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6 things I thought I'd do on maternity leave (and didn't)
There were a number of things I thought I was going to achieve during my months at home. As it happens, the reality was rather different.
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The phenomenon of phantom pregnancy kicks
'Phantom pregnancy kicks’ are encountered by many mums months - or even years - after their pregnancy is over.
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![Ovarian cancer survivor Margaret Rose.](/web/20170627143259im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/3/3/e/w/0/image.related.landscape.120x80.33hwl.gmyl99.png/1457068872374.jpg)
!["I would estimate that about two or three women out of every hundred will experience [vaginismus] during their lifetime" ...](/web/20170627143259im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/2/x/l/c/z/image.related.landscape.120x80.2xlcq.gmyl99.png/1457068872374.jpg)
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I refuse to let mother guilt ruin my morning spin class
My muffin top is screaming at me to go to the gym, and I want to listen. My mother's guilt, however, nearly stops me every time.
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Vegan bloggers say their diets can stop menstrual 'toxins,' and doctors aren't pleased
Freelee the Banana Girl seemed so excited to tell her YouTube following how she lost her monthly period.
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6 ways to fight perfectionism in a Pinterest Mum world
Mum Guilt - that sinking feeling that there is not enough time to do everything and do it well, but if you don't you're a miserable excuse for a maternal figure - is a real thing.
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Postnatal depletion: what is it and how can we recover?
Some mums are left physically and emotionally depleted, with nothing left to give, long after giving birth.
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How sleep restriction helps insomniacs
Lately, I've been going to bed at midnight.
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Why bad moods are good for you: the surprising benefits of sadness
Homo sapiens is a very moody species. Even though sadness and bad moods have always been part of the human experience, we now live in an age that ignores or devalues these feelings.
![Shammi with her daughter Angel.](/web/20170627143259im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/g/v/x/y/m/q/image.related.landscape.300x200.gvxyjd.png/1493777759698.jpg)
Is 61 too old to have a baby?
A 61-year-old woman has reignited debate around motherhood and when women are deemed "too old" to become mums after giving birth to a daughter seven months ago.
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Why setting your alarm for 5.30am every day could be good for you
There's no doubt that Ashley French adores her children.
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Why I'm proud my tummy 'feels like playdough'
Today something happened to me that really got me thinking, something that made me truly think about and appreciate my body and all it has done for me.
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The latest mummy label we hope doesn't catch on
The last thing we need is another way to categorise mums and the parenting decisions we make.
![Perifit: play games while you work that pelvic floor.](/web/20170627143259im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/g/v/w/6/1/f/image.related.landscape.300x200.gvw2h7.png/1493606302978.jpg)
The smart phone game encouraging women to 'squeeeeze'
It's like Candy Crush for your pelvic floor. Hopefully, it will be just as addictive.
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