The World Health Organisation advocates for mums to breastfeed their babies exclusively until six months of age and along with appropriate complementary foods up to two years of age or beyond.
It is not until you have your own baby you realise that although breastfeeding provides infants with all the nutrients they need, it has become somewhat of a social taboo.
When I became a mum, I realised many of my clothes either didn’t fit or had no access for breastfeeding, making it very difficult. When I was out and about with my babe, I would have to go to the public toilets, remove my whole dress and feed my babysitting on a public toilet!
On a mission
Breastfeeding is crucial for a baby’s nutrition, and women should be celebrated for it and supported, not made to feel ashamed and uncomfortable. This is why I’m on a mission to normalise what our Australian law states is a right, not a privilege, by making it easier for mums to breastfeed in public.
Breastfeeding Wear Australia started as a hobby when I was breastfeeding my son. I began collating clothes that had breastfeeding access out of necessity because I had nothing to wear!
Two years on, the hobby is a thriving business. I curate more than 40 brands of affordable, everyday fashion that all have breastfeeding access, such as a zip or a button-down front, and are flattering for the postnatal figure because not everyone bounces back to their pre-baby weight.
Lessons learned
I have learnt many valuable lessons along my journey which I’m keen to share with other female entrepreneurs because I consider it important to support one another.
1. Be confident enough to accept your faults
Faults are such a huge part of the learning curve. Let’s face it: no one can be perfect. I never waste time covering them up; I face them head on and do my best to work around them. The most growth and opportunity has often been a result of a fault where it has highlighted the need for developing a new process.
2. Networking is key
Running a business and having a family is like a rollercoaster ride. Being an entrepreneur mum requires both social and professional networks. I learn something from every working mother I meet, not just on the business side but how to deal with different aspects of parenting when life is so busy. The juggle is real and I’ll take all the tips I can get and share my own freely!
3. Take every opportunity
I take time to think about every opportunity and am always about trying something at least once. Remarkably some of the greatest wins I have had were opportunities I thought wouldn’t amount to much.
4. Don’t underestimate the power of social media
Growth did not happen for me until I started on Instagram – it was a game changer. Collaborating and leveraging off others’ followings, posting frequently and have a strong voice are key to success…but also, it’s important to know that you can’t please everyone!
For more information, please visit: www.breastfeedingwearaustralia.com
