Choosing a baby name

November 11th, 2009

(1) Baby Name Meaning – If you choose a baby name with the baby name meaning being of high importance, remember the meaning of the name chosen, is an attribute that you wish for your child.  It will not simply be instilled in them by the choosing of that name for your child.  If your chosen baby name means “kind” understand that it is You that above all value kindness as a personal attribute, and thus you must show and teach your child kindness.  If the baby name you chose has as its meaning “Brave” then likewise, you need to show them the difference between brave, and foolish, brave and bully etc,

(2) School – Kids can be cruel, and they’ll make fun of your child’s name no matter what, but its still worth doing a quick check to see if you’ve given them a name that will result in years of misery.  Consider these gaffs.

Peter Enis.  How often at school are lists done with the first name as an initial? P.Enis?
Wayne King.  Now that’s just plain cruel. Or thoughtless,  same goes for his friend Wayne Kerr.
Annette Eiter.  Poor Ann, how many times were ants put in her lunch box?

How about these names?
Gaylord?  – No commentary necessary
John.  – Seems fine yes?  Good strong religious name yes?  Sure, but it also is slang for toilet, and client of a prostitute.  
Ralph – Slang for vomit.
William – (willy)

Likely your son will survive Richard(Dick) but may not thank you.  I’m with a “Richard” and as I write this, he is shaking his head at the number of times in tech drawing class at school he was asked. “Can I borrow your pencil, Dick?.  Have you got a rubber… Dick?

Just do a quick check.  Make sure phonetically it’s not a disaster, think of what the name rhymes with and what it becomes when abbreviated.

(3) Celebrity Names – Are great, just don’t be too disappointed if your little Beyoncé can’t hold a tune.

(4) How the name sounds. Personally, I think this is one of the most important factors in choosing a name.  Say your prospective baby name 10 times, see how it rolls out.  Get some friends to do it too.

(5) Family Names? Names like Eugene, Constance, Heime may be strong family names, but these need not be a family tradition you should foist on your child.

(6) The name is your child’s. Our name is such a fundamental part of who we are, yet someone else chooses it for us.  Name your child knowing they will become themselves, no matter what name you choose for them, so choose a name that is theirs, not the name you would have for yourself.

Posted in Baby names | 3 Comments »

What NOT to eat when pregnant

November 11th, 2009

There are a few foods to avoid during pregnancy as they carry the risk of causing spontaneous miscarriage or birth defects, these include:

  1. Liver and Liver products
    These contain vitamin A in the form of retinal, which is linked to birth defects. Don’t take supplements containing vitamin A unless advised by your GP.
  2. Foods containing unpasteurised milk.
    These contain high levels of listeria which can cause miscarriage and stillbirth. Ready-cooked meals and pies can also contain listeria unless properly reheated.
  3. Raw egg products
    Such as homemade mayonnaise (shop-bought is fine), may contain salmonella.
  4. Raw meat and unpasteurised milk.
    Can contain toxoplasma gondii that causes blindness. It’s also found in cat litter and soil. Wash fruit and veg and avoid handling litter trays.
  5. Peanuts and other nuts
    These are best avoided by women with a family history of allergies.
  6. Fish high in Mercury
    Avoid shark, marlin and swordfish; eat no more than 140g of cooked tuna per week.

Posted in Pregnancy | 2 Comments »

Surviving the first 10 days after your baby!

November 11th, 2009

Finally, your pregnancy and labor is over and you’re a mom… but now you’re in charge of a tiny newborn and the round-the-clock responsibility can be daunting. This day-by-day guide will help you survive those first 10 days.

The early days of parenthood are incredibly intense – packed with highs and lows, happiness and tears. Chaos reigns even in the most super-organised homes and it may seem to you that life will be like this forever. The best advice is to go with the flow. Here are some practical tips on how you can survive the early days with confidence…

Day One
You – Depending on the birth you had, you’ll be recovering in a postnatal ward or at home. You probably feel happy, proud and relieved, but if the birth did not go as planned, may be disappointed.

Your baby  – will be tired after his strenuous journey into the world and will fall into a deep sleep a couple of hours after being born. Try to catch up on the sleep you’ve missed.

Your body - Women who’ve had vaginal deliveries may feel sore and bruised. If you have stitches, pour a jug as you pee to prevent any stinging and keep the area clean; alternatively you can pee in a warm bath. Use ice packs (or a bag of peas covered in clean muslin) to reduce swelling and take Arnica tablets for bruising. Don’t be worried about opening your bowels in case the stitches burst – they won’t; but you can always hold a clean sanitary pad against the stitches for support if you like.

If you had an epidural, you may have a catheter in as your nerves are numbed at first and you won’t be able to tell when you need to go to the loo.
Caesarean moms are often prescribed antibiotics and will be taking painkillers. Most need help to sit, stand up or pick up the baby.

Tip:- Try to get up and walk around as much as possible to get your circulation moving, which will help your body recover more quickly from the birth. If you’ve had a caesarean, bend and stretch your legs in bed.

Day Two
You - It’s normal to have a bloody vaginal discharge (lochia) after the birth.This will be heavy for the first 24 48 hours, but will gradually lessen and change from bright to very light red, then sticky brown, then pale yellow. It lasts 2-3 weeks. If it increases, stays red, smells unpleasant or contains clots bigger than a 10 cent coin, tell your carer as these can be signs of infection.

Your baby – should be feeding every 2-3 hours now. If he’s sleeping for more than 5-6 hours and missing feeds, your carer may ask you to wake him. He needs to nurse often to build up your milk supply. If you’re not sure how to latch your baby to the breast, a breastfeeding consultant will show you. Caesarian moms will need special help to avoid putting pressure on their scar.

By now your baby should have passed her first bowel motion, a dark greenish-black sticky substance called meconium that lined the gut while your baby was in the uterus. After this has cleared, her stools will be yellow, if breastfed, otherwise browner.

Your body - Your baby’s sucking stimulates production of the hormone oxytocin, which helps your uterus contract to its normal size. Some women feel sharp “afterpains” when this happens, particularly while feeding. Afterpains don’t last more than a few days but if you can’t cope, ask your carer for painkillers. By six weeks the uterus should be almost back to its normal size.

Tip:- You’ll find you sweat a lot as your hormones settle and your body rids itself of excess fluid gained in pregnancy.”

Day 3
You – If you suffered from any stress incontinence (leaking urine) during pregnancy, you need to start strengthening your pelvic floor muscles as soon as you can feel them – your carer will explain how.

Your Baby - For a couple of days your baby will be nourished by colostrum, a creamy, yellowish fluid produced by your breasts. It contains antibodies to help prevent infection. By day three or four, this changes to mature breast milk. Your breasts will grow and may feel hard and tingly. Ertgorg.;1 breasts (full of milk) are difficult for a baby to latch on to, so to avoid this, feed often or express a little before each feed to soften them.

Your Body – Breastfeeding takes of water over them about two weeks to become established (when your breasts are soft between feeds and only fill up when a feed is due). Until then, your breasts will feel heavy and may leak milk. Wear a supportive bra and use breastpads to soak up drips until your supply settles. If you’re bottlefeeding, your breasts will still produce milk for up to four weeks. A good bra and a cold washer occasionally placed over your breast will ease the discomfort. Never express, as it stimulates milk production.

Tip:- Drink a glass of water every time that you breastfeed as this will help prevent dehydration and constipation.

Day 4
You – You should be up and about by now, but might not have left the house. If you had a caesarean, your wound may still be sore so take it easy. Don’t lift anything or strain your abdominal muscles.

Your Baby - New babies often have lots of little marks and blemishes, but most of these will fade in the next few months and should all be gone by his first birthday.

Your Body – Some women feel disappointed by their body after the birth. Your stomach will be wrinkly, flabby and swollen and the extra fluid you’re carrying might make your ankles puffy. Try to put your feet up. Pregnancy discomforts such as heartburn, constipation and varicose veins should ease up. You’ll probably start sleeping better and more soundly (when you have the chance!).
Most women suffer “baby blues” a few days after the birth, feeling weepy, moody and a little deflated. Discussing your feelings helps. But postnatal depression, characterised by insomnia and despair, can occur up to two years after the birth. It’s a serious medical condition that requires treatment from your GP.

Tip: - Accept ALL offers of help as people often don’t ask again, if you at first refuse. Ask them to assist with housework, so that you can concentrate on getting to know your baby.

Day 5
You - A carer should have visited to check that you and your baby are well. It’s likely that she’ll visit about four times in the 10 days after the birth, before signing you off.

Your Baby – She’ll check the baby’s cord stump to confirm that it’s clew and free of infection. She’ll also weign your baby and give advice on feeding.

Your Body - Your carer checks your blood pressure, temperature and pulse. She’ll also feel your abdomen to check that the uterus is contracting normally and examine your stitches or caesarean scar to make sure they’re healing.
Tip:- When you put on a baby boy’s nappy, make sure his penis points downwards so he doesn’t pee onto his cord stump.”

Day 6.
You - It’s a popular myth that bonding happens instantly after birth; doctors now know it can be a gradual process. It can also be delayed by a difficult birth. The routine of feeding, bathing and changing strengthens the bond. If you’re worrieu you haven’t bonded, talk to your carer.

Your Baby - Around 60 per cent of babies suffer from jaundice a few days after the birth, giving their skin a yellowish appearance. Usually it clears up by itself, but if your carer is concerned, you may need to take your baby back to hospital to clear it up.

Your Body - If breastfeeding, your nipples may feel a little sore. Apply a medicated ointment to soothe them, or rub in a little breastmilk. If the discomfort makes you think about giving up nursing, talk to your carer or a breastfeeding counsellor.

Tip: - To boost the bonding process, give your baby lots of eye-to-eye contact and talk to him as much as you can.

Day 7
You - The lack of sleep will catch up with you now. Around 11 per cent of new moms suffer from severe sleep deprivation and in a recent study those who had less than three hours’ sleep a night admitted they found even the simplest tasks tough. Sleep as much as you can during the day, while your baby sleeps. Forget the housework!

Your Baby – Your carer will give your baby the Guthrie test around now, taking a tiny blood sample from the heel to test for thyroid disorders and a disease called phenylketonuria (PKU).

Your Body - If you had stitches, your sore perineum will be healing itself and sitting down will be more comfortable. Drink plenty of water to prevent constipation which can cause painful straining.

Tip - If your baby is fretful, carry him in a sling. Your closeness and movement will help soothe him to sleep.”

Day 8
You – By now, the days will blur into an endless round of feeding, winding, changing nappies and washing. Grab a quick bath while your baby is asleep, or put on some make-up to boost your self-esteem. If the weather is fine, take your baby out for a stroll.

Your Baby – He will enjoy the fresh air, new sights and sounds, and you’ll feel better after a stroll. You’ll probably be very protective of your newborn but don’t let this spoil your adventure.

Your Body – Your tummy will still be saggy but don’t worry about abdominal exercises too much. Those muscles are easy to firm up later. The pelvic floor is more difficult to restore if left to sag and the consequences of not doing so, far worse, so concentrate on exercising those muscles.

Tip:- If you’re upset in any way about how your birth went, talk over your feelings with your carer:

Day 9
You - After more than a week of dealing with your baby’s needs, your confidence will have grown, making things easier.

Your Baby - Be warned that as you have to pack things, leaving the house will take a lot longer than it used to!

Your Body Women often laugh when their carers ask them just a few days after the birth what kind of contraception they plan to use. But youcan start ovulating just three weeks after the birth, so be prepared!

It’s a good idea to wait at least until your six-week check before resuming sex, so that any bruising, tears or stitches have healed properly. Many women find they lose interest in sex after birth for a least a few months.

Tip:- Hormonalchanges can make your vagina dry so try using water-based lubricating jelly.

Day 10
You - As long as you and your baby are happy and healthy, your carer’s visits will come to an end.

Your Baby - You’ll now attend a baby clinic together, held at your local baby health centre.

Your Body - You still need time to recuperate, so don’t overdo it. Talk to your GP if you have medical concerns – everyone recover at a different pace, but no mother should have to put up with enduring discomfort.

Tip – Try to plan a time alone with your partner – even just for a walk in the park.”

Posted in Post Birth | 3 Comments »

Pelvic Exercises After Birth

November 11th, 2009

Your body(and dare I say it, your partner, assuming they are a man) will be eternally grateful for the time and effort you put into pelvic floor muscles before and after birth.
The quiet achiever of the female anatomy – pelvic floor muscles – perform a host of important functions that we’d be lost without. They stop you from wetting yourself when laughing, enhance the physical sensation of sex and help you delay passing urine, opening bowels or passing wind until it’s convenient. During pregnancy and after birth they are particularly important and require special attention.

Where are they?
Your pelvic floor consists of a sling of muscles stretching like a hammock from your pubic bone to the front of your coccyx (tailbone) at the back. These muscles help to hold all the internal abdominal organs in place and control the bladder and back passage. The bladder, vagina, uterus and rectum are also supported by internal connective tissue, which keeps everything “up” and in place and the pelvic floor muscles are crucial for providing extra support.

What happens during pregnancy?
When you’re pregnant the weight of your growing baby places an additional strain on the pelvic floor muscles. At the same time, a pregnancy hormone called relaxin makes all the structures of the body more elastic. The combination of these hormonal changes and your baby’s weight bearing down on the pelvic floor means you may leak some urine. It may just be a single drop – usually when you cough, laugh or sneeze.

Constipation is also a common problem in pregnancy and straining to open your bowels puts further stress on the muscles. Try to avoid this by drinking plenty of water and eating lots of fruit and vegetables.

During labour as your baby descends, the head puts huge pressure on your pelvic floor, stretching the muscles and the connective tissue. A long or rapid labour, or a tear or episiotomy (a surgical incision in the perineum) can weaken the pelvic floor further.

A tight Squeeze
To strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, do the following exercises at least six times a day in different positions -sitting, lying down and standing. It may sound scary, but for maximum benefit, you will actually have to do these exercises every day for the rest of your life. (Duoh!)

Slow Exercise: lift and hold
Squeezing your pelvic floor muscles, hold for as long as you can until they tremble. Release. Aim to hold for five seconds.

Fast Excerise: Twitch
Squeeze and lift these muscles in a swift powerful movement for one second. Release. Repeat five times.
Simply breathe normally while doing these exercises and try to remember to do them at meal times, at red lights and in the shower – whenever you can!
It’s important to do these exercises regularly during pregnancy as the ligaments relax and aren’t strong enough to stop leaking.Begin your pelvic floor exercises as soon as you find out you’re pregnant – Leaking can occur as early as 10 weeks, especially in a second pregnancy.  Didn’t start early?  Then start late as late is better than not starting at all.

The Big Test
To test how your post-pelvic muscles are faring a few months down the track, fill your bladder and stand with your feet apart, then jump up and down and cough a couple of times. If you leak a little bit, don’t panic – it just means you have to be more diligent in doing your pelvic exercises. If you’re still leaking, three months down the track, you may need to speak to your GP.

Don’t be put off asking for medical help because you’re embarrassed. One in three women suffer from leaks, so you’re not alone. And until you’re back on track, discreet sanitary products will help give you the confidence to resume your daily activities without having to worry about any little “accidents”.

Our Top Seven Tips for your Pelvic Floor

  1. Resume your pelvic floor exercises 24 hours after giving birth for maximum benefit.
  2. For the first few days after birth, give your pelvic floor muscles a break by supporting them with a wad of toilet paper whenever you do a poo.
  3. It is good to hold on – don’t go to the bathroom “just in case”.
  4. Brace your pelvic muscles just before you cough. sneeze or jump.
  5. Drink plenty of filtered water – breastfeeding women may need up to three litres a day.
  6. Keep a sanitary product in your handbag – you may not need it, but it’s nice to know it’s there if you do.
  7. Make your man do it to.  Its a great exercise for men to, will help his erectile strength and prevent later incontinence.

    Posted in Post Birth | 4 Comments »

    Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner For Two

    November 11th, 2009

    The moment you know that you’re expecting a baby, food can become a major concern. What should you be eating and how much? Lurking at the back of your mind may be the worry you might put on too much weight, but of course, pregnancy most definitely isn’t a time for slimming.

    Research shows that if you restrict what you eat not only will you be depriving your growing baby of vital nutrients, preventing him from growing properly, there’s also an increased risk of miscarriage and neonatal death. Studies also show that underweight women have three times more chance of having a low birthweight baby. It can be hard following this advice if you’ve spent most of your pre-pregnancy being careful about what you eat. But the big difference is that now you’re eating not just to sustain your own life, butthat of your unborn baby, so it’s vital to eat healthily to ensure your body has all the important vitamins and minerals it needs.

    Every day, make sure that you eat something from the major food groups: carbohydrates (bread, pasta, rice), fresh fruit and vegetables, protein-rich foods (meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, pulses) and fats.You’ll need to eat at least five portions a day of fruit and vegetables and this can include fruit juices or smoothies. Protein is essential for energy and it’s also a good source of iron. You’ll find it in lean red meat,chicken, fish, eggs and pulses such as beans and lentils. Oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines is rich in essential fatty acids, which help your baby to grow and develop properly.

    Make sure you get plenty of fibre from wholegrain breads, cereals, rice, pasta and pulses (as well as fruit and veg) – it helps prevent constipation. Calcium is essential for moms-to-be and vital for your baby’s teeth and bones. You can get this from dairy products: milk, cheese and yoghurt (but not butter).

    Don’t forget to drink plenty of fluids – eight to 12 glasses is about right -water milk, juice and soup all count, but not tea, coffee or drinks with caffeine. Be careful of your caffeine intake as it is a stimulant: it increases your heart rate, which in turn affects your developing baby. Caffeine is also a diuretic and can interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients. Research is inconsistent about the effects of drinking more than five cups of coffee a day, but most experts agree that pregnant women shouldn’t drink more than 300mg of caffeine daily -four cups of coffee or six cups of tea, while many suggest women limit their intake to one or two cups of coffee daily. But remember caffeine is also in chocolate and some “energy” drinks. If you’re a caffeine addict, try switching to herbal teas or fresh fruit juices.

    The Department of Health advice on alcohol is to drink no more than one to two units (a unit is one glass of wine or 300m1 of beer) once or twice a week, although some experts recommend abstaining completely. Excessive alcohol – more than 10 units a day – is associated with poor mental and physical health in babies.
    If you aren’t eating properly, it may be worth taking a pregnancy supplement but avoid standard supplements as these may contain too much Vitamin A, which can be harmful to your baby. If you’re a vegetarian, a well-balanced diet should give you all the nutrients you need, but if you’re a vegan, you may need to take calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B12 supplements.

    Don’t forget folic acid, an essential B vitamin that helps prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida. The Department of Health recommends that women who are trying to become pregnant or who are pregnant should take a 400mg folic acid supplement daily from at least three months before conception and for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. It’s also important to eat folate-rich foods – oranges, green leafy vegetables such as spinach, green beans and sprouts, milk and dairy products.

    You may need to take an iron supplement, but sometimes iron tablets can cause constipation, so a liquid iron drink may be better. Ask your doctor or carer for advice.
    Eat to satisfy your appetite – never go hungry or skip meals. But you don’t need to eat for two – you don’t actually need much more until late pregnancy, and then only an extra 1,200 kilojoules a day – the equivalent of about two to three slices of bread.

    A steady weight gain in pregnancy is healthy. If you eat according to your hunger, your weight will probably increase by about 3.5kg during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy and then by about 0.5kg a week until the end. This makes a total gain of around 12.5kg. But you can gain anything from almost nothing to up to 23kg and still have a perfectly healthy baby.

    A lot depends on your metabolism and how active you are. If you’re underweight you’ll probably put on more weight, and if you’re overweight you should put on less.
    If you were overweight at the start of your pregnancy, then try and put on as little weight as possible until the last three months. Putting on too much weight during pregnancy puts you at an increased risk of complications such as high blood pressure, pregnancy‑ related diabetes or pre-eclampsia.

    If you’re overweight, you’re also unfortunately more likely to develop varicose veins and to suffer from breathlessness and heartburn. But this is not the time to go on a diet. Eating properly is vital now and even overweight moms should aim to put on around 6kg while they’re expecting a baby.

    If you were underweight before you became pregnant, eating properly is just as crucial to you, particularly during the first 12 weeks, when your baby’s body and major organs are formed. And if you smoke, it’s important to cut down on that, too, as smoking is a major contributor to low birthweight.If you have any worries about your weight, talk to your GP or carer. They can arrange for you to see a dietitian who can advise on healthy eating in pregnancy.

    You’ll be weighed at your first antenatal or booking-in appointment, and usually at each subsequent appointment, as it’s important to keep an eye on any sudden weight changes. If you particularly notice you’re putting on weight rapidly in the last three months of pregnancy, alert your carer or doctor as it may indicate acute fluid retention, a possible symptom of pre-eclampsia, a life-threatening condition unique to pregnancy.

    Posted in Pregnancy | 4 Comments »

    Bellydancing for Pregnancy

    November 11th, 2009

    During my first pregnancy, I was keen to ensure that I maintained fitness and flexibility so that my labor would be as easy as possible. Ha! on trying to make it as ‘easy’ as possible….! But when the time came I was strong, and I was flexible.

    I had previously been doing some Yoga, but found it painful as I became larger, and my joints became looser as my pregnancy progressed. I tried pregnancy yoga, but it was such a step down from the yoga I was doing that I found myself getting bored.

    I was lucky enough to be pregnant at the same time as my friend Maha, a former professional modern and Middle Eastern dancer as she had just started up a belly dancing during pregnancy class. What a revelation!

    The class was both fun to do, and wonderful in keeping my core strength muscles in shape, and flexible. I won’t pretend my labor consisted of a few gentle rotations of my hips and out came baby… no, my labor was 6 hours of pretty hard work, but I am confident that without Maha’s belly dancing classes I would not have had the strength and self belief that I still had in the final stages of my labor.

    I gave birth in the Mullumbimby birthing centre, and went home the day after my first daughter was born. My recovery afterwards was also swift; again, I put this down to Maha’s belly dancing classes. When I found out Maha was putting together an eBook so that women around the world could attend her belly dancing classes in their own homes, I was of course delighted and had my hand up early to help promote her book.

    I whole heartedly recommend it to anyone seeking to maintain a strong, flexible body through low impact exercise during their pregnancy. It definitely made my labor easier to get through, and my recovery greatly faster.

    Posted in Pregnancy | 4 Comments »

    The 3 Stages of Labor

    November 11th, 2009

    Every Labor is different, but in a normal vaginal delivery there are three stages of labor. The first two stages end with the wonderful event of your baby’s birth, while the third stage is the delivery of the placenta.

    First Stage
    The long, but not yet so hard road
    The first stage of labor begins with the onset of regular contractions. It continues until your cervix is fully dilated to about 10cm to enable your baby to travel down the birth canal. On average this stage lasts between 10 to 12 hours for first-time mothers and seven hours for subsequent births.

    During the first stage, the muscles in your womb contract to dilate and draw back your cervix (the neck of the womb). The cervix has been closed throughout pregnancy to protect your baby. Contractions usually begin slowly and may feel something like a period pain. As labor progresses the contractions get more frequent arid stronger, lasting about 30 – 60 seconds each, ranging from between five to 20 minutes apart, slowly opening the cervix.

    The fluid-filled amniotic sac that has surrounded and cushioned your baby throughout pregnancy may already have broken, releasing some of the fluid or water. Some mothers experience this as a rush of liquid, while others simply feel a trickle.

    In the active phase of stage one, contractions become more painful as the cervix continues to dilate. They may be about two to four minutes apart at this point. Pain relief can be considered now.

    This is the phase between first and second stage labor. The contractions may be coming every minute or so now, and probably last between 45 and 60 seconds. The urge to push down is extremely strong, but you need to wait for full dilation to 10cm, to minimise the risk of tearing. At this very intense time, many women get surprisingly vocal, often screaming out a variety of colourful words and phrases, many directed at their partner!

    Stage Two
    Push Push PUUUUUUSSH!
    Once the cervix is fully dilated it’s time to deliver the baby. The contractions are usually stronger, last longer (around 60 to 90 seconds) and are less frequent (every two to four minutes). As your baby’s head is pushed downwards, you’ll feel an overwhelming urge to push with each contraction. Let your body tell you what to do and push when you feel the need.You may want to choose a birthing position to take advantage of gravity such as kneeling, standing or squatting, rather than giving birth lying down. It’s quite normal to involuntarily urinate or pass a stool – but this is nothing to feel embarrassed or concerned about and your midwife or nurse will have this cleaned up in no time.. Breathing techniques can be a great help during this stage. Try to relax as much as possible between contractions to conserve energy.

    Pushing out the head is probably the hardest part of the labor, but it doesn’t last long. As the head emerges, it stretches the mouth of the vagina until the skin is almost paper thin, and you may feel a stinging or burning sensation before the area numbs. Trying to breath will distract you from the stinging sensation and some short, quick breaths will help stop you pushing when you need to control how fast your baby’s emerges.

    After the head appears, the rest of the baby comes out quite easily – usually after one or two more contractions. The umbilical cord will be clamped and cut soon after the birth. Straight after the birth your baby’s breathing rate, heart rate, skin colour, muscle tone and reflexes (Apgar Test) will be assessed and repeated five minutes later.

    Stage Three
    After the Birth
    Once the baby is born, the separation and delivery of the placenta follows. This can take anything from 10 minutes to an hour. Commonly, an injection of syntocinon is given to encourage a quick delivery. The midwife then pulls gently on the cord until the afterbirth emerges. It is then examined to ensure it’s complete, as any remaining within the uterus can result in infection. You’ll be checked to see if you have any vaginal tears and, if you need stitches, these will probably be administered shortly after the third stage is over.

    Posted in Pregnancy | 2 Comments »

    20 Morning Sickness Busting Tips

    November 11th, 2009

    Can you no longer stand the smell of coffee brewing, eggs cooking or even your favourite meal? Well, you’re not alone. More than 80 per cent of pregnant women suffer from morning sickness (which can actually strike at any time of the day or night) in their first trimester.

    Morning sickness usually starts at around four to six weeks and symptoms range from feeling very queasy to severe vomiting. It usually wears off after the second trimester, though a few unlucky mums-to-be suffer right through.

    No one is sure what causes morning sickness, however it’s most likely due to the combination of the many physical changes your body is adapting to. In the meantime try our sickness-busting tips…

    1. Try some peppermint tea, it’s great for settling an upset tummy.
    2. Avoid foods and smells that appear to trigger nausea.
    3. If you’re having trouble keeping food down, try sucking a fruity ice block.
    4. Try to drink at least eight glasses of water a day. Dehydration is often the course of nausea.
    5. Eat lots of ginger. Whether it’s ginger tea, ginger beer (non-alcoholic), biscuits or spice, ginger has great medicinal properties known to ease nausea.
    6. Deep breathing. Deep breathing helps to relax the belly, reducing the symptoms of morning sickness.
    7. Eat smaller, more frequent meals. An empty stomach will increase the chances of nausea, and will help keep your blood-sugar levels steady.
    8. Try burning essential oils such as ginger and mandarin.
    9. Eat foods high in carbohydrates and protein; dry toast, crackers, muesli, rice, pasta and wholegrain breakfast cereals.
    10. If you can’t get away from a smell that’s bothering you, try carrying around a handkerchief sprinkled with a few drops of peppermint oil.
    11. Avoid greasy or spicy foods, both eating and smelling them may make you feel nauseous.
    12. Drink soda water or lemonade, the bubbles are said to reduce nausea.
    13. Open windows and/or use the exhaust fan when you are cooking to get rid of odours.
    14. Take naps during the day. Tiredness plays a big part in morning sickness.
    15. Keep snacks, such as crackers and biscuits, by your bedside. This may help to ward off the nausea before you get out of bed and may also help if you wake up in the night feeling sick.
    16. Try using acupressure bands on your wrists. The bands are can be worn like bracelets, and many pregnant women find they help.
    17. After eating, resist the urge to lie down straight away. Wait at least an hour before taking a nap.
    18. Avoid fatty foods. They take longer to digest, particularly during pregnancy when your stomach takes longer to empty.
    19. Don’t rush out of bed in the morning. Sudden movement may bring on morning sickness.
    20. Go with your cravings, if it stays down, then it’s a good thing. But do try to gradually broaden your diet.

    Posted in Pregnancy | 4 Comments »

    Parenting isn’t Easy!

    November 11th, 2009

    Ever heard of a couple having a baby to try and save their relationship?  Whenever I hear this, I just shudder.  Forget for a moment that if having a baby does not fix things, that the child grows up without two parents together…. who actually believes that having a child can make your relationship better?  With kids, you have less time for yourself, less time for each other…. everything takes much more work and relationships often suffer.  Children are fabulous, but they are not relationship restoration tools.

    New mothers have the added challenge of contending with very powerful physical changes and hormonal shifts as their bodies’ transition back to a non-pregnant state.

    Having a baby changes everything, including your relationship with your partner. While in an ideal world the ultimate in bonding, having a baby is also a major life altering experience and can cause strain in even the best of relationships. In the early, often overwhelming days of new parenthood, it’s easy to get so wrapped up in your fascinating newborn that other parts of your life are neglected. When it’s hard enough trying to work a shower into your daily routine, it always seems nearly impossible to worry about anything of less urgency than a hungry baby.

    The great news is the hormonal shifts, physical fatigue, and blinding obsession with your newborn (well, at least the hormonal shifts and physical fatigue) are temporary. But in the meanwhile, how do you keep a close connection with your partner? And why is it so essential?

    Make your relationship a Priority
    Statistics show that better than half of all new parents experience a decline in marital satisfaction following the birth of a child, with nearly 1/3 of all divorces occurring within the first five years of a child’s life. Similar decline is reported following the birth of each subsequent child. Does that mean having children will be detrimental to your marriage? No. It does mean, however, many new parents develop unhealthy ways of relating, or not relating, after children come along.

    The downside of blinding obsession with your children is the tendency to neglect other facets of your life, which might include your partner. Without communication and team work, mom may feel overwhelmed and unappreciated, whilst dad is left feeling the odd man out unnecessary except to give a break to mom’s tired arms. Neither of these are a prescription for closeness. The lack of relating that starts as a simple survival instinct can easily become habit as babies become toddlers and preschoolers making new demands on your time. In the absence of regular, conscious maintenance, parents may drift apart without even realizing what’s happened until they see the gulf between them.

    Build fondness and affection for your partner.
    Being aware of what is going on in your spouse’s life and being responsive to it. Approaching problems as something you and your partner have control of and something you can solve together as a couple.

    Take Time to Date and Relate
    Combat new parent stress by using the postpartum period to foster intimacy with your partner. Think a baby-sitter is a luxury? Think again. A happy marriage equals happy parents. By nurturing your connection with each other, you directly impact the future happiness and emotional well-being of your child.

    Schedule a date with your partner to help rekindle those feelings that made you a couple before it made you mom and dad. Not ready to leave baby yet? You don’t have to. Hire a sitter to entertain your wee one, and stay home and spend an uninterrupted evening together with your partner. The object isn’t to get away from baby; it’s to spend quality time together as a couple.

    Remember the things you liked to do together before you became parents. Laugh together. Have a conversation about something other than the colour of the contents of your baby’s last dirty nappy/diaper.

    Most essentially? Throw out any preconceived notions you might have about life with your new baby. The realities of every day parenting often fall short of the blissful images cultivated by the media and our own minds. Both parenting and partnering are hard work. Unrealistic expectations of a utopian Gerber baby existence will prevent you from seeing the true joy of new parenthood, which, like childbirth itself, it as messy as it is beautiful.

    Posted in Parenting | No Comments »

    Unsafe Baby Furniture

    November 11th, 2009

    Many homes are full of products such as cribs, baby gates, and playpens. Parents naturally think that these products are safe, otherwise they would not have been allowed to have been sold… right?  This could be a dangerous assumption. Some older products have caused deaths and have been taken off the market, but they’re still found at garage sales or are passed from family to family. Another problem is that some common products are often used incorrectly, putting children at risk for injury.

    Products to check include:

    1. Baby walkers with wheels: Don’t use them! Children have suffered head injuries from falling down stairs in walkers.
    2. Baby bath seats with suction cups: Babies left alone in bath seats have drowned; some have almost drowned even when their parents were in the bathroom. The suction cups on the bottom of the bath seats don’t always stick properly, and babies may fall over into the water.
    3. Playpens: Millions of playpens have been recalled for safety reasons in the last decade. Research your model thoroughly if you did not purchase the playpen new.
    4. Baby gates at the top of stairs: Make sure that any gates at the top of stairs are fastened to the wall with screws, it’s not uncommon for parents to mistakenly use pressure gates, which aren’t fastened to the wall, and these can give way if children lean on them.
    5. Bunkbeds from garage sales: Every year many children die, not from falling off bunk beds, but from sliding underneath the “safety rail” and then choking to death, their feet unable to reach the ground to push themselves back up.  This safety rail may have been the reason the parent in fact bought the bunk bed thinking it was safe, as their child would not have been able to fall out.  The safety rail on a bunk bed, must be solid, or if slatted, the slats must be so close togethor your child can not slip through.  Modern bunk beds are usually fine, but garage sale version have often been modifed and unsafely so.

    Know of more dangerous items? Contact us.

    Posted in Furniture & Toys | No Comments »

    « Older Entries