We pay respect and acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land where we live and work, Dharawal Country. The original storytellers.
Welcome to our special annual issue for families on the Coal Coast! This issue is dedicated to celebrating the diverse, vibrant families that make the Illawarra such a wonderful place to call home.
Whether you're a new family, a growing one, or multi-generational, this mini-mag is filled with stories, tips, and inspiration for all types of families – parents, grandparents, carers and parents-to-be!
From advice on supporting kids’ mental health through mindfulness, to fun outdoor walks to enjoy, and some heartwarming stories of local families who inspire us all with their courage, creativity, and community spirit, there’s a lot to love about raising families in the Illawarra.
We hope this special issue leaves you feeling inspired, connected and supported.
Happy reading,
Kate and Team CCM.
@coalcoastmag_family
Coal Coast Family is published once a year and has taken the utmost care to ensure content is accurate on the date of publication. Coal Coast Family does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the quality, accuracy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information, product or service represented within our magazine. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part without the permission of the publisher. All rights reserved.
Southerly Media Pty Ltd ABN 70 661 659 132
editor
Kate O'Mealley editor@coalcoastmagazine.com
deputy editor
Hayley Griffiths
graphic design
Renae Howard
Emily Gatwood
advertising designer
Elaine Allan
partnerships manager
Jacquie Coiner
studio manager
Micaela Adams
social media manager
Taylah Cutting
digital coordinator
Sasha Johnson
proofreader
Lyn Osborn
cover image
Micaela Adams @roamwithmimi
our contributors
Lucy Kippist
Skyla Yorke
Hayley Griffiths
Caitlin Harris
Marisa Robinson
Joel Hoffman
Marcus Wicken
Coal Coast is a term which recognises a prominent rock found beneath our area's surface, while celebrating our local history and glittering coastline.
“Rachel’s
Danielle
teaching mindfulness to our kids
WE ALL NEED WAYS TO STOP AND RESET OUR BODIES. SO HOW CAN WE PRACTISE MINDFULNESS WITH OUR KIDS?
Words: Joel Hoffman and Marcus Wicken
Our kids live in a busy world, with things constantly competing for their attention. It can be difficult to know how to equip them for these challenges. One helpful skill is mindfulness: paying attention on purpose in the present moment, non-judgmentally. Research shows that mindfulness helps kids (and adults) by improving attention, emotional regulation, mental health, memory, and learning.
1. Be present
First, we can lead by example. Telling our kids to be present while we continue to scroll mindlessly on our phones isn’t going to cut it; kids are too smart for that. The best lesson is for them to see us being present, not just with them but in our daily lives.
This could include putting limits on our own screen time, or putting phones away when we are home together, particularly during those few hours between school/day-care and bedtimes. This can be challenging at first, but rewarding if we can put in the effort.
2. Help them connect to their bodies
Being mindful isn’t necessarily about sitting quietly cross-legged on a cushion. It’s about being present to what is happening right now, which we experience through our body and our five senses. Young kids are naturally great at being present; just watch a one-year-old eat. But as we get older some reminders can help us reconnect.
Dinner time is a great place to start because eating is such a sensory experience. Asking questions about the taste, smell, textures can all foster mindfulness of eating. Then we can take this to other parts of life, like going on a walk, playing sport, listening to music, by just asking what they are noticing.
3. Make emotions a normal part of your conversation
Just as we can help kids become aware of their bodies, as parents we can also bring their attention to their emotional world. We can do this by making emotions a normal part of our conversation with them. This can mean moving beyond ‘How was your day?’ to questions that include emotions. What made you excited today? Was there a time where you felt sad or upset? Talking about our own emotions is equally important and helps teach them that emotions are safe to discuss.
4. Allow room for all emotions
We want our kids to be happy and we don’t like it when they experience challenging emotions such as sadness, anger, or disappointment. However, these emotions are unavoidable and important (as well demonstrated in Pixar’s film, Inside Out). When we move too quickly to change our kids’ challenging feelings, we can send a message that those feelings are wrong or not to be discussed. Instead, we want our kids to reach out to us when they need help with those big, strong emotions. We want them to know that we can handle what they are feeling, which teaches them that they too can handle it.
5. Dropping anchor
One powerful mindfulness strategy which uses these ideas is “dropping anchor”:
STEP 1:
Acknowledge and invite whatever feeling is coming up for your child in the moment. You could say something like, “I notice you are feeling really frustrated right now, it’s ok to feel that way.”
STEP 2:
We then “drop anchor” by guiding their awareness back to the present through their bodies. You could say, “Let’s take a deep breath, push our feet into the floor, press our fingers together, stretch our arms and back, and realise that this frustration can be there, and we can still move around it, we still have some control.”
STEP 3:
Help them reconnect with what they are doing, “Now I’m right here with you in this room, let’s try to put your shoes on” (or whatever it is you were doing when the big emotion arrived).
This is a great strategy because it helps kids verbalise and sit with what they are feeling, while letting them know that you are there to help. We might find it even helps us with our own big emotions too. ¡
MINDFULNESS IN NATURE
On the Coal Coast, we are lucky to be surrounded by a stunning environment to recharge with the kids. Check out:
• Local bush tucker at Gumaraa’s cultural programs at Killalea
• Nature play, damper making and climbing trees at Bush Magic Adventure Therapy at Avondale and Mt Keira
• Explore sea life in the rockpools at Sandon Point
• Woodland trail walk at Wiseman Park Reserve in Gwynneville (great for the little ones!)
Dr Joel Hoffman and Marcus Wicken are clinical psychologists and co-owners of Escarpment Clinical Psychology, based in Thirroul. Their practice provides support for adults (16+) throughout the Illawarra area: www.escarpmentpsych.com.au
Escarpment
Clinical Psychology
Evidence-based therapy across the spectrum of adult (16+) mental health concerns Medicare rebates with GP referral A warm, open, respectful, and confidential space to explore personal challenges
Dr Joel Hoffman
Marcus Wicken
connecting during the chaos
HOW DO YOU FIND TIME AS A COUPLE WHEN YOU HAVE YOUNG CHILDREN? WE ASKED TWO FAMILIES HOW THEY STAY CONNECTED – WITH BOTH LITTLE AND BIGGER KIDS.
Interviews: Lucy Kippist
Little kids
“When Frankie turned two it felt like we were out of the parenting trenches, and now with Max being so little we feel right back there!
One thing that we do is prioritise an early bedtime for our kids so we can eat dinner with just the two of us. This is something we want to change when the kids are older, but for now it’s really important for us.
It did take a while to set the process up but now it’s a natural part of the day. We are also lucky that Tom can work from home a few days a week so he is ready to help with the bedtime routine starting from 5pm. On days when he goes into the city, I usually cook a one pot meal so that it is ready to just heat up when he gets home.” - Annika
"I would recommend preparing your toddler for bedtime with the other parent before the baby arrives."
“My tip for a family about to transition to two children is that it can be easy for mum to slip into the role of default parent for the toddler. And the last thing you want when the new baby arrives is having to do the nighttime routine with your toddler, while also managing the baby. I would recommend preparing your toddler for bedtime with the other parent before the baby arrives, so at least that part feels a bit seamless.” - Tom
Annika and Tom with Frankie (3) and Max (1)
Bigger kids
“When our kids were little I wasn’t working and Tom was full-time in the city and it was really challenging to find time for ourselves, especially as we didn’t have family around. It got to the point where we needed external help so we found a great babysitter and started scheduling regular date nights that focused on doing activities together, like archery or pottery.
We knew that if we went out for dinner too often, the conversation would focus on the family and the kids, and while we needed to have those things, it was good to foster a connection with each other. We are also quite competitive, so anything where there was a place to spark off each other or master a bit of skill was lots of fun!” - Jane
“Now the kids are much older and it’s a bit different. But life is also so much busier now! I am working too and travel a lot for work. A huge part of our life is logistics and helping things to run smoothly. As well as scheduling time together, we have regular strategy meetings to make sure we are across what is happening for both of us. The mental load is a real factor!
If we are not across everything together then resentment can build up quickly. We don’t do as many activity-based things as a couple like we used to. Now the kids are older we do more family activities, and I’d like to balance that out with more couple time. We love being outdoors, doing physical activities so we’ll be building our quality time around those things rather than just focusing on romantic dinners.
My tip for other young families is that communication is really what fosters connection, and you have to stay on top of it by having an open channel of communication where you proactively discuss your needs and what is going on for you and each other. There will also be times where you have to pick up each other’s slack, it’s never going to be 50:50 all the time.” - Tom
"My tip for other young families is that communication is really what fosters connection."
Jane and Tom with Matilda (15), William (13), Adelaide (10), Henry (8)
finds for you
FLOW IN BIRTH
Flow in Birth's Hypnobirthing Australia™ classes are perfect for mamas and their families wanting to prep and practise for a natural positive birth and postpartum.
Mira offers private and group classes in Wollongong and online. Let’s get excited and prepared to birth your baby!
flowinbirth.com.au
@flowinbirth
PSYCHOLOGY SUPPORT IN PREGNANCY
‘You First, Mumma’ is a psychology-based group program for pregnant women that provides mental health support, holistic perinatal education, and opportunities for mums-to-be to connect and build your village before bub arrives.
Facilitated by Clinical Psychologist Kendall Allsop, with input from local experts in perinatal wellbeing. Individual sessions are also available. kendallallsop.com.au
DR MARISA NGUYEN
Holistic perinatal care including pregnancy planning, antenatal shared care, breastfeeding support, sleep and settling advice and parental well-being. General Practice care for the whole family also available.
Located at Crown West Medical 330 Crown Street, Wollongong drmarisanguyen.com.au @drmarisanguyen
THE ILLAWARRA DANCE ACADEMY
The Illawarra Dance Academy is the premier destination for quality dance training in the Illawarra region. The Illawarra Dance Academy is dedicated to providing elite level dance training, tailored specifically to nurture and develop the talents of each student. Quality training by qualified industry professionals providing a strong foundation of technical excellence. Classes range from our Baby Ballerinas up to Pre Professional Dancers. FREE trials available.
ASIDE FROM BEING DELICIOUS AND COMFORTING, TRIED AND TRUE FAMILY RECIPES SAY SO MUCH ABOUT OUR IDENTITY, WHERE WE CAME FROM AND WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO US. WE MEET HELENSBURGH RESIDENT YUKO WALDON WHO SHARES THE JAPANESE CURRY RECIPE THAT SHE MAKES REGULARLY FOR HER FAMILY.
Words: Lucy Kippist
“Japanese curry is a common home cooked dish,” Yuko says.“It is yummy and anyone can make it!”
Yuko grew up in Nagano and Tokyo, Japan and moved to Australia in 2005 where she started her own family. She remembers her grandmother first making this curry when she was a little girl.
“When she cooked it, all the veg and meat were cut up into very small pieces. She would also make it spicy, and when dad cooked, he cut the ingredients into chunky pieces but not as spicy. I loved both ways of cooking and always enjoyed their home made curry,” said Yaku.
“We would sit and eat together. In summer we would perspire while eating curry and in winter we would feel warm.”
Yuko said she made this curry for the very first time when she was just eight years old.
“It didn't go well! it was overcooked and I don't know why but I added salt so it was not just spicy it was also salty. But they enjoyed it and seemed like they were happy with my work!
“At the time I thought the curry wasn't good enough, I was disappointed, but for them it was a very very special curry!”
“You can eat Japanese curry at any restaurant, but my family's curry is the best to me. My memories with my family and my culture are very special and now I enjoy cooking for and with my children.”¡
“You can eat Japanese curry at any restaurant, but my family's curry is the best to me."
Yuko's Japanese Curry
Ingredients
2 potatoes
1 carrot
1 onion
500g meat or meat substitute
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon of curry sauce
(or you can use cubes)
Rice to steam (use medium grain rice)
Method
1. Peel all the vegetables and cut into mouth size pieces,cut meat into mouth size pieces.
Yuko’s tip: The curry tastes better if you leave it a day or so after cooking, to eat. You can also use tomatoes, zucchini and prawns for a wonderful alternative flavour. SERVES 4
2. Prepare the rice using the rice cooker.
3. Heat the saucepan and add one tablespoon of vegetable oil.
4. When it gets warm (medium heat) add meat and then cook it.
5. When the meat is cooked add the vegetables then mix them for three minutes.
6. Add water and cover the pot, cook it for 20 mins.
7. Add curry cubes into the pan and mix it till the soup gets thick.
tiny tasters
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BABY LED WEANING
Words: Caitlin Harris (@_caitlinauther)
After six months of your baby being on an exclusively liquid diet, the idea of starting solids can be just as daunting as it is exciting! They are showing all signs of being ready, but now what?
Baby Led Weaning (BLW) has become an increasingly popular way of introducing solids to babies, but what is it and how does it differ from traditional weaning?
BLW involves skipping the purees all together and instead offering soft, finger-sized foods to
your baby to eat independently. It involves giving your baby the chance to explore foods and feed themselves. Many mums claim that BLW created positive food associations for their children, leading to ‘good’ and ‘intuitive eaters’.
As a rule of thumb, babies are ready for solids when they are at least six months old, showing interest in foods, can hold their heads up, can sit unassisted and they have lost their tongue thrust reflex. Keep things simple to start and begin by introducing solids one food at a time.
Some great options to start with are sweet potato, broccoli, avocado, banana, pumpkin, cut berries and sliced pieces of meat. While baby learns to eat, gagging is common and not a sign to worry (as mums do!). The mantra BLW communities use, ‘loud and red, let them go ahead. Silent and blue, they need help from you’ is a valuable piece of wisdom. There is a big difference between gagging and choking, so it’s important parents understand the difference. There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to parenting, and that includes solids. Remember to follow your baby's lead and do what works for you and baby.
There is a plethora of invaluable online resources and books for mums wanting to learn more before starting their families Baby Led Weaning journey. Tiny Hearts First Aid, Milk to Meals and Solid Starts are perfect to introduce you to the world of BLW.
There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to parenting, and that includes solids. Remember to follow your baby's lead and do what works for you and baby.
To help you on your Baby Led Weaning journey, we’ve compiled a list of hints and tips to get you on your way to a happy, messy and well-fed baby. They include:
• invest in an easy to clean highchair
• smocks and food catching bibs for those messy meals will save you in clean-up time
• dipping banana and avocado fingers in coconut flakes or hemp seeds is a great hack for little fingers to grip slippery foods
• a plastic feeding mat for under the highchair will save your floors from daily spot mops
• baby can eat what the family is eating, saving you extra prep time
• embrace the mess or get a dog! All jokes aside, your family pooch will love BLW just as much as your baby
nature walks
GET BACK TO NATURE WITH A SCENIC BUSHWALK THE WHOLE FAMILY WILL ENJOY
Words: Skyla Yorke | Images: Micaela Adams and Pete Balmer
Minnamurra
Hugging the Minnamurra River, the shaded Lyrebrid loop walk offers suspension bridges and a variety of rainforest ferns, bird calls and green carpets. Stroll through lush rainforest in Budderoo National Park on an elevated steel walkway and paved track, initially wheelchair accessible (up until the second suspension bridge). This 1.6km loop is popular for families and children who should look out for strangler figs, birds nest ferns and colourful orchids. You might even spot a lyrebird or eastern water dragon. Starting from the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre, the loop offers the opportunity to divert to the Minnamurra Falls walk halfway through, (if you have eager kids and an extra hour) where you can enjoy views of the rainforest canopy and Minnamurra Falls from both the lower and upper viewing platforms.
Mt Keira
Nestled in the Illawarra Escarpment State
Conservation Area is Mt Keira Ring track, a mossy fairyland for more experienced bushwalkers to adventure through. The lush forest walk starts from Byarong car park, and circles Mt Keira through a variety of terrains, including boardwalks, stone and dirt trails. The views from various lookouts provide a reward for the short, steep inclines and are a perfect place to watch whale migration in winter. Meander through sub-tropical bush, rainforest and rocky outcrops to Byarong picnic area, a perfect stop for a packed lunch or a barbeque after a scenic hike.
Macquarie Pass National Park
Venture into Macquarie Pass National Park along the Cascades walk. Following a creek, the easy 2km walk up to the first waterfall will take you through eucalypt forest, home to lyrebirds, goannas, and even the reclusive platypus. Families will enjoy the undulating terrain and the variety of flora on display, ranging from the fern understorey to the tall eucalypt canopy, providing a cool, shady walk. In summer, you can see the Illawarra flame trees and coachwoods in flower. This walk is ideal for young kids, with an easy incline and shallow pools to splash in. Bring a book on local birds or plants from your local library for kids to identify the plants and wildlife. (A pair of binoculars will make this even more fun!). Adjacent to the car park at the foot of Macquarie Pass is a sunny picnic area, a perfect spot to feed hungry mouths after the 45-minute walk.
Dharawal National Park
Pack a picnic and your swimmers and hike along Jingga walking track in Dharawal National Park. The challenging but short 2.4km walk guides you through dramatic sandstone formations and eucalyptus bushland to a beautiful freshwater swimming hole. In Dharawal language, ‘Jingga’ means ‘nice and sweet’ in relation to water, and the waterhole along O’Hares Creek is just that, especially in the heat of summer! Along the trail, keep an eye out for rare or threatened species such as the long-nosed potoroo, a small marsupial who loves digging up roots to eat. For families looking for a more relaxed and accessible walk, head up further along the creek to O’Hares Creek lookout walking track, offering a bitumen track amongst pristine bushland with scenic gorge views.
Darkes Forest
The scenic walk to Maddens Falls lookout begins on a wide maintenance trail steering off from Darkes Forest Rd, in Darkes Forest (opposite Glenbernie Orchard, so you can have a fresh apple or take home some honey too!). From there, meander along the boardwalk to spot local birdlife like honeyeaters, red wattlebirds and golden whistlers. You might even hear an orchestra of tree frogs, brown froglets and banjo frogs. There’s a picnic table along the trail for kids to rest or have a snack before you reach the scenic waterfall views, dropping from Maddens Creek to the pools below. This trail is especially lovely in spring, when the acacias and native river roses are in full bloom.
Kiama
Amble along the rolling hills of the Kiama Coast walk for ocean views, spectacular rock formations and postcard beaches. Split into three sections, the Kiama Coast walk’s north section from Minnamurra train station to Kiama Blowhole is a three-hour walk along sealed paths, grass tracks and beaches. The walk ribbons along the coast from cliff lookouts to pristine beaches, so make sure to bring a camera, swimmers if you’d like to have a dip and sunscreen! Take a moment to admire the dramatic basalt formations at Cathedral Rocks at Jones beach. Twenty minutes south from there is Minnamurra Headland, a perfect spot for whale-watching or a scenic picnic. Public toilets are available along the walk, and even your pooch can join the family on this adventure, just make sure to keep them on leash. ¡
Dharawal National Park
motherhood musings
MEET COLEDALE AUTHOR RACHAEL MOGAN MCINTOSH
Interview: Hayley Griffiths, @hayleyg.creative
Motherhood in suburbia is not often featured in glossy magazines or reality television – but is the reality for most of us. Luckily for parents across Australia and beyond, Coledale author Rachael Mogan McIntosh gives us an honest and unfiltered account of modern-day parenting through her experiences after giving birth to her third child.
Titled ‘Mothering Heights: A year of joy and survival in the trenches of early parenthood’, we’re taken through the first year as Rachael adapts to the realisation that her old identity no longer quite fits, and neither do her trousers. The year is beyond tough, but the hard-won wisdom of motherhood cracks her heart wide open. Let’s get to know more about Rachael and her relatable musings that have us nodding along in agreement.
Tell us a bit about your family and where you live?
We’re a family of six including a fluffy one (Biggles) and we live in the bush above Coledale in a ramshackle little sustainable cottage with a composting dunny and no town water.
Can you tell us what inspired you to write your book 'Mothering Heights' and the process of getting it published?
I’ve been tinkering with Mothering Heights for many years. That’s why the book itself covers a wide span of motherhood; ranging from pregnancy to adolescence. Or pull-ups to P plates, perhaps. For me, this book needed to be born, just like my three children, and it emerged from me as they did: slowly and painfully, with a big dramatic rush at the end.
I think that stories that explore the magical, idiosyncratic, private land of early motherhood are important and somewhat rare, even though it’s a core aspect of our society. Not all of us will be mothers, but we have all come from one. Early motherhood can be really lonely and isolating: the highs so transcendent, the lows so heartbreaking. I wanted to dig into that world and open it up to the light, capturing the intensity and the joy.
I took Mothering Heights through a manuscript development program with the ACT Writers Centre, where I was lucky enough to find my agent Jane Novak. I also won a Varuna Fellowship with the manuscript. But I didn’t sell it until after my first book ‘Pardon My French’ came out. It’s been a long and winding road.
"I think that stories that explore the magical, idiosyncratic, private land of early motherhood are important and somewhat rare, even though it’s a core aspect of our society."
What was your early experience of motherhood and what does this season look like now?
Mary – Terrifying of course! But less isolating than I expected, I had and have a great community What has been the response from readers to your book 'Mothering Heights'?
It’s been warm and loving, and I absolutely love to hear from readers. I’m thrilled to make anybody laugh, but I am most moved when somebody feels ‘seen’ in the harder and more gruelling aspects of motherhood. To have the chance to bring comfort with my words to a person who is struggling feels so rewarding.
If you could give new mums one piece of advice or wisdom, what would it be?
I was really lucky that I wrote a parenting column for a magazine for seven years when the children were really small, so that even the worst moments could be turned into copy.
Like when a child lifted my top in the butcher and shouted ‘Look ebby-body! Big fat tummy!’ Or when another pulled my shirt down to expose my bra to the shelf-packer at BiLo. Or the time my trousers untied themselves in the pre-school car park and slithered to the ground, leaving me bent at the waist and presenting my rump, luscious and resplendent in greying nanna knickers, to the gridlock of cars at pick-up time. (All these stories, I realise now, involve comedic near-nudity. The bottom line: Look for the comedy! You’ll find it).
I think my best advice would be to relax into the chaos a little. There is no magic advice for navigating the upside-down madness of early motherhood. Nobody gets a drama-free ride. And who would want one? It’s in the struggle that wisdom is born. Some family situations are harder than others, and some days just bite the wiener. Seek out the glimmers of joy. You’re doing a good job! You really are!
What does a 'day in the life' for you look like now that your kids are older?
They are more work now as teenagers than they were as toddlers! I try desperately never to leave the house but I’m dragged from pillar to post by all three. Every day is different, but all involve coffee and my bathtub.
Are there any local resources in the Illawarra that you would recommend for parents to check out?
When mine were small I found Thirroul library a wonderful resource for all things musical and book-related with little ones. Parents’ and mothers’ groups get a weirdly bad rap but I think they are almost always fantastic. Solidarity! ¡
community support services
Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia (PANDA) supports women, men and families across Australia affected by anxiety and depression during pregnancy and in the first year of parenthood. PANDA operates Australia’s only national helpline for individuals and their families to recover from perinatal anxiety and depression, a serious illness that affects up to 1 in 5 expecting or new mums and 1 in 10 expecting or new dads. 1300 726 306 panda.org.au
The Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE) is a wonderful one stop-shop for helping you to adjust to the challenges parenthood presents. Providing practical ways to help you look after yourself, understand perinatal specific mental health conditions, and guide you to get further information or assistance if required. cope.org.au
The Australian Breastfeeding Association is Australia’s leading source of breastfeeding information and support. Through a range of services, the association supports and encourages women who wish to breastfeed their babies, and advocates to raise community awareness of the importance of breastfeeding and human milk to child and maternal health. National Breastfeeding Helpline 24/7 - 1800 686 268 breastfeeding.asn.au
@Australian Breastfeeding Association Illawarra
Child and Family Health Centres provide free parenting support, advice and health checks for parents of children 0-5 years. Clinics also run new parent groups for parents of newborns to six months that provide information and an opportunity to meet other new parents in your local area. This services also run breastfeeding drop-in clinics. islhd.health.nsw.gov.au/services-clinics/ children-and-families
@ChildandFamilyHealthISLHD
Better Births Illawarra is a volunteer-run community initiative with the purpose of advocating for better maternity care and services in the Illawarra region. They help educate and empower local parents to seek the best possible birth experience. betterbirthsIllawarra.org.au
@Better Births Illawarra
@betterbirthsillawarra
Wollongong Homebirth Group is a support group for homebirth parents, birth workers and those interested in homebirth. Join for monthly meetups, if you are pregnant, have children or are just curious to learn more about home birthing.
@Wollongong Region Homebirth Group
The Australasian Birth Trauma Association supports women and their families who are suffering postnatally from physical and/or psychological trauma resulting from the birth process. They also provide education and support for the range of health professionals who work with pre- and postnatal women. birthtrauma.org.au
SANDS is a volunteer-based organisation providing individualised care from one bereaved parent to another, giving them support and hope for the future following the death of a baby.
1300 072 637- 24hr support line sands.org.au
Illawarra Baby and Child Loss Support Inc. Providing support to bereaved parents in the Illawarra following pregnancy loss, stillbirth and early childhood death. remembermeillawarra.org
@remembermeillawarra
pregnancy skincare
NOT SEEING THAT PREGNANCY GLOW? HERE ARE SOME COMMON CONDITIONS AND PREGNANCY-SAFE SKINCARE THAT CAN HELP NOURISH YOUR SKIN
Pregnancy is a sacred time in a woman's life, but sadly not everyone gets that “pregnancy glow” and it is very common to experience a variety of different skin concerns. From elevated hormone levels, altered immunity, stretching skin and increased blood flow, there are many factors that can affect the health of your skin during this special stage of life.
Dry Facial Skin
Hormonal changes, increased blood volume, swelling and reduced elasticity can all leave your skin feeling dry and dehydrated throughout pregnancy. Drinking plenty of water, including healthy fats in your diet and adding a hydrating facial serum to your routine can help prevent dryness.
With the ability to hold 1000 times its weight in water, Hyaluronic Acid is a naturally occurring sugar found in our skin and the Wanderlightly Rejuvenate HA Serum deeply hydrates and boosts a dry complexion.
Hormonal Acne
Hormonal fluctuations in your body during pregnancy can lead to increased oil production and clogged pores which can result in breakouts and acne. By using a gentle, sulphate-free cleanser morning and night it will help to clean the skin without stripping its natural oils.
The LAMAV Sweet Orange Balancing Cleanser is a purifying cleansing gel formulated to clean and
balance oily and combination skin. Papaya Extract and Desert Lime assists with hormonal acne while Lactic Acid and Fruit Acids (AHA) remove excess sebum.
Stretch Marks
As the belly expands to accommodate your growing baby the skin will naturally start to stretch, which can often result in pink, purple, red or brown streaks (depending on the colour of your skin tone) also known as stretch marks.
By regularly massaging your bump with creams or oils rich in Vitamin E and Shea Butter, it will moisturise growing skin while helping to maintain elasticity and improve circulation. The Wanderlightly RESTORE Body Bar is 100% plastic-free and formulated with organic shea butter, coconut oil and virgin hemp oil to provide deep skin nourishment.
Itchy Skin
The tightening and stretching of growing skin can lead to uncomfortable itchiness, especially around the belly, breasts, back and thighs. Keeping your skin moisturised and hydrated throughout all stages of your pregnancy can help relieve itchiness and irritation.
A little bit of the deliciously whipped Wanderlightly Naked Balm goes a long way to nourish the skin, soothe cracked nipples and is even gentle enough to use on baby bums! This thick multi-tasking skin food is formulated with Certified
Organic Unrefined Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Virgin Hemp Seed Oil and Candelilla Wax and is gentle on sensitive, dry and irritated skin.
Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation or Melasma, also known as the “mask of pregnancy”, causes dark, blotchy spots to emerge on your face, especially on the cheeks and forehead. This is due to your body’s pregnancy hormones causing an increase in pigmentation and UV sensitivity. triggered by sun exposure.
To prevent pigmentation from worsening wear a non-nano zinc, mineral sunscreen of at least SPF30 whenever you go outside. Made from just ine ingredients and without harsh chemicals, The Kind Sunscreen is a natural formula that provides protection against UVA, UVB and blue light rays and is suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin, pregnant, nursing mums and babies. Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant that brightens the skin and helps to reduce pigmentation. By incorporating Vitamin C into your skincare routine during pregnancy it can help even your skin tone while boosting your skin's radiance. ¡
SIMPLE SWAPS FOR HEALTHY SKIN DURING PREGNANCY
It is important to be mindful of the skincare you apply to your skin throughout pregnancy as some products can contain harmful chemicals and ingredients which may have a negative impact on your health and your growing baby. Here are some easy swaps during pregnancy:
• Chemical Sunscreens: some chemical sunscreens can disrupt hormones and are absorbed into the bloodstream. Look for natural, mineral sunscreens such as The Kind Sunscreen which is a natural formula without harsh chemicals.
• Some Essential Oils: Certain essential oils like rosemary and clary sage can stimulate contractions or affect hormone levels. Pregnancy-safe essential oil alternatives include Lavender and Chamomile which can be used in low doses, but it is always best to consult your healthcare provider before use.
• Benzoyl Peroxide: commonly used acne creams, high concentrations can be too harsh and irritating for pregnant skin. If you're looking for a good acne solution while pregnant, consider products that contain Azelaic Acid and Niacinamide which helps to regulate sebum production therefore minimising breakouts, bacterial acne and scarring.
• Phthalates: often found in perfume and nail polish, phthalates can disrupt the endocrine system. Look for natural, non-toxic perfumes such as the range from Recreation Beauty perfumes that don't contain harmful synthetics or ingredients.
• Formaldehyde: found in some nail polishes and hair treatments, formaldehyde is a known carcinogen. If you can’t go without your mani/pedi during pregnancy, be sure to switch to a 10 Free nail polish formula.
By pairing quality pregnancy-safe skincare with a nourishing diet rich in healthy fats, micronutrients and staying hydrated, you will nourish and support your skin and body, inside and out, throughout every trimester.
*Please always consult your obstetrician, midwife or healthcare provider before starting any new skincare products during pregnancy to ensure it's safe for you and your baby.
how we met
FOR AMY CUNEO AND BRONWYN PESSEY, MEETING OVER COFFEE AT AMY’S WOONONA CAFE ALL & SUNDRY WAS FORTUITOUS FOR THE MUMS TO BE. OVER 10 YEARS LATER, WITH KIDS IN TOW, THEY STILL CATCH UP FOR MONDAY NIGHT DINNERS.
Interviews: Skyla Yorke
Amy from Bellambi Mum to three kids aged 10, 8 and 4
Can you share a little about your backgrounds and who is in your family? My husband and I moved down to the Illawara about 12 years ago as we wanted to open our own cafe outside Sydney with made from scratch food and great coffee. We ran All and Sundry in Woonona for seven years but after we had two boys we found we needed to pass on the baton. We sold in 2019 just before Covid hit. That same year we had our third son who has Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome) and spent his first three months in hospital needing open heart surgery which was a tough time to say the least.
Where did you meet each other and how did your friendship develop? I met Bron through the cafe. She used to come in on a Saturday morning with a big smile. Later we met again through a friend and realised we were both due to have our first baby a few weeks apart.
What was your early experience of parenting and what does this season look like now? When I first become a mother I loved the space and time I had to be with my new much loved son. I did struggle with feelings of loneliness though as the rest of the world was busy at work. These
days parenting is a lot more frantic with two kids in school and my third son in preschool. We work hard with him as he requires more investment to learn and be a part of the world, we have had to adapt to his needs and even though we are tired ALL the time, he brings us mountains of joy and laughter.
In what ways did you support each other (especially in those early days) and has this since changed? In those early days we would spend mornings on a rug on the grass with our babies rolling around. It felt good to have someone going through some of the same things and lots of different things. We also started - seven years ago - a Monday night dinner that we still do now. We call it ‘family dinner’. In the early days we would help each other bathe the children and do dinner and just be together during the chaos that is dinnertime with young kids. It has been a constant and highlight for our kids over the years.
How do you like to spend time together? We like to do life together. She stays overnight with my kids when I am in labour, or my kid is in hospital, I turn up for her however she needs me to. And you know if we get to have a drink together every now and then, even better.
How would you describe Bron in three words? Thoughtful, creative and faithful.
Bronwyn from Corrimal
Mum to Gabby, aged 9
Can you each share a little about your background and who is in your family? I grew up in the Illawarra, moved away for a while and came back 14 years ago. Gabby's dad and I are separated and I have no family nearby so our immediate family consists of Gabby and I and our two cats (Gabby always reminds me to add them in). Amy and her family are our chosen family!
Where did you meet each other and how did your friendship develop?
Amy and I met when she and Josh owned their cafe. The first time I met Amy I decided I needed to make her my friend, I thought she was so cool! I still think she's cool. Our strong bond began when we were both only a few weeks pregnant with our first babies.
Can you share what your early experience of parenting was like and what this season looks like now? Those early days were quite a shock! I struggled with postnatal depression and found it pretty difficult at first. Jesse was born a month after Gabby so Amy and I found our parenting feet together. We realised that doing our days together could make them easier!
When Gabby and Jesse were two, Elke was born and I was going through a separation. Once a week we would pool our dinner supplies and do the evening routine together. More hands made light work of the cooking, bathing and feeding of babies, and I felt like I could still give Gabby a family experience. We still do our weekly family dinners all these years later (as long as no one is sick!).
In what ways did you support each other (especially in those early days) and has this since changed? Amy always turned up with arms wide open, ready to scoop me up. Or a big smile and a cup of tea ready to just do the day together. She still has the same open arms and heart and despite the chaos and fullness of her own life, she still holds space for me when I need it, that has not changed! We laugh, we cry and she feels like my family. When someone makes you a cup of tea and remembers how you like it every time, that's true friendship!
I'll never forget the honour of staying with Jesse and Elke when Amy went into labour with Asa. It felt like a special time to support them.
How do you like to spend time together? Amongst the chaos of family time! I love the hustle and bustle of a big family even if it's just once a week. Every now and then Amy and I get to hang out sans kids and catch up without interruptions (I secretly miss the interruptions when they're not around though).
Can you describe Amy in three words? Golden. True. Formidable. ¡
