WELCOME TO THE VILLAGE FOR MAMA POSTPARTUM STORIES SERIES, WHERE WE CHAT WITH SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE MAMAS ON THEIR BIRTH, POSTPARTUM EXPERIENCE AND HOW THEY GATHERED THEIR VILLAGE.

Firstly, would you like to introduce yourself and share a little about you and your family?

Oh, where to begin!? I fell pregnant young – the first in my friendship group – and some days, I still feel like that 24-year-old, wide-eyed and just figuring it out as I go. But then I look at my life now. I’m 29, with two beautiful children, and if there’s one thing I know for certain, it’s that being their mum is the greatest gift.

Time spent with my children is pure bliss and the closest thing to heaven I’ve ever felt. Nothing means more to me than being a present, loving, and nurturing mother. Some people use the phrase ‘you only live once’ to justify reckless choices, but for me, it’s putting into perspective what truly matters. If I were to leave this world tomorrow, I’d want to know that I poured every inch of my heart into my babies and that they never once doubted how so very much I love and adore them.

As much as I loved motherhood, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was meant to build something of my own – not out of resistance to a traditional role, but because something inside me knew there was something big waiting to be discovered.

When my first was nine months old, I trusted that instinct and co-founded The Milk Fairy with my business partners, Jessica and Christine. I had no idea then that it would grow into something far greater than I ever imagined. Pump today, nourish for years – it’s one of the greatest gifts you can give your future self and a way to extend the incredible benefits of breast milk for your child. Knowing we’re helping families in this way is something I’m incredibly proud of – it makes every challenge and all the hard work truly worth it

We so often prepare for the birth and forget to prepare for postpartum. Something else we don’t tend to acknowledge is how much the birth can impact your postpartum experience. What type of births did you have? Did your first impact your decisions with your second?

Absolutely, I think about this often.

With my first, I was somewhat ignorant in the best way. I knew less about the ‘what-ifs’ and the stories that can instil fear. I educated myself on what I wanted for me and my baby, but I also stayed in my own little bubble, and that worked in my favour. I delivered my daughter naturally after a 16-hour unmedicated labour, and I was on cloud nine.

For my second, I really wanted a home birth. My first experience was incredible, and while I felt safe in the hospital setting, I believe that was largely due to being well-educated and having a clear, strong birth guide to ensure my preferences were respected—even in vulnerable moments. But in the end, no midwives were available to make my home birth possible.

This time around, I had more knowledge, more experience—but also more exposure to others’ birth stories. Fear crept in, and with it, self-doubt. I found myself having intrusive thoughts about something going wrong, which was a very different headspace from my first birth.

Yet, in the end, both of my births had the same outcome: a healthy baby in my arms. My son arrived quickly—so quickly that most of my labour was pain-free, which still amazes me. I could talk about birth for hours, and I feel so deeply grateful for my experiences.

At the same time, I know that birth is unpredictable, and not everyone gets the experience they hoped for. It’s already an immense journey when everything goes smoothly, and for those who face unexpected challenges—whether interventions, complications, or things simply not going to plan—the strength it takes to navigate that is immeasurable. However birth unfolds, I truly believe every mother is incredible.

How was your recovery from birth and did it impact your postpartum experience?

I had two incredible births—was it just luck? I don’t know, but I do know how deeply grateful I am for those experiences. I truly believe my births played a huge role in how blissful my postpartum period felt. Physically, I recovered well, and emotionally, I was on a high. I’ve never felt more in love with my body or more in awe of what it was capable of.

That being said, postpartum is still an adjustment, no matter how smooth the birth. There’s exhaustion, the hormonal shifts, and the mental load of caring for a newborn. But I think going into it feeling strong and supported made all the difference.

What are your non-negotiables for postpartum recovery?

Your village. You need your village. I truly believe that recovery—and feeling like yourself again—happens so much sooner when you have support. For me, the times I feel the most worn out, the most exhausted, the most irritable, are the moments I need my village the most. That’s when I reach out, because we’re not meant to do this alone. Having people around to lean on, even in the smallest ways, makes all the difference.

We are often told to sleep when the baby sleeps which can feel impossible. Yet rest is so essential for postpartum recovery! Did you manage to have moments of rest during your postpartum and how did you achieve these?

The first time—YES, all the time. I called it our baby dungeon—for the first eight weeks, we did not leave our baby dungeon. We ate, we slept, and it was bliss. I felt great (even though my back was definitely out)

The second time—God, NO. Not an ounce of rest. With a toddler to care for and work to juggle, there was no slowing down. And honestly, it’s not ideal—I wouldn’t recommend it. But sometimes, as a mum, you just do what you have to do. It’s not always easy, and it’s not always what’s best for you.

There are some things we never forget and I think the first meal you have after birth is one of them! What was the first thing you ate after giving birth?

This is something I find so crazy! After giving birth, the hospital offers you icy cold water and sandwiches—when what your body really needs is warm, nourishing food.

But after my daughter’s birth, I was absolutely starving after such a long labour, so honestly, I was stoked with the hospital sandwiches. With my son, it was so quick, but I was still hungry. I asked for jam and butter on toast. It wasn’t anything to write home about, yet here I am sharing it with the world… Luckily, we left the morning he was born, I went home and stopped by our local café—croissant and chai latte, thank you very much.

A village can be one person, it doesn’t have to be a tribe of support! Did you have a village of support for your postpartum? How did they impact your postpartum experience?

Pho has always been one of my favourite foods —but like… the noodles and trying to get the beef to cook just right, it’s not exactly newborn-friendly. Plus, you really need to be leaning over a bowl at a table, which isn’t ideal when you’re baby-wearing!

One thing that got me through were these amazing bliss balls my mum made—cacao, dates, chia seeds & other goodies… basically a super addictive treat that kept my belly always full and my milk supply strong. They were the perfect grab-and-go snack, especially in those early weeks when sitting down for a proper meal was practically never an option. Gotta love a ‘one handed bite’

What was the most helpful thing someone did for you during your postpartum?

Definitely my mum and my mother-in-law. The way they would just come over, ready to help with anything at all, made all the difference. No expectations—just pure support. I honestly can’t imagine how different and much harder the experience would have been without them.

Something that most mums are most surprised by is breastfeeding. It is biologically normal yet rarely comes naturally and often impacts our postpartum experience. It is also something we spend the most time doing during those early months! Would you like to share anything about your breastfeeding journeys? Insights, tips or essential products?

Oh gosh, I always feel like I could offend someone when I talk about this because I’m so passionate about breastfeeding…. I truly believe that determination plays such a big role.

With my daughter, I was in excruciating pain for the first four months. Night feeds were only possible with a nipple shield because her latch wasn’t great, and I could only feed her in the light because I had to help her find the nipple. It was hard, but I did not care—I knew it was what was best for her, and I was willing to push through anything to make it work. I would have walked through fire if it meant giving my babies the best start in life.

The best thing I ever did—and what I recommend to absolutely everyone—is seeing a good lactation consultant. Even if you think everything is going fine, they can offer a new perspective and the kind of support that makes all the difference. It’s like the village we used to have, but in the form of expert guidance. Breastfeeding is a learned skill—just like riding a bike. It might not feel possible at first, but once you know what you’re doing, it becomes second nature. I do understand that it is not possible for some and how hard that must be mentally. 

While we are on the topic of breastfeeding, would you like to share a little bit about The Milk Fairy? How it came to be and what it is?

Yes!!! I’d love to. 

Jess and I were 2 young besties who had babies at the same time, and breastfeeding became our thing. We’ve always been obsessed with health and wellness, so when the idea for The Milk Fairy came up, it just clicked.

It all started when Jess had to travel from Queensland to Victoria for a wedding, and bringing her frozen breast milk turned into a logistical nightmare. Liquid restrictions on planes, milk melting—it was way more complicated than it should have been. That’s when we realised there had to be a better way, and The Milk Fairy was born.

What do you wish you had known or someone had told you about postpartum or what would you do differently next time round?

Ditch the routine, ditch the expectations, and ditch that anxious feeling in your belly telling you to clean the house or tick off a to-do list. Just relish these moments with your babies!!! Every sleepless night is temporary, and when it all feels overwhelming, just take it one MINUTE at a time.

Every time I walk past a little old lady in the shops, she gives me that knowing, longing look. The  one that says, “Those were the best days of my life.” And I feel it. Those little old ladies know best. These are the best days of our lives, and we’re living them right now.

And lastly, what is your favourite recipe from the Village for Mama book?

Nourishing chicken soup is a go-to!

AT VILLAGE FOR MAMA, WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT WAYS TO SUPPORT NEW MAMAS ON THEIR POSTPARTUM JOURNEY. WE ASKED NESSIE WHAT HER POSTPARTUM ESSENTIALS ARE AND HERE IS HER LIST:

1. My blue light-blocking lamp – for night feeds—it’s like waking up to a cosy fireplace, with its warm, soothing glow helping you both fall back to sleep quickly and peacefully. 
2. Mumma Milla Leak Proof Bras – With my first pregnancy I used the disposable breast pads and they were so itchy. I wish I knew better from the beginning, they would have made for a much more cute and comfortable postpartum! 
3. A robe, with POCKETS. Hommey has a collection of 100% Cotton robes that I absolutely love. 
4. Haaka, silicone breast pump – never let a drop go to waste 

We are always looking for the perfect ways to support new mamas on their postpartum journey. We have recently launched Village for Postpartum, our postpartum directory where you can find professional postpartum support. Check it out here. For more of our favourite postpartum essentials, download our guide here.