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Birth debriefing is a process of reflecting on the childbirth experience, in which a woman and her partner can discuss their feelings, thoughts, and experiences of the birthing process. This may involve talking to a midwife or other trained professional and can help couples to process their emotions and understand their experience in a safe and supportive environment.

Illiyin Morrison from Mixing Up Motherhood, who is one of our experts shares some of her top tips on birth debriefing:

1.  Find a practitioner that you relate to, if you decide to go private rather thanNHS.

2.  Jot some notes down, things that you want answering or clarity on.

3.  Be open and honest, anyone who is facilitating this experience for you, is there to hear and support you.

4. If your partner is willing, invite them to come along, they may have things they also want to share but also, them hearing you share your experience with a third party present can be really helpful.

Thank you for your tips and sharing this with our community Illiyin.

Head over to our lifestage pages to purchase a consultation with Mixing Up Motherhood.

We spoke to Illiyin Morrison from Mixing Up Motherhood to find out more about her business and expertise for parents.

1.  Tell us about yourself and Mixing Up Motherhood?

My name is Illiyin Morrison and I am the face of Mixing Up Motherhood. I am a midwife, mother of two and author.

My business offers a birth debriefing service for those who have been impacted by either traumatic, disappointing or negative perinatal experiences, from preconception to well into the postpartum period. I started this service 2 years ago and have supported over 600 women and their families since.

I have broadened my offering and also sell affirmation cards for overcoming birthing trauma and postpartum relationship conversation starter cards which are there to support postpartum couples who are struggling to communicate.

2. Why and how did you start your business?

I suffered from birth trauma myself after the birth of my daughter and felt I had nowhere to place that experience, this led me towards my own healing and filling the gap that I believe and have proven was desperately needed. I have been a midwife for 6 years, I no longer wanted to work clinically and needed to find something that would bring both joy and stability for myself and my family.

There is no mystery behind how I started it, I already had an Instagram page with about 5,000 followers and so just put it out there on my Instagram stories as an offering and the rest is history!

3. What impact did your consultations have on parents?

I have had couples come back and tell me that the sessions have not only changed their parenting experience but their lives. There is something absolutely incredible about having that impact but I don’t credit myself, I see it as facilitating someone seeing themselves, the only credit is theirs.

4. What is your advice for parents?

One of the most pieces of advice I give to parents is to place low expectations on themselves, this is in terms of productivity, emotional responses and so on. If the expectation is low, everything seems like a win. Parenting is already hard enough without placing high expectations on yourself and then berating yourself when you don’t meet them.

Thank you for sharing this post Illiyin and welcome to the bndle family!

Head over to lifestages pages on our homepage to discover Mixing Up Motherhood’s consultations.

Lucy our expert from NEST Children shared some advice on the topic of sleep.

Sleep is one of the most talked about topics for parents. Parenting is exhausting and when you have a little one frequently waking in the early weeks it’s hard and incredibly testing!

Our advice is; to ask for help-don’t be afraid to do this, take each day as it comes, and don’t put pressure on yourself to get your little one sleeping through the night straight away (this will come!), please don’t be afraid to cuddle your little one- you cannot over love a baby and this will not have a negative impact on their sleep, and not every moment will be perfect, but enjoy it as much as you can, your little one will change so much and so quickly too!

Our top tips on sleep:

• It is recommended you start a gentle bedtime routine for your little one from around 12 weeks. This could include bath, book and then a feed before bed. This will help them to differentiate the difference between day and night time

• Ensure your little ones knows the difference between day and night time sleep- the house will naturally be quieter during the night so don’t worry about the noise levels during the day, putting your baby in a sleepsuit for the night time and safely covering under a blanket (firmly tucking in all the sides) for naps during the day, having a bath and story before going to bed at night but gentle cuddle before nap time

• Disturbed sleep is normal for little ones (adults often don’t sleep through!) and something which will get better with age. Some signs which may suggest it is worth getting some support: as parents you are struggling with you emotional health, your relationship is struggling due to you both having a lack of sleep, you feel that things need to change, your little one is struggling during the day and becoming increasingly irritable

• Accept that there are going to be ups and downs to your little ones sleep- that is ok!

• Use the time that your little one is sleeping to rest- easier said than done..but if you keep yourself really busy throughout the day, and are not having time to rest and recover at night, you are likely to burn yourself out. Rest is SO important and if you are offered help from family and friends..take it! Please don’t feel this makes you a bad parent

We had a chat with Lucy to find out more about NEST and the support she offers to families

1.  Tell us about NEST?

NEST is a private Early Years Consultancy with a team of highly qualified consultants, offering bespoke support to families from pregnancy right through to school aged children. NEST stands for: Nurture, Educate, Support: Together which is an ethos we feel very strongly about.

The team at NEST can support with packing hospital bags, getting the nursery ready for your little one, weaning, sleep, breastfeeding and bottle-feeding, behaviour, managing emotions, toilet training, school readiness (and so much more)!

2.  Why and how did you start your business?

Having trained at the world famous Norland College, I went on to nanny for 4 years caring for children from days old through to 17 years and everything in between!

This was followed by 5 years working in the NHS for a public health nursing team supporting families in the community. Having worked with hundreds of different families both in my nannying career and in the NHS, it was incredibly clear to me that no family is the same, so trying to fit families in to what felt like the tick boxes that was expected of us in the NHS was not something that sat comfortably with me. Together with this and seeing first hand the increasing shortages of holistic support there was for families, I decided to be brave and create the business I had been dreaming of for so long.

In 2018 NEST was born! After running NEST alongside my NHS career, in March 2022, I went full time on NEST and have never looked back!

3.  What impact do your consultations have on parents?

I am not one to blow my own trumpet and if I am honest I am not very good at doing so at all! However speaking about the business that NEST is today feels different. It feels different because we now have the community of families around us that I always dreamt of having.

We receive feedback from families which is what has shaped the services NEST offers and continues to do so.

Yes I think the business I have created is unique and so vital for all parents (whether it is a first or third baby), and yes I am beyond proud of the business I have created, but it’s the feedback from parents that it what makes me shine with pride.

What’s so special about NEST you ask?

Our clients are feeling heard, respected, listened to, less overwhelmed, nurtured, valued, empowered, reassured, and back in control of making decisions which they feel is right for their little ones.

I mean that’s crucial, right?

This testimonial from a client really touched me when I read it.

“NEST is a service that every mother, father, parent and guardian should have by their side. They offer a safe and supportive space to talk, reassurance, and they gave me a direction at a time where I felt off track and lost”

4.  Your advice for parents?

A collection of tips from the team at NEST: follow your instincts, do what’s right for your little one and your family, try not to compare yourselves to others (we all know the toxic affect this has),  please don’t feel embarrassed to reach out for support- asking for help is OK!! As hard as it may feel; be honest with yourself and others (the chances are that if you are honest then others will be too!), take photos and videos to capture all those precious moments, have technology free time..yes that’s us saying have phone free time to really engage and be present with your children. Not every moment will be perfect, but enjoy it as much as you can, your little one will change SO much!

Thank you for sharing this post Lucy and welcome to bndle!

To access the various consultations offer from NEST, head over to the lifestage sections of our homepage.

Travelling with a newborn can be both a daunting and an exciting experience for any parent. It’s a milestone for both you and your little one. There’s so much to consider, from the practicalities of getting to your destination to what to pack and how to keep your baby comfortable. With proper planning, though, it can be a fun and stress-free experience for the whole family

Here are five top tips to help ensure that you and your baby are prepared for your holiday:

1. Research your destination: Research the particular needs of your destination, such as the climate, any vaccinations that may be required and any specific baby-friendly facilities.

2. Pack plenty of supplies: Make sure you have enough nappies, wipes, formula, bottles and clothing for the duration of your trip.

3. Invest in the right gear: Invest in appropriate travel gear, such as a car seat or a baby carrier, to make your journey easier and safer.

4. Plan your journey: Plan your journey in advance to help minimise stress and disruption. Delays are inevitable, so make sure you’re prepared with extra snacks, clothes, and plenty of toys

5. Stay organised: Ensure that you have all the necessary paperwork for your baby, including their passport and medical records.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that you and your baby are prepared for the journey ahead, and can enjoy your holiday to the fullest.

Happy Holidays

Toys are recommended for newborns as they provide stimulation and can help with physical and cognitive development. They help to improve hand–eye coordination and encourage exploration. Toys also help to develop an infant‘s motor skills, as they explore items and practice grasping, manipulating, and reaching. Toys also provide a way for an infant to learn cause and effect, as they learn to make things happen. Additionally, toys can help to stimulate a baby‘s imagination and can provide comfort and security.

• Rattles 

Rattle toys can help babies learn cause and effect, as they learn that shaking the toy creates noise. The noise and movement of rattle toys also help to engage and amuse babies, making them great for helping keep them entertained and helping to soothe them.

• Activity mats

They help develop important skills like visual tracking, hand–eye coordination, and fine motor skills. They can also help with tummy time, providing a safe and comfortable place for your baby to lay on their tummy and explore. Plus, they’re a great way to keep your baby occupied while you get some other things done.

• Soft books

Soft books are especially beneficial for babies because they are made from materials that are soft and lightweight, and they are usually brightly coloured and full of fun textures and patterns. Soft books are also perfect for little hands to grab and explore.

• Stuffed animals

Stuffed animals are a great tool for babies because they can be used to help develop their fine motor skills, provide comfort and security, and teach them about the world around them. They can be used to help babies practice their hand–eye coordination as they learn to grab, hold, and manipulate them. They also provide comfort and a sense of security to a baby, which can help them relax and fall asleep easier.

• Teethers

Teethers are good for babies because they provide a safe, natural way to soothe their sore gums when they are teething. The pressure of biting down on a teether can be comforting and help to relieve some of the discomfort caused by the emergence of new teeth. Teethers are also an important step in developing baby‘s oral motor skills and jaw strength.

• Musical mobiles

Musical mobiles are great for babies because they can help to soothe them and help them relax. The soft music and gentle movement of the mobile can provide a calming effect and help babies to sleep. They also help to stimulate the baby‘s sense of sight and sound, as they watch the mobile move and listen to the music.

• Baby gyms 

Baby gyms also help to stimulate development, as babies will reach for, grasp and interact with the objects hanging from the gym. This encourages hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills and sensory development.

We have partnered with wethrift to offer first time customers a special discount, head over to our bndle page here

Browse our toy categories from our homepage to start shopping!

Breastfeeding is one of the most natural and beneficial ways to feed a baby. It provides a baby with essential nutrients and can help to reduce the risk of many illnesses. New parents can benefit from understanding the basics of breastfeeding and the strategies that can help make it a more successful experience. Breastfeeding can be a rewarding and positive experience for both the mother and baby. The correct preparation and support can provide a strong bond between the mother and her baby.

Find our top tips below to support and guide you through this experience:

1. Get Comfortable: Make sure you are in a comfortable position while breastfeeding. You may need to adjust your position until you find the one that is most comfortable for you and your baby.
2. Feed Often: Breastfeed your baby as often as they need to eat. This can be every 1-3 hours.
3. Know Your Baby’s Hunger Cues: Be familiar with your baby’s hunger cues. Some signs can include crying, rooting, and smacking their lips.
4. Have Patience: Breastfeeding can be difficult at first, be patient with yourself and your baby.
5. Seek Support: Ask for help and support when needed. You can reach out to a lactation consultant or other breastfeeding support groups.
6. Eat Healthy: Eat a healthy and balanced diet to ensure you are getting the proper nutrients to produce the best quality of milk for your baby.
7. Stay Hydrated: Make sure to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. This will help you to produce enough milk for your baby.
8. Pump: If you are going to be away from your baby for extended periods of time, pump to maintain your milk supply.

As a parent, you want to ensure that your baby is safe and well-cared for, which includes choosing products that are made with care and consideration. One way to do this is by choosing products that are produced by ethical brands. Ethical brands are companies that prioritise values such as safety, transparency, social responsibility, and environmental sustainability in their business practices. These values are especially important when it comes to products that are used on or near babies, as they are particularly vulnerable and may be more susceptible to harm if products are not made with care.

In this article, we will explore eight key reasons why it is important for baby products to be produced by ethical brands. We will look at how ethical brands prioritise the safety and well-being of children, protect the rights of workers, use environmentally-friendly materials and production methods, engage in charitable activities, prioritise transparency and honesty, prioritise customer satisfaction, have a strong commitment to social and environmental responsibility, and can help create a ripple effect that encourages other companies to adopt similar practices.

• Ethical brands often prioritise the safety and well-being of children, which is especially important when it comes to products that are used on or near babies. For example, ethical brands may use non-toxic materials, follow strict safety guidelines, and conduct thorough testing to ensure that their products are safe for babies. By choosing ethical brands, you can help ensure that the products you use on your baby are safe and non-toxic.

• Ethical brands often have strong policies in place to protect the rights of workers and ensure fair labor practices. This can include things like fair wages, safe working conditions, and the right to form unions. By choosing ethical brands, you can help reduce the risk of exploitation and abuse in the supply chain and ensure that the products you buy are made in a responsible and sustainable manner.

• Ethical brands often prioritise the use of environmentally-friendly materials and production methods. For example, they may use recycled materials, minimise waste, and adopt sustainable manufacturing processes. By choosing ethical brands, you can help reduce the environmental impact of the products you use and contribute to a more sustainable future for your baby.

• Ethical brands often engage in charitable activities or donate a portion of their profits to good causes. This can include things like supporting children’s charities, providing funding for environmental conservation efforts, or supporting disaster relief efforts. By choosing ethical brands, you can help make a positive impact on the world and contribute to causes that align with your values.

• Ethical brands often prioritise transparency and honesty in their business practices. This can include things like being open and transparent about their supply chain, disclosing the ingredients in their products, and being upfront about any potential risks or challenges. By choosing ethical brands, you can help build trust and confidence in the products you use and feel good about supporting companies that prioritise transparency and honesty.

• Ethical brands often prioritise customer satisfaction and may offer more responsive and personalised customer service. This can include things like providing detailed product information, offering refunds or exchanges if necessary, and being available to answer questions or address concerns. By choosing ethical brands, you can help ensure that you have a positive shopping experience and feel good about supporting companies that prioritise customer satisfaction.

• Ethical brands often have a strong commitment to social and environmental responsibility. This can include things like supporting fair trade practices, promoting diversity and inclusion, and working to reduce their environmental impact. By choosing ethical brands, you can help support businesses that prioritise social and environmental responsibility and contribute to a more sustainable and responsible world for your baby to grow up in.

• By choosing ethical brands, you can help support businesses that prioritise ethical practices and values. This can create a ripple effect and encourage other companies to adopt similar practices. This can help create a more ethical and sustainable world for everyone, and can be especially important for the next generation as they grow up and become responsible consumers.

In summary, there are many compelling reasons why it is important for baby products to be produced by ethical brands. Ethical brands prioritise the safety and well-being of children by using non-toxic materials and following strict safety guidelines, which can help ensure that the products you use on your baby are safe and non-toxic. They also protect the rights of workers by ensuring fair labor practices, which can help reduce the risk of exploitation and abuse in the supply chain and ensure that the products you buy are made in a responsible and sustainable manner.

In addition, ethical brands use environmentally-friendly materials and production methods, which can help reduce the environmental impact of the products you use and contribute to a more sustainable future. They also engage in charitable activities and donate a portion of their profits to good causes, which can help make a positive impact on the world. Ethical brands also prioritise transparency and honesty in their business practices, which can help build trust and confidence in their products.

As a new parent, it can be easy to get caught up in the demands of caring for a newborn and feel like you are constantly running from one task to the next. Between feeding, nappy changes, and trying to get some rest, it can be hard to find time to focus on the moments that matter with your newborn. However, it is important to take time to focus on these moments because they are special and unique, and they are what make parenting a newborn so rewarding. In this article, we will explore five ways that new parents can focus on the moments that matter with their newborn babies.

We will look at things like setting aside dedicated bonding time, taking breaks when you need to, being present in the moment, taking photos and videos, sharing special moments with others, taking time to appreciate the small things, making time for self-care and relaxation, being patient and kind to yourself, and remembering that every moment with your newborn is special. By implementing these strategies, you can ensure that you are fully engaged and present in the moment with your newborn and make the most of the special time you have with them.

• Set aside dedicated time for bonding with your newborn. This can be as simple as cuddling with them on the couch or reading to them before bed. It is important to carve out time to focus on your newborn and build a strong bond with them.

• Take breaks when you need to, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Parenting a newborn can be overwhelming, and it is important to prioritise your own well-being. This can include things like taking a break to rest or ask a friend or family member to help out. Remember that it is okay to ask for help and that you don’t have to do everything on your own.

• Be present in the moment with your newborn. It can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, but it is important to take time to be present with your newborn. Put aside distractions such as phones or laptops and focus on your baby. Pay attention to their cues and respond to their needs, and try to be fully engaged in the moment.

• Take lots of photos and videos to capture special moments with your newborn. Whether it’s their first smile or their first steps, there are many special moments that you’ll want to remember and cherish. Taking photos and videos can be a great way to capture these memories and look back on them in the future.

• Share special moments with your partner, friends, or family. Parenting a newborn can be an isolating experience, and it can be helpful to share special moments with others. This can help strengthen your relationships and create lasting memories. Whether it’s sharing a photo on social media or inviting friends or family over to meet your newborn, there are many ways to share special moments with others.

In summary, there are many ways that new parents can focus on the moments that matter with their newborn babies. By setting aside dedicated bonding time, taking breaks when you need to, being present in the moment, taking photos and videos, sharing special moments with others, taking time to appreciate the small things, making time for self-care and relaxation, being patient and kind to yourself, and remembering that every moment with your newborn is special, you can ensure that you are fully engaged and present in the moment with your newborn.

These strategies can help you make the most of the special time you have with your newborn and create lasting memories that you will cherish for years to come. Parenting a newborn can be challenging, but by focusing on the moments that matter, you can find joy and fulfilment in the journey.

As a first-time parent, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to navigate the many challenges and decisions that come with caring for a newborn. Having easy access to expertise can be a valuable resource and can help provide you with the knowledge and confidence you need to make informed decisions about your baby’s care. In this post, we will explore some of the key reasons why it is important for first-time parents to have easy access to expertise and how it can benefit both you and your baby. Whether you are seeking practical guidance, support, or simply a trusted source of information, expertise can be a valuable resource as you navigate the ups and downs of parenting. So, let’s dive in and explore why it is so important for first-time parents to have easy access to expertise.

• Expertise can help you better understand your baby’s needs and how to meet them. For example, an expert may be able to provide guidance on the importance of feeding your baby on demand and how to recognise when your baby is hungry. This can help ensure that your baby’s development is on track and that you are meeting their basic needs.

• Expertise can also help you identify potential issues or concerns and provide guidance on how to address them. For example, an expert may be able to help you understand common feeding problems and provide strategies for overcoming them. This can help prevent problems from worsening and ensure that your baby is getting the nourishment they need to grow and thrive.

• In addition to providing practical guidance, expertise can also help you understand your baby’s behaviour and communicate with them more effectively. For example, an expert may be able to provide insights into your baby’s nonverbal cues and help you understand what they are trying to communicate. This can help build a strong bond between you and your baby and make it easier for you to respond to their needs.

• Expertise can also help you understand the importance of routine and how to establish a consistent schedule for your baby. For example, an expert may be able to provide guidance on the importance of establishing a bedtime routine or the benefits of following a consistent feeding schedule. This can help improve your baby’s sleep patterns and overall well-being.

• Expertise can also be a valuable resource when it comes to handling common problems and challenges that may arise as you navigate the ups and downs of parenting. For example, an expert may be able to provide guidance on how to handle feeding issues or colic, which can be especially common in the early months of a baby’s life. This can help you feel more confident and capable as a parent and ensure that you have the tools and strategies you need to effectively manage common challenges.

• Finally, experts can provide you with valuable support and encouragement as you navigate the journey through parenting. Whether you are seeking guidance on a specific issue or simply need someone to talk to, an expert can be a valuable resource and can help you feel more connected and supported in your journey as a first-time parent.

At bndle, we have a range of experts for parents to choose from. We vet all of our experts and consultants to ensure they are certified, qualified and trustworthy. Head over to our lifestage sections to find out more here