to think of 

and your partner having the challenge of 

your baby like a new pup, they rely solely 

ntitled-1 1 

15/9/20 11:19 am 

rowing down a river in a straight line with no 

experience, practice or instruction - stressful 

on instinct reflexes and senses, so this means 

they can detect the stress and anxiety we 

just the thought of it! But when we equip 

feel. Try some deep breaths, soft music, 

ourselves with quality education, strategies 

meditation, a quiet darkened room and 

to overcome challenges and give each 

relax your body! 

other grace and patience, we are on a 

Support is the glue that holds everything 

more successful ‘path’ to achieving our goal. 

together. If you are concerned about your 

The beauty of breastfeeding is the 

breastfeeding experience, or even unsure 

frequent opportunities to practice! Get 

and needing some specialist assessment 

comfortable in a position that encourages 

and support, then never be afraid to 

your oxytocin to flow! Be relaxed, and don’t 

reach out! Best not to wait until you feel 

be hunched over, all tense and stressed too 

too overwhelmed - be proactive and seek 

afraid to move if your baby is feeding. You 

support early. n 

need to be relaxed Mumma for your milk 

Empowered Lactation with Emma 

to flow well. Try some laid-back positions 

Australian Breastfeeding Association www. 

and encourage your baby to search for the 

breastfeeding.asn.au 

breast themselves, getting to know them as 

LCANZ (Lactation Consultants of Australia 

you bond together. 

and New Zealand) 

Don’t skip skin to skin! Skin to skin is 

https://www.lcanz.org/find-a-lactation- 

something we can do for weeks after birth, 

consultant/ 

everyday! It promotes breastfeeding and 

Check with your local hospital for 

boosts your oxytocin level even more, with 

available classes. 

9



Embracing Birth with Hypnobirthing 

Embracing Birth came into being from 

circumstances. Thank you, Alicia and Lee, for 

observations made by local midwife Karen 

sharing your story. 

Scanlen. Karen noticed shortfalls in support 

options and services available for pregnant 

Chloe & the Colour Green 

and birthing women in the Newcastle and 

At 5:31pm on the 29th April 2020 our darling 

Hunter regions. 

daughter Chloe was born into the world via 

Deciding to complete a Hypnobirthing 

induction amid the COVID-19 outbreak. 

course, the initial step was made, and 

We were recommended to consider 

Embracing Birth has now become a thriving 

engaging a doula to assist us with our 

small business meeting the needs of women 

pregnancy and birth. Karen came with high 

and their birthing partners. 

praise and when we met, she instantly made 

Hypnobirthing is the signature course 

us feel at ease. We were comforted to have 

facilitated by Karen. It refers to the use of 

her by our side on our pregnancy journey. 

Karen Scanlen 0407 269 920 

hypnosis and associated techniques to 

At 28 weeks I was told that I had 

www.embracingbirth.net.au 

let go of fear and condition ourselves to 

Gestational Diabetes and would need 

release favourable hormones during birth. 

to start injecting insulin and to birth via 

Women and their birth partners are provided 

with the knowledge to use a combination 

of breathing, relaxation, visualisation 

and affirmations to create an optimal 

environment for birth. 

In small groups course participants are 

guided with practices to use. A folio of 

resources and hypnotic birthing downloads 

is shared and experienced, filling the final 

weeks of pregnancy with joyous anticipation 

for the arrival of their new baby. 

Clients often state the comprehensive 

program provides an opportunity for couples 

to plan the birth they desire together as birth 

partners become an integral part of the 

induction. We were shocked and felt lost at 

receiving the news. 

At our Hypnobirthing session with Karen. 

I was able to open up, cry, and I was given 

great advice. Both Lee and I came away 

with tools to help us deal with change and 

prepare my mind and body for what was to 

come. 

I chose the colour green from the 

Rainbow Mist track as it focused on being 

healthy for my baby. I surrounded myself with 

dim green lights and a soft green blanket 

and I used these every day for 10 weeks 

while watching TV, reading and sleeping. 

We created affirmation cards and placed 

initiated, Karen would no longer be able to 

be our doula but she still went above and 

beyond to adapt her services and make sure 

we felt prepared. 

At 4pm on the 28th April at the hospital I 

had Cervidil tape inserted and removed at 

7:30am the next day. We dimmed the lights, 

put on quiet music and I hugged my green 

blanket, bathed in green light. At 8:30am 

my waters were manually broken, and the 

Oxytocin drip was put up. My body now 

did what it was made to do, and I started 

breathing through the surges. 

Through each surge I pictured the idea 

of riding a bicycle uphill and coasting down 

analgesic gas to sooth the peaks of pain 

and I had attempted to have a warm 

shower. Now the surges became so intense 

that I enquired about stronger pain relief and 

an epidural was agreed upon. 

Before the anaesthetist came to the ward 

the midwives checked my progression and 

full dilation had been achieved, they were 

surprised that our baby was already on her 

way and that it was too late for pain relief. 

Our obstetrician arrived. 

After 45 minutes of bearing down, Chloe 

arrived at 5:31pm. Lee, being so calm and 

informed, had the confidence to hold onto 

Chloe as she was delivered. It was a 

experience rather than someone looking on. 

The beautiful stories of many Hypnobirthers 

continue to fill podcasts, magazine articles 

and support groups surrounding pregnancy 

and birth. The birth of Chloe is another one 

them around the house so I was always 

surrounded by positivity. When I think about 

my pregnancy now, I feel a soft, shimmering, 

mint green wash over me and it calms my 

mind and body. 

the other side. This allowed me to focus on 

the surges and time just slipped by until 4PM. 

Karen said that Hypno mums often go within 

and labour calmly, with midwives often 

being surprised at just how far they have 

proud moment for him to bring her up onto 

my chest for my first glimpse of our baby 

girl and smiling to each other as a new 

family. 

I still keep in touch with the mothers and 

of those inspiring stories. Her birth was at 

Newcastle Private Hospital in 2020, following 

an induction of labour due to medical 

Then COVID-19 arrived. 

As the virus progressed and lockdown was 

progressed, we just never imagined that it 

would happen for us. 

Up until this point I had been breathing 

beautiful girls birthed from our Hypnobirthing 

class and it has been amazing to see them 

all grow and change together. n 

10 

11

THE SPINE HEALTH EXPERTS SUPPORTING YOUR FAMILY 

Mat and and Studio 

equipment Pilates 

Physio-led Physio-led pilates pilates classes classes specialising specialising in in 

Pregnancy, Pregnancy, Postpartum, Postpartum, Rehabilitation, 

perimenopause and and postmenopause 

15 Kenrick 15 Kenrick St , The St , Junction The Junction 

P: (02) P: 49 (02) 622 49177 622 177 M: 0415 M: 0415 871 043 871 043 

E: E: info@pilatesforlife.com.au 

www.pilatesforlife.com.au 

For more For information more information about about pilates pilates for life for life or 

Fit-4-2 Fit-4-2 Physiotherapy Physiotherapy turn to turn page to 14-15 page 14-15 

ONLY 

✔ CLASSES ARE JUST $6.00 $6 

NO LOCK INS / PAY AS YOU GO 

✔ KIDS ARE WELCOME TO 

COME ALONG TO ANY CLASS 

✔ PILATES CLASSES & PT SESSIONS 

ALSO AVAILABLE 

TO ATTEND, BOOK AND PAY 

VIA THE KELSIE GREZL APP 

0477 030 877 

WWW.KELSIEGREZLPT.COM.AU 

EMAIL: ACCOUNTS@KGPT.COM.AU 

14/132 GARDEN GROVE PARADE, ADAMSTOWN 

e Family focused care 

e Babies & Children 

e Back pain 

EXPERIENCED TRUSTED PROFESSIONAL 

A 59A Stewart Ave, Hamilton South NSW 2303 

P (02) 4965 4391 W familylifechiropractic.com.au 

e 

e 

e 

Pregnancy care 

Posture issues 

Headachesgeing well 

Your body is naturally designed to be healthy, to heal and repair. We believe every 

indvidual should have the opportinuty to thrive to their fullest potential. We value the 

importance of a well aligned spine to support correct growth and development. 

The nervous system is the highway of communication between the brain and the body 

and can be influenced by the spine. Our passion is to support your spine health, so your 

family can get the best start in life. 

Full terms and conditions: 1. No expiry on offer. 2. Normal pricing for above services $230. 

3. Treatment included if clinically required. 4. Offer available to new clients only. 

2 V I S I T S 

F OR $ 4 9 

Book online or 

call us


During the Covid-19 pandemic some of 

Every birth and recovery is unique, 

these appointments have unfortunately 

therefore you deserve a unique rehabilitation 

been reduced to Telehealth which can 

program to help you achieve your goals 

leave new mums with questions regarding 

whether that is keeping up with your toddler, 

Postpartum 

Physiotherapy 

Check 

ongoing musculoskeletal pain, pelvic floor 

problems, incontinence, returning to exercise 

and even coping with the activities of daily 

living such as keeping up with their children 

and the demands of baby care. 

Obstetricians, midwives and GP’s are 

feeding your baby without back pain or 

getting back to the gym. This should be a 

specific program tailored to your individual 

body, not just a one size fits all approach. 

Ideally a postpartum physiotherapy 

assessment is performed around 4- 6 weeks 

experts in antenatal care, birth and ensuring 

after birth, but it is never too late. Once 

both mother and baby are medically well 

postpartum always postpartum. Whether 

postnatally. Musculoskeletal pain, pelvic floor 

you had a vaginal or Caesarean birth and 

issues, incontinence, exercise prescription 

whether this is your first or fifth baby you can 

and rehabilitation are the specialty of 

benefit from physiotherapy. n 

Women’s health physiotherapists. 

During pregnancy there are approximately 

or lifting weights. Returning to sports before 

twelve antenatal appointments with your 

strengthening the core can in fact lead to 

Your Postpartum Physiotherapy check-up 

Kirsten Joyner is a Physiotherapist and 

doctor or midwife. However postnatally there 

is usually only one appointment scheduled 

for new mums. This 6 week check-up with 

your Midwife, G.P or Obstetrician is often 

seen as the green light to return to all 

activities of daily living including domestic 

duties, returning to exercise and sexual 

intercourse. 

The pressure that society and social media 

places on women to “bounce back” and 

carry on as though they have not just given 

birth is unrealistic and can often lead to 

women doing too much too soon with little 

guidance. A Women’s health Physiotherapist 

can support and guide you through your 

recovery. 

During pregnancy and birth your body 

undergoes significant changes placing strain 

on your pelvic floor and abdominal muscles. 

Returning to pre-pregnancy activities 

requires rehabilitation. This is especially 

important if you are planning on engaging in 

activities such as running, high impact sports 

injuries including pelvic floor dysfunction 

and Pelvic organ prolapse. This is why it is 

important not only to have a postpartum 

check up with your care provider but also 

with a Women’s health Physiotherapist. 

The 6 week medical check-up and the 

postpartum Physio check-up are different, 

both are important. One does not replace 

the other. 

Your Postpartum check-up with your doctor 

or midwife usually involves: 

n Screening for postpartum depression 

n A discussion about contraception 

n Checking your Blood Pressure 

n Checking how your perineal, vaginal or 

Caesarean wounds are healing. 

n Checking that your uterus has returned to 

its normal size and bleeding has ceased. 

n You may have an internal examination 

and a pap smear if it is due. 

n Discussions around the health of your 

baby. 

will usually involve: 

n A discussion about your birth. 

n Screening for bladder, bowel or sexual 

dysfunction. 

n Postural alignment assessment. 

n A vaginal examination to assess pelvic 

floor muscle function. 

n Prolapse assessment – Checking the 

position of the pelvic organs. 

n Assessments of your abdominals for 

abdominal separation and core strength. 

n Assessment of scar tissue mobility – 

Caesarean scar, episiotomy or perineal tears. 

n Musculoskeletal assessment of any aches 

and pains. 

From these assessment findings your 

physiotherapist will create a treatment plan 

to help you achieve your goals, thereby 

reducing the risk of injury. This treatment 

plan may include some manual therapy, a 

personalised pelvic floor exercise program, 

core strengthening and exercises for 

improving abdominal muscle separation. 

Pilates practitioner specialising in the 

perinatal period. Kirsten is passionate 

about helping women strengthen their 

bodies and minds in preparation for 

childbirth as well as guiding them in 

their Postpartum rehabilitation; she is a 

proud mother of two. Kirsten is available 

for consultation at ‘Pilates for Life’ The 

Junction. 

Fit-4-2 Physiotherapy 

- Pregnancy Physiotherapy 

- Postpartum Physio checks 

- Diastasis Recti and pelvic floor rehab 

- Return to sport programs 

- Pregnancy & Postpartum Pilates classes 

- Obstetric T.E.N.S hire 

- Workshops & Online courses. 

www.fit-4-2Physio.com.au 

Instagram @fit.4.2physio 

Facebook @Fit-4-2 

0415 871 043 

14 

15

Naturopathic Womancraft 

Blending science and tradition to support the modern woman 

WOMANCRAFT AND CEREMONY 

* Connecting Women with ritual and rhythm throughout their 

pregnancy & motherhood journey 

DOULA 

* Prenatal & Birth readiness educator 

* Active Birth support 

* Postnatal support 

Homemade 

bone broth 

Our bone broth is handmade 

in small batches using locally 

sourced organic ingredients and 

a whole lot of love. 

Our signature product is our 

convenient single-serve jar of 

organic chicken bone broth. We 

created these little jars of golden 

goodness as a quick and easy 

way of including bone broth in 

your daily wellness routine. Bone 

broth is a key staple in our home 

and we would love for it to be a 

part of yours too. 

✉ 

NATUROPATH 

Women’s health and fertility specialist 

* Herbal and nutritional medicine 

* Cycle awareness education 

* Fertility Awareness Method 

p 

p 

c 

www.littlebonebrothco.com 

c 

k 

E: hello@amandatrieger.com 

www.amandatrieger.com



code is different from your best friend or your 

Reduce your insulin levels with a low GI 

neighbour. And, that’s why your nutrition 

diet – The hormone insulin has a domino 

Supporting Your 

Fertility Journey 

with Sally 

needs to be tailored for you. 

What’s involved in a personalised nutrition 

assessment? 

We look at your medical history, medications, 

nutritional supplements, blood test results, 

anthropometry, fertility history, menstrual 

cycle, physical activity, dietary intake as well 

as your goals and roadblocks, so that we 

can determine exactly what YOU need to 

eat to optimise your fertility. 

effect on your fertility hormones, so if your 

insulin distribution is high or erratic this can 

significantly impact your ability to conceive. 

This is a particularly important consideration 

for women who have insulin resistance or 

PCOS. So, you need to ensure that you’re 

having the RIGHT types of carbohydrates, in 

the right quantities, at the right times… and 

this will change from woman to woman. 

Include plant-based proteins in your diet – 

When our animal protein intake gets too 

high it can cause an imbalance in the 

Thinking about one of my recent clients… 

nutrients we need for a healthy pregnancy. 

When planning for her third pregnancy, 

it doesn’t mean you need to adopt a 

Brooke, having experienced the grief of 

vegetarian diet (unless that suits you of 

miscarriage twice, knew that she had to do 

course) but including 

Marchini Nutrition, member 

personalised nutrition can 

something differently this time for the for the 

more pulses/nuts & seeds every day is a 

of Nutrition Plus - the 

make to all aspects of those 

future of her baby. She had been told that 

good start. 

worldwide early life nutrition 

‘first 1000 days’ of a baby’s 

her only way to conceive was to use IVF, but 

Optimise your fat ratio – The types of fats you 

specialist dietitians, provides 

life. Research shows that gene 

her GP suggested she see me first. 

eat can impact the fluid surrounding your 

scientific yet practical 

expression in new babies can 

After a holistic assessment of Brooke’s 

eggs as well as how receptive your uterus 

advice in a professional and 

be influenced by the diet of 

history, nutrition, and lifestyle, we tailored 

is to your embryo. So, it’s essential that you 

compassionate way to ensure 

the mother and father prior to 

a personalised plan and supported her to 

look at the types of fats, and the ratio of 

you and your family are at 

conception. Studies also show 

make the recommended changes. Brooke 

each of these fats in your diet. 

their best from fertility through 

that a mother’s good diet is 

was so relieved and overjoyed to become 

Drink Full Cream cow’s milk – Now this is 

to postpartum - the important 

important to influence the 

pregnant naturally and safely deliver her 

an interesting one, but the latest research 

first 1000 days of your baby’s 

long-term health outcomes of 

healthy baby boy. 

suggests that it may be the IGF1 in cow’s milk 

life. 

the baby’s life including risk of 

which helps early embryo growth, so this is 

Marchini Nutrition is based 

developing chronic disease as 

Research shows that diet can improve fertility 

particularly important if you’re undergoing IVF. 

in Swansea and New Lambton Heights, with 

well as enhancing their mental abilities. 

by 69% Some of the dietary factors that were 

So, I want to ask you, are you willing to 

Telehealth appointments available. Mention 

We are all different and face unique 

shown to make a difference include: 

give yourself permission to take care of 

this article and get a FREE InBody body 

challenges when it comes to optimising our 

yourself for a few months, to nurture the eggs 

composition analysis (worth $50) and a FREE 

nutrition. So let me assure you that dietitians 

Ensure that you’re getting enough folate – The 

growing inside you? To prepare your baby’s 

fertility meal plan with recipes. 

keep on top of all this with regular study so 

amount needed changes from woman to 

first home? 

www.marchininutrition.com.au 0249710770 

we can provide you with the advice that will 

woman, so the amount in your supplement 

Whether you are trying to conceive or 

Facebook: MarchiniNutritionAPD 

help you personally to address these issues 

may not be adequate for you. Not getting 

already pregnant, I would recommend 

and support your beautiful, amazing body to 

enough folate can mean that your baby’s 

making an appointment to see a dietitian 

Supporting your fertility journey with Sally 

create the miracle of life. 

neural tube isn’t developing properly, 

who specialises in early life nutrition. We 

Are you trying to conceive, or experiencing 

Our goal is to optimise the genetic 

which can result in either a miscarriage or 

are here to support you through each 

‘issues’ along those lines? 

material of your egg and prepare your 

a ‘chemical pregnancy’ where your baby 

unique stage in your journey with an 

It’s amazing the difference that 

body to nurture that egg. But YOUR genetic 

doesn’t survive past 5 weeks. 

evidence-based and personal approach. n 

18 

19


The Newcastle Birth Movement 

with Natalie Meade 

Hi! My name is Natalie Meade and I love 

every minute of the volunteer time that I 

gift to the #NewcastleBirthMovement here 

at 21 Gordon Avenue, Hamilton. After 20 

years supporting birthing women around 

the Hunter, we are so pleased at having 

a permanent, full-time, physical space. 

Located inside the community building 

‘Pachamama House’, meaning ‘Mother 

Earth’, this special project is the result of 

four years of fundraising, some fantastic 

renovations and a big leap of faith. 

Our space is alive with visitors, volunteers 

and events as we honour women and bring 

to life our mission of treating ‘all mothers as 

precious’. We fill the gaps for women (and 

their families) when it comes to emotional 

and informational support throughout their 

journeys. Our services include free birth 

doula and birth-trauma counsellor chats, 

along with birth circle meetings about birth 

choices, birth rights and much, much more. 

We provide a warm and caring 

environment and – most importantly – an 

empathetic, listening ear. You are also 

welcome to come and borrow from our 

extensive birth and parenting library, and 

we even recycle great quality, preloved 

maternity, breastfeeding and baby clothing. 

World-leading birth expert and midwife, Ina 

May Gaskin, once said: “If a woman doesn’t 

look like a goddess while giving birth – then 

someone is not treating her right”. Our aim is 

to do all we can throughout your journey to 

help you experience your ‘Inner Goddess’. 

We run frequent fundraising events, open 

to all, contributing to our rent and running 

costs. We’d love to see you come along. 

While you visit, join the shoppers leaving 

gold coin donations at our recycled clothing 

space. Your donations support us to continue 

our good work as we support the Hunter 

birthing community. Our down-to-earth and 

friendly team would love to meet you! n 

Natalie Meade (GradDipC, GradDipPsyc, 

GradDipEd, Bsc (Hons), CCE, CH). Phone or 

text the Birth Movement on 0490 Birthie (0490 

247 844). E: HunterPositiveBirth@gmail.com 

What’s on: 

* Birth Ready Yoga 

* Hypnobirthing + Extras 

* “One Precious Day” Birth Courses 

* Facilitated Mums & Bubs 

* Pre-loved store 

* Complimentary Birth Doula Q&A and 

Birth Counselling 

* Homebirth Mums Group 

* Plus other unique workshops as they 

arise 

21



Newcrest scans are not meant 

which become a beautiful 

to replace regular diagnostic 

bonding moment prior to your 

scans, but rather, to compliment 

bub arriving earth side. 

the entire experience of your 

Scan times are an hour 

pregnancy. Newcrest offers 

long to provide a minimum of 

reassurance scans, bonding 

30 minutes touring bub and 

scans, gender determination, 

capturing as many images as 

and most popularly, detailed 

possible, and all the images 

images of your prince or princess 

obtained are provided at 

which have been documented 

the end of the scan on a 

to be just like the newborn 

USB. Clients often visit several 

photos. 

times throughout the pregnancy to 

Since its start, Newcrest Baby Imaging has 

capture features and different stages of 

Newcrest Imaging 

grown to have quite a following. Whitney 

uses her technical skills and patience to 

acquire the most incredible images of your 

development. 

Appointments can be made through 

social media & website booking request 

baby. Her client testimonials are growing 

forms or by calling 0497 077 481 

When Whitney Hannah Owen began her 

Newcrest is an elective, non-diagnostic, 

exponentially with many families now 

www.newcrest-imaging.com 

“Island Life” in Australia in 2013, she knew it 

private ultrasound service aimed at 

bringing their second and third babies to 

@newcrestimaging 

would be amazing. The Canadian-trained 

providing a boutique experience for 

her for imaging. New families feel they are 

Newcrestimaging@gmail.com 

diagnostic medical sonographer with over 20 

expectant mums, partners, and siblings. Each 

in good hands with Whitney’s experience 

These scans appointments are highly 

years clinical experience traded in her heels, 

scan provides a bonding experience where 

and established reputation for delivering to 

coveted and often are booked well in 

busy city life, and cold winters for flip flops, 

babies’ features are shown in detail through 

client’s high expectations. 

advance so please plan ahead for your 

sunshine, and warmth. 

the most progressive 3D/4D ultrasound 

Located in Chisholm, NSW, Newcrest 

special experience! n 

When considering her work opportunities 

technology. Often partners struggle to 

draws clients from the Newcastle and Hunter 

Whitney saw a unique opportunity to offer 

attend the diagnostic scans due to work 

regions, with clients travelling from areas 

private scans in a relaxed, non-clinical, yet 

commitments, so Newcrest offers a variety of 

such as Muswellbrook, Morisset, and Forster. 

professional environment. With this insight she 

appointment times which include after hours 

In the private scan studio, Hannah will 

founded Newcrest Baby Imaging. 

and weekends. 

capture very special moments and images 

22 

23

| 2021 | 2021 

410g was born sleeping. I owe Jackson my 

I had daily scans and monitoring for nearly 

Our Miracle Baby 

My whole life I dreamed of being a Mum, 

I just didn’t realise what that journey was 

going to look like. It started in 2012 when I 

became a Step-Mum to the most amazing 

Stepdaughter, Keeley. Then in 2016 the 

happiest moment of my life was seeing the 2 

nutrients through the placenta and he was 

already 2 weeks behind in growth. I was 

admitted to the John Hunter Hospital and 

was heartbreakingly informed that if Jackson 

was not delivered immediately it was likely 

that I would lose my life from a stroke – I had 

life as delivering him when we did saved 

mine. Giving birth to Jackson was beautiful 

and sad all at the same time. I got to 

cuddle him and kissed his little hands and 

forehead. Jackson was perfect in every 

way, just too small to survive in this world. 

Thanks to the beautiful work of the Heartfelt 

Photographers, we have lots of photos of 

Jackson on his first and only day on this 

earth. I think about him every day and 

imagine what he would be like now. 

The next few years consisted of specialists, 

complex health challenges, blood pressure 

medications, and 2 unsuccessful IVF 

attempts. After making the decision to try 

IVF one last time, we amazingly conceived 

naturally. I was monitored closely, as my 

pregnancy was considered to be high 

risk and ‘geriatric’, due to my high blood 

pressure and age (I was now 41). 

At week 26 it seemed like our worst 

nightmare was coming true again. I had a 

scan that showed that our baby was IUGR, 

similar to Jackson. My anxiety levels went 

through the roof and I cried my heart out. 

I didn’t know how we would survive going 

through it all again. The thing that I was most 

scared about was having to tell Keeley that 

she had lost another brother before she 

even got to meet him. 

I was admitted to the John Hunter Hospital 

in March 2020. This was at the beginning of 

the global Covid 19 pandemic. I feel like I 

was robbed of quite a lot throughout this 

pregnancy. Some of the things that I missed 

out on include growing a beautiful baby 

belly (as I didn’t carry to full term), baby 

moon, baby shower, antennal classes, and 

3 weeks before an emergency c-section 

at 29 weeks +1 day. Our beautiful baby 

Lachlan Oliver (Lachie) was born on the 14th 

April 2020, weighing a tiny 920g. 

Born 11 weeks premature, Lachie is 

my miracle baby. Born with respiratory 

distress, he was immediately put on CPAP 

(Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), with 

tubes and cords going everywhere in his 

humidicrib. He remained in NICU for 66 days. 

There were so many ups and downs 

throughout this time. Until the day that Lachie 

was allowed to leave the hospital, I really did 

not know if we would be bringing home a 

baby at all. Throughout this whole journey I 

have learnt 2 important things - that Paul and 

I make an amazing team, and that there are 

things in this world that I unfortunately cannot 

control. All I could do was take one day at a 

time and make sure Lachie knew how much 

he was loved and wanted. 

Lachie came home after nearly 10 very 

long weeks in hospital. I have no words to 

describe how amazing my Obstetrician (Dr 

Lyndal), and all of the NICU doctors and 

nurses are. We are beyond grateful for 

everything. I now cherish every second that 

I hold Lachie in my arms. My beautiful boy is 

happy and healthy, and I am so in love. 

As I lived through my own grief and loss 

I decided to train as a Life Coach and in 

2019 I started Bella You Coaching. I support 

women who have experienced infant loss 

and those celebrating a new pregnancy. 

I love supporting other women as both a 

Coach and a Rainbow Mum. I want other 

women who are on a similar journey to know 

lines on the pregnancy test. 

At my 20 week scan we discovered that 

our baby had IUGR (Intrauterine Growth 

pre-eclampsia and my blood pressure was 

extremely high. 

On the 29 th October 2016 I gave birth 

having family and friends visit in me when I 

was admitted to hospital and after the birth. 

I was alone in my hospital room with only my 

that they are not alone. n 

I am a Step-Mum, an Angel Mum, and a 

Rainbow Mum. I am a proud Mum. 

Restriction). He wasn’t getting enough 

to baby Jackson, who at 26 weeks and 

partner Paul allowed to visit. 

Belinda Owen - Bella You Coaching 

24 

25


Newcastle Kinesiology Practice 

Tummy time, your baby & 

their development 

Camille Addison 

I support women who have 

experienced infant loss & 

those celebrating a new 

pregnancy. 

I support mothers as a Coach and a 

Rainbow Mum. 

bellayoucoaching.com 

belinda@bellayoucoaching.com 

0492 955 733 

I am passionate about 

working with women to 

mentally process and 

release all things birth 

related. This includes 

mental preparation prior 

to giving birth, working 

through birth fear and 

trauma, understanding 

your birthing experience 

and processing postnatal 

issues, such as flashbacks, 

depression and anxiety. 

0422 294 427 

camille@newcastlekinesiologypractice.com 

www.newcastlekinesiologypractice.com 

Ask about our popular 

facial parties. A pamper 

day is the perfect way 

to catch up with all your 

favourite people. All you 

have to is supply the 

space and I do the rest. 

Each guest receives a 

30min organic facial. 

Choose between mobile appointments or our home 

salon which is based in Cardiff. 

We specialize in Waxing, Threading, Tanning, Eyelash 

Extensions, Lash Lifts, Brow Lamination, Tinting, Brow 

Shaping, Pedicures, Makeup and Facials. 

Brodie 0435046145 

Ivarli Beauty 

Tummy time is the earliest 

and one of the most 

important forms of exercise 

for your baby in the first 

9 months of life. It helps 

develop strong bodies, 

build strong brains and is 

foundational for optimal 

development. Any 

position that challenges 

your baby to lift their head 

and extends through the 

back is a version of tummy 

time. 

There is an intricate dance of neurons 

firing in your baby’s brain when you 

place them in a tummy time position, 

similar to fireworks at New Years. The more 

practice the more those ‘stars’ light up, 

forming constellations and strong neural 

connections. At first it seems a struggle for 

your baby, only lifting their head briefly and 

then down again. As time passes those 

lifts become stronger, rests briefer and by 

2 months your baby is lifting their head to 

45 degrees. By 3 months they are weight 

bearing evenly on their shoulders and by 

four months they have full access to the 

world ahead with their eyes now horizontal 

and head upright. The neck, shoulders 

and back all have to work together to 

achieve these goals. If there is discomfort 

or difficulty it’s a little sign to say this may 

need attention. 

Tummy time is something to be enjoyed 

and be creative with. Lying chest to chest 

is going to be your first go-to in the early 

days. Gazing into each other’s eyes and 

plenty of close face-toface 

time. Holding your 

baby across your forearm 

while you move from room 

to room is an easy way to 

enjoy incidental tummy 

time during the day. Once 

you’re out and about, 

your baby will love tummy 

time across your lap, along 

your inner thigh when 

seated cross-legged or flat 

on a shaded picnic rug. 

The 30mins recommended 

by the World Health Organisation will 

easily be surpassed if you live by the rule ‘If 

awake, tummy time first’. 

Unrestricted floor time, dynamic tummy 

time practices and connection with you 

provides your baby with the recipe needed 

for mastering the major milestones one 

after the other all starting with that head 

lift. No need for gadgets, baby gear or 

fancy toys. Time, repetition and fun are the 

ingredients to wonderful progression. 

Research indicates parental education 

is key, and we invite you, your partner and 

your baby along to our next tummy time 

workshop ‘Lift Off’ to explore childhood 

development even further and learn how 

to make tummy time fun!. n 

For upcoming workshop dates, head to 

www.childrenschiropractic.com.au/events 

and book your free ticket today using the 

code NEWCASTLEBABY 

Australian Children’s Chiropractic Centre 

www.childrenschiropractic.com.au 

(02)49156640 @childrenschiropractic 

27



Choosing Your Birth Care- Making the Best 

Choice for you and your family 

Congratulations on your pregnancy, 

now what? 

Your choice of care provider is one of 

the biggest decisions you will make during 

your childbearing years. Recent Australian 

studies demonstrate that birth outcomes 

are largely determined by where and with 

whom you choose to have your baby. 

These outcomes are available from your 

chosen provider – you can ask for their 

outcome statistics. 

Birth outcomes are dependent upon 

many variable factors. One important 

factor, that you do have control over, is 

who you choose to care for you and your 

baby during your pregnancy, labour, birth 

and postnatal period. 

In the Hunter we are privileged to 

have access to several models of care. 

These options are shared here to start you 

thinking about what you want to achieve 

on this journey and what options are most 

28 

important to you. 

In Australia we have two main models 

of care, medical and midwifery, and a 

multitude of options within these. Midwives 

are specialists in normal birth, accredited to 

provide full care across the entire spectrum 

of birth with women who are of normal 

risk. Obstetrics specialise in women of all 

levels of risk, providing care for women who 

choose the medical model and women 

who are high risk and therefore outside 

the scope of midwifery led care. Midwives 

can work within the medical models, in 

midwifery led units, or independently as 

Privately Practicing Endorsed Midwives 

(PPEM). Obstetricians can work within a 

public or private hospital. 

In the Newcastle Region we have: 

n Privately Practicing Endorsed Midwives 

- Homebirth 

n Public Hospital Care 

Kate Kennedy - Birth Photography 

- Midwifery Group Practice 

- Midwifery Antenatal Clinic 

- Shared Care: Your GP in consultation with 

Clinic Midwives/Hospital Doctors 

- Midwifery Led Birth Centre Care 

- Public Midwifery Led Homebirth 

- Private Obstetrician Care 

n Private Hospital Care 

- Private Obstetrician supported by 

- Midwifery Care 

A referral from a GP is required in all 

cases. When exploring your options, it 

is important to discuss your health and 

pregnancy history with your potential care 

providers. Each model of care works within 

their own framework, developed as a way 

of guiding women to the type of care best 

suited to their situation. 

Pregnancy can change, sometimes 

a normal risk pregnancy may become 

complicated, requiring a change in 

care provider. This is attended to in a 

collaborative manner, and ideally both 

care providers work together to help you 

achieve the best outcomes for you and 

your baby. 

When deciding on the model of care 

it is important for you and your partner 

to discuss what is most important to you 

These questions are a great starting point 

to further exploration. Remember, being 

informed is being empowered - there is 

no such thing as a silly question – you 

can ask your care provider anything at 

any time. 

n Would you like to have appointments 

in your own home at times convenient 

to you? 

n Do you want the choice to have a 

water birth? 

n Would you like to have care provided by 

your own private doula? 

n Do you want access to epidural pain 

relief? 

n Is having a known carer important to 

you? 

n Do you need to know that operating 

theatres are close by? 

n Would you like your family with you as 

you birth? 

n Do hospital settings support you to 

feel safe? 

n Would a small team of midwives be 

your ideal? 

n Do you want to have your baby at your 

own home? 

There are many things to consider, so 

take the time to research your options and 

find out what suits you best. n 

Hunter Homebirth 

My name is Karyn Besley, I am a Privately Practicing Endorsed 

Midwife (PPEM) working throughout Newcastle and surrounding 

areas. I provide midwifery care from conception to six weeks post 

birth. I have been a midwife for 23 years and have worked in every 

model of care in a variety of locations. I have a passion for choice, 

and believe women deserve the right to choose where and with whom they birth, I have 

been attending homebirths in Newcastle for 3 years now. At Hunter Home Birth I provide 

one on one care, in your own home. I also run a weekly mum’s circle at Pachamama 

House 21 Gordon Avenue Hamilton. All are Welcome. 

Please contact me on 0421815026 if you would like to find out more about Homebirth. 

29

Nicole Wyborn 

Lactation Consultant 

Live your breast life! 

Education 

Plan 

Care 

Support 

0437081731 

nourishlactation365@gmail.com 

www.nourishlactation.com.au 

Fourth Trimester 

Encapsulation 

Our Placenta Encapsulation Specialists 

are highly trained and can’t wait to be able to 

help you through your fourth 

trimester journey. 

Servicing and traveling to Newcastle, 

Lake Macquarie, Hunter Valley and 

Muswellbrook for clients. Call 0488001238 

We take pride in supporting you through your 

postnatal journey and always only a text 

message or phone call away We are 

passionate about woman and 

family centred care! 

www.fourthtrimesterstore.com



Keepsakes with today, 

tomorrow & always 

“I wish I knew you existed 

when….” 

This is the phrase that I have 

made my mission to erase. 

I hear it all too often and it 

impacts me because two 

years after losing my fiancé in 

2015 I said, “I wish I’d known 

about DNA keepsakes. I 

would have shaved his head 

so that we could have had a 

part of him to hold onto”. But I 

had no idea, and so for my family, that option 

was gone. 

When I first discovered DNA artistry, I 

instantly knew in my heart that this was what 

I was meant to be doing. On September 

18th, 2018, Today Tomorrow & Always was 

launched. 

I love crafting jewellery and keepsakes 

using breastmilk, umbilical stump, dried 

placenta and first curls to remember a time 

in life where parents were made, siblings 

were promoted to big brother/sister and 

families were created. I also craft with 

formula for the mums who bottle feed 

because that’s hard work too. 

I focus on life, love and loss. LIFE is 

represented by pregnancy, birth and 

breastfeeding; LOVE by weddings; and 

LOSS for the passing of loved ones, including 

family pets. 

I equally love crafting for parents whose 

babies did not take their first breath, who 

never got to go home and are forever 

loved and missed. Being able to help these 

parents have something containing the 

DNA of their precious baby, something they 

can cherish forever, fills my 

heart... So much so that I also 

handmake ornamental clay 

babies to scale, from 5-13 

weeks gestation, to represent 

the week their little one’s heart 

stopped beating, showing just 

how tiny and precious their 

little life was. Each keepsake 

tells its own story and I love 

being able to hear people’s 

most valued memories and 

turn them into something they can hold. 

Another magical part of what we do is 

adding the ashes of a grandmother who has 

passed with the first curl of a grandchild she 

never got to meet. They can be combined 

into a ring, bead or display keepsake that will 

keep them linked for eternity. 

I appear to be the only DNA company 

that also specialises in wedding celebrations. 

This passion has its origins in my family history. 

When my fiancé passed away, he left a 

gorgeous daughter in her early twenties 

who will now get married without achieving 

their dream of him walking her down the 

aisle. Sadly, this scenario is a reality for many 

women. In her honour, I now craft crystals 

containing the hair and/or ashes of a loved 

and missed father. These crystals are tied to 

the bride’s bouquet and allow a literal part 

of her father to guide her down the aisle. 

While this in no way replaces having him, 

it is a way of honouring a dream and his 

presence in a ‘plan B’ kind of way. 

Today Tomorrow & Always is proud to 

support many charities. We are in the 

planning phase of launching our own charity 

to support parents whose babies are born 

silent, giving them the opportunity to make 

memories with their little one while they can, 

before saying their final goodbyes. We are 

also a part of the My Wedding Wish network, 

a charity that gifts weddings to terminally ill 

patients so that they can marry the love of 

their life and live out their days as a married 

couple before their time is up. 

We have just launched a range of rings 

that are durable enough for everyday wear 

and are available in larger sizes for men 

because the men in our lives also want to 

celebrate and commemorate moments in 

time. We are proud to be able to customise 

some of these styles in women’s sizes, making 

matching personalised wedding bands for 

bride and groom, groom and groom, or 

bride and bride. 

Whether we are crafting with the breast milk 

that nourished your baby, the sand you were 

standing on as you proposed or something 

precious to display on your wall, we will work 

with you to create the perfect keepsake that 

you will treasure today, tomorrow 

and always. n 

Allison Ockenden 

0418822985 

www.todaytomorrowalways.com.au 

32 

33

Births® is a researched, scientifically verified childbirth 

She 

program (British Medical Journal, 2016) and provides a 

education 

and evidence based. 

Holistic 

proven program offering support to make the journey into 

A 

easier. 

parenthood 

mums to have a better birth experience and 

Empowering 

to provide effective support. 

partners 

both physical and virtual support during pregnancy, 

Providing 

and early parenthood and connection to a worldwide 

birth 

community. 

more info: 

For 

OUR APP! 

DOWNLOAD 

® 


Birth Its Your Story 

SHE BIRTHS WEEKEND COURSE 

NEWCASTLE 

98% of couples say She Births® allowed them to create a beautiful birth 

Photograph by Jerusha Sutton 

Stories are how we learn, grow, 

connect and create the world we 

live in. We all have stories and your 

story matters - you are worthy and 

deserving of being deeply heard, 

seen and held. 

From the most empowering birth 

to devastating trauma, and everything in 

between, all stories need to be shared. This 

sharing is not to satisfy the well- intended 

curiosity of others – this sharing is to serve 

your soul, to connect to flow and fill your 

cup. To serve the collective of generations 

past, present and future. 

To learn the art of Birth Story Listening 

with Pam England of Birthing from Within, 

new mentors are firstly introduced to the 

Japanese art of Kintsugi, literally meaning 

‘to join with gold’. Broken pottery is mended 

with gold lacquer, it is with the celebration 

of the imperfections that the piece is 

now stronger and more beautiful. As a 

philosophy, it treats breakage and repair as 

part of the objects history, embodying the 

richness gained from the journey. 

I encourage you to reflect on your birth – 

are there untold stories buried within, adding 

to your emotional load, eating away at your 

confidence, leaving you with doubts 

as to who and how capable you 

really are. 

Most commonly women share 

stories of feeling abandoned and or 

disrespected at some stage of labour 

and at times during pregnancy or 

postpartum. There are also women who feel 

unable to share their whole truth as their birth 

was so good – they don’t want to show off or 

upset others. 

Let’s take heart, as together we support 

each other to grow, with the gentle love, 

care and awareness that our human lives 

deserve. I welcome you to allow me to hold 

space for you, as you share your story, feel 

into your vulnerability, connect with your 

souls truth, all the while, growing an openhearted 

trust in your own Mother Nature. n 

Daniella Ruru – Nurturing Your Mother Nature 

Birth Story Listener, Intuitive Healer, Life 

Coach, Birth Art Mentor. 

Sessions available online Phone 0438 916 561 

or email hello@daniellaruru.com.au 

? www.daniellaruru.com.au 

c daniella_ruru 

f @nurturingyourmothernature 

Join certified She Births® 

unique 'toolkit' of skills for both mum and partner. 

Create a beautiful birth experience, no matter what unfolds. 

and doula 

educator 

Kinnane for a 

Nichola 

birth 

two-day 

course here 

preparation 

Newcastle 

in 

For a long time I have wanted to voice my 

story. I was surprised at how candid and 

honest I was when speaking with Daniella, 

I wasn’t expecting to have the deep 

connection that I had with myself whilst 

telling my story. I believe this is testament to 

her welcoming and nurturing self. 

Daniella gently guided me and held 

space for me to ask myself questions and 

make self-actualisations in a way that 

made me feel safe and heard. It’s amazing 

how what came out in the session tapped 

into so many other areas of my life and 

how I have been able to use these 

discoveries and tools in so many ways. I 

have felt so much more peace with this 

part of myself since my session and I would 

recommend this service to anyone and 

everyone. 

Amber Curby 

1300 101 SHE (745) shebirths.com 

35


Why YUM MUM TUM? 

From Left – Anna, Emma, 

Gemma, Natalie, Sarah 

Photo Credit – Jessica Ross Photography 

I wasn’t prepared for the challenges of 

motherhood, I struggled endlessly. I once 

thought myself strong and fearless, but that 

disappeared the second my little newborn 

was placed on my chest. I have never felt 

more scared or more vulnerable. “I have no 

idea what I’m doing!” is a sentiment that 

started that fateful day and overwhelmed 

me every time I held my tiny babe in my 

arms. 

When I look back on my entry into 

motherhood, I have regret. It saddens me 

to think about the unnecessary stress and 

confusion I faced. Nurturing my newborn 

baby as he grew into a toddler was the most 

challenging and ridiculously hard experience 

of my life. I needed help but couldn’t find 

it. Google was not my friend and made 

everything feel worse. I was at a complete 

loss. I needed a better motherhood, so I 

started making plans. YUM MUM TUM was 

born from my need to learn how to thrive, 

not just survive motherhood. 

YUM MUM TUM is not just a maternity store. 

It is a space to help and support new mums 

during the most challenging and vulnerable 

time of their lives. I am so happy to offer 

MUMMY 101 Workshops and MOTHER CUPPA 

Groups. I proudly introduce four women who 

are passionate about educating, supporting 

and empowering new mums on their 

journey. 

n Anna Cusack - Complete Postpartum 

Support, is a Postpartum Doula and Exercise 

Physiologist. She assists women to 

understand, plan and cope with the ups 

and downs of new mum life. 

n Emma Maher, from Empowered Lactation 

with Emma, is an IBCLC with a background 

in nursing, midwifery and child & family 

health nursing. She is devoted to helping 

women meet their breastfeeding goals. 

n Natalie Meade, from Newcastle Birth 

Movement, is a birth preparation specialist. 

Offering women birth education, doula 

support, birth and birth trauma counselling. 

n Sarah Sweetman is a Day Care Educator. 

Keeping the little bubbies amused, and 

Mummies relaxed, with organised sensory 

games and creative play. 

Don’t struggle through early motherhood 

on your own. Join a MUMMY 101 or MOTHER 

CUPPA and get ready to enjoy your magical 

journey. n 

By Gemma Ryan - YUM MUM TUM Founder 

www.yummumtum.org 

37


Running a business with a newborn 

business who I could rely on day-in day-out 

and learning to delegate and relinquish 

control has been a big part of staying sane 

during the earlier months. This also extended 

to homelife, my husband has always been 

hands-on and a great help, but I always 

viewed it as exactly that “help”. This is a 

mindset I have worked hard to change 

in myself and by sharing the household 

responsibilities I’ve gained the mental space 

and time to work on my business. 

Lists, lists and more lists 

Sounds cliché but for me this is how I know I 

get stuff done, plus there is that satisfaction 

of crossing an item off my list as complete. 

My lists are not purely to-dos but more like an 

action plan of activities to achieve goals. 

Just some of the gorgeous designs available... 

Lots of my friends thought I was crazy going 

into business with a 4-month-old, and maybe 

they were right. With two school-aged 

children and a newborn what was I thinking 

going into business!!?? Like many mums, 

I spent endless hours thinking, planning, 

looking for any opportunity to replace my 

rigid, 9 -5 corporate role with a fun and 

creative outlet that I could call my own. 

So, I thought why not, and if it didn’t work 

out, I could always go back to my job after 

maternity leave. Fast forward 3 years and 

I’ve done it again, just had another baby 

and find myself running a business with a 

newborn and this time with a highly spirited 

pre-schooler in the mix. 

Ask for help! 

I quickly realised that I could not do it all 

and without help nothing meaningful would 

get done. Having the right people in my 

Flexibility 

If there is one thing babies are that is 

unpredictable, especially as newborns. One 

day they are asleep for 3-hour blocks and 

the next day its 20min naps and only if you 

are cradling them. I’ve learnt to let go of 

an overly scheduled lifestyle especially in 

those first few months and just go with the 

flow. That has sometimes meant having 

to move deadlines and saying no to 

opportunities, but it’s also given me a laser 

sharp understanding of my priorities, both in 

business and family, and really focussing on 

these. 

I’m not going to pretend its been easy 

and some days can only be described as 

out-of-control but I often say that I thrive 

on the chaos and when I look back at the 

last 3 years the word that jumps to mind is – 

fun. n 

Anna Marhaba - Lollipop Kids 

www.lollipopkids.com.au 

39



Back to work after baby 

Returning to work after parental leave can 

be fraught with worry. Some of us look 

forward to returning to the routine of our 

paid jobs, relishing in the opportunity to use 

our work brains again. For others, it is a purely 

financial decision. Often, it is a mixture of 

both. 

Our expectations of parenthood can vary 

greatly from the reality. You never know 

what kind of baby you will have, and with 

your first baby, we can be blind-sided by 

enormous emotions that parenthood can 

bring. It is essential that you have a plan 

if a return to work is imminent. Equally, it is 

important to be flexible with that plan. 

Emma Walsh, Founder of Parents at Work, 

Finding a trustworthy nanny or 

babysitter should be simple and straight 

forward - we can help you with that! 

BYO Nanny Consultancy 

Found your nanny elsewhere? We’ll help with 

your employment set up and obligations when 

hiring your nanny. 

In Home Support 

In the case of an accident via insurance 

and icare schemes. 

Nanny Placement 

Full recruitment and placement service. 

Maternity Nurse/Nanny 

Gentle sleep training and support for 

parents and baby. 

Casual Babysitting 

Corporate & Events 

Temporary & Emergency Child Care 

*All nanny/babysitters undergo rigorous screening 

an advisory service for Australian businesses 

and parents, and Catherine Brooks, 

Employment Lawyer and author of Let’s 

Make it Work Baby, discuss some practical 

tips on helping with the transition back to 

work for parents. 

Do your research. Does your workplace 

have its own parental leave scheme? 

Check your company intranet or your 

employment contract or enterprise 

agreement to see if there is information on a 

company scheme there. 

If relying on the government parental 

leave scheme, then head to the Fairwork 

website for information on paid and unpaid 

entitlements. Also speak with trusted 

Rockmybaby ® 

Hunter and Central Coast 

Nannies Babysitters Childcare Solutions 

40 Call us today on 0401 803 948 or register at www.rockmybaby.com.au 

colleagues, who may have already done 

the research before you. 

Plan. Have a plan in place, but also have 

a back-up plan! Consider legal obligations, 

financial and emotional readiness and have 

a plan on when you think you will be ready 

to return to work. Some employees can 

feel pressured into setting a return date, 

well ahead of time. Try to stick with a return 

month, rather than a firm date. 

Communication. Work life is often 

part of your community, so rather than 

cutting yourself off completely, try to stay 

connected, as best you can. This might 

be via a group chat or in person, such as a 

regular coffee meet up or visits to the office. 

This demonstrates your interest in getting 

back to work (even if you are still not sure) 

and helps to pave the way for negotiations 

later. 

How to best approach negotiating flexible 

work arrangements. Consider your needs, 

those of your family, and your workplace. 

Some workplaces will lean more naturally 

towards a flexible arrangement. Seek 

guidance to gauge what is reasonable and 

use this to formulate your discussion. As 

Emma says, this way “You may be able to 

create some wriggle room for yourself whilst 

still showing empathy for your employer’s 

situation, being careful not to seem as 

though you are uncommitted or unable to 

be flexible yourself.” 

Manage expectations. Your expectations 

and that of your employer’s need to be 

clear and aligned. There will probably be 

tension points, but if you are open to being 

flexible and communication is kept open, 

then you are more likely to have success. 

Before you head back to work, set up checkins 

with your employer at regular intervals – 6 

weeks is suggested by Emma – this gives you 

the opportunity to tweak things that may not 

be working for you and/or your employer. 

Beware of ‘work creep’ when you return 

to your previous role, in a part time capacity. 

Have a very clear job description that 

addresses your newly carved out role. 

Gather your crew! Whether you use 

a nanny or other childcare, have your 

arrangements in place well before returning 

to work and transition the children (and 

yourself) to the new arrangements, whilst you 

still have some flexibility. 

Be gentle on yourself. Mothers can 

be very vulnerable – cue managing 

breastfeeding, sleep deprivation and 

worry about all the things! There will be an 

adjustment period, so cut yourself some slack 

and take time to make decisions. 

Implement some systems like allowing 

a buffer time between handing over the 

care of the child/ren and walking into 

work. Sitting quietly with a coffee, doing a 

meditation on public transport, or playing a 

podcast on the drive in. Whatever helps you 

to recalibrate and get into ‘work mode’ for 

the day ahead. 

Returning to work and leaving your baby 

or child in the care of someone else is a big 

deal. It certainly takes some adjustment 

but with some planning, flexibility, clear 

communication, and a supportive crew, the 

transition can be made a little easier. 

If you are looking for further advice or tools 

to help you in your return to work, head to 

the Parents and Carers at Work website or 

grab Catherine Brooks’s book Let’s Make it 

Work Baby! n 

Linda Dawson is a Mother of 2 and owner 

of Rockmybaby® Hunter and Central Coast. 

https://parentsandcarersatwork.com/ 

parental-leave-essentials-podcast/ 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/ 

show/40494400-let-s-make-it-work-baby 

41

Double Happy 

Healthy 

MAITLAND WELLNESS 

CENTRE 

Supporting Women’s health and 

wellbeing for over 20 years. 

Massage 

Acupuncture 

Herbs 

ACUPUNCTURE . HERBS . MASSAGE 

Over 13 years experience working with 

Newcastle & Hunter women through 

all cycles of life. 

Meshelle Bell 

Dr of Traditional Chinese Medicine 

B. App Sc (TCM) 

AHPRA Registered 

Newcastle . Maitland . Hamilton 

Ph: 0432 079 214 

doublehappyhealthy 

48 Church St 

Maitland NSW 2320 

0249342233 maitlandwellness.com.au 

INTERACTIVE 

KIDS SCIENCE PROGRAMS 

Play Explore Build Discover 

CURIOUSCUBS.COM.AU 

info@curiouscubs.com.au 0401 624 858



Getting back to nature 

Take a moment to close your eyes and think 

neighbourhoods, or local natural spaces, 

Centre in Garden Suburb. As we walked 

of your childhood. What did you love to do? 

and the children who are out exploring are 

around the six acres of bushland - complete 

Where did you spend your time playing? For 

with their families, not with other children. As 

with its own little waterfall after rain - we 

most of us, a typical Australian childhood 

parents ourselves, we understand the worry 

knew that this was a place for childhood 

consisted of many hours spent outdoors. We 

of granting your child the freedom to explore 

magic to happen. 

rode our bikes until the streetlights came on 

the big wide world without you, and yet, we 

Fast forward almost three years and the 

and whiled away the hours mixing up mud 

now have a whole generation of children 

program is exactly what we had hoped 

pies and potions or playing hide and seek in 

who are missing out on simple, creative and 

it would be. Children - and during our 

the neighbourhood. We climbed trees and 

exploratory adventures, and are spending far 

Tiny Ones Playgroup sessions, adults - are 

made cubbies in nearby bushland. We have 

more time on devices than engaged in play. 

getting back to nature. There are long 

vivid memories of a childhood spent outdoors 

In 2017, a research study by Turf Australia 

mornings spent mixing in the mud 

- often unsupervised - where exploration 

found that Australian children aged under 12 

kitchen or swinging on a tyre 

was valued, and electronic devices were 

were spending an average of 2.3 hours each 

swing amongst the trees. 

unimaginable. 

day in front of a screen, and just 1.2 hours 

There are huge school 

Fast forward twenty to thirty years and 

each day playing outdoors. Let’s be realistic: 

holiday days where 

childhood typically looks very different. 

devices are a part of our lives now. For many 

primary school aged 

op-shops for some old 

We see less children out playing in 

families and children, they will be a tool used 

children construct, 

pots, pans and utensils 

for school, they provide information, they 

create and play, not 

and you are good to 

enable us to stay connected. And yet, they 

once lamenting the 

go!) 

are having an impact on our children’s play, 

lack of devices. We 

Find green space 

on their time spent outdoors, and on their 

see children arrive 

in your community. 

health and wellbeing. 

sometimes a little 

It doesn’t have to be 

As educators and parents of young 

uncertain, yet after a day 

anything fancy, just a patch 

children, we knew that we needed to do 

of play outdoors they leave 

of grass or a great climbing 

something about this problem. Was banning 

with dirt on their faces that is only 

tree. 

all devices the answer? No. But, we were 

overshadowed by megawatt smiles and 

We owe our children time in nature. We 

seeking balance. We wanted our children - 

pleas of “can I come back again?” 

owe them the opportunity to explore, create 

and children all over Newcastle - to have an 

While times may have changed and the 

and get dirty - for their health and wellbeing, 

opportunity to get back to nature, to play in 

days of playing in the neighborhood until 

and for a pure sense of delight. We owe it to 

the same dirty, creative, “unplugged” way 

dark may be over for many children and 

our children to ensure that they grow up to 

that we did as children. In our work as early 

families, the need for creative nature-based 

be adults with the same fond memories of 

childhood consultants, we are fortunate 

play remains. In fact, children may need it 

outdoor play that we have. 

to connect with people and programs all 

now more than ever. Here are a few ways 

Nicole Halton and Natashja Treveton 

around the world, and when we discovered 

that you can support this type of play in your 

are early childhood consultants and the 

the TimberNook program in the USA, we just 

family: 

co-founders of TimberNook Newcastle, 

knew that we had to make it happen here. 

Create natural spaces in your own 

a nature-based program that supports 

After many months of planning, searching, 

backyard or garden 

children and families to find the magic in 

training, and preparing, TimberNook 

Provide opportunities for children to dig, mix, 

being outdoors. TimberNook Newcastle runs 

Newcastle opened in January 2018 on the 

and get dirty (mud kitchens are great for this 

a variety of programs for children aged birth 

grounds of the beautiful Yamuloong Cultural 

and can be really simple - hit up the 

through to twelve years of age. n 

45

Index 

Links 

Acupuncture 42 

Baby Classes 27, 44 

Baby & Kids Clothing 38, 48 

Baby Wearing 2 

Beauty 26 

Birth Education 10, 11, 17, 21, 34 

Birth Story Listening 4, 35 

Breastfeeding Clothes 36, 37 

Breastfeeding Support 9, 30, 31, 36, 37 

Chiropractor 13, 27 

Childcare 40, 41 

Community Groups 21 

Counselling 21, 26 

Dietician 16, 18, 19 

Doula 4, 10, 11, 17, 21, 22, 28, 29, 35 

Fertility 17, 18, 19 

Fitness 12, 21 

Gifts 36, 37, 48 

Hypnobirthing 10, 11 

Helpline Perinatal Support 46 

Imaging 22, 23 

Keepsakes 32, 33 

Kinesiology 26 

Lactation Consultants 9, 30, 31 

Life Coach 24, 25, 26, 35 

Massage 4 

Maternity Clothing 21, 36, 37 

Midwife 10, 11, 28, 29, 30 

Mum Groups/Circles 17, 28, 29, 35, 36, 

Nanny Service 40, 41 

Nappies 38 

Naturopath 17 

Nutrition 16, 17, 18, 19 

Physiotherapy 14, 15 

Pilates 12 

Photographers 8, 20 

Placenta Encapsulation 5, 30 

She Births 34 

Sleep & Settling 30 

Toddler &Kids Activities 43, 44, 45 

Yoga 17 

Please Recycle Me - Mum to Mum 

Facebook 

@AdrianaBellicantaAcupuncture 

@amandatriegerwomancraft 

@AustralianChildrensChiropractic 

@bellarougephotography 

@bellayoucoaching 

@bloodandhoneywmncraft 

@cassieveseywells 

@centralcoasthomebirth 

@CuriousCubsNewcastle 

@doublehappyhealthy 

@earlylifedietetics 

@embracingkaren 

@familylifechiropractic 

newcastle 

@Fit-4-2 

@fourthtrimesterencapsulation 

@hunterbirtheducationcentre 

@ittibitti 

@IvarliBeautyServices 

@jessicarossphoto 

@kelsiegrezelPT 

@LittleBoneBrothCo 

@lollipapkidsau 

@MaitlandWellnessCentre 

@MarchiniNutritionAPD 

@MoondaniAustralia 

@newcastlebaby 

@NewcastleBirthMovement 

@NewcastleKinesiologyPractice 

@newcrestimaging 

@NourishLactation 

@nurturingyourmothernature 

@PilatesforLife 

@PineappleFitness 

@poppyseedphotographyau 

@Rebeccaorchardremedial 

massage 

@rockmybabyHCC 

@thenurturedfamily 

@theoxytocincollective 

@TimberNook-Newcastle 

@TodayTomorrowAlwaysDNA 

@UnwindPilatesStudio 

@yummumtum 

Instagram 

Adrianabellicantaacupuncture 

amandatriegerwomancraft 

Bellarougephotography 

Bellayoucoaching 

Bloodandhoneywmncraft 

childrenschiropractic 

curiouscubsnewcastle 

daniella_ruru 

doublehappyhealthy 

earlylifedietetics 

embracingbirth_au 

empoweredlactation_withemma 

familylifechironewcastle 

fit.4.2physio 

fouth_trimester_encapsulation 

inbody.wisdom 

ittibittinapies 

ivarli_beauty 

jessicaross_photography 

kelsiegrezlpt 

littlebonebrothco 

lollipopkids_au 

maitlandwellnesscentr 

mentallynourishyourself 

moondani_australia 

nataliebirth 

newcastle_baby 

newcastle_birth_movement 

newcastle_kinesiology_practice 

newcrestimaging 

nourishlactation 

nurture.and.co 

pilatesforlife.au 

pineapplefitness_ 

poppyseedphotography_au 

rebeccaorchard_ 

remedialmassage 

rockmybaby_hcc 

sally.marchini.apd 

timbernooknewcastle 

thenurturedfamily 

theoxytocincollective 

todaytomorrowalwaysdna 

unwindpilatesstudio 

yummumtum

Lollipop Kids is Newcastle’s much loved baby and children’s boutique. With a wide 

range of quality clothing, shoes, toys and accessories you’re bound to find the perfect 

gift or outfit for your little one. 

Free local delivery for Newcastle customers 

94 Beaumont Street, Hamilton NSW 2303 

www.lollipopkids.com.au 

p

Newcastle-Baby- 2021

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?