My Child Magazine June 2016 Issue by My Child Magazine

MAGAZINE.COM.AU

the PREGNANCY

Issue

TESTS THROUGHOUT

PREGNANCY

What to Expect

BENEFITS

of pregnancy

SEX

myChild EXCELLENCE AWARDS the results are in ISSUE 57 -JUNE 2016

Results are in

106

CONTENTS COVER STORIES

8 72 106

TESTS THROUGHOUT PREGNANCY 9 BENEFITS OF PREGNANCY SEX EXCELLENCE WARDSÂ¬

EVERY MONTH

6 2

EDITORS LETTER

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EDITOR PICKS

REAL READS

THE MUMMY BLOG Turning Point

RUBY AND OLLIE Part One

102

MISTER MAKER The Crafty Shaker

YOUR CHILD

HOW TO REDUCE THE RISK OF SIDS

TELLING YOUR TODDLER YOU ARE PREGNANT

BURNS AWARENESS

BIG RELIEF FOR TINY NOSES

WHOOPING COUGH

NOSEBLEEDS AND YOUR CHILD

LIFESTYLE

TESTS THROUGHOUT PREGNANCY

HEALTHY HABITS

ANTENATAL DEPRESSION

9 BENEFITS OF PREGNANCY SEX

GET READY DADS TO BE

STRETCH MARKS

RECIPES

SHOPPING

18 22 38

BOOK REVIEWS

HOW TO ENTERTAIN YOUR CHILD ON A BUDGET LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY AND CHILDHOOD UNPLUGGED

KIDS FASHION Shop the Look

GET THE LOOK: INTERIORS

84 106

14 46

TOY REVIEWS

EXCELLENCE AWARDSÂ¬ june 2016 | mychild

EDITOR IN CHIEF BEAU MEDINA BIANCA MEDINA

EDITOR ANNA DIXON

ASSISTANT EDITORS ANVI SHARMA JANA ANGELES

ART DIRECTOR ANNA DIXON

SALES DIRECTOR BIANCA MEDINA

CONTRIBUTING EXPERTS LITTLE READING ROOM 52 WEEKS BLOG APRIL DAVIS

EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES EDITORIAL@MYCHILDMAGAZINE.COM.AU

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES ADVERTISING@MYCHILDMAGAZINE.COM.AU

CONTACT: CRE8 PUBLICATIONS PHONE: 0411 572 877 8 GROSE ST, PARRAMATTA, NSW 2150

My Child magazine and mychildmagazine.com.au are wholly owned by Cre8 Publications (ABN 70 141 165 675). 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.

june 2016 | mychild

Baby Carrier One The ultimate ergonomic edition www.babybjorn.com.au The Parallel Line Design is a sign of a genuine BABYBJĂ&#x2013;RN product.

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EDITOR’S LETTER

106

70 6

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Hi Peeps Truly where has the year gone, we are already in June! I know I carry on about how quick the year is going by (feels quicker than lighting), I just wish it would slow down a little so that I could truly absorb the amazing journey/transition that myChild is going through. Our team is so invested in producing a quality publication and we are so proud of the new direction that the magazine has taken. So the pregnancy issue is packed with amazing advice about the tests you’ll have when pregnant, what to eat when you’re pregnant, whooping cough prevention, burn types and treatment and the taboo topic of antenatal depression, plus much more. This month we caught up with the talented Phil Gallagher aka Mister Maker - the Arts and Crafts Hero! We had a chat about all things Arts and Crafts and how a crazy mum fan run on stage to give him a smooch… Phil was a delight to interview and his interview tells its own story of how much he loves his job. Make sure that you check out interview on page 106. We also have an amazing inspirational story from Leah James about her and her business partner Rebecca Glovers new and exciting business venture for long day care for kids of all abilities Ruby and Ollie’s, we will be running Rebecca story in the next issue so you can hear from both inspirational mum’s. That wraps another fun month from the team. We hope that you enjoy this issue as much as we have in creating it. Love to all

and the mychild Team xx

editor

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june 2016 | mychild

PREGNANCY

pregnancy

TESTS THROUGHOUT

june 2016 | mychild

During your pregnancy, your midwife or doctor might recommend that you have some tests to check your health and your baby’s health and development. These could be ultrasound, blood, urine and swab tests. The results of these tests help you and your health professional plan your options for pregnancy care and birth. You have to give your permission for your doctor or midwife to do tests in pregnancy. It’s OK to ask your health professional for more information about tests – what they’re for, why you need them, and what could happen if you do or don’t have them.

ULTRASOUND SCANS IN PREGNANCY

You might be offered an ultrasound scan at 11-13 weeks (usually called the 12-week scan). Health professionals also usually recommend you have an ultrasound scan at 18-20 weeks (usually called the 20-week scan). The 12-week ultrasound scan: • shows whether you’re having more than one baby • can work out the age and due date of your baby • can screen your baby for Down syndrome and other chromosomal conditions. Your doctor might also recommend an ultrasound scan if you have bleeding from your vagina or abdominal pain in early pregnancy. These symptoms might be – but aren’t always – a sign of miscarriage early in pregnancy. The 20-week ultrasound scan: • checks that your baby is growing normally • checks the position of your placenta • looks at your baby’s body parts and can usually pick up any obvious problems like spina bifida, heart defects and limb defects • might indicate that your baby has a genetic abnormality. If you’re interested in finding out your baby’s gender, you can ask the ultrasonographer doing the 20-week ultrasound to look. But the ultrasonographer won’t always be able to tell the gender for sure.

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MOST ULTRASOUNDS SHOW THAT BABIES ARE DEVELOPING NORMALLY, BUT SOMETIMES ULTRASOUNDS CAN PICK UP ABNORMALITIES. SOME FETAL ABNORMALITIES AREN’T SERIOUS AND WON’T NEED MUCH, IF ANY, TREATMENT. BUT OTHER ABNORMALITIES ARE VERY SERIOUS AND CAN BE A SIGN OF SERIOUS DISABILITY. IT’S WORTH THINKING ABOUT HOW YOU MIGHT FEEL IF YOUR ULTRASOUNDS SHOW THERE’S A PROBLEM WITH YOUR BABY.

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You might have extra scans before or after this if you’re having twins or more, if you have a medical condition, or if you’ve had problems in previous pregnancies.

you’re Rh-negative, you’ll be offered a special injection called Anti-D at your 26-28 week antenatal appointment and your 34-36 week appointment.

BLOOD TESTS IN PREGNANCY

You’ll also be offered Anti-D if you have bleeding during pregnancy. This reduces the risks of health problems.

Your midwife or doctor will want to do a blood test in early pregnancy to find out your blood type and check for some infections and other health concerns. These include your rubella immunity, and whether you have anaemia, HIV, hepatitis B or syphilis. Depending on your results, your health professional will let you know about the best treatment for you in pregnancy or straight after the birth.

Rh type It’s important to test your blood to find out your blood type and Rh type. If you’re Rh-negative, and your baby turns out to be Rh-positive, this can cause serious health problems for your baby. But no-one knows what your baby’s blood type is until after birth. So if

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After your baby is born, blood is collected from your baby’s umbilical cord and the Rh type is checked. You’ll have another Anti-D injection if your baby is Rh-positive.

Gestational diabetes blood test This test is usually done at 24-28 weeks of pregnancy. If you’ve had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy or you’re at high risk of getting this condition, your health professional will probably suggest you have the test earlier. The test usually involves a glucose tolerance test (GTT), where you have to fast (not eat or drink) overnight. Your blood is tested, then you drink 75 gm of glucose in a sugary drink. You have your

blood tested twice more – after one hour and after two hours. If you have high blood sugar levels on a glucose tolerance test, you’ll be diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes needs special care and management. If it isn’t managed carefully, it can cause serious problems for your pregnancy, you and your baby. If you have gestational diabetes, it means you have a high-risk pregnancy.

URINE TESTS IN PREGNANCY

Some urine infections don’t have symptoms, so a urine test is recommended at your first antenatal appointment to check whether you have an infection. You might be offered a urine test at other times during pregnancy as well. The test usually involves you urinating into a small jar. Sometimes you can do this at home and take the jar with your urine sample to your doctor’s or

midwife’s consulting rooms. Or you might just do it while you’re at your appointment with the doctor or midwife. Your health professional will tell you exactly what to do and send the sample for testing. This test is important because if urine infections aren’t treated, they can cause premature labour or low birth weight in your baby. Urine tests also look at sugar, blood and protein in your urine. These things can be signs of other medical problems.

GROUP B STREPTOCOCCAL (GBS) TEST

Group B streptococci (GBS) are bacteria that often live in the vagina and anus. They don’t usually hurt you. But if the bacteria pass to your baby during birth, this could cause an infection that might make your baby very sick. There are two ways of reducing the chance of your baby getting a GBS infection. Different hospitals or health care providers will recommend one of these ways. Both ways are effective. The first way is a screening method called a ‘low vaginal swab’ at about 36-38 weeks. This involves wiping a special stick (called a swab) just inside your anus and vagina. You can do this yourself, but you’ll probably do it in your doctor’s or midwife’s consulting room. Your doctor or midwife sends the stick away to be tested for GBS. If you have GBS, you’ll be offered intravenous antibiotics during labour to lower the risk of infection to your baby. The other way is to give intravenous antibiotics to women who have risk factors in labour without doing the swab in pregnancy. The risk factors are: • the baby being premature (less than 37 weeks) • the woman having a baby with a GBS infection in the past • there being a long time since the woman’s waters broke (more than 18 hours) • the woman having a temperature in labour • GBS being found in a urine test.

june 2016 | mychild

BABY

june 2016 | mychild

HOW TO

reduce THE RISK OF

SIDS

june 2016 | mychild

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) occurs when an otherwise healthy baby dies for unknown reasons. Also known as cot death, SIDS occurs without warning.

WHY DOES SIDS HAPPEN? The exact causes of SIDS are unknown, but it is thought some babies may have problems in the part of the brain that controls breathing. These babies may fail to breathe if their mouths are covered. You must be careful to ensure your sleeping baby’s face is not covered by blankets or loose bedding. SIDS is most common during winter months, and some experts believe this is because some babies overheat when wrapped up at night. SIDS is most likely to occur when a baby is asleep, either at night or during nap time.

WHICH BABIES ARE MOST AT RISK? Babies under six months are the most at risk, and around 90 percent of SIDS deaths occur during this period. As babies grow older, they are less likely to suffer from SIDS. Babies born to mums aged 19 or younger at the time of the birth, have an increased risk of SIDS, although the reason for this is unknown. Premature babies and those born weighing less than 2.5kg (5.5lb) are also more at risk. Boys have a slightly increased risk of SIDS, but again, the reason for this is unknown.

}

SIDS IS MOST COMMON DURING WINTER MONTHS, AND SOME EXPERTS BELIEVE THIS IS BECAUSE SOME BABIES OVERHEAT WHEN WRAPPED UP AT NIGHT.

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HOW TO REDUCE THE RISK OF SIDS The exact causes of SIDS remain unknown, and as such, it is not understood how to eliminate the risk of this tragedy occurring. Years of research, however, have identified some key steps that parents can take to reduce the risk. The following can reduce the risk: • put your baby to sleep on her back • do not smoke during pregnancy. Even secondary smoke can increase the chance of SIDS, so ask your partner to give up too • keep your baby smoke free after the birth – don’t let people smoke near your baby • keep your home, car, and anywhere else the baby spends time, smoke free • breastfeed your baby, if you can • sleep in the same room as your baby for the first six months • use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress • monitor the temperature in the room your baby sleeps in, and ensure your baby is dressed and covered appropriately Experts advise parents to avoid the following: • never sleep on a sofa or armchair with your baby • if you smoke, drink, take drugs or are excessively tired, do not sleep in the same bed as your baby • if your baby was born prematurely or had a low birth weight, do not sleep in the same bed as your baby • don’t cover your sleeping baby’s head or face • do not allow your baby to overheat • do not use pillows, quilts and duvets for your baby • do not let your sleeping baby wear a hat indoors All advice should be followed during daytime naps as well as at night. While it may be tempting to nap with your baby on the sofa during the day, don’t. This increases the risk of SIDS. By all means, let your baby nap on you, but be sure you stay awake throughout.

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reviews 18

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Introducing Teddy (A Story About Being Yourself) Jessica Walton and Dougal MacPherson Errol and his teddy bear, Thomas, do everything together. One day, however, Errol notices that Thomas seems sad and Thomas admits that he has been keeping a secret. Introducing Teddy is a groundbreaking story about gender identity and transition. Jessica Walton tells her father’s story through the accessible and familiar character of a teddy bear. Thomas the teddy admits that he has always longed to be a girl teddy named Tilly and Errol’s immediate acceptance is heartwarming, sending a powerful message to readers about tolerance and the importance of friendship. Introducing Teddy is recommended for readers aged 3 years and over and is an important book about diversity, in a market that was missing something of this nature.

Worries Are Like Clouds- Big Hug Book Shona Innes and Irisz Agocs Worries are like the weather, some days are sunny and wonderful, while others are rainy and gloomy. Psychologist Shona Innes developed the Big Hug Book series from psychological research and sessions conducted in her clinical practice. Worries Are Like Clouds is designed to assist children in navigating through complex emotions in a gentle, child-friendly way. Strategies are provided, such as, talking with someone who cares, keeping busy doing something you love or taking slow breathes, to assist children in developing techniques to deal with worry and aid adults in starting discussions with children about their feelings. Worries Are Like Clouds is recommended for readers aged 3 years and the Big Hug Series is highly recommended reading for all children who will gain insightful guidance from an evidence-based source.

Mrs Dog Janeen Brian and Marjorie Crosby-Fairall Mrs Dog adopts a stray lamb, Baa-rah, and teaches him about life on the farm. One day, however, Mrs. Dog is in need of rescuing and it is up to Baa-rah to save the day. Mrs Dog is a heartwarming Australian story about courage and generosity. The illustrations follow Mrs Dog and Baa-rah across an Australian landscape of dry desert lands and juxtaposing green valleys. The farmer remains a faceless figure, as Mrs Dog and Baa-rah take on the characteristics of human protagonists, demonstrating empathy and the true meaning of friendship. Mrs Dog is recommended for readers aged 3 years and over, who will be requesting repeat readings of this uplifting story. Are You Sitting Comfortably? Leigh Hodgkinson A young boy wants to read but really, really needs to find the perfect place to sit. In the style of our perfectionist fairytale favourite, Goldilocks, a young boy searches for a chair to meet his (endless) specific list of requirements; it can’t be too cold, too itchy or too high. Leigh Hodgkinson’s unique, abstract illustrations will draw the attention of readers and are simply stunning in their use of colour, design, print and pattern. Are You Sitting Comfortably? is recommended for readers aged 3 years and over is a delightful story about imagination and the wonder of reading.

REVIEWED The Little Reading Room

thelittlereadingroom.com.au

june 2016 | mychild

HOW TO ENTERTAIN

your child ON A BUDGET AUTHORS: LIANA CAPLAN AND SAMANTHA KYRETSES - PLAYTIME AT HOME

As many of you are aware, there are endless expenses involved with entertaining and educating your child. When you add up the costs of childcare, additional programs and toys, parents are often left with the task of prioritising these things to fit in with the family budget. We are here to assure you that there are many ways to keep your child busy and continuously learning that wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always have you reaching for your wallet. Save yourself some hard earned money with activities that can be put together with items you have lying around the house. Have a look around your home, you will be surprised how many common household items can be used to stimulate and educate your child. For example, rubbish bins, rulers, pots and pans make fabulous musical instruments. You can make simple sensory recipes such as paint, goop or play dough with ingredients from your kitchen. Your living room can be turned into a fantastic dramatic play area like a restaurant, post office or camping ground. So you may be asking, how does this educate my child? You see, children learn through their play. When your child plays, they test their developing ideas with objects, people and situations. They also develop many

skills such as; physical, social, emotional, thinking and language. When your child participates in activities they are interested in, they have a natural motivation to learn. Therefore, they are more likely to remember skills and concepts they have learned by doing things that are meaningful to them. BANG! CRASH! These sounds would usually make you cringe and run with worry. But in the following activity you can take your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s need for destruction and redirect it into an acceptable game. With the use of tissue, shoe, food or any type of box your child can build towers of different heights and enjoy the satisfaction of knocking them down and watching the catastrophe unfold. Set up towers around the room and see who can get to them fastest to make them come crashing down. As they construct and demolish, your child will be exploring the concepts of what goes up must come down and that every action has a reaction. At the same time, you will be instilling practices of sustainability in your child as they discover that items can have more than one purpose. If you have an active child who likes to climb all over the furniture, you can channel their pent up energy and willingness to explore for only the cost of a ball of string. Find an open space in your home such as a garden, hallway, living area or bedroom. Then take the string and tie or stick it at different levels to walls, furniture, door handles or grounded objects to create a laser beam maze. Send your child on a mission so that they have to bend, flex, balance, jump, june 2016 | mychild

crawl or slither to make it from one side to the other without getting zapped. When implementing any activity, remember that your child will need plenty of time to play so provide opportunities for them to explore, investigate, ask questions, use their imagination and test out their physical skills. It may look like simple play, but we can assure you they are hard at work! Whatever activity you choose, remember to join in, have fun, get your hands dirty and inspire your child to investigate, question and explore. It doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg to entertain and educate your child, think outside the box and empower them to be a generator of knowledge, this is a gift that will help lay the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. So now you’re probably asking, where can I get more ideas from? The answer is simple. You can search online, follow parent blogs or filter through Pinterest. However, there is an abundance of activities floating around on the internet, it can become quite overwhelming and daunting for many parents. To add to the frustration, sometimes the recipes don’t even work or require uncommon resources. To avoid this unnecessary stress, you can purchase a single or complete set of Playtime At Home books. There are three books in the series (0-18 months, 18 months- 3 years and 3- 5 years) and

each contains 40 fun and educational activities that have been handpicked and tested by early childhood experts. They have used their knowledge to perfect each activity and adapted them to incorporate common household items. By purchasing the Playtime At Home books for a minimal upfront cost, all the hard work has been done for you. This series of books is perfect for parents and caregivers of children under 5 years of age. Each book is an easy to read, visually appealing guide to play based learning. You are informed of the possible learning outcomes that your child can gain from each activity and how you can support this. There are modifications given for each activity to suit your child’s likes, dislikes, interests and the resources you have on hand. For My Child Magazine readers, Playtime At Home are offering an amazing discount of 30% off all Playtime At Home books. This offer is only available until 1st July 2016 so get in quick! To find out more and take advantage of this offer please see the information below. Playtime At Home books can be purchased here: http://bit.ly/playtimeathome. Discount code: enter MCM in cart to receive 30% off ($34.95 per book) valid until 1/7/16. Email: playtime@curriculumkids.com.au

june 2016 | mychild

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THE

MUMMY

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blog june 2016 | mychild

A TURNING WRITTEN BY: SHEREE ECHLIN

point

I’m no Super Mum. I would like to think I am at times, but I know I’m likely dreaming. The closest I get to wearing a cape is at the hairdresser and I probably don’t get there often enough anymore either! And I don’t harbour any special super power that I know of. Unless you count having a shower in less than four minutes. I think as Mums we are often left feeling a little lost when it comes to getting things done right. Getting anything done most days is always an achievement, even if it is just emptying the kitchen bin. The little people in our lives are usually our main priority and keeping them alive in those early days really is a big job! I always worry (probably too much) that as a mother, I’m not doing things right. My husband kindly reminds me that it’s not about getting it right but surviving. I guess parenting really is a course in survival. The first and probably the hardest test is whether you can cope on minimal sleep. Everything else seemingly passes by in a hazy blur until they are on the move and you see yourself turning into a ninja trying to prevent serious injury, well for the first child anyway. The second child and any subsequent children usually have to fend for themselves (can you tell I am a second child myself, ha ha!). I sometimes wonder if I do spend a bit too much time worrying and anticipating the worst rather than enjoying everything, both good and bad when it comes to being a mother (yes mum, I can see you nodding!). After all we are often reminded that our kids are only little for such a short time

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(even if it feels like an eternity!). The one thing that brings me back down to earth in a split second usually involves the one thing that sent me crazy in the first place, my girls. But it’s not a kiss or cuddle, a smile or a wave that gets me. No matter what is going on, my eldest daughter Miss Izzie makes the world right again just by saying “it’s alright mummy”. It’s usually accompanied by a pat on my hand or leg with a cute tilt of the head and of course my heart melts. Five seconds later chaos erupts again but it’s the initial thought that counts, right?! I often have to remind myself...and I feel it’s a tough reminder, possibly the toughest as a parent...that as much as I want to be a friend to my girls and that I want them to like me (this feels like high school all over again), I have to be their mother first. Maybe one day when all the dust has settled and I have finished the hard yards of parenting, we can be friends. Or maybe I’m kidding myself. Those who know me well would be aware I’m a strong-willed person (thanks mum and dad!). Some might call me feisty or opinionated and I can see a lot of it already in Miss Izzie. When an argument arises (yep two-year-olds sure don’t give up easily) it becomes more like a test of wills and I can only imagine how much it will escalate in a few short years. But I have got a nice little response already prepared, even if it blows up in my face: “Give it up my child, I wasn’t born yesterday. I have got decades more experience than you, where do you think you get it from??” Fun times ahead, no doubt.

I often think back to the non-argumentative days with a tinge of sadness. I know they have to grow up sooner or later but I’m still grappling with this mini version of myself creating madness and mayhem in the world. Is this what my poor parents endured all those years ago? The word karma quickly springs to mind. I guess life isn’t quite complete without a “little” challenge or two to keep you grounded.

I want nothing but the best for my girls and I believe strongly in learning from mistakes, I’ve sure made my fair share. But I know I have still got a long way to go when it comes to working out what parenting is all about, if I ever do at all. If I find the answer anytime soon, I will be sure to let you know....eventually! Let me know your thoughts and follow more of my parenting misadventures at shereeechlin.com

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TODDLER

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TELLING YOUR

Pregnant THAT YOU ARE

Most young toddlers donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the vocabulary or cognitive ability to understand that thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a baby growing inside of their mummy. Nothing you say to a pre-verbal toddler will mean much to them until they see the baby.

june 2016 | mychild

TODDLER

child younger than 18 months is unlikely to notice you’re pregnant until well into your third trimester, if at all. If your child is starting to talk and engage in pretend play, they’ll be slightly better able to imagine a baby before they arrive. For children this age, there’s no need to make an announcement. If your child is 18 months or older, you can tell them about your pregnancy once it’s well established and you have a noticeable bump. Your pregnancy will make a little more sense to them if they can see some evidence. You’ll probably want to let them know at about the same time you announce your pregnancy to the rest of the world. Once you’ve told your child, they’ll want to share the news (you can’t expect a toddler to keep a secret). And once you’ve told all your friends and family, it’ll be much harder to keep the information from your child because people will want to congratulate you and talk about the pregnancy. It’s best if your child hears about a new sibling from you and not from the neighbours. If you have to explain why you’re nauseated, achy, or fatigued before you’re ready to announce the pregnancy, it’s fine to just tell your child that you’re tired or not feeling well. In any case, it’s better not to attribute your symptoms to the pregnancy so they don’t blame the new baby for making you feel sick or unable to play. When you’re ready to tell, choose a time to talk about it when your child is relaxed and not dealing with any distractions or other stressful changes, such as starting day-care or getting over a cold. Find a calm period when they’ll have time to process the news and ask questions— 32

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avoid transition times like bedtime or day-care drop-off. If possible, have both parents there.

WHAT IF I HAVE A MISCARRIAGE AFTER I’VE BROKEN THE NEWS? In the unlikely event that you lose the pregnancy, you can explain to your child that this baby wasn’t able to grow big enough to be born and that later on you might try to grow a baby again. It’s fine if they see you crying a little or looking sad. They may also express sadness or confusion, probably more because they are mirroring your behaviour than feeling a sense of loss themselves. You can help them manage their feelings by listening to them and taking care of yourself emotionally and physically so that they can see you feeling better too.

HOW SHOULD I BREAK THE NEWS? Before you tell your child about the pregnancy, you can start laying the groundwork. You might want to read them some of the many children’s books about babies or siblings. Or you might talk about some of your child’s friends and their younger siblings and then say, “Someday you may have a little brother or sister, too.” Toddlers love to hear about what they were like when they were babies. You can tell your child how you burped them after they ate,

how they took lots of naps, and when they took their first step. That will help them understand what it will be like to have a new baby around. When you’re ready to tell your child about the pregnancy, keep the language positive, simple, and straightforward. For example, “Right now, there’s a baby growing inside Mummy. You are going to have a little sister (or brother) next spring.” Keep in mind that toddlers don’t have much concept of time.

HOW ARE THEY LIKELY TO REACT? Your toddler may not seem too interested in your news. Don’t be surprised if you make your big announcement and they just want to show you how they can jump off the couch. This doesn’t mean they aren’t interested. They simply need the situation to be more tangible before they can really understand it.

If your toddler seems excited, you may want to suggest that they be the one to help tell Grandma and Grandpa or some other important person. Even if that person already knows about the pregnancy, your child will feel like they have an important role in letting the rest of the world know about their new sibling. If your child seems confused or upset about your news, say “It looks like you’re feeling sad. Would you like me to hold you?” Listen to their ideas and let them know that their feelings are okay with you. If you accept your child’s difficult feelings, it will be much easier for them to realize that they also have excited feelings. After that, let your child decide how much more information they want. You don’t need to overload them with facts if they are not interested.

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june 2016 | mychild

PREGNANCY

healthy habits june 2016 | mychild

Eating well, working out, and drinking plenty of water are good for you, pregnant or not. So are these six simple habits that’ll help keep you (and your baby) healthy throughout your pregnancy. Try them and you’re likely to have fewer aches and pains, less stress, and more energy to boot.

SLIP IN EXTRA R&R. Pregnancy is hard work. You’re building a life-support system for your baby, and in turn, that growing baby is putting a lot of demands on your body. Mix in a hormone-induced lack of energy and it’s no wonder you feel seriously sapped. That’s why getting enough rest is crucial. Downtime not only helps curb earlypregnancy nausea, but it also reduces back pain as your baby grows, lowers your blood pressure, eases headaches, and helps you sleep better at night. So listen to your body and make a point of slowing down during your lunch break or for a half hour in the late afternoon. On weekends, delegate errands to your partner so you can nap, soak in the tub, read, or catch up on Game of Thrones.

FLOSS EVERY DAY. Not much of a flosser? Pick it up pronto. Pregnancy hormones make your mouth more susceptible to plaque and bacteria, which in turn lead to inflamed and bleeding gums.

Flossing and brushing help prevent gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and periodontitis, a more serious gum disease that can up your risk of preterm labour and pre-eclampsia. For healthy gums, floss once a day (and brush twice).

june 2016 | mychild

PRACTICE SMART SNACKING. For mums-to-be, eating well at mealtimes is essential, but what you nosh on in between is important, too. Get into the habit of stashing nutritious snacks in all sorts of places — in your pantry and fridge, of course, but also in the car, on the job, and in your purse. That way you’ll be less tempted to grab a bag of chips or a chocolate bar when hunger strikes. Snacks with the most staying power are carb-and-protein combos: trail mix with dried fruit and nuts, whole-grain crackers and cheese sticks, yogurt with granola. Those keep blood sugar stable so you can avoid sugar highs and lows.

CHOOSE HEALTHIER DRINKS You don’t have to ditch coffee and soda completely when you’re pregnant, but cutting back is a good move. Here’s why: caffeine and sugar can act as diuretics, washing out important nutrients like calcium before your body has a chance to absorb them. If you’re a diet-soda drinker, stick to brands that contain safe artificial sweeteners like Splenda and Xylitol. The safest drink of all is H2O — plain or sparkling. Spice it up with a slice of orange, lemon, or lime or pour in a splash of 100 percent fruit juice.

TAKE IT DOWN A NOTCH.

The quickest road to Stress-ville? Having too many to-dos on your list. Pare down by deciding what’s a priority (taking care of yourself) and what can wait (or fall by the wayside completely). Instead of shopping for birthday cards and then dragging yourself to the post office to mail them, send an electronic greeting or a cute Facebook post. Only answer essential e-mails on a daily basis — the rest can sit.

GET IN THE WATER.

And find time each week to treat yourself to whatever it is that makes you feel relaxed, whether it’s a mani-pedi, a yoga class, or a movie. That’ll give you something to look forward to as well as time to chill.

No matter how mammoth you may be, you’ll feel weightless in the water.

The bigger your belly, the harder it can be to exercise, so consider the pool a refreshing refuge. A water workout — whether it’s swimming laps or taking aqua aerobics — helps relieve aches and pains (especially in the third trimester) and improves circulation and endurance. The best part?

june 2016 | mychild

LIFESTYLE

photography AND CHILDHOOD UNPLUGGED Lifestyle photography provides a vehicle for the ultimate time capsule. It allows us to relive life’s everyday special moments - that if not documented, would eventually fade in our minds. The early, sleep deprived years of parenthood bring about so many key developmental milestones for our children. Photography is our tool to remember those ‘firsts’. If we make the effort to document our families now, once we finally get some sleep, we will be able to truly appreciate the beauty of parenthood - and give each other a high-five for surviving! Unlike traditional studio posed portrait photography, lifestyle photography takes place on location, at a place or places relevant and meaningful to each client. Places such as their home, a favourite park or beach, a sporting activity, at a zoo – or all of these combined. Documentary style in nature, lifestyle photography is an authentic photographic method for recording a family’s story. And because these sessions are held in familiar surrounds, children and dads instantly feel at ease. Parents often ask me for advice on how to photograph their family. Here are my top 5 pieces of advice.

june 2016 | mychild

ANTICIPATE WHAT’S GOING TO HAPPEN BUT DON’T FORGET ABOUT THE MOMENTS IN BETWEEN. Often the most special moments occur a few seconds before or after an anticipated key event. For example, if I am documenting siblings playing with a ball, I will capture a few action shots and then focus on the emotional responses to each other during this activity. Capturing raw emotion tells a story. LIGHT, LIGHT, LIGHT. LEARN HOW TO CONTROL IT BUT DON’T RUIN THE MOMENT. Lifestyle photography is about letting moments unfold in their truest form. This means you need to know how and where to move in a scene to make use of available light without interrupting natural moments. Explore how the light falls around your home, at a favourite park, or during your child’s regular daily activities. See how it changes at different times of the day and during the different seasons. The beauty of lifestyle photography is that every season brings magical light and opportunity for stunning images. Most people believe summer is the perfect time for family photographs but autumn, winter and spring bring shorter days (which mean less tired children), and softer, more

magical light. Do NOT wait for summer to photograph your children or you will miss the beauty of the other three seasons. YOU ARE NOT AIMING FOR PERFECTION, YOU ARE AIMING FOR REAL. Trust me when I say, that in years to come, your favourite images will be the real and non-staged ones. More often than not, our first few captures are the best. Give yourself 5 mins to record a special moment and then move on. THE MOST MEANINGFUL PHOTOS YOUR CHILDREN WILL EVER HAVE WILL BE THE ONES WITH YOU IN THEM. Get someone else to take the pictures once in a while. Your future self and children will thank you. PRINT YOUR MEMORIES. There is something magical about actually holding the moments, people and memories that moved us. Printed images invite us to pause and experience our memories all over again. Walking past your family’s life, displayed proudly around your home, brings so much joy to your children. Reanna Kebblewhite is an award winning Sydney lifestyle photographer specialising in newborn, family and life interaction. Capturing genuine emotion and people’s personality in a real and honest way are the two important things to Reanna in her photography. Reanna is a proud wife and mummy to two children, aged three and five. She lives in Sydney, was born in Queensland and spent most of her teen life in Canberra and loves all three places. Reanna is offering the first 5 My Child readers to book a 4-hour ‘Day in the Life’ session (which includes a full story gallery of over 150 digital images), will receive a 20% discount off their total session. Normally $1,750, for the first 5 bookings this cost will be reduced to $1,450 - a saving of $350. To book your session and save. email: info@reanna janephotography.com.au or call 0419444897. A $250 deposit will be required to secure your booking. Sessions must be held before 01 Nov 16.

june 2016 | mychild

burns AWARENESS

A HELPFUL GUIDE TO BURNS AND TREATMENTS

WRITTEN BY: ANVI SHARMA Little children have sensitive skin and often like to poke around and stick their hands anywhere they can. Unfortunately, this can often lead to them touching hot objects which can cause burns. This is one of the most common forms of injuries for the little people in our lives. There are many mistruths about how to treat burns, however when we are faced with a situation that we think we know what to do, common sense can dessert us in our time of need and leave us scrambling for the simple answers. So the below information is to inform you about burns and the treatments.

DEGREE OF BURNS First let’s look at the burns themselves, the degree of a burn is classified by how deeply they injure the skin and are often categorised as the following: • First degree burns are minor and heal quickly e.g. sunburns or red, swollen skin. They only affect the outer layer of the skin. • Second degree burns are more serious and require medical attention e.g. blistered and peeling skins. They involve the first and second layers of the skin, causing considerable pain. • Third degree burns are extremely severe and require immediate medical treatment. june 2016 | mychild

They involve all layers of the skin and you will most likely notice dry, charred, white/yellow or bright red tissue and may damage the nerves on the skin.

WHAT ARE THE COMMON CAUSES OF BURNS? • • • •

Scalds from hot water, steam, cups of tea and coffee being spilled, hot food etc. Contact with fire or other hot objects e.g. the stove, fireplace, hair straightener, heater Chemical burns from swallowing things such as batteries or spilling things such as bleach Electrical burns from sticking fingers into sockets, or biting electric cords

The Number of Seconds it Takes to Get A Deep Burn In Hot Water: • 70°C – 1 second • 60°C – 10 seconds • 55°C – 30 seconds We all know how important it is to prevent burns, but if you’re new to this as some of us are, overlooking the smallest prevention can lead to an accident. Prevention is always better than treatment, here are some handy hints to prevent burns: • When using water taps, turn the cold tap on first and then hot. • Always test your child’s bath water before using and never leave them unattended. • Be careful of spillage when drinking hot drinks. • Don’t let your children near matches or lighters – explain how dangerous they are and why they cannot be used as toys. • Keep children a safe distance from any fires; whether it be the fireplace or stovetop. • When cooking near heat, don’t hold your children and don’t let them climb up on counters near the stove, oven or pots of boiling water or other hot appliances. • To prevent spills, use the back burner when possible and turn the pot handles away from the counter’s edge so they can’t be knocked over. • Stir and test food when heating it up in a microwave before giving it to your child as food heats unevenly. Also, avoid heating up baby bottles in the microwave as the uneven heating can scald the baby’s mouth. • Unplug hair straighteners and curling irons after use. • Child-proof your house by putting socket covers on all electrical outlets. • Prevent house fires by making sure you have a working smoke alarm. Have fire extinguishers around the home, preferably near the fireplace and in the kitchen. • If your child is old enough, teach them to stop, drop and roll in case of fire. • Avoid using large tablecloths as young children can often pull them, spilling hot food or drinks on them.

HOW TO TREAT BURNS AND WHAT TO DO. It’s important to know what to do in a situation where your child has received a burn. Although we are all likely to panic, we need to be mindful that our actions play an important part in the child treatment and healing process. 42

june 2016 | mychild

If your child has received a burn, here’s what to do: • Remove your child and keep them away from the source of the burn. • If a part of the child is on fire, it’s important to wrap them in a blanket or bedsheet, and try to roll them on the ground to extinguish the fire. • If the burn is caused from exposure to a chemical substance, flush the area with cool water for at least five minutes and don’t remove any clothing as other areas of the skin/body could get exposed and then infected this way. Continue to flush the area with water. Chemical burns to the eyes and mouth require immediate attention. • For burns caused by electricals, it’s important to firstly disconnect the power source and remove the child using a non-metal object (wooden spoon, rope etc.), as using your hands may risk you getting shocked as well. TO TREAT MINOR BURNS IN CHILDREN, FOLLOW THIS ADVICE: • Remove clothes from the affected area. • Flush the area with cool water for several minutes, until your child is in less pain. You could also put a cool wet cloth over the burn. • Don’t apply ice, butter or powder to a burn injury as this aggravates the area. • After wetting the area, gently pat it dry and cover it loosely with a gauze or non-stick sterile bandage. You can also use cling film or a clean plastic bag. • You can give your child appropriate medication for pain (over-the-counter child-strength pain relievers) and apply aloe gel or cream to the affected area a few times a day. • If the burn seems severe, seek medical assistance immediately. WHAT TO DO WITH THOSE MORE SERIOUS BURNS? With more serious third-degree burns, it’s important to call a doctor or emergency medical care. In the meantime, you can follow all the instructions above and also: • Keep your child lying down and the burnt area elevated. • Try and remove clothing from the affected area, but if it is stuck to the skin you may need to wait for medical assistance. • Do not break any blisters. • Apply cool water to the area for a few minutes and then keep a cool wet cloth over the area until you see the doctor. How to Help with The Healing Process There are many things that you can do to assist with the healing process to ensure a speedy recovery. Here are a few things recommend by professionals: • A good, high-protein diet (milk, meat, eggs, yogurt and cheese) is important for healing burns. • You will need to change your child’s wound dressing every 4-7 days. Keep the dressings dry, and change them if they get wet or soiled. • Massaging the skin with lotion once the burn has been healed can be useful. A circular motion when rubbing the lotion helps the skin be more elastic and smooth.

For parenting advice from a Tresillian Nurse:

Tresillian Parentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Help Line 1300 2PARENT 272 736) For parenting advice(1300 from a Tresillian Nurse: Tresillian Parentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Help Line

Tresillian Advice on 1300 Live 2PARENT (1300 272 736) Tresillian Live Advice on

tresillian.org.au tresillian.org.au

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for

BIG RELIEF TINY NOSES If your congested baby isn’t sleeping, then you’re not sleeping. For the first few months, babies breathe through their nose, so a blocked nose can disrupt breathing, feeding and sleeping. That’s why it’s so important to keep a baby’s nose clear. FESS Little Noses® is Australia’s #1 selling baby saline solution. The effective, natural solution loosens and thins mucus and the easy-to use aspirator helps to clear your baby’s blocked nose. Since babies cannot clear their noses as adults do, the suctioning effect of the aspirator has the same effect as blowing the nose to clear mucus congestion. Using the nasal aspirator to remove mucus will help avoid the harshness of tissues. FESS Little Noses® is non medicated and preservative free, so you can use it from the day your baby is born. FESS Little Noses® is approved by the Sensitive Choice® program of the National Asthma Council Australia and the Asthma Foundation New Zealand. FESS Little Noses® is available in drops and spray from all pharmacies with a RRP of $12.95. For more information, please visit: www.fesslittlenoses.com.au or www.facebook.com/FESSLittlenoses

june 2016 | mychild

AWARENESS

Cough WHOOPING

Protecting your baby before giving birth is a responsibility we all have as parents, and although eating healthy and taking the usual safety precautions while pregnant is the norm, some parents are adamant in refusing any sorts of vaccines during pregnancy. WRITTEN BY: JANA ANGELES

june 2016 | mychild

Pregnancy is a tough journey for all mothers. Carrying a tiny human in our ‘tummies’ is not your average daily task and it’s certainly not something that shouldn’t be taken too lightly either. Whooping cough, also known by its scientific name, Pertussis, is a serious and contagious respiratory infection which is caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. When caught, the disease forms into a cold and then develops into a cough afterwards. The cough is known to last up to three months, even when treated with antibiotics. The ‘whoop’ is not always obvious but happens when a deep breath is formed at the end of a coughing fit. Another common symptom is vomiting after coughing. Due to its serious form of disease, babies have a higher risk in experiencing adverse symptoms if contracted with whooping cough. Babies less than six months of age can be seriously affected by the disease, more so than older children and adults. Last year, Catherine and Greg Hughes lost their newborn baby boy, Riley to whooping cough in March. On The Guardian, both parents shared a video of Riley’s last days to promote vaccination for whooping cough during pregnancy. Losing Riley obviously brought an unexpected pain to the family. Imagine losing your newborn in a matter of weeks? We can’t either. It’s encouraging that although Riley’s life was lost, Catherine and Greg still live on his legacy to be provax when it comes to whooping cough. Catherine Hughes mentions, “It’s so amazing that we can now protect our babies before they are even born. Immunity is such an important gift we can give our children.” Compared to other countries, Australia is very lucky to have an effective healthcare system which means you can practically get yourself vaccinated anywhere. As a pregnant mother, it is your duty of care to protect the health of your newborn no matter what. Things to know about Whooping Cough vaccinations They’re safe and effective. It’s been found that whooping cough vaccinations are safe and effective when taken during pregnancy for both the mother and the baby. It’s preferred to take the vaccination during your third trimester (28 weeks) as your body produces antibodies that passes on to your baby before birth. The antibodies provide protection for your baby until they are ready for their own vaccinations at 6 weeks of age.

june 2016 | mychild

It’s free during pregnancy. Expectant mothers should be stoked about this fact as vaccinations for whooping cough during pregnancy are absolutely free. Free whooping vaccines are available to be taken through general practitioners (GPs), antenatal clinics and Aboriginal Medical Services (AMS) in NSW. Family members and carers should get a shot too. For even extra protection from whooping cough, family members and carers of the newborn should get a booster vaccine for the disease at least two weeks before getting in contact with the baby, unless they’ve had the vaccine in the previous 10 years. It makes a lot of sense to do this as it would be stressful to worry about your newborn getting infected by whooping cough from someone in your family. It can save your baby’s life. It’s understandable how vaccinations can be worrisome for some mothers, especially to those that haven’t been educated enough about them. It’s not easy to conform to society’s expectations but one thing you should do is to put your child’s health first always. If Catherine and Hughes had known whooping cough vaccines existed for pregnant mothers, then Riley would’ve lived more than a couple of weeks. Reported by ABC, the imminent outbreak of whooping cough is likely to spread across Western Australia. In the article, Dr. Paul Effler from the Department of Health’s Communicable Disease Control Directorate says, “We’re seeing increased whooping cough activity and we want to make sure parents are aware of it, so they can make sure their kids are protected and so that pregnant women get vaccinated to protect that baby when they’re most vulnerable.” Refusing the vaccine puts your baby’s life at risk. Cormit, a mother from Queensland shared her story on SBS explaining how she regrets not taking the whooping cough vaccine as she contracted the disease in a matter of weeks. Even by eating healthybalanced meals and following a daily exercise regime, it wasn’t enough to protect her baby from whooping cough. Her daughter Eva contracted whooping cough and her mild symptoms eventually turned into something serious; serious to the point where she had to go into hospital for intensive care. Cormit says, “She’s my only child, she’s my first and if I could turn back time, I would protect myself, that’s my message.” Protect your newborn from day one. Get the whooping cough vaccination today. Be sure to visit your local GP if you have any health concerns for you and your baby.

june 2016 | mychild

:nosebleeds + YOUR CHILD BY REWA MAHONEY AND CECILIA VU (PHARMACIST, BPHARM, M.P.F.)

june 2016 | mychild

The gel that stops nosebleeds in moments

Common reasons for nosebleeds are    

www.NoNosebleed.com Always read the| mychild label. Use only as directed. Consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist. 52 june 2016

Bumps & falls Nose picking Objects in the nose Allergies, Cold & Flu

Do you or your child suffer from nosebleeds? You are not alone. There are millions of Australians who are suffering from this common condition. Recent research by healthcare company Luminarie with 2000 Australian adults found that 41% of respondents had children who had suffered from a nosebleed and that 45% had themselves suffered with a bleed. While 28% of respondent’s children had regular bleeding (multiple bleeds per year), with more than 10% suffering from bleeds on a monthly or weekly basis. Nosebleeds or epistaxis as it is medically known, are the most common ear, nose and throat (ENT) emergencies to present to general practitioners. Nosebleeds are particularly common amongst children, as the small blood vessels on the septum (the firm tissue between the nostrils) is very often fragile, and can burst easily.

avoided partaking in activities for fear of getting a nosebleed. While many parents noted that they are always prepared in case of a bleed as the condition can be spontaneous. Cecilia says that “for most, nosebleeds are a self-limiting condition. Children commonly will grow out of the condition but as with any medical condition you should always seek advice from a healthcare professional if you have any concerns”. When dealing with a nosebleed in children one of the most important aspects is to try to have them remain calm and reduce any crying. This is because crying can actually increase blood flow making it more difficult to stop the bleeding. Nosebleeds can be unavoidable however, being prepared for when a bleed strikes can help to reduce the stress for both the child and the parent.

Pharmacist, Cecilia Vu says that “there are many reasons that children can experience a nosebleed, some common factors include; infection, injury (bump or fall), allergies, nose picking, an object being pushed into the nostril or simply fragile vessels that can burst easily”. Cecilia mentions that “one of the best ways to manage nosebleeds is to understand the cause of the condition, as it may be possible to manage the condition by avoiding triggers”. She also says that “nosebleeds are common in children and are usually not a sign of a serious or underlying condition, however frequent, severe or prolonged bleeding is something that should be discussed with your doctor.” For many children and parent’s nosebleeds can be a frightening, worrying and upsetting experience. Respondents in the research reported that children had often felt upset, self-conscious and inconvenienced by a nosebleed, especially if they happened outside of the home or at night. 42% of respondents said that their children had actively

june 2016 | mychild

PREGNANCY

antenatal

DEPRESSION For about 10% of pregnant women emotions like fear, anxiety, concern and unhappiness experienced during pregnancy can become overwhelming and hard to shift. They are different from the usual emotional changes if they last longer than two weeks and interfere with your ability to function in everyday life.

june 2016 | mychild

Antenatal depression is often overlooked because it’s hard to identify and is less well understood than postnatal depression.

depressed. • Stopping prescribed medication: there can be a worsening of symptoms if you stop taking

You might be experiencing antenatal depression if you experience: • inability to concentrate and difficulty remembering • difficulty making decisions or achieving everyday tasks • anxiety and panic attacks • emotional numbness • extreme irritability • a desire to avoid family and friends • sleep problems • extreme or unending fatigue • a desire to eat all the time or not to eat at all • weight loss or weight gain not related to pregnancy • loss of interest in sex • a sense that nothing feels enjoyable or fun any more • feelings of failure or guilt • persistent sadness • thoughts of death or suicide. Pregnancy can stir up some strong, deep and unexpected emotions and issues for women and men. In fact, men can experience antenatal depression too.

•

FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO ANTENATAL DEPRESSION Pregnancy hormones might contribute to the emotional ups and downs that affect most pregnant women. Here are some other factors that can contribute to the development of antenatal depression: • Family or personal history of depression: if depression runs in your family, or if you have had past episodes yourself, you might be more likely to become 56

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•

medication for a preexisting mental illness because of the pregnancy, especially if you stop suddenly. Relationship difficulties: difficulties between you and your partner or significant others, or fear of a lack of support when your baby is born, can have a ma jor impact on your emotional wellbeing. Stressful life events: any ma jor life change, such as a move to a different home, divorce, job loss or death in your family can contribute to depression. Problems with the pregnancy : a pregnancy with a lot of medical checks, problems or illness, such as severe morning sickness or pain, can take its emotional toll. Infertility or previous pregnancy loss: if you experienced difficulties getting pregnant,

or have had a miscarriage or stillbirth in the past, you might worry about the safety of this pregnancy. • Unplanned or unwanted pregnancy: the timing of the pregnancy might cause significant stress if you weren’t planning the pregnancy or you aren’t in a relationship. • Past history of abuse: pregnancy can

bring, or social isolation, can contribute to depression. • Financial difficulties: financial problems can significantly increase the amount of stress you feel during pregnancy. Effects of antenatal depression on the baby There is a growing body of research that indicates that being stressed, anxious or depressed during your pregnancy is not ideal for your baby. Changes to the baby’s heart rate and its responses to stress are thought to result from severe and untreated antenatal depression, but

trigger painful memories in women who have survived emotional, sexual, physical or verbal abuse. • Lack of social support: feeling unsupported when you’re facing the changes that parenthood will june 2016 | mychild

more research is needed. Consideration for the wellbeing of the baby needs to be given when making decisions about the treatment of antenatal depression to avoid these impacts. WHAT YOU CAN DO Early treatment of depression and anxiety is the most effective path to recovery. Putting up with your feelings for too long can make it harder to shift them as the birth gets closer. Here are some things you can do: • Take it easy. You don’t need to need to set up a special room for the baby, clean the house, or work as much as you can before you go on maternity leave. Make some time for yourself, read a book, have breakfast in bed, or go for a walk. If you already have children, arrange for family or friends to look after them for a while so you can have some time to yourself. • Eat well and exercise. Taking care of yourself is an essential part of taking care of your baby. It can be hard to eat well or exercise when you feel sick and uncomfortable. Try small frequent meals throughout the day and regular gentle exercise like walking or swimming. • Include your partner if possible. Your partner might be able to detect that you have changed, even before you realise or admit that something is wrong. Your partner is likely to be worried about the pregnancy and how life will be, alongside concern for you. It’s a good idea to talk openly with your partner, because you need your partner’s support. Your partner can provide support only if you share how you’re feeling. Encourage your partner to find out about antenatal depression and how best to support you. • Talk about how you’re feeling. Give your friends and family the chance to be supportive by talking to them about your fears and worries. Once you start talking, you might be surprised how many people have had similar experiences. You

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•

might like to involve them in planning some support, like help with meals and shopping, for after the baby is born. Let your midwife and doctor know. Tell the people who are caring for you during your pregnancy about your thoughts and emotions. They can help you to understand what is happening, give or arrange support and check in with you at different points during pregnancy. Seek counselling. If you’ve tried to work through things on your own but nothing seems to work, seeing a counsellor could help. You need to find someone you feel safe with and can trust. Talk with your doctor about antidepressants. You might benefit from antidepressant medication, especially if your wellbeing and your baby’s wellbeing are at risk. You might be hesitant to take medication during your pregnancy, but there are some antidepressants that are safe for pregnant women. Talk to your doctor or midwife about the possibilities. Find out about postnatal depression. You won’t automatically develop postnatal depression, but it can happen, so it’s important to know what to look for if emotions like fear, anxiety, concern and unhappiness continue after the birth of your baby. Again, let your midwife and doctor know how you’re feeling so they can help you find the supports you need.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN AFTER THE BABY IS BORN? Antenatal depression does not mean that you will have postnatal depression. About half of women who suffer from severe depression during pregnancy go on to develop postnatal depression. Therapy from a counsellor or psychologist during pregnancy can greatly reduce your chance of developing postnatal depression. Putting in place a support network – which might include family, friends, your doctor, a counsellor and perhaps a support group – before the birth can make the time following birth much easier.

june 2016 | mychild

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KIDS

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june 2016 | mychild

SHOPPING

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RUBY

OLLIE An incredible story of how two Mum’s are Changing Long Day Care Centres.

PART ONE PART TWO IN NEXT ISSUE

Leah James

always wanted to be a singer, that was my big dream when I was younger. I played the guitar and sang, and that was what I wanted to do. I still enjoy singing around the house but I am comfortable now that I didn’t make it my career. I studied to be a Naturopath, which I did for three years and then I studied Nutrition. I had a year left to do of that degree when Ollie came along (who’s now four years old). I still studied for about six months when he was a new born, but gradually the load with Ollie became quite intense so I had to postpone my studies. I am still technically deferred but I

think by now I’ve lost a bit of traction. Life has taken me in a different direction and I’m really comfortable and happy with that. I have always been engaged with nutrition and natural medicine. We do live fairly healthily although there’s always room to improve. I don’t regret not finishing the course because I do use a lot of what I learnt in my daily life, and I’ve used a lot of the knowledge for Ollie. Ollie was 18 months old when my husband and I got married, and he was pretty typical as a baby. He had a problem with his feet when he was born but other than that there was nothing that stood out. At six june 2016 | mychild

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been very challenging, setting up a whole new business, looking after Ollie and having a new born. I have a lot of balls in the air and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m constantly juggling but I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about having really good support to be honest.

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months old he had infantile seizures, they’re a type of spasm that look like an epileptic fit but he wasn’t epileptic. It was such a shock. He had his immunisations, and the following day he had a blank seizure and then went on to have these infantile seizures. It was very similar to Rebecca’s experience, and when we met we shared our stories. First there was an ambulance and then hospital, and obviously when any baby has a seizure they have an MRI and subsequent testing. That’s when his neurological condition was diagnosed, so he was predisposed to seizures anyway. We do have a feeling that the immunisation may have set off the seizures, but who knows if he would have had them regardless. The seizures were really easily treated - they stopped straight away and he didn’t need ongoing treatment. His diagnosis is still not conclusive, but in the front part of his brain there’s an anomaly which affects his gross motor skills and fine motor skills, because this area of the brain controls movement. The rest of his brain is fine. It’s very hard to assess Ollie cognitively because he’s very engaged in the world, and can operate his ipad and play with his toys. But for example there’s a toy that he loves but it’s hard for him to turn the button on because his fine motor skills aren’t what they should be. So he knows how to use the toy once it’s on and he enjoys the toy, but he struggles to turn it on which results in behavioural issues because of his frustration. I now also have Vivienne who’s four months old. Coping with Ollie and pregnancy was very challenging and I think I underestimated how hard it would be. I was very sick when I was pregnant with Vivienne and had severe nausea for the first four months so I really did struggle. Ollie’s not a big boy but he’s still over 13 kilos so carrying him wasn’t easy. When I was fit I didn’t notice it but pregnancy really affected me. Ollie was aware I was pregnant and noticed the changes in me. He touched my stomach a lot, but he’s non-verbal so it’s hard to gauge his understanding of concepts but he does notice differences. He struggled at the start with her, and it was a big step for him because he’d had me to himself for so long. He was a little out of sorts at the beginning particularly when I was feeding, but he’s quite

good now, he’s accepting her more and more. I enrolled Ollie into Hummingbirds family day care a few years ago, which was Rebecca’s business. She was looking after children with special needs, and I had tried all the mainstream centres but they didn’t work out so I knew I needed to step outside and find something a bit more tailored. I travelled for over an hour to get there, but there was nothing else available. He did really well and flourished, and I could see the change in him. And I started thinking that we needed to do something closer to Brisbane, so I talked to Rebecca about it and she said it was something she’d always wanted to do and it was part of her long term plan - but she couldn’t do it on her own. So that’s how it all started. We definitely have a good dynamic and a great friendship. I like to foster strong relationships like Rebecca does, and I also learnt a lot about the financial side as my parents had a business and I was very involved in that. We have a great balance. She has such a beautiful way with people and a connection with organisations and families. It’s been very challenging, setting up a whole new business, looking after Ollie and having a new born. I have a lot of balls in the air and I’m constantly juggling but I think it’s about having really good support to be honest. I’m a big believer that as women we can have it all and we can do it all ( it’s a big theme in my life at the moment) but we do need to be supported. Whether that’s from our partners or our family. It’s interesting in Australia we have children and ask for little help, but you look to Asian countries and they are surrounded by family and community and they’re not expected to do everything themselves. I do believe that we can have it all, but it’s often about timing. In hindsight maybe having a baby amongst everything that is happening with Ollie, and with the business, wasn’t the most sensible idea, and it has been challenging - but I wouldn’t change a thing. Vivienne has added so much joy to our lives. I don’t like to compare Ollie and Vivienne, I love them equally and differently, but she has counterbalanced a lot of grief that I didn’t know I had until I had her. She’s ticking little boxes for me and filling a part of june 2016 | mychild

my heart that I didn’t know was missing. It’s been really interesting. My relationship with Ollie is unusual – we don’t speak to each other for one thing because he’s non-verbal. It’s amazing to have such a connection without the typical ways of communicating, and I sometimes wonder how we do understand each other. I talk to him all the time, I have done since he was a baby, and while he doesn’t respond to me verbally I know there is still a response. He knows when I’m there, and I know that he needs me. I wouldn’t change my experience with Ollie, but it will be beautiful to hear Vivienne talking to me. I am looking forward to having a typical experience, but I am grateful for both. Establishing Ruby & Ollie’s has let me explore another side of myself. There were days when I was with Ollie full time that I started to wonder what happened to me and what I wanted, and I really struggled with trying to find my identity again. I felt uninspired to go back to study because I knew Ollie would take me in a different direction, but I didn’t know where. Now that we have this opportunity with Ruby & Ollie’s I feel really inspired and passionate, and connected to myself. I feel very confident, and I am very engaged in the business being my future. The Shark Tank experience was quite extraordinary. Last year Rebecca sent me an email about the Shark Tank - and I still have that email. We applied for the show as we really needed funding, and we had tried so many different ways but weren’t getting anywhere. It was a big challenge. I was four months pregnant when we did the show and I was quite sick, so I really counted on my husband for support. We rehearsed so much that it must have driven my husband crazy! The preparation and the whole process from the application to the presentation was around four months so by the time we actually did the show we were really ready and really confident. I didn’t feel nervous at all. I had known from the time we sent off the application that we would be successful. I couldn’t see a reason why we wouldn’t be. Having two Sharks invest with us was

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amazing and they have both been wonderful mentors. Steve Baxter is a lot more hands on as he lives in Brisbane, we have less to do with John McGrath simply because he’s in Sydney. But they have both been great and really supportive and set us up with different contacts. We rebranded from Hummingbirds to Ruby & Ollie’s after the Shark Tank. We wanted to make it quite personal and a kind of dedication to our children, and it’s been really well received. To other mums out there wanting to start their own business, my advice is to get a good nanny! In all seriousness, you need to get as much support as you can so you can prioritise and schedule because it is a juggling act. You need to stay focused and keep your dream in your heart. Work hard at it, because I think anything in life worth having can be quite challenging, but the end point is very special. You can see Rebecca and Leah on their winning episode of the Shark Tank – so gutsy, and so inspiring - on tenplay.com.au Leah and Rebecca were recently guest speakers at the prestigious TEDxQUT event. Irrespective of a child’s developmental requirements, at Ruby & Ollie’s they welcome all children. They offer care that encompasses a holistic approach to the child and families’ vision, in an educational, therapeutic, social and nurturing environment. Ruby & Ollie’s All Abilities Childcare stems from the hearts of two passionate women. At Ruby & Ollie’s they celebrate the enjoyment of life and lightness of being. They believe and stand by their vision that children are all unique and they will work with each child to encourage them to reach their full potential… and then aim for the stars. This article was written by Melanie Quirk of Business Mamas www.businessmamas.com. au, from the Fifty Two Weeks Blog - www. fiftytwoweeksblog.com. Photos by Someday Somehow Studiosrubyandollies. rubyandollies.com.au facebook.com/rubyandollieschildcare

Establishing Ruby & Ollieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s has let me explore another side of myself. There were days when I was with Ollie full time that I started to wonder what happened to me and what I wanted, and I really struggled with trying to find my identity again.

june 2016 | mychild

benefits of

sex

PREGNANCY

Sex during pregnancy is good for both you and baby: It can help you sleep better, lower your blood pressure, and even make you happier! Here, a few good reasons to make a little love tonight.

Making love during pregnancy boasts a number of big health benefits. Here’s why a little extra alone-time with your hubby can do a body (and a baby!) good:

Improves orgasms: Blood flow intensifies your sexual desire. In fact, some women achieve a real orgasm for the first time ever during pregnancy!

Burns calories: Sex is the most fun way to stay fit — you’ll burn 50 calories or more in 30 minutes of love-making.

Improves sleep: For mums: Sex is relaxing — so it helps you sleep better. For babies: The rocking motion of a sex session often lulls baby to sleep. Boosts immunity: A study found that sex boosts levels of IgA, an antibody that helps avoid colds and other infections. Boosts happiness: Orgasm releases endorphins — which make both you and baby happier and more relaxed. Increases intimacy: Thank oxytocin again — it’s been linked to romantic attachment.

Lowers blood pressure: Sex has been found to lower blood pressure…a good thing for both of you, since high blood pressure is linked to the pregnancy complication pre-eclampsia.

Speeds up postpartum recovery: Orgasms during pregnancy prepare the pelvic floor for childbirth, which in turn speeds postpartum recovery. Do Kegels during pregnancy sex to pump up those muscles — and increase pleasure for you both!

Reduces pain: Orgasm releases oxytocin (or the “love hormone”), which one study found to increase pain tolerance by 74%.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your partner and get down tonight!

june 2016 | mychild

RELATIONSHIPS

june 2016 | mychild

GET THE LOOK:

interiors

june 2016 march 2016 | mychild | mychild

INTERIORS

june 2016 | mychild

INTERIOR: Petite Vintage Interiors

Wooden Swing $87.00 rrp etsy.com

Fairy Door $37.00 rrp thefairydoorstore.com.au

Icecream Cushion $45.00 rrp etsy.com

Single - 4 Poster Bed $799.00 rrp incyinteriors com.au

Scatter Cushion $10.00 rrp kmart.com.au

Angel Wings $114.00 rrp etsy.com

Shag Rug $699.00 rrp langdonltd.com.au

Hex Table $99.00 rrp adairs.com.au

Replica Ghost Chair $69.00 rrp replicafurniture.com.au

Bunny Lamp $150.00 rrp leoandbella.com.au

june 2016 | mychild

Fat Lamb Toy + Foxy Toy $35.00 rrp dreamykidz.com.au

Railway Light $140.00 rrp fatshackvintage.com.au

Deer Head $57.00 rrp etsy.com Chesterfeild Chair $749.00 rrp brosa.com.au

Oeuf Cot $1,299.00 rrp urbanbaby.com.au

Barn Door $1,287.00 rrp themerrybarn.com.au

Sheepskin Rug $450.00 rrp hidesofexcellence.com.au

Fox Cushion $31.00 rrp etsy.com

june 2016 | mychild

INTERIORS

june 2016 | mychild

GET

DADS TO BE

june 2016 | mychild

DAD READ

june 2016 | mychild

DAD READ

It’s time to get ready for your birth support role and your first hours as a dad!

EXCITEMENT, IMPATIENCE AND MORE The final months and weeks of pregnancy can feel like a countdown to match day. Finally, you’ll get to run onto the ground and be in the game as a dad. Becoming a dad might feel very real now – or still not real yet.

WHAT’S HAPPENING PREGNANCY

LATE

In the final months, there are more checkups on mum’s and baby’s health. It’s great for you and your partner if you can get to 82

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these appointments. Hearing the sound of your baby’s heartbeat through the fetal doppler can be an exciting and reassuring experience. Your baby can hear you and your partner, too. If you haven’t already, you could start talking to baby or breaking out some of your favourite songs. As you get closer to the birth, your doctor or midwife will check the position of the baby to see whether baby is in the head-down position, ready for birth. If baby is in some other position, your doctor or midwife will talk about your options. Your partner is likely to feel more uncomfortable as the baby grows and

preparing for your birth support role and the first hours after the birth. It’s also a good idea to think and read about how to make a great start to fatherhood in the first weeks and months after baby arrives. Lots of parents focus all their thinking on the birth and forget about what happens afterwards. Some good ways to prepare include: • going to birth classes • talking to other men who are expecting or who have just become dads • going on a tour of where your baby will be born. Late pregnancy is also a good time to think about your work and any changes you want to make – for example, negotiating parental leave and looking at your worklife balance. If you can, talk with your employer about the arrangements that would work best for you. But try to be flexible in your planning, because your situation or feelings might change.

THINGS YOU CAN DO

moves more. This could affect how keen you both are to have sex. Your share of the bed might also seem to get smaller by the day as she uses pillows and looks for ways to sleep comfortably. As soon as she’s asleep, she might wake up needing to go to the toilet because the baby is pressing on her bladder. Think of it as early training for those sleepless nights when baby wakes often to feed. Your partner might complain of a sore back, fatigue, heartburn, restlessness or lack of sleep. But this probably won’t stop her from ‘nesting’ – maybe cleaning, organising your home and getting equipment ready for baby.

PREPARATION IN THE FINAL MONTHS The third trimester is the time to start

• Sing or chat to your baby – your baby can hear you. • Attend birth classes. Ask men in your classes what they’re doing to prepare for their babies’ births – are they reading books, watching births on the internet, learning relaxation and breathing techniques, helping write a birth plan? • If possible, book a tour of where your partner will give birth. • If you know some dads, ask them about their experience of their babies’ births or you could check out our online forum for expectant dads. • If you want to know more or you’re unsure about specific things to do with the birth or the health of your baby, ask your doctor or midwife. • Check to see how flexible your work will be about time off for birth and after. • Look into Dad and Partner Pay. june 2016 | mychild

TOY

Reviews

june 2016 march 2016 | mychild | mychild

TOYS

june 2016 | mychild

TOY

Reviews

REVIEWED BY APRIL DAVIS

5/5

TIGER TRIBE HOW TO DRAW FOR GIRLS

This fun and portable colouring set has everything you need to encourage your children to draw and colour. All they need to do is follow the simple, step-by-step instructions and let their imaginations go wild. With 28 different pictures for them to draw, they’ll be entertained for hours on end. The pack contains nine coloured pencils, an eraser and sharpener, as well as a 50-page sketch pad, and storage box. Our verdict: Nice and compact, this learn to draw kit is ideal for kids who want to play independently, and even better for busy parents who need a minute to catch up on some work. The instructions are easy to follow and there’s no need to purchase any extra items, as the set comes complete with everything you need.

RRP $20.00.- AVAILABLE FROM TIGERTRIBE.COM.AU

TIGER TRIBE INFLATABLE WORLD GLOBE Available in two sizes, 30cm and 50cm, Tiger Tribe’s inflatable world globe is a great educational toy that will familiarise your child with geography. Our verdict: The inflatable world globe is easy to inflate and great fun for kids, however, it’s difficult for them to focus on the educational aspect when they view the globe as a ball to throw around. Interacting with this toy at an educational level requires supervision and guidance.

RRP $20.00.- AVAILABLE FROM TIGERTRIBE.COM.AU

june 2016 | mychild

3/5

childs FROM A VIEW

4/5

TIGER TRIBE MAGNA CARRY PLAYBOOKS EMERGENCY RESCUE Help is on the way with Tiger Tribe’s portable playbook. Including a double-sided play scene and two sheets of pressout magnets, Great for cafe play, this portable toy is the perfect companion for children ages three plus.

Jack

: I took this with me when I went out with mummy’s friends. I like how I get to pt the people and cars wherever I want them. I especially like the fire engine and the ducks. Mum’s usually happy too because the pieces stick to the book really well and I haven’t lost a piece yet. Our verdict: Perfect for kids on-the-go the set develops imagination, promotes independent play, and assists in the development of fine motor skills. The set is ideal when you need your children to be calm as it encourages them to play without being disruptive.

RRP $25.00.- AVAILABLE FROM TIGERTRIBE.COM.AU

TIGER TRIBE KID O - TEMPO MUSIC SET The Tempo Music Set is designed to help toddlers distinguish different musical sounds from a young age. With a simple shake, your toddlers tiny hands can ring a bell, click a castanet and rattle the tambourine cymbals. Our verdict: Promoting creativity and discovery, this musical kit is loud enough to entertain toddlers, but not too loud as to be annoying to adults. Your child will laugh with joy as they shake these easy-tograsp instruments that keeps their minds distracted in a creative and engaging manner.

4/5

RRP $30.00- AVAILABLE FROM TIGERTRIBE.COM.AU june 2016 | mychild

PREGNANCY

june 2016 | mychild

STRETCH

marks

june 2016 | mychild

WRITTEN BY: ANVI SHARMA Stretch marks are a seemingly inevitable part of pregnancy. These narrow pink-ish streaks can develop on your skin at any stage of your life, but are most common through puberty or when putting on and losing weight during the pregnancy cycle. When the three layers of the skin – the epidermis, dermis and hyper-dermis – are stretched rapidly, a tear in the dermis is caused which results in an inflammatory reaction in the skin. Once this inflammation fades, it is replaced by scar-like tissue known as stretch marks. For pregnant women this is mostly around the breasts, stomach and upper thighs. Stretch marks are not harmful and don’t cause any medical problems and they can gradually fade after your pregnancy and become less noticeable, depending on your skin colour. You are more likely to get stretch marks if: • You’re a young mother, especially if you are in your teens. • Your mother had stretch marks when she was pregnant. • Other members of your family have stretch marks – they can be genetic. • You’re having multiple babies, or a big baby. • You had stretch marks before you were pregnant, perhaps on your thighs or breasts. • You gain a lot of weight during pregnancy. • You have excess amniotic fluid. As much as stretch marks are a dreaded part of pregnancy and there are no foolproof methods of making them completely disappear, there are many ways in which you can lessen the chances of getting them and minimise their appearance, such as:

AVOID EXCESS WEIGHT Avoiding putting on too much excess weight, as gaining weight rapidly can cause stretch

june 2016 | mychild

marks – pregnant, or not. Gaining weight as slowly as possible can reduce your chances of getting stretch marks, but this isn’t always possible.

HEALTHY DIET Maintaining a healthy and nourishing diet is important. Restrictive dieting will not ensure that you won’t get stretch marks, so make sure you eat natural and healthy foods full of antioxidants including lots of fruits and vegetables, and support your body and baby as well as you can. Try to avoid overeating, as well as keeping track of cravings.

DRINKING WATER Drinking lots of water is always a good thing but increasing the intake of liquids helps your skin stay moisturised and hydrated, and avoid drying out. Drinking herbal tea and eating watery vegetables and fruits is also something you can try to maintain hydration.

MOISTURISE Keeping your belly well moisturized can reduce itching and the massaging action of rubbing it on also improves circulation, which allows new tissue to grow. Creams that contain vitamin A or E are generally good but there’s no proof that these creams actually prevent stretch marks.

EXERCISE Exercising is also good for you and your skin, but make sure you don’t overwork yourself when you’re pregnant. Low-impact exercises for pregnant women such as yoga and Pilates will help as they increase blood flow

MASSAGE Massaging natural essential oils onto your skin where the stretch marks are can also help reduce the appearance of marks. Using neroli and sweet orange every few days can help nourish your skin. Bio, almond and coconut oil, as well as pure lanolin are also good to try and can be used every

day. Though, it is the actual process of massaging that makes these oils appear to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

DRY BRUSHING Stretch marks fade over time, but you can help quicken the process by dry brushing – brushing your skin using a dry brush – is recommended for reducing the appearance of stretch marks as it helps to exfoliate the skin and keep it healthy, as well as improving circulation. Don’t use the brush on your breasts as the skin around the area is very sensitive and brushing can cause damage. It’s important to use a brush that is mad of natural fibres and is not too tough. After your brush, taking a bath or shower clears the dead cells away.

GETTING EXTRA HELP Speaking to a dermatologist or GP. There are medications as well as laser treatments that can help fade stretch marks – but there is no conclusive evidence or research to back this up. Unfortunately, for some women, stretch marks never completely go away and there is no real way of preventing them. Don’t waste all your money buying ‘secret miracle creams’ that claim to banish stretch marks altogether – chances are, they won’t work. But don’t be ashamed by stretch marks. It’s understandable wanting to prevent and reduce them, but at the end of the day they are a part of you and what you have achieved by carrying a baby inside you and giving birth – and that’s the most important thing.

june 2016 | mychild

Fast FOOD GET THE LITTLE ONES INVOLVED TO HELP CREATE MASTER MEALS USING OUR RECIPES THAT ARE KID FRIENDLY & CAN BE MADE WITH LITTLE EFFORT.

june 2016 | mychild

salted caramel POTS 0.05 Prep 0.45 Cooking

Makes 6

INGREDIENTS 1/2 cup (110g) caster sugar 1 cup (250ml) cream 1 tsp vanilla bean paste 1/4 tsp sea salt flakes 1/2 cup (125ml) milk 4 Coles Brand Australian Free Range Egg yolks Almond biscotti or almond bread (optional), to serve

m u y

CHOCOLATE SAUCE 50 g dark chocolate 1/3 cup (80ml) thickened cream 1 tbsp brown sugar

METHOD Preheat oven to 150Â°C. Place six 1/2 cup (125ml) ovenproof dishes in a roasting pan. Place the sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring with a wooden spoon, for 6-7 minutes or until sugar dissolves and becomes a golden caramel colour. Remove from heat. Carefully add the cream (be careful as the caramel may bubble). Place the pan over low heat. Cook, stirring for 3 minutes or until any hard caramel has dissolved and mixture is smooth. Add the vanilla, salt and milk and stir to combine. Remove from heat. Whisk the egg yolks in a medium bowl. Gradually add the hot cream mixture, whisking constantly, in a thin, steady stream until combined. Strain through a fine sieve. Divide evenly among the prepared dishes. Pour enough boiling water into the pan to come halfway up the side of each dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until custards are almost set. Set aside for 30 minutes to cool. Place in the fridge to chill. To make the chocolate sauce, combine the chocolate, cream and sugar in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring, for 2-3 minutes or until chocolate melts and sauce is smooth. Set aside to cool slightly. Pour the warm chocolate sauce over the caramel pots. Serve with almond biscotti or almond bread, if desired. cooked through and the filling is piping hot. june 2016 | mychild

tomato & bacon

QUICHES 0.15 Prep 0.18 Cook

Makes 9

INGREDIENTS 175 g thick sliced rindless bacon (shortcut), chopped 1/3 cup Cottage Cheese 1/4 cup Milk 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan 1/4 cup Snipped Chives, to serve 3 Lebanese Breads 5 Eggs 9 Grape Tomatoes, halved 1 Cup Baby Spinach Leaves

METHOD Preheat oven to 200Â°C or 180Â°C fan. Lightly grease 9 holes of a 1/3-cup muffin pan. Cook bacon in a small frying pan on high for 3-4 mins until brown. Set aside to cool. Cut 3 x 11cm rounds from each Lebanese bread to make 9 rounds. Ease into prepared muffin pan. Whisk together eggs, cottage cheese, milk, spinach and parmesan. Sprinkle bacon over base of each muffin. Top each with egg mixture and two tomato halves. Bake for 15 mins or until filling is set. Sprinkle with chives to serve.

A sweet savoury mix of crispy bacon, egg, tomatoes, chives and tomatoes, set in Lebanese bread. 94

june 2016 | mychild

cinnamon & pear

PORRIDGE 0.05 Prep 0.10 Cook

Makes 3/4 Cup

INGREDIENTS 1/4 cup rolled oats 3/4 cup milk, plus extra to serve (extra 1/4 cup) 1/4 poached pear, chopped Blueberries and ground cinnamon, to serve

METHOD In a saucepan combine oats and milk. Bring to boil over low heat, stirring constantly. Mix in pears. Simmer 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and creamy. Remove from heat. Serve topped with blueberries and a dusting of cinnamon.

For extra sweetness, chop a few dried pitted dates and add at the same time as the pears.

june 2016 | mychild

silverbeet & feta HAND ROLLS 1.00 Prep 0.45 Cook

Makes 12

INGREDIENTS

y t s at

2 tbsp olive oil 1 (about 1 1/3 cups) onion, finely chopped 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped 2 bunches (about 450g) silverbeet, stems removed, coarsely chopped 200 g feta, crumbled 1/4 cup fresh dill, finely chopped 1/4 cup fresh flat-leafed parsely, finely chopped 1 Coles Brand Australian Free Range Egg, lightly whisked 12 sheets filo pastry, thawed if frozen 75 g butter, melted 2 tsp sesame seeds

METHOD Place a rack in centre of oven and preheat to 190°C (170°C fan-forced). Line a large baking tray with baking paper. Heat a large frying pan over medium heat. Add oil and onion and sauté for 8 minutes or until translucent. Add garlic and stir for 1 minute. Gradually add silverbeet, stirring, for 8 minutes or until wilted. Using a slotted spoon, transfer mixture to a bowl and refrigerate until cool. Using your hands, squeeze excess moisture from silverbeet mixture and return to bowl. Stir in feta, dill, parsley, egg, 2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Halve filo sheets to make twenty-four 26 x 21cm rectangles. Cover the filo with plastic wrap and a damp tea towel. Place 1 piece of filo on a work surface (keeping remaining filo covered). Brush all over with butter. Top with another piece and brush with butter. Top with 1/4 cup of filling in a rectangle shape about 3cm from bottom edge and 5cm from each side. Fold left side of filo over filling, then fold right side over. Fold bottom edge over filling and roll up tightly to enclose. Brush with butter. Place, seam-side down, on tray. Repeat to make 12 pies. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Place in the fridge for 10 minutes to chill. Bake pies for about 30 minutes or until deep golden brown. Transfer to a rack to cool slightly before serving.

june 2016 | mychild

layered cheese

QUESADILLAS 0.10 Prep 0.20 Cook

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS 200g Ham, Sliced 6 8-Inch Flour Tortillas 200g can Refried Black Beans, Warmed 1/8 Cup Roasted Green Chiles, Chopped 1 Cups Salsa, (Any Variety You Prefer) 1/2 Cup Cheese, Shredded Salt And Black Pepper

METHOD Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Season the ham steak with salt and freshly ground pepper. Cut the ham into small 1/2-inch cubes and set aside. Preheat broiler. Put tortillas in single layer on baking sheet. Brush with oil. Broil until toasted, about 3 minutes. Turn and set aside. Spread a thin layer of the warmed beans on one of the tortillas. Top with a few tablespoons of shredded cheese and a sprinkle of cubed ham steak and some of the green chilies. Repeat process one more time and then top with another tortilla so there are 3 tortillas per stack, with the top tortilla plain. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and ingredients. Once you have 2 stacks of quesadillas, drizzle salsa over each of the stacks and sprinkle with a bit of cheese. Place the quesadillas back into the oven for a few minutes to melt the cheese. Then, cut into 4 wedges. Garnish as desired.

Customizing the quesadilla is easy to do â&#x20AC;&#x201C; sour cream, salsa, guacamole & are all great garnishes to top the tortillas.

june 2016 | mychild

baked gnocchi BOSCAIOLA 0.10 Prep 0.35 Cook

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS 500 g pkt fresh gnocchi 3 tsp olive oil 1 brown onion, finely chopped 200 g short-cut bacon, coarsely chopped 300 g cup mushrooms, thinly sliced 1 clove garlic, crushed 1/2 cup (125ml) white wine 1 cup (250ml) Bulla Cooking Cream 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream 50 g baby kale salad mix 1 cup (70g) fresh breadcrumbs (made from day-old bread) 1 cup (100g) Perfect Italiano Perfect Bakes cheese 2 tbsp flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped Crusty bread, to serve Mixed salad leaves, to serve

METHOD Preheat oven to 200Â°C. Grease a 12-cup (3L) baking dish. Cook the gnocchi following packet directions or until tender. Drain well. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Cook the onion and bacon, stirring, for 5 minutes until the onion softens. Add the mushroom and garlic to the onion mixture. Cook for 5 minutes or until mushroom is browned. Add the wine and cook for 2-3 minutes or until liquid is almost evaporated. Stir in the cream and sour cream. Simmer for 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the kale and gnocchi. Spoon into the prepared dish.

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Combine the breadcrumbs, cheese and parsley in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over the gnocchi mixture. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown and heated through. Serve with crusty bread and salad leaves.

salmon RISSOLES 0.05 Prep 0.25 Cooking

Makes 12

INGREDIENTS 3 medium (600g) desiree potatoes, peeled, coarsely chopped 415 g can pink salmon in brine, drained 1/2 cup (60g) tasty cheese, grated 6 green onions (green shallots), white and pale green parts only, finely sliced 3 eggs 3 cups (200g) stale breadcrumbs 1/2 cup (75g) plain flour Vegetable oil or rice bran oil, for shallow frying

METHOD Place potato in a small pot of salted water and bring to the boil. Boil for 10 minutes or until tender. Drain then mash thoroughly, while still hot. In a large bowl, combine mashed potato, salmon, cheese, green onion, 1 egg and 1 cup breadcrumbs. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well, then divide mixture into 12 portions. Roll each portion into a ball. Line up three shallow dishes on the bench. In the first place the flour, in the second the remaining eggs combined with a tablespoon of water, and in the third bowl the remaining breadcrumbs. Roll the salmon balls in flour, then dip into the egg, then coat with breadcrumbs, gently pressing so the breadcrumbs stick. Flatten balls slightly into patties. Heat 5mm depth of oil in a large non-stick frying pan. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ready when a breadcrumb dropped into the oil sizzles. Place patties in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes each side or until golden brown. You may need to do this in batches.

june 2016 | mychild

roasted rice pudding WITH RHUBARB 0.30 Prep 1.00 Cook

Serves 6

INGREDIENTS 2 cups (500ml) milk 1 cup (250ml) cream 395 g can sweetened condensed milk 1/2 cup (100g) medium grain rice, rinsed, drained 2 tbsp brown sugar 1 tsp orange rind 1 tsp vanilla bean paste 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg 2 Coles Brand Australian Free Range Egg yolks 2 tbsp flaked almonds, toasted 1 bunch rhubarb, cut into 5cm lengths 2 tbsp caster sugar 2 tbsp orange juice Orange zest, to sprinkle

METHOD Preheat oven to 160Â°C. Combine milk, cream, condensed milk, rice, sugar, orange rind, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until mixture comes just to a simmer. Set aside for 5 minutes to cool slightly. Add the egg yolks and stir to combine. Pour into a 4 cup (1L) ovenproof dish. Bake, stirring every 15 minutes, for 1 hour or until rice is tender and custard is set. Set aside for 10 minutes to rest. Meanwhile, to make roasted rhubarb, increase oven to 180Â°C. Line a baking tray with baking paper. Arrange the rhubarb over the prepared tray. Sprinkle with sugar, orange juice and orange zest. Bake for 10 minutes or until just tender. Divide rice pudding among serving bowls. Top with roasted rhubarb and sprinkle with almonds.

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jam DROPS 0.20 Prep 0.15 Cooking

Makes 40

INGREDIENTS 250g butter, softened 1 cup (220g) caster sugar 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon rind 2 Coles Brand Australian Free Range Eggs 2 cups (300g) self-raising flour 1/2 cup (60g) custard powder 1/2 cup (40g) desiccated coconut 1/4 cup (80g) raspberry jam

METHOD Preheat oven to 180C. Line 2 baking trays with baking paper. Use an electric mixer to beat butter, sugar and lemon rind in a bowl until pale and creamy. Add eggs and beat until well combined. Stir in the flour and custard powder. Place the coconut on a plate. Roll tablespoonfuls of mixture into balls. Roll in coconut to lightly coat. Place on lined trays, allowing room for spreading. Use the end of a wooden spoon to make an indentation in the centre of each ball. Spoon Â˝ tsp of jam into each indentation. Bake, swapping trays halfway through cooking, for 15 mins or until lightly golden. Remove from oven. Set aside on the trays to cool completely.

homemade goodness june 2016 | mychild

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ISTER

AKER T H E C R A F T Y S HA K E R Immediately bursting into a jolly melody, it’s hard to shake off the ridiculously catchy opening theme song to Mister Maker. Known to be a shapes enthusiast with a specific talent in arts and crafts, Mister Maker turns anything he makes into gold. The man behind the wonderful craftsman, Phil Gallagher, has a genuine love for his role and it’s clear that he won’t be giving up his paint and glue anytime soon. In this interview, Gallagher speaks to us more about his work on the show, how he maintains his energy for his crazy touring schedule and his secret into being the ultimate arts and crafts hero.

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So Phil, we’d like to find out a little bit about your project Mister Maker, and how you became the ultimate arts and crafts hero for kids… Oh, that’s very kind of you to say. I feel really lucky and proud to be doing what I do for my job. It always sounds like a bit of a cliché, but it’s always been my dream to be a kid’s TV presenter. When I was little, I used to watch children’s television and I loved watching the presenters. I always wanted to do that and as I grew up, I loved performing. Even at home I used to make up puppet shows with my cuddly toys and I wrote little plays, skits and performances for my family. Now, thirty odd years later, I’m doing it for real which is amazing.

My favourite thing to make is the pom pom bug. It’s quite special to me and it’s been passed around in our live shows recently. It started off as a minute-make in one of the Mister Maker shows and the idea came about from something I made with my grandad many years ago, but they were slightly different as I made them with cardboard and wool. My grandad taught me how to do that and we used to go to the art shop to buy googly eyes for them and we’d make feet for the bugs and little tails for them. I would put that as my favourite all-time make because it’s so special to me and it reminds me of the lovely times I shared with my grandad.

That’s great to hear! What initially made Mister Maker an interesting character for you? When the casting call came out for Mister Maker, it spoke about arts and crafts which is something I have always loved. To be able to create a character that would bring arts and crafts to life in a very comfortable and comical way was a dream come true. These were all the things that I loved and the things that I was interested in, and I think it’s quite unusual for an arts and crafts show as you wouldn’t normally get that kind of comedic side.

That’s so sweet. So, what’s the most rewarding aspects of being a children’s presenter? When I was given the opportunity to become Mister Maker, I would say it was the best day of my life. Being able to travel around the world to do the theatre shows is just beyond my wildest dreams. The fact that so many people come to see the shows makes me and our small Mister Maker team incredibly proud. Whether it’s before or after the show, meeting people who watch Mister Maker and finding out what they enjoy watching and learning about their different experiences is a real pleasure.

That’s absolutely true. You seem so natural in front of the screen. How do feel creating art in front of the camera? Well, it’s something I personally got used to over the years, yet I’ve always found it quite nerve-wracking. When it comes to arts and crafts, you don’t actually know what’s going to happen [laughs]. I think despite how much you prepare, things don’t go quite how you want them to so there’s always that element with arts and crafts. I totally agree with that. Could you tell us what’s the hardest thing you’ve ever had to make? That is a really good question because quite often I get ‘what’s my favourite thing?’ or ‘the messiest thing’ [laughs]. We made a painty, sandy mixture in one of the early episodes of Mister Maker. We put paint on to some cardboard to make a picture of a beach and the way that I did it was almost like I was icing a cake but instead of the icing, it was this special mixture made up of paint and play sand; that was one of the hardest things I’ve had to make. Certainly in a TV studio, you have to move so quickly and it’s quite difficult to get the picture to look right under the lights and the studio just gets so hot and I had to make sure everything didn’t melt before I finished, so I had to move really quickly. Wow. Personally, we love the fake cake and we can’t wait to make that. But, we were always going to ask, what is your favourite thing to make [laughs]?

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So, do you ever have to improvise on the show? Oh definitely. Some of it has to be pre-recorded so the paint and glue can dry but we try to keep it as real as possible.

I practise hard before the start of the series. In terms of the live shows, improvisation is the main part of the show. It’s very interactive and we get to have people take part in it. We normally have a plan for each show but it’s always slightly different because of the lovely audience members that come up and help us. You’re coming out to Australia in late June and your schedule is back to back. How do you keep up your energy levels for this gruelling and busy schedule? Believe it or not, it is actually quite a slight schedule compared to some of the schedules we have done in the past. I’m quite used to three show days now. They’re very tough, but to be part of an entertainment show and to be able to go out and perform in front of people is a real privilege. It’s all about the preparation. I just try and keep fit, eat as healthy as possible and drink lots and lots of water. What’s the weirdest thing a fan has ever done for you? There was something that happened the other day which has never happened before. At the end of one of the live shows in the UK, a mother actually ran up on stage to give me a kiss on the cheek and then she waved and took a bow and ran off. It’s the sort of thing that you know, you’d expect to see at a One Direction or Michael

Bublé concert [laughs]. So, is there a Mrs Maker? No, there’s not a Mrs. Maker at the moment [laughs]. How do you juggle having a professional and personal life? It’s very tricky at the moment, I don’t have much of a social life. I don’t mind putting everything into my professional life. I have to get up early, work long hours and tour around the world but I love it and wouldn’t want it any other way. Where can My Child readers find out more about you and your show? Well there’s the Mister Maker website which is the best place for that: www.mistermaker.com There’s also an official Mister Maker Facebook page which will have all the details of all the different shows that we’re doing around the world.

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