My Child Magazine Issue 105 June 2020

MAGAZINE.COM.AU

ISSUE 105 - JUNE 2020

pregnancy

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Bianca Medina ART DIRECTOR

Bianca Medina DEPUTY EDITOR

Caroline Meyer CONTRIBUTORS

Sheree Hoddinett Amy Adeney Lance Green Jade Read Anna Shvets Iamngakan Eka CONTACT

My Child Magazine North Parramatta NSW Sydney Australia +614 11 572 877 editorial@mychildmagazine.com.au

Contents 6

46

90

Week By Week

When Should You

Making Friends As A New Mum

Pregnancy Symptoms

Attend Birth Classes?

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52

96

Bleeding In Pregnancy:

Your Baby Is Overdue:

It’s Not Meant To Be?

Normal Or Not?

What Now

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102

Headaches In Early Pregnancy

Get The Look Interiors

Around In Circles!

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68

106

Little Innoscents Nourishing Oil

Building A Good Relationship

The Mum Recommended

And Its Many Uses!!

With Your Toddler

Bottle Choice!!

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72

112

False Positive Pregnancy

Encouraging Literacy Development

Fashion

36

78

122

Book Reviews

Toy Reviews

Fashion Feature -

40

84

Huckleberry Lane Sleepwear

Questions You Can’t Avoid

Dad Read - Dads Matter!

Breast Is Best But What If

Blogger -Going

136 Recipes

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MY CHILD DIRECTORY

DISCLAIMER: It My Child Magazine and mychildmagazine.com.au are wholly owned by My Child Magazine (ABN 79 167 787 662). No other parties or individuals have any financial interest in the company or in My Child or mychildmagazine.com.au. My Child contains general information only and does not purport to be a substitute for health and parenting advice. Readers are advised to seek a doctor for all medical and health matters. The publisher and authors do not accept any liability whatsoever in respect of an action taken by readers in reliance on the recommendations set out in this magazine. Reproduction of any material without written permission by the publisher is strictly forbidden. We cannot accept responsibility for material lost or damaged in the post or for any unsolicited manuscripts and photographs. All reasonable efforts have been made to trace copyright holders.

Bianca Medina editor-in-chief

Editor’s Letter Hello Everyone, I hope you are all healthy, well and have been staying safe!

Well life is somewhat returning to normal and I couldn’t be happier. My darling daughter is still being super cautious about COVID-19 and for the foreseeable future, I think I will let her be. We are doing well as a country and more importantly as a united communnity, but we are far from out of the woods yet!

Not much has changed recently, we (meaning Max and I) have been slowing getting back into our weekly gymnastic, dance and swimming activities and once I am able to, I will go back to the gym myself! I can’t to have that little bit of me time!

The biggest thing that we have cominng up is that my hubby is turing the big 40 this month. I am so excited for him, this milestone is huge and it’s even more exciting as we have now been together for half of our lives... I hope that this milestone brings him all that he dreams and so much more.

Well that’s all folks!

Until Next Month

Bianca oxo

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U Games 3-D Solar Systeme $39.99 kidstuff.com.au

week by week pregnancy symptoms written by: caroline meyer

Pregnancy is a time of big changes to your body and you can experience a wide variety of symptoms during the approximately 40 weeks that you are pregnant. We take a look at some of the symptoms you are likely to experience during each week. The list is not exhaustive, and you may or may not experience some or all of the listed symptoms.

Week 1: You probably don’t know that you are pregnant as yet. You might notice that your period has not arrived on time, but you are still experiencing many of the symptoms you experience during the lead up to your menstrual cycle.

Week 2: You may experience a heightened sex drive and you may not notice it, but there is usually an increase in the amount of cervical mucus produced. Your cervix is also usually a little softer at this point.

Week 3: This is when you are more likely to have an inkling of being pregnant. Your uterus is secreting hCG which is known as the pregnancy hormone.

Week 4: You may start experiencing some morning sickness. Breasts may feel tender and sore. You may also feel fatigued and more drained than usual. There may be a little spotting, but any heavy bleeding should be reported to your medical caregiver.

Week 5: Nausea and vomiting may become more frequent. Although it is called morning sickness, it can occur at any time of day and sometimes all through the day. You may be put off by some smells and food or drink choices. You may also start experiencing cravings for certain foods at this point. You may have some cramping and will probably feel the need to urinate more often than usual. You may notice an increase in the sense of smell. It may be many times stronger than usual.

Week 6: You may start experiencing headaches, constipation and backaches.

You may also notice that you are a lot more tired than usual and may actually want to take a nap before dinner. Your hormones are increasing during this period and you may also find yourself becoming more emotional than usual.

You may have unexplained mood swings which can seem quite dramatic but are not unusual in the early weeks of pregnancy. Hang in there, it will level off.

Week 7: You may start feeling pregnant at this point. You might start wanting to eat a bit more unless you are suffering from a lot of morning sickness.

You will be tired more often and nausea is likely to be a daily thing at this point. You may find that you are retaining water and your clothes may be 8

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fitting a little more tightly.

Week 8: Cravings may be ramped up around this time and you may find yourself wanting strange things. Nausea is still ongoing as is frequent urination. You may have some insomnia as well as waking at night to use the bathroom. Fatigue is ongoing and not helped by the broken sleep.

Week 9: Nausea, urination and fatigue are still on the cards around now.

Add in a little dizziness especially if you stand up too quickly as your blood volume increases. You may have some new cravings and find that many foods and drinks you previously enjoyed will have you running to the bathroom due to extreme nausea or you may simply not like them anymore.

Week 10: You may start showing at this point but not hugely. Your clothing may fit tighter and you may be retaining fluids. You may feel some cramps in the uterine area as things start to stretch down there.

Week 11: As you head into the last week of the first trimester, the mood swings and extreme nausea start settling down a bit. This is usually the week that parents-to-be start deciding on who to reveal the pregnancy to.

Some people may have guessed by this point especially if you were hard hit by some of the symptoms in the previous weeks.

Week 12: This marks the start of the second trimester. Some of the symptoms from the previous weeks may have dissipated by now, but there is more to come. You may start experiencing headaches more frequently as well as reflux and heartburn symptoms. You would also usually have your first ultrasound around this time.

Week 13: Your sex drive may have picked back up as nausea and vomiting becomes a thing of the past for most expectant mums. Your moods and emotions may seem a bit more normal at this point and you are likely to have an upswing in mood at this point. You may have the healthy glow going on and people may be starting to notice a slight swelling.

Week 14: Your energy is higher than in the previous months and you may feel a bit nesty at this point. You will feel the need to start getting things ready and might even spring clean a bit while you have the extra energy in preparation for the little one’s arrival. You may start experiencing cramping more often now, especially in the legs. This is often at night so you might want to relax a bit in the bath before bedtime to try and reduce the potential for night cramps.

Week 15: You might have a higher libido around this time as the blood JUNE 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #105

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flow has increased quite a lot in your body at this point. The extra energy you have around now might have you wanting more intimacy from your partner, especially if the nausea is over and done with. Not all women want more affection while pregnant and how much or how little you want is completely up to you. Make sure you are making good nutritional choices and getting some exercise as well.

Week 16: You may be noticing a bit more cramping or tugging pains in the uterus as it swells to make room for the baby to grow. While you might not have felt your baby move yet, it can hear at this point, so go ahead and sing or talk to your little one so he or she gets used to your voice. Let your partner do the same if they want to.

Week 17: By this point most mums-to-be will have a little pregnancy bump.

You may have some added backache now. Remember to be more careful with movement as your centre of gravity is different now. Try and maintain a good posture to cut down on backache and strain. Try and keep up with a bit of daily exercise and good nutrition.

Week 18: You might find it more comfortable to sleep on your side as sleeping on your stomach or back starts to become very uncomfortable around now. Your bump is getting bigger and you are likely to notice some swollen veins or more prominent veins in areas such as your breasts and legs. You may also notice your hands and feet feeling more swollen. At this point in the pregnancy, you may be able to find out the gender of your baby during an ultrasound if you want to.

Week 19: Cramps, aches, pains, swelling, headaches and backaches are all on the agenda but at least your energy levels should still be quite high around now. Use this time to prepare for baby coming home, sort out the car, the nursery and so forth while you are a little more energetic.

Week 20: This is officially the halfway mark, but the expected date of arrival is not always accurate. You are likely to start feeling some movement from your baby and your belly is quite obvious in most cases.

Week 21: Continue to do some light exercise and make sure you are eating well. Try and rest during the day for short periods and put your feet up to relieve pressure on your legs and feet. This will also help if you have started developing varicose veins. Make sure you stay cool and hydrated.

Week 22: You may have to be helped up from low seats and sitting and bending may become more difficult around now. You have to be more careful as the growing belly shifts your centre of gravity even more. You 10

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may find that you are not able to breathe as deeply as you are used to, and your exercise regime may change to compensate for this too. You may start experiencing “false labour” or Braxton Hicks contractions from around this point in the pregnancy. Your belly might go tight and then release.

These contractions will not increase in frequency and will usually stop after a short period. If you are concerned at any point, speak to your doctor or midwife.

Week 23: Up your potassium levels by eating bananas to help with leg cramps around this point in the pregnancy. Make sure you are hydrated and taking supplements if needed. You might want to look into birth classes around this point too so you can start putting together your birth plan.

Week 24: You may have some pelvic discomfort as the ligaments start stretching. You may undergo a test at your doctor to check for gestational diabetes in this week as well. Water exercise can help relieve some of the pain and swelling while enabling you to do movement with less impact.

Week 25: Constipation is often a problem around this time, and you need to ensure you are hydrated and eating food rich in fibre. Many women also experience hair loss starting around this point in the pregnancy. It usually resolves on its own once hormones settle down after the birth of the baby.

Week 26: This is when “pregnancy brain” becomes a thing. You may find that your short-term memory is not as sharp as it usually is, and insomnia can often make it a lot worse. There is swelling in your hands, feet as well as a burgeoning belly. You may have headaches, backaches and all the other aches that come along with carrying a baby. Make sure to report anything out of the ordinary, especially raised blood pressure.

Week 27: Frequent urination and even feeling the need to expel excess air from the body is common at this point in the pregnancy. Frequent leg cramps, restless leg syndrome, insomnia and broken sleep due to the need to urinate is part and parcel of this point in the pregnancy.

Week 28: You may be experiencing Braxton Hicks more often but you are likely to know they aren’t labour symptoms at this point. They may feel stronger and may be experienced for longer periods of time but will not increase in frequency. Start getting your bags ready for your specific birth plan so you have everything ready to go when you are.

Week 29: Finally, into the last trimester. Start looking at attending birthing classes and discuss your birthing plan with your midwife or doctor (or doula if you decide to have one). Try rest up as much as you can, especially JUNE 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #105

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if you have swollen veins. Start relaxing a little more and start preparing for the imminent arrival of your baby.

Week 30: You may start experiencing significant mood swings again around now. Your belly will be very hard to hide, and you may start feeling some pain around the ribcage and chest area as your uterus is pushed upward.

Frequent urination is constant, and a sudden kick is likely to result in needing a quick bathroom break.

Week 31: Your baby is taking up a lot of space and may impact on your ability to take deep breaths. You may get out of breath quicker and you need to constantly be aware of your posture and centre of gravity from this point on. Make sure you are staying hydrated and breathing in as deeply as possible. Some mums-to-be enjoy some meditation from this point to relax and concentrate on deep breathing. If there is any severe swelling, frequent headaches or high blood pressure, make sure that you inform your doctor or midwife immediately.

Week 32: You should have started attending your birth classes at this point.

You may start feeling fatigued a lot more often and find that you have shortness of breath. While this is common, it could also point to an iron deficiency. If so, your caregiver may suggest supplements. Iron supplements can increase constipation, so ensure your liquid and fibre intake is adequate to prevent this.

Week 33: Time to start getting your birth plan in place. You should be attending birthing classes around this time to help you prepare for your new arrival. You will be experiencing many of the same symptoms as per the last 2 or 3 weeks but still be carrying a little heavier as your little one puts on weight.

Week 34: You may find it difficult to bend and breathing may even seem a hard task as your baby grows and pushes up against the lungs. Your stomach and intestines are also feeling the crunch so you may have more heartburn, reflux and indigestion. You might have to eat more frequent, smaller meals as big meals will make you feel uncomfortable. Movement may be harder, and you are likely to feel a foot in all sorts of uncomfortable places from inside the womb. Gentle massage, relaxed stretching and nice warm baths can help a bit with the aches and cramps.

Week 35: More of the same, just a little bigger. Baby’s movement may be seen as well as felt and you may be yearning for this all to be done with around now.

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Week 36: Your baby is probably in position and the head may engage. This can cause you to waddle when you walk. There is a lot of pressure on the ligaments as well as the bladder. Gentle movement is okay but try and rest and put your feet up often. Don’t plan for anything too strenuous.

Week 37: You may start feeling very fatigued. There may also be an increase in varicose veins, and you might find it difficult to stand for long periods.

Plan to rest often during this time. The backaches, pains and cramps are very common, and you may start feeling quite restless. Labour can happen anytime from now quite naturally. If you are having Braxton Hicks, make sure to time the contractions, as you never know when it may be the real thing.

Week 38: Swollen feet and hands is very common. You may find that aches and pains get worse if you move suddenly. Take it slow and easy as you prepare for the big day. Having diarrhoea is quite common in the lead up to labour as there are a variety of changes happening in the hormones in your body.

Week 39: You may start anxiously anticipating labour at this point.

Anticipation of water breaking, labour pains and a bloody show (the mucus plug) are on the cards as you move into the final week.

Week 40: If your baby arrives on the due date, congratulations, you are one of only 3% of mums that have their babies on the expected date. Your baby may come this week but may not. You might be ready, but your little one might not be as yet. If your baby hasn’t arrived in 2 weeks past due date, your caregiver might suggest an induction. Make sure to be informed of the risks and benefits of an induction when your baby is past due date.

Week 41: It’s a waiting game and your emotions may be all over the place at this point. Maybe you are lucky, and baby decides to enter the world around now. If not, next week you may have to make some decisions into hastening the arrival of your little treasure. Rest as much as you can. Where possible, spend some time in warm water to take the pressure off your legs and joints.

Week 42: Most pregnancies do not go beyond this point. Discuss options with your doctor. They may suggest that you and baby are monitored via machines to make sure all is well. Once baby arrives, all the stress and strain and aches and pains seem to disappear when you first take a look at that sweet little angel you have waited to meet for so long.

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NORMAL OR NOT?

BLEEDING IN PREGNANCY:

Written By: Caroline Meyer

In the first trimester your body will be going through a lot of changes. You may be experiencing all sorts of things for the first time. While some bleeding is common during this period, it can raise anxiety levels and cause concern especially if it is the first pregnancy.

Around a quarter of women will experience bleeding during the first 12 weeks. This is usually spotting or a very light bleed but can still cause worry of a miscarriage or that something is wrong.

In general, light bleeding in early pregnancy is nothing to worry about, but it is always good to get a medical opinion if there is some bleeding, especially if it is more than just spotting. If the bleed is heavier than just a few spots, then urgent medical attention is advised. If the bleeding is accompanied by any other symptoms, even if it is just light spotting, you should still book a check-up with your doctor or midwife to make sure everything is okay.

Most of the women that do experience spotting will find it occurs around the 4 to 7-week mark. This can also lead women to think they are having a menstrual period and they may not realise they are indeed pregnant. More than half of pregnancies are not planned and often the first signs may just be mistaken for menstrual symptoms. Fatigue, tender breasts, feeling a bit bloated could be misconstrued as the lead up to a period, especially if the spotting starts soon after. This can result in women not knowing they are pregnant until much later in the trimester.

If you are trying to fall pregnant and have had the results confirmed, bleeding in the early stages can be quite worrying. If there is pain or fever along with the bleeding, treat it as serious and consult your health care provider.

Bleeding during early pregnancy can be caused from the fertilised egg attaching to the uterus. It can also be caused from infection or after intercourse as the uterus is a lot more sensitive at this point.

Implantation bleeding is the most common cause and would usually happen close to the time that your next period may be expected. The burrowing of the egg into the lining of the uterus is the cause of the light spotting. The blood that is expelled ranges from pale pink to a reddish brown and will be a lot lighter than a normal period. If there is heavy flow, there is likely to be another cause.

That being said, some women will experience menstruation-like bleeding for 2 to 3 months after falling pregnant and may not realise they are expecting until many of the other pregnancy symptoms start to appear. This is referred to as decidual bleeding. It is not a normal menstrual period but may appear similar in length and quantity of flow as some of the lining of the uterus is shed, similar to the usual period flow. This does not happen very often as the hormones released when pregnant prevent a normal menstrual period in most cases.

If you experience additional symptoms such as cramping, pain, blood clots being shed, fevers or anything out of the ordinary along with the bleeding, you should speak to your doctor or midwife to check if everything is okay. Of the 25% of women that experience bleeding during pregnancy, more than half of them proceed normally with the pregnancy after the first 3 to 4 months. Some do however end up with issues that need to be treated. It is always good to be on the safe side and make sure everything is going smoothly with your pregnancy. If you have any concerns at all, get them checked out as soon as possible. While light bleeding is a lot more common and generally of minimal concern, heavy bleeding during pregnancy can signify a lot more serious issue.

Some of the issues related to heavy bleeding in pregnancy include miscarriage which is usually accompanied by back pain, cramping and blood clots. If you experience these symptoms you will need 16

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to be attended to by your doctor for aftercare to prevent infection and to make sure everything else is okay. You may want to attend counselling as well to help you through the loss.

“ Implantation bleeding is the most common cause and would usually happen close to the time that your next period may be expected �

Another reason for heavy bleeding can be due to inflammation or infection of the cervix or tumours in the region of the cervix. An ectopic pregnancy, where the fertilised egg attempts to grow outside of the uterus, often in the fallopian tubes can cause heavy bleeding accompanied by abdominal pain which can gradually become worse and worse. This needs urgent treatment as it is not a viable pregnancy and can cause further damage if allowed to continue.

Another cause is a sub chorionic haemorrhage.

This is where blood collects in between the gestational sack and the wall of the uterus. In most cases the blood is reabsorbed into the body without any ill effects. Occasionally this can result in clots being passed along with heavy bleeding. One of the rarer conditions that can cause heavy bleeding is a molar pregnancy is a molar pregnancy. This is when the cells that should form the placenta and develop into a foetus develop abnormally. You may still experience morning sickness which may be a lot more severe than usual as these cells produce added pregnancy hormones. It is important that you do not ignore these symptoms and seek treatment straight away. If you have concerns due to heavy bleeding or even spotting at any point in your pregnancy, you should contact your doctor or midwife so they can assess the severity of the situation and advise you on next steps.

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HEADACHES

IN EARLY PREGNANCY written by: CAROLINE MEYER

Almost everyone will experience some form of a headache in their lives. There are many reasons for headaches and in most instances, they are easy to address and cure. Some women however, experience numerous headaches during the early months of pregnancy. Headaches can occur daily and can be exacerbated by many of the other symptoms that they may be experiencing during this time such as morning sickness. There headaches can range from mild pain to the level of a migraine. How do you know if you need to be concerned?

During the first 3 months or so of pregnancy, the level of blood in the body increases, hormone levels change dramatically which are some of the main reasons for headaches during this time. Headaches can also be enhanced by factors such as dehydration, stress, fatigue, poor posture, withdrawals from nicotine and caffeine and low blood sugar.

Headaches are fairly common during the first trimester and most women will suffer headaches a lot more often than usual from the fourth week through to around the 12th week of pregnancy. From the start of the major hormonal changes, the headaches may become more pronounced. If you usually suffer from headaches, they may become more frequent and more painful. The headaches can occur in spots all over the head or feel like the entire head is affected.

Most of the time, these types of headaches are a localised dull ache but can occur as throbbing pains or even sharp pains in different parts of the head. These headaches are generally not accompanied by other symptoms, unlike a migraine that can bring on a variety of added issues.

Your headaches can be brought on by vomiting or a dropin blood sugar due to not having anything in your stomach.

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You also need to ensure you drink enough fluids to hydrate your body as dehydration can lead to headaches as well.

Increased urination as well as morning sickness can lead to lowered fluid levels in the body which need to be replaced.

Anxiety and stress can add to the headaches over and above the normal changes happening in your body. Changes in sleep habits as well as having too little or too much sleep can bring on a headache. Withdrawals from caffeine or nicotine can make your head hurt all on their own as well.

Don’t jump into a new exercise regime or increasing your current one without talking to your doctor first. Although exercise is very important, you need to be gentle in your approach while you are pregnant. Intense workouts can result in headaches as well.

Migraine sufferers often find some relief during pregnancy.

There is a belief that this may be due to increased oestrogen levels which may have an effect on migraines. If you have migraines that are brought on by certain foods, you should still avoid these during the pregnancy to avoid triggering the migraines. Some foods that can cause migraines in sufferers include alcohol, chocolate, caffeine products, aged meats and cheeses, spicy food, citrus fruits, monosodium glutamate and aspartame. Make sure to keep checking the labels as many foods contain some of these items which can cause a migraine to kick in.

During the first trimester, headaches are usually nothing to worry about. Try and avoid many of the problems that can trigger the headaches as far as possible to avoid bringing them on. If you continue experiencing high levels of headache occurrence into the second and third trimester or at any point after the 13th week, contact your medical caregiver to check for issues such as preeclampsia. If you are concerned about headaches at any point, even in the first JUNE 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #105

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few weeks, discuss the issue with your doctor so they can give you a check-up and make sure everything is okay.

Some of the common remedies for headaches in the first trimester include relaxation techniques such as acupuncture, acupressure or having a soak in the bathtub.

Try massage or yoga to relax and stretch you and relieve some of the tension in the back and neck that can bring on headaches. An icepack or cold compress on the back of the neck can help relieve a bad headache. Just resting in a room that is dark and quite can sometimes help a headache lift. Try some aromatherapy using lavender or peppermint in an oil burner or similar but don’t apply it to your skin or ingest the oils in any way. If the headaches are due to poor posture, you can try working with a specialist to help improve alignment and posture to reduce the headaches.

If you are trying to stop smoking or want to cut out substances such as caffeine, speak to your doctor about the best methods. It may be extremely difficult to cut the substances out instantly without some withdrawal symptoms. Don’t jump into strenuous exercise, especially if you did not exercise regularly before becoming pregnant.

Make sure you have a good sleep cycle and aim for 8 hours a night. In the early days, you may feel fatigued during the day. If possible, half a half hour nap midday to help you cope. If you have severe morning sickness you might want to go from 3 meals to many small meals during the day instead so you can try and keep some food down. Eat what you can but try and include proteins and healthy fats as these can sustain you for longer and prevent blood sugar spikes and drops.

Try and increase your hydration during the day and drink water as far as possible. Reduce your intake in the evening 22

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to prevent you having to get up to urinate during the night as much. If you have been experiencing dehydration and even severe morning sickness, you may want to look at adding electrolytes to the water you are drinking to improve your hydration. Speak to your doctor if you feel the need for improved hydration. If these methods do not work and the headaches are not able to be relieved in a natural way, you may want to speak to your doctor about medication.

Ibuprofen and aspirin are not usually recommended. Your doctor will prescribe a medication that is safe to use during pregnancy. This will also give him the opportunity for a full check-up to ensure nothing else is going on.

While headaches are fairly common during this time, if you find the frequency and intensity increases or you are unable to relieve them with any method, you should speak to your medical caregivers. If there are added symptoms such as pain in the abdomen, balance problems, blurred vision, trouble speaking or swelling you should contact your doctor as soon as possible. If the headaches come on or change depending on a change in your posture such as if the headache comes on when your sit up or stand up or cause you to wake up due to the pain, you should consult your doctor. If you feel feverish or may have been exposed to an infectious disease, speak to your doctor about an appointment for a check-up. Other than the above, if you are concerned at any point in your pregnancy, you should always contact your doctor or midwife. They can assess the severity and can decide whether further testing may be needed. They can answer your questions and assist you with getting help with relieving the headaches.

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LITTLE INNOSCENTS NOURISHING OIL AND ITS MANY USES!!

At this time of year with winter creeping up, dry skin is something you expect, but don’t necessarily like.

Dry skin can be very uncomfortable and can be identified by itchy, cracked and flaky skin. Dry skin can affect any part of the body including your arms, legs, hands and torso. Even if you have naturally oily skin, your skin can still dry out from time to time.

Why You Get Dry Skin?

Some common reasons of why you might develop dry skin may include: • Pregnancy – It’s common for pregnant women to develop dry skin. Changes in hormones and the skin stretching contribute to moisture loss which results in dry skin.

• Lifestyle Changes – changing products (bodywash, moisturisers, shampoo etc) and or changing your diet can affect the skin and cause it to dry out.

• The Season – during the cooler months, humidity levels are lower which can dry out the skin.

• Your Age - as you age, your pores produce less oil which can result in dry skin. Babies on the other hand, have sensitive skin that has to adjust to the outside world’s environment, which can also cause dry skin.

• Bathing Routines – washing frequently or with very hot water can increase the risk of drying out your skin.

• Medical Conditions – if you have eczema or allergic contact dermatitis this can also dry out your skin.

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Why Use Body Oils To Treat Dry Skin There are many options on how to treat dry skin and for many years oil free formulas were all the rage. Well, this is not the case anymore. Body and face oils are making a big comeback and the reasons are simple, they deeply nourish and help your skin to retain its natural moisture.

Body and face oils are an intensive and protective moisturising option to creams. They allow your upper layers of skin to soak up the nourishment, while also penetrating the deeper layers of skin to enhance your skin’s quality. This combination leaves your skin with a healthier, smoother and more supple appearance and feel.

How To Use A Body Oil For Best Results Body oils are light weight and are easy to use. For the best results it’s best to apply body oil to clean, exfoliated skin. You can apply body oil just as you would moisturiser, pour a small amount into your hands and rub into your skin but remember to not over oil.

You can also add body oil to a bath for an extra moisturising experience. Add a few drops of body oil into a warm bath and soak for up to 15-30 mins. When you get out of the bath you apply a small amount of oil to your damp skin for extra moisture.

It’s always best to let the oil to soak into the skin for a few minutes before dressing so that your skin has a chance to properly absorb the oil.

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So, What Oil Should You Use? With so many body oil options out there, choosing a body oil that suits the whole family can make life that little bit simpler.

We love the Little Innoscents Nourishing Oil. This is the only oil you’ll need to cover everyone from newborn bub to the adults of the house. The Little Innoscents Nourishing Oil is a multi-use product that can be used for: • • • •

Mother and baby massages During pregnancy to reduce stretch marks To soothe and reduce cradle cap To ease dry and irritated skin

It is a nutrient-rich oil with a natural combination of Sunflower and Jojoba oil infused with the heavenly scents of Spearmint, Sweet Orange, Lavender and Lemongrass essential oils.

The Little Innoscents Nourishing Oil is super light and easily absorbed into the skin to deeply nourish. It is a certified organic skincare product which is independently audited, comes with a guarantee that it is cruelty free and is a vegan friendly product.

Best of all, it is proudly made in Australia by an Australian owned company.

For further information, feel free to visit: littleinnoscents.com.au It’s also now available instore and online at Chemist Warehouse, simply visit: chemistwarehouse.com.au JUNE 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #105

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FALSE POSITIVE PREGNANCY WRITEN BY: CAROLINE MEYER

False negatives are very common in early pregnancy when the hormone levels may not yet be high enough to detect in urine samples, but what is a false positive?

Sometimes a home pregnancy test will show a positive, when in fact you are not pregnant.

You may do the test and then two or three days later you have a normal period. A blood test, which is a better indicator, will show that there are no pregnancy hormones showing up in your blood. This can be sad and frustrating, especially if you are trying to conceive. It can also be quite shocking when you are not wanting to get pregnant to get a false positive, even though the later result may be a relief.

While most home pregnancy tests are quite accurate, they still have around a 3% error margin. That means out of every 100 home pregnancy tests done, 3 will show as inconclusive or as a false positive or false negative. A false negative is a lot more common than a false positive though. A blood test is always recommended to make sure that you are pregnant.

The home pregnancy test checks for the hCG hormone (human chorionic gonadotropin) in the urine sample. When you are pregnant your body will start producing the hormone as soon as the egg has implanted on to the 32

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uterine wall. These cells become the placenta eventually and this is where the secretion of hCG comes from. If you take the test and show positive but start your period shortly afterwards, you are not likely to be pregnant.

Even when you are not pregnant, you do secrete a small amount of hCG but this is usually far lower than can be detected by a home pregnancy test.

A false positive can be due to using the test incorrectly and not following the manufacturer’s instructions as given. You also need to ensure that the cup used to collect the urine is completely sterile unless it is a midstream stick test, which just needs to be dipped in, mid-flow. Even cleaning product residue in the collection container can cause the test to give an incorrect result. You also need to ensure that the test is left for the right amount of time before checking the result.

Too early can show a false negative and too long can give a false positive. After a long period, you may see a faint evaporation line which could wrongly be assessed as a positive pregnancy result.

During the time period the result is pending, the test should not be left in areas of high or low humidity or in an area which is hot or cold. Too high temps or large fluctuations in moisture can also cause incorrect readings.

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Check the instruction manual on how to collect the urine, the best conditions for an accurate result and how long to wait.

If you are on medication or hormone treatments that contain hCG you may also experience a false positive. Many fertility drugs contain hCG and can cause a false reading on the pregnancy test. Certain anxiety medications such as Xanax and Valium may also result in an incorrect positive reading on the pregnancy test. Diuretics, anticonvulsants and antipsychotics can also affect the test.

Parkinson’s disease medication is also known to give a false reading.

One of the other reasons you may experience a false positive is if you use an expired test.

Check the box for an expiry before using as it is potentially less effective after the printed expiry date. Many people buy more than one kit or even a bulk lot, especially when they are trying to conceive. They may use one or two and the rest are probably not discarded and may stay in the cupboard for a long period of time. Using these older test packs may mean that the readings are not accurate and could result in a false positive.

Recent termination of pregnancy, a recent birth or a miscarriage may result in there still being hCG in your body which can be the result of a false positive reading. It is recommended 34

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that you wait sometime after experiencing any of the above to allow for the hCG levels to drop off before doing a home pregnancy test. The tests can possibly pick up low levels of hCG even weeks afterwards as they are usually quite sensitive to the hormone.

High protein levels in the urine can also create a situation that leads to a false positive reading in a home pregnancy test. This is usually due to medical conditions such as kidney disease, ovarian issues such as cysts, tumours or cancer or problems with your pituitary gland.

In very rare cases, an ectopic pregnancy can occur. This is when the egg implants outside of the uterus or does not exit the fallopian tube properly. Your body will produce hCG even though the pregnancy is not viable and cannot be carried to term.

A false reading on a home pregnancy test is fairly uncommon and it is always recommended that you get a blood test to confirm the suspected pregnancy. A false positive can cause mental anguish, especially in people that are struggling to conceive. If you feel you need help, speak to your doctor about support groups or therapy to help you overcome the pain you may be feeling.

They may also recommend medication if it necessary.

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BOOK e

v

i

e

w

s

by: Amy Adeney from Busy Bookworms

r

MR. BROWN’S BAD DAY

BY LOU PEACOCK AND ALI SON FRI E N D Mr Brown is a Very Importa nt T i ge r who works in a Very Important Of f i c e . H e c ar r i e s a Very Important Brief case a nd d oe s V e r y Important Things all day lon g. B ut whe n his Very Important Brief case goe s m i ssi ng, Mr Brown’s world is turned up si d e d own.

He goes on a VERY wild chase al l ov e r t own, but will he ever get his bri e f c ase b ac k ?

And what about the Very Impor t ant T hi ngs inside?

C h ild ren a ged t h ree a n d u p wi l l l o v e th e exc it emen t of M r Brown ’s c h a s e, a n d th e lov ely messa ge a b ou t t h e p r ec i o u s th i n g s t h a t a re most imp ort a n t t o u s.

B AD CAT !

BY N I CO L A O ’B Y R N E Fluf f y k i n s i s a lo vely c at . H e wouldn’t do a n y th i n g n a u g h t y . . . w o u l d he? But w ha t ’s th i s ? He’ s kn o c ked o ver t he f lowers, t a n g l e d u p a l l t h e kn it t in g , b en t the blinds, t ro d d e n o n t h e lap t o p AND s c r atched the so f a . . . a n d h e w o n ’ t s ay s o r ry. What a ba d c a t! W h a t ever w ill Flu ffykin s do next?

T his w i t ty a nd pe rfe ctly-pace d st ory b y award-winning author-illus trator N ic ola O ’ By r n e r e v e ls in all the mayhe m of liv in g w it h a f e l i n e frie nd. Purr-fect f or sh a rin g w it h ca t - l o v e rs aged tw o and up.

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ABI G AI L AN D T H E R E ST LE S S R AI N D R O P

BY MATTHEW CUNNI NGHAM AND SA RA H W I LKI NS Abigail is a curious little girl . S he l i k e s to discover the answers to r e al l y B I G questions. One rainy morning, she t hi nk s of a question that’s SO BIG she c an’ t concentrate on anything else unt i l she knows the answer. How did the wat e r ge t i n the clouds? In this engaging stor y , r e ad e r s join Abigail on a rainy- day adv e nt ur e t o explore the marvellous moveme nt of wat e r around the Earth.

Id ea l for c h ild ren a ged t h ree a n d u p wh o l o v e t o a sk q u est ion s, Ab iga il a n d th e R es tl es s R a in d rop is a n exq u isit ely illu s tr a ted a n d b ea u t if u l b ed t ime st ory d ou b l i n g a s a n in t rod u c t ion t o t h e h y d rologic (wa ter ) c y c l e.

YOGA ANIMALS

BY CH RI S T I A N E K E R R A N D JU L IA GREEN W r it t en b y a c hild r en ’ s yo g a exp ert, this i s t he s t o r y of a s lu g g is h b ea r w h o wakes u p f ro m a d e e p s leep a n d n eed s a good s t r e t ch to g e t h is en er g y b a c k aft er a long n a p. R e a d e r s t h en fo llo w Bear as he goes a bo ut h i s d a y an d lear n s s o me fun yoga p o se s a l o n g th e w ay! Ch ild r en a r e shown h o w t o s t r e tc h , b a la n c e, r ea c h a nd leap wit h B e a r a s h e m eet s s o m e fo r es t friends who te a c h h i m h o w t o b o o s t h is energy, s t a y c a l m a n d p o s it ive, an d r elax, using y o ga .

Fille d w i t h a d o r able artwork and s imple, st ep by - st e p g u i d e s , Y oga A nimals is a c h a rmin g i n t ro d u ct i o n to yoga and mindfuln ess f or ch ild re n a g e d three and up.

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QUESTIONS YOU

U CAN’T AVOID WRITTEN BY: CAROLINE MEYER

You can avoid the questions in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy by not telling too many people about it until you start to show. While it is very exciting and you may be wanting to tell everyone immediately when you first get confirmation, you might want to reconsider how many people you tell to avoid the questions you are sure to be asked again and again. This can become tedious very quickly.

One of the many questions you will be asked on a continuous basis is when you are due. A due date is just an estimate and only 3% of babies actually arrived on their predicted due date. So why this question is still being asked obsessively is anyone’s guess. You may be tempted to give a due month and leave it at that. It’s guaranteed you are still going to be asked this question numerous times during your pregnancy.

While gender reveal parties have been all the rage for a while now, not everyone actually wants to know before giving birth. Be prepared to face the question of “Do you know what it is?” many, many times from people speculating the gender of your unborn child. Resist the temptation xstruggle to fight the urge to be sarcastic. It’s fine to say that you want to wait to find out and have the gender be a happy surprise.

Prepare your lists in advance and be prepared to stick to your guns when it comes to baby names.

You are going to be asked many times before your baby joins the world what their name is likely to be. It doesn’t really matter what name you have chosen; someone is not going to like it 42

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or is going to tell a horror story of someone they know that had that name. Sometimes your safest bet is to say that you haven’t decided on one yet and reveal the name after the birth certificate has been signed. That way no one can try to persuade you to name your sweet baby after that long-lost aunt that no one really liked in the first place.

It does not matter how long you and your partner have been together or what your circumstances are, someone is going to ask if the pregnancy was planned. This is an extremely personal question and yet even strangers might ask you the question. You don’t have to give in to their curiosity. You don’t need to reveal your sex life or family planning to anyone you. This is an awkward and discomforting question and you can choose to ignore it.

One of the even more personal things that you can get asked during your pregnancy is whether or not someone can touch the bump. While it may be considered good luck, you may not always want someone’s grubby hands stroking your belly. Some will even try and do it without asking first, which is an invasion of private space and to be honest rather creepy. It is your body, your belly and your consent is needed for it to be touched. It is perfectly acceptable to say no or to tell people that touch you without your consent that it is not okay.

Before your baby arrives, you will already start getting people asking about your future career prospects and plans. You haven’t even gone on maternity leave yet and people will be asking JUNE 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #105

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when you are planning on going back to work and who will take care of the baby. Rest assured, while you may already have started thinking about it, you don’t have to make these decisions as yet. Plans may also change in the future. If you want to share your plans, that’s okay too, but don’t feel obligated to lay out your plans for the next 18 years to anyone that asks.

You might not have even thought about a parenting style yet or whether you are going to breastfeed or bottle feed your babies. You are still going to have someone tell you that you are doing it all wrong. You can do all the research you want and make all the plans you want; someone will tell you they know better. To be honest, many of the plans you make before having your little one will most likely change when your little one arrives, but that is just fine too. You don’t have to respond to questions or even take advice when it comes to raising your baby unless they are from a medical professional.

Do you think you should do, eat, try be doing… that? You are going to get this over and over again during your pregnancy. Your exercise regime, your diet, even your fashion sense seems to be open for discussion when you are carrying a baby.

It seems people think you have gone from being a person to being a walking incubator. If your doctor says it is okay and you feel comfortable doing it, go right ahead. Let the busybodies shake their heads.

Do you feel okay? Probably not. People will ask about your health a lot when you are pregnant, 44

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but rest assured, they are not really wanting to know how many times you threw up from the morning sickness or how often you walked back to the bathroom just two minutes after leaving it.

Maybe some of them do to put themselves off the process, but most just want to hear how happy and glowing you are, just all the time! Know that it is okay to feel uncomfortable and if someone did not want to know about your haemorrhoids, they shouldn’t have asked. Reveal as much or as little as you want to. It is your body after all.

One of the most annoying but also frequently asked questions is if you are ready for the baby. This is one that can strike fear and panic, especially into new mums. What does being all ready mean? You may have all the clothes and accessories ready, but is that enough? Planning for baby and getting ready for the new arrival can be overwhelming. Don’t let it get to you. Prepare as best you can and sort the rest out as you go along. You will never be “all ready” but that’s just fine too.

These are just a few of the many questions you will be asked for the 40 weeks you are expecting, but it won’t end there either. Without being rude, you can learn to deflect the questions or simply say you are not comfortable answering them. You do not have to reveal private or even intimate information to random strangers suddenly just because you are carrying a new life inside you.

You choose how much you want to say and who you want to say it to. Enjoy your pregnancy your way.

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WHEN SHOULD YOU ATTEND

BIRTH CLASSES? Written by Caroline Meyer

Antenatal classes are also known as birth classes or pregnancy classes. In these classes you can learn a lot about pregnancy and childbirth. This will also assist you in deciding on a birth plan and making you feel a little less stressed about the birth of your child. Once you know what to expect, it can be a lot easier to contemplate labour and birth. You can f ind one on one classes, hospital-based classes, independent classes or ones that are focused on something in particular. Look around and see what is available locally before you decide. You can even take online classes if there are no physical classes available.

Different classes will present different things, but here are a few of the lessons that may be taught in most antenatal classes.

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You may get a tour of the hospital if it is a hospital-based class. They will also advise on their policies. You can lear n about the different options that may be available as well as what to expect during the labour and bir th. They will generally r un through some of the invitro development of your baby and answer any questions related to this.

They will then usually discuss some of the early parenting skills such as breastfeeding, bathing baby and more. You can discuss what is taught in the classes you have chosen to attend as many have their own focus and agendas. Research has shown that women that attend bir th classes are likely to have much better bir th outcomes in general than those that don’t. Do some research and make sure you book in advance to ensure you have a place in the class you choose. Once you have decided on a bir th plan, you might want to look at classes that specialise in the type of bir th you are hoping for. Tr y and ensure that you have booked your classes before you are around 24 weeks of pregnancy. Your classes should star t at around 30 to 32 weeks. This will give you enough time to practise what you have been taught in class and allows you to ask any questions and process it before the actual labour.

This also gives you enough time to f inalise the type of bir th you are wanting and to discuss it with your doctor or midwife. This means you still have a little time to change what you want JUNE 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #105

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and still be able to prepare adequately. This also helps you have something in place should your baby come a little earlier than expected.

You might also not want to attend classes at 36 to 40 weeks if you are feeling uncomfor table and don’t want to go out for extended periods of time. Doing the classes earlier means you don’t need to attend in the last few weeks but still have all the benef its of having attended the classes.

W hile it is possible to take the classes even earlier, it is more benef icial to take them in the last 8 to 10 weeks to allow you to conf ir m the bir th choices you have decided on, which you might not have in place in the early days.

You are also more likely to have a lot more k nowledge on your pregnancy at this point and it will be easier to remember things that are fresh in your mind when it comes time to bir th your baby.

You may also be a lot more interested in listening to lessons on breastfeeding, bathing and taking care of a newbor n in the last trimester than you would be in the f irst two when you are suffering with mor ning sick ness, tiredness and getting used to car r ying a little person inside you.

Breastfeeding is quite a volatile topic in some circles, but you will most likely be educated on the pros and cons without judgement. The more mums lear n about breastfeeding, the more

common it is becoming but for those who choose not to, bottle feeding is an option and may also be discussed in these classes.

Focused groups allow women with high risk pregnancies to get more infor mation and be infor med on the possible risks and how to mitigate them as far as possible. This can lead to a much more positive bir th experience as well. These groups may also have options for mums that are expecting multiples or children with potential disabilities. Lear ning more about what can be expected and how to cope can help new mums deal with day to day living after their babies ar rive.

Should you attend classes even after having had a baby or two? It is always your choice, but no two pregnancies are the same and you may want to tr y a different bir thing option or lear n more about what you are experiencing this time around. And even if all your bir ths are pretty straight for ward, there is no har m in br ushing up on your k nowledge. As technology develops, you may f ind that bir thing options change or improve. It is always good to k now what is available to you. It is also a good idea to take your bir thing par tner or spouse with you to the classes. They can lear n what will be happening during the bir th and what to expect. This can also help them suppor t you more effectively during labour and the early days of having a newbor n around.

YOUR BABY IS OVERDUE: WHAT NOW? Written by Caroline Meyer

You were given an approximate due date.

You planned everything around it. The date comes and goes and you don’t go into labour.

Everything else seems fine, but you really just want your little one to enter the world already! Remember that due dates are not exact. As long as baby’s movements remain strong and regular and there are no abrupt changes, all is well for a little while longer. If you have concerns, you should consult your midwife or doctor to make sure everything is fine. Unless there are issues such as the placenta no longer supplying the baby with adequate nutrition and oxygen, you might want to just wait a bit longer to see if nature takes its course.

Once you are overdue, your care giver may do more regular testing and, in some cases, may recommend a caesarean section or an induction of labour. Tests can include an ultrasound to check on the baby as well as the amniotic fluid index. These tests can help to get information on whether it is safe to wait or if labour should be induced. There are many tips and tricks out there on how to bring on labour, but there is no research to show that any of these ideas actually work.

While there is no harm in doing some light exercise, having intimate relations with your 54

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partner or eating a little spicy food, don’t be too disappointed when this doesn’t result in speeding up the process of bringing baby into the world.

What Is an Induction?

An induction is when you are given certain medications or specific tools and techniques are used to make labour start. Almost 25% of Australian women are induced and this normally takes place in a hospital. Your care giver may recommend inductions when: • You have high blood pressure or preeclampsia • Your baby’s heart rate is not stable • Your baby is not developing properly • Your waters have broken but no contractions • You are more than 41 weeks pregnant • There are other health concerns Your midwife or doctor will discuss the need for an induction with you so you are able to decide knowing the benefits and the risks involved to you and your baby. Induction techniques may also be used even when you are in labour if the labour is progressing slowly in order to speed it up. You can also choose not to have this occur if you prefer. You can JUNE 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #105

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weigh all the positives and negatives and then decide for yourself. Most pregnancies do not go past 42 weeks. The risks after this period are increased, but fortunately this is quite rare. If you choose not to be induced, you can discuss with your healthcare provider what options are open to you. They can advise on what they recommend based on the risks to you and your little one, but the ultimate decision in this is still up to you.

An induction would usually start with a vaginal exam to check and see whether or not the cervix is prepared for labour. This can be a little uncomfortable but it is over fairly quickly. If the cervix is not yet ready, you are likely to be given medication to soften the cervix and allow it to open in preparation for birth. There are also other techniques and procedures that may be done to soften the cervix and allow for dilation. These procedures can include oxytocin, prostaglandins, using a balloon catheter to artificially ripen the cervix, rupture of the membranes (breaking the waters) and a membrane sweep. You doctor may use one or a combination of these techniques. Most women feel fine having been induced before giving labour but some may feel a little disappointed that their labour did not start naturally. If you are 56

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feeling unhappy after your baby’s birth due to being induced (or any other reason for that matter) reach out to someone and discuss it.

Often just talking to your partner or a family member can help, but if you feel the need, consult a health care professional.

Some of the risks involved in induced labour include a higher blood loss after birth, requiring more pain relief, the potential for extra assistance such as a vacuum or forceps for delivery, more equipment is needed to monitor you during birth which also restricts movement, higher risk of needing a caesarean and on occasion, the induction may not work and you would need to consider other alternatives. You are also limited to where you can give birth in most instances as water births would not be practical with all the monitoring equipment.

If you are over term and had a birth plan mapped out, discuss your options with your midwife or doctor in order to try and get the birth experience closer to what you had envisioned even if you may need to be induced. Your health and that of your baby is vital and you may need to set aside some of the ideas you had for the birth in order to reduce risks to you and your unborn child.

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INTERIORS

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nursery Photo: Innovate Interiors

Oasis Oval Cot $699 boori.com

Moover Wooden Rocking Horse $169.95 smallable.com

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Florence Rug $289 aurugs.com

Rainbow Stacker And Teether Toy $24.95 jellystonedesigns.com.au

Periwinkle Moon 01 $449 innovateinteriors.com.au

Baby Velvet Cot Comforter $89 lorrainelea.com

Baby Car Pastel $31.95 woodenwonderland.com.au JUNE 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #105

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k i d s Photo: takatomo.de

Little Dutch Wooden Blue Rainbow Toy $60.99 trouva.com

De Kleine Walvis Hardcover $25 amazon.co.uk

Extra Large Rectangle Basket $22 kmart.com.au

Polarb Stacking Train $30 ilovewoodentoys.com.au 66

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Tribe $999 therattancollective.com.au

Home Republic Stonewashed Cotton Clay Sheet From $69.95 adairs.com.au

Lagom Shag Rug $369 aurugs.com

100% Bamboo Sheet Sets $42 etsy.com/au JUNE 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #105

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BUILDING A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR TODDLER Written By: Caroline Meyer

We all want our children to be the best they can be. We want them to grow up and happy and healthy. This includes their mental health and stability. A positive parent-child relationship from an early age helps a child develop in a good way. They can feel safe and secure and know they are loved. Even from very young, the responses to laughing, crying and other signals are the cornerstones of emotional development for little ones. The parent-child relationship has an effect on all aspects of early childhood development.

A positive parent-child relationship requires that a parent (preferably both parents) spend time with their children and actively participate. Running around kicking a ball with your child for 10mins outweighs an hour of sitting on the couch watching TV together. Create an environment of respect and trust where your child can feel loved and safe.

There is no perfect formula and just like any relationship, the one with your child takes work. There will be many up and downs but remaining positive and never giving up on improving your relationship with your child will let your child know they are loved.

Paying attention to your child and being in the moment helps your child feel that you care about the things that are important to them which helps improve your parent-child bond. There are ways of doing this in a positive way without stifling your child’s imagination and creativity. When you play together, at this age, you don’t have to insist on the play being “right”. Games needing rules to play should be left for when they are older. Let them decide how to play with the toys and other items in a creative way. Join in with the creative play and play along. Get involved in their imaginative play. Ask questions and let them explain to you how things work. Let them talk to you about their play as well as what happened during the day. It might take a while, but you may better understand your toddler as well. It may also help you figure out what is going on in their lives and how they see things. This could be important especially if there are behaviour changes which could relate to things that are happening outside of the home. Be loving and supportive and offer hugs and comfort whenever it is needed.

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Let your child decide what to play and then get involved with instead of always deciding what they should play with and when. When they get older, you can even allow bigger decisions such as what to wear and what to have for dinner.

This also build self-esteem and lets them know that they are valued. If they are wanting to talk about how they feel, listen and draw them out to understand them better. They may not always be able to express their emotions, but you can try and get a good idea and react accordingly. Make eye contact with your child and display appropriate facial expressions so they know that you are paying attention while you spend time together. This helps build confidence in your child and a better bond between you.

Make sure to plan one-on-one time with your children.

Group play is great and your children will most likely gain a lot from joint play but some solo time is needed to focus on each child as an individual. No two children are the same and each will have their own needs. Some will need more time with you than others. You will have to assess how best to split your time, without neglecting the needs of each child.

This type of attention helps toddlers build self-confidence, language and much more. Help your child feel secure and important. Be available to your child when they need it.

While you may not be available 24/7, there are times when mum and dad are the only ones that can “fix” things. Pick them up when they fall over. Comfort them when they cry.

Get to know your little person and cherish their individual personalities. Be positive and nurture their interests and be prepared to give them some “hands off” time as well to be themselves, play with their friends and grow on their own as well.

The relationship will change as your little one gets older and continue to change throughout life. Being consistent and offering support along with boundaries and guidelines will help your child throughout their whole lives. Allow the relationship to evolve and change as it needs to and you will certainly have a good relationship with your children for years to come.

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ENCOURAGING LITERACY DEVELOPMENT

Written by: Caroline Meyer

Literacy is the foundation to your child’s education and is vital to their overall development. Literacy is linked to socialisation, productivity in the classroom, developing independence and eventually working and managing money. Before a child even learns reading and writing they have the start with the foundation which includes the ability to listen and understand, speak, draw and watch. To link words that are printed on a page to sounds that are spoken, the connection needs to be established. This can be done by talking about objects in real life as well as pictures on a page.

They learn to link the picture to the words as well as to objects they can touch. They also need to learn words and letters and how they sound and the shape they are.

This can go one step further in to how words rhyme and the different syllables in words. You can help your child develop by encouraging them in all the building blocks that make up the foundation of literacy.

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Some ways you can help encourage your little ones to develop literacy include simply communication with your child. Listen to them, ask questions and respond to theirs. Read to them and point out objects in the books you read. Encourage them to try and name objects in books and in real life. Play with sounds and rhyming words. Get them to join in trying to find words that rhyme. Make it a fun time that you both enjoy. The emotional development will happen on its own in an environment where parents encourage positive learning through play.

What you do for your child in the early years to encourage the right connections in the brain in the area of literacy will make a huge difference for when they start school. These connections that are stimulated are used for thinking, language and understanding, which is essential in the school environment. Singing, talking and reading help the brain establish these connections which are simply vital to a good outcome. You can start stimulating this from a very early age with communicating with your baby with words, sounds and facial expressions. You then increase and complicate the process at an age appropriate rate to help your little ones develop. You can even talk to your baby and wait for a response before you talk again, encouraging a talk-listen response.

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but that doesn’t mean they won’t benefit from a to and fro “conversation” with you. Encourage communication and the brain will be stimulated to make the connections it needs for literacy.

Some easy ways to stimulate the brain besides having conversations with your toddlers includes singing songs. When they are tiny, you can sing to them. When they are toddlers, you can actually encourage them to sing with you.

Nursery rhymes, simple songs or even made up songs are great to encourage participation and help them hear the sounds and how words are put together. Cultural songs are a good way to help little ones learn and appreciate their ancestry while learning language. Talk to your little one as you go about your day. Tell them what you are doing, point out objects and simply allow them to experience and learn that objects have names. Naming objects will include labelling emotions such as happy and sad. They can then describe how they feel and also develop empathy by learning that others experience similar emotions.

Talk to your child about their culture and history. Share stories from when you were young. Let them create stories with you about anything they think is interesting even if it was discovering a bug on the windowsill. Help them learn emphasis by breaking words down and saying each syllable or pronouncing the sounds 76

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individually so they are clear. Encourage your little one to talk and listen to them when they do. Help them learn by trying to answer their questions on their own before you give them the answers. If they have problems with pronunciation of certain words, don’t criticize but instead answer them and pronounce the word clearly so they can learn how to say it.

While it Is essential for your little ones to hear the spoken word, reading literacy starts with reading to your little one. It is never to late or too early to start. You can read to your newborn and continue for as long as your child still wants you to read to them. When they are older, they can follow along and eventually they may even want to read to you. Besides the building blocks of literacy that this produces, it also improves bonding which is always great for a good relationship.

You may also find that you pick up on learning problems earlier if you are involved in encouraging your child’s literacy. This means that you can get professional help sooner and in this way be able to overcome many issues before they hinder the child’s long-term development.

If you have any concerns about your child’s learning abilities or possible problems such as sight or hearing issues, chat to your doctor about getting your child assessed to provide the best possible environment for the child to thrive and grow.

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T O Y r e v i e w s

by: SHEREE HODDINETT

LEAPFROG LULLABY LIGHTS LION $34.95

4/5 E njo y a r a y of c o lo u r wit h t h e Lu llaby Lights Lion plush learning toy. In d ay m od e , enjo y a k a l e i d os c o p e o f c o lo u r w ith each press of Lion’s sof t plastic light -up t um m y .

T he c ol ou r s c h an g e t o t h e five c o l ours on Lion’s mane playing a variety of songs and p hr a s e s to t e a c h s h ap es , c o lo u r s and numbers. Lion also helps your bab y f al l asl e e p wit h f ou r d i f f e r en t s leep t im er o ptions, off ering sof t gentle lullabies; l ul l ab i e s and l ight s ; o r j u s t lig h t s .

Ou r V e r d i ct – W hat could be better t h a n some b righ t f u n a n d en t ert a in ment d u r i n g th e d a y a n d s w e e t mus ic to s end the m of f t o sleep a t n igh t ? Th is lov ely lit t le l i o n n o t o n l y te a c h e s co l o u r s, numbe rs and s hapes wit h a simp le p u sh of t h e t u mmy b u t c a n c o m e i n h a ndy a t n i g h t or eve n at naptime too, f or t h ose lit t le on es wh o n eed some ex tr a s o o th i n g to he a d o f f to s leep. W hile he may n ot roa r t h e h ou se d own (t h a n kfu lly , espec i a l l y wh en i t ’ s t ime t o s l e ep!) , this is one lion t h a t will keep y ou r lit t le on e c on t en t an d h a p p y n o mat t e r th e ti m e of day!

Ava il a bl e F r o m : Ta rget, G ood To y Stor es & Online Retailer s.

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VTECH ACTION CAM HD

$89.95

5/5 T he K i d i z oo m ® Ac t io n Ca m H D is a light and multi- f unctional action c am e r a f or c hildr e n . C a p tu r e g r eat p h o t o s a nd videos in high def inition, choosing f r om l ot s of c o o l v i s u a l e f f e c t s . P la y t h r o u g h t h ree fantastic games, including an augme nt e d r e al i t y g a m e , or c r e a te fu n s t o p m o t io n , slow motion, fast motion and reverse v i d e os. T he Act io n C a m H D feat u r es a wid e-angle lens which you can use to create p r of e ssi onal l o o k in g p h o t o s a n d vid eo s . It a ls o includes a waterproof case and a floati ng m ount so y o u ca n ta k e p ho t o s an d vid eo s in the water. Attach the camera to bicycl e s and m or e wit h t h e i n c l u d ed mo u n t s fo r s u p er action f un.

Ou r v e r d i ct – Y es , s omething the k id s c a n u se f or t a kin g p h ot os t h a t isn ’t a s b r ea k a b l e a s m y p h o n e ! A n d eve n better it can go in t h e p ool wit h t h em t oo! M y girls s eem to h a v e a f a sci n a ti o n with both look ing at a n d t a kin g p h ot os, n ot su re wh ere t h ey g et i t f r o m, e spe ci a l l y w h e n I’ ve alw ays s hie d a wa y from h a v in g p h ot os t a ken . Bu t h a v i n g a c a m er a tha t i s k i d f r i e n dly is always a lifes a v er, a n y t oy t h a t is u n b rea ka b le is a t r u e l i f es a v er ! !

Th e y l o v e i t , e s pe cially be caus e it m ea n s t h ey c a n mu c k a rou n d t a kin g p ho to s o f ea c h ot he r w i th o u t mummy yelling at them t o p u t h er d own . Th ey ju st n eed t o wor k o n ma k i n g the ir p h o t o a t te mpts a little les s blurry , wh a t is it wit h kid s a skin g y ou t o smi l e a n d j u s t wh e n y o u th i n k you have the pe rfe c t p ose, t h ey mov e! Ha h a !

Ava il a bl e F r o m : B i g W , G ood To y Stor es & Online Retailer s

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DADS MATTER! WRITTEN BY LANCE GREEN

There have been many studies done over the years and the impact of fathers has become well documented. In previous years, mothers were in the forefront of most studies when it came to documenting parental impact on children, but over the past couple of decades, there has been a lot more focus on the father figure. It has been shown that kids that grow up with a healthy relationship with a male role model are less likely to end up in jail, more likely to complete their schooling and are also a lot less likely to engage in risky behaviours such as sexual relations from an early age and with multiple partners. These kids are also likely to have more stable relationships when they are older and usually end up in better paying jobs than their peers that did not have a father figure in their lives. The effect can be seen as early as 3 years old, with kids with fathers around having higher IQs and less behavioural problems that those without a strong male role model. Children with fathers that are involved in their lives are also less likely to have psychological issues during their lives than those with no male parental figure or one that is disengaged. Fathers that show interest and actively participate in their children’s lives encourage them to do better. A father figure is important to a child’s overall development.

Until now, although there were some suggestions of it, there was not research put into discovering how important a father is in the upbringing and development of a child.

More and more research is now being directed towards assessing the long term impact of involved fathers vs lack of a male role model or fathers that negatively impact their children through neglect or directed harm both physically and mentally. Some of the results have been very interesting.

Divorces that are not amicable can be very detrimental to children, this may seem quite obvious. However, where the father is still involved in the children’s life, children of all genders and social backgrounds tend to be less aggressive.

Female children in particular display less delinquency when 86

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they have an involved father figure in their lives. The old saying of quality of quantity is especially true when it comes to dad being interested in their children’s lives as well. Just sitting watching TV together is not nearly as good as talking, doing things together, playing a game or showing interest in the child’s hobbies and interests. Active participation is necessary.

It seems that modern fathers in general are wanting to be actively involved in their children’s lives. Society is very encouraging and there is a lot more support available for dads. While active fatherhood almost seems to be a new phenomenon, it is just that there was not as much interest in the subject for studies in the past. Currently, studies are being done at every stage of childhood development in order to get a conclusive finding on parenting where both a male and a female figure are present.

Fatherhood does not start at birth but actually from conception.

The child will inherit genetic matter from the father as well as the mother. This can include risks of genetic disease as well as looks. For potential dads who carry markers for serious genetic ailments, it might be advisable to get genetic counselling before trying to become a dad, especially if the risk is high. For all dads, epigenics is important. This is trying to ensure the switching on of good genes through lifestyle choices and environmental factors. So just as mom has to try and be healthy as possible and kick bad habits before falling pregnant, dad’s lifestyle is equally important to what genes are switched on in the children. Some studies have shown a correlation between alcohol use and poor diet resulting in negative outcomes such as heart defects and high blood sugar in their offspring. Dads also need to take part in parental groups, antenatal classes, be there at check-ups and participate in the labour. This can all help with the parental bond. The earlier dads get involved the better. Dads that JUNE 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #105

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get involved early on tend to be more attached and stay more involved in their children’s lives than those who are not involved during the early stages. Where possible, dads should spend time with the newborn right from the start and take some time off to spend with mom and baby after the birth. Dads should put in the effort right from conception, not only later on when the kids start to walk and talk.

It is not just about showing up, but it is better than being absent, so this would be step one. It is vital that dads attend important events in the children’s lives even if they live apart from the mother of their children. Even if dads can’t be there, they can still stay in contact via video calls, texting, social media or even writing a letter. Children need to know their father cares about them and wants to be part of their lives, even if he cannot always be there physically. It is also important that dads provide for their children in a financial way to try and improve their outcome.

When dads are around their kids it is important to engage with them in a positive way. Show affection and interest and motivate them in a positive way.

Dads who spend a lot of time with their children but who are not engages or are insulting or dismissive towards their children are likely to have a much more negative impact in the long run.

Engaged, positive parenting from both parents goes a long way towards improved development for infants and toddlers. Short term investment for long term rewards. Dad being there from the early part of growth helps improve outcomes in social, emotional and behavioural aspects of early childhood development.

All kids need their dads, so get involved! Your kids will reap the benefits.

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MAKING FRIENDS AS A NEW MUM written by: Caroline Meyer

When we were little, we could just go up to anyone and ask:� Will you be my friend?� That was usually enough to make a new friendship for a few hours or a few years. As we get older, it gets harder and harder to make friends.

Once we have had kids and are caught up in the parent talk it becomes even tougher to forge new friendships.

Finding someone to understand the 3am screams, the weird stains and the lollipop stuck in the hair from trying to pacify screaming kids while you drive somewhere can be difficult. It is especially difficult when you have your first child especially if your friends are still in the clubbing phase of their lives.

If you have moved to a new home and left all your neighbourhood friends behind or decided to stay home with the new baby and have little contact with your old work buddies, you can feel alone and isolated. Building connections with new people who are on the same wavelength can go a long way to helping you through the early days. Sharing advice, hanging out and 92

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having someone to vent to can prove invaluable. Making new friends can be very difficult though. Where would you start?

Try joining a parenting group. This way you are at least guaranteed to meet some people that have kids and may be experiencing some of the things you are.

This also helps you get out on a regular basis instead of being stuck inside the house with your “little angels” all the time. You can look at post-natal or “Baby and Me” type classes when baby is little.

These classes also help with advice on early childhood development and offer solutions to some of the issues you may have. Chatting to people in the group may result in some new friendships or at least a coffee meeting once a month at least.

Take your little one to the park or similar outings a couple of times a week. It helps you and them get out in to the fresh air and soak in a little sunlight. It allows the toddlers to use up some energy in safe surroundings and helps you get a little JUNE 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #105

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exercise. Look out for the other mums and dads at the park and strike up a conversation. Other places you can try chatting to other parents include the paediatrician, grocery stores and stores selling baby and children’s goods. A simple conversation could lead to a lifelong friendship if you give it a chance.

Getting out of your home and into spaces that may contain other parents is a good way to find new friends that are on the same wavelength as you.

If you have children in day-care or preschool, you can also try and chat to some of the parents when collecting your kids or at events. You can also try looking at parenting websites, Facebook groups and forums where parents congregate and join in the online conversations.

There are also parenting apps that may offer connections that may not be available elsewhere. You may find it more comfortable to meet parents in groups and slowly make more personal friendships. Look around at different parenting groups in your area to find one that suits you.

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While it may be a bit difficult at first and it is perfectly fine to be a wallflower at the start, making the effort to get out of the house and into a different environment is the best way to start. If you can’t face the idea right at the beginning when you are exhausted and are not interested in doing more than sleeping when baby is sleeping, then try the online forums to start with.

Chat with people or in the different discussion groups, ask questions and make a few online friends. Then when you are ready, step out and look at making friends offline too. You will often find that other mums are also looking for people to connect with and may feel lost and alone as well. Most would probably love a play-date and to find someone they can trust to babysit for a date night now and then and would be happy to do the same for you. Even if the first few mums you talk to may become more acquaintances than friends, you don’t need to be discouraged. Put yourself out there and you may find yourself with a whole circle of friends quicker than you imagined.

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BREAST IS BES IF IT’S NOT M

ST BUT WHAT MEANT TO BE?

One thing that happens when you give birth to your little bundle of joy is that you embark on this whirlwind crazy journey that’s called parenthood. In most cases, you’ll be overwhelmed by the instant love and bond you feel for your baby and your desire to provide them with the best of everything that is within your means is overpowering.

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After baby’s birth, the midwives will encourage you to breastfeed your baby. It is truly an amazing moment, when you realise that your body is not only capable of growing a tiny little human, but it’s also able to nourish them!

Now we all know that breast is best, however in some cases, it’s just not humanly possible. Mothers that experience not being able to breastfeed in those early days, can end up carrying a lot of guilt about why it wasn’t possible. There are many reasons you may not be able to breastfeed, from not being able to establish a healthy breast milk supply, or maybe a medical reason which might include taking medication or undergoing a medical treatment that would be unsafe for baby to breastfeed. Whatever the reason, it’s ok and is also very common and at the end of the day as long as baby is being nourished, fed is best. It is always recommended to consult your health care professional before moving on or transitioning from breast feeding So, what happens when breastfeeding just doesn’t work for you?

You’ll have to start your baby on a formula. Formula is the only safe alternative to breastmilk in baby’s first 12 months of life.

Doing a little formula research prior to baby’s arrival can be helpful should breastfeeding not be an option and you need to move to formula. Making sure you understand the basics of baby’s formula will assist you in making one of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make about your little one’s health and wellbeing.

With so much information available, it’s easy to get lost and or confused with what you need to know about the different formula types? Here is some useful information to get you started.

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Cow’s Milk Formula Cow’s milk formula is the most common formula available and is also the most recommended formula type for babies under 12 months. Cow’s milk formula has vitamins, minerals and fats added and been modified to suit baby’s nutritional needs and digestibility.

Cow’s milk formulas come in stages and they are mostly referred to as Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4 Formula. Below is a general guide on what stage is appropriate for what age.

• Stage 1 Formula – Suitable for newborns babies and up to 6 months of age, however you can use stage 1 up until 12 months old.

• Stage 2 Formula – Suitable from 6-12 months old.

• Stage 3 Formula – Suitable from 1 year old • Stage 4 Formula – Suitable for 2 years + All cow’s milk formulas in Australia need to meet the strict Australian Standards and must meet a minimum quality and nutritional value in order to be sold in the Australian market.

Special Formulas If your baby cannot have a cow’s milk, there are special formulas available. They range from soybeans, goat’s milk or low-lactose or lactose-free formulas just to name a few and should be used under medical supervision. Consult your paediatrician if you need to use a special formula for baby.

Tackling all the choice’s you’ll have with the many formula brands is another mind-boggling experience. At the end of the day, knowing what you are nourishing baby with should be top of the list.

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The primary ingredient for most formulas is milk. Infant Formula is made using 65% milk or milk by-products, so it’s important that the milk in your formula is the best.

It all starts with the cow, how it is raised and what they eat, this will then determine the milk they produce. You see, cows are meant to eat grass only. Not corn, grains or other bulk foods used in other farms. A cow’s digestive system is designed to eat fresh, green grass and only relatively recently have humans begun to feed them corn, grain and other bulking foods. This affects not only the cow’s health, but also the quality of the milk.

When you have naturally healthier, fitter more content cows there is no need for antibiotics, growth hormones and or GMO’s. Cows that are free from all of these unnatural chemicals and are 100% grass fed cows have high levels of Vitamin A & E and contain the proper balance of Omega 3 to Omega 6 fatty acids. As the old saying goes, you are what you eat and that goes for cows too!

If you are considering formula, make sure that you add Munchkin 100% Grass Fed Toddler Formula to your research list. Munchkin 100% Grass Fed Toddler Formula has been developed with the primary focus on the milk that goes into their formula. They are passionate about what nutrition your child receives in their early years and only use 100% grass fed, grain free cow milk, they use only premium ingredients and are GMO, antibiotics, rbgh and palm oil free. Made in New Zealand and endorsed and certified by the New Zealand Government Assure Quality and the Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand ensure that a premium product is delivered each and every time.

For more information on Munchkin 100% Grass Fed go to: grassfedmilk.com.au

GOING AROUND IN CIRCLES! WRITTEN BY: SHEREE HODDINETT

What happened to 2020? It’s certainly been an interesting year so far. And I say that loosely. Very loosely! If I thought my kids didn’t listen to me before, having them at home pretty much full time, means they don’t listen to me at all! I may as well talk to the wall, I get the same response. Actually I think the wall has some sympathy for me, haha! It’s a tough time for everyone. The whole world has changed on a level many of us have never seen before, let alone the littlest people in our lives. Suddenly they were thrown into a world of staying at home, playing at home, doing school at home and not seeing much of the outside world, just home, home and more home.

It’s enough to drive anyone crazy, no wonder the kids have lost the plot and in turn, us parents too.

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Yes it’s a chance to enjoy spending time together, don’t get me wrong, I’m all for that. But as many of us know, when your kids pretty much follow you everywhere you go anyway – to the toilet, shower, walking down the hallway or just to get a drink – some things don’t feel massively different, you just can’t take them anywhere else to escape all the craziness of home.

I think I’ve heard the word “no” more times than I can count in the last couple of months and that’s saying something, given how well toddlers use the word “no” and my children are way past that age.

Admittedly they have coped a lot better than I thought they would, especially not being able to go to school and kindy or see their friends, except via video chat. Not sure how well I’ve coped with not being able to see my friends. I’ve probably had more wine and chocolate than ever before! But I am enjoying more time with my girls that I normally wouldn’t get. Yes I’d still like to hide from them when they go feral (every damn day!) but for the most part, things are pretty good. Imagine me saying that through gritted teeth at 10pm while I’m trying to get my children

back in to their own beds surviving or just holding for the billionth time. on by a thread. You do you and let everyone else do them. No answer is right or So what is 2020 teaching wrong, except when you’re me as a parent? The art answering to a toddler or of patience? Hahahaha! a four or six-year-old (any That’s a definite no. I think age of children, really). my patience has worn very They are always right, thin, if it existed at all. even when they are so Maybe it’s there is a silver so so wrong! But if you lining in all of this. Don’t have friends with strong worry I’m still trying to work willed children, check on out what that is exactly. them regularly, we may That slowing down isn’t not be okay. We were once necessarily a bad thing, the strong willed children especially when it comes and now we’re raising to your kids. Yes they drive them, I believe they call us crazy (more times than that karma?! Apparently we can count) and they I received a double dose don’t always listen (if at in the form of two very all) but don’t they have the strong willed daughters, best memory ever when I think I lost my sanity a they want something?! long time ago! Hahahaha, They can’t remember what that was a nervous laugh.

I told them five seconds ago, but five days or even five weeks ago, that On the flip side – there is definitely rates a mention one of course – surely this in their book! I’m sure we’ll will make us all stronger look back fondly on these in some sense. Whether times one day and wish that be from the constant we could have more time running after naughty kids, like that again. Who am I exercise running from kidding?! Haha! them or just stronger overall in the bigger sense of life, whichever works I’m no expert when it for you, just go with it! If comes to being a mum. you’re ever looking for I never have been and I more laughs, I know my most certainly never will parenting role provides be. I’m that mum that plenty of them, head on swears at her children over to www.shereekim. when she’s frustrated com, you never know what with them, so however you you will find. Until next do things, no judgement time… here! But we are all in this together, somehow JUNE 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #105

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THE MUM RECOMMENDED

BOTTLE CHOICE!

If you are transitioning from breast to bottle, it can get awfully confusing about which bottle is the right choice?

With so many choices, choosing the right option is overwhelming.

Every parent wants the best for baby, so what’s the right choice?

Every baby is different, but one thing babies have in common, they all love boobs! Your baby can become fussy when it comes to feeding from a bottle after being breastfed. When transitioning your baby from the breast to a bottle, a really good starting point is the teat. When choosing the right bottle for your precious baby, making sure that they love the teat should be at the top of your list and Tommee Tippee have made it just that bit easier because all Tommee Tippee bottles have one thing in common, they have the most breast-like nipple.

Here Are 3 Things That Make Tommee Tippee Bottles Stand Out: 1. Latch Guaranteed –92% of more than 1200 parents who used the Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature bottle with their child recalled that they accepted it within the first 3 attempts.

2. Mum Recommended – 97% of more than 500 mums who used Closer to Nature bottles would recommend this bottle to other mums!

3. Naturally, Anti-Colic – Tommee Tippee consulted more than 200+ parents who tried this product to reduce their child’s colic symptoms. 80% of them agreed the bottle had successfully reduced the symptoms.

A bottle that stretches and flexes just like mum, is naturally anti-colic just like mum and one that baby will latch on to just like they do mum, makes choosing the Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Bottles easy. With a wide range of options, there is one to suit you and your baby!

For more information, visit: tommeetippee.com.au Tommee Tippee absolutely support breastfeeding, and when it’s not possible for mum, or it’s time for baby to move on, their aim is to provide a bottle that offers the most breast-like experience.

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fashion JUNE 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #105

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recipes sourced from: healthier.qld.gov.au JUNE 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #105

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Delicious

Perfect Porridge INSTRUCTIONS 1

Place all ingredients into a large microwave-safe bowl and mix well.

2

Cook in the microwave on high (100% power) for 3 minutes.

3

Stir, then cook on high for a further 2 minutes.

4

Set aside for a few minutes. Sprinkle with extra cinnamon, to taste.

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prep time: 5 mins cook time: 5 mins serves: 2 INGREDIENTS 2/3 cup rolled oats 1 cup low-fat milk 1/3 cup water apple, core removed and 1 grated, skin left on 1 tsp finely grated orange rind 2 tbsp sultanas pinch of ground cinnamon

Quick & Easy

Homemade Muesli

prep time: 5 mins serves: 4.5

INSTRUCTIONS

INGREDIENTS 3 cups rolled oats 1/2 cup bran (pellets or flakes) almonds, flaked or 1/2 cup slivered 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds 1/2 cup sunflower seeds 1/2 cup sultanas 1/2 cup dried cranberries coconut, desiccated or 1/3 cup shredded, optional

1

Mix all ingredients together.

2

Store in an airtight container (at room temperature) for up to 6 months

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Grilled Pumpkin, Asparagus & Chicken Salad prep & cook time: 35 mins serves: 4 INSTRUCTIONS 1

Spray a barbecue, char-grill or griddle with oil, pre-heat to medium-high.

2

Place chicken in a small dish with ½ the crushed garlic and lemon juice; stir to coat, cover and refrigerate a chicken for as long as time permits, from 30 minutes to overnight.

Place asparagus on heated grill and cook for 7 minutes or until lightly charred, turning occasionally. Remove from grill, cut into 5cm pieces then set aside.

Respray grill and cook pumpkin in batches for 2-3 minutes each side until charred and just tender. Remove from heat, cut into 3cm triangles and set aside.

Respray grill and cook chicken for 2-3 minutes each side until cooked through.

INGREDIENTS 400g chicken tenderloins 1 clove garlic, crushed 1 lemon, juiced bunches asparagus, ends 2 trimmed pumpkin, peeled, cut into 450g 5mm thick slices can brown lentils, drained 1 and rinsed 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar baby spinach or mixed 150g leaves 250g cherry tomatoes, halved 1/2 cup parsley, chopped olive or canola oil spray

In a small bowl combine lentils, remaining ½ clove crushed garlic and balsamic.

Divide spinach or salad leaves, tomatoes, lentils with dressing, asparagus and pumpkin among serving plates. Sprinkle with parsley then top with chicken; serve immediately.

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Three Bean Salad with Spinach prep & cook time: 15 mins serves: 4

INSTRUCTIONS 1

Place butter, kidney and cannellini beans, tomatoes, onion and spinach in a large bowl.

2

In small screw top jar, place the vinegar, oil, garlic, and pepper and shake well.

3

Drizzle dressing over bean mixture and toss to combine.

4

Serve immediately.

INGREDIENTS canned butter beans, 300g drained and rinsed canned kidney beans, 300g drained and rinsed canned cannellini 300g beans, drained and rinsed cherry tomatoes, 250g halved red onion finely 1 med chopped spinach, washed and 100g drained 3 tbsp vinegar 1 tbsp olive oil 1 clove garlic, crushed pepper to taste

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Quick Vegetable Stir-Fry

prep time: 10 mins cook time: 5 mins serves: 4

INSTRUCTIONS

INGREDIENTS 250g broccoli, chopped 1 red capsicum, sliced 1 green capsicum, sliced 100g snow peas, trimmed of strings 125g baby mushrooms, sliced 1 pack baby corn, sliced diagonal spring onions, sliced on diagonal 6 into 0.5cm sections up to the green part 1 vegetable oil 1 clove garlic, crushed 1/2 tsp ginger, finely grated 1 tbsp oyster sauce 1 tsp sesame oil pack of pre-cooked thick egg noodles, rinsed to loosen and 375g then drained or follow packet instructions

1

Heat the vegetable oil in a wok.

2

Add the ginger, garlic, broccoli, capsicums, spring onions, snow peas, mushrooms, baby corn and stir fry for 2-3 minutes.

3

Stir in the sesame oil and oyster sauce, add the noodles and heat through and combine all ingredients.

4

Serve immediately.

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Spicy Pumpkin Soup INSTRUCTIONS 1

Heat oil in a large pot and fry onion, garlic, cumin and curry powder for 2 minutes.

2

Add the rest of the ingredients and simmer for 10 minutes or until the vegetables are just soft.

3

Use a stick blender, normal blender or food processor to blitz the soup till smooth. Add more water if you prefer a runnier soup.

4

Serve with a slice of toast and a spoonful of yoghurt.

Comment: If you are making the soup to freeze, use less water and make a very thick soup. When cooled, put a big ladleful in a freezer bag, squeeze out all the air and then freeze. To defrost, put in the microwave or a pot with a ladleful of water.

prep time: 10 mins cook time: 10 mins serves: 4 INGREDIENTS 1 tsp canola oil 1 med onion, chopped 3 cloves garlic, chopped 2 tsp ground cumin 2 tsp curry powder pumpkin, peeled and chopped 3 cups into 2cm cubes sweet potato, peeled and chopped 1 sml into 2cm cubes potatoes, peeled and chopped 2 med into 2cm cubes apple, peeled, cored and 1 med quartered 1 tsp reduced-salt vegetable stock 1L water low-fat natural or greek yoghurt, 4 tbsp to serve slices wholemeal or multigrain 4 bread, to serve

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Cinnamon Baked Apples prep time: 5 mins cook time: 10 mins serves: 4 INSTRUCTIONS 1

Run a knife around the middle of the apples to pierce the skin.

2

Combine remaining ingredients in a small bowl.

3

Spoon into apple cavities, leaving a little excess on top of each apple.

4

Microwave on HIGH (100%) for 8 minutes or until apples are tender.

5

Serve with extra sauce from the bottom of the dish.

INGREDIENTS Granny Smith apples, 4 med washed and cored 1 tablespoon brown 1 tbsp sugar 1 tbsp honey 30g walnuts, chopped 50g dried mix fruit 1 tsp cinnamon

Tip: Scoring around the middle of the apple ensures the apple doesn’t burst out of its skin during cooking.

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Plum Sponge Pudding prep time: 15 mins cook time: 30 mins serves: 6

INSTRUCTIONS 1

Preheat oven to 180°C.

2

Lightly spray baking pan (20cm x 20cm) with oil.

3

Place fruit in pan. Whisk eggs and sugar with an electric mixer for 4–5 minutes until very thick and creamy.

4

With a spatula fold in flour and hot milk as lightly as possible.

5

Pour over fruit to cover and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and firm to touch.

6

Serve with low-fat vanilla yoghurt.

INGREDIENTS 800g olive or canola oil spray stewed, poached or 2 cups canned plums, well drained 3 eggs 1/2 cup caster sugar 3/4 cup self-raising flour, sifted 1 tbsp low-fat milk, hot 150g low-fat vanilla yoghurt

Tip: Make sure there is no liquid or juice with the fruit or the sponge topping will not cook properly.

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JUNE 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #105