Melbourne Postpartum Services

16/11/2025

Baby fussing at the breast or refusing to take the bottle?

I remember all too well the frustration and overwhelm when my newest little one was simultaneously crying with hunger but refusing to latch.

Oh the confusion!

There are a few possible reasons for this all to common scenario, but many of the babies we see are genuinely wanting their mothers and to feed - they just have a couple of easily overlooked struggles unfortunately getting in the way.

Thankfully I now get to help parents through this very scenario that used to bring me to tears.

At MPS We often help parents understand the basics of how their baby’s mouth works when drawing in breast-tissue and milk, alongside the optimal ways to support the natural biomechanics and inbuilt reflexes involved with feeding, whether it be breast or bottle.

I know how draining this is, but you don’t struggle alone in this. If this is you and your little one, reach out as we are happy to share with you too.

15/11/2025

There is no one right way to parent and there is no ‘magic solution’ that works with all babies.

The reality is much more complex than that: unique individuals who are trying to get to know each other and learn the ‘dance’ in getting BOTH parent and baby’s needs met.

However we know that this can be exhausting, confusing, and you might feel like you not sure what else to try because it's becoming clear that BOTH you and baby are not getting what you need -
- and what you're trying now is just not sustainable for anyone.

You don’t have to keep searching alone. MPS offers affordable, in-depth consultation for families who want help with infant sleep & settling strategies, and cry/fuss answers, while taking great care to respect and offer solutions that are in line with your families' values.

The aim is to make your nights less disrupted, while helping you truly live and enjoy your days. We don’t do this by taking over but by helping YOU take control and feel empowered.

We don’t offer tweaked versions of sleep schedules that you can find from google, or tell you to stay home all week so your baby can learn to sleep in a dark room. No, we can stay well away from the various forms of sleep training and stress inducing methods so commonly offered.

Want to know more. We happily offer no obligation free initial appointments to families. And if what we offer isn't quite what you are looking for then we will help connect you with other options you might prefer.

14/11/2025

Parenting is a beautiful and sometimes daunting adventure, where we navigate the unknown with an unwavering spirit of optimism.

Just like Gilda Radner said, parenting is the biggest gamble in the world, BUT it's also the most rewarding, (even if it doesn’t always feel like it and you are not always feeling the optimism).

From the moment we hold our child in our arms, we embark on a lifelong commitment to nurturing, guiding, and supporting them. We face challenges, make sacrifices, and experience moments of pure wonder. It's an act of infinite optimism, trusting in the limitless potential of our children and the bonds we create as a family.

Through the highs and lows, we find strength, resilience, and the profound joy of watching our little ones grow. Embrace the glorious life force of parenting and celebrate the incredible journey that lies ahead.

"

13/11/2025

True deep friends are the ones who see us beyond our masks and facades.

In their presence, we feel a sense of liberation and freedom to be our true selves. With them, we can let go of pretenses and experience genuine love, laughter, and shared experiences. They are the keepers of our stories and the pillars of our lives.

The beauty of true deep friendships lies in the profound emotional connection we share. These friends witness our growth, celebrate our authenticity, and stand by us through thick and thin. They provide a sanctuary of trust, vulnerability, and mutual understanding, fostering personal growth and a sense of emotional well-being.

You need friendships like these during major life transformations (like when one becomes a parent), and during times of challenge and struggle. We need people to believe in us when it's hard to ourselves while in the thick of it.

11/11/2025

Stress gets in the way of sleep, this is true for both adults and babies.

Stress can override the normal chemical functions of the two sleep regulators, that is the circadian clock and the sleep/wake homeostasis, aka sleep pressure.

When we are stressed, our Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) gets aroused (our heart is beating faster, our breathing quickens have you heard of the fight or flight response: your body is getting ready to figure out the best way to respond to the stressor). Chemicals are released, specifically adrenaline and cortisol, these physical changes can accompany anxious or worried thoughts.

In babies by meeting their needs and responding to their cues of crying and fussing, you can help to "turn down the dial" on this SNS response and reduce these chemical and physical changes going on inside of your baby.

Helping your baby to be calm, will help remove this obstacle to sleep ( ie the SNS hormones alerting your baby's system to fight to ensure they feels safe), and allow for the natural hormonal regulators for sleep to once again be in charge, and allow for easier sleep patterns. Remember you can not spoil a baby with too many cuddles!

All three of my babies liked different things! I love how right from the get go they are their own little person!

What tools do you use to help calm your baby?

10/11/2025

I know that it’s not just me that can relate to the image above – the endless string of thoughts and worries that we just aren't doing enough, or right, or that something is wrong...

For me, one way that anxiety showed up big time was through ‘anticipatory anxiety’ - feeling that something was going to happen, a constant ‘what if’ fear kept creeping into my mind. I found myself nervous about heading to bed for some much-needed rest, fearing that my baby was sure to wake as soon as I started drifting off to sleep.

Several studies indicate that postpartum anxiety affects 30% of pregnant and postpartum women – but there are many many more parents who experience it but maybe not to ‘clinical’ levels or are ‘under the radar’ because they are yet to reach out for help. ( So please know you are not alone)
But evidence also shows that there are plenty of things parents can do to come back from the evading experiences of anxiety and start reconnecting with their present lives.

With the right support and guidance you can have a peaceful and positive experience with your new bundle of joy. BUT It doesn’t just happen; it not as simple as implanting one single 'tip. With MPS you can go from stressed and overwhelmed to confident and enjoying this period of parenting. Let's chat about how to make it happen!

How did you find your way out to the other side? Do you have some tips to pass on to any parents in the thick of it right now?

06/11/2025

A touching testimonial from a mother I recently got the pleasure to know...

"Hiring support for my early postpartum period wasn't something I had considered before. I didn't even know it was an option until I attended one of MPS's community seminars on postpartum planning. It was eye-opening, and it made me realize the difference it could make with my second baby. Rachael was a godsend from the start. Her knowledge and professionalism put me at ease, which was crucial during those early weeks. It was so nice knowing she would respect my parenting philosophy and care for my little one just as I would. Rachael helped me embrace the concept of 'slower days' with my newborn. She provided both practical support and invaluable advice, which significantly reduced the overwhelm of those early postpartum days. I can't express how much my early newborn days improved this time around. I've been so pleased with MPS that I’ll be recommending their services to my friends and family."

Thanks Caitlin for the kind words!

04/11/2025

From the inside out, despite how hard anyone could try, there is just no way a person could stay the same.

A mother’s brain undergoes major physical changes, but these changes, without doubt are felt most strongly felt in her heart.

A mother’s body is forever physically changed – bearing witness to the magnificent feat it has accomplished in both growing and birthing a baby.

Without often even realising it a parent often finds their priorities have changed, along with their fears.

Yes, parenthood changed me, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What has changed the most for you – both the good, the unexpected and the yet to appreciate aspects.

04/11/2025

“There is nothing quite so delicate as a first-time mum. She will never forget the way people tried to help. Those who wrapped her up in love and for a moment made her feel like a baby again”

“My parents visited when you were four weeks old. Dad quietly got to work. He cleaned our oven and fridge. The smell of dettol filled our flat and felt like love.

Mum kept the washing rolling over and made the beds. They bought organic strawberries from a local farmers market. “This will do you good. Get those vitamins zinging, “ Mum said.

They could see I was delirious with no sleep, so they took you after a feed and packed me off to bed. I could hear them trying to pacify you for a wee while as I zonked out.

Dad apologetically nudged me from my slumber: “Sorry, doll. He’s hungry again.” I didn’t understand why he was apologising. I had woken up smiling and refreshed. “How long was I out for? It felt like ages,” I said. Dad half-laughed his reply: “About 20 minutes.”

Between feeds, Mum held you, and you melted into her arms. You looked more content with her than with me. But I didn’t mind. I put it down to the bigger b***s but really, it was some innate calmness.

I watched her little ways. She knew exactly how to hold you. How to pat you. How to talk to you. “Tell me a wee story,” she’d say as you looked up wide-eyed and round-mouthed. It felt like a masterclass in mothering that I needed to see. I had felt silly talking to you up until that point.

There is nothing quite so delicate as a first-time mum. She will never forget the way people tried to help. Those who wrapped her up in love and for a moment made her feel like a baby again.”

❤️❤️❤️

03/11/2025

Oh that first year, a path unknown,
a mother's heart and soul have grown.
Unveiling skills she didn't foresee,
A journey of love, both wild and free.

She learned to sway, a dance of grace,
With lullabies during night's embrace.
A soothing touch, a whispered song,
Guiding herself, all night long.

In the twilight hours, tired and worn,
She discovered a strength newly born.
Smiles were conjured from depths within,
Defying exhaustion, that little grin.

In tiny fingers and trusting eyes,
Love's connection, a tender surprise.
She saw in the dimness what others missed,
A world of wonder in every twist.

In the heart of chaos, she found her way,
A journey of learning, day by day.
Every challenge met with steadfast might,
For her baby, she'd find the fight.

So here's to her, in that first year's start,
With a soul enriched and an open heart.
Lessons unexpected, yet all so dear,
The journey before her, becoming clear.

02/11/2025

And why is a postpartum doula so magical? Well, simply put, if they are doing their job well, they should be like modern-day Mary Poppins! She magically flies into the parent’s homes just when they need them the most. Their main goal is to help the new parents feel supported and cared for as they adjust.

Read more on what is a Postpartum Doula and why they are so magical in the blog post.

https://www.melbournepostpartumservices.com.au/blog/the-truth-about-postpartum-doulas-hint-they-are-just-like-mary-poppins

01/11/2025

It's ok to take some time to rest.

It's ok to not be productive for every moment of the day.

It's ok to not get everything done that is on your list.

It's ok that the dishes didn't get done today...and the washing.

AND it's ok to struggle with feeling like this is ok.

For some of us, resting doesn't come easy. Feeling nap trapped on the couch (yet again) can be so anxiety producing, let alone trying to ease into the forced rest and get some re-filling yourself. BUT for those of you who do struggle with this (and believe me, I personally know this struggle) have a try at other ways you can reframe it in your mind. Maybe see if you can align this resting action with one of your values? If your goal orientated, see if you can talk yourself into attaining this skill (because yes this is a skill) And don't worry or listen to that inner fear that thinks that maybe if you give into this 'resting thing' you will get lazy. Research shows this to be quite the opposite in fact. Effective productivity REQUIRES regular rest.

If you are finding it impossible to get a break and this is what your heart deeply needs, don’t hesitate to reach out and we can brainstorm some ways with you so that you too can have your cup filled.