AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2018
Father’s Day 2018:
Celebrating Dads
Awesome Activities for Fun Fathers
World Breastfeeding Week: Every breastfeed is a success
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PALMY PARENT â–ª PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE
EDITOR’S NOTE It’s hard to believe, but we’re already well past the halfway mark this year, and heading towards longer days again!! The start of August marks World Breastfeeding Week, and to celebrate we have a few pieces that speak to that wonderful milky goodness, with the theme that every feed is a win. Have a read of our feature ‘Every Breastfeed is a Success’, full of amazing information about how our milk changes as our babies grow and the impacts it can have no matter how long you feed for. We also have a piece addressing one of the biggest concerns I tend to hear from other Mums - how do I boost my supply? No matter how long or short your breastfeeding journey may be, I hope you find these stories useful. September marks a celebration of a different kind - Fathers’ Day, of course, and with it we also have a few stories to celebrate the amazing Dads in our community. Check out our feature on fun things to do to support father-child bonding, and our lovely story ‘Celebrating Fatherhood’. Hopefully you all have a wonderful, relaxing day with your kids. In other news, we head to Te Manawa for our family friendly outing this month, and continuing our theme of ‘fun things to do’, check out the baby rattles in our craft section, and get inspired by the heuristic treasure baskets in our developmental play pages. Your babies will love it! We take a closer look at fever and its role in health, get eco-friendly in our product reviews, and you’ll find another beautiful birth story to inspire our pregnant families. Until next time, have a wonderful two months and make sure to celebrate every triumph in your parenting, now matter how big or small it may be.
Erin Evis, Editor
ADVERTISE IN PALMY PARENT Palmerston North Parents Centre has a circulation of over 250 magazines per issue. These are sent to all current members as well as Plunket, midwives and other community groups. Our rates are extremely competitive and we would love your support by way of an advertisement. Also, in addition to our outstanding rates, we offer you a FREE advertorial on your business if you commit to either four or six adverts per annum. For more information contact our Business Relations Officer by email at: palmyparent@hotmail.com One-off price
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Mission s tatement Positive birth experiences and informed parenting in a community where parents are supported and highly valued in their role.
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Disclaimer: Opinions and articles in this magazine do not necessarily reflect Parents Centre NZ policy. Advertising in this magazine does not imply endorsement by Parents Centre. ISSUE 284 ▪ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2018
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CONTENTS COVER STORY World Breastfeeding Week - Every Breastfeed is a Success
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Celebrating dads… for father’s Day and every day 16 Seasonal: Activities for Dads and Kids
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FEATURES Want more milk?
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Heuristic Baskets
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IN EVERY ISSUE
GOT SOMETHING TO SHARE? Want to share some helpful advice or a great book you’ve read? Let us know and we’ll share it with our members. Or, if you would like to have your baby’s photos printed, write about your birth experience, review a book or a family friendly venue you have visited recently, we’d love to hear from you! Email the Editor at:
palmyparenteditor@gmail.com
Editor’s note
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PNPC seminars & events
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Welcome to the World!
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What’s on ... In our region
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Book Review
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Health & Wellbeing: Fever: Friend or Foe?
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Birth Story: Matthew’s Peaceful Hospital Hypnobirth
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Product Review: Produce Bags
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Recipe Healthier Date Cashew Caramel Chocolate Slice
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Family Friendly Outings: Te Manawa
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Craft: Baby Bottle Rattle
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Community support groups
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Member discounts
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Playgroups in your area
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CONTRIBUTORS
Erin Evis, Laura Wenden-Green, Saritta Burney, H e l e n a S l a ko, E m i ly H a r r o p - S m i t h , S u s a n Doohan, Steph Bullen, Pinky McKay, Cheree Myers, Fritha Linklater, Jackie Wheeler Front cover:
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PALMY PARENT ▪ PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE
Pexels/Pixabay
COMMITTEE News of volunteers who donate their time and skills because they are passionate about supporting families from pregnancy through to school. We are all volunteers from those who answer your emails and Facebook messages to our Editor and Designer who bring you our fabulous Palmy Parent magazine.
We are positively fizzing to announce that the Palmy Parent and Child Expo is happening on the 14th of October 2018 at the Awapuni Function Centre from 10 am- 4pm. A great event for the whole family, local businesses coming together to showcase their products and services to our local families. There is going to be everything you expect at an expo, including goody bags and a prize package. Check us out on Facebook for more information – Palmy Parent & Child Expo and send us an email if you are a local business interested in having a stall. June 18 – 22 was Parents Centre Week, as well as National Volunteer week. Not everyone realises that Palmy Parents Centre is run by a committee
new venue has created a positive image for the centre, it has given us the space we needed and is now a modern venue for our members. We have begun to take a collaborative approach to our operating and have enjoyed networking with likeminded community groups to share what we can offer and reach new sectors of our community.
We said a sad goodbye to a long time voluntary committee member Emma Ochei who had been responsible for almost single handedly bringing all Palmy Parents Centre postnatal seminars to our community over the last 5-ish years. Emma has re-entered the paid work force and while we will miss her, we wish her well in her new role as general manager at Palmerston North Community Services Council. Congratulations on the new role, Emma.
In these modern times where everything is just a click away what makes us stand out are the people we have behind all the processes – whether it be answering a Facebook message, selling tickets or helping at a seminar, our people are what makes us special. The Executive Committee extends their thanks to all the members of the Committee that tirelessly give their time to make the centre the success that it is.”
During Parents Centre week we held our AGM, below is an exerpt from our AGM report:
The Executive Committee - Saritta Burney, Raylene Calder & Sheree Power
“2017/2018 has shaped up to be a challenging and fulfilling year for the centre. The Committee’s biggest achievement was moving into the newly built Te Papaioea Birth Centre complex; this was a momentous milestone in February 2018. Our
As always, we are always on the lookout for more volunteers to join our team, if you are interested in getting more information drop us an email on info@palmyparentscentre. org.nz
Parent Centre Partners:
ISSUE 277 ▪ JUNE / JULY 2017
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PNPC Seminars & Events
August & September BIG LATCH ON
Friday 3 August 2018, 10 am-12 pm Te Papaioea Birthing Centre
An event all about celebrating mums, the latch on will be at 10.30 and throughout the morning there will be nourishing food, support and giveaways.
Saturday 4 August 2018, 10am-11.30am Palmerston North Parents Centre
An event all about celebrating mums and dads, the latch on will be at 10.30 and throughout the morning there will be nourishing food, conversation and giveaways.
Cost: Free
BABY AND YOU CLASSES
Wednesday 15, 22, 29 August Wednesday 19, 26 September, and 3 October
This program follows on from antenatal classes and offers sound tips and strategies as you begin your remarkable journey into parenthood during the fourth trimester. The class is best suited to babies 0-6 weeks. Bring your baby with you for the 3 sessions of the course.
Cost: $40 per family
HOT TOPIC “WHY KIDS ‘MIS’BEHAVE”
Wednesday 1 August, 7.30pm Why kids ‘mis’behave and how to help them. Sometimes it can feel like we’re constantly screaming No! Stop! Would you just listen?! In this Hot Topic we will look at why kids behave in challenging ways and discuss some strategies to help them navigate this crazy world of ours.I Cost: $10 members; $15 non-members
NEWBORN BREASTFEEDING
Thursday 2 August, 10am
Designed for ALL expectant and new mums who are intending to, or have recently started breastfeeding. Learn how to prepare for and get started with breastfeeding, along with strategies for an effective and sustainable breastfeeding journey. You can attend this seminar while pregnant and again in the early weeks with your newborn. Partners welcome.
PARENTING WITH ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION
Saturday 11 August, 10am
Depression and anxiety are common, especially in parents. This workshop provides a safe environment for parents to discuss their experiences of feeling overwhelmed and anxious or stuck inside negative emotions. We begin with reviewing some of the common indicators that you are suffering from depression and/or anxiety and talk about how this can affect parenting. From here, participants are guided through exercises to learn ways to cope with low mood and anxiety while also responding to the demands of children and daily life. Presented by Kate Tappenden from Pain Relief.
Cost: $10 members; $15 non-members
STARTING SOLIDS
Friday 24 August, 10am
Perfect for parents of 3-9 month olds. In this popular seminar with our new presenter Registered Dietitian and mum Megan Somerville, you will learn the signs that your baby is ready for complementary feeding, what to introduce when, and other topics to ensure you are confident and ready for this next step.
Cost: $6 members; $12 non-members
HEALTHY EATING 1-3 YEAR OLDS
Saturday 1 September, 10am
Join Registered Dietitian and mum Megan Somerville to discuss the practicalities of feeding 1-3 year olds. Learn about common challenges such as fussy eating, and discuss practical tips and strategies around making mealtimes easy and how you can support your toddler to develop a healthy relationship with food.
Cost: $6 members; $12 non-members
INTRODUCTORY WATER SKILLS FOR INFANTS
Presented by Cheryl Benn, Lactation Consultant, selfemployed midwife, and Regional Midwifery Advisor to MidCentral and Whanganui DHB
Venue: Lido Aquatic Centre Thursday 6 September 11am
Cost: Free
Introduce your child to water in this “taster” swimming class. For babies and toddlers aged 5 months to 3 years old. Approximately 30 minutes duration.
To register please see our website: http://www.palmyparentscentre.org.nz/ All seminars and events can be found in our calendar on the website. For any queries please email: info@palmyparentscentre.org.nz 6
Cost: Free; this session is kindly provided by CLM Swim Magic.
PALMY PARENT ▪ PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE
Members’ Offers: FREE barista hot drink or pair of grips socks when you present your membership card at a Coffee & Kids morning on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 10am-12pm for children under 6, $7 per child
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(parents get free entry)
Visit our facebook page @ fantailsnestnz and receive free shipping using the code: PALMYFLYSFREE
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Enter the coupon code PARENTS20 at the checkout to SAVE on selected items at The Sleep Store To see which items you can apply the discount to visit www.thesleepstore.co.nz/content/parentscentre
Unique Beginnings
Visit www.thesleepstore.co.nz/content/parentscentre for further details & exclusions on this offer. Coupon applies to selected items listed on this webpage, Offer cannot be used with coupons, vouchers, discounts, 2-pack offers or combo deals. Cannot be used on shipping fee or other brand items, gift cards or in conjunction with any other offer or discount. The Sleep Store reserves the right to update or amend this offer at any time.
with Rebecca Robinson
Birth preparation & beyond, Lactation Consultant support
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ph: 021 066 0394
ISSUE 284 â–Ş AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2018
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Welcome TO THE WORLD!
Welcome to all the new babies born to our wonderful Parent Centre members! If there are any corrections to the list below, please email palmyparenteditor@gmail.com
Class: 4th Jan | Hostess: Saritta Burney and Sheree Power | CBE: Jess White
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Sophie Bella Bryson
February
born to
2018
Laura and Callum Bryson
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Theo Tay Willoughby
March Annie Tay and Mitchell Willoughby born to
Maverick Zafir Bagsik born to
Melvin John Bagsik and Zorayda Remedios Marcojos
2018
10
born to
2018
15
Louise and Michael Browne
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AedĂn Suzanne Gordon
March March Michael Gordon and Miriam Cahill 2018
24
2018
30
March March 2018
born to
Lachlan and Rhianne Fee
Paige Lucy Redmond born to
Anne-Marie and Steven Redmond
Malachi Thomas George Simpson
2018
3
Carson Lloyd Fee
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Hudson Peter Browne
born to
Kelly and Richmond Knight
Amber and Aaron Hartley
Annie Tay and Mitchell Willoughby
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2018
born to
born to
born to
March March
Marcus Richmond Knight
Archer Blair Hartley
Fenix Tay Willoughby
April 2018
born to
Helenka and Timothy Simpson
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Archer Darryl Putt
2018
Matthew Putt and Patrice Palleson-Putt
April
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April 2018
PALMY PARENT â–Ş PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE
born to
Class: 31st Jan | Hostess: Allanah Irvine | CBE: Bec Hancock Jerome Tavita Gulliver born to
Sarin Yin and David Gulliver
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2018
Kathryn King and Regan Robinson
Connor Foss born to
Olivia and Matt Foss
born to
Nicole and Suchen Huang
May 2018
May 2018
Sarah and Hayden Bond
2018
8
11
born to
Erin Sharland and Lee Warren
May
2018
2018
Jess and Shea Peterson
2
April
May
born to
born to
2018
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Hunter Robert Peterson
Madaline Jennifer Sharland
April
17
Zoe Ruby Bond and
born to
2018
16
2018
Alex and Dave Bertram
Hannah Huang
15
2018
April
born to
Elise and Josh Phillips
April April
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Kane David Arthur Bertram
born to
2018
6
born to
Megan and Ares Fang
Oaklyn Christiana Phillips
March March
Flynn William Thomas Robinson
Asher Fang
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Nina Marie Towers born to
Cindy and Vaughan Towers
Ethan William Stockwell born to
Mo Li and Alan Stockwell
Hazel Georgina Bond born to
Sarah and Hayden Bond
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May 2018
ISSUE 284 â–Ş AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2018
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What’s On ... in our region
FUN FOR THE FAMILY Kids for Kids: Kiwi As Thursday 30th August, 7.30pm Central Energy Trust Arena
Manawatu Craft and Food Fair Saturday 15th September, 10.00am Barber Hall, Palmerston North Fathers’ Day - Free Train Rides for Dad Sunday 2nd September, 1.00pm Palmerston North Esplanade Scenic Railway
Lights of Spring Night Train Friday 21st September, 6.00pm Palmerston North Esplanade Scenic Railway
The Fathers’ Day Express to Taihape Sunday 2nd September, 10.00am - 4.30pm Feilding Railway Station, Aorangi Street Feilding
Red Walk 2018 - Fun Run/Walk for Cure Kids Sunday 30th September, 9.00am-2.00pm, Hardie Street Reserve, Palmerston North
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PALMY PARENT ▪ PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE
GoodnightMoon
BOOK REVIEW
Written by Margaret Wise Brown Illustrated by Clement Hurd Reviewed by Steph Bullen
This book is a classic children’s bedtime story written about a rabbit’s routine before he goes to bed. Before his bedtime, the rabbit goes around the room and notices items within eye sight and says goodnight to all of them. Everything from the pictures on the wall to the mice to the clock are mentioned and said goodnight too. As the story continues, the rabbit gets more and more tired before finally saying, “Goodnight noises everywhere,” just as he falls asleep. This book is very enjoyable to young readers as they are able to search for the pictures mentioned in the text – it’s sort of like eye spy! This is a very fun activity for both the child and parent reading the book. You will enjoy how the objects are from our favourite nursery rhymes “Goodnight moon, Goodnight cow jumping over the moon” and “Goodnight kittens, and goodnight mittens” The pace, rhythm, and repetition as the little bunny says goodnight to all the things in his house and work to gently lull kids off to dreamland.
BOOK GIVEAWAY Be in to win this issue’s reviewed book! FUN & A FIX
COFFEE & KIDS
find us on
The children’s book reviewed above has been generously donated by Bruce McKenzie Booksellers on George Street, Palmerston North to give away to a lucky Parents Centre Member.
TUES, WED & THURS 10am-12pm
To enter the draw to win this issue’s book, email your name, membership number and the title of the book to palmnthpc@gmail.com. Entries for the next draw must be received by September 3 rd 2017. The winner’s name will be printed in the next issue of the Palmy Parent and the book will be posted to you.
$7 PER CHILD PARENTS/CAREGIVERS FREE
Bruce McKenzie’s Booksellers is situated in George Street beside the entrance to the Palmerston North Library. Bruce McKenzie’s carries an enormous range of books from children’s to specialist nonfiction and is definitely worth a visit. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask the staff who are always willing to help.
06 355 2442 INFO@FLIPCITY.CO.NZ
Congratulations to: BREASTFEEDING WELCOME HERE
Adele Kent who has won a copy of ‘I’m the biggest’ ISSUE 284 ▪ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2018
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FEATURE
World Breastfeeding Week
- Every Breastfeed is a Success
By Pinky McKay Editor: August 1-7 2018 marks World Breastfeeding Week, and this year’s theme is ‘Breastfeeding: Foundation of Life’. To celebrate, we look at the amazing benefits of breastmilk for our young, from the first colostrum through to toddler milk, remembering that no matter how long we feed for, every breastfeed truly is a fantastic success for our babies. “I popped into the doctors’ to have my toddler’s cough checked,” says Kate, mother of a just turned two year old. “I mentioned to the GP that I was still breastfeeding and was completely speechless when she told me, “you know there is no goodness in your milk after three months.” On the other hand, there are mothers like Emma who are completely devastated when weaning happens early because of medical issues. Emma says, “I tried and tried to breastfeed for three months but I battled low supply and ended up with postnatal depression. During this time, I was topping my baby up with formula and everyone kept telling me that the formula meant he wouldn’t be getting any protection from the breast milk, so it wasn’t worth stressing myself.” Actually, however long you breastfeed or how much breastmilk you are able to give your baby, this magic potion made by mums is like medicine. It helps protect your baby against nasty bugs from coughs and colds to tummy bugs: breast milk is like a daily vaccination against every bug your baby comes in contact with, it is a living fluid containing healthy bacteria, antibodies, white blood cells, antimicrobials and cell wall protectors and proteins that offer protection against bacteria and viruses. If you catch a bug, specialised white blood cells will appear in your breast milk to protect your baby. Conversely, if your baby becomes sick, the transfer of germs from baby to your breast will trigger the production of specific antibodies. These antibodies will be deposited into your milk to boost your baby’s immunity and help them fight off illness. And, it’s not just the milk your baby drinks that can boost their health and make them feel better – mothers the world over have used breast-milk as a cure-all for minor aches and pains: with a few squirts, you can soothe rashes and itchy bites, relieve sunburn, unblock snotty noses and fix conjunctivitis. Some health practitioners even advise treating ear infections with a few squirts of breast milk every hour or two. Some of the most recent research about human milk affirms that using breast-milk to fix these common ailments isn’t just the basis of old wives’ tales. Studies into the antibacterial agents of mother’s milk reveal that breast milk has the ability to kill tumour cells and bacteria. Your magic mother’s milk can kill 40 different types of cancer cells and has been shown to help reverse antibiotic resistance. It’s all about a protein in breast milk, ‘Human Alpha-lactalbumin Made Lethal to Tumor cells’ (known as HAMLET).
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According to researchers at the University of Buffalo HAMLET can help treat people with those nasty superbugs that cause pneumonia, MRSA, and staph infections and when HAMLET was recently tested on patients who had bladder cancer, after each treatment, the patients’ urine was tested to reveal that the dead cancer cells were excreted. HAMLET did not affect healthy cells. Contrary to advice such as that offered by Kate’s doctor, as long as you are breastfeeding, your milk is providing your child with essential proteins, nutrients, antibodies and other protective substances and will continue to do so for as long as you continue nursing. In fact, some immune factors actually become more concentrated during the second year of life – right when your baby becomes mobile enough to play with other children and is exposed to a greater array of bugs! If you, like Emma, find yourself confronted with challenges that may mean you breastfed for a shorter time, it may help to think of breast milk as medicine. Every drop is protection for your baby’s health. In fact, according to a breastfeeding report by Save the Children, “Super Food for Babies,” 830,000 babies’ lives can be saved worldwide if they are breastfed within the critical first hour after birth.” Perhaps, instead of judging yourself or allowing others to judge you around the length of time you breastfeed, snuggle your precious baby against your bare skin, nuzzle into that soft downy head, breathe in and remember, ‘every breastfeed is a success.’ Breastfeeding gives your baby and you: The first hour: Baby receives colostrum, the most effective and potent immune system-boosting on the planet. This first feed stabilises baby’s blood sugar and protects their gut. The first day: The slightly laxative effects of colostrum encourage your baby’s first bowel motion; helps seal their gut against foreign proteins (gut closure); boosts your baby’s immune system and helps your uterus to contract, reducing bleeding and aiding recovery after birth. The fourth day: You have now given your baby their first “immunisation” (antibody-rich colostrum), and helped to get their digestive system running smoothly. Your creamy transitional milk contains high levels of fat, lactose, vitamins and more calories than the colostrum. The first month: Your baby is receiving perfect nutrition and immunity and because mother’s milk is so easy to digest, breastfeeding means they won’t be uncomfortable due to constipation.
PALMY PARENT ▪ PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE
By exclusively breastfeeding for at least 1 month you have given your baby significant protection against food allergy at 3 years of age. Six weeks: You have eased your baby through the most critical part of their infancy –new-borns who are not breastfed are much more likely to get sick or be hospitalized, and have more digestive problems than breastfed babies. Breastfeeding for 6 weeks means that your child now has less risk of chest infections up to 7 years old. Two months: Your child now has a lower risk of food allergy at 3 years old and, if you immunise your baby, breastfeeding boosts your baby’s antibody response to immunisations, strengthening the effectiveness of the vaccine. Nursing during injections will also offer comfort and pain relief. Three months: Now, you have given your baby a 27 percent reduction in the risk of asthma if you have no family history of asthma and a 40 percent reduction if you have a family history of asthma. You have also given your baby between a 19 and 27 percent reduction in incidence of childhood Type 1 Diabetes. Four months: Exclusively breastfeeding for 4 months offers strong protection against ear infections and respiratory tract diseases for the first year.
Six months: By breastfeeding for 6 months you have given your baby significant protection against eczema during their first 3 years as well as a 19 percent decrease in risk of childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia and a 15 percent decrease in the risk of acute myelogenous leukemia. Twelve months: Many of the health benefits you have given your baby so far will last their entire life – they will have a stronger immune system, reduced risks of obesity and heart disease as an adult, as well as healthy oral development, meaning less likelihood that they will need orthodontia or speech therapy. Beyond one year: Breastfeeding toddlers between 16 and 30 months old have been found to have fewer types and shorter duration of illness and to require less medical care than their non-breastfeeding peers. Some of the immune factors in your breast milk will increase in concentration during this second year. According to La Leche League, an international organisation supporting breastfeeding, “It takes between two and six years for a child’s immune system to fully mature. Human milk continues to complement and boost the immune system for as long as it is offered.”
ISSUE 284 ▪ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2018
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FEATURE
Want MORE Jackie Wheeler IBCLC
milk?
“My breastmilk supply is low!” As a lactation consultant I hear this a lot; a young baby is spending hours at the breast but isn’t putting on enough weight. Naturally, the mother then believes, and sometimes is told, her supply isn’t enough to feed her hungry child. What has happened to cause this supply issue… and is there an issue at all? If so, how do we increase our milk supply? To answer these questions we need to go back to the breastfeeding basics - Mum needs her baby to regularly latch and drain the breast, and there shouldn’t be any pain. Then there’s supply and demand: it’s well known that the more the baby suckles at the breast, the more milk will be supplied. While that is definitely the case, there can still be complications limiting supply, so these issues need to be addressed. First, assess if there is actually an issue; after all, not all babies have to be on the 95th percentile. We need to allow for different body types - just like with adults. • How often, and for how long is the baby feeding, and what are the weight gains? •
What are the baby’s nappies like? Clear or mildly yellow urine is great, and 2-4 bowel movements a day is fine. The amount of these movements may change every four weeks or so, and there is a wide range of ‘normal’ in this area.
•
How many wet nappies does the baby have each day (24 hours)? Pour 45ml of water onto a nappy that is what we call a full nappy, and 6-8 per day is considered a ‘normal’ amount.
•
Does the baby have an effective latch to stimulate milk let-down? Has baby got a wide mouth, with both lips flanged out? Can we hear the baby swallow? Can baby latch to the breast, and stay on, without the need to be repositioned constantly? Does baby make a clicking sound while feeding, or
Tamsin and baby Piper
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does milk leak out of his mouth? And, of course is there any pain associated with feeding? This is where getting help from a lactation consultant can be invaluable.
What causes latch issues? Positioning
I must admit I am not a great believer in the ‘perfect’ breastfeeding position. Babies are born to breastfeed. If it was that hard to get the exact position, we would have died out as a species long ago. The basics are wide mouth, nipple headed to the roof of the mouth, and tummy-to-tummy. Be comfortable - it really is whatever suits you both.
Tongue tie
Yes, this is a very common and often missed. Tongue/ lip tie plays a big part in low supply issues. Baby needs to draw the nipple into the mouth and press up against it onto the palate to draw milk. If their tongue can’t do that then breastfeeding is compromised. Sometimes a tongue or lip tie can also restrict babies’ ability to open their mouth widely.
Sore neck, jaw, back… anywhere!
I have seen many (including my own) babies have dramatic feeding improvements after seeing an Osteopath or Chiropractor. Please be sure to see someone who works frequently with babies.
What else can affect milk supply? Diabetes, thyroid issues, some medications (including birth control) and smoking all can have an effect on milk supply. Other complications are seen in babies that are separated from their mother, are drinking from bottles as well, have had a gastric tube, over-use a dummy, or where the mother is using nipple shields, but they can be overcome with some guidance, persistence and time. The baby being fussy in the evening and cluster-feeding is normal. This is nature’s way of getting baby to “stock up” on the higher fat milk at the end of the day to eventually encourage baby to sleep through the night. It isn’t a great idea to offer top-ups with either formula or expressed breast milk at this stage; it can interfere with milk production due to the same old “supply and demand.”
PALMY PARENT ▪ PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE
So how does a Mother increase her milk supply? First, deal with the issue; if there is a tongue and/ or lip tie, get help. If your baby needs Osteopathic/ Chiropractic care, see to that, too. Then; • Feeding, feeding and more feeding… go back to the original supply and demand. This can be enough to increase supply. •
Mums can pump after a feed to increase supply – remember, dry pumping is very effective; pumping when nothing or very little milk is coming will tell your breasts to make more.
•
There are many herbal remedies available; Fenugreek, Blessed thistle, lactation tonics, brewer’s yeast.
•
Domperidone is a gastro medication that as a side effect can increase breast milk supply. This is only available with a prescription from your GP.
•
Using a SNS (supplementary nursing system) is a great way of increasing supply. A bottle of breastmilk or formula is hung around the mother’s neck, with very fine tubes from the bottle attached to the nipple. When the baby feeds they are is getting the extra milk from the bottle, but also is stimulating the mother’s milk supply by suckling.
•
Breast compression is a very useful tool for increasing supply, as is breast massage while feeding or pumping. Increasing your milk supply
should only take a few days. If your supply isn’t where you feel it should be then trust your instincts and ask for help.
Jackie Wheeler, IBCLC
Breastfeeding Manawatu.com breastfeedingmanawatu@gmail.com | 0273685222
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ISSUE 284 ▪ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2018
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DADS LIFE
Celebrating dads…
for FATHER’S Day and EVERY day
By Emily Harrop-Smith
History
Fathers’ Day was first celebrated in 1908, after a mining tragedy struck a community in West Virginia, leaving 210 families without a father. Fathers’ Day is celebrated at different times of the year in different parts of the world. In New Zealand we celebrate father’s day on the first Sunday in September which will fall on September 2nd this year.
George Straight
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Daddies don’t just love their children every now and then, it’s a love without end
As your child grows over time, your family traditions will grow and evolve too. One suggestion is to start simple and add something new to your tradition each year and discuss it afterwards—if you like it, keep it, if not—try something else!
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Any fool can have a child. That doesn’t make you a father. It’s the courage to raise a child that makes you a father Barack Obama
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-Unknown
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A father is someone you look up to no matter how tall you grow.
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Supporting and celebrating dads everyday!
On an everyday time scale, it’s great for dads, babies and mums for dad to have some one-on-one time each day with your children. If this isn’t happening at the moment it could be just as simple as starting with reading a book (no child is too young for this), going for a walk with baby, playing together, or feeding when baby starts on solids.
Celebrating Fathers’ Day
Think about starting your own Fathers’ day traditions. Think about your own families and what they did and also what things you think are important as a family. You don’t have to come up with a big, expensive, or elaborate tradition, it could be as simple as: • Taking a photo with dad (and/or grandad) • Going for a walk together as a family (perhaps with a thermos of coffee and some favourite biscuits) • Having a lunch with the extended family • Making a homemade card for dad (check out our ideas in the craft column) • Go out as a family somewhere fun and different— some ideas are to Te Manawa, for a drive up the Saddle Road to a lookout for a picnic, the beach for a Barbeque lunch, a walk along the river at the Esplanade, go to a cafe or the swimming pools... • Make dad a manly breakfast! Check out our recipe column for some dad breakfasts! • Small babies can still make presents for dads, uncles and grandads. Handprints on canvases, or a big smooth river rock make good present. Another idea is a framed picture of dad/uncle/grandad and baby. There are some cool products you can get with photos on too such as t-shirts, coffee mugs, and magnets. Or go electronic with a digital photoframe or digital photo keyring.
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SEASONAL FEATURE
Seasonal: Activities for
Dads and Kids
By Erin Evis Father’s Day is here, the weather is improving... what better time than now to look at ways for Dads to get out and about with their kids and work on some special father-child bonding time. When a baby comes along, and family dynamics change so drastically, it can sometimes be a challenge for fathers to establish that rock-solid bond initially, as so much comes down to the mother - as present and supportive as her partner may be in pregnancy and birth, and then in breastfeeding, there are often times Dad can feel a little like an outsider in the early months. Here are some fun ways for Dads to get involved and enjoy some one-on-one time with the littlies.
1. Daddy DIY
Kids are usually very keen to help Dad out with anything that may need doing. If your house is anything like ours, there will always be things to be done around the home and in the garage that get left to Dad - why not let your little one help out as your tiny apprentice? Give them jobs like fetching tools, holding nails, and teach them age-appropriate tricks like using a spirit level and other tools, and they’ll think you’re the bees knees. This is a great way to connect with your kids whilst passing on a few key skills, helping them learn and fostering a sense of empowerment. As they get older they can get more hands on, but even tiny babies and toddlers are often keen to observe and get involved as best they can - even if it’s just sitting, watching and playing peeka-boo.
2. Gardening!!
Similar to number one, get out in the garden with your kids. Set aside a wee patch of dirt for them somewhere - or even a little pot with some potted colour from the hardware store - give them a trowel, and watch their confidence soar. Teach them how to dig things up, plant seedlings, and enjoy getting your hands dirty with the kids - they love the sense of achievement that comes from watching their efforts grow, and it’s an easy way to spend some time with them in the great outdoors. Throw in a few dump trucks for them to play with and you’ve got an easy few hours together. If your wee one is still just a baby, they will still love to sit in the garden and watch the birds, the flowers, the leaves blowing in the trees… find a safe spot out of the sun and wind for them to lie on a blanket or in a bouncer or buggy where they can see you and let them enjoy the scenery.
ducks at the Esplanade is always a great adventure - pop baby in the carrier or buggy and away you go. Older kids love play equipment, and the playground and Junior Road Safety Park at the Esplanade is an excellent way to pass time - make sure you get involved and help run around after them. Kowhai Park in Feilding is another great location for locals in that area, with a duck pond, walking tracks and two playgrounds to choose from, making it a great spot for kids from the tiniest of infants through to school kids.
5. Fun and Games
Perhaps the most simple, and lowest-effort thing you can do to aid bonding is to just spend time playing with your baby. Games like peek-a-boo may seem too simple to be of any use, but having a giggle with your young one is fantastic for getting the oxytocin flowing - the hormone of love and bonding. Wear your baby and jump around the lounge. Jump up from behind the sofa and pull silly faces. Tickle. Run up and down the hallway. Spin around. Rock them to sleep. When they’re on solids, make train noises as you help them eat. Dance around stupidly and get them chuckling. Help them fly around the room like a plane. If you have some time in an afternoon, take them swimming! All those seemingly silly things add up to a massive hit of happy hormones and truly do support bonding between you and your wee one and they don’t cost a thing. The more time you put in, the more you’ll get out of it, so a few minutes a day can mean a world of difference for you and your baby.
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3. Daddy Date Day
Take them out for a treat at the local cafe for a fun Daddy Date Day. For toddlers, a fluffy or water in a fancy glass and something to eat makes an easy way to spend half an hour sitting together. Make sure you put the phone away and just listen to them chattering away. This is a lovely way to spend time, particularly on wet days. Many cafes have toy boxes too, making it even easier to keep them entertained while you finish your coffee.
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4. Park Playdate
Nothing beats a park for an outing with the kids! There’s an abundance of great parks around the Manawatu, with or without playgrounds. For infants, taking them for a stroll around the trees, along the river, on the train or to feed the
Email des.dave@xtra.co.nz Ph: 021 2277 184. ISSUE 284 ▪ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2018
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HEALTH & WELLBEING
Fever: Friend or Foe? By Helena Slako
Fever is a natural accompaniment to many infections. Often it is the first symptom that develops with the onset of a cold or flu virus and with many of the other common childhood illness such as chicken pox, slapped cheek or hand, foot and mouth.
organ (Hypothalamus), which regulates temperature control. The Hypothalamus raises core body temperature by resetting the biological thermostat temporally; temperature is reset once the infection threat has passed.
What is a fever? Firstly, it is important to understand how/ why a fever occurs. Immune cells (white blood cells [WBC’s]) come into contact with bacteria and viruses, which initiates an immune system response. WBC’s release substances that travel via blood to activate the main control
But why raise the body temperature? Bacteria and viruses have difficulty growing and replicating in a hot environment. So, raising the body temperature inhibits the progression of these pathogens, therefore supporting the immune system to bring infection under control.
Fever symptoms: usually an infant or child will be listless, tired, hot to touch, have a flushed appearance around the face, refuse food or drink, dull eyes, shivering, and be clingy and grizzly. Consideration of other developing symptoms may include a rash or cough. Variations of fever: mild, high or extreme fevers – guidelines from the Ministry of Health; Normal is around fluctuations.
temperature 37°C, with
mild fever–38-38.9°C High fever–39-39.9°C Very high 40°C and above. Taking a child’s temperature: temperature is taken orally, forehead, armpit or from the rectum (anus). Of these, a rectal reading may be the most accurate, however not always easier and it requires a special thermometer and technique. The mouth has the lowest consistent reading, with the armpit slightly higher. Taking readings from the same place will ensure detection
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of temperature variations. The least reliable temperature is from the forehead using an indicator strip. Although convenient they give an approximate rather than an actual reading. Digital thermometers are usually accurate as is a mercury thermometer. When to act: fevers are an important aspect of immune system development for all children. Without the stimulation of WBC’s and promotion of other immune system responses, children may not develop an integrated immune system. Fever for young children is different than with older children or adults. Be aware that young children generally don’t sweat, so their temperature can rise quite quickly. HOWEVER, if your child’s temperature is very high (40°C or higher) or you are concerned about your child’s temperature please seek medical help. Fever management: Keep your child at home. Remove extra clothing and put them to bed to encourage rest. The room should be maintained at a comfortable temperature, neither hot nor cold. Encourage regular intake of fluids. Food may be refused which is normal. This allows focus on fighting infection; digestion inhibits necessary blood for processing of the fever. However, breastfeeding should be continued. If temperature is not above 38.9°C then monitor and leave the body to do what comes naturally! If between
39-39.9°C you can sponge with tepid water and leave water to evaporate, which mimics sweating. This can be continued until back to the 38-38.9°C range; the child may experience shivering during this process. Avoid fever reducing medications (i.e. Pamol, Neuromol etc) as these artificially reduce fever therefore hindering the natural immune process, and may result in lengthening the illness. These medications used with fever may be harmful to your child’s immune system long term. You can give regular doses of vitamin C to support immune system. Give your child lots of love and cuddles to reassure them.
Herbal management: Herbal infusions can help maintain a fever and induce sweating. The herb is left for 10-15 minutes to allow the healing constituents to pass into the water. Herbs with this function are called diaphoretics and are used in various ways. Mostly they are drunk either warm or hot - hot is best (extra fluids!). Alternatives are: foot or hand bath, sponging, or in bathwater. The best herbs for children’s fever are: elderflower, peppermint, catnip, Echinacea, chamomile, cinnamon, lemon balm, ginger, hyssop, violet flowers and leaves and lime flowers. A little added honey or blackcurrant juice concentrate helps with the taste. Infusions should be given little and often over duration of the fever. Many of these herbs may help with other symptoms of infection as well. Essential oils: Peppermint chamomile and lavender oils may be mixed with a little carrier oil and placed on feet, or added to sponging liquid or bath.
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BIRTH STORY
Matthew’s
Peaceful Hospital Hypnobirth
By Susan Doohan When I found out I was pregnant for the first time, and started looking for a midwife, I was ready to embrace modern medicine and all its pain relief options, particularly epidurals. I figured that surely there couldn’t be negatives associated with avoiding the pain that I had heard others talk about? However, over the next two to three months, I had some great discussions with friends who had had their babies utilising hypnobirthing techniques, with really positive experiences. I was intrigued enough to read
the book “HypnoBirthing – the Mongan Method” by Marie Mongan. Her writing, and reasoning behind hypnobirthing, resonated with me, particularly in relation to birthing in non-Westernised countries, and the environment that animals prefer and successfully birth in. This led to a two-day Hypnobirthing class run by Lynda Johnson in Kapiti, where we were able to watch videos, experience the techniques, and meet other like-minded first-time parents. For the next few months I listened to the hypnobirthing soundtracks and practiced the visualisations. After an antenatal group visit to the hospital, I was happy with the availability of the baths, and that music and lighting could be used to make a nice environment for birthing despite the hospital setting. My birth plan included staying at home as long as possible, avoiding vaginal exams and other interventions/monitoring unless absolutely necessary, and not using drugs for pain relief unless I asked for it repeatedly. We also discussed the use of the wording ‘comfort level’ rather than ‘pain score’. I have always loved water so use of a bath/shower was also on the wishlist. Three days after my due date, I returned home from a morning at work and felt the first few occasional twinges around 11am. My mother-in-law was visiting for the day, and we proceeded to take the dogs for a long walk, go out to lunch, and do some shopping while in the background occasionally I could feel light squeezes in my abdomen. Around 4pm I let my husband know that he should probably come home from work, and to let his co-workers know that he might not be there the next day! By 6pm the squeezes were strong enough that I found a Swiss ball to be the most effective way to keep moving and comfortable through contractions.
Natasha Anderson
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Over the next two hours I had a long shower which was helpful, and experimented with using the TENS machine I had hired from the Parents Centre. Around 7pm a small amount of fluid was released, and I had many trips to the toilet during this period! I alerted my midwife, but was still able to comfortably breathe through contractions with the help of the massage techniques we had learnt through Parents Centre antenatal classes and hypnobirthing, and listening to my hypnobirthing recordings. I alternated between relaxing on our bed while listening to music, and using the Swiss ball. By 9pm I was unable to talk through contractions, and they were more frequent, and we decided it was time to go into hospital. We arrived around 9.40 to meet my lovely back-up midwife (who I had met once before and discussed my birth plan with) and the first year midwivery student who had been following me through pregnancy. We set the room up with a lovely relaxing playlist on the iPad and dim lights. Thirty minutes later I was in the bath, and feeling much more comfortable. My midwife was brilliant at encouraging me to keep moving within the bath, using the bar to change positions when needed to maintain an active labour, but allowing me to rest when needed too. My husband was supportive providing massages, drinks and cold flannels during this time. My mum arrived, and despite my intentions not to have anyone else in the room during labour, her extra support and help was great! When I felt like it was all getting a bit much, and I asked for gas (Entonox), my midwife reassured me (as per my birth plan) that I was likely very close to reaching second stage of labour and to try changing positions instead. Sure enough, only two contractions later, I started feeling the urge to push, and pain
changed to excitement! I needed to change positions frequently during the latter stage of labour to continue to encourage progression, and my midwife gently and unobtrusively monitored the baby’s heart rate between contractions. At 12.54am Matthew was born into the water, where I was able to catch him and bring him up to my chest. The skin-to-skin contact quickly resulted in expulsion of the placenta. Matthew was able to have skin-to-skin contact with his dad while I got out of the bath, before we settled into the hospital bed for Matthew to feed while I received some sutures. After the first hour, Matthew was weighed and dressed and I was starving! We made it up to the ward by around 4am on Saturday morning, and being a weekend, we managed to have a room to ourselves for the next 36 hours before heading home Sunday afternoon. Matthew was a great feeder from early on, and but it was nice having the support of hospital nurses for the first few feeds, nappy changes, and attempts at swaddling. My midwife, Dawn, was fantastic, and respected all my wishes, and I also found that having a student midwife during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period was interesting and led to thought-provoking discussions; I would highly recommend it. It turned out she was a great photographer too and our post-birth photos are so precious. With Matthew’s little brother due in November, I hope to have another great birthing experience, and this time I will plan to use the Birthing Centre as it appears to be a beautiful new facility and I have heard great things about the food. I will never know how much Hypnobirthing and the TENS machines helped with the labour itself, but to me the most valuable part of the whole experience was that I spent the last trimester confident in my body and my ability to give birth, rather than fearful of what may be to come.
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DEVELOPMENTAL PLAY
HEURISTIC Baskets
By Erin Evis
Heuristic, or Treasure, Baskets are one of the easiest, most cost-effective and fun ways to support the curiosity and interest of young babies. Easy to assemble and cheap to make, these baskets are a must-have for every family with a young baby and will help keep them entertained for hours. Heuristic baskets are a low-sided box or basket that a baby can easily reach into, filled with sensory treasures for them to explore. Objects are anything that is easy for them to reach for, pick up and hold, and that are safe to be banged, sniffed, licked and gummed. Gather up an array of objects from around the house and the great outdoors and pop them together for your young one, and you’ll have an excellent way to stimulate the senses and encourage open-ended, heuristic play - that is, using play and investigation to explore and understand an object.
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Objects you could assemble into your heuristic treasure basket include… • Clean, large shells • Clothes pegs
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• Metal egg cups
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As babies grow, they use all of their senses to learn about the world. To them, an item that we have a specific use and purpose for - say, a clothes peg - is a great unknown that needs to be discovered and may have any number of uses. Encouraging that exploratory instinct helps to lay neural pathways and support learning and understanding of the world around them. It also means you always have something you can give your growing baby to explore as they become more aware of the world around them, allowing them to have fun and pique their interest with a variety of safe objects rather than always trying to give them special toys designed with a specific purpose in mind, or having to divert their attention from other objects they may spy lying around the house.
• A wooden spoon • A metal spoon • Various kitchen utensils • Pine cones • Pumice • Lids of various sizes and shapes
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• Whisks • Silicon cups • Smooth river stones • Sponges • Empty spice jars • Balls (of a baby-safe size!) • Honey spoons • The small Y-shaped plastic back massagers from Kmart The sky is the limit! Think about textures, temperature (i.e. cold, hard, smooth metal vs warmer, rougher wood), weights (i.e. light pumice vs heavier stone), shape (i.e. long plastic peg vs round, knobbly shell), how things feel (i.e. small squat egg cup vs long kitchen whisk)... the more variety you can include, the longer it will hold your baby’s interest, and you’ll soon find them reaching for their favourites.
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4/10/17 6:36 PM
PRODUCT REVIEW
Produce BAGS With more and more supermarkets announcing their plans to phase out single use plastic bags, you and I have become quite accustomed to the habit of taking our own reusable shopping bags along for the weekly shop. But what about the produce bags and bulk food bags? Is there an environmentally friendly reusable option for those? Well you will be pleased to know someone smart has already thought of that and there are plenty of options available, with the options below simply being a small selection of what’s out there.
Rethink
PRODUCE bags These come in a pack of 3 (2 large and 1 small) and retail for around $10. They are made of open weave unbleached Indian cotton, are sustainably produced, certified organic and 100% biodegradable. These hold more than you would think as they have a degree of stretch to them, the large bag easily holds 1 kg of apples or carrots etc. and though I thought I wouldn’t use the small bag much, I have found it quite handy for a few limes or a couple of garlic bulbs. These bags are also great to store your produce in the fridge once you get home. Unlike the traditional thin plastic produce bags these bags breathe and keep the produce drier, therefore helping it to stay fresher longer. You can easily chuck them in the washing machine on a cold wash too when they need a clean. It’s a good idea, if possible, to have 2 sets of these bags so you always have a set in the car or your bag ready to go.
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Rethink BULKbags BIN From the same brand, these also come in a pack of 3 (all 1 size) and retail for about $15. They are made from a close weave unbleached Indian cotton and are also sustainably produced, certified organic and 100% biodegradable. These are great for anything you would find in the bulk bin aisle, just remember to transport them upright on your way home! They also come with 108 blank stickers to write the shopping code numbers down, which is very handy.
Handmade & homemade BAGS
There is also the option of making your own if you are handy with a sewing machine. These of course are fully customizable to your needs and shopping habits and can be made from anything from old net curtains to vintage sheets. There are also lots of small business making them by hand if you aren’t so confident with a sewing machine but like the idea of reusing fabric. I have a few of these bags kindly handmade for me by Shelley from the website and Instagram page inmykitchen.kiwi. Not only are they extremely high quality but they cleverly also have a handy toggle for closing them securely. While these are fantastic for using as produce and bulk bin bags, I have been surprised to find hundreds of uses for them around the home; from holding those inevitable collections of tiny toys, a snack bag in my handbag for the kids, to a home for our “flip-city” socks in the car the list goes on and on, and I’m sure there are many more uses for them I haven’t thought of yet.
All products pictured available from www. inmykitchen.kiwi ISSUE 284 ▪ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2018
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RECIPE
Healthier Date Cashew Caramel
CHOCOLATE SLICE
By Nadia Lim - nadialim.com This is a ‘healthy caramel slice’ that is really worth getting excited about – it’s quick to make and ridiculously delicious. Creating a healthier version seemed like mission impossible at first, but after four attempts I have made a ‘healthy date cashew chocolate caramel slice’ that mimics the flavour, texture and all round deliciousness of the original. I’ve fed it to many guinea pigs now, and people are just gob-smacked when I tell them it contains no refined-sugar or dairy (or gluten, if I use ground almonds rather than oats – oats are not gluten-free). Enjoy!
SERVES: 20-25 PIECES | PREP: 15 MINUTES COOKS IN: 30 MINS + 3-4 Hours to set in the fridge
INGREDIENTS
Base
• fine rolled oats* ¾ cup (you can also use ground almonds as a gluten-free alternative, oats are not gluten-fr ee)
Chocolate and walnut topping
• good quality dark chocolate 150-200g (check dairy-free if required) • neutral oil 1 teaspoon (e.g. walnut, canola, soy)
• coconut thread ¾ cup
• walnuts 1/3 cup chopped (optional)
• good quality dark cocoa powder 1 tablespoon (I used Equagold’s Dutch cocoa powder)
• coconut thread 1-2 tablespoons (optional)
• medjool dates 6, pitted
METHOD
• raw almonds ½ cup • salt one pinch • coconut oil 6-8 tablespoons, melted
Date and cashew caramel filling
• dried pitted dates 400g • boiling water ¾ cup
• cashew nuts 2 cups softened** • pure maple syrup ¼ cup (not the stuff that’s artificially flavoured with sugar!) • coconut oil ½ cup melted • vanilla extract 1 teaspoon 26
Preheat oven to 180degC/355 Fahrenheit. Lightly grease and line the bottom and sides of a square baking tin (20cm x 20cm) with baking paper. 1. Place oats/ground almonds, coconut thread, cocoa powder, medjool dates, almonds and salt in a food processor and blitz until a fine, crumbly texture. Drizzle in melted coconut oil/butter and pulse until well combined and the mixture holds together when you pinch it between your fingers. 2. Press mixture into the prepared baking tin, pressing down firmly with the back of a spoon or spatula. Bake for 10-15 minutes
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until light golden. Set aside in the fridge to cool while you make the caramel. 3. To make the caramel, place dates and water in a medium-size pot and boil, stirring frequently, until the dates are very soft and mushed up, and all the water has evaporated. Place dates in the food processor along with the softened cashew nuts, maple syrup, coconut oil/butter and vanilla. Blitz until nice and smooth – this will take at least a few minutes. scrape down the sides of the food processor a few times to make sure everything has been blended.
a lot! I also find it easier to flip the whole caramel slice upside-down and cut through the base down). The slice will keep for up to a week in the fridge. ** To make softened cashew nuts, either soak in water overnight, or boil cashew nuts in a pot of water for about 15 minutes or until soft. Drain.
4. Spread caramel all over the base in the baking tin. Set aside in the fridge to set for at least 4 hours or the freezer for at least 2 hours, or until the filling is firm. 5. Melt chocolate in the top of a double boiler or in a glass bowl set above a small pot of simmering water. Mix in oil if using. Pour melted chocolate all over the filling and spread it over evenly. Return to the fridge for about 20 minutes, or until set. If it still seems a bit soft, return to the fridge/freezer for a bit longer. 6. Cut into about 25 pieces (a long, sharp serrated knife dipped in hot water will help
ISSUE 284 â–Ş AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2018
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FAMILY FRIENDLY OUTING
TE MANAWA By Saritta Burney Kids Te Manawa. General admission to the Museum and Art Gallery is free. Pay and display public car parks are located on Main Street and directly in front of the main entrance of the Museum building on Main St. This was our first visit to Te Manawa, we didn’t make it far past the front doors as we discovered the amazing Kids TM area. From the Te Manawa website: “Kids TM is a vibrant, interactive, playful space at Te Manawa for children up to the age of eight and their caregivers. One of our long-term exhibitions, it gives children the chance to learn through play as they explore familiar indoor and outdoor household spaces; they can be cooks in the kitchen and even a builder on a construction site. There are native birds to discover in the tree house, a secret passage to traverse, and endless amounts of fun to have with activities, costumes and books to read. Children can also get up close with our newest resident, ‘Ahi’ the bearded
dragon. He’s a highly social and inquisitive wee creature, who occasionally comes out to play, accompanied by one of our friendly keepers who takes care of him each day.”
conveyer belt, using the crane and building the wall. At times the kids went up and down the conveyer belt and crane themselves and enjoyed every minute of it.
We didn’t get to meet Ahi but we spent most of our time in the “building section;” the kids spent a lot of time moving the bricks up and down the
They then found the secret passage. It provided an amazing experience for the children, they needed the support of an adult the first time but after
Congratulates Mo Li
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that they were happy to explore on their own. There was a lot of goofing about, lots of shrieks and shouts in the passage but it was easily accessed from the outside if an adult’s support was required. The other sections are more suited for the smaller kids, they enjoyed making meals for the adults and themselves – basically there is something for all children, not one of the children couldn’t find something to get engrossed in.
Did I mention that right next door to the Kids TM was the reception who also sell barista coffee? Yes, that’s right you can grab a coffee while the kids enjoy themselves. This was really a place where mums get a chance to talk to other mums as the children are entertained with all the different sections, which is a nice relief sometimes.
The only disappointment is that it took me so long to find Te Manawa as a great place to bring children, we would have got so much enjoyment out of it if we had come when my son was younger. No bother though, as there are still a few more years that he will enjoy it.
Also, important note: there is only one way in and out so only one entrance to keep an eye on if you have kids who like to escape.
Open daily, 326 Main Street, Palmy. 10am – 5pm. https://www.temanawa.co.nz/
All Parent Centre members receive FREE tea or coffee with food purchased.
MOTHERS’ GROUPS WELCOME WITH PLENTY OF PRAM SPACE!
The Verdict Cafe 95 The Square Palmerston North 7am till 4pm Mon to Fri 7am till 3pm Sat
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CRAFT
CRAFT: By Fritha Linklater
Baby Bottle Rattle
What you’ll need: • 1 empty plastic bottle • Rattle items: 1/4 cup of uncooked rice, lentils, beans, anything that will make a noise • Assorted coloured ribbons • Screw driver • Optional beads, sequins or felt shapes • Hot glue or non-toxic craft glue • Optional: Water and food colouring for a water sensory bottle
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Instructions: 1. Take the bottle and wash thoroughly, allow it to dry. 2. Once it is dry add the “rattle” items. Test by shaking and see what noise it makes, if you don’t like the noise add more items, keep testing until you are satisfied with the sound. 3. Poke a small hole in the lid with a screwdriver (not too big). Thread your ribbons through and tie a knot in the ribbons on the inside of the lid. You can glue the ribbons on the underside of the lid, so it doesn’t pull out. 4. Add glue to the inside rim of the lid and then screw it on and allow it to set. This is so it won’t come off (please check regularly to ensure lid is secure). 5. You now have your shaker ready for your baby to make all kinds of discoveries with music. You can make a huge amount of these, and the
ones with water are great for exploring all kinds of themes: try blue water, sand and shells for a beach theme or bright coloured water with
bright coloured items in, so your baby can roll it and move it back and forth. Enjoy.
Hire a Tens Machine Hire a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) machine to help reduce your pain during labour and childbirth. Palmerston North Parents Centre (PNPC) has five TENS machines available for hire by our members for ONLY $20 for up to four weeks’ hireage (plus a $40.00 refundable bond). Machines can be booked for the two weeks prior to your due date until two weeks post due date. Watch a video interview with a TENS machine expert at youtube.com/ watch?v=4gUEtYAqPw8 Book your TENS Machine from: Junior Kids Store, 23 Broadway Ave, Ph 06 354 5516, info@juniorkidsstore.co.nz, Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm › Sat 9.30am - 4pm. Please pay by cash and bring your PNPC Membership card. Full terms and conditions on our Facebook page: facebook.com/PNorthPC ISSUE 277 ▪ JUNE / JULY 2017
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COMMUNITY SUPPORT GROUPS Across Te Kotahitanga O Te Wairua We can provide a range of social services which include: Counselling, Family support (including respite care for children), Parenting advice/information and programmes, Advice on other services available for parents and families. Contact: Graeme on (06) 356 7486 or visit www.across.org.nz Allergy New Zealand Support groups are a great way to meet others in a similar situation to you. They are very relaxed, informal sessions to share ideas, discuss your concerns, and get information and resources. Our regional support group is there to help put you in contact with others, to provide you with information such as those all important recipes, and to listen when you need someone to talk to. They are not medically qualified but can refer your queries on and seek information on your behalf. For further information phone 0800 34 0800 or visit www.allergy.org.nz Babywearers Manawatu This is a great way to try different carriers while finding a carrier that suits you and your baby. Babywearers Manawatu Sling Library is on most Wednesdays 12 pm - 1 pm (check FB for up to date info) at Palmerston North Parents Centre, 30 Waldegrave Street, Palmerston North. Membership is one off payment of $10 and carrier hire costs $5 for one week.https://www.facebook.com/groups/ babywearersmanawatu/ Brain Injury Association Central Districts We provide advocacy information and support for people with brain injury, their families, whanau and carers. For more information call (06) 354 3540. Breastfeeding Help An IBCLC (often called lactation consultant) is a breastfeeding specialist qualified to prevent, recognise, and resolve breastfeeding problems. All members of NZCLA hold the professional qualification of International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Any mother, family member or health professional interested in obtaining the contact details of an IBCLC can phone 0800 4 LACTATION (0800 452 282) during daytime hours. HOPE An opportunity for parents of premature babies to meet and chat and to offer hope and support to those who currently have babies in the Neo-Natal Unit. Graduates welcome. Held at: Plunket Family Centre, 42 Albert Street, Palmerston North. Monday 1pm – 2.30pm. Contact: Karlyn Sullivan-Jones (06) 353 0663 or karlynandmark@xnet.co.nz Itchy Kids A national support group for parents and whanau who care for children with eczema and allergies. For more information contact Sarah Hartley 027 333 7385 or email hartleyfamilynz@gmail.com or visit itchykids.org.nz La Leche League coffee group 3rd Tuesday of every month at 10am, all welcome. Contact Jo Walsh 0273818546 for location Manawatu Toy Library Now located at 200 Church Street, Palmerston North, this fabulous toy library has a collection of over 2000 toys. Our members include families, carers, and educational groups. We have toys suitable for babies 5+ months through to school age children. Membership costs $95 per annum or $60 for six months. You are welcome to visit to see what we offer. To find out more, including opening hours: manawatutoylibrary.nz, or call 027 364 6911. Manawatu Down Syndrome Association Regional contact is Andrea Wales (06) 356 1767.
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Manawatu Home Birth Association Offering information, advice and support to women and their families seeking to birth their babies at home. Birth pools and other equipment available for hire. Library, sibling kits, and bimonthly newsletters also available. Call (06) 356 BABY (06 356 2229) for more information. Manline Manline services are unique in that we are the only “men helping men” organisation in the Manawatu and Tararua region offering services for men to explore issues within their lives. Our programs are designed to be educational, developmental, rehabilitative, and preventative. http://www.manline.co.nz/home or 06 358 1211 Miscarriage Support Miscarriage can be a very lonely experience and is often not talked about. Miscarriage support groups have produced quality information and pamphlets for women/couples who may need information and support. These invaluable resources can be downloaded from miscarriage.org.nz Methodist Social Services Offering free programmes for primary/intermediate aged children and their parents/caregivers, around the areas of anger management, grief loss and change, and confidence building. We also offer family, couple, and individual counselling, and have both male and female counsellors available. Advocacy and social work support services are provided along with an emergency food service. For all enquiries, please call 06 350 0307, 663 Main Street, Palmerston North. Palmerston North Breastfeeding support group We provide a relaxed place to come and ask questions about breastfeeding and parenting , we hold regular meeting on the first Monday of the month at ACROSS, 294a Church Street, Palmerston North at 10 am. We have a library with a wide range of books relating to breastfeeding and parenting. http://www. lalecheleague.org.nz/palmerston-north or https://www.facebook. com/PNbreastfeedingsupport/ Parent to Parent Supporting families of children with a special need, health impairment, or disability. For more information please phone (06) 355 0787or email manawatu@parent2parent.org.nz Parentline 24 Hour Crisis Line. Offering help and support for parents 24 hours a day. Phone 0800 4 FAMILY. Plunket Education Services For parent education classes please contact the Plunket family centre in Albert Street, Palmerston North, (06) 356 7248 for more information regarding classes in 2016. Reflux Support Contact: Sharon 354 7280 Sands A voluntary group who have lost babies before, during or after birth. They can provide first hand support, guidance, and information on miscarriage, stillbirth, or newborn death. Further information and support can be found by contacting Shaun and Gaylene Vivian (06) 356 9715 or visiting sands.org.nz Supergrans Manawatu Charitable Trust Supergrans Manawatu is all about helping people help themselves. A service to all to brush up on the basic skills needed to provide for oneself or for a family. Our motto is not a ‘do it for you today’ it is a ‘help you to do it tomorrow’ concept. This is a free service. It is concerned with encouraging better skills in those everyday tasks around the home that sustain life. We work with you in your own home. Phone (06) 354 3804 or 021 0669 442 for further information.
PALMY PARENT ▪ PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE
MEMBER DISCOUNTS
10% OFF
FREE! Address labels with any birth announcement, thank you cards until 30/12/18
Coleman Mall, Palmerston North Ph: 06 357 1976
GRANT IRVINE PHARMACY
10% OFF 168 Albert Street, Palmerston North Ph: 06 357 8782
10% OFF Preggy tummy and baby hand or foot casts Call Carolyn Ph: 06 353 7153
PRECIOUS MEMORIES
$10 OFF Present this coupon and receive $10 off a framed sculpture. Ph: Katte 06 329 3262 or visit www.preciousmemories.co.nz
FREE TEA OR COFFEE Receive a free tea or coffee with the purchase of food. 95 the Square, Palmerston North
HAIR TRANSFORMER
15% OFF Discounted, low ratio childcare – For 30 hours WAIVED weekly admin & placement fees
TV aerial/satellite installer
10% OFF All current PNPC members receive 10% off labour only Call Now for a FREE Quote Robert Torok Ph: 06 354 5664 or 027 294 3972
Link Arcade, Broadway Avenue Palmerston North Ph: 06 358 1309
$10 OFF All current PNPC members receive $10 off, offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Sharlene Adkins (t) 06 355 4939 (e) sharlene@smallp.com (m) 021 185 2064. www.smallp.com ISSUE 284 ▪ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2018
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PLAYGROUPS IN YOUR AREA Plunket Family Centre Playgroup
ASHHURST
Ashhurst Playcentre
AWAPUNI/WESTEND Kingston St Chapel
CENTRAL
42 Albert Street
021-808-340
Mondays & Fridays 10am to 12noon
118 Standford Street
326 9270
Mon to Thurs 9am - 12pm
Kingston St
358 0716
Tues & Thurs 9am- 11:30am
Crossroads Early Childhood Salvation Army Rudolf Steiner Seventh Day Adventist Church
220 Church St 358 0669 cnr Church & Princess Sts 358 7455 187 Ruahine St 354 4514 257 Ferguson St
Mon to Fri 9am to 12noon Thurs 9:30am to 11am Tues 9:30am - 12noon & Thu 2pm -3:30pm Wed 9:30 to 11:00am
FEILDING Feilding Playcentre Community Fielding Playcentre Doodlebugs SPACE Bright Sparks Preschool Programme
254A Kimbolton Rd 42 North St Knox Hall, North St 22 Bowen St Feilding Library
323 6100 323 1918 323 7240 323 7221 323 5373
Mon to Fri 9am to 1pm Mon to Fri 9am to 1pm Thurs 9am to 11:30am Contact for more details Wed 10:30am to 11:30am
12-32 Brentwood Ave
358 2255
Fri 8:30am to 12noon
339 Albert St Huia St extn
357 9411 357 0791
Wed 9:30am to 10:30am Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri 9am - 12noon
HIGHBURY
Te Aroha Noa Community Services
HOKOWHITU
St Albans Church Park Road Playcentre
LINTON
Linton Playgroup
MILSON
Milson Playcentre
OPIKI
Opiki Playgroup
ROSLYN/KELVIN GROVE
Kelvin Grove Salvation Army Church on Vogel Plunket Roslyn Over 1’s Coffee Group
Linton Camp (Community Centre) 3519970
Mon & Wed 9am to 11:30am
1a Seaforth Ave
Mon, Wed & Fri 9am-12noon
356 9824
St Andrews Church, Main Road
Tues 10am to 12noon
99-103 Kaimanawa St 127 Vogel St 177 Vogel Street
Wed 9:30am to 11:30am Wed 9:30am to 12noon Wednesdays 9.30am to 11am
353 0917 357 7336 021-808-340
RONGOTEA
Te Kawau Playcentre Medway St 324 8246
SANSON
Sanson Playcentre
TERRACE END
St David‘s Presbyterian Church Terrace End Playcentre
2 Philipps St
329 3503
Tues and Fri 9am to 12noon
Cnr Main & Rainforth 77 Ruamahanga Cres
358 3246 0221400610
Tues 10:00am to 11:30am Wed, Thu, Fri 9.30am to 12.30 school term
SPECIALIST GROUPS
La Leche League 355 3104 Manawatu Multiple Birth Club Kingston St Church 357 9773 Parent 2 Parent Special Needs Matipo St 355 0787 ABCD early intervention group 9 Woburn Place 0800 693 724 - Down Syndrome French for Preschoolers 1st floor, 47 the Square 021 207 0114 Spanish Class – 2 yrs and up 355 8257 Plunket Bhutanese Playgroup 25 Franklin Ave 3574844 Book Bubs baby book club PN Library
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Mon to Thurs 9:15am to 12:15pm, Fri 11:45am to 2:45pm
PALMY PARENT ▪ PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE
Contact for more details Every 2nd Wed,10am 1st and 3rd Tues each month, 1-3pm Once a month on Thurs 10am to 12noon Fri 3.30pm to 4.30pm Contact for further details Mon 12.30 – 2.30pm Thursday 10.30 – 11 am fortnightly.
PREGGY TO PRESCHOOL GARAGE SALE
Date: Saturday 29th April 2017 Time: 9.00am – 11.00am Place: Central Baptist Church, 190 Church Street (Opposite the Fire Station) Come along for great bargains on new & used baby/children’s clothes, toys, books, nursery equipment, maternity wear and more!
old Coin Entry – This is a fundraising event for Parents Centre
ok a table online at www.palmyparentscentre.org.nz
ISSUE 284 ▪ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2018
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