There is nothing better than the smell of a slow cooked ragù. This wholesome recipes packs a punch of nutrients. Made with meat on the bone for extra collagen, hidden liver for a boost of iron, and loaded with vegetables for fibre; this meal is purposely tailored towards meeting the nutritional demands of pregnancy and postpartum.
This is the perfect meal to freeze for your postpartum stash or make for your pregnant friend. Mix up the veggies with what's in season and in your fridge.
- Renee Jennings, Nurture the Seed
Serves: 4-6
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2-3 lamb shanks depending on their size (approximately 1kg total weight)
Sea salt
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 stick celery, finely chopped
1 carrot, grated
1 zucchini, grated
1 cup button mushrooms, finely chopped
2 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried oregano
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1-2 chicken livers, chopped into a fine mince
2 cups bone broth or stock
400g tin crushed tomatoes
Method
Add the olive oil to a large heavy based pot and place on a medium-high heat. Once oil is hot, add the shanks with a good pinch of salt and sear on all sides. Once browned, remove shanks from pot and set aside.
Turn the heat down to medium-low (no need to add more oil as there should be plenty of fat in the pot). Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Next add the garlic, carrot, celery, zucchini, mushrooms and herbs. Sauté for 10 minutes.
Add the shanks back into the pot along with the tomato paste, liver, broth and tomatoes. Stir until combined. Lower the heat and simmer with the lid ajar for 4 hours, or until the meat falls off the bone. Stir and turn the shanks occasionally whilst simmering.
Once the meat is soft, pull it from the bone and mix into the sauce (be sure to keep the bones for your next batch of bone broth). Season with salt and pepper.
Serve on top of a butter bean mash or with your favourite pasta.
Notes:
Navigating your way through a healthy diet in pregnancy can often be overwhelming and just confusing; What is safe to eat, What do I avoid, what types of vitamins and minerals are needed and how much, Is my baby getting enough? Naturally we want to make the best choices for our baby and body but with easy access of information it can be hard knowing what is evidence based and also right for you. Renee Jennings Clinical dietitian of 10 years and co founder of Nurture the Seed, helps clarify our nutritional needs in the third and fourth trimester. Sharing her top 5 tips for food preparation, including her collagen rich, wholesome Lamb Shank and Liver Ragù recipe. Currently in my freezer ready for the birth of our second baby. I can confirm this nutritious recipe is also simple to make and delicious, with minimal to no liver taste (if that's not for you!).
Renee is a clinical dietitian of 10 years, mother of two to Norah and Freddie and wife to Warwick. Renee is also co founder of Nurture the Seed, an educational platform that provides nutritional advice and wholesome recipes for the preconception, pregnancy and postpartum journey. Building upon current prenatal nutrition guidelines with evidence-based research, Renee is passionate about empowering mothers to feel strong and healthy through nutritious food choices.
1) Do our nutrient requirements change in the third trimester?
Yes, they most certainly do. In the third trimester, your baby is rapidly growing, and its bones are strengthening. Therefore, the need for protein and many micronutrients – iron, DHA, calcium, vitamin D, zinc and vitamin A – increase. So, focusing on foods that are dense in these nutrients is essential.
However, I’ll let you in on an incredible fact. The pregnant body actually increases its ability to absorb iron and calcium as your gestation increases. So, in your third trimester, when your need for these nutrients is the highest, your body will naturally absorb more in the intestines. What a phenomenal pregnancy adaptation (how amazing are our bodies)!
2) Do our nutrient requirements in the fourth trimester differ if you are breastfeeding or formula feeding?
Your nutritional needs in the immediate postpartum period are at their peak, whether you are formula feeding or breastfeeding. Your body is recovering from nine months of carrying a child, plus the physical demand of labour and birth. Therefore, all mothers need to nourish themselves adequately in this time.
If you breastfeed, then your nutrient requirements will remain elevated for your entire breastfeeding journey. Lactating mothers have higher energy, fluid, protein and micronutrient needs than non-lactating mothers. This is to facilitate milk production.
To meet your heightened nutritional needs, try increasing your intake of nutrient-dense wholefoods – eggs, oily fish, organ meats, veggies, nuts and seeds.
3) Do we require a higher calorie intake during the third trimester and when breastfeeding?
You sure do! In your third trimester, your body requires an extra 450 calories per day. Rather than getting bogged down by counting calories, think of this in terms of food. For example, 450 calories is equivalent to a 200g tub of Greek yoghurt with a handful of nuts, plus half an avocado on two wholegrain crackers.
A breastfeeding mother has even higher caloric needs. It is estimated that exclusively breastfeeding mothers require an additional 500 calories per day in the first six months.
Keep in mind, that these numbers are a guide. They do not take into account individual differences and activity levels.
*** Iron is an essential nutrient needed throughout pregnancy, for recovery of childbirth and for milk production. However, it can be very difficult to meet iron needs from food, and iron supplements often exacerbate symptoms like constipation.
4) What dietary tips can you give women to keep on top of their iron stores?
There is a lot to cover on iron, so I will do my best to simplify it. Iron needs are 1.5 times higher in pregnancy. This is mostly due to a 45% increase in blood volume, the growth of your placenta, and so your baby can lay down their own iron stores. This puts the RDI at 27mg/day. This intake can be incredibly difficult to reach from food alone, as iron is not a mineral that is absorbed well.
To stay on top of your iron levels, my best advice is to eat iron rich foods multiple times/day. Iron is found in beef, lamb, chicken thighs, liver, seafood, nuts, seeds, legumes, tofu, green leafy vegetables and dried fruit.
I personally recommend eating liver once/week, as liver is the richest source of iron (100g chicken liver contains ~14g iron as opposed to ~3.5mg in 100g of beef). I know that eating liver isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, however you can easily ‘hide’ it in your meals without tasting it.
Iron is absorbed much better from animal sources than plant sources. However, if you are vegetarian or vegan, you can increase the absorption of iron in plant foods by doing the following:
5) Can you offer tips on keeping ‘regular’ leading up to birth and through to the often feared, first bowel movement?
Unfortunately, constipation is experienced by the majority of women at some point throughout their pregnancy and/or during postpartum. Luckily, they're a few ways that diet can assist, with an increase in dietary fibre and fluid being the most helpful. Fibre is found in all plant foods, including fruit, vegetables, grains (including cereals and breads), nuts, seeds and legumes. Fats and probiotic-rich foods are also essential in keeping you ‘regular’.
As some of you probably agree, dietary strategies don’t always seem to do the trick. That’s because constipation is multifactorial. Exercise, toileting position, sleep, stress, iron supplements…all of these things influence your bowels.
My top tips:
6) What tips do you have when preparing food for the fourth trimester?
Postpartum meal prep is one of my favourite things to talk about! You will be thanking your former self when those long days of rocking, changing nappies, washing and feeding your baby take over and give you no time to cook.
7) What is your favourite cooking/ kitchen item at the moment?
My food processor, by far! I invested in a good quality one a few years back and I use it every day without fail.
8) What were your go to snacks during your labours and first meal post births?
Unfortunately, I had two emergency c-sections where I never really got the chance to ‘labour’. However, I packed a peanut butter and honey sandwich, bliss balls, bananas and dried fruit and nuts both times.
Post birth, I was ridiculously spoilt, and my husband bought me in every meal (I hate hospital food, and when you work in a hospital it’s even worse). My first meal after my recent baby was my all-time favourite meal that my mother made – osso bucco pasta sauce. I ate two large bowls in my hospital bed and I somehow felt right at home.
You can find Renees Wholesome Ragù recipe here and more information and tips on her website Nurture the Seed. and instagram Nurture the Seed.
Thank you Renee! X
References:
It was only until recently that I truly identified with the experience of the liminal phase. This was during my first pregnancy. My husband and I were ‘ready’ to become parents and we welcomed this next chapter with open arms. As my first pregnancy progressed I would experience natural waves of excitement, anticipation, anxiety and joy. However whilst parts of my life were progressing (in particular my growing baby and changing body!) it also felt equally suspended.
I particularly remember an encounter on Mothers day when I was 20 weeks pregnant. I was wished a ‘Happy Mothers Day’ that was quickly intercepted with “well not yet”. I didn’t know how to feel about this comment. Slightly uncomfortable? Agreeable? Or both? This highlighted to me this space of time between a woman and a mother; a non parent and parent. I am a woman but not the woman I was before I was pregnant but not yet a fully fledged sleep deprived, loved up mum to my offspring. I was somewhere ‘betwixt and between.’
So I thought to break down and relate the three phases of the liminal period to a three part journey of becoming a mother.
By reflecting on this excitingly unnerving time I now recognise that this Liminal Phase I experienced was deeply profound and actually really normal. After all, it was the biggest transformation of my life! I was moving forward from the person I grew to know and shape for 32 years, to enter a whole new chapter of my life. Looking back, at times I was feeling on edge. The edge of stepping into the most important role of my life where there is no stepping back.
In highlighting this rite of passage I hope to shift the perspective of a woman living through an intense ‘hormonal roller coaster’ to that of a natural and necessary process. This is normal in the transformation of becoming a mother whether it be the first or one of many. The deep spiritual side of pregnancy and birth is a rite of passage where nothing is right or wrong. It is just individual and unique to you. Show yourself kindness, compassion and patience in this new role, motherhood is a marathon not a sprint.
Courtney Xx
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There is often a confusion between Iron deficiency and true Iron anaemia. To help clarify we define Iron and Haemoglobin and their differences below.
Iron is a component of haemoglobin and is important for producing haemoglobin (HB). Iron helps our bodies to function. It is important for our energy levels, immune system, mental health and muscle strength.
Haemoglobin (HB) is a protein found in our red blood cells and is vital for carrying oxygen around our bodies to our organs and tissues in order for them to survive.
Iron Deficiency is low iron, Ferritin <30 mug/L with a normal HB.
Iron Deficiency Anaemia is low iron AND low Haemoglobin <110 g/L in first trimester, <105 g/L in second trimester and <100g/L postpartum (1), (2).
May include 1 or more
Note:Your baby will take what it needs from you. If you have low levels this doesn’t always mean your baby has low levels, it has just kindly left you with some spare!
Diet:
Iron is best absorbed by the food we eat.
Haem Iron: Found in meats is readily absorbed by the body.
Non- haem Iron: Found in plants, is not as readily absorbed making it important to know what foods to pair with and avoid. Vegetarian diets can certainly provide sufficient iron.
Foods include:
Supplements
Supplements are currently the first line of treatment. Supplements can be difficult to absorb by the gut, therefor important to know effective ways of taking it. Management will be advised based on your diet, levels and symptoms.
High dosage (100mg per tablet) can be bought over the counter. If you are experiencing unwanted side effects some recommendations are to treat the side affects safely, start on a lower dose daily or take the higher dose second daily.
Once starting oral Iron or increasing your dose you will need to continue for several weeks before assessing its effectiveness.
Evidence shows to take:
IV Iron Therapy
Is an option if the above isn’t working and/or not possible do to certain health conditions incl. Hyperemesis Gravidarum. Depending on your area of health and health care provider will depend on their threshold to transfuse.
Resources
https://mytransfusion.com.au/reasons-transfusion/iron-deficiency
https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2019/march/anaemia-in-pregnancy
]]>After her early morning work commitments I could always spot Margit (Dr Polcz) from a distance multitasking her twin stroller (that is bigger than her!) whilst balancing a round of coffees, looking effortlessly healthy and with glowing skin of course! For me this simply sums up Margit- Super Woman!
Born and raised in Toronto, Margit completed her first degree in cell biology at McGill University, Montreal in 2006 before moving to Brisbane, Australia. Influenced by her wonderful family doctor growing up Margit went on to complete her GP training in Brisbane where she met and fell in love with her husband, Dave. Dermatology was love at first sight for Margit and the opportunity to specialize brought Margit and Dave to Sydney in 2015 where Margit continues to practice. The biggest shock of her life was being told she was pregnant with twins, Guy and Asta who were born in January 2019. Since the birth of her babies Margit now enjoys audiobooks and bush walks with some slow but very cute walkers.
During pregnancy and post pregnancy we undergo incredible physical and psychological changes. These changes vary due to the hormonal fluctuations that are needed to grow and nourish our baby. Whilst these fluctuations often affect the skin with expectant changes like stretch marks, it can also cause other unexpected temporary and more permanent changes.
To learn more about these changes, Margit kindly took the time to share her expert knowledge and personal experience on skin health and care in pregnancy and the postpartum.
What is your philosophy on healthy skin during pregnancy and Motherhood?
The skin is your largest body organ, and as is the case with all of our systems, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important. However during those early baby days, sleep, diet and exercise often go out the window. If you are able to wash your face at night, and put on sunscreen in the morning then that’s pretty good for those first months!
During the pregnancy itself I figured ‘embrace the changes’, but do what you can to prevent issues. Pregnancy felt as though Mother Nature took over and I was just along for the ride. I was lucky as my own skin conditions, eczema and acne cleared up during pregnancy and post partum, although the opposite can happen.
What are some of the most common skin changes women might see when pregnant and/or postpartum?
We can expect:
How can women manage these conditions?
What topical ingredients should women avoid when pregnant and/or breastfeeding?
It is ok to continue your cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen. If your skin condition is flaring there are a number of treatments still available for example Light therapies, however it is best to discuss these with your doctor, as everything is a balance of risk/benefit.
The table below list common topical preparations that are generally considered safe to continue and some of those to avoid.
If you are unsure, Mothersafe is also a great resource for specific product questions.
Considered Safe | Avoid |
Azelaic Acid | Hydraquinone |
Vitamin C | Retinoids ( Differin, Renova, Retin A, Tretinoin) |
Niacinamide & Vitamin B | |
Sunscreen, both physical and chemical | |
Salycilic Acid 2% or less | |
Hyaluronic Acid |
What do you recommend for mums who wish to help reduce scarring at the caesarean section site?
Scarring is an active process, and a scar isn’t considered mature until a year or more post surgery.
Early: in the first 2 weeks, keep your wound dressing intact as advised by your surgeon/obstetrician. Avoid infection and minimize tension on the wound as these lead to poor scarring.
Later: after the scabbing has resolved, taping your scar (using a paper based or retention dressing tape) and/or using silicon based dressing may help minimise scarring. If you are developing a thickened hypertrophic or keloid scar you could also see your doctor to consider cortisol or later laser treatment which may help to improve the scar’s appearance. Consider using post partum supportive wear as it may help reduce the swelling, tension and stretch on your scar (this can also help reduce the discomfort)
What do we need to know when shopping for sunscreen? And what should we be practicing to keep our families safe from the sun?
Two out of three Australians will be diagnosed with a skin cancer by the time they are seventy. So my approach is: given I am likely to get a skin cancer unless I seriously protect myself, what protection should I use?
Broad spectrum, SPF 50+.
Find the product you are most likely to use everyday. If you are looking for a single product, the tinted sunscreen or BB cream with a higher SPF may be better. Cosmetics generally contain below SPF 20+, so you may do better to find your daily product in the skin care aisle.
Sun protection is really important for kids, as this has an impact on the development of naevi (moles) that they are likely to develop and their future risk of skin cancer.
Babies- generally sunscreen is considered ok after 6 months. In babies under 6 months you can apply a minimal amount of sunscreen (to face and hands) when they cannot be adequately protected by shade and clothing alone. Use a broad spectrum 50 + SPF formulation with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as they do well on baby’s sensitive skin.
Sprays are popular for kids but be mindful of the amount needed for good coverage. But any sunscreen you can actually get on your child is better than nothing! I just get a sensitive skin formulation and use for the entire family.
Postpartum hair loss varies from woman to woman, pregnancy to pregnancy. What is a normal amount of hair loss? And when should we seek further advice?
The average non-pregnant woman loses approximately 100 scalp hairs/day. Telogen effluvium is the name of the physiological hair shed we get beginning 2-4 months after birth, when a majority of our hairs switch from anagen growth phase to telogen rest phase. The hair falling out a few months later is actually the result of a new growing hair pushing the older hair out, so it’s good news when it starts to fall and ‘baby hairs’ or ‘fly aways’ are coming, so get your hairspray/gel/cream ready.
Some women notice hair fall for longer. If troubled by the appearance you can use camouflage products – electrostatic fibres (toppik etc) can help fill in some volume while your hair is growing in.
When to be concerned;
See your doctor if you’re not sure. Hair loss is often a difficult problem for women.
A collective concern amongst the nursing and medical community is the overuse of ‘Dr Google.’ What public resources do you recommend for reading about all things skin, hair and nails?
Good resources from dermatologists are;
Australasian college of Dermatologists (ACD) A to Z,
https://www.dermcoll.edu.au/a-to-z-of-skin/
DermNet New Zealand
British association of dermatologists (BAD)
https://www.skinhealthinfo.org.uk/
What were your consistent ‘go- to’ products when pregnant and/or postpartum?
With sensitive skin I kept things the same for the most part. I use Cetaphil soap free wash and cream based moisturizer. I used a broad spectrum 50 +SPF BB cream daily (Roche Posay Uvidea). I also used Silicon gel daily (Stratamark) for my stomach for stretch mark prevention. Every morning, I wrestled on my pregnancy compression stockings (15-20mmHg, Preggers maternity pantyhose) with increasing difficulty as the twin pregnancy progressed!
Lastly, any words of wisdom you have learnt along the way?
You’re doing a good job.
When Romany and I first met as baby midwives in training, I was soon drawn to her natural abilities in caring for women and their families. During our busy rotations we would find ourselves pulling up a seat in the tea room where we soon discovered that we shared more than a mutual passion for midwifery and women’s health. We learnt that we both grew up in the wide open spaces of neighbouring country towns, whilst sharing a deep appreciation for nature, a love for travel and life by the ocean.
Romany continues her dedication to midwifery working for NSW Health within a team of midwives (MGP) in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney. A trained doula, yoga teacher and private consulting educator, Romany advocates for natural and active births, community building and self empowerment. Outside her clinical roles you will find Romany writing for her blog “Bondi Midwife” sharing insight into the circle of life, discovery and community. Romany’s love of nature continues with precious family time spent exploring Sydney's beaches and many amazing coastal walks and parks. Learning about the Rudolph Steiner way of parenting, with its reverence for creativity, for life’s rhythms, ritual and play is also something Romany greatly enjoys as a new Mother to her ever-inquisitive Sofia.
Several laps around the sun later, we graduated with our degrees and met in yet another tea room in a new Hospital. Now as new mums ourselves we reconnected to talk about the importance of pregnancy wellness and preparing for childbirth and the fourth trimester.
How do you approach nurturing a healthy body and mind during this transformative time?
For me the greatest place to start is within. Pregnancy really is such a transformative journey with many hormones playing their role in bringing up all sorts of feelings. These feelings are purposeful in helping us slow down and look at ways to best support ourselves. Emotional hygiene is key and then the rest follows. I also highly rate spending time in nature, keeping active with 1-2 brisk 30-minute walks each day alongside slowing down, eating lots of veggies and staying really hydrated.
Yoga, dance and singing is also really wonderful for the body and soul. I also personally found meditation and visualisation really helpful in preparing for birth and also working with some serious pregnancy insomnia!
How has your time abroad shaped you and the way you care for your women and their families?
My travels exposed me to many different ways of living, it opened my mind up to the realisation that warmth and love and community is the most important thing for a new mother and baby. Very little “stuff” is essential and I often suggest to mother and fathers-to-be that the best gifts from friends and family are nourishing meals, and helping hands from visitors who do the dishes and fold the washing whilst letting the parents parent their precious new baby. It’s about feeding the families bellies and souls.
Also being culturally appropriate, open minded and always aiming for a room full of acceptance is the result of seeing great diversity across the world.
How do you recommend expecting mums to practice ‘self care’?
Really listen to your needs. Understand it is ok to feel tired and to ask for support. Slowing down is so incredibly important and I often hear myself saying to new mum’s and mothers to be, “the best way to learn how to nurture a baby is to start by learning how to nurture yourself”.
What are some essential tools to encourage an active labour and birth?
First and foremost I would suggest having a doula present. Someone that you and your partner have had a few sessions with during your pregnancy. A doula is the most powerful labour and birth support, particularly if they are aware of your preferences, your fears and your desires. We know all the evidence suggests having a known care provider/support person in labour improves outcomes for mum and baby.
Secondly, I absolutely advocate for: TENS machine, a well prepared mind and a partner who is on board with your vision (this means classes are a must for first time parents), birth ball (assists position changes and weary legs), birth mat (all fours can mean sore knees!), shower for heat and soothing of the nervous system and for the finale- the bath (water immersion is an incredible form of pain relief).
What essentials do you see mums benefit from in their fourth trimester?
I love this question because the fourth trimester is often overlooked and in some ways is the most important. In some cultures, for the first forty days following birth a new mother's role is to care for her baby whilst everyone else cares for them. I love this premise as it really is essential for new mothers to feel that they are loved and nurtured and therefore can overflow with love and nurturance for their baby. In turn they feel, on a visceral level, that their role as mother is deeply revered and honoured.
From a practical perspective, some tips I would recommend include: filling up your freezer with lots of delicious wholesome meals, having bottles of water all of over the house as a reminder to hydrate, have on stock a handful of padsicles (chamomile infused maternity pads stored in the freezer to soothe your perineum...look online for all sorts of recipes for padsicles) and yummy fresh fruit to keep the bowels regular. Overarching all of this, I strongly encourage you to ensure there is AT LEAST 20 minutes a day where you take time for yourself. For me this was a lovely warm shower to wash the night away, followed by a rich body moisturiser and gentle facial rose spray. This was my little uninterrupted ritual. Sofia was fed and resting with my partner at arms reach which meant I could really gift myself that slow, present mindful time.
The Hospital bag..what do you think mums REALLY need?
- A couple of pairs of lovely, comfortable pyjamas that make you feel nice as you will spend A LOT of time in them. Add in some nice warm socks too. Strangely, feet can get very cold in labour, even if the rest of you is sweating. (If you’re having a caesarean, warm socks are lovely postnatally too).
- Shampoo and body wash for that delicious post-birth shower. There are some suggestions that unscented is better so as to ensure your baby can smell and bond with you. I must say I do love a little, natural essence.
- Lovely, soft maternity pads (I personally found the TOM organic maternity pads really soft and gentle).
- Incontinence pants aka “pull-ups”. It sounds very unglamourous but prevents any blood leaks and spills that are generally a guarantee the first few nights post-birth.
- Nappies for baby, a few onesies, some wraps and a blanket (some wards get really cold at night).
- Snacks- mainly for your partner as most women in labour aren't hungry.
- Water/coconut water/some form of healthy hydration is absolutely essential for keeping your body and your baby well, both during labour and if breastfeeding.
- A warm wrap or blanket that makes you feel like a queen. Something you can throw on and off in labour or can drape over you when breastfeeding your little one at 3am. Choose something that reminds you of home or somewhere safe and peaceful.
Sifting through the extensive choices for written information, What is your ‘go to’ reading material you recommend women make time for?
Books: Birthing from within, Pam England
Birth with Confidence, Rhea Dempsey
Websites: Evidence based birth (evidencebasedbirth.com)
Sarah Buckley (sarahbuckley.com)
Spinning babies (spinningbabies.com)
You also offer post birth support in private debriefing. How beneficial is this for women and families?
Even before we are mothers we carry a story about birth. It may be a story we have inherited from our mothers about our birth, or a story from a well-meaning friend who may have been traumatised and in need of a trusted ear. There are also a great deal of collective stories from society framing birth as dangerous and to be feared.
Debriefing offers women and their partner the opportunity to better understand these stories and work with them so they don’t appear as a big barrier in labour and birth. Debriefing is also a service offered to women who have had a traumatic birth experience and want to better understand the experience, their role in it and a way to move forward with an intent on healing.
During your interchanging time from midwife & doula to mum, what has been the most surprising lesson you have learnt?
That women are deeply powerful. From the strength they carry through labour and birth to the consistent conscientious mothering of a tiny, ever-relying human is beyond incredible. I always knew women were amazing yet I feel like I get it on a whole other level. Stepping through the fire of labour to be re-born a mother with a whole new identity, one that revisits all sorts of vulnerabilities whilst keeping the most precious gem shining bright is a mind-blowing trip.
Deep, DEEP respect for women.
Lastly, what words of wisdom have you learnt along the way?
A dear midwife mentor of mine shared many wonderful pearls of wisdom with me as I entered motherhood, one of which really stayed with me. She voiced how important it is for us as mothers to really know the true significance of this role, to know our lives are not on hold whilst we mother, that our role as mother is to be held with the highest esteem. Our responsibility as a mother is to let the world know that this is not a lesser role.
Society in general places so much attention on how well we return to our “former selves”, to how quickly our bodies return to our pre-pregnant state. This is wrong. The way to change this perspective is to stand proud as a mother and when asked what is it that we do say “ I am a mother, who also is a midwife, or a lawyer, or accountant or gardener, teacher etc etc” but first and foremost, “I am a mother”.
To find out more about Romany and her support services you can visit her blog https://bondimidwife.wordpress.com Thank You Romany X
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