A guide to softening your entry into parenthood
There’s a quiet, tender sacredness to the early newborn days. You’ve just crossed a threshold — from pregnancy to parenthood — and no matter how many books you’ve read or how ready you thought you were, this chapter will unfold in its own unique, unpredictable way.
These aren’t just tips — they’re gentle reminders and rituals that honour both your baby’s journey earth-side and your own birth as a parent. From one mother to another, here’s what I’d whisper to you in the stillness of the night when everything feels new, raw, and overwhelming.
1. Create a Support Circle, Not Just a Birth Plan
Before birth, sit with your partner, family, or doula and map out the care you’ll need after the baby arrives. Postpartum is not just an afterthought — it’s a sacred window of recovery and bonding.
Make a meal roster. Assign support people who will drop food at the door, fold laundry, or take older kids for a park play. Ask who can check in with you — not just come for baby cuddles. Let them show up with nourishing food, warm hands, and zero expectations.
2. Your Space Is Sacred – Protect It Fiercely
The energy in your home matters. If you’ve birthed at home, you know how spiritually powerful that space becomes. Even if you birthed in hospital, your return home is still a rite of passage. Set boundaries around visitors — and don’t feel guilty about it.
A helpful phrase:
"We’re taking a few days to settle in and connect. We’ll let you know when we’re ready for visitors."
3. Curate a Beautiful, Functional Nappy Station
In those early days, you may feel tethered to the couch, the bed, or one cosy corner of your home. Make it easy on yourself with a thoughtfully set-up nappy change basket:
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Organic cloth or compostable nappies
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A soft, damp cloth or organic wipes
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Gentle nappy balm (we love Willow by the Sea's Bottom Balm)
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A bin within arm’s reach
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Buggalugs Pacifier Case, ready to hygienically store dummies
Tip: set up a second change station where you spend most of your day — even a portable caddy works wonders.
4. Breastfeeding, Bottle Feeding, and Letting Go of Guilt
If you're breastfeeding, remember it's a learned skill for both of you. Have your doula, midwife or lactation consultant lined up just in case for help and support. And a helpful tip is to keep some organic formula on hand (we love Bubs Organic Goat Formula). If feeding doesn't go the way you planned, there’s no shame — only love.
5. Boundaries = Safety (Even More So for Home Birth Mamas)
If you birthed at home, your space is your temple. Visitors should be invited in with care, intention, and full respect for your energy. Ask friends and family to bring food, not flowers. Leave dishes in the sink if it means holding your baby longer.
6. Think Ahead for Older Siblings
Prep care for older children in advance. A playdate schedule, a “big sibling” basket with books or toys, and one-on-one connection (even five minutes) helps ease the transition.
7. Nourish Yourself Like You Would a Newborn
Yes, you matter too. You especially matter. Stock your fridge and pantry with:
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Bone broth or veggie soups
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Slow-release energy snacks: bliss balls, nuts, oat bars
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Coconut water or herbal infusions for hydration
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A breastfeeding-friendly robe, breast pads, and peri spray
These aren’t luxuries — they’re the bare minimum to support a healing body and spirit.
8. Let It Be Easy
There is no award for getting it all right. You’re doing sacred work — feeding, soothing, loving, growing. Embrace the nap on the couch. Let the washing go. You’re not lazy, you’re healing. Simplicity is your greatest ally.
9. The Little Things That Save You (at 2am)
Sometimes, it’s the tiniest tools that make the biggest difference. Our Buggalugs Pacifier Case keeps dummies clean, ready, and sitting exactly where you need them — no midnight fumbling. Pop it on your nappy bag, pram, or next to your bed. Small. Mighty. Essential.
10. Beautiful Brands That Truly Support Your Postpartum Journey
Here are a few boutique, Australian-made brands we adore — founded by fellow parents and made with intention:
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Willow by the Sea – Certified organic baby and mama skincare
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The Hermosa Co. – Postpartum recovery soaks, belly oils, and teas
Blissful Herbs – Melbourne based, doula & herbalist. Products to support pregnancy, postpartum and beyond.
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The Young Folk Collective – Stylish and sustainable nappy bags + more
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NatureBubz – Safe, handmade teethers and dummy chains
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EcoNaps – Beautiful cloth nappies and wet bags
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ErgoPouch Australia – Premium swaddles, sleeping bags, sleep suits, and pyjamas that are TOG-rated for warmth.
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Mama Goodness – Offering a range of lactation snacks and teas that assist breastfeeding and postpartum nourishment.
You were never meant to do this alone. The village may look different now, but the support is still out there — in your people, your rituals, and in the everyday magic of a clean dummy, a hot tea, or a quiet cry in the shower.
Be gentle. Take your time. You’re doing beautifully.
With love,
The Buggalugs Team 💛
