We were lucky to have the opportunity to speak to Kirsty Bryant, Australia’s first uterus transplant recipient. We got to ask about her birth, post-partum journey so far and her tips and advice for new mums!

Kristy has been interviewed by the team at 9 news, 7 news, ABC and has been on 60 minutes. Read the full story here.

With your Christmas baby about to turn 1, what would you like to share with our new mum members in our December newsletter? As the holiday season approaches, it’s important to remember that Christmas and the New Year can be a busy time, especially for new mums.

Among the celebrations, take moments to slow down and enjoy the small things with your little ones. Setting boundaries and managing others' expectations can be challenging, but it becomes easier with practice.
Prioritise your wellbeing and that of your family; it’s okay to say no to certain obligations. Embrace the joy of this special time while ensuring you have the space to nurture yourself and your baby.

One year on, how have you had to care for yourself after the birth?

One year on, caring for myself after birth has evolved significantly. In those early postpartum days, my focus was on rest, hydration, and taking things slowly. Now, it includes prioritising good nutrition and finding time for exercise. I also make an effort to do something enjoyable for myself, whether that’s listening to a podcast or spending time with friends. It’s all about balancing my needs while embracing this wonderful experience of motherhood.

How has baby’s first year been?

Henry’s first year has been an incredible journey. He’s growing into a happy and independent little boy, and it’s been a joy to watch him reach his milestones. He’s quite different from his older sister, Violet; he’s gotten teeth, crawled, and taken his first steps earlier than she did. While he’s a cruisy baby, he definitely has that drive to keep up with his sister, which adds a delightful dynamic to our days. It’s been such a special experience watching them together!

How was your experience with breastfeeding, colic and baby sleep?

My experience with breastfeeding Henry was quite challenging, especially while managing my anti-rejection medication for my donor uterus. I had loved breastfeeding my daughter, Violet, until she was 13 months old, so I was determined to do the same with Henry, knowing he might be my last baby.
Initially getting him to latch was tough, leading to cracked and sore nipples. I used nipple shields to help with recovery, but I soon faced mastitis, requiring multiple hospital visits and IV antibiotics. It was suggested I try Qiara Pregnancy & Breastfeeding probiotics, and I started adding it to my morning routine. Each bout of mastitis was disruptive, especially since Henry was a newborn and we had just returned home from Sydney (where he was born).
At 12 weeks, I faced a severe episode of mastitis and had to stop breastfeeding. I remember the heartbreak of feeding him for the last time in the resus bay in the ED. I experienced mastitis four times in total, and each time was more devastating. When I finally made the decision to stop, I felt immense loss, crying for weeks over what I perceived as my body failing me. Henry is healthy and thriving on formula, but it still brings a lump to my throat thinking about it.
I hope my story helps other Mums know they’re not alone. Mastitis is incredibly painful and choosing how to feed your baby can be overwhelming. Adding Qiara Infant probiotics to Henry’s bottles is simple and easy and gives me confidence that we’re giving him the best chance to support his tummy and immune system.
Regarding sleep, Henry was a good sleeper until about four months. We followed his cues and aligned his bedtime with Violet's at 7pm. From four month onwards, he started waking multiple times of a night. Now that he’s almost one, we’ve started spaced soothing and he’s adapting well and sleeping better.

Any tips for new mums?

1. Trust Your Gut: Listen to your instincts when it comes to your body and baby.
2. Accept Help: Don’t hesitate to ask for and accept support from friends and family. It can make a big difference.
3. Connect with other Parents: Building relationships with other Mums can be invaluable. Sharing experiences and advice helps you feel less alone.

We thank Kirsty for sharing her insights and experiences so far into her motherhood journey and know her story helps other mums know they’re not alone when dealing with mastitis and breastfeeding challenges.

To continue following Kirsty’s journey, feel free to follow her on Instagram: @myuterustransplantaus