Grieving what is lost

by emmacushnan // February 19, 2017 // No Comments

The tears fall staining the front of my dress. Sobs rack my body and I struggle to catch my breath. There is pain deep in my chest, twisting knots that feel like my heart is tearing. This is grief. Grief... Continue reading →

World Breastfeeding Celebration week – can be for everyone

by emmacushnan // June 18, 2016 // No Comments

It’s Breastfeeding Celebration Week and I am filled with trepidation. For me breastfeeding was a lifeline while I was in the depths of birth trauma. I know however for many women this isn’t their journey, instead breastfeeding has been a... Continue reading →

Breastfeeding and Maternal Mental Health.

by emmacushnan // May 15, 2016 // No Comments

Breastfeeding and Perinatal Mental Health Maternal mental health is challenging with the arrival of a new baby. The dynamics of family life change, relationships change and wellbeing can often be affected. One area that can have a big impact... Continue reading →

Supporting breastfeeding, a battle that can’t be won?

by emmacushnan // April 10, 2016 // No Comments

My heart is heavy. There is a battle raging that I fear will not be won. It is becoming increasingly harder to keep my spirits high. What is this battle that is raging? Simply, to support women to breastfeed... Continue reading →

Are you really making an Informed choice ?

by emmacushnan // February 6, 2016 // No Comments

Choice, you know is important. Everyday you make so many, from what to wear, what coffee you want on the way to work, to big things like where to live or the career you want. There are also many... Continue reading →

Why are so many parents struggling?

by emmacushnan // December 9, 2015 // 6 Comments

I spend a lot of time around parents, whether they be first time parents or seasoned parents of three or four little ones. I run a support group, I see them on home visits, on postnatal wards and clinics. There’s... Continue reading →

Jaundice in Newborns – Protecting Breastfeeding.

by emmacushnan // September 30, 2015 // No Comments

Jaundice* is a common and usually harmless condition in newborn babies, that causes yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. The symptoms of newborn jaundice usually develop two to three days after birth and tend to get better without... Continue reading →

Finding your Happy Ending.

by emmacushnan // September 28, 2015 // No Comments

When I trained as a doula it helped me in so many ways. I learned about the physiology of birth the way a woman’s body responds, the role of hormones and way both a woman and those supporting her can... Continue reading →

I wish I could ban the word Failure.

by emmacushnan // August 4, 2015 // No Comments

‘I don’t believe in failure because simply by saying you’ve failed you’ve admitted you attempted and anyone who attempts is not a failure’ Failure, if I could ban any word it would be that one. Failure to thrive, Failure to progress,... Continue reading →

Should babies really sleep through the night?

by emmacushnan // July 7, 2015 // 6 Comments

I open my eyes, darkness. The moon’s silver glow casts shadows on the walls, my heart quickens, the wind howls and I am sure I can hear all kinds of scary and worrying things. I turn over and reach out,... Continue reading →

Emma Jane Cushnan

Author – Coach – Advocate

breastfeeding