All about Bump, Birth & Beyond

23/09/2025

Repost Soroush Zaghi, MD

23/09/2025

Repost Sarah Ockwell-Smith

Children thrive on rhythm, not rigid rules.
This gentle checklist can help wind everyone down without battles.

The arm drop test is a great way to check if it's safe to sneak out, gently lift their arm by the hand or wrist and drop it back into the bed. If it plops down heavily and easily and they don't stir, it's safe to leave them. If they move or resist, you need to stay a bit longer.

By the way, did you know I have my own sleep music? Search my surname on Spotify, Amazon or Apple music and check out my 'Gentle Sleep Music for Babies' (for babies and toddlers), or my 'Gentle Sleep Relaxation for Children' (for over 3s).

✨ Which step do you find the most effective in your house?

23/09/2025

I’m only little for a little, mama
That’s what you always say
But I held my hands up to you
And you looked the other way

Am I still your baby, mama?
And will I be forever?
Even though I’m not the smallest now
And it’s not just us together

Will you still hold me close to you?
Will you come to me when I call?
Will you stroke my hair as I fall asleep?
Even though I’m not as small?

I’m excited, and I’m curious
About this baby in our home
I miss you when you’re in your room
The two of you alone

And I’m trying to be careful, mama
With my gentle, but clumsy hands
I know I should be patient
And I’m trying to understand

You’re really busy now
With not much time to play
I hear you cry sometimes, mama
And I think we feel the same

Because sometimes I feel sad
And still as happy as can be
And then people want to hold the baby
And that baby isn’t me

Though I might not be as little, mama
You’re still everything to me
You’ll always be my twinkling star
No matter how big I seem

And then I lifted my hands to you
And you scooped me up in your arms
I softened, just like I always do
Our special kind of calm

And it was just us again
Even though so much had changed
You whispered, as we swayed together
That your love for me was the same

And then the little cries came
But you kept your hand in mine
and you cradled us together
as you sang, ‘you are my sunshine’

And I realised in that moment
That you will always be my mother
But something that made me smile more,
Is that I’ll always be a brother

And mama, then you whispered to me
In our new and special mould
‘You’ll always be my baby,
Just heavier to hold’.

Jess Urlichs
Art: June Jewell Designs

Poem from my new book ‘They Bloom Because of You’ pre order now: https://www.jessicaurlichs.com/theybloombecauseofyoubook

02/08/2025

Awesome offering

We’re excited to announce that our next Circle of Security program will be running online from August 12 to September 23, every Monday from 10am–12pm.

This evidence-based parenting course helps caregivers better understand and respond to their children’s emotional needs, building stronger, more secure relationships.

We also have a number of other great courses coming up...

🖱️ The easiest way register is online:
https://thefamilycentre.org.au/civicrm/current-and-upcoming-coursework/

You can also download fact sheets about the courses there too.

16/07/2025

Check this out Eltham Valley Equine Assisted Therapy

16/07/2025

Exploring the role of Adult Attachment Styles in Perinatal Well-being
👶 Had a baby in the last 12 months?

💬 What had the biggest impact on your well-being in that first year? Was it your body, your mind, your relationships, or something no one warned you about?

🩷 Researchers (and mums!) at Southern Cross University (SCU) want to hear from you!

📝 Take the quick, anonymous survey here: https://scuau.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dhvE8hCZJzVwbCS

💡 Your voice = better support for future mums.

Repost Pinky McKay