Pregnancy BUMP&baby issue 8

ISSUE 08

AM I PR EGNANT?

How to tell before you test

N e e d to k no w:

PR E- CO N C E P TIO N G E N E TIC TE S TI N G

WHAT TO PAC K in your

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Law yer to entrepreneur...

Meet our cover mum-to-be

Low e ne rg y ?

P OS T-PR EG NAN CY D E PLE TIO N

U LTR AS OU N D S CAN S: WHAT TO E XPECT

hospital bag

M IDWIFE TE LL S ALL!

Wha t new mums really want

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WERING

Stunning birth photos M

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PR AM S CAR S EAT S NAPPY BAGS ACCES SOR IES PUM P & G O

to prep for labour

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pg BABY TR AVEL S PECIAL

B EST FOODS 10

AU T I F U L!

Congratulations on you r new ar r ival!

Pregnancy is an incredible experience, and we aim to make things stress-free when it comes to choosing the right products to prepare and ease your journey from pregnancy to parenthood. Our team are ready to listen and offer tailored advice on any decisions you’ll need to make to help you find the right products to suit your lifestyle. Our bub club loyalty program is a great way to stay informed and up to date with special offers and promotions. Simply sign up in store or online and begin your parenting journey with babycity.

Use this babycity checklist to help you gather all the essentials you’ll need to welcome your new arrival home.

! ou t e m Cu t

100% natural liquid iron supplement

To support you and your baby

100% natural liquid iron supplement Less likely to constipate Contains no additives or preservatives Spatone is suitable to aid in the maintenance of healthy iron levels during pregnancy.

It only contains naturally occurring iron-rich mineral water that is easily absorbed, gentle on the stomach and less likely to cause constipation.

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE.

LEARN MORE www.martinandpleasance.com

One in three women who have had a baby wet themselves. Yet it remains something we mums still aren’t talking about.

We want to talk to you about it.

Our friendly continence nurse is available to take your call, from 9am to 5pm, Mondays and Tuesdays. We’re here to help. Chat soon.

0800 650 659 | continence.org.nz Sponsored by

CONTENTS PREGNANCY

Issue 08 QUICK FIX

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KIA ORA! A few quick words from our editor

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MY PREGNANCY JOURNEY Behind the scenes of our cover shoot

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JUST BUMPED INTO… New and noteworthy gear, research, and info for mums and bumps

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72 ONE MOMENT IN TIME Amazing birth photos

BABY’S FIRST BOOKS Start their little library

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SHOW US YOUR BUMP Winners of our beautiful bump photo competition

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FALLING IN LOVE WITH FOOD Yummy recipes to nourish body and soul

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HELP… I THINK I’M INFERTILE What to do if you need help

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GENETIC CARRIER SCREENING Pre-pregnancy testing for hopeful parents

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12 EARLY PREGNANCY SYMPTOMS Before you can test

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THE NEXT BIG THING The latest in beauty trends and products

WHAT WE’RE READING Books for parents and parents-to-be

THE LAST WORD Words to live by

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5 MATERNITY BRAS WE LOVE Soft and supportive for pregnancy and breastfeeding

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CONCEPTION & PREGNANCY

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SUBSCRIBE & WIN Get two issues for only $26

BUMPER SHOPPING Shop 'til you pop

LOVE YOUR LIFE

ONE MOMENT IN TIME Amazing birth photos

FOR THE LOVE OF LITTLE SPACES Nursery ideas to inspire you

WHAT TO EXPECT: FIRST TRIMESTER SCANS Take a peek inside

FEEDING BABY’S BRAIN Why what you eat matters

CAN YOU PREVENT ALLERGIES IN YOUR BABY? The answer might surprise you Pregnancy BUMP & baby

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CONTENTS

FALLING IN LOVE WITH FOOD Nourish your body

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LABOUR & DELIVERY

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TOP 10 FOODS FOR LABOUR AND BIRTH Snacks and meals to give you energy

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TICKET TO RIDE Innovative new car seats

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PACK YOUR BAGS Getting ready for the big day

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FIRST SIX MONTHS

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HOSPITAL BAG MUST-HAVES Everything but the kitchen sink

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BIRTH: THE WEIRD AND WONDERFUL What goes around comes around

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BRING IT ON: INDUCING LABOUR What happens when labour is induced?

100 TRANSFORMER A car seat that's more than meets the eye

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WHAT TO DO (AND NOT DO) FOR A NEW MUM Undercover midwife tells all

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WHAT IS POSTNATAL DEPLETION? And what can you do about it?

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OUT AND ABOUT WITH YOUR BABY What you need to get out of the house

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HOT WHEELS Cool prams for cool babies

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15 FUN (AND FASCINATING!) FACTS ABOUT BABIES Interesting little titbits

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WHAT TIME WILL MY BABY BE BORN? Statistics tell an interesting story

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TOTES BABE Nappy bags you’ll covet

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TRAVEL ACCESSORIES Little things to make your journey easier

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PUMP AND GO Make expressing more efficient

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BABY’S FIRST IMMUNISATIONS What they’re for and what to expect

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NEW BABY + OLDER SIBLING = LOVE Introducing your older child to a new baby

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WHAT YOUR BABY’S CAREGIVER WANTS YOU TO KNOW The honest truth

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SHOULD I KEEP CONTRIBUTING TO KIWISAVER WHILE I’M ON MATERNITY LEAVE? A financial expert weighs in

FIVE STEPS TO TAKE THIS WEEKEND Help protect your family and your home from a damaging earthquake...

Look up at your roof.

Can you see a CHIMNEY MADE FROM CONCRETE MASONRY OR BRICK? These are at greater risk of collapse in a quake.

Use an online calculator to check your HOME INSURANCE COVER is enough to rebuild your house if it’s severely damaged, and that you have enough CONTENTS COVER to replace your possessions.

MOVE HEAVY HOUSEHOLD ITEMS to lower cupboards and secure FRAGILE ITEMS with Blu tack or non-slip mats.

1 2 3 4

5

Use brackets to FASTEN TALL AND HEAVY FURNITURE that might topple in a quake. Think about bookcases, cabinets, TVs, fridges and hot water cylinders.

If it’s safe to do so, grab a torch and take a look at your FOUNDATIONS. Check they’re in good condition and properly secured to your house.

Whether you rent or own, live in a house or apartment, you can take action to prepare your home.

Visit our website for detailed information on the steps above and more

www.eqc.govt.nz/prepare

CHANGES TO EQCover

How EQC covers you following damage from a natural disaster is changing this year. To learn more visit www.eqc.govt.nz/act-changes

HELLO!

Editor's note

PREGNANCY

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Issue 08

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Available from selected retailers or visit bumpandbaby.co.nz to subscribe.

PUBLISHERS Tony and Aana Marinovich tony@bumpandbaby.co.nz aana@bumpandbaby.co.nz EDITOR Katherine Granich editor@bumpandbaby.co.nz ART DIRECTOR Emma Henderson design@bumpandbaby.co.nz ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Tony Marinovich tony@bumpandbaby.co.nz ONLINE ENQUIRIES digital@bumpandbaby.co.nz social@bumpandbaby.co.nz PREGNANCY BUMP&baby PUBLISHED BY TOTS TO TEENS PO Box 70 Level 1, 190 Main Road Kumeu, Auckland 0841 New Zealand The Media Barn 91 Moontide Road Kumeu Auckland 0892 New Zealand T: +64 9 412 5123 F: +64 9 412 5133 ONLINE bumpandbaby.co.nz facebook@bumpandbabynz instagram@bumpandbabynz pinterest@bumpandbabynz tiktok@bumpandbabymagazine PRINTER OVATO Limited COVER S HOOT:

Pregnancy BUMP&Baby ISSN 2463-283X is published bi-annually (2 issues per year)

“Feeling the baby move inside me is hands-down the most incredible experience of my life,” says our cover model Megan Hutchison, who was photographed for this issue’s gorgeous cover. Read more of Megan’s story on page 10.

The opinions expressed and statements made in Pregnancy Bump&baby are those of the contributors and advertisers and do not necessarily represent the views of the publishers. Pregnancy Bump&baby, on behalf of itself and the authors, asserts copyright on all material appearing in Pregnancy Bump&baby and none of it shall be reproduced wholly or in part without the prior written consent of the publishers.

The publishers reserve all rights in respect of all material received and accepted for publication.

Pregnancy Bump&baby reserves the right to edit or abridge all articles, letters, or other material (solicited or otherwise) accepted for publication.

While every care has been taken in the research and compilation of this publication, it is not intended to replace professional or medical advice. To the best knowledge of Pregnancy Bump&baby, all information herein is correct at the time of publication. Please contact your healthcare provider in the first instance for medical assistance and advice.

BEHIND THE SCENES

COVER MODEL: MEGAN HUTCHISON (SHESAIDYES.CO.NZ) • CREATIVE DIRECTOR: ISOBEL BENESCH (ISOBELBENESCH.COM) • PHOTOGRAPHER: WILD SPIRIT WEDDING (WILDSPIRITWEDDING.COM) • HAIR: DRY & TEA (DRYANDTEA.COM) • MAKEUP: ABBY PLESTED (ABBYPLESTED.COM) • COVER MODEL WEARS: KOWTOW (KOWTOWCLOTHING.COM), PAGE 8: H&M (HM.COM)

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EDITOR'S PHOTO: NIGEL MARPLE • EDITOR'S CLOTHING: BREASTMATES.CO.NZ

efore my children were born, I used to stay up so late and go to so many events outside of my house. I'm an introvert, so these events were things like museum exhibitions (so quiet), art galleries (so quiet, so pretty), and film festivals (not quiet, but full of fellow nerds who didn't want to talk to me). I remember one year when my husband and I went to 23 films at the Auckland International Film Festival. It was just one film after another after another, for about two weeks. It was heavenly. By the end I had square eyes and never wanted to read a subtitle again. And the nights ended so late!

We'd finish a film and then meet friends for dinner at 10pm.

We rarely arrived home before midnight. Ah, those were the days.

These days are quite different. I haven't been to a subtitled film in a decade. The last time I went to a museum was for a school holiday programme. I would love to go to the art gallery, but there's no way my kids will let me stand in front of a painting for 30 minutes to take it in. Dinnertime is at 5pm (earlier if my children are hangry), and midnight usually finds me either frantically shovelling another load of clothes into the washer, looking after a restless child, or crashed out in my bed with an overdue library book unread next to me.

Do I miss the old days? Well, I miss the time I didn't know I had.

Ignorance is bliss when you're young and child-free. But then I look to my own mother. Her three children are grown and flown, and now she's going to museums and art galleries, watching films (although she's never liked subtitles), finishing library books on time, making plans with friends, and travelling to see her grandchildren. I'm trying not to be in a hurry to wish these busy days away, but to realise that someday I'll have time (and quiet) again too. And by then, I'll probably wish for where I'm at now.

TAPSNA9691

The product most recommended by doctors for pregnancy stretch marks.

Colmar Brunton, 2018

“It’s my second pregnancy and I’m using Bio-Oil again for stretch marks. I used it the first time around and it was amazing!”

BGA190301–BB–ALLY

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Bio-Oil® helps reduce the possibility of pregnancy stretch marks forming by increasing the skin’s elasticity. It should be applied twice daily from the start of the second trimester. For comprehensive product information, and details of clinical trials, please visit bio-oil.com. Bio-Oil is available at pharmacies and selected retailers. Individual results will vary. Bio-Oil is distributed in New Zealand by Douglas Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Auckland.

New Packaging. Same Formulation.

My pregnancy

JOURNEY

Our cover model, Megan Hutchison of Pregnancy Journal (shesaidyes.co.nz), created made with love, a beautiful bespoke fertility and pregnancy organiser.

Here, she tells us about her journey to motherhood and the inspiration behind her business.

My journey to motherhood hasn’t been straightforward.

Blair and I have been together for more than 10 years, and after losing lots of people close to us, it has been so important for us to be able to start a family together.

When my mum died five years ago, I lost a lot of weight and lost my periods. Getting engaged the following year and staying extremely fit and slim to fit my wedding dress sadly made things worse, and in the end I was treated by the hospital for hypothalamic amenorrhea. Four years on, my periods returned, though irregularly, as my hormones were still settling, so I hoped pregnancy would eventually happen naturally, but I was also very prepared for challenges and the need for medical assistance. I had begun tracking my periods, but it seemed impossible to think properly about trying to conceive while they were so irregular – I was just happy to get one every couple of months, so the pregnancy was actually a huge surprise!

My favourite part of pregnancy is feeling my baby’s movements.

Feeling the baby move inside me is hands-down the most incredible experience of my life. I had been lying perfectly still in bed, with my hands on my stomach, from around 18 weeks pregnant, and around 21 weeks I finally felt what seemed like a tiny piece of popcorn popping. It was so exciting when it eventually became strong

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enough that I could share it with Blair, though now it is almost constant, and sometimes I’d like a break from having a foot in my ribs! Every scan has also been more exciting than the last, seeing the baby develop and grow – and at my 32 week scan I was able to see the most beautiful little face, making it all feel very real and exciting.

and includes all postnatal care. It’s called made with love and I hope the name also reflects how much love I really put into creating it.

I really wanted a pregnancy journal that felt user-friendly and personal.

Pregnancy can come with such a cascade of emotions, and journalling is so therapeutic and beneficial – especially in the early days before you feel comfortable sharing the news with many people, or talking about it openly. Pregnancy also has its challenges, both mental and physical, and writing those down is a helpful way to manage them too. I hope it will be an incredible record for women to look back on in the future, whether comparing to their following pregnancies, sharing with their children, or just reminiscing. For both women trying to conceive and those already pregnant, I also hope the first sections on health and wellbeing will really assist in encouraging a healthy pregnancy.

Nutrition, fitness, mental health, and general wellbeing are so important to me, and I know how crucial it was for me to stabilise my health and hormones through diet, exercise and stress-reduction – to be able to conceive, and carry the baby throughout my pregnancy. Finally, I hope it will make women feel empowered about their bodies, their choices and their journeys – pregnancy is so special, it should be celebrated, and I want to encourage women to spend time reflecting on how amazing they are.

Following the little white book (a journal I designed for wedding planning), a lot of my customers had asked me about a pregnancy journal, but I didn’t think I could possibly create something so important and personal without having experienced pregnancy myself. Over the years, as the fertility journey became as significant to me as the eventual pregnancy journey I hoped to soon be on, it was really important to me to also include within the journal a section on fertility and trying to conceive. I also thought it would be helpful to have unique prompts for each week of pregnancy that corresponded specifically to the changes going on, rather than asking the same questions on each week (as most tend to), and include dedicated pages in each trimester for organisation checklists, partner’s notes, antenatal appointments, etc. It was also important to me that the journal didn’t end with birth, as the fourth trimester is so momentous in itself, so the journal continues a little after,

I hope made with love will be a keepsake for pregnant women.

OUR COVER BUMP

The best pregnancy advice I’ve received: Listen to your body.

As someone who is quite driven, busy and energetic, the transition has had its challenges. I was diagnosed with an iron deficiency which made me absolutely exhausted, and even iron tablets have barely helped, so I’m taking it as a lesson in patience and realising that my body just needs to rest. While I’ve maintained my fitness as best as I can and have been quietly running my businesses throughout, I am very conscious to never push myself physically or mentally.

Self-care is not a luxury, especially while you're pregnant, so take the opportunity to slow down.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: ISOBEL BENESCH (ISOBELBENESCH.COM) • PHOTOGRAPHER: WILD SPIRIT WEDDING (WILDSPIRITWEDDING.COM) • HAIR: DRY & TEA (DRYANDTEA.COM) • MAKEUP: ABBY PLESTED (ABBYPLESTED.COM) • MEGAN WEARS: FILLYBOO MATERNITY (FILLYBOOMATERNITY.COM)

I’m preparing for motherhood by listening more than talking.

While no two women have the same birth stories or parenting styles, I've found it so incredibly useful to listen to others. It’s not always about strictly following advice, but rather gaining an appreciation for the lessons their experiences have taught them. I feel much more knowledgeable about birth and looking after a newborn after listening to others' amazing and varied stories, and I look forward to being able to pass on my own stories soon.

The keepsake made with love pregnancy journal RRP$69 is available from shesaidyes.co.nz

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Just bumped into…

The latest news, info, and gear for stylish mums, bumps, and babies

I’LL EAT YOU UP, I LOVE YOU SO

If you ever feel the urge to take a bite out of your baby’s deliciously chubby thighs, hear this: Science says we’re hardwired to be drawn to, care for, and want to “eat” anything that has round faces, large eyes, big foreheads, and small chins… Like, for example, your new baby. These compulsions are part of an evolutionary bonding mechanism and signify positive emotions, healthy attachment, and the release of stress-relieving dopamine (the “feel good” hormone). It’s called cute aggression, and it happens when an abundance of positive emotions elicits expressions normally associated with negative emotions (like the desire to bite). So if you want to eat your baby, you’re normal!

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WE LOVE IT!

RRP$499.95 from Babycity

NOTEWORTHY

LITTLE SNUGGLES My Body for Kiwi Babies,

by Fraser Williamson and Matthew Williamson (Picture Puffin $12.99)

MUST HAVE IT!

Affordable, high-quality baby wraps that allow busy Kiwi parents to keep their baby close while they continue with everyday activities. Snuggle Bug wraps are ergonomically designed to distribute baby's weight across your entire back and shoulders. This makes it convenient and comfortable to carry your baby for extended periods of time. Bamboo Snuggle Bug Wrap RRP$65 from snugglebug.co.nz

YOUR HEALTH, SORTED

FOR LITTLE LEARNERS This beautiful, brightly illustrated board book introduces babies to the parts of the body both in English and in Māori. From our head to our toes, vibrant pictures of the children of Aotearoa are the perfect introduction to the body for Kiwi babies. This simple, eyecatching book will delight your little one (and you!).

When you're thinking about having a baby, it's important to remember that the lifelong health of your child has been shown to have direct links to the health of both parents at the time of conception (and for the mum, throughout pregnancy). The BePure Clinic tailors programmes to fit the needs of each client, and fertility is a common health goal they deal with. Before conceiving, it's a great idea to work with a Holistic Health Consultant to optimise your health, so you can nurture a healthy little one growing inside you. BEPURE.CO.NZ

GROW WITH ME Polly Progress 5 is a high chair that will grow with your baby from birth to three years!

Use it as a comfortable recliner for "relax time" for little babies; at six months it becomes a high chair; or remove the tray to use up at the table for family meals. If you want you want to move your little one to the table, the Polly Progress 5 is still ready to grow with them.

Simply remove the seat from the high chair and you can transform it into a booster seat which securely attaches to your dining chair.

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TOP BABY NAMES A total of 13,668 different first names were given to 59,302 babies born in New Zealand back in 2018, with Charlotte and Oliver topping the chart. Nikau remains #1 for the most popular Māori boy’s name, while Mia is the most popular Māori girl’s name.

THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT The world’s first personal development app for mums has been launched by a Christchurch mother of two. Named The Kite Program, it was founded by Hannah Hardy-Jones after she discovered firsthand the lack of practical support for mothers, particularly the lack of options for personal development when transitioning to the new role of “mum”.

The first app of its kind on the market, The Kite Program is based on the concept of micro-learning and is designed to provide mothers, at all stages of their mum journey, with all important support, solutions and coping techniques to face the everyday challenges that being a mother presents. The Kite Program is available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

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Top 10 GIRLS’ NAMES

Top 10 MAORI GIRLS’ NAMES

Top 10 BOYS’ NAMES

Top 10 MAORI BOYS’ NAMES

1 Charlotte 2 Isla 3 Olivia 4 Amelia 5 Ella 6 Harper 7 Isabella 8 Emily 9 Mia 10 Ava

1 Mia 2 Aria 3 Maia 4 Ariana 5 Nina 6 Kaia 7 Anahera 8 Amaia 9 Manaia 10 Kora

1 Oliver 2 Jack 3 Noah 4 Leo 5 Hunter 6 George 7 Lucas 8 James 9 William 10 Mason

1 Nikau 2 Ari 3 Manaia 4 Mateo 5 Ihaia 6 Te Ariki 7 Mikaere 8 Manaaki 9 Kauri 10 Kai

NEW MUM ESSENTIALS Pretty maternity bra, fragrant candle, comfy cotton boxers, snuggly slippers, and Bio-Oil Skincare Oil. New mum essentials, covered.

RRP from $18.99 for 60mL. To find out more visit bio-oil.com

NOTEWORTHY

Kiwi mums and dads want flexible jobs

Mountain Buggy Urban Jungle RRP$999 from babycity.co.nz

Research carried out by Lion Ventures, a disruptive new division at Lion NZ, has found that a high number of Kiwi parents (59%) are already working flexibly or have flexible working options available to them, more than people without kids (43%). However, despite a high number of parents having flexible work options already available, 86% of them would still like more flexibility in their jobs to bring more balance to their lives. The majority of parents (91%) say that having flexibility in how you work, when you work, and when you work is beneficial for productivity and wellbeing. Is it time to talk to your employer about working more flexibly?

RELEASE THE HOUNDSTOOTH

1.81

A stylised, contemporary take of the iconic houndstooth fabric – a classic textile and colour palette sure to stand the test of time all while providing parents with the awardwinning Mountain Buggy Urban Jungle’s iconic stand out features.

BIRTHS PER WOMAN IS NZ'S CURRENT FERTILITY RATE, ITS LOWEST RECORDED LEVEL. Pregnancy BUMP & baby

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FOR MORE INFO, VISIT EVEHEALTH.COM

COMING IN

JUNE 2 019 FOR LITTLE

HORMONE HELL?

SIPPERS How adorable is this baby-sized cup? Learning to drink out of an open cup is an important developmental milestone, and the ezpz Tiny Cup is designed to help with that process. For infants 4+ months, its soft silicone protects your baby’s developing teeth and the weighted base and tactile bumps provide stability and sensory awareness to decrease spills.

Dishwasher safe, it's built to last.

Hormone imbalances have been linked to fertility issues and trouble staying pregnant, and also, many new mums find they don't quite “feel themselves” after having a baby. If this rings a bell, Eve Health's Hormone Balance Test might be just what you've been searching for. It measures 19 hormone markers to give you a comprehensive overview of your hormone balance, explaining what it all means to give you greater understanding of your body. Once your urine sample has been analysed by Eve's lab scientists, one of their Health Consultants will put together a personalised report for you, complete with food, movement, lifestyle and nutritional product recommendations tailored to support what's actually going on inside your body. If your hormones are anything but happy, you'll want to check it out.

Minister for Women Julie Anne Genter and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern take a turn on the phones at PlunketLine RRP$17.95 from Babycity

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PLUNKETLINE!

FACT CONDOMS ARE 98% EFFECTIVE AT

PREVENTING PREGNANCY – IF YOU USE THEM PERFECTLY EVERY TIME YOU HAVE SEX. BECAUSE PEOPLE AREN'T PERFECT, CONDOMS ARE ABOUT 85% EFFECTIVE, SO 15 OUT OF 100 PEOPLE WHO USE CONDOMS AS THEIR ONLY BIRTH CONTROL METHOD WILL GET PREGNANT. 16

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In 1994, PlunketLine launched as an after-hours service. It now operates 24/7, and in 2018 it took its two-millionth call. For 25 years, it’s been providing Kiwi parents with free help and advice from experienced Plunket nurses, as well as access to Plunket’s nationwide family support network and services. You don’t have to be registered with Plunket to access PlunketLine – any parent or caregiver can call 0800 933 922 (free from mobiles) to get info and advice on your child’s health and wellbeing.

NOTEWORTHY

GET FRESH WITH FOOD HelloFresh is a new meal-kit player in New Zealand! With quick, easyto-follow recipes and fresh seasonal produce delivered to your door every week, creating meals the whole family will love is just a few clicks away. New research shows that more than one-third of us don’t cook every day due to a lack of time. So say goodbye to the stress of deciding what's for dinner and hello to healthy variety!

CHECK IT OUT AT HELLOFRESH.CO.NZ

SOAP ON THE GO The Baby Bum Shower (BBS) is an innovative, ergonomic device that can change the way we change nappies. It’s essentially portable soap and water in a small, handheld device that’s designed for mums on the go to use after wet nappy changes. Simply squeeze and it will dispense enough solution to wash dirty hands (or wet bottoms!) so you don’t need to use baby wipes.

CHECK IT OUT AT BABYBUMSHOWER.COM

WATER SAFETY FOR BABIES Have you signed your baby up for swimming lessons? YMCA Auckland, Plunket Auckland, and Auckland Council are partnering to increase the push for zero drownings in the under-five age group. The initiative, being driven by YMCA Auckland, will see the notfor-profit’s Swim School programme run out of eight Auckland pools at half the normal price.

FOR ALL INFORMATION ON THE AUCKLAND POOLS INVOLVED, VISIT YMCAAUCKLAND.ORG.NZ/PLUNKETSWIMMING

KEY TO ALZHEIMER’S IN PREGNANT WOMENS’ BLOOD? What does Alzheimer’s have in common with the pregnancy condition pre-eclampsia?

New research has found there may be quite a few similarities due to “good” and “bad” proteins active in the body, and researchers are now investigating how a powerful protein from the blood of pregnant mums may be used to find ways to treat – and even prevent – age-related disorders like Alzheimer’s, arthritis, and heart disease.

The discovery delves into the remarkable way in which the maternal body copes with elevated protein misfolding in pregnancy – a process connected to pre-eclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication. This “pregnancy zone protein” (PZP) stabilises misfolded proteins and prevents them from forming plaques, which is a process associated with common disorders in old age.

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NOTEWORTHY

NAPPY DAYS ARE HERE The innovative Sangenic Tec nappy disposal system from Tommee Tippee offers anti-bacterial protection from Germs and odours, individually sealing each nappy away in seconds. The system is easy to use, easy to set up, and easy to empty, meaning you can spend less time changing and more time with baby.

LIGHT UP THE NIGHT This Aloka Sleepy Light Night Light provides just enough light to children who are afraid of the dark, helping to calm and settle them. It also allows parents to easily and quietly see and check on their child without disturbing them, and provides older children with enough light for them to make their own way to the bathroom during the night.

In multiple designs, RRP$70 from thesleepstore.co.nz

Sangenic Tec Nappy Disposal Wrapper RRP$59.99 (plus single cassette RRP$19.99 or six-cassette pack RRP$89.99) from The Baby Factory, Baby City, and Farmers.

Ethical fashion for your bump Dressing your babies in clothes that were made ethically has been made easier with the recent release of the Ethical Fashion Report by Tearfund. Want to know where's best to buy clothes for your little one?

Check out the 2019 top-rated kids’ brands including Cotton On Baby, Nature Baby, Bonds, Kmart, and Organic Baby by David Jones, who were among the highest-scoring childrenswear brands for 2019. The report grades 130 companies and 480 brands from A-F on the systems and strategies they have in place to protect workers and the environment from exploitation.

TO VIEW THE REPORT IN FULL VISIT THEETHICALFASHIONGUIDE.ORG.NZ

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SUBSCRIBE & WIN

We have the most amazing magazine subscription offers, including beautiful pregnancy packs and chances to win great prizes.

Yay, you’re pregnant! Choose from the following: Single issue hard copy or digital copy

Digital copy pregnancy bundles

2-issue subscription and PeekaBox combo

Subscribe at

BUMPANDBABY.CO.NZ 20

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FIND IT ALL AT OUR MALL BATHING BOOKS & MAGS CLOTHING FEEDING & NURSERY PL AY & LE ARN FERTILIT Y HE ALTH & WELLNESS NAPPIES & CHANGING NURSERY OUT AND ABOUT SAFET Y SKINCARE SLEEP TEETHING & DUMMIES

GET EVERYTHING YOU NEED, WITHOUT LEAVING THE HOUSE Home to Kiwi mums’ favourite brands, BUMP&baby Mall (bumpandbabymall.co.nz) is your one-stop baby shop.

PREGNANCY

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T

he broad definition of infertility is the failure to conceive a child after one to two years of trying, despite regular sexual intercourse without contraception. This is based on research showing healthy couples under the age of 35 will conceive naturally, on average, by the time two years have elapsed. Most couples will eventually conceive, with or without treatment.

WHAT CAUSES INFERTILITY?

Infertility problems in men and women are evenly split. Around 35% of men and 35% of women may have individual issues affecting their ability to conceive. In 30% of cases, both men and women will have problems, and in 10% of cases, there is no discernible cause of infertility.

ENDOMETRIOSIS A common cause of fertility problems for women is endometriosis. Caused by endometrial tissue growing outside the uterus, this condition can result in very heavy, painful periods, irregular bleeding, or repeated miscarriages.

POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME (PCOS) Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is when there are small cysts on the ovaries and a hormonal imbalance that affects the menstrual cycle. Irregular periods, acne, weight gain, and excessive or unusual facial hair growth can be indicative of PCOS.

OVULATION PROBLEMS Other ovulation problems can interfere with conception by interfering with the normal cycle of egg release into a woman’s Fallopian tubes. Absent, irregular periods, or light or excessive bleeding may indicate problems with ovulation.

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Help…

I think I’m infertile

If you are having trouble conceiving, or you think you or your partner might be dealing with infertility, where do you begin to seek help? Tiffany Brown explains.

FALLOPIAN TUBE PROBLEMS Additionally, the Fallopian tubes themselves may be problematic. Blockages caused by pelvic inflammatory disease, sexually transmitted diseases, infections, or blockages caused by previous surgery can interfere with the successful path of a fertilised egg down the Fallopian tubes.

PROBLEMS WITH EGGS/SPERM Problems may exist with a woman’s eggs.

If the egg is damaged or has a chromosomal

abnormality, it may not result in a successful pregnancy. This issue tends to be exacerbated for women over 35.

Likewise, a man may have problems with sperm production. Sperm may be obstructed from leaving the penis.

Obstructions may be caused by previous sexually transmitted infections or by varicose veins in the testicles, called varicoceles.

As there are no symptoms, you generally won’t be aware of this without testing.

FERTILITY FACTORS

AROUND 35% OF MEN AND 35% OF WOMEN MAY HAVE INDIVIDUAL ISSUES AFFECTING THEIR ABILITY TO CONCEIVE.

OTHER FACTORS IN MALE INFERTILITY Male infertility may also arise from environmental over-exposures to pesticides, chemicals, or radiation. Some medications like antibiotics, antihypertensives, anabolic steroids, and recreational drugs like alcohol, marijuana and cigarettes can also affect fertility for men. Raising the body’s core temperature with frequent exposure to heat, for example from saunas or hot tubs, can also affect sperm production.

MEDICAL CONDITIONS Cancers and certain other medical conditions may affect fertility for a couple.

INFERTILITY RISK FACTORS

There are some clear risk factors for infertility, the primary one being age.

A woman’s fertility in particular declines rapidly after the age of 37. Tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and being overweight or underweight may also be factors. Lack of exercise can lead to obesity, affecting fertility, while frequent strenuous, intense bouts of exercise is associated with decreased fertility for some women.

SO WHAT CAN YOU DO IF YOU SUSPECT INFERTILITY?

First, seek help in terms of the best time to have intercourse during the menstrual cycle. Here are some more specific recommendations for men and women who think they may be dealing with infertility.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR WOMEN • Stop smoking.

• Avoid all recreational drugs, including marijuana and alcohol.

• Limit caffeine.

• Exercise moderately and keep your weight within a normal range for your height.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MEN Other problems with sperm include an absence of sperm or reduction in the number of sperm. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends a minimum of 40 million in each ejaculation.

Poor movement of sperm, also known as sperm motility, or sperm having an abnormal shape can also raise infertility issues. These problems may arise due to undescended testicles, genetic defects, health problems like diabetes, or other infections.

• Avoid tobacco use, drug use, and excessive alcohol consumption.

• Avoid high temperatures.

• Avoid exposure to environmental or industrial toxins.

• Limit medications that may impact fertility.

• Exercise moderately and regularly.

TALKING TO THE EXPERTS

Once you’ve dealt to the lifestyle factors, it’s time to have a chat to your GP, who will refer you to a fertility clinic if you are

eligible. You can also go direct, but be aware that there may be costs associated with this – give your local fertility clinic a call if you aren't sure.

The first thing your medical team will do when you seek help for suspected infertility is order multiple tests for both partners.

For women, these may include ovulation testing, hysteriasalpingography (evaluating the condition of your uterus and Fallopian tubes), ovarian reserve testing, hormone testing, or imaging tests.

Fertility tests for men include semen analysis, hormone testing, karyotype (detecting chromosomal abnormalities), Y-deletion (precursor to a testicular biopsy or blood test), sperm morphology (testing shape), sperm antibodies, or DNA fragmentation.

ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS

If you’re open to it, you may also like to try some alternative treatment avenues.

Research has shown hypnosis can double the chance of fertilisation during IVF treatment. Interestingly, hypnotherapists have observed this phenomenon among patients who seek help with something other than fertility! Many have found success with Chinese medicine treatments and various other forms of alternative treatment, including acupuncture.

Talk to your fertility specialist about what alternative treatments they recommend which will not interfere with any traditional treatments you are undergoing.

THE OLD CLICHÉ

A word of caution from the experts: Do your best to remain as calm and stress-free as possible when it comes to fertility and fertility treatments. A stressed-out parenthopeful is not in the best frame of mind to start the sometimes painful, sometimes emotional, challenging journey through fertility treatment. Do what you need to do in order to keep things in perspective, and don’t neglect your self-care. Go on that overseas trip you’ve talked about, change your career if you’re not happy in your current job, retrain, take up a new hobby, or meet new people. Parenthood is the ultimate new experience, so opening yourselves up to other new experiences could be the secret to welcoming that elusive pregnancy into your life.

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

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Genetic carrier screening Pre-pregnancy testing to determine your chance of having a child with a genetic condition is becoming more widely available in New Zealand.

Tiffany Brown investigates.

T

he first human ever conceived via in vitro fertilisation (IVF) turns 41 this year. A highlight reel of the event, a Caesarean delivery at Oldham General Hospital in July 1978, was filmed in colour and is available to watch on YouTube. The birth of the baby girl, Louise Brown, made headline news around the world, and was described as a miracle.

For thousands of years prior to Louise’s birth, infertility was a topical issue.

From medical writings of the ancient Greeks to Abraham and Sarah’s inability to conceive in the Judaeo-Christian tradition, themes of childlessness persist throughout the ages. Even the tragic list of Henry VIII’s wives was the product of the monarch’s relentless quest for progeny.

Yet in the handful of decades since Louise made history, many people are inclined to view infertility as a thoroughly modern problem, one with a modern and beautifully scientific solution. However, according to data from Repromed, one of New Zealand’s leading fertility clinics, IVF treatment is only successful in around 30% of cases for women under the age of 35, declining to around 25% between the ages of 35 and 39, and around 15% after age 40.

Guy Gudex, Medical Director of fertility clinic Repromed (repromed.co.nz), says, “People are still putting off having children into their mid 30s when their egg reserve may be low. It’s really important that we educate women and men about fertility, and that they shouldn’t take it for granted.

The message isn't ‘Rush out and have babies when you are really young.’ It’s about planning ahead. Don’t leave it too late and assume it will happen straightaway.”

And what about the likelihood of passing genetic disorders to children? Populationbased screening for common chromosome conditions during pregnancy has been available for around 20 years, through programmes like the combined first trimester and second trimester screening, with advanced maternal age identified as a major risk factor. Studies have also shown advanced paternal age can be a factor.

More recently, thanks to advances in our understanding of complex genetic information, prospective parents can access previously unavailable tests to indicate the likelihood their genetic composition could result in passing genetic diseases on to their offspring. A genetic counselling session, which takes a comprehensive family history, ethnic background, and maternal and paternal health information, can be helpful in assessing your genetic picture at the preconception stage to determine your chance, as a couple, of having a child with a genetic condition.

Repromed offers a test developed

by Victorian Clinical Genetics Services (VCGS), a not-for-profit Australian specialist prenatal, childhood and adult genetics service. The test, called prepair, works on a simple saliva sample and screens prospective parents for their carrier status of the three most common genetic conditions, namely cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy and fragile X syndrome.

While unaffected by that condition, being identified as a carrier puts an individual at increased chance of having a child with that condition. Current tests can identify about 90%, 95%, and 99% of people who are carriers of these three conditions respectively.

NEED TO KNOW

SPINAL MUSCULAR ATROPHY

CYSTIC FIBROSIS

Affecting over 500 children and adults, cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common recessive genetic condition in New Zealand. Caused by changes in the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) gene, CF is usually diagnosed soon after birth, by a blood scan from the standard newborn Guthrie heel prick test. A person with CF has mucus in the body that is thicker and stickier than normal, which can cause significant respiratory and gastrointestinal problems. Cystic fibrosis is a life-shortening condition that may require daily chest physiotherapy, pancreatic enzyme supplements, and/or medications.

As with all recessive genetic condition, for a person to develop CF, they require both copies of their CFTR gene (one on each chromosome) to have a deleterious genetic change. Typically this means both their parents are carriers, i.e. only one of their CFTR genes has a deleterious genetic change while the other is normal.

This situation defines being a “carrier”, where the individual has an increased chance of having a child with cystic fibrosis. For parents who are both CF carriers, for each of their pregnancies there is a 25% chance of inheriting two normal copies of the CFTR gene (i.e. remaining unaffected), a 50% chance of inheriting just one copy of the gene (i.e. becoming a carrier), and a 25% chance of inheriting two CFTR genes (i.e. being a person with cystic fibrosis).

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a progressive muscle-wasting condition that is caused by the loss of specialised nerve cells found in the spinal cord called motor neuronal cells. These cells control muscle movement and their loss results in reduced mobility and subsequent atrophy of the muscles. In its most severe form SMA is evident at or shortly after birth where an affected child has difficulty controlling their head movements, sitting and breathing. Most children affected with this form of SMA do not survive past infancy. Approximately 1 in 40 people are carriers for SMA. Like cystic fibrosis, when two parents are carriers of SMA, they have a 25% chance of having a child affected by SMA. Around 1 in every 6,000 to 10,000 people have the condition.

FRAGILE X SYNDROME

The world’s leading cause of genetically inherited intellectual disability, Fragile X syndrome is a disorder with a wide range of physical, cognitive, and behavioural features. These may range from subtle learning problems through to severe mental impairment, delayed milestones, attention deficit and hyperactivity, and other issues. Fragile X syndrome is also the leading identifiable cause of autism, with over half of preschool-aged children with autism meeting the criteria for the condition. Fragile X syndrome is caused by a genetic change that increases the size of the FMR1 gene, resulting in the gene not functioning correctly. The syndrome affects around 1 in 3,600 males and 1 in 5,000 females. Around 1 in 151 women and around 1 in 468 men may be carriers.

GENETIC CARRIER MOTHER

GENETIC CARRIER FATHER Cc

Cc

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) PGD is a procedure used in conjunction with in vitro fertilisation (IVF) to test embryos for inherited genetic conditions and chromosomal abnormalities prior to transfer to the uterus.

The treatment is usually sought by high-risk couples, both fertile and infertile. The procedure involves testing one or two cells of an embryo for adverse genetic or chromosomal indications, and transferring only the unaffected embryos. As well as cystic fibrosis, Fragile X syndrome, and spinal muscular atrophy, PGD can be used to test for thalassaemia, Huntington’s disease, haemophilia, and Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy, as well as various familial chromosomal disorders including Down and Turner’s syndrome.

Inheritance of a cystic fibrosis (CF) gene C = normal/working CF gene c = faulty CF gene C

GENES PASSED VIA SPERM & EGGS

c

CC

C

Cc Cc

non-carrier

c

genetic carriers of CF

* Males and females can be affected equally

cc

child with CF

YOU CAN ALSO CHOOSE TO ORDER THE PREPAIR TEST VIA VCGS.ORG.AU/TESTS/ PREPAIR AND RECEIVE PREAND POST-TEST GENETIC COUNSELLING VIA PHONE. Pregnancy BUMP & baby

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NEED TO KNOW

ISSUES WITH INTRODUCING NEW TESTS

Genetic carrier screening tests like prepair are part of a growing number tests available either pre- or in-pregnancy that are not publicly funded and are a user-pays, non-scheduled test. The in-pregnancy Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening (NIPS) is another new test that is not publicly funded, despite it being considerably more accurate at identifying pregnancies at high chance of having a chromosome condition compared with the current combined first trimester screen. A February 2019 position statement from the National Screening Unit (NSU) notes the Ministry of Health is currently reviewing emerging international research on the viability of introducing NIPS to the publicly funded screening programme. Equally, a recent release update from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) indicated all couples thinking of or in early stages of pregnancy should also be offered genetic carrier screening.

According to a position statement from the New Zealand Maternal Fetal Medicine Network (NZMFMN), the technology involved in developing Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening (NIPS) is moving rapidly. The tests work by detecting minute quantities of fetal cell free DNA (cfDNA) in the maternal blood rising from the placenta.

Results of using this form of testing internationally have show a significant reduction in women requiring the need for higher-risk invasive testing via chorionic villus sampling (CVS), or amniocentesis sampling. However, NZMFMN cautions the NIPS is increasingly being used to

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Peter and Waverley had no idea they were at risk of having a child with a genetic disability. Already parents to a healthy son, Luke, their second pregnancy was normal, with no problems indicated.

The pair elected to scan for chromosomal abnormalities, but had no knowledge of a test for genetic disorders. After his birth, baby Flynn seemed healthy and alert. For several weeks, the family was blissfully unaware of trouble on the horizon, until a call from their midwife shattered the illusion. The standard Guthrie heel prick test showed Flynn had been born with cystic fibrosis. Struggling to adjust to their new reality, and to Flynn’s requirements for daily physiotherapy, enzyme therapy, and frequent hospital visits, Waverley and Peter researched their situation online and drew some heartbreaking conclusions about what genetic carrier screening may have meant for their family. The

screen the developing foetus for rare conditions where there is a higher chance of a false positive result. The Network advises pre and post-test counselling with a knowledgeable professional before you make any decisions on NIPS. Guy believes improvements in testing technologies are set to benefit fertility along with other areas of health. “What is really interesting at the moment is the rapid development of our ability to perform genetic screening on embryos,”

screening has been offered for more than a decade in both the USA and Australia, and the couple became determined to campaign for genetic screening funding, and to raise awareness of the availability of testing in New Zealand, to help other parents avoid their situation. The pain of watching their younger son struggle with a lifelong condition was exacerbated when they discovered that the simple test prior to conception may have qualified them for governmentfunded pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) IVF treatment, where only unaffected embryos are selected for implantation.

Waverley says, “The biggest misconception about recessive genetic conditions is that most people think that if they have no family history, it won't happen to them. The reality is that more than 90% of parents who have a child with a recessive genetic condition have no known family history at all.”

he says. “The reason why that is very exciting is that it is going to make it faster for people to get pregnant and will require less embryo transfers to get a viable embryo put back.

If we jump ahead five years from now, I think most women over the age of 35 undergoing IVF treatment will probably opt for preimplantation genetic testing.

We are also seeing a rapid increase in uptake of genetic carrier screening prior to getting pregnant to screen for common genetic conditions.”

Find out more YOU CAN FIND OUT MORE ABOUT PREPAIR AT VCGS.ORG.AU/TESTS/PREPAIR

AT VICTORIAN CLINICAL GENETICS SERVICES.

It is important to note, getting a normal result for a genetic carrier screening test (ie not a carrier) does not completely eliminate a couple’s risk of having a child with one of these conditions. While testing detects the vast majority of disease causing genetic changes, it cannot detect them all.

However, couples can be reassured that their chance is greatly reduced. The test needs only be taken once in your lifetime, so there is no need to screen before each subsequent conception. If you have a family history of any of the three conditions screened for by the prepair test, your chances of being a carrier are greater.

At Repromed, genetic counselling and testing costs around $600.

ONE FAMILY’S STORY

WITH SINCERE THANKS TO TRENT BURGESS, SENIOR SCIENTIST

NEGATIVE DOESN’T MEAN NO RISK

Not sure if he's

‘Mr Right’?

Egg freezing is an option to preserve your fertility now for the best chance of a family in the future.

If you’re single, in a new relationship, or just not ready to try for a baby yet, talk to one of our experts about how egg freezing could fit into your fertility plan.

Make an appointment with one of our specialists to find out your options, or book a free fertility nurse phone consultation on 0800 255 522 or fertilityassociates.co.nz

12 early pregnancy symptoms

Wondering if you’re pregnant, but you haven’t missed a period yet? Here are 12 very early signs you might just have a baby on board.

) t! s te n a c u o y e r o f e (b

A

m I? Aren’t I? Am I? Aren’t I? The earliest days of a suspected, or hoped-for, pregnancy can be nail-biters.

In the first week or two of pregnancy, the protein in your urine famous for all those Hollywood pee-on-a-stick revelations, HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), will not have built up to detectable levels enough to make a urine pregnancy test reliable. And unless you are high-risk or otherwise medically advised to seek an opinion earlier, it’s best to wait until you’ve missed your period, or one to two weeks after having sex, before you look to confirm the news.

But are there any other signs to look for to know if you’re pregnant?

1

WHOOPS! I’M LATE

Some women are like clockwork, while the menstrual cycle for others seems to march to the beat of its own drum. If yours tends to be fairly reliable, missing the start of your period could be an early pregnancy red flag.

2

UNUSUAL BLEEDING

Earlier, spottier, and lighter in colour than regular menstrual bleeding, implantation bleeding can occur when a fertilised egg attaches to the uterine lining. This kind of bleeding may be mistaken for a light period, and may be accompanied by mild, moderate, or severe pain. It is unlikely to last longer than three days.

tip JUST MAKING SURE

The best way to confirm pregnancy is with a doctor’s visit, and if you get a positive result, you’re in for a life-changing ride. Try to relax for a week or two. The best things in life happen all in good time.

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Pregnancy BUMP & baby

Oh, hi, hormones!

It looks like we're riding the mood swing roller coaster together!

YES OR NO?

3

ACHES AND PAINS

Some women may also experience abdominal cramps in early pregnancy, similar to menstrual cramps, caused by hormonal changes and the growth of the uterus. Lower back pain is also a common symptom.

4

FEELIN’ HOT, HOT, HOT!

Your resting or basal body temperature usually increases by half a degree or more during ovulation. This may be a sign of pregnancy if you don’t notice a reduction in temperature. You’ll need a special digital basal thermometer to take this measurement, as these are more accurate than general fever-reading thermometers.

Core body temperature can also increase during hot weather or while exercising, so ensure you drink plenty of water and take it easy with the workouts if there’s a likelihood you may be pregnant.

5

OUCH! SORE BOOBS

Another favourite device of writers and moviemakers, hormonal changes are responsible for the very common symptom of tingling, aching, or growing breasts.

6

PASS THE SICK BAG

One of the all-time classic symptoms of early pregnancy, morning sickness can cause a range of effects from mild queasiness to full-blown vomiting. Morning sickness may strike at any time of the day, and is thought to occur due to rapidly rising oestrogen levels in the body, which cause the stomach to empty more slowly. Odour sensitivity may also contribute to feelings of nausea.

Some women may experience a severe form of morning sickness called hyperemesis gravidarum, which will require medical treatment.

7

ALL BACKED UP

Rising progesterone levels in early pregnancy can cause food to move more slowly through the intestines, which can cause constipation. In turn, constipation can contribute to feeling bloated, and to excessive gas. Sadly, this early symptom can persist, and even worsen, for some women throughout their pregnancy. Moderate, regular exercise, drinking plenty of water, and adequate fibre intake are the best ways to deal with pregnancy constipation.

8

THE MOOD SWING ROLLER COASTER

Various hormones flooding your body at the start of pregnancy may be to blame for your ever-changing moods, causing you to find yourself more emotional or reactive that usual. Depression, irritability, anxiety, and euphoria may also be symptomatic.

tip ...OR IS IT JUST MY PERIOD COMING? Be aware: Many of these potential signs of early pregnancy are also common symptoms of premenstrual discomfort. Any or all of the above conditions may vary in intensity, frequency or duration.

9

SO DIZZY, MY HEAD IS SPINNING

Increased blood circulation may cause mild but frequent headaches, while expanding blood vessels and falling blood pressure can make you feel dizzy and light-headed. Low blood sugar can also cause dizziness in early pregnancy.

Up your intake of water to minimise headaches.

10

WHAT IS THAT SMELL?

Anecdotally, women have found that food odours can trigger nausea and vomiting. Sensitivity can also lead to a strong distaste for certain foods, perhaps mirroring the self-reported incidence of the sometimes unusual food cravings many women find later on in their pregnancy. In early pregnancy, your tired body may crave carbohydrates for easily metabolised energy.

11 12

CAN’T TALK, GOTTA PEE!

The increase in blood production in early pregnancy cause the kidneys to process more fluid than usual, creating more fluid in your bladder and making you run to the loo more often.

FATIGUE

Progesterone levels skyrocket in early pregnancy. At really high levels, progesterone can actually put you to sleep, so it’s no wonder you might be feeling sleepy. Lower blood sugar, blood production levels, and lower blood pressure are also a burden to your energy levels in early pregnancy.

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

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BIANCA, 36 WEEKS PREGNANT “I am amazed by the fact we can grow an entire human being inside our bodies in only nine months... Even after three babies, it still surprises me!”

PHOTOGRAPHER: SARAH FINLAY (PHOTOGRAPHYBYSARAHFINLAY.COM)

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Pregnancy BUMP & baby

PICTURE THIS

SHOW US YOUR

bump

Look at these goddesses. Those beautiful bellies, joyful smiles, and excited eyes! We loved the bump photos you shared with us in our Show us your BUMP competition. Here are our five winners, and their absolutely blooming baby bumps.

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

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PICTURE THIS

STEVI, 37 WEEKS PREGNANT “I wish people would have told me how amazing and beautiful pregnancy really is!

I think the whole journey is the most beautiful thing a woman goes through in her life.”

PHOTOGRAPHER: CESPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.NZ

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PICTURE THIS

MELISSA, 33 WEEKS PREGNANT “My favourite thing about pregnancy was my bump. My least favourite thing was the middle-of-thenight leg cramps!”

PHOTOGRAPHER: SJAAN ELLIS (SJAANELLISPHOTOGRAPHY.COM)

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

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PICTURE THIS

ERINA, 33 WEEKS PREGNANT “My niece and father loved putting the TV remote and a tea cup on my puku to see pepi move!

It was such a simple action that brought so much joy to my whanau.”

PHOTOGRAPHER: ANDREA KEWISH (ANDREAKEWISHPHOTOGRAPHY.COM)

TANIA, 24 WEEKS PREGNANT “I love photos. You have a family over such a small period of time in your life.

Those photos are the precious memories of how amazing our bodies are.

You are growing a tiny person!”

PHOTOGRAPHER: ACACIA LILLY PHOTOGRAPHY

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Pregnancy BUMP & baby

By the end of the first trimester, the scan will show that your baby finally looks like, well, a baby.

Wha t to expect…

First trimester scans The first opportunity to see your baby will probably be at a scan some time during your first trimester, explains Yvonne Walus.

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PEEK INSIDE

WHAT IS A SCAN?

An ultrasound scan uses high-frequency sound waves and echoes to “see” inside your body. This technique is similar to what bats and dolphins use to navigate.

In an ultrasound procedure, the sound waves are transmitted by a wand (called the transducer probe) into the womb, echoed back, and displayed on a computer as a black-and-white image of a baby. The main purpose of the scan is to determine whether the pregnancy is progressing normally, although to parents it’s usually the first opportunity to glimpse the baby.

WHAT IS IT LIKE?

It’s customary to bring a support person to your scan appointment. This will most likely be the baby’s other parent, a friend, or a family member. If you have older children, they can also be present during the scan.

When you book the appointment, ask whether you need to have a full bladder during the scan; because sound travels better through liquid, this is often helpful in the first trimester to enhance the image of the baby.

The scan takes place in a private room, very much like a GP’s office. You will be asked to lie down on the bed, lift your top up to just above the waist, and lower your skirt or pants slightly.

The sonographer (the professional performing the scan) will squirt some clear gel onto your tummy (it may look like hair gel and feel a bit cold) – this will help the sound waves to produce a well-defined image of your baby.

Pregnancy scans are almost always external, meaning that the technician will move the transducer probe on the skin of your abdomen. As the sonographer moves the probe, you will feel a very gentle pressure. You may be required to lie still, change your position, or hold your breath for a little while. The procedure takes between 20 and 30 minutes. It doesn’t hurt (although it can be a little uncomfortable with the probe pressing on a full bladder), and you can’t hear the sound waves.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

It’s a good idea to wear clothes that are easy to wash, in case some of the conductive gel gets onto them. Stay away from dresses in favour of two-piece clothing (a top paired with a skirt, or shorts, or long pants), to make it easier to access your belly in the ultrasound room. Take a jumper, just in case – remember, you’ll be lying still with a lot of your skin exposed.

WHAT CAN I SEE?

Don’t be disappointed if you can’t see much at first! The image on the monitor doesn’t look like a video of a baby – it’s a moving swish of grey that forms into a shape and then collapses, and it takes training to understand it properly. You will most likely be able to see an outline of the head and shoulders, maybe the upper arms. The sonographer may be able to point out the pulsating heart. Most places will be able to provide stills and videos of the ultrasound for you to keep.

THE 12-WEEK SCAN IS CALLED THE NUCHAL TRANSLUCENCY WHAT DOES A SCAN LOOK FOR? TEST, AND IT In the first trimester, IS TYPICALLY ultrasound scans are used to your due date, to CARRIED OUT estimate determine the number of babies in the womb, BETWEEN to check each baby’s WEEKS 11 AND and development.

14 OF YOUR The 12-week scan called the nuchal PREGNANCY istranslucency test, and is typically carried out between weeks 11 and 14 of your pregnancy. This scan is to check whether your baby may have chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Patau syndrome (trisomy 13), or Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18). It may also check for other rare genetic disorders.

The scan determines the thickness at the back of the baby's neck (increased thickness, combined with the parents’ age and the mother’s weight, may indicate an increased risk of a chromosomal irregularity).

Most likely, in the first trimester of your pregnancy you will only need that one scan.

However, if your periods are not regular, you may be offered a scan to figure out your approximate due date. This is called a dating Pregnancy BUMP & baby

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PEEK INSIDE

NAL IO S N E IM D E E R H T (3D) SCANS • Some centres may perform 3D or even 4D scans to see the baby more clearly. Just as with traditional scans, these use sound waves, not x-rays, and are considered safe.

• To create a 3D ultrasound image, multiple two-dimensional ultrasound images are taken at various angles and then put together. A 4D ultrasound scan is similar, but time is added as the fourth dimension, and the result is a video in which you see your baby doing things like waving its limbs or sucking its thumb.

• 3D and 4D ultrasounds are not routine: they are usually performed to examine something specific. Although some places may offer to do it for parents who are keen to see their unborn baby, the reality is that it’s a long procedure (at least twice as long as the ordinary ultrasound scan) and very costly. Furthermore, because this is a newer procedure, there are still question marks about the long-term effects of these long ultrasound sessions.

scan. In addition, if you’ve had any bleeding in the first trimester, a scan might be arranged to check up on the baby.

WHAT IF THE SCAN SHOWS SOMETHING?

If the nuchal translucency scan comes back with a high probability of an anomaly, you will be offered further tests in order to eliminate or confirm the diagnosis. The doctor at the ultrasound centre and your lead maternity carer will discuss the options with you such as amniocentesis or CVS. Amniocentesis is a procedure where a small amount of the amniotic fluid (the fluid surrounding the foetus) is removed with a needle under ultrasound guidance and tested in a lab to assess the chromosomal make-up of the foetus.

Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is similar, except it involves removing a small amount of the placental tissue with a needle, without entering the amniotic sac.

HOW SAFE ARE SCANS?

Most medical procedures carry a certain degree of risk; however, prenatal ultrasounds have been used for decades and there's no evidence to suggest that they will harm you or your baby. Because they use sound waves, not radiation the way X-rays do, they are considered safe as long as they are a performed by a trained technician according to strict guidelines.

Ultrasound scans are diagnostic tools, and because ultrasound energy has a biological effect on the body, it’s not a good idea to undergo a scan just for the sake of a keepsake video.

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Pregnancy BUMP & baby

YOUR FIRST PREGNANCY BLOOD TESTS

During your one of the first appointments with your lead maternity carer, she or he will offer you a referral for a free blood test to check the following: • Your blood group and Rh factor (if your blood group has a minus, your LMC will explain what this means in detail).

• Your iron in levels.

• Any antibodies that may be harmful to the baby.

• Your immunity to German measles (rubella).

• Whether you are a hepatitis B carrier.

• Whether you have syphilis or HIV. • Whether you are diabetic or at risk of developing diabetes.

This test is part of the screening process,

and is best taken at 10 weeks but can be taken any time between 9 weeks and 13 weeks and 6 days.

SHOULD I HAVE THE SCREENING TESTS AT ALL?

The first thing to understand is that no screening is foolproof. Although the results are usually accurate, a low-risk stamp at the nuchal translucency scan is only that: A good chance that all’s well, but still only a chance. Similarly, a high-probability outcome doesn’t necessarily mean that something is wrong. Only you can decide whether or not to proceed with the screening tests. Some people prefer to be forewarned, others might not. Your LMC can provide you with information to help you make your decision.

AFTER THE FIRST TRIMESTER If you are 14 weeks pregnant (or more) and haven’t had a scan, but still would like to have a screening test to determine whether your baby has a higher chance of a genetic condition, you will be offered Second Trimester Maternal Serum Screening. This is a blood test which is best taken between 14 and 18 weeks of pregnancy

but can be taken up until 20 weeks.

The anatomy scan (also known as the second trimester scan) can be performed at around 18–20 weeks’ gestation. This scan allows a detailed examination of the baby, potential development problems, as well as the attachment of the

placenta. Your baby’s gender can usually be detected during this exam, although this depends on how the baby’s positioned. Also, some parents prefer the gender to be a surprise.

Growth scans can be offered any time after the 20-week mark if your LMC is concerned about the baby growing too slowly or too fast.

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RECIPES

LEE SAYS: “This is the king of breakfast bowls, and you’ll feel like royalty sitting down to this collection of vibrant ingredients first thing in the morning. Loaded with greens, wholesome brown rice, gorgeous orange sweet potato, satiating eggs and a super-tasty tahinibased dressing, this is a great recipe for preparing food mindfully and honouring yourself.”

FALLING

IN LOVE WITH FOOD

In these recipes from Supercharge Your Life, author Lee Holmes encourages you to embrace the goodness of Mother Nature’s beautiful, edible gifts.

NOURISHING BREAKFAST BOWL

1

NOURISHING BREAKFAST BOWL

Serves 2 • 1 sweet potato, peeled and sliced thinly lengthways • 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted, plus extra as needed • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste • 2 heaped tablespoons blanched almonds • 2 garlic cloves, chopped • 2 spring onions (scallions), chopped • 250g sliced green beans • 450g kale, stems and spines removed, roughly chopped • Handful baby spinach leaves • 2 eggs • 370g hot cooked brown rice • 1/2 telegraph (long) cucumber, spiralised into noodles • 1 avocado, peeled and sliced • 2 sheets nori, torn, or handful dried nori strips • Toasted sesame seeds, for sprinkling (optional) Dressing • 65g tahini • 60ml filtered water • 60ml lemon juice • Grated zest of 1 lemon • Few drops liquid stevia or your sweetener of choice • 1 1/2 teaspoons wheat-free tamari or coconut aminos • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1. To make the dressing, combine all the ingredients in a jar, seal tightly and shake until combined.

2. Preheat the oven to 220°C. 3. Place the sweet potato in a roasting tin, drizzle over half the coconut oil and bake for 10–15 minutes, until cooked. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Toast the almonds in a dry frying pan over medium heat and set aside.

5. Heat the remaining coconut oil in a frying pan over medium heat and sauté the garlic and spring onions for 1–2 minutes.

Add the beans and kale, and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes, until cooked through. Add the spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes, until wilted.

Move the greens to one side of the pan and fry the eggs to your liking, adding a little more oil if needed.

6. In two wide shallow bowls, arrange the brown rice, spiralised cucumber, cooked greens and avocado, then top with the almonds, sweet potato, nori and a fried egg. Drizzle the dressing over and sprinkle with sesame seeds, if using, and pepper.

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LAMB MULLIGATAWNY

RECIPES

2

LAMB MULLIGATAWNY

Serves 4-6 • 2 tablespoons coconut oil • 1 large brown onion, finely chopped • 2 carrots, finely chopped • 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced • 1 x 2cm piece fresh ginger, grated • 4 large garlic cloves, crushed • 2 teaspoons ground turmeric • 2 teaspoons ground ginger • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper • 1/2 teaspoon paprika • 1 teaspoon ground coriander • 1 teaspoon ground cumin • 1/2 teaspoon black mustard seeds • 750g lamb, cut into 2cm dice • 500ml stock or filtered water • 1 bay leaf • 1 teaspoon lemon zest • Juice of 1 grated lemon • Few thyme sprigs • 2 teaspoons sea salt • Yoghurt and coriander or fresh curry leaves (optional), to serve

1. Heat the coconut oil in a large saucepan and sauté the onion, carrot, celery, ginger and garlic for 4–5 minutes, until the onion is translucent. Stir in the spices and cook for 2 minutes, or until fragrant. Add the lamb and cook until brown. Stir in the stock and bring to the boil, then add the bay leaf, reduce the heat to low and simmer gently, covered, for 1 hour 15 minutes.

2. Add the lemon zest and juice and the thyme, then simmer for an additional 10 minutes. Season to taste.

3. To serve, swirl in some yoghurt and garnish with coriander.

Supercharged tip

You could bulk up the dish by adding some cooked buckwheat or quinoa.

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LEE SAYS:

ROYAL SANDWICH BISCUITS

“The humble bickie is a salve to the emotions as much as to the tastebuds, and these royal sandwich biscuits are the cream of the crop.

Biscuits are the ultimate sweet comfort food when dunked in a steaming cup of tea, and this simple invitation to a friend is part of the fabric of our society – it’s one of the easiest forms of hospitality!”

RECIPES

LAYERED SALTED CARAMEL PEANUT FUDGE

LEE SAYS: “This is one of my favourite freezer desserts, and I like to keep it ready to grab at a moment’s notice.

A decadent delight, it homes in on the irresistible flavour combo of caramel and sea salt. The unique peanutty edge makes it fulfilling for adults with a cuppa, but also brings plenty of happiness to little kids.”

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

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3

ROYAL SANDWICH BISCUITS

4

Makes 8-10

Serves 4-6

Coconut biscuits • 100g almond meal • 30g coconut flour • 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 110g coconut oil or unsalted butter, melted • 110g coconut sugar • 100g almond butter • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla powder • 1 large egg, lightly beaten

Fudge • 270g almond butter • 80ml extra virgin coconut oil, melted • 90g rice malt syrup • 30g raw cacao powder • 1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract • 1/2 teaspoon Celtic sea salt

Chocolate filling • 80g good-quality chocolate, broken into pieces • 80ml coconut cream • 1 teaspoon vanilla powder • Pinch of sea salt

1. To make the chocolate filling, melt the chocolate in a small saucepan over low heat then stir in the remaining ingredients.

Let it stand for a minute or two, then stir and set aside to cool until it thickens.

2. Preheat the oven to 175°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.

3. In a medium bowl, mix the almond meal, coconut flour, bicarbonate of soda and salt.

4. In a large bowl, beat the coconut oil and coconut sugar for about 1 minute. Stir in the almond butter, vanilla powder and egg until well mixed.

5. Fold the almond meal mixture into the egg mixture, then refrigerate for 30 minutes. Roll the dough into 16–20 balls, place on the prepared baking tray with at least 2.5 cm between them, and press each one down with a spatula.

6. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until golden, then cool completely on the baking tray. They’ll be soft in the middle, but will harden as they cool.

7. Once cool, spread 1 tablespoon of filling on half the biscuits. Place a second biscuit on top, then leave for a minute or two for the chocolate to set. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 4–5 days.

LAYERED SALTED CARAMEL PEANUT FUDGE

Salted caramel and peanut • 90g rice malt syrup • 2 tablespoons cashew butter or other nut butter • 2 tablespoons coconut oil • Sea salt, to taste • 35g roasted salted peanuts

1. Line a 12 × 18cm baking tin with baking paper.

2. To make the fudge layer, whiz the almond butter and coconut oil in a food processor until smooth. Add the remaining ingredients and process until smooth and creamy. Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin to 3cm deep and smooth the top with the back of a spoon or a spatula.

3. For the salted caramel and peanut layer, clean the food processor then process all the ingredients except the peanuts until the mixture has a caramel-like consistency.

4. Spoon the salted caramel over the fudge, smooth with the back of a spoon or a spatula, then scatter the peanuts over and press them in gently. Freeze for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving. If stored frozen for longer, it may need some time in the fridge to soften a little before serving.

5. Sprinkle with extra salt before serving, if you like.

5

CHOCOLATE AND RASPBERRY SMOOTHIE BOWL

Serves 2 • 2 frozen bananas • 1 ripe avocado, peeled • 125g raspberries • 2 tablespoons raw cacao powder • 1 teaspoon vanilla powder • 130g sheep’s milk yoghurt or coconut yoghurt • 125ml almond milk or milk of your choice • To top (your choice): Edible flowers, passionfruit, lilly pilly berries, banana, raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, almonds, pepitas (pumpkin seeds), chia seeds, coconut flakes, cacao nibs, granola and/or nut butter

Extracted with permission from Supercharge Your Life: How to Put Real Food At The Heart of Everything, by Lee Holmes (Murdoch $39.99)

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Pregnancy BUMP & baby

1. Whiz all the ingredients except the toppings in a high-speed blender until smooth and creamy. The mixture should have a spoonable consistency.

2. Pour into two bowls and decorate with your chosen topping(s).

RECIPES

CHOCOLATE AND RASPBERRY SMOOTHIE BOWL

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

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Ah, artichokes: So full of folate and vitamins C and K, yet such a pain in the you-know-what to actually eat.

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Pregnancy BUMP & baby

FEED YOUR BUMP

Feeding baby’s brain

Which foods are best for pregnant mums to eat which will have a positive influence on their unborn baby’s developing brain?

Penny Voigt gives you the inside scoop.

Y

our baby’s brain starts forming only three weeks after conception, undergoing rapid changes between week 24 and the end of your pregnancy, with significant brain growth occurring from 34 weeks. Along with a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, healthy fats, low-fat dairy products, and whole grains, all of which are essential for supporting the growth and development of your baby, eating certain foods during your pregnancy can actually boost your baby’s brain development.

OMEGA-3S

Omega-3s are essential for your baby's neurological and early visual development.

The two most beneficial omega-3s are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).

While EPA supports the heart, immune system and inflammatory response, DHA encourages proper formation of brain cells and brain tissue, boosts your baby’s brain power, encourages longer sleeping patterns following delivery, and helps prevent postnatal depression in new mums.

Also used to make breast milk, research has shown that adding EPA and DHA to your diet when pregnant may reduce the risk of allergies in infants.

Up to 97% of the omega-3s found in brain-cell membranes are made up of DHA.

As your baby grows, it uses up the regnant mum’s supply of omega-3s for the development of its own nervous system, leaving your body's supply depleted. As the body does not naturally manufacture DHA, it’s vital to replace lost omega-3s. The recommended dose of DHA for pregnant and lactating women is 300mg per day.

Food sources rich in EPA and DHA include algae, eggs, and cold-water fish like salmon, tuna, sardines, anchovies, and herring. Because of the high levels of mercury often found in these fish, taking purified fish-oil supplements is often the safest source of EPA and DHA, as these toxins are virtually eliminated during the manufacturing and processing of fish oil.

HEALTHY FATS

The brain is made up of 60% fat; fuelling it with healthy fats encourages a process called ketosis, which provides energy to the brain. Fats are an essential part of a healthy diet, but some fats are better than others.

There are three types of fats: Saturated fats, trans fats, and unsaturated fats.

The majority of fats that you consume should come from unsaturated fats, the healthiest kind. Providing vital nutrients that help build and develop cells in both your body and your baby’s, unsaturated fats include monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, as well as certain long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids,

which play an important role in the development of the brain, eyes, and nervous system.

A diet high in monounsaturated fats increases the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that aids learning and memory. Monounsaturated fats are also a good source of folate, otherwise known as folic acid, which helps protect your baby against birth defects.

Out of your daily kilojoule intake, aim to make up about 25% with unsaturated fats. The best source of monounsaturated fats can be found in mixed nuts, almonds, avocado, vegetable, olive or sunflower oils, while salmon, trout, herring, walnuts, and soybeans offer a rich source of polyunsaturated fats.

Saturated fats are found in fatty meats, full-fat dairy foods, and snack foods like biscuits, cakes, and sweets. While foods containing saturated fats often provide a source of protein and iron, it’s important you reduce your intake of saturated fats, as these can cause a build-up of cholesterol over time; no more than 6% of your daily kilojoule intake should come from saturated fats. Healthy saturated fats can be found in lean beef, cheddar cheese, and butter.

Found in products like hydrogenated vegetable oil and processed foods, trans fats should be avoided as they raise cholesterol levels. The foods that contain trans fats are composed mostly of empty calories and Pregnancy BUMP & baby

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FEED YOUR BUMP

Look, if your pregnancy cravings make you want to scoff peanut butter straight from the jar, we aren't gonna judge.

PROBIOTICS & PREBIOTICS IN PREGNANCY

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Pregnancy BUMP & baby

CHOLINE-RICH FOODS

eating choline-rich foods should be a priority. Along with vitamins, minerals, and protein, eggs provide your baby’s brain with a good source of choline. Choline can also be found in liver, wheat germ, cod, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, shrimp, salmon, peanut butter and milk.

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An essential water-soluble nutrient usually grouped as part of the B-vitamin complex, choline plays a vital role in basic cellular structure, nutrient transport and metabolism. Although it is naturally PROTEIN synthesised in small amounts within the Your body needs protein to build cells liver, a significant amount of choline must and make hormones for your growing be consumed for good health. baby, and your baby needs protein to build Choline is particularly important the cells of its body, particularly during for women who are pregnant and the second and third trimesters when breastfeeding, as this nutrient is vital baby grows more rapidly. Not only does in the development of the protein intake affect a baby’s f o g o o d r yo u . are foetal brain growth, it also affects the c rli and nervous system. development of important Deficiency can lead to organs, including the brain. long-term learning Pregnant women need disabilities and memory about 70g of protein per day. problems in children.

The best protein sources Not enough choline can during pregnancy are low decrease blood vessel in saturated fat and high in growth and hinder your other beneficial nutrients growing baby’s brain. that support foetal growth.

Choline naturally occurs Fish and seafood are in breast milk, but its especially good sources, presence is directly linked since they also contain to mum’s dietary intake, so omega-3s that promote brain yo

suggests there may be some benefit to taking probiotics and prebiotics while pregnant.

Regular supplementing may help with allergies like eczema in newborn babies and premature birth caused by infections in the birth canal.

have little or no benefit to your or your baby’s body.

ake If they don' t m

Probiotics and prebiotics help digest and utilise food in the best possible way. Probiotics (also called "friendly bacteria") are living micro-organisms, mostly bacteria that are similar to the beneficial micro-organisms naturally found in our intestines.

Prebiotics are the food for these friendly bacteria and are not digested by our bodies. They pass through our guts largely intact and ferment in part of the colon. Some foods naturally contain probiotics, and these include live yoghurt, fermented and unfermented milk, miso, and soy drinks.

Prebiotics that help probiotics to flourish occur naturally in onions, bananas, barley, garlic, chicory, asparagus, artichokes, soybeans, and oats. Research

BEFORE, DURING & AFTER PREGNANCY SMART FISH OILS FOR “YOU” AND “YOUR BABY” FOR HEALTHY BRAIN & EYE

Nutrition for the brain for both Mum and baby Supports optimal gestational length and birth weight .1 Supports post-natal mood balance .2 Mumomega for Mum and baby before, during and after pregnancy.

Eye Q Baby from 6 months - 2 years for healthy brain and eye.

Give your child the very best start in life; you can also help to keep yourself in the best health too.

Equazen uses only the highest grade fish and evening primrose oils free of toxins.

Always read the label and use as directed. Supplementary to a balanced diet. TAPS PP8483

Exceptional supplements proven by science and provided by nature.

Mumomega and Eye q baby are available at pharmacies nationwide.

For more information contact Pharmabroker Sales Ltd , Albany Auckland Ph 415 5050 FREE Phone 0508 664455 REFERENCES 1. McGregor JA et al. Clinical Update A supplement to OBG Management July 2003S1-S12 2. Hibbein JR J Affect Discord 2002 ,69:15-29

FEED YOUR BUMP

Vitamin B6

CAN HELP RELIEVE NAUSEA AND VOMITING DURING EARLY PREGNANCY, AND BANANAS ARE A GOOD SOURCE OF THIS, AS WELL AS VITAMIN C, POTASSIUM, AND FIBRE.

development. Lean meat, eggs, poultry and dairy products are good complete protein sources, containing all of the necessary amino acids in a single food.

Vegetarian protein sources like beans, tofu and nuts may need to be paired with other sources in order to get the full complement of amino acids; beans and rice each contain different amino acids, but together provide all of them.

VITAMINS AND MINERALS

During pregnancy, your growing baby gets all of the nutrients it needs from you, so you may need more vitamins and minerals than you did before.

A healthy diet provides you with most of the nutrients you need during pregnancy, but it’s not always easy to get all you need from food alone. Vitamins and minerals that are vital for healthy development in your baby include folic acid, iron, calcium, vitamin D, zinc and iodine.

Folic acid is critical before conception and during pregnancy as it helps close your baby’s neural tube so that birth defects like spina bifida do not occur.

Dark green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale, as well as citrus fruits, beans, and whole grains are excellent sources of folic acid, vital for the healthy development of your baby’s brain.

A lack of vitamin C during pregnancy can have serious consequences to the development of the foetal brain, leading to long-term damage. Citrus fruits are especially high in vitamin C, but leafy greens and many other fruits and vegetables are excellent sources too.

Iodine is especially important; a nutrient found in every organ and tissue in your body, iodine is crucial for healthy brain development. Recent research suggests that iodine supplements taken during pregnancy may in fact help boost children’s IQ scores, and that a mild iodine deficiency can lead to decreased intellect in children. Dietary sources

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Pregnancy BUMP & baby

Pssst... Bananas can also help to relieve constipation during pregnancy, so eat up!

of iodine include seafood (fish, shellfish and seaweed), commercially prepared bread, iodised salt, sea meal custard, milk and eggs.

During pregnancy, your body needs extra iron to cope with the increase in blood supply for your growing baby and placenta. Research suggests that irondeficient babies may develop more slowly and display slow language learning and behavioural problems.

Pregnant women need about 27mg of iron per day. Red meat is one of the best sources of iron, but you can get iron from

legumes, vegetables, and grains too.

Zinc supports normal growth and development during pregnancy and is essential for brain development. Studies suggest that zinc deficiency may lead to delays in cognitive development and motor development. Shellfish, beef and other red meats are rich sources of zinc; oysters contain more zinc per serving than any other food.

Talk to your doctor, LMC, or pharmacist a pregnancy supplement that contains the right amount of vitamins and minerals your body and your baby needs.

S how us your bump Do you have gorgeous pregnancy photos? Send us a beautiful BUMP photo and you’ll be in to win a stunning out-andabout prize package!

BUMP&baby is running a year-long search for beautiful pregnancy photos!

Send in yours and you’ll not only be in to win amazing prizes, we’ll also publish all of the winning photos in BUMP&baby magazine!

ENTER AT bumpandbaby.co.nz 42

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

F

ood allergies in children have become more prevalent worldwide in the past 20 years, and it’s not surprising parents are becoming more concerned with the issue. The current prevalence of food allergies in children is difficult to establish, although Allergy New Zealand currently estimates between six to eight percent of children have one.

The reason for the rise is unknown. Some believe it may be due to the “hygiene hypothesis”, while others believe it may be due to a lack of vitamin D, dietary causes, pollutants, or stress on the immune system.

WHAT IS A FOOD ALLERGY?

A food allergy is an abnormal response by the immune system soon after eating a certain food or being exposed to it through breast milk. Even small amounts of the food may trigger signs and symptoms. The first time a child is exposed to an allergy-causing food, they will not react. This is because the body has not had the chance to “set up” the response. Upon second exposure, a child may react and may experience hives, itching, rashes, eczema, stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Other but more serious symptoms include difficulty breathing, signs of collapse, and a sudden drop in blood pressure.

Can you prevent allergies in your baby?

Research suggests that you shouldn’t restrict high-allergy foods during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and that taking probiotics during pregnancy may even prevent eczema in your baby. Holistic nutritionist Jessica Giljam-Brown (wellnessbyjessica.com) explains.

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HEAD START

HOW IS A FOOD INTOLERANCE DIFFERENT TO AN ALLERGY?

An intolerance is generally less serious and quite often limited to digestive symptoms, such as bloating, wind, and nausea.

Symptoms are also often delayed and can present up to 20 hours after the food is eaten. A food intolerance does not activate the immune system like a food allergy does; therefore, you won't get the same symptoms.

The common allergens are often referred to as “The Big 8”. These include: • Eggs • Milk • Peanuts • Tree nuts • Seafood • Shellfish • Soy • Wheat

WHY DO CHILDREN DEVELOP FOOD ALLERGIES?

The immune system usually fights off infections and other dangers to keep you healthy. Food allergies occur when the body decides the food is a “danger” and tries to attack it. The reason this occurs is relatively unknown. We currently know that a child’s genetics, gut microbiome, vitamin D status, and overall exposure to different environments plays a role. Interestingly, most children will lose their food allergies by the ages of three to five, but allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish are generally prolonged.

allergy, it is easy to digest, strengthens the baby’s immune system, and is full of nutrients your baby requires. Before your baby turns one, research strongly suggests introducing high-risk allergy foods, such as peanuts and eggs, in order to reduce their chance of developing an allergy in the future.

HOW CAN I SAFELY INTRODUCE NEW FOODS TO MY CHILD?

Solid food introduction should begin around six months of age, but not before four months, and should be alongside breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. When introducing solids, often children start with low allergy-risk foods such as cooked green vegetables, carrots, beef broth, or fruit. After your child has got used to eating low-risk foods, you can trial high-risk foods one at a time.

Guidelines currently state that all babies should be given common allergy-causing foods by 12 months, in an age-appropriate form. For example, if you were to begin with egg, you would give your child ¼ of a teaspoon of well-cooked egg alongside

their other fruit or vegetables. Parents often worry about giving foods like egg and peanuts to their baby. However, introducing foods like well-cooked egg and smooth peanut butter, starting before 12 months of age, has been shown to reduce their chance of developing a food allergy to it. Once the food has been introduced, it is best to continue giving the new food regularly (once to twice a week). This is because a longer time period between having that food can actually increase your child’s chance of developing an allergy to that food.

When introducing new foods, it is best to introduce them in the morning so that you can monitor your child for any reactions over the course of the day. In addition, try to only introduce one high-risk food at a time, so if your child does have a reaction, you will know which food caused it.

6-8

PERCENT OF NZ CHILDREN HAVE A FOOD ALLERGY, ACCORDING TO ALLERGY NEW ZEALAND.

CAN I REDUCE THE CHANCE OF MY CHILD DEVELOPING AN ALLERGY? Restricting a mother’s diet of specific high-risk allergy foods during pregnancy and breastfeeding is currently not recommended as a means to prevent food allergies, even for those with a family history of allergies. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, mothers should be eating a healthy, balanced diet rich in fiber, vegetables, and fruit. This provides many health benefits to both mums and babies.

Once the baby is born, if you are able to breastfeed, breast milk is an ideal way to nourish your baby. Although there are no conclusive studies that prove it will reduce the risk of your baby developing a food

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

55

HEAD START

TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF ALLERGIES

There is no treatment for food allergies – some children will grow out of the allergy, and others won’t. Instead of treatment, you need to manage the allergy. Avoidance of the allergen is best, and having a management plan in place in case your child is exposed to the allergen accidentally is vital.

If there are any signs of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) such as difficulty or noisy breathing, your baby becomes pale and floppy, or their tongue is swelling up, call an ambulance immediately.

For less severe cases, your child’s doctor or specialist will help you construct a plan of action in case of exposure to the allergen. Depending on your child’s reaction, this my include antihistamines or an auto-injecting adrenalin pen such as an EpiPen. All of the adults taking care of your child a home or at childcare should be trained on how to care for your child in the event of an allergic reaction.

If your child has had a reaction to a food, you should never assume they have grown out of it or that it won’t happen again. The food should continue to be avoided unless the issue is discussed with an immunologist.

ECZEMA AND FOOD ALLERGIES: IS THERE A LINK? Eczema is a defective skin barrier disorder where patches of skin become itchy, red, inflamed, and cracked. Although eczema is not an allergy, research suggest that 40 to 50 percent of eczema cases in young children are worsened by certain foods. These trigger foods commonly include milk, eggs, peanuts, and tree nuts. Although the link between food allergies and a history of eczema is strong, we don’t yet know if food allergies are actually the cause of eczema or if another problem is triggering both.

Removal of high-risk foods from the diets of breastfeeding mothers or in children with eczema can sometimes help with reducing eczema. However, it is usually more helpful to look at the immune system and gut health of both mother and child. Increasing the intake of probiotic rich foods, having a varied diet, consuming a high plant intake, and increasing foods rich in zinc and vitamin D are important parts of managing eczema.

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Pregnancy BUMP & baby

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Omega-3 fatty acids and eczema Current research suggests that a high intake of omega 3-fatty acids (found in oily fish) during pregnancy and breastfeeding may reduce the chance of your baby developing eczema in early life. It was also found that women who took omega-3 supplements from 20 weeks of pregnancy through to three to four months of breastfeeding reduced their child’s risk of developing allergies to eggs. Omega-3 fatty acids are known for their anti-inflammatory effects, and some people believe this may be the mechanism behind their reduction in eczema and allergy rates.

Probiotics and eczema Another supplement currently on the rise to protect against childhood eczema is probiotics. There are some promising studies coming out suggesting that mothers who take probiotics during pregnancy and breastfeeding are less likely to have children with eczema. Probiotics are able to travel through the breast milk to the baby, where they can influence the child’s immune system and skin development. Interestingly, probiotics added directly into infants’ food does not seem to protect them to the same extent. However, the evidence is only moderate, and recommendations about the optimal species and dose of probiotics cannot currently be made. Further research is needed before clear recommendations can be given.

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EVERYDAY EASE

The perfect everyday maternity and nursing bra.

Wire- and seam-free design provides support both during pregnancy and breastfeeding, which is made easy with the one-handed open and close clip. Medela Maternity & Nursing Bra RRP$49.99, available in S, M, L, and XL in black or white from Babycity

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STYLE FILE

5 maternity bras we love Soft and supporting for pregnancy and breastfeeding, a good maternity bra is worth its weight in, well, liquid gold!

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FOR COMFY SLEEP

The Medela Sleep Bra is made of soft fabric with wicking properties to keep moisture away from your skin. Easy access for nighttime feeds with the front criss-cross design and a comfortable racer back. Four-way stretch fabric easily adapts to your changing shape. . RRP$41.99, available in S, M, and L in black or white from Babycity

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Sexy enough for special occasions, comfortable enough to wear all day. With a lower neckline and a convertible lace back, this flattering bra ensures maximum lift and comfort. Temptation Nursing Bra, bands 8 to 16 and C to H cups in various colours, RRP$79.95 from hotmilklingerie.com Pregnancy BUMP & baby

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For sunkissed skin without actually baking outside, Bondi Sands GLO Matte One Day Tan and Shimmer One Day Tan are perfect for enhancing your winter look.

Simply highlight your cheekbones, collarbones, and shoulders to create sheen and definition for next-level pro tanning any time of year.

FOR SUPPLE SKIN Stretch marks don’t have to be a fact of life. Enjoy plenty of vitamin-rich foods like carrots, kumara, and leafy greens to naturally boost collagen. And try Bio-Oil Skincare Oil. It works to keep skin supple as your body grows. RRP from $18.99 for 60mL. To find out more visit bio-oil.com

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TRENDING

PRO MAKEUP FOR PREGGY PHOTO SHOOTS Pregnancy photo shoots are a beautiful way to celebrate your blossoming bump – and more and more mums are now choosing professional makeup and hair to ensure they look and feel their best, says makeup artist Georgia Burt (makeupbygeorge.com). Here are her top three tips for making the most of your pregnancy photo shoot.

Pregnancy can bring unexpected changes to your skin. My sister-in-law, who is currently pregnant, noticed that her skin tone has changed, with noticeable blemishes and redness, and friends have warned me that pregnancy hormones often bring on breakouts. So I would definitely recommend a soothing and hydrating face mask before a photo shoot to even out your skin tone and make your skin feel plumper.

A pregnancy photo shoot is an opportunity for expectant mums to feel glamorous and beautiful, at a time when you may not be feeling the best about your body.

So another tip is for you to head to Pinterest or Instagram and look for inspiration on how you would like your makeup to look on the day. A good makeup artist will be able to tailor any look to your skin tone and face shape.

Keep in mind that the photo shoot isn’t just about the end product.

We want the experience to be equal parts relaxing and empowering – so I would encourage you to really take the time to enjoy the experience. Enjoy putting your feet up and getting pampered with a mocktail in hand. Photo shoots can seem daunting, so it’s important to me that the makeup done beforehand is a relaxing, enjoyable experience.

LITTLE BIT LUXE

Ideal for oilier skin types, this cooling gel-cream thoroughly hydrates and nourishes, while quickly absorbing to minimise oil production. Blurs the appearance of pores, fine lines, and wrinkles, while brightening the skin with exotic fruits extracts.

Omorovicza Balancing Moisturiser RRP$188 from meccabeauty.co.nz

LITTLE TUB OF GOODNESS

Palmer’s Tummy Butter for Stretch Marks is a thick, creamy tub of cocoa butter that melts on contact with your skin and is the ideal consistency to rub all over your belly, breasts, hips, and thighs during pregnancy. Super-rich cocoa butter and vitamin E penetrate deep into your skin, drenching you in vital moisture to smooth and tone your bump. RRP$18.50

Ingredient hero:

MAGNESIUM

Magnesium is critical for over 300 bodily functions, and can help to protect against migraine headaches during pregnancy (talk to your LMC to be sure it’s okay for you to take it). It can also help to relieve joint pain, support healthy emotional balance, and relieve restless sleep.

Because most magnesium taken orally is lost in the digestive process, it’s best to get magnesium through the skin. Made from organically sourced magnesium oil, Magnesium Gel Roll-On has a gel-like texture that can be applied topically via the skin and absorbed easily for maximum benefits.

WE LOVE IT!

60ml AU$27.50 from amazingoils.com.au

Hot right now:

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EATING FOR LABOUR RECIPES

Top 10 foods

for labour and birth Labour and birth are a marathon, not a sprint. So you need long-lasting energy. Clinical nutritionist and mum Gina Urlich (nutritionbyginarose.com) shares the best foods to give you a boost when you’re preparing to give birth.

D

elivering a baby is a high-energy exercise – the energy and caloric demands of a labouring woman are similar to those of marathon runners.

So eating the right types of food in the early stages of labour can give you sustained energy to get you to the finish line.

And what an incredible prize you get at the end!

A contracting uterus is the largest muscle in a woman’s body during childbirth, and it’s expending an incredible amount of energy, which means you’ll need nutrient dense-fuel to keep that muscle working at its best. A labouring woman will naturally put her energy into contracting the uterus to bring her baby earthside, and it will not use its resources on “non-vital” processes like digestion.

Early labour is a great opportunity to eat deeply nourishing foods that will fuel you for several hours.

1.

TRAIL MIX

Macro nutrients (protein, nourishing fats, and complex carbohydrates) like those in this trail mix are important to support healthy blood sugar levels and provide you with long-lasting energy.

• 1 cup pumpkin seeds or pepitas • 1 cup unblanched almonds • 1 cup sunflower kernels • 1 cup walnut halves • 1 cup dried apricots • 1 cup dark chocolate chips

1. Place all ingredients in a large bowl and toss to combine. Store in an airtight container.

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5.

2.

BONE BROTH OR SOUP

DON’T FORGET TO DRINK

Staying hydrated is very important during labour. The American Journal of Obstetrics found that hydration during labour is associated with more effective and shorter labors, along with reduced risk of induction and/or Caesarean. Taking frequent sips of water, electrolytes, coconut water, 100% fruit juice, or crunching on ice will help keep you hydrated during the demanding work of birthing a baby.

This is a lovely way to get nutrient-dense food in that is gentle on the digestive system.

3.

RASPBERRY LEAF TEA

Raspberry leaf tea is wonderful throughout pregnancy (limit to one cup per day), and during labour it can stimulate strong, productive contractions. You may like to sip on this in the birth suite too.

4.

RICE CAKES WITH NUT BUTTER This is a macronutrient-balanced snack you can make in a couple of minutes.

Rice cakes are a great gluten-free carb, while nut butter contains delicious protein and good fats to support long-standing energy requirements.

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6.

APPLE WITH NUT BUTTER

Many women love the refreshing crunch of a fresh apple while in the early stages of labour. Adding a tablespoon of nut butter (almond is delicious) will provide protein and fats to balance blood sugar levels.

EATING FOR LABOUR

9.

SIMPLE CARBS 8.

CHIA PUDDING

This is a fabulous source of protein, nourishing fats, and fibre.

7.

• 1 cup milk of choice (coconut, almond, or dairy) • ¼ cup chia seeds • 1-2 tbsp honey • Topping suggestions (optional): Nuts and seeds (almonds, macadamias, pistachio, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds), fruit (berries, mango, passionfruit)

BIRTHING SMOOTHIE

This has a balance of simple carbs, protein, good fats, and fibre (which will help you to use your bowels after birth – which can sometimes be a challenge).

1. In a small bowl, add milk of choice, chia seeds, and honey, and whisk straightaway. Tip: Whisking straightaway is important, otherwise the chia seeds will start to clump together.

2. Cover bowl and place in refrigerator, returning to stir in about five minutes’ time.

3. When pudding is set (30-60 minutes later) remove from fridge, divide in to jars, and add toppings. Pop lids on containers and store in the fridge until you’re labouring. Lasts four to five days in the fridge.

• 1 banana • ½ cup berries • 3 Brazil nuts • 1 tbsp chia seeds • 1 tbsp flax seeds • ½ cup Greek yoghurt • 1 handful of spinach leaves • 1 serve of protein powder • 1 cup milk of choice

1. Place all ingredients in a high-speed blender, then blend until smooth and creamy. Pour into a jar and store it in the fridge, or drink immediately.

tip If your birth doesn’t go to plan and you don’t eat the foods you prepared, then know that postpartum recovery is just as important, and you can replenish those nutrients post-birth – these food ideas are just as delicious and nutritious for post-birth recovery!

Once you progress into active labour, you will likely lose your appetite and your focus will be on the finish line. This is when you want simple carbohydrates, which will give you a quick burst of energy as you get ready to meet your baby. With each contraction, you use up the storage of glycogen in your muscles. This glycogen is used for energy, and if it isn’t replenished with fastacting carbohydrates soon, you will become very tired.

Great sources of simple carbs are bananas, raisins, pears, grapes, watermelon, and honey sticks. Check with your birthing team on protocols around eating in active labour.

10.

COOKED QUINOA, VEGETABLES, AND SHREDDED CHICKEN

This is a delicious meal you can make ahead of time and share with your partner after your baby is born and you are ready to replenish and nurture your body. It is very nutritious, easily digested, and will fill those nutrient reserves you've been donating to your baby for the last nine months.

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tips Have your infant capsule or car seat installed and your labour bag packed and in the boot of your car by 36 weeks.

Call your birthing centre ahead of time and find out what items they provide for new mums and babies, and what they recommend you bring.

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GETTING READY

FOR BABY

• Usually the hospital or birthing

CLOTHING

• Short nightgown or birthing

wrap to wear during labour

• Tankini or bikini top if you want to wear it in the birthing pool

• Slippers or a pair of thick

PACK YOUR BAGS

FOR LABOUR

• Aromatherapy oils • Massage oil • Light snacks and drinks

(even if you don’t feel like eating, your partner might)

TOILETRIES

NICE TO HAVE

conditioner • Hairbrush • Body wash • Body lotion • Lip balm • Eye drops • Makeup

• Light reading material

• Toothbrush and toothpaste • Deodorant • Face wash • Shampoo and

COMMUNICATION

• Mobile phone and charger • Top-up card if you’re on prepay • Camera, extra memory card, and charger

• A journal or pen and paper, to record baby’s first feeds

your favourite tunes

FOR YOUR PARTNER

• Change of clothes • Swimming togs if they want

to join you in the birthing pool

• Mobile phone and charger • List of people to ring after the birth

• Snacks and drinks u Yo

ca n

never

ha

ha i r g ri p s.

centres provide maternity pads, but you may want to bring your own, just in case • Breast pads • Glasses and case and/or contacts, lens case, and solution • Hair ties or clips

(magazines, e-reader device)

• Music player loaded with

many

• Most hospitals and birthing

towel from home

too

ACCESSORIES

• Your own pillow • A breastfeeding cushion • Hair dryer and big bath

ve

You’re about to head away for the most life-changing trip ever: To the hospital or birthing centre!

And like most trips away from home, you may be agonising over what to pack in your luggage. Here’s our list of what you’re likely to need, but remember: Don’t overdo it. Your partner can always bring you what you need if you forget something.

socks for walking the corridors during labour • A dressing gown • 2 breastfeeding bras • 2 pairs maternity pyjamas (tops and pants) • Several pairs of cotton or disposable mesh underwear you don’t mind sacrificing to the cause • A comfortable going-home outfit – remember, you’ll still be wearing maternity clothing while your uterus shrinks, so don’t expect to fit into your prepregnancy jeans immediately • Comfortable, flat shoes

centre will provide nappies and blankets for your baby’s stay, but it pays to double-check • Capsule or convertible car seat (practise installation ahead of time) • Baby wipes (you can never have too many) • Burp cloths • 2 baby beanie hats • 2 onesies or singlets • 2 long-sleeved, long-legged all-in-one pyjamas • Scratch mittens • 2 pairs baby socks • Blankets for the ride home • Going-home outfit

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GETTING READY

SUCK AND SOOTHE The soother, besides reducing the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), also plays an important role in proper oral development. The Physio Soft is designed to fit perfectly in baby's mouth, ensuring correct, uniformly distributed pressure of the tongue on the palate. Two-pack RRP$17.95 from chicco.co.nz

$

GREAT BUY!

PROTECTING DELICATE BITS Made in NZ, this nappy cream contains zinc and castor oil for protection and it's packed with rosehip, aloe, and avocado oils to assist in the healing of nappy rash. Use after every nappy change to avoid any build-up of irritation. Made4Baby Botty Barrier Crème, RRP$16.95 from made4baby.co.nz

Hospital bag must-haves

Packing your go bag? These little extras will definitely come in handy.

DISCREET DRYNESS Lansinoh Ultra-Thin Stay Dry Nursing Pads hold 20 times their weight in moisture, and have a unique waterproof layer to help you stay dry. 24-pack RRP$10.99, 60-pack RRP$24.99, available from pharmacies

SHELL BE RIGHT Made of ultra-soft silicone, these cushions adapt anatomically to the shape of the breast, ensuring maximum comfort and a delicate contact with the skin. The hard outer shell keeps everything away from the nipple so that it can heal naturally while also collecting any milk that may leak. Chicco Breast Shells RRP$16.95 from chicco.co.nz

HELPS HEAL Chicco’s Hydrogel Breast pads provide maximum protection and soothing action to give relief to inflamed nipples. Used during the first weeks of breastfeeding, they can be applied at room temperature or stored in the fridge. Six per pack, RRP$32.95 from chicco.co.nz

SOCK ON An essential item for every newborn, merino wool is super soft and cosy on your baby’s delicate skin, and naturally keeps them warm in winter and cool in summer. Lamington Newborn Merino wool socks from $16.95 at lamington.co.nz

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WE LOVE IT!

BEST BREASTFEEDING PILLOW For the ultimate in comfortable support while you’re breastfeeding your baby, the Boppy Pillow helps reduce tension in the arms, shoulders, and neck while providing your baby with just the right support. It’ll help both of you to maintain a comfortable, natural position during each feeding session. RRP$99.95 from Babycity

Tear Free

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Soap Free

Hypoallergenic

Because happy, healthy skin starts with Cetaphil foundations.

Available in Supermarkets and Pharmacies Distributed in New Zealand by Healthcare Logistics, 58 Richard Pearse Drive, Airport Oaks, Mangere. Phone: 0800 174 104. www.cetaphil.co.nz CET17-03-0154

Birth:

The weird & wonderful Throughout the years and around the world, birthing practices have evolved as our knowledge has increased – but some things are making a comeback, says Amy Sherpa of The Baby Sleep Practitoners (thebabysleeppractitioners.co.nz).

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INTERESTING IDEAS

P

regnancy and birthing practices, politics, and social norms have evolved as medical practitioners and mothers have become more experienced and knowledgeable with birthing methods. That being said, many societies’ rituals and customs have remained sacred throughout centuries. Some may seem weird to us, and some may seem like good ideas to try, but they’re all a wonderful representation of the belief of childbirth as being a magical, special time.

LOTUS BIRTH The placenta is the temporary organ that feeds the foetus inside the mother’s womb. In some cultures the expelled placenta holds a spiritual significance – some bury it, some eat it, and some leave it attached until the umbilical cord dries up and it falls off on its own (up to 14 days). This is known as a lotus birth.

This type of birthing practice had only been witnessed in chimpanzees until 1974 when Clair Lotus Day, who was pregnant and living in California, began to question the routine cutting of the umbilical cord. Her search led her to an obstetrician who was sympathetic to her wishes, and her son Trimurti was born in hospital and taken home with his cord uncut. More recently, Jeannine Parvati Baker in the US and Shivam Rachana in Australia have both been

DELAYED CORD CLAMPING

strong advocates for this practice.

Dr Sarah Buckley adopted the lotus birth concept with the birth of her second child in 1993, when she placed the placenta in a hand-sewn red velvet bag and rubbed the placenta daily with salt and lavender until it fell off after six days. She described it as having a “slightly meaty smell” and that it attracted the attention of her cat.

A lotus birth is an uncommon practice and, therefore, there are many unknowns, but to date there is no research to support any benefits of lotus birth, and there are warnings of associated risks such as bacterial infection. However, the spiritual meaning of it aligns with optimising mother-baby synchrony after birth, which is something we all aim to achieve.

While it’s uncertain as to when it became common practice to cut the umbilical cord immediately after birth, it is now more commonly known that delayed cord clamping (30 to 60 seconds) or cord “milking” can increase iron storage of the infant, supporting healthy brain development.

With this is mind, you can see how things can be done so differently, but not necessarily be wrong. So it's important to try to keep informed as to what modern practices will optimise the health and wellbeing of ourselves and our babies.

RELAXATION TECHNIQUES I’ve been reflecting on all that we try and do to promote good health through preconception, pregnancy, and birth, and most of it boils down to achieving and maintaining a state of calm. By remaining calm, we can balance hormone production, and this is at the heart of our bodily processes, from our menstrual cycles to our moods and energy levels. More specifically, it’s about keeping our “fight or flight” hormones (adrenaline and noradrenaline) at bay so that our more healthy and helpful hormones like endorphins, oxytocin, and prolactin can be produced in higher quantities.

We know that maternal stress during pregnancy does affect the developing foetus and can lead to adverse obstetric outcomes.

Relaxation techniques during pregnancy such as massage therapy, hypnotic relaxation, and breathing/tension release exercises are effective to keeping a state of calm and improving outcomes for mother and baby – demonstrating lower heart rates and blood pressure, and a lower incidence of gestational hypertension.

During birth, remaining calm becomes particularly important, not only to help with labour, but also to allow your body's helpful hormones – especially oxytocin and prolactin – to make bonding, attachment, and initiating and maintaining breastfeeding as easy as possible. Keeping mother and baby in hormonal synchrony (as best you can) is vital for the healthy transition into motherhood.

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Bring it on: Inducing labour What happens when labour is induced, and when is it necessary?

B

irth is a natural process, and for many women, it goes according to plan.

But when a baby is overdue or complications arise for mother or baby, the woman may need to consider being induced, which means having the birth sped up with medical intervention.

TIME LIMIT ON LABOUR

In 1973, an Irish doctor called Kieran O’Driscoll introduced an “active management of labour” policy in an Irish hospital that went on to change the global face of maternity care.

O’Driscoll’s aim was to ensure every woman having her first baby would be delivered within 12 hours of going into labour, to avoid the physical and emotional exhaustion of prolonged labour (defined as more than 12 hours for first-time mothers).

Under the active management policy, intervention occurred if the woman’s cervix did not dilate by one centimetre per hour.

Intervention would occur by breaking the

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water sac (known as the membranes) and, one hour later, starting an artificial hormone via intravenous drip to stimulate contractions of the womb.

The intravenous drip was increased at 30-minute intervals until contractions occurred two to three minutes apart, or the maximum dose was given.

Today, an induction of labour is a similar process, but it begins with one or two extra steps to help with cervical “ripening”. This

essentially means softening the cervix so it can dilate.

The first is a “stretch and sweep” of the membranes. This involves a health professional, via vaginal examination, pushing their finger through the cervix and rubbing the base of the water sac encasing the baby.

The second is the insertion of hormonal gel or a balloon catheter into the cervical canal to help it open.

WATCHING THE CLOCK

You may be anxious to get that baby out, but you should know some facts first.

WHEN IS LABOUR INDUCED?

Labour is often induced when a woman’s pregnancy lasts for 40 weeks or more, or when her waters break before 34 weeks and there are concerns for the baby or mother’s health.

A baby can also be induced after 34 weeks if there is a risk of infection to the mother or baby; when a baby is thought to be growing “too large”; when pregnancy complications are affecting the mother or

tip baby; or when a baby dies results must be interpreted in the womb (stillbirth). with caution.

ASK YOUR Women at greater than First, it’s not best practice LMC WHAT 39-40 weeks gestation may to routinely induce a low-risk also request induction for YOU NEED TO woman solely to lower the social reasons, such as to KNOW ABOUT risk of a Caesarean. plan the date of birth Second, existing research INDUCTION. around important family shows less medicalised Find out what commitments such as approaches to birth – such a partner being imminently experiences other as receiving care by a known posted overseas (though this mums under your midwife in a continuity of care is not recommended). model throughout pregnancy LMC's care have There remains great and birth – are less likely to had with induction of result in medical intervention, controversy around when labour, and what all and more likely to result in to induce labour, especially for overdue women. of your options are. women feeling more satisfied Post-date inductions (for Also be aware that if and in control of their women who are overdue) aim birthing experience. you are induced, you to counter the increased risk Third, induction often will usually have to leads to women being more of stillbirth. Doctors argue after a certain time, the labour in hospital. likely to request an epidural placenta can no longer provide (surgical pain relief) due to adequate levels of nutrition to the baby, the artificially induced, painful, sudden and which increases the risk of stillbirth. intense contractions. In a labour that has Induction for overdue pregnancies also not been induced, contractions build over aims to reduce the odds of having a large a period of time, giving the woman’s body (macrosomic) baby, which could be difficult a chance for its natural pain relief process to deliver. But practitioners’ “guesstimates” to begin. of foetal weight, even using an ultrasound Epidurals restrict the woman’s scan, are often inaccurate. instinctive movement in labour because It’s always difficult to make decisions she is unable to move her legs. As a result, about medical care. And these are inevitably women aren’t able to get into an optimal influenced by personal, cultural, social and birthing position or feel when a contraction organisational factors. But an added occurs. This increases the risk of complexity in maternity care is the instrumental birth (using vacuum or mother-baby dyad. Any decision made forceps – which look like large salad tongs ultimately impacts not only the childbearing – to guide the baby out of the birth canal) woman, but also her (unborn) baby. and subsequent tears.

Nevertheless, women must be central While intervention is sometimes to decision-making. And no induction required, we need to remember that a “good should occur until the potential benefits, birth” goes beyond having a healthy baby. risks and implications are clarified. The Women need to be able to lead decisionwoman must also understand induction making during their birthing journey. They is a package of intervention, and thus make deserve to feel respected in their choices, to an informed decision. achieve not only the best possible physical, emotional and psychological outcomes.

NOT ALL WOMEN SHOULD BE INDUCED

A recent study from American obstetrics researcher William Grobman suggests routine induction at 39 weeks reduces the rates of Caesarean birth for women with no identified pregnancy complications. But the

WRITTEN BY ELAINE JEFFORD, RESEARCH LEAD IN MIDWIFERY, SOUTHERN CROSS UNIVERSITY; LYN EBERT, DEPUTY HEAD OF SCHOOL – EDUCATION AND HEAD OF DISCIPLINE – MIDWIFERY, UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE; AND SAMANTHA NOLAN, ASSISTANT LECTURER/RESEARCHER, SOUTHERN CROSS UNIVERSITY. REPUBLISHED FROM THECONVERSATION.COM/WHAT-HAPPENS-WHENLABOUR-IS-INDUCED-AND-WHEN-IS-IT-NECESSARY-102482

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BIRTH IS AMAZING

One

MOMENT in time

Kim McGregor (kimberlyjoyphoto.co.nz) is a passionate maternity, birth, and newborn photographer located in the Waikato region. Kim works closely with several practising midwives, and has even had the humbling experience of helping with deliveries!

“This inspired me to want to empower women by photographing something so special that you can forget so quickly,” Kim says. Here she shares three of her memorable birth photography experiences.

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BIRTH IS AMAZING

MUM KAYLAH'S HOME BIRTH WAS AN INCREDIBLE AND POWERFUL EXPERIENCE.

Not just because birth is amazeballs, but because it was Kaylah’s seventh baby, and she delivers like a boss!

The relaxed and low-lit surroundings gave a warm and entrusting ambience to Kaylah’s birthing journey. I found that this space she had created, along with her family supporting her along the way, empowered Kaylah and her baby to work together. It was unreal the way she birthed her son into the world with such power and determination.

I wanted to capture all of these emotions and was able to in a quiet and non-invasive way, provided by this space Kaylah had created. I feel as if these photos demonstrate just that.

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BIRTH IS AMAZING

MUM JEN IS INCREDIBLE, PASSIONATE, AND STRONG.

The birth of her fourth baby girl was a very intimate experience between Jen and her husband. There were tears shed, quiet prayers, and even a thumbs-up just before the big push. These guys made their birthing experience fun, but when the time came to kick ass, Jen was determined to birth her baby girl into this world, holding onto her husband as she did. The joy and happy tears that were shed postbirth were so heartwarming, and just shows why I love what I do. I wanted to capture Jen’s every emotion – the grimaces, the smiles, the deep breathing, the hugs, the cries and, most of all, how strong this woman is.

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BIRTH IS AMAZING

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BIRTH IS AMAZING

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ALL PHOTOGRAPHS REPRODUCED WITH KIND PERMISSION OF THE FAMILIES PHOTOGRAPHED BY MATERNITY, BIRTH, AND NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER KIM MCGREGOR (KIMBERLYJOYPHOTO.CO.NZ)

THIS WAS MUM SOPHIE'S FIRST BIRTH, A BIRTH THAT I WAS TRULY HUMBLED TO ATTEND.

By the time I arrived, Sophie had been working very hard during each contraction, with the support of her husband. Tiptoeing into the hospital room, I could feel the exhaustion, but looking at both Sophie and her husband I could see smiles and laughter – a real sense of not giving up. It was later decided for the safety of mum and baby that they would have to use the ventouse. This incredible first-time mum, no matter what was thrown at her, gave birth to her healthy baby boy in such an empowered environment. The joyous reactions that this little guy received after his arrival were lovely, and I was lucky enough to capture it all. What an incredible experience.

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15

fun facts

( a n d fa s c in a ti n g ! )

about babies

Amber Hall shares some interesting titbits about babies that you never knew.

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INTERESTING IDEAS

B

abies are endlessly fascinating characters, and while we swoon over how cute they are, there are actually some pretty cool things about them that you mightn’t yet have realised.

Like, just how much does their brain grow in one year? How big would babies get if they kept growing at the same rate? And do adults really have less bones than babies? Here are a few facts to help you find out more.

1. BRAIN

Once your baby is born, their brain will start a rapid growth period. In fact, by the time they reach their first birthday, their brain will have more than doubled in size to reach about 60% of its entire expected adult brain size.

2. HEAD

Newborn babies’ heads typically account for around a quarter of their entire body weight!

8. DISAPPEARING BONES

A grown adult has 206 bones, but at birth, we start with 300. So where did the extras go? As babies grow, some of the bones fuse together to help create the protective frame of their skeleton.

9. GROWTH RATE

If a baby were to continue to grow at the same rate as they do in their first year, it’s estimated that by adulthood, they’d be the same height as Nelson’s Column in London.

10. KNEECAPS

Be careful not to overwhelm your little one. Babies only have short attention spans and can be overstimulated easily.

Babies’ kneecaps can’t be seen in x-rays, but don’t worry, they’re definitely there. X-rays can’t pick up cartilage, which is what babies’ kneecaps are made from. The fully formed kneecap can take up to the age of 12 to develop!

4. SIGHT

11. HEARTBEAT

3. OVERSTIMULATION

A newborn baby can only focus 20 to 25cm away from their face, and prefer high-contrast black and white images rather than colourful graphics.

5. HEARING

Newborns typically have a heart rate of 130-160 beats per minute. That’s almost twice the rate of a normal resting adult.

12. BATTLE OF THE SEXES

A newborn baby’s hearing is very sophisticated. In fact, 10 minutes after being born, they are able to figure out which direction a sound is coming from.

Newborn boys typically weigh more than girls. In New Zealand, the average boy at birth weighs between 2.2kg and 4.9kg. For girls, the average is between 2.1kg and 4.6kg.

6. TASTEBUDS

13. SLEEP

A baby has twice as many tastebuds as an adult – about 10,000, in fact.

But their little tongues are so small!

Where are they fitting all those tastebuds? Babies don’t exclusively have tastebuds on their tongue.

They have them on the roof, sides, and backs of their mouth as well.

7. BREATHE AND/OR SWALLOW Babies are able to simultaneously breathe and swallow up until they reach seven months of age.

Newborns typically get up to 17 hours of sleep a day, but it won’t take you long to notice that it doesn’t happen in one block. Generally in the first few weeks, they’ll rest for two to four hours per sleep.

14. MOST COMMON BIRTHDAY You’d think that birthdays would be fairly evenly distributed across the year, but no. The day on which the most New Zealanders are born is 29 September. However...

15. MOST COMMON BIRTH MONTH

In New Zealand, the most common month to give birth is May, followed

by March, and then November.

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Do you know what time you were born?

Yeah, your baby doesn't know, either.

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PERFECT TIMING

What time will my baby be born?

While there’s really no way to time it to the exact moment, there are some interesting statistical trends around the time of day babies are born, says Tiffany Brown.

P

regnancy is a unique condition.

It can feel like it’s gone by in a flash, but it can also feel like it’s taking forever. When you’re swollen with all that extra blood, heavy with a nearly grown foetus inside of you, and providing all the nutrition your baby needs to survive, you can be forgiven if in the final stages you’re ready for it to be all over.

You are very likely fixated on your due date, but surprisingly few babies arrive on time. Whether they are early or late can be a lottery too, and though there seem to be some trends in the timing of the arrival of first and subsequent children, there is nothing concrete here either. Pregnancy really is a game of hurry up and wait.

But while you’re pondering the accuracy of your due date, have you considered what time of day your baby will be born? A UK study published in June last year analysed more than five million live singleton births over a 10-year period, and revealed some surprising truths about the inclinations of our babies to make their first appearance.

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PERFECT TIMING

Be st

lea

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r i n t h e k i tc h e n .

OF BABIES COME ON THEIR DUE DATE, AT BEST GUESS.

time

5%

he

NIGHT OWL OR

Only 28.5% of babies arrived between 9am MORNING PERSON? and 4.59pm on a sensible weekday schedule, Can time of birth influence a person’s while an overwhelming 71.5% of babies future tendencies towards night-owl-ness were born during the less convenient time or up-with-the-lark-ness? Research slots of weekends, public holidays, and indicates that it can. Various studies across between 5pm and 8.59am on weekdays. the world have uncovered the following: Perhaps this is a precursor to life outside • The split between morning larks and night the womb, when little people are inclined to owls is roughly the same, around 15% in need the toilet when you’re in the car stuck each group, while 70% of us fall somewhere between motorway exits, or remember that in between. important book they need for school the • A 2010 Cleveland State University study moment the front door closes, or suddenly found a significant match between announce they’re starving as soon as the individuals’ time of birth and their mental plates are cleared away? aptitude in the corresponding time slot; that In the study, spontaneous births is, concentration and performance following spontaneous labours increased in the afternoon if they tip accounted for just over half of all were born later in the day, or was the births in the study, and out of If you're at its peak in the morning if they this group, most occurred during were born earlier. a night the hours of 1am and 6.59am, with • Researchers theorised exposure owl, you to light at the time of birth may the peak birthing time around 4am.

Anyone who has ever got up to can trick determine this tendency, setting a newborn will know the significance yourself our body clocks or circadian of this special dead-of-the-night, rhythms according to the light into zombie-friendly time. available at the time of birth. becoming • Many people who had premature For the portion of births resulting from induced labours, a morning births seem to be very early risers most babies arrived around person, but and capable of an increased ability midnight from Tuesday to Saturday, to concentrate and perform tasks, it'll take perhaps originating from their first and on the days preceding a public work. holiday. No prizes for guessing why days or weeks in neonatal units that, mums and midwives tend to be keen until recently, were very brightly lit to get things underway before most around the clock. of the country clocks off for a few days.

• A study of 700 people in their mid-late When it comes to scheduled C-sections, twenties by Helsinki University found a babies typically arrived between 9am and positive association between “morningness” 11.59am. In the USA, scheduled births are (the tendency to rise early) and beneficial on the rise, and around 98% of all babies health outcomes, such as being resistant are born in hospital. Americans rise a little to fatigue and frustration. earlier than Brits, it seems, and most of the • Another British study of 600 people by babies born in a similar study arrived the University of Sleep Research Centre at around 8am, and on Monday.

Surrey University found morning people “more conscientious” than their late-rising counterparts.

AROUND • Ancient Greeks wrote astrological texts 2,000 years ago stating people born in the daytime are better at practical and businesslike tasks.

• Evidence from a number of studies found night owls tend to be more creative, intelligent, and novelty-seeking. They are also prone to burnout and mood problems, and more likely to exhibit aggressive or anti-social behaviour.

• It is suggested night owls suffer from “social jet lag”, because their body clock runs behind in a society that favours morningness.

t ve

WORKIN’ 9 TO 5… NOT

TIME-OFBIRTH TRIVIA There are a number of ways to calculate due date, depending on the information you have to hand. Your last menstrual period date or the date of conception may be used if these are known; otherwise, a date may be estimated using ultrasound.

Most babies are born within 37 and 42 weeks gestation.

Around 10% are born prematurely, prior to 37 weeks.

One study found boys are more likely to go beyond their due date than girls.

A 2002 survey of over 7,000 American women found first babies were around 15% more likely to be born late, compared with around 10% of subsequent births, lending weight to the anecdotal reality for many, that after the first baby, the next ones tend to arrive faster and faster!

This same survey also found firstborns were more likely to be premature than subsequent babies.

Most of the babies in the survey were born at 39 weeks.

What to do (and not do) for a NEW MUM

Shh… Our undercover midwife has some straight-talking advice on what to do, and what not to do, for a brand-new mum with a brand-new baby.

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SECRET DIARY OF A MIDWIFE

Don’t: TURN UP UNANNOUNCED.

A

s a midwife, I have spent a lot of time in hospital and birthing centre rooms with new mums when visitors come. And over the years, I’ve seen many things happen that I have had to physically bite my tongue from speaking out about. I’ve also seen some amazing and wonderful visitors who are sensitive and thoughtful, and whose actions are the kind I wish everyone would emulate! Here are my top five things you should absolutely NOT do for a new mother, and five things you absolutely SHOULD do.

Do:

RESPECT THE NEW MUM’S PRIVACY.

In the first few days following the baby’s birth, the new mum may be getting parts of her body checked for healing or infection, may be learning to breastfeed, and may be experiencing heavy vaginal bleeding which requires her to change sanitary pads often.

She is sore, may be weak, and is tired. Her breasts might be leaking. In short, her body is doing all kinds of things that she can’t control and needs some privacy to take care of. Respect this and honour it.

Don’t:

WALK INTO THE ROOM WITHOUT PERMISSION.

Never, ever walk into her room or open the curtains around her bed without permission. There are some things you can’t unsee. I once had a well-meaning but clueless grandfather bring two children into the birthing suite immediately after a new baby’s birth, while the mum was still delivering the placenta. He didn’t faint, but it was a close call.

Do:

LET HER AND THE BABY SLEEP.

Yes, you came to see her and the baby – but if she’s asleep when you arrive, or the baby is asleep, for goodness’ sake do NOT wake her or the baby up! And if she’s just got the baby latched to the breast or to sleep, you may absolutely not ask to hold the baby, or to “just wake her up for a minute” so you can say hello. And don’t ask when the baby is going to wake up. She doesn’t know.

It’s exciting to visit a new baby, but take it from me: You want to call first and ask if and when it’s okay to visit. The new mum might be too tired or feel emotional from the birth, or might want to spend some time just with the baby and her partner, and that is her right. In fact, I advocate coming to visit about a week after the baby is born – skip the hospital altogether. Which brings me to my next point…

Do:

BRING FOOD.

Never show up without food! Preferably bring a simple, nutritious morning or afternoon tea plus a premade, easy-to-reheat meal that the mum can either pop into the freezer for another time, or into the microwave or oven for dinner later. And don’t bring a dish she is going to have to wash and return to you. Foil trays and reusable containers are available at the supermarket and are very cheap. Also, while you’re at it, some fresh fruit, juice or bottled water, and chocolate wouldn’t go amiss.

Don’t: COME IF YOU’RE SICK.

Yes, you’ve got a little cough but it’s probably nothing. Yes, you are just about over that tummy bug. Yes, your nose is a bit runny but it’s probably just hayfever. STAY AWAY. That new baby is vulnerable and you are rude. Keep your germs at home.

Do:

ASK IF SHE NEEDS ANYTHING.

If you get permission to visit, you’ve brought food, put it away, made your own cup of tea and done the washing-up, ask if there’s anything else the new mum needs.

A quick trip to the corner store to grab bread and milk? Someone to get the post from her letterbox at the top of her very long driveway? Some stamps from the postshop? Or something at home, like washing hung out on the line, or the dishwasher emptied? Do her a favour if she needs one – and equally, if she says no and wants you to go, don’t make her uncomfortable and insist.

Don’t:

HANG AROUND WHILE SHE’S LEARNING TO BREASTFEED.

Many women don’t feel comfortable breastfeeding in front of other people in the early days, and if she’s still in hospital or at the birthing centre, a new mum might want to speak to a midwife every time the baby feeds – and this is not your cue to stay and watch! Say it was lovely seeing her and the baby and you’re going to give her some privacy now. Then go. Do not linger in the hallway or to get a cuppa and then come back. She’ll just feel pressured and stressed, which are not good omens for successful breastfeeding.

Do:

WASH YOUR HANDS!

When you come into the house or the birthing centre or hospital room, the very first thing you should do is wash your hands. Immediately. Don’t hug or kiss anyone, don’t touch anything, just go straight to the sink and lather up. Use the hand sanitiser too.

Don’t:

IGNORE HER ONCE SHE GETS HOME.

Often people come to the hospital, say hello, coo over the baby, and then they don’t make an effort to see the new mum until the baby’s first birthday rolls around. But when the family gets home is when they will REALLY need help. If you can afford it, pay for a cleaning service to freshen up her house before she gets home from hospital.

Then check in every few weeks, drop off a meal once a month, offer to take her other children out for a few hours, come around to do a few house chores while she naps, send her a supermarket voucher for grocery delivery. And don’t forget to ask her what would be helpful and let her decide. It might be something you haven’t even thought of.

100%

OF NEW MUMS WANT YOU TO MAKE YOUR OWN DANG CUP OF TEA WHEN YOU COME OVER TO VISIT THE BABY. MAKE HER ONE TOO, WHILE YOU'RE AT IT. Pregnancy BUMP & baby

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any mums have questions about breastfeeding, whether it’s your first baby or your fourth! And Plunket nurses have long been there to help mums in the early days of caring for their babies. Now breastfeeding mums can receive free, one-on-one, personalised support from Plunket nurses trained as certified lactation consultants*, or fully trained breastfeeding specialists, via video conferencing. You don’t even have to leave home! *INTERNATIONAL BOARD CERTIFIED LACTATION CONSULTANTS (IBCLC)

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PlunketLine services, including advice about breastfeeding, child (both wellbeing and sickness), and parenting issues, are available for all families by phone 24/7.

HOW CAN I GET HELP WITH BREASTFEEDING?

If you have questions about breastfeeding or need help, give PlunketLine (Plunket’s free 24/7 parent helpline) a call on 0800 933 922. When the Plunket nurse answers your call, they will talk with mum and refer them to a lactation consultant as required.

WHEN WILL THE APPOINTMENT TAKE PLACE?

Sessions are available every day of the week (including weekends!) and when you call PlunketLine, the Plunket nurse will be able to tell you when appointments are available – usually the same day or the next day. They’ll ask for some basic details, including information about what kinds of questions you have or what help you might need, and then after the phone call you’ll receive an email confirming your appointment and what to do next.

HOW LONG ARE APPOINTMENTS?

Each Video Conferencing Breastfeeding Support session is 45 minutes – but you can call back and book further appointments if you need more help.

There’s no limit on how many support sessions you can have, and there’s also no age limit to the child you’re breastfeeding – so you can call throughout your breastfeeding journey when new questions and issues come up.

Any GP, lactation consultant, LMC, or health professional can contact PlunketLine to refer a breastfeeding client to Video Conferencing Breastfeeding Support.

PlunketLine will work alongside the mother and family as well as the referring health professional to ensure a plan of care is effectively coordinated to ensure the best outcome for mother and baby.

WHAT EQUIPMENT DO I NEED?

When you're booked in, you'll get an email with all of the info, but basically you'll need a phone, or any device that you can use with an internet connection, and to download ZOOM software (you’ll be sent a link).

WHAT KIND OF HELP CAN I EXPECT?

The lactation consultant can help you with all sorts of issues, from basic latching difficulties to advice on how to know if your baby is getting enough milk, what to do if your baby fusses at the breast, how to deal with sore nipples, stimulating letdown, and more. They’re highly experienced and because the video conference lets them see you feeding and interacting with your baby, it’s much easier for them to help you.

Contact PlunketLine 0800 933 922 or visit plunket.org.nz to find out more.

BROUGHT TO BY PLUNKET AND BUMP&BABY

What is POSTNATAL DEPLETION? Do you have a baby, and you’re feeling exhausted, moody, miserable, and possibly a bit sick? Holistic nutritionist Jessica Giljam-Brown (wellnessbyjessica.com) can help.

C

reating a new human takes a huge toll on your body, not to mention the hours of labour or surgery following. Then comes the job of actually feeding, changing, cleaning up, and watching over your new bundle of joy at all hours of the day and night for months on end. Hello, sleepless nights and goodbye, me-time!

Ideally, women going into pregnancy would have optimal nutrient stores.

However, these days it’s normal for women to enter pregnancy in a depleted state due to their careers, demanding social schedules, chronic sleep deprivation, and poor nutrient consumption, to name a few reasons. These ongoing demands give the body no time to relax and, as a result, there are profound effects on hormones, immune function, brain structure, and gut health.

Then comes the 40 weeks of creating the baby. During pregnancy, the baby taps into the mother’s stores of zinc, vitamins B12 and B9 (folate), iodine, selenium, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, iron, and amino acid stores. Even if the mother has very little, the baby will continue to strip what they can from the mother, and leave her with even less. This is why, regardless of which approach to pregnancy women use around the world, most babies turn out to be perfectly healthy. Humans are designed to allow the next generation to survive, even if it’s at a cost to the mother.

Once your baby is born, mothers are often left to care for the baby almost exclusively. Gone are the days of big families and societies to support a new mother – the

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partner returns to work, families are often spread out all over the world, and friends have full-time jobs and their own children to care for. Alongside this is the perceived notion that mothers have to do everything, and as a result, they suffer in silence.

Everyone will say, “Oh, don’t worry, the exhaustion will pass, you will feel like yourself again soon.” However, the reality is, women are not recovering after birth like they should, and there is a surge of mothers who are experiencing postnatal depletion.

50% OF NEW MUMS EXPERIENCE POSTNATAL DEPLETION, WHICH IS CHARACTERISED

BY FATIGUE AND EXHAUSTION.

SELF-CARE

pregnancies without adequate time to recover in-between. It can cause sex and thyroid hormone changes and contribute to extreme fatigue, mood changes, a feeling of hopelessness, immune conditions, gastrointestinal symptoms, and postnatal depression. This syndrome is often accompanied by the following symptoms.

WHAT IS POSTNATAL DEPLETION?

Dr Oscar Serrallach, a New Zealand-trained GP now based in Australia, coined the term “postnatal depletion” to describe a condition of fatigue and exhaustion following pregnancy and even up to a decade afterward. Postnatal depletion refers to a condition about 50% of women find themselves in following pregnancy, in which their body is in a severe nutrient depleted state caused by pregnancy or by several

THYROID PROBLEMS

Thyroid problems often go undiagnosed in new mothers, with their symptoms being mistakenly associated with exhaustion from the new challenges of motherhood.

However, new mothers actually have an increased chance of developing a thyroid disorder in the first 12 months after giving birth. Commonly this will present as an HORMONE IMBALANCES underactive thyroid or an autoimmune During pregnancy, progesterone maintains thyroid condition such as Hashimoto's the development of the baby, thyroiditis. The risk of and oestrogen essentially helps developing an autoimmune tip everything grow and increases thyroid condition increases blood flow. Once you’ve due to the immunologic DO YOU changes that prevent your delivered the baby, these HAVE PND? immune system from hormones – particularly It's normal to be progesterone – drop off. This rejecting your baby while they can put some women into were in the uterus. When the tired while you're oestrogen dominance. This, baby is born and this system adjusting to new has to revert back to normal, alongside toxic environmental motherhood, but it's it can play tricks on you and factors, high-stress lifestyles, not normal for you to lead to autoimmune diseases, and nutrient depletion, the mother’s liver is unable to feel so exhausted you especially in those genetically clear this oestrogen. This can't see straight, or susceptible. If you have hair loss, weight gain, brain fog, dominance can lead to to feel detached from or dry skin, then I would symptoms such as: your baby or like recommend getting your • Breast tenderness • Bloating your family would thyroid checked.

• Irregular menstrual cycles be better off without • Painful and heavy periods HOW DO I KNOW IF you. If you ever feel I HAVE POSTNATAL • Mood swings this way, talk to your DEPLETION? • Headaches LMC straightaway. If you’re worried this sounds • Decreased sex drive • Increased PMS symptoms all too familiar, get some tests Commonly women will also become done so you know what you’re lacking and depleted in zinc, iron and B12, all of which how your body is coping.

• Firstly, get some blood tests done. Ask are vital for good energy levels, immune your GP or nutritionist to order these for function, and skin repair. Breathlessness, you, and ask to check your thyroid function, extreme fatigue – even after a good sleep – and skin issues like acne and eczema are iron, vitamin B12, D, and zinc levels, and all common among depleted women. check your sex hormones.

• Start tracking your cycles to see if you’re ovulating – ovulation is a good indicator INABILITY TO SWITCH OFF New mothers have an innate "baby radar", of health. You can do this by checking your basal body temperature (BBT) every which makes them become intuitively aware of their baby’s needs. Although this morning on waking. Your BBT is your hypervigilance is essential for the survival body’s temperature when it’s completely of the baby, some women can’t switch off. at rest. Prior to ovulation it usually sits between 36.1 and 36.4 degrees Celsius.

This often occurs when women have poor support systems. This inability to switch After you’ve released an egg your BBT slightly increases to between 36.4 to off can lead to sleep problems, anxiety, and postnatal depression (PND).

37 degrees Celsius.

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SELF-CARE

NT WHAT IF I’M PREGNA OR PLANNING TO ?

BECOME PREGNANT P R E V E N T!

WHAT CAN I DO IF I HAVE POSTNATAL DEPLETION?

• Don’t suffer in silence – ask for help. Talk to your partner, friends, family, or GP/nutritionist. Get the advice and support you need.

• Sleep, sleep, sleep. Prioritise your sleep. Although you’ll be stripped of some (not all) of it, ensure you do what you can to improve the quality of it. Reduce your use of blue-light devices before bed, avoid caffeine, meditate before bed, and increase bright-light exposure during the day.

• Make time each week to do something you love. This could be as simple as organising someone to care for your baby whilst you go and walk along the beach, see a friend for a coffee, read a book, or attend a fitness class.

• Go on date nights. Although you’ve got a new family member, don’t think you have to stop having nights to yourself.

Your relationship is just as important as the addition to your new family.

• Eat whole food and limit processed ones. Amp up your fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and high-fat dairy products. Your body requires the nutrients to replenish itself. Try to avoid processed foods, these displace nutrient-rich options from your diet.

• Ease up on the caffeine. Although you may think it’s just what you need, caffeine increases the production of stress hormones within the body. Caffeine can also reduce the absorption of some nutrients, including calcium, iron, magnesium, and B vitamins.

• Tell yourself you’re doing an amazing job, and believe others when they tell you this. Being a mother is not an easy feat, so go easy on yourself and don’t expect miracles.

You know your body better than anyone, and when you feel that something isn’t right, don’t just brush it off as baby-induced fatigue. Don’t let other mums, doctors, or midwives tell you that you will get over it, because the simple fact is that sometimes you won’t. Postnatal depletion won’t always resolve itself, and can be the cause behind thyroid disease, mood disorders, and fertility issues long after you have given birth.

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Often couples work with nutritionists for three months before attempting to conceive.

This period of time ensures both partners are healthy and produce good quality eggs and sperm.

It also allows time to address and repair any underlying health issues and resolve any nutrient deficiencies in order to prevent postnatal depletion.

P R I O R I T I S E! It is vital that your pregnancy is monitored closely by someone who understands the pressures that pregnancy puts on your body. Close attention needs to be paid to your iron, zinc, vitamin D and B12 levels, thyroid function, and pregnancy symptoms should be monitored for signs of deficiencies. Diet should be used to build up the mother’s nutrient stores, with the focus on making her strong and well-nourished while making sure the baby has all the nutrients needed for optimum growth.

P R E PA R E! Take time before the birth to organise help, prepare healthy meals for the freezer, have some easy and nutritious meal ideas on hand, organise a support system, and educate yourself in case things don’t go to plan (if you can’t breastfeed, if your baby won’t sleep, if your baby gets sick). These may sound like little things, but they can be a lifeline when Plan A doesn’t work out.

The World’s Purest Baby Wipe

A baby’s skin is much more delicate than your own, it needs extra special care. WaterWipes are made in Ireland using 99.9% water and a drop of fruit extract. This makes them the worlds purest baby wipes, perfect for taking care of your baby’s skin. That’s why WaterWipes are recommended by 97% of midwives*, for use on sensitive, newborn and premature skin. *Spark research study on 102 Midwives, Oct-Nov 2014

Available from supermarkets, pharmacies and online.

GOING PLACES

Out & about with your baby At some point you will need to leave the house with your baby (for longer than just a jaunt to the letterbox!). Here are some tips to help you plan successful, stress-less outings.

SHORT OUTINGS It's tempting to hibernate at home with your new baby, but eventually you'll find you really do need to leave the house – possibly for something essential! Toni recalls, "My first baby was four days old when I ran out of maternity pads. The supermarket was 1km down the road.

I sweated the whole drive there, dashed in and out, and drove back, but my daughter slept in her capsule the entire time. Thank goodness for supermarket trolleys that you can put a capsule on. But it was still the most stressful 15 minutes of my life!"

Start off with short trips, like to the post shop, supermarket, or bank, where there aren't big crowds and you can easily wear your baby in a sling or keep her in a capsule or pushchair. For these trips, it's a good idea to have a nappy bag in the car just in case, but you should only need some basics in your handbag or in the bottom of the pram – baby wipes (seriously, just plan on having them within arm's

reach for the next five years), a dummy if your baby takes one, and possibly a burp cloth in case of unexpected spills.

It's also a good idea to invest in a small nappy clutch that holds one or two nappies and a travel pack of baby wipes – they fit easily into your handbag and can just stay there for emergencies. Just don't forget to check the nappy sizes from time to time and switch out for bigger sizes as your baby grows, so you don't get caught out!

MEDIUM-LENGTH OUTINGS When you've mastered the short trips and you no longer feel like your breast pads are going to fall out while you balance holding your baby and opening your wallet, it's time to venture forth for longer – but still manageably short – outings. Coffee group, a proper supermarket shop (not just a quick in-and-out for essentials), even a movie (check your local cinema, as many have daytime special mums-and-bubs sessions where the lights are left on low

and babies are welcome) are all possible, and even enjoyable, with your baby in tow.

For these medium-length trips of an hour or two, you'll need a nappy bag. Many mums struggle to figure out just what they should pack for these times where they'll be away from their home base and expected to change nappies and feed baby without all the comforts of home. Relax – it's not as bad as you think it will be. Here's what we suggest you pack: • Nappies (one for each hour you'll be out) • Baby wipes • Changing mat • Hand sanitiser • Biodegradable bags for dirty nappies • Nappy rash cream • 2 spare outfits (including socks – you'd be surprised how far poos can leak) • Spare dummy • Spare baby blanket • 2 muslins/burp cloths • Baby sunhat or winter hat • Baby sunscreen • Breastfeeding cover or poncho if desired • Travel pack of tissues • Breast pads • Small toy or book • Depending on your baby's age, any feeding paraphernalia necessary • Snacks and a water bottle for you Pregnancy BUMP & baby

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ON THE MOVE

BREASTFEEDING IN PUBLIC

LONGER OUTINGS Day trips, long car journeys, overnight visits – all are possible with forward-planning and setting reasonable expectations of yourself and your baby. Packing for a longer trip is a bit more complicated with a baby, as they tend to require more equipment than adults.

Start a few days ahead of time, jotting down what you need for your baby during the time period that corresponds to the time you'll be away from home. This will give you a guide to what to pack.

Pack your nappy bag as usual, and then for your baby's overnight or day-trip bag, pack the rest of the things that you think you'll need based on the list you made ahead of time. For an overnight trip, you may need bedding and a portacot. It's a smart idea to pack spare bedding as well.

Check that the tyres of your pram are inflated, and that you also have a small tyre pump and tyre repair kit stashed in the car.

A baby carrier or sling can be incredibly helpful for travelling, particularly if you're flying overseas and can't have a pushchair with you as you transit in airports and on and off planes. Breastfeeding your baby on takeoff and landing can help to equalise the pressure in their ears as the plane ascends and descends. Also, investigate airports to see where the parent rooms or quiet corners are located. If you are travelling alone with your baby, check with your airline – you may be able to obtain priority boarding or assistance with your luggage.

BLOWOUT KIT Also known as a "poonami", "poosplosion", "pootastrophe" – you get the idea, right?

– blowouts can and do happen when you

least expect them and when they are most inconvenient. Breastfed babies in particular seem to like to "save up" their poo for several days, and then unleash it all at once or over a short time period.

Tasha says, "I took my four-month-old on a flight to Australia, and on the return flight, she pooped five times in three-anda-half hours. I used up every nappy, baby wipe, outfit, and blanket I had packed in the nappy bag. When we landed in Auckland, all that was clean was one singlet. I carried her off the plane wrapped snugly in my fleece jumper!"

Do what you can to plan for a potential blowout, but keep in mind that sometimes stuff happens that you have no control over, and your only option is to grin and bear it. Keep a blowout kit in your car, separate to your nappy bag, containing: • Five disposable nappies • Pack of baby wipes (80-packs are ideal) • Two disposable change mats (one to change your baby and one to protect the car seat if needed on the way home) • Several wet bags (for dirty nappies and also dirty clothes) • Two baby blankets (to wrap your baby if their clothes are too dirty or you run out of spare outfits) • Hand sanitiser

Talk to friends MANY NEW MUMS ARE NERVOUS ABOUT

HOW TO COPE WHEN OUT WITH BABY. ASK FRIENDS TO SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCES AND YOU MIGHT FEEL BETTER! 94

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One of the challenges many new mums fear is breastfeeding in public, particularly in the early days when you and your baby are still getting to know one another and learning to breastfeed. Erin says, "I took my one-month-old to a café to meet a friend and while we were having coffee, my son needed a feed. I was sitting on a narrow café seat trying to find space for my baby in my lap and manage a burp cloth and nursing bra.

It was a bit awkward at first!"

It's important that you feel comfortable feeding your baby, no matter where you are. Here are some things that might help: + Check out the café or venue when you arrive, and choose a spot where you'll have enough room to manoeuvre. + If you're worried about discretion, pack a nursing cover or poncho that can help keep you covered up. + Wear a nursing top and breastfeeding bra that are easy to feed in. + Practise at home, in front of a mirror so you can see what you look like – chances are you're not revealing as much as you think you are, as babies do a good job of covering you up while they're feeding! + Remember that breastfeeding is normal and natural. Your baby needs to be fed, and you have a right to feed him.

Check your blowout kit once a fortnight or so, and rotate the nappy sizes. Generally, a blowout kit is only needed in the first year or so – once your baby has started on solid foods after they're six months old, their poo will become firmer and more easily contained, and at that point, blowouts generally only happen if your baby is sick or intolerant of something they've eaten.

A note of caution: If your baby is experiencing blowouts on a regular basis or you're worried they seem to have diarrhoea or very loose, watery stools, get in touch with your GP at once to rule out something more serious.

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Buying a pram is one of the most fun parts of prepping for a new baby, and we’ve got options for every budget.

1. UNDERSTATED CASUAL The Bugaboo Track Collection features a subtle colour palette and simple details for an understated casual look. The outer fabric is made with recycled PET bottles and the sun canopy comes complete with a peekaboo window so you can check in with your little one while you stroll.

Grey stitching on the lining creates a minimal look with a nod to athleisure style.

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2. NIMBLE AND QUICK The Baby Jogger City Mini GT gives you the ability to pave your own way through city life. It is sleek, compact, and nimble, with multi-use wheels allowing parents to stroll on the sidewalk, park, or anywhere in between. With features like an adjustable handlebar and a hand-operated parking brake, it is designed to accommodate parents’ needs. RRP$819 from Baby Factory and leading baby stores

3 3. X-FACTOR The Britax Flexx Stroller is a beautiful, lightweight, and compact folding single stroller packed with X-factor! A dream to drive and so easy to fold and store.

Extend the Flexx by using a simple axle to become a tandem stroller with multiple configurations using the second seat, bassinette, or baby capsule. RRP$899 stroller only (plus $399 tandem pack, $299 bassinet), britax.co.nz for stockists

delivering refined styling and tailoring to Mountain Buggy classics

available at mountainbuggy.com

4

MOVE IT

4. TRAVEL SAVIOUR Otto is the ultimate all-rounder. It’s carryon compatible and suitable from newborn to 20kg with a lie-flat seat and adjustable footrest. Otto is designed for ease and with PU rubber wheels and a fully-welded aluminium frame, it’s designed to last.

RRP$399 from edwardsandco.nz 5. TRAVELLING BY TWOS A refined, all-terrain, side-by-side double buggy with bespoke tailoring, elegant leather detailing, and luxury bundle that includes a satchel and change mat in coordinating herringbone fabric.

Complete with puncture-proof tyres and plush reversible liners to give small passengers a smooth ride. Mountain Buggy Duet RRP$1299 from Babycity

6. DUTCH COURAGE From award-winning Dutch pram company Joolz, the Hub features seethrough ventilation in the hood and bassinet to allow fresh air to flow, while the head cushion on the mattress and adjustable footrest provide extra support.

Folds up in one smooth motion and is travel system compatible. RRP from $1099, my-joolz.com.au for stockists 7. VERSATILE LIKE YOU Thule Sleek is a smart and stylish buggy that is designed for the active parent.

Lightweight and easy to handle, it allows you to move freely through the city and lasts from birth to big kid. Add a bassinet, a sibling seat, or a car seat. Thule Sleek in Grey Melange RRP$1499 from foray.nz

5

$

GREAT BUY!

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WE LOVE IT!

7

#MadeOfSeattle

why just travel, when you can traverze... diono traverze in yellow sulphur

the original luggage-style super-compact and superlight stroller created to make traveling easier for families on the move.

For more information visit nz.diono.com

BE SEATED LITTLE ADVENTURER The City GO Baby Capsule provides a safe spot for baby to join in on your adventures from day one! It securely attaches to your favourite Baby Jogger stroller to create a travel system. It comes with a six-position adjustable base and protects infants rearfacing up to approximately 12 months.

RRP$499 from babyfactory.co.nz

$

GREAT BUY!

GO AND GROW The NextFit IX is built with reassuringly superior protection and easy installation to help you go and grow together all the way to preschool and beyond. It features a nine-position head rest with smooth, one-handed adjustment and it’s easy to move between vehicles too.

RRP$669.95 from carseatsolutions.co.nz

Ticket to ride

Shopping for a car seat? Check out these innovative new options.

QUICK CHANGE Doona is the world’s first infant car seat with a complete and fully integrated mobility solution, allowing you to move from car seat to stroller in seconds. It includes revolutionary integrated wheels and was designed to provide parents a safe and practical mobility solution for their baby, both in and outside of the car. RRP$880 from babyonthemove.co.nz

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SAFE AND SOUND The Britax Allegiance Convertible Car Seat is the perfect seat for your growing baby. Includes SafeCell Impact Protection – a system of patented safety features designed to help keep baby safe and sound.

RRP$629, exclusive to Farmers

WE LOVE IT!

STAY COOL The Boulevard Clicktight Cool N Dry features high-performance fabric made with 30% bamboo charcoal that wicks away moisture and a knitted weave that allows air to flow, keeping your baby cooler, drier, and more comfortable.

RRP$679, exclusive to Baby on the Move

Three’s not a crowd

Fits 3 across in most mid sized vehicles

Radian 3RXT

For more information visit nz.diono.com

IN THE BAG STUFF IT WITH STUFF The FELIX + STONE limited edition TOBY tote is generously sized, with more than enough room to hold all your mum, dad, and baby must-haves. Crafted from hard-wearing vegan leather with a subtle but cheeky twist for parents with a sense of humour.

RRP$349 from felixandstone.com

WE LOVE IT!

BACK TO BASICS This duffel-style nappy bag has a spacious open interior that lets you organise what’s in there the way you like it. Wipeclean lining is great not only for little spills, but also for future use as an overnight tote or gym bag. Isoki Kingston Duffel Bag RRP$109.95 from Babycity

Totes babe

The only kind of baggage you want to be dealing with when you’ve got a newborn, these stylish nappy bags will keep you organised.

$

Available Jun

e 201 9

GREAT BUY!

CLASSIC BACKPACK The quilted front gives this backpack a feminine feel while the main compartment ticks all the boxes for practicality with wipe-clean lining, insulated bottle pocket, and lots of storage. Also available in an adorable Mini version so your little one can be just like Mummy! Isoki Marlo Backpack RRP$129.95, Mini Marlo Backpack RRP$59.95, both from Babycity

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SUPER STYLISH Is your motto “A place for everything, and everything in its place”? With 13 pockets, this satchel-style nappy bag holds everything you need in three separate compartments with numerous spots to hold nappies, toys, wipes, creams, and personal essentials like your mo.

Beautifully done! Isoki Double Zip Satchel Nappy Bag RRP$139.95 from Babycity

POCKETS, POCKETS, EVERYWHERE This nappy bag will keep you organised when you’re out and about, with so many pockets (we counted at least 10) for everything from pacifiers, keys, bottles, and even a document pocket in the back (great for keeping your diary in).

Includes a change mat and wet pouch. Vogue Messenger Nappy Bag $75.90 from breastmates.co.nz

Whatever touches their skin, should feel as gentle as your hugs.

Every baby is different, but there’s one thing they all have in common. Their skin is up to 10x thinner than adults.

That’s why we’ve designed HUGGIES ULTIMATE® Nappies.

HUGGIES ULTIMATE® Infant Nappies are our softest ever and most breathable, to provide our best care for your baby’s delicate skin. It’s the hug that looks after their skin while they wear it.

PREVIOUS NEW

HUGGIES ULTIMATE® Nappies are clinically proven to help prevent nappy rash, are endorsed by Plunket and have the same trusted absorbency and protection that you expect from all HUGGIES® Nappies.

There’s nothing like a hug ® Registered Trademark Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. © KCWW.

CARRY ON

CHANGE PURSE Unfold your Adelaide Change Mat Purse to reveal a super-large, round, wipe-clean mat keeping your baby clean and comfortable while you change nappies or giving you a safe space for them to have some tummy time. Isoki Adelaide Change Mat Purse RRP$42.95 from isoki.co.nz

WE LOVE IT!

SLEEP SAFELY WHEREVER YOU ARE The new Safe T Sleep Mini Sleepwrap fits newborn babies to approximately six months of age, and fits mattresses up to 37cm wide by 2.5cm deep – perfect for co-sleepers, bassinets, Moses baskets, and baby hammocks. RRP$49.99 from safetsleep.com

CARRY ON Cute and compact, the phil&teds parade is strong enough to carry children up to 18kg. It folds flat and is incredibly lightweight at only 2kg, making it perfect for travel. The ergonomic design offers comfort for everyday adventures!

RRP$169 from smithscity.co.nz

Travel accessories Added extras that make travelling with your baby just that little bit easier.

$

GREAT BUY!

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GRAB AND GO Easy to use and beautifully designed, the multi-pocket Bugaboo Organiser is a stroller bag that doubles as a handy mini tote bag. An easy way to carry everyday supplies. Just grab and go! RRP$89.95, for stockists see bugaboo.com

BABY’S FIRST DOLL The new and improved Lulla Doll comes in three colours, with super-soft fabric and sweet embroidered details. This comforter and sleep aid plays for 12 hours with better sound, longer battery life, and adjustable volume. RRP$110 from sleepytot.co.nz

NUK is a registered trademark of MAPA GmbH, Germany Distributed in New Zealand by Rumina Natural Care Ltd, Auckland Freephone: 0800 333 006 - email: info@rumina.co.nz

My busy life doesn’t

NUK Breast Pumps.

Helps you to continue breastfeeding.

It’s true that breast is best. It gives the ideal combination of anti-bodies and nutrients for your growing baby. But sometimes you may have trouble establishing pain-free, successful breastfeeding. A pump can be used to help clear blocked ducts or engorged breasts, to give you a break from feeding if you are suffering from sore nipples and to maintain your milk supply if your baby is unable to latch on. And what can you do if you need time away from your baby? A doctor’s appointment, meeting, or special occasion calls for some flexibility. Breast Pumps can be used for these times, to ensure that your baby isn’t denied a nutritious meal.

What type of breast pump is best?

NUK has a range of pumps and storage systems to suit your lifestyle.

We have developed our breast pumps with the greatest of care to make expressing as comfortable as possible for you.

The NUK Jolie Manual Pump is easy to use and quiet, so handy to use while baby is sleeping next to you. If you want the odd night off, or have occasional appointments, then this pump will suit your needs.

NUK Luna

NUK Jolie The NUK Luna Single Electric Pump is ideal for mums who need to express regularly. It has a 2-phase rhythm; a fast pumping action to stimulate milk flow and a slower but stronger pumping rhythm for maximum milk flow. The soft silicone cushion fits the shape of the breast perfectly and is especially gentle on the delicate breast tissue, so is ideal for new mums. The battery option lets you pump on the go.

The NUK Double Electric Breast Pump is the ultimate in efficient pumping when you need a lot of expressed milk, such as when returning to work or with multiple babies. The 32 suction and speed settings let you customise the rhythm to suit you, mimic breastfeeding and achieve optimal milk flow.

NUK Double

Loving nourishment You can store your expressed milk in NUK Breast Milk Bags or NUK Breast Milk Containers.

Feeding time should be an opportunity to snuggle and relax. It is also the perfect way for dad or gran to experience a special closeness with your baby when asked to take charge of feeding.

NUK is available at leading baby stores and pharmacies. Find out more at nuk.net.nz

NUK. Understanding Life.

EXPRESS LANE STORAGE UNITS Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags 25s are ideal for storing and freezing breastmilk.

They are leak proof with double-sealed tops and double-sealed side seams, pre-sterilised, and convenient to use. Made from food-safe polyethylene, they’re also BPA- and BPS-free.

RRP$29.99 from pharmacies

$

GREAT BUY!

DOUBLE DUTY The NUK Double Electric Breast Pump has 32 custom settings to achieve optimal milk flow and mimic natural breastfeeding.

Designed to deliver similar performance to leading pumps at half the price.

RRP$375 from baby stores

SMALL AND MIGHTY The Unimom Minuet Double Pump's compact design provides powerful double expressing performance, and it's small enough to fit in the palm of your hand! It also has an informative LCD display and USB charge port. RRP$315 from breastmates.co.nz

Pump and go

Got milk? These pumps and accessories will make expressing a lot more efficient.

HOT OR COLD Lansinoh Therapearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy provides hot or cold relief, encourages let-down, helps relieve engorgement, and can be used with a breast pump.

RRP$34.99 from pharmacies

WE LOVE IT!

PAD OUT Chicco Anti-bacterial Breast Pads have special antibacterial fabric to prevents the proliferation of bacteria inside the cup. The super absorbent micro-pearls retain liquid and prevent it from seeping out to the surface, always keeping the skin dry. 30-pack RRP$12.95 from chicco.co.nz

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MAXIMISE PUMPING TIME Pump in half the time compared to single pumping with the Medela Swing Maxi. Simple and easy to use either at home or on the go with the option of battery or mains operation.

RRP$499.99, available from Baby City, Baby Factory, and other leading baby retailers and pharmacies nationwide

tommeetippee.co.nz

GROWING LITTLE READERS

ABC WHAT CAN SHE BE?

BY JESSIE FORD (QUARTO $22.99) A colourful world of possibilities – from astronaut to zoologist and everything in between – for every little girl. Each page introduces a letter of the alphabet with bright artwork and highlights a career that is fun, challenging, and makes a big impact in its own way.

BABY TOUCH: PEEKABOO (LADYBIRD $17.99) All babies love to play peekaboo, and your baby will love this original tactile "playbook". Have fun touching the different textures and playing peekaboo with the large integrated flaps.

The bright and bold illustrations are perfect for baby to enjoy.

READ TO YOUR BABY EVERY DAY,

BY RACHEL WILLIAMS (ALLEN & UNWIN $27.99) A beautiful volume tried-andtested nursery rhymes and songs for new parents to share with their baby, illustrated with charming embroidered artwork.

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ANIMAL FAMILIES: FARM AND ANIMAL FAMILIES: JUNGLE, BY JANE ORMES (NOSY CROW $14.99 EACH) Find out the different names for mummy and daddy animals on the farm, and then lift the flap to find the babies!

A striking, satisfying introduction to animal families, with screenprinted artwork and bold neon ink to capture the attention and imagination of babies and toddlers.

WE LOVE IT!

BABY’S FIRST BOOKS Stock up your little one’s library with these fun to read, colourful, baby-friendly books.

THE INDIGO BIRD, BY HELEN TAYLOR (PUFFIN $15.99) An exquisite look-and-find story inspired by the incredible true history of NZ's flightless and indigofeathered takahe. Once thought to be extinct, it was rediscovered in 1948 in the Murchison Mountains of Fiordland – the takahe showing just how good at hiding it is!

WHERE IS PETER RABBIT? BY BEATRIX POTTER (WARNE $21) Where has Peter Rabbit gone?

Is that him by the blackberry bush? Is he hiding in the lettuce patch? Lift the flap and see! With easy-to-lift flaps, rhyming text and charming illustrations, this is a fun story to read out loud together.

For the love of little SPACES

Take a peek at the latest nursery trends and be inspired to create your own welcoming little baby-friendly space.

neutral

Simple and unisex, the neutral nursery is not only calming and soothing to spend time in, it also grows with your child, giving them the perfect canvas for whatever their interests are as they grow up. Keep it clean and minimalist, and add quirky touches for personality.

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pops of colour Deep grey, navy, and black wall colours are a sophisticated trend right now, offset with bright splashes of complementary colours like mustard and teal.

Bright colours can elicit feelings of happiness and wellbeing, so choose cheerful hues and don't be afraid to amp up the drama with colourful accessories.

NURSERY INSPO

confetti joy

Clean contrasts like crisp white and bold primary colours bring fun to the functional. This contemporary nursery lets the accessories play a starring role, and shows how a little bit of colour really can go a long way.

Mix and match patterns and textures for a playful look that isn't overpowering.

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Baby’s first

immunisations Here’s what you need to know about your baby’s first immunisations, which they’ll receive at six weeks, three months, and five months.

M

ost first-time parents, and even parents who have older children, find their baby’s early immunisation visits to be a little bit stressful.

How many injections will they receive?

What can we expect afterward? What are the injections for, anyway?

WHY IS IMMUNISATION IMPORTANT?

Immunisation is the most effective way to actively protect your child from preventable diseases, such as whooping cough, tetanus, hepatitis B and measles.

The first time we are exposed to a germ, for example a bacterium or virus, it takes time for the immune system to respond and we become unwell. However, once the immune system has memory of the infection, it is able to respond rapidly to destroy the germ the next time we are exposed.

Vaccines contain parts of or weakened versions (inactivated or attenuated) of a particular germ. Vaccination exposes the body to parts of the germ for the first time without causing disease, and subsequently, the real germ can be rapidly destroyed if it enters the body to prevent illness.

Very young children are particularly at risk of becoming sick, because their immune system lacks experience and is unable to respond quickly. Many of the diseases that vaccines protect us from are very serious in young children. Some (for example, measles) are highly contagious and usually fairly mild, but pose a risk of

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serious complications even in healthy people. Immunisation is the safest and most effective way to provide protection for your child’s health.

The National Immunisation Schedule provides the best protection for our children when they are most at risk. From six weeks of age, children can be protected from several potentially dangerous diseases.

It is very important to stick to the schedule – not immunising your child increases the risk of them getting the infection, and not keeping up to date reduces the protection that the immunisation can provide.

It takes a few months and repeated doses of a vaccine for an infant to be fully protected.

HOW WELL DOES IMMUNISATION WORK?

Immunisation works very well to help to prevent a wide range of serious diseases.

Sometimes it does not provide complete protection, however in this case, an immunised person is likely to get the disease less severely than someone who is not immunised. This is because the body is still able respond rapidly.

THE IMMUNISATION VISIT

Pain at the time of vaccine injection is a common concern among parents worldwide. However, many children and parents find immunisation visits are an easy and relatively pain-free experience. For some children and parents, needles can also be scary, especially on the first visit.

Children can easily tell when their parents are anxious and, as a parent, you need to be

Your baby’s first immunisations

Your baby will receive their first immunisations at six weeks of age, then receive another set of immunisations at three months, and another set at five months.

aware that your child will look to you for comfort and reassurance.

BEFORE AND DURING THE IMMUNISATION

Here are some tips for what to expect during your baby’s immunisation visit, and ideas for how to make things easier for parents and babies alike.

• Avoid using scary words about seeing the nurse or having injections, and avoid reassurances that it won’t hurt at all.

• Bring your child’s favourite stuffed toy,

INFORMED CHOICE

muslin, or blanket them to hold during the immunisation, or use to distract them.

• Hold your child during injection to help soothe them. Talk calmly. You can gently stroke their arm or back to reassure them.

• Mothers can breastfeed before immunisation and while the injections are being given if this is culturally acceptable.

• Try to remain calm and relaxed even if your child becomes upset.

• You can consider purchasing anaesthetic cream from the chemist. If you choose to use an anaesthetic cream, apply it to the injection site and cover it with a dressing before you leave home for the immunisation visit.

AFTER THE IMMUNISATION

Your child may cry for a brief time after receiving their immunisations. This is normal and their way of coping.

• Comfort, hold, and talk to your child supportively.

• Their favourite stuffed toy, muslin, blanket, or book may also help comfort or distract them.

• Feeding your baby straight after their immunisation will help them settle.

• You need to remain in the clinic for 20 minutes after the immunisation. Use this time to help your child settle, this can help make the next visit easier.

Vaccine responses such as mild to

20

MINUTES

is how long you will need in the clinic following the immunisation, so use this time to settle your child.

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INFORMED CHOICE

ROTARIX

COMMON NAME: RV1, rotavirus vaccine PROTECTS AGAINST: ROTAVIRUS Rotarix is an oral vaccine given at six weeks and three months of age. For safety reasons, the first dose of Rotarix can only be given to babies younger than 15 weeks of age. The last dose of Rotarix can only be given to babies younger than 25 weeks of age.

The vaccine contains live weakened rotavirus.

In New Zealand, a course of Rotarix vaccine will protect five to eight babies in 10 from severe rotavirus infection, nine in 10 from needing to be admitted to hospital because of rotavirus infection, and five to seven in 10 from having any rotavirus diarrhoea.

RV1

moderate fever, or redness, swelling, discomfort or pain at the injection site are normal and common responses to immunisation. They can occur as your 6 WEEKS child’s immune system learns to protect them from the diseases covered by the 3 MONTHS vaccines. But don’t worry if your child doesn’t have any visible immunisation responses; their immune system will still be learning what to do.

Immunisation responses can be seen as early as 4 to 6 hours after immunisation and usually start to settle down 24 to 48 hours INFANRIX-HEXA after immunisation. There are COMMON NAME: some things you can do if the DTaP-IPV-HepB/Hib immunisation responses are PROTECTS AGAINST: Diphtheria, making your child feel tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), miserable or distressed. polio, hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) SUGGESTIONS Infanrix-hexa is a combination vaccine that TO HELP MANAGE protects infants from six diseases. This IMMUNISATION vaccine requires three doses, at six RESPONSES weeks, three months, and five If your child gets a fever: months of age, to be fully • Give lots of breastfeeds or fluids. effective and to induce • Undress them to a single layer, long-lived immunity. for example, a singlet and pants.

• Make sure the room is not too hot or too cold.

6 WEEKS If your child has injection site discomfort or pain: 3 MONTHS • Do not rub the injection site.

5 MONTHS • Hold a cool, damp cloth or an ice pack DTaPIPVHepB/ wrapped in a dry cloth on the injection site.

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If you are concerned about your child after their immunisation, contact your family doctor or nurse. You can also call Healthline 0800 611 116 day or night.

The Immunisation Advisory Centre (immune.org.nz) has excellent, research-based information about the immunisations available and on the New Zealand Immunisation Schedule.

Hib

MEDICATION FOR TEMPERATURE OR PAIN

The use of paracetamol around the time of immunisation reduces the laboratory measured immune system response to immunisation, but there is no evidence that the reduced response leaves children with less protection from the diseases they were immunised against. It is not recommended to give paracetamol before or after immunisation with most childhood vaccines just in case of fever or injection site discomfort. However, if your child has a fever, seems to have discomfort, and they are miserable or distressed, you can use paracetamol. You must follow the dosage instructions on the bottle; it is dangerous to give more than the recommended dose.

Ibuprofen is less effective than paracetamol in managing immunisationrelated fever, pain, or discomfort. Ibuprofen is not recommended to help manage the symptoms of an immunisation response.

If you’re concerned

SYNFLORIX

PCV 10

6 WEEKS 3 MONTHS 5 MONTHS

COMMON NAME: PCV10, pneumococcal conjugate vaccine PROTECTS AGAINST: Pneumococcal disease caused by at least 10 types of Streptococcus pneumonia Synflorix is given at six weeks, three months, and five months. It is designed to protect people from severe forms of pneumococcal disease eg bacteraemia (blood infection) and meningitis, but children may also be protected from less severe forms of the disease such as acute otitis media (glue ear).

There is also good evidence that vaccinating young children reduces the amount of carriage (people who carry the bacteria in their nose and throat but do not get sick from it) in the population.

This means that people not vaccinated may be protected from the groups of disease covered by the vaccine.

Protecting your baby starts before birth When you’re pregnant, free vaccines can help protect you and your new baby before they are fully immunised.

IMMUNISATION DURING PREGNANCY Influenza and whooping cough (pertussis) immunisations are recommended and free for all pregnant women in New Zealand.

These types of vaccines are used internationally during pregnancy and are a very safe way to protect both mother and baby.

Immunisation during pregnancy causes the mother’s immune system to make antibodies. The antibodies circulate in her blood stream to help protect her from getting sick. They also travel across the placenta into her baby’s blood stream and help protect the baby after birth, before baby has completed their first three immunisations.

WHOOPING COUGH Babies, particularly those younger than 6 months of age, can get very sick or even die from whooping cough. Immunisation between 28 and 38 weeks of pregnancy can help protect your baby for up to 3 months after they are born. Babies then develop their own protection through immunisations at 6 weeks, 3 months and 5 months of age.

visit immune.org.nz or speak to your doctor or practice nurse for more advice.

TAPS approval number: NA 8613

INFLUENZA (FLU) Pregnant women who get influenza have a much higher risk of developing complications like pneumonia, being admitted to intensive care, experiencing premature labour, and/or delivery problems. They also have a higher risk of dying from influenza than women who are not pregnant. Their unborn baby is more likely to be born small for age, become distressed in labour, and/or be delivered by caesarean.

You can have the vaccine anytime during pregnancy, which will help protect your baby for up to 6 months after birth. The vaccine is free during the influenza season (usually early March to end of December).

IMMUNISATION AND BREASTFEEDING Mothers pass some antibodies to baby in their breast milk - these don’t interfere with baby’s own immunisations and in fact may help them work better. You can continue your usual breastfeeding after baby receives immunisations, including the rotavirus vaccine.

Mothers can be immunised themselves while still breastfeeding.

New baby + older sibling = LOVE

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INFANT INTERLOPERS

While most mums and dads think that toddlers should be excited about the arrival of their new baby sister or brother, the reality is, it takes some time for them to join the party. Child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr Kaylene Henderson (drkaylenehenderson.com) explains.

S

iblings are such an incredible gift for young children yet, strangely, toddlers don’t always seem to appreciate these gifts as much as we think they should. In fact I’m sure many toddlers sometimes wish they could “re-gift” their new baby siblings. Sometimes it’s difficult to have empathy for how massive this life change is, especially when we’re the ones who have been up all night. And at those times (if we’re not too sleep-deprived for imaginings), it can be useful to picture OUR lives and relationships being suddenly and dramatically changed.

SOMETHING A LITTLE LIKE THIS, PERHAPS…

You and your partner are completely in love. Then, one day, quite unexpectedly, your partner sits down and excitedly announces that he will soon be bringing home another woman to live with the two of you permanently, whether you like it or not.

Sure enough, a few months later, a new woman arrives in your home. She is young and so gorgeous that random strangers in the shopping centre come over to ogle her.

They seem not to notice you. When you’re back at home, she wants to spend much

of her time physically attached to your husband. It seems that since she arrived, not only are you expected to share your husband, but everything else that used to be just yours, too. She’s made no effort to be friendly or to contribute to the household since she arrived and yet, oddly, everyone assumes that you’re thrilled with this new arrangement!

Worst of all, your husband is up all night, every night with his new love, and is too tired to spend quality time with you during the day. Forgive me for asking, but at what point did this whole experience seem like a good idea?!

Now, don’t get me wrong. The arrival of a new baby sibling can be wonderful for a family. It just doesn’t always seem like that at the start. Or at least not for the toddler.

A baby’s arrival brings enormous changes for your child and it’s important not to lose sight of that in the sleep-deprived haze of newborn-parenthood.

So here are my tips for helping your toddler adapt to and bond with her new baby sibling. Some of these are drawn from my clinical experience and theoretical knowledge, but most come from my experience as a mother of three young and loving siblings.

UNDERSTAND THE FEELINGS BEHIND YOUR TODDLER’S BEHAVIOURS Some toddlers are able to express their feelings in words. Others will communicate their distress through their behaviours. This is a challenging time for your toddler and, while they need limits, they also need your understanding.

Before your new baby is born Encourage bonding with your “listening belly”.

Just as you will start to bond with your baby even before his/her birth, so too can your toddler. Let your toddler know that her soon-to-arrive sibling can already hear her, even from inside your belly. This provides wonderful opportunities for interaction when you’re chatting, reading or listening to music with your toddler: “Your big sister and I are just about to read a book now, Baby. You’ll be able to listen to it from inside my tummy and when you come out, we’ll be able to show you the pictures, too,” or “I wonder if you like this song too – your big sister picked this one for us all to listen to.” You get the idea.

Read stories about new baby siblings.

There are quite a few books which have been written to help prepare toddlers for the birth of new baby siblings. We read I’m A Big Sister by Joanna Cole (who has also written a big brother version). I particularly liked this story because it explains that babies ask for what they need by crying. My empathic oldest child was very reassured that babies were simply communicating in this way and were not always sad. Once her baby sibling had arrived, I could then ask for her help to work out why her baby sister was crying – “I wonder if she’s trying to ask for a feed or a sleep, what do you think?” Assisting in this way can bring a welcome sense of responsibility for your toddler.

Look at your toddler’s baby photos with them.

I made a little book for each of my daughters a few months before their next baby sibling was expected. In it, there were photos of their hospital stays, of being kissed and cuddled, and of using all the baby equipment (baby capsule, sling, playmat, bassinet etc) so that they understood that they had enjoyed these when they were babies and it would soon be our new baby’s turn.

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Where did this interloper come from, and why are you making me kiss it? Even if it does smell quite nice!

After your new baby is born

After your new baby is born Your hospital stay

If you, like me, choose to have your babies in hospital, there are things you can do to make this separation from your toddler less distressing. Each morning and night my children and I video-called each other via mobile phone (my phone and my husband’s phone... Not my toddler’s, by the way!), so that we were able to say our good-nights and good-mornings, despite being apart.

I’m aware that this won’t be possible for everyone, but worth looking into if you can. (Kisses goodnight can get a little

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messy on the phone-screen cover).

Knowing that I wouldn’t be able to be my usual physically interactive self after the birth, I also packed quiet activities that my young visitors would be easily able to do in my hospital room (puzzles, colouring in, etc) and planted little treasure hunts around my room for their visits (which worked perfectly as I was able to stay comfortably still for the hunt while they ran around my room).

Be prepared for baby gifts

People are often incredibly generous when you have a baby, but toddlers can often feel left out. Either stash the baby’s gifts away and open them after-hours, or have a small supply of pre-wrapped gifts that you’re happy to bring out for your toddler if she seems to be struggling with this.

Encourage toddlers to help

This doesn’t include running a bath or putting the baby to bed (tempting some days, I know), but your toddler can certainly be asked to help in other ways: “Which do you think would be a better outfit for your baby brother today – this one or that one?

Thanks for helping!” And, if you have a particularly helpful toddler at home, she can certainly assist by passing you nappies, wipes, or joining you as you gently massage your baby together.

Ensure life goes on as usual

Of course, everything isn’t totally normal (especially not your energy levels), but the birth of a new baby sibling shouldn’t mark the end of all fun activities, if possible. If you can still manage to get to your toddler’s favourite playgroup sessions with a new

INFANT INTERLOPERS

A WORD ABOUT PLAY My children have all taken turns carrying around a toy baby in a capsule, worn baby slings fashioned out of scarves, and sat beside me and "breastfed" their dolls. It’s all perfectly normal, for both genders. Aggressive play is also normal. If your toddler is hurting a baby in their play, it’s a good opportunity to acknowledge aloud that she seems to be feeling angry towards the baby. Play provides a wonderful opportunity for children to make sense of the changes in their life and communicate their difficulties with you, as long as it’s clearly understood that real aggression towards your real baby is not okay.

THINK positively about your baby, you’ll need to consciously SPEAK positively about your baby.

of blissful nirvana full of loving attention and favourite things, if only the baby would sleep, well, forever...

Spend time all together

Managing feeding time

It’s great if you and your partner can at As you’d remember, newborn babies take times spend 1:1 time with each of your a long time to feed in the early days to children (known in our house as weeks. Often mothers find this “dividing and conquering”). But to be a difficult time, attempting ENJOY to engage their toddlers while it’s also important that you spend THIS remaining stationary enough quality time with your toddler and STAGE baby together. Our favourite to feed their infants at the same activity during this early stage was time. A helpful idea is creating FOR “smiling practice”. I explained to a box of "special feeding activities" WHAT my toddler that babies need to that are only produced during the IT IS baby’s feed time. This can include learn everything – they even need I’m quite some new books, little toys, or to learn how to smile. Then, when convinced our baby was happily awake, my puzzles. Again, it’s about creating toddler and I would gaze at her that no-one that positive association about the and smile. My toddler was baby in the mind of your toddler. ever lies on proud of her role in teaching If your toddler enjoys books, their deathbed feeding time is the perfect time to her younger sibling the art of smiling and when our baby finally wishing they’d have your child cuddle into your smiled back at her, she was had more sleep. side while your baby feeds on the completely delighted.

Rather, it seems other, enjoying a book together. baby in tow, then try your best to do so.

Otherwise you risk your toddler making the association between "birth of sibling = end of fun stuff", which isn’t the best for sibling bonding.

Don’t complain (within earshot of your toddler)

This one’s pretty self-explanatory. This is a huge change, and your toddler is monitoring everything you say and do to help her inform her own attitude towards this change. If you wake every morning complaining about how your new baby kept you awake all night (even if he did) and so it’s the baby’s fault that you’ve got no energy to jump on the trampoline, then your toddler will soon get a sense of a "you versus baby" dynamic, and will inevitably side with you. Instead, if you want your toddler to

Make time for quality toddler time

more likely that Talk to your baby people reflect about your toddler back on these Before I’d had my second child, years and wish I’d heard mothers describe feeling guilty for gazing at their babies that they had in front of their toddlers. Gazing cherished them. at babies is incredibly important Remember this! for bonding, but it also plays

Just as it’s important to spend time together, it’s also important not to lose 1:1 time with your toddler. I would say to our baby as I was putting her to bed (ensuring that my toddler was within earshot) that it had been lovely spending time all together, but that while she was asleep, her big sister and I would now be spending some special "big kid time" together and that we would see her when she woke up. A great tip is to enjoy special time with your toddler, but to ensure that you save her very favourite activities for when her baby sibling is with you both. The risk of doing your toddler’s favourite activities only when the baby is asleep is that your toddler might soon assume that life would resemble some sort

a critical role in their brain development. A lovely, easy way to have this time with your newborn is to gaze at your baby while you chat to him about his big sibling. Your new baby will only take in your eyes, your facial expression, and your tone.

Your toddler will notice your words.

It’s hard to be resentful if what your toddler hears is, “Gosh, I bet you can’t wait to grow up and play hide and seek with your big sister. She’s lots of fun, you know – I bet you’ve already worked that out, though, haven’t you? You really love her.”

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What your baby’s caregiver wants you to know Putting your baby into childcare or ECE is a big decision, and it’s hard to trust someone else to look after your little one as well as you will. Here’s what your child’s caregiver wants you to know.

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THE HONEST TRUTH

Their little headbands are so cute, but guarantee they'll be chewing them five minutes after their parents say goodbye.

FACT

ACCORDING TO STATISTICS NZ, 64.4% OF NEW ZEALAND CHILDREN AGED 0-4 YEARS ATTENDED A LICENSED ECE SERVICE IN 2018.

WE KNOW THAT YOU ARE THE EXPERT IN YOUR CHILD.

M

any mums, particularly those who work outside of the home and plan to return to work at some point following the birth of their baby, are understandably anxious about who is going to look after their little one when the time comes for childcare. There are a number of options for childcare in New Zealand; you might choose daycare, in-home care, a relative, a nanny, or a combination of these options. In main centres there are often waiting lists, and some expectant mums are even advised to put their child on the list before they’re even born! It can feel like a lot of pressure at a vulnerable time; after all, you haven’t even met your child yet, and you’re being expected to make decisions about their future. We talked to some childcare providers about the things they wish parents knew – but will probably never tell you to your face.

We may be the experts in early childhood development and education, but you’re the one who knows your child best. So tell us what’s going on with your baby at home, and what you want for him when he’s with us. Is he sleeping poorly at night and you’re worried he might be overstimulated during the day, so you really want to make sure he has enough down-time? Do you have a great naptime routine worked out and you want us to emulate it as closely as we can in our centre? Does he absolutely hate to eat puree from a spoon but a rusk dipped into it will be licked and sucked with joyful abandon? What are his favourite toys, nursery rhymes, lullabies? All of these little things are so helpful for us to get to know your child and ensure he feels secure and cared for, so please, tell us about his little quirks and the things he loves to do and play with.

HE REALLY DOES STOP CRYING AFTER YOU LEAVE.

Separation anxiety is hard. We see your face as you turn to leave with your baby wailing and reaching his arms out to you.

We know you want to just sweep him up in your arms and take him home, and we know how painful it is for you every time you can’t do that. But he truly settles after you leave, and he’s remembered that there are toys to play with, other children to interact with, and caring adults to give him cuddles and make sure his needs are met.

We promise that if he ever doesn’t stop crying, we will make sure to call you straightaway, because what we want is for your baby to be settled and happy with us – and he is, not very long after you go.

WE REALLY LOVE WHEN YOU ASK US FOR ALL THE DETAILS ABOUT YOUR BABY’S DAY.

Your baby has a portfolio book that we write things in, and we may have a log where we record his feeds, naps, and nappy changes (and if your baby is with a childcarer who doesn't do this, you can introduce the idea!). But what we love is when you take the time to ask us for the details of his day, what he enjoyed, whom he interacted with, what he explored, and how his temperament and behaviour were.

Yes, we have other children to look after, but we take the time to get to know them all really well and we think all of their parents should be as interested as you are.

We like for you to be involved in his day, so please, ask us all about it!

WE WANT YOU TO WORK IN PARTNERSHIP WITH US.

Just like you, we also want the best possible care for your baby, and for all of the children in our care. That’s part of the reason why we have clear policies and systems in place for things like absences, illnesses, accidents, and even foods.

We also have routines, schedules, and guidelines, which help the children to feel safe and secure because they know how things happen and what to expect. Talk to us about our expectations, and about your expectations, and see if there are any areas where we need to work together to make it work for both of us. We aren’t here to tell you how to raise your child, but to help guide your child to become a caring, thoughtful, well-rounded little individual.

And we have lots and lots of resources and knowledge that we would love to share with you – just ask us!

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THE HONEST TRUTH

200,793 NEW ZEALAND CHILDREN ATTENDED LICENCED ECE SERVICES BACK IN 2018, FOR AN AVERAGE OF 21 HOURS AND 27 MINUTES EACH WEEK. WE KNOW WHEN YOUR CHILD IS SICK.

Please don’t bring your child to us when they are unwell. We know a lot of parents will bring a child who is coming down with an illness to childcare, perhaps thinking that it’s not as bad as it is – but children can go downhill very fast, and we will just have to ring you as you are arriving at work to ask you to come pick up your child. If you know your child is getting sick, please keep them home. It’s not only for our safety and wellbeing, it’s for the safety and wellbeing of the other children in our care, and also your child’s safety and wellbeing – because if they aren’t well, they aren’t going to have fun, either. We promise we are not trying to make your life harder when it comes to sick kids. It’s not easy for anyone.

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SOMETIMES YOUR CHILD MIGHT HAVE A BAD DAY.

There’s a saying: “All kids have bad days, but it doesn’t mean they’re bad kids.”

Your little one might be grizzly and uncomfortable because he’s cutting a tooth.

He might bump his head and need a cold flannel and a cuddle. He might be tired and grouchy and not want to play. When you pick him up, we might tell you he hasn’t had a great day, but you shouldn’t think that’s any kind of judgement about your child or your parenting. All children – all people! – have bad days. Tomorrow is another day, and we’re not dreading your child coming in tomorrow after he’s had a bad day today. In fact, we’ve been thinking about what we could try to help make your child feel better next time he has a bad day!

YOUR CHILD WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU MORE THAN US.

It’s hard to trust someone else to look after your child, and some parents feel upset when they realise that their child is, in fact, incredibly settled and happy at their childcare centre or with their childcarer.

When they go to a carer for a cuddle before leaving to come home with you is heartwarming for us, but can cause parents to feel a little twinge of jealousy. We promise, we’re not replacing you at all! In fact, when your child learns to talk, all they will do all day long is talk about you. It’s natural to worry that you might be spending too much time at work, but take it from us: You are number one in your child’s eyes, and nothing we could do at childcare will ever persuade them otherwise.

Should I keep contributing to

KiwiSaver

while I’m on maternity leave?

T

he elation of becoming a new mother is rivalled in intensity only by the exhaustion of the job. Maternal love is a great antidote to the sleepless nights of a new mama but, unfortunately, there is no such cure for the financial aftershocks motherhood can trigger. Paid maternity leave, if you’re lucky enough to get it, is often short-lived, so the reality for most new mums is a significant or total pay cut.

Even if the time-out is a short one, there are the associated costs of childcare, in the absence of relatives willing to do it for free. In addition to a reduced paycheque, assuming there is one, there is a flurry of “start-up” costs including car seats, cots, clothing, and nappies.

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*THIS ASSUMES A RANDOM RATE OF RETURN OF 4.27% FOR A GROWTH FUND, WAGE INFLATION OF 1% AND INFLATION OF 1%.

Having a child can be costly, but for many women, parenthood can be a bigger financial liability than expected. Amanda Morrall, Head of Communications and Education at Simplicity NZ Ltd (simplicity.kiwi), explains.

piggy ba nk ju s t yet!

DOLLAR$ AND $EN$E

Do

n' t

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i n to

that

AND THEN THERE’S KIWISAVER…

Often when women leave the workforce to raise a baby, KiwiSaver falls off the map; however, the long-term effect of abandoning one’s life savings can be disastrous.

Not only will employer contributions dry up when you stop working, but also, unless you’re continuing to make voluntary contributions, you’ll kiss goodbye to the $521 in member tax credits (now known as Government contributions). Stretch this out over time, and the price of motherhood becomes very costly indeed.

As an example, a 30-year-old woman earning $62,000 a year with a KiwiSaver balance of $25,000, taking five years off without making any voluntary contributions, would be $50,000 worse off long-term.* Not only would she be missing out on the $1,043 regular contributions, she’d need to get the additional $521 from Government, but it’s the compounding effect of that over time. A 10-year break from the workforce, with no voluntary contributions or member tax credits, would mean she’d be almost $92,000 poorer for it at retirement.

TIME TO SMARTEN UP YOUR FINANCES

FACT

WOMEN MAKE UP 62% OF THE 75-84 AGE GROUP, AND OUTNUMBER MEN MORE THAN 2 TO 1 IN THE OVER 85S.

A silver lining to come out of the Tax Working Group’s Capital Gains Tax proposal was a recommendation that employers maintain contributions for those on maternity leave. There is mixed opinion as to whether this is a net benefit to New Zealand Inc, but working mothers will undoubtedly view it in a favourable light. Whether it becomes law hinges on the outcome of the 2021 election.

Regardless of what happens, women should take heed now and use this as an opportunity to smarten up their finances.

Mothers or not, it is well known that women are saving below the level of men.

Although there are slightly more women than men in KiwiSaver, their account balances are lower too. Further, women are also less likely than men to have private savings outside of KiwiSaver.

Factor in pay inequity issues in NZ, workforce breaks and the fact that women stand a good chance of being either divorced or widowed in old age and you have a recipe for a financial disaster far worse than tomorrow’s poo tsunami.

So what can you do?

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DOLLAR$ AND $EN$E

WOMEN NEED TO SAVE MORE

What is…

The gender pay gap?

The gender pay gap in New Zealand is the difference in the median hourly wages of men and women in New Zealand. In 2018 the NZ gender pay gap was 9.2 percent. It is an economic indicator used to measure pay equality.

PLAN FOR IT

The more planning you can do in advance of having children, the better. Saving to compensate for the reduced income you’ll face as a family if Mum or Dad takes time out of the workforce will alleviate a lot of financial strain during what is already a stressful time in your lives.

Consider upping your contributions in advance of starting a family and when you have more disposable income, so you’ll compensate for subsequent losses.

Note: From 1 April, Government has introduced new contribution settings of 6% and 10%. The minimum is now 3%, with optional rates of 4% and 8%.

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KIWISAVER CONTRIBUTIONS Whether the CGT recommendations go ahead or not, plan to continue making payments into your KiwiSaver account if you can so at the very least you’re able to collect the maximum member tax credit (Government contribution of $521). This is even more important if the max MTC increases to $781 pa.

WORKING FOR FAMILIES

NZ’s social welfare system is one of the best in the world. If you’re down to one income or on a reduced income, check to see if you’re eligible for a WFF subsidy to help with your expenses.

A recent bank survey of women in KiwiSaver found that nearly a third of women had less than $5,000 in their KiwiSaver accounts (compared with 19% of men), while only 4% had more than $50,000 (compared with 13% of men).

TAKE CHARGE

Don’t wait till tomorrow what you can do today. Setting up an auto payment of $20 a week into your KiwiSaver account will ensure they’ll you’ll get the free government contribution.

Make sure you’re in a low-cost KiwiSaver plan so you’re not paying higher fees than you need to. This is especially the case if you’re not making any contributions into your account because your fees will continue to eat into your returns, which aren’t guaranteed.

Know how much you have in your KiwiSaver account and use some of the handy projection tools out there to forecast how much you’ll have at age 65. At the very least, this will furnish you with information so you can adjust your finances accordingly.

It may just be that you’re in a better position than you realised, too, but at least you’ll know.

$30 a year is a big deal to a small kid.

Simplicity KiwiSaver

$ At Simplicity, we charge what we need to, not what we want.

That’s why we don’t charge kids the $30 a year membership fee.

Sign them up today, at: simplicity.kiwi and grow their savings faster.

Simplicity NZ Ltd is the issuer of the Simplicity KiwiSaver Scheme. See www.simplicity.kiwi for Product Disclosure Statement.

W HAT W E’R E READING

The latest thoughtprovoking and relevant books for expectant mums and new parents.

FINDING GRATITUDE, BY REBEKAH LIPP AND NICOLE PERRY (ROCK POINT $27.99) Gratitude is the feeling of appreciation or thanks, a concept that has been strongly associated with greater happiness and believed by many to improve overall health. This book introduces the concept of gratitude and the power of positive thinking in everyday life with simple reminders, beautiful photography, and easy-to-digest research on the topic.

101 TINY CHANGES TO BRIGHTEN YOUR DAY, BY AILBHE MALONE (ICON $22.99) This is a friendly book of tips on how to look after yourself and your mental health, in an age where we too often forget to pause and take a breath. For anyone with anxiety issues, those who struggle to prioritise their own mental health over catching up on emails and social media, or those looking for a bit of encouragement, these small tips will help you shine again.

QUITTING PLASTIC, BY CLARA WILLIAMS RODIN AND LOUISE WILLIAMS (ALLEN & UNWIN $22.99) Where do you start if you want to reduce the plastic in your life? Anywhere you go, plastic is within easy reach – even in Antarctica and the North Pole. This book will help you figure out how to cut down on plastic, answering tricky questions like “How will I wash my hair?”, “Do I have to give up crackers?”, “What about my bin liner?” and “Is this going to be expensive?”

BABIES & TODDLERS,

BY KAZ COOKE (VIKING $48) Now you have a baby, what are you going to do with it?! From the author of the bestselling pregnancy book Up the Duff, this book shares reassuring info, helpful suggestions, answers to your worries, and quotes from other parents, backed by the professional advice of 30+ medical and other experts.

Fun and practical, it has everything you need to know about looking after little ones.

THE PARENTING PROJECT, BY AMY ALAMAR AND KRISTINE SCHLICHTING (QUARTO $32.99) Modern kids have so many things vying for their attention, and as parents, we want to be their go-to people, the one they turn to for advice and comfort.

This book teaches you how to make a habit of talking to your children, providing you with prompts to help you have potentially difficult conversations with confidence and openness.

THE JOYFUL FRUGALISTA,

BY SERINA BIRD (MURDOCH $32.99) It's really important to respect and understand money.

This book shares ideas and resources for saving on everything from energy bills to clothing and eating out, clever ways to cut down your waste, tips for embracing the joy of minimalism, ways to wring every drop of pleasure from the money you have, and challenges to help you live life better.

SAVE MAKE DO, BY LYN WEBSTER (PENGUIN $25) Making a little go a long way became a way of life for Lyn and her family. They successfully slashed their grocery bill without going hungry, living on less than $100 a week! You’ll learn how to shop smarter, what to grow in your garden, the magic of baking soda and vinegar, handy recipes for meals, treats, cosmetics, and cleaning products, and clever ways to save.

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BOOKSHELF

FEEL GREAT & LIVE LONGER,

BY JASON SHON BENNETT (POTTON & BURTON $39.99) For anyone looking to transform their health, this book is about getting rid of toxins and eating balanced, wholesome foods to give you abundant energy, lose weight, feel great, and increase your odds of living a long healthy life. An excellent read for those who are tired, run down, wanting to come off medications, and wanting to look younger and feel alive again.

RAISE YOUR CHILD TO READ & WRITE, BY FRANCES ADLAM (POTTON & BURTON $39.99) Your child’s aptitude for learning to read and write at school is hugely shaped by the extent to which you talk and read with them, and also by engaging them in fun and creative play to encourage the mark-making that leads to writing. This book provides toolkits of key ideas to enhance this process, and to support your child to learn to read and write to the best of their ability.

SMART MOTHERING,

BY DR NATALIE FLYNN (ALLEN & UNWIN $39.99) Find out what research says about the dilemmas so many parents face: What if I can't breastfeed? Is it best to feed on demand?

Can I leave my baby to cry? Should I vaccinate my baby? Is bed-sharing a good idea? With helpful tips, succinct summaries, and clear diagrams, this book demystifies the often confusing and overwhelming world of parenting.

LIFE IN FLOW, BY KATE KENDALL (MURDOCH $39.99) This is a practical and contemporary guide to “living" yoga off the mat through simple moving meditations and breathwork.

Includes four sections with practical instructions for slowing down, sparking joy, creating more conscious and meaningful connections, and remembering that when we live in service to others, life feels not only more rewarding, but also more fulfilling and whole.

BOOKS ABOUT BR AINS

FIT MAMA, BY BELINDA NORTON (MURDOCH $32.99) Many of us believe we're stuck with the body we get after having children. The author is living proof that – with a bit of effort – we can still look amazing and have all the energy we need for the busy demands of everyday life. Based on solid research and experience, this book shares hundreds of practical hints and tips for achieving total body and mental wellness.

THE NOCTURNAL BRAIN, BY GUY LESCHZINER (SIMON & SCHUSTER $46.99) What happens to our brain at night? Are we really fully asleep and, if so, how is it that some individuals end up doing what they do? Or can it be the case that perhaps the brain never fully goes to sleep?

A fascinating journey through the brain to illustrate the neuroscience behind nightmares, night terrors, and sleep walking.

THE GENDERED BRAIN, BY GINA RIPPON (BODLEY HEAD $40) On a daily basis we face deeply ingrained beliefs that your sex determines your skills and preferences, from toys and colours to career choice and salaries. But what does this constant gendering mean for our thoughts, decisions, and behaviour? And what does it mean for our brains?

The author, a professor of cognitive neuroimaging, unpacks the stereotypes that bombard us from babyhood.

NURTURING YOUR BABY'S POTENTIAL, BY NICOLA WOOLLASTON (POTTON & BURTON $39.99) Each new experience and sensation stimulates your baby's brain and provides pathways for future learning. Interaction and play are the keys to maximising a baby’s learning potential in the first year, and this book offers more than 60 simple ideas and activities to stimulate your baby's development.

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

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130 Pregnancy BUMP & baby

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Pregnancy BUMP & baby

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Faces rearward up to to every 18kg everything should adjust because everything should stage. Faces rearward up tosimply 18kg make lifeeverything safer. because should simply make life safer.

*Pictured in colour Ember. *Pictured in colour Ember.

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simply brilliant. simply brilliant.