Natalie Tsirimokos is Co-Founder of premium eco-friendly nappy brand Comfy Koalas.
Biggest misconception about postpartum?
From the moment you see that positive pregnancy test, there is so much focus on your wonderful, expanding body. Once the baby is born, the focus switches to your baby or the ‘productive’ parts of you, like breasts and feeding.
There’s definitely a misconception that time heals the postpartum body, but many people need extra support, like I did.
I think there’s still a bit of secrecy and shame about lingering birth traumas and pelvic conditions. When I had my son, none of my close friends or family had little kids. I was almost 1 year postpartum when I learned what a pelvic physio was, and it took me another year to build up the courage to seek help for pain.
Looking back, what did you feel you needed most during the first few months?
I had amazing logistical support; I had beautiful hot meals delivered from friends, a wonderful mother in law delivering fresh fruit, my beautiful mother making smoothies, and my husband taking care of the house and tag teaming baby things. We also had an endless supply of Comfy Koalas nappies at the ready - perks of the biz. This part of my experience was everything I needed it to be.
This missing part I yearned for was emotional and physical support. I needed to look other women in the eye who were having a similar experience as me, hold space and have space held. I had my son 10 weeks before the 2020 lockdown, so my mothers group was short-lived.
Over this time, I experienced a breakdown and rebirth of my mental and physical self, in a way I never could have imagined. A real cracking open. Living in a capitalist society, we’re trained to be independent, “productive” and perform well. As a new mum, I felt out of my depth. I was no longer ‘nailing it’ like I was at work. It took me a long time to deconstruct old ideas and surrender as a strength. This is why I’m so passionate about supporting spaces like From Day One. It’s what I wish I had.
Top 5 postpartum essentials?
As soon as you become pregnant, non-essential items are marketed to you as ‘essential’ There are so many things I purchased and did not use. So;
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A good pelvic floor physio, and if you feel you need mental health support, a therapist. If you’re ever concerned, don’t wait.
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Connection with other mums in the same stage of life as you. Forging these relationships through pregnancy is ideal.
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Organise a meal train or have a friend do this for you. You’ll feel nurtured and loved by all the home cooked meals.
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Photos - I’m sure you’ll take 1 million of your gorgeous new babe, but you may not feel like having photos taken of you. The thing is, every stage of motherhood feels so fleeting in the rear view mirror. Have someone take photos of you and your baby together, often.
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Automate everything you can; get a nappies and wipes subscription (you’ll use around 214 nappies in the first 4 weeks!), fruit & veg boxes, switch bills to auto-pay. Anything you can do to take the load off logistical and admin stress is essential.
How do you make time for yourself between business and family? What does 'time for yourself' mean to you?
I find this stage of my life a constant balance and re-balancing. Right now, time for myself means going to bed early, morning yoga classes and having one-on-one time with friends, every week. We go on annual family holidays, but also support each other to do this separately. In July I’m off to Cyprus to spend 10 days with my parents and brothers. This time is such a gift. Yes, I’ll be sneaking in lots of beach-side alone time.
Must read, listen, download or watch for early motherhood? (You can do one for each here or just one overall)
There is a book of poetry by Amy Acre called ‘Mothersong.’ It helped me feel seen in my early postpartum experience and validated some of my wilder feelings over that season (thank you, hormones).
Because I felt sheltered from others' postpartum experiences, I listened to a lot of Tales from the Fourth Trimester by Naomi Chrisoulakis, who is a post-partum doula.
Other than that, no pressure, no judgement - go with what you have the capacity for. My brain felt like sludge and on days I needed a giggle, it would be RuPaul’s Drag Race or Real Housewives.
Looking back, what message would you send yourself?
Yes, every stage of motherhood is a season, but when it comes to you and your body, if something feels off, seek support and advocate for yourself - just like you would your baby.
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For our FDO community
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