![A change in diet is a simple, cost-effective way of reducing the risk of depression.](http://web.archive.org./web/20190211091027im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/h/1/1/3/e/m/image.related.landscape.380x253.p50vmu.png/1549502893301.jpg)
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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.
![<i></i>](http://web.archive.org./web/20190211091027im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/g/p/t/6/2/0/image.related.wideLandscape.460x259.1m6gas.gmyl99.png/1467026106376.jpg)
The phenomenon of phantom pregnancy kicks
'Phantom pregnancy kicks’ are encountered by many mums months - or even years - after their pregnancy is over.
![<i></i>](http://web.archive.org./web/20190211091027im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/4/1/3/u/8/image.related.landscape.120x80.gj0208.gmyl99.png/1467378375976.jpg)
![fall lead](http://web.archive.org./web/20190211091027im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/3/e/k/7/m/image.related.landscape.120x80.3ek42.gmyl99.png/1457068872374.jpg)
![Ovarian cancer survivor Margaret Rose.](http://web.archive.org./web/20190211091027im_/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" ...](http://web.archive.org./web/20190211091027im_/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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How mindfulness and gratitude helped my postpartum anxiety
Instead of mentally rehearsing the next day's to-do list, I began reflecting on everything I was grateful for:
![Photo: Shutterstock](http://web.archive.org./web/20190211091027im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/h/1/9/d/k/2/image.related.landscape.300x200.h19diu.png/1546238678736.jpg)
I lost 25kgs, then put the weight back on - and I refuse to feel bad about that
I'll never be skinny. I've come to accept that. Instead, I'm going to focus on being healthy.
![Photo: SHUTTERSTOCK](http://web.archive.org./web/20190211091027im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/h/1/9/9/1/m/image.related.landscape.300x200.h19922.png/1545256875298.jpg)
I finally caved and bought a jogging stroller, but here's why I'm so glad I did it
Doing something I loved without restriction was, in a way, a reintroduction to living.
![Enjoy the moment - and give Instagram a rest.](http://web.archive.org./web/20190211091027im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/h/1/8/s/t/7/image.related.landscape.300x200.p50ku3.png/1544388431094.jpg)
All I want for Christmas is a month off social media
Where women are the most likely to overuse social media, it's not surprising that most of us feel embarrassed to admit that looking at pictures has the power to make us feel bad.
![Image: Alisha Thompson (supplied)](http://web.archive.org./web/20190211091027im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/h/1/6/e/o/k/image.related.landscape.300x200.h16emy.png/1539306733138.jpg)
Four cancer sufferers share why check-ups could save your life
It's time for women to start prioritising their own health
![Image: Shutterstock](http://web.archive.org./web/20190211091027im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/h/1/6/4/d/7/image.related.landscape.300x200.h164a7.png/1538471364247.jpg)
What self-care really looks like when you're a mum
Clue: It’s not candlelit baths.
![Illustration: Simon Letch.](http://web.archive.org./web/20190211091027im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/h/0/y/k/w/k/image.related.landscape.300x200.p504ib.png/1539347505742.jpg)
A mother's lot: At last, bliss gets a mention
Having children can be fun – joyous, even. So why did nobody say so?
![Shutterstock](http://web.archive.org./web/20190211091027im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/h/1/5/h/c/5/image.related.landscape.300x200.h15h8b.png/1537276733513.jpg)
Do we have to poo every day? We asked five experts
The Goldilocks rule of pooing says you should go between three times a day and three times a week
![Your body has just performed an amazing feat. Be kind to it.](http://web.archive.org./web/20190211091027im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/h/1/3/w/2/3/image.related.landscape.300x200.h13w22.png/1535330703375.jpg)
Dieting after birth can make mum’s self-esteem worse
For most of us non-celebrities, the ability to snap back to our pre-pregnancy figure is often unachievable, leaving many feeling unhappy about our bodies.
![Michelle Bridges works out with son Axel.](http://web.archive.org./web/20190211091027im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/h/1/4/7/k/3/image.related.landscape.300x200.h1470z.png/1535103415735.jpg)
Michelle Bridges' top exercise tips for exhausted new mums
"Nothing prepared me for the lack of sleep," Michelle Bridges says.
![Photo: SHUTTERSTOCK](http://web.archive.org./web/20190211091027im_/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/content/dam/images/h/1/3/q/k/m/image.related.landscape.300x200.h13qk8.png/1533792270039.jpg)
Why new mums actually need 'baby brain'
Relax; it actually proves your brain is working just fine.
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