Libby’s Lessons
Browse our range of helpful articles
What to pack
For labour Your support person / whānauLip balm (this can be your lanolin nipple cream)Massage oilWarm socksPillow with a coloured pillowcase on itSnacks for your support personEnergy drinks - coconut water, nougly, kombuchaHigh energy foods - a...
The very start of Labour – Latent phase
The early stage of labour is called the latent phase, this is the preparation phase and it is important to let it unfold at its own pace, trust your body, it knows how to do this. This may be the longest part of your labour and can last on average...
Newborn skincare
A newborn baby’s skin is very fragile and delicate, as it can take up to a year to form the protective acid mantle of healthy adult skin. Baby’s skin is also 20-30% thinner so is particularly sensitive to drying, rashes, and reactions to skincare...
Bringing your newborn home
Bringing baby home for the first time although exciting, can be a little overwhelming but there are things you can do to prepare you for the next 2-4 weeks in your new role/job as a parent. The last few weeks of your pregnancy is usually spent on...
Lecithin use in breastfeeding for recurrent mastitis and blocked ducts
Lecithin is an essential fat present in body cells and is often added to medication and food products for the number of health benefits it provides ,which include supporting function and health of the brain and cell membranes, antioxidant...
Harvesting or Expressing colostrum before the arrival of your baby
It may have been suggested that you “harvest” colostrum before the baby comes. This is because we know that your baby is going to come early or perhaps you have gestational diabetes or another medical condition or you may have had...
Baby Sleeping Bags for a Better Nights’ Sleep
Baby Sleeping Bags for a Better Nights' Sleep Article written by Andrina Wilson – Registered Midwife and Holistic Sleep Consultant What are baby sleeping bags? Why should I use one for my child? And which one is the best value? Parents everywhere...
Understanding thrush
Thrush can be present in your nipple or your breast and is due to an overgrowth of one type of fungus -often candida albicans and usually causes significant pain. It is hard to grow on a swab so diagnosis is often just after considering a mum's...
How to avoid mastitis
Mastitis is inflammation of the breast which often happens because of blocked milk ducts and/or nipple damage. Recognising mastitis Tenderness, reddened areas and uncomfortable or painful breast lumps Women who have mastitis are likely to feel...