New year, new challenges…

I have been excited approaching 2024 with an opportunity to further my perinatal focus - I have fulfilled the requirements and enrolled for the April sitting of the International Board Certification of Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) exam and have changed my educational roles to be able to concentrate on mother-baby support and upskilling other health professionals in this work.

I’ve loved sinking my teeth into these new challenges, but other setbacks have appeared - gastro and COVID in the household, preparations for my final workshop with the RACGP GP Registrars, tax return deadlines, and my kids starting Prep (today!) and kinder (next week) with ease-in schedules. Unfortunately this leading to me having longer wait times than I’d like. for both new and existing patients.

However this work is my priority - and if you have concerns with your feeding journey or mental health as a parent I will do what I can to fit in these consultations into cancellations or sessions I save for this work. Take the next available “Mum & Bub” appointment, fill in the form on Hotdoc and I can triage your situation with a phone consultation.. Or speak to our amazing receptionists who will find flag it with me if they can’t find a suitable space.

Meanwhile - proof that the days are long but the years go fast - my 5 year old son (pictured below at a much younger age) started school today , running off happily with his friends to the playground talking about Pokemon! His baby self would be so proud!

I certainly am.

Make the time to take a breath, sink into the moment, notice your little ones eyes, smile, breathing and how they are regulated by and respond most to you. Remember that everything is impermanent. The challenges may not be totally forgotten but those memories are buried by the whirlwind of curiosity, creativity, and wonder they evolve into.

For now, if you need to, just hang in there. Day by day.