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Welcome
to the World WORDS: HELEN HOLMES | IMAGES: CRISTINA BARTON
W E L C O M E
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Amelia Ros e Halford Daughter of Louis e and Russell Halfo rd Born on the 24th of June 2013, In th e Queen Alexandr Hospital, Cosham a , weighing 7lb 2o z, Sister to Charlie, 5
Proud parents share their birth experiences with us and Baby Hampshire welcomes three new arrivals into the world.
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ussell and I met when we were both studying at Portsmouth University. We got married on 4th September 2004; we both knew we that wanted to have children, but decided to wait and enjoy married life for a few years first. Charlie arrived on the 17th January 2009. We were thrilled to discover that I was pregnant again. We’d always planned to have two children, but after a difficult first delivery with Charlie, we were both a bit anxious. Charlie was a very big baby. He arrived ten days late and weighed in at 10lbs 12oz! I had a fourth degree tear and was in surgery for over two hours afterwards. It was pretty traumatic, especially for Russell as he was left
holding his newborn son in a room covered in my blood, and wasn’t told anything – he thought I’d died! My second pregnancy was difficult, and quite stressful. I had dreadful morning sickness and suffered from restless leg syndrome. I found it almost impossible to sleep from
“Every day is a new adventure, it’s amazing to watch the little life you created learn and grow.” about 18 weeks, because my sinuses were completely blocked. I was also extremely anxious. I was under a consultant at Queen Alexandra Hospital, because of the previous complications with Charlie. I had regular growth scans and I had to
decide whether or not to have an elective c-section. I also had to have a test to find out whether I had gestational diabetes. It’s a fasting test, and I ended up fainting in the middle of the hospital waiting room – embarrassing! We decided to have a private scan to find out the sex of the baby. We went privately because when I was expecting Charlie, we were told twice at NHS scans that he was a girl – we wanted to make sure that we had the right information this time around! Four weeks before my due date, and a week after I started my maternity leave, I was admitted to hospital with a severe bladder infection. I was treated with antibiotics, and was about to be discharged, when they sent me for a last minute CTG scan. The scan showed reduced movement, and insufficient blood flow
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i r h B t y D a p y! p aH Giving birth is all about choice. Becky Dickinson explores different ways to deliver. W O R D S : B E C K Y D I C K I N S O N | I L LU S T R AT I O N S : E K AT E R I N A T R U K H A N
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s your pregnancy draws to an end, childbirth becomes an increasing, sometimes daunting, reality. Deciding how to give birth is one of the most important decisions you will need to make while your baby is still inside you. To the uninitiated, the options can seem as bewildering as the array of different pushchairs on the market. But just as there is no ‘one travel system fits all,’ neither is there one correct way to give birth. From living room floor to surgeon’s table, aromatherapy to epidural, there are more ways to bring a baby into the world than you can shake a Clear Blue stick at. Here are just a few of the options.
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natural birth It seems somewhat superfluous to refer to a natural process like childbirth as ‘natural.’ Yet, in the case of labour, it means giving birth vaginally without medical intervention. Its advocates believe birth is a normal, healthy part of life, not a medical procedure. During a natural birth the woman can move around and try out different positions, using breathing exercises and relaxation techniques in place of drugs. This can have the advantage of feeling more relaxed and in control. Natural births can be extremely empowering. However,
for some women it can be hugely disappointing if things don’t go to plan. Clare Shepherd from Clapham, London, says, “I’d set my heart on this beautiful drug-free experience, but after 40 hours in labour, I was exhausted and my baby was distressed. I ended up having an epidural and forceps delivery. Afterwards, I couldn’t help feeling I hadn’t done it properly.’’ Although many women aspire to a natural birth, it’s important to realise they are not always possible and intervention is never a mark of failure.
Hypnobirth HypnoBirthing is a birth education programme that teaches simple self hypnosis, relaxation and breathing techniques. HypnoBirthing is based on the belief that pain is not necessary and that a woman’s body is perfectly designed to give birth. HypnoBirthing aims to free women from the fear and tension that often surrounds childbirth and to enable the pelvic muscles to relax. For the best chance of success, it’s necessary to practise
water birth
the techniques well in advance of the due date. Kerry Woodcock from London says, ‘’HypnoBirthing kept me feeling calm and in control throughout labour. The contractions were no problem at all. It gave me a better understanding of the physical and psychological aspects of childbirth. I would advise every mother-tobe and her partner to try HypnoBirthing even if they intend to use drugs.”
Once the preserve of home births and midwife units, water births are becoming increasingly mainstream and many hospitals now have birthing pools. Larger than a normal bath, pools are deep enough for the woman to be immersed - with space for a partner or husband to jump in too if desired! Being in warm water can help a woman’s muscles to relax, which can reduce pain and speed
up labour. Research suggests that being in water can also reduce the risk of tearing to the perineum. According to a Which? survey in 2013, about 30% of women giving birth in England used water or a birth pool for coping with labour pain, and 6% of women gave birth in a pool. Many women feel that giving birth in water provides their baby with a more gentle transition to life outside the womb.
Caesarean section In the UK, around one in four babies are delivered by an abdominal operation. There are two kinds of caesareans: planned (elective) and unplanned (emergency). A planned caesarean is arranged in advance, usually for medical reasons such as the baby being in an awkward position, or the mother having a high risk condition. Unexpected problems can also develop during or before labour which means the baby needs to be born quickly by emergency caesarean.
This is usually done using spinal anaesthesia, but in some cases a general anaesthetic may be necessary. A c-section involves major abdominal surgery and recovery can take several weeks or longer. While caesareans can sometimes be the safest means of birth, some babies may retain fluid in their lungs which would have been squeezed out in the birth canal. It is still possible for a woman who has had a caesarean, to give birth vaginally in the future.
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’
Life s a BEACh If the sun’s shining, what could be better than an afternoon spent building sandcastles, playing with friends and tucking into a picnic? Best of all, you don’t always have to pack everything but the kitchen sink and head off for a week’s holiday to the Med, some of our best beaches are much closer to home. WORDS: VIV MICKLEFIELD
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hether you’re four, thirty-four, or sixty-four, the idea of whiling away a few hours relaxing on a beach fills all generations with giddy excitement. No matter that the sand seems to find its way into everything; few of us tire of setting-up ‘base camp’ and re-discovering our inner child. Obviously, the mental checklist to remember before closing the front door does depend on the ages in your party, whether or not you expect to go into water too, how long you intend to be out for and your mode of transport. Sunscreen that gives UVA and UVB protection, wide brimmed hats and long-sleeved cotton tops are a must on even the cloudiest day. And toddlers and older children usually feel more comfortable wearing jelly or breathable beach shoes, while a baby in tow means you’ll probably need extra towels and blankets for them to rest on. Unless you’re planning to drive very close to the chosen beach, taking sun tents and windbreaks to provide shelter is an extra encumbrance so consider a big umbrella to provide shade if needed. As onsite facilities can vary enormously, and an advance recce isn’t always possible, you’ll probably want to take your own cool bag with food and water. Travel bottle warmers and
flasks of hot water add weight, but can be invaluable if you have a little one on formula food. However, as the Hutson family know, when you hit the beach it doesn’t require a trunk-load of expensive toys to keep little ones amused. “My three-year-old daughter loves playing in the sand so a
“My three-year-old daughter loves playing in the sand so a bucket and spade is essential,” says dad Mike. “We also enjoy checking out the little rock pools and paddling in the sea.” bucket and spade is essential,” says dad Mike. “We also enjoy checking out the little rock pools and paddling in the sea. Sophie has as much fun here as she would at an over-priced theme park.” Jackie and Matt Field, who’ve spent plenty of family time at the beach since sons Ned 6, and Ben 8 were small, would agree. “Seeing everyone enjoying themselves and finding pleasure in the simple and natural things that you do is great,” says Matt. And although a cricket bat and ball also make it onto the packing
list, now that the boys are getting older, they still love building sand sculptures. “Everyone can do it and contribute to creating some amazing things that people admire as they go by,” says Matt. A spokesperson for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) does advise caution when it comes to sand play, “Children have been known to dig very deep holes in the sand, the sides of which can collapse. Sand pits should be kept shallow.” And according to RoSPA, even if children are confident in water, they should always be supervised by an adult, “Unlike a swimming pool, the sea has no depth markings, no fixed depth and you can’t always see the bottom. Conditions can change rapidly, so consider the risks to yourselves and others.” Lifeguards in coastal areas provide helpful guidance on the safest spots for splashing and swimming, and Blue Flag signs indicate that a beach tops European standards for cleanliness and water quality. As the mercury rises, a dip in freshwater ponds and rivers can also be a tempting option and Surrey’s Frensham Common is one of the region’s most popular countryside sites because of its heath-fringed sands. A council spokesperson does remind visitors, “Naturally occurring blooms of blue-green algae can appear which
ten
great ways to spend summer days Want to know what to do with the little ones over the Summer? Baby Hampshire’s put together ten great ideas to inspire you. WORDS: EMMA OLIVER
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WE LOVE HAMPSHIRE’S…
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FREE FOR ALL
Winchester Science Centre
Peppa Pig World
The New Forest
For small children, the interactive Winchester Science Centre (winchestersciencecentre.org) is like a giant toyshop with handles to turn, cranes to operate, ropes to pull and so on. For their older siblings, the 100 hands-on exhibits will both excite and fascinate. Opens from 10am. Adults £9, children £6.50, under 3s go free.
No Summer holiday is complete without a trip to Peppa Pig World, near Romsey (peppapigworld.co.uk). Yes, this very pink and very bossy pig turned Hampshire Hog, has an attraction all of her own. Prepare to be as equally enthralled as your tot. Oh and take a towel. Opens 10am. Adults and children over one metre high from £23.50, Family of four from £90.
The New Forest ponies and the picturesque scenery will delight you as you drive through pretty villages such as Beaulieu, Burley, Brockenhurst and Bolderwood. The latter has a purpose-built viewing platform overlooking a large meadow area where a herd of fallow deer regularly gather in the summer months.
The Watercress Line
The Arniss Equestrian Centre
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Ride Thomas the Tank Engine (dayoutwiththomas.co.uk), meet the fat controller, have your face painted, and take part in lots of other Thomas themed activities too, when the popular little engine steams into action from August 9-17 at Alton, Alresford and Ropley stations. Travelling up and down the Watercress Line between 9.35am and 4.30pm, this really is a fun day out with Thomas. Adults £18, children £12, Family ticket £54 *booking fees apply online.
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Fancy horse riding in the wilds of the New Forest? Fun, enjoyable and safe, The Arniss Equestrian Centre (arnissequestrian.co.uk) in Godshill near Fordingbridge, takes children as young as three for led rein pony rides, and caters for four years plus with ‘Pony Fun’ sessions, which include grooming, making pony feeds, and a lesson. Hats and boots are provided. Prices start from £20
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FREE FOR ALL
Feed The Ducks Feed the ducks at Petersfield Pond (Heath Road, Petersfield GU31 4EA) then enjoy this great picnic site and recently renewed toddler play park too.
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A Desirable Offering boundless beauty, Porto Elounda Golf and Spa Resort in Crete is a parent’s paradise. Add luxury travel specialist Powder Byrne into the mix, and you can sit back and enjoy the views – stress-free holidaying at its best. WORDS: REBECCA MOORE | IMAGES: POWDER BYRNE
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s the year starts to unfold, and the sunshine starts to appear (and disappear again, quicker than you’ve had chance to turf out the picnic blanket), before long you begin to yearn for that ultimate summer getaway. But that wistful holiday vision is soon substituted with the stresses associated with holidaying en famille. Surely we can’t put a damper on being whisked away purely because it’ll be with young children in tow? Holidays are all about having fun, not about worrying how you’ll organise childcare or whether you’ll fit everything bar the kitchen sink into your suitcase. Eliminate the stress by letting someone else take
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care of it – sounds like a tempting plan? Powder Byrne, the luxury family travel specialist, has the solution with its carefully planned crèche programme for little ones aged 4 months to 3 years. Its team guarantees to remove the hassles you might otherwise expect when travelling with very young children, allowing parents to focus on enjoying
their well-earned holiday. With crèche locations prudently selected, they will ensure your holiday is relaxing for even the smallest of travellers. There’s also no need to slip into the trap of ‘panic packing’; disown the bottles, sterilisers and all the usual baby paraphernalia. You can arrive to a myriad of baby essentials, delivered directly to your room prior to your arrival. Powder Byrne appreciates that going the extra mile speaks volumes for new parents still finding their feet. It’s all about reassurance when holidaying, and that’s integral when booking a family holiday. Powder Byrne’s ethos revolves around this, and its resort team strives to eliminate any fears or worries. They ensure little ones settle into their crèche as quickly as possible, so it feels as if it is a real home from
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home experience. And to ensure they are on track, they will arrange a pre-departure call from their resort crèche manager, who will ask parents about any special requirements, dietary needs and preferred daily routine, as well as answering any questions that new parents will undoubtedly have. With all the fundamentals in hand and all the stress delegated, it’s time to focus on the excitement… so where to
The pb crèche operates from the beginning of July right through to the middle of September. The latter part of the summer months is a highly recommended time to visit, with the sea still beautifully warm and the resort being less busy than in high summer. Parents could be embracing tranquillity in the world renowned Six Senses Spa, playing some golf or tennis, relaxing by one of the many pools or on the beach, doing some water sports, learning to
“boasting a plethora of luxury facilities to take advantage of. All to be enjoyed by parents as they fully unwind” go? Powder Byrne has an enticing selection of properties across the globe, with something to fulfil everyone’s desires. We’ve fallen in love with Porto Elounda Golf and Spa Resort in Crete, boasting a plethora of luxury facilities to take advantage of. All to be enjoyed by parents as they fully unwind, safe in the knowledge that their little ones are being expertly cared for in the pb crèche. This resort offers real added value for parents travelling with young children, with its luxurious and large family rooms, private balconies and stunning Mediterranean views, and what’s more, children under two sharing their parents’ room travel free with Powder Byrne.
SCUBA dive, even chartering a yacht for the day if that’s your thing. Boredom will certainly not come into play at Elounda. If exploring the local land is more their game, Powder Byrne’s resort staff have an intimate knowledge of Elounda and the surrounding areas of Crete. Working from the ethos that ‘nothing is too much trouble’, their aim is to take the planning and organisation off clients’ hands so they spend their time enjoying, not organising, their holiday, just as it should be. In the resort, staff will arrange everything – be it restaurant bookings, babysitting, treatments at the spa, or any number of private sports activities. It’s a complete seamless service for their clients from beginning to the end of their holiday. As much attention is given to the children, after all it’s their holiday too. Powder Byrne runs its crèche for the exclusive use of its own clients at the resort’s magical Children’s Ark. The crèche programme caters specifically for British families’ needs offering the right sort of activities, for the right age group, facilitated by highly qualified English-speaking staff. Elounda presents gorgeous children’s pools, including one with a shaded area. Supervised
F E A T U R E
play also takes place on the sheltered beach, where little ones can dip their toes in the water, collect shells, play games and enjoy treasure hunts. You’ll be pleased to hear that Porto Elounda is a foodie’s paradise, too. Expect an authentic food experience, allowing guests to try a range of delicious restaurants that are on site and at its sister resorts of Elounda Peninsula and Elounda Mare. You’ll be spoilt for choice, from bars offering snacks and cocktails on the beach, to the finest cuisine at their restaurants. Award-winning chefs serve Cretan gourmet meals as well as top class international menus, so there’s plenty of choice. The true diner’s delight comes alive as all can be enjoyed overlooking
the turquoise water of the sheltered bay at Elounda. It’s a desirable destination just waiting to be explored. ✿
Exclusive Offer Travel with Powder Byrne to Porto Elounda, Crete this summer and enjoy an exclusive complimentary pb crèche and a signature Six Senses Spa treatment for travel between 30 August and 13 September. Price from £1,045 per adult for 7 nights on B&B basis. Price includes return private transfers and full resort service. Flights quoted separately. ✽ Call 020 8246 5300 quoting ‘Baby Series Offer’ for more information. Visit www.powderbyrne.com for details of other Powder Byrne luxury destinations.
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