Mummys Market Magazine January 2023

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Busting Myths: CORD BLOOD BANKING

By your second or third trimester, you will be faced with several important decisions to make, one of them being to store your baby’s umbilical cord stem cells. It might get overwhelming amidst all of your decision planning. Fret not! We’ve put together an extensive guide to umbilical cord banking to help you make an

decide whether you should store your baby’s umbilical cord stem cells.

What Is Cord Blood?

Cord blood, also known as “placental blood”, is the blood that remains in the umbilical cord and placenta following the birth of a baby and after the umbilical cord is clamped. Cord blood is a rich source of Haematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs) which are responsible for replenishing blood and regenerating the immune system. It has the potential to treat over 80 types of diseases1 such as blood cancers like leukaemia, solid tumors, as well as metabolic and immune disorders.

Why Should I Store My Baby’s Cord Blood?

In recent years, umbilical cord banking has become an essential part of birth planning, as there is only one chance to collect your baby’s cord blood: minutes after birth. Choosing to store your baby’s cord blood is a form of biological insurance for your entire family, as this guarantees readily-available and exclusive medical resources for your family in the years to come and offers you a peace of mind with just one decision.

An increasing number of parents are also choosing to store their baby’s cord lining. Cord lining is a sheet-like membrane from the umbilical cord that contains a high concentration of 2 types of stem cells, namely Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) & Cord Lining Epithelial Stem Cells (CLEpSCs). These regenerative stem cells are harvested and extracted using a patented CellOptima™ technology. They are the ‘muscle-forming’ & ‘skin-forming’ building blocks in the human body which have shown great potential in aiding the repair of injured tissues & organs.

Cord lining stem cells also have immune-modulating characteristics, which allow for less stringent matching between donor and the patient, making them suitable for both your baby and other members of the family.

By storing a combination of HSCs, MSCs and CLEpSCs, you are availing your children and family to be part of a medical revolution with access to the growing applications of stem cells and the therapeutic potential they hold.

Public vs. Family Cord Blood Banking

Cord blood was once considered a medical waste and was usually discarded after birth, but parents can now choose between donating it to the public bank or storing it privately for your family’s exclusive use.

Before deciding on the best choice for you and your family, here are some common myths and misconceptions when it comes to choosing between a public or a family cord blood bank.

I can always retrieve my donated cord blood from a public bank, there is no point in storing my baby’s cord blood privately.

Up to 80% of cord blood donations do not meet the storage criteria 2

Prior to storing the cord blood, samples are taken for quality testing and the public cord blood bank will only process and store cord blood donations that have a higher probability of being utilised. A strict storage criteria based on the number of total nucleated cells, number of stem cells and cell viability leads to a high discard rate in public cord blood banks as up to 80% of cord blood donations do not meet the storage criteria. In the event that the cord blood unit is successfully stored, there is no guarantee that the unit is available for the family and child when the need arises. When parents opt for a family cord blood bank, the family is usually informed on the criteria for any rejection of samples and will be able to make an informed choice to continue with the storage process. Once stored, the cord blood sample is readily available and can be quickly retrieved by the family for autologous (where the donor and recipient are the same individual) or allogeneic (where the donor and recipient are different individuals, such as siblings) transplants.

It is free to retrieve a cord blood sample from a public bank.

It can cost up to $27,000 to purchase a cord blood sample 3 .

While it is free to donate your baby’s cord blood to a public cord blood bank, you will relinquish all rights to access your baby’s cord blood unit as it goes into a database where the cord blood unit will be released when a match has been found and the patient needs a transplant. Therefore, should a time-critical situation ever arise, the increased waiting time and search for a guaranteed match can be psychologically stressful for the family if the unit is no longer available. Furthermore, if your child’s donated and stored cord blood unit is no longer available, it can cost up to $27,000 to purchase another matching cord blood unit from the public cord blood bank3.

On the other hand, a family cord blood bank stores the cord blood unit for your family’s exclusive use and it is usually released at no cost to the parents, thus giving you a peace of mind knowing that you have a precious medical resource that is readily available for you and your family, should they ever need to use it.

Family cord blood banking only makes sense if there is a history of blood diseases in the family.

Apart from potentially treating over 80 diseases1 such as leukaemia, lymphoma, and thalassemia, cord blood can also be used to treat metabolic and immune disorders.

In addition, clinical trials are also underway to use cord blood for the treatment of autism, cerebral palsy, Type 1 Diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, spinal cord injury and many more4

In Singapore, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) is currently conducting a clinical trial for the treatment of autism using the child’s own cord blood stem cells that are stored with a family cord blood bank.

Clinical trials are one of the key driving forces in medical breakthroughs and it represents hope for families with conditions that currently have no known cure. In addition, a person can use his or her own cord blood cells to help reconstitute their bone marrow after chemotherapy treatment5

Choosing to store your baby’s cord blood safeguards your child and your family’s future by giving you access to this lifesaving resource should the need ever arise.

Leaning Towards Family Cord Blood Banking? Here are 6 Factors Every Parent Should Consider

Cord blood banking is a long-term investment for your family’s future and parents should consider the following factors that can help you choose a trusted family cord blood bank.

Long-Standing Establishment

As there is only one chance to collect your baby’s cord blood at birth, it’s important to do it with the right partner. Choose a family cord blood bank that has a long-standing establishment as it assures parents that their baby’s precious lifesaving stem cells are stored with a trusted and reliable partner who will be with them for the long haul.

A helpful tip will be to go with the largest family cord blood bank in Singapore, as they have over 21 years of experience under their belt.

Parent’s Guide to Cord Blood Foundation, an independent

Top 10 Family Cord Blood Banks worldwide, and a quick search can tell you if any of these are in Singapore.

International Accreditations

Besides choosing an established family cord blood bank, it’s also important that your chosen family cord blood bank has been accredited by international bodies such as American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) or Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT).

These accreditations ensure that the family cord blood bank adheres to the highest quality standards when it comes to the handling, processing and storing of your baby’s cord blood through regular and rigorous audits.

It also ensures that your child’s cord blood stem cells will remain viable should the need for transplantation ever arise. There are only six family cord blood banks worldwide

FACT. Do your research and one of these six would be a family cord blood bank worth considering.

Fully-owned Processing & Storage Facility

Proper protocols go into ensuring the viability of your child’s cord blood stem cells which is why it’s also important to choose a family cord blood bank that has full ownership over their processing and storage facilities.

This means that they maintain direct control over critical services, quality, licencing and accreditations which assures parents of the well-being of their child’s cord blood that are stored under the bank’s care. This also provides the family cord blood bank with immediate access to resources in the event of an emergency.

References:

1For the full list of treatable diseases and references, please refer to https://www.cordlife.com/sg/treatable-diseases.

2Counting on Babies Cord Blood to Save Lives. SingHealth website. https://www.singhealth.com.sg/news/medical news/counting-on-babiescord-blood-to-save-lives. Accessed November 22, 2022.

Financial Stability

As stem cell transplants or therapies may take place now or later in life, choosing a family cord blood bank with a

as it ensures that the family cord blood bank will be one that you can trust to be with you for the long haul.

increased assurance. Some other factors to take note of also include the family cord blood bank’s processing technology, customer service & enrolment process, just to name a few.

Transplant Track Record

An important consideration factor is whether your chosen family cord blood bank has a proven transplant track record. Another tip is to check whether the family cord blood bank has released numerous cord blood units for clinical trials such as the ongoing trial conducted by KKH in Singapore for the treatment of autism.

This is an indication that the family cord blood bank is experienced in successfully releasing cord blood stem cells

cells stored under their care are in accordance with the highest standards and remains viable for transplantation.

Besides storing cord blood stem cells, check if your chosen family cord blood bank offers additional services as it would give you access to more medical options for your child and family members. One of the family cord blood banks in Singapore is also a patented technology provider in the processing and storage of cord lining cells, which contains 2 types of cells found in the umbilical cord lining – Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) and Cord Lining Epithelial Stem Cells (CLEpSCs).

By storing a combination of stem cells, it increases your child and family’s medical options for possible therapeutic and regenerative applications in the future, especially for conditions that currently have no known cure.

more about the lifesaving

3Cord Blood Banking in Singapore - How Much Does It Cost & Is it Worth The Money. MoneySmart website. https://blog.moneysmart.sg/ family/cord-blood-banking-singapore/. Accessed November 22, 2022

4Diseases and Disorders that have been in Clinical Trials with Cord Blood or Cord Tissue Cells page. Parent’s Guide to Cord Blood Foundation website. https://parentsguidecordblood.org/en/diseases. Asccessed November 22, 2022.

Watch a short educational series about umbilical cord banking here

5Cord Blood Stem Cell Transplantation. The Leukaemia & Lymphoma cordbloodstemcelltransplantation.pdf. Accessed November 22, 2022.

Can I Exercise During Pregnancy?

women to exercise their body, as it helps to maintain their form. It also helps to build up their immune system and strengthen them in preparation for delivery.

These exercises help properly develop the muscles needed for a smoother delivery. Pregnant women who have been exercising regularly before pregnancy, can continue their routine, but at a reduced intensity.

Suitable Pregnancy Exercises

Pregnant women can take part in any exercise activity, but should ensure to keep them easy and not too strenuous which may run the risk of endangering your pregnancy. Recommended exercises include swimming, brisk walking, indoor cycling, stretching exercise & yoga.

There are also special classes of aerobic exercise with instructors for pregnant women. You can register for these classes

advised that pregnant women should engage in outdoor activities to soak up some vitamin D.

There might also be exercise classes for couples when they attend pre-natal care. This is very good for bonding in the period of pregnancy. Light jogging is also advised especially if the woman has been jogging before she became pregnant.

How Soon Should I Start Exercising?

There is no particular time when one can start exercising when pregnant. Some people without any health conditions or complication start exercising right from the day they notice they are pregnant to when they deliver. It is usually less stressful for people that have been exercising regularly before they become pregnant. They will just have to change their routine slightly to meet up with the changes in their body.

Exercise activities are part of pre-natal care when you regularly go for checkup. They do commence as early as it is discovered that the woman is pregnant.

Exercises You Should Avoid

There are some kinds of exercises that are not suitable for pregnant women as they may cause complications in the pregnancy. These exercises include:

• Exercises that may involve holding your breath for a period of time.

• Exercise activities that have a high risk of falling such as diving and riding.

• Contact sport that is very physical such as football, volleyball, etc.

• Sporting activities that involve running and jumping such as athletics events.

• Avoid exercising in hot and humid conditions and an environment.

• Avoid exercises that involve heavy lifting.

Is Seafood Safe During Pregnancy ?

which makes it ideal for your baby in the womb while some have toxic PCBs in it. Hence it is

Benefits Of Eating Fish During Pregnancy

The FDA or Food and Drug Administration agency has stated that a pregnant mother can eat up to 12 ounces

1. Fish is a good source of zinc, iron and protein that are essential for your baby’s growth.

2. The Omega 3 fatty acids present in the seafood would help in the brain development of your baby.

3. Fish has lean protein that is best for your baby which makes it a must have food during the third trimester.

4. Fish with a bit of fat in them have lots of DHA that is ideal for consumption when you are 28 weeks pregnant, as it is highly helpful in the following ways:

• Offers a better memory

• Prevents post partum depression

• Prevents mood swings

• Lowers cardiac risk issues

• Keeps blood pressure under normal levels

• Lowers blood clotting issues

What Fish To Eat During Pregnancy

and the baby. If you are trying to get pregnant or already pregnant, you can consume the following types

1. Tuna Fish

pregnant as it contains mercury in it. Make sure you have just two tuna steaks (140g after cooking) in a week. Fresh is always preferred over the canned variety.

2. Oily Fish

moderate amounts as it might contain several pollutants like PCBs and dioxins. week, but eat them without fail. Include oily trout, pilchards and mackerel in your diet.

Other

Fish Fit For Consumption Duirng Pregnancy

due to the fact they may have swum through tainted waters, you must eat only two portions or less of them in a week.

• Sea bass

• Halibut

• Turbot

• Sea bream have contamination of virus, bacteria or other toxins, which is not safe for your baby. However, eating thoroughly. However, you can avoid it altogether if you are not sure about consuming it. You must also and cooked thoroughly to avoid digestive issues or other, more serious, complications to you or your baby. Have a safe pregnancy!

What To Avoid While You Are Pregnant

7 Ways To Sleep Better During Your Pregnancy

Your back in aching and legs are swelling so much, all you want to do is have a good nights sleep at the end of a long day. So what’s stopping you? Sometimes pregnancy insomnia just gets the better of us and though we want to drift off to snooze-nation, it’s not that easy! Here are some sleep secrets for pregnant women. Have a good night, Mummies!

SKIP THE LATE-NIGHT SUPPERS & SNACKS

We know baby (or you) is hungry, but refrain from having that late-night indulgence 2 hours before bedtime. There’s the likelihood that it keep you wide awake and uncomfortable.

SLEEP ON YOUR SIDE

You probably know you should sleep on your side if possible, since it’ll reduce the amount of pressure on your uterus and help you breathe better. Plus, the position will help relieve backaches. And there actually is a “better” side to sleep on. Sleeping on your left side can actually help increase the amount

DON’T KEEP TOSSING IN BED

Seems counterintuitive but if you can’t sleep, don’t just lie in bed miserable. Get up and do something that might make you bored for a few minutes! Try walking around your house or folding laundry. It might feel weird, but we all know that mundane chores are sometimes a bore—so use it to your advantage. After you’ve calmed down a bit, go back to bed and see if you can fall asleep.

KEEP AFTERNOON NAPS SHORT

If you have time to nap (lucky you!), go for it, but don’t nap for more than 30 minutes. If you sleep for longer than that, your body will enter the stage of deep sleep and this will make it harder for you to wake up and will leave you feeling groggy. Don’t worry—even though you’re only allowed a half hour for a nap, you can take a few each day. It’s the perfect treatment for daytime fatigue.

PROP YOUR BODY UP

and upper body up a few inches. This position allows gravity to put less pressure on your diaphragm and help you breathe easier. Strategically placed pillows help support the stomach and can help you get to sleep—try a full-body pillow for this kind of support.

MAKE YOUR BED SUPER COMFY

A comfortable bed is key. Since your spine feels more pressure than normal, get different size pillows and rearrange them to elevate your body or relieve back pain. You might need more to get comfy. Also, if you’re not getting enough support from your mattress because pain or sore muscles, you might need to add a mattress pad.

SLEEP IN A COOL ENVIRONMENT

Your body heat increases during pregnancy. You might be feeling hot all the time, and if your room is too stuffy, you might have trouble sleeping. So if possible, turn down the temperature on your air-con if you’re feeling warm.

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What’s Better?

NATURAL BIRTH OR C-SECTION

LUBNA BTE AHMAD HARHARAH (Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Parkway East Hospital)

Congratulations, you are having a baby and it is now time to plan for the arrival of your bundle of joy. Your obstetrician may have offered you the choice of a natural (vaginal) delivery or an elective caesarean (C-section). Deciding whether a natural or caesarean delivery is right for you is a question you should discuss with your doctor so that you know exactly what either option entails, and how your personal circumstances and medical history plays a part.

While both modes of delivery are generally safe, they each carry a degree of risk which can vary mother to mother. Read along for a more detailed analysis of both procedures before making your decision.

What Is A Natural Delivery?

A natural delivery happens when your baby is delivered naturally through your vagina.

How Long Does It Take To Recover From Natural Delivery?

Mothers who have had a natural vaginal delivery without any medical complications can expect to be discharged from hospital after 24 – 48 hours. As the body continues to heal for the next 3 – 6 weeks, vaginal bleeding may be experienced.

Are There Risks In A Natural Delivery?

Not all vaginal births go as smoothly as planned. The delivery can involve one or all of the following.

• The doctor may advise labour induction for the mother and/or the baby’s safety.

• If the water bag has not broken and you are in labour, your doctor may perform an amniotomy (“breaking the water”) to rupture the amniotic membrane.

• The doctor may administer an intravenous synthetic hormone called oxytocin to hasten labour that is not progressing.

• Mothers may opt for an epidural (an anaesthetic injected into the epidural space around the spinal cord) to help manage the pain, although this may reduce the ability to feel the urge, or ability to push the baby out when the time comes.

What Happens During Natural Childbirth?

There are 3 stages of labour during vaginal childbirth. These stages are determined by the dilation (widening) of your cervix.

The contractions a pregnant woman experiences

labour happens when her cervix has dilated to 10cm, and she will be asked to push. Stage 2 happens when the baby crowns, which is when the baby’s head is

mother’s placenta is expelled.

• Besides an epidural, other medications such as Entonox (laughing) gas or a pethidine injection may be administered to manage the pain.

• The doctor may make a surgical incision called an episiotomy for the mother and/or baby’s safety as the baby’s head passes through the opening to your vagina. Stitches will be required after the delivery.

• If either mother or baby shows signs of distress in the course of deliver, the doctor may use forceps or vacuum extraction to assist in the safe delivery of the baby.

• If there are complications or risks to the health of the mother or baby during labour, the doctor may decide on an emergency C-section. While this can be disappointing for mothers who had planned for a vaginal delivery, it is necessary for the health and survival of both mother and child.

What Is An Elective C-section?

A C-section is a surgical procedure where your doctor makes an incision through your lower abdomen and uterus to deliver the baby. It can be done under regional (epidural or spinal block) or general anaesthetic. Mothers will remain awake for the former option.

An elective C-section is normally performed a week before the expected due date, or when the doctor notes that there might be a complication or healthissues during pregnancy. However, mothers may request for their doctor to perform an elective C-section delivery after making an informed decision with the doctor.

While elective caesarean surgery is an option, it is not recommended because it is still a major surgery with risks of complications for both mother and child.

What Are The Advantages Of An Elective C-section?

Lower risk of:

• Urinary incontinence (inability to control the release of urine from the bladder).

Are There Other Risks In A C-section?

Discuss the risks of a C-section with your doctor before making a decision on whether to undergo the procedure. Some of the possible risks include:

Risks to the mother:

• Infection of, and pain and discahrge from, the wound.

• Infection of the womb lining or infection affecting other organs.

• Excessive bleeding which may require a blood transfusion or further surgery to stop the bleeding in serious cases.

• Blood clotting, which could be very dangerous if it travels to the lungs (pulmonary embolism).

•Damage to your bladder or the tubes that connect the kidneys and bladder or bowel, which may require further surgery.

• The need for a hysterectomy (surgery to remove the womb) if there are serious complications such as life-threatening bleeding.

Risks to the baby: The baby may be cut accidentally as the womb is

heal well. There may be a chance of the baby experiencing breathing di culties and may need to be monitored longer in hospital.

Risks to future pregnancies:

Many women who have had a C-section can go on to deliver their next baby safely by vaginal delivery. However, there are always risks of complications in future pregnancies. These include:

• The scare in the womb opening up.

• The placenta being abnormally attached to the wall of the womb, leading to pregnancy complications.

• Pelvic organ prolapse (when the pelvic organs drop from their original position in the pelvis). You are required to be stay in hospital for 2 – 4

How Long Does It Take To Recover From A C-section?

of recovery at home, the C-section scar may itch or cause pain that can be relieved with pain medication. Moving around and getting the start.

Even though a mother has not gone through a vaginal delivery, they may still experience mild cramps, vaginal bleeding or discharge for about 4 – 6 weeks. A follow-up appointment with the doctor post-birth will be necessary to review the wound; and at 6 weeks, a second follow-up appointment to assess recovery.

Discuss each type of delivery with your doctor so an informed decision can be made. Weigh up the pros and cons for the health of both mother and baby as it may affect future plans to have more children. Remember, just because an elective C-section is an option, it may not be the best choice for mother and child.

+65 6337 3737 8111 3777

https://www.parkwayeast. com.sg/make-appointment

This article was first published at: https://www.parkwayeast.com.sg/healthplus/article/ natural-delivery-caesarean-delivery

Article reviewed by Dr Lubna Bte Ahmad Harharah, Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Parkway East Hospital.

Babies & Their Sleeping Patterns

I never knew the value of sleep, until I had a baby. Sleep seemed to be the most elusive thing with my newborn around. What was once an easy thing seemed to be next to impossible. I had

It’s normal for some newborns to sleep up to 20 hours per day according to Scott Cohen, pediatrician and author of Eat Sleep Poop: A Common Sense Guide to Your Baby’s First Year.

A newborn sleeps for 16-18 hours on an average. They sleep for a longer time during the day and stay awake through the night. Getting the baby to sleep is challenging, but being aware of sleeprelated dynamics, might ease you and prepare you for those sleepless nights to come.

The newborn will sleep for 30 minutes to three hours at random times while feeding in between. You have to wake him/her up frequently for feeds. When newborns go to sleep, they slip into ‘active sleep’.

This is similar to REM (rapid eye movement) sleep in adults, where they wake up quickly at the slightest of sounds. Babies are likely to sleep in this state for 25 minutes, and then transition to ‘quiet sleep’, which is a deep state of sleep. Unlike active sleep, newborns do not wake up quickly during quiet sleep.

The newborn is likely to sleep anywhere between 16-18 hours a day. Now that you are fairly acquainted with his feeding time and sleep pattern, you can let him sleep and wake him/her up for regular feeds.

Babies learn to fall asleep on their own by the third week. He will be more awake, and wakes up or cries whenever he/she is hungry or his/her clothes are soiled. You can keep track of their feed time, and that will ensure a quicker sleep when they feel full.

By the fourth week newborns will sleep for 12 – 16 hours. But some baby’s sleep for nine hours while a few other babies might sleep for 19 hours in a day. You can try introducing a sleeping routine at this time.

Every baby has an individual rhythm, some babies sleep for hours, while others are up in an hour. Newborns are not ready for a strict sleep routine or schedule until they are six months old.

Motherhood comes naturally to a woman. You will instinctively know when the baby is hungry or sleepy, or when they need your warm touch. So, don’t lose your patience, instead keep trying at least for two months.

We hope our tips help you set a sleep routine for your baby. So, don’t worry about the sleepless nights – it’s just a passing phase. Let your baby slip into that deep slumber, and relax like a queen.

Cleaning is essential to protecting our health for our family. However, household and cleaning products often include harmful chemicals. Even products that are ’natural’ or ‘baby safe’ may contain ingredients that can cause health problems. Many household products or cleaning supplies contain ingredients that can irritate the eyes or throat, cause headaches and other health problems, and some researchers suggest that it may cause cancer.

Some products release dangerous chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), whereas others contain harmful ingredients including ammonia and bleach. These supplies contribute to chronic respiratory problems, allergic reactions or even respiratory (such as asthma) & skin irritation.

Understanding the product is key to a better living. Under the United States, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered disinfectant chart, there are 3 common ingredients that Singaporeans use; Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite), Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats), and Botanical - Thymol.

Fortunately, we have summarised how you can limit your exposure to those risks!

USE EFFECTIVE PRODUCTS

a) Ensure that your product’s active ingredient is listed on EPA/NEA website.

b) Active ingredients undergo many tests and research before it’s listed on the website.

c) There are products such as sanitising water or probiotics which are not approved by EPA/ NEA to disinfect.

PRE-CLEAN SURFACES BEFORE DISINFECTING KNOW WHAT’S IN THE BOTTLE

a) Best practices to remove all grease, dirt or soil before using disinfectant.

b) There are all-purpose cleaner that has 2-in-1 functions, to clean and disinfect.

a) Understanding what is in the bottle, allows you to do additional steps such as wiping down or ensuring before cleaning.

b) Avoid products that do not indicate the active ingredient on their labels, it is good to know what’s in the bottle.

c) Choose all-natural products if possible.

SANITISING IS NOT THE SAME AS DISINFECTING

a) Sanitising kills bacteria on surfaces, it is not intended to kill viruses.

b) Disinfecting kills viruses and bacteria on surfaces.

WHEN IN DOUBT, ALWAYS WIPE DOWN WITH WATER!

a) If you are unsure, always use clean water to wipe down surfaces to remove chemicals.

b) Wiping down is always required unless the products are food-safe.

c) While cleaning, chemicals will stay on your surfaces.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO AVOID ALCOHOL PRODUCTS

a) Alcohol, commonly known as, ethanol or ethyl alcohol can be deadly to babies or younger children with just a few drops.

b) Ethanol may be labelled as ‘organic’ as it is derived naturally from sugarcane, but it does not mean it’s safe.

NOROVIRUS & CLOSTRIDIUM DIFFICILE (C. DIFFICILE) CANNOT BE KILLED WITH ALCOHOL

a) has an enclosed structure known as capsid which alcohol cannot get through. Hence, alcohol-based products do not kill norovirus.

b) diarrhoea and colitis. Alcohol is not effective against these spores.

DILUTION REQUIRED? DISPOSE IT AFTER USE.

a) There are cleaning concentrates that are sold, or disinfectants. Water contains bacteria and it multiplies over time. Hence, it is important to dispose immediately after use.

NEVER MIX CLEANING SUPPLIES!

a) Never mix bleach with any cleaner containing ammonia, it creates a poisonous gas which can cause chronic breathing problems and even death.

b) Never mix bleach with hydrogen peroxide which could create oxygen gas so violently, that it can cause an explosion.

HARD TO FIND SAFER ALTERNATIVES?

a) market. Hence, it is important to know what is inside the bottle.

b) Protecting your family does not necessarily mean using safer alternatives, practising safe measures such as wiping down could limit your exposure to these harmful chemicals.

c) pH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a product is. Look for products with a neutral pH of 7 or as close to 7 as possible.

The use of harmful products does not incur immediate threat to your life. Extensive prolonged breathing of such chemicals could cause chronic respiratory issues and in some studies, it suggests damage to the brain and nervous system. It is also not recommended to mix cleaning agents on your own as it does not provide a lab report that proves its effectiveness of antimicrobial properties. When using cleaning or household products, keep the area well ventilated by opening windows and doors.

Gentle Organics was founded due to an increasing lack of awareness amongst consumers that their everyday home & personal care products such as cleaners, detergents and disinfectants

detrimental to not only your health but also the health of the environment. With that in mind, Gentle Organics researched biotechnology and created Thymol-based products which allow us to eliminate all forms of harmful chemicals without compromising on harmful germs.

Breastfeeding Tips For New Moms

The timing of the

lactation consultation

Usually after delivery, a lactation consultant will visit your ward

breastfeeding session.

How to place your infant’s mouth on the nipple? How to sit or lie down? (depending on whether you had a vaginal birth or a cesarean). How you can understand if your newborn is still feeding or has simply fallen asleep? These are just some of the topics they will cover.

Make full use of this session to ask any questions you may have!

Keep practising

Breastfeeding requires a lot of practice from both you & your newborn. While some mothers & their newborns adapt to the new technique fairly easily, there are many who have trouble breastfeeding their newborns. Just remember, like any other skill, breastfeeding requires your time and patience to learn.

Try changing both you and your newborn’s position to see what works best for you. Don’t give up and resort to pumping out your

weeks are the hardest and often take up the most time to help get into a routine.

It’s always a good idea to try and breastfeed your newborn within the

you’ve had a vaginal birth.

This helps your uterus contract, and provides your baby with that called colostrum. This colostrum is considered to be the healthiest part of your breast milk.

Look after yourself

Taking good care of yourself takes top priority when breastfeeding.

Make sure that you stay hydrated throughout the day. Keep a jug of water and a glass near your bed. Make it a point to drink a glass just before and after feeding your little one. You may also want to try fresh fruit and vegetable juices, just to keep things exciting.

It is also very natural for you to feel hungry most of the time while breastfeeding . An empty tummy can affect the amount and quality of your breast milk. Keep some easy to eat snacks around your feeding area to munch on while breastfeeding.

Try to clock in some naps when your baby is sleeping, even if it means giving up on some chores around the house.

As your newborn learns how to you to manage the sensation that you will feel in your breasts.

Some new mothers feel a lot of pain in the initial few tries when their newborn breastfeeds, while others do not have any discomfort or pain at all. If you do feel pain or discomfort, try switching your breast or easing the nipple into your newborn’s mouth.

Stop looking at the clock

One of the most common habits for new moms, is to keep a watch on the clock and make sure that your

of time at each feeding session.

If you’re constantly looking at the clock while feeding your baby, it could cause you a lot of stress if you realize that your baby isn’t drinking as per usual.

Stress can have a negative impact

let your infant feed for as long as possible or till you feel that your breasts are emptied.

It may hurt a little, but don’t give up

Internal Vent System

Air enters the bottle collar and routes directly through the internal vent system.

The air channels through the vent tube, bypassing the milk, to the end of the bottle.

The vent prevents aeration of the milk, vacuum pressure and teat collapse.

Baby feeds comfortably while milk flows freely, like breastfeeding.

BOOTH CO1

BOOTH CO9

BOOTH BO1

Checklist

Checklist

Supporting your body & feeding choices

E r g o n o m i c d e s i g n r e d u c e s t e n s i o n a n d p a i n o n w r i s t , a r m s , s h o u l d e r s a n d n e c k d u r i n g f e e d s

O T H E R F E A T U R E S

C o m p a t i b l e w i t h b r e a s t a n d b o t t l e f e e d i n g .

C o m p a c t , l i g h t - w e i g h t , s e l f i n f l a t i n g - P a c k i n t o y o u r d i a p e r b a g f o r f e e d s a n y t i m e a n d a n y w h e r e .

D e s i g n e d & m a d e i n A u s t r a l i a

Pillow colours:

I d e a l f o r C - s e c t i o n d e l i v e r i e s

R e m o v a b l e w a s h a b l e c o v e r

Extra covers colours:

I d e a l f o r n e w b o r n t o t o d d l e r

Rose

Sky Blue Apple Green

White Grey Mint