Families Baby News
Babies at increased risk of cot death during covid A survey commissioned by leading SIDS charity The Lullaby Trust has found that less than a third of dads are being given information on the basic steps they can take to lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. The Lullaby Trust has raised concerns about the risk to families after a new survey shows less than a third of dads have been given advice on how to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. The survey of over 500 new and expectant dads, found that less than a quarter of dads had been able to attend all antenatal appointments and over 50% have not been allowed to attend any at all. The survey results are a concerning indication that lockdown restrictions combined with the increased pressure placed on public health services by COVID-19, means less support and information for new parents, which is putting babies at risk. The latest figures released by the ONS in September 2020 showed that SIDS rates
went up in 2018, fuelling concerns of a further increase during the covid pandemic. A parliamentary report released in the summer from the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Baby Loss, highlighting the impact of COVID-19 on pregnancy and baby loss, stated that lockdown had exacerbated risk factors for some types of baby loss, such as sudden unexpected death in infancy. Although the cause of SIDS is still not known there are steps parents can take to lower the risk. Awareness of SIDS and following safer sleep advice is crucial to reducing the rate of babies dying. Since the guidelines were made known to the public through the 1991 Back to Sleep campaign the rate of SIDS has gone down by over 80% overall. Visit www.lullabytrust.org.uk for up to date advice.
HELP CREATE A GREENER AND CLEANER WORLD
The improved Kit & Kin reusable cloth nappy is made from sustainable and plant-based materials so your little one’s bottom only comes into contact with plant-based materials. Hemp and TENCEL™, a material derived from sustainable tree pulp, are kind on delicate skin and up to 50% more absorbent than cotton. This super soft and highly absorbent fabric is breathable, gentle and offers unbeatable performance to keep bottoms dry for up to 12 hours. From the brand’s initial market research, parents have said that Kit & Kin’s 100% plant-based inner layer is the most absorbent on the market. Available alongside the reusable nappy are a range of baby changing essentials including biodegradable liners, sustainable boosters and a handy nappy
• You should always place your baby on their back to sleep and not on their front or side (unless your doctor has advised you of a medical reason to do so) • Firmly tuck in sheets and blankets (not above shoulder height) or a baby sleep bag is safe for a baby to sleep in.
wallet. Designed to contain solids and make nappy changing quick and easy, the liners are made from a 100% plant-based material, while the super soft hemp and TENCEL™ boosters offer an extra layer of absorbency – ideal for night-time or heavy wetters. Hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested, with a double gusset to help prevent leaks, the nappy also boasts handy poppers and secure hook and loop fastenings to create the perfect fit for babies of all sizes, promising parents a truly reliable reusable nappy. Staying true to the brand’s ethical ethos, every nappy rescues two plastic bottles from landfill, helping to create a cleaner and greener world for us all RRP: Reusable cloth nappy - £19.99 Stockists: www.kitandkin.com
Maternal physical and mental health cannot be separated Intimate, potentially embarrassing or upsetting symptoms like incontinence (wetting yourself), prolapse symptoms or painful sex affect more than women’s physical bodies. They damage self-confidence, dignity, function and daily comfort and happiness. Pregnant women and new mothers receive plenty of (not always welcome!) well-meaning advice around their diet, their parenting or their life choices. However most will agree that they were absolutely not prepared for the physical and mental health impact of childbirth and beyond. We know that 1 in 3 women suffers stress incontinence after childbirth, and that urinary incontinence doubles the risk of postnatal depression. 50% of postnatal women experience pelvic organ prolapse symptoms of bladder and bowel dysfunction, and in a recent survey it was reported that 76% of women claim that their pelvic health symptoms impacted their mental health. But despite the distress they cause, many familiesonline.co.uk
women present to their GP with these symptoms very late, if at all. The perceived stigma means women suffer in silence. Incontinence, pelvic or sexual pain are common, yet often believed to be normal or inevitable, especially after we’ve had children, or as we get older. We put up with it, ignore it, or are too self conscious to seek help. So sadly, incidence is much higher than reported and symptoms worsen over time. There is a gap in provision of information and preparation needed to cope with the physical, emotional and hormonal changes of childbirth and parenting, that results in women experiencing trauma and unanticipated physical and mental health symptoms following delivery. The solution is providing women with empowering, evidence based strategies to cope and address symptoms, helping them to feel in control and strong, to cope with unexpected birthing experience or outcomes, and for everything motherhood throws at us.
Wendy Powell is the Founder of the NHS Digital approved 12-module online pregnancy and postpartum specialist health platform clinically proven to improve postpartum symptoms such as incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, diastasis recti and painful intercourse. For more details on MUTU System, visit mutusystem.co.uk. Membership is priced at an affordable £99 for 12-months and includes additional support worth over £1500 such as food guides and personal online trackers.
Families Cambridgeshire 7
