Jazz Kostov is a Midwife, Nurse and Sleep Consultant with a background in Maternal and Child Health Nursing. She is also mum to 5-year-old Hazel and 2-month-old Adeline.
What did you learn from your first postpartum that helped shape your second?
To reduce the pressure I place on myself and cut myself some slack! First time around I felt quite anxious and worried about the 'what ifs' alot. This time i'm trusting my gut, resting when I need to and listening to my body. I'm prioritising my nutrition this time and ensure I eat 3 balanced meals and filling snacks during the day. It's helping my energy levels so much!
What is the most valuable thing you can do for a new mum?
Check in and let her know you're thinking of her! Oh and meals and snacks are always welcome.
Top 5 postpartum essentials?
It's so hard to choose just 5!
- I'm bias but having a trusted person to educate and support you with your baby's sleep!
- Nutritious, pre prepared meals so you don't have to cook every day
- Sunshine - even sitting out in the backyard for a few mins works wonders
- Your support network - whether this is friends, family or a service like From Day One, connection helps especially when postpartum can be an isolating time.
- Face masks - this is my little treat each week, I use a sheet mask from mecca and put my feet up and relax.
You have lived in 3 different places in the last 3 years. How did your support network change and how did you build it again in a different location?
We have moved around alot! We lived in far north Queensland most of last year for an adventure! We are now settled in Melbourne. I'm fortunate to have a close circle of long term friends that have remained consistent and quite a few are having kids now which is nice. We mostly made friends through Hazel's childcare in Queensland! I'm attending from day one second time mums group to build some connections with second-time parents in Melbourne.
Must read, listen, download or watch for early motherhood?
My podcast! The Let's Sleep Podcast
You wear many hats. How do you fit everything in?
