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Rachel McFedries

Occupational Therapist | play educator

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Category: Early childhood development

Posted on July 25, 2019September 2, 2019

Newsflash: Your Kids Don’t HAVE to Watch TV While You Cook Dinner!

"So, what do the kids do while you cook dinner?" This is a legit question I’ve been asked when other parents find out we don’t…

Continue reading → Newsflash: Your Kids Don’t HAVE to Watch TV While You Cook Dinner!

Posted on December 16, 2018December 17, 2018

Open Ended Toys and Shopping Small: What Our Kids are Getting for Christmas.

I thought I'd share what my kids will be getting for Christmas this year. Not because anyone's asked. But because I'm a blogger, so that's…

Continue reading → Open Ended Toys and Shopping Small: What Our Kids are Getting for Christmas.

Posted on August 29, 2018September 6, 2018

Book Review: Balanced and Barefoot

Recently I have been re-reading one of my favourite parenting books: "Balanced and Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident, and Capable Children", By…

Continue reading → Book Review: Balanced and Barefoot

Posted on March 5, 2018March 6, 2018

That Playcentre Life

Playcentre! That place behind the fence which you drive past and wonder "What happens there?". That thing that you've heard about and wondered "Is that…

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The first six weeks postpartum can impact on a mothers’ recovery long term. Did you know that? . What was your postpartum recovery journey like? . This book ‘Golden Month’ tells stories and gathers themes from women around the world, about what postpartum looks like in their cultures. It is a *powerful* insight into the concept of ‘mothering the mother’; a concept that we can do better at in our Western world. . The four themes that emerged when the author of this book looked at different cultures’ postpartum practice were: A) rest, B) nutritious food, C) warmth, D) massage . Having support and being able to rest throughout the Golden Month means that it sets up the mother well for her ongoing health. The book makes links to positive outcomes in both physical and mental health. . With my other babies, even though I’ve been well supported, I don’t feel like I took well enough care of myself postpartum. This time around, I’ve been intentionally resting, eating nutritious warm food, and surrounding my body in warmth. . I’ve had to make an intentional effort to do this. It’s taken planning, honest conversations, saying no, and a shift in mindset. No, I won’t pick up the toys from the floor. No, I won’t go to that BBQ. No, I won’t hang out the washing. No, I won’t post on social media. Being mindful of where my energy {physical, emotional, and social} has been going has been helpful in this process. . So tell me, what do you think of this concept of the Golden Month? Its made me realise I need more massage in my life! . #postpartum #postpartumjourney #postpartumrecovery #postpartumhealth #postpartumbody #postpartumdepression #goldenmonth #motheringthemother #mothering #womenshealth #newmum #newmom #parenting #bookrecommendation
Caught up in a bubble of newborn delight 💕. But whew, I think I’d forgotten how many hours are spent on the couch feeding in these early days, right?! Who remembers that! I think my memories of this time with the other kids had all faded into a bit of a blur actually - that’s hormones for you huh! . #postpartum #postpartumlife #babygirl #postpartumbody #oneweekold
Actually have four kids. Did sparklers. No one burnt themselves. Win 💥 . #mumoffour #what #whoami #sparklers #guyfawkes #mothering
She arrived in the early hours of Tues 5th Nov 💞. We are currently enjoying our bubble of newborn days/daze, including all of the hours of cluster feeding and not much sleeping (for me) 😴. Her birth was a fast, quick straightforward birth at home, after which I went into St George’s Maternity Hospital for a few days rest, and now I will forever miss their infamous milos. She’s a lovely wee size at 7lb5oz, which is actually the biggest out of all of my babies will you believe! I am ignoring the rest of the world and focusing on resting and recovering, eating good food, keeping my amazing body nurtured, and my mind focused on bonding 💞 Thank you for all of your lovely messages xxxxx Rach . 📸 pic: @dear_ilk xx
I’ve been chatting about birthing at home in my stories today. We’ve had one baby at hospital and two babies at home now, and so I thought I’d share a bit about our experiences and our reasons for choosing home 💛. . In NZ we are extremely lucky to have a maternity system which allows us choice as women about place of birth 🌟 We are encouraged to explore our options and choose where feels right for us 🙌. The facts for me is that as a healthy, low risk woman, there is no medical reason for me to birth in a hospital, and home makes sense given my fast labours. I’d be at risk of birthing in the car if I tried to transfer during labour to hospital or a birthing centre 🚗🤭 . Home gives me autonomy and choice over my birthing process. It reduces the chance that I might experience further interventions. It allows the birthing process to unfold as naturally as possible. It’s incredibly empowering. Hear more in my stories if you want 💖 . 📸 from our wee girls birth in 2016. . #homebirth #homebirthbaby #homebirthing #birthwithoutfear #empoweredbirthproject #empoweredbirth #birthchoices #evidencebasedbirth #birthphotography #birthing #naturalbirth #naturalbirthing #birthisbeautiful
Current bedtime routine ➡️ I take care of Miss 2 while hubby puts the boys to bed. This means I get to snuggle her to sleep in our big bed, and I usually get into my pj’s at 7pm to do so! What are we going to do when our new wee babe arrives I wonder? I’m anticipating that things are going to have to change a bit - baby isn’t just going to lie down smiling like this baby doll does, that’s for sure! Ready to make this up as we go - like we do with most other parenting decisions in our house 😉 Wish us luck! . #parenting #motherhood #motherhoodthroughinstagram #mothering #honestmotherhood #honestlymothering #lifewithlittles #mumlife #motherhoodrising #familylife #family #kiwimamalife #bedtime #threekids #fourkids
Lately I’ve had to say “no” to family adventure days in favour of resting. But today I joined my crew at the Adventure Park and it was so GOOD. Yes I still had a crutch with me {#sprainedankle} and yes I fatigued quickly {#37weekspregnant} But I took a book and sat and read it for ages and ate all the snacks 🍪 . Yes my husband did most of the hands-on parenting as the kids navigated the pump track and slack line (I supervised by the trampoline). I cheered them on as they practiced their riding and jumping. That’s teamwork right there. . And the best part? Instead of being told their adventure stories when they got home, I was able to witness first hand instead. . I was so grateful to be able to sit in the sun in the forest for a few hours today. It was good for my soul 💚 . #christchurch #christchurchnz #nzmum #kiwimum #lifewithkids #letsgooutside #outdoorkids #outfam #livelifeoutside #outdoors #freeplay #letthembelittle #playallday #playoutside #natureplay #parenting #naturetherapy #mymagicalmoments #mytinymoments #childhoodunplugged #adventure #mothernature #curiouslittleexplorers #outfamcommunities #stayandwander #outdoorplay #outdoorfamilies #flashesofdelight #parenting
Were your babies early, or late? I’ve had two early (37+5, 38+4), and one pretty much riiiiight on time (40+1). Do you think this one will arrive early or late for me? . 37 weeks this week... on the downwards slope! . #37weeks #37weekspregnant #readytopop #duedate #duemonth #pregnancy #fourthbaby #motherhood
Even though this pregnancy has been my most challenging, there are still many moments of JOY. Taking a moment to slow down and enjoy these moments has been priceless. . #findjoy #findjoyinthejourney #mytinymoments #momentsofmine #mumofthree #mumoffour #36weeks #36weekspregnant #handsfullheartfull #mumlife #parenting #motherhood #motherhoodthroughinstagram #mothering #mindfulmotherhood #mindfulmoment #mindfulness

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