Busy Parents
FR
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L i m e r i c k
issue 3 Nov 2015 – Jan 2016
breastfeeding at Christmas family-friendly dining CHRISTMAS GIFTS AND ACTIVITIES IDEAS
Busy Parents L i m e r i c k
Editor’s Note
www.busyparents.ie 087 444 0414 info@busyparents.ie Facebook “Busy Parents Limerick” www.twitter.com/BusyParentsLK www.pinterest.com/busyparents
This Christmas will be the first for Busy Parents Limerick magazine. We hope we’re not on the naughty list and we’ll be getting something nice from Santa! We expect you will be incredibly busy getting ready for Christmas but hopefully you will have a few free minutes to read and enjoy our latest issue of Busy Parents. We also want to wish you and your family a warm Christmas and a very Happy New Year. (Oh, and don’t forget to do your New Year’s Resolutions list!) Just a little bit about the story of our cover: we wanted to capture the feeling of Christmas morning, opening the presents beneath the tree. Unfortunately, our little model became ill and only wanted to snuggle with mum. So, we just went along with her and it came out better than we could have planned! That’s real life as a busy parent!! You plan for one thing, but the little ones have other ideas. :) As always, we would like to hear from you – good or bad. Feedback is always welcome. Email us your stories, experiences and questions at info@busyparents.ie.
The Team Diana Daly Publisher and Editor Alina O’Shaughnessy Graphic Designer Miriam Garcia Mortell Social Media Editor Cover image by David from Memory Lane Photography.
Advertise with Us Let Limerick’s parents know about you and your product/services by advertising in Busy Parents. Also, if you have an interesting article you would like to share, we would love to hear from you. Contact us on 087 444 0414 or info@busyparents.ie for details. 2
Looking after your new baby at Christmas time Baby’s first Christmas can be such an exciting time as friends and family members gather together. It can also be a time of huge busyness, so what can a new mother do to both enjoy Christmas and breastfeed smoothly? Here are some ideas that may help: Find your tribe. This is true at any time of year! Contacting friends and family who have breastfed happily, attending a mother to mother breastfeeding group, or staying in contact with like-minded mothers through social media groups both while pregnant and in the early days and weeks can make such a difference to your confidence! These women will be able to provide really good support for handling family responsibilities at this time of year (including relations who may not understand breastfeeding) and they will have lots of good ideas to share. Can you attend Christmas at a family member’s house to save yourself the stress of cleaning, shopping, cooking and cleanup? You can then relax, feed your baby and yourself, and ENJOY. If you aren’t at home at Christmas, you may well feel the need for some quiet time. You can contact your host ahead of time and ask if you can use a room in the house where you can rest and feed the baby. Not because you have to hide away, but to give you and baby a quiet place to feed and relax during a very busy time. If you decide to celebrate Christmas at home, try to make the most of online grocery and gift shopping and allow your partner to take the lead role in preparations – and cleanup! Generally speaking you don’t have to restrict your diet in any way while you are breastfeeding and can enjoy all of the turkey, ham, stuffing, sprouts and potatoes you want. Some moderation will be important – as if you eat a massive amount of chocolate, you may well have an unsettled baby (but some chocolate is fine!) but other than that you can enjoy all of your favourite Christmas foods. Alcohol consumed in moderation is also OK. If you want to have a drink, try to give baby a good feed beforehand, and then you can have that glass of wine. You will need to take it easy with alcohol as you have a baby to care for, and you may find that even the smallest amount of drink may go straight to your head. To read more: http://kellymom.com/bf/can-i-breastfeed/lifestyle/alcohol/ An extra bonus of breastfeeding is that your milk provides antibodies to help protect your baby from illness – great when winter bugs are making the rounds! A sling carrier can be great as well, keeping your hands free so you can enjoy the nice food on offer, and feeding is quite discreet as well for those relatives who may not be used to seeing a baby breastfed. by Johanna Riley Cusack, IBCLC, Lactation Consultant, Breastfeeding Educator Johanna holds monthly ‘Preparation for Breastfeeding’ classes in Limerick. For info or to book go to http://breastfeedingconsultant.ie or call 086 167 7816. Facebook: Johanna Riley Cusack Lactation Consultant 3
Delta Sports Dome – more going on than you think! Did you know that as well as
indoor sports pitches, courts, an altitude gym, yoga studio, sports coaching, fitness classes and birthday parties, Delta Sports Dome also provides
a wide range of classes and activities for everyone from pregnant mums to parents with babies from 4 weeks to pre-school children and beyond? The following organisations now run their classes and activities from Delta Sports Dome. Our full programme of activities can be viewed on www.deltasportsdome.com The Parent & Baby Centre — Baby Massage, Baby Yoga & children’s play classes All Star Moms — Fitness classes with or without your children KinderGym — Movement, music and art classes Pregnancy Pilates with Mary SuperHands baby signing classes Scoil Ui Ruairc Irish Dance School JumpLanes trampoline park
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Delta Sports Dome | t. 061 444455 e. info@deltasportsdome.com | www.deltasportsdome.com
My Baby Diary by Sarah Kate Hanrahan
Part one: “Five weeks to D-Day… and counting!” As I sit here writing this, in my pyjamas (my attire of choice lately!) on the couch in front of the TV (my favourite place to be lately!), I am 35 weeks pregnant with roughly five weeks to go until we finally get to meet our “little munch”. I have just spent the weekend away with hubby. It was a weekend filled with rest, relaxation, beautiful weather and nice food – just what the doctor ordered! We also went to the cinema this week, something I’ve been advised by friends with babies to do while we can! We’re making the most of “our” time, as once December comes, who knows when we will get the chance to do it again but we’re ok with that (for now!). So how do I feel about the impending arrival? Excited mainly. Excited to meet this little person that has been growing inside me for months now. Excited to finally know if it is a boy or girl and to see who he or she looks like. Excited for us to become a little family of three. Excited for my mum to be a granny and my sister to be an aunty and to have a little baby in our lives for Christmas.
Most of all, I’m super excited to become a mum – something I have always wanted from as long as I can remember and for which I feel very lucky and blessed. But with the excitement also comes a little bit of nerves, which is to be expected I guess. Nervous about the tiredness and lack of sleep. Nervous about feeding (despite having attended several courses, reading oodles of articles and tips and asking my mammy friends endless questions). I’m also a little nervous about how our lives are going to change and how it will no longer be about what myself and my husband want, and the possible arguments when I’m tired, hormonal and irrational – all perfectly normal from what I hear! The last few weeks have been busy getting ready for the new addition. From painting and decorating the nursery, to assembling the cot, picking up the vests, babygros, nappies and packing the all-important hospital and “labour” bag. Let’s just say, we’re good to go now – we think! How do I see the next few weeks ahead? I’m taking each day as it comes as D day gets closer, trying to rest as much as I can (before finishing work) while I continue to ingest the plethora of pregnancy books I have been reading for the last number of months. The countdown is on now. Everything that needs to be done is done so I guess all we can do now is sit back, relax and wait for baby to decide when he or she is ready to grace us with their presence. Exciting times! Yikes. To be continued. 5
KinderGym Children’s Music and Play Classes for Under 5s. KinderGym Children’s Music, Art and Play classes have been in operation in Limerick since 2003 – that’s over 12 years of teaching, from newborns to 5 year olds. KinderGym classes are developmentally appropriate for young children, and class programs incorporate the latest early childhood research that proves that active participation in a music program is a powerful stimulant for a child’s total human development. What sets KinderGym apart, is not only our Kindermusik Classes but also our Play Class equipment which is designed to support a young child’s physical development. Play Classes are available for children from 9 months to 5 years, and run during the week and on Saturdays. Join us at Studio 3, Delta SportsDome for lots of fun. Our Play Centre is also available for Private Birthday Party Bookings for children from 1 to 5 years. Parties include hot food and party bags as well as 2 hours of exclusive use of our Playcentre. Call 087 6293 002 to book your place or go to www.kindergym.ie for further information.
Busy Parents top picks
Baby Deasa Eadaí Spraoi do na Paisti | Lounge Wear for Little People BabyDeasa is an Irish family-owned business based in Limerick city. We specialise in funky baby clothes from Ireland. Our collection of cool children and baby clothing is unique, warm, fun, cute, cheerful, soft and colourful. We are interested in reclaiming the Irish language by encouraging our little people (and bigger people too) to know some cool Irish words and phrases. Baby Deasa clothes from make a perfect Christmas gift for that little one you love, at home or abroad. Buy online at www.babydeasa.com. Free local delivery/pick up. Shipping within Ireland and worldwide.
Pandora Bell Sophisticated confectionery for the discerning food lover The ladies at Pandora Bell are fussy. They use only the finest pure ingredients to make their confectionery* – Real Butter, Honey, Whole Nuts, Fleur de Sel, Espelette Chilli and Fine Dark Chocolate. They use extract of Nettles, Spinach and Pure Fruit to create jewel colours, and the jellies are made using 70% Strawberry, Apricot, Raspberry, Lemon and Pear. The Ultimate Selection Box. There is a selection for Him, a selection for Her, a gluten-free option and a Kids’ Midnight Feast Box. Available exclusively from www.pandorabell.com. *Specific dietary needs are covered with certified gluten and dairy free options.
Spun A magical adventure through a child’s imagination Spun is a unique children book by Emma Fisher, a puppeteer, designer and writer from Ireland and Thorey Mjallhvit, a writer, illustrator and animator from Iceland. This is their first book together. The story is based on Emma’s nephew Ciaran who had an imaginary friend Piedva the Spider when he was three years old. Sail through the sea, fly through the sky, land on a mountain, free the stars and along the way make friends with giraffes, turtles and acrobatic flying children. Available from O’Mahony’s Bookstore. 7
Kennedy O’Brien Cakes Inspired by You From baby’s first birthday to that something special for your loved one, our cakes will always leave you wanting more. We offer a variety of cake fillings, including traditional fruit cake, chocolate biscuit, red velvet, lemon, vanilla, chocolate, coffee and carrot sponges.
Get your Christmas Cake order in now! For all our designs visit www.facebook.com/kennedyobriencakes Contact us on 087 7851 600 or kennedyobriencakes@gmail.com
Six Tips on Photographing Children this Christmas 1. Get down to the child’s level, photograph your child straight on rather than looking down on them from above. 2. On a cold or wet day wrap them up with a colourful coat and gloves, let them out to play or splash in puddles and bring your camera. 3. For best quality prints use a camera rather than your phone. Kids move a lot and quickly, by using sports mode and quicker focus on your camera you will find it easier. 4. Let children be children, observe them at play and having fun, don’t call them to look at the camera or tell them to smile, be patient and have your camera ready. 5. It is good to share with family and friends online, but making prints of your favourite images to give as gifts, put in an album or even frame and hang on your wall beats the virtual, is better than online and is much more fulfilling. 6. If you are one of those parents who think “I am no good with a camera”, remember your children grow fast and consider using the services of a professional photographer to help you keep those special memories. by David Lane of Memory Lane Photography 8
Take Four – Family Friendly Eateries Olivia O’Sullivan from Eat in Limerick looks at four city restaurants from a family dining perspective.
Limerick Strand
Always a great family destination, the Strand’s Terrace Bar & Café is big enough to tick all the boxes so you can take a section to meet a group of parents all with buggies in tow or find a quiet corner to feed your newborn. The variety of food on offer will please everyone, parking is easy and the whole experience is hassle free here which has great appeal when you’re managing junior and all their paraphernalia.
Hook & Ladder
Downstairs in the city centre H&L (they now have suburban branches in Corbally and Castletroy too) is great for toddlers who want to explore a little and can do so safely if you go in offpeak when it’s a little quiet. Food is very tasty, and the place is very welcoming to families and buggies with multiple high chairs. It has a great large, clean, ground floor changing facility that you can easily wheel a buggy into and fit any other siblings that you need to bring with you if out and about alone.
Milano Milano is well known for family dining and their kids’ menu is very popular which of course includes the famous ‘Bambinoccino’ so smallies can get in on the coffee course too and feel all grown up with their cup of frothed milk in cappuccino style and chocolate powder sprinkled on top. Their dough balls are another big hit with the smallies.
Cornstore
The Cornstore won the Munster Kids Size Me award, a joint initiative by the Restaurants Association of Ireland and the NHF (Nutrition xcand Health Foundation), in 2013 and 2014. It aims to ensure children have access to healthier food options when dining out by making child size portions of adult meals as an alternative to the standard children’s menu – parents sick of the limited nuggets/sausages/fish fingers menus will appreciate healthier alternatives and more considered options for their brood. They often have face painters here over Sunday lunch and midweek lunching parents with newborns will appreciate the low lighting and relaxed atmosphere.
Eat in Limerick is a new project focusing on the Limerick food scene. Like and follow our social channels @eatinlimerick on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook and tag your posts and pic with #eatinlimerick.
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Lifesaving skills for all ages Did you know that once an infant, child or adult stops breathing the brain will only survive for 3-5 minutes without oxygen hence brain damage occurs and after 7-10 minutes the brain cells are dead? Along with the arrival of a new baby comes all the new equipment like monitors, but these are useless to you if you don’t know what to do when a baby stops breathing. At Safe Aid Training our aim is to equip parents and caregivers with valuable techniques and information for dealing with a first aid situation that may arise when caring for children. The course is designed to take place at your home at a time that is convenient for you, whether it is weekends or evenings and we encourage all who may be responsible for your child on a regular basis to take part. Public courses also run regularly and babies are welcome. Marion is very qualified, professional and open and delivers the classes in a relaxed atmosphere, making the experience more enjoyable. Marion recounted many practical examples of injury and accidents and whilst serious, she manages to communicate the critical points in a friendly style. The practical components help to get a feel for the CPR technique. Marion also gave lots of hints and tips on dealing with minor medical incidents, along with advice on support and facilities available in the local area. This course should be mandatory!!!!
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Sinéad (mother of 15 month old girl)
Get €5 discount with this coupon.
For information or to book contact Marion on 087 6735 565 on email info@safeaid.ie
the post-baby world of wonder… both for baby and me Pre-baby thoughts of a career driven first time Mum
Baby Caragh is our very own little miracle. I am by nature a self-confessed worrier, a glass half full type person. One fear (of many) that I grappled with throughout pregnancy was maternity leave itself; a fear of isolation, solitude and confinement for more than half a year, lack of chats and adult conversation. I didn’t know how or if I’d like my own company for such long periods of time. I was up until this point, a confessed workaholic that enjoyed the high pace life of deadlines, intensity and constant pressure. I wondered how on earth I would fill the seconds, minutes and hours. Perhaps this was my opportunity to concentrate on the tasks that I had put on the long finger; to de-clutter the cupboards, let my green fingers loose on the garden or take up arts and crafts…
Reality on arrival of bundle of joy
Firstly, you are never alone again. I was, and still am overwhelmed by my littlest love and how she enjoys being within one foot of us at all times. Even now, at 19 months she loves to play alone, as long as that is at our feet!!!
The support group
Without any family in the area, I headed to the Raheen breast-feeding support group, where Una Dee (PHN) attends, for what I thought would be practical advice on breast-feeding. Without doubt, this was a fulcrum in my journey; the magic red door to new friends, my daughter’s first play mates and a world of Mums. A room of Mums with fears, questions and anxieties that are not answered in books (trust me I’ve checked), but resolved with a cup of tea and cake (on a good day). There was many a day, where it was a huge effort to drag your little one and yourself to the meeting, but where with chats among Mums, you can (without foolishness or embarrassment) ask all the queries
filling up your mind. It begins with questions on feeding (where Una is on hand with the superb expert advice), sleeping, your body healing, but gently progresses from chats on tummy time, crawling, leaps, gadgets, to teething, food, weaning, child-minding options, etc.
Through this group and our many new friends, we learned of the many supports and opportunities available around Limerick. We attended baby massage, followed by baby yoga and swimming for infants at the hydrotherapy pool at St. Gabriels. Each group offered us a vital outlet; a purpose to get ourselves organised, leave the house, along with the pleasure of meeting Mums and babies for chats.
The conversations were our main support; shared experiences between newbies and more experienced Mums is a lifeline. As our babies grew, so did our friendship. We have a WhatsApp group, where we share experiences, while keeping track of our little one’s new escapades. On our first Mum’s night out, we swapped the tea for wine and began to chat more about us and less about our small little people (somewhat!!). We still meet as often as we can for playdates, lunches, birthdays and night’s out. I have yet to do the de-cluttering, gardening or arts and crafts… but I wouldn’t swap it for the world. by Sinead Treacy
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r a e Y t s r i F Dad’s view My : t n e r a P as a How did you imagine your first year as a parent before your baby was born? Darren Shan (dad of 13 month old Dante): Hell on Earth. Dave Murphy (dad of 7 year old Alex and 3 year old Ethan): No preconceived ideas, no experience of kids before this. Knew there was going to be a lot of nappy changes and feeds, didn’t know what to expect apart from that. Jason Daly (dad of 18 month old Max): I didn’t have a clue! Had so many people telling me what it was going to be like.
How was it in reality? Darren: Hell on Earth!!! But a “nice” Hell on Earth. Raising a child is really hard work. It has incredible ups, and I recommend it unreservedly, but it’s tiring and draining, and it throws your world into complete chaos. I think it’s important for fathers to admit their difficulties, not to be negative or to deter others who might be considering fatherhood, but so that suffering dads know that they’re not alone. I find it comforting when I’m chatting with other dads and we’re open about how we’re struggling to cope with the broken nights of sleep and fitting work in around the demands of the new person in our lives. Dave: First six weeks seemed like it was a lot of just nappy changes, feeds, sleeps and confusion. After that it got easier and more enjoyable when you’re getting a reaction from your child. From six months on it started to be a lot of fun. Kids are funny creatures. Jason: Piece of cake. Not! It’s not easy. It did get more manageable as time went on. It’s a real eye opener. Plus I couldn’t give him back. Like I could do with my niece!
Did you see your partner give birth? What was that like? Darren: Yes, I was there, and it was a lovely moment. We had to have a C-section in the end, but we had prepared for that, and were very calm and Darren & Dante focused. My wife made me go on a gentle birthing course while she was pregnant, and although I was sceptical at first, I got a huge amount out of it, and it made the birthing process an actual joy that we could look forward to, rather than something we were dreading. Dave: I did ya, but stayed up by her shoulders (extremely advisable). Surreal experience, emotional, slightly worrying too. Jason: No. Wasn’t allowed. She had emergency last minute C-section. And needed to be put to sleep so I wasn’t allowed into delivery room. I saw our baby before Mammy did!
What advice would you give a male friend about to go through the birthing process? Darren: Go on a gentle birthing course. Dave: STAY ABOVE THE WAIST. Jason: Rub their head and sing them a Justin Bieber song (joking). No matter what you do, it’s going to annoy the mother anyway, so just be patient. It’ll be over soon. Oh, I also took a sneaky picture of her 12 12
during a contraction. If she knew at the time, she would have killed me. Looks at it fondly now though. I knew what I was doing.
How has baby changed your relationship? Darren: There have been arguments and fights and tears, of course, and we aren’t getting as much “sexy time” as we did, primarily because we’re so exhausted and tired because he wakes around 05.15 each morning. But at the same time it’s brought us closer together, and we’re working as a team, doing much more with one another than we did before the baby came along. Dave: Creates a stronger bond, but that doesn’t necessarily last. Jason: Yes. We fight more than normal! I never realised there was a special way I had to put socks on a baby or that I would have to watch every TV show on mute to avoid waking him up. I’m now a fluent lip reader.
What has been the hardest part so far? Darren: Broken sleep, by a long shot. I think everything else is easy enough to cope with, as long as the baby stays relatively healthy. But when you have to get up for a couple of hours in the night, and then the baby wakes at 05.30 despite having been awake as long as you were... that’s hard. One or two nights isn’t too bad, but when you get a long string of broken nights, you feel as if you’re having a breakdown. Dave: When they’re sick and when you worry about their happiness. Jason: Lack of sleep. Never let it be underestimated. There are people being deprived of sleep as means of torture. I know how they feel!
Dave with Alex & Ethan
What has been the best part so far? Darren: The smiles. There’s nothing as heartwarming as when your baby smiles or laughs at you. Dave: Everything. The bond with them, their complete lack of filter, the fun and new things they do every day, watching them learn and grow. Jason: Everything.
What was the best piece of advice you got? Darren: Enjoy the early months, when he’s not moving. I was keen for him to start crawling and walking, and while I do find him more fun now, those early months are sweet, and you should take the time to enjoy the calm before the storm. Dave: Enjoy every minute ‘cause you can never get moments back again Jason: Get some sleep. Oh, and wet wipes. Get wet wipes! Loads of them.
What was the worst piece of advice you got? Jason & Max Darren: A lot of advice about sleeping just doesn’t work for Dante. I think every child has different sleep routines, and it’s about finding a compromise that will work for both you and the baby. My advice is to sift through the feedback, pick and choose the bits you need, but ignore anyone who tells you that you MUST do it a certain way, and instead rely on your gut instinct and your understanding of your child. Dave: No bad advice really Jason: Give him a snack box, it’ll make him sleep. It doesn’t.
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Healthy Christmas Treats for Kids The Grinch
Fruit Candy • Green grape • Banana slice • Strawberry • Mini marshmallow • Toothpick
Fruit Christmas Tree • Apple • Carrot • Various fruit and berries
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• Banana • Strawberry
The Snowman • Boiled eggs • Carrot • Skewer stick • Black pepper • Coriander
Christmas Markets at the Milk Market Select Christmas Markets from the 4th Dec with a full week of markets running from 17th to 24th. Each will feature up to 60 stalls and shops, all packed with a wide range of artisan food, crafts and gift ideas, quality festive and specialty foods, collectables, bric-a-brac, toys, books, fashion, seasonal decorations and more! Friday 4th Saturday 5th Sunday 6th Friday 11th Saturday 12th Sunday 13th Thursday 17th Friday 18th Saturday 19th Sunday 20th Monday 21st Tuesday 22nd Wednesday 23rd Thursday 24th
10.00 to 16.00 8.00 to 15.00 11.00 to 15.00 11.00 to 15.00 11.00 to 15.00 10.00 to 19.00 10.00 to 16.00 10.00 to 16.00 8.00 to 15.00 11.00 to 15.00 11.00 to 15.00 11.00 to 15.00 11.00 to 15.00 10.00 to 15.00
Useful numbers • Aware (depression support) – Lo Call 1890 303 302 • Adapt (24 hour refuge and support services for women survivors of domestic abuse and their children. Services include 24 hour helpline and one-to-one and group support) – 061 412 354 • Attention Deficit Disorder Mid West Support Group, Limerick – 061 312 621 • Barnardos Limerick (helping families with bereavement, separation and more) – 061 493 588 / 061 328 420 / 061 319 290 • Dochas (provides support to parents and children with autism) – 061 405 923 • Enable Ireland Children’s Services (provides early intervention services to children aged 0 to 6 years through a transdisciplinary play-based model of intervention) – 061 498 161 • Gingerbread (National Association of One Parent Families) – 01 8146 618 • Limerick Parent Support Programme – 061 411 643 • Limerick City Childcare Committee – 061 407 526 • Parentline (confidential helpline for parents) – Lo Call 1890 927 277 • Samaritans, Limerick (provides confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide) – 061 412 111
Facebook Groups • Support for Parents in & around Limerick • Limerick Mammy & Baby Meetups • Breastfeeding Mammies in & near Limerick • Baby Led Weaning (Starting Solids) in Ireland • Babywearing Ireland. Sling addicts – support and advice. • Mid-West Miscarriage Support Group
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