My Child Magazine June 2015 Issue

AUSTRALIA’S BEST PREGNANCY, BABY & PARENTING MAGAZINE ISSUE 45

* JUNE 2015

How long

~ 2015 ~

CAN IT TAKE TO FALL PREGNANT

10 tips

TO HELP YOU CONCEIVE

How to give birth like princess!

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Excellence Awards 2012

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

s r e n n Wi

Top15

pregnancy apps

Morning sickness ISN’T JUST FOR MUMS!

/ CLASSIC INTERIORS / MEALTIME MAYHEM mychild | june 2015 * SHOPPING

“Did you know the average toddler body needs 500 milligrams of calcium a day? Give my growing body all the nutrients it needs.�

It is important that toddlers are provided with all the essential nutrients and energy to support growth and brain development.

Oz Farm Premium Toddler Formula is specially formulated to help meet the nutritional needs of your little one. Providing them with hard-to-get nutrients, all the vital fatty acids, minerals and vitamins necessary for growing bodies and inquiring minds

Oz Farm is a registered trademark. Distributed by Dairy 2Australian mychild | junePark 2015 , ABN 5916247837. 120 Frankston Gardens Drive, Carrum Downs Melbourne VIC 3201

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www.ozfarmhealth.com.au

A fantastic idea to hang your photos or artwork. This great kiwi icon will look right at home on the wall. From www. littlerooms.co.nz

Editor’s column

SAM REES-JONES

It seems that winter has not been very subtle in letting its presence known, it felt like the temperature dropped 15 degrees overnight and has stayed there!

The summer shorts and thongs have been replaced by boots and jackets. The evenings seem to be darker a lot quicker and the nights extremely cooler, with blankets and heaters coming out of hiding. But it is good to get the winter woollies out, cosy dinners with warm winter soups and in some places roaring fireplaces! As much as I voice my opinion about the cold, it does make me appreciate the warm summer months a lot more.

There is one advantage with being pregnant at this time of year...you have an internal thermostat and that will help keep you a lot warmer. This issue is focusing on pregnancy and in keeping up with technology we have sourced some of the best pregnancy apps out there to help you along your wonderful journey.

We have revamped our website to make it a lot easier to navigate and now you can access it on any device! Any comments are most welcome so we will make any improvements.

Enjoy the June issue of My Child Magazine!.

Sa m

Sa m

Our beautiful June cover was photographed by Nami Clarke, owner of Katrina Christ Photography in Melbourne. 03 9819 9988 http://www.katrinachrist.com.au/

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~ 2015 ~ Excellence Awards 2012

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

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contents COVER STORIES

Danish Rose Meet Gillian Rose founder and director of Danish By Design Mean Mum Kylie Kaden’s memorable Mothers Day Old Cottage Charm A simple interior on any budget Vintage Tricycle Belle showcases her latest baby shower Bone Dry Meet the inspirational mothers from Cuddle Dry

31 Ten Tips for getting Pregnant 35 How long does it take to get pregnant?

39 App Overload

A plethora of pregnancy apps for you to

have fun with 47 Dads pregnancy symptoms

What happens to your partner?

63 How to give birth like a princess

Melissa Spilsted tells us how it can be done 106 Excellence Awards winners!

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IDEAS

PREGNANCY & BIRTH

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Editors Picks Best in Web Bits ‘n Bobs

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Ten Tips for getting Pregnant How long does it take to get pregnant?

App Overload

night light to

bright light

The Grolight transforms a normal overhead light or lamp into a night light and bright light in one.

Providing a comforting glow for young children and the perfect amount of light to check on your baby without waking them.

Ideal for: breastfeeding comforting young children toilet training night time checks

scan to find out more

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Understanding your baby’s movements Maters experts share their advice Dads pregnancy symptoms What happens to your partner?

It’s a pain in the behind…literally Sciatica in pregnancy!

Things to avoid during pregnancy

BABY & TODDLER 75

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The Partner puzzle Should your partner be at your birth?

7 Secrets to Breastpumping success Doula Kelly Winder shares some secrets Training Time A comprehensive guide to potty training

PRESCHOOLER & BIG KIDS 146 10 Ways to teach your child about the seasons 140 Stimulating Preschool

Ways to keep little ones minds active

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FAMILY 152

154 156 158

How to manage Mealtimes Jo Turner offers some excellent tips The Perks of Playdates Tips for heading back to work 10 Steps to build a thriving business from home

HEALTH 60 In one’s blood

Brad Aldridge reports on Rhesus Factor

Disease and the children who develop it 93 Wellness

Adriane ward explains how to stay fit

and strong 103 Be bathroom cabinet ready this winter 138 Tooth Fairy

It is very important to look after babies teeth

MBP8

MBP8-2

MBP11

MBP16

MBP27T

MBP421

MBP36S

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PUBLISHER & EDITOR SAM REES-JONES ART DIRECTOR & STYLIST MORGAN ZELL ONLINE EDITOR JORDAN VON HAGAN NEWSLETTER EDITOR & WRITER JORDAN VON HAGEN WRITERS & SUB-EDITORS

JESSICA RILEY, GEORGIA WARD, THE EXPERT EDITOR

EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES editorial@mychildmagazine.com.au CONTRIBUTING EXPERTS BRAD ALDRIDGE KELLY WINDER, MELISSA SPILSTED, KYLIE KADEN,ADRIANE WARD,DR. JENNIFER RAYWARD, MARY ANN NAPPER, CHRISTINA GREENLEES, DR JOHNNY TAITZ, MADELINE MITCHELL, KATE JAMES, JO TURNER STOCK PHOTOGRAPHY iStock ADVERTISING DIRECTOR SAM REES-JONES m 0426 790 398 e sam@mychildmagazine.com.au

CONTACT 61 2 9446 1614 mychildmagazine.com.au

MY CHILD IS PRODUCED & PUBLISHED BY LITTLE BLUE DOG ABN 611 996 81 521

My Child magazine and mychildmagazine.com.au are wholly owned by Little Blue Dog (ABN 611 996 81 521). No other parties or individuals have any financial interest in the company or in My Child or mychildmagazine.com.au. My Child contains general information only and does not purport to be a substitute for health and parenting advice. Readers are advised to seek a doctor for all medical and health matters. The publisher and authors do not accept any liability whatsoever in respect of an action taken by readers in reliance on the recommendations set out in this magazine. Reproduction of any material without written permission by the publisher is strictly forbidden. We cannot accept responsibility for material lost or damaged in the post or for any unsolicited manuscripts and photographs. All reasonable efforts have been made to trace copyright holders.

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s m u b g n i sav saving babies

ipes BUY Red Nose Baby WORE & HELP US SAVE M BABIES’ LIVES

Available at: IGA, SUPA IGA, BIG W & TARGET or buy online at aussiewipes.com.au & check out our great promotions!

Selected IGA & Super IGA Stores only. Selected range available in Big W. june 2015 | mychild

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IDEAS

EDITOR’S PICKS ALL KINDS OF PRODUCTS CROSS SAM’S DESK EACH DAY. HERE ARE A FEW OF HER FAVOURITES

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Warm and woolly Blixem Sheep www.esthex.com AU $ 43.00 Fun and functional rotating drawers Bellantonio Rotating Drawers AU $1,020 Just right for the mother of all dragons a Dragon tamer onesie. AU $15.00 www.etsy.com. au.

This colour palette hedgehog clutch purse “Peace” is AU $36.00 from www.misala.cc These butterfly felted slippers are fit for a princess. AU $51.56 www.etsy.com.au A wonderful treasure Box with a bike riding Bunny AU $100.00 by foolhouse.com.au A Rainbow fun and educational way to play and learn colours! AU $35.95 www. thefamilycompany.co.nz Colour with crayon rocks, great for chubby little hands AU $50.00 www.chouchous.fr

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MY CHILD PROMOTION

THE BEST IN WEBSIT

SHOPPING ONLINE FOR PREGNANCY, BABY AND KIDS’ GE

> JUST FOR MUMS BOOWIGGIE

BABYBJORN

boowiggie.com.au

babybjorn.com.au

Luxurious leather nappy bags in the disguise of a designer handbag. Designed in Australia.

BabyBjörn’s new generation baby carriers are easy to use whenever and wherever you need it.

> JUST FOR MUMS TOTAL BAG ENVY

totalbagenvy.com.au Professional nappy bags for the working mum. looking good but being practical.

> MATERNITY FASHION MATERNITY SALE

maternity sale.com.au Maternity clothes infashion, on sale and online

> MATERNITY FASHION FERTILE MIND

fertilemind.com.au

The best place to start the minute you’re pregnant. Early stage accessories, bellybelts, bandos, bellybra plus load more

> OUT & ABOUT FAIRY BLOSSOM fairyblossom.com.au Stocking over 2500 products from leading brands, Fairy Blossom and Friends welcomes you

> OUT & ABOUT BELLAS LITTLE ONES bellaslittleones.com.au Baby Carrier Specialists, Ergobaby, Manduca, lillebaby,Hugabub, Boba – Huge Range

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> OUT & ABOUT

> TOYS/PARTIES/GIFTS SOLVEJ solveJswings.com.au Babies and children love to swing.

Swinging has really great benefits for your baby and child

> TOYS/PARTIES/GIFTS Bellabuttercup bellabuttercup.com.au Play Space is a portable, cushioned space, ideal for tummy-time, nappy time and for learning to sit and roll

> TOYS/PARTIES/GIFTS MISS KIKI OF CHERRY BLOSSOM LANE

misskikiofcherryblossomlane. com.au Bespoke collection of unique,

petite luxury companion dolls,

> TOYS/PARTIES/GIFTS DINOSNORES

dinosnores.com

Award winning stories that take children on an imaginative journey full of sleepy little creatures

> TOYS/PARTIES/GIFTS PIKAPU

pikapu.com

A nappy to take bub from newborn to toddler, the pikapu nappy’s original design is all you need

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EAR? GIVE THESE GREAT SITES A GO! > ECO FRIENDLY

> CHILDRENS FASHION

KIDS CIRCLE

TINY TRIBE

kidscircle.com.au

tinytribe.com.au

Recycle the outgrown clothes from your children in bundles by swapping them online. Save time

Tiny Tribe - Australia’s new online destination for fashionable baby and kids clothing. For 0-3

> BABY FASHION SOOKIbaby

sookibaby.com.au Unique clothing for your baby and child available online and in store

> BABY FASHION OUCH

ouchclothing.com.au

A unique childrenswear collection fit for boys and girls from newborn to twelve years

> BABY FASHION

> NUTRITION/FEEDING QUIBIES quibies.com.au Food storage containers give you a simple way to store and freeze breast milk and purees

> NUTRITION/FEEDING DIFRAX Kidslifestyle.com.au The Difrax S-bottle features a unique S-shape. This S-shape ensures that the teat contains only your baby’s food and no air

> NUTRITION/FEEDING

BABBLE ON BABY

CHERUB BABY

babbleonbaby.com.au

cherubbaby.com.au

Beautiful clothing for your baby for all stages and ages.

Reusable baby food pouches are a portable way to store, freeze, warm and serve homemade baby food.

> SMART INTERIORS THE LITTLE KIDz CLOSET thelittlekidzcloset.com.au The little kids closet- Ingeriors for the modern child. Furniture -Bedding-Decor.

> SMART INTERIORS LILLY & LOLLY lilly&lolly.com.au Lilly & Lolly produce kid’s furniture and bed linen with distinctive designs and

> SMART INTERIORS

SPECKLED HOUSE

speckledhouse.com From decals, to storage and blankets – we are all about creative, fun and practical decorating for kids.

> SMART INTERIORS PETIT

petit.com.au All you will need in bedding and decor to create a dreamy nursery or your child’s first big kid room!

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IDEAS

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PRODUCT

OF THE MONTH

CUTIE PIE

BabyLegs funk up any outfit and also help keep socks on! The SuperSoft BabyLegs are made of the very softest polyester and the longest BabyLegs are 40cm long. Or if you prefer, they have Organic Cotton & Wool BabyLegs. They fit most infants to pre-teens – BabyLegs are fun to use as arm warmers too! Protect soft knees from harsh surfaces, these divine babylegs make fun gifts.

Head to www.babesinarms.com.au to find a stockist.

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IDEAS

BITS&BOBS

BEST BOOKS Our Baby Babies come in all shapes and sizes, and from all sorts of families.

Some babies have milky mouths, snotty noses, tufty hair, or no hair at all. Some babies like going to cafes, or to the park. $ 24.99 From Working Title Press Now I Am Bigger Captures all the excitement and wonder of a small child’s world, when every day brings something new – new teeth, new words, new shoes, new bed – and every little change is very, very BIG. RRP $24.99 From Working Title Press

Let’s Go to Sleep Hush! All over the world, in deserts and jungles, in woodlands and seas, little ones everywhere are going to sleep. $14.99 From Working Title Press

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loves The grobag® egg™ The colour changing digital room thermometer is a wonderful innovation, it glows yellow if the room temperature is within recommended guidelines (16-20°C). If the room temperature is outside this range, it acts as a reminder for you to take action to cool or heat the room, or to adjust the baby’s bedding or clothing.

Every baby’s home should have a grobag® egg™ room thermometer.

Head to www.Grostore.com.au

GREEN ON-THE-GO The versatile Snack Stack system can expand to your children’s needs. It’s the perfect companion for errands, day trips or even the blanket fort that’s permanently set up in your living room. The standard snack stack is two pods and a lid. For each snack stack you can add up to 3 additional pods by choosing the appropriate option.

From www. worldofgood.com.au

ergobaby ergobaby

TM

NEW

Swaddler

As the Federal government prepares to tackle early education in the May budget, a Brisbane entrepreneur is providing parents with an online portal to find affordable and accessible childcare.

Brisbane dad Lachie Neilan recently launched Eenie Meenie, a website in the early stages of becoming a national database of childcare information, which will locate short and longterm vacancies and provide centre reviews.

Eenie Meenie is a free service for both parents and childcare providers – there are no hidden charges or ongoing costs.

“Through Eeenie Meenie, centres can advertise permanent vacancies as well as any casual vacancies, which become available through absenteeism. Short-term, last minute care is ideal for parents who may experience a roster change, emergencies or unscheduled meetings,” Mr Neilan said.

“Eenie Meenie provides parents with comprehensive profiles of childcare providers with real-time vacancy listings which can be updated at any time.

“This means when centres have cancellations, the vacancy can be updated immediately and parents can be notified of spots they didn’t know existed.”

Mr Neilan, a father of two, came up with the Eenie Meenie concept after his own frustrating search to find childcare for his children.

With 1.1 million families now seeking childcare in Australia, it is important for parents to be able to search for vacancies and review their options with ease. Visit the EenieMeenie site at http://eeniemeenie.com.au.

Sweet dreams for you and your baby The innovative Ergobaby Swaddler provides a soft, breathable and flexible swaddling option for your baby. Unique ergonomic features keep baby’s legs in the correct ‘frog-leg’ position and secure the arms close to the heart to ensure your baby sleeps longer, safely and more peacefully. Sweet dreams for you and your baby.

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WATCH SLEEP MAGIC HERE!

“At last, a swaddler appreciated by babies, parents AND paediatricians.

I recommend it wholeheartedly. And most of the babies I have seen in the Ergobaby Swaddler are asleep. That says it all!”

Dr Howard Chilton - Author of ‘Baby On Board’ - www.babydoc.com.au

Leading neonatologist, Sydney’s Prince of Wales Private Hospital and former Director of Newborn Care, Sydney’s Royal Hospital for Women

ergobaby.com.au 1300 725 276 june 2015 | mychild 17 ergobaby.co.nz +61 3 6240 * 4001

IDEAS

THE LEANDER CRADLE AND CANOPY 18

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Danish Rose DANISH BY DESIGN IMPORTS A RANGE OF STYLISH, MODERN DESIGNER SCANDINAVIAN NURSERY FURNITURE THAT CAN BE SEEN IN CELEBRITY NURSERIES BUT AVAILABLE TO YOU

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illian Rose is the founder and director of Danish by Design, she was born in Denmark, met Nigel in France skiing, fell in love, got married then came to Australia and they have lived in Melbourne for 20 years. Nigel and Gillian have three children Anna-Sofie 16, Maia 14 and Mattias 12. We caught up with Gillian and asked her about her business

WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE BUSINESS? Like many new mums, I was dreaming of starting up a small home business, to combine work and motherhood. We went home to Denmark for Anna-Sofie’s first Christmas. She was just 6 months old and naturally I had a look at baby items over there. The range was so different to what was available here and we felt there was an opportunity to start something. We made it our mission to make brilliant European designs accessible to Australian parents.

Although I had no knowledge of the retail industry or importing, I set up ‘Danish by Design’ with the help of my husband and ordered my first ‘container’ from Denmark in 2001.

WHAT PRODUCTS DO YOU OFFER? Our product range spans over quite a few

categories by now. We initially just had Leander furniture but now we also have the distribution of the Bednest, Troll furniture, Moover Toys, IVI play rugs, Bumbleride strollers, the Bamboo bouncer and just recently we added BathBlocks - a new range of bath toys.

CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT THE TEAM? We have a small office team consisting of my husband Nigel and myself plus our amazing customer service girls. On top of that we have our sales reps who make sure that the staff who serve you when you go to one of our stockists can answer all your questions.

HOW DO YOU SHARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES BETWEEN YOU? In basic terms I look after all aspects of marketing and new product launches and Nigel does the logistics and sales. However in a small business one wears many caps and everyone has to do whatever is needed.

HOW LONG HAS THE BUSINESS BEEN OPERATING? I started the business in 2001 when Maia was a baby. I had an office at home and two small children around my ankles. Thankfully the industry is all about children and that certainly made it easier.

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NIGEL, MATTIAS, ANNA-SOFIE, MAIA AND GILLIANN ROSE.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF SETTING UP THE BUSINESS? Running a business from home is not as perfect as some may think. Particularly if you are doing it as a part time mum. Whenever you are in the office you feel like a bad mother and whenever you are with the kids, you are a poor business woman. It can be a very difficult balance.

IS THERE ANY ADVICE YOU WISH YOU’D BEEN GIVEN? I got the advice but I wish I had got it earlier: get some help at home. I had 3 small children, a growing business and the entire household to manage. It was too much but I didn’t have time to look up and make the change. Also, the business wasn’t yet making money so I did not feel I could spend any.

How crazy was that?

Thankfully my Dad acted and he organized for a Danish au pair girl to come for 6 months. She became the first of many to help us keep the balance between work and family time.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT THE BUSINESS? I really enjoy talking to our customers who

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I have known for a long time. I also love taking on a new product or range and help it find foothold in the marketplace.

HOW IS YOUR BUSINESS DIFFERENT TO OTHER SIMILAR BUSINESSES? I am not sure we are very different to other businesses but we do have a philosophy of sourcing unique products combined with great service. We have stayed true to this philosophy from day one and it gives us our focus.

WHAT GIVES YOUR PRODUCT THE EDGE? The edge you say. Not sure I can pinpoint an exact edge but quality and design are the main ingredients in our products.

Take for example the Leander furniture range. It is beautifully made with an incredible attention to detail in terms of craftsmanship.

The quality of the furniture means that it wears well and holds its value.

The timeless design is simple yet practical and innovative. In other words Leander is a great investment.

Leander has some serious celebrity clientele, including Nicole Kidman, Rebecca Twigley (Judd), Mel B and Princess Mary!

THE LEANDER COT CONVERTED TO A JUNIOR BED

WHY SHOULD PEOPLE SHOP WITH YOU?

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE OF THE BUSINESS?

Our products can be bought directly from us or via our stockists and either way is easy.

I think that parents-to-be who buy our products will never be disappointed and I am quite proud of that.

We will continue to bring wonderful, unique products to Australia across a variety of categories.

They will all be different but they will all have great quality and top functionality in common.

HOW DO YOU MARKET THE BUSINESS? We advertise our brands more than the business and is done mainly online. You will, however find us at some of the expos around the country to offer you a hands on experience. Good, informative in-store displays are also important to us where customers get to appreciate the quality and functionality of the products. The creation of a beautiful nursery is easy with the right building blocks.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE MY CHILD READERS TO KNOW? At Danish by Design we believe that quality enhances the beauty of living and strive to help the consumer make well considered choices.

Price is important but it is not everything. Six months down the track you will not remember how much you saved but you will be reminded every day if you bought second choice or poor quality.*

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THE LEANDER COT AND BED

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IN MY VIEW

JOHNNY AND MARY UP TO MISCHIEF IN THE OUTSIDE TOILET 22

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Through my eyes MARY ANN NAPPER GREW UP WITH A PROFOUNDLY AUTISTIC TWIN BROTHER. THEIR RELATIONSHIP HAD A UNIQUE AND SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON HER LIFE. THE BOND BETWEEN THEM HAS BEEN LIFE-LONG. THIS IS HER STORY.

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s toddlers my brother, Johnny, and I were inseparable. He had blond curls and large brown eyes. He sat quietly, dressed in immaculate clothes, in his own little world. I, on the other hand, had straggly, wiry hair and was always messy and getting into mischief. It was not until I started school that I realised he was different. He went to another place every day called the ‘Spastic

Centre.’ The reason why he didn’t go to school with me was never explained. I was not invited to ask questions but I was expected to love and care for him. Once I asked my mother why Johnny was different. “He’s mentally retarded and it’s God’s will,” she answered.

My mother told me that Johnny’s brain had been damaged at birth due to lack of oxygen. I

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JOHNNY AND MARY AT 18 MONTHS OLD was the first born twin and in my child’s mind I believed that I had caused his damaged brain. I was plagued with guilt. As the eldest of

“I was the first born twin and in my child’s mind I believed that I had caused his damaged brain” six children, I felt obliged to assume the role of minder. I was unaware of appropriate play skills to interact with Johnny. He arranged his toys in long lines and when I tried to play with him or rearrange them he threw tantrums. So I ignored him and played by myself.

There was an absence of normal family life and activities in our house because we had to be mindful of Johnny’s special needs and avoid upsetting him. When I grew older I suffered embarrassment in public places. People stared at us and tut-tuttered in disapproval at Johnny’s rituals and repetitive behaviours

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such as head rolling, body rocking, hand flapping and head banging.

At Mass on Sundays people moved away from us when we sat in their pew. When teased at school about my brother I ignored their taunts and pretended not to be hurt by them. I often felt alone. There was no one who understood what it was like to have a brother with challenging behaviours.

When I invited friends home to play they came once but never came again. Johnny didn’t have friends either. Other children showed a friendly demeanour but were reserved and wary of him. He couldn’t comprehend and empathise with them. He missed the subtle messages from facial expressions, eye contact and body language.

During my teenage years I was shy and introverted. Playing the piano was my only outlet for frustration, anger and resentment.

At the age of twelve, Johnny left home to live in Brisbane for five years. For the first time I

“Johnny taught me to be patient, tolerant and compassionate, even though I did not fully understand his condition. I knew he was different and special.” enjoyed having private time and my own space. I made new friends and never told them that I had a ‘handicapped’ brother.

In his early twenties Johnny was committed to Gladesville mental hospital. His aggressive outbursts and self-harm attempts increased and my parents could no longer manage him at home. By now I was studying nursing in Sydney and once again was expected to care for him. I visited him to do his laundry, take him food and sometimes take him out for a drive.

In my early twenties I had saved enough money to travel overseas. I needed to live my own life and make my own decisions. I wanted to have some fun. I needed to escape. At the age of twenty four I travelled in Europe for a year and then went to live in London where I met my first husband. When our relationship became serious his family voiced their objections – I had a ‘convict’ heritage, but worse than that, if we had children they could be mentally retarded. Nevertheless we returned to Australia and married. We had two beautiful healthy children and a happy marriage for eleven years.

Johnny taught me to be patient, tolerant and compassionate, even though I did not fully understand his condition. I knew he was different and special. Caring for him gave me opportunities to learn how to handle difficult situations. Maybe that is why I followed a career path in mental health. Johnny’s quirky sense of humour, his love of trains and his unconditional acceptance of those around him are traits that have warmed many hearts. He

JOHNNY AND MARY TURN 21 has taught me to be wary of judging others and to accept people at face value. He has taught me to appreciate the simple things in life like riding on trains and buses and blowing up a balloon until it pops.

“Children with profound autistic symptoms will most likely never hold down a job or live independently.”

Autism remains poorly understood by most Australians. Services for autism have made some progress in recent years but there remain significant shortcomings in their provision. The general public has little knowledge of autism despite various autistic associations’ attempts to create public awareness and education. Rural areas are disadvantaged as treatment centres are usually located in capital cities.

The development of ‘mainstreaming’ programs in our schools has many problems.

There are also very few if any services for adult people diagnosed on the spectrum.

Services are limited and the numbers

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diagnoses have increase in the last decade.

These services have to rely on public donations and fundraising as State and Commonwealth governments provide limited funding. Many families cannot afford to access these services and their children fail to receive appropriate treatment. The prognosis for autism is unclear. The cause is still unknown and there is no cure. Children with profound autistic symptoms will most likely never hold down a job or live independently.

Even today autism continues to have stigmatising aspects because of the extremely disruptive nature of autistic symptoms. Most families continue to feel stigmatised by their autistic child’s condition. They isolate in our

“Living with Autism, gave me the opportunity to explore my own childhood and appreciate my brother’s uniqueness..” community and restrict their social activities to extended family, a few friends and other families with autistic children who understand their child’s condition. In public places like department stores and shopping centres where property may be damaged or the autistic child violates personal spaces, people stare and don’t know how to react. They are embarrassed when their own child says out loud, “What’s wrong with him, Mummy. Is he crazy or stupid?”

Most people know what Down’s syndrome is because there are physical characteristics.

With autism the child may appear normal and is viewed as disobedient. The parents feel they are being judged in public when a person responds with, “Can’t you control your child?”

These misunderstandings make it difficult for the general public to relate to autistic children and their families.

Today my brother, Johnny, lives a meaningful and full life. He resides in a group

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home with four other disabled adults where there is twenty four hour supervision by caring staff. There are structured activities in the home which include daily chores and meal preparations. The residents take part in the weekly grocery shopping. Johnny manages his own money and buys his own clothes. They have outings to the local clubs and sporting facilities and are kept busy most of the time.

He has learned to survive in our world but still retain the richness of his own.

Throughout my childhood I harboured a subconscious resentment of not having a ‘normal’ twin, of being deprived of the unique experiences that twins enjoy and of having to carry many of the responsibilities of caring for him.

Writing my novella, BORN TO FLY – Living with Autism, gave me the opportunity to explore my own childhood and appreciate my brother’s uniqueness. I now realise how blessed I am to have him in my life and how much richer my life has become because of him.

I wrote the book to inspire people with autism, their families and health authorities to consider all approaches when trying to help someone with autism relate to and interact with the world around them. I hope that it will give the reader insight and awareness into the difficulties faced by families connected with autism in our community.

Mary Ann Napper shares a fictionalised version of growing up with an Autistic brother in the new book, Born to Fly: Living with Autism, now available at good book stores and online at http://www. borntoflylivingwithautism.com.

WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT… THE MOTOROLA BABY MONITOR With a brand name most people trust and history of making quality products, it might feel like a natural choice for some parents to make.

The Motorola MBP36S is a wireless video baby monitor that enables you to always keep an eye on things. The crystal clear two-way audio feature allows you to very clearly communicate as if you are in the same room with your little one.

Rest assured that they are always safe and sound with the large 3.5 inch diagonal colour screen, remote pan, tilt, and zoom, and infrared night vision for keeping an eye on things in very low light levels.

The multiple camera viewing with picturein-picture and auto-switch screen options allow you to add additional cameras to

enable you to keep an eye on the entire family in up to 4 rooms of your home.

With Motorola’s MBP36S you’re free to watch them dream.

With a high sensitivity microphone and two way communication you are alwasy in touch.

With features like •5 Lullabies • Room Temperature Display • Remote Pan, Tilt & Zoom • Infrared Night Vision • Crystal clear audio, Temperature monitoring • Multi-split screen viewing • Pair up to 4 cameras (Sold Separately) • Digital Video Baby Monitor You will have everything you need for your peace of mind.

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IN MY VIEW

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Mean mum MY CHILD COLUMNIST KYLIE KADEN ECHOES WHAT SO MANY OF US GO THROUGH WHEN OUR CHILDREN SPEAK THEIR MINDS.

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orgive me, for my heart is mush. And it started with a game. A mother’s day game, at that: A group activity aimed to bond, strengthen the ties that bind, make cherished memories.

It certainly was memorable. You see, a circle of seven year olds, flanked by their adoring mothers were asked to play a word game in which they add an adjective to the list to describe their own mum. So the game commenced with the first kid saying ‘beautiful’, followed by a murmur of aww in the group, joy flushing the mother’s cheeks.

The next kid said the same before adding ‘pretty’ and so it went on with a plethora of lovely words – creative, awesome, loving, caring. That is, until it came to my child. A nervous pause, all eyes on my son waiting expectedly. He looked like he was about to pop and I had an anxious thought that he’d say ‘naggy’ after what seemed like a

particularly Groundhog week of pre-teenageangst that only a seven year old can deliver.

But I was wrong. It was far worse.

He recited the list thus far verbatim (evidencing the fact that he was indeed present and aware of the concept entirely) before adding ‘angry’. The room froze. You could hear a pin drop (or heart break).

To slice the tension I made my hands into tiger claws and said ‘hah! That’s me! Angry mum!’ and growled (half-heartedly) like a wild beast. Everyone laughed, and I smiled like I wasn’t dying inside. Like I didn’t feeling like a complete failure as a parent on every level.

The game continued, only to be reminded of my son’s addition to the word game every time a kid had a turn to repeat the list – everyone remembered angry, of course, and who it was meant for. I swallowed down the tears, laughed off the well-meaning snickers, and comments that ‘you don’t look at all like a

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in my view mean mum!’

My son, who always had a rather acute sense of empathy, looked as relieved as me as the game concluded, clinging to me apologetically, even forgoing the kid-only game to hover suspiciously by my side, moving on to decorate a photo-frame with a thousand hearts in my honour. ‘All the good words were gone’ he whispered. ‘They were all looking at me’ he said.

‘It’s okay!’ I said. (Well I could hardly prove him right and get angry, could I!)

All the good words were gone’ he whispered. ‘They were all looking at me’ he said.

But I was not okay. I felt more vulnerable than I had in a long time. Partly because I realised how much of my sense of self-worth related to my role as a parent, and how I’d placed the measure of that worth in the hands of a young child (or three) who I fear rate my awesomeness solely on how much junk food and device time they swindle.

And partly because it was true.

I am often angry! I am angry on a daily basis (I was serenely calm Before Children). I’m forever nagging them. With three boisterous boys (and one dog who likes to dig) the odds are at least one of them will be out of line at any given moment. And I care, damn it. They are my world, so the stakes are high.

It’s the fear that makes you furious. Fear of failing them, of not enabling them to be the best they can (Do your homework!). Of cars mounting the footpath (Hold my hand near the road!) Of compound fractures (Get down off the fence!) Of having to visit them in jail (Get your brother’s head out of your armpits!).

Not to mention the heightened level of frustration one lives with when forced to find four pairs of matching shoes to leave the house.

On some level I justified this on-edge, naggy

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persona that I hauled around like a dark passenger as just a normal part of being a responsible disciplinarian. That I am a mother, not a BFF. A parent, not a contender in a popularity contest. I pride myself on getting three spirited, curious boys through life thus far without so much as a broken arm.

That they leave the house with shoes on, eat their greens (except for the ones stowed in the cutlery drawer) and get their homework in.

But at what cost?

I realised that at times, I’d become the parent that tried so fretfully to make things right that I buggar it up in the process. I’m so committed to making sure they’ve cleaned their teeth, remembered their hat, had fruit before junk that I lost sight of the big picture.

That, above all, the environment I provide – one which they can feel safe and loved and that their view matters, is far more important than their vegie intake or hat-wearing compliance.

Getting an insight into my son’s perception of me was a wake-up call. Sure, you could say that it meant nothing. That ‘angry’ was just the only hadn’t-been-used-adjective that sprung to his mind under pressure. That he was annoyed that I’d banned him from devices (angrily!) earlier that day for lying about having no homework. But the sad part was I knew there was room for improvement in my communication style. And it was almost like I justified it as the more annoyed I got, the more I must care. Enter Anger, stage left - at the price of the most important element of parenting: the relationship.

And no amount of peaconsumption is worth that.

Kylie Kaden (BSSc.hons) Random House Author of Losing Kate and mother of three. Her new novel Missing You is out now.

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PREGANCY

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Ten Tips for Getting Pregnant YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT STARTING A FAMILY, YOU MAY BE WONDERING HOW LONG IT WILL TAKE YOU TO CONCEIVE.

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any different factors affect your chances of getting pregnant, and it is also a very individual thing, but there are some factors that can influence how long it takes to get pregnant. All couples are different, and while one may conceive the very first time they have unprotected sex, another couple may spend a year trying before they see a positive pregnancy test. Not knowing how long it will take can be frustrating, but there are things you can do to increase your chance of a speedy conception.

The following tips for getting pregnant could help you to conceive sooner:

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Prepare your body Being in optimum health increases your chance of conception. Ideally, you should be a healthy weight, eating a healthy, balanced diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables and good fats.

You should exercise at least three times a week, and take steps to reduce your stress levels. You should drink at least six glasses of water a day, and reduce your intake of caffeinated drinks. You should avoid drugs, stop smoking and reduce your alcohol consumption. And, in an ideal world, you should start taking a folic acid supplement at least three months before you start trying. All

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of these steps will help to ensure your body is in the best shape for conception and pregnancy.

“Stop taking birth control a few months before you plan to start trying.”

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Prepare his body You might be the one with the uterus, but you’re not the only one who needs to make lifestyle changes whilst trying to conceive. Healthy sperm is just as important as good egg health for conception. Like you, your partner should aim to improve his health at least three months before you start trying to conceive. Your partner should reduce his alcohol intake, stop smoking, and avoid drug use for optimum sperm health. He should also try to eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in key nutrients such as zinc, calcium and vitamin C. Regular exercise can help with sperm production, so your partner should aim to exercise at least three times a week. Stress can affect male fertility, so your partner should find ways to reduce stress. Heat kills sperm, so your partner may also want to stay clear of saunas, hot tubs and hot baths whilst you’re trying to conceive.

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Stop taking birth control This may sound like an obvious one, but timing is key here. You should stop taking birth control a few months before you plan to start trying. This will give your body chance to readjust, and your cycle time to return to normal. It’s important to keep track of your menstrual cycle whilst trying to conceive, so giving up birth control a few months before will allow you to get used to your natural cycle again. After years of taking birth control, it can be hard to remember exactly what your cycle was like, especially if you have irregular periods. Once you stop taking your birth control, you will need to start using another method of contraception, like condoms, until

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you’re ready to start trying.

4

Get to grips with your cycle In order to become an expert in your own fertility, you must understand your cycle.

Ideally, you should know when you ovulate, when your fertile days are, and when your period is due each cycle. If you have a likeclockwork 28 day cycle, you are likely to ovulate on day 14 (day 1 being the first day of your last period), so aim for that as being your most fertile day. If you have a regular cycle, ovulation is most likely to occur 14 days before the first day of your next period. If you have irregular periods, you may find it useful to use an ovulation kit which can work out your fertility calendar tell you exactly when you are at your most fertile. If you don’t fancy splashing out on an expensive kit, you could keep track of signs of ovulation, such as vaginal discharge, to work out when you are likely to be ovulating.

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Have regular sex This might seem like a no-brainer, but with demanding schedules, work stress, and busy social lives, many couples find it difficult to pin down that quality one-on-one time.

Having regular sex increases your chance of conception. Try to have sex every 2 or 3 days from the time your period ends until at least a week before your next period is due. This frequency proves to give better sperm quality when compared with daily sex. This frequency is also good enough to make sure that sperm is present in the fallopian tubes when you ovulate.

Trying to conceive doesn’t need to be all about temperature charts and tightly scheduled sex. It can also be about great sex.

Give yourselves more opportunity for intimacy, and put sex at the top of your agenda. Sex is a great stress reliever, so this can be a good way of taking the stress out of baby-making.

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Have sex at the right time Regular sex is important, but to increase your odds, you need to make sure you’re having sex at the right time too. As well as having sex every 2 or 3 days from the time your period ends until a week before your next period is due, couples are advised to have sex on the day of ovulation, as well as on the day before and the day after. Sperm can survive in the uterus for up to 48 hours, but having sex each day increases the chance of sperm being there at the right moment. The egg, however, will only survive for between 12 and 24 hours after ovulation, so having sex each day increases the likelihood of sperm meeting egg.

“You can still get pregnant without having an orgasm, though there’s no need to tell your partner that”

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Have an orgasm An orgasm is not necessary to help you conceive, but it could increase your chances.

During an orgasm, the vaginal muscles spasm, allowing for sperm to be pulled up towards the cervix.

At the same time, the cervix spasms and dilates slightly, allowing for sperm to travel more easily into the uterus.

Experts are unsure of the importance of the female orgasm during conception. Some believe that women who orgasm may be more likely to enjoy sex, and therefore have more of it, increasing their chances of conception. You can still get pregnant without having an orgasm, though there’s no need to tell your partner that.

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Enjoy yourself Deciding to start a family is a huge and very exciting step. As you start planning for the future, and daydreaming about what it might hold, don’t forget to focus on the present. Deciding to start a family isn’t just

about the future. It also means you get to spend time having sex. You can prioritise sex over work, television schedules and almost anything else.

Sex can officially become a part of your to do list. In a good way! Have an early night, have a lie in, take a weekend break together, and give yourselves the chance to focus on enjoying each other.

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Try not to worry Having a baby isn’t instant, as well as the 40 weeks of pregnancy, you also have to wait to conceive. You may not fall pregnant during your first month of trying, but try not to be disheartened. Stress can affect your chances of conception, so try to avoid feeling stressed about trying to conceive. Relaxation, regular exercise, and positive thinking can help you to avoid stress. Trying to conceive can be wonderful at times and daunting at others. False pregnancy tests are far from a welcome sight, but remember, there is always a next month.

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Give it time If you didn’t conceive immediately, it doesn’t mean there is anything wrong. Having a baby takes time. It can take up to two years for perfectly healthy couples to conceive naturally. Research has found that conception times vary from couple to couple. 20% of couples will conceive during the first month of trying, and this number rises to 70% by the six month mark. Around 85% will conceive in the first year of trying, and 95% will have conceived by two years after they first started trying.

If, after a year of trying, you have not fallen pregnant, you should make an appointment with your healthcare provider. If you are aged 36 or over, you may want to make this appointment sooner, as your age could play a factor here.* Supplied by www.health-and-parenting.com

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PREGNANCY

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App Overload A PLETHORA OF PREGNANCY APPS PROMISE ANSWERS AND SUPPORT DURING THIS LIFE-CHANGING TIME.

Pregnancy, especially the first time around, can be a bewildering time.

“Is this hip pain normal? Can I really not eat Brie? And what is the baby doing in there, taking tap-dancing lessons?” are just a few questions that might come up. Your phone or tablet are incredibly useful tools for

pregnant women. You can track your baby’s development, time your contractions, or even pick a baby name with one of these excellent pregnancy apps.

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Pregnancy++ iPhone – $4.99 Android – $4.99 An app with a gorgeous design. A dreamy, animated foetus with a golden glow floats behind the information on the home screen, and the menu options are easy to navigate. Like other pregnancy apps, this $3.99 option allows you to track your pregnancy daily and weekly, make checklists and appointment reminders, and count kicks. The big strength of Pregnancy++ is that you can see images of real foetuses from every week of pregnancy. You can choose to view foetal development as a computer animation, a 2D ultrasound scan or a 3D ultrasound scan.

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My Pregnancy Center | BabyCenter iPhone – Free Android – Free Wondering where your kids are and what they’re doing doesn’t start when they become teenagers. It begins in the womb.

With the My Pregnancy Today app, all of your pregnancy questions are answered by other mums in the Birth Club and through videos and nutrition guides. You can also get a better understanding of your pregnancy by using the calendar function and tracking your baby’s movements. Use the growth widget to help visualize where your child is in development. This is a very helpful tool for the mindful mother.

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50,000 Baby Names iPhone – Free You’ve spent time picking out the perfect cradle, the perfect bedtime books, and clothes for the first nine months. You and your partner agree on everything so far — except for names. They want Johnny, and you want Jacob. They want Henrietta, and you want . . . anything but Henrietta.

Download the 50,000 Baby Names app to get ideas about what to name your child. The app comes complete with name meanings and a place to keep your list of favourites. With 50,000 options, you’re bound to find a name you both love!

BabyBump Pregnancy Pro iPhone – Free Android – Free Prepare for your new arrival with BabyBump. This app addresses all of your parenthood concerns and expectations.

Convenient and thorough, BabyBump Pregnancy Pro has everything from forums to photo albums. Record baby’s kicks, track your weight and contractions, and even shop at the BabyBump store.

Not only does this app help you keep track of your pregnancy journey, but it connects you with other soon-to-be parents who are in the same stage as you.

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Happy Pregnancy Ticker iPhone – Free Android – Free Count down to your due date with the Happy Pregnancy Ticker. This app has many useful tools, and was created by a father-to-be to help his wife through her pregnancy. Graph your weight gain by week, time and catalogue your contractions, and use the discussion forum to get advice or swap info with other expecting mothers. There’s also a handy journal feature to store your pregnancy memories, as well as an ovulation planner for women who are trying to conceive.

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I’m Expecting — Pregnancy App & Baby Guide iPhone –Free Android – Free Make your transition to motherhood smoother with the I’m Expecting — Pregnancy App from MedHelp, Inc. A sleek design and dozens of helpful features have helped to make this app a favorite among parents-to-be.

Use it to connect with others via online forums, create a virtual scrapbook of baby bump photos, and track your symptoms. I’m Expecting is easy to navigate, and helps you keep all of your medical and personal pregnancy information well organized.

Pictures of cute babies are included!

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My Labor Bags

iPhone – $4.99 Written by a practicing OB-GYN, the iPregnancy app covers all the necessary bases and comes complete with a beautiful design.

There’s a load of information for mums, advice for dads, and baby-tracking features that include ultrasound pictures of your child at each week. You can also keep track of each OB-GYN visit to see how much progress you’re making. You can even connect the app to your Facebook or Twitter profile to keep your friends and family in the loop.

iPhone –$1.99 Your baby may not give you much notice before they arrive. As your due date approaches, you need to make sure you have everything you need for a sudden dash to the hospital. With the My Labour Bags application, you can plan what you’ll need by organizing items into lists for Mummy’s bag, Daddy’s bag, and Baby’s bag. The Labour Bag databases help you choose the items that you’ll want to include. There’s even a journal feature so you can chronicle memories and reminders.

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My Baby’s Beat iPhone – $6.49 Now there’s a useful app that allows mummy to play doctor at home! Bond with your child while they’re still in the womb by installing the My Baby’s Beat app.

It uses the iPhone microphone to pick up your baby’s heartbeat.

You can record the beat and add a photo to share with friends and family via email or Facebook. Or you can just give a listen whenever you want to feel closer to your child. Save these recordings on your phone and listen back often for precious memories.

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Menstruation and Ovulation Calendar — Menstrual Period Tracker iPhone – Free There are several factors that contribute to creating the right environment when you’re trying to conceive. Tracking your menstrual history, body temperature, and average cycle length will help you know when conditions are right. But with this app, you can toss that little notebook on the bedside table and bring procreation into the digital age. Record everything related to your period and the app will predict ovulation and the start of your next cycle. Menstruation and Ovulation Calendar — Menstrual Period Tracker works on all Apple devices.

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Ovia Fertility iPhone – Free Before being pregnant, there’s getting pregnant. And for some parents, that’s not as easy as it seems. Ovia Fertility – Ovulation Calculator, Period Tracker, Menstrual Calendar and Diary App will do everything it can to help you plan for conception.

Developed by Harvard scientists and fertility experts, this app uses unique algorithms to predict when you’re most likely to get pregnant.

All information is backed up in the cloud, so you don’t have to worry about missing a single piece of info.

Full Term – Labor Contraction Timer iPhone – Free Once labor contractions start, you have important things to think about. The last thing you want in the delivery room is a lot of clutter and fuss. This clear, readable app lets you track contractions with no distractions. You can even rate the intensity of contractions.

Reviewers of Full Term – Labour Contraction Timer have raved, “This app rocks,” and, “This fit the bill perfectly.” Email all the contraction info to yourself or anyone else and add notes.

My Child magazine does not endorse or warrant for fitness of purpose any of these applications.

These apps have not been evaluated for medical accuracy. If in any doubt always seek medical advice from your doctor.

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PREGNANCY

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Understanding your baby’s movements EXPERTS FROM AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST MATERNITY SERVICE, MATER MOTHERS’ HOSPITALS, SHARE THEIR ADVICE ON HOW YOU CAN KEEP A CHECK ON YOUR BABY’S HEALTH BY BEING AWARE OF THEIR MOVEMENTS.

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our baby’s activity level—the kicks, rolls, and wiggles you can feel—will vary throughout your pregnancy.

DID YOU FEEL THAT? While your baby will be active during your entire pregnancy, you will first start to feel your baby move when you are between 16–22 weeks pregnant – it’s an exciting time! In the beginning you won’t feel your baby’s movements very often, but as your baby grows the movements will become obvious and you will start to feel them more regularly.

You won’t feel small movements, like thumb

sucking or stretching of fingers and toes, but you will feel kicking and rolling movements and perhaps hiccups (small rhythmic twitches) during the last trimester of your pregnancy.

WHAT DO MOVEMENTS SAY ABOUT YOUR BABY’S HEALTH? Usually, an active baby is a healthy baby.

Some women may not feel their baby move as much as others, even though their baby is doing well. If you’re a larger body size or your placenta is at the front of your uterus, you may not feel your baby’s movements as strongly.

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HOW MUCH SHOULD YOUR BABY MOVE? SHOULD YOU COUNT KICKS? Being aware of your baby’s movements is a good habit to develop during pregnancy. You don’t need to keep a written record of your baby’s movements, although some women may want to.

It’s a good idea from 28 weeks (third trimester) to spend some time each day focusing on your baby’s movements. Most babies move around more in the morning and evening.

When your baby is awake you can practice feeling for movements, it’s usually easier when you relax while lying or sitting down.

You’re less likely to feel your baby’s movements while standing, walking or if you are busy doing other things.

IS IT TRUE THAT BABIES MOVE LESS BEFORE LABOUR? There is no reason to believe that babies move less in the last few weeks before birth.

It’s important to remember that your baby should remain active during your entire pregnancy.

DO HEALTHY BABIES MOVE ALL THE TIME? All healthy babies will experience quiet or sleep patterns for short periods of time.

Babies don’t move all the time, even when they are perfectly healthy. Before birth, babies have similar sleep and wake cycles to those of a newborn baby.

Imagine a healthy toddler running around and then having a regular daytime nap, that’s normal.

But if that toddler was lying on the couch for a long time when they don’t usually sleep, you would wonder if they were sick. Similarly, if your baby is quiet at a time when they’re normally active, there may be cause for concern.

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WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR BABY’S MOVEMENTS? Normal movements are a sign of a healthy baby—when a healthy baby is awake they usually move at least 10 times in two hours. If you feel a decrease in the normal daily activity of your baby this may be a cause for concern.

If you have any concerns during your pregnancy about your baby’s movements, you should sit in a quiet place and focus on feeling your baby’s movements. If you are still concerned, contact your midwife or doctor immediately. Never wait until the next day.

Most of the time, your doctor or midwife will check your baby’s heartbeat and tell you that your baby’s tests are normal. However, in a very small number of cases not feeling a baby moving is the only sign that is noticed before a baby is stillborn.

For more information and expert advice to help you through your journey – from conception, pregnancy and birth, right through to caring for babies and toddlers, visit www. matermothers.org.au Acknowledgments: Australia and New Zealand Stillbirth Alliance (ANZSA) in consultation with ANZSA member organisations and the Queensland Centre for Mothers and Babies.

YOU SHOULD CONTACT THE MATERNITY WARD, YOUR DOCTOR OR MIDWIFE DIRECTLY IF: • you are concerned at all about your baby’s movements. If this happens contact your care provider immediately. Do not wait until the next day.

• your baby kicks less and less in the course of one day and you feel that there is too little activity from your baby.

toddler

Safe and gentle products developed by midwives at Australia’s largest maternity service for you and your precious baby.

The Caring Continues.

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Proceeds support Mater Little Miracles to help fund specialist life-saving care and research for babies Australia-wide.

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ExcellenceMater

Awards +Mums

~ RUNNER-UP FINALIST ~

2015 2013

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For retail stockists or to purchase online visit www.matermothers.org.au

For a free sample* of the new Mater Nappy Balm, email products@mater.org.au with ‘MC June Sample’ in subject line.

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PREGANCY

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DAD’S PREGNANCY SYMPTOMS WHAT THE HECK IS HAPPENING TO MY PARTNER?

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nd your partner may be wondering what the heck is happening to himself!

Truth is you are the one that is supposed to be pregnant, but your spouse seems to be having the same symptoms as you do. Is he just trying to steal some of the attention back, feeling a little left out – or are dad’s pregnancy symptoms something that is REAL? According to experts, around 90% of all men have some pregnancy symptom of their own while their partner is pregnant. This is so prevalent that experts have called this ‘couvade syndrome,’ which translated means “WE ARE PREGNANT!” This phenomenon, where your partner seems to be sharing in your increased appetite, morning sickness, and may even be gaining weight at a rapid pace, is heralded by sympathy pains and anxiety.

For many men, this is their way of dealing with the anxiety that coincides with their partners pregnancy. Experts believe that many men have a hard time sharing their pregnancy fears, and pre-parenting worries with their partner, so the stress manifests in physical symptoms that often mimic their pregnant partners. Additionally, this anxiety can cause nausea, or ‘morning sickness,’ and may even have your partner reaching for the donuts and potato chips more often than not.

It can also be a way that your partner sympathizes with you. After all, they certainly don’t want you to have all the fun! So when your back hurts, you feel sick – or you have an insatiable midnight appetite, so does he!

If your partner is gaining weight along side of you, it may be because of rising cortisol levels

that are triggered by stress more than the fact that they are grabbing for seconds alongside of you. Increases in cortisol can also make your partner feel sleepy and sluggish, have a reduced sex drive and be prone to mood swings. Just. Like. You! While it is fun (and sort of liberating) that men, too, are prone to pregnancy symptoms - the reality is that they aren’t also carrying the cumbersome weight of the baby. But they may be carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders as they prepare to become parents. Pregnancy changes everything. It changes relationships and it changes the future in many ways. It is only normal and natural for your partner to have a symptomatic reaction of sorts to the changes that are coming. As you progress through your pregnancy – getting larger and closer to your due date – your partner may have increased pregnancy symptoms triggered by stress.

The best thing to do is to keep the lines of communication OPEN! Make sure that you and your partner talk to one another and discuss the future together. Often, his opinions become overshadowed by the needs of the pregnant partner, and in their attempts to make sure you are happy and satisfied and stress free, their own needs get looked over. So talk to one another. Laugh together. Be optimistic about the future.* This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Supplied by Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice.

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It’s a pain in the behind...literally!

FIND OUT WHAT CAUSES SCIATICA DURING PREGNANCY AND WHAT YOU CAN DO TO GET SOME RELIEF.

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ou knew pregnancy was going to mean a lot of firsts — like feeling the incredible first flutter of baby moving in your belly. But back pain that just won’t go away? That might not have been quite the experience you had in mind when you first envisioned yourself with that proverbial pregnancy glow.

While a majority of mothers-to-be experience some dull, throbbing aches in the middle of the back or the butt, a small percentage grapple with the searing pain of sciatica during pregnancy — a painful but fortunately temporary condition.

WHAT IS SCIATICA? The sciatic nerve, is the largest in the body, it starts in the lower back, runs down the buttocks and branches down the back of the legs to the ankles and feet. In most cases sciatica — sharp, shooting pain, tingling or numbness that starts in the back or buttocks and radiates all the way down the backs of your legs – happens when this nerve gets compressed by bulging, slipped or ruptured discs, arthritis, or by a narrowing of the spinal cord (also called spinal stenosis). But rarely, women experience sciatica as a short-term side effect of pregnancy.

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WHAT CAUSES IT DURING PREGNANCY?

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO RELIEVE SCIATICA

Contrary to popular belief, sciatica is not usually caused by pregnancy. But if you’re one of the few who do experience this pain while pregnant, you can blame it on the usual suspects: • Weight gain and increased fluid retention can put pressure on the sciatic nerve where it passes through the pelvis, compressing it (ouch!).

• Your expanding uterus might also press down on the sciatic nerve in the lower part of your spine.

• Your growing belly and breasts shift your centre of gravity forward and stretch your lordotic curve (the dip just above your butt). This can cause the muscles in your butt and pelvic area to tighten up and pinch the sciatic nerve.

• Another possibility? When the baby starts to shift into the proper birth position in the third trimester, his head can rest directly on the nerve, causing a major pain in the butt (and back and legs).

• Use a warm compress on the spot where you feel the pain.

• When you can, take a break — getting off your feet and resting in a comfortable position can ease some leg and lower back pain.

• Sleep on the side of your body that’s painfree.

For example, if you feel pain on your left side, lie down on your right side.

• For extra comfort at night, use a firm mattress with plenty of back support, and place a pregnancy pillow or a regular pillow between your legs to help keep the pelvis in better alignment and take some pressure off the sciatic nerve.

• Do some pelvic tilts with your Kegels — they’ll help strengthen your core muscles and can help reduce inflammation.

• Swimming can also take off some of the pressure, since the buoyancy of the water temporarily relieves the spine of the pregnancy weight.

• Acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments or therapeutic prenatal massage (always with a trained and licensed practitioner), can sometimes help. A customized physical therapy regimen could also offer some relief.

• Try to gain weight slowly — a major jump in pounds could put undue pressure on the sciatic nerve.

Women who were a normal BMI before getting pregnant should aim to gain only up to two pounds in the first trimester, about 8 more pounds in the second trimester and a maximum of 20 more pounds in the third trimester, for 30 pounds total weight gain in pregnancy.

• If the pain is severe, talk to your doctor, who may recommend acetaminophen in a dosage that will take the edge off the pain but keep you and baby safe.*

“Most women typically experience pain just on one side, though you may feel it in both legs.”

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Sciatica will most likely occur during the third trimester, when both you and your baby are bulking up (it can develop earlier, but it’s not common). Most women typically experience pain just on one side, though you may feel it in both legs. Sciatica can be constant or intermittent, depending on the amount of pressure placed on the nerve — so pain may increase as you put on more weight and retain more fluid. And it can stick around for a few months or so after you’ve given birth, until you’ve shed the excess weight and fluid pressing on the nerve.

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PREGNANCY

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Things to avoid during pregnancy THERE ARE A NUMBER OF THINGS A PREGNANT WOMAN SHOULD BE CAUTIOUS OF, OR AVOID DURING PREGNANCY.

ACUPUNCTURE AND MASSAGE Some complementary therapies, such as acupuncture and massage, can be suitable during pregnancy. However, there are still times during pregnancy when they may not be safe. For example, your abdomen should not be massaged during the first three months of pregnancy.

It is generally safe to have acupuncture when you are pregnant. Let your acupuncturist know if you are pregnant because certain acupuncture points cannot be used safely during pregnancy.

If you’re considering using a complementary

therapy, it’s important to tell your doctor or midwife about what treatment you’re considering. If you then decide to use a complementary therapy, you should always consult a qualified practitioner.

CATS Toxoplasmosis is a common infection that occurs in most birds and mammals, including humans. The parasite called ‘Toxoplasma gondii’ (T. gondii) can be found in cat faeces or soil or cat litter that is contaminated with infected cat faeces. Signs of toxoplasmosis include mild flu-like symptoms, such as high

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temperature, sore throat and aching muscles.

However, in most cases, toxoplasmosis doesn’t cause any symptoms.

The risk of getting toxoplasmosis when you’re pregnant is very low. If you get toxoplasmosis in the early stages of pregnancy, the risk of miscarriage is increased.

Pregnant women are not routinely screened for toxoplasmosis. It’s therefore important that you know how to prevent infection.

CLEANING PRODUCTS Check the labels of these products to make sure there are no safety warnings for pregnant women. If the labels make a product sound very toxic, it may be better to avoid using it at this time. If you use cleaning products, glues, paint or any other household chemicals, follow the safety directions on the label. Make sure there’s plenty of fresh air.

Some moth balls and toilet deodorant cakes contain a substance called naphthalene.

Exposure to very large amounts of naphthalene can cause damage to blood cells, leading to a condition called haemolytic anaemia. Some of the symptoms that may occur after exposure to large quantities of naphthalene are fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Newborn babies are particularly at risk of damaging their blood cells if they are exposed to naphthalene.

EXERCISE It’s great to be active and stay fit while you’re pregnant, but check with your midwife or doctor first to make sure there are no health problems to prevent you from exercising. If there are no problems, try to do 30 minutes of moderate exercise, like walking or swimming, on most days of the week.

Regular exercise can: • help you stay at a healthy weight • help you relax

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• help make you stronger and fitter – good for coping with pregnancy, labour and being a parent • help decrease discomforts like back pain and varicose veins that affect some pregnant women..

FAKE TAN Fake tanning lotions and sprays are a popular and safer alternative to spending time in the sun to get a tan.

The active ingredient in fake tan is Dihydroxyacetone (DHA). It is a non-toxic substance that reacts with cells in the outermost layer of the skin and produces a brown pigment (colour) called melanoidin. The outer skin cells are already dead, and are shed as the skin constantly renews itself. This is why fake tan needs to be regularly re-applied to maintain the colour. The DHA doesn’t go beyond the outer layer of skin and therefore isn’t absorbed into the body.

Although there are no known dangers of using tanning lotions, they can sometimes cause an allergic reaction. For this reason, it’s advisable not to use fake tan during pregnancy, as changes in hormone levels can make the skin more sensitive than normal. If you do use fake tan, always test the product on a small area of skin first to see if you have a reaction.

Although some fake tans contain sun protection, the SPF (sun protection factor) is usually very low. Increased skin sensitivity when pregnant can mean you’re more likely to burn, so use a high protection cream (minimum 15) and stay out of the sun as much as possible.

Tanning pills that contain high amounts of betacarotene and/or a chemical called canthaxanthin have been linked with dangerous side effects, including damage to the eyes and the liver. Injections containing melanotan are not approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration for tanning

and it is classified as a prescription-only medicine. Both of these forms of tanning should not be used by anyone.

FOOD There are some foods you should not eat when you’re pregnant because they might make you ill or harm your baby. Make sure you know the important facts about which foods you should avoid or take extra care with when you’re pregnant. The best foods to eat are freshly cooked or freshly prepared food.

HAIR DYE Most research, although limited, shows that it’s safe to colour your hair while pregnant.

Some studies have found that very high doses of the chemicals in hair dyes may cause harm.

However, these doses are massive compared to the very low amount of chemicals that a woman colouring her hair is exposed to.

Many women decide to wait to dye their hair until after the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, when the risk of chemical substances harming the baby is much lower. If you’re colouring your hair yourself, you can reduce the risk further by making sure that you: • wear gloves • leave the dye on for the minimum time • work in a well-ventilated room Highlighting your hair, by putting the dye only onto strands of hair, also reduces any risk. The chemicals used are only absorbed by your hair, and not by your scalp or bloodstream.

Semi-permanent pure vegetable dyes, such as henna, are a safe alternative.

Do remember that pregnancy can affect your hair’s normal condition. For example, your hair may: • react differently to colouring or perming than it usually does, and • become more or less absorbent, frizzy or unpredictable.

It’s always a good idea to do a strand test first, using the hair dye or treatment that you intend to use. Speak to your hairdresser for advice.

BREASTFEEDING AND HAIRDYE Information about hair treatments while breastfeeding is limited. However, it’s very unlikely that a significant amount of the chemicals used in hair dyes will be passed on through your breast milk. This is because very little enters your bloodstream. In the past, many women have used hair treatments while breastfeeding, with no known negative results.

PAINTING The risk of fumes from modern household paints harming your baby is low. But it’s impossible to know exactly how small the risk is. This is because it’s very difficult to measure the substances and chemicals your body absorbs during activities such as painting.

Very little research has been carried out into the effects of paint fumes on unborn babies.

However, the few studies carried out show that the risk is extremely low.

Renovating houses can increase your exposure to lead. If your house was built before 1971 (when lead-based paint was still available), get advice before doing anything that disturbs the paint.

Disturbing lead-based paint can spread lead dust into the air and around the house. It’s important that pregnant women and children aren’t around during renovations that disturb lead-based paint.

Any small risk there is to your baby is greatest during your first trimester. This is because your baby’s organs start to develop during the first trimester. Any harmful fumes or chemicals at this stage could affect your baby more severely.

Therefore, as a precaution it’s best to avoid painting and decorating until at least the 14th week of your pregnancy.

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SAUNA OR JACUZZI There is little research on using saunas, jacuzzis and similar heated leisure facilities during pregnancy. However, it’s advisable to avoid them because of the risks of overheating, dehydration and fainting.

During pregnancy you’re likely to feel warmer than normal. This is due to hormonal changes and an increase in blood supply to the skin. These hormonal changes can also often make pregnant women feel faint.

Therefore, you may wish to avoid activities that make you hotter.

If you overheat, more blood flows close to your skin, to help cool your body by sweating.

This means less blood flows to your internal organs such as your brain. If this happens, your brain may not get enough blood and, therefore, oxygen. This can make you feel faint.

When you’re pregnant, the hormonal changes in your body can make you feel faint more often. You may wish to avoid situations where you could get too hot, such as sitting in a jacuzzi or steam room.

When you use a sauna, jacuzzi, hot tub, steam bath or steam room, your body cannot lose heat effectively by sweating. Your body’s core temperature therefore rises. It’s possible that a significant rise in your core temperature may affect your unborn baby’s development, particularly in the first 12 weeks of the pregnancy.

Take care when you get out of a hot bath or stand up quickly, as these can also make you feel faint.

SUNBEDS Pregnant women often find that their skin is more sensitive than usual. If you use a sunbed when you’re pregnant, your skin may therefore be more likely to burn.

Sunbeds give out ultraviolet (UV) rays, the same type of harmful radiation found in sunlight. Getting a tan using a sunbed is not

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safer than tanning in the sun. In some cases, sunbed use can be more harmful. Many sunbeds give out greater doses of UV rays than the midday Mediterranean sun.

Prolonged exposure to UV rays increases your risk of developing malignant melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.

UV rays can cause your skin to burn and prematurely age it. UV rays can also damage your eyes by causing problems such as irritation, conjunctivitis or cataracts, particularly if you don’t wear goggles.

Most states and territories of Australia have introduced legislation to ban commercial tanning, with the ban coming into effect December 2014.

X-RAYS If possible, you should avoid having an X-ray while you’re pregnant. Your healthcare professional will assess whether your treatment can wait until you’ve had your baby. For example, they will assess whether the benefits of treatment outweigh the low risk of having an X-ray. They may also consider using another imaging method instead, such as an ultrasound scan.

The risk from x-ray radiation is related to the stage of pregnancy at which the exposure occurs and the dosage amount that reaches the baby. There is slight risk of birth defects and physical and mental development problems.

However, repeated exposure to radiation can damage the body’s cells, which can increase the risk of cancer developing. This is why the dose of radiation used in an X-ray is always as low as possible. X-rays during pregnancy carry a very small risk of exposing the unborn baby to radiation, which could cause cancer to develop during his or her childhood.

DENTAL X-RAY Make sure your dentist knows that you’re pregnant. If you need a dental X-ray, your

dentist will usually wait until you’ve had the baby, even though most dental X-rays don’t affect the abdomen or pelvic area.

OTHER RADIOLOGY TESTS It is vital you tell your own doctor or specialist if you are or may be pregnant because some procedures can affect the foetus (unborn baby). Your doctor or specialist will refer you for an appropriate radiology procedure if it is safe to do so. You must also inform the hospital or radiology practice when you make the appointment and the medical staff performing the procedure if you are or may be pregnant.

It is very important that you tell your doctor or specialist if you are breastfeeding. Some

procedures can involve a radioactive substance being injected into your vein that will take a few days to flush out of your body through your urine. While it is in your body a very small amount of radioactive substance can be passed on to your child through the breast milk. Your doctor or specialist and staff where you are having the procedure will give you specific instructions, such as to express and throw away breast milk for a short time after having the scan, so that your child is not exposed to the radioactive substance unnecessarily.

Sourced from http://www.healthdirect.gov.au/ This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. My Child Magazine disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice.

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HEALTH

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In one’s blood DAD IS RH-POSITIVE, MUM IS RH-NEGATIVE… WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? BRAD ALDRIDGE REPORTS ON RHESUS FACTOR DISEASE AND THE CHILDREN WHO DEVELOP IT

W

hether you know your blood type or not, you are probably aware that tacked on the end of a blood group – be it A, B, O or AB – can be a positive sign (+) or a negative sign (-). For expectant mothers, this seemingly inconsequential symbol is actually very important for the health of their unborn babies. Just as significant is the blood type of the father. A certain combination of Mum’s and Dad’s blood can cause what is known as Rhesus factor disease (Rh disease) in infants. Firstborn children are at much lower risk, but any subsequent children that the

mother may have are faced with far more serious potential consequences. Severe cases can lead to the baby needing blood transfusions or, worse, the child being miscarried or disabled.

But before you start screening potential suitors based on whether they have a plus sign in their blood group, know that there is no need to panic.

Modern medicine can treat Rh disease for mother and child, and awareness of this relatively unknown disorder is a step in the right direction.

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WHAT IS RHESUS FACTOR? Rh factor is the presence of a protein on the surface of red blood cells. A plus symbol on the end of your blood group signifies that you are Rh- positive. Globally, about 85 percent of people are Rh-positive, which is a good thing.

It only begins to be a problem when an expectant mother is Rh-negative, denoted by a negative sign or an absence of any symbol.

Women who are Rh-positive are safe.

Likewise, if the father is Rh- negative then the baby will not develop Rh disease. It only occurs when there is a Rhesus incompatibility between the mother’s and the baby’s blood.

For this to happen, some distinct factors must be present. Firstly, the mother must be Rhnegative, secondly, the father must be Rhpositive, and thirdly, the conceived child must inherit the positive blood from the father. Even then, there is still no issue unless there is an exchange of blood between mother and foetus during pregnancy or delivery.

If this happens the mother’s immune system reacts to the “foreign” components and generates antibodies to attack the Rh-positive blood that has entered her circulatory system.

Once these antibodies have been formed the mother has become “sensitised” to Rh blood.

In many cases the transfer of blood between mother and baby may not occur at all, and if it does, only during delivery when the baby is fully developed.

This poses almost no risk for the firstborn child, however if mum falls pregnant again those antibodies that her immune system produced after her first pregnancy begin to attack the new Rh-positive foetus from the outset.

Karen Cuthbert has given birth to seven babies, six of them affected by Rh disease. She and her husband, Allen, have had some trying times due to the antibodies her immune system produced after the birth of her first (and perfectly healthy) child. ‘Some of our kids were most definitely more affected than

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others. The general rule of thumb is that with each pregnancy it gets worse,’ says Cuthbert.

HOW IT AFFECTS THE FOETUS? Firstborn babies are only in danger of Rh disease if there has been a blood transfer very early in the pregnancy or there are antibodies already present in the mother’s system. This could be caused by abdominal injury, breech presentation, blood transfusion, amniocentesis, miscarriage or abortion. But most mothers become sensitised to Rh blood during delivery. Once a woman is sensitised this is irreversible. If the mother becomes pregnant again, her anti-D antibodies will cross the placenta and attack the red blood cells of the foetus.

The severity of Rh disease can vary. Many of the problems are associated with anaemia, which is caused from the destruction of the baby’s red blood cells. The disease can lead to decreased growth, underdeveloped lungs, kidneys and brain, enlarged liver and spleen, heart failure and jaundice. More seriously, albeit in rare cases, babies can develop high levels of bilirubin, known as Hyperbilirubinemia. This can then lead to kernicterus, which is caused by unconjugated billirubin in the brain, resulting in hearing loss, brain damage, cerebral palsy or, ultimately, stillbirth.

THE REALITY OF THE DISEASE Across their six Rh-disease affected children, the Cuthbert’s have experienced many of the symptoms of the disease. They watched on as some of their babies underwent exchange transfusions, where a catheter is inserted into the still-attached umbilical cord and their blood is very slowly substituted with donor blood (5-10ml at a time) until the entire volume has been replaced. This is done to rid the baby of blood which is high in bilirubin (the potential cause of brain damage) and provide them with blood with healthy

red cells.

On top of the blood transfusions, all six of the Cuthbert’s Rh-disease affected children received phototherapy for jaundice. The treatment involves the newborn being exposed to blue light which breaks down the bilirubin (which is responsible for the yellow colouration in jaundice) so that it can be easily passed through the urine and faeces.

It was when she was pregnant with her sixth child, as she describes it, that: ‘My antibodies kicked in and figured out what they are meant to do.’ After scans, it was decided that her sixth child ‘was better out than in’ and was therefore delivered prematurely at 33 weeks due to the detection of anaemia. Her son was given an immunoglobulin infusion which successfully eradicated Cuthbert’s antibodies from his system and thereby the need for blood transfusions or exchanges were avoided.

The stakes rose again when Cuthbert was pregnant with her seventh child. The complications started earlier in the baby’s development than with her previous children.

‘At 29 weeks my scan showed my baby was anaemic and it was decided that she needed a blood transfusion. I was given steroids to mature her lungs in case she needed to be delivered. She was given an intra-uterine transfusion to reverse her anaemia,’ Cuthbert recalls. After two weeks the anaemia reappeared and bub required another intrauterine transfusion. Despite this, her anaemia again returned and she was delivered prematurely at 33 weeks. After birth she required the usual blood transfusions and phototherapy (usual for the Cuthbert’s anyway).

Cuthbert says the whole process took a toll. ‘I spent a lot of time in my hospital room crying when they were at their sickest. I spent many hours in the neonatal intensive care unit sitting by their cots unable to hold them and hoping that all would be OK, hanging on every blood test result that said that their serum

bilirubin levels were going in the right direction and that they wouldn’t need an exchange,’ she explains.

But all the tears and tests appear to be behind the Cuthberts now. ‘To date, there have been no long-term health effects for any of our children. But it isn’t always the case and I know of some children who have needed ongoing blood transfusions for months after they are home from hospital and even children who have developed cerebral palsy.

We have been very lucky and are thankful for that,’ Cuthbert says.

TREATMENT & PREVENTION Fortunately, medical science has come a long way in the treatment and prevention of Rh disease. It was first tackled by the development of exchange transfusion in the 1940s, which saved the lives of thousands of children and reduced further complications in countless others. But in some cases, by the time the baby was born, the removal and replacement of the baby’s blood was futile as the damage to the brain was already done.

The intra-uterine transfusion was pioneered in the 1960s and allowed doctors to treat the child while still in the mother’s womb. But it was the development of a vaccine to prevent the mother from producing the antibodies that was the most significant innovation in the war on Rh disease.

The Rho(D) Immune Globulin, or anti-D injection, was first distributed in the late 1960s, became widespread in the 1970s and has since become the common practice for the prevention of the disease.

Professor Ian Symonds, senior staff specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology for Hunter New England Local Health Network, highlights the positive impact the injection has made for families. ‘Rh disease caused one stillbirth for every 2,000 pregnancies. Since the introduction of anti-D that figure has fallen to one in 100,000,’ he says.

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IF YOU’RE WORRIED, WHAT NOW? For those women who are trying to conceive or are pregnant and are worried about Rh disease, the first place to start is with your GP. A simple blood test can be done to find out your blood type and your partner’s. Because the Rh-negative gene is recessive and the Rh-positive gene is dominant, there is a greater chance of the child also being positive.

Genetic testing can be done on the father to check the likelihood of him passing on his Rh factor. Rh-negative women should be tested throughout pregnancy and especially if they have had blood transfusions, miscarriages or abortions.

The baby’s blood type cannot be discovered until after birth, but it is still important for the people delivering the baby to know of the likelihood of the child being Rh-positive. ‘At the time of birth, blood is taken from the umbilical cord to check the baby’s blood group and for a test to see if there are anti-red blood cell antibodies present. The mum’s blood is also checked to make sure that an adequate amount of anti-D is given,’ explains Professor Symonds.

If indeed the infant is Rh-positive, then the anti-D injection can be administered to the mother to curtail the formation of the antibodies within the first few days after birth.

Obstetricians also give the injection at 28 and

Rhesus factor risk checklist Your child may only be affected by Rh disease if: • Mum is Rh-negative • Dad is Rh-positive • Bub inherits Rh-positive blood type • Mum has developed antibodies from a previous pregnancy, or has had a miscarriage, abortion, or abdominal injury

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34 weeks of pregnancy for “high-risk” patients.

‘Anti-D is a synthetic version of the very same antibodies that the mother makes when she reacts to Rh-positive cells. The dose given is too small to harm an unborn baby but is enough to destroy any of the baby’s red cells that have managed to cross into her bloodstream before they can be recognised by the mother’s immune system,’ says Professor Symonds.

Whether given after delivery or during pregnancy, in both cases it is a preventative measure to safeguard the mother’s future children. Without the formation of the antibodies the mother is not sensitised and her immune system will not attack her next child.

But in the medical world nothing is 100 percent perfect.

Cuthbert actually received the anti-D vaccine after the birth of her firstborn child but still developed antibodies. However, she has confidence in modern medicine and advises women not to worry despite the unusual failure of the anti-D in her case. ‘I do have a lot of faith in the injection. No doubt it has saved many women from producing antibodies and has in turn saved many babies’ lives. Now women also receive it during their pregnancies, whereas when I was pregnant with our first child, you only received it after the delivery of an Rh-positive child. My understanding is that if the injection if given correctly it is 99 percent effective,’ she says.

WORTH THE RISK? Some may argue that Cuthbert took great risks by continuing to conceive despite knowing that each child would be progressively more affected by Rh disease. And Cuthbert does admit that she pushed the boundaries, but she also asserts that she has complete faith in modern medicine and full confidence in the health experts and hospital staff. ‘We knew what we would have to go through during each pregnancy and then after

delivery,’ she says. ‘We knew there would be lots of hospital visits, blood tests and ultrasounds, and then dealing with the stress after each baby was born. If my doctor had suggested that we have no more children we most probably would have taken that advice.

We have entrusted him with our kids’ lives so we would always listen and take on board whatever he had to say. I would probably say that there is a risk in everything in life. This risk is something that can be monitored, controlled and treated by the right highlytrained medical professionals.’

AWARENESS Approximately 17 percent of Australian mothers will require the anti-D injection either during pregnancy or after delivery.

Despite this, there is a general lack of awareness surrounding Rh disease. This naivety may not be helpful, but perhaps it is understandable. Why would an obstetrician with a patient who has a Rh-positive blood type – and therefore has zero chance of carrying a child with Rh disease – unnecessarily worry them with information about a disease their kids will never have?

For those susceptible to the condition it can be frustrating. Cuthbert says she felt totally lost when she was told her second child was Rh-disease affected. ‘I had no idea where to turn to find information, let alone reliable

The Australian Red Cross Blood Service is always in need of donors who have RhD negative blood which also contains the rare antibodies used to make the anti-D injection. Even if you don’t have rare blood, any donations are still invaluable for sick kiddies who suffer from other illnesses. Visit your local blood donor centre to find out if you are eligible to donate blood or click on donateblood.

information. I remember spending hours scouring the internet to find out what I could and, of course, everything I found was negative. So while everyone else enjoyed their pregnancy, as you should, I was left worrying about all the “what ifs?”.’

Cuthbert also believes there is a lot of misinformation regarding the disease: ‘I have seen ladies who are Rh-negative and pregnant get all upset because they think that simply being Rh-negative means that their baby is at risk and that all these bad things will happen. Just because you are Rh-negative does not instantly mean that you have Rh disease. Arm yourself with as much knowledge as you can.’

THE WASH-UP The odds are small that your baby may be affected by Rh disease, but it certainly can happen if all of the factors align. However, it is treatable and manageable. Professor Symonds says, ‘The most important thing to tell mothers would be for women to have their blood group checked in early pregnancy and then have the anti-D injections as recommended by their doctor or midwife.

Anti-D is a very safe and highly effective preventative treatment. This has been one of the great triumphs of preventative care in pregnancy, largely eliminating what used to be a common cause of stillbirth and illness in newborns.’

While it can be combated by the vaccine, understanding the science will help you know what to expect and should allay any fears.

Cuthbert is a perfect example of how mothers who are faced with this relatively unknown disease can raise happy and healthy children. ‘Parents should be assured that Rh disease is a rare problem but you need to be educated about it and take all the necessary preventative measures to protect not only the current pregnancy but all future pregnancies as well,’ she concludes.* june 2015 | mychild

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FERTILITY

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66 mychild | june 2015 PROMOTION

Medical travel for assisted reproduction OVER 500,000 WOMEN WORLDWIDE SEEK ASSISTANCE TO GET PREGNANT EACH YEAR AND MANY TRAVEL TO OTHER COUNTRIES TO GET HELP.

F

or women needing assisted reproduction treatments, such as In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) or egg donation, the path to pregnancy can be frustrating and costly.

Fertility treatments are often financially out of reach for patients, leading more and more Australian couples to look overseas for other options.

Fertility specialist Dr. Jennifer Rayward has been working in the field for over 15 years, and founded the ProcreaTec clinic for assisted reproduction in Madrid, Spain. Having seen both joys and disappointments throughout her years as a physician and researcher, Dr. Rayward always advises IVF patients to take care of their physical and emotional health, and to ensure financial strain doesn’t become burdensome.

“The women we see at our clinic from the UK,

US, Australia and other nations, are usually quite frustrated with a lower quality of care that comes with a big price tag in their home countries.”

In 2014 an estimated 25,000 Australians travelled overseas for medical treatments, from dental to optical, and cosmetic to fertility treatments. The main reasons are to avoid exorbitant costs and long waiting periods.

The average upfront cost of an IVF cycle is $8,000 in Australia, compared with $3,500 $6,000 per cycle in Spain and approximately $3,000 in Poland.

“Just like if you were having IVF at home, initial consultations with a doctor are essential – instead of being in person, some of the consultations are over Skype, FaceTime, Google Hangout or on the phone,” said Dr. Rayward.

The chosen overseas fertility doctor guides

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the patient through a pre-appointment treatment plan, which patients should follow as strictly as they can. This can include hormones, blood tests and fertility tests for your partner.

• To make medical travel a successful and safe experience, Dr. Rayward shares some tips for women and partners considering IVF overseas: • Involve your GP: You can have various test results and medical histories sent to your overseas fertility specialist • Research until you find a fertility programme and doctor who you really trust and check the credentials of them and their hospital or clinic • Having somebody there with you for emotional support is key: consider asking your partner, friend or family member to accompany you on the trip • Bring your creature comforts with you to make you feel more at home for the days prior to and following your treatment. A series to binge-watch on your laptop or a favourite pillow can make all the difference!

• Being away from home during the demanding IVF process can also be a plus: take the opportunity to unwind, relax and adjust to more of a holiday rhythm. Your mind and body will thank you for it!

“We encourage our patients and their partners not to pin their hopes on the first time they go through the treatment, but rather to view it as a journey. It can sometimes take a few cycles to successfully become pregnant,” said Dr. Rayward.

For partners, friends and family of patients undergoing IVF or similar treatments, knowing how best to support their loved ones can lift the mood at home, plus provide crucial reassurance that can ultimately affect the entire process and outcome.

Research conducted into the emotional adjustments women often need to make during the IVF process often concludes that when a pregnancy results, negative feelings toward IVF almost disappear. However, it’s important for partners in particular to be watching for indicators of problematic emotional adjustment after any unsuccessful rounds of IVF treatment.

“It can be a bit of an emotional rollercoaster ride for the patient, so establishing emotional openness and honesty at the beginning of the treatment, and discussing potential outcomes is the most fundamental of steps,” said Dr. Rayward.

The stages of IVF can be daunting, but for those considering treatment overseas the experienced Care Team at MEDIGO.com guides patients through the process, allowing them to research clinics, see doctor reviews, plan budgets, schedule appointments and purchase medical travel insurance all in the one place.

Patients don’t pay anything to use the platform to conduct their research into treatments overseas and connect with the specialists who could help bring about the pitter-patter of little feet.

For more information on Dr. Jennifer Rayward, ProcreaTec clinic in the Spanish capital, Madrid, or for any other overseas treatments, visit www.

MEDIGO.com.

This article contains general information about medical conditions and treatments. The information is not advice, and should not be treated as such. The medical information provided “as is” without any representations or warranties, express or implied. My Child Magazine makes no representations or warranties in relation to the medical information on this website. You must not rely on the information on this website as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition you should seek immediate medical attention. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website.

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WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT… THIS MATERNITY AND NURSING PILLOW

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he original Theraline ® Maternity and Nursing Pillow is designed to help mothers– to–be enjoy a restful night’s sleep throughout the latter stages of pregnancy. Equally however, Theraline pillows double as a super comfortable feeding support that protects a mother’s back and shoulders whilst correctly positioning the baby.

Theraline Pillows are filled with millions of micro beads that are as light as a feather and designed to gently mould around mother and baby, providing a weightless and comfortable nursing experience.

This amazing filling conforms to the shape of your body, regardless of whether a mother is sitting up or lying down. At 190cm in length, a Theraline nursing pillow has the feeling of fine sand, yet is super sized, light and flexible enough to adapt to a mother and baby’s sleeping and feeding requirements – even for twins!

Theraline pillows are anti allergenic, warm and breathable, and has washable covers.

Towards the end of pregnancy, expectant Mums will love the extra support a Theraline pillow provides to ease the discomfort around their legs, tummy and back.

Whether feeding, or trying to grab those last precious nights of sleep before a baby arrives. They cost Cushion Cover $19.95 Cushion and Cover $115.00 and available from the storknest.com.au june 2015 | mychild

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BIRTH

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How to Give Birth Like a Princess!

WE CAN’T CONTROL THE BIRTH PROCESS; HOWEVER WE DO ALWAYS HAVE CONTROL OVER OUR THOUGHTS AND OUR REACTIONS. MELISSA SPILSTED TELLS US HOW TO DO IT.

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ith all the press surrounding the Duchess of Cambridge’s (aka Kate Middleton’s) lovely natural birth – the question on everyone’s lips has been…

“How can she look so great only 10 hours after giving birth?”

Conspiracy theories abound; such as the idea that a surrogate mother was used or that she had given birth a week earlier.

According to Russian newspapers –it was ‘impossible for Kate to look so radiant’. ‘She did not give birth, I am sure,’ And the popular US ‘Hollywood Life’ website was reported as saying, “…and she did it all without an epidural — amazing!”

But really, I have to tell you that I am not in the least bit ‘amazed’. Kate had a positive and calm natural birth. Nature’s mix of oxytocin, endorphins and other ‘feel good’ hormones where swirling around her system and were responsible for both a straight forward birth and also that sparkle in her eyes. She had prepared herself well, had midwife care through her pregnancy and labour and (according to my own strong sources) – she hypnobirthed!

Hypnobirthing is a subject very close to my heart. Ten years ago, I hypnobirthed my first

baby calmly, with no drugs – and the midwives questioned whether I was a scientologist afterward the birth. “No” I said to the midwives, “I hypnobirthed!” They wanted to know more.

I’m a little unconventional in my definition of what hypnobirthing is. I describe it as a fancy name for positive pregnancy and birth!

As director of ‘Hypnobirthing Australia™’ and ‘Hypnobubs™’ programs and three times mother myself (using these techniques), I am often asked questions such as, “Does someone hypnotise you during the birth?” “Will you make me cluck like a chicken?”

Despite what the name suggests; hypnobirthing is not all about hypnosis. It is about preparing yourself well for the birth using a combination of knowledge, support, mindset and tools (including self-hypnosis to remove fear and help slip into a very relaxed state during birth). There are no pendulums waving past your nose. You are not going to be in some sort of sleep-like state whereby you miss the birth of your child. And no – you definitely will not be put under some ‘spell’ and run around the labour room clucking like a chicken!

• Hypnobirthing parents unapologetically, positively anticipate a good birth

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experience and are willing to take ownership of it. The results are far reaching; because when we have an empowering birth experience, this sets us up well for empowered and positive parenting.

• Here are some of the ways that hypnobirthing preparation can prepare you to achieve a positive and empowering birth: • Hypnobirthing mothers and birth partners educate themselves about how the body and mind works, and how the birthing process is designed to unfold – so that we feel calmer and more confident during birthing.

• Just as an athlete trains for an event – we too, train our mind and body for this amazing ‘endurance event’ that we are about to perform. Our preparation gives us the confidence to allow our body to do what it is designed to do.

• We have tools which we can draw upon throughout our pregnancy and birth.

These tools include self-hypnosis, visualisation, touch/massage, music and other relaxation techniques.

• We take the time to research and consider our personal birthing preferences. This empowers us and helps our caregivers to know how they can best support us.

• We understand that sometimes birthing can take a different turn and so we prepare to calmly meet whatever path our birthing takes, in an empowered way.

Parents even use these techniques for caesarean births.

• We address the areas that could cause us fear – and gear our mindset towards positive thoughts (using self-hypnosis and conditioning techniques), so that we can approach our birth with happiness and joy.

The birth partner takes on a very important role in a hypnobirth and many couples

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comment that the course brings them even closer together. They are our advocate, they help to ‘keep the space’ so that we can have an undisturbed birth.

“Self-hypnosis and relaxation techniques are used to reprogram our mindset, so that we can approach our birth without fear” If Kate used hypnobirthing for both of her births – she went into her labour with a confidence that her body knew what to do.

Hypnobirthing mothers know that we can’t control the birth process; however we do always have control over our thoughts and our reactions.

And here is the key: every thought that we have creates a physical/chemical reaction in our body. When we are calm we are releasing endorphins, natures pain-relief which is said to be 30+ times more powerful than morphine!

Many hypnobirthing mothers maintain (myself included) that our physical experience of labour is less intense than most other birthing mothers – and we attribute this to our mindset, support and techniques that we use through our birth.

When we are calm and continue to breathe through our contractions (rather than holding tension and our breath) we are releasing all the right hormones for ourselves and our baby. In addition to this, we continue to send oxygen to the working muscles of our uterus and to our precious baby; reducing the likeliness of interventions or fetal distress.

Although a ‘pain free birth’ is never promised – in ‘Hypnobirthing Australia’ courses we discuss what a difference it can make when we change our perception of what we feel during labour. Essentially they are the very strong sensations of your body bringing a baby into the world; of course we are going to feel sensations. However, if what you are expecting is something that you wish to label

‘excruciating pain’ – then you are most likely to get exactly that!

Self-hypnosis and relaxation techniques are used to reprogram our mindset, so that we can approach our birth without fear. This is very liberating as a woman and mother. It may come as a shock to many people (Russian media in particular) that because we teach ourselves to release any tension in our body and release endorphins (nature’s relaxant) and other feel-good hormones – we can actually achieve a much easier and more positive birthing experience.

We can snap in and out of our deeply relaxed state, at any time. We can speak if we need to; however, if our birth partner and/or doula are able to speak on our behalf, we normally prefer that, as it means that we can just stay in our lovely relaxed, ‘out of mind’ state.

Mothers may be silent, or vocal; we may move, or remain still at times. Basically, hypnobirthing mothers just trust our instincts

and follow our birthing body to calmly bring our baby into the world.

And the best news of all is that you don’t need to be a ‘Princess’ to have access to these techniques. Hypnobirthing Australia classes are available Australia-wide and also online.

It’s time for women to become empowered and elated by the birth process once again. It is time for all babies to have the opportunity to enter this world in a beautiful, calm and positive way. Whether you be an Aussie mumto-be or a princess; with the right knowledge, support, tools and preparation, this is absolutely possible with hypnobirthing!* Melissa Spilsted is a well

known Childbirth Educator, Clinical Hypnotherapist and director of Hypnobirthing Australia. Further information, mp3s and classes can be found at www.

miosolo all-in-one nappy www.bambinomio.com.au

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BIRTH

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The partner puzzle SHOULD YOUR PARTNER BE PRESENT AT THE BIRTH OF YOUR BABY? CHRISTINA GREENLEES REPORTS ON WHY THE ANSWER ISN’T AS STRAIGHTFORWARD AS YOU MIGHT THINK

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y husband gave very little thought to the role he would play in our child’s birth. He saw birth as part of a woman’s mystery, and says he would have been quite happy to stay in the waiting room and pace frantically. He doesn’t really “do” hospitals; never mind pain, blood and bodily fluids. But the truth is, neither of us had a clue what his role would be, despite having attended antenatal classes together. We simply assumed he would be supporting me as I laboured, with the real work being done by experienced midwives and doctors.

The reality, however, was quite different. We were mostly alone in the birthing suite, with a revolving door of midwives checking in on us but offering little advice, especially to my husband. Along the way, he had to make decisions and take part in procedures that were way out of his comfort zone. And, overall, the experience of birth was quite traumatic for him.

As we discovered, many fathers today find that they are called upon to play more of a starring role in birth, and they are totally unprepared for their part. And it is this change – from men as passive observers to active partners in childbirth – that has led to calls for men to return to the waiting room.

THE PROBLEM WITH MEN In an article published in the Daily Mail, UK, which was provocatively titled A Top Obstetritian On Why Men Should Never Be At The Birth Of Their Child, Dr Michel Odent, a French natural birth pioneer, argues forcefully for the exclusion of partners from the birth of their child. Dr Odent, an influential figure in the fields of childbirth and health research, is best known for having introduced the concept of the waterbirth to the world.

After almost half a century of practice, observing couples in a variety of birth settings, he asserts that:

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• Men can actually hinder labour by talking too much, which engages a woman’s rational brain – just when she needs to let go of her “thinking brain” and go to the primal zone of natural hormone-driven labour.

• Men often bring anxiety and adrenaline into the room and can, therefore, inhibit the production of oxytocin – a key hormone in labour.

• Some men are not emotionally suited to the birthing environment, and can be so overwhelmed by the experience that it proves difficult for them to transition into parenthood.

• Witnessing birth can have a negative impact on sexual attraction and intimacy between partners post birth.

These observations have led Dr Odent to conclude that the impact of fathers on the progression of labour is profound. This is mainly due to the role played by hormones in a normal birth. Birth is driven by a powerful cocktail of hormones, the most important being oxytocin. This hormone, dubbed by Dr Odent as “the love hormone”, is crucial to sex, birth and bonding. But it is also a shy hormone, says Dr Odent. It does not come out when the mother is stressed or surrounded by people and technology.

As Dr Odent observed, we are programmed like all mammals (think of your pet cat, giving birth quietly in the dark) to seek out a safe, warm place to produce the hormones necessary for a successful labour. If this place is disturbed, it is safer for labour to stop – meaning a rush of adrenaline cancels out oxytocin and inhibits labour.

If your partner feels alienated or anxious about hospitals or pain, they can transfer that anxiety, that adrenaline, to you. This is why, Dr Odent contends, labour so often stalls in clinical settings, which leads to additional medical intervention. Therefore, he concludes, it is men who are: A hindrance to an easy

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labour and the cause of more Caesarean sections.

A MAN AHEAD OF HIS TIME? In principal, most childbirth experts agree with Dr Odent. Lucy Perry, an experienced doula and author of Cheers To Childbirth: A Dad’s Guide To Childbirth Support calls Dr Odent: ‘A man ahead of his time,’ and gives a lot of credence to his views.

Like most birth attendants, midwives and doctors, Perry has seen the effect “chatty” men have on women during childbirth. She agrees with Dr Odent, saying, ‘Engaging in too much language will effectively interfere with a woman’s instinct and slow down her labour.’

Women often feel pressured to pay attention to their partner and his needs during labour, and this means they cannot focus – with their primitive brain – on themselves. This is why she advises men to stay positive in what they say and learn how to “zip it”!

Perry has also seen the impact an anxious birth partner can have on labour. She says, adrenaline not only stalls labour, it blocks what she calls “the good hormones”, or endorphins, which help manage pain. So Perry, who also runs a successful course for men called Beer & Bubs (beerandbubs.com.au), cautions men to remember the effect their behaviour can have on their partner’s hormones. ‘You are the specialist in your partner and her emotions, and you can make this faster and easier or slower and harder.’

She stops short, however, at banning men from the birthing suite, preferring instead to tap into their strengths. ‘I tell them, “It is your job to keep her safe, warm and protected”.’

FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN David Vernon – author of Men At Birth: Stories Of Triumph, Power And Love From The Men And Women Who Brought New Life Into The World a chronicle of the birth experiences of hundreds of men – agrees with Dr Odent that men can be:

‘A blocker to a good birth,’ but, like Perry, he is confident about the future role of men at births. He feels our current generation of fathers are forging a new relationship with birth.

He sees the problem of fear and adrenaline as a simple case of fear of the unknown. He points out that birth is still a relatively new arena for men, and one which can be quite scary. Men have very little understanding of birth, and he believes that by providing stories of survival – like those in his book – as models for men, we can start to counteract this uncertainty. However, he agrees with Dr Odent when he tells men that they need to keep their anxieties in check, or take their adrenaline out of the room.

EMOTIONAL IMPACT But what of Dr Odent’s other contentions?

Are some men unable to cope emotionally with the nature of birth, or with the impact it has on their sex life? In his research Vernon found that men are often emotionally unprepared for birth. Given that men, in general, don’t like to talk about birth, this should come as no surprise. He advises men to talk to other males, and learn as much as they can about birth. As there are now a spate of books like Vernon’s and Perry’s and many courses to attend, there is the opportunity for your partner to, at least, be aware of what his emotional response might be and prepare for it.

Vernon, who also runs a parenting course for men (web.mac.com/david.vernon), has seen fathers emotionally affected by birth and even traumatised by what they perceive to be their failures, particularly if their partner ends up having a Caesarean. However, rather that telling men they are not up to the job, he counsels them to look at the positive role they can play. When a woman has a Caesarian section, it is the father who will often be the one to first hold the baby – as this bonding is

crucial for newborns, it can be a great relief to mothers in recovery to know their partners are there.

Also, according to Perry, in highly “medicalised” settings emotion can be a plus.

Dr Odent’s key point about emotion is that it can have a negative impact on men after birth, and he cites numerous cases of men so overcome by the experience that they become ill. However, there is just as much evidence to suggest that the emotions unleashed during childbirth actually help couples connect with each other in a euphoric feeling of victory. And this, according to Perry, ‘Starts couples off parenting in a positive mode.’

SEX & INTIMACY As far as sex and intimacy are concerned, like so many issues, this will probably be unique to you as a couple. Certainly there are men who feel strongly about how birth will affect their sex lives – men like celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey.

The infamously straight-talking Scotsman is on record as saying he was relieved when his wife didn’t want him there: ‘We have a very active sex life and we both contemplated over a bottle of wine that it wasn’t good for our sexual relationship for me to be at the birth.

Seeing that level of mess – it’s like sending 25 vegans into a kitchen with meat in the blender.’

And according to Dr Odent, there are a lot more couples like the Ramseys out there. In his 2008 article, Dr Odent candidly reflects on his own birth experiences, and admits that he was glad not to be at the birth of his own children because: ‘The key to eroticism is mystery.’ He believes that many men are put off by their involvement in birth, leading to emotional breakdowns and ruined marriages.

This may seem extreme, however it is certainly one possible outcome of pressuring men into taking part in an emotional and physical marathon they have no training for.

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A GET-OUT CLAUSE? Hannah Dahlen, associate professor of midwifery at the University of Western Sydney, NSW, believes, ‘We need a get-out clause for men.

They shouldn’t be forced to be involved in childbirth if they don’t want to be.’ In her experience, she has also found that a woman’s partner can be a great asset to her in labour, but only if he can control his anxiety and fears. She stresses that: ‘A small number of men – perhaps more than we know because men don’t like to talk about it – are terrified of being present at the birth of their baby and desperately don’t want to be there.’

And even Vernon – an enthusiastic advocate of men in the birthing suite – does not believe it should be compulsory, especially if the man is not wholly committed to the idea. Although he emphasises the benefits that can come from early bonding, he nevertheless feels men can find other ways to be involved. Just being at home and getting ready for life as a family, he advises, can mean partners are able to feel useful and engaged.

the difference. And as Winder points out to fathers-to-be, it is common for a woman to want a trusted, experienced woman by her side – not to replace her man, but in addition to him.

So having support for your support person may sound ridiculous, but having a birth team rather than a single person, such as your partner, mother or sister, has been linked to better outcomes – especially if that person is inexperienced or too emotionally involved.

For Vernon, knowing the birth team and having continuity of care allows men to relax and see themselves as just another care giver – and a relaxed man is obviously going to be able to avoid the traps outlined by Dr Odent.

Vernon describes his experience with the birth of his two sons as transformational, and yet he had to leave the room during the birth of his second child. ‘It may have been my hospital anxiety kicking in,’ he recounts. As he had previously negotiated an “escape clause” with his birth team, he was able to leave without losing face and returned to be an effective support for his partner.

SUPPORT FOR YOUR PARTNER

TO BE THERE OR NOT?

If your man is wholly committed to being there with you, and has some idea of what will be required, you still might want to consider talking about extra support. Kelly Winder, a doula and founder of website bellybelly.com. au, says, ‘Many women want more birth support but don’t know how to explain this to their partner.’ Plus, a surprising number of men don’t want a doula or birth attendant with them at all.

It is only afterwards, according to Winder, that they realise what a big difference it would have made to have extra support there – not just for their partner, but for themselves as well.

She suggests, knowing there is someone else there – just so your partner can move the car, or take a food or toilet break – can make all

So should your man be there or not? Well, of course, that is up to you to decide. I am certainly glad my husband was there to gaze with me into our newborn son’s eyes, so we could bond with our baby together and, despite everything, he is glad too.

But we definitely could have benefitted from some more support.

If you want your life partner there, then evidence suggests he will do a better job if he is prepared for his role.

If he is fearful or resistant, it may be difficult for both of you.

However, if he knows how to help (and how to escape if it gets too much), then you can both have a positive birth experience and happily move onto your next, much more important role as new parents. *

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BABY

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Secrets to Breastpumping Success

AS MUCH WE WOULD ALL LOVE TO BREASTFEED OUR BABIES, ALL THE TIME, THERE ARE SITUATIONS WHEN IT JUST ISN’T POSSIBLE. DOULA KELLY WINDER SHARES SOME SECRETS TO SUCCESS.

B

reastfeeding versus formula feeding is a false dichotomy. It doesn’t necessarily need to be only one or the other. Lots of possibilities exist along the spectrum of infant feeding.

Instead of an either/or choice, imagine infant feeding as a continuum, with full breastfeeding at one end and full formula feeding opposite. In between are many combinations – one of which would be providing your baby with pumped breastmilk

for all or most feedings.

We’re inundated with messages that ‘breast is best’ – and the science does support this – but what if you can’t breastfeed? Or if you just don’t want to?

Many women assume that formula is the only answer. Few women are ever told that they can pump and provide breastmilk instead.

We’re here to say you certainly can, and to help you with these 7 secrets to success as an exclusively pumping mother:

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1

Sort Out Your Goals Some women need to pump because their babies are born too early, and some mothers and babies are separated after birth for medical reasons. These mothers may really want to breastfeed, but may not be able to at first.

In other cases, breastfeeding may get off to a poor start. Maybe baby isn’t latching well, is losing weight, or is unable to effectively transfer milk. Or maybe mother’s milk supply is low. These women start pumping to increase supply, or use breastmilk to supplement their babies while they work to correct feeding issues.

Occasionally, mothers are reluctant to put their baby to the breast at all — for reasons that range from sexual abuse to personal discomfort — but still want to provide breastmilk. In all of these cases, pumping can be an answer.

But knowing why you’re pumping and how long you plan to continue pumping can help.

Are you pumping just until your preemie is big enough to feed at the breast? Or until your milk supply increases or your baby’s weight gain improves? Or are you in it for the long haul – pumping for all of your baby’s feedings until your baby is ready to wean? These answers will prepare you mentally for the job you’re doing.

afford. If money is tight, consider hiring the better quality breastpumps from organisations like the Australian Breastfeeding Association.

“you should pump as often as your baby would be feeding at the breast – for a newborn this may mean pumping every two hours around the clock!”

Start As Soon As You Can If you’re pumping from birth, the sooner you start the better. Studies show that the more milk that’s removed in the first three weeks after birth, the better a mother’s milk supply will be in the long run. In any case, you should pump as often as your baby would be feeding at the breast – for a newborn this may mean pumping every two hours around the clock!

Some pumps are more efficient than others – a hospital-grade pump is the top of the line, but single-user electric pumps are the ones most exclusively pumping mothers use. Don’t discount hand pumps or manual milk expression, either. For some moms these methods work better than anything else.

Double pumping (pumping both breasts at the same time) can cut down your time spent on the task. Learn how to operate your pump, and learn how your body reacts to it. Sometimes adjusting the suction level or the number of cycles per minute can change your output.

Don’t be discouraged if you only get a little bit of milk the first few times you pump.

The key is to elicit ‘let-downs’ – finding a way to relax while pumping may help with this. Warm compresses, breast massage or compression, and even hearing your baby coo or cry can help with milk ejections.

Figure out what your best triggers are, and make use of them when pumping. You may also want to learn more about ‘hands-on pumping’ – a way to maximise the amount of milk you can express.

Just like feeding at the breast, if it hurts, something is wrong. Make sure the pump flange is the right size for your breast. Adjust the settings – having the pump on high isn’t always the most productive. And over time, pump parts do wear out. So check that yours are in working order

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author, Nancy Mohrbacher, writes that every woman has a “magic number” – the number of pumping sessions she needs each day to maintain her milk supply. It may take time to find yours. This will vary depending on your baby’s age and how much milk you need, as auyou well as your breast storage capacity.

Are io.com. ambinom www.b pumping for all of baby’s feedings? Is your baby getting some formula and some breastmilk?

Ideally, you would pump as often as your baby is feeding – but this isn’t always practical. You will need to find a pumping schedule that works for you. If you aren’t getting as much milk as you need, add more pumping sessions, try not to multi-task while pumping, use methods to maximise output, and make sure you’re getting up a couple of times to pump at night.

‘Full’ breast emptying is one key to making more milk. As for how long to pump at each session, in the beginning (the first few days after birth), pumping for 10-15 minutes every

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2.5 to 3 hours is effective.

Around day 3 and 4 when your milk comes in, increasing pumping sessions to 20-30 minutes is a good idea. Then you can pump 10-15 minutes about six times each day to maintain production. Any dip in supply, pump more often. Adding more short pumping sessions may be more effective than lengthening the existing sessions.

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Don’t Give Up! You will meet those who will tell you there’s no way you can keep up a good milk supply with pumping alone. Others will ask you why in the world you would want to keep pumping. Your mother-in-law might suggest you just give in and use formula.

Your own partner may wonder aloud why you’re going through all the trouble to pump.

Let your haters be your motivators.

Keep doing what you feel is best for your baby, and don’t let anyone tell you it can’t be done.

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Available from: Babyography, Babyroad, Baby Zone, Baby Village, Bubs Baby Shops, Kiddie Country, Mothers Love, Peter’s of Kensington, babysavings.com.au, chalet.net.au, smoochbaby.com.au, thestorknest.com.au, urbanbaby.com.au

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Know How To Overcome Common Difficulties Remember that there’s no quick fix to any breastfeeding difficulty, including pumping.

Milk supply concerns are probably the most common issue experienced by exclusive pumping mothers. But other problems like blocked or plugged ducts, mastitis, sore nipples, etc. can crop up, too. The urge to quit happens to many exclusively pumping mothers at some point, as does the emotionally charged question, ‘Are you breastfeeding?’ Overcoming these types of mental hurdles can be just as difficult as a physical problem like decreasing supply.

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Get Help And Support A supportive lactation consultant can help you with technical problems, but finding other exclusively pumping mothers may be your best source of encouragement, support and ideas.

If you’re exclusively pumping, there are a couple of important online resources, as well as a book, just for you. Stephanie Casemore has written a book, Exclusively Pumping Breast Milk, which was updated in 2013. Her other book, Breastfeeding Take Two, is excellent as well! Ms. Casemore maintains a website, blog and Facebook page specifically for exclusively pumping mothers – learn more at exclusivelypumping.com. While the internet can be a source of conflicting information, it’s also a wonderful way to connect with other exclusively pumping mothers – and you won’t feel so alone in your endeavour to provide for your baby the best way you can. Several Facebook groups are committed to a supportive environment for exclusively pumping moms to share their successes, frustrations, questions, and more.

Kelly Winder is a doula (birth attendant), the creator of the BellyBelly pregnancy, birth and baby website, and a mum. Check out bellybelly.com.au

S-Bottle

The ideal bottle to reduce stomach cramps

Advantages • The S-shape provides an ergonomic, natural and relaxed feeding position and encourages bonding between the nursing parent and child.

• The valve prevents vacuum suction of the bottle teat and allows a constant flow of nutrition.

This reduces the chance of burping, colic, cramps and vomiting.

• The removable base of the S-bottle makes it easy to clean and enables it to be filled with ice cubes of frozen breast milk.

Air milk

S-bottle

Breastfeeding

Normal Bottle

Distributed by Exquira www.exquira.com.au www.difrax.com.au

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NEWS

PREGANCY&BABY

MYTH: YOU CAN CATCH A COLD FROM GETTING COLD Why it’s not true: Most people know by now that only a cold virus causes a cold. But many cling to the belief that going outside not properly dressed (or with wet hair) on a cold day will worsen the symptoms of a cold virus.

This is also untrue. “I think this comes from people noticing that more people get sick during the colder months, and that is true,” Dr Susan Coffin, M.D., medical director of infection prevention and control at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia says. The real reason? Proximity. People generally spend more time indoors, closer together, and touch hands or come in contact with coughing and sneezing more. So viruses tend to “make the rounds” and strike more people. But being in the cold weather will only make you colder (and perhaps make your nose and eyes run a little more), not sicker.

BABY TALK

Whether they’re spoken to in English, Chinese or Latvian, all babies learn to speak following a similar pattern: • newborns communicate by crying, then start cooing at around one to two months old.

• by six months most babies are babbling.

• between eight months and one year, infants can make gestures and understand a wide range of words spoken to them.

• their first words are at around 13 months.

• at one-and-a-half years of age, toddlers experience a rapid increase in vocabulary, putting two words together any time from 18 months to two years old.

“The old wives’ tale is true: Pregnant women who suffer with heartburn ARE more likely to give birth to babies with full heads of hair.”

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Boost

YOUR BONES

Too many people think osteoporosis is a disease that affects only older women. Adding milk to your coffee and popping a calcium supplement is not enough to ward off osteoporosis. While the risk of experiencing a broken bone increases dramatically with age, this often symptomless disease can be prevented if women act now -- no matter how old they are. It has been documented that calcium is mobilized from a mother’s bones during pregnancy and helps build the baby’s bones, a natural process. The loss of bone mineral density during pregnancy may be 5%, but that bone density is typically replaced within a year. Breast feeding appears to assist bone remineralization in the mother.

It is clear that bones “take a hit” during pregnancy, which is likely to be greater in high stress pregnancies.

The quality of calcium, combined with the needed cofactors for bone metabolism, are important factors for preventing bone loss.

S-bottle warmer

The perfect solution to a sleepless night

Advantages “goo goo ga ga”;)

Admit it, this is pretty awesome

• In 3 minutes it will reach the breastfeeding temperature (37°C).

• Nutrients and vitamins of breast milk are preserved.

• The heated bottle can be used instantly for feeding whilst retaining all benefits of the S-bottle such as the anti-colic system.

• No batteries.

Distributed by Exquira www.exquira.com.au www.difrax.com.au

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SHOPPING

PREGANCY&BABY

COMING SOON! HEALTHY BUMP When you’re pregnant looking after your health is more important than ever.

A healthy diet and lifestyle optimises your own wellbeing and that of your baby, and prepares your body for labour, Blackmores Conceive Well™ Gold provides essential nutrients, including folic acid, iodine, iron, Omega-3 and CoQ10 needed for healthy conception. $42.49 per box. Available from most health stores and pharmacies!

This is a bit of a news leak! it hasn’t landed in store yet, so keep an eye out for this stunning Changing bag from Babybjorn.

Carry this versatile bag as a tote, messenger bag or a backpack, it’s large and roomy and has plenty of space for everything you need.

It comes with multiple inside and outside pockets keeping you well-organised. As it is attractive, stylish design it is perfect for both mums and dads. Plus it comes with a changing mat in soft Oeko-Tex fabric.

From www.babybjorn.com.au

SLEEPING BEAUTY Sorry ladies but women snore too!

The correlation between snoring and men is extremely high. Is it fair to blame them solely for this growing issue? Probably not because women snore too! One in six to be exact, when you are pregnant or have a young baby in the house, sleep is precious. Pillows, mouth guards and nasal instruments can’t be the only solution and they’re not! Silent Night lozenges are made form natural ingredients and can help with everyones snoring. From $ 29.95 available from www.myhealthaus.coma.u

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TASTY AND GOOD FOR YOU Because these Vitamin C + Zinc gummies contain no added sugar and no artificial colours, flavours or sweeteners, they are a naturally delicious option to support kids’ immune health without excess sugars. The unique combination of vitamins C, A, D & zinc support your child’s immunity in a great tasting, one-a-day gummy that is easy to take! $13.99. Available from your pharmacy and most supermarkets

SOFT TOUCH Sharp edges of tables, low cabinets and other furniture can cause serious injury - and not just to children! Dreambaby® corner cushions are made with strong, durable and soft padding, designed to fit easily and sturdily onto a wide range of furniture corners. Simply slide on to the corner and push into place. $6.99 from www.shop4kids.com.au

DIAPER DEPOT Baby doesn’t mess around at 3 am, and neither should you. You need to know where things are so you can find them in the dark. The Prince Lionheart Ultimate Wipess Warmer holds 36 nappies, includes 2 removable side bins, and securely fits the legendary Ultimate Wipes Warmers. Get baby clean and get back to sleep. Keep it on a dresser, in a cabinet, or hang it on your changing table—you can even split it up and have two stations where you need them most. Available in green, grey or pink. RRP $39.99 Available from: Toys R Us

HANDMADE The Tee Ruck effortlessly merges functionality and fashion together to create this amazing nappy/diaper/baby bag. Made from coloured hemp and the hand embroidered fabric of Chinese Miao hill tribe garments, the Tee Ruck is accompanied by an adjustable leather strap and leather trimmings. Inside, the bag is fully lined with water-proof material and includes three open pocket, two open elasticated pockets, one concealed zip pocket and an elasticated bottle holder. $193.00 www.theluxeprojectdesign.com

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NEWS

BABY&TODDLER

PARENTAL STRESS IS

across the board

So you have just become a new parent, awesome! Congratulations! Becoming a new parent is always going to be scary and stressful, your whole world is about to change.

But what happens to the parents when something isn’t quite right with their little one?

You would think they would be more stressed, but researchers have come to the party...or should that be hospital, wondering if that is really is true!

Researchers believed they would find a vast difference in stress levels between parents with children who have Single-suture crainosynotosis (SSC) a birth defect that causes the different bones of an infant’s skull to close too early., and parents who did not, surprisingly however, this was not the case.

Like any new parent, having a child is going to be stressful. The study has found that those who have a child with SSC reported higher stress

during the first nine months. This stress evened out with those who have kids without SSC over the next 18 to 36 month period.

Mums, generally have more stress than the Dad does, over the months of the study Mums increasingly felt stressed regardless of the health of their child.

It is normal to feel stressed when having a baby, or raising a child. It can be new, exciting and scary. Just remember you are not alone in this stress, and there are heaps of people out there who will help, and guide you if you’re feeling a little out of your depth.

A FEW BENEFITS OF USING A CUP. . .

• Less tooth decay - babies and toddlers who are allowed to sip milk out of a bottle all day are much more likely to get tooth decay.

• Your baby is likely to drink less milk from a cup therefore encouraging more of an appetite for food, which is good because food is becoming a more important part of their diet.

• Using a cup can help improve your baby’s hand-eye coordination.

• Cups are the great time saver, they’re much quicker and easier to clean than bottles.

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Why Frozen isn’t being LET GO

It started out as just another Disney princess film. But Frozen has taken the world, and the economy by storm – snowstorm that is. And we have Frozen 2 hitting the screen soon.

So what makes Frozen so relatable to so many pre-schoolers and big kids?

The reason why Frozen is so frozen to popularity is driven by a number of reasons and the psychologists think they have figured it out: Pre-schoolers relate to Elsa’s emotions Pre-schoolers tend to be driven by their compulsive attitude, and Elsa’s emotions are uncontrollable.

Elsa is a superhero Just like Spiderman shooting web from his hands, Elsa and her ability to create ice from her fingers enchants your little ones imagination. Secretly we all want to be a superhero!

The villain isn’t scary Past Disney films have relied on a scary witch or villain to carry that side of the story. Prince Hans is just an ordinary guy.

It’s a sing-a-long Man, is the Frozen soundtrack catchy or what!

Well, you probably already know that if your child is obsessed with it. The sing-a long is a classic from Disney films and Frozen is so exception.

So, do you want to build a snowman?

I HEAR YOU

We all want children to have a strong start to life. That’s why hearing is so important. When a child’s ears are healthy, they can: • learn language and talking • listen to family stories • listen to music • talk with family and friends • be good at school • feel good about themselves You can keep children’s ears healthy by getting them checked regularly by a health worker, nurse or doctor, even if they seem okay.

It is also important to know the symptoms of ear disease in case your child’s ears get sick.

Knowing the facts about ear disease is important.

Fact: Children are not born with ear infections but they can get an ear infection soon after birth.

Fact: Too many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children have ear disease.

Fact: Ear disease can lead to loss of hearing forever.

Fact: Children can have ear disease with no symptoms.

Fact: Ear disease can be prevented and treated.

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WELLNESS

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HOW TO STAY FIT AND STRONG IN TODAY’S SOCIETY, MANY WOMEN FIND THAT JUGGLING A BALANCED LIFESTYLE CAN BE TRICKY ADRIANE WARD A SENIOR EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST HAS SOME TIPS. Between the commitments at work and home on a daily basis, there never seems to be enough hours in the day, making it extremely difficult to find the time to exercise and sustain a healthy regime.

“As a mother to a 2 and a half year old baby boy, I know how hard it is to find the time to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I believe that Pilates is the perfect solution for the mind, body and soul, especially for working mothers who may be time poor. It’s an easy way to keep fit and stay strong”, says Adriane.

Adriane provides her top tips:

ORGANISE YOUR WEEK AHEAD: To maintain a balanced family and work life, I need to plan my week ahead.

This helps me to keep my household under control, make sure that the shopping for the week is done and that my meals are pre-planned. I also have a great support network which enables me to continue working.

When my husband and I have work commitments, we’ve both our families that assist us with babysitting our son.

PACK YOUR OWN LUNCH: I prefer to take a packed lunch with me wherever I go. Not only is it a healthier option, but it’s also a

money saver. The night before, I prepare for my previous lunch, whether I make extra food for dinner to take with me the following day, or prepare a salad, sandwich and snacks, this saves me time in the morning before I’m racing out the door. I also carry a water bottle with me every day to keep me hydrated.

STRENGTHEN YOUR BODY: Staying physically active is important in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and reducing the risk of health problems. Often I see women who come into the centre with sore necks, shoulders and backs.

Stretching the body by incorporating an exercise program such as Pilates will help ease the muscles, eliminate any aches and pains, strengthen their posture and tone the body.

Home work out tips: Keep it interesting and that way you’ll enjoy it more! I recommend a 2 1/2 hour session per week whether it is swimming, walking and running. It doesn’t need to be a physical workout, as long as you’re keeping the body active, you can achieve positive results.

Adriane Ward is a Senior Exercise Physiologist and Assistant Staff Training Manager at MD Health Pilates. https://www.facebook.com/ MDHealthPilates

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TODDLER

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Training time?

IS TOILET TRAINING YOUR LITTLE ONE’S NEXT BIG MILESTONE? HERE IS A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO HELP YOU ALONG THE WAY

H

elping your child start to use the potty or toilet is a big and very exciting step for you both. If you remain positive and calm, your child will be more likely to settle into things. The secret is to wait for signs that your child is ready.

WHEN TO START? Children learn to tell when they need to do a poo or wee at different ages. Generally, signs that your child is ready for toilet training

appear from about two years on, although some children show signs of being ready at 18 months. Night-time training can begin as late as eight years, although most children stop wetting at night by the time they’re five.

Before introducing your child to the toilet or potty, it helps if you have developed an established daily routine with them. This way, the new activity of using the toilet or potty can be slotted into your normal routine.

Your child is showing some signs of being

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USING TRAINING PANTS Children are more likely to understand toilet use if they’re no longer wearing a nappy – after all, the nappy is a portable toilet. So after your child has had a few weeks getting used to the potty, it’s a good time to start with training pants.

These are absorbent underwear worn during toilet training. Once your child is wearing training pants, dress him in clothes that are easy to take off quickly.

Wearing training pants is a big move for your child. If you celebrate it, the transition will be easier. Talk about how grown up she is and how proud of her you are.

“Pull-up” training pants are very popular, and are marketed as an aid to toilet training. Research isn’t conclusive about how beneficial they are for toilet training, but they might help with the transition to underwear.

Training pants are less absorbent than nappies. They’re useful for holding in bigger messes (such as an accidental poo). Generally, cloth training pants are less absorbent than disposable training pants (or pull-ups) and can feel a little less like a nappy. Disposables might be handier when going on outings.

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ready if he: • is walking and can sit for short periods of time • is becoming generally more independent when it comes to completing tasks • is becoming interested in watching others go to the toilet (this is a good way to introduce things) • has dry nappies for up to two hours – this shows he’s able to store wee in his bladder (which automatically empties in younger babies or newborns) • tells you (or shows obvious signs) when he does a poo or wee in his nappy – if he can tell you before it happens, he’s ready for toilet training • begins to dislike wearing a nappy, perhaps trying to pull it off when it’s wet or soiled • has regular, soft, formed bowel movements • can pull his pants up and down • can follow simple instructions, such as, ‘Give the ball to Daddy’ • shows understanding about things having their place around the home.

Not all these signs need to be present when your child is ready. A general trend will let you know it’s time to start.

GETTING READY First, decide whether you want to train using a potty or the toilet. There are some advantages to using a potty – it’s mobile and it’s familiar, and some children find it less daunting than a toilet. Find out your child’s preference and go with that. Some parents encourage their child to use both the toilet and the potty.

Second, make sure you have all the right equipment. If your child is using the toilet you’ll need a step for your child to stand on.

You’ll also need a smaller seat that fits securely inside the existing toilet seat, because some children feel uneasy about falling in.

In the beginning, you might like to read a book or watch a DVD about toilet training with

your child. There are some fun children’s books your child might like to read in the early stages of toilet training.

Some tips for getting started: • Introduce and explain the potty, allowing your child to try it out for size and get familiar with it.

• Allow your child to watch others who are using the toilet and talk about what they’re doing.

• Begin to use trainer pants on your child – this helps her understand the feeling of wetness.

• You might notice that your child uses her bowels at a certain time of the day, so try putting her on the potty at this time. This doesn’t work for all children – true toilet training begins when the child is aware of the sensation of doing a wee or poo and is interested in learning the process.

• Teach your child some words associated

with going to the toilet – for example, you might want to teach her words like ‘wee’, ‘poo’ and ‘I need to go’.

BASIC STEPS FOR TOILET TRAINING • Choose a start day, perhaps when you have no plans to leave the house.

• Stop using nappies (except at night and during daytime sleeps). Begin using underpants or training pants. You can even let your child choose some underpants, which can be an exciting step for him.

• Dress your child in clothes that are easy to take off – for example, trousers with elastic waistbands, rather than full-body suits. In warmer weather, you might like to leave her in underpants when at home.

• Sit your child on the potty each day at times when he’s likely to have a bowel movement, like 30 minutes after eating or after having a bath.

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• Give your child lots of fibre and water so she doesn’t become constipated, which can make toilet training difficult. Your child’s diet is the best way to handle this, rather than buying fibre supplements.

• If your child doesn’t cooperate or seem interested, just wait until he’s willing to try again.

• Give your child positive praise for her efforts (even if progress is slow) and lots of praise when she’s successful. You could say, ‘Well done, Janey, for sitting on the potty.’ As she achieves each stage, reduce the amount of praise.

• Look out for signs that your child needs to go to the toilet – some cues include changes in

ACCIDENT PREVENTION To help avoid accidents: • Pay attention to your child if she says she needs the toilet immediately. She might be right!

• If you’re sure your child hasn’t done a poo or wee in a while, remind him that he might need to go – he might get so caught up in what he’s doing that he doesn’t realise he needs to go until it’s too late.

• Check if your child wants to go to the toilet during a long playtime or before an outing. If she doesn’t want to go, that’s fine.

• Try to make sure the potty or toilet is always easy to access and use.

• Ask your child to wee just before going to bed, and try to avoid big drinks at bedtime.

posture, passing wind and going quiet.

• At different stages throughout the day (but not too often), you might ask your child if he needs to go to the toilet. Gentle reminders are enough – it’s best if your child doesn’t feel pressured.

• Five minutes is long enough to sit a child on the potty or toilet. It’s best not to make your child sit on the toilet for long periods of time, because this will feel like punishment.

• You’ll need to wipe your child’s bottom at first, until she learns how. Remember to wipe from the front to the back, particularly with little girls.

• Teach your boy to shake his penis after a wee to get rid of any drops. Sometimes, in the early stages of toilet training, it’s helpful to float a ping-pong ball in the toilet for him to aim at. Or he might prefer to sit and do a wee, which can be less messy in the early stages.

• Teach your child how to wash her hands after using the toilet. This can be a fun activity that your child enjoys as part of the routine.

• If he misses the toilet, don’t comment. Just clean it up without any fuss.

Toilet training might take days or months. It’s not a race (no matter what other parents tell you about their own “wonderful” children!).

WET NIGHTS Even if your child uses the toilet or potty during the day, it’s not time to throw away the nappies just yet – often children are between three and four years of age before they’re dry at night. Some children still wet the bed at six or seven, or even older.

Make it clear to your child that you’ll help her in the middle of the night if she wakes up needing to use the potty. Assure her that there’s nothing wrong if she has an accident at night.

SETBACKS & ACCIDENTS Your child has only just developed the

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amazing physical ability to manage this body process. As a grown-up, you might not remember, but this takes a while to get right.

You can expect accidents and setbacks – these are all just part of the process.

If your child gets upset because of an accident, reassure him that it doesn’t really matter and there’s no need to worry.

HEALTH PROBLEMS You’re probably well tuned into how your child is feeling and how regular she is. But it’s still worth keeping an eye out for possible problems connected with toilet training. Signs to look for include: • a big increase or decrease in the number of poos or wees

• poos that are very hard to pass • unformed or very runny poos • blood in the poo or wee (sometimes appears as cloudy wee) • pain when your child goes to the toilet.

If you feel there might be a problem or you’re worried about how your child is adapting to toilet training, check with your doctor or child health nurse.

You can get free advice from a continence nurse by contacting the National Continence Helpline on 1800 330 066. * This article was reproduced from the Raising Children Network site. Go to raisingchildren.net.au.

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

onE SiZE with adjustable leg elastic!

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100% bamboo liners

• Flushable • Antibacterial • 100% Biodegradable

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SHOPPING

BABY&TODDLER LOCKED IN

WINTER IS COMING And little ones are magnets for cold and blocked noses making it hard for them to breathe and sleep. Fess Little Noses is a gentle saline solution, which loosens and thins mucus to help clear a blocked nose and moisturise dry nasal passages to allow your little one to breathe easier, naturally. It is also available without a special FESS nasal aspirator. Available from pharmacies nationwide RRP $12.95

Most nappy bins are made of plastic, which absorbs odours and leave a lingering smell that can be difficult to eliminate, even when the bin is scrubbed. The Ubbi nappy bin is made of powder coated steel, and has rubber seals to prevent leaks and keep odours locked in. Suitable for both cloth and disposable nappies, or any standard tall kitchen bag. This award winning nappy bin has child-proof locks that keep out even the most curious of little fingers. The Ubbi nappy bin offers a modern and sophisticated twist to what was once a very industrial product, in colours to fit any baby’s room theme!

The Ubbi nappy bin retails for $79.95 and is available from www. urbanbaby.com.au

GOOD CLEAN FUN! Built to survive the rough and tumble of a little boy’s life and perfect for the little princess in your life.

The Toddler Tray does it all. It helps with the mess, the spills and most importantly, your stress levels. Your toddler learns from the family by eating with them; and you get to keep your sanity (at mealtimes, at least!) The raised sides help control the mess and stops plates from sliding out of reach. The deep tray both helps contain liquid spills and keep the tray in place at the table edge. The 100% food-grade melamine is both easy to wipe clean and dishwasher safe. And the carefully-chosen graphics will both appeal to toddlers and help educate them in this key learning time.

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BUBBLE DREAM Bubble’s Bamboo Dream Blankets are beautifully made from natural bamboo-sourced viscose and silky-soft velour. This gives them a lightweight, luxurious soft texture on one side and extra cosy warmth for your baby on the other. Bamboo is a sustainable, environmentally friendly crop, which breaks down into viscose fibre. This can then be woven into a soft and naturally luxurious fabric that drapes like silk, has a subtle sheen and a durable softness that fashion designers, discerning parents and babies around the world are falling in love with! The Dream Blanket is a generous 76 x 100 cm size, and available in a range of stylish, colourful and machine washable designs. Already packaged in beautiful gift boxes, and perfectly priced at $29.95, Bubble’s Bamboo Dream Blankets make a perfect baby shower or newborn baby gift .

Available from thestorknest.com.au

Bundle Buy Save 30%

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on a Booster Seat + Toddler Tray for children aged 3-8 years

www.tooshcoosh.com.au/exclusive-specials Coupon Code: TOOSH * june 2015 | mychild

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HEALTH

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Be bathroomcabinet-ready CONSULTANT PAEDIATRICIAN, DR JOHNNY TAITZ OFFERS SOME EFFECTIVE TIPS TO PREVENT KID’S COUGH AND COLDS AND SOLUTIONS TO RELIEVE SYMPTOMS

T

he common cold is the most frequent illness in the world with children affected the most. On average children have six to ten colds a year, with some having as many as twelve .

According to Dr Johnny Taitz, colds and other related illnesses are seasonal and mainly occur in winter but have little to do with cold weather and more to do with the amount of viruses circulating at the time. “Colds during winter have always been high especially for

younger children who are more likely to develop a cold as they spend more time indoors and come in close contact with other children. The most common virus that leads to the common cold is the rhinovirus that inflames the membranes in the lining of the nose and throat.”

“The first symptom is usually a sore or scratchy throat, followed by nasal stuffiness and discharge, sneezing and coughing. The nasal discharge is initially watery but

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gradually becomes thicker and yellowish. To help the process along its important for parents to have products that loosen mucus and help clear the airways,” says Dr Taitz.

Parents can be prepared for the upcoming cold and flu season by adopting these top tips.

If your child does catch a cold or experience crusty eyes as a symptom, relief can be found with clinically-approved products to help relieve nasal congestion.

Delicate wipes are also ideal to remove secretions from the delicate eye area as the gentle cleansing wipes are perfectly pH balanced for children’s skin.

Dr Taitz offers tips to help prevent kid’s cold and flu this winter: • Encourage regular hand washing The best things you can do to prevent whatever is going around is to encourage regular hand-washing, especially before eating meals • Stop the spread of germs Teach children to sneeze or cough into a

Cold Facts Colds are very common, usually during winter. Most colds are caused by a virus.

Symptoms can be relieved with warm drinks or lozenges, nasal sprays and paracetamol.

Antibiotics will not help a cold. Aspirin should not be given to children as it can cause a serious illness called Reye’s syndrome.

Colds, or upper respiratory tract infections, are the most common cause of illness in children and adults. Most colds are caused by a virus. There are over 200 types of viruses that can cause the common cold, which is why it’s not possible to be immunised against a cold.

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•

•

• •

• •

tissue or even their bent elbow as coughing into the hand will only spread those germs around on the next thing they touch Keep hand sanitizers within easy reach.

Encourage school-age children to use hand sanitizers after play or pack a small pack in their school bags to help curb the spread of germs from other children Keep hands away from face. Remind children not to touch their nose, eyes, or mouth which is a common path for germs to spread Don’t send children to school or day-care sick Although this might be tough for working. parents it is important not to send children to school when sick as this will just keep the virus spreading around Keep toys clean If your child has frequent play-dates with other children who may be sniffily make sure to wash his or her toys well after each play.*

Colds are more common in the winter months. Cold weather by itself does not increase the chance of getting a cold.

People are in closer contact with each other at this time of year, because they stay indoors, and so are more likely to infect each other.

See the doctor if the child: • Refuses to drink fluids • Vomits frequently • Complains of intense headache • Is pale and sleepy • Has difficulty breathing • Has a high fever that does not respond to paracetamol • Shows no improvement in 48 hours • Shows any other signs that you are worried about.

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MY CHILD PROMOTION

~ 2015 ~ Excellence Awards 2012

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

EXCELLENCE AWARDS BEST BABY & CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS OF 2015 AFTER TALLYING UP ALL OF OUR READERS’ VOTES FOR THEIR FAVOURITE ENTRIES IN THE MY CHILD EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2015, THE RESULTS ARE IN AND WE ARE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THE GOLD, SILVER AND BRONZE WINNERS FOR EACH CATEGORY! Now in its fourth year, My Child’s Excellence Awards showcase the leading brands catering to mothers-to-be, new mums, babies and young children. A competition via which readers vote for their favourite products and companies, the entries cover everything from baby toys, prams and nursery decor to breastfeeding aids, fashion and online stores – all divided into 38 categories.

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AND THE WINNERS ARE‌ BEST OVERALL PRODUCT

Medela Swing Maxi Double Electric Breast Pump

Stokke Care Natural Change table

Gro Company Groclock

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FAVOURITE COT

Coccon Nest 4 in 1

Stokke Sleepi

Ellie Cot by Incy Interiors

FAVOURITE CHANGE TABLE

Stokke Care Natural Change table

COCOON Change Area

Incy Interiors Scarlett change

FAVOURITE SAFETY PRODUCT

VTech BM3500 Safe & Sound Pan & Tilt Video & Audio Baby Monitor

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The Gro Company Groegg

Oricom Secure850 4.3� Digital Video Baby Monitor with Motorised pan-tilt camera

FAVOURITE NURSERY DECOR PRODUCT

Happy as Larry

Pearhead Deluxe Wall Frame

Speckled House

FAVOURITE BABY TOY

Skip Hop Treetop Friends Activity Gym

The Gro Company Grocomforter

FAVOURITE BABY THERMOMETER

Oricom FS300 Non-contact Infrared Thermometer

Braun Thermoscan

Cherub Baby 4 in 1 Digital Ear & Forehead Thermometer

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FAVOURITE PRAM

Silvercross Pioneer Pram

Stokke Xplory

Baby Jogger City Select Pram

FAVOURITE STROLLER

Stokke Scoot

SIlvercross Reflex

Baby Jogger City Mini GT

FAVOURITE BABY CARRIER

Ergobaby Four Position 360 Baby Carrier

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BabyBjorn Baby Carrier One

Manduca organic baby carrier

FAVOURITE PORTABLE CHAIR/BOOSTER

Bumbo Booster Seat

Minimonkey mini Chair

Totseat

FAVOURITE BABY TRAVEL PRODUCT

Babybjorn travel cot light

hug-a-bub ® wrap carrier

The Gro Company Gro

FAVOURITE CHILDREN’S TRAVEL PRODUCT

Trunki Ride on Suitcase

Cherub baby On The Go Food Pouch Warmer & Cooler

Fridge-to-go Medium Lunch Bag

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FAVOURITE BREAST PUMP

Medela Freestyle Double

NUK Luna Breast Pump

FAVOURITE BREASTFEEDING PRODUCT

Medela Contact Nipple Shields

Pea Pods Reusable Bamboo Nursing Pads

NUK Ultra Dry Breast Pads

FAVOURITE HEALTH PRODUCT

FESS Little Noses Saline Nasal Spray + Aspirator

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Vicks Vapouriser

Little Eyes Gentle Cleansing Wipes

FAVOURITE MUM’S PRODUCT

Tiny Touch Jewellery Mater Body Balm for pregnancy

Bellybean Maternity Pillow

FAVOURITE BABY BOTTLE

Difrax S-Bottle.

Medela Calma Breastmilk Feeding System

Cherub Baby Wide Neck Glass Bottle With Colour

FAVOURITE HIGHCHAIR

Tripp Trapp High Chair

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FAVOURITE BABY FOOD

Baby Mum-Mum Rice Rusks

Only Organic Mini Rice Cakes

Cherub Baby Freeze N Squeeze Reusable Ice Pop Pouches

FAVOURITE FEEDING UTENSIL

Heinz Baby Basics Trainer Cup with Handles

Cherub Baby Fresh Food Feeder

Skip Hop Zootensils

FAVOURITE FOOD STORAGE PRODUCT

Cherub Baby On The Go Reusable Food Pouches

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Yumbox Original Leakproof Bento Box

Squooshi Reusable Food Pouches

FAVOURITE BABY SKINCARE PRODUCT

Mater Baby Moisturiser

GAIA Natural Baby Baby Moisturiser

Cetaphil Restoraderm Skin Restoring Body Wash

FAVOURITE BABY BATH PRODUCT

Skip Hip Moby Bath Spout Cover

Stokke Flexibath

FAVOURITE BABY BATH WASH

Mater Baby Wash

GAIA Natural Baby Hair & Body Wash

GAIA Natural Baby Bath & Body Wash

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FAVOURITE BABY SLEEP AID

Gro Company Groclock

Euky Bear Chest Rub

Plum Sleeping Bag

FAVOURITE SWADDLE/WRAP

Ergobaby Swaddler

The Gro Company Groswaddle

aden + anais classic swaddle

FAVOURITE SLEEPING BAG

The Gro Company Grobag

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merino Kids GoGoBag

aden + anais classic sleeping bag

FAVOURITE DISPOSABLE NAPPY

Naty by Nature Babycare eco disposable nappies

Mater Nappies

Moltex

FAVOURITE REUSABLE NAPPY

Pea Pods one size nappies

Hippybottomus cloth nappies stay-dry natural nappy

Baby Beehinds Magic-All MultiFit

FAVOURITE BABY WIPES

NUK Baby Wipes

WotNot baby wipes

Pea Pods Bamboo Wet Wipes

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FAVOURITE NAPPY RASH PRODUCT

Sudocrem Healing Cream

GAIA Natural Baby Skin Soothing Lotion

FAVOURITE TOILET TRAINING AID

Bumbo Toilet Trainer

Babybjorn Potty Chair

Pea Pods Bamboo Training Pants

FAVOURITE NAPPY BAG

Total Envy Nappy Bag

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Il Tutto Lola Tote bag

Storksak Elizabeth Tan Leather Bag

FAVOURITE TEETHING PRODUCT

Only Orgaic, Teething Rusks

NUK Dolphin Iced Teether

Heinz Baby Basics Little Star Teethers

FAVOURITE EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT

Surf Life Saving NSW – First Aid for your Child Course

Shoezooz, Educational Shoe Stickers

Eat Learn Interact / The Alphabet Plate

FAVOURITE CHILDREN’S FASHION LABEL

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FAVOURITE BABY FASHION LABEL 5

FAVOURITE ONLINE STORE

The Stork Nest Queen Bee

The Little Kidz Closet

FAVOURITE SPECIALIST ONLINE STORE

THANK YOU! TO EVERYONE WHO VOTED & ALL OF THE COMPANIES THAT ENTERED WE RECEIVED MANY THOUSANDS OF VOTES AND APPRECIATE THE TIME AND CARE YOU HAVE GIVEN IN HELPING TO MAKE THE MY CHILD EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2015 SUCH A SUCCESS! 120 * mychild | june 2015

Sleep with greater peace of mind

BS2SC710

Oricom’s most popular bundle offers the ultimate in peace of mind. BabysenseTM2 Infant Respiratory Monitor continually monitors the breathing movement rate of your baby, while the Secure710 Digital Video/Audio Baby Monitor places you virtually in the nursery.

Oricom’s wide range of baby monitors are available from leading baby stores. Visit www.oricom.com.au to find your nearest stockist.

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Babysense2 is intended for use as an Infant Apnoea Alarm. ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND USER GUIDE, USE ONLY AS DIRECTED. june 2015 | mychild

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INTERIORS REPORT

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Old cottage charm A SIMPLE MIX OF ECLECTIC FURNITURE MAKES THIS NURSERY TIMELESS AND SPACIOUS

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GET THE LOOK 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

ANAMALZ ELELPHANT www.anamlz.com

FAIRTRADE SOFT DOG TOY

www.yourssustainably.com $29.02

6

WOOD WHITE FINISH FRAMES

www.oxfamshop.org.au $39.95

ROUND COWRIE SHELL MIRROR

www.st-barts.com.au $995.00

CONCRETE HANGING LAMP ETSY

5

Aniwww.etsy.com $219.00

WORLD MULTI MAPS COLLECTION PRINT ART

www.zanui.com.au $39.95

CANCUN CHEST OF DRAWERS

www.loaf.com POA

CANCUN BOOKSHELF

10

www.loaf.com $1345.33

FERMOIE CUSHIONS RED-STACK

www.fermoie.com £96.00

TODDLER RIDE ON RACING CAR www.urbantoycuboard.com

POA

MOROCCAN LEATHER POUF IN WHITE ZOHI INTERIORS

www.zohiinteriors.com.au $195.00

12 13 14 15 16

ZEBRA PRINTED ANIMAL HIDE RUG

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www.zanui.com.au $599.00

EKTORP ARM CHAIR

www.ikea.com.au $69.00

WOODEN COT

www.johnlewis.com $150.00

RIDE ON LADY BUG www.wheelybug.com

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RED ENAMEL OVAL TUB

www.partyswizzle.com $32.00 june 2015 | mychild

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PARTY

Vintage Tricycle RATHER THAN THE TYPICAL GIRLS ONLY BABY SHOWER, KYLIE AND BEN HAD A JOINT AFFAIR AND INVITED THEIR CLOSEST FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO SHARE THEIR SPECIAL CELEBRATION.

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party

“Involving the whole family made it a special occasion�

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Bicycles biscuits and blue jelly was on offer for the guests.

W

e just adore everything about this cool Tricycle-Inspired Baby Shower coordinated by Styled by Belle. The vibe is light-hearted & playful, while the vintage-meets-modern style is chic & grownup‌ the perfect combo for creating a FUN party atmosphere for parents-to-be and their party guests!

The fabulous elements featured throughout the shower really help tie everything together.

The lovely couple knew they were expecting a baby boy, Kylie loved the colour blue, and Ben is a keen cyclist – so a baby blue themed tricycle party was perfect for baby to be! The

guests were treated to a vast assortment of finger foods and the afternoon spilled into the evening.

Belinda co-ordinates the party with her book of extensive contacts, this baby shower was put together with the help of the following suppliers: Dessert Table: Styled By Belle (www.styledbybelle. com.au) Printables design: Style Me Gorgeous (www. stylemegorgeous.com.au) Desserts: One Sweet Girl

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party

“An eclectic mix of colours, shapes and flavours to suit every taste”

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IDEAS

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Bone Dry

IMAGINE THE DELIGHT ON YOUR LITTLE ONE’S FACE WHEN THEY WEAR THE ADORABLE ‘DRESS UP AND PLAY’ THEMED CUDDLEDRY BABY BATH TOWELS june 2015 | mychild

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HELEN WOOLDRIDGE AND POLLY MARSH WITH THEIR SIX CHILDREN

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ittle ones love to run around at bathtime and with six children between them, Helen Wooldridge and Polly Marsh found a way to dry slippery little bodies. These clever ladies are the co-founders of Cuddledry towels.

WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE BUSINESS? Struggling with wet babies at bathtime, and then watching our husbands doing the same thing. We did some research amongst friends and realized it wasn’t just us being clumsy, but something every new parent faces at bathtime – so we followed that up with market research and realized our idea offered some real opportunities!

WHAT PRODUCTS DO YOU OFFER? The product we founded the business with, and still the one we are best known for, is the

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Original Cuddledry ‘hands-free’ Apron Bath Towel. It is a towel that attaches around the parent’s neck like a sort of giant bib, with a hood at the bottom, so that you have both hands free to bath, lift and safely wrap your baby in a snuggly soft towel, bringing the bottom part of the towel up and over their head so they are quickly warm and cosy. It means you don’t have to face a struggle with not having enough hands to hold a slippery baby AND a towel – the juggling act of trying to hold a towel under your chin which so many parents face each bathtime! It transforms bathtime with your baby from a stressful time to the calm, cuddly, bonding time it should be, so your baby is happy and warm, and you feel confident and safe.

Having built up our business with the Cuddledry towel, we have expanded and built up a lovely range of towels and accessories for

bathtime, swim and beach. Three of our other lines which are really popular are our fab little bamboo Cuddletwist hair towels, our SPF50+ poncho towels for toddlers, and our adorable ‘dress up and play’ towels for ages 1-3 (designed to make getting out of the bath as much fun as being in it!).

CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT THE TEAM? Well, the team is mostly the two of us, but we work with a lovely group of other mums who all work a few flexible hours from their homes, for us each week. By doing it that way it means we save on office costs, but also it means we can recruit really talented people who need to work flexible hours.

HOW DO YOU SHARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES BETWEEN YOU? We are pretty interchangeable, which is great for when one of us is away or has family commitments – we can always cover for each other so the partnership works well. However as time has passed our roles have evolved and Polly is broadly responsible for operations whilst Helen oversees marketing. Both of us are involved in actual sales, along with the different self employed parents who work with us.

The way we run Cuddledry has a great many positive aspects for our families – we work flexible hours, so we don’t miss out on school activities or special events – but running your own business does also come with a major level of responsibility, and there are of course times when things simply have to be dealt with, so there have been a lot of late nights!

IS THERE ANY ADVICE YOU WISH YOU’D BEEN GIVEN? We have had a lot of great advice – the best advice being about keeping focused on margins and profits. We were invited to take Cuddledry onto BBC Dragons Den on TV in the UK and we were given the age old advice of ‘turnover is vanity, profit is sanity’ which is a great line to keep reminding yourself of. You can sell huge amounts but if your cost of sales is too high then you still can’t make any real profit. But regarding advice we wish we had been given – I think there is a lot you simply have to learn for yourself, either through successes, mistakes or simply gradual experience. But one simple piece of advice for a startup which we always tell others to really deeply consider, is whether you want this to be a lifestyle business or a full time job, and hence whether you want to take

HOW LONG HAS THE BUSINESS BEEN OPERATING? We launched at the end of 2006.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF SETTING UP THE BUSINESS? There have been many different challenges over the years, but the first thing we would both say has been managing the juggling act of being mums to three young children each whilst also working to launch and build Cuddledry. And also remembering to find time for our poor husbands too!

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it all on yourself, or appoint someone else to take on your idea and run with it (in our type of business this could mean licensing your idea, or appointing a distributor). We could have chosen to sell direct only and not via third parties at all, and although that means your business does not really scale up a great deal, it does mean you keep hold of all profits yourself, so there is a lot to be said for a smaller business with higher profits.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT THE BUSINESS? Always learning new things. We are both happiest when we are learning, and we have faced lots of steep learning curves, which is exciting!

HOW IS YOUR BUSINESS DIFFERENT TO OTHER SIMILAR BUSINESSES? Probably in the way that we run it, being a manufacturing and retail business but one which is also a ‘virtual’ business without its own premises or directly employed team. It keeps our risks low, and allows us to operate the business in a way which fits in with the time we have available ourselves along with our family commitments.

WHAT GIVES YOUR PRODUCT THE EDGE? Our product is a simple concept, but it addresses a very genuine problem that every single new parent faces. So it truly does make life easier with a new baby. It is also incredibly high quality, with unique selling points such as being made with supersoft bamboo fibre, snag free towelling, and a unique and practical design.

WHY SHOULD PEOPLE SHOP WITH YOU? Our products genuinely make life easier.

And they are made with great care and

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pride, so the quality is truly excellent – and has won multiple awards.

HOW DO YOU MARKET THE BUSINESS? In many different ways – and this has evolved hugely since we started with the increasing growth and differentiation of social media – which we use in great depth.

We still focus on ‘old school’ tactics of working with magazines to promote our products via articles and also via advertising, but we do also work with websites and many other online platforms to share our brand messages.

We also make sure

we regularly meet with our end customers by attending exhibitions and events, where we demonstrate our products and enjoy chatting with the people who are buying them. We learn a lot that way! It keeps us properly up to date with our target market and makes sure we don’t just assume we know best about how to reach them.

We also make sure we create really beautiful images and videos of all our products and share these as far and wide as possible – for all those people we can’t chat to at shows, we need to try and say the same things to them but via different media.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE OF THE BUSINESS? We have lots of new products joining the range so that we can offer parents lovely accessories to go along with their Cuddledry baby towels. And we are broadening our range out into swimming and travel too. We are

working in more and more countries which is hugely exciting, and we are building the Cuddledry brand as the real brand of choice for bathtime, swim and beach towels around the world.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE MY CHILD READERS TO KNOW? We would encourage My Child readers to go for it if you have a great business idea, but to really do your market research before investing money.

With Cuddledry we have been very careful and never at any point had to put large amounts of our own money into it.

Perhaps this means it has grown more slowly, but we have avoided risk for our families, and we feel this is a very important thing if you are starting out when you have little ones too.

And beyond that – we would say go for it! It’s a great journey! www.cuddledry.com.au * www.cuddledry.com.au

FINALLY, A DIFFERENT WAY OF PARENTING!

in

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

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

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

Eu ro

pe No.1 , ov er best 50 0,0 selle 00 r cop ie

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J ESPER JUU L june 2015 | mychild

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HEALTH

PROMOTION 138

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Tooth Fairy EVER HEARD THAT CAVITIES IN BABY TEETH DON’T MATTER? OR THAT BABY TEETH FALL OUT SO THERE’S NO NEED TO LOOK AFTER THEM?

O

ral-B spokesperson and ADA dentist, Dr Chris Ho, busts a series of common myths around looking after your child’s baby teeth, explains why parents should be looking after them and the best ways to do it.

MYTH: Baby teeth are going to fall out, so there’s no need to look after them FACT: The health of your child’s baby teeth can also affect the health of their adult teeth, so it’s important that you make time to look after them. Leaving dental decay in a baby tooth does not only have the potential to cause your child pain, abscess and swelling, but can also affect the adult tooth developing underneath. Baby teeth also act as natural space maintainers for the permanent teeth, so losing one too early due to tooth decay can cause crowding when their adult teeth start to appear, requiring orthodontics later on. Early

loss of baby teeth can also have negative consequences on speech development, your child’s self-confidence and social interaction.

If you find it difficult to get your child to brush for the full two minutes, you could try using the Disney Magic Timer app by Oral-B. When you scan any of the Oral-B Stages toothbrushes or toothpastes with a smart device, it activates a brushing timer which sees an animated toothbrush slowly reveal a Disney image after two minutes. The app contains a variety of images to keep kids guessing which character will appear at the end of their brushing session.

MYTH: My child doesn’t need to floss until their adult teeth come through FACT: I always advocate regular flossing with my patients and children are no exception.

Similar to adult teeth, when baby teeth are touching, plaque left between teeth that

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HOW MANY BABY TEETH AND ADULT TEETH ARE THERE AND WHEN DO THEY COME IN? Children have one set of 20 baby (primary) teeth used in early development. (See illustration below.)

These are generally replaced by a second set of 32 larger permanent teeth.

By the age of 6-10 months most infants cut their first tooth. By 10 months to 3 years, infants, toddlers and preschoolers continue to get their lower, then upper primary teeth starting in the center of the mouth and working backwards. By 3 years of age, most of a child’s 20 primary teeth are in. By the age of 5-6 years children begin to shed their primary teeth and permanent teeth begin to erupt. By 12-13 years, most baby teeth have been shed and almost all permanent teeth are in.

WHAT ARE TEETH MADE OF? Teeth are made of a bonelike substance called dentin. The portion of the tooth that is visible in the mouth is called the crown, which is covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body.

Teeth fall into 3 categories: incisors, which are made for cutting food, aiding speech and appearance. Behind the incisors are the cuspids, which are for ripping and tearing food, guiding the lower jaw in its movements and protecting the other teeth from wear. In the back you’ll find molars, which have a flatter surface for grinding food.

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cannot be reached with a toothbrush will eventually form cavities. Flossing in between your child’s baby teeth can prevent cavities from forming in these areas and also help reduce bad breath. If you introduce flossing into your child’s routine early on, it will instil good oral health habits which they will continue as they get older.

MYTH: I don’t need to take my child to the dentist until they have adult teeth FACT: It’s important to look after your child’s baby teeth even though they’re going to fall out, so regular visits to the dentist will ensure that any potential issues are identified early.

It’s also a good idea for your child to get to know their dentist to help allay any fears which may develop later on, or in the case of a dental emergency, as the familiarity will help ease anxieties.

MYTH: Manual toothbrushes are just as good as power brushes FACT: As long as your child brushes twice daily for two minutes each time using a good technique, manual toothbrushes will do a great job of thoroughly cleaning your teeth and tongue. From my experience however, I find children often struggle with the necessary attention span to brush for the full dentistrecommended two minutes and find it tricky to brush the hard to reach places. This is where power brushes are a great help as they do a lot of the hard work for you, and many link to a timer so you can be sure that your child has cleaned their teeth for long enough.

MYTH: Only adults should use power brushes FACT: Nowadays, new advancements in the market mean you can actually purchase a power brush for your child. To get your child used to using power toothbrushes early on, the

Oral-B Stages range offers a great choice of Disney themed power brushes designed specifically for children that make brushing that little bit more fun. As they get older, teenagers can switch to models such as the which come with a wireless SmartGuide to ensure they’re brushing their teeth properly.

The guide helps to monitor excessive brushing by signalling when they are brushing too hard and also features the handy timer.

MYTH: Only the sugar in sweets, cakes, fizzy drinks and chocolate is bad for their teeth FACT: While all these foods are indeed bad for your child’s teeth, healthier options such as dried fruit, fruit juice and honey contain natural sugars that soften tooth material and dissolve the minerals in enamel, causing holes or erosion. It’s important therefore to limit the amount of sugary foods that they eat, and if they’re drinking fruit juice, make sure they use a straw.

Dairy foods like cheese and yoghurt are a good option for helping to regulate the acidity caused by the sugary treats that young ones often like to eat, and they’re also easy items to pack into a lunch box. educe bad breath. If you introduce flossing into your child’s routine early on, it will instil good oral health habits which they will continue as they get older.

MYTH: I don’t need to take my child to the dentist until they have adult teeth FACT: It’s important to look after your child’s baby teeth even though they’re going to fall out, so regular visits to the dentist will ensure that any potential issues are identified early.

It’s also a good idea for your child to get to know their dentist to help allay any fears which may develop later on, or in the case of a dental emergency, as the familiarity will help ease anxieties.

MYTH: Manual toothbrushes are just as good as power brushes FACT: As long as your child brushes twice daily for two minutes each time using a good technique, manual toothbrushes will do a great job of thoroughly cleaning your teeth and tongue. From my experience however, I find children often struggle with the necessary attention span to brush for the full dentistrecommended two minutes and find it tricky to brush the hard to reach places. This is where power brushes are a great help as they do a lot of the hard work for you, and many link to a timer so you can be sure that your child has cleaned their teeth for long enough.

MYTH: Only adults should use power brushes FACT: Nowadays, new advancements in the market mean you can actually purchase a power brush for your child. To get your child used to using power toothbrushes early on, the Oral-B Stages range offers a great choice of Disney themed power brushes designed specifically for children that make brushing that little bit more fun.

MYTH: Only the sugar in sweets, cakes, fizzy drinks and chocolate is bad for their teeth FACT: While all these foods are indeed bad for your child’s teeth, healthier options such as dried fruit, fruit juice and honey contain natural sugars that soften tooth material and dissolve the minerals in enamel, causing holes or erosion. It’s important therefore to limit the amount of sugary foods that they eat, and if they’re drinking fruit juice, make sure they use a straw. Dairy foods like cheese and yoghurt are a good option for helping to regulate the acidity caused by the sugary treats that young ones often like to eat, and they’re also easy items to pack into a lunch box. * june 2015 | mychild

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NEWS

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GIVE THE GIFT OF SPEECH Speech pathologist Dr Elise Baker said many parents worry about their children’s speech, but reading together is an easy and effective way to focus on improving speech and language skills.

“Reading together gives children the opportunity to hear speech sounds in words, to talk about new words and meanings and to have conversations about ideas, feelings and events – all of which are critical to communication development,” said Dr Baker.

Dr Baker and Dr Natalie Munro from the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Health Sciences studied book reading interactions between parents and children and found the way parents read with their children was the most important factor influencing the development of speech and language skills.

“It’s not about the quantity of books read, but about the quality of the interaction,” said Dr Munro.

“It’s the conversation that happens between the pages of the book that turns book reading into a real learning experience.”

Expert tips on using story time to develop your child’s speech and language skills: Spend quality time reading with your children It takes time to read with your kids. Parents shouldn’t rush through the book from front to back, you need to give children the chance to make comments about what they see and think.

Encourage interaction If your child points to the text, read the word aloud and talk about the letter sounds that make up the word.

Stop and summarise Define any new words that your child may be unfamiliar with and check in to see how much your child understands.

Ask good questions Open-ended questions are a great way to actively engage children.

Begin with simple questions like “what’s happening here?” or “what can you see?” and then move onto more challenging ones like “what do you think will happen next?”.

Choose books that focus on your kids’ problem areas If your child is having difficulty pronouncing the “k” sound and says “tar” or “dar” for the word “car,” read loads of books about cars, cows, castles, kings or kangaroos.

“With so many children’s books on the market it can be hard to know what to choose, but the best book is the one that is read together,” said Dr Baker.

If you are concerned about your child’s speech, language or communication skills, seek the advice of your local speech pathologist

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SHOPPING

BIG KIDS

DECOFOAM RAINBOW FISH Unleash your creativity and decorate these foam fish. Put aside some time to have a crafty fun day during the holidays. Each pack comes with 20 fish, making it perfect for a rainy day, and will keep little ones occupied for a while.

They can use these wonderful fish to make birthday presents for the whole family.

Decofoam Fish measures 12 x 8cm.

There is an activity sheet included. Contents may vary but that makes it even more fun, each pack will make 20 fish. $26.29 from Clever Patch.

NEVER BE WITHOUT A HAIRBAND AGAIN! Cintas are snag free, drag free and ouchless elastics for your hair. Hairbands designed to comfortably twist and hold your hair, wear them on your wrist.

Join the Cintas Club and they will deliver hand selected Cintas products straight to your door each month. Each delivery will contain a mix of Cintas products that will equal $12-$16 in value.

You will always get hairbands, but we may also include headbands, or other fun new products like shoelaces! We LOVE fun surprises! and we love hassle free shopping! $60.00 for 6 months

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JUMPING JACK Catch him to win!

This super cool bunny has planted a carrot garden around his hill. The only way to get him to jump off the hill is to pick the right carrot.

The youngest player starts by flicking the spinner to see how many carrots to pull from Jack’s bunny hill. Play will continue until pulling out the carrot that makes Jack jump. Catch him to win!

Suitable for ages 4 and up. 2-4 players. RRP $34.99

DINO MEAL

LIGHTENING SPEED

Get the eggs before the Dino gets you!

This hungry Dino has an eggstraordinary appetite! Roll the die to choose which stolen dinosaur egg to rescue first.

Then carefully reach in and take out the egg, but watch out! You never know when this intimidating Dino might leap out at you for his next Dino Meal. For ages 4 and up. 2-4 players. .

Requires 2 AA batteries (not included).

RRP $34.99.

Fire this baby up and see some blistering, dare-devil driving at it’s best!

A classic Racing Car wooden toy kit to put the imagination in top gear! This educational toy allows for your child to take the lead in doing the construction.

Your input will vary depending upon the age and skills of your child.

Each kit includes: pre-cut components with pre-drilled nail holes for safe, easy hammering (no sore thumbs!) and all nails, screws, wheels and axles. Designed and made in Australia from sustainable timber and only $36.00

AHOY THERE Welcome aboard the Cooper Pirate Ship playset from Krooom! Raise the anchor and set sail for endless imaginative play for any young lad or lass.

Complete with pirate figures for both boys and girls, every detail is carefully designed to provide hours of fun & imaginative play. The ship even has a secret cell where the kids can store their haul and hide their treasure box.

The entire range being classified as 100% recyclable, and using at least 60% post consumer paper for the construction of each product..

The Krooom Pirate Ship Playset retails at $49.95 and is available from www.thestorknest.com.au.

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PRESCHOOL

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10 Ways to Teach Your Child About the Seasons THE PERFECT WAY TO INTRODUCE A VARIETY OF SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS WHILE HAVING FUN ALONG THE WAY

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s kids grow and explore, they’re sure to become curious about weather and to notice melting snow, warming air, and other signs of the changing seasons.

For a young child, the gradual shift from one season to another can be a difficult concept to grasp.

Experiencing seasons with your child should be an exploration, not an explicit science lesson. “I think parents get a little worried about their own knowledge in science,” says

Kimberly Brenneman, assistant research professor at Rutgers University with the National Institute on Early Education Research. “Don’t let fear stop you from exploring.”

The science of seasons includes lots of observation, outdoor exploration, and flat-out fun—for parents and kids alike. Get started with these 10 ideas from Brenneman and San Francisco Exploratorium teacher in residence Marilyn Austin.

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Keep a Science Journal. Once a week or once a month, go outside with your child and draw what you see.

Focus on things that are tangible: the leaves on the trees, people’s clothing, jobs that people are doing, animals and plants.

The process of recording will strengthen his observation skills. Another journal option: focus on recording what happens to one deciduous tree in your backyard or on your street.

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Take a Sensory Walk. Walk around your neighbourhood, or travel to a nearby park or forest preserve.

As you walk, stop and watch, listen, smell, touch, and even taste.

As you explore, expand your child’s vocabulary by asking questions. Is the temperature cold or freezing? Hot or boiling?

Does the air taste fresh or damp? Do you feel rain, hail, or mist?

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Taste the Seasons. Once each season, go to a local farmer’s market and choose only fruits and vegetables that are in season. What kind of foods can you eat in each season? Which season is the most delicious?

Make a recipe book, complete with photos of the food you made, to document your tasty year.

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Celebrate Firsts. On your family calendar, mark the day when your child has to wear a sweater because it’s getting colder, or the first day of summer when she can wear her bathing suit.

Mark the first day it’s hot enough to eat ice cream outside, and the first day she really enjoys hot chocolate.

By the end of the year, your child will have calendar full of firsts!

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Seasonable Fashion. Introduce the idea of temperature by recording what your child wears alongside the temperature.

Once a week during a changing season, such as from winter to spring, record the temperature and what he’s wearing.

Then talk about the trend you see. As the temperature got higher, how did his clothing change?

As the season changes from summer to fall, you can repeat the activity and talk about what happens to our clothing as the temperature drops.

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Study Sunlight. As days get longer, says Brenneman, kids should discuss why we protect ourselves from the sun.

On a sunny afternoon, put a piece of coloured paper in direct sunlight, and another piece under a cover.

After a few hours, look at both pieces and discuss what happened.

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Create a Weather Tracker. Buy a calendar that you can dedicate to tracking weather.

Each day, draw the weather on the calendar.

Let your child come up with symbols for sunny, rainy, cloudy, snowy, and other types of weather (misty, foggy).

At the end of each month, count the number of sunny, rainy, or cloudy days.

Talk about what kind of weather you see during each season.

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Bulb Study. Choose a flower, like tulips, that will bloom in early spring.

Take one bulb apart so your child can observe the little roots and the beginning of a flower’s stem.

Plant the rest in your backyard. Record what happens through winter and into spring.

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Animal Spotting. Use binoculars to watch animals as the seasons change.

Observe birds migrating south.

Or watch birds building nests in springtime.

Books like Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson, Hibernation Station by Michelle Meadows, and Home for a Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown will help start a conversation about what animals do in different seasons.

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Leaf Walk. During autumn, collect different kinds of leaves and sort them by how they feel, or their color or shape. Austin recommends making a poster board with different shapes so kids can match leaves with ovals, circles, squares, and triangles.

As you move through your child’s first experiences with seasons, don’t worry about explaining the scientific explanations.

Instead, focus on the tangible observations.

“Science,” says Brenneman, “is as simple as taking a walk around your neighborhood and helping kids extend their curiosity.”

We had so many experiences meeting new people, we may forget how hard it can be for our kids to put themselves out there and talk to people they do not know.

We may not give a second thought to a situation where we need to make a new friend if a best friend is absent, but this may feel like a huge deal to our young child.

Supplied by www.education.com

early learning lands in Bondi... specialist preschool programs

In Australia, the seasons are defined by grouping the calendar months in the following way: Spring - the three transition months September, October and November. Summer - the three hottest months December, January and February. Autumn - the transition months March, April and May.

hiiq.com.au june 2015 | mychild e:info@hiiq.com.au | mobile:0421 711 622 * 149

PRESCHOOL

Stimulating Preschool Children MADELINE MITCHELL, OWNER OF HI IQ, CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CENTRE OFFERS SOME INVALUABLE TIPS TO KEEP LITTLE ONES MENTALLY ALERT

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s we approach the second half of the year, you may start to notice that your preschool child is becoming restless at home and at preschool/day care. They might be due to start ‘big school’ next year and

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you’re starting to ask yourself the question ‘maybe I should have sent them this year’ because they seem ready now and have learnt so much in the last couple of months. Rest assured it is perfectly normal for preschool

aged children to start acting restless and bored in the second half of the year, especially if they are about to take the leap from preschool to kindergarten.

Children love and need routines, even in their learning. However when these routines become too predictable and ‘easy’, that’s when kids start to act restless and they may even misbehave.

Preschoolers, like all children, need to be challenged and stimulated in their learning environment. They need to see purpose and value in the activities they are completing.

Finding the balance between what is too easy and what is too hard is always the challenge.

But how much is too much?

Parents are often concerned that if they teach their children too much before Kindergarten they might be too far ahead of the rest of the class. The important thing to remember is that children learn according to their own abilities and desires.

Every child will start school at their own level and ability. It is up to the classroom teacher to cater for the needs of every child in the classroom.

If your child is showing signs of wanting to learn, is asking questions and is eager, then this means that they are ready for more stimulating and challenging tasks. No matter how old your child is, if they are eager to learn then they are ready to be taught and this should be nurtured!

Here are some helpful ways to support your preschoolers education at home and while you’re out and about.

• Read, read, read! All kinds of children’s books! Reading is the most important learning task you can do with your child and it’s a great bonding opportunity! Talk about the title and the front of the book, turn the pages and talk about the illustrations. Make predictions about what

the story will be about. Point to the words as you read. Ask your child to retell the story in their own words.

• Make a picture book.

• Copy forms, draw lines and shapes, trace over pictures and complete a ‘dot to dot’.

There are so many free resources like this on the internet.

• Visual discrimination ­spot the difference activities are great and will lead to better understanding of letter and word recognition.

• Alphabet recognition and matching uppercase and lowercase letters.

• Make alphabet letters out of playdough ­ excellent for fine motor development.

• Sing nursery rhymes and say poems!

Learning words that rhyme is a foundational skill that will help develop vocabulary and further down the track will assist with spelling.

• Read/recognise familiar signs in the neighbourhood. This develops recognition of high frequency words such as ‘stop’, ‘boys’, ‘girls’, ‘one way’, ‘open’.

• Name parts of the body.

• Count and match objects to numerals ­ dominos are fantastic.

• Recognise times in the day e.g. morning, afternoon and evening.

• Strengthen concepts of opposites e.g. big/ little, full/empty, tall/short, thick/thin.

• Use scissors.

• Match colours and name shapes.

• Visit the local library.

• Practice writing your name w ­ hite boards with thick textas are great and kids will love it!

Learning does not mean just sitting down with pencil and paper, learning is contextual, engaging and most importantly, it should be fun!!!

For more great ideas or to find out about our School Readiness Programs for preschoolers, visit www.hiiq.com.au* june 2015 | mychild

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FAMILY

HOW TO... MANAGE MEALTIMES MANAGING MEALTIME MAYHEM CAN BE A CHALLENGE, ESPECIALLY WITH YOUNG CHILDREN, BUT IT DOES GET EASIER AS THEY GET OLDER AND YOU HAVE A WELL-ESTABLISHED ROUTINE. JO TURNER HAS SOME GUIDELINES TO FOLLOW

SET MEAL TIMES

ESTABLISH A ROUTINE

Decide on what works for your family and agree on a dinner time, then stick to it! Try to make sure every member of family can be there at least 3-4 times a week.

For most families between 6–7pm seems to work best; however, you may need to be flexible with this as your kids get a little older – just make the commitment to getting together at mealtimes!

Make sure you establish a sit-down mealtime routine including setting and clearing the table, and allocate tasks so your child can feel engaged.

Remove all distractions – turn off the TV and the radio, and do not allow books, toys and games at the table. Have regular meal and snack times and stick to them – young children respond well to routines.

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SET MEALTIME LIMITS Set a reasonable time limit for each meal (say 20–30 minutes). This may change as your children get older.

If your children have not eaten after this time, then the food is removed. So when the time for the meal is up, clear the table whether the meal has been eaten or not. DO NOT say anything to your child other than ‘the meal is over’ in a calm, controlled voice. Don’t worry, they won’t starve – they will soon learn to eat when the meal is in front of them.

LIMIT FOOD PORTIONS Give small portions of food, an amount you are sure your child can eat. You can always give them more. Then praise your child for eating or attempting to eat all their meal.

Do not make your child ‘clean the plate’ as my mother used to!

In my experience parents expect young children to eat far more than they are actually capable of.

INITIATE CONVERSATIONS Try not to converse with another adult for longer than a few minutes at a time. Include your children in conversations and talk about things that interest them. Here are some examples: Ask each family member to talk about their day – what happened? Where did they go and who did they see?

Take the time to share family stories of things that happened in the past. Use mealtimes as an opportunity to praise your child for their good behaviour during the day, and teach your child how to expect them to behave at mealtimes.

ESTABLISH THE RULES Agree as a family what the ‘rules of behaviour’ should be and write them down if necessary.

This will hold everyone accountable, and your child will enjoy being involved in the process.

Be consistent in enforcing the mealtime ‘rules

of behaviour’ and remember that ALL adults eating with the child at meal-times need to enforce (and obey) the rules. So make sure you pass them on to extended family members.

When your child gets better at following your family mealtime rules, make sure you praise them for the effort and co-operation.

GIVE PRAISE Make sure you praise your child when they behave well throughout the meal – for example: using their utensils correctly (which is a skill that can take some time) and sitting up nicely while eating, or even staying in their seat, which can also be challenging. Praise is the best way to teach your child what behaviours are appropriate and what behaviours please you.

CONTROL SNACKS Do not allow your child to fill up on snacks just before a meal, as they will not be hungry at mealtime. When you do give snacks make sure they have some nutritional value, rather than junk food that may be convenient but not necessarily the best choice. Try giving them fruit, pre-prepared vegetable sticks, cheese and crackers, bread or even toast. This will also help teach good eating habits.

If you make the mealtime later, say to accommodate a sporting practice or because the kids are older and stay up longer, then you will need to offer a snack at the earlier time so they can enjoy the family meal without feeling starved. It’s all about establishing a routine.

BE PATIENT You will need to be very patient and try to maintain a good sense of humour – all this takes time. Sometimes it becomes a matter of the parents being able to wait longer than the child, so hang in there! Your persistence and patience will pay off !* june 2015 | mychild

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PRESCHOOL

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THE PERKS OF PLAYDATES BESIDES A COUPLE HOURS OF FUN, THERE ARE SOME DEFINITE PERKS OF GOING ON A PLAYDATE FOR BOTH MUM AND CHILD.

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ife with a toddler is full of surprises, but one thing is certain: Somewhere amid the endless cycle of diaper changes, nap negotiations, and singing silly songs to keep your darling amused, you will crave adult conversation. And guess what? Your tot could use a new social circle, too. Playdates give your child a new environment to observe and the chance to babble alongside another little person.

GETTING UNSTUCK Ever wonder if your toddler is part Velcro, perpetually stuck to your side? Going on a playdate gives him a chance to explore a new location with new stimuli (including a critter just his size and a bucket of new-to-him toys), which, in turn, can inspire him to enter the play zone and thereby loosen his grip on you.

MORPHING FROM ONE-MAN-BAND TO DELIGHTFUL DUET Put two toddlers in a room and chances are they’ll play independently. That’s called parallel play, and it’s quite normal at this stage of development, so don’t stress if your tot prefers to play solo even as a potential playmate sits three feet away. Remember, your tot doesn’t know he’s on a playdate — he’s just doing what comes naturally. Once the get-togethers become more routine, it’s likely the budding buddies will eventually find their way toward each other. You can always help them get started with these tasty toddler snack ideas or fun playdate activities.

COMPLETING A TRIAL RUN If you’re thinking about putting your little one into a preschool program for the first

time, playdates for toddlers (or playgroups for toddlers) are a great way to test the social waters. Your child can gradually get his feet wet rather than just plunging in. He’ll also experience his first (tough) lessons in how to share and take turns, two essentials for getting along in preschool (and in life).

PLAYING TEACHER Playdates are a great opportunity for kids to observe, acquire, and try out new social skills.

Besides sharing and taking turns, playdates for toddlers offer lots of teachable moments, including basic etiquette (“Say thank you for the Cheerios!”) and learning how to say byebye without tears or tantrums. (You may even pick up a parenting trick or two by watching your fellow mum in action.)

MAKING CONNECTIONS Need to find a clown for your tot’s upcoming birthday bash? Not thrilled with your pediatrician? Dying to dish about the latest episode of Mad Men? Going on a playdate gives you a chance to bond with a fellow parent in your neighborhood. Plus, it’s cool to hang out with someone who totally gets why those new spill-proof sippy cups make your heart skip a beat.

While playdates for toddlers have many pros for you and your child, don’t get sucked into playdate pressure. If you’re a working parent with a hectic schedule, or have other children to attend to, playdates may not be high on your to-do list — and that’s okay.

Remember, going on a playdate is all about fun and friendship, no strings attached.

Supplied by whattoexpect.com

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TIPS

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mychild | june 2015

TIPS FOR HEADING BACK TO WORK SEEK CHANGE AMBASSADOR, KATE JAMES, HAS CREATED SOME HINTS AND TIPS FOR PARENTS CONSIDERING HEADING BACK TO WORK, TO PREPARE EMOTIONALLY AND INTELLECTUALLY AND PROGRESS AND SUCCEED IN THEIR ROLES.

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reparing to leave your child at home and head back to work is daunting for any new parent.

A combination of worries rush through the minds of new mums and dads: How am I going to wake up at 6am after having no sleep?

How will I manage if I have to stay back at work? Will I still be as relevant in my job, as when I left? SEEK Learning found these concerns were common among new parents who were soon to re-enter the workforce.

If you’re feeling discontented about heading back to work, try applying these steps and reflect on what you want and how you are going to get it: Utilise your contacts Even if you haven’t worked in years, it is important to stay in touch with former colleagues and managers. Send a few emails and make some phone calls to old workmates.

These people can update you on the workplace and industry movements. It will also show your professional network you are passionate and enthusiastic about your career.

Ensure you have the right skills Upskilling may be the only thing preventing you from feeling comfortable in your role once you’re back at work. Consider honestly your skills and knowledge gaps, as well as your professional strengths and weaknesses. Once you’ve discovered any skills

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gaps, look for a relevant course that fits with your family schedule. You may like to talk to your workplace about what industry courses they feel would be best, or alternatively discuss with a SEEK Learning consultant to find out which courses are best for your career goals and lifestyle commitments.

After having time away from the workforce, you may have realised a new passion or career journey. Further education could help you advance your opportunities in this new career path.

Build up your resume Unpaid work can be a great way to build up your resume and show you have been active while on leave. Consider volunteering, either self-organised or via sites such as SEEK Volunteer which offer hundreds of volunteer options. Either way, volunteering allows you to both support the community and make connections before jumping back into full time work.

Be patient Full time employment is a great goal, but don’t rush into it. Considering a part time role might make for an easier transition from being a full-time parent to heading back in to the workforce.

It may take a while, but persistence, and keeping positive on the journey, are key. Hold your head high, smile, and keep sight of your end goal of a balanced career and family life.*

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IN MY VIEW

10 Easy Steps to Build a Thriving Business from Home IT IS THE AUSTRALIAN DREAM FOR MANY PEOPLE. QUIT YOUR JOB, STOP WORKING FOR THE MAN AND BE YOUR OWN BOSS.

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ou will get more money, more time and more freedom to do thing things you want. You will work your own hours, never have to put up with colleagues stealing your lunch from the tearoom fridge and hey, you can even work in your pyjamas.

Then you actually take the plunge and if you are like the majority of business owners, your life changes forever. This was me a few short years ago. Full of confidence, passion and determination to not only start a business from home, but to make it a huge success.

It wasn’t easy. In fact, at times it was really hard. Long hours, little reward and certainly no time to do things I wanted to such as travel and spend more time with my young family.

Fast-forward four years and the picture is very different. We have just celebrated our first 7-figure year and my husband now works with me in the business after being able to quit his management job a little over 2 years ago.

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My business is everything I wanted it to be and more and now I am able to help other business owners create the lives they desire through running their own business.

Here are my 10 Steps to Build a Thriving Business From Home: Have a Plan I love the saying, ‘If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.’ I see so many people full of passion and enthusiasm jump into starting their own business without having any plans on what or how the business will operate. The have not set any goals, timelines or contingency plans for when things might get tough. You must spend some time getting clear on how your business will make money and what action steps you will need to take.

Get Help Business isn’t a solo act. I had a mentor/ coach from day one even though I couldn’t afford it. I didn’t know what I had to do so as a

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result of step one, having a plan, I understood the importance of having someone who has been successful in starting a business in my corner. So get a mentor and do what they tell you.

Be Consistent You must take consistent action in your business for it to be a success. No matter what time you can commit to your business, make sure that each week you are putting that in as a minimum. There is no point being all or nothing. 80 hours one week and then nothing the next week is a recipe for failure.

Get Your Partner or Family Support I was lucky that I had a supportive husband who could see my vision for our family yet even still it took him some time to come on board. I now know that I should’ve spent more time talking to him about my wins and challenges and asked for his opinion to make him feel included. Always keep the lines of communication open.

Set Boundaries I made the mistake early in business that I would be available to my clients 24/7. What I didn’t know is how that would put pressure on me to never be able to switch off even at night.

You can’t be everything to everyone so make sure that you set your hours that you are available and when you are in mum/partner/ friend mode.

Tell People What You Are Doing Don’t assume that your friends and family won’t be interested in what you are doing. They will often be your biggest supporters and actively tell their friends how great you are at what you do. It also practices your muscle in selling yourself with your BBQ Speak or Pitch.

Get Out From Behind Your Computer Most new business owners tend to get so caught up in making sure their branding looks great, their website is perfect and waste so much valuable time getting out there and

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meeting people. I attended at least 2 networking events every week in my first 2 years of business so my network grew very quickly.

Get on Social Media It can be tough in the early days on Social Media when you seem to be talking to yourself.

This is when most people give up. Following Step 3’s motto of being consistent, regular interaction and value adding on your business profile or page and LinkedIn will soon see you being seen by more people.

Keep Learning If you are not good at a certain part of your business, whether it is sales or marketing, make sure you invest in your education on those subjects.

There is so much free information available so even if you can’t invest financially with a professional in those areas; you can at least get better at doing it yourself.

Do What Makes You Uncomfortable I have a belief that my success came from getting out of my comfort zone and taking action even when I didn’t feel like it. Speaking in front of groups, doing webinars and workshops in the beginning wasn’t easy or comfortable but if I hadn’t done it, who knows where I would’ve ended up. Certainly not as a 5 time author, AusMumpreneur finalist 2014 and mentor to clients Australia wide.*

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Natasa Denman is a skilled business coach and mentor, author of five best-selling books, and founder of The Ultimate 48 Hour Author. Within her mentoring program she guides time-poor entrepreneurs and business owners through the publishing process so that they can have their own story in print. For more information visit www. natasadenman.com the first two people to email Natasa at natasa@natasadenman.com.au will also receive a free copy of her latest book, ‘Natasa Denman reveals... 1000 Days to a Million Dollar Coaching Business From Home’

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“A BABY WILL MAKE LOVE STRO LONGER, BANKROLL SMALLER, H SHABBIER, THE PAST FORGOTTEN LIVING FOR.”—

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ONGER, DAYS SHORTER, NIGHTS HOME HAPPIER, CLOTHES N, AND THE FUTURE WORTH ANONYMOUS

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