The postpartum period is a wonderful time, but equally so, a time of adjustment and new beginnings. During this time, it’s essential we support parents with as many tools and resources as possible, to help make this transition a smooth and enjoyable one. On this page, I’ve collated some of my favourite postpartum resources, product suggestions and more, many of which I used myself or have been used with great success by my patients. For anyone who is planning to breastfeed, the breastfeeding resources section is a must-read!

Products for Mum and Bub

My patients often ask for low tox product recommendations they can use on themselves and/or their babies. Whether you choose to use regular coconut oil as a DIY belly rub, or a product specifically marketed for the purpose, the main thing is to choose something that is safe and appropriate for both you and bub (taking into account factors like personal preferences, allergies etc).

Products for Mum

  • Belly Rubs: Weleda Stretch Mark Massage Oil, Tinderbox Pregnancy Belly Rub, Physic Garden Belly Balm (note: many mums and midwives swear by simple coconut oil or body lotion to minimise itching and keep the skin soft as it stretches).

  • Nipple Balms: Maternal Instincts Nipple Butter, Physic Garden Nursing Balm, Nature’s Child Organic Nipple Balm, Earth Mama Organics Nipple Butter

  • Maternity Pads: Tom’s Organic Maternity Pads, Organyc Maternity Pads, Natracare Maternity Pads

  • Nursing Teas: Weleda Organic Nursing Tea

Products for Bub

  • Nappy Creams: Weleda Nappy Change Cream (Calendula or White Mallow), EcoStore Nappy Balm, MooGoo Nappy Balm

  • Baby Washes: EnviroBaby Body Wash, WotNot Natural Baby Wash


Helpful Websites

  • The Raising Children Network: The Raising Children Network has a wealth of resources covering everything from pregnancy, to the ‘Fourth Trimester’, childhood and beyond. It has some great resources on baby sleep, breastfeeding, baby play time, early learning and more.

  • Ngala: Ngala provides resources, information and support to parents based in Western Australia, and their website has lots of useful information on topics such as baby sleep, breast and formula feeding, tummy time, baby development and baby behaviour. They also have a free parenting support line for parents of children aged 0-18 years in WA.

  • Playgroup WA: Playgroup WA provides opportunities for parents and children to connect with each other through play. You can use their website to search for local playgroups in your area. They also have some great play ideas listed on their website for children of different ages.

  • Red Nose Australia: Red Nose Australia provides the latest evidence-based safe sleeping guidelines for babies and young children, to help reduce the incidence of sleeping accidents and sudden infant death syndrome in Australia.


Postpartum Mental Health Support Services

  • PANDA: PANDA offers free perinatal mental health support services in pregnancy and postpartum. They specialise in perinatal anxiety and depression and they support individuals and families on their journey through pregnancy and new parenthood. They have a national helpline (Mon-Sat) on 1300 726 306, as well as online support services.

  • Gidget Foundation: Like PANDA, the Gidget Foundation offer free support and counselling in pregnancy and postpartum. They have a wealth of resources on their website, as well as a podcast.

  • ForWhen: ForWhen offers mental health support for expecting and new parents. They have a national helpline (available Monday-Friday on 1300 24 23 22), and they can help connect you with mental health services in your area.

  • Lifeline: Lifeline offer 24/7 crisis support on their national helpline (13 11 14). They also have text and online chat options on their website.


Breastfeeding Resources

Support for Breastfeeding Mothers

  • Australian Breastfeeding Association: The ABA is Australia’s leading authority on breast-feeding, providing support, information, resources and advocacy for breastfeeding women. They have a breastfeeding helpline, a free info kit and an online forum where you can chat to other women about breastfeeding.

  • The Breastfeeding Centre of WA: Available to mothers who attend King Edward Memorial Hospital for their pregnancy care and birth (including the FBC and CMP programs), the Breastfeeding Centre provides resources and support for breastfeeding women, via a telephone and/or in-person appointments with qualified lactation consultants. They also have some useful videos on Hand Expressing, Finger Feeding and Position Attachment.

  • The Geddes Hartmann Human Lactation Research Group: For women interested in participating in breastfeeding research.

Breastfeeding Courses

  • The Feeding Couch, by Katie James: Katie James is a fabulous midwife and IBCLC, as well as the host of the Midwives’ Cauldron podcast (another great BF resource). Her online course, ‘The Feeding Couch’, is designed to help mums-to-be feel confident, informed and ready to rock their BF experience.

  • The Thompson Method, by Dr Robyn Thompson: A gentle and evidence-based approach to breastfeeding education and one that supports physiology, promotes mother-baby bonding, recognises a mother’s inherent intuition and gives women the knowledge and support they need to ease into their breastfeeding journey with confidence.

Helpful Handouts and Guides

  • Breastfeeding Confidence: A wonderful pamphlet from the ABA to help you feel prepared at the prospect of breast-feeding - I encourage all my expectant mothers to read through this document and to share it with their partners.

  • Is my baby getting enough milk?: Another great resource for the ABA, to help you determine whether your baby is getting enough breastmilk. Of course, if you have concerns, I recommend you contact your healthcare provider and/or an IBCLC.


Breastfeeding Videos