AUSTRALIA’S BEST PREGNANCY, BABY & PARENTING MAGAZINE ISSUE 46
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A to Z OF
BABY SLEEP
How to know IF YOUR BABY IS
GETTING ENOUGH BREAST MILK
THE PROS AND CONS ON co-sleeping 1
Essential ITEMS FOR YOUR HOSPITAL BAG
Home Birth IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?
Meet the suburban mum who became a mercenary in Iraq
mychild | july 2015ENOUGH TO KISS / / AND BABY MAKES FOUR // FASHION * CLOSE
“My baby is going to have a great body because I drink milk formula ensuring we both get all the calcium that we need for strong bones.�
As a mother you want the very best future for your baby and that future starts with you. Oz Farm Pregnant Mother Formula is formulated with 19 essential vitamins and minerals to help your baby grow and develop. In addition, the milk formula is reduced in fat, it contains only 2% of healthy fats to support appropriate weight gain and to provide valuable nutrients. Avilable at Priceline and Terry White Pharmacy
Oz Farm is a registered trademark. Distributed by Park , ABN 5916247837. 120 Frankston 2Australian mychildDairy | july 2015 Gardens Drive, Carrum Downs Melbourne VIC 3201
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www.ozfarmhealth.com.au
SAM REES-JONES
Editor’s column Twelve months ago, My Child Magazine went from being a printed magazine to a free monthly This adorable alligator is digital mag, the made from response from you, the scratch.$29.95 from reader has been overwhelming! Oxfam With the weekly competitions, social media following, the growing readership, it has proved to be a phenomenal success and embraced by all. The wonderful thing is we are now able to really engage with you, and find out what you want when you want. Over the past few months, we have been speaking to some incredible people and one of these amazing women is Neryl Joyce, she has a career that many of us can only imagine or would rather not! When you look at her you see suburban soccer mum, but underneath her immaculate façade is a woman who has experienced and endured a career many hardened men could not deal with. Her story is inspiring and uplifting. Hope you enjoy this July issue and please send us any feedback, we appreciate it all.
Sa m Sa m
Our July cover was photographed by Amanda Gulser of Jelly Baby Photography in Melbourne. Amanda specialises in beautiful creative newborn photography and you can contact her on 0457 009 997 or by emailing amanda@jellybabyphotography.com.au
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COVER 28 33 40 46 55
103 Uppy mummy Mercenary Mum How to carry little ones with ease Meet the suburban mum who became a 112 Handcrafted mercenary in Iraq Meet Mather Ely, creator of the All Yes we can Innocence Collection Bracelets Our winning story from Joo-Inn Chew 123 Have you been Piccolo’d Pack your Bags Sarah Cichy talks to My Child Magazine Know what to pack for hospital Hush little baby PROFILE A to Z on babies sleeping patterns 28 Mercenary Mum Is your baby getting enough Suburban mum who became a How to know if your baby is getting mercenary in Iraq breast milk 33 Yes we can The winning story from Joo-Inn Chew
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14 Editors Picks 12 Best in Web 16 My 5 favourites Alexandra Dickson Leach from Bloom and Grow shares her five favourite things 18 Perfectly packed Fun innovative gear for families on the go
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BABY 40 Pack your Bags Know what to pack for hospital 44 Vit D may make your childbirth less painful 46 And the little one said roll over A to Z on babies sleeping patterns 51 The great co-sleeping divide The pros and cons on co-sleeping
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55 Is your baby getting enough How to know if your baby is getting breast milk 59 What about dad? How dads can get involved in feeding babies 62 Close enough to kiss Baby wearing guidelines to help you 67 The well baby
FAMILY 68 And baby makes four How to cope with a new baby and a toddler 73 Cut out the cheese Secrets and tips to photographing children 79 Shopping Pregnancy and birth 80 What we love Loads of labels 82 News Baby and Toddler 86 Shopping Baby and Toddler
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My Darkest Parent days How far can a mother be pushed
WELLNESS 194 1,2,3 squeeze The how, why and when of pelvic floor exercises
FASHION 96 108
Winter fun Keep warm and toasty Cooking Delicious winter recipes
PRESCHOOL AND BIG KIDS 90 Late night visitors Why children wake up at night 114 One fish, two fish Some tips to help pre-schooler with maths 115 BUZZZZZZZZZ Why we need to talk to our kid about the bees 118 Kids drink more soda after divorce Why do children drink more soda?
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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 NERYL JOYCE, JOO-INN CHEW, HUSHAMOK AND PINKY MCKAY. MATER MOTHERS, JOANNA MOORHEAD, LAURA MULLIGAN, MADELINE MITCHELL, BIANCA C. ROSS 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. july 2015 | mychild
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EDITOR’S PICKS ALL KINDS OF PRODUCTS CROSS SAM’S DESK EACH DAY. HERE ARE A FEW OF HER FAVOURITES
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Wiggle worm with this Caterpillar Gown set from Baby Moo’s. $32.41 Uh oh! It’s time to visit that old friend again, Mr Naughty seat! The Contemporary home. $63.24 Simple but mirthful style these animal bookends suit a child’s bedroom A Zunty Elephant from Top3 by design/ $85.00 Draw beautiful patterns with DaWanda. $49.41 It lights up room when is turn on or off from www. Exodus.com $110.00 Cheeky Tricky Moskito from www.Carlin.co.nz in New Zealand. POA You will love our Make Your Own Designer Bag kit from the Huckleberry Store.$19.95
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Sleep with greater peace of mind
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Oricom’s Babysense2 – the next level of care. • Included as a medical device on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG No. 97479). • Babysense2 continually monitors the breathing movement rate of your baby. • The control unit connects to sensor pads placed under your baby’s mattress. • An audible alarm is activated if your baby's breathing movement slows to a rate of less than 10 breaths per minute, or cannot be detected for more than 20 seconds.
When used in conjucntion with the Secure 850 digital video baby monitor with motorised pan-tilt camera, BabysenseTM2 offers the ultimate in peace of mind. ®
Connecting you now.
* BS2SC850 Includes Babysense2 Infant Breathing Movement Monitor and Secure850 Video Monitor. Babysense2 is intended for use as an Infant Apnoea Alarm. ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND USER GUIDE, USE ONLY AS DIRECTED.
www.oricom.com.au july 2015 | mychild
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MY CHILD PROMOTION
THE BEST IN WEBSIT
SHOPPING ONLINE FOR PREGNANCY, BABY AND KIDS’ GE
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> JUST FOR MUMS TOTAL BAG ENVY
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> 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
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> 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
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A nappy to take bub from newborn to toddler, the pikapu nappy’s original design is all you need
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Tiny Tribe - Australia’s new online destination for fashionable baby and kids clothing. For 0-3
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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
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> SMART INTERIORS THE LITTLE KIDz CLOSET thelittlekidzcloset.com.au The little kids closet- Ingeriors for the modern child. Furniture -Bedding-Decor.
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$10 OFF
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MEMORIES
Celebrate your most important memories with your own photo books from Snapfish. Get creative and personalise every single page of your photo book. With your own photos and captions in one of othese stylish designs Select your own cover style, from soft-bound custom photo covers to hard-bound linen, leather, or custom cover photo books. snapfish.com.au
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IDEAS
BITS&BOBS
BEST BOOKS Run Tree Run This chidren’s book has eighteen vibrant illustrations of the rainforest and its animals. A gentle, wise and old tree encourages a Sugar Glider to look for a new home before the mining comes. $ 24.99 From JoJo Publishing Now I Am Bigger The day before her birthday, Annabel said: “I must have the biggest and best cake for my party!’’ Her mother, who always wanted the best for her precious Annabel, organised a special taste– test at Chef Pierre’s Chocolate Emporium. $ 24.99 From JoJo Publishing Baby Glue Six-year-old Charlotte is very excited. Her Mum and Dad are waiting the birth of a baby. Charlotte thinks a new baby in her family is like ‘baby glue’ because it brings people from all around the community together to help prepare for its arrival. $ 24.99 From JoJo Publishing
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loves We’ve all tried chocolate ice cream, but we have never tried one quite like Harry’s. It’s decadent, smooth and quite frankly, addictive. Mouth-watering, gooey, chewy brownie pieces are sprinkled throughout a premium milk chocolate ice cream. This masterpiece has then be finished off with a rich swirl of chocolate sauce distributed evenly throughout, ensuring each spoonful has triple chocolatey goodness. It’s rich, but not over the top… good luck sharing this one!
SWEET LADYBUG
The Dreambaby® Ladybug Battery Operated Night Light is sure to be loved and adored by your children each night, making bedtime a little less stressful for parents and carers! RRP $32.95. Visit the Dreambaby® web site at www. dreambaby. com.au
NEW COLLECTING CRAZE MAKES EGGS COOL FOR KIDS Getting kids to eat eggs can be a challenge; but a new craze in trading cards is not only providing a solution to this problem but is actually making eggs cool for kids. Sunny Queen Farms, one of Australia’s leading egg producers, has kick started the latest school yard craze with the launch of the first ever augmented reality collectible trading cards. Featuring a range of fun characters such as Roger Hardshell the footy star, Stacey Yolks the cheerleader and Micky Eggbeater the rock star, the limited edition cards are becoming highly sought after due to the latest animation technology that brings a select number of the cards to life on any smartphone. By simply downloading a free special app kids can activate a select number of the cards and see the characters in action. The limited edition series features a range of rare Gold cards and a revival of some of the original Sunny Queen Colleggtible sticker characters that were phenomenally successful over 45 years ago. The cards are available across a wide range of Sunny Queen egg packs in supermarkets for a limited time only. To find out more about the cards go to www. sunnyqueen. com.au/
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My favourites ALEXANDRA DICKSON LEACH, MOTHER OF 3, DIRECTOR OF BLOOM & GROW, DISTRIBUTOR OF SKIP HOP, TRUNKI, PEARHEAD AND 23 OTHER BRANDS, AND FOUNDER OF BUBBLE SHARES HER MOST TREASURED PRODUCTS.
THIS PAGE: Bubble Bamboo Dream Blankets. RRP $29.95
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My iphone 6 - sadly I would be lost without it and unable to juggle being a mother and running a business at the same time - it gives me the freedom to work on the run - just have to remember to put it down! www.store.apple.com/au Theraline - the amazing Big V pillow saved me from uncomfortable nights sleep when I was pregnant and was an excellent breast feeding pillow, and even after the babies were beyond those stages I still loved sleeping with it - my husband eventually resorted to hiding it‌. www.thestorknest.com.au Bubble wraps - I love the hand feel and the size of the product - the bamboo ones feel divine. The patterns are made by a lovely lady in the UK are so eye catching and vibrant. www.houseofbubble.com Kate Spade Handbags - for years I have been a fan - they are fabulous quality and always well designed classic with a twist. For Mothers Day this year I got from my lovely children the new flamingo design which was totally spoiling and has the tagline strut your stuff so I wear it with pride! www.katespade.com Jurlique rose hand cream - I have a tube in all my handbags and on my desk I love the way it smells jurlique.com.au
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Perfectly packed FUN, INNOVATIVE TRAVEL GEAR FOR FAMILIES ON-THE-GO july 2015 | mychild
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TRUNKI LUGGAGE IS RUGGED, FUN AND SOLVES SOME COMMON TRAVEL PROBLEMS FOR FAMILIES
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nce kids get into the toddler and preschool phase, they like to have their own things. Even the novelty of carrying their own suitcase through the airport wears off very quickly when they realizes how difficult and tiring that task can be! The perfect boredom-buster for family trips, a Trunki suitcase isn’t just a wheelie-great way to get around; it’s a toy, a perch for tired legs, a travel buddy, and so much more. Kids love riding around on Trunki suitcases using the ‘horns’ to steer, they can also pull the lightweight Trunki suitcase around by its strap or get you to give them a tow! And when they get tired – and they will (especially when just off the plane) – you can pull your child along while they are seated which means you know where they are and they haven’t left their case anywhere. This ingenious design packs an impressive amount of storage space for all their travel
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needs toys, clothes and games (and lunch) all fit inside of a Trunki suitcase. We caught up with inventor and creator of Trunki, Rob Law who is father to 16 month old Ida Ray Law. Rob is the CEO of Trunki and often to referred to as Trunki Daddy.
WHEN DID YOU LAUNCH YOUR LABEL AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU? Trunki was launched in 2006. As a regular business traveller, I made the simple observation that children get bored during journeys, particularly at airports. I initially thought of the Trunki concept while studying a BA (Hons) in Industrial Design at the University of Northumbria, and won a national luggage design competition in 1998 followed by a Princes Trust Business Start-up Award in 2003.
CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT THE TEAM? We are now 35 strong in our HQ called The Mothership in Bristol, UK. We like to think of
ourselves as a team of big kids, who are really passionate about making family traveling a breeze with our products. Job titles include chief imaginers, a graphic genius and mission commanders; everyone has a funky job title.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF SETTING UP THE LABEL? The largest challenge was the year I started trading, two months after the first stock arrived it was the height of terrorist threats, the British government decided to ban hand luggage, the very products I had just launched were now useless! The ban lasted 6 weeks! Fortunately it was just me working out of my bedroom so I was just able to weather a massive drop in sales. Another hiccup is when a few Trunki’s got beaten up by larger luggage in the hold but I sent out spare parts to consumers, so they could all be fixed and made as good as new again. Customer serves a vital role in our
business as it was experiences like this that helped exceed customer expectations.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF WORKING FOR YOURSELF? I’ve been my own boss for nine years and enjoyed almost every minute of it. In that time I’ve never had a boring day and certainly never clock watched (I struggle to leave the office on time to get home for bath time as I get so engrossed with my work). The highs are really euphoric, like winning the British small company of the year award in 2012 but the lows can knock you for six, like loosing a court battle with a copyists, you take it very personally as Trunki is my baby. Being in control (as much as you can) of your destiny is a place I really excel. I have a total holistic view of every aspect of the business which helps me develop products that not only meet the consumer needs but also tick all the boring business boxes, (like supply chain,
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ROB LAW THE TRUNKI DADDY quality and safety standards, and meeting budgets) this enables us to spend more time on developing products and prototyping so we can deliver really great award winning products and score great reviews.
waterproof swimming bags with an aquatic themed children love. Everything we create has the functionality that grown-ups value, and the personality that children adore.
HOW IS YOUR LABEL DIFFERENT TO OTHER SIMILAR LABELS?
When I stared the business, I had no money for marketing, but knew the power of PR so invested in a PR agency who gained thousands of press articles. We then adopted social media and we’ve built a really strong following on Facebook, twitter and Instagram. However the best marketing comes from providing excellent customer service and welldesigned products, which result in our ranges gaining amazing reviews and testimonials from happy parents. In turn these parents then help spread the word about their own families’ enjoyment and pleasure using our products and the stress we’ve removed from everyday adventures.
Trunki is unique and has created a new category of products for family travel. All the products invented take a category that has become commoditized with little or no innovation, where products sell only on price but offer no real functionality for parents. We ask parents about their experiences with these products and gain insights to deliver a better proposition that allows them to take their children out exploring more often. Whether reinventing children’s reins like the ToddlePak that are fast fitting which tots want to wear, (we found children’s reins had not really changed since the 70’s) to PaddlePak, our
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HOW DO YOU MARKET THE LABEL?
THE SPLASH-PROOF BACKPACK FOR LITTLE EXPLORERS! PADDLEPAK IS A WATER RESISTANT BACKPACK THAT’S PERFECT FOR FUN-FILLED DAYS OUT AND TRIPS TO THE POOL OR BEACH. WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER PARENTS WANTING TO START THEIR OWN LABEL? First off I’d like to make it clear that running a business is all consuming, in the early days it consumes all of your time, money and energy. I take my hat off to parents who started business, my daughter arrived 8 years in due to all of my focus being on building the business. My best piece of advice; you can never talk to your target customer enough, throughout product development, after launch and even several years later. Our Trunki suitcase is on its 5th version, each time we add more features or improve the design. This current MK5 has improved catches that make it easier for children to open and the whole product is made entirely of plastic making it very easy to recycle. The MK4 had 25 metal parts, screws and pins holding it together with some adhesive. We used very clever plastic engineering to completely redesign Trunki
making it easy to manufacture back in the UK and fully recycle, so todays returns can be melted down and made into new Trunkis.
THE FUTURE Currently we’re working on something BIG, launching later this year, but I can’t say any more! However we are laser focused on growing Trunki into ‘THE’ go to brand for solutions that help families explore more, the world over. Trunki Ride on Luggage retails from $59.95 and is available at www.haggusandstookles. com.au* A very bespoke Trunki which was an order from London Mayor’s Boris Johnshon, a gift for HRH Princess Charlotte. We were extremely pleased and proud to be a little part of Royal history.
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TRUE LIFE
MEET THE SUBURBAN MUM WHO BECAME A MERCENARY IN IRAQ 24
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Mercenary Mum NERYL JOYCE STARTED HER CAREER AS A TEACHER TO RISKING HER LIFE AS A HIGHLY-TRAINED BODYGUARD IN ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST DANGEROUS CITIES WARNING: This story features explicit details of sexual assault that could be distressing for some readers.
W
hen I was a kid I dreamt of growing up and saving the world, just like Luke Skywalker and Wonder Woman. I held a romantic notion that one day, I too would fight evil and make the world a safer place in which to live. Coupled with my idolisation of these fictional characters, was the hero worship I held for my father. He was an Army Infantry Officer and the most ethical and inspiring man in my life. My Dad was super cool: he taught me basic bush survival skills on family camping trips and let me do whatever my brothers did. When I turned fifteen my mother gave birth to a baby girl and that’s when I discovered a new part of my personality. I was suddenly overwhelmed with a need to protect and nurture my new little sister. My previous ambitions of saving the world from evil dictators took a back seat as I began to explore and understand what it was like to be a mini
mum. At the end of my schooling I was torn between wanting to become an early childhood teacher and working with kids, or following in my father’s footsteps to become a ‘protector’ of people in the Australian Defence Force. It’s funny how life works; I ended up doing both. I started a degree in teaching at University and joined the Army Reserves to get my fix of military training. As time passed, it became apparent that I was drawn more towards a life in the military. I craved the discipline and challenges the Army provided, and I enjoyed the camaraderie and loyalty of my mates. I wanted to serve my nation, so I made the decision to join the Army as a fulltime soldier and focus on building a career as a Military Police officer. I loved every moment of being a soldier. I completed as many courses as I could, and I went on many field exercises and operations to broaden my knowledge and experience. I
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baby
A YOUNG NERYL WITH KANE
volunteered for everything, believing each qualification would get me closer to my goal of ‘saving the world’. My life and career ambitions were on track for a while, but then I received some startling news that would change everything. I was pregnant! “As the months went by, I no longer fitted into my camouflage army uniform and had to start wearing a maternity dress. I’d expected my stomach to grow, but I was shocked to find it wasn’t my only body part that changed. Suddenly I had a huge arse. My ankles swelled up, my face ballooned and ugly stretch marks appeared on my stomach”. I thought I knew what I wanted out of life, but the moment I felt my baby move inside me, all my priorities changed. Suddenly, saving the world from evil dictators wasn’t as important as creating a safe and secure home for my child. I no longer felt the thirst for action and adventure, instead; I felt content at
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“My life and career ambitions were on track for a while, but then I received some startling news that would change everything. I was pregnant!” being a mum and creating a beautiful home for my partner and child. “After that, life became a whirlwind. There were nappies to be washed, feeding at all hours and limited sleep. But it was glorious. It was fulfilling and rewarding, and most of all it was just great fun”. My life was a perfect blur of balancing work and being a mum to my boy but sadly, it didn’t last long. My partner dumped me, citing he didn’t love me anymore, and then he moved to another state. I was left alone and heartbroken. I was suddenly a single mum and unsure how I would cope on my own.
A HIGHLY TRAINED SECURITY GUARD PROTECTING HIGH THREAT TARGETS IN WARTORN BAGHDAD A DECADE AGO Having my heart ripped out of my chest and watching my dreams of a perfect family life dissolve before my very eyes was hard to take. I couldn’t control what was happening in my personal life, so I concentrated on the things that I could change. I took charge of my
“I was left alone and heartbroken. I was suddenly a single mum and unsure how I would cope on my own” career and pursued avenues I had previously discounted because they didn’t fit in with our family plans. Determined more than ever before, I trained myself back into fitness to become Close Personal Protection Officer, commonly referred to as a ‘Bodyguard’. My dream of protecting people and making the world safe was back in my sights. My life wasn’t all about work, though. When
KANE’S FIRST DAY AT SCHOOL
I was with Kane, I put everything into being the best mum that I could be. I took him on new and exciting activities each weekend and involved him heavily in sport. I read to him each night, I took him to parties with his day care friends, and made sure he never missed out on anything. Our bond strengthened and there was nothing I wouldn’t do for him. As my professional confidence grew, so did my ambition to put my skills to the test. I craved the opportunity to work as a body guard in high risk situations, just like the rest of the soldiers in my Military Police Platoon. On the hand, I dreamed of being a stay at home mum. I was torn between wanting to protect people, and wanting to be the most perfect mum to my boy. “At work, I wanted to invest all my time and effort in my job. I wanted to plan missions, attend exercises and be the best leader I could. When I was at home, I wanted to immerse
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SITTING WITH TEAM MATES AT ONE OF SADDAM’S PALACES
myself in Kane’s life. I wanted to bake cupcakes, attend playgroups and socialise with other mothers”. I began to investigate ways in which I could get the best of both worlds, and that’s when I discovered the Private Security Industry. I was presented with the opportunity to work in Iraq as a civilian bodyguard and earn a much higher income than I ever could in the army.
“I knew I was no different to any other person that left their kids behind to go on army deployments” Just like any other FIFO( Fly In Fly Out) worker (including the pay packet that went with it) I would do my time in Iraq and return to spend equal time at home just being a mum to Kane, but this time without the money worries. The idea grew and eventually became reality. Leaving Kane with his dad was the hardest
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thing about pursuing my dreams. I knew I was no different to any other person that left their kids behind to go on army deployments or work in a FIFO mining position; but it didn’t make the decision any easier. I knew that if I didn’t leave, then I would regret my decision and always wonder what could have been. I didn’t want to live my life with regrets. Kane’s dad was eager to spend quality time with him and Kane was just as excited to have an extended holiday with his dad. I realised that being a single parent didn’t mean that your life was over; it didn’t mean you couldn’t follow your dreams and strive to achieve personal and professional goals. By enlisting the help of Kane’s dad and sharing our parental responsibilities, I had the chance to explore my career goals. In return, he had the opportunity to have a greater influence in Kane’s life. “Fighting back the tears, I told my son how much I loved him and that I’d be home again
MOTHERS DAY IN IRAQ
before he knew it. It was more than I could bear. After a last hug I turned and left”. I left for Iraq and was hired to protect the Iraqi Electoral Commissioners: the people responsible for organising the first democratic elections in the country. I felt fulfilled. I had finally played my part in trying to make the world a more peaceful place to live. My dreams of saving the world played out - but it was not without incident. Private Armies don’t always hire suitably qualified operators, and often, charismatic people are assigned to leadership positions rather than good ones. Leadership deficiencies, combined with cowboy tactics, lead to some of my team mates being killed in the line of duty. “The team had been stationary on the airport road when it was hit from the side by insurgents. Two of our guys were dead: one died instantly after being shot in the head; the other had been hit in the femoral artery and bled out. A third was fighting for his life”.
NERYL AND KANE
I didn’t think things could get any worse working in Iraq; I thought I had endured the worse case scenario. But I was wrong. In the dark of night, one of my team mates snuck into my room and raped me. I had put my life on the line protecting important people determined to bring peace to a war torn nation. How was I not able to protect myself from one person who was meant to be on my side? “In this job, trusting your team mate was essential to being able to perform your job. If you couldn’t trust the person you worked with, how could you work together to fight the enemy?” I didn’t want to return home and become a victim of the Iraq War. I had put everything on the line to follow my dreams and carve out a career in the security industry, so there was no way I was going to let that one unscrupulous team mate destroy my self confidence and belief in good presiding over
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JOYCE FINALLY RETURNED TO AUSTRALIA IN 2007
evil. I was determined to push through the pain and succeed despite the setback. I continued working as a body guard in Baghdad and successfully completed missions delivering my VIPs safely to their appointments and meetings. Then one day, out of the blue, I met a man that swept me off my feet. Paul was also a Private Security Contractor and he convinced me that he was worth loving and starting a new life with. I fell madly in love with him and introduced him to Kane when we returned to Australia for R&R. “He wrapped his arms around me, bent his head down to mine, and planted a sweet, soft kiss on my lips. I felt myself melt into his body. He pulled his lips away, and looked deeply into my eyes. My fate was sealed with that kiss. It was the most tender, loving, sensual kiss I’d ever received in my life”. I left Iraq for good after meeting Paul. I had
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done my bit to help make the world a better place to live, but now wanted to focus all my energy on raising Kane and building our new family. I experienced both good and bad working as a Baghdad bodyguard but it was the time I spent with my son each time I returned that gave me the strength to go on. His love, his acceptance, and our bond are what made everything worthwhile. Who says you can’t have it all? By embracing the help and support of his dad, I was able to pursue a dream and live my life without regrets.* Neryl Joyce is now married to Paul, and the pair have three happy children between them Her incredible book is available from most major book stores.
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Oz Farm is a registered trademark. Distributed by Australian Dairy Park , ABN 5916247837. 120 Frankston Gardens Drive, Carrum Downs Melbourne VIC 3201
www.ozfarmhealth.com.au * 31 july 2015 | mychild
REAL LIFE
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MY CHILD MAGAZINE WRITERS COMPETITION We had an incredible response to the story competition and it was not easy choosing the winners. Over the next few months we will publish the top ten entries. This beautiful story by Joo-inn Chew, is one that touched us all for its humour, its warmth and its loving acceptance of her son was our over all winner.
YES WE CAN by Joo-inn Chew
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aleidoscopic colours swam over the eager faces of the kids, as they danced to the song of their generation. They pumped passionate fists in the air, bellowing as one: BOB the BUILDER! Can we fix it? BOB the BUILDER YES WE CAN!!! Every adult at the disco winced visibly. The teachers perhaps even more so than the parents. I watched my five year old jumping up and down near the front of the school hall, dazzling in a green fairy dress with spiked up gold-glittered hair. Every move screamed joy, being drunk on the music, and showing off. My heart scudded
with pride, protectiveness, and generous lashings of teenage disco flashback. ‘Your daughter looks sooo cute with her hair like that!’ exclaimed a passing mum, nodding at my child. I was confused for a moment. My daughter was home with tonsillitis. Then - ‘Oh no – that’s Jasper’ I corrected her breezily. ‘He wanted to dress up.’ ‘Oh… well! that’s ok isn’t it?’ she faltered. ‘Yep.’ My toes curled in embarrassment. There was an awkward pause, then she smiled and moved on. I thought back to the conversation in our lounge room an hour earlier. Jasper twirling, resplendent in Tinkerbell-green faux satin, red jocks screaming through layers of ruffled skirt.
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‘Jasper - you look amazing. But you know how some people think boys should wear boy clothes, and girls should wear girl clothes? Well… some kids might think that and be mean about it.’ He gave me a bold glance. ‘I don’t care’. ‘OK, you can wear it.’ Did I say that? Or did I first try and find some ‘more colourful disco’ (boy) clothes he might prefer? I’m afraid I did. But he was adamant – it was green fairy all the way. OK. Deep breath. Don’t pour MY anxieties onto his five year old enthusiasm. Yes, I’m scared kids will tease him. Yes, I’m cringing that parents will think he’s in a dress because I’m a lesbian mum and am inflicting my antimale, hippy views on my innocent offspring at his expense. Or even that gay parents have gay kids. Yes, I’m remembering all the times at school I was mocked or shunned because I was different. BUT (as we all struggle to remember every day) IT’S NOT ABOUT ME. It’s his night, his dance, his dress. I’m just the support crew. And so I threw on a frock and we marched back to school, trailing glitter and pride. Within moments of arriving at the decked out disco, Jasper was surrounded by mob of staring kids. ‘Why are you wearing a dress?’ one demanded. Jasper’s response was to launch into a hooting but otherwise wordless fairy war dance. He tackled one of the boys in a half hug half wrestle. He hoisted up a girl like a circus strongman. Then, as though he’d made his point, he launched himself towards the stage where the bigger kids were dancing. The other kids followed him, goggling at his fairy wings. Several older girls turned to gawk at him. He ignored them all and threw himself into the music. I hovered nearby, nervous as hell, ready to leap in if…. If …what? the kids laughed at him or pushed him round? And what would I do,
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punch out a 5 year old? I was too shy to go to discos at school, I kept my love for girls a secret … and here I was at 40 freaking out at kinder kids policing gender norms….
“IT’S NOT ABOUT ME. It’s his night, his dance, his dress. I’m just the support crew.” Trying to chill out, I focussed on Jasper. He was leaping up and down like a sparkling grasshopper, fists pumping, feet stomping, wings in constant motion. The kids around him were also dancing up a storm. No-one was staring anymore. This was Jasper’s moment. He was passing his test with flying green colours, and mine was to trust him and hold back. To let him go that little bit more. As if on cue the DJ rolled out the theme song from Frozen. I leaned against the stacked chairs and watched my bold and beautiful son dance his heart out, in a green fairy dress. How he shone. His courage, his school mates’ (eventual) acceptance, the triumph of being taken on his own terms… my eyes filled with proud tears as my outdated fears shivered and melted off me, a discarded armour on the floor. An hour later the lights came on and the mini-ravers poured into the quiet courtyard. I hurried over to Jasper. He was bathed in sweat and glitter, stumbling on his feet. ‘I’m really thirsty mum,’ he muttered. We headed for the nearest bubblers – the boys’ toilet. Jasper was drinking when two bigger lads wandered in. ‘This is the BOYS toilets!’ said one. Jasper looked up, a weary ‘der’ expression on his glittery face. ‘He IS a boy,’ I said. ‘He’s just dressed up.’ The kids stared, then shrugged. ‘OK.’ And off they went. Jasper slipped his hand in mine as we headed out into the warm night. ‘That was awesome mum!’ And we skipped through the school gates together, light as fairies.*
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Should you have a home birth? FIND OUT WHAT YOUR OPTIONS ARE IF YOU’RE CONSIDERING HAVING A HOME BIRTH
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owadays many women choose to have a home birth, not least because the idea of giving birth in their natural surroundings instead of in a potentially crowded hospital wing can have great appeal. However you might be reluctant to bring your baby into the world away from the security a hospital provides, and may not know if a home birth is right for you. To help you decide, we explain more.
IS A HOME BIRTH SUITABLE FOR ME? Giving birth in the comfort of your own home can be a viable option for anybody who doesn’t have a history of pregnancy complications or other health issues. Your doctor may recommend that you have your baby in a hospital if you are expecting twins, are overweight, or have had any problems with either this pregnancy or previous deliveries. He or she may also recommend you deliver in hospital if this is your first baby.
If you are expecting your first child, you may want to have your baby in a hospital because you may not know what to expect or just want the extra feeling of security a hospital can provide. However, whether this is your first baby or your fourth, there’s no reason you shouldn’t have a home birth if you wish, as long as you are in good health. Ultimately your decision to have a home birth will come down to how prepared you feel to go through with the birth at home, or whether you’d prefer to be in the care of hospital staff on the big day.
WHY HAVE A HOME BIRTH? There are plenty of reasons why giving birth at home can be beneficial to you, but you’ll have to think about all the pros and cons carefully to decide exactly how you’ll feel welcoming your little one into the world in your own home. One of the main appeals of giving birth at
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baby home is the idea of how comfortable and safe you’ll feel. It’s likely you’ll feel much more relaxed and at ease in surroundings you are familiar with and with your own things to hand. This sort of comfort and assurance can make you feel less stressed about giving birth, and could help your labour run more smoothly. Statistically, home births also involve less medical intervention than hospital births. This is because while at home in your own surroundings you are less likely to have complications in labour or to need to have medical treatment such as an episiotomy. A home birth is likely to offer you more control over your birth experience because you can decide how many people are present in the room, and you can arrange the settings to suit you. So if you want a particular piece of music on in the background, a candle-lit room, or an arrangement of your favourite cushions to lie back on, you can have these things - and anything else you think would make your birth run smoothly. However it’s worth noting that arranging your surroundings in this way will be somewhat possible in a hospital too. Another benefit of giving birth at home is the fact that as soon as you have given birth, you’ll be able to relax and recover in your own bed straight away. Giving birth in hospital means that you’ll have an inevitable home journey to make at some point with your newborn, but if the entire event takes place at home this is one less thing to worry about.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD I CONSIDER? If you are thinking of having a home birth there are some things worth considering that may sway your decision. Firstly not all medical authorities will be able to offer services for home births, so it’s worth finding out what’s offered in your area before deciding on home or hospital. Some home births do result in a transfer to
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hospital mid-labour, if hospital treatment becomes necessary, so this is also something to take into account. If you are going to have a home birth it’s important to make your home warm and comfortable in preparation for your delivery date, and also to try to minimise outside noise as much as possible. If you have a noisy nextdoor neighbour or a yapping dog that lives nearby, it may be an idea to have a chat with your neighbours about your planned home birth before the day. You may also want to make sure that you have a landline phone nearby when you are giving birth, so that you have a back-up in an emergency if your mobile phone isn’t working.
HOW DO I ARRANGE A HOME BIRTH? Once you’ve decided that a home birth would be right for you, it’s best to discuss it with your GP as soon as possible after you’ve found out that you’re pregnant. Your GP should be able to advise you on how suitable you are for giving birth at home, and should be able to put you in touch with a local midwifery service. You can then arrange the details of your home birth with a local midwife. A couple of weeks before your delivery date, your midwife will come to your house to deposit any equipment and supplies she’ll need to assist your birth, so there’s no need to provide any equipment yourself. On the day of the birth itself your midwife will be present, as well as another midwife to help out, and anyone else you want to be present. Your midwife will guide you through the birth experience, and an ambulance will be on the end of the phone if needed. After the birth your midwife will check the weight of your baby and make sure everything is in order, then leave you to enjoy your new bundle of joy. Your GP should then visit you in the next day or so to check you and your baby are healthy and well.*
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BABY
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Pack your bags WORRIED ABOUT YOUR UPCOMING LABOUR? IF YOU’RE WONDERING WHAT TO BRING TO THE HOSPITAL AND WHAT NOT TO TAKE, OR HOW YOU EVEN START TO PREPARE FOR SOMETHING AS BIG AS BIRTH, THEN READ ON
WHEN SHOULD I GET MY HOSPITAL BAG READY? There are no hard and fast rules about when you should start preparing your hospital bag. My advice is to acquire the items you need along the way, but make sure you have everything ready and packed well in advance. For first-timers, start the process about four to six weeks before your due date; that way you won’t get caught out if bub decides to come early It’s generally recommended that you pack your hospital bag when you reach the 36 week milestone to make sure you have everything you need to hand when baby decides he or she is ready to arrive. The last thing you’ll be wanting to do when you go into labour is packing and picking up last minute essentials so having your bag ready in advance can help you to feel in control of the situation. Even if you’re planning a home birth having everything in one place will make things far less stressful on ‘b-day’. When packing your bag you should try to include the following, however it’s also important to think about what will help you to feel comfortable and in control as you bring
your baby into the world. Different hospitals and birthing centres have different rules on what they’ll allow in their labour suites and what they’ll provide for you so it’s always a good idea to check this out before you get your hospital bag ready for when you go into labour.
HOSPITAL PAPERWORK In most cases you’ll have been advised on any necessary paperwork you will need to bring with you to the hospital. If not, or if you are unclear about what may be required, call the maternity ward and ask the staff. Usually you will need your Medicare card and private health cover details. The midwife will also want to see your personal maternity notes so don’t forget your “booklet”. This provides an overview of your pregnancy that will be very useful to the medical team who will be looking after you.
THE BEST-LAID PLANS Birth plans: even the name itself is somewhat problematic. After all, who can honestly “plan” the way in which their baby’s birth will go? It is an event that, more often than not, rarely goes to plan. Some people,
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baby including obstetricians and midwives, think they are a waste of time while others feel they empower expectant mums by giving them the kind of options that enable them to have the birth experience they hoped for.
WHAT TO PACK FOR YOU DURING LABOUR When it is all happening, you’ll probably not care less if you are giving birth in a coal shed. Still, it’s good to have options. • 1 x birth plan - This is something you shouldn’t be without. Make sure that you and your partner are happy with its contents before the big day. • 1 x old t-shirt - Things can get quite messy during labour so an old but comfortable nightdress or baggy t-shirt is ideal. • 1 x dressing gown - Especially useful if you’re planning an active labour. • 1 x pair of slippers - For when you’re moving around on a cold hospital floor. • 1 x pair of socks - Just in case your feet get cold. • 1 x bottle of massage oil - To help your partner massage your back during labour. Many women suffer backache during labour and find that massage alleviates the discomfort. If your partner is not in any way adept in the art of massage, a spinal roll or tennis ball can be used to add counter pressure to the sacrum and lower back. A little talcum powder or vegetable-based massage oil will prevent your skin being dragged or pinched. A hot-water bottle or heat pad can also act as a compress to sooth backache. • Books & magazines - Labour can be a long process and you’re likely to experience some ‘down time’ so take something to keep you entertained. • 1 x portable stereo - Music can help you to feel relaxed so a portable stereo (try to find one that’s battery operated) loaded
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with your favourite music can be really useful. • Toiletries - Anything that will help you to feel more comfortable - deodorant, lip balm, face wipes, moisturiser, tissues and a water spray are all good to include.
WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR PARTNER • 1 x watch - This is for timing contractions so make sure it has a second hand. • 1 x change of clothes - Comfortable shoes, a clean t-shirt and a jumper are all useful to have. Make sure you pack a pair of swimming trunks for your partner to wear if you’re planning a water birth. • 1 x camera - To record the special moments after your baby’s birth. • Snacks - Food and drink for you both is a must to help keep your energy up (and stop you having to put up with hospital food!). • Change - A hospital must-have for car parks and phone calls. • Contact numbers - A ‘call sheet’ can be useful to make sure you share your happy news with everyone that needs to know.
WHAT TO PACK FOR YOU AFTER THE BIRTH • 2 x open fronted nightdresses - A nightie will be most comfortable after delivery and will be ideal for breastfeeding. • 1 x going home outfit - Something loose and comfortable like a tracksuit will be best. It’s unlikely you’ll fit into your prepregnancy clothes right away as it will take a while for your tummy to go down so make sure you take something you know will fit. • 2 x nursing bras - Choose well fitting, soft cotton varieties that have ‘easy access’ drop cups while you get the hang of things. • 1 x pack breast pads - An essential for
• •
•
• • • •
• •
•
•
• • • • •
when your milk comes in. 2 x packs maternity pads - Disposable maternity pants are also available. 3 x pairs old pants - Things can be quite messy after the birth so bring old but comfortable or disposable maternity pants to wear. Toiletries - Whatever you feel you’ll need to make you feel human again - a hand mirror can also be useful. 1 x towel - A bath towel is the best size to include. 1 x pair ear plugs - You may end up on a noisy ward! What to pack for baby 1 x infant car seat - It can be a good idea to fit this in your car as your due date approaches so that it’s all set up correctly for your baby’s journey home, giving you one less thing to think about. 3 x babygroes - ‘Newborn’ sized sleepsuits will be best for the first few weeks. 3 x vests - Choose a cotton variety with an envelope neck and poppers underneath. 1 x going home outfit - You’ll need something warm for baby to wear on their first outing. 1 x hat, mittens & booties - To keep your baby snuggly both inside the hospital and out. 3 x muslin squares - Essential for feeding and mopping up dribbles. 1 x pack nappies - Either reusable or disposable depending on your preference. 1 x pack nappy sacks - Odour neutralising varieties are usually best. 1 x pack cotton wool - A must have for those first nappy changes. 1 x baby blanket - If baby is due in winter make sure this is extra warm.
A FEW EXTRAS TO CONSIDER: • Giving birth can have long periods of down-time until the contractions build, so you
might want to take something to entertain yourself with in hospital such as magazines/ books/MP3 player • You might also want to put in a hairbrush, to give yourself a spruce up for photos, or when family and friends visit • Are you planning to take your camera, or will your birthing partner have theirs? Make sure the battery is fully charged • Consider throwing in a few old plastic bags to put any dirty clothes in • Do you have a watch, or does your phone have a clock application so you can time the contractions? • Most hospitals allow use of mobile phones in certain areas, but it is unlikely you will be allowed to charge your phone there. You may want to buy a phonecard in advance.
WHAT NOT TO BRING • Valuables Hospitals are unable to accept liability for losses, please bring essential items only. • Alcohol, tobacco and drugs Smoking is not permitted in hospital buildings. Smoking while breastfeeding is not recommended. If you wish to smoke, please inform your midwife or nurse. You must have someone to care for your baby while you are out of your room. • Alcohol consumption and taking illegal drugs is not permitted while in hospital. • Electrical equipment Do not bring electrical equipment such as CD players and hairdryers, unless the equipment has been checked and tagged by an accredited electrician before it is brought to the hospital. • Any faulty equipment presents safety hazards and may interfere with life saving or monitoring equipment. Battery operated appliances, such as walkmans and personal CD player are acceptable, but must remain in your care and responsibility.* july 2015 | mychild
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news | wellness
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VIT D MAY MAKE CHILDBIRTH LESS PAINFUL
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he best way to relieve pain during childbirth may start with the sun. Pregnant women that had low levels of Vitamin D had more painful labors, according to a new study released by the American Society of Anesthesiologists. The researchers studied 93 women during childbirth. All requested epidurals, but those who tested to have a Vitamin D deficiency prior to delivery consumed higher levels of pain medication while pushing, according to the study. “Prevention and treatment of low Vitamin D levels in pregnant women may have a significant impact on decreasing labour pain in millions of women every year,” senior study author Andrew Geller, M.D., physician anesthesiologist at CedarsSinai Medical Center in Los Angeles said in a release. How does it work? When the body’s ability to suppress discomfort starts to descend, the findings tie the nutrient with being able to activate pain-suppressing pathways. It’s not uncommon to be Vitamin D-epleted. In fact, the study revealed that 82 percent of mumsto-be had lower-than-needed levels. And the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists puts vegetarians, those with limited exposure to the sun, and women with darker skin tones at even higher of a risk. “Vitamin D is vital to a woman’s health,” says Sheryl Ross, M.D., an OB-GYN in Santa Monica, Calif. “A newborn’s Vitamin D status directly reflects that of the mother and low levels while expecting are associated with increased risk of preterm labour, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and infections during pregnancy.” She
generally suggests 2,000 IUs daily. Signs that you’re not getting enough are generally subtle and mirror normal pregnancy gripes, like sluggishness and bone pain, but your doc can measure your levels if you’re concerned, Ross says. But before you put another thing on your giant list of Things To Worry About While Pregnant, it’s easy to up your daily intake. Here’s how.
SOAK UP THE SUN—IN MODERATION. Vitamin D is known as the sunshine vitamin as it’s nearly impossible to get sufficient levels of the nutrient through our diet alone, Ross says. The sun’s rays spur our body to produce the natural pain relief agent, so spend some time outdoors to boost production. Pour a bowl of milk and cereal (as long as it’s fortified).Nab a few boxes of your favourite breakfast crunch (no, not the sugary stuff) to up your daily intake (1 cup of cereal has about 100 IUs). Stick with healthy options, like Multi-Grain Cheerios or All-Bran, and top it off with milk. Almost all cow’s milk has Vitamin D (an 8-ounce glass has about 100 IUs), but not all soy or rice milk does, so be sure to check the label.
OIL UP. A tablespoon of cod liver oil packs a punch of about 1,300 IUs of Vitamin D. If you’re feeling queasy just thinking about the flavor, consider taking it in capsule form or finding a mint- or citrus-flavored option. Don’t skip your prenatal. The daily pill packs a punch of much-needed vitamins and minerals—Vitamin D included. * july 2015 | mychild
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Hush little baby YOU CAN’T BE EXPECTED TO KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT YOUR BUB’S SLEEPING PATTERNS RIGHT OFF THE BAT – BUT THESE TIPS MIGHT HELP!
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ther mums will have their advice on sleep but it’s important to keep in mind that all babies are different, and that – similar to other roles – you’ll need to learn your skills on the job.
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is for advice Take advantage of all the help and assistance out there. Books, magazines, classes, support groups and online forums are available. Make sure you know the ins and outs so you can identify well-meant but misguided advice when you hear it.
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is for bouncers Bouncers come with music, vibration or with mobiles and toys attached. Some parents find the soothing motion of a bouncer works wonders for their baby. But remember that it is not safe for a baby or child to sleep unattended in a bouncer.
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is for co-sleeping Sharing your bed with baby has always been around. It is very popular with nursing mothers because it allows mums to avoid getting up out of bed to feed their baby. It also allows parents to
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enjoy night-time closeness with their child. Be aware of the dangers and implement safety precautions.
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is for dummies Some mums let their babies fall asleep sucking on a dummy. This may mean they won’t be able to fall asleep without one in the long run. Many sleep experts call this a “negative sleep association”, but some parents think it’s a natural and pleasant way for a baby to fall asleep.
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is for experience You can’t be expected to know it all as soon as your baby is born. Experience is a great teacher and you’ll eventually know what to do and when. Trust your instincts and learn from your baby along the way.
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is for frustrated Don’t be. Don’t be stressed or angry either. It’s a fact that your baby will be waking you up so learn to relax about night waking in the first two or three months. It doesn’t last forever and soon your baby will be sleeping peacefully all night long.
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is for guidelines Visit SIDS and Kids (sidsandkids.org) for safe sleeping practices for babies. You can also call 1300 308 307. is for hammocks Hammocks are a centuries-old tradition of soothing babies to sleep in a secure environment. The womb-like feel of the Hushamok Experience, $499 from hushamok.com.au, creates a restful, nurturing sleep environment that enables baby to sleep on their back, which is key in the prevention of SIDS. They also promote longer sleep and help
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soothe colicky babies. Other health benefits include guarding against infant acid reflux as the baby’s head is slightly elevated when sleeping.
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is for individual Your little bundle of joy is unique so don’t be put off or disheartened by stories of other babies sleeping longer or better. All babies are individuals and will find their own patterns and what works best for them. Just go with the flow.
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is for joint responsibilities Don’t feel you need to do it all yourself. Your other half is there to help and share the workload. They also need to know how and when to put baby to sleep so let them do their fair share.
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is for knowledge You don’t have to know everything from the start. Follow the advice of other mums (including your own!) and also read books and watch DVDs for hints and suggestions on getting your baby to sleep.
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is for lullabies Simple, repetitive, predictable music, like lullabies, is good for putting baby to sleep. You can also buy CDs that are created especially for bedtime, such as Sounds for Silence, $49.95 from okidokiebaby.com. Don’t forget to take these with you when you are away from home.
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is for mattress A good night’s sleep starts with a good mattress. Made from coconut husk fibres, natural latex and unbleached cotton quilted with pure lamb’s wool, the Bertini All Natural Cot Mattress, from $275 at bertini.com.au, promotes natural, healthy sleep in luxurious comfort. Naturally antibacterial and anti-dust mite, it’s great for children with allergies or asthma.
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is for naps Sleep research has found that the length and quality of naps affects night-time sleep. Naps need to happen when your baby is tired, before they become overtired, which can lead to napping too late in the day. This won’t help your baby when it comes to night-time sleep. Don’t forget to nap as well while you have the chance!
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is for overtired There is nothing like an overtired baby – wide-eyed, hyped-up and overexcited. It isn’t always possible but it’s obviously better to avoid this situation. Plan your day to be home with baby ready for bed at nap and night times.
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is for patterns Babies have tiny tummies and wake when they are hungry, and sleep when they are tired and have full bellies and clean nappies. This pattern is different for all babies and you might find your baby’s wake/sleep pattern varies as they grow.
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is for quiet time Don’t excite babies with boisterous games or activities just before bedtime. You want your baby to relax, unwind and start to feel sleepy. Baths are good for relaxing, as are stories and cuddles. This is a special time for bonding in a peaceful way so your baby goes to bed secure and happy.
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is for routine A newborn baby sleeps 16 to 18 hours a day over six to seven sleep periods. Form a routine so your baby knows the difference between day naps and night sleep. A nightly bath, pyjamas and a dark, quiet room can do this. Naps could be in a different room.
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is for sleeping through the night The scientific definition of sleeping through the night is five hours – not what most
parents think of as a full night’s sleep. Often it takes a full year (or even two) for your baby to settle into a full night’s sleep.
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is for tired Not the parents, but baby. Get used to your baby’s sleep signals, such as quietening down, losing interest in things, a vacant stare and fussing, so you can put them to sleep in the cot as soon as they are tired.
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is for unbelievable The feeling you get when baby sleeps through the night for the first time is magical.
is for variety There are many different tried and true methods of getting babies to sleep. You need to try some and see which option works best for you and your baby. There are no hard and fast rules here.
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is for “white noise” The sound of a radio not tuned to a station is similar to the sound a bub hears inside the womb and helps many babies to relax and fall asleep more easily.
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is for experts An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and a Certified Infant Massage Instructor, Pinky McKay is one of Australia’s experts on sleeping babies.
Y Z
is for yawn Something you will be doing plenty of but also a sign of tiredness for baby.
is for zeds What all mothers dream of getting more of!
Brought to you by Hushamok and Pinky McKay. See hushamok.com.au and pinkymychild.com for more.* july 2015 | mychild
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And the little one said ‘roll over’ IN MANY CULTURES, BABIES AND GROWN-UPS HAVE ALWAYS SLEPT TOGETHER. SOME PARENTS IN WESTERN CULTURES, SUCH AS AUSTRALIA, ARE NOW ALSO CHOOSING TO BRING THEIR BABIES INTO THEIR BEDS TO SLEEP. THIS IS CALLED COSLEEPING
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ind out about one solution that has all of the pros but none of the cons of cosleeping. Many people believe that there are a few controversial subjects you must absolutely avoid in all social situations - politics and religion being among the top few. But, in my humble opinion, there is at least one more topic which should also be on that nefarious list. . .Co-Sleeping. Now, I am SUCH an advocate of safe cosleeping! I think, in most situations, it is the best, healthiest, safest, most bonding, incredibly beautiful way to sleep. However, there is an important point I am pretty adamant about - I believe it needs to be done
safely. This may seem like a reasonable concern, but it puts me squarely between the extremely vocal opposing factions on a precarious strip of no-man’s land. Those that are staunch advocates of traditional co-sleeping often point to the benefits of this world-wide practice, such as increased bonding, easier breastfeeding, and reduced risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (Cot Death), etc. They are so focussed on those admittedly wonderful benefits that, sometimes, they overlook any potential risks and believe that co-sleeping in any configuration is the only responsible choice. After all, the World Health Organisation, UNICEF, and the NHS, to name a few, all
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baby
ADVANTAGES OF YOUR BABY SLEEPING IN THE SAME BED AS YOU • Your baby will know you are there and can respond emotionally and physiologically in potentially beneficial ways. • If you work during the day co-sleeping will give you extra time to spend with your baby. • The closeness felt during the night can help create a stronger relationship between you and your child. • Babies who sleep in the same bed as their parents tend to breastfeed more, but disrupt their mother?s sleep less. • Some studies have claimed that babies who sleep in the same bed are believed to sleep for longer periods of time during the night. • Some believe that babies who co-sleep with their parents are more confident as children and adults, but where a baby sleeps cannot make your baby into a particular type of person.
DISADVANTAGES OF YOUR BABY SLEEPING IN THE SAME BED AS YOU • You may not sleep as well with your baby in bed with you. • If your baby is used to falling asleep next to you, he or she may not settle if looked after buy someone else and this may be a habit which is hard to break. • The transition between your bed and his or her own bed may be difficult. • Intimacy in bed between you and your partner may become practically impossible.
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believe that co-sleeping, at least in the first six months, is best for baby. Those against co-sleeping usually point to two particular criticisms - one is the inherent dangers of possibly rolling onto or suffocating the baby, and the other is that some believe that co-sleeping creates clingy, needy children. Though current studies have all but silenced one of those concerns with their findings that co-sleeping actually helps children to feel more secure and sure of themselves as they progress through life, I do identify with the concern about keeping a baby safe in an adult bed. . .Especially if you drink alcohol, smoke, take prescription or illegal medications, or are over tired. (aren’t ALL new parents over tired?!) Now, I completely believe in the benefits of co-sleeping. I do. I think in every important way, it is the best choice for most babies and their parents. However, I also recognise the potential risks and, to be frank, those risks are serious enough for me to carefully consider whether to co-sleep or have my babies in another room. Thankfully, making a choice between the two is no longer necessary. . .a number of products have recently come to the UK which offer a safer alternative to sharing a bed or sleeping in separate rooms, without losing any of the traditional benefits of co-sleeping. Purists would argue that unless the baby is in your actual bed, you aren’t co-sleeping. But on this issue, I am with the opponents. . .if I can co-sleep in a way that gives me all of the benefits and erases the risks, then I don’t mind straddling the fence a bit. I may not ultimately please either camp, but I don’t mind. After all, the point is to do what is best for you and your baby, isn’t it? In my opinion, safe co-sleeping does just that.* Compiled from Askbaby.com, Mumsnet. com, raisingchildren.net.au
RECOMMENDED PRECAUTIONS FOR SHARING A BED WITH YOUR BABY • Adults who have taken alcohol or other drugs and those taking over-thecounter or prescription medications that may cause them to sleep too soundly should not bedshare. Also parents suffering from extreme exhaustion should not share a bed with their baby. Such adults may not be aware of the baby in the bed, creating a risk of overlying and suffocation. • Your head/foot board railings should have spaces no wider than those allowed in safety-approved cots. As with cots, these spaces can become places for baby to become entrapped and suffocate. • Refrain from sleeping in a bed with rails with infants under one year. Babies can become wedged between the mattress and the side rail, resulting in suffocation. • Avoid placing an adult bed directly alongside furniture or a wall. Babies and young children can become trapped between the bed and other furniture or a wall and suffocate. • A parent with long hair should pull back their hair and fasten it as the hair could become wound about the baby’s neck, posing a strangulation risk. • Refrain from allowing siblings in bed with an infant less than one year old. Very young babies are at a greater risk of overlying and suffocation by older siblings. • Do not have your baby in bed with you if you sleep in a waterbed. The surface of a waterbed can prevent ventilation if a baby moves to a face down position.
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Is your baby getting enough? FOR NEW MUMS, BREAST FEEDING IS ONE OF THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE WHEN YOUR PRECIOUS LITTLE ONE ARRIVES. THE REGISTERED MIDWIVES AND LACTATION CONSULTANTS FROM MATER MOTHERS’ HOSPITALS OFFER SOME VALUABLE ADVICE
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t is very common for mums to feel unsure about the various elements of breastfeeding such as timing, frequency, techniques and milk production. As with any new activity it can take some time to feel comfortable with breastfeeding. At Mater Mothers’ Hospitals we deliver more than 10 000 babies each year and work closely with our new mums to help them become confident in caring for their baby. We share a range of tried and tested tips to help you learn about how your baby’s feeding behaviour, urine output and bowel movements can help you to know that your baby is getting enough breast milk. Your baby has a unique way of communicating to you that they are hungry. Look for, and respond to early feeding cues that your baby displays including: • rapid eye movement • clicking or tongue sucking • opening their mouth • searching to suck on contact (also known as rooting) • hand movements to their mouth or sucking on their hands • general increased alertness or activity.
Crying is a late sign of hunger so avoid waiting for this sign as your baby will be more difficult to latch to your breast. Occasionally, babies can move rapidly through the feeding cues to crying, or the situation may not allow you to immediately respond to their early cues. However, placing your baby skin-to-skin against your chest allows them to calm and they may then exhibit those early feeding cues again. A calm baby is easier to latch. While it is impossible to measure how much breast milk a baby drinks, it is possible to assess if your baby is feeding effectively. Breastfeeding should be comfortable for you and your baby. Your baby should have a deep, slow rhythmic sucking pattern; the slower the suck, the more milk that is drawn into your baby’s mouth. Your baby will appear more relaxed, and your breasts become softer, as the feed progresses. Breastfeeding works on supply and demand. Every time your baby feeds, your body starts to make the next feed. The more your baby feeds, the more milk you make. You do not have to wait a specific amount of time for your
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breasts to fill up before feeding your baby again. If you have any concerns about your milk supply, please speak to your midwife, GP or a lactation consultant.
BABY’S FIRST WEEKS – A GUIDE TO WHAT GOES IN AND COMES OUT! On the first day after birth your baby will receive about half a teaspoon of colostrum per feed as at this stage their stomach is about the size of a small marble. Colostrum, the first milk produced during pregnancy, is clear or yellowish in colour and is all your baby needs in the first few days. Colostrum is also small in quantity encouraging your baby to feed more frequently which stimulates your breasts and gently initiates your baby’s digestive system— it is common for babies to feed eight to 12 times in 24 hours. Also on day one, your baby will pass meconium (sticky black bowel motion) and should have one wet (urine) nappy. It is normal in the first few days to see a pink/orange stain on the nappy. On day two after birth, your baby will receive about one teaspoon of colostrum per feed. Your baby is likely to be awake more and may want to feed more frequently until your milk comes in on day three or four. This is normal newborn behaviour. At this time your baby’s bowel motions will be soft and green/ black in colour. Your baby should have two wet nappies. Three days after birth you may notice your breasts beginning to feel fuller and slightly uncomfortable as your milk supply increases. Allowing your baby to feed frequently will ease this. Your baby should now be feeding at least six to eight times (or even more) in a 24 hour period. These feeds may be clustered together with several short feeds in close succession, especially after a long sleep. Typically the cluster feeding will happen more often at
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night as this is when your hormones peek. Around day three your baby’s bowel motions will change to a greenish brown colour, become less sticky and they should be having at least three wet nappies. Between days four and seven your breasts will continue to feel fuller and firmer as your milk supply increases. Your baby will probably feed around eight to 12 times in a 24-hour period. Allowing your baby to finish the first breast before offering the second breast will help them feel fuller for longer and more settled between feeds. Your baby’s bowel motions will become more regular (at least two to three per day). They will change in colour from lighter greenish-brown to yellowish-mustard colour, may be watery and contain soft curds. They will have about five to six wet nappies (disposable) per day. From day seven you should feel confident in knowing that your baby is receiving enough breast milk by monitoring their output and behaviour. They should have five to six heavy wet nappies per day with pale coloured urine. Your baby should have at least two to three loose bowel movements per day that are yellow or mustard in colour. After six weeks of age your baby’s bowel motions may decrease (in frequency) but this is not a concern if weight gain and number of wet nappies are adequate. Your baby should also be settled following most feeds and look alert when awake. * Mater Mothers’ Breastfeeding Support Centre was created to help and support women as they develop their breastfeeding technique. If you require further assistance and support please phone 07 3163 8200 to make an appointment with a lactation consultant. More helpful advice on breastfeeding and what to expect in your baby’s first weeks is also available at matermothers.org.au.
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What about dad? AS A DAD, YOU OBVIOUSLY CAN’T ACTUALLY BREASTFEED YOUR BABY. BUT YOUR ATTITUDE AND SUPPORT CAN BE CRUCIAL AS YOUR PARTNER LEARNS HOW TO BREASTFEED
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veryone seems to talk about breastfeeding mothers and most pictures of breastfeeding show mothers and babies together. But, what about the father? Is there really such a thing as a “breastfeeding father” and can he be included in the breastfeeding experience? If a mother decides to breastfeed is the father an important member of the breastfeeding team? Many experienced fathers will answer with a resounding “Yes!” Fathers are very important to all babies, no matter how they are fed. Many people feel that a supportive father or other close family member is one of the most important factors in a satisfying breastfeeding experience. Some even go as far as referring to the breastfeeding triad (mother, baby, and father) instead of a nursing dyad. A father’s
support and encouragement can help make the early learning period of breastfeeding easier and more enjoyable for mother and baby. You may think breastfeeding means you will spend less time with your baby, but feeding is only a small part of being a parent. Bathing, nappy changing, massage, cuddling to sleep and playing are great ways to get to know your new baby. While your baby is feeding, you can sit and chat to your partner or help with meals for the rest of the family, care for your other children or do things that you need to do. When it’s not feed time, you can enjoy special times with your baby. It’s important that baby learns that love can also come without food.
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HOW YOU CAN HELP • By learning about how breastfeeding works you can be more ‘part of the team’ and support your partner through any early difficulties. • Take opportunities to carry your baby in a sling, or to just cuddle them. Cuddling skin-to-skin can help settle your baby and help you bond. • Bathing your baby can be soothing for them, and a beautiful bonding time for you both. • Help with housework or cooking. Try to make sure you’re home as much as possible to take care of these things. • When your partner is breastfeeding, be her extra pair of hands – offer to bring her a glass of water or another pillow if she needs one. • For night feeds, you can bring your baby to your partner in bed. After the feed, take your child for a burp and nappy change, and settle them back to sleep if necessary. This will be a big help to your partner, even if you only do it for some night feeds, or on some nights. • Be patient if your partner doesn’t feel like being intimate with you. She might feel all ‘touched out’ if she’s feeding, carrying and settling a baby many times a day. • Breastfeeding will make your partner hungry and thirsty. You can help by encouraging her to drink plenty of water, and by supplying lots of fruits and vegetables for her to eat.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW If your partner has difficulties with breastfeeding, encourage her to seek assistance, as nearly all problems can be overcome with the right information and a positive attitude. However, if you have really exhausted all avenues and your partner still finds she can’t breastfeed, reassure her that it’s OK.
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Look for the positives – one option may be for her to express her breast milk. This means you and your partner can share the feeding, while your baby still gets the best food. It might be possible for her to partially breastfeed. Breastfeeding isn’t always quick. For new mums, each feeding session can last anywhere from 10 minutes to over an hour. Most newborns feed eight to twelve times a day. Breastfeeding can be uncomfortable at first. If the baby is attached properly, any discomfort should subside after 30-60 seconds. But if the discomfort or pain continues, your baby might not be attached or positioned correctly. Pain isn’t normal and your partner needs to get assistance. You might be able to settle your baby more easily than your breastfeeding partner. When your baby is fussy, the smell of milk on your partner can lead your baby to search for her breasts instead of calming down. In these situations, your child might settle better in your arms. Once mum and baby have established a good breastfeeding system (usually after one to two months), you can talk about expressing breast milk for occasional bottle feeds. This means you can do some of the feeds and give your partner a break. Breastfeeding doesn’t cause sagging breasts. Pregnancy, genetics, age, smoking and weight loss or gain will affect breast shape, but breastfeeding doesn’t. Fathers are very important to their babies. Both parents have a lot to offer their children, and the differences between mothers and fathers are just as important as their similarities. Each parent can develop their own relationship with their child and do it in their own way. Feeding isn’t the only way to bond with a baby; there are many different ways. The differences are what a child will come to expect and treasure from his parents.* http://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/
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BABY
Babies want to be close to their parents – the scent, voice and familiarity keeps them happy and at ease in their new world. The Ergobaby Wrap is the perfect companion in those first months and beyond. Soft, stretchy cotton makes different carrying positions easy both for you and your baby.
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Close enough to kiss MOST BABYWEARING IS COMMON SENSE, BUT THERE ARE A FEW BASIC GUIDELINES TO START OUT WITH WHEN YOU’RE LEARNING
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edical professionals agree that infants thrive through touch; “wearing” your baby is another way to meet this need. The benefits of babywearing don’t end there … babywearing offers many other advantages, some of which include:
HAPPY BABIES It’s true … carried babies cry less! In a study published in the journal Paediatrics, researchers found that babywearing for three hours a day reduced infant crying by 43 percent overall and 54 percent during evening hours. (1)
HEALTHY BABIES Premature babies and babies with special needs often enter the world with fragile nervous systems. When a baby rides in a sling attached to his mother, he is in tune with the rhythm of her breathing, the sound of her heartbeat, and the movements his mother makes—walking, bending, and reaching. This stimulation helps him to regulate his own physical responses. Research has even shown that premature babies who are touched and held gain weight faster and are healthier than babies who are not. (2)
CONFIDENT PARENTS A large part of feeling confident as a parent
is the ability to read our babies’ cues successfully. Holding our babies close in a sling allows us to become finely attuned to their movements, gestures, and facial expressions. Every time a baby is able to let us know that she is hungry, bored, or wet without having to cry, her trust in us is increased, her learning is enhanced, and our own confidence is reinforced. This cycle of positive interaction deepens the mutual attachment between parent and child, and is especially beneficial for mothers who are at risk for or suffering from postpartum depression. (3) (4)
LOVING CAREGIVERS Baby carriers are a great bonding tool for fathers, grandparents, adoptive parents, babysitters, and other caregivers. Imagine a new father going for a walk with his baby in a sling. The baby is becoming used to his voice, heartbeat, movements, and facial expressions, and the two are forging a strong attachment of their own. Baby carriers are beneficial for every adult in a baby’s life. Cuddling up close in the sling is a wonderful way to get to know the baby in your life, and for the baby to get to know you!
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE With the help of a good carrier, you can take care of older children or do chores without
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baby frequent interruptions from an anxious or distressed infant—which helps to reduce sibling rivalry. Baby carriers are also wonderful to use with older babies and toddlers; you can save those arms and go where strollers can’t. Climbing stairs, hiking, and navigating crowded airports all can be done with ease when you use a well-designed baby carrier! Use a good quality carrier- this can be as simple as a towel or a bedsheet or an expensive carrier but it should be good quality. • They are not all created equal. • Follow the manufacturers instructions • Follow your own instincts and be aware of your skill level • Most importantly, remember TICKS. T.I.C.K.S is the universal safety acronym for babywearing (rules for safe babywearing), it stands for Tight, In view at all times, Close enough to kiss, Keep the chin off chest and supported back. The T.I.C.K.S were originally formed by The Consortium of UK Sling Manufacturers and Retailers, after concerns were raised over the safety of bag slings. In the most part bag slings (not to be confused with Pocket Slings or Ring Slings) have been recalled. The worry with these slings was that in the cradle position a baby could easily slump down, their chin could drop to their chest and their airway could become compromised. Its important to note that the T.I.C.K.S is MOST important in a newborn baby, as they have little to no ability to control their head and neck, so the risk of airway compromise is at the greatest risk.. Although it is always important to maintain these rules whatever age of the child. Its also important to realise that the risk to the airway is NOT just for slings or carriers, Car seats, baby chairs and even in arms carrying can be dangerous if the child is not positioned properly or carefully monitored.
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T
– TIGHT
The importance of a sling or carrier being tight is to hold a baby safely against the wearer, it supports the spine in a straightupright position and stops baby from falling out of the wrap or carrier accidentally. There are two problems with a loose carrier: firstly, it will start to hurt. Even a little baby hanging slightly away from your body will start to cause the wearer pain quite quickly. Whereas a properly fitting, tight carrier will allow you to carry quite a big child for a long distance or time. The second problem with a loose carrier is that it can allow the baby to slump. This is a significant safety issue in a newborn, but will also be a problem for babies with low muscle tone or respiration compromised in some other way. See our article on protecting infant airflow. A simple rule of thumb for a baby in an upright carry- if you can press on their spine and straighten it as they move closer to you, the carrier is too loose.
I
– IN VIEW AT ALL TIMES,
Your baby should be in your line of sight at all times. You shouldn’t have to push away any clothing or fabric from the carrier to see his/her face. This guideline ensures that the baby’s flow of oxygen is unhindered. You wouldn’t put your baby to sleep with his/her face covered with a blanket in a cot or bedand your baby carrier should not do this either
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– CLOSE ENOUGH TO KISS
Your baby should be positioned high on your torso- you should be able to bend your head to kiss his/her head and I recommend you do it often! By carrying your baby high on your body you are keeping him/her close to your center of gravity. Some unsafe slings (see our article on choosing a safe sling ) are used with the baby slung very low on the bodybelow the navel or near the hip. This kind of positioning can lead to a number of problems
NEW
such as parental back pain and obstruction of airways.
FOUR-POSITION
360 Carrier
K
– KEEP CHIN OFF CHEST
If your child is tight, in an upright position and spine is curved with legs in the squat position the likelihood of the chin dropping is unlikely, this is the most optimum position for safety, development and comfort. The rule of thumb is a child should have a gap of roughly 2 fingers width underneath their chin.
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– SUPPORTED BACK,
The tightness of any carrer will be crucial in the support of a babies spine, it’s also important not to over tighten. The carrier should be tight enough to keep the child against the parents body without a gap, but still have the ability to slide your hands into the carrier with ease if needed. Generally in an upright position, if the carrier is adequately supporting the spine the chin will not drop, but its important to follow all the steps carefully. There are some things you shouldn’t do while babywearing- these are generally activities that will put your baby at risk of falls or harm due being attached to you. There are some slings that are made specifically for the water- these are great for the shower, taking your older child into a pool while holding onto the baby securely or at the beach. They are never intended for swimming in either front or back carries. No carrier is a suitable substitute for an infant flotation device on a boat.* 1 – Hunziker UA, Garr RG. (1986) Increased carrying reduces infant crying: A randomized controlled trial. Pediatrics 77:641-648 2 – “Current knowledge about skin-to-skin (kangaroo) care for pre-term infants”. J Perinatol. 1991 Sep;11(3):216-26. 3 – Pelaez-Nogueras M, Field TM, Hossain Z, Pickens J. (1996). t, 67, 1780-92. 4 – Tessier R, M Cristo, S Velez, M Giron, JG Ruiz-Palaez, Y Charpak and N Charpak. (1998) Kangaroo mother care and the bonding hypothesis.
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ergobaby.com.au july 2015 |1300 725 276 mychild 65 ergobaby.co.nz +61 3 6240 *4001
The T.I.C.K.S. Rule for Safe Babywearing
Keep your baby close and keep your baby safe. When you’re wearing a sling or carrier, don’t forget the T.I.C.K.S. TIGHT IN VIEW AT ALL TIMES CLOSE ENOUGH TO KISS KEEP CHIN OFF THE CHEST SUPPORTED BACK TIGHT – slings and carriers should be tight enough to hug your baby close to you as this will be most comfortable for you both. Any slack/loose fabric will allow your baby to slump down in the carrier which can hinder their breathing and pull on your back.
IN VIEW AT ALL TIMES – you should always be able to see your baby’s face by simply glancing down. The fabric of a sling or carrier should not close around them so you have to open it to check on them. In a cradle position your baby should face upwards not be turned in towards your body.
CLOSE ENOUGH TO KISS – your baby’s head should be as close to your chin as is comfortable. By tipping your head forward you should be able to kiss your baby on the head or forehead.
KEEP CHIN OFF THE CHEST – a baby should never be curled so their chin is forced onto their chest as this can restrict their breathing. Ensure there is always a space of at least a finger width under your baby’s chin.
SUPPORTED BACK – in an upright carry a baby should be held comfortably close to the wearer so their back is supported in its natural position and their tummy and chest are against you. If a sling is too loose they can slump which can partially close their airway. (This can be tested by placing a hand on your baby’s back and pressing gently - they should not uncurl or move closer to you.)
A baby in a cradle carry in a pouch or ring sling should be positioned carefully with their bottom in the deepest part so the sling does not fold them in half pressing their chin to their chest. 66
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news | baby & toddler
BABY
THE WELL BABY Newborn babies development health and growth explained plus information on what you can expect when your baby is well. When you are at home alone with your baby for the first time you will probably feel a little anxious about the responsibility you have taken on. This is very normal. Even parents who have had a lot of experience in caring for other people’s children feel different about their own. You will almost definitely spend a great deal of time looking at your newborn infant. This is a good time for you to get to know each other. Over the days and weeks you will learn to recognise different behaviour patterns in your baby. This will help you respond to your baby’s needs and also to know if your baby is OK. The well baby tends to behave in a certain way. • he or she will be settled and comfortable while asleep and will initially sleep a lot • wake, ask for food, feed and be contented • lie awake for a time, often after feeding • cry periodically because of hunger,
loneliness, discomfort or for less obvious reasons • gain weight and fill out so that their body and limbs become covered in a layer of firm fat • feel warm to the touch • breath easily and look pink • have a soft prominent tummy • pass urine frequently and stools without discomfort. If you are unsure, at any time, of whether your newborn baby is looking or behaving normally please ask either a midwife, GP, or health visitor Sometimes you cannot put your finger and what is wrong, but if in doubt it is best check. Your intuition might be right and if it is not it is good to get your fears allayed. For minor problems, perhaps your baby has vomited once, but is otherwise well, it might be worth waiting a little while to see what happens. If the sickness continues or any other symptoms occur then seek advice. New parents often get to know their GP pretty well in the first few months. Do not worry about this, they are there to help you.* july 2015 | mychild
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And baby makes four HOW TO COPE WITH A TODDLER AND A NEW JOANNA MOORHEAD GIVES SOME TIPS
I
f you’re pregnant and already have a toddler, the chances are you’re already having sleepless nights about how your older child is going to be affected by the new arrival and also, how on earth you’re going to cope with yet another little person’s needs to juggle. Try not to worry too much remember that, this time around, you’ll be an expert where the baby is concerned. But it’s worth thinking through a few key issues beforehand.
WHEN SHOULD WE TELL OUR TODDLER THERE’S GOING TO BE A NEW BABY? In a nutshell, not too early. Seven or eight months’ time is light years away for a 20 month old -you might as well tell her about something that will happen when she’s 21. On the other hand, toddlers are amazingly astute - so your ballooning body will catch her eye at some point, and that will probably prove a good moment to spill the beans. Tell her there’s a new baby growing inside -let her pat
your tummy gently and say hi to the baby if she wants to. She might enjoy coming along to an antenatal appointment and listening to your baby’s heartbeat, too. Once you’ve told her there’s a baby on the way, mention it frequently but don’t go overboard with details or too much information -the truth is that your toddler will only have an inkling of what’s in store because no small child can really understand the difference a baby makes until after the birth, and even then probably not for quite some time.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD WE DO TO PREPARE HER? One of the most important things to do is to cherish the time when there’s just you and her, because life will be different -- at least for a while -- and it’s worth making the most of the one-to-one relationship you have at the moment. On the other hand, you need to make sure she’ll be happy with the people who will look after her around the time the
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baby baby is being born, so take opportunities to give her time with her grandparents, aunts and uncles and close friends who will be lined up to help. It’s hard for a toddler to understand what a new baby is all about, but one good way to prepare is by looking through your photo albums and talking about when she was tiny. Explain that the new baby will be like this too, and that he or she will get bigger and do more things, just as she has done. Don’t tell your toddler that the new baby will be “a friend for you” because, for the first year or so at least, this is unlikely to be the case -- indeed, from her point of view the newcomer is more likely to be a hindrance before she becomes an ally. Read our article on sibling rivalry for more ideas on preparing your toddler for a new baby.
tearful about being apart if you’re in hospital for a few days, for example if you have a caesarean section. It’s easier for you both to cope if your toddler is in the continual care of your partner, another relative or close friend. Many dads say that they really bonded with their toddler at the time when their second baby was born. Have a few little treats lined up to give your toddler in hospital when she visits and to ease her time at home without you.
HOW WILL WE MANAGE IN THE EARLY DAYS AND WEEKS?
It will be hard at times, but it won’t be impossible. Here are our top tips on how to cope. • Prepare as much as possible beforehand. Cook and freeze meals while you’re still pregnant so you’ve a good supply of nutritious food to see you all through the HOW CAN WE COPE AROUND THE early days after the birth. BIRTH? • Don’t be too proud to accept offers of help Even if you’re having a home birth, and and don’t be afraid to suggest really useful certainly if you’re going to hospital, you’ll need things friends could do. a list of family and friends who are willing to • Lower your expectations of how the house look after your toddler when you go into will look during the first few weeks. You’ve labour. Make sure you keep a list of their got a lot on your plate, and it doesn’t really mobile phone numbers with you at all times matter if the dusting doesn’t get done or so you can alert them as early as possible to you have to wear un-ironed clothes for a the fact that you’ll soon be calling on their few days. services -- and brief them carefully about how • As soon as you can, try to get out for at much you want them to say about the baby’s least a short walk every day -- it’s amazing arrival, sex etc. If you or your partner wants to what a boost it is to get out of doors. be the person who tells them about a new • Make your toddler aware from the very brother or sister, don’t let grandma get in first. start that the baby is interested in her, is The first meeting is often seen as a crucial watching her and loves her. Say things litmus test of the sibling relationship, but most like, “She’s following your game with her people believe it has little bearing on the long eyes” and “She’s very interested in what term. All the same, you want to get it right. you’re doing”. Best advice is to try to make sure the baby is in • Involve her in games with the baby from the cot when your toddler makes her entrance the earliest days, and always tell your -- so your arms are still there to cuddle her, toddler how much you value her help and and so you can explore the newborn together. assistance with helping at bathtime and so You and your toddler may both feel a bit on.* 70
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY Nicole Proy of Mockingbird Photography
The
T H IN K ING WOMAN’S website
For Conception, Pregnancy, Birth and Baby
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FAMILY
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Cut out the ‘cheeese’ PHOTOGRAPHING KIDS CAN BE A REAL ADVENTURE! THEY ARE BUSY, SQUIRMY LITTLE THINGS THAT NEVER SIT STILL, SOMETIMES THEY’RE BEING CRANKY. BUT ALL OF THAT IS A PIECE OF CAKE. THE REAL CHALLENGE IS THE CHEEEEEEEEEEESE!
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family
K
ids put on their “camera face”, you know, the one that Mum has programmed into their psyche since
infancy. The word “cheese” is to authentic photography what a bell is to Pavlov’s Dogs. The MOMENT a kid hears it, they obediently put on their “picture face.” If you’re looking to create real, timeless images, avoid that word like an open field in a thunderstorm. Just relax. If you’re chasing them around, desperately trying to pull smiles out of them, you’re going to get exactly what you’re asking for: strained, forced, inauthentic smiles. If you’ll just be patient and quietly go with the flow, they will warm right up, and you’ll eventually get what you’re looking for. If you search for advice on how to take better pictures of children there are certain gems that are sure to appear on any list of tips. “Get on their level” and “Get Closer”, are the two that come to mind right away and they are both solid ways to improve your kid shots. The top tip on any list you find is often going to be “Get on their level”. There is a reason that it should be as it is great advice and will make a big difference immediately.
OVER THEIR SHOULDER:
that mountain of toys on the playroom floor? You think it looks bad from where you are standing? It is massive from down here!
BIRD’S EYE Breaking the adult’s eye level angle is not always just about sitting “criss-cross applesauce” or laying on the floor. It is about carefully observing the world that your child inhabits. It may be the same one as you, but it sure can appear different when you make an effort to look from unexpected points of view. Climb (carefully!) up above the kids and shoot directly down on mealtime, playtime, naptime, story time or bath time…anytime really.
REFLECTIONS
You are down on their level, you have taken a straight on portrait, now move around the child and have a look at what they are doing. Immerse yourself in their world and let your camera see what they see.
Use reflections to not only capture yourself with kids, but to catch their expression when they don’t realize the camera is trained on them. You don’t need a house full of mirrors to do this either. When you start looking, you will find shiny surfaces all around you.
GO LOW
FAR AWAY
Kids are short and you may have gotten on your knees to get their eye level, but now, go further. Come on, you can do it, lie down. You may be amazed at what the world looks like from the ground. Babies tend to hate tummy time, but if you get down with them, they may even enjoy it more and you can end up with some wonderfully funny faces. Or, how about
Now that you have that powerful and fantastic full frame eye contact shot of your child, step back and let the kids in your photos breathe. You will need to really step back and feature the children in their big world. This angle will emphasize their smallness, but their confidence at being alone in the frame will be their strength.
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BACKGROUNDS
LET THEM GO Instead of trying to contain children to a specific backdrop, allow them to explore. They’ll be a thousand times more cooperative when you do try to get them to do something specific if you haven’t spent the entire day calling to them “look over here” and “look over there,” and “stand up, sit down”. Remember, they don’t have to be looking directly at the camera (or even facing the camera at all for that matter) in order for you image to tell a powerfully authentic story.
FOCUS UPON THE EYES Pay particular attention to your kids eyes. If you’ve got the single zone focusing switched on – choose eyes as the focus point. You can get away with other facial features a little fuzzy but the viewer of an image always is drawn to the eyes of the subject.
Pay a lot of attention to the backgrounds of your images. A background can give context to your shots but also can be a real distraction. Before you start shooting clean up any distracting items. Make at least one of your locations a place with a fairly un-destracting background. Try to find a colourful wall or even to set up a sheet/background for a few more posed shots with the child just standing there in front of it. Alternatively light your child in such a way that there is no background.
GET ABSTRACT Mix your shots up with a few more abstract shots. For instance take a picture of their shoes, zoom right in on their hands or eye lashes, get them framed so only part of their head is in shot. These more playful shots can be a lot of fun and will add variety to the end results of your shoot.
CLOTHES Choose some that your child feels comfortable in and that reflects their personality. If you put them in their Sunday best but they can’t move freely – your shots will look stilted. The only other advice on clothes is that sometimes bold, plain colours can work well.
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SHOOT IN BURST MODE For at least part of your shoot switch your camera into burst mode (where the camera shoots a lot of shots fast). Particularly when shooting outside or at a park where your kids are on the move it can be very useful. Look for ‘series’ of shots that might go together in a multiple image frame on a wall OR which you could put together into one image with photoshop (a child running, sliding down a slide, on a swing, doing a dance, riding a bike…) these can be a lot of fun.
MAKE IT FUN Do your best to make the shoot as much fun as possible. Show the children some of the shots you take, ask them to do funny things, be funny yourself – all of this will bring energy to your shoot, help your child to relax and capture some of their spirit. The more fun they have the more genuine and engaging the shots will be. Kids are perceptive. They sense
when you’re overdoing it and aren’t acting like yourself, and they’ll respond in kind
CREATE Don’t worry if you don’t have a fancy DSLR Camera or any photography experience. The great thing about the digital age is that most iPhones or smartphones take spectacular photos that are suitable for printing. people are opting to store their happy snaps on computers and mobile devices instead. The humble photo album is on the decline, with photo book services stepping up in its place. Online photo book services provide the tools to combine your favourite photos into a professional-looking, coffee-table-quality printed book, mailed to your home. There are plenty of online services available, which suits your needs and budget? A good photo book service should supply software that’s easy to use, and a wide range of design options including various layouts, book sizes
Memories to last a lifetime $10
including FREE mail delivery
Autofill builds your book in a snap
Browse our library of themes
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free photo prints on joining. Simply log on to www.snapfish.com.au napfish by HP, the leader in online photo services are offering Child Magazine readers a 20x20cm Softcover Photo Book for and use coupon code CHILDBK415 at the checkout by 15 July. For only $10 including free delivery. New customers also receive 60 more Mother’s Day gift ideas see www.snapfish.com.au/childmag
Snapfish and the Snapfish logo are trademarks of Hewlett-Packard Australia Pty Ltd. All rights reserved. Building F, Rhodes Corporate Park, Level 4-6, 1 Homebush Bay Drive, Rhodes NSW 2138 Australia. ABN 74 004 394 763. 1. Offer is applied at checkout when code is entered. 2. Offer ends 15/6/2015 or while stocks last. Prices subject to change. 3. Code CHILDBK415 applies to 20page 20x20cm Softcover Photo Book including free standard mail delivery. Charges for extra pages apply. Code CHILDCD415 applies to all Cards and Invitations. 4. Coupon code(s) cannot be use in conjunction with any other promotion, prepaid prints or gift certificates. 5. Valid online and in Australia only. 6. Excludes Standard and Express Pickup Service.
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BONUS!
25% off personalised Cards with code CHILDCD415
and numbers of pages. The result should be a quality book that’s firmly bound and printed images that closely resemble the original photograph. Snapfish is a popular photo printing service that prints your photos on everything from photo books to a variety of decor and gifts like mugs, shirts and more. It’s quick and easy to make photo books in a snap using Snapfish. Snapfish have an app that you can upload your photos instantly to your account and never lose them. It’s free to create your account and you get 50 free prints a month. You can print your photos or create albums to give as gifts or to keep. You just select the images you want to print (or print the entire album), choose the print size and select the closest shop to you from a list the app generates based off your location. You can also print from friends’ albums, if they’ve shared them with you. Pretty cool, and quick! Their online photo book editor is very intuitive. It will guide you step-by-step while you are assembling your photo book. The design tools are clearly labelled, and you can retrace your steps with minimal effort if you change your mind. To add any of the design elements, you simply drag and drop, or you can use the auto-fill tool, which will place all of your images for you. The wide selection of layouts in conjunction with the themed templates adds colour and creativity to each of your pictures. Additionally, the photo book is made to last. The cover is strong with a thick binding and durable pages. If you place an image on your front or back cover, the glossy finish enhances the colours.*
SPECIAL OFFER
Download the Snapfish app and receive 50 free prints a month! The Snapfish app • Available for iPhone, iPad and Android • Access, collect and print your Snapfish, Instagram and mobile photos in one easy-to-use app. • Easily upload photos from your phone to your Snapfish account. Via the app you can Create digital photo prints in minutes Have standard prints sent to you. Mail order only, delivery charges apply. Easy access photos from your phone, iPad, Facebook, Instagram, Flickr, and friends’ shared albums
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SHOPPING
PREGNANCY&BIRTH
MILK IT
DRY NIGHTS
These organic cookies created by lactation consultant Pinky McKay will boost your energy and support your milk supply. The range of Boobie Bikkies now also includes gluten- and dairyfree alternatives. You can pick up a pack for $24.95 at boobiebikkies. com.au.
Most mothers find breast pads essential when breastfeeding. NUK can offer you a solution that works – whatever the need or the situation. NUK Ultra Dry Nursing Pads have been specially developed to meet the highest of demands: Super kind to your skin: with a breathable outer layer that allows air to circulate Plus a Breast feeding marker on each pad to help Mum determine which breast to use next! www.nuk.com.au
SWADDLE SAFE
GOT YOU PEGGED Finished in natural vegetable oil, this Your New Zealand Kauri teething peg acts as a comfort for babies with sore gums. It can also be used as a keepsake as it comes in a gift box. Visit petitvoyage.co.nz for more great finds.
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The practice of swaddling has been used for centuries as it recreates a womb-like environment and Ergobaby Swaddlers are designed to produce that calming and soothing effect for your bub. They are priced at $69 for a pack of two and made from 100 percent cotton terry knit. Visit babesinarms.com.au.
STICKER FUN
AN AFFORDABLE CLOTH NAPPY TO KEEP THE EARTH HAPPY!
A fun, unique way to capture those amazing moments of a growing baby bump. Pearhead stickers feature fruit and veggie images, tracking from 8 weeks when baby is the size of a raspberry, all the way through to the big arrival when a baby is the size of a watermelon! Each set comes with 16 stickers that can be peeled and placed on clothing for a quick shot, and includes “It’s a Boy”, “It’s a Girl”, and “It’s a Surprise” to add to the fun. Perfect for any social media loving mum-to-be. RRP $11.95.
No folds, no pins, no covers and no soaking makes Hippybottomus nappies just as simple as a disposable to use. The outer of the nappy is fully waterproof and comes in a great range of colours and patterns, making them fashionable and functional. The outer has a pocket design where you place a highly absorbent insert. This insert can be removed for thorough washing and quick drying, and you can also add extra inserts to increase absorbency at night -meaning no midnight
PEAS IN A POD
CLEAR EYES
Naturally moisturise and soothe skin with aloe vera and camomile extract. Perfect for cleaning face, hands and body. Ideal for nappy changes. They are 100% Bamboo fibres, 100% Biodegradable, suitable for sensitive skin. Free from alcohol, parabens, petrochemicals and sulphates. Perfect for babies skin.www. peapods.com.au
Little Eyes are gentle sterilised cleansing wipes that remove secretions, crusted matter and residue from babies and children’s eyes. Non-medicated and hypoallergenic, they’re suitable for the most sensitive skins. They can be used from the day a baby is born and are ideal for cleaning between lashes. www. littleeyes.com.au
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IDEAS
WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT‌ LOADS OF LABELS FOR LITTLE ONES
H
ave you ever wondered where the appeal lies for kids who cling longingly to the label of a teddy, soft toy or even clothing item? According to new UK based kids toy brand Label Label, it’s the actual sensation of the label itself combined with the comfort of the cuddle, that intrigues and placates kids as young as newborns. As a result, Label Label has developed a friendly collection of plush velour toys aptly decorated with a multitude of labels, for little fingers and mouths to explore, crunch, crinkle and chew. Assisting with the development of fine motor skills, the soft nature of Label Label toys also give kids a sense of security whilst providing sensory stimulation via the 80
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interesting prints and textures of the pull tags. Label Label toys are available in a cute and colourful assortment of characters, which will appeal equally to boys and girls from babies through to older toddlers. They can easily be clipped to bouncers, cots, strollers or car seats for hours of entertainment on the go. And importantly for parents, all Label Label toys are machine-washable. Simply remove the clip, and wash at 30 degrees. Ranging in price from $19.95 - $24.95, Label Label toys make a perfect newborn gift, or a lovely play companion for little people who love the silky smooth feel of labels. www.thestorknest.com.au
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NEWS
BABY&TODDLER KIDS BORN TO OLDER DADS MAY FACE RISK OF BLOOD CANCERS
PREMMIE RATE
More than 3,000 children under the age of 5 die worldwide each day from preterm birth complications, making it the leading cause of death among young children, a new study reports. That means that for the first time in history, complications from preterm births are the leading killer of young children around the globe, according to the researchers. Complications from preterm birth caused nearly 1.1 million of the 6.3 million deaths of children under age 5 in 2013. Direct complications from preterm birth caused 965,000 deaths among children up to 28 days old, and another 125,000 deaths among children aged 1 month to 5 years, the report authors said. Other major causes of death among children under age 5 include pneumonia (935,000 deaths) and childbirth complications (720,000 deaths), according to the study. The global average percentage of deaths under age 5 directly due to preterm birth complications is 17.4 percent.
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Adults who were born to older fathers may be at increased risk for blood and immune system cancers such as leukaemia and lymphoma, a new study suggests. However, the study did not prove there was a cause-and-effect link between the two. There was no association between having an older mother and increased risk of these cancers. Overall, people born to older fathers were at increased risk for these cancers, but the risk was especially high among only children. In this group, those who were born to fathers who were 35 and older were 63 percent more likely to develop blood cancers than those born to fathers who were younger than 25. The fact that the link is especially high among only children suggests that it may be related to the “hygiene hypothesis,� the researchers said. That’s a theory that exposure to mild infections in childhood -- which might be more common among youngsters with siblings -- help immune system development and may reduce the risk of immune-related diseases, the study authors explained. The researchers said that the number of American parents who delay having children until age 35 or older is increasing, but the long-term health consequences for children born to older parents are still unclear.
BABIES PREFER SOUND OF OTHER BABIES OVER ADULTS Babies would rather listen to other babies than adults, and this preference may help in their language development, a new study suggests. This finding might help explain why many adults seem to instinctively choose to use “baby-talk” with infants, according to one of the study’s authors. The Canadian researchers conducted a series of experiments with 6-month-old babies and found that they listened to infant-like vowel sounds an average of 40 percent longer than vowel sounds made by an adult woman. This was not due to a preference for a familiar
sound. The infants in the study were not yet babbling, so the infant-like vowel sounds were not yet among the things they heard every day, the study authors said in the journal Developmental Science. An attraction to infant speech sounds may help trigger and support the processes involved in learning how to talk, the researchers said. They added that the findings could lead to new ways to help infants with hearing impairment and other problems that hinder language skills development.*
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PETS AND BABIES - MAKE IT WORK Many parents-to-be worry about problems that may occur in the relationship with a pet once a baby joins the household. With some planning and adjustment, a baby and family pet can live happily in harmony. Babies and dogs: Dogs are particularly responsive to a routine, so months before the baby is due, it is useful to adopt one that will still be manageable for you when everything is a little chaotic: • If your dog is used to a regular walk, make adjustments to the times before your baby arrives. • Investigate other exercise options for your dog, such as hiring a dog walker or asking a neighbour or friend to help. • Look at any habits that might cause a problem, such as jumping up when excited, and undertake necessary re-training. • While you are still in hospital, have your partner bring home an item that has your baby’s scent on it and allow the dog to sniff it.
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• Praise your dog when he or she behaves well around your baby, such as sitting or staying at the distance you tell the dog to. • Spend quality time with your dog while your baby is asleep, and reward him for good behaviour. Babies and cats: Cats will feel they are not getting enough attention when you first bring baby home, creating more problems than needed, so make sure they’re still getting cuddles too. Some tips include: • Keep your cat out of the room the baby will be sleeping in. • Avoid banishing the cat when your baby comes home – instead, include your cat by talking to him and giving him a treat at the same time that you feed the baby. With thought and forward planning a pet will readily adjust and become a loyal friend to your child for years to come.*
SAVE $1000’s per child • EnVironmEntAlly Friendly EASy to Use • BAmBoo Absorber Included
onE SiZE with adjustable leg elastic!
www.peapods.com.au
100% bamboo liners
• Flushable • Antibacterial • 100% Biodegradable
Sleep tight knowing you will be right there when your baby needS you.
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SHOPPING
BABY& TODDLER A PARENTS’ CHECKLIST
SEE MORE The Babysense2 Infant Breathing movement monitor is an integrated system, where the control unit connects to sensor pads placed under your baby’s mattress, continually monitoring the breathing movement rate of your sleeping baby. If your baby’s breathing movement slows to a rate of less than 10 breaths per minute, or cannot be detected for more than 20 seconds, an audible alarm is activated. Available from www.Oricom.com.au
YOU’RE THE ONE! The bright pastel colours in a Ice Cream Collection inspired by funfilled summer days and the delicious coolness of ice creams on a hot day. BabyBjorn baby carriers and bouncers are now available in four new summery flavours both big and small ice cream lovers will find irresistible. Head over to babybjorn. com.au.
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Baby Mum-Mum rice rusks are the ideal ‘first snack’ because of their great taste, wholesome low allergen ingredients and nutritional value. Baby Mum-Mum Rice Rusks are made with premium Japonica rice and other simple, all natural ingredients. They are also gluten-free, egg-free and peanut-free, with no artificial additives or preservatives. These perfectly shaped rusks dissolve easily so Each serving is individually wrapped so there is no mess! Availble from most supermarkets.
HANGING OUT Combining design and function, the Leander Cradle, $339.95, creates a cosy swaying nest and is the perfect first bed for your newborn. It can be suspended from a hook in the ceiling, or the tripod $199.95, and is fully machine washable. Add the canopy, $79.95, for style and for more comfort for your baby by enclosing the space. Go to danishbydesign.com.au.
THE VERY CLEVER 360 DEGREE SPOON THAT NEVER TURNS OVER REIN THEM IN Develop your child’s independence with the fuss-free Trunki ToddlePak toddler rein by guiding him from his first steps through to a bigger adventure. ToddlePak fits from the front and fastens securely at the back in one quick, simple movement. The unique clip allows parents to easily adjust the shoulder and waist straps easily for a comfortable, secure fit. The rein can be used both as a training rein for first steps and a leading rein for bigger adventures! Perfect for your little one to explore their indepenence while parents keep hold of them in a safe and controlled manner. Recommended for ages 6 months to 4 years, available in 6 fun designs. RRP$34.95 from www.honeybaby.com.au
Leading French brand Béaba continues to innovate with this very clever feeding spoon that will delight mess-detesting parents. Forever the scene of spills and thrills, baby and toddler feeding time is set to improve with this soft plastic spoon featuring a 360 degree rotating handle that keeps it horizontal - and importantly, the right way up. The Béaba 360 degree feeding spoon prevents children from spilling the contents of the spoon while they are learning to hold it properly, and helps teach them how to self feed efficiently. For more confident feeders the rotating handle can be locked to prevent it from moving. Modern parents will delight in this game-changing feeding aid with designer style that helps to reinvent mealtime, and allow babies to eat on their own without spilling every mouthful. Available in multiple colors RRP$18.95 from thestorknest.com.au
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TRUE LIFE
My Darkest Parent Days HOW FAR CAN A MOTHER BE PUSHED TO THE EDGE OF SANITY AND DESPERATION? LAURA MULLIGAN TELLS US HER STORY
H
ow can you cope being woken up 20 times a night for three years? I am a mother of two little girls, suffering from constant night trauma. My daughter Niamh is nearly three and she hasn’t been a good sleeper since birth, because she has allergies, asthma, hay fever, she is intolerant to dairy, she has always had something that has kept her awake. When our second daughter Annie was born twelve months ago, we had to shuffle each night between the two children, without any possibility of having sleep ourselves.
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We were on our knees with exhaustion, waking up to 20 times every single night! Niamh has always been an anxious baby and we started to use white noise, that used to get her to sleep because it apparently sounds like what they would hear in the womb. As she got older it stopped settling her and because of her allergies she would be awake a lot more, and consequently the rest of the house. It got progressively worse. When babies don’t sleep, it’s exhausting for us parents, trying to get through a normal day when you’re not able to sleep at night either.
My partner James, and I we were literally only getting a couple of hours sleep at night. James still had to go to work, he was travelling around the country and was finding it really difficult to motivate himself, because he sleep deprived. Most nights Niamh would scream the house down. Waking everyone up, there was no way just one of us could stay awake with her, it was all of us, she would even wake the baby up. We had endless trips to doctors and they all said it was night terrors that were causing her to wake up screaming. I am a full time mum trying to studying a part time psychology degree, with James working away 2 to 3 nights a week, I had to deal with a lot of it on my own. I started to dread the evenings knowing I was going to have single handed get one screaming children back to sleep,before the other one woke up in terror! There were nights when all three of us have just sat on the bed sobbing our hearts out, and I was asking myself how can I cope anymore? All I wanted was a couple of days away to recharge my self and sleep, sleep a whole night with no interruptions. I love my children but I wished someone would just take them for me when they were sleeping, cure them and when I came back it would all be fine. It was really, really strenuous and at times I thought I could not carry on any more. We really needed some support here, we desperately needed help! I knew we were not managing very well. I knew we needed outside help to deal with this because it’s just ridiculous. The health visitor came around to help. She suggested slow retreat which was rubbing her tummy and gradually saying nite, nite, leaving a bit more space and then leaving the room. That wasn’t too much trouble but it didn’t really work because Niamh screamed, not just crying but screaming, jumping up and down
and kicking. She would run to her baby gate and bang on it and bang the door into the baby gate trying to get us out of bed. The guilt dug deep, I felt like a bad mum, because I couldn’t get my children to sleep. A lot of people mentioned the cry out method and maybe I should have tried that earlier. It does work for some people, I am not saying it’s a bad thing. We tried gradual retreat where your baby gets used to you moving further away from them. It didn’t work for us, because Niamh doesn’t have a problem going to sleep! It is more waking during the night! We could sit in the room for two hours trying to settle her, but I needed sleep as well, and I had another baby to look after. I was now terrified about driving the car, because I didn’t feel safe as I was so tired. I would fall asleep at the wheel. My friend Nicola to my rescue help me. I finally got out of the house and met Nicola at soft play. She took one look at me, saw how shattered I was, gave me a hug and I just broke down. I could not hold it together any more. Nicola came over the next day to help me and that she had heard about an alternative sleep therapy called Levine’s Alphamusic and she bought it over. I got My Little Sea shells track playing and put Niamh to bed. We went to bed and after a few hours I woke up in a panic, rushed through to Niamh’s room to see if she was still breathing. There she was fast asleep and calm. It was an unreal feeling! We now put this music on all night on a loop and if she briefly wakes, she goes back to sleep immediately without fuss. She does still have a broken sleep cycle but doesn’t bother anyone else. James and I are now sleeping soundly. I can face the day with new energy and can now look after my little ones without having to worry that I am too exhausted. * http://www.silenceofmusic.com/
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PRESCHOOL
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Late night visitors WHY CHILDREN WAKE UP DURING THE NIGHT?
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hy won’t my child sleep through the night? It’s a question many blearyeyed parents have pondered. You may be surprised to learn, however, that no child – or adult for that matter – truly sleeps “through the night.” Night wakings are a normal part of our sleep cycle, but good sleepers know how to fall back to sleep without help. Unfortunately, many toddlers and preschoolers have yet to master this skill. In other words, if your child counts on you – or some other sleep aid – to help her nod off, she may have trouble drifting off again when she wakes in the small hours. Of course, not even the most competent snoozers are immune to sleep disturbances. Common preschool fears, including monsters, ghosts, or other things that go bump in the night, can turn sound slumberers into troubled ones. Also, nightmares, which peak between the ages of three and six, may
prompt periodic sprints to your bedroom. Likewise, any departure from your child’s normal routine – a holiday, an illness, or even a change in bedtime – can derail her normal sleep patterns.
HOW TO DEAL WITH LATE-NIGHT VISITS It’s 3am, and you’re sound asleep. Suddenly, you feel a poke, a tap, then another poke. Try as you might to ignore it, the nocturnal assault continues. Eventually, you have no choice but to open your eyes. Before you stands your forlorn-looking child, uttering those all-too-familiar words: “Mummy, I need you!” If you and your partner don’t mind a family bed – or even an occasional nighttime cuddle – there’s no harm in giving in to your child’s wishes. But if this arrangement is something you’re trying to steer clear of, consider these strategies for coping with a child who won’t stay put.
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baby
LOSE THE CRUTCH Come bedtime, many three and four year olds still have trouble falling asleep without the comfort of a dummy, a stuffed animal, a special lullaby tape, or you. The problem: if that sleep aid isn’t available when your child wakes, she may have trouble dozing off again. The solution: gradually and gently phase out any sleep aids that your child can’t turn to by herself during the night. When you put your child to sleep, leave her bedroom exactly as it will be in the middle of the night. If you plan to turn the hall light off when you go to bed, turn it off now. White noise or soft music is fine – provided it plays all night. And whatever bedtime routine you follow, it’s imperative that you leave the room before your child falls asleep so she doesn’t wake up wondering why you’re no longer there. Just remember that this may be a long, hard process. Success won’t come overnight, so be patient.
BE CONSISTENT Develop a plan, and stick with it. At 3am it’s easy to get worn down by your child’s pleas – no matter how dead-set you may be against “co-sleeping”. But if she manages to wiggle her way in, even once or twice a week, she’s bound to keep trying. So haul yourself out of bed, escort her back to her room, give her a quick kiss, and leave. Be prepared to repeat this routine over and over if necessary – and to load up on coffee the next morning. If your child is sick or has a particularly bad dream, you may decide it’s OK to bend the rules. But if you camp out in her bedroom rather than allowing her into yours, it’ll probably be less of a setback.
ADDRESS FEARS It’s perfectly normal for a preschooler to develop a fear of the dark. So indulge her by leaving the hall light on or installing a night-
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light. If it’s poltergeists, extraterrestrials, or other paranormal activities that set her off, do a monster search at bedtime. Check under the bed, inside the wardrobe, and anywhere else spectres may lurk. A spray-bottle filled with extra-strength monster-deterrent (aka water) can also provide late-night comfort.
OFFER INCENTIVES Rewards can be a great way to encourage a resistant child to comply with the nighttime drill. Some parents frown on this method because they feel they’re bribing their children. But learning to stay in your own bed is hard work, and it’s OK to reward them for their efforts. Try giving her a sticker for each night she sleeps in her own bed. When she collects four or five stickers, let her choose a special treat such as a colouring book or a trip to the park.
SET ASIDE TIME FOR SNUGGLES Lots of kids will stay in their own room as long as they know there’s snuggle-time built into their morning routine. Since your child probably can’t tell the time yet, tell her to come in when the sky is light (if that’s a reasonable time for you). If she’s a little bit older, tape a piece of paper over the minutes of a clock, and use a marker to draw in the agreed-upon wake-up time. When the two numbers match, your child will know it’s OK to leave her room.
COMPROMISE Consider sharing your bedroom but not your bed. Put her toddler bed in your room and let her sleep there. If you’re pressed for space, however, a sleeping bag or nap mat will work too. Better yet, these items are portable and not quite as cozy. After a few nights or weeks on the floor, your child’s own soft mattress may seem more appealing to her. www.babycentre.co.uk
Vomiting? Diarrhoea? When sickness strikes offer fluid replacement (Hydralyte) immediately. Suitable for the whole family
Available from your pharmacy.
www.hydralyte.com.au Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.
ASMI 24148-1014
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MUMS TIPS
1,2,3 squeeze! THE WHY, HOW AND WHEN OF PELVIC FLOOR EXERCISES
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e explain why pelvis floor exercises are so important both during and after pregnancy and how you can use these kegel toner exercises to strengthen and repair your pelvic floor muscles. Your pelvic floor is the sling of muscles that reaches from your pubic bone right underneath your pelvis to the base of your spine. This much neglected area plays an essential role in holding your bowel, bladder and womb in place and helping you to control
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their functions. Normally these muscles do not get properly worked as it takes conscious effort to do this; however, both during and after pregnancy it is really advisable to spend a little time each day doing simple pelvic floor exercises.
WHY? During pregnancy your growing baby places a huge amount of weight an strain on your
pelvic floor area causing these important muscles to weaken, something that is only exacerbated after the birth when literally thousands of women experience some form of incontinence. This happens because the pelvic floor is not strong enough to completely close the urinary tract, allowing urine to leak; this can be a particular problem when you sneeze or laugh. A weak pelvic floor can also significantly reduce sexual sensitivity and lead to prolapse of the womb in later life. So, as a preventative measure for this, practicing pelvic floor exercises through pregnancy is definitely worthwhile. As an added bonus, having a strong pelvic floor is thought to help the second stage of labour progress faster, making for a shorter birth and more effective contractions.
HOW? Before you can work your pelvic floor muscles you first need to find them. The easiest way to do this is by trying to halt your flow of urine next time you’re on the toilet as it is your pelvic floor muscles that will tighten to do this. When you try you will most likely feel the muscles around your vagina, urethra and anus contract, however if you don’t, next time in the bath you could try gently inserting a finger in your vagina and mimicing the urine- stopping exercise - if you feel a gently squeeze you know you have the right muscles. Once you have found your pelvic floor muscles its simply a case of working them. You will need to practice both fast and slow pelvic floor contractions (sometimes known as kegel exercises) for the maximum strengthening effect. The fast variety help to improve your ‘tightening’ reactions reducing the likelihood of stress incontinence after you’ve had your baby, while slow exercises help to build up the overall strength of this general area.
• Slow pelvic floor exercises - To practice slow pelvic floor exercises you will need to raise your pelvic floor until you get the squeezing feeling you practiced on the toilet and then hold this contraction for as long as is comfortable. It is important that you completely relax your pelvic floor in between repetitions. At first its likely that you will only be able to tense your pelvic floor muscles for a couple of seconds, however with practice you should be able to build up to first 5, then 10 seconds. • Fast pelvic floor exercises - To complete fast pelvic floor exercises you will need to tense and relax your pelvic floor in quick succession (as opposed to tensing and holding). Again, you should focus on completely relaxing your pelvic floor between repetitions. While the toilet technique is good for helping you to locate your pelvic floor muscles it is important not to repeat this too often as it can cause urine retention problems. However, it is ok to try this every once in a while if you want to check your progress. Some women do find pelvic floor exercises very difficult and choose to use one of the many pelvic floor exercisers available. Because of the resistance provided by these kegel toners some believe that their use actually makes the exercises more effective in strengthening the pelvic floor.
WHEN? Its never too soon to start practicing pelvic floor exercises and you should aim to do 3 sets of 10 fast and 10 slow repetitions a day indefinitely. Fortunately once you’re comfortable doing them you can work your pelvic floor anywhere and no one will know. Its likely to take a couple of months before you notice an effect but keep with it and you will eventually see the results.* july 2015 | mychild
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CHENILLE JUMPER $39.99 FULL LENGTH LEGGINGS $16.99
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ICE SAFARI BEANIE $19.99 ICE SAFARI SCARF $19.99 BOTH BY PUMPKIN PATCH
Winter fun WRAP UP AND KEEP WARM AND TOASTY
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SPARKLE WATERFALL CARDI $49.99 WILD AND FREE TEE $26.99 GIRLS JEGGINGS $29.99
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MULTI STRIPE KNIT DRESS $39.99 GIRLS JEGGINGS $29.99 BY PUMPKIN PATCH
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1| APPLIQUÉ DENIM DRESS $50.97 by Guess
2| PEAR & FLOWER T-SHIRT $24.95 by Country Road
3| LITTLE GIRL FOILED CABLE KNIT SWEATER $84.95 by Guess
4| TUTU SKIRT $34.95 by Country Road
5| NEP BEANIE $24.95 by Counrty Road
6| BRITTANY JEANS WITH SASH $50.97 by Guess
7| SUMMER GARDEN GIRLS’ RAINCOAT $26.00 by Hatley
8| DENIM FLIP DRESS $ 49.99
9| WITCHERY 2 POCKET CAPE $69.95
by Witchery
by Witchery
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CHECK FLANNEL HOODED SHIRT $39.99 DRILL PULL ON PANTS $34.99 CHECK FLANNEL HOODED SHIRT $39.99 100
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FLOCK PRINT HOODED SWEAT $39.99 RIB WAISTED DENIM JEANS $42.99 SHERPA LINED DENIM JACKET $54.99 BY PUMPKIN PATCH
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6 1| GUESS LONG SLEEVE DIP DYED $ 38.97 by Guess
2| KID COLLECTIVEBUZZ LIGHTYEAR $39.95 by David Jones
3| TCHECK FLANNEL HOODED $39.95
4| COAST ROAD TRIP TEE by Ouch
5| SLOUCH BEANIE $29.95 by Witchery
6| LINCOLN JEANS IN GHOST WASH $47.97 by Guess
7| SEA CREATURES BOYS’ RAINCOAT $ 26.00 5-8 by Hatley
8| REVERSIBLE NYLON VEST $69.96 by Country Road
9| DROP CROTCH DRAWCORD PANT $ 39.95
by Pumpkin Patch
by Country Road
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IDEAS
The Hipseat makes carrying heavy kids a lot easier 102
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‘Uppy Mummy?’ LITTLE ONES GET REALLY HEAVY VERY QUICKLY, BUT WITH A HIPSEAT YOU CAN KEEP CARRYING YOUR BABY FOR AGES!
H
ippychick was founded by Julia Minchin in 1999, who originally set up the business in order to work around her children. The first product was the innovative back-saving Hipseat - the baby carrier that is now a multiple award-winner and a ‘musthave’ for all parents with babies 6 months to 3 years. Since then, Hippychick have continued to dedicate their time to creating innovative baby products designed to ease the strain of parenting. Two years after starting Hippychick, Julia was joined by her husband Jeremy, who left a career in the Metropolitan Police to help run the business. The early days were tough – working from home, juggling three small children, and using virtually every room in the house! The children Tom, Olly and Sophie are now in their teens and the business is booming.We caught up with Julia and asked
her about the journey they took.
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE IN THE BUSINESS? I founded the business in October 1999 and am now joint MD, along with my husband Jeremy.
WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE BUSINESS? I suppose you could say that my first child Tom was my inspiration really! As a young mother I simply couldn’t find the products I was looking for. So I set out to create a ‘shop’ of all the products I thought would enhance family life. Hippychick was actually named after our first product – the fabulous Hipseat – a unique back supporting belt with integrated ‘seat’ to support little ones’ weight from underneath.
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Julia and Jeremy Minchin WHAT PRODUCTS DO YOU OFFER? We have a fantastic range of items all aimed at making life easier for parents, and ranging from the Hipseat, multi-award winning Mattress Protectors through to the amazing Dream Tubes- inflatable bed guards – to mention just a few! We are almost religious in our insistence on only selling genuinely innovative products to the family market. We believe it is this that sets us apart and that has been pivotal to our success.
CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT THE TEAM? We have a fantastic team of people supporting the business. Many of them started working with us prior to starting their own families. Now most of them have children of their own! Previously, when our children were younger, we were lucky enough to have the ideal testing panel for all potential products. Now that they are either in ‘teenage-hood’ or
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racing there rather quickly, we have had to rely on our team’s children and friends’ children to test the products. They have helped us select a range of products that truly improve the quality of family life and that have won us a loyal and ever growing fan base of retailers and customers.
HOW DO YOU SHARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES BETWEEN YOU? My husband, Jeremy, heads up production, supplier relationships, sales and stock management. I deal with marketing, new product development and direct to consumer sales which includes development of the Hippychick website, overseeing our eBay site and Amazon marketplace. We are both obviously fully involved with business strategy and development and the finance side of the business.
A spare sheet is always useful in the event of any little accidents, or just for when you need to change the bed linen. When your little one is away for the night or if you are going on holiday, you only need to remove the inflatable tubes from the set on the bed to take with the spare sheet. That way when you get home and you are all tired from your travels, all you have to do is pop the tubes back in to their pockets and your child can go straight to bed.
This is just a very broad split because, let’s face it, when you run your own business you do whatever it takes.
HOW LONG HAS THE BUSINESS BEEN OPERATING? I started the business in August 1999, and it was incorporated in October 1999.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF SETTING UP
THE BUSINESS? Managing the cash and managing stock levels have always been the biggest challenges, particularly as we grow. Manufacturing overseas and having to pay for stock prior to it leaving and getting paid by some of the bigger accounts on extended credit terms can mean we are `out of pocket’ for well over six months. It can be virtually impossible to predict sales on certain lines especially if they are new to the market or going into a new large account and
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inevitably you end up running out of the one size/style/colour that everyone wants!
IS THERE ANY ADVICE YOU WISH YOU’D BEEN GIVEN? Make decisions quicker, surround yourself with good people even if they cost you more and research the market properly. Just because you like something certainly doesn’t mean everyone else will.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT THE BUSINESS? I love finding new products. It is always a buzz when you find a new one and you think to yourself, ‘I think that this could be the next big thing’! Then of course you have the unadulterated excitement when you receive a large order, that hasn’t changed since the early days, it is still just as thrilling.
HOW IS YOUR BUSINESS DIFFERENT TO OTHER SIMILAR BUSINESSES? We like to think that we still retain the ethos of a small family business, even as we’ve grown. Every phone call is important to us as is every customer, small or large. It seems that this has not gone unnoticed as our customers have voted us ‘Best Distributer’ at the Nursery Industry Awards - three years in a row!
WHAT GIVES YOUR PRODUCT THE EDGE? The majority of our products have been invented by mothers (or fathers!). It isn’t until you have a child that you realise what you need more help with. That’s what we’re all about really – providing products that genuinely enhance and aid family life.
WHY SHOULD PEOPLE SHOP WITH YOU? Our customer service is second to none. I
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could bore you with countless testimonials extolling our virtues, and whilst it may be rather ‘clichéd’, the point is WE CARE. Our team will always go the extra mile to ensure our customer needs are more than met.
HOW DO YOU MARKET THE BUSINESS? Gosh, that’s a massive question. I’ll attempt to be brief ….. We have an ecommerce site, with a trade portal. This is frequently the first way new customers will find us. In the age of ‘social media’ we ensure that our presence and tone is consistent with our traditional marketing channels. We invest heavily in PR and Ad campaigns in order to reinforce our message in print and online. Our catalogue holds the full range, and whilst the need for a printed catalogue has diminished in recent years we find that there is still a requirement for one – although with perhaps a smaller print run. Regular e-newsletters are sent out to consumers and trade contacts. These will typically notify about new products and promotions. I could go on … and ON … but I’ll stop there. I think that gives you a bit of an idea.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE OF THE BUSINESS? We would like to continue to grow the business and ideally it would be an endeavor that one, two or all of our children could join us in – if they want to of course!
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE MY CHILD READERS TO KNOW? If anyone has a good idea for a new product or service and wants to chat it through with someone who has been there do please feel free to send us an email: julia@hippychick.com. *
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COOKING
MINI APPLE AND COCONUT CRUMBLES
Zoe Bingley-Pullin, is Only About Children (Oac), one of Australia’s leading early education providers Nutrition Ambassador. Zoe is a mother and a practicing Nutritionist/Chef who will create mindful and healthy menu’s for all campuses and consult to Oac educators, children and their families.
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INGREDIENTS 5 apples, cored and cut in half 1-2tbsp butter or coconut oil, melted 2tsp cinnamon, ground 1 cup of oats 1/4 cup shredded coconut 1tsp vanilla extract 1/4 cup sultanas Optional: yoghurt and honey topping METHOD • Preheat oven to 180-200 degrees • Mix oats, coconut, cinnamon, sultanas, vanilla extract, butter/coconut oil in a bowl • Rub each apple half with 1tsp butter and top with 1-2 tbsp topping, press down to secure the topping • Place apple halves in a baking dish filled with enough water to touch the sides of each apple half. • Bake for 30-40 mins until the top is golden • Serve with an optional dollop of yoghurt and drizzle of honey .
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COOKING
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Chicken (or feta) and Vegetable Risotto
INGREDIENTS (Serves 10) 300-500g chicken breast (omit for vegetarian) Vegetarian: 1-2 cups feta cheese, crumbled 2 cups of Arborio rice 1 cups of mushrooms, flat, button and/or brown 1 carrots, peeled and chopped 1 zucchinis, chopped 1 celery sticks, chopped 1 garlic cloves 1 onion, skin removed 2 cups of chicken or vegetable stock salt reduced 1 bunch parsley, finely chopped 4tbsp. extra virgin olive oil METHOD Pre-heat oven to 180 degrees, toss chicken breast with olive oil and bake on a lined baking tray for 15-20minutes until cooked, shred with a fork Rice: in a food processor add the mushrooms, carrot, zucchini, celery, garlic, onion and olive oil and blend until coarsely chopped In a saucepan, sautĂŠ the mixture until soft approximately 5 minutes. Add the rice and 1 ladle of hot stock and simmer for approximately 20 minutes Keep slowly adding all of the stock until desired consistency is reached Once cooked add parsley .
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GET TO SHOPPING KNOW
Innocence Collection custom bracelet RRP ranges from $590.00 for 9 carat gold, to $790.00 for 18 carat gold, both across all three gold options (gold, white gold, rose gold). 112
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HAND CRAFTED MEET MATTHEW ELY CREATOR OF THE ALL INNOCENCE COLLECTION BRACELETS Richard Burton once said – ‘Liz only knows one word of Italian and that’s Bulgari’. Audrey Hepburn was quoted as saying that she was mad about Tiffany’s. Matthew Ely is an educated gemmologist and jeweller. His artisan endowment was recognised from an early age through a series of prominent awards. Matthew has won Showcase, World Skills and most recently the prestigious Diamond Guild Award. His passion and comprehensive understanding for gems and precious metal sees him travelling the world sourcing unique pieces for bespoke fine jewellery. Matthew works from the point of view that the personal relationship and engagement with his clients is everything when creating unique luxury jewels. Matthew possesses the expertise, comprehensive knowledge and access to source some of the rarest gems. This has translated into a supreme bespoke service for the most determined client. Matthew draws inspiration for his bespoke collections and fine jewellery from architecture, art and the natural beauty of each gem. ‘Next month my wife and I will be welcoming our first child into the family and my approaching fatherhood has inspired me to create a bespoke baby bracelet collection. I believe that major milestones in life should be celebrated and for that reason, as well as creating something special for my own baby, I wanted to make this personalized memento available for my clients to enjoy. Each baby bracelet has the baby’s initial hand carved into the gold and reveals a hidden diamond underneath for a little luxury. Something they can keep forever.” “I knew if I couldn’t find a unique gift or memento, there must be other people out there looking for
a luxurious gift with sentimental value that can be customised for such a milestone. I’ve always loved adorning my wife with beautiful bespoke creations, so now that there will be another muse in the family, of course I wanted to make something bespoke to mark this chapter,” says Matthew. All Innocence Collection bracelets include a hand carved initial on the face of the pendant, with a small diamond stud on the back as a secret little signature from Matthew. Bespoke, made to order bracelets can have the stud as the babies birthstone, giving the gift a more personal touch. The design of these bracelets also includes a high quality fine chain and secure clasp. Each bracelet can either be made to average baby wrist size dependant on their age, or size can be customised to baby/ child’s measurements. Matthew has also allowed for future uses for his Innocence Collection, as clientele can come in to extend the bracelet chain as their loved one grows, or switch the chain from bracelet to necklace length for the parent to wear as a keepsake, as something to cherish long after their baby is grown. Located on Ocean Street in Woollahra Sydney, The Matthew Ely bespoke boutique is a testament to his artisan talents in jewellery design and gemmology, and a haven for his clientele who will now have access to his newly debuted Innocence Collection. Matthew Ely Boutique 1/44 Ocean Street, Woollahra, NSW Phone: 02 9328 1555 Email: enquiries@matthewely.com.au www. matthewely.com.au @matthewely_ facebook.com/ MatthewElybyYorkJewellers
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PRESCHOOL
One fish, two fish SOME GREAT TIPS TO HELP PRESCHOOLERS WITH MATHEMATICS FROM MADELINE MITCHELL, OWNER OF HI IQ, PRESCHOOL AND PRIMARY EDUCATION CENTRE, BONDI JUNCTION
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A
re you a mathematical help or hindrance? ‘10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1… Blast Off!!!’ Sound familiar? If you have a child under 6, then you have probably heard these excited little words when your child reaches ‘1’ and then gets to finish with ‘blast off!!!’ What about this one... Have you ever said to your child ‘I’ll be there in one minute’, only to then spend another fifteen minutes finishing the ironing, unpacking the dishwasher, chatting on the phone etc? Or perhaps this little rhyme sounds familiar ‘1, 2, skip a few 99, 100’. Teaching our kids the basics of mathematics can be so much fun! But it can also be quite confusing for the little tikes when they get to ‘big school’ and find out that ‘blast off’ isn’t actually a number, ‘1 minute’ is actually fifteen minutes and there are many, many numbers between 2 and 99! The best advice for parents around teaching mathematics is definitely have fun with it. Try to use mathematical language accurately and contextualise learning as much as possible. Here are some great activities and conversations that can be implemented at home, or when you are out and about with your little one: • Read numbers on houses, notice that the streets have an ‘odd’ and ‘even’ side. Kids can start counting by 2’s as soon as they can start counting. • Count forwards and backwards from 010 or 20. Always start and finish with 0! • Say the days of the week and start with Sunday. • Name the months of the year and the
seasons. • Talk about the date on the milk bottle, yogurt. • Talk about your coins and how much things costs when you’re at the shops or cafe. • Use time realistically e.g. ‘This park is a 1 hour park’, ‘I’ll just be 5 more minutes...’ • Use measurements when cooking and use the correct terminology. • Count the numbers of floors when you’re in a lift. • Share things equally amongst siblings e.g. ‘there are 6 lollies, how many do you each get?’ • Talk about time ‘Your bedtime is 7pm, that is when the hour hand is on the 7 and the minute hand is on the 12.’ • Represent numbers with objects, not just fingers! • Talk about colours, shapes and sizes • Language is really important! Use the correct language, suitable for infants: more than, less than, the same as, equals, bigger, smaller, in front of, behind, underneath, near, far, away • Spot the difference in patterns. • Make patterns out of colours, shapes, toys. • Use technology there are some really great apps for kids maths. Most importantly, if your child asks you a mathematical question, then give them the real, honest answer. If they are asking the question then chances are they are ready (or almost ready) to learn the answer! “Arithmetic is being able to count up to twenty without taking off your shoes.” Mickey Mouse Visit our website www.hiiq.com.au for new ideas and tips about educating your little ones, or enquire about our early learning programs info@hiiq.com.au*
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PRESCHOOL
BUZZZZZZZZZZZZ THREE REASONS WHY WE NEED TO TALK TO OUR KIDS ABOUT BEES BY BIANCA C. ROSS
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T
he world is ‘abuzz’ with the plight of bees. From farmers to flower growers, these little creatures are in big demand. But they are in trouble, and the recent attention of their population decline is for good reason: bees are essential to our world, as we know it. We need to talk with our children about bees because:
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Food production relies on bees to spread pollen. This natural pollination is crucial to forests and crops, and two thirds of Australia’s agricultural output is dependent on bees. Their population decline is causing serious problems, and in some countries, such as China, farmers are taking pollination into their own hands, literally, and pollinating crops themselves.
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As well as producing food, bees are fundamental to food security. Their activity creates biodiversity in food crops as well as native forests, allowing natural ecosystems to adapt and thrive.
emergency. We need to engage our children in a positive way, so they feel they can play a role to assist the bees’ plight. Firstly, we can explain the important role flowers play in attracting bees. The colour of the petals and the pollen on the stamen will fascinate children, and pointing out the different parts of the flower helps them learn something new. We can show our children budding fruit and vegetables in the veggie patch, and explain how the plants grow food for us to eat. And where there are flowers, there are bees, so they can see first-hand the work that goes on. Visiting a farmers’ market is another way we can teach our children about seasonal produce and the different crops that bees help produce. Children will learn direct from the farmers that the freshest produce changes throughout the year, and that bees bring about a large variety of food. And, small-scale farmers are less likely to engage in monoculture production, offering a larger variety of plant species for bees to pollinate.
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Some foods rely 100% on bees for survival. Visiting your local garden nurseries is a great Without bees, some of our most popular experience for children and allows them to see crops would disappear. Apples, and touch the many plant species that rely on blueberries, onions and pumpkins all need bees bee pollination. to produce food. And, if you are a honey connoisseur, you may So, why is the bee population declining? be able to establish your own hive. Check with There is much debate on this topic. Climate local council and consult credible bee keeping change and the use of pesticides are said to be associations for more information. contributors to the problem. And, studies show these small creatures are already too busy to By helping children understand the satisfy our demand for food, so bees deserve fundamental role bees play for our food, we undivided attention and immediate action. assist the survival of these amazing creatures, and that is a sweet thing indeed. What action can we take to help our bees? By helping our children understand the critical Bianca C. Ross is the author of the children’s book role bees play in our lives, we can raise series Herbert Peabody, published by Farinet Pty Ltd. awareness of the problem and children can See www.herbertpeabody.com for details.* play an active role in helping solve the
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news | wellness
BIG KIDS
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Kids drink more soda after divorce CHILDRENS LIVES ARE DISRUPTED WHEN THEIR PARENTS SEPARATE OR GET DIVORCED AND THEIR ROUTINES AND DISCIPLINE LEVELS CHANGE
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hildren may be more likely to drink sodas and other sugary beverages if their parents are recently separated or divorced, a new study suggests. Drinking too many sugary beverages puts children at increased risk for obesity, the researchers warned. “When families separate, one of the things that is most impacted for kids is their day-today routines,” lead researcher Jeff Cookston, chair of psychology at San Francisco State University, said in a university news release. “Children are looking for consistency in their family environment, and family routines provide that security and continuity,” he explained. The study included parents and children in families in which the parents were married, separated or divorced, and had them keep dairies of their eating habits over five days. Children with separated/divorced parents were much more likely to drink sugarsweetened beverages than those whose parents were married. Divorce or separation did not appear to increase the risk of other unhealthy habits such as skipping breakfast or eating outside
the home. While the study showed an association between separation/divorce and children in those families drinking more sugary beverages, it did not establish a cause-and-effect link. Separation and divorce can cause significant stress for children and sugary drinks are an easy and accessible “quick fix” for dealing with that stress, Cookston said. “They’re quite pleasurable, and they’re accessible. The brain reacts with a great deal of enjoyment when we have a soda or energy drink,” he said. “It also doesn’t involve much thinking, except for the decision to purchase them or bring them into the house.” The researchers found that family routines were important. When separated/divorced parents maintained normal household routines, such as eating dinner together or doing family activities, children were less likely to drink sugary beverages. Each year in the United States, more than 1 million children are affected by divorce, the researchers said in the news release. And, they added, 34 percent of American children aged 6 to 11 are overweight, putting them at risk for obesity when they’re adults.* july 2015 | mychild
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NEWS
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Migraines aren’t just a problem for adults -about 6 percent of children and more than one-quarter of teens aged 15 to 17 have migraines. If you suspect your child has migraines, take him or her to a doctor to be assessed and receive treatment if necessary. Options include treatment to stop the pain and prevent a migraine from getting worse, along with measures to prevent or reduce the frequency, severity and duration of migraines. A number of factors may contribute to your child’s migraines, such as too little or too much sleep or stress. Parents need to help their children follow healthy lifestyles and cope with stress. Other potentially helpful stress-control techniques include relaxation therapy and biofeedback. Keeping a migraine diary can help youngsters understand why they get migraines and how to prevent them. The diary tracks migraines, the severity, how long they last, what patients were doing before and during the migraine, and what foods they ate. Mobile phone apps may be an ideal way for children and teens to tracks their migraines and to take their medications as prescribed, the experts suggested.
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SPEEDY MINDS Exercise and brainpower in children may not seem closely related, but a small new study hints that fitness may supercharge kids’ minds. The finding doesn’t prove that fitness actually makes children smarter, but it provides support for the idea, the researchers said. And two recent studies found that fit kids are more likely to have better language skills and to do better on standardized tests for math and reading. But there are still mysteries. While moderate exercise boosts brainpower for a few hours -making it a good idea to work out before a test Higher levels of fitness may boost blood flow, increase the size of certain brain areas and improve the structure of white matter.
In ancient Greece, children of wealthy families were dipped in olive oil at birth to keep them hairless throughout their lives
SKIN CELLS USED TO CREATE HEART VALVE FOR KIDS While artificial heart valves have long been available to adults, making permanent valves for children has been challenging because kids’ bodies keep growing. But researchers say they’ve found a way around that, using a child’s skin cells to make a new pulmonary valve for the youngster’s heart to replace a faulty one. Using a child’s own skin cells to create the new valve reduces the risk of rejection, the researchers explained, and means the valve can grow with the patient -- reducing the need for future valve replacements. “Current valve replacements cannot grow with patients as they age, but the use of a patientspecific pulmonary valve would introduce a ‘living’ valvular construct that should grow with the patient,” lead author David Simpson, of the University of Maryland School of Medicine, said in a journal news release. “Our study is particularly important for paediatric
patients who often require repeated operations for pulmonary valve replacements,” he added. In the study, Simpson’s team developed a method to turn skin cells from a biopsy into cells that help create a tissue-engineered pulmonary valve. The pulmonary valve connects the heart to the pulmonary artery, which carries blood from the heart to the lungs. “We created a pulmonary valve that is unique to the individual patient and contains living cells from that patient,” study senior co-author Dr. Sunjay Kaushal said in the news release. “That valve is less likely to be destroyed by the patient’s immune system, thus improving the outcome and hopefully increasing the quality of life for our patient.” The next step in this research will be to implant the new valves in patients to assess how well they work and how long they last, the study authors said. * july 2015 | mychild
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You have been Piccolo’d SARAH CICHY FROM PICCOLO PR TALKS TO MY CHILD MAGAZINE BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR AND HOW SHE HELPS SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED BUSINESSES BREAK INTO MEDIA CIRCLES SO THAT THEY CAN TRULY SHINE! TELL US ABOUT PICCOLO PR Piccolo PR is a boutique Public Relations agency based in, Sydney that specialise in all things Kids and Design. I really wanted to create a business that I knew would change the lives for small and medium sized Aus-tralian businesses and
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create a PR powerhouse that captures the essence of Kids and Design. We love to ‘color outside of the lines’ and enjoy the challenge of introducing a brand to a new market and building/or re-building a brand from the ground up. HOME forms the cornerstone of our work. We
love all things design. Over the years we’ve worked with local and international talentsome of these include Australia’s design royalty: Darren Palmer, Megan Morton, Greenhouse Interiors, Marsha Golemac, Jason Grant, Greg Natale, most recently, Colin & Jus-tin and represent a raft of celebrities from The Block. Piccolo PR also specialises in baby and kid’s products and is the first stop for those who want to break out of the corporate world and launch their product into the Australian market. We’re very lucky to have an extensive little black book of contacts including mummy bloggers, parenting publications, local and international celebrity’s to help mumpreuneurs reach their full PR potential.
YOU’RE THE FOUNDER OF ONE OF AN INSPIRING AND SUCCESSFUL DESIGN AND KIDS PR AGENCIES IN RECENT YEARS. Have you always had this entrepreneurial instinct, and did you ever imagine you’d be running the businesses you’re running now? I do think the entrepreneurial instinct has always been there. Most certainly the fierce independence part. I’ve always been professionally hyperactive and hoped that this would happen. It’s been an in-credibly positive start, and we have a long an exciting adventure ahead of us to reach out full potential.
WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES YOU HAVE FACED RUNNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS? Each day presents me with different challenges, and great opportunity. Managing work/ life balance is sometimes a little difficultespecially for an Aries who loves to work! I’m often up in the middle of the night trying to find a missing piece to a puzzle. For this reason, I’ll
never be able to completely let go - and I’m comfortable with that. I’m also guilty of operating in first gears most days. Finding team members who share this energy and want to learn from the ground up can be a challenge at times. Then again it’s rewarding when you do find that one PR diamond- and I’ve been very fortunate to recruit a team that works hard/ and loves to laugh!
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF RUNNING THE SHOW YOURSELF? I love the fact that we represent brands we truly connect, in two distinct industries that have become so popular in this current climate. Owning my own company enables me to push boundaries and challenge myself (and my team) every day. Each day I learn a new piece of what it means to be a woman in business. As a company we value making each other and anyone in contact with us smile. I love working in a happy environment which values laughter and strong work ethic. It’s about real long term happiness, knowing that work should be life enhancing – and productive.
WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN BY A MENTOR? When you define success for yourself, it’s easy to get to. Be happy with what you have while working for what you want.
THREE PIECES OF ADVICE BEFORE STARTED A BUSINESS: 1. Firstly, define success and focus. Keep your eye on the final goal. 2. Secondly, just make a decision and see what happens. If you don’t you’ll never start – or even worse – someone else will execute your dream. 3. Thirdly, compartmentalize stress and panic when you have to make decisions * july 2015 | mychild
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A new baby is like the beginning of all things-wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities. EDA J. LE SHAN
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