My Child Magazine June 2014 Issue

australia’s best pregnancy, baby & parenting magazine ISSUE 33

* JUNE 2014

Prepare for

birth

Pain-relief pros&cons

10

common baby conditions

Colic, cradle cap, constipation & more!

What’s wrong with

smacking?

Could you be pregnant?

16

classic symptoms

~ 2014 ~

Get creative!

• Beautiful nurseries • Fabulous fashion • Magical party ideas

Excellence Awards 2012

my child excellence awards EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Best baby & children’s products of 2014

is bpa-free really safe? // the work dilemma // sushi for kids

growing babies organically.

Made with love for your baby, the nature baby range always respects the best ethical and environmental practices. With a fresh modern take on all the essentials you will need for your baby, our range includes 100% certified organic cotton and merino wool baby clothing, sleepwear and bedding. A luxurious botanical skincare range for mothers and babies and unique toys to inspire the imagination.

www.naturebaby.com.au 2

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mychild | june 2014

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Editor’s column LISE TAYLOR

W

ith this, My Child’s June 2014 issue, we are thrilled to have made the transition from a quarterly print model (with all the restrictions this entailed) to an entirely digital monthly magazine format – and it’s completely free for you to share with family and friends!

Not only does the revamped My Child have a beautiful new look and great content, it’s also been designed so it can be easily read on smartphones, tablets and computers. Plus I have to thank my awesome team for all of the back-end work: our new and very talented art director Sam, who’s redesigned the magazine; Cassandra, our deputy editor and online editor who’s been with us for four years and does a fantastic job managing all the editorial pages; Amy, our brilliant writer and newsletter editor, (she’s also doing a PhD in creative writing); and, of course, my husband Brian, who’s a man of many talents (IT manager, website manager, accounts manager and general problem solver!).

In fact, it’s changes all around for my family and I as we have finally moved into the new home that we’ve built in Medowie, NSW, a 30-

minute drive north of Newcastle and inland from Nelson Bay. Talk about a labour of love!

It’s the first time we’ve built and as much as I think I’d never do it again, it is wonderful to live in something that so much thought and hard work has gone into. In fact, my hubby is outside right now creating our front garden (it will be nice not to have mud tramped into the house from front and back any more!).

This issue is packed with all of the regular pages you love plus we announce the gold, silver and bronze winners of our My Child Excellence Awards for 2014! These were voted on by many thousands of readers and fans of the entrants. The overall winning products?

Medela won gold for their Swing Maxi Double Electric Breast Pump while Sudocrem Healing Cream won silver and GAIA Natural Baby Baby Shampoo won bronze! For all the other award winners, turn to page 132.

We’d welcome your feedback on our new format too. We know it will be a big success but to really make it work it would be lovely to hear your comments – positive and negative.

Please email at lise@poppetgroup.com.au.

june 2014 | mychild

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contents COVER STORIES 14

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68 84

94 98 104

110 114

My Child Excellence Awards Best baby & children’s products of 2014!

Get creative! Beautiful nurseries, fabulous fashion & magical party ideas Sushi for kids Roll your own!

Could you be pregnant?

16 classic symptoms Prepare for birth Pain-relief pros & cons Is BPA-free really safe?

10 common baby conditions Colic, cradle cap, constipation & more!

The work dilemma What’s wrong with smacking?

win!

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Readers’ letters Win one of three Ergobaby wraps worth $129 each Subscribe for free! Win one of five Kiekaboo packs worth $199.90 each

mychild | june 2014

60 style 12 28 30 32

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40 42 44 46 48 50

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Editor’s picks Bits & bobs News & reviews What we love about… My First Pillow My 5 favourites Natalie Hershan from baby fashion label Marquise Have you met…? Suzanne Acteson from Habitots Behind the label Gaia Organic Cotton’s Annette Francis Fashion maternity Cherry pick Fashion maternity Go nude!

Fashion report Choc top Fashion report Stripe it rich Fashion compare Get a leg up!

Interiors report Leave tradition behind with a rustic revamp Interiors my space A softly hued nursery for some gentle inspiration Party Magical marquee first birthday

®Trade Mark Johnson & Johnson 1465/13

Bath, massage, quiet time and I’m out like a light, mum.

I need twice as much sleep as you do, mum.

So I love how we do this JOHNSON’S® baby bedtime routine every night.

With NATURALCALM® essences, it’s proven to help me fall asleep faster.

Thanks mum, you’ve got the magic touch. june 2014 | mychild

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contents PREGNANCY & BIRTH News Pelvic floor health, antenatal education and foods to avoid Shopping 16 early pregnancy symptoms Your guide to diabetes Discover the implications of this disorder Pain, pain, go away! The pros and cons of different pain-relief methods

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80 84 90

94

BABY & TODDLER 98

102 104

110

114

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News BPA-free plastics, vitamin K and baby lactose intolerance Shopping 10 common baby conditions How to handle everyday health problems Should I stay or should I go? When your ideas about going back to work change What’s wrong with smacking? Find some more constructive alternatives

mychild | june 2014

preschooler & big kids 118 News Glue ear, educational apps & more 122 Shopping 124 Speak easy? The lowdown on language

delays and speech disorders 128 Change your tune Empower yourself

and your kids through your parenting

family 10 16 20 68 70

Readers’ letters My life Hello & goodbye Column: eco chat Party on!

Cooking Avocado sushi News Good nutrition

ON THE COVER Styling Sarah Blakeway Photography Michelle Young Model Stella wears dress $29.95, pants $24.95 and hat $14.95, all

by Plum plumcollections.com.au

australia’s best pregnancy, baby & parenting magazine issUe 33

* JUne 2014

PrePare for

birth

Pain-relief pros&cons

10

common baby conditions

Colic, cradle cap, constipation & more!

What’s wrong with

smacking?

Could you be

16pregnant?

classic symptoms

~ 2014 ~

Get creative!

• beautiful nurseries • FabUloUs Fashion • magical party ideas

Excellence Awards 2012

my child excellence awards EXCELLENCE AWARDS

best baby & children’s prodUcts oF 2014

is bPa-free really safe? // the work dilemma // sushi For kids

Baby Carrier One www.babybjorn.com.au This product features the characteristic BABYBJĂ–RN parallel line design.

june 2014 | mychild

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PUBLISHER & EDITOR LISE TAYLOR

DEPUTY EDITOR & ONLINE EDITOR CASSANDRA HOLLAND

ART DIRECTOR & STYLIST SAMANTHA CAMPBELL

NEWSLETTER EDITOR & WRITER AMY LOVAT

CONTRIBUTING EXPERTS DR SARAH CLEMENTS, NATASA DENMAN, JANE DENTON, DR DAIN HEER, PROFESSOR MARK KILBY, DR PENELOPE LAW, LAURA TROTTA, JOHN WARING, KELLY WINDER

EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES e editorial@poppetgroup.com.au

STOCK PHOTOGRAPHY iStock

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR m 0410 660 578

LISE TAYLOR e lise@poppetgroup.com.au

PRODUCTION MANAGER BRIAN TAYLOR e ads@poppetgroup.com.au

CONTACT p 61 2 4981 8876 w mychildmagazine.com.au a PO Box 174 Stockton NSW 2295 Australia

MANAGING DIRECTOR LISE TAYLOR

GENERAL MANAGER BRIAN TAYLOR My Child magazine and mychildmagazine.com.au are wholly owned by Poppet Group Pty Ltd (ABN 93 120 831 021). 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.

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mychild | june 2014

june 2014 | mychild

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READERS’ LETTERs

3 Ergobaby Wraps WRITE Win one of three Ergobaby Wraps worth $129 each TO US FOR YOUR CHANCE TO just by having your letter published in our July issue.

WIN With its unique 4D stretch cotton, this ergonomically designed wrap provides strength, support and flexibility.

It has six carry positions, is suitable for bubs up to 14kg, is machine washable and can even be worn as a belly band support during pregnancy! For stockists, visit babesinarms.com.au. To enter email your letter to editorial@ poppetgroup.com.au. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. See mychildmagazine.com.au for terms and conditions.

After buying the Autumn issue of My Child I fell in love with how different it is to other parenting mags. I particularly related to the My Life story Juggling act by Joo-inn Chew. Also, some of the products featured on the Fashion Report, Eco Shopping and Ideas pages opened my eyes to a whole different shopping platform by directing me to beautiful, one-ofa-kind finds. You definitely have me hooked!

Charissa Hartley, via email

Be prepared!

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Extreme cream

ay hello to the cooler weather!

With subtle hues dominating our Australian ranges this season, we’ve whipped up a fresh take on cream, adding metallics, woollens, tulle, sheepskin, glitter and other textures to jazz it up. It’s all about subtle golds, silvers and sparkles in signature pieces plus shoes and accessories.

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Monde from Big Dreams (bigdreams.com.au) 7 Ballet flats $59.99 by Betts Kids (bettskids.com.au) 8 Glitter pants $75 by Tahlia (minihaha.com.au) 9 Crown $19.95 by No.74 from Big Dreams (bigdreams.com.au) 10 Headband $11.90 by Fox & Finch (minihaha. com.au) 11 Swing cape $79.95 by Cheeky Britches (cheekybritches. com.au) 12 Tailored tee $49.95 by Chalk n Cheese (chalkncheese

clothing.com.au) 13 Unisex booties $39.95

by Mooce (mooce.com.au) 14 Swaddler $69 for two

by Ergobaby (babesinarms.com

.au).

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ALL PRICES ARE APPROXIMATE

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Better Beginnings —

Lynne-McKensey Hall

RN, RM, MN (Ed), IBCLC

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eco chat

ergobaby

NEW

Find out how to reduce your Food

waste – and save money – with these tips From My Child columnist laura trOtta

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mychild | june 2014

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mychildmagazine.com.au

PHOTOGRAPHY istockphoto

ike many children of the 1980s I was made to eat everything on my dinner plate. A typical evening meal in our home was accompanied

by TV images of the terrible famine gripping Africa and my father reminding us of how we lived in the “lucky country”. It’s not surprising then that, almost 30 years on, I’m continually looking for ways to reduce my family’s food waste and feel guilty on the occasions when I do throw out food.

It is fair to say that food waste is a byproduct of our affluent, time-poor society. In Australia, food is the single largest component of household waste.

According to the Love Food Hate Waste program run by the Environment Protection Authority in New South Wales, Australians reportedly toss up to 30 percent Buy Only What yOu of the food they purchase; need a staggering 315kg stOraGe is the Key Once you have your of food per household meal plan sorted, you’ll each year at a cost of Living for several years need to create your in North Queensland just over $1,000! shopping list directly from taught me everything your plan. Of course, I know about food storage.

Every time we throw a plan is only as good food in the bin we’re as I learned the hard way the execution so when that if I didn’t store not just wasting our shopping, you’ll need my money, we’re discarding to food correctly, weevils stick to your list. would hatch in my flour the vast amounts of resources, energy and and ants would invade If your meal plan tells anything that wasn’t water that it took to you that you need produce, process, store, correctly sealed. If you’re three potatoes, don’t regularly dealing with refrigerate, transport buy a whole bag of them. and cook the produce. pest problems or throwing Of course, it makes financial Rotting food in landfill away stale biscuits sense to stock up gives off methane, a and cereals, I highly on specials of pantry recommend investing greenhouse gas that staples you use often, in is particularly damaging but quality airtight containers be careful where fresh to our environment. to store your food. produce and perishables Reused glass jars are are concerned. You fine if the designer The good news is that won’t have saved anything you can become more Tupperware pantry if you end up tossing isn’t within your budget. mindful of the food the food a few waste you create and days later.

Fridges and freezers be in If you’re particularly not running at maximum a position where you swayed by specials and can actively start to reduce efficiency cost higher marketing tactics, shop to run and can spoil it. The following tips for produce online or your on how to plan, shop, food faster. Ensure the store, submit your order in temperature of your prepare, eat and recycle advance. Many grocers, food will get you going. fridge is set between organic stores and butchers 3 and 4°C and between are only too happy -15 and -18°C for the freezer. to provide this service.

Get OrGanised You can easily check your seals by closing a money note in the Meal planning is the door. critical ingredient in If it falls or slips out First in, First Out too easily you could helping to reduce your be food waste. I find that losing valuable cool When unpacking groceries, air. by planning each meal move older products for the week ahead, to the front of your pantry, taking into consideration fridge and freezer stocks of food in my Waste nOt, Want and place new products pantry, fridge and freezer, nOt towards the back to I’m less likely to buy Do you really need to help you use up food peel your carrots, spuds too much food in the before it expires. If you first place. Meals out and cucumbers? and have trouble keeping More often than not leftover meals are also track of your food stocks, the skin included in my plan on our fruit and veg to develop a labelling system is nutrient rich and further keep my food or place a list of full of purchasing in check. fibre. I’m not expecting contents and date to everyone to enjoy eating consume by on the door. furry kiwifruit but just be aware of the quantity

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mychildmagazine.com.au

mychildmagazine.com.au

What a waste

Thank you for your Eco Chat Waste not, want not column Waste not, want not (Issue 32). I was surprised that L each year a shocking 315kg of food per household is wasted at more than $1,000 value! It’s impact on the environment wasn’t something I’d thought about before. Groceries are expensive and we waste lots of money throwing out food. Now I’m aware of the changes my family needs to make. Thanks!

Aida Aryaputri, via email

pregnancy

fIeD lactatIon consultant Lynne-McKensey Hall explaIns Why a BreastfeeDI ng plan may Be just as Important as a BIrth plan… Because BreastfeeDIng Doesn’t alWays come naturally!

get the look

1 Growsuit $34.95 by Purebaby (purebaby.com.au) 2 Derby shoes $69.95 by Clarks (clarks.com.au) 3 Shirt $42 by Bebe (minihaha.com. au) 4 Bones jeans $79.95

by Munster Kids 5 Hat $27.95 by Plum (plumcollections.c (munsterkids.com.au) om.au) 6 Skirt $79.95 by Tutu Du

I always thought Do you neeD a breastfeeding plan? breastfeeding would come W naturally and never planned for it before giving birth. So when my baby arrived and the time came for me to breastfeed, I was in total panic and nearly gave up. I wasn’t prepared, my body was sore and tired after labour, and the breastfeeding issues made me depressed.

After the first month of pain and struggling, I met a lactation consultant who helped me with latching my baby on correctly and other issues.

I wish I had known more about breastfeeding ergobaby before giving birth, and I really agree with Lynne-McKensey Hall’s story Do you need a breastfeeding plan? in the Autumn issue.

My sister and some of my friends sadly gave up breastfeeding because they didn’t plan for it before the birth. My sister is pregnant with another baby and I have advised her to visit a lactation consultant. She is now organising everything that could help her. Hopefully this time she’ll be able to breastfeed with joy!

Edi Fraddy, via email hen we think about birth and is follow-up for these mothers or indeed any breastfeeding, most of us have a well as in your early mother who needs options labour, as a reminder. linear approach. It’s: and strategies to If ‘We’ll have you are having a scheduled maintain breastfeeding the baby first and think Caesarean section, or to provide breast about breastfeeding you need to remind milk to her baby. your obstetrician that later.’ But many mums you tell me they regret not want skin-to-skin contact A breastfeeding plan developing a breastfeeding immediately after helps you and your plan before the birth. birth, before the baby partner clarify and discuss is wrapped up. Even Ideally, seeking the advice the importance of if of an International breastfeeding is not breastfeeding as well permitted in the theatre Board-certified Lactation as how your partner Consultant (IBCLC) and can or the recovery room, support you. It is well it’s still important that writing a breastfeeding known that a mother plan greatly enhances your obstetrician is aware will breastfeed for longer your success in both of your wishes. Baby if she has positive initiating and maintaining Friendly (BFHI)-accredited support from her partner. a breastfeeding partnership facilities (find out with your baby, more at babyfriendly.org.a For partners, you will whether you have health u) will provide the be pleased to hear that concerns or not. opportunity for babies your support goes beyond to have skin-to-skin However, issues that the idea of just being are worth discussing contact and breastfeed able to give your baby either in theatre or with an IBCLC, in particular, a bottle “to help Mum might include recovery, and that’s sleep” (even though what you need to clarify. polycystic ovarian syndrome this can be wonderful!).

(PCOS), insulin Part of writing a breastfeeding Partners have an opportunity resistance, diabetes, plan, to bond with their breast reduction or breast especially with an IBCLC, baby as well as helping implants, post-cancer is to empower you and supporting in many breasts, sensitive nipples, with information to ways such as: manage well-meaning and small or large breasts. but ill-informed and misleading • cuddling the baby If you have any particular information. to sleep after a feed concerns or fears, During a consultation • keeping the baby asleep you’ll learn about the you may feel comfortable in their arms while discussing these with changes in your breasts after the mother sleeps an IBCLC in a private birth and your consultation. baby’s feeding patterns • bathing or showering in response to your Without a breastfeeding with the baby plan that has been breasts initiating and • wearing the baby in establishing milk supply. designed specifically a sling or baby carrier to manage any of these You will learn the principles while you are both out issues, many women of correctly and and about miss the opportunity comfortably positioning to • providing the mother and know about the options attaching with your three meals and that are available to baby to the breast so snacks each day there is no pain as well them regarding breastfeeding and/or providing as the scientific rationale • keeping visitors at breast milk, irrespective of the physiological bay so the mother can of their situation. This get and biological need some sleep. for your baby to breastfeed is particularly true with adoptive or surrogate frequently in the early Your breastfeeding plan weeks after birth. mothers who can potentially will help you breastfeed or Your breast milk is the immediately after birth, provide breast milk biologically and into the postnatal to their babies by following physiologically perfect time and then at home food for young infants a breastfeeding plan with early discharge to stimulate their breasts and babies. In spite and midwifery follow-up. of the advancements to produce breast milk.

Very importantly, a society has made over breastfeeding plan ensures the centuries, many For mothers with a history that staff looking are of gestational regressing in their attitude after you at the birth diabetes, insulin resistance to infant feeding. implement skin-to-skin or diabetes, we Writing a breastfeeding contact immediately plan is one small way now understand the after birth. There may importance of providing be of empowering women extenuating circumstances to help them sustain colostrum to their babies where your baby before they are given their biological role cannot have immediate for the health of their artificial milk. In these skin-to-skin contact, baby situations, an antenatal and themselves. but even after an emergency breastfeeding plan that Caesarean, this involves expressing Lynne-McKensey Hall could still be possible, IBCLC is the author of colostrum prior to birth however briefly. There the (even in the delivery eight-part Breastfeeding is clear research that & suite) is a breakthrough supports skin-to-skin that has excluded the Baby Matters booklet contact after birth.

Breastfeeding series need for many babies & Baby Matters to be given formula (self-published and priced and, The time to talk about instead, for them to your breastfeeding be exclusively breastfed. from $9.95 per booklet), plan with your midwife, An ongoing breastfeeding doula or obstetrician plan ensures there which is available from could be at the last visit before your birth as betterbeginnings.com.au.

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LETTER

InternatIonal BoarD-certI

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STAR

PHOTOGRAPHY istockphoto

one-of-a-kind

fashion report

TM

Wrap

of fruit and vegetables you discard before you even start cooking.

Learn to love your broccoli stalks too! They add bulk to stir-frys and soups and really don’t taste that bad.

Overripe bananas make the best banana bread, cakes and smoothies.

Wilted vegies are perfect for stock or vegetable soup, and stale bread and lonely crusts make the best breadcrumbs for rissoles or schnitzels.

Simply whiz them in your food processer, dry in a low oven and store them in an airtight container when cool. Been gifted a box of fresh apricots or tomatoes from a friend’s garden? Preserve them and enjoy them for months to come.

Get smart With POrtiOn

COntrOl

To avoid situations where your eyes are bigger than your belly, dish up servings on a smaller plate. When eating out, split dishes with a friend or your partner to avoid tossing half of the giant portions found in many restaurants.

As for smorgasbords…

Don’t. Even. Go. There.

lOve yOur leFtOvers Leftovers are not only

great for meals where

you’re short of time they can also become but the base for an entirely new dish. Boiled rice can easily be turned into fried rice or rice puddings and excess pasta is great in mornays or bakes.

use yOur sense

I’m sure my household isn’t the only one where milkshakes are on the menu the day the milk expires. Of course, it’s great to exercise caution when it comes to food safety but, in many cases, expiration dates are just as much about manufacturer’s recommendations for peak quality as they are for food safety. If stored correctly, most foods (including meat and dairy) will stay fresh several days past their by” date. If the food looks, “usesmells and tastes OK, chances are it is fine.

Give Waste anOther

liFe

Some of the foods we throw can easily be used again. For example, I always reuse chicken carcasses from a steamed or roasted chook to make stock by slowly steaming in a few litres of water.

Despite your best efforts, there will be occasions where you need to throw out food and for this I recommend chickens, composting even a worm farm. Our or three chickens thrive on the cast-offs from my boys’ meals and in return keep us in a good supply of eggs.

Reducing food waste is as much about mindset as it is planning.

By questioning and reviewing the way you plan, shop, store, prepare, eat and recycle your food you’ll go a long way towards cutting your food bill and household waste, and that’s a great thing for your wallet and our environment.

Laura Trotta is an eco mum, environmental engineer and the founder of sustainababy.com.au.

Laura lives in regional South Australia with her husband and two young sons. For information about the Love Food Hate Waste program head to lovefoodhatewaste.nsw.gov.au.

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EDITOR’S picks

warm up!

ALL KINDS OF PRODUCTS CROSS MY DESK EACH DAY. HERE ARE a few of MY favourites.

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I adore these quirky sheepskin and suede Little Creature Shark ugg boots, $89.95, by EMU Australia.

You can choose from a fun array of animal designs at emuaustralia.com.

For Baby and Up’s On Safari Pocket Raincoat, $19.90 from forbabyandup.com.au, is super handy for wet days. It’s lightweight and will easily fit into your child’s backpack.

It’s easy to take Little Bonbon’s sweet Red Hearts baby blanket, $49.95, to heart! Get one for your bub at littlebonbon.com.au.

This Lilly & Lolly upholstered toybox, $449, offers a stylish way to store away your children’s toy clutter. Visit lillylolly.com.au.

Priced at $99.95, Love Mae’s Build a Pine Tree wall sticker is ideal for avid outdoor enthusiasts.

See lovemae.com.au.

Redsbaby’s sophisticated allin-one bounce stroller, $499, is also practical and versatile. Check it out at redsbaby.com.au.

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I can switch between bottle and breastfeeding without any problems.

Australian Distributor NUK AUSTRALIA Abu Garcia Pty Ltd PO Box 5199 Chittaway Bay, NSW 2261 NUK is a registered trademark of MAPA GmbH/Germany

For a perfect combination of breast and bottle: NUK First Choice.

No matter how much you love your child, you also need some time for yourself.

NUK First Choice teats are modelled on the shape of the nipple during breastfeeding, so your baby hardly notices any difference from breastfeeding and takes to the bottle smoothly. nuk.com.au

NUK. Understanding Life. june 2014 | mychild

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MY CHILD PROMOTION

~ 2014 ~ Excellence Awards 2012

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

BEST BABY & CHILDREn’s products of 2014 After tallying up all of our readers’ votes for their favourite entries, we’re excited to announce the gold, silver and bronze winners for each category!

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE WINNERS… 14

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my life

Hello&Goodbye Lauren Matheson, a finalist in our My Child/Parenting Express writing competition, welcomes her twins into the world, only to watch them depart 16

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mychild | june 2014

A

s I feel the pressure deep within me begin to descend, I exclaim to the midwife, ‘I think the baby is coming.’

I am squatting, holding onto my husband, and before the midwife crosses the room our beautiful daughter comes into the world.

There is no rushing to assist her; she isn’t whisked away to check her Apgar score, which determines her fitness now that she is outside the womb. There are no cries, just an empty

and devastating silence. She has been born at only 20 weeks and four days; it is simply just too early for her to survive in the outside world.

I am helped back onto the bed. I look at my husband, who is crying silent tears. I am asked for her name. We look at each other. It’s still too early and we haven’t decided on names yet.

She is wrapped and placed into my arms. I look down at her tiny, perfect face. I softly run my finger along her nose, her lips, trying to >

june 2014 | mychild

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my life embed her delicate features into my memory.

This is not how I had imagined our first moments together. She should be looking back up at me, gazing into her mother’s eyes for the first time. Instead her tiny eyelids are closed.

Her mouth opens, looking for air that her lungs just aren’t ready for. I lay there holding her, wondering if each gasp will be her last.

I struggle to keep my eyes open; all I want to do is sleep and for this to all be over but at the

“I look at my husband, who is crying silent tears” same time I feel guilty that I can’t do more for her. Our midwife soon comes over and gently pulls aside her wrap. Her heart has stopped beating. She is gone.

I hold my baby girl; I hold her close to keep her warm as it is all I can do for her now. I feel numb. All I want to do is sleep. But I can’t. I have to do this all again, as the contractions start again – her brother is on his way.

My waters break – I know what is coming and I don’t want to do it again. I don’t want to watch my baby boy die. I beg them to just take the baby out of me. My husband stares at me, shocked. I don’t care what happens to me any more. I just want this to all be over.

The contractions worsen. It’s not just the physical pain that is overwhelming me, it’s the knowledge that my body is pushing out another baby too early that is shattering me. I continue to plead for it to be over. Our obstetrician, my midwife and my husband all encourage me when it is time to push.

My body and my mind are at odds. I don’t want to do it. I have the delusion that if I don’t push I can somehow keep our son safe. My body wins the battle; our baby boy also makes a silent entry into the world. I am told he has been born sleeping and I feel a strange sense of relief wash over me. He won’t have to go through the pain of suffocating, of trying to

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draw breath into lungs that are just not ready.

It’s all over. What happens next is a blur. I can feel myself being poked and prodded, blood and swabs taken to try and work out why this has happened. I don’t care what they do to me.

I just want to close my eyes and go to sleep to escape this nightmare.

I am taken back to my room. My husband is quietly making phone calls next to me, calling our family with the news no parent should ever have to share. Our babies are wheeled in and placed beside me. They have been dressed in what seem to be impossibly tiny clothes.

They are together in one cot; this gives me some comfort. It’s important for me that they stay together, that they still have each other.

I gently pick them both up, nestling each of them into the crook of my arm. I look down at my perfect little girl and boy and let the tears flow. Tears for the unfairness of it all, for the

“It’s important for me that they stay together, that they still have each other” lost dreams that we had and the lifetime of memories that have now been taken from us.

Their bodies are cold and I attempt to warm them. I adjust the tiny beanies on their heads, making sure they are on properly. I wrap them in more blankets and cuddle them closer to my chest. I become obsessed with keeping them warm. My body has failed me; I couldn’t keep them safe and now all that I can try to do is keep them warm. Before I fall asleep, I undress them, marvel at their precious, perfect bodies and tenderly wash them. I then dress them again ready for bed. I wrap each one tightly in their blanket, tuck them in together and give them a kiss goodnight. The day is over. Today we have said hello to our daughter and son, but we have also said goodbye. * For more My Life stories visit parentingexpress. com.au and subscribe to future issues.

june 2014 | mychild

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eco chat

Party on!

My Child columnist Laura Trotta explains how to plan a fun children’s party without all of the waste

D

espite the birthday parties of my childhood happening to be fairly simple affairs, they remain some of my most treasured childhood memories.

My mother would make sausage rolls and cupcakes and choreograph games of pass the parcel, musical chairs and pin the tail on the

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donkey to an ever-captive audience. Everyone would then gather around the birthday cake, which would be an exact replica of my chosen one in The Australian Women’s Weekly Children’s Birthday Cake Book, and sing Happy Birthday while I blew out the candles.

Fast forward a few decades, add the Pinterest

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CONTROL YOUR NUMBERS

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BUCK THE TREND

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IT’S NOT A WEDDING CAKE

By far the most obvious way to reduce the waste (and cost) of your celebration is to keep your numbers in check.

It has only been in recent years that parties for preschool children have become popular and, indeed, many first birthday parties are now as grand as a typical 21st bash. Birthday party guest lists for very young children tend to blow out easily when parents of the guest and other siblings come as a package with your child’s friend. Set a realistic total for the number of guests you would like and stick to it.

As your children get older you may wish to reduce the numbers further and take the kids on a special outing or host a sleepover.

pressure to perform, and it would seem that expectations for children’s birthday parties have skyrocketed. Invitations, decorations, cake, food and party goodie bags all need to be “social media worthy”. So it’s not surprising that so many mums feel sick to the stomach at the mere thought of hosting a birthday party for their child, not to mention the expense and associated waste of the event!

From disposable plates to decorations and a large bundle of gifted cheap plastic toys, birthday parties are typically wasteful affairs.

But the good news is you don’t need to feel like a party pooper just because you’d prefer a simpler affair with less waste.

Here are my top tips to hosting a memorable party that is kinder to the environment:

There is no law that says children need to have a birthday party every year or, worse, multiple parties to cater for friends and family separately. Consider the sense of entitlement and consumption you may be encouraging by hosting a grand affair each birthday and ask yourself if you are doing this for your child or to keep up with your Facebook friends.

You could instead host a party on the odd or even number birthday for your child and just a have a family birthday cake on the “off” year. This may be particularly realistic if you have multiple children, a job and a household to run. It is absolutely fine to say no and set your own rules.

I personally love baking and the creative challenge that comes with making a beautiful birthday cake but the thought of making a cake instils deep fear in most of my friends. It’s here where the pressure to perform appears to be the greatest, and it is easy to get caught up in all the hype and overextend yourself (either in the kitchen or financially).

If the thought of making a cake fills your stomach with butterflies, remind yourself >

june 2014 | mychild

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eco chat that kids’ birthday cakes aren’t wedding cakes.

A simple number, cut from a large slab cake then iced and covered in Smarties is colourful, delicious – and sure to be a hit!

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FEEDING THE MASSES

With the incidence of food intolerances growing among children, catering for parties is getting trickier. Keeping things simple is the key to minimising waste and fuss. Rather than buy individual bottles of water or juice, which create a waste problem, provide a large bowl of non-alcoholic punch or juice. Invest in some colourful party melamine plates and cups to re-use time and time again or if you just can’t face the dishes, check out the biodegradable disposable tableware options that are readily available these days.

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DECORATIONS TO DIE FOR

To keep waste and costs low, consider making bunting from recycled paper, buying biodegradable latex balloons or simply host the party in your local playground and skip all of the decorations altogether.

If your child has their heart set on a themed birthday party (particularly a licensed theme such as The Wiggles or Thomas & Friends), it can be hard to keep your decorations in check.

If this is the case, just buy one or two feature items and tie the cake in with the theme.

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ENTERTAINING THE TROOPS

If you’re intending to provide some type of entertainment for your young guests you don’t need to go out and buy a jumping castle or ball pit. Time-favoured games are just as fun now as they ever were. Musical chairs, pass the parcel and egg-and-spoon races never go out of fashion. Use your child’s paintings to wrap the pass the parcel and don’t feel as though you need to have a prize in every layer!

If you’re feeling a little more creative, and your child is of school age, you could host a nature treasure hunt. Give each child a paper

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bag with a list of things to find and watch them delight in searching for items such as feathers, cocoons, sticks, rocks and leaves.

An activity that also doubles as a party favour is to have each child plant a seedling such as a kitchen herb to take home.

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PRESENCE NOT PRESENTS

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GOOD GOODIE BAGS

Hosting a large birthday generally results in your child receiving truckloads of presents, many of which are cheap plastic toys.

Rather than requesting that guests not bring a gift (I have found this to be ineffective as guests naturally like to show their love and appreciation), you could ask them to contribute to a more substantial gift, donate to a charity or gift an experience such as a trip to the zoo or a concert. Alternatively, you could ask guests to supply a prize for a game instead.

If your child is still inundated with gifts it is fine to save presents to bring out during the year (especially relevant for kids with birthdays around Christmas time) or you can even re-gift or donate items that they really don’t need.

The typical goodie bag my sons receive from parties is a plastic bag full of lollies and cheap toy fillers. It really doesn’t take much extra effort to give goodie bags an eco facelift.

A simple paper bag with treats like homemade play dough, biscuits or even plant seeds is just as sure to delight!

The key to hosting an eco-friendly children’s party is simplicity. By keeping numbers small and expectations in check, it is possible to host a memorable, low-stress celebration for your child that doesn’t overflow your wheelie bin or break your budget. * An environmental engineer, eco mum and founder of Sustainababy, Laura Trotta is passionate about helping parents to lead a more sustainable lifestyle.

Laura lives in regional South Australia with her husband and two young sons. To find out more go to sustainababy.com.au.

ClassiC Family Fun to help save the planet WWF’s classic wooden games and puzzle range includes all the family favourites including tumble towers, dominoes, matching game, bingo, fun-cut 48 piece floor puzzles and a themed pack of cards. And soon 1000 piece puzzles.

The range has been made using a totally eco approach with FSC wood & paper.

A percentage of proceeds goes back to WWF’s conservation program. june02 2014 9986 | mychild 3456 For your nearest stockist visit: www.axistoys.com/WWF-stockists or call * 23

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For your chance t Kiekaboo prize packs v Enjoy an inviting read by signing up to My Child’s free monthly digital magazine! The new format allows you to interact with our informative articles, useful advice, inspiring stories, and great fashion, interiors and party trends – all accessed at the click of a button – and share it with friends.

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ideas

BITS&BOBS

PRODUCT

OF THE MONTH

Travel bug

Sleeping away from home with littlies has never been easier with BabyBjorn’s Travel Cot Light, $395.95, in new silver mesh. And when they say light, they really mean light! It weighs only 6kg, and is easy to carry, set up and fold away, making it the ultimate travel companion. Simply open the bag, lift out the travel cot and set it up, all in one movement. There are no loose parts to attach and the legs unfold automatically when the mattress is inside. The Travel Cot Light also has a soft, comfy mattress and is suitable for newborns to three-year-olds. Find out more at babybjorn.com.au.

QUOTE >UNQUOTE

We asked our Facebook followers their opinion about sharing photos of their new baby on social media before calling friends and family. Here’s what they said…

• It upsets family if your “internet family” see them first. I think direct family should visit in hospital to save any problems with this.

• We posted a photo for friends and family on Facebook. My son was born two-and-a-half hours away from home so it was the best way to show him to everyone without making them all travel, and giving us precious time to rest and bond. But we made sure his gran met him in person first!

• I prefer to wait and keep it personal but I understand why it happens – it’s so exciting!

• My family would literally come after me with axes if I didn’t phone within hours.

• I wanted to wait until family had met him, but my friends posted his picture without telling me.

• We texted family to let them know the baby had arrived but we didn’t announce the gender until our son got to meet the baby as we wanted him to be the very first person to know whether he had a brother or sister. Then we texted family with the gender before we announced it on Facebook.

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neW

GET READING

Check out Kaz Cooke’s new e-book Should You Immunise Your Kids?. Cooke understands the protective feelings of parents trying to decide whether or not to immunise their kids. There is so much information available and so much debate, so where do we turn? Amid the controversy, Cooke’s e-book has the most up-to-date and useful information based on solid research and written in consultation with experts. Get it for $3.99 at kazcooke.com.au.

SWADDLER

Helps babies sleep longer, safely and more peacefully.

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APP HAPPY

The Raising Children Network has developed Birth Choices, an app resource designed to help expectant parents make informed, confident decisions, and guide them through what to expect in each stage and situation.

Developed in consultation with experts in midwifery, obstetrics and more, it features real-life stories, week-by-week information and illustrations. Connect to the Raising Children Network at raisingchildren.net.au.

Jump on it

Australians – and Sydneysiders, more specifically – can jump for joy at the new fun, active and child-friendly activity that’s reached our shores. Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park in Alexandria opened this month, boasting 180 interconnected trampoline-wall courts, with different zones for free jumping, serious jumping and adrenalineseekers, plus a health-focused canteen and viewing platform where parents can watch the action. Check out skyzone.com.au.

REvoLuTIonARY DESIgn in line with recommendations by the International Hip Dysplaysia Institute PHYSIcIAn REcoMMEnDED ergonomically correct ‘frog-leg’ position EASY-To-uSE ensures baby is snug and safe in just a few simple steps EScAPE PRooF designed to prevent unravelling or shifting during sleep ALL SEASon uSE by simply leaving baby’s legs outside leg pouch in hot weather SoFT AnD bREATHAbLE 100% cotton knit terry cloth helps regulate baby’s body temperature AvAilAble in 2 sizes & vArious colours: S/M: 0 – 3 MonTHS (6-12Lb/2.72-5.44kg) M/L: 3 – 6 MonTHS (12-18Lb/5.44-8.16kg) Tog RATIng 0.6

WATcH SLEEP MAgIc HERE!

SAFETY TIP: Swaddling with arms enclosed prevents startle reflex that may disturb sleep, but is not recommended once baby is able to roll.

ergobaby.com.au 1300 725 276

ergobaby.co.nz 0800 884 65329

june 2014 | mychild

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IDEAS

What we love about…

Ultimate Sleep’s Superior Kids My First Pillow

S

o when should your youngster start to use a pillow? The recommended age is between two and three years. Experts suggest not giving babies aged one and under a pillow as it can cause suffocation if they were to turn over onto their tummies.

When you introduce a pillow, the first step is selecting one that caters to your child’s sleep needs. Specialists suggest starting out with a flattish, fairly firm pillow to support your child’s neck and shoulders without interfering with their natural sleep position. Ultimate Sleep’s Superior Kids My First Pillow is a great option as it weighs only 150g and is designed for children aged 18 months and older.

Heba Kanjo from Melbourne, Vic, swears by this pillow, which she purchased for her 18month-old toddler, Xavy. ‘The adult pillows my partner and I had were far too big and high

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for Xavy, and we loved that the My First Pillow was designed to support our child’s neck, head and shoulders. It also moulds to their head and sleep position as it is both soft and firm.’

The softness is attributed to the 70 percent Fossflakes and 30 percent polyester ball fibre blend. This also makes it hypoallergenic and suitable for children who suffer from asthma and allergies. It keeps a consistent temperature as your child sleeps and maintains its shape after washing. ‘The Fossflakes trap air, like down feathers do, to ensure the right humidity for a restful night,’ explains Heba.

Ultimate Sleep’s Superior Kids pillow range caters to all age groups, with additional size options including Toddler (2-3 years), Junior (3-6 years) and Teen (6-14 years). * Purchase Ultimate Sleep’s Superior Kids My First Pillow for $24.95 at ultimatesleep.com.au.

Keep your little ones close with a Woven Wrap - Safe, Comfortable & Stylish -

SHOP ONLINE – 24/7 WWW.WOVENWRAPS.COM.AU WWW.WOVENWRAPS.COM.AU

Woven Wraps | Mei Tais | Soft Structured Carriers | Babywearing Jewelry | More!* june 2014 | mychild

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IDEAS

5

My favourites Natalie Hershan, owner of Australian baby clothing label Marquise, shares some of her best-loved products

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Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm I love the smell and texture of this cream. It’s simply heaven to apply to the skin! aesop.com

Marquise designer singlets To support the Sydney Children’s Hospital, we established an annual campaign in 2010 whereby leading Australian designers such as Lee Mathews, Sass & Bide, Dinosaur Designs and Megan Park design their own Marquise singlets to be auctioned off. I adored the singlets so much that I even decorated my kids’ rooms with some of them.

mychild | june 2014

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Terrariums by Miniscapes I have a range of terrariums of different sizes and shapes – I am obsessed with them at the moment! miniscapes.net

Snow globes My kids and I have a huge collection from all around the world. Every time our friends or family go away we ask them to bring us one back. My favourite is one we got from Alaska.

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My iPhone This sounds so cliched but I’d honestly be lost without my iPhone. It has photos of my children and family, and my favourite music, so I can’t go anywhere without it.

Find stockists of Marquise’s Autumn/Winter 2014 collection at marquise.com.au

june 2014 | mychild

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ideas

Have you met…?

Suzanne Acteson from Habitots This month, we spoke with Suzanne Acteson, the woman behind the fabulous online store Habitots, about her work and life balance as she switches between Canada, England and Australia.

Her brand-new Habitots pop-up shop has recently opened in Melbourne’s Albert Park, just five minutes from the city. Forget kiddie gyms and adventure playgrounds – this popup activity hub is a sign of what family fun will look like in the future. As well as selling her unique kids’ products and homewares, the store boasts a creative activity space for parents and their kids to relax and play, grab a coffee or a healthy smoothie, and participate in awesome activities and workshops!

Tell us about your family life I hail from Canada originally but have lived in Australia for over 12 years. My husband and I have two wonderful, crazy, energetic boys – Spencer, six-and-a-half, and Oliver, three. Both carry three passports. Lucky kids!

Rob and I now both run our own businesses so our schedules are flexible but rather hectic,

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like most families. I recently left “ad land” (I ran an advertising agency in Melbourne and was there for 11 years) to start my dream, Habitots.

Despite both of us living far away from our families (Rob is from the UK), we’re very close to them and, in a way, living far away brings us closer. We make an effort to Skype most weekends, and when we meet up, it’s for three or four weeks at a time and we have such great memories of our trips and holidays in different parts of the world. We miss the day-to-day contact but have a close network of friends, which helps a lot.

What is your best childhood memory?

Any family trip to our cottage, which was a two-day drive away from our home in Canada.

I have so many amazing memories and silly stories from those trips – like when my Dad, who hates the drive-through, came out of one after ordering for all six of us, with a $4.50 bill.

The lady didn’t hear anything he said and we all laughed for hours, weeks, years about it!

These classic moments still make me smile.

How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I saw a few similar ideas in the US and Canada and a gap in the market here. It’s been a dream for seven years and has changed, morphed >

“I love being in the shop, talking to customers and hearing their feedback. It fuels my fire� june 2014 | mychild

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ideas

“It’s been a dream for seven years and has changed, morphed and grown into what it is today”

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and grown into what it is today. I have been willing to accept new ideas and watch for trends, listen to my target audience and take a leap of faith.

Beginning as an online boutique store in early 2013, Habitots stepped out of the digital realm and into an Albert Park retail space in April 2014. As well as selling our homewares and toys, children can play with arts and crafts, playdough or the latest blocks. Or parents can sign their kids up for something more regular, like a Create class for two- to five-year-olds in the mornings or five- to nine-year-olds after school. Better yet, book in for a party and let us take care of the mess!

What is the hardest decision you’ve had to make since starting Habitots?

Opening our first store (it’s a pop-up for now) was a big step as this meant being in a shop seven days a week, and working longer, less flexible hours. I don’t regret it in the slightest.

I love being in the shop, talking to customers and hearing their feedback. It fuels my fire.

What issues arise when juggling business and motherhood?

It’s the unforeseen, and dealing with those challenges when they come. Like when the kids are sick, or sent home with lice, or feeling tired and grumpy. My challenge is also trying not to work too much. I started Habitots while I was still at the agency so I worked into the evenings, and on planes and in hotel rooms.

Now, I have a tendency to still work like that and not take any “me” time when I get in, after the kids go to bed. Not a healthy habit working from 7am to 11pm!

What advice do you have for women wanting to start a business?

Begin small and if you can, make sure you don’t quit your job to do something new. Try to start it on the side, test it out, see if you like it and if your customers like it. Ask yourself

whether you will love doing it. If not, it’s not worth it. We’re all striving to find something we love doing so don’t do it because it’s better than what you’re doing now. It will be harder and you’ll work more and for longer hours so you have to love it.

Who inspires you?

I took part in the Business Chicks Immersion and Leadership trip to Uganda last year and each and every woman on that trip inspired me. All the women I met in Uganda, running their own little businesses or farms, plus family, really inspired me too.

They all had a dream and have taken action to make it happen. After they changed their mindset and didn’t accept that they had to live in poverty, the rest was history. Slowly they worked their way to a better quality of life and as basic as that advancement might have been, they believed they could do it. That’s inspiration at its most raw.

What is a little known fact about you that would surprise people?

I moved to Australia after I met my husband on a boat and knowing him for three days. I moved in and never moved out! * Visit habitots.com.au to browse the fabulous range of children’s and interiors products, and to learn more about the Habitots Pop Up Shop, and the workshops and parties!

june 2014 | mychild

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IDEAS

Behind the label a Mother of three young children and the owner of gaia organic cotton, Annette Francis offers us an inside view of her eco-friendly fashion label

C

ombining her passion for design with her love for the environment, Annette established Gaia Organic Cotton 14 years ago, making her fashion label the oldest organic-cotton label in Australia. She explains, ‘I started my business at a time when many people did not even know what organic cotton was. Organic food was just being introduced and textiles still had quite a journey ahead.’

About the collection The popular brand encompasses a range of baby clothing and children’s pyjamas that are made from soft, tactile fabrics with charming detailing, such as satin trims and embroidery.

And, most importantly, all of the items are designed with environmental consciousness in mind. Annette explains, ‘We have amazing designs that adhere to social standards and reflect our integrity and motivation towards caring for the environment.’

The business side of things As founder, designer and director, Annette enjoys the flexibility of running her own label as she is able to make more time to spend with her children, Bella, nine, Saffron, seven, and three-year-old Ziggy.

‘I love being able to pick the kids up from school, volunteer at the canteen (occasionally!), attend carnivals and of all the invaluable time that you can have with your children that should be treasured,’ she says.

The downside to creating her own label?

‘It can be quite difficult to maintain our high manufacturing standards. This means we’re working around the clock to produce quality clothing that upholds the brand’s integrity.’

Future endeavours Looking ahead, Annette plans on continuing to expand the range to offer a variety of organic clothing in new fabrics and designs. *

Visit gaiaorganiccotton.com.au to view the Autumn/Winter 2014 collection

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“We have amazing designs that adhere to social standards and reflect our integrity and motivation towards caring for the environment…”

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FEEL BEAUTIFUL

DURING PREGNANCY, BREASTFEEDING AND BEYOND

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Versatile style.

Wear how you want Buttons to fasten as a nursing cover

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Soft, lightweight bamboo fabric Our Bestselling Sangha Waterfall Wrap

GO NUDE! 1| Skater dress $74.34 2| jacket $199.95

by ASOS Maternity

by Esprit asos.com.au

Find your favourite breastfeeding or maternity clothes at Milk and Love now. Featuring natural fibers, stylish designs and discrete breastfeeding access, you’ll love our range!

STYLISH NURSING & MATERNITY WEAR FOR FABULOUS WOMEN

queenbee.com.au BREASTFEEDING | MATERNITY | TEETHING JEWELLERY june 2014 | mychild 43 www.milkandlove.com.au

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FASHION REPORT

THIS PAGE:

by EENI MEENI MIiNI MOH priced from $14.95 eenimeeni.com

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1 2

5 4 1

6 7

CHOC TOP 1| VEST $21.95

by Minifin minifin.com.au

2| DRESS $49.95

by Fabrik fabrikstore.com

5| RUGGIT SHIRT $64.95 6| PUFFER JACKET $110

by Munsterkids

by Fox & Finch munsterkids.com

minihaha.com.au

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whether it’s wool, fleece or leather, keep the kids cosy in these cocoa-tastic creations 3| SKATER SKIRT $45

by Tahlia minihaha.com.au

4| SUEDE BOOTS $56.99

by Pumpkin Patch pumpkinpatch.com.au

7| SPLICED BEANIE $18.99 8| SHOES $44.95

by Pumpkin Patch

by Beautiful Soles pumpkinpatch.com.au beautifulsoles.com.au

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FASHION REPORT

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STRIPE IT RICH

go a little wild with this fun line-up of winter warmers

1| Growsuit $37.95

2| GUMBOOTS $29.95

3| HOODED TEE $29.99

by Albababy babygoesretro.com.au

by Skeanie skeanie.com.au

by Pumpkin Patch pumpkinpatch.com.au

4| RA RA DRESS $44.95

5| WONDERSUIT $21.95

6| SNEAKERS $39.95

by Hootkid hootkid.com

by Bonds bonds.com.au

by Billie Kids billieshoes.com

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$44.95 7 DRESS

by Hootkid

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hootkid.com

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8| TEE $14.99

9| BABYGRO $39.95

10| CARDIGAN $59.90

by Charlie & Me charlieandmekids.com.au

by Baobab baobab.com.au

11| MARY JANES $29.95

12| BEANIE $14.95

by Walnut Melbourne walnutmelbourne.com

by Ouch ouchclothing.com.au

13| TOP $44.95

by Oishi-m

by Bebe minihaha.com.au

oishi-m.com

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FASHION COMPARE

get a leg up! leggings keep kiddies comfy and cosy in the cooler months. what’s not to love?

BEBE

MUNSTERKIDS

PLUM

MASTER AND MISS

Maple $29 3-24m minihaha.com.au

Lil Rose $44.99 0-3m to 2 munsterkids.com

Precious $19.95 0000-000 plumcollections.com.au

Fushia Interlock $40 2-10 masterandmiss.com.au

HOOTKID

FABRIK

PUMPKIN PATCH

PUREBABY

Lighten Up $39.95 1-8 hootkid.com

Butterfly $33 00-2 fabrikstore.com

Stripe $19.99 12-18m to 5 pumpkinpatch.com.au

Chilli Stripe $24.95 000-3 purebaby.com.au

DOODLEBUG

FOX & FINCH

MINiFIN

Tiny tribe

Triangle $34.95 1-7 ilovedoodlebug.com.au

Kelly Spot $37.90 2-10 minihaha.com.au

Leggings $17.95 0-8 minifin.com.au

Julie $19.95 000-2 tinytribe.com.au

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kapow kids Kaleidoscope Harem $36 3m to 2 kapowkids.com.au

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INTERIORS REPORT

Rustic revamp leave tradition behind and embrace the latest industrial revolution – in a more homely manner of speaking!

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Oyoy Honeycomb Children’s Linen from $80

by Norsu norsu.com.au

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GET THE LOOK 1

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OVERSIZED RULER GROWTH CHART $49

by Iron Accents ironaccents.com SHUT AWAY wardrobe $2,796

by Vavoom Emporium vavoom.com.au VINTAGE WOODEN PEPSI CRATE $59.90

by Dipinto downthatlittlelane.com.au DIY TWIN BOX $19.95 each

by Werkhaus thebamboodesign.com DON’T FORGET TO PLAY CLOCK $88

by Habitots habitots.com.au CANDLE HOUSE $39.95 for a set of 2

by Lark Store larkstore.com.au ELLIE COT $699

by Incy Interiors incyinteriors.com.au world globe $76.95

by Casa Uno zanui.com.au copper pipe pendant LIGHT $121 each

by NUD fatshackvintage.com.au CYLINDRICAL TABLE LAMP $130

by Fat Shack Vintage fatshackvintage.com.au VINTAGE BIKE CUSHION $49.95 by Hickory Hill Home hickoryhillhome.com RUSTIC WOOD wallpaper $160

by Kemra Wallpapers downthatlittlelane.com.au ABC CHEST OF DRAWERS $1,299

by Domayne domayneonline.com.au

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mychildmagazine mychild | june 2014

Interiors MY SPACE

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At first blush step into milla fried’s softly hued nursery for some gentle inspiration

S

tay-at-home mum Tracey Fried has a passion for hunting and gathering beautiful products, so designing her baby girl Milla’s nursery was a piece of cake.

How would you describe the room?

Pretty, girlie, calm and peaceful – all of the elements that you would want to include in your newborn daughter’s nursery.

What was your inspiration?

After falling pregnant and finding out I was having a baby girl, I was so excited to prepare for her arrival. I put my working background in fashion and product development to use and came up with a vision for her bedroom.

With fashion in my blood, the styling and sourcing aspects came quite naturally to me and it was such a pleasure to be designing a nursery for my very own child.

What steps did you take?

The existing room had white walls, a neutral carpet and white plantation shutters that were quite new and I didn’t want to change them. The next step was determining exactly what furniture I needed. My sister provided me with a virtually new white Boori cot, and I was keen to ensure that the other furniture matched perfectly even in respect to the white tones and gloss finish, so I selected a Boori >

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interiors | my space

• Trio of chevron prints from Etsy • Ballerina music box, which was a gift • George Jensen pink elephant money box

change table and drawer unit. The final step was to bring colour into the nursery via some soft furnishings, accessories and toys. I also incorporated my dream colours using items like the pastel pink apple crate and the pink quatrefoil pillow.

How long did it take to do?

I started sourcing things for the nursery once it was confirmed I was having a girl at about 12 weeks. I was still shopping around for items until the end of my pregnancy. I am quite superstitious so I had the furniture delivered just before I went into the hospital. The soft furnishings, wall art, photo frames and toys were stashed away in a spare cupboard right

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up until I came home. I set the room up with the final touches once I returned home.

Did you work to a budget?

I didn’t have a set budget but am generally price conscious when buying and didn’t really splurge on anything. The most expensive pieces in the room are the Boori items.

Do you have a design mantra?

I love pastels and gelati colours. Now, with the vast range of furnishings available online, sourcing interesting pieces has never been so easy. I have started creating my own mood boards, placing a portfolio of images of items together that not only complement each other

but are also functional. My design mantra is not only about things looking great together but they need to make the room functional, fun and enjoyable to spend time in.

What’s next?

This project has inspired me to focus on styling and decorating nurseries and kids’ rooms. I’ve created an Instagram account called @mymillamoo where I showcase all things nursery including some of my own mood boards. I’ve also started selling products like throw pillows and other nursery items to customers and my Instagram followers. I love being a mum and my days are busy, however in my windows of free time, I am sharing and developing my styling and decorating ability for other nurseries and kids’ rooms. *

• Pink quatrefoil pillow • Ceramic side table • Lilly & Lolly Sweetheart toy box

Framed Miss Paris folded paper dress made from a vintage map of Paris and created by my friend Marcelle Crosby

Hand-illustrated furniture for your child.

Designs inspired by you to create magical spaces for your child!

pinkcoyote.com.au facebook.com/pinkcoyote.com.au

M 0414 260 110

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interiors | my space

• Milla’s Toys toy box made from an apple crate • Zuny brown leather elephant bookend

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“It was such a pleasure to be designing a nursery for my very own child”

• Monogrammed wall decal • White Boori cot

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interiors | my space

GET THE LOOK 1 2 3 4 5 6

ENCHANTED WOOD FABRIC UKÂŁ70 per 10m roll by Hibou Home hibouhome.com elephant mobile hanging $31.95

by Tiger Tribe tigertribe.com.au

7 8 9 10 11

aspinal bookshelf $1,299

by Posh Frogposhfrog.com.au

linen buttoned chair $490 by Lavender Hill Interiors lavenderhillinteriors.com.au

HANDMADE plush rabbit $80

LUCY CHANGE TABLE $699

by Habitots habitots.com.au

by Incy Interiors incyinteriors.com.au

omg how i love thee pRINT $24.95

by Love JK downthatlittlelane.com.au

CELESTE TABLE LAMP $169

by Freedom freedom.com.au

oink gold crown money box $29.95

charleton baby PRAM blanket $89.95

by Sheridan sheridan.com.au

TASsel garland kit $16.50 by Simply Sweet Soirees simplysweetsoirees.com.au

by Salt & Pepper saltandpepper.com.au

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Forest friends, meet the king of the jungle

cotton blankets

wall decals

storage hampers

Mix and match Speckled House’s huge selection of bright and fun decorating ideas.

From removable wall decals and storage hampers, to blankets, Speckled House makes decorating for kids easy, flexible, stylish and heaps of fun! www.speckledhouse.com.au june 2014 | mychild

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PARTY

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Magical marquee Stylist and creator of Sugar Coated Mama Sarah Osmotherly pulled out all the stops for tiffany bobeldyk’s daughter Brooklyn’s first birthday june 2014 | mychild

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party

• Pink & lemon buttercream vanilla cupcakes

B

rooklyn’s mum Tiffany Bobeldyk had her heart set on a whimsical girlie party in a beautiful white marquee to celebrate her baby girl’s first birthday. What ensued was a gorgeous garden party with pastel hues and a touch of fancy.

What inspired the theme of the party?

Both mother and daughter have a love of butterflies, flowers, balloons and the outdoors.

A winter garden party with a pretty floral design, charming pink hues and handmade decor seemed perfect!

Did the winter weather have an impact on the theme?

Weather can definitely impact on the location, which is why it was held in a marquee. A short

• Chocolate-dipped Oreos & fondant butterflies

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• White chocolate peanut butter balls

“A winter garden party with a pretty floral design, charming pink hues and handmade decor seemed perfect” time after we finished setting it all up, a huge gust of wind came through and nearly took the whole party with it! We had to move a lot of things further inside very quickly.

What steps did you take in designing the party?

The first step was to create a mood board.

I’m a very visual person, so I put all the colour palettes and key elements together. I then did a menu plan and decor shopping list after meeting with my client, Tiffany. Afterwards, I spoke with my favourite key vendors with >

• Pistachio macarons with chocolate filling

• Plastic bottle & straw from The Reject Shop

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party

“Brooklyn loved her party – especially the giant balloons!”

SARAH’S TOP PARTY TIP

Have fun planning your child’s party! We so often become stressed with the actual planning and getting it right on the day that we lose sight of the fun and enjoyment.

Plan ahead and involve your children to have an awesome time. Pinterest is also a great resource, as well as websites like karaspartyideas.com!

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• Gumballs from The Little Big Company

whom I work closely – florist, cake artisan, event hire company and so on. I always do a site inspection and take lots of pictures to decide on placement, style and the overall look and feel.

Then I started making the do-it-yourself elements, like the butterfly cut-outs for the balloons and customised elements such as the gift bags and pompoms. A few days before, I did a full mock set-up of the dessert table without the food, and took photos to cut down the set-up time on the day. I had sticky notes detailing what food went where, so my lovely assistants Jodie and Alessandra could help.

How long did it take to organise?

It was several months in the making, on a budget of $2,000. I worked a few hours each

• Do-it-yourself goodie bags

• Pastel meringues in glass apothecary jar

week and then at least five hours for set-up and pack down on the day. There were about 40 to 50 guests in attendance.

What was Brooklyn’s reaction?

Brooklyn loved her birthday party – especially the giant balloons! Obviously, as a one-yearold child, anything that could be touched or felt was a winner.

What’s next for you?

This month, I’m working on a superhero party and a construction party. I recently received a call to do a segment on Channel 9 for Leila McKinnon’s baby shower, too, so it’s one big party at Sugar Coated Mama HQ! * Find Sarah and other inspiring party ideas online at sugarcoatedmama.com.

• Watering-can with mini tulle pompoms

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COOKING

roll your own! create a super healthy meal for your littlies with this delicious recipe from Stacey Deutscher at A Healthy Mum

Stacey is a mum-of-one who is dedicated to developing and sharing healthy and easy-to-make recipes that the whole family can enjoy. She is currently studying to be a health coach with a major emphasis on nutrition for mothers and children. To find out more go to ahealthymum.com, email stace@ahealthymum.com or head to facebook.com/ahealthymumpage.

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AVOCADO SUSHI PREP TIME 15 minutes

COOKING TIME 45 minutes

SERVES 2 adults and 2 children

INGREDIENTS 1 cup brown rice 1 small sweet potato 1 medium carrot 1 small beetroot 2 tbsp coconut oil 1 lemon, juiced 2 tbsp chia seeds 1 tbsp black sesame seeds 1 large ripe avocado 6 nori sheets 1 cup combination of shredded kale, spinach and green beans

METHOD • Preheat oven to 170°C. • Cook the brown rice as per packet instructions then set aside to cool.

• Cut all root vegetables into matchsticks, about 2cm wide, or use the “chip” function on your food processor, and place on a baking-paper lined oven tray.

• Coat root vegetables in coconut oil, lemon juice, chia seeds and black sesame seeds, and roast for 45 minutes or until browned.

• Once rice has cooled, mash the avocado through it, stirring occasionally until it comes together into a thick mash.

• Using the nori sheets, assemble the sushi starting with the rice on the bottom, then the vegetables and finish with the shredded kale, spinach and green beans.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS • Cut nori sheets in half and make mini rolls – these are perfect for children’s smaller hands or the lunch box.

• Serve the sushi with lemon juice, tamari or soy sauce for dipping.

• Head to etsy.com to discover a huge range of serving sets.

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NEWS

GOOD NUTRITION

GET READING I AM FOOD: EATING YOUR WAY TO HEALTH

By Anthia Koullouros (Penguin, $39.99) We live in a world of fads – fad diets, fad superfoods, fad exercise programs – and then we have organic, natural and raw foods… it’s all just a bit confusing, right? In this practical guide to healthy eating, respected naturopath Anthia Koullouros guides you through the all-important transition from processed foods to nourishing your body, soul and the planet. A kitchen must-have!

Each year Australians discard up to 20% of the food they purchase

bright ideas PROBLEM: Sugarholic SOLUTION: Well, Naturally… Pick up your peppermint chip No Added Sugar Milk Chocolate bars, $2.69, at wellnaturally.com.au.

PROBLEM: You need a giggle SOLUTION: The 100 percent cotton baby bibs by Turd Circus, $25, from turdcircus.com.au are bound to make you laugh.

PROBLEM: What to snack on?

SOLUTION: You’ll go nuts for Usana Go Nuts and Berries all-natural health bars, $38.50 for 14 bars from usana.com.

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IN FOCUS VEGETABLES The rule of thumb when it comes to eating vegetables is that the brighter the colour, the better they are for you. Well, what better way to stay healthy this season than with these three superfoods?

Broccoli Loved by nutritionists, broccoli is packed with key antioxidants, as well as loads of vitamins and minerals. Add it to stir-fries, soups and winter stews.

Beetroot Loaded with antioxidants, beetroot contains beneficial phytochemicals that protect the immune system against destructive free radicals and molecules that harm healthy cells and their DNA. It’s great cooked and sliced into salads, baked or juiced. And don’t discard the leafy green tops; they offer high nutrient value such as vitamin C, calcium and iron.

Carrots Enjoy carrots for high amounts of betacarotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. Great for coughs and colds, vitamin A boosts immunity and fights against infection, especially respiratory illness, keeping our lungs healthy. Add them to… pretty well anything!

directory

An organic range of health and beauty products that won’t cost the earth or your health. Spend $150 or more on your initial Contact Lindsay on order to get 20% off this and all future orders.

0434 644 353 www.naturalbeauty.miessence.com

SAVE $1000’s per child • EnVironmEntAlly Friendly EASy to Use • BAmBoo Absorber Included

onE SiZE with adjustable leg elastic!

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100% bamboo liners

• Flushable • Antibacterial • 100% Biodegradable

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news | good nutrition

5 reasons why your child shouldn’t skip breakfast 1

Glucose is the body’s energy source After fasting overnight, it’s important to replenish glucose and other essential nutrients to increase your children’s energy levels and kickstart their metabolism for the day.

Skipping breakfast can diminish mental performance Replenishing their energy levels first thing in the day means that children can pay attention and take more interest in learning.

Children make poor food choices and crave sugar If children eat an inadequate breakfast, they will tend to make unhealthier food choices.

Eating breakfast means they’ll be less hungry for snacking on junk foods.

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4

Breakfast gives kids essential vitamins Folate, iron, vitamin B and fibre are the bee’s knees for children’s health – opt for high-fibre, low-sugar muesli, cereal or oats with some fruit, or boiled eggs with multigrain toast soldiers for protein.

Smoothies made with banana, berries, egg, chia seeds and LSA mix (ground linseeds, sunflower seeds and almonds) are also delicious.

Kids are more likely to overeat As much as skipping breakfast means consuming lower kilojoules, evidence suggests the rates of obesity are the same. No breakfast means children will be hungrier later and are more likely to overeat, rather than have small meals throughout the day.

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More than just nappies!

Old fashioned service with expert advice

Natural skincare ranges Chemical-free cleaning products Chemical-free baby products

thenappylady.com.au

Enjoy Les s Mess , Les s Wa ste & Happie r Childr en!

Fill your Reusable Pouches with Homemade Baby Food H F d

Expressed Breast Milk Yoghurt Snack Allergy Friendly Food

pouched.com.au facebook.com/pouched

NO BPA, NO PVC, NO Phthalates

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MY CHILD PROMOTION

WHAT’S IN STORE

Little artist

Cool kids

Only $24.95, the Stuck On You Budding Artist set includes a range of personalised items, such as a sketchbook, markers and pencils.

Find them at stuckonyou.com.au.

Untamed Designer Kidswear’s collection includes drop-crutch pants and hoodies in sizes 0-4. Enjoy 10 percent off with code MYCHILD at untameddk.com.

RIDE ALONG

Game on

Designed for safe and comfy driving during pregnancy, the Tummy Shield, $199.95, works by redirecting the seatbelt pressure away from the abdomen to the pelvis and thighs.

Check out tummyshield.com.au.

Released in time for the FIFA World Cup (June 12), the Difrax Combi soother, $6.95, is also great for any Aussie event. Suitable from six months plus, you can choose other country styles at difrax.com.au.

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Bye bye bacteria

It’s a shoe-in

Trusted since 1916, Milton’s Antibacterial Tablets, $8.99 for a 30-pack, can be used for disinfecting breastfeeding equipment, bottles and more. See miltonbaby.com.au.

My Name Label’s shoe labels, $18 for six pairs, come with a protective overlay that prevents the print from rubbing off. Go to mynamelabel. com.au to find out more.

Milk it

Got you pegged Finished in natural vegetable oil, this Your New Zealand Kauri teething peg acts as a comfort for babies with sore gums. It can also be used as a keepsake as it comes in a gift box. Visit petitvoyage.co.nz for more great finds.

These organic cookies created by lactation consultant Pinky McKay will boost your energy and support your milk supply. The range of Boobie Bikkies now also includes gluten- and dairyfree alternatives.

You can pick up a pack for $24.95 at boobiebikkies. com.au.

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NEWS

PREGNANCY&BIRTH

Q&A

How important is pelvic floor health during pregnancy and birth?

We have all read the raunchy articles about Kegel exercises improving your sex life, however the strength of your pelvic floor muscles is also crucial during pregnancy, birth and as a new mother. Were you aware that 72 percent of pregnant women and young mums experience urinary leakage?

Your pelvic floor muscles form a broad sling between your legs, stretching from your pubic bone and around to the base of your spine, holding your bladder, uterus and bowel in place.

This year’s campaign by the Continence Foundation of Australia (CFA) for World Continence Week (from June 23 to 29) focuses on the importance of pelvic floor health during pregnancy and birth. New research shows that, despite being in a high-risk category for developing incontinence, 98 percent

of mothers fail to do the daily recommended level of pelvic floor exercises. This was based on a study of 1,000 mums-to-be and mothers in Australia, who were classified high risk owing to the demands that pregnancy and birth places on a woman’s pelvic floor.

CFA executive officer Rowen Cockerell claims that incontinence should not be regarded as a normal part of childbirth and women need to prioritise their health by exercising their pelvic floor three times a day.

To exercise your pelvic floor muscles, imagine that you’re trying to stop yourself from passing wind and stop the flow of urine at the same time. The catch is you need to do this without pulling in your tummy, squeezing your legs or bottom, or holding your breath. Sit or lie somewhere comfortable, then contract your pelvic floor muscles as you breathe out, holding for 10 seconds as you continue to breathe normally.

Aim to repeat this exercise eight times a session, three times a day.

For more information visit continence.org.au.

Heard of the pregnancy glow? It’s true!

While pregnant, the amount of blood in your body will increase by 50% 76

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Get Reading Mindful hypnobirthing

By Sophie Fletcher (Random House, $35) With many expectant mums fearing the pain of childbirth, clinical hypnotherapist and doula Sophie Fletcher has published a practical guide to help women feel more relaxed, confident and in control during labour. Created with advice

from nurses and midwives, the book centres around using The Mindful Hypnobirthing Method, teaching women helpful techniques to practise throughout pregnancy in preparation for the big day!

It also includes downloadable hypnosis and relaxation tracks, and is available in paperback for $35 or see babyboomersandbellies. com to source an e-book from an online retailer.

During pregnancy, your feet can grow up to one full shoe size

IN FOCUS antenatal education Access to and affordability of antenatal education is a healthcare issue faced by women worldwide, inspiring Queensland mum Lee Corbett to do something about it The eBubbyBump app provides mothers-tobe with an e-learning solution to antenatal education. It is designed to help pregnant women in remote and rural destinations, and those finding it difficult to afford traditional antenatal education in Australia, by providing them with a content-based online course to guide them through their pregnancy.

Why was it produced? Research shows more women are heading online for information and avoiding clinical, hospital-run antenatal classes.

Tell me about the content The course is divided into five overarching topic areas – Birth Partner and Birth Wishes, Labour Positions, Relaxation

and Breathing Techniques, Medical Interventions and Drugs, and The Process of Labour and Birth – and looks at the pros and cons of the different approaches, explores options and is based on education and choice.

Is it any good? Ebubbybump.com is said to be the first online antenatal course that has been designed by a team of industry experts, using the best writers and graphic designers in the country. It features clear, comforting narration and sophisticated imagery.

Why should I trust it? It has been reviewed and vetted by a range of medical experts, including obstetricians, gynaecologists and midwives, along with paramedics, counsellors and, of course, expectant mothers and fathers!

What will it set me back? The course is priced at just $33, with unlimited 24/7 access provided over a three-month period, and you can log onto the app anytime, anywhere.

Go to ebubbybump.com for more information and to download the app.

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news | pregnancy & birth

5 tasty treats to avoid during pregnancy 1

Processed & raw meats Meat is an essential source of iron during pregnancy, as long as it is cooked thoroughly, with no pink or redness and the juices run clear. But be especially aware when it’s part of a ready meal or cooked on a BBQ. Avoid processed and cured meats like salami and ham as these could be carriers of toxoplasmosis and listeriosis. Also be wary of eating cold meats such as chicken in sandwich bars, as well as hot-cooked chicken from supermarkets. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

Sushi & seafood Fish is good for you and your baby, however some types contain dangerous levels of mercury. Recommendations can be found online, such as on foodsafety.gov, regarding how much of different types of fish you should try to limit yourself to eat each week or fortnight. It’s also important to avoid raw oysters and shellfish as well as fish in sushi and sashimi, although if you’re a Japanese food-lover, you can try making your own sushi at home with cooked meat or cans of tuna – just be sure to eat it straightaway.

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Soft serve ice-cream Like other deli items, this type of ice-cream should be avoided to minimise contact with harmful bacteria. Another delicious thing to steer clear of for now? Raw cookie dough and cake batter – hello, salmonella!

Soft cheese Of course, cheese is an important source of protein and calcium for pregnant women but you need to stay away from certain kinds as some cheeses are more inclined to grow bacteria such as listeria, which can cause a shortlived flu-like illness. Cheeses like brie, camembert and blue-veined, along with semi-soft types such as fetta and ricotta, should be given a miss unless they have been fully cooked and are piping hot all the way through.

Pre-packaged salads Did you know that all varieties of bean sprouts can carry a risk of salmonella? This includes snow pea sprouts, mung beans, alfalfa sprouts and sunflower sprouts. Also watch out for pre-packaged salads; if you need to use them, make sure they get washed thoroughly as they can also carry listeria.

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shopping

PREGNANCY&BIRTH

Sensitive soap

Freedom of expression

Dr Bronner’s baby soap, $5.95, contains organic oils and is fragrance free, so it is suitable for a baby’s sensitive skin or for kids with allergies.

It’s even certified fair trade and organic under the USDA National Organic Program. The baby soap is also vegetable-based, biodegradable and encased in recycled paper. For further details go to thenappylady.com.au.

With more than 25 years of clinical studies behind them, Philips AVENT’s Comfort Single Electric breast pumps make expressing easy with their massage cushion accessory, which gently stimulates milk flow. They’re compact, lightweight and have three pumping settings to match any comfort level. Priced at $249.95, visit philips.com.au/AVENT for more details.

Keep close Ultra-breathable and unbelievably soft, the cotton Ergobaby Wrap, $129, makes an ideal companion for those first few months after birth, allowing you to remain close to your bub when you are out and about. It’s 4D Stretch material, made from a cotton and spandex blend, distributes your baby’s weight in four directions and can support up to 14kg. The wrap can be used in six comfortable positions, measures 500 x 65cm and three colour options are available at babesinarms.com.au.

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ergobaby ergobaby NEW

Hop Along Handmade in Perth, WA, the Bobbie Bunny plush toy is made from organic fair-trade cotton and is stuffed with hypoallergenic filling. It can be custom designed in your choice of colours and is priced at $65. See puretots. com.au for the full collection of handmade plush toys.

FOUR-POSITION

360 Carrier

Scooped up Suitable for work or special occasions and made from a viscose and elastane jersey blend, this Noppies’ Kacia Green Print dress, $99.95, is available in sizes 8 to 16. For more fab finds go to queenbee.com.au.

WATCH VIDEO

Welcome to Ergobaby Gold Class - a revolutionary Four Position Carrier that is Ergobaby’s most flexible solution yet! The Ergobaby Four Position 360 Carrier offers four easily-adjusted, ergonomic

How cheeky Priced at $15 for a 125ml bottle, Bottomsup Natural Organic Baby Moistsurpriser includes a pink flannel flower essence to give the lotion a soothing scent.

The moisturiser is made with certified-organic ingredients such as shea butter, lavender, chamomile and avocado oil. It’s easily absorbed and available online at bottomsup.com.au.

positions - so you can nurture them with your loving support and attention. The world awaits ... go far, stay close!

“I am extremely impressed with the ingenious design of the Ergobaby 360 Carrier as it allows for an ergonomic carry for both baby and wearer in all four positions. It keeps parenting fuss-free and fun. ” Amy Giannakis

Chiropractor, babywearing advocate and mother-of-three - reviewbabycarriers.net

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shopping | pregnancy & birth

Bathtime buddy Cleanse baby’s delicate skin with Johnson’s nourishing Baby Bath.

Made from milk extracts and rice, it also includes the No More Tears formula that’s synonymous with the Johnson’s brand and can be purchased in a 500ml bottle for $8.99. Check out johnsonsbaby. com for more information.

Tie the knot

Super support

Olian’s Mandy Knot Front top, $103, is made from a modal fabric blend of rayon and spandex that is twisted below the bust to create a feminine drape over your bump. You can also dress it up with work pants. Available in sizes XS to XL, head to angelbub. com.au for more details.

Weighing only 80g, Little M’s Suppori baby slings are lightweight and compact, yet strong enough to carry bubs who weigh up to 15kg.

The slings have a triple thread woven structure and are priced at $57.95. You can choose from 30 colour options at littlem.com.au. The best thing? The sling is so compact it fits in the palm of your hand, making it easy to carry around!

Keep your cool Tommee Tippee’s Miomee 4-in-1 Digital Thermometer allows you to check your baby’s temperature from either their ear or forehead with its mode selector. It also contains a Light Up Fever Indicator, which flashes green when your baby’s temperature is normal or red when it is above 37.5°C. See miomee.com.au to find out more.

Stroll on New to the Danish By Design range of baby and children’s products, the Bumbleride Indie stroller weighs only 9kg and comes with a free rain cover and pump. It can support little ones weighing up to 20kg and thanks to the 30cm pneumatic tyres, it is ideal for travelling across all types of terrains – great for an active family!

The stroller is made from recycled materials, too, making it environmentally friendly. Priced at $699.95, go to bumbleride.com.au.

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Shop online for the most beautiful range of nursery and kids wall art designed and made in Australia.

Wall Art for little people

www.41orchard.com.au

canvas art

wall stickers

tree decals

wall paper

map murals

personalised

hight charts

nursery art

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PREGNANCY

16 early pregnancy symptoms Could you be pregnant? Here doula and BellyBelly website creator Kelly Winder discusses 16 classic symptoms that suggest you have a baby on the way!

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nfortunately for women, the only pregnancy symptoms that we can rely on are hormonal changes that occur within our body.

While studies show that an egg is usually fertilised within 12 hours of ovulation (and no longer than 24 hours as it starts to die), you won’t start noticing any pregnancy symptoms and/or be able to detect your pregnancy until after implantation, which occurs from seven to 10 days post ovulation.

If you have conceived, the embryo starts to produce the hormone HCG after implantation and not before, so it is not possible to detect pregnancy or experience pregnancy symptoms before this time. So the longer you wait to test after ovulation, the more accurate the result will be and the darker the potential positive test line may be. Testing should ideally be done from the day your period would have been due.

Below is a list of pregnancy symptoms which may signal pregnancy for you. Remember, every

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woman and every pregnancy is different, so there’s no need to panic if you don’t have all of the listed symptoms. I had no noticeable symptoms (apart from not having a period) with my second pregnancy until 11 weeks.

1

HIGH BBT

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MISSED/NO PERIOD

If you regularly chart your cycle and take your temperature, you will notice that your basal body temperature (BBT) will remain high throughout your luteal phase. Progesterone causes your BBT to rise upon ovulation and stay elevated should you be pregnant. If you are not pregnant, your BBT will drop right down and you’ll get your period as normal.

One of the first pregnancy symptoms you may notice is that your period does not arrive.

While this symptom is one we most commonly associate with pregnancy, there may be other reasons why a period hasn’t arrived, such as >

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pregnancy high levels of stress, major illness or surgery.

On the other hand, it’s possible to continue to have your periods during pregnancy. Some women may bleed for just a few months or even their whole pregnancy.

you need to sleep more than usual. Not only that, but the hormone progesterone, which is required in high levels during pregnancy, has a sedating effect. No wonder you feel so tired!

If you need to rest or sleep, don’t fight your body – it needs it!

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MORNING SICKNESS

Another well-known pregnancy symptom is morning sickness. But don’t let it’s name fool you – it can pay you a visit any time of day, so make sure you eat enough and avoid letting your blood sugar levels drop. Ginger is a great natural remedy for nausea so it’s worth a try, although some women find that nothing seems to help their morning sickness, which normally hangs around for the first trimester before getting better, or if you are unlucky, the second trimester or even your whole pregnancy.

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FREQUENT URINATION

As soon as a week after conception, you may notice yourself dashing off to the toilet more often, only to find that you’re urinating small amounts! This happens because the embryo starts to secrete the hormone HCG, which signals for the blood supply to increase in the pelvic area. This results in the bladder becoming irritable and it passes even small amounts of urine. You may find you will wake in the night to urinate more often than usual.

4

BREAST CHANGES

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CRAMPING

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INCREASED CERVICAL MUCUS

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CONSTIPATION & WIND

From very early on in your pregnancy you may notice changes in your breasts, including: nipples may be tender and sensitive (some women describe their nipples to be irritatingly sensitive!); breasts may be sore and/or lumpy; nipples may deepen in colour; the veins in the breast area may become more noticeable and enlarged; areolas (circles around your nipples) may darken and enlarge; and the little “bumps” on your areolas (Montgomery’s Tubercles) may increase and/or enlarge.

A surge in progesterone often results in a rise in creamy cervical mucus production.

Some women may notice a little and some notice much more. If it bothers you, a panty liner may help.

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FATIGUE

When you first become pregnant, your metabolism steps up a few gears in order to support your developing baby as well as your own body, which creates one big workload! You may become so immensely tired that you feel

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This symptom of early pregnancy can also be an unnerving one for parents-to-be, as often there is a fear of miscarriage. However, even when not pregnant, your uterus is continually contracting. When pregnant, the foetus grows and pushes against the walls of your uterus, which causes it to contract – this is normal.

If the cramping is accompanied by bleeding, see your doctor, who can assess the situation to see if you may be having a miscarriage.

However, do not panic as bleeding is also common in pregnancy. Women can have both cramping and bleeding in pregnancy and be able to continue on with a healthy pregnancy.

It just keeps getting better, doesn’t it?!

Increased hormones have an effect on your intestines, making them more relaxed – this helps with creating more space for the baby as your uterus expands. As a result you may get constipated. Luckily there are plenty of things you can do for relief. There are some remedies available over the counter from the pharmacist that are safe for pregnancy – but do check >

Pure Tots

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Our range brings you old-world charm with a modern twist.

puretots.com.au

ECOLOGICAL FUR PRODUCTS FOR ALL AGES

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pregnancy

10

SPOTTING

11

SENSE OF SMELL

Smells that never bothered you before may become intolerable, causing nausea. Food and cooking smells are commonly the culprits, however every woman is different and may dislike all sorts of smells.

taste of foods you usually enjoy or the feeling of food in your mouth. Some women will not eat meat and some women gag when brushing their teeth from their toothpaste!

You may have heard stories of mums-to-be craving strange things, which are not foods at all. Some of these cravings include dirt, clay or chalk. This is a condition called pica.

No-one really knows why pregnant women experience cravings. It is believed from some evidence that the body is craving vitamins and minerals it is deficient in. If you have any cravings, there is nothing wrong with giving in to them, however if you are craving high-fat foods or food with little nutritional value, see if you can find a substitute. If you are not yet taking pregnancy multivitamins, it might be a good time to start.

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NASAL STUFFINESS/COLDS

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CHANGE IN THE COLOUR OF YOUR VAGINA

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EMOTIONAL

with the pharmacist before purchasing them.

Start with the safe, natural remedies first as some are very effective.

At about eight to 10 days after ovulation (just before you’d normally get your period) you may notice light spotting, which is caused from the implantation of the embryo into your uterus lining. The spotting is usually pinkish in colour and not red like a normal period.

A foetus is very clever! In a healthy pregnancy, your immune system is suppressed and prevented from attacking and rejecting the foetus as if it were a foreign object by hormones and antibodies the foetus produces.

The antibodies also take part in the growth and development of the placenta. As a result of these hormonal changes to your immune system, you are more susceptible to colds and flu. Nasal stuffiness is also very common due to the hormonal effects on the nasal passages.

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PIMPLES/ACNE

14

CRAVINGS/CHANGES IN TASTE

You may find that even if you don’t usually get pimples or acne, you may get them in early pregnancy. It will most likely settle down fairly quickly after your hormone levels stabilise, however make sure you do not pick or squeeze pimples which may leave scars and/or spread bacteria.

The rising hormone levels in your blood can reflect in your saliva. You might notice a metallic taste in your mouth, which alters the

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Due to the increased level of blood in the pelvic region, you may find your vagina will appear more purplish than normal.

Something my partner won’t let me forget! Hormones are going crazy, right from conception. Pregnancy is a roller-coaster of hormones and emotions, and some women get very emotional or have a meltdown or two.

I know this happened pretty spectacularly with my first- and third-born babies – both girls! With my first baby, when it happened in a work meeting, I burst into tears, stormed out and quit my job! With my third pregnancy, it seemed there was nothing my poor partner could do right.

Right from conception, your body goes full speed ahead doing an incredible job, creating an environment to support and protect your baby. It truly is a miraculous thing! * Kelly Winder is a mum, doula and the creator of the BellyBelly pregnancy, birth and baby website.

For more informative articles see bellybelly.com.au.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY Nicole Proy of Mockingbird Photography

The

T H IN K ING WOM AN’S website

For Conception, Pregnancy, Birth and Baby

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PREGNANCY

Your guide to diabetes are you diabetic or could you be at risk of developing gestational diabetes? Dr Penelope Law and Dr Sarah Clements explain the implications for your pregnancy

D

iabetes (which is also known as “diabetes mellitus�) is a metabolic disorder where either the pancreas produces insufficient amounts of the hormone insulin or produces it too slowly, or the body’s cells are resistant to insulin. In pregnancy, diabetes can cause complications both to the mother and to the developing baby.

In normal circumstances, when glucose enters the bloodstream after eating, the insulin the body produces enables the glucose to be metabolised and taken up either by cells or to be stored in the liver as glycogen and used subsequently to provide energy whenever blood glucose levels fall.

When a person has diabetes, the lack of insulin prevents the glucose from being broken down and used, so blood sugar levels remain high, and this can lead to a range of symptoms, in addition to an increased risk of heart and circulatory problems.

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WHAT IS DIABETES? There are two types of diabetes: type 1, which usually develops in childhood/early adulthood and is controlled by daily insulin injections, and type 2, which develops during adulthood and is controlled, at least initially, by diet (to regulate blood glucose levels) and, if necessary, tablets or insulin injections.

There is also a type known as gestational diabetes, which is the term given to diabetes that arises during pregnancy. When you are pregnant, blood glucose levels increase to cope with the growing foetus, and therefore more insulin is required. However, if an insufficient amount is produced, blood glucose levels stay high, leading to diabetes. You are at increased risk of developing gestational diabetes if your BMI is 30 or above, you had a previous baby weighing 4,500g or more, you had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy, you have a family history of diabetes or you come from >

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pregnancy well as a daily vitamin D supplement during the entire pregnancy. You should be given advice about diet, exercise and (if relevant) weight control before and during pregnancy to reduce the risks associated with diabetes. As soon as your pregnancy is confirmed, ask your GP to refer you to an obstetrician specialising in diabetes – don’t wait until your hospital booking appointment. Ensure that you give birth in a hospital where advanced neonatal resuscitation is available 24 hours a day, because of the risks to your baby during and immediately following delivery.

During your first trimester, you have a higher risk of episodes of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels), so you should avoid being by yourself, always have a snack in your bag and, if the episodes of hypoglycaemia are acute, avoid driving. You may also find it harder in general to control your blood sugar levels, which will be made worse if you suffer from nausea or vomiting due to morning sickness.

You should be offered immediate contact with a diabetes and/or antenatal clinic. Throughout the pregnancy, you will be asked to measure your blood glucose levels every day and record them in a diary. A midwife should then call you on a regular basis to check the results and discuss ways of improving control if they do not stay within the ideal range.

You will be monitored more often during your pregnancy than non-diabetic women. You should be offered a detailed ultrasound scan of MANAGING PRE-EXISTING DIABETES If you already have diabetes (type 1 or 2), early the foetal heart at 18 to 20 weeks of pregnancy to check for cardiac abnormalities. In addition, pre-conception counselling from your GP, at because placental growth and function are not least six months before you plan to conceive, is essential before planning your pregnancy, as always as good as they should be due to the it is very important to control your blood sugar variations in blood glucose levels, you should levels, especially around the time of conception also be offered ultrasound monitoring of foetal growth, placental growth and amniotic fluid and during the first 10 weeks of pregnancy to reduce the chance of congenital abnormalities. volume every four weeks from 28 to 36 weeks.

Towards the end of your pregnancy, it may You may be advised to stop, change or take certain medication before and during pregnancy become harder to maintain your blood glucose levels within the ideal range. and you should start to take a higher dose of You should be offered induction of labour folic acid until the end of the first trimester, as certain ethnic backgrounds. Some hospitals screen all pregnant women for the condition, regardless of their apparent risk factors.

Two to eight percent of pregnant women have diabetes, making it one of the most common major pregnancy complications. Of these, the majority have gestational diabetes (which may or may not disappear after the birth), seven-and-a-half percent have type 1 diabetes and five percent type 2.

The increased risks to foetal and maternal health for women with pre-existing diabetes include: miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, premature labour, Caesarean section, stillbirth, perinatal mortality, congenital foetal abnormalities (notably cardiac), macrosomia (very large babies weighing upwards of 4,500g), shoulder dystocia during labour and consequent birth injury, and low blood sugar levels in the baby after the birth (requiring admission to the neonatal unit).

For women who develop gestational diabetes, the risks are quite similar, although there is no increased risk of congenital abnormalities and women are 50 percent more likely to develop type 2 diabetes within the next 10 years.

Depending on whether you are already diabetic or whether you develop the condition in pregnancy, your care will need to be altered to ensure that you and your baby remain in the best possible health.

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after 38 completed weeks of gestation, or a Caesarean if you previously delivered that way, because there is a significantly higher rate of an adverse outcome after 39 weeks. If you need steroids to help mature the foetal lungs, you will need to be admitted to hospital for close monitoring of your blood sugar levels and possibly to receive an intravenous sliding scale insulin infusion if your blood sugar levels increase. This is only necessary if the levels are consistently above a safe level and the increase is caused by the steroids. In this way, the dose of insulin can be adjusted on an hourly basis while your body metabolises the steroids.

During labour itself, most diabetic women will require a sliding scale insulin infusion, as blood sugar levels are otherwise difficult to control. After labour the infusion will continue until you are eating and drinking again and your insulin dose has been reduced to your pre-pregnancy requirement.

MANAGING GESTATIONAL DIABETES Gestational diabetes usually develops in the second trimester and is mostly symptomless.

If antenatal urine testing shows higher than normal levels of sugar or if you are in a highrisk category for gestational diabetes, your carers will suggest you take a glucose tolerance test to assess how well you metabolise glucose.

If the diagnosis is confirmed, you’ll be given advice on increasing your physical activity to 30 minutes a day and on adjusting your diet.

This will mean eating low-sugar, low-fat foods, including lean protein and plenty of vegetables (not fruit, which contains too much sugar), as these measures are often sufficient to control or eliminate the condition. If your diabetes is not controlled in this way, you may need oral medication or insulin injections.

You will also be shown how to measure your blood glucose levels at home and what the ideal range should be. You should record these levels in a diary. A midwife will be in contact with you to discuss the results. The better you control

your blood glucose levels, the more that you will reduce the risk of the foetal and maternal complications associated with diabetes.

YOUR POSTNATAL CARE If you have gestational diabetes, your blood glucose levels should return to normal soon after delivery, so you should no longer require medication (if it was prescribed). Your levels will nonetheless be checked before you are discharged from hospital, and you should be offered lifestyle advice, including dietary and exercise recommendations, to reduce the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes at a later stage, or gestational diabetes in a future pregnancy. You may be offered a subsequent glucose tolerance test six weeks after delivery, as well as an annual screen for diabetes.

If you have pre-existing diabetes, you are at increased risk of hypoglycaemia after the birth, so you will need to monitor your blood glucose levels to establish the correct dose of insulin, especially if you breastfeed, so make sure you always have a meal or snack available before/ during feeds. You are likely to return to your pre-pregnancy treatment for diabetes, but your carers will discuss your situation with you.

YOUR BABY Babies are at an increased risk of developing hypoglycaemia after birth, so you will be encouraged to breastfeed as soon as possible in order to stabilise your baby’s blood glucose levels. Babies of diabetic mothers are closely monitored at birth, so don’t be surprised if yours goes to the neonatal unit, even for a few hours, to ensure levels are stable. Babies are not usually discharged until at least 24 hours after the birth, once the neonatologist is sure they are feeding well and have stable blood glucose levels. * This is an edited extract from Expecting a Baby? by Dr Penelope Law and Dr Sarah Clements (Hardie Grant Books, $34.95).

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BIRTH

Pain, pain, go away With the impending birth of your baby, it’s time to take into consideration the pros and cons of the different pain-relief methods available to you. Dilvin Yasa reports

I

t is what can only be described as the understatement of the year: childbirth is usually a painful experience. Luckily, unlike the generations of women who have come before us, we now have access to a multitude of pain-relieving options for the birth of our baby, each with their own pros and cons. It’s just a matter of finding one that’s the right fit for you.

GAS What is it? Gas or nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas) is an anaesthetic that you inhale through a mask or mouthpiece during contractions. The gas, which works to dull the pain, is effective almost immediately, and the effects will peak after one minute so you need to take deep, long puffs at the start of each contraction for it to be most effective.

Pros One of this drug’s biggest advantages is that it’s self-administered, which means you’re in control of how much or how little you take in, and the effects wear off within minutes so that it can be stopped almost immediately if you find that it doesn’t agree with you. It is also considered safe for both mother and baby.

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Cons Gas lessens your pain but doesn’t get rid of it entirely. It can also make some women feel light-headed, nauseous or “spacey”.

PETHIDINE What is it? One of the more commonly used methods of pain relief during labour, pethidine is a sedating analgesic drug similar to morphine that is administered via an injection in your arm, leg or bottom. The needle stings briefly, but the drug will start working within five to 10 minutes and last for around two hours. As it ordinarily causes nausea, it is often combined with an anti-emetic drug to combat sickness.

Pros The major advantage of pethidine is that while it will dull the pain, you are still able to feel – and work with – the contractions. On the flip side, it’s sedating effects mean you are also able to rest during particularly long labours.

You also won’t have to wait for a doctor as midwives can administer pethidine, although in some hospitals morphine (which works in the same way) may be offered instead.

Cons Common side effects for mums include drowsiness and extreme nausea, which may result in an injection of an anti-nausea drug >

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birth such as Maxalon. If pethidine is given too close to the delivery, pethidine can cause breathing difficulties in babies and also make them quite sleepy for a number of days. It can also cause problems with initial breastfeeding for some babies as the drug can interfere with their rooting and sucking reflexes.

EPIDURAL What is it? An epidural, also known as a regional anaesthetic, is a nerve block that is administered by your anaesthetist that goes into the area surrounding your spinal cord, known as the epidural space. It is inserted between two vertebrae then a small tube is thread through the needle into this space before the needle is removed.

There are several steps to administering it: after you are put on a drip, you will be asked to curl over on the bed so your back can be cleaned with antiseptic before an injection of local anaesthetic is given to numb the whole area. Once numb, the larger epidural needle will be inserted, which will feed a mixture of powerful painkillers into your system.

The procedure takes around 20 minutes and it usually becomes effective within 10 to 20 minutes. Once the epidural is removed, the numbness wears off in two to four hours.

You can choose to have your epidural given in one of two ways: as an initial injection with top-ups given as the epidural wears off or as a continuous infusion where your anaesthetist will set up an epidural catheter with one of the tubes attached to a pump which feeds the pain-relieving epidural solution into your back continuously.

Pros The biggest advantage of having an epidural is that it doesn’t just lessen the pain, it eliminates it entirely, all the while enabling you to remain fully cognitively aware. This method also allows you to rest during a long and/or difficult labour.

Cons The most common side effect of having an epidural is feeling sick and cold – often

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with a bad case of shivering involuntarily, but there are also several disadvantages to epidurals. Research has shown it can slow labour slightly, and there is also a higher risk of intervention with epidural use such as a forcep delivery or Caesarean. You will also be unable to get up and move around, and as you will not be able to feel when you need to go to the toilet, a catheter will have to be inserted into your bladder. Although often talked about, the risk of serious side effects such as nerve damage or infection are extremely rare. It has no adverse effects on babies.

TENS What is it? TENS, a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation machine, is a portable, battery-run device that offers drug-free pain relief. It consists of four battery-powered electrode pads, which are stuck on your lower back and when turned on, give ongoing pulses of electrical stimulation through the skin that interfere with the pain pathway. With each contraction, you can press the booster button, which sends a stronger charge that feels like a tingly pins-and-needles sensation through your body, effectively blocking the pain signals your uterus is sending to the brain.

Pros The great thing about TENS is that is has no side effects and is completely safe for baby.

It gives the user control over the pulses and remains effective until it is removed, which is great as it can be removed quickly if you find it doesn’t agree with you.

Cons You will need to hire the machine before you go into labour so it requires some forward thinking and planning on your part. Also, some women find TENS doesn’t alleviate pain as well as they had hoped.

STERILE WATER INJECTION What is it? Sterile water injection – as the name suggests – is an intra-dermal injection where water or saline is flushed into the spine to relieve pain during labour. The method

works by altering pain perception where the stinging effect of the needle into the back alleviates the pain of the contractions on the lower back muscles. It starts working within minutes and lasts up to an hour and a half.

Pros There are no complications associated

with the use of sterile water injections, and it is considered perfectly safe for both the mother and her baby.

Cons It may not offer adequate pain relief and the stinging feeling before the injection takes effect can be quite painful for some women. *

OPTIONS? YOU’VE GOT PLENTY! Don’t just rely on the big guns of pain relief. There are many other methods that might do the trick for you Active birth An active birth promotes upright positions such as standing, kneeling or squatting as gravity can help baby descend. Moving freely and frequently can also minimise pain.

is similar but involves applying pressure on carefully selected points rather than needles, and unlike acupuncture, acupressure can be performed by anyone who has been trained by a qualified acupuncturist.

Heat therapy

Hypnotherapy

Heat therapy is the use of a shower or hot bath, or where a wheat bag or a hot-water bottle is applied to your abdomen or lower back to assist with the pain of contractions, and relax tension in your body between them. It’s important not to have the water too hot as your baby may become distressed if your body temperature is too elevated.

Hypnosis assists with pain during labour by introducing helpful word associations. This method only works if you attend a number of hypnosis sessions during your pregnancy with a view to learn selfhypnosis, which is a way to program your body into not resisting contractions through the use of key words or triggers the hypnotist will set for you.

Breathing techniques

Spinal block

Breathing techniques can help you relax, stay in control and focus on something other than pain. You can learn specific techniques for breathing during labour and birth at your antenatal classes.

Commonly used in Caesarean deliveries, a spinal block is administered in the same way as an epidural, via a needle into the epidural space in your back. The only difference is that while an epidural is regularly topped up, a spinal block completely numbs your lower body with a single dose of local anaesthetic.

It’s used if a labour is progressing too rapidly and there isn’t enough time to administer an epidural before birth. Aside from the fact that it provides almost immediate pain relief, it shares most of the same pros and cons as those associated with an epidural.

Acupuncture & acupressure During labour, trained midwives stimulate various acupuncture points to reduce pain and help you achieve a relaxed state. Results vary from one person to the next; some will find it effective when used alone, while others will need additional pain relief. Acupressure

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NEWS

BABY&TODDLER

Q&A

Are BPA-free bottles really safe?

Back in 2008, major news sources issued health alerts over baby products containing bisphenol A (BPA) owing to its toxicity and links to cancer, diabetes and obesity. Also a known endocrine disruptor, BPA mimics hormones when in the body and therefore has a negative effect on the reproductive system. It was found to be particularly harmful for hormone development during pregnancy, infancy and childhood.

BPA reportedly leaches from plastics, especially when they are heated, and the issue of heated milk in baby bottles has been a hot topic here in Australia for a few years. Now there are countless plastic products on the market said to be BPAfree and safe for children, with “eco” products in particular becoming popular.

But as consumers are we receiving the whole truth? Michael Green, an environmental health executive and father, recently exposed that some of the “healthier” range of alternative products actually contain synthetic oestrogens that are harmful for both humans and animals.

Some companies have allegedly switched from using BPA to using the oestrogen-mimicking BPS (bisphenol S), which he says is just as toxic and potentially even less biodegradable.

The Centre for Environmental Health, US, sent 17 of Michael’s daughter’s and other branded apparently “BPA-free” cups and

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bottles for testing in a CertiChem lab – more than a quarter of them came back positive for oestrogenic activity. These results mirrored recent findings by the National Institutes of Health in the US. Oestrogenic chemicals, in doses too little or too high in utero or during childhood, can alter brain and organ development. Synthetic hormones that mimic oestrogen may actually be eclipsing the activity of naturally-produced hormones in children.

According to environmental engineer Laura Trotta from Sustainababy, ‘While the relative dose of BPA and BPS from plastic bottles and toys is extremely low, parents wishing to take a precautionary approach to their baby’s chemical load can minimise exposure by using ceramic, glass or stainless steel bottles and containers.’

Generally, the safest option is tempered glass, which is great for kids and virtually unbreakable (though heavy for babies). If plastic can’t be avoided, the safest type is silicone; it’s the slowest to leach chemicals into your water and food.

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By Britta Teckentrup (Koala Books, $14.99) Poor Clumsy Duck can’t stop falling over… not a day goes by without her tripping, stumbling or bumping into a tree. Luckily, her friend Chick tries to sort the problem out. This heartwarming tale is the perfect bedtime story.

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IN FOCUS vitamin K for newborns Vitamin K is needed for blood clotting and, for older children and adults, comes from bacteria in the gut. Babies have very little vitamin K in their bodies at birth as it doesn’t cross from the placenta to the foetus. There also isn’t enough in breastmilk or formula so babies will have low levels for a few weeks until their normal gut bacteria start producing the vitamin.

Why is it necessary? Without enough vitamin K, babies can experience severe bleeding, in some cases into the brain, and develop haemorrhagic disease of the newborn (HDN).

Is it safe? For the past 20 years in Australia, all newborns have safely and routinely been injected with vitamin K, with no cases of HDN seen. Parents now have a choice of informed consent for the injection, however it is strongly recommended that permission is given for it.

Vitamin K can be given orally, but is not as effective. Consult your doctor for more details.

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news | baby & toddler

5 facts about baby lactose intolerance 1

What is lactose? Lactose is the sugar in milk, and makes up around seven percent of your breastmilk. It also provides about 40 percent of your baby’s energy needs.

What is lactose intolerance? Lactose intolerance is a condition where the baby’s body can’t break down the sugar in the milk, called lactose, which is present in most dairy products and breastmilk.

Why does it occur? There are two types of lactose intolerance – primary and secondary.

The former happens when babies are born with no lactase enzymes and is an extremely rare genetic condition. It requires medical intervention and a special diet from birth. Secondary lactose intolerance occurs when a child has been sick, such as with gastroenteritis, and their digestive

system has been affected. This type of intolerance usually improves after several weeks once the lining of the gut heals.

What symptoms should I watch out for?

Signs that your baby might be lactose intolerant include wind, pain and swelling in the tummy, crankiness and failure to settle, coming on and off the breast at feeding time, failure to gain weight and diarrhoea.

How can I help? Sometimes, bub can be allergic to food from the mother’s diet. The good thing is, secondary lactose intolerance is temporary, so by taking that food out of the diet, your baby’s gut will have a chance to heal. For lactose intolerance caused by gastroenteritis, you can try alternating your breastfeeds with a lactose-free formula, but talk to your doctor first.

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Maxi-mum benefits for you and your baby Swing maxi & Calma

The new double electric breastpump Swing maxi offers proven advantages: gain more milk with a higher energy content in less time. Thanks to the innovative breastmilk feeding solution Calma, switching from breast to bottle and back to the breast has never been easier. Benefit from precious time to care, relax and enjoy the most peaceful moments with your lovely baby. www.swing-maxi.com

Learn more about our Breastfeeding solutions at www.medela.com.au, and join the ‘Medela Australia’ Facebook community

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shopping

BABY&TODDLER It’s a shoe-in French Soda’s Winter 2014 collection of everyday essentials is zesty and bright! Available in yellow, red, navy or pink, these canvas sandshoes are made with a durable rubber sole and come in sizes 22 to 34.

Priced at $34.95, they are ideal for active play outdoors and feature a signature blue stripe across the back that is distinctive of the French Soda brand. Head to frenchsoda.com.au.

Snuggle up Disana’s baby blanket is as light as a feather thanks to its organic merino wool composition.

It measures 80 x 100cm and features a simple knitted lace design, making it a perfect piece for a traditional nursery. You can purchase the blanket for $74 in a range of bright colours at woollykins.com.au.

Ride ’em, horsey!

Leave the tools behind! Moover’s toys have a unique click system, which means they can be assembled quickly and with ease. This rocking horse, $159.95, is painted with nontoxic paints and made with plywood from plantation timber. Ideal for children aged 12 months and up, go to danishbydesign.com.au.

Ray of sunshine Suitable for babies from birth up to 15kg, this Armadillo Buggy is comfortable for long, leisurely strolls as it has a large reclinable seat and an adjustable leg rest. The pram weighs only 8kg and folds and opens in seconds. Also, the large hood encapsulates the pram for maximum weather protection and includes a peekaboo window so you can quickly check up on your bub while you’re out and about. Priced at $499.95, check out mamasandpapas.com.

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DOWNLOAD: Pinky’s FREE Ebook “Making More Mummy Milk Naturally” www.boobiebikkies.com.au

Come fly with me Encourage your kids to eat their dinner with this kids’ spoon from Donkey. The feeding tool is made from stainless steel and wood, and comes in a range of vehicle and animal options.

It measures 14cm and can be purchased online at until.com.au for $24.95.

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Pinky McKay has already helped thousands of mums with her books “Sleeping Like a Baby” and “Parenting by Heart”, and now the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant is coming to the rescue of exhausted, breastfeeding mums with her delicious Boobie Bikkies.

Boobie Bikkies giving mum a break Pinky has joined forces with chefs, a consultant dietician and a food technologist to bring mums a nutritious snack using all-natural and organic ‘super food’ ingredients to boost energy and encourage healthy breast milk supply.

TIME FOR LUNCH A whimsical solution to the plastic controversy, the stainless-steel Familjen Lunch Containers, UK£18 for two by Isak, keep kids’ food safe from toxins. Presented in a gift box, they are available from isak.co.uk.

Bless your cotton socks Skeanie’s Baby Sneakers Socks come in fun packs of six pairs of socks in different colours. They fit newborns to 12-montholds and are made with a cotton, elastane and nylon blend. Purchase the set for $19.95 at skeanie.com.au. While you’re there, see the super cute Mary-Jane styles, too!

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10 common baby conditions From cradle cap to colic, Professor Mark Kilby and Jane Denton take a look at some common health problems in young babies and explain how to handle them june 2014 | mychild

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baby

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ost babies will develop some minor health problems and you will soon acquire a sixth sense for knowing whether or not you should consult your GP. If in doubt, do not hesitate to do so, particularly when your baby is very young, and do not be afraid to trust your instincts, as you know your baby better than anyone else.

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JAUNDICE

This is a very common condition among newborns in general, and especially among those babies who are born prematurely and therefore have immature livers. Depending on the severity of the case, your baby may be kept in hospital and placed under ultraviolet light for a length of time every day until the jaundice has improved. If the baby is only mildly affected, they may be discharged and you may simply be advised to place them in natural light (near a window and not in direct sunlight) for a little while every day at home.

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RASHES & OTHER SKIN PROBLEMS

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MILIA

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CRADLE CAP

A baby’s skin can be very fragile and sensitive, and so it is common for babies to develop slight rashes, many of which are unexplained and harmless but which should nonetheless be checked out by a doctor.

White spots, known as milia and caused by hormonal changes, often appear soon after birth, especially on your baby’s face, but these usually disappear within a few weeks without any treatment. Avoid using any perfumed bath oils or creams, as these will dry out your baby’s skin and can cause irritation.

A newborn’s scalp often becomes dry and flaky during the weeks after the birth. This is a condition known as “cradle cap”. Although it is unattractive, it is harmless and nothing to worry about. You can try putting on unscented

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baby oil to keep it moisturised, but there is not much more you can do other than wait for it to disappear naturally in time.

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NAPPY RASH

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COLIC

The ammonia in urine irritates a baby’s skin and can cause nappy rash – some babies are more susceptible to it than others. Tips to prevent or cure it include: • changing your baby’s nappies regularly so that they are not kept in a wet nappy longer than necessary • using cottonwool balls and water rather than baby wipes to wash the area and patting dry with a soft towel • leaving your baby’s bottom to air for as long as possible after a nappy change or bath • applying zinc or other proprietary cream if a rash develops, as these act as a barrier between the skin and the urine (ask your pharmacist for advice).

The common condition known as colic is thought to be caused by spasms in a baby’s intestines and usually occurs between the ages of two weeks and three months. Most problems with colic arise in the early evening, just at the time when you and the baby are at your most tired. Babies affected by colic scream and cry, can be very difficult to soothe, and often draw in their arms and legs as if they have tummy ache.

The causes of colic are still very poorly understood and babies find relief in different ways. Colic sometimes eases when they are placed across a parent’s arm or lap on their tummy (but do not put them to sleep on their front), or by being rocked gently, holding them firmly and securely. Other parents may find that sucking on something (such as a dummy or finger) helps. Make sure, first, that they are not hungry.

Some parents swear by gripe water or certain calming teas; others simply try to take it in >

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baby turns to attend to the screaming baby in the knowledge that (unlikely though it may seem) by the time the baby is three months old, the colic and the accompanying crying has usually settled down or stopped altogether.

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VOMITING

Babies will often bring up (“posset”) a bit of milk after a feed and some do so more than others. Occasionally, your baby may vomit an entire feed in a rather violent way – this is called “projectile vomiting”. If it happens more than once, seek a doctor’s opinion. However, if your baby is suddenly and continuously sick,

“If you notice a change in your baby’s bowel movements, offer additional water until things improve” and is unable to keep fluids down (including water), seek a medical opinion without delay because babies get dangerously dehydrated much faster than older children and adults do.

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DIARRHOEA

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CONSTIPATION

Before babies start eating solids, their stools are yellowish brown and quite loose (breastfed babies usually have looser stools than formula-fed ones, and their stools have a different, less strong smell). If the stools become liquid and/or green, your baby has diarrhoea and you should consult a doctor at once, because (as with vomiting) babies can soon become dehydrated. In the meantime, simply give them cool boiled water to sip.

When a baby is constipated, you’ll notice that their stools become firmer and/or less frequent. Your baby may also look as if they are straining when they have a bowel motion.

Formula-fed babies are at a greater risk of becoming constipated than breastfed ones, but all can get a little dehydrated from time

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to time (for example, due to hot weather), which can lead to constipation. If you notice a change in your baby’s bowel movements, offer additional water until things improve. You may have to do this in small but frequent doses, because babies rarely like drinking plain water at first if they have only ever tasted milk. If you are concerned, seek professional advice.

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FEVER

Babies and young children often develop a fever within a very short space of time and with no other obvious symptoms of being unwell. To check a baby’s temperature, place a thermometer under their armpit and wait for one minute, or use an ear thermometer suitable for infants, which is an easy way of taking the temperature of an infant. A baby’s normal body temperature is 37°C. Make sure they drink plenty of fluids to keep them hydrated, and prevent them from overheating by keeping clothing loose and reducing the number of layers. If they are aged over three months old, you can give them some infant paracetamol. You can also sponge down their face and body with warm water and let them dry naturally.

If, after taking these measures, the baby’s temperature has not fallen, seek some medical advice. However, you should see your GP at once if your baby has any of these symptoms: • a temperature over 37°C which hasn’t responded to the above measures • develops a rash or infection • develops a cough or is wheezy • is lethargic and excessively sleepy • vomit in successive attempts to feed • diarrhoea (or nappies are dry) or stools are greenish in colour • is not their “usual self”. * This is an edited extract from Expecting Twins? by Professor Mark Kilby, Jane Denton and Debbie Beckerman (Hardie Grant Books, $34.95).

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BABY

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Should I stay or should I go?

Once you’ve settled in with your new baby, your ideas about whether or not to go back to work can change. business mentor Natasa Denman offers some ideas

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efore having a child I experienced a great deal of success in my career, and although motherhood agreed with me, after a few short months I knew I had more to give. As soon as I had mastered the first-time parenting thing I found my days were very slow and I longed for other challenges.

Sure, I worked a great deal more than that, including most evenings, but I soon developed a routine for myself and experienced some amazing accomplishments during that first year. Although there were a few challenges along the way, I was feeling alive and on top of the world! I knew I’d made the right decision.

WHAT I DID

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

First, I delved into personal development books and researched the stories of some of the most successful entrepreneurs of today.

It all inspired me to get back into the business world. Of course, my son was my number-one priority, so I needed to make sure that he was still going to have the best of me as a mother.

My husband and I sat down together and worked out a schedule; he had a steady work roster with the same days off, so it turned out we only had to send my son to childcare two days a week, which left me with four days to work on my business!

Although I decided to return to the business world, there is no right or wrong answer to whether a woman should go back to work after having children. Here are my five main things to consider when you’re deciding whether to “stay or go”: How content are you at home? If the biggest decision you have to make is which pair of tracksuit pants you are going to wear to the shopping plaza or what your kids will have for lunch, you might find yourself, like me, needing to contribute to society in a more meaningful >

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baby way. For other women, motherhood is their calling and they’re content to be 100 percent mum 100 percent of the time. Ultimately, however, doing what makes you happy is the best job in the world.

How are your financials? Does your family require the income that you were making to keep ahead of your mortgage and other financial commitments? There are now many work-from-home businesses these days and I have been lucky enough to be able to work from home and be around my kids, as well as help many other mums to do the same.

Another thing to consider is the cost of putting your children into childcare. Does that impact on how much net income you will earn?

I have a friend who thought she had to go back to work as the family needed her income, yet by the time her two kids were in full-time care, there wasn’t that much left over to make a meaningful difference.

Who do you want to be the primary caregiver for your children? The imprint phase for children is between birth and four years of age so you need to consider who will be spending the most time with your children during that period of time.

I never wanted my young son to be raised by anyone other than me and because I was fortunate enough to have the choice, I always made sure that either my husband or myself would be the major influence on his imprint period. Obviously, this isn’t possible for all mums and dads, however if you can manage to negotiate a shorter working week or to work from home with your employer, or can set up a business where you can work from home, there are benefits.

Who is the more nurturing parent? Some men would love to work from home or be a stay-at-home father, while many of the women in my circle are driven by significance and

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contribution. It also makes sense that if the woman can generate a higher income than the man, this decision might be an easy one to make. It all comes down to communication and an open and honest conversation, which if handled correctly can actually see an increase in happiness for both parents.

Can you have your cake and eat it too? There are many opportunities available to women, even those who were high up in the corporate world, to spend more time with their children.

As well as the traditional stay-at-home mum type of businesses, the world of mentoring, coaching and training is giving highly skilled and driven mothers the opportunity to earn a good income and empower others to be the best they can be.

The opportunities are endless. I started out performing business mentoring and have been empowering other mums to make their dream business concept a success. There is no greater balancing act than being a parent along with a business owner, and yet there is also nothing more rewarding.

CHANGING LIVES Roles for men and women have changed and the stigma of a career woman not being a great mother also needs to change. Mothers can have the best of both worlds, and be an inspiration to our children and to others within the business world. All that it takes is commitment, and certainty that you have all the skills within you to pull off this balancing act. After all, you are worth it. * Natasa Denman is the founder of Ultimate 48 Hour Author, a book-writing mentorship program, and is the author of four books.

For information about her newly released The Ultimate 48 Hour Author (Busy Bird Publishing, $30) and to purchase it, visit ultimate48 hourauthor.com.au or email book@ ultimate48hourauthor.com.au.

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toddler

What’s wrong with smacking?

Spanking, slapping, hitting or thumping… no matter what you call it, it’s an ineffective way to discipline our children says Child psychologist John Waring

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he research evidence is overwhelming: smacking children is an ineffective way to manage their behaviour and damages their development. It is perhaps ironic that we have laws governing assaultive behaviour for adults yet many people still believe smacking children is a legitimate form of discipline.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child expressly outlaws corporal punishment of children. In 2013, 34 countries around the world and 22 in Europe had already passed laws forbidding all forms of physical punishment of children whether at home or at school. In Australia it is still legal, provided it is “reasonable”, although this is currently under review.

WHAT’S WRONG WITH SMACKING? Research confirms that smacking children teaches and perpetuates the use of acts of aggression and violence to solve problems;

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a sobering thought given our society’s growing concern about violence. Other impacts include: Lowers self-esteem Children who are smacked have lower self-esteem than those who are not smacked. They often develop resentments towards their parents and get angry with them and sometimes seek revenge.

Does not educate Smacking a child does not educate them about appropriate behaviour.

Smacked children change their behaviour out of fear of pain while non-smacked children learn to change their behaviour on the basis of right and wrong, and eventually require less parental intervention.

Is ineffective A child who has been smacked may learn to cover up their misbehaviour or mistakes. They may become secretive, blame others and even lie to avoid being smacked.

Smacking is ineffective as research shows us that children cannot remember what they were smacked for. They find it harder to >

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toddler develop remorse, empathy and compassion for others because they are overwhelmed by pain and anger and are not able to focus on the effects of their misbehaviour.

Turns kids into bullies Smacked children are unable to retaliate against the adult because of their size and power, and so often take out their anger and frustration on younger, smaller children. In this way smacking contributes to the development of bullies.

Increases the risk of child abuse Smacking kids increases the risk of child abuse. Parents who rely heavily on smacking their children to manage their behaviour often escalate the smacking when the behaviour deteriorates.

When the parent is particularly tired, stressed or frustrated, they can end up physically hurting their children.

Is illogical When you think clearly about smacking as a discipline technique you can see it is illogical. For example, your three-yearold son hits his two-year-old sister. If your response is to smack your son, then not only have you modelled the exact behaviour you want to correct but you have demonstrated that “might is right”. Imagine your child’s confusion when they hear you say, ‘Don’t hit your sister’ as you smack them!

ALTERNATIVES TO SMACKING There are many alternatives to smacking our children. They include such things as logical consequences, choices, having the child do “make-ups”, time-out, time in, catching your child being good, having clear family rules and consequences, reward schedules, positive reinforcement, extinction and many more.

Families’ lives are very busy so it is easy to understand how good behaviour can go ignored. Sometimes as parents, when we see our children misbehaving, we leap to punish them, believing that this is our responsibility as a parent. The alternative is to see a child’s misbehaviour as an opportunity primarily to educate them about appropriate behaviour

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rather than as a time to punish. Occasions of misbehaviour should be seen as a time to let your child know exactly what they have done wrong and exactly what they are supposed to do. For example, punishing a young child for being “silly” does not tell them that you no longer want them to wash the family cat in the toilet bowl.

BEHAVIOURAL STRATEGIES Consider the following behavioural strategies you can use to help your child behave: Positive reinforcement The most effective way to increase your child’s good behaviour is to positively reinforce the behaviours when you see them occur naturally. The catchphrase to remember is “catch your child being good”.

Positive reinforcers can be anything your child likes. For example, verbal praise such as saying to your child, ‘Well done! I like it when you clean your room without me asking you to.’ Pocket money can also be used to positively reinforce your child’s good behaviour, as can special outings, afternoon teas like chocolate biscuits, and good old hugs and cuddles.

Negative reinforcement An example of negative reinforcement is when you make your child’s bed in the morning in exchange for them wiping up the dishes at night. In this way your child has avoided making their bed (something they didn’t want) and you have reinforced the behaviour you did want (them helping out with the dishes).

Punishment Punishing a child by smacking them is an ineffective way to change their behaviour as I have previously explained. On the other hand, some forms of punishment, such as removal of privileges, time-out in their room (for a few minutes only) or losing part of their pocket money can be effective behaviour management strategies. However, it should be said that punishment techniques are less effective at changing behaviour than positive approaches of rewarding good behaviour.

Extinction You can extinguish certain types

of misbehaviour by working out what your child is trying to achieve via the behaviour and by not delivering what they want. That is, if they don’t get what they want from the behaviour it will decrease over time. There are a number of goals of children’s misbehaviour, including attention-seeking, power, revenge and a display of inadequacy.

The goal of attention-seeking occurs when the child shows off and pesters the parent to maintain their attention. The misbehaviour is only temporarily stopped when attention is given. Sometimes the message your child is giving by attention-seeking behaviour is, ‘Look at me, I’m still here, spend some time with me.’

If you’ve been on the phone for 45 minutes then their behaviour is a legitimate request for some of your time.

Sometimes the goal of a child’s misbehaviour is actually a power challenge. This is where the child states ‘I’m the boss’ through their behaviour. Giving in to this sort of behaviour in young children can lead to real problems parenting that child in the future.

A third goal of misbehaviour can be revenge.

A child may be disappointed about a broken promise or be angry about being smacked.

They may then engage in revenge types of behaviour such as defiance, or being sullen, hostile or withdrawing.

In working out what the goal of your child’s misbehaviour might be we need to be careful not to over-interpret the behaviour. Ascribing adult types of motives and reasons for their misbehaviour is inappropriate and unhelpful.

We need to remember that growing up involves making many mistakes and learning from them. Remember to help your child make the most of their mistakes/misbehaviour by teaching them the right behaviour. Catching your child being good and rewarding them is the most simple and effective way to improve your child’s behaviour. * For more information and a range of tip sheets visit John Waring’s site at childpsych.com.au.

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NEWS

PRESCHOOLER&BIG

Get Reading MAX

By Marc Martin (Penguin, $24.99) Max is a cheeky seagull who lives on the end of a pier. He and his mate Bob from Bob’s Fish & Chips shop are old friends who go fishing together in the evenings.

Bright, fun and retro-inspired, the story of Max

the seagull is super cute, incorporating a good-natured narrative about change and love. Written, illustrated and designed by Marc Martin, a young graphic designer hailing from Melbourne, Max features watercolour, texta, ink, pencil and scanned textures – definitely one for the bookshelf!

Children who are identified as bullies by the age of eight have a one in four chance of having a criminal record by age 30

IN FOCUS GLUE EAR Commonly affecting children between birth and seven years of age, glue ear is a lot like it sounds – a build-up of sticky fluid inside the middle ear cavity Four out of five children will succumb to an ear infection at some stage and glue ear can sometimes develop as a result of the infection.

However, it can also be caused by a blockage of the Eustachian tubes by swollen or infected adenoid glands, bottle-feeding, reflux, allergies and exposure to smoking.

How do I know if my child has it? Often there aren’t many symptoms for glue ear and it can go undetected for long periods, however the first sign is often hearing loss. If you’re worried,

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things to look out for include sitting closer to the television, being unresponsive to quiet sounds and appearing inattentive. Other symptoms are those similar to when your child has the flu or a fever, such as pain, disturbed sleep, ringing in the ear, balance problems and speech delay.

Can glue ear be treated? In most instances, the condition will clear up by itself, which can take between three to six months. Sometimes surgery is necessary for more serious cases. In that case, a small cut is made in the eardrum and circular tubes inserted, called grommets, which allow air to pass through. Grommets will usually fall out of the ear by themselves after six to 12 months.

Often, if glue ear is an ongoing problem, the child’s adenoids will be removed at the same time, which reduces the chance of needing further grommets by 50 percent. If you suspect your child may have glue ear, see your doctor.

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We are all guilty of a little “digital babysitting” – keeping our kids busy on our smartphone or tablet so we can get things done. However, how do we know whether the apps our kids are using really are educational?

According to early childhood lecturer and researcher Dr Kate Highfield from Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, there’s considerable evidence suggesting that well-chosen apps can help kids with literacy, science and maths.

But it depends on the app and how it is used.

Highfield says 85 percent of apps encourage only very basic or low level thinking skills. This is fine for practising skills such as learning times tables but is not ideal for higher order thinking such as evaluating and reasoning or for communication or creativity.

So how do you know which apps to pick?

Aim for those that are like a digital version of a blank piece of paper so that the child can make or do anything with them. Also “co-play” with your child and discuss what you’re both doing.

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news | preschooler & big kids

5 fun ways to encourage kids to practise counting 1

Count the buttons on their shirt As you’re helping your child dress, count with them as you do up the buttons on their shirt, cardigan or dress. Kids learn to associate the number word with the correct number of things.

Need help with the washing? Take your child outside and ask them to pass you the pegs as you hang up the wet washing, encouraging them to count the number of pegs as they hand each of them to you. Children learn the pattern of counting by repeating numbers, so once the numbers start getting higher, it’s common for kids to leave gaps in the pattern. If they make an error, count the pattern with them and encourage them to repeat after you.

Play ball games Count the number of times you and your child can throw a ball to each other without dropping it! If one of you drops the ball, test them to see which number they think

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comes next, then start all over again – repeating the pattern helps them learn.

Sing songs, read stories & do craft activities Think about nursery rhymes and jingles such as Three Blind Mice and Baa Baa Black Sheep – anything that references numbers or counting – and include them as a part of your repertoire of songs and stories. You can also do craft projects together that involve making and writing down numbers out of fun materials you find around the house, such as pasta, string, old fabric and cutup newspapers. Try writing a single number on a piece of paper and getting them to decorate it with glue and glitter.

Count anything! Eggs in a carton, Weet-Bix in the bowl, the number of steps to the front door, absolutely anything that can be counted.

And remember – praise is key. Every child loves to feel special and intelligent!

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FINALLY, A DIFFERENT WAY OF PARENTING!

in

If you feel uncomfortable with the traditional authoritarian parenting style then Raising Competent Children is a “must-have”.

It is full of inspiration on how to raise competent children and how to develop relationships based on equal dignity, integrity and authenticity, and how to support your children developing self-responsibility – both personal and social.

Raising Competent Children is easy to read and draws on examples from everyday life. The author, Jesper Juul, is the founder of FamilyLab and a renowned authority on the family. He has written a number of best-sellers and must-have books.

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shopping

preschooler&BIG K

IN FULL BLOOM Create, wear and display these fun floral Bloom Pops accessories, which are the latest creation from Colorific. Each design studio box is priced at $29.99 and contains 50 different felt fabric petals, a Bloom Pop Maker, a display tree and a range of decorative embellishments.

For a list of stockists take a look at colorific.com.au.

That’s a wrap Your kids will have fun with these organic cotton terry towelling bath wraps from Breganwood Organics’ rainforest collection, especially as the hoods are interchangeable!

The wraps are priced at $59.99 each. Check out avidiva.com.au to purchase.

Singing in the rain Made from waterproof nylon and available in three designs, the i Play umbrella, priced at $24.40, has round plastic tips for safety and an easy-to-grip foam handle. There are also matching midweight raincoats available for $52.60 each in sizes 6m to 4! Take a look at forbabyandup.com.au for more details.

Stick to it Recommended for ages three and up, Tape Gallery’s My First Train pack, $21.95, is great for children who love to build and create. The set contains 33m of 5cm-wide adhesive tape that children can stick to the wall, floor or table to create their own train track. The pack even comes with a toy train to get your children’s creative play started. And don’t worry about the tape – it’s removable! Go to until.com.au.

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KIDS take a spin!

Designed for healthier sitting, the Swoppster stool, $540, is designed for children aged four to 12. It can be adjusted to your child’s size, features three-directional movement, promotes good posture, relieves tension and encourages alertness. Find it plus desks and chairs at ergokidz.com.au.

Beautiful, unique gifts for little ones!

Top coat Bringing European style to Australian-made children’s clothing for almost 10 years, Chalk n Cheese’s Winter 2014 collection includes this fully-lined Hunter Coat, $159.95. It is created from cashmere wool and comes in sizes 1 to 10. You can choose from cherry red or cream options, plus there’s also a patterned lumber check wool style with a fur collar. For more info go to chalkncheeseclothing.com.au.

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PRESCHOOLER

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Speak easy?

Concerned about your child’s language and speech development? The Raising Children Network experts discuss language delays and speech disorders

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f your child seems to be struggling with their language and speech development, they could be suffering from a language delay or speech disorder.

These are two quite different things: Language delay Children learn language at different rates but if they miss any language development milestones by a long way, they are regarded as having a language delay. A language delay is when children have trouble saying first words or learning words, putting words together to make sentences, building their vocabulary and understanding words or sentences. Some language delays are associated with disorders like Down syndrome, autism or hearing impairments, however many occur on their own.

If a child has a language delay that persists, this may be a sign of a speech disorder, which is characterised by significant delays in learning to talk and understand language. Children with speech disorders do not necessarily have a language delay, but they can have both.

Speech disorder Most children up to about five years have trouble pronouncing some sounds and words. It can be hard to coordinate little lips, tongues, jaws and lungs to make the right

sounds at the right times. But some speech troubles can be the sign of a speech disorder, which is when children experience difficulty pronouncing the sounds in words – this can make their speech difficult to understand.

Children with a speech disorder might have language skills that are otherwise good. That is, they understand words and sentences well and can form sentences correctly. Children with speech disorders do not necessarily have a language delay, but they can have both, or another communication disorder.

LANGUAGE DELAY Children develop language at different rates so comparing your child to other children of the same age may not help you to identify whether your child has a language delay.

It is best to seek professional advice if any of the following apply to your child: By 12 months Your young child is not trying to communicate with you (using sounds, gestures and/or words), particularly when needing help or wanting something.

By two years Your child: is not saying about 50 different words; is not combining two or more words together (for example, ‘More drink’); is >

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preschooler not producing words spontaneously (that is, your child only copies words or phrases from other people); and your child does not seem to understand simple instructions or questions (for example, ‘Get your shoes’, ‘Want a drink?’ or ‘Where’s Daddy?’).

Note, however, that at the age of two, about one in five children will show signs of having a language delay. Many of these children will catch up as they get older. Some will continue to have trouble with language.

At around three years of age Your child: has not started to combine words into any longer phrases or sentences (for example, ‘Help me, Mummy’ or ‘Want more drink’); does not seem to understand longer instructions or questions (for example, ‘Get your shoes and put them in the box’ or ‘What do you want to eat for lunch today?’); takes little or no interest in books; and is not asking questions.

At any age Your child has been diagnosed with a hearing loss, developmental delay or a type of syndrome in which language might be affected (for example autism, Asperger’s syndrome and Down syndrome, or less known syndromes like Fragile X, Landau-Kleffner and Klinefelter). In addition, if your child stops doing things she used to do – for example, she stops talking.

Children having difficulties with language should get help as early as possible. You’re the best judge of their language development. If you’re concerned, trust your instincts and seek help from a professional. If this professional isn’t concerned about your child, but you’re still worried, seek another opinion.

CAUSES OF LANGUAGE DELAY We don’t know what causes language delay in most cases but research has shown that there is likely to be a genetic or biological component.

Language delay is more likely for: boys; kids who have a close family member with a history of a language delay or communication disorder; children who have a developmental disorder or syndrome in which language delay is a typical

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feature (for example, Down syndrome); and children with ongoing hearing problems and ear infections.

Sometimes, delays in communication skills can be signs of more serious developmental disorders including hearing impairment, developmental delay, intellectual disability and autism. You know your child better than anyone else. If you have a concern, talk to your GP or a health professional.

SPEECH DISORDER All children pronounce words and sounds incorrectly. Most will master certain sounds by certain ages. If they don’t, it’s possible that they have a speech disorder. Some speech disorders happen when a child has a physical problem (such as a cleft palate) that makes it hard for them to create the sounds of speech.

Other children have trouble because of a hearing impairment. But most children have no specific reason for their speech disorder.

WHEN TO SEEK HELP How do you know when there’s a problem?

The best guide is to think about how often people who don’t know your child have trouble understanding your child. When a child is two, an unfamiliar person should understand that child half to three-quarters of the time. When a child is three and older, an unfamiliar person should understand them most of the time, even though the child will probably still say some sounds and words differently from adults.

It’s best to consider seeking help if your child: is having trouble moving or coordinating her mouth – she may have trouble eating, chewing or swallowing (for example, she might cough or choke on food or drink a lot), or she may drool excessively; is six months or more behind the approximate age ranges for using speech sounds; has speech that sounds very immature compared with other children the same age; gets frustrated about speaking – for example, compared with other kids of the same age; gets

frustrated about speaking – for example, gets upset when they aren’t understood, has to repeat sounds or stutters; or has hearing loss.

It’s important to remember that children develop language at different rates. But you know your child best. You should seek help if you have any worries about your child’s speech development.

HELPING YOUR CHILD’S SPEECH DEVELOPMENT It’s normal for young children to pronounce words differently from adults. There’s no need to correct them every time they make a mistake – this can be frustrating for everyone.

If you want to encourage your child, gentle reminders can help them pronounce words the right way. For example, if your child says, ‘I saw the tat’, you could reply, ‘Where was the cat?

What was the cat doing?’ Repeat the missing or different sound with a slight emphasis.

If your child’s speech is really difficult to understand, here are some ideas for helping your child to communicate: ask your child to show you what he is talking about (for example, ask him to point to the thing that he wants); ask simple questions to get more information about what your child is trying to say (such as, ‘Are you telling me about something that happened today? Did it happen at kinder?’)

then let her tell you the rest of the story; encourage your child to talk slowly (speech can be more difficult to understand when children are rushing to tell you something).

Let your child know you’re listening and that they have all the time in the world to tell you.

WHERE TO SEEK HELP If you think your child is having trouble, talk to a professional. Try the childcare centre, preschool or school staff, a speech pathologist, audiologist, GP or paediatrician, a maternal and child health nurse or a psychologist.

Speech pathologists You can visit a privately practising speech pathologist yourself, or a GP, paediatrician or child health nurse will be able to help you locate one. Or you can find one at speechpathologyaustralia.org.au.

Audiologists Audiologists can help if your child has a hearing problem. They will check your child’s hearing. If it is impaired, they can talk to you about how this might affect your child’s communication. * This information is sourced from the Raising Children Network. Supported by the Australian Government, this is an Australian resource for expectant parents, and the parents of newborns to teenagers. Visit raisingchildren.net.au or connect on facebook.com/ RaisingChildrenNetwork, twitter.com/RCN_AUS and plus.google.com/+raisingchildren.

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BIG KIDS

Change your tune author Dr Dain Heer explains how to empower yourself and your children through the way that you parent

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hat we think we know about being a parent is a combination of how we were raised and the conventional parenting that society perpetrates. And in most cases, neither work. Because we have never been taught anything else, we duplicate these methods and rather than empowering our kids we often find ourselves in relationship patterns that are disempowering and destructive. Try these tips on how to create something different.

BE COMMUNICATIVE Many people believe that it’s a parent’s job to have total control of their kids’ lives. This is a misconception. If you believe your kids must be controlled, you create a relationship that centres around you constantly telling them what they should and shouldn’t do, and what is wrong with the choices they are making.

This control automatically creates resistance.

Tip Communicate with your kids energetically.

Be present with your kids, acknowledge who they are and ask questions such as, ‘How did your day go?’ or ‘What do you know?’ rather than trying to control or offering advice.

LET GO OF JUDGEMENT Parents wish for their children to be successful.

Some expect their kids to be something they themselves wished to be and never achieved,

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and they transfer their dreams onto their kids in the form of expectations. Children are aware of these expectations and if they don’t meet them, see themselves as a disappointment.

Tip Remove the judgements for what you have not been able to achieve so you don’t project them onto your children. This allows kids to create their own lives. For every judgement you have of yourself, say, ‘Interesting point of view.

I have that point of view.’ As you keep saying this, you open up a space for them to dissipate.

ENCOURAGE AWARENESS OF CHOICES Most of us believe that to “raise kids right” we must impose rules on them if they’re going to grow into well-adjusted adults. In reality, we can encourage and educate them a bit, but ultimately, they will choose for themselves.

Tip Ask your kids questions so they become aware of the choices they create. Ask, ‘If you select this, what will this create?’ Or if they choose something and it didn’t turn out well, ask, ‘What can you do differently next time?’

When we encourage kids to do this, they’re empowered to know what works.

This increases their confidence. * Dr Dain Heer is the author of the recently launched Being You, Changing the World (Access Consciousness, $30).

Visit beingyouclass.com.

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A mother’s love for her child is like nothing else in the world.

It knows no law, no pity.

It dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path.

Agatha Christie

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MY CHILD PROMOTION

~ 2014 ~ Excellence Awards 2012

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

BEST BABY & CHILDREn’s products of 2014 After tallying up all of our readers’ votes for their favourite entries in the My Child Excellence Awards 2014, the results are in and we are excited to announce the gold, silver and bronze winners for each category!

Now in its third year, My Child’s Excellence Awards showcase the leading brands catering to mothersto-be, new mums, babies and young children. A competition via which readers vote for their favourite products and companies, the entries cover everything from baby toys, prams and nursery decor to breastfeeding aids, fashion and online stores – all divided into 45 categories.

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AND THE WINNERS ARE‌ BEST OVERALL PRODUCT

Excellence Awards 2014

GOLD

Medela Swing Maxi Double Electric Breast Pump

Excellence Awards 2014

SILVER

Sudocrem Healing Cream

Excellence Awards 2014

BRONZE

GAIA Natural Baby Baby Shampoo

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FAVOURITE COT Excellence Awards 2014

Excellence Awards 2014

GOLD

SILVER

Boori Eton Convertible Plus Cot

Cocoon Nest Cot

Excellence Awards 2014

BRONZE

Stokke Sleepi Cot/Bed

FAVOURITE CHANGE TABLE Excellence Awards 2014

Excellence Awards 2014

GOLD

SILVER

Stokke Care Change Table

Excellence Awards 2014

BRONZE

Incy Interiors Natures Purest Scarlett Change Table Change Table

FAVOURITE BABY MONITOR Excellence Awards 2014

GOLD

Oricom SC910

Baby Monitor

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Excellence Awards 2014

SILVER

Motorola MBP36 Baby Monitor

Excellence Awards 2014

BRONZE

Hestia H100 Baby Monitor

FAVOURITE NURSERY DECOR product Excellence Awards 2014

GOLD

Excellence Awards 2014

SILVER

Tommee Tippee The Wall Sticker Company Miomee Musical Nightlight Wall Murals

Excellence Awards 2014

BRONZE

b.box Essential Nappy Caddy

FAVOURITE BABY TOY Excellence Awards 2014

GOLD

Excellence Awards 2014

SILVER

Excellence Awards 2014

BRONZE

Giggles FLATOUTbear Playgro Highchair

My First Steps Wagon Spinning Toy

FAVOURITE CHILDREN’S TOY Excellence Awards 2014

GOLD

Excellence Awards 2014

SILVER

Excellence Awards 2014

BRONZE

Springfree Trampoline ABC Reading Eggs Fisher-Price

Rocking Pal Elephant

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FAVOURITE PRAM Excellence Awards 2014

Excellence Awards 2014

GOLD

SILVER

Steelcraft Phil & Ted’s Strider Compact Pram Navigator Pram

Excellence Awards 2014

BRONZE

Mountain Buggy Swift Pram

FAVOURITE STROLLER Excellence Awards 2014

Excellence Awards 2014

GOLD

SILVER

Baby Jogger City Mini Stroller

Steelcraft Agile Plus Travel System Stroller

Excellence Awards 2014

BRONZE

Stokke Scoot Stroller

FAVOURITE BABY CARRIER Excellence Awards 2014

GOLD

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Excellence Awards 2014

SILVER

Excellence Awards 2014

BRONZE

BabyBjorn One Ergobaby Hug-a-Bub Baby Carrier Performance Baby Carrier Organic Baby Wrap Carrier

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FAVOURITE portable chair/booster Excellence Awards 2014

Excellence Awards 2014

GOLD

Excellence Awards 2014

SILVER

BRONZE

Bumbo Mountain Buggy Booster Seat Pod

Toosh Coosh Mealtime Solutions Big Kids Booster Seat

FAVOURITE BABY TRAVEL COT Excellence Awards 2014

GOLD

Excellence Awards 2014

Excellence Awards 2014

SILVER

Steelcraft Eclipse 4 in 1 Travel Cot

BRONZE

BabyBjorn Phil & Ted’s Travel Cot Traveller Cot

FAVOURITE BABY TRAVEL PRODUCT Excellence Awards 2014

GOLD

Excellence Awards 2014

SILVER

GAIA Natural Baby Grobag

Baby Starter Kit Travel Baby Sleep Bag

Excellence Awards 2014

BRONZE

SUPPORi Baby Sling

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Favourite children’s travel product Excellence Awards 2014

GOLD

Excellence Awards 2014

SILVER

Excellence Awards 2014

BRONZE

Safe-n-Sound Fridge-to-go Philips AVENT Compaq AHR Car Seat Lunch Bag Travel Feeding Set

FAVOURITE BREAST PUMP Excellence Awards 2014

GOLD

Excellence Awards 2014

SILVER

Medela Swing Maxi Philips AVENT Comfort Double Electric Breast Pump Single Electric Breast Pump

Excellence Awards 2014

BRONZE

Closer To Nature Electric Breast Pump

FAVOURITE BREASTFEEDING PRODUCT Excellence Awards 2014

GOLD

Excellence Awards 2014

SILVER

Rite Aid Pea Pods Nursing Pads Reusable Bamboo Nursing Pads

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Excellence Awards 2014

BRONZE

Itti Minkee Reusable Breastpads

FAVOURITE MUM’S PRODUCT Excellence Awards 2014

Excellence Awards 2014

GOLD

SILVER

Little Silver Prints Hand, Foot & Fingerprint Jewellery

Aromababy Stretched To The Limit Cream

Excellence Awards 2014

BRONZE

Mater Body Balm for Pregnancy

FAVOURITE BABY BOTTLE Excellence Awards 2014

Excellence Awards 2014

GOLD

SILVER

Philips AVENT Natural Baby Bottle

Closer To Nature Baby Bottle

Excellence Awards 2014

BRONZE

Tommee Tippee Miomee with Slow Flow Teat Baby Bottle

FAVOURITE HIGHCHAIR Excellence Awards 2014

GOLD

Stokke Tripp Trapp Highchair

Excellence Awards 2014

SILVER

Excellence Awards 2014

BRONZE

Steelcraft Peg Perego Milano High Lo Highchair Siesta Highchair

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FAVOURITE BABY FOOD Excellence Awards 2014

GOLD

Excellence Awards 2014

SILVER

Rafferty’s Garden Only Organic Just Veggies Mini Rice Cakes

Excellence Awards 2014

BRONZE

Baby Mum-Mum Rice Rusks

FAVOURITE BABY FEEDING PRODUCT Excellence Awards 2014

GOLD

Qubies Reusable Food Pouch

Excellence Awards 2014

SILVER

Excellence Awards 2014

BRONZE

Little Mashies Tommee Tippee All-in-one Reusable Squeezie Pouches Food Processor

FAVOURITE BABY FEEDING UTENSIL Excellence Awards 2014

GOLD

Heinz Baby Basics First Feeding Spoons

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Excellence Awards 2014

SILVER

Excellence Awards 2014

BRONZE

Tommee Tippee Cherub Baby Fresh Stickee Bowl Food Feeder

Favourite BABY CUP Excellence Awards 2014

Excellence Awards 2014

GOLD

SILVER

Philips AVENT Nuby No-Spill Grown Up Cup Super Spout Easy Gripper Cup

Excellence Awards 2014

BRONZE

b.box Essential Sippy Cup

FAVOURITE FOOD STORAGE PRODUCT Excellence Awards 2014

Excellence Awards 2014

GOLD

SILVER

Excellence Awards 2014

BRONZE

Happy Baby Qubies Baby Cherub Baby On The Go Snack Pots Food Container Food Storage Pouches

FAVOURITE HEALTH PRODUCT Excellence Awards 2014

GOLD

FESS

Little Noses

Excellence Awards 2014

SILVER

Excellence Awards 2014

BRONZE

Euky Bear First Aid For You Euky Bearub First Aid for Families Course

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FAVOURITE BABY THERMOMETER Excellence Awards 2014

Excellence Awards 2014

GOLD

SILVER

Excellence Awards 2014

BRONZE

Braun Vicks VeraTemp

ThermoScan Thermometer Forehead Thermometer Non-contact Thermometer

FAVOURITE BABY CARE PRODUCT Excellence Awards 2014

Excellence Awards 2014

GOLD

SILVER

Vicks Pea Pods Vaporizer 100% Bamboo Flushable Liners

Excellence Awards 2014

BRONZE

Banana Boat Baby Spray SPF50+

FAVOURITE TEETHING PRODUCT Excellence Awards 2014

GOLD

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Excellence Awards 2014

SILVER

Excellence Awards 2014

BRONZE

Tommee Tippee Flower Child Gummee Glove Cool Fish Amber Beads Teething Mitten

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Favourite BABY SKINCARE PRODUCT Excellence Awards 2014

Excellence Awards 2014

GOLD

Excellence Awards 2014

SILVER

GAIA Natural Baby

Baby Moisturiser

BRONZE

Ego QV Cream

MooGoo Eczema & Psoriasis Cream

FAVOURITE BABY HAIRCARE PRODUCT Excellence Awards 2014

Excellence Awards 2014

GOLD

SILVER

GAIA Natural Baby

Baby Shampoo

Excellence Awards 2014

BRONZE

Johnson’s Nature’s Baby Organics Baby Shampoo Shampoo & Body Wash

FAVOURITE BABY BATH WASH Excellence Awards 2014

GOLD

Excellence Awards 2014

SILVER

Johnson’s Baby GAIA Natural Baby Top-To-Toe Bath Baby Hair & Body Wash

Excellence Awards 2014

BRONZE

MooGoo Mini Moo Bubbly Wash

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FAVOURITE BABY BATH PRODUCT Excellence Awards 2014

Excellence Awards 2014

GOLD

SILVER

Ego QV Bath Oil

Excellence Awards 2014

BRONZE

Ecosprout Organic Stokke Hooded Baby Towel Flexibath

FAVOURITE BABY SLEEP AID Excellence Awards 2014

Excellence Awards 2014

GOLD

SILVER

Grobag

Baby Sleep Bag

Excellence Awards 2014

BRONZE

Johnson’s GAIA Natural Baby Baby Bedtime Lotion Sleeptime Bath

FAVOURITE SWADDLE/WRAP Excellence Awards 2014

Excellence Awards 2014

GOLD

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SILVER

Ergobaby Gro Swaddler Swaddle

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Excellence Awards 2014

BRONZE

Tilly & Otto Amelie Lace Baby Wrap

Favourite SLEEPING BAG Excellence Awards 2014

Excellence Awards 2014

GOLD

SILVER

Excellence Awards 2014

BRONZE

Grobag Merino Kids Plum Baby

Baby Sleep Bag Go Go Bag Sleep Bag

FAVOURITE REUSABLE NAPPY Excellence Awards 2014

Excellence Awards 2014

GOLD

SILVER

Pea Pods Itti Bitti Tutto One Size Nappy One Size Modern Cloth Nappy

Excellence Awards 2014

BRONZE

Bumboo QuickDry StayDry Pocket Nappy

FAVOURITE BABY WIPES Excellence Awards 2014

GOLD

GAIA Natural Baby

Bamboo Baby Wipes

Excellence Awards 2014

SILVER

Excellence Awards 2014

BRONZE

Johnson’s Itti Bitti Baby Skincare Wipes Ultimate Cloth Baby Wipes

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FAVOURITE NAPPY RASH PRODUCT Excellence Awards 2014

Excellence Awards 2014

GOLD

SILVER

Excellence Awards 2014

BRONZE

Sudocrem GAIA Natural Baby MooGoo Healing Cream Skin Soothing Lotion Nappy Balm

FAVOURITE TOILET TRAINING AID Excellence Awards 2014

Excellence Awards 2014

GOLD

SILVER

Bumbo BabyBjorn Step Stool Potty Chair

Excellence Awards 2014

BRONZE

Sesame Beginnings Total Trainer Set

FAVOURITE NAPPY BAG Excellence Awards 2014

GOLD

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ISOKI Bucket Nappy Bag

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Excellence Awards 2014

SILVER

Excellence Awards 2014

BRONZE

Total Bag Envy Fisher Price Deluxe Lyla Fashion Nappy Tote

Favourite BABY FASHION LABEL Excellence Awards 2014

Excellence Awards 2014

GOLD

Excellence Awards 2014

SILVER

Purebaby

BRONZE

Sookibaby Plum Precious

FAVOURITE CHILDREN’S FASHION LABEL Excellence Awards 2014

Excellence Awards 2014

GOLD

Excellence Awards 2014

SILVER

Oishi-m

BRONZE

The Kidstore

Hootkid

FAVOURITE ONLINE STORE Excellence Awards 2014

GOLD

The Little Kidz Closet

Excellence Awards 2014

Excellence Awards 2014

SILVER

BRONZE

Itti

My Kids Stuff

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FAVOURITE SPECIALIST ONLINE STORE Excellence Awards 2014

Excellence Awards 2014

GOLD

Excellence Awards 2014

SILVER

Lilly & Lolly

BRONZE

Merino Kids

Aromababy

FAVOURITE FASHION ONLINE STORE Excellence Awards 2014

GOLD

Ooh Baby Baby

Excellence Awards 2014

SILVER

Excellence Awards 2014

BRONZE

Betts Kids Oishi-m

thank you! to everyone who voted & all of the companies that entered we received many thousands of votes and appreciate the time and care you have given in helping to make the my child excellence awards 2014 such a success!

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