The Proceive Blog
6 Self-Care Tips for Breastfeeding Mothers
1. Prioritise Rest and Recovery Breastfeeding is energy-intensive, so rest is essential. Sleep whenever your baby sleeps, and don't hesitate to ask for help with household chores or other children. Even a short nap can help recharge your energy. If your partner is looking after the baby, take the opportunity to rest. 2. Stay Hydrated and Nourished Your body needs extra fluids and nutrients while breastfeeding. Keep a water bottle within arm’s reach during feeds. For quick and easy meals, we recommend dishes that are easy to eat with one hand- like shepherd’s pie. You can make it ahead of time and freeze it, so it's ready when you’re short on time. Plus, it won’t slide off the plate easily, making it a great choice for one-handed eating during feeds. If you’re relying on quick meals and worried about nutrition, Proceive Breastfeeding is specially designed to support you with 24 essential vitamins and minerals, including folic acid(in L-Methyfolate form), Vitamin D3 and Calcium. If you are not getting two portions of oily fish per week, we recommend that you also take Proceive Omega 3. 3. Create a Comfortable Feeding Space Set up a cosy spot for feeds, whether it’s a special chair or a corner of the sofa. Use pillows to support your arms and back, and keep essentials like water, snacks, and a phone or book within reach to make feeding time more comfortable. 4. Make Time for Yourself It’s easy to lose yourself in the demands of motherhood, but taking time for yourself is essential. Whether it's a walk, a hot shower, or a chat with a friend, small moments of self-care help recharge your energy and mood. 5. Listen to Your Body Breastfeeding changes over time, so pay attention to how you feel physically and emotionally. If you notice any pain, discomfort, or feelings of overwhelm, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. There’s no need to go through it alone. 6. Prepare for cracked nipples, Cracked nipples can be a common issue, lanolin-based products can provide relief. We love the MultiMam compresses, they are fantastic for soothing sore nipples, pro-tip pop them in the fridge overnight.
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Breastfeeding: A Unique and Ever-Changing Journey for Mother and Baby
Breastfeeding is one of the most natural ways to feed your baby, but it can also be one of the most demanding experiences for mothers. It’s a journey filled with precious moments of bonding, alongside challenges that may take time to navigate. Every mother’s breastfeeding experience is unique, and there’s no right or wrong way to approach it. Whether you’re exclusively breastfeeding, combination feeding, or expressing milk, it’s important to look after your own well-being while caring for your baby. As a mother, your body works hard to provide nourishment for your little one, and that requires energy, rest, and support. 1. Understanding Your Nutritional Needs When you’re breastfeeding, your body prioritises the production of milk to help meet your baby’s needs. While the composition of breast milk naturally adjusts to provide essential nutrients, maintaining your own health is equally important. A balanced, nutrient-rich diet is key, alongside staying hydrated and getting as much rest as possible, although we know that sleep can be elusive with a new baby in the house! Breastfeeding mums often report feeling hungrier and thirstier than usual, which makes sense considering your body is working hard to produce milk. That’s why it’s important to focus on eating regular meals and snacks that contain a variety of whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein sources. For some mums, taking a breastfeeding-specific supplement, like Proceive Breastfeeding, can be a convenient way to help support nutritional intake during this stage of motherhood. 2. Navigating the Emotional Side Breastfeeding isn’t just a physical process; it’s an emotional one too. Many mothers feel a deep bond with their baby during feeds, but it’s also normal to experience a range of emotions, from joy and fulfilment to exhaustion and frustration. It’s important to remind yourself that no two breastfeeding journeys are the same. Some mums find it comes naturally, while others may need time and support to get the hang of things. Both experiences are completely valid. If you encounter challenges, you’re not alone. There are resources and support groups available to help you navigate any difficulties, including lactation consultants, breastfeeding support helplines, and online communities. It’s important to seek help when you need it, doing so can make a world of difference. 3. Why Self-Care Matters In the whirlwind of looking after a newborn, it’s easy to forget to take care of yourself. However, your own well-being plays a big role in your breastfeeding experience. Here are a few simple ways to support yourself during this time: Stay hydrated: Keep a water bottle nearby when breastfeeding to remind yourself to drink regularly. Eat regularly: Nourish yourself with meals and snacks that contain a variety of nutrients. Rest when you can: Even short naps or moments of relaxation can help recharge your energy. Ask for help: Whether it’s from your partner, family, or friends, don’t be afraid to ask for support. 4. The Role of Proceive Breastfeeding At Proceive, we understand that a mother’s nutritional needs change during different stages of life. That’s why we developed Proceive Breastfeeding, a tailored supplement designed to support mothers from the early postpartum period and throughout their breastfeeding journey. Containing 24 carefully selected vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, Proceive Breastfeeding provides targeted nutritional support for mums during this important time. Key nutrients include: Vitamin D – recommended for both mother and baby Calcium – supports bone health Iron – helps reduce tiredness and fatigue B Vitamins – contribute to energy production While no supplement can replace a healthy diet, Proceive Breastfeeding can be a helpful addition to your routine, especially during a busy and demanding time of life. 5. Every Journey Is Different, And That’s Okay It’s important to remember that there’s no “perfect” way to breastfeed. Some mothers breastfeed for months or even years, while others stop earlier due to personal preferences or circumstances. Some find it easy, while others face challenges. Whatever your experience looks like, be kind to yourself. You’re doing your best, and that’s what matters most. If you have any questions about Proceive Breastfeeding or need advice, our team is always here to help. Feel free to reach oumast to us at info@proceive.com or send us a message on Instagram.
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Proceive’s Certified Vegan Products: Nutrition for Every Lifestyle
Proceive’s Conception, Pregnancy and After-Pregnancy ranges are certified vegan, offering advanced nutritional support without compromise.Designed to support your fertility journey while respecting your dietary choices.
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Prioritising ourselves in a Busy World – Tips for Every Mum
Motherhood is an incredible journey, full of joy, challenges, and moments that can take your breath away (in both good and overwhelming ways). I know firsthand how easy it is to get swept up in the needs of your children, partner, work, and endless to-do lists. It can feel like there’s barely any time left to think about your own well-being, let alone actually tend to it. But, let me tell you, as I’ve learned through trial and error, prioritising my own wellness doesn’t just benefit me—it benefits everyone around me. When I am taking care of myself, I’m a more present, patient, and happy mother, partner, and person. That’s why I want to share what’s worked for me and how I’ve learned to incorporate things like exercise, good nutrition &s upplements, decent sleep practices, breath work and connection with myself, into my life in a way that feels manageable, not overwhelming. Let me start by saying there is no judgment here—believe me, I know how messy and complicated life can be—but I hope I can offer some encouragement, a little inspiration, or some practical tips by what I’m sharing here. Exercise: Finding Movement That Feels Good Let’s start with exercise. Now, I know it can seem like one more chore, but hear me out: I’ve learned that it doesn’t always have to look like an intense gym session to count. In fact, for me, the key was shifting my mindset away from the “all-or-nothing” approach to movement. There were times when I’d think if I couldn’t get in consistent gym days, it wasn’t worth doing. But that just left me feeling discouraged when life inevitably got in the way. What changed my mindset a number of years back was realizing that any movement is better than no movement. On some days, it might be a 10-minute yoga session or a walk around the estate with the kids in tow. Other days, I might get out of the house for a long solo walk or fit in a more intense workout. The point is, I focus on how moving makes me feel rather than aiming for perfection. Movement gives me energy, reduces my stress, and honestly, helps me to keep my cool during those inevitable meltdowns! If you’re struggling to fit exercise into your day, I recommend starting small. Pick something you enjoy—whether it’s an online class, a gentle stretch before bed, or a brisk walk during lunch. Maybe book a class with a friend so you are accountable to one another? It doesn’t have to be a huge time commitment. Trust me, even just a little bit of movement can make a world of difference. As I always say, when it comes to movement or evercise you NEVER regret it once it’s done. Good Nutrition: Fueling Our Bodies and Minds We all know that nutrition is key to feeling our best but when life is busy and we’re juggling a million things, it’s easy to reach for convenience over nutrition. What I’ve learned over the years though is that nourishing my body (& the family) with good food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. You can start with small, sustainable changes like adding more whole foods to meals—fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. I keep snacks on hand that are both convenient and nutritious, like corn cakes, fruit or enery balls so I’m not reaching for processed options when I get hungry. When you stop and take a good look at the ingredients on packaging in the supermarkets it’s pretty crazy what you might find. Even when things are labelled attractively it’s always worth glancing at the ingredients to see what’s listed. Generally it’s a case of less is more! Once youre more aware of this it’s possible to make healthier swaps for the whole family. Lots of families find meal planning really helpful and while I don’t spend a massive amount of time on this I do tend to buy similar meats and vegetables in my shop most weeks and rotate meals that I know the kids, myself and husband find tasty. Having healthy options planned makes it so much easier to make good choices when life gets busy. Supplements: Supporting Wellness From the Inside As Mums, we often put everyone else’s needs ahead of our own but I’ve found certain supplements can play an important role in supporting our wellness especially when life gets busy - which is pretty much all the time! I am a big fan of the Irish supplement brand ‘Proceive’. They were my supplement of choice all through my last pregnancy. I really liked how they tailored the ingredients to suit each trimester and then after my baby was born I transitioned to their Breastfeeding supplement and it feels like a natural progression moving on to their Every Mum supplement. Proceive Every Mum has 23 essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that specifically offers targeted support in three key areas: Energy, Tiredness, and Immunity. It’s worth mentioning that Proceive Every Mum utilizes bioavailable nutrients, ensuring maximum absorption and efficacy, so mums can experience the full benefits of the supplement. I find them really easy to swallow, there’s no after taste and they don’t repeat on me either.When life is super busy and other things start to slip a little, it’s peace of mind knowing that Proceive Every Mum is a reliable constant. Sleep: The Elusive but Essential Need Let’s talk about sleep. As moms, it’s the first thing to go, right? Between nighttime feedings, comforting little ones after bad dreams, or simply staying up late to catch up on Netflix, getting enough rest can feel like an impossible dream. I’ve been there—running on fumes, craving the next coffee, and wondering why I felt so depleted and foggy all the time. What I’ve come to realise though is that sleep isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. Our bodies and minds need it to function, to be present, to have patience, and to stay healthy. I’ve made a few small changes and they’ve helped me get more consistent, quality rest. First, I’ve become a bit protective of my bedtime routine. I try to wind down at least 20 minutes before bed, which means putting away the laptop, phone, dimming the lights, and doing something calming like reading or practicing deep breathing (more on that later). If my mind is racing, I’ll jot down a quick to-do list for the next day, so I can mentally put it aside and focus on rest. Another thing that helps me slow down any busy thoughts that arrive at sleep time is I say to myself ‘It’s 10.30pm at night- there’s nothing I can do about this now. I’ll work on it tomorrow’ When my kids were a little younger I tried my best to take some micro-naps. Sometimes the dishwasher or washing machine or toys all over the floor were too much to overlook but I got better at prioritising myself and saw the naps as a chance to recharge my battery so I could be more present when it really mattered. So, if you have little ones and get the chance to rest, even for a short time, don’t feel one bit guilty for taking it. Breath Work: The Power of a Deep Breath Speaking of rest, breath work has been a game-changer for me when it comes to managing stress and staying centered, especially when life feels chaotic. It’s a funny thing to understand - how can something as simple as breathing help me feel better but through my teachings in my yoga classes and my own practice, I was amazed at how much of an impact it had on my mood, energy, and overall sense of calm. Here’s the thing: we often don’t realize how shallow our breathing is, especially when we’re stressed or busy. By taking just a few moments to slow down and breathe deeply, we can reset our nervous system, calm our minds, and release tension from our bodies. It’s a simple tool, but it’s incredibly powerful. One of my favorite techniques is box breathing. It’s easy to remember: breathe in for a count of four, hold for four, exhale for four, and hold again for four. Doing this just a few times can shift my entire state of mind. Whether it’s in the middle of a hectic morning or right before bed, taking time to breathe deeply helps me stay grounded. I encourage you to try it, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed. It doesn’t take long, and you can do it anywhere—in the car, while cooking dinner, or even in the shower (one of my favourite places to do it!). Connection to Ourselves and Nature: Recharging Our Souls In the midst of nurturing babies and minding a very young family it can be challenging to reconnect with ourselves. As mums, it’s so easy to lose touch with who we are outside of our roles as caregivers. I’ve found that making time for myself—whether it’s through journaling, doing breath work, or simply spending some time alone in nature—helps me focus within. There’s something about being outside that helps me feel grounded and centered. Whether it’s a walk in the forest or by the sea, sitting in the garden with a cup of tea, or even just taking a few deep breaths outside in the morning, being in nature helps me reset and recharge. It always reminds me to slow down and appreciate the simple things. If you can, try to carve out a little time for yourself each day. Even five or ten minutes of quiet reflection can make a big difference. You deserve to have that time, just for you. Managing Busy Lifestyles: Finding Balance in the Chaos Finally, let’s talk about balance. I know how overwhelming it can be to manage a busy lifestyle, especially as a mum. There are days when it feels like I’m juggling a hundred different things at once, and I’m just trying to keep everything from falling apart. What I’ve learned is that balance doesn’t mean having everything perfectly under control all the time—it means finding ways to manage the chaos in a way that works for you. For me, that means setting boundaries, delegating when I can, and letting go of the idea that I have to do it all. Life is not perfect & we don’t need to to be either. All we need to do is try our best to do things that bring contentment into our lives and support us to be happier and healthier. It not only benefits us now but our future selves will thank us for it too. Words by Kathy Milliken - Bump Baby and Me
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Essential Support for Mothers with Young Children
Motherhood is a journey marked by countless joys, challenges, and responsibilities.
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Proceive® Brand Ambassador - Dr. Roisin O'Louglin
We are delighted to announce Dr. Roisin O'Loughlin as our new Proceive Brand Ambassador. Dr Roisin is a huge fan of the Proceive range and we are thrilled to have her on board. Dr.Roisin is a UCC Medical graduate and is a vocationally trained GP from the South West GP Training Scheme. She has a special interest in Women’s Health and Dermatology. She graduated with a Masters in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in 2012 from UCC before making the leap to GP. She has a keen interest in fertility, pre-conception care, menopause, benign gynaecology and contraception. She has completed the Certificate in Menopause Management (ICGP) and is a member of the British Menopause Society. She is an experienced LARC (Implanon, coil /IUD) inserter. She is also founder of a new Irish start up called ‘The FertilityHQ’ which is an at home fertility screening test and a platform for patients on all things fertility. When she is not working, Roisin loves to be immersed in the great outdoors or on a plane to a tropical destination! On the announcement, Dr Roisin said; "Lifestyle interventions are the first port of call for many medical conditions. Pre-conception, pregnancy and postpartum health is no different. The importance of optimal vitamin supplementation cannot be under-rated. Proceive®️ as a brand ticks all the boxes providing women and men with a high quality and comprehensive multivitamin. We know that the nutrition a baby receives during the first 1000 days of life has an overwhelming positive influence on how they develop, grow and learn. Proceive's vast range offers the very best start for your family." For more information you can visit The FertilityHQ Facebook Page
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The Importance of Omega 3 during Pregnancy
Omega-3 plays a vital role in pregnancy, supporting your baby’s brain, eye and overall development while also benefiting your own heart health. Learn why DHA and EPA matter from conception through to breastfeeding.
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