Baby feature: Why did no one tell me?

“Why Did No One Tell Me?”

Emma Brockwell is one of the UK’s leading women’s health physios, treating women of all ages with women’s healthrelated conditions. Her own pregnancy and postnatal journey taught her the importance of empowering women to take control of and protect their changing bodies through pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood. She is passionate about pre and postnatal rehabilitation, having returned to high impact exercise too soon after her own pregnancy to her body’s detriment. Emma’s new book Why Did No One Tell me? How to Protect, Heal and Nurture your body Through Motherhood is a warm, honest and informative handbook to help pregnant women and new mums take control and care for their changing bodies.

Here Emma gives us her top five things to know to protect, heal and nurture your body during pregnancy, childbirth and your postnatal recovery.

1. Keep active during your pregnancy.

One of the best things that you can do during your pregnancy is to remain as active as possible. The Chief medical officer recommends that all pregnant women aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity every week, and every minute that you are active counts. Activity comes in many guises, gardening, walking up and down the stairs, going for a walk. There are so many benefits to remaining active during pregnancy including helping to reduce high blood pressure problems, helping to prevent diabetes during

pregnancy, improving sleep, fitness, weight gain and very importantly it can help improve mood. Always discuss any concerns with a midwife and always listen to your body and adapt so that you are comfortable and enjoying whatever form of activity you choose to carry out.

2. Perineal massage. Around 85% of women experience tearing during childbirth, 9/10 first time mums sustain some perineal trauma. While it is unlikely that we can prevent an element of tearing and grazing it is important that the level of tearing is reduced.

So how can you do this? One way is by stretching the opening of the vagina and perineal tissues by carrying out perineal massage when you are around 35 weeks pregnant two to three times a week for a couple of minutes each time. There is strong robust evidence that perineal massage reduces risk of episiotomy and tears, reduces the risk of third or fourth degree tears, improves wound healing, length of pushing in labour and lowers the risk of bowl incontinence.

To learn how to do this visit the

RCOG website.

3. Pelvic floor exercises. These simple little exercises are a must during and after pregnancy whether however you deliver baby. These exercises can help prevent (or manage) pelvic floor dysfunction like leaking wee, poo, wind, pelvic organ prolapse, low back or pelvic pain, all conditions that are common but not normal during and after pregnancy.

It is recommended that you carry out eight to 12 repetitions of 10-second holds and 10 fast squeezes two or three times a day.

4. Visit a Pelvic Health physiotherapist.

During pregnancy and childbirth your body will change a lot and quickly. These changes are needed for your baby to grow big and strong and to arrive safely. These changes that occur to your body can often cause physical conditions like urinary leakage, faecal incontinence, painful sex, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain and tummy separation (diastasis recti). None of these conditions are life threatening but they can dramatically affect you physical and mental health. If you are experiencing any of these issues then a pelvic health physiotherapist can help treat and improve them. They are not conditions that you should learn to live with. Even if you do not have these symptoms I would recommend seeing a pelvic health physiotherapist postnatally, to rehabilitate and prevent these conditions occurring later in life.

5. Give your body time to heal and

recover from childbirth. Bounce back is a myth. Pregnancy and childbirth are major life-changing events and as a society we need to respect this more. Your body will take longer than six weeks to recover from having a baby, it takes months and months. Rest, sleep (as much as you can), eat and drink well and be kind to yourself. Don’t rush back to high impact exercise too soon, listen to your body and don’t expect too much too soon.

Why Did No One Tell Me? How to Protect, Heal and Nurture Your Body Through Motherhood, by Emma Brockwell. Out now, £14.99, Vermilion @physiomumuk

Emma’s Top Tips!

• Avoid constipation, do not strain on the toilet.

• After you have fed baby stretch your neck and upper back.

• Remember your mental health and, if you are struggling, please do reach out and seek help. Remember, you are not alone.

• If you experience low back or pelvic pain during or after pregnancy ask your

GP to refer you to a physiotherapist or osteopath. • Remember it is important to learn to contract but also relax your pelvic floor.

• Don’t overheat when exercising during pregnancy.

• Keep well hydrated during and after pregnancy.

• Post delivery scar massage can be very beneficial if you have had a vaginal tear or c-section.

• Do not hold your breath when doing your pelvic floor exercises. • Support your posture when you feed baby.

• Do not be afraid to ask for help – you are not meant to know all the answers.

• If you leak urine, faeces, feel heaviness or bulging in your vagina, pain in your lower back or pelvis when carrying out high impact exercise, stop and ask to see a pelvic health physiotherapist.

• Get to know your body, including your vulva!

Cherubs Baby

What’s in your baby bag Wipes, wipes and more wipes

Aqua Wipes: The Vegan-Friendly, Plastic-Free, Biodegradable Wet Wipes

They are free from any chemicals and preservatives. They contain 99.6% purified water and include organic aloe vera and a mild coconut derived cleansing agent.

aquawipes.co.uk

The cream

Bepanthen Nappy Care

This is one of the most popular nappy rash creams on the market and mums swear by it. You can use it as a barrier cream to prevent the rash occurring, or, if the rash appears, apply it to soothe and heal that red bottom.

amazon.co.uk Etta Loves

The scales, patterns and colours will support your baby’s cognitive and visual development. Complement your baby’s development with the Etta Loves sensory product range.

ettaloves.com

The toy

Alilo Intelligent Baby Rattle

It is a multipurpose rattle that plays lots of different noises, nursery rhymes and reads stories, and has a functionality that teaches your baby about different colours. In addition it has ears that are chewable for a teething baby.

amazon.co.uk

Never too many muslins

CHERUBS LOVES

Spare clothes

Next have some gorgeous three pack sleepsuits which are made with pure cotton. They are super comfortable and very soft.

next.co.uk

The doll

Thimble and Doll, hand-stitched bespoke diverse dolls

Ten beautiful multicultural skin tones, to look like your child and personalised with either their name or initials. Lovingly made by Alisha.

thimbleanddoll.co.uk

Dummylicious

Bamboo Silicone Soother and Clip

This natural plant-based soother is completely nasty-free. With an orthodontically-shaped silicone teat, they also each have a matching handcrocheted dummy strap - so you can keep them stylishly and hygienically at hand.

kidly.co.uk

Mama’s Must have

Mama’s Moments Maternity Kit

£39.00

EVERY MAMA NEEDS

This beautiful gift set contains all of the essentials you will need for pregnancy, birth, and life as a new mum.

naturalbirthingcompany.com

Nappies (lots of nappies!)

Aldi’s Mamia brand has a range of great value nappies designed especially for newborns. They are of great value!

aldi.co.uk

Nursery Edit

Fancy walls

Wallpaper

A beautifully sophisticated design featuring handdrawn metallic stars and clouds, this wallpaper will look adorable in any baby’s nursery or little one’s room.

hibouhome.com

Sit up baby

Nuby Cloud & Star inflatable seat

Helps to teach babies to sit upright, keeping them safely cushioned with padded arms and head rest.

n-uk.com

Eye spy with my little eye

Owlet Duo Monitor

Smart sock and cam. Heart rate, oxygen, video and audio – the complete baby monitor solution.

owletbabycare.co.uk

The must have playmat!

Memory Foam Playmats

Totter + Tumble’s highly practical one-piece memory foam playmats are engineered to meet the needs of all the family while also designed with quiet patterns to subtly fit in with your interior for many years to come.

totterandtumble.co.uk

The book

The Woodland Hush Rag Book

Rag books are so nostalgic! It’s got gorgeous designs that are screen printed on cotton, the edges are finished with pinking shears and it even comes in a cute presentation box, so it’s a great baby gift.

theoriginalfamilycollective.com

Rock-abye baby Let there be light

Daisy & Bump Safari Lampshade

Handmade from 100% cotton fabric in their studio, Daisy and Bump have an adorable light shade featuring safari animals on a clean white background.

daisyandbump.co.uk

Bath time fun

Safety first

Digital Rubber Duck

Everyone loves a rubber duck and this classic looking digi duckling will not disappoint!

amazon.co.uk

Rattan Cradle

I love this cradle! This would be perfect for any Boho styled nursery.

theoriginalfamilycollective.com

The cuddle towel

Cuddledry

The Cuddledry is a baby towel that attaches to the parent like an apron, keeping you dry and allowing you to lift and wrap your baby quickly and easily.

cuddledry.com

Easy bath

Angelcare Soft Touch Bath Support

This ergonomically-designed Angelcare Soft Touch is a bath support rather than a tub so it sits directly in your full-sized bath with the water at the desired level.

amazon.co.uk

5ways to reduce anxiety while pregnant during Covid-19

Congratulations on your pregnancy and for coping so well during this time. The Covid-19 pandemic has inevitably had an effect on everyone’s mental wellbeing and anxiety, and this is likely to be the case for many pregnant women and expectant parents too. It is important to remember that this is a normal response to a difficult situation, however, there are some things you can do to help you feel more in control, particularly if you are pregnant at this time.

1. EXERCISE AND GET OUTSIDE

Exercising regularly reduces your stress and anxiety levels, helps you sleep better and improves your mood, all of which can have further positive outcomes for both during your pregnancy and after birth. Getting outdoors and into nature for some fresh air lowers your blood pressure and stress hormones and reduces the chance of preterm birth and of having a baby with a low birth weight.

2. SELF-CARE

Try and focus on your own wellbeing and be kind to yourself. Whether this be taking up a new hobby or activity you enjoy, undertaking some physical exercise, trying to eat well or stopping smoking; taking care of your physical health will positively affect your mental wellbeing too.

3. STAY IN TOUCH

Pregnancy is a really exciting time for you and your family and even if you are not able to share your journey face-to-face or in person, try and find new ways of staying in touch with your loved ones. Getting any worries or concerns off your chest can make a big difference and remind you that you are not alone and helps them feel included also.

4. CONSIDER HYPNOBIRTHING

Hypnobirthing is designed to help you manage your stress hormone adrenaline and reduce anxiety in preparation for labour and birth. Hypnobirthing consists of several different elements including guided relaxations, breathing techniques, positive affirmations, and self-hypnosis skills that together aim to create positive and excited feelings towards pregnancy and birth.

4. DON’T GOOGLE

Unfortunately, there can be lots of misinformation, particularly online, not only about Covid-19 but regarding pregnancy also and this can lead to confusion and increased anxiety. Try to seek out reliable information from healthcare professionals or used recognised resources as these are less likely to be biased and will contain upto-date and evidence-based information.

If you do feel you have, or are becoming, more anxious during your pregnancy then it is especially important you talk to your midwife or doctor. They will routinely discuss your mental wellbeing at every appointment and can assess if this is normal or whether this is the sign of something more serious that may need additional support.

Stay safe and stay well.

Dr Ellie Rayner Obstetrician & Gynaecologist

Dr Ellie Rayner is a practicing Obstetrician and gynaecologist, antenatal and hypnobirthing teacher and founder of The Maternity Collective. The Maternity Collective provides comprehensive online antenatal and birth preparation courses led by a team of expert healthcare professionals. More information is available at www. thematernitycollective.co.uk

Follow Dr Ellie Rayner @maternitymedic for the latest evidence-based information on pregnancy, birth and women’s health issues.

Etta Loves

Cherubs caught up with Jen Fuller, creator of Etta Loves, for a lovely insight on how a mama started her business journey and created a sensory sensation for our little bundles.

The Etta Loves, Keith Haring collection will be available from 15 March through selected retailers nationwide and at ettaloves.com. Prices range between £18.50 and £75.00.

Tell us a little more about yourself?

I’m a mum of two lively girls Etta and Uma and the owner and creator of Etta Loves, a truly sensory baby brand. I live by the seaside in Essex and have just brought my third baby into the family – a little puppy who is keeng me on my toes!

Why Etta Loves?

I started Etta Loves when my first daughter, Etta, was born in 2016. I was sitting on my sofa with a plain muslin over my shoulder when I realised that four-week-old Etta was staring at my top. It was the first thing I’d noticed her actively trying to focus on and, unsurprisingly, it was a simple black and white pattern. She was calmer than normal and fed with a bit less fuss.

It triggered a lightbulb thought to replicate the visual magic that she was enjoying on the most used and seen items for babies, starting with the humble muslin –essentially turning everyday essentials into sensory sensations. The next day I started the search for an orthoptist to input the precise science of babies’ vision – which underpins our unique brand – and Etta Loves was born. The result of all this precision is that every product in our range ensures that babies are mesmerised and supported in their visual and cognitive development, while parents benefit from a priceless moment of calm.

We have been huge fans of the brand and were super excited to hear about your new collection – please tell us more?

This month we will be launching our Etta Loves, Keith Haring collection. Keith Haring was a hugely popular artist and activist in the 80s and a legend of the New York art scene. Our brand-new collection of magical baby essentials combines Haring’s striking art and the expertise of our Etta Loves resident NHS orthoptist, an expert in children’s vision, to ensure that every scale, pattern and colour will support babies visual and cognitive development.

Keith Haring famously said that “art is for everyone”, so to be able to introduce the radiant joy of his work to a new generation is an honour. Our unique range truly does collide art with science in the most magical of ways, supporting babies with their development while giving parents some well needed and very stylish calm in the everyday.

Tell us about the designs?

The range comprises two designs; ‘Baby’ designed for babies from birth to around four months old and ‘Brazil’ for five months to around one year.

Baby features one of Keith Haring’s most recognisable icons – crawling babies in high contrast black and white, expertly rescaled to support the visual and cognitive development of babies up to four months old. Brazil is a brightly coloured version of Keith Haring’s 1989 artwork of the same name, recoloured and scaled to support babies from five months to around a year old.

Do you have any good tips for mums on how to get a moment of calm to put their feet up and have a cup of tea?

We exist to help parents have some moments of calm! For at-home calm our playmat is an excellent place for your baby to both relax and develop. It makes tummy time infinitely happier all round, and if they’re done with being on their front you can prop one of the sides of the playmat up against the sofa or chair for them to turn their head to when they’re on their back. The other super simple thing to do is to hang or tie one of our sensory muslins over the arch of a baby gym. This will not only give them an eye workout but if they’re over a few months old it will also encourage them to reach out and try and grab it, benefiting their gross motor development too.