Journal
Stories, recipes and gentle guidance
For planning a nourished, supported postpartum, written by Leila and the village.
How Becoming Parents Changes You Both
There are two words I think every expecting couple should know before their baby arrives: matrescence and patrescence.
Who Prepares for the Mother?
How I learnt to slow down, nourish myself and embrace postpartum with my third baby by Reanna Bryant
Setting Up Your Postpartum Meal Train
Our top tips for using your baby shower or Mother's Blessing to organise a postpartum meal train, gather your village and make sure you're well nourished and supported after birth.
Sweet Potato, Ginger & Coriander Fritters
These are the kind of recipes I come back to again and again. Simple to make. Nourishing. And easy to eat one-handed. Delicious with jammy eggs for a more substantial breakfast, or straight from the fridge in those in-between moments when you need something quick. Perfect for busy mamas, postpartum
Gingerbread Oat Lactation Cookies
These gingerbread oat lactation cookies bring a little holiday comfort into the fourth trimester. The cosy mix of spices and molasses offers gentle warmth and supports digestion after birth, while the oats and nourishing fats help sustain energy and recovery through those long days (and nights).
Navigating a Postpartum Christmas
There is so much excitement around the festive season and around welcoming a new little love into the family. This time comes with so many different opinions, expectations and feelings to juggle and those early weeks and months of motherhood can be a really fragile and emotional time for new mums.
Collagen Mango Pudding
This mango sago pudding is light, creamy, and nourishing. A simple, summery treat for pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.
Weaning Twins: Ending your Tandem Feeding Journey
Weaning is one of the biggest transitions you’ll navigate as a breastfeeding mother—emotionally, physically, and hormonally. Whether your journey is slow, sudden, or somewhere in between, there’s no one right way to do it—only what feels right for you and your little ones.
Iron in the Fourth Trimester: Rebuilding Strength After Birth
In the early weeks after birth, your body is doing the quiet, powerful work of repair. It’s a time when nourishment matters deeply — not just for energy, but for healing at a cellular level. One of the most important minerals for postpartum recovery is iron.
Postpartum Stories: Renee White from Fill Your Cup
Renee you are the incredible mama behind Fill Your Cup, Australia’s first Doula Village and I would absolutely love for you to share a little about yourself, how Fill Your Cup came to be and of course your postpartum experience.
How Women’s Health Physiotherapy Supports Postpartum Mothers
Women’s Health Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in helping mothers heal, rebuild strength, and prevent long-term issues. Yet, many mums don’t realise just how essential it is for postpartum recovery or they put it off out of fear.
Mastitis: What It Is, What Helps & What I Personally Reach For
If you’re here because you’re in the thick of mastitis—I see you. It’s intense, painful, and it often comes out of nowhere. This journal isn’t medical advice, and there are times when antibiotics or anti-inflammatories are necessary. But I want to share what helped me and what’s shifting in the way
How to Find the Right Postpartum Doula for You: Questions to Ask Before Hiring
In the lead-up to birth, so much focus goes into choosing the right care provider, crafting a birth plan, and preparing for labour. But what about postpartum?
Postpartum Stories: Amy Simpson
Amy, you are one of the incredible Naturopaths we have on the Village for Postpartum Directory. You are also a twin mama and to celebrate Multiple Birth Awareness Week, I would absolutely love for you to share a little about yourself and your postpartum experience with your twin boys.
Postpartum With Twins
What No One Tells You & How to Prepare
8 Ways to Support a New Mum
Sometimes, we desperately want to help a new mum, but we just don’t have the capacity.
Village for Postpartum: Find Trusted Postpartum Support Across Australia
Introducing Australia’s most comprehensive postpartum directory – Village for Postpartum
Eating Seasonally: Autumn Postpartum
One of the best ways to eat well, stay nourished, and save money is to shop for seasonal produce. But if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably grabbed a recipe book, made a list, and then realised half the ingredients aren’t in season—either they’re impossible to find, or they cost a small fortun
How Chiropractic Care Can Support Postpartum Mothers
This month I spoke to the wonderful Dr. Lucy Harvey, a Chiropractor and mother of two, about how chiropractic care can support postpartum women, common misconceptions, and when to seek care.
Holding The Mother
From the moment a baby is born, they are instinctively held—fed, rocked, soothed, wrapped in love. And the mother? She is holding it all. The emotions, the exhaustion, the weight of a love so big it almost hurts. But who is holding the mother?
How to Plan for Postpartum
You’ve thought about the birth. You’ve chosen your hospital or midwife. Maybe you’ve even started a list of baby names you love. But have you thought about postpartum?
Postpartum Stories: Tiana from The Milk Fairy
Tiana, you are one of the incredible mamas behind The Milk Fairy. I would absolutely love for you to share a little about yourself and your postpartum experience.
6 Podcast Episodes to Help Navigate and Nurture your Relationship Through Parenting
There is no denying that adding little people into your life adds a whole lot of love, but it also comes with a whole lot of tension/ stress/ disagreements… insert appropriate words here.
Understanding the Mother Baby Dyad
In the early weeks postpartum, mothers and babies aren’t meant to function as separate entities. They are deeply connected—physically, emotionally, and biologically—in what’s known as the Mother-Baby Dyad.
From Lovers to Parents: Navigating the Identity Shift in Your Relationship
There’s no denying that adding little people into your life adds a whole lot of love—but it also brings a whole lot of challenges. Sleepless nights, constant demands, mental load, and shifting priorities can make your relationship feel like it’s in a pressure cooker.
Postpartum Stories: Nessie Luft from Naturally Ness
Nessie, you are an incredible solo mama behind Naturally Ness and someone I am lucky enough to have as part of my village. I would absolutely love for you to share a little about yourself and your postpartum experience with your son Rupi.
Why I don’t agree with ‘Postpartum is Forever’
This might be an unpopular option but postpartum isn’t forever. It’s a chapter—a sacred, transformative, and challenging one—but it’s not the rest of your story. Yet, as new mothers, we’re often told otherwise. This perspective, while well-meaning, can make an already overwhelming experience feel in
Eating Seasonally: Summer Postpartum
One of the best ways to eat well, stay nourished, and save money is to shop for seasonal produce. But if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably grabbed a recipe book, made a list, and then realised half the ingredients aren’t in season—either they’re impossible to find, or they cost a small fortun
Postpartum Stories: Georgia Reupert-Allen from Peak Flo Physio
You’re the incredible mama behind Peak Flo Physio and were also guiding me through my pelvic floor and prolapse recovery post-twins—all while you were pregnant! I still think you’re the only physio I know who’s had a home birth, and I’d absolutely love for you to share a little about yourself and yo
Empowering Mothers: The Mental Health Benefits of Postpartum Support
The postpartum period is a transformative and sometimes challenging time for new mums. It’s a phase of deep love and profound change, marked by physical recovery, emotional adjustments, and a significant shift in daily life. Yet, despite the excitement of welcoming a new baby, it’s common to feel mo
Postpartum Symptoms vs. Postpartum Depression and Anxiety: What’s the Difference?
Motherhood shifts your world in more ways than one—physically, mentally, and emotionally. After birth, it’s natural to experience a wide range of emotions and physical changes. And while some symptoms are expected in the postpartum period, it can sometimes be hard to tell what’s ‘normal’ and what ma
5 Nourishing Organic Postpartum Meals for Under $100
With the rising cost of living, eating organic can feel out of reach, but it doesn’t have to be. I’ve managed to create five nourishing meals for under $100 using an organic chicken as the base. These meals are easy to make, nutrient-dense, and perfect for feeding yourself or delivering to a new mam
What is a Postpartum Doula and How to Find the Right One for You
Introduction The weeks following the birth of a baby are filled with a mix of unfathomable love, exhaustion, and often a sense of being overwhelmed. For new mothers, postpartum recovery can be a challenging journey, both physically and emotionally. That’s where a postpartum doula comes in—a mother f
Honouring Pregnancy and Infant Loss: A Guide to Supporting Mothers Through Grief
Introduction Every year, thousands of families experience the devastating loss of a baby, whether through miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss. The grieving process is deeply personal and complex, often leaving mothers feeling isolated and unsure of how to navigate the overwhelming emotions while
Postpartum Stories: Caz Butler on Postpartum after Loss
No mother should have to answer these questions but I am beyond grateful for Caz and her willingness to share her story in honour of Jean for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. Still birth is such a deeply unfair and earth shattering experience that impacts around 2000 families each year in
Closing of The Bones: A Ceremony for Postpartum Healing
In this journal, I’ll explore what the Closing of The Bones ceremony involves, how it can benefit you, and why this sacred practice can be a transformative experience for your postpartum recovery or even later in motherhood.
Celebrating Dads: How Partners Can Make a Big Impact During Postpartum
Father’s Day is a time to celebrate the incredible fathers in our lives but I also think it is a perfect opportunity to talk about their role in postpartum. While much of the postpartum conversation centres around mothers, it’s essential to recognise the pivotal role that fathers and partners play i
Studying with Oh Baby Nutrition
I thought I would share an update from 4 years later. Spoiler Alert: It’s still the best decision I’ve made. I’ve said it before, motherhood has a way of lighting a fire in you — a spark of creativity and passion that often leads us down unexpected paths. I also joke that it leaves you with next to
Embracing Vulnerability: A Strength for New Mothers
Vulnerability isn’t often celebrated in our culture, but when it comes to motherhood, embracing it can be one of the most courageous and transformative things you do. As a new mum, asking for help isn’t just about lightening your load—it’s about opening yourself up to the support and care you truly
Postpartum Stories: Samantha Lee from By Sammy Lee
Sammy, you are the beautiful mama behind by Sammy Lee where you share the most wonderful and raw mama musings. I would absolutely love for you to share a little about yourself, your postpartum experiences and your motherhood journey.
Breastfeeding Essentials
A collection of my 10 favourite breastfeeding essentials for World Breastfeeding Week 2024.
Tips for Tandem Feeding Twins
For World Breastfeeding Week I love to highlight important information around breastfeeding as well as sharing tips from my own experiences. This year I’m 16 months into tandem feeding twins and so I wanted to share my top 6 tips for tandem feeding twins.
8 Ways To Help A New Mama
If cooking isn’t your thing or you’re in a season of motherhood where you really don’t have the capacity to cook for a new mama, here are 8 ways you can show your support.
Why Postpartum Support is Crucial for Breastfeeding Success
Introduction The postpartum period, often referred to as the “fourth trimester,” is a critical and sacred time for new mothers. It is during this period that many mothers establish their breastfeeding journey, which can significantly impact the health and well-being of both mother and baby both imme
Why we need to talk about postpartum during Birth Trauma Awareness week.
The Role of Support Networks in Overcoming Birth Trauma Did you know that having a strong support network can significantly enhance recovery from birth trauma? While many focus on physical recovery, emotional and mental well-being are just as crucial. Let’s explore how building a supportive village
What I Wish More People Had Told Me
Ask any mum who’s been through it once and they’ll tell you why they prioritise postpartum care the second time around. Experience is a powerful teacher. Many second time mums have lived through the repercussions of not giving themselves enough time or proper care to heal and recover. They understan
Introducing ‘One Handed Bites for Postpartum and Beyond’
I am beyond excited to announce the upcoming launch of my new recipe ebook, “One Handed Bites for Postpartum and Beyond,” Due Date: 10th July. This will be my first digital recipe book, and I am so excited for you to try these new recipes. This ebook is designed to help new mothers nourish themselve
How to use the ‘Fair Play Deck’ for Postpartum Planning
After writing a piece on the ‘Postpartum Two Week Itch’ I realised that before long, if things you hadn’t thought about in advance hadn’t been taken care of, they got you out of bed. The little tasks that interrupt your postpartum rest and recovery. This is when I realised how valuable the fair play
Postpartum Stories: Jules Meyer, Flo to Grow
Jules is the mama and postpartum doula behind Flo to Grow. She is dedicated to providing informed care, guidance, and general support to families during this season of parenthood. This is her story of her two births and postpartum experiences.
Ways to use plants and herbs for nourishing postpartum
Traditional cultures have been using plant medicine and herbal soaks to heal after birth for generations. Plants and herbs can help us recover, heal and feel held and nourished through our postpartum period and beyond.
Seven essentials for the first 48 hours after birth
Whether you’re packing your hospital bag or stringing up the fairy lights for your home birth, there are some simple essentials that will be your postpartum saviours in those first 48 hours after birth.
Five Plants for Nourishing Postpartum
Plant medicine is a wonderful tool for supporting a mother through her postpartum. There are many wonderful herbs that can be used postpartum but these are my top five herbs for nourishing postpartum for their diversity and healing magic.
Postpartum Stories: Our Founder, Leila Armour
To celebrate multiple awareness week and the twins turning 1, this month for our postpartum stories series, we asked Leila, the founder of Village for Mama all the questions we have asked the other incredible mamas who have featured in our postpartum stories series about her postpartum experience wi
Postpartum Stories: Frida Ålgars, The Tenth Co.
Frida, you are the incredible mama behind The Tenth Co. An incredible supplement formulated alongside Dr Oscar Serrallach to help support postnatal depletion. I would absolutely love for you to share a little about yourself, your postpartum experience and the evolution of The Tenth.
Essential Postpartum Nutrients
Nourishing food is one of the most important parts of postpartum recovery. There are specific essential nutrients which help support recovery, nourish breast milk and prevent postpartum depletion. We are focusing on Postnatal Depletion this month and did a deep dive into understanding and overcoming
Nourishing Mothers: Understanding and Overcoming Postnatal Depletion
Friend of Village for Mama and world renowned integrative doctor, Dr. Oscar Serrallach who first coined the term ‘Postnatal Depletion’ aptly characterises it as a complex interplay of deep fatigue, hyper-vigilance, and an overwhelming sense of being stretched thin.
Rainbow Risotto: Thermomix Edition
The Rainbow Risotto is is much loved recipe from the Village for Mama book and the Thermomix is the most loved piece of equipment in my kitchen.
Postpartum Stories: Maddy Trueman, Village for Mama Recipe Developer
Maddy, you are the incredible recipe developer behind Village for Mama, and you are newly a mama yourself to the gorgeous Delilah. As a first time mama, I would absolutely love for you to share a little about yourself and your postpartum experience.
Collagen Rocky Road
This collagen rocky road is an easy, healthier take on a classic Christmas sweet. A perfect sweet treat delivery for a new mama this Christmas.
Postpartum Stories: Steph from Village for Mama
Steph, you are the first person to join the Village for Mama team, and I thought this would be the perfect way to introduce you to our village. As a first time mama to the beautiful Giulia, I would absolutely love for you to share a little about yourself and your postpartum experience.
Christmas Gift Guide
We have created the perfect gift guide for you to spoil yourself, a mama-to-be or new mama this Christmas.
Postpartum Stories: Amelie from Bare Mum
Welcome to the Village for Mama Postpartum Series, where we chat with some of our favourite Mamas on their birth, postpartum experience and how they gathered their village.
Slow Cooked Brisket with Roast Sweet Potato Mash
We are busy tired mums who want to nourish our family and sometimes this can be overwhelming. Throw in fussy toddlers and babies starting solids and it can all feel a bit too hard. These monthly recipes are designed to tick all the boxes for you and your family. They are also postpartum friendly so
Nourishing Motherhood Spotlight – Foraged for You
Most of us are told to take a prenatal supplement for the duration of our pregnancy, which isn’t wrong but what we don’t get told is the importance of nourishing the whole motherhood journey.
Mother’s Blessing
Mother’s Blessing: celebrating the rite of passage from maiden to mother. A chat with Ann Taylor from Ceremona Mama. (This journal has been updated from the original content, following on from the beautiful Mother’s Blessing I received from the incredible Ann for my current pregnancy with the twins
Nourishing Milk Supply with Mammae
Understanding the magic of breastfeeding and how to support your journey through nourishment and galactagogues. And a delicious Creamy Cashew Caramel Lactation Slice Recipe.
Postpartum Recovery Practices & Rituals – Yoni Steaming
Postpartum recovery is an essential part of Village for Mama Postpartum Pillars. Whilst the other pillars: support, rest and nourishment can facilitate recovery, it can be deeply beneficial to incorporate some recovery practices and rituals into your postpartum journey. In this series of Postpartum
Breastfeeding Hormones: Understanding the Emotional Journey
Learning to breastfeed can be a beautiful but challenging and emotional journey, filled with highs and lows as your body adjusts to its new role. Let’s explore the connection between breastfeeding and hormones and how they shape your experience.
Colostrum (Liquid Gold)
Colostrum is the liquid gold that is produced during the first few days after birth (and in the weeks leading up to birth).
Weaning: How To End Your Breastfeeding Journey
We hear so much about the early days of breastfeeding. The challenges that come along with feeding especially around milk supply. What we rarely hear about is the reality of feeding past the first year, feeding toddlers, feeding beyond 2 years and the emotional rollercoaster of weaning. This journal
Prenatal Multivitamins
Prenatal supplements are incredibly important to help support you and your growing baby. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ There is very little information and guidance when it comes to prenatal multivitamins unless you are seeing a great holistic doctor or naturopath.
3 Incredible Facts About Breastfeeding
Not nearly enough people know about the magic of breastmilk. Here are 3 mind blowing facts about breastfeeding to inform, inspire and empower.
Foods To Support Milk Supply
Some whole foods, herbs (and medications) are considered galactagogues, meaning they can help support and increase milk supply by increasing the prolactin levels in mothers body which is the hormone responsible for breastmilk production. me mamas and not on others. Including galactagogues into a we
Finding Ingredients
When it comes to finding ingredients, you should be able to source everything at your local supermarket and health food shop. The recipes in the book are simple, easy to follow and accessible. We have limited the use of expensive ingredients and instead prioritised what is convenient and easy to fin
Ginger, Miso & Kimchi Fried Rice
A delicious, quick and easy dinner. Ginger, miso and kimchi fried rice is a perfect nourishing meal for a postpartum mama.
Postpartum Nutrition Studies With Oh Baby
This knowledge desperately needs to be put in the hands of passionate people who are ready to make a real difference. Oh Baby offers certifications in Pregnancy Nutrition, Postpartum Nutrition and Baby Nutrition
Cashew Ricotta
A delicious, nourishing and easy to make plant-based cashew ricotta recipe. A ‘cheezy’ spread, dip or sauce.
Supercharge Liver Cubes
A quick easy recipe for the perfect supercharge ingredient, village for mama liver cubes.
Organising Your Fourth Trimester Delivery With Meal Train
How to use meal train alongside your village for mama book. Village for mama has been designed to help you gather your village and organise specifically designed nourishing meals to be delivered to you during your fourth trimester. Here is how to organise your village for mama delivery.
Visiting A New Mama
Mum smiling and eating food while her friend is holding her baby
Hearty Sausage Rolls
A new mama needs nourishing and warming meals and snacks. She needs nutrient dense and delicious food that is comforting and will help with recovery. These village for mama hearty sausage rolls are just that. One handed comfort food full of iron rich grass fed beef, veggies and an option to supercha
Breastfeeding and The First 6 Weeks
7 Tips For Encouraging a Positive Breastfeeding Journey in the First 6 Weeks This journal post on breastfeeding during the fourth trimester, and more importantly the first 6 weeks was inspired by a wonderful podcast with Amberley Harris. ‘Talking Tits’ on Beyond the Bump. We put up a post on our ins
Nesting For Mamahood
It’s time to prepare your nest. This can be in your room or your babies room, but this space is about you. We put so much thought and time into creating the perfect nursery for our baby, but we rarely stop and think about our own space ready for life as a mama.
Little Loaded Lactation Cookies
These little cookies are a brilliant easy treat to deliver a new mama. Breastfeeding has its challenges and worrying about supply and latch is really common for new mamas. Let these cookies be a supportive gesture and your acknowledgment of the hiccups that often come along with feeding. Ingredients
Delivering Food To A New Mama
tips for delivering food to new mums