Mothers of multiples are often told they are ”supermums” and while they are incredible, resilient and strong, they are not given any extra support to help them through the intensity of the newborn season, and beyond - they make it work, though hands on help should be available to parents of multiples.

Annalise and Jacks story of building a community of care, including hiring a Postpartum Doula, their preparation for postpartum and their epic meal train is a positive story worth reading.

When someone you love welcomes a new baby, it’s natural to want to rush to their side, shower them with love, and help in any way you can. But what if distance makes that impossible? Whether you're separated by distance, or other commitments, there are still plenty of ways to support new parents and show them you care. Here are my top tips as a Postpartum Doula based in Melbourne, supporting many families with without close relatives nearby.

Five years ago, I anxiously and excitedly awaited the birth of my son.

I was so ready to meet him, yet completely unaware of how deep the dive into motherhood would be. How heart would crack wide open.

Can you be prepared for such a thing? The unconditional, unwavering love I had from the moment I locked eyes on him is a feeling that took my breath away, and continues to catch me off guard.

How deeply obsessed I am with my little boy, the one who made me a mum, the one who completely shifted my perspective, values, vision, priorities and understanding of life.

I have always said Jude is my purpose, he changed everything for me and I will always be grateful.

The first five years have been a total rollercoaster.

The highs, the lows - and I wouldn't change a thing.

So many learnings, which I wanted to share with you, as I reflect on the first five years of Motherhood:

As a busy mum of 2, a business owner and other paid employment, I know how bloody hard it is to find the time to thinking of what to cook, do the shopping and then actually cook - and usually with little people in tow, this all needs to magically happen each night at 5pm.

BUT HOW?

I’m going to help you.

If I could go back in time, almost 5 years ago, when I was on the very edge of meeting my firstborn, I wish I had page of notes.

From one mum to another mum.

Not to overwhelm, but to reassure and highlight the importance of investing in education and seek support.

Sharing our stories, experiences, hurdles and the special moments are ways of enabling access to support and holding mothers through their feeding journeys.

Here’s my list of notes…

Finding the right baby-friendly exercise class and healthcare team to support your return to exercise after birth.

Hold The Mother - Banana Protein Pancakes.

A weekend ritual that we LOVE, and I want to share with you x

Whether you are mum’ing with little people, maybe a fresh newborn, or one on your hip and moving between nap times and playtime, a mother in paid employment managing the logistics of working and mothering, or generally a busy person - it’s so easy to skip lunch. You may be too busy, or literally just forget, you likely have a million other things on your mind, and limited time.

I want to keep this really simple, an easy guide to motivate you put a little of your time toward planning, preparing and enjoying an every day lunch. The mum lunch ideas are no frills, low cost but nutritionally loaded. No recipes, just put it all together - likely messy, but hey, kind of makes sense amongst the chaos?