Mums Express

15/11/2025

The end of a breastfeeding journey can be so bittersweet. Whether you had planned to wean, or whether it came as a surprise, there are lots of hormonal changes that come with stopping lactation. This article provides a great overview and some useful suggestions
https://forwhenhelpline.org.au/parent-resources/post-weaning-depression/

Navigating post-weaning depression? Learn about the symptoms, coping strategies and support options. You're not alone. Call ForWhen on 1300 24 23 22.

14/11/2025

Are you tying yourself in knots trying to teach your baby to sleep? You may be better off just going with what works for you and your baby eg breastfeeding to sleep, rocking, baby wearing! A review of several studies where parents have undertaken sleep training programs found that on average babies slept 8 minutes longer in a 24h period and the effect typically wore off within 4 - 8 weeks.
Sleep is driven by biology rather than by routines. No matter what you do, babies will sleep when tired enough, and will develop a predictable circadian (day/night) rhythm over time. Self care is so important when parenting a young baby, so be sure to regularly take time out for yourself during this busy time.
For more information see
https://www.basisonline.org.uk/infant-sleep-biology/
https://www.littlelivewires.com/lit-review-cio-under-six-months

13/11/2025

November is Prematurity Awareness Month
At Mums Express we are very aware of the challenges faced by babies born early, and the impacts on their families. We especially honour mums of premmie babies who express their milk around the clock to provide valuable nutrition and immune protection.
A special shout out to Tiny Sparks WA who provide practical and emotional support, care packs, information and advocacy for these ‘small but mighty’ babies and their families.
Pictured here are a range of milestone cards that families can use to mark important events.
Stay tuned for a great opportunity to support preterm families while treating yourself 💜💜💜

08/11/2025

COLOSTRUM: LIQUID GOLD
Why is colostrum referred to as liquid gold? It is small in volume, but mighty in protection and nutrition! The very first milk that a newborn receives is packed full of immune factors and is protein rich. In the first few days a baby will take frequent feeds of 2mL - 10mL colostrum at each breastfeed, getting all the nutrition and protection that they need.

07/11/2025

Welcome to our newest team member!

Hello! My name is Rebekka and I’m a Lactation Consultant with Mums Express. I started my journey into motherhood with quite a few complications, including difficulty with breastfeeding. By the time my second child made her appearance, I knew I wanted to help other families to make the whole transition less painful, less confusing, and more enjoyable. I really wanted to help, so 7 years ago I joined the Australian Breastfeeding Association and became a breastfeeding counsellor. I also completed my health science degree and took all the steps to qualify as an IBCLC.
I am passionate about empowering families to make educated choices, sharing evidence based information, and helping parents to reach their goals. Individualised care is so important to me, as not everyone fits into a box. For support and care across your breastfeeding journey please message me on 0419 909 068

02/11/2025

Some great discussion topics coming up at your local Breastfeeding in WA - Australian Breastfeeding Association group this week…free to attend!

📅Saturday and Sunday saw breastfeeding counsellors, breastfeeding educators, trainees and other group helpers gather in Perth, to learn how to support families like yours.

✈️ Travelling from the Kimberley, Pilbara, South West and Wheatbelt, every two years everyone is invited to chat and share with each other, and the Metro volunteers.

📘Our conference expands our knowledge, and gives us a chance to develop our skills. We then support you through our local group meets, National Breastfeeding Helpline, LiveChat and Breast Pump Hire.

💙 Drop into your local group meet this week, and see for yourself!

Mon 2 November

9:30 a.m. - Contraceptives and s*x - Koongamia (Midland).
Learn about the effectiveness of different contraceptive methods (including whether breastfeeding is a contraceptive on its own), and we’ll also discuss s*x and relationships and how things can change after having a baby.
https://www.facebook.com/events/515563168155640/

12 noon - Preparing your toddler for the new baby - Bicton.
Today we’re going to chat about how you can prepare your older child for the arrival of your newborn and strategies to introduce and involve them once your baby arrives.
https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/event/preparing-your-toddler-new-baby-bicton

Wed 5th November

9:30 a.m. - The art of sleeping like a baby - Baldivis.
Join us to chat about what is normal for baby sleep and ways to manage co-sleeping and broken sleep as a new parent. Find out why babies naturally wake often in their first months of life.
https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/event/art-sleeping-baby-baldivis

Thurs 6th Nov

9:30 a.m. - Early Days: comfortable attachment - Forrestfield.
Support for getting breastfeeding started and comfortable in the early days and weeks after giving birth.
https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/event/early-days-support-series-2-comfortable-attachment-forrestfield-6058

Fri 7th Nov

12:30 p.m. - Free breastfeeding drop-in help and playgroup - Heathridge.
Drop in for a chat, playtime, and connection with other parents. Whether you're here for support, company, or just a change of scenery, all are welcome.
https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/event/free-drop-help-playgroup-heathridge-14

01/11/2025

The evidence is clear: uninterrupted skin to skin contact after birth is so good for babies. A recent Cochrane review of published studies has confirmed that skin to skin
- helps newborns stabilise their breathing and heart rate
- helps babies to maintain a normal blood glucose level (especially important for babies after a gestational diabetes pregnancy)
- significantly boosts exclusive breastfeeding in the weeks and months after birth
You can read the full details here:

The 2025 Cochrane review on skin-to-skin contact after birth builds upon the well-established evidence for the safety and efficacy of skin-to-skin and provides insight into benefits that have been noted by practitioners, but not studied extensively prior to the previous Cochrane review.

30/10/2025

MYTH: You can't really learn how to breastfeed til the baby is here
There is SO much that expecting parents can do to prepare for life with a breastfed baby. Talking to other parents about their experiences of the early months, and having both parents attend a breastfeeding class can help to set expectations and provide some essential knowledge
* How many times per day does a newborn need to feed?
* When does milk production start?
* What is cluster feeding, and why do babies do that?
* How do I know that baby is getting enough milk?

If you have a young baby, what do you wish you had known about babies and breastfeeding? What has helped you get through the early days and weeks?

We offer personalised antenatal breastfeeding education and planning in the comfort of your own home, with the option of postnatal support. Please reach out if you would like to know more.

29/10/2025

The Preterm Birth Prevention Alliance started right here in Perth with Prof John Newnham and his team - it has now been rolled out across Australia with a significant reduction in the rate of preterm birth! Fantastic work!

25/10/2025

Starting at around 6 months, introducing your breastfed baby to family foods that contain common allergens is important for the prevention of allergies. Here's some useful guidelines, and if you have any concerns about food allergies, you can reach out to our dietician Tanya: tanya@mums*xpress.com.au

https://preventallergies.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Food_Ideas_Babies_around_6_Months.pdf

24/10/2025

TIPS FOR GETTING BREASTFEEDING OFF TO A GREAT START
Newborn babies need to feed frequently (between 8-18 times in 24h is normal) to help you establish a healthy milk supply. This early phase is busy but important so try to go with the flow and plan some strategies to make life with a newborn easier.
* Plan to nap each day so you have the energy needed for night time feeding
* Have a few different places set up for feeding your baby - maybe the lounge, your bedroom and a comfy outdoor chair
* Set up a basket or caddy with supplies that you can access while feeding - water bottle, snacks, phone, baby nappies and wipes
* For older children consider having a bag with special activities eg books, colouring in, special toys that they can access when you are breastfeeding
* Prepare and freeze some meals, and have a list of easy-to-prepare meals and snacks - and ingredients - ready to go

24/10/2025

Here's a great opportunity for families expecting multiples to meet up in a supportive environment hosted by Multiple Birth Association for Western Australia

🤰🏼Are you expecting multiples?? We’d love you to come and join us at our next FREE Expectant Parents Meeting.

🩷Sunday 16th November at 1pm
💙Agnes Walsh House Subiaco
💛Open to Members and Non-Members

Please spread the word to those in your community expecting multiples and ensure they book their free tickets via the link below 👇🏻

http://thq.fyi/se/7642e0a9d4cf

Any queries? Please email Alicia
👉🏼 expectant@mbawa.org.au