PalmyParent Magazine October / November 2021 by Palmy Parent

PALMY PARENT PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE

October / November . 2021

PHOEBE’S NICU JOURNEY

PAYING IT FORWARD

CLOTH NAPPIES

RETHINKING THE NAPPY

Feeding

Toddlers

New Presenter Prac�cal Strategies Support your toddler Learn about common challenges such as fussy ea�ng, and discuss prac�cal �ps and strategies around making meal�mes easy and how you can support your toddler to develop a healthy rela�onship with food. $6 for PNPC members $12 for non-members Registra�on required

Book online at www.palmyparentscentre.org.nz Or email us at info@palmyparentscentre.org.nz

EDITOR’S NOTE We l c o m e t o t h e O c t o b e r / N o v e m b e r i s s u e o f P a l m y P a r e n t ! This issue has a theme of our pepi that are born and needing the help of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Every year approximately 10% of all babies are born premature (before 37 weeks gestation) in New Zealand. That’s one premature baby born every 90 minutes. There are also full-term babies whose condition or illness requires admission to a NICU after they are born. In all, over 5,000 babies need help in their start life in New Zealand each year. We also have articles on the new pay it forward reusable cloth nappy group, a practical guide to newborn clothing, the green prescription program and having a baby in lockdown. There are a few more events coming up in November at Parents Centre Seminar Space and in the community so make sure you check out our What’s On Pages so you don’t miss out on registering for your space. Due to having an acting Editor this edition has again been lovingly edited by the entire Palmerston North Parents Team. We are still on the look out for our next Edi tor, so if you’re

interested please do get in touch. As always we are always looking for contributors! If you or anyone you know would like to share your empowering birth (or adoption) story, please get in touch at palmyparenteditor@gmail.com - you don’t need to be a great writer, we can work with you to get your story told.

Saritta and the Parents Centre Team

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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In addition to our outstanding rates, we offer you a FREE advertorial on your business if you commit to either four or six half or full-page adverts per annum ISSUE 303 . October | November 2021

CONTENTS FEATURES Paying it Forward - Cloth Nappies

Phoebe’s NICU Journey

An Entirely Practical Guide to Baby Clothing 22 Rethinking the Nappy

IN EVERY ISSUE Editor’s note

PNPC Seminars & Events

Book Review

What’s On

Welcome to the World: Craddle Roll

Birth Story: The Ups and Downs of having lockdown babies

Product Review: My Top 4 Baby Carriers for Newborns

Health and Wellbeing: Green Prescription (GRx)

Craft: Paper Plate Crafts for Toddlers

Family Friendly Outing: Makino Aquatic Centre

Product Review: Sunscreen review

Community support groups

Member discounts

Playgroups in your area

CHECK OUT OUR WINNERS The Hair Company styling treatment

Bruce McKenzie Book Giveaway

Cottage Flowers Arrangement

Kind Hearts, Streetwise Coffee

CONTRIBUTORS Desiree Harvey, Saritta Burney, Olivia Ladd, Natasha Napier, Ella Diprose, Coralie Archer, Sarah Soteria, Sport Manawatu, Kirsty Brainwave, Laura Wenden Green Front cover by: Ella Diprose

4 PALMY PARENT . PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE

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

COMMITTEE NEWS When we went into lockdown again our new Executive and Committee were ready and our Childbirth Education and Baby and You classes were immediately switched to online Zoom classes. While in person classes are ideal, our members were thankful for the opportunity to continue on with their education. Our music classes also switched online from the beginning of lockdown, again while in person is ideal, we were committed to providing an online version while we could not be together at centre and once we established how we could bring it back into the centre while observing the new protocols we jumped at the opportunity. We are thankful to our amazing and adaptive facilitators that faced the challenges of moving their classes online which they really embraced. Also, a big thanks to our presenters that switched their postnatal seminars online so that they could still be attended during lockdown. We are certainly happy to be back in the centre with the new protocols observed, there is definitely something special about being face to face. On August the 11th some committee members joined the march to promote the sustainability of midwifery and safe quality care for women and their families. The marches around the country were to unite together as midwives and their supporters in the fight for fair pay and safe working conditions in employed settings, which is important for all midwives. #marchwithmidwives. Sadly, the committee also said goodbye to our long-term facilitator Jenny Warren, who has most recently been our amazing facilitator of our Baby and You classes. She has been with the Centre for over 10 years. Jenny’s contribution to the Manawatu maternity sphere, our committee, and centre has

been incredible and we are sad to see her go but we wish her well in her new endeavours and know it will likely not be the last we see of her. We are always we are always looking for more volunteers, if you are interested, please send us an email on info@palmyparentscentre.org.nz Noho ora mai Palmy Parents Centre Team

Mission statement 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.

Congratulates

Rhiannon Vale For winning a Treatment, Cut and Blowwave for being a current Palmerston North Patents Centre member Ph: 358 4010 | Hotel Coachman,134 Fitzherbert Ave, Palmerston North | thehaircompany.co.nz Open Mon - Sat, late nights Tues and Thur

ISSUE 303 . October | November 2021

MEMBERS’ OFFERS: www.thesleepstore.co.nz

Halo Salt Rooms 10% off Full priced Adult and Private Salt Rooms. 117-119 Ruahine Street, Palmerston North 06 280 4220 | info@halosaltrooms.co.nz

Unique Beginnings with Rebecca Robinson

Birth preparation & beyond, Lactation Consultant support

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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 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.

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Pay no booking fee when enrolling with Puddleducks if parents centre member ($50 saving)

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6 PALMY PARENT . PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE

PNPC

that your baby is ready for complementary feeding, what to introduce when, other topics to ensure you are confident and ready for this next step

SEMINARS & EVENTS

Cost: $6 members; $12 non-members. Registration is essential as numbers are limited.

NOVEMBER

Feeding Under 5’s

Postnatal Nutrition and Returning to Exercise Wednesday 10th November, 7pm Our diet after bubs has been born becomes more important than ever. As a mum of four, I personally and professionally see this as an area mums struggle with due to lack of time, energy, and motivation. However we don’t want to reach burnout! In this workshop you will learn key tips to replenish your lost nutrient stores, easy and practical (because I like practical) ideas on snacks and meals, energy to support breastfeeding and eating strategies to support weight management. Plus I will put on my other hat as an Exercise Specialist and provide you a guide towards returning to exercise after baby.

Cost: $10

Infant CPR Monday 15th November 10am

Sunday 28th November 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, 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. Registration is essential as numbers are limited. 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

This short course will cover baby and infant CPR, choking, burns, convulsion, fever, illness warning signs and accidental ingestion of toxins. • Qualified Facilitator • Small class sizes • Baby Friendly

Venue: Palmerston North Parents Centre, 117 Ruahine Street Palmerston North. Cost: $6 PNPC Members; $12 Non-members

Introductory Freyberg

Water

Skills

Thursday 11th November 10-1030am Learn skills for introducing your child to the water in this “taster” swimming class. For babies 5+ months, this class is 30 minutes in duration. Class kindly provided by CLM Swim Magic at Freyberg Community Pool. Attendees receive a voucher for discounted swimming lessons for the following term.

FREE for all to attend but registration is essential.

Starting Solids Sunday 21st November 10am Perfect for parents of 3-9 month olds. In this popular seminar with Registered Dietitian and mum Megan Somerville, you will learn the signs ISSUE 303 . October | November 2021

BOOK REVIEW

KORO Written and illustrated by Gavin Bishop Reviewed by Desiree Harvey Available for $17.99 in hardback at Bruce McKenzie booksellers, George St If you enjoyed Gavin’s last board book, Mihi, you will love Koro. A delightful and universal board book in te reo Māori about a day spent hanging with grandad. The bond between grandfather and child is shown through big, beautiful images and simple Māori text which depict the words in action in eye-catching beauty. The child and their koro explore the day—they go for a walk, collect food from the garden, eat, tell stories, and snuggle up for a rest to finish. This is a great book to share at bedtime with the younger tamariki. Just in time for the silly season, Bruce McKenzie has a new website which showcases many of their amazing books which are available for online purchase. You can see for yourself at www.bmbooks.co.nz

I V G E A K WAY O O B Be in to win this issue’s reviewed book!

Just follow these 3 easy steps!

To enter the draw to win this issue’s book, email your name, with ‘Book Giveaway’ in the subject line to info@palmyparentscentre.org.nz

27 th November 2021 That’s

all!

The winner’s name will be printed in the next issue of the Palmy Parent and the winner can collect their book from the Palmy Parent Centre.

ratu Cong lation

: s to

Entries for the next draw must be received by

Marie Moinet who has won a copy of ‘My Elephant is Blue’

8 PALMY PARENT . PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE

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. 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 non-fiction and is definitely worth a visit. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask the staff who are always willing to help.

WHAT’S ON... We recommend you call ahead and check that events are still happening with current restrictions - at the time of writing these columns these events were still advertised as still happening.

If we are still in Alert Level 2, you will need to book a time slot to attend (like Cloud9) https:// forms.gle/WQduUeC5rVbiEvSU6 If we get back to Alert Level 1, everyone is welcome!

Pre-schooler/under-110cm sessions

Wonderland Glow Show

Cloud 9 Trampoline Park, 37 Taonui St, Palmerston North 9am -10am Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays Under 110cm pass: $11.00 ea The preschooler sessions provide two hours of exclusive use of the park for under-110cm kids that haven’t started school yet. Come along with your little one for a fun morning! Free fluffy and muffin for all kids jumping, a caregiver free per child. You can book online or you can just turn up on the day.

Kai & Cave

12 November 2021 6pm – 9pm Be the first to see Santa’s Cave in 2021 at our special Kai & Cave preview night. Bring the whole whānau and enjoy some kai from Palmy’s best food trucks in the Te Manawa courtyard. Then take a wander around the historic exhibition at your leisure, where the kids can meet Santa a little early. Entry to the Cave is by donation. This event is planned with the assumption that Manawatū will be at Covid Alert Level 1 by mid-November. If the region is still at Level 2, the event cannot take place due to certain restrictions. We apologise for any disruption this causes.

Harry Potter themed Family Fun Day

Saturday, 13 November 2021 from 10:00-13:00 Manawatū District Libraries - Feilding Library We’re back with our annual Harry Potter themed Family Fun Day. Join us at the Feilding Library for a fun filled time exploring the world of Harry Potter. • Explore chocolate making at our Honey Dukes replica • Make your own Pygmy Puff like Fred and George did • Find all the chocolate frog cards on our scavenger hunt and make your own chocolate frog box to keep them in • Have fun at our photo experience wall (it’s not the wanted wall this year!) and more...

Tuesday 16 November 2021 10:00am and 11:30am Regent on Broadway, 53 Broadway Avenue, Palmerston North The GLOW SHOW team is back with WONDERLAND GLOW SHOW, a ‘kiwified’ interpretation of the classic ‘Alice in Wonderland’ tale for tamariki, educators and whanau! Let your imagination soar as you’re transported by the magic of giant scale glow-in-the-dark puppetry. The mega edu-taining show promotes literacy and Te Reo Māori, celebrates the exquisite art of ultraviolet puppetry, and demonstrates being your most creative self! Hei tino auaha koe! The show is an upbeat, engaging show that dives headlong into a weird and wonderful world of dancing flamingos, shuffling cards, an 8-metre caterpillar and giant flowers. But it’s not all rosy… there’s a march hare on the loose! Shows are created specifically for age groups: • 10 am session for 0-5 year-olds – suits ECEs and Year 1 Puppetry-music-dancing-moving, meet the puppets. 40 minutes. • 11.30 am session for 6-12 year-olds – suits Years 2-8 Puppetry-story-music, meet actors with patai (Q and A). 55 minutes Adults are the same price as children. • 10am show (0-5 year-olds): $12.50 ea • 11:30am show (6-12 year-olds): $14.50 ea

Rongotea & Districts Lions Christmas Parade

Sunday 21 November 2021 12:30pm – 2:00pm Rongotea Village Square, Wye Street, Rongotea.

Christmas Parade Float Judging at 12.30pm. Parade Starts at 1.00pm.

There will be floats, stalls, decorated bikes, live music, sausage sizzle, ice cream, all the fun of the parade, and, of course, Father Christmas. Food and drink will be available from the cafe on the square. Come along and enjoy the fun of the day.

ISSUE 303 . October | November 2021

CRADDLE ROLL

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: Due June | CBE: Anna Morris | Hostess: Steph O’Connor

Piper Adeline Van Timmeren

Lucy Walters

Hayley Anniss & Jayden Van Timmeren

Abbie-laura Carter & Ryan Walters

27 May 2021

8 June 2021

Millar Rose Boyle

Ameleigh Schmulian Badenhorst

born to

Sophie Smith & Liam Boyle

Sinned Schmulian-Badenhorst & Juan Reon Badenhorst

10 June 2021

15 June 2021

Matilda Kacic Bartulovic

Mila Rose Gregory

Marina Glavina & Mijo Kacic Bartulovic

Julia & Stephen Gregory

15 June 2021

25 June 2021

born to

Benjamin Edward Kilsby-Halliday

Herbert (Herb) William Davis

Jenna Buchanan & Matt Kilsby-Halliday

Kate Murphy & Cam Davis

25 June 2021

26 June 2021

Luke Antoine Gilmour

Emily Thea Pedgrift

Anne Iversaire & Simon Gilmour

Hannah & Alan Pedgrift

28 June 2021

30 June 2021

born to

Nathan James Durey born to

Jo & Raiden Durey

8 July 2021

10 PALMY PARENT . PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE

By Coralie Archer The Aotearoa Cloth Community PIF Group has been set up to help families around New Zealand get started on their cloth nappy journey by removing the financial barrier of buying new. Cloth nappies are not what they were when many of us were babies; modern cloth nappies now come in gorgeous designs and are really easy to use. Not only this, you will save so much money making the switch to cloth nappies and notice a huge reduction in your waste going to landfill. Our group is run by knowledgeable volunteers. We are all parents of young children and have used cloth nappies on our own children, so we all know how easy they are. Our team of volunteers sanitise all of the nappies as they come in, make up nappy packs to send to families and we answer the many questions that families have when getting started. We charge $10 per pack to cover postage and some of the cost associated with sanitising nappies ready for new homes.

been donated by generous people around Aotearoa for the purpose of helping others make the move to using cloth nappies. If you would like a pack to get you started, join our Facebook group (Aotearoa Cloth Community PIF Group) and we will be able to get you sorted. We are also always in need of more donations so that we can keep helping families around Aotearoa to reduce their waste and save them money, so please consider donating your nappies to us when you are finished with them.

Families are sent four, good condition, preloved nappies to get them started, and they are offered continual support where needed. All of the nappies sent out have

Nurturing,loving, consistent relationships which provide the foundations that children need in order to develop and flourish

Contact us to find out how to become an educator or to talk to us about the best natural home based childcare options for you and your child. Short webinars available through ForLife, providing training for the first 1000 days and beyond.

0800 023 456

porse.co.nz

ISSUE 303 . October | November 2021

FEATURE

PAYING IT FORWARD - CLOTH NAPPIES

BIRTH STORY

THE UPS AND DOWNS OF HAVING LOCKDOWN BABIES By Ella Diprose 28 February 2020: The first COVID-19 case is reported in New Zealand. I was 30 weeks pregnant with our first child and until now had been quite oblivious to what was starting to happen around the world with this virus. Soon words like self isolation, alert levels and lockdown would become a part of our everyday vocab, and this would change my whole experience of being a first time mum. 19 March 2020: Our borders close to all but New Zealand citizens and permanent residents. I was now 37 weeks pregnant and had finished up at work and was at home on maternity leave getting ready for the arrival of our baby girl. I was ready by now for her to come, I was feeling very big and uncomfortable but also so excited to meet her. 21 March 2020: The Government introduces the 4-tiered Alert Level system to help combat COVID-19. The Prime Minister announces that New Zealand is at Alert Level 2. This is when it became very real, instead of blissfully pottering about my

house “nesting” and folding baby clothes, I was now watching the daily TV updates and checking for what each change in alert level meant for Palmerston North Hospital and what it would look like for me giving birth and afterwards. 23 March 2020: The Prime Minister announces New Zealand has moved to Alert Level 3, effective immediately. In 48 hours, New Zealand will move to Alert Level 4. This would have been the night for our last CBE class at the Parents Centre but instead it had to be via Zoom, another term I had never heard of before this year. Little did I know, there would be lots of Zoom meetings, classes and appointments in our future. 6 April 2020, my due date, and we had been in Level 4 lockdown for 2 weeks. Our baby girl hadn’t made an early appearance yet and I was now trying all the tricks to get labour started. 3 days later about 1am I woke up with what felt like period cramps or twinges. Could this be it? Everyone said I would just know when it was

PARENT CENTRE PARTNERS:

12 PALMY PARENT . PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE

actually labour and not just Braxton Hicks. I was so excited I shook Sam awake and said I think I might be in labour. I knew it could be hours until I was in established labour as this was my first baby, so we decided to get some rest while we could and went back to sleep. Well, Sam went back to sleep and I lay there just resting, too excited to sleep.

midwife at 1:30pm and she listened while I had a contraction and agreed it sounded like they were getting more intense and I was probably in established labour and asked how did I feel, was I coping, did I want to come into the hospital? I was so afraid of getting there and being turned away and sent home if I was only 2-3cm dilated. I said I would do a couple more hours at home and then ring her again when they got more regular.

2 hours later the pains were still coming but they were very mild and I could still handle them just lying down in bed. By 4:30am I was convinced this was labour and not just practice so I woke

By 3:30pm the contractions were very intense and I just couldn’t handle it anymore at home. We rang the midwife back and made a plan to

Sam again and we started the little cycle our midwife had suggested for when early labour starts. A warm bath for 30-40 minutes to see if things slowed down and eased off. Then rest back in bed to try get some sleep for an hour or so. Then an hour or two up and being active, walking the hallway, bouncing on my swiss ball. We timed the contractions for 30 minutes to see if they were getting longer and closer together. But no, still only about 30 seconds long and still very irregular. Then it was back to the start of the cycle again.

meet her at the hospital. The car ride, although only about 10 minutes to the hospital, felt like ages, and having a contraction while stopped at a red traffic light was agony. We got to the hospital, only to be stopped at the entrance to the delivery suite by a security guard and told that Sam couldn’t come in due to Covid Level 4 restrictions. What?! I would have lost it except I was distracted by the many contractions which were coming much faster now. A phone call to our midwife and several contractions later and we were both let in.

Sometime around midday the contractions were getting stronger and lasting longer. I tried so many positions to get comfier and ease the pain. My favourite was standing up leaning forwards on the kitchen bench rocking from side to side.

My biggest fear moment, would I be more than 3 cm dilated or would I be sent home? My midwife checked my progress and I was 7cm! I was thrilled! Not long now. I tried the gas and air when the next contraction came. I remember thinking, “Is this even doing anything?” So I chucked it away and kept focusing on rocking side to side through the contractions.

About 1pm the contractions were finally lasting a minute or longer and were so intense I couldn’t talk through them. But they were still not regular, they would be 2 minutes, then 5, then 3, then 7 minutes apart and my midwife had told us to only ring her when they were 4-5 minutes apart and regular and all a minute or longer. We called the

My beautiful baby girl was born 2 hours later. After just over an hour of pushing and many position changes for me, she was finally here. It’s unlike anything else you will ever experience ISSUE 303 . October | November 2021

in this world when your baby gets put on your chest and you’re staring at this little mini me of you. Pure love. What happened next was not the beautiful golden hour I had dreamed of however. My daughter came into this world screaming and in the hour that followed didn’t seem to stop screaming. She didn’t do that lovely first latch after birth and feed, she didn’t even calm down when on my skin.

While this is happening I’m vaguely aware of my midwife explaining she’s not sure if all my placenta has come out. I’ve also had a 2nd degree tear but it’s complicated so she calls for a doctor to come in. I don’t remember a lot about all this next part except that a lot of people entered the room over the next hour. I was in a lot of pain and my baby girl was still very red, very screamy and just not settled. I had to pass her to my husband who had brief cuddles while the midwives and doctors sorted me. My midwife was checking baby over because she felt very hot and was doing some coughing noises as she cried. I hear that she’s got a fever and that they’re going to call the paeds doctors to come in and check her over. Quite quickly the paeds team comes in and once they’ve examined her they turn to us and explain she has a fever and might have an infection, she needs antibiotics. Her breathing is also very fast and she may need some help with some oxygen. They give us the news she will have to be taken to neonates and may spend a few days there. I was in shock. My beautiful little girl was wheeled out, and then all was quiet and we were left in a very empty and very quiet room. It was then we

decided to name her Sofia Grace Diprose. Due to the Covid Level 4 restrictions my husband Sam had to leave the hospital 4 hours after our daughter was born and he wasn’t allowed back in. It was heartbreaking, first being separated from my daughter and then knowing that only too soon I would also be separated from Sam. For him, this meant he left and wasn’t allowed back in hospital to see Sofia or me at all. The

hardest part for my husband, when I asked him, was knowing that there was nothing he could do to help. He couldn’t hold her to give me a break. He couldn’t give me a hug when I needed one. Thank goodness we had video calling and Facebook messenger as that was our lifeline to stay connected. He watched on his phone as I changed Sofia’s nappy, he would stay on the line while she was screaming the ward down. It was better than nothing, but it was heartbreaking for him missing out on those first 5 days with her. All the midwives, nurses and staff at the hospital were amazing during this time when all of us mums were in hospital by ourselves with no support person. They went above and beyond, getting cups of tea or walking my screaming child around the ward so I could have 15 minutes rest. When we eventually got home after 5 days in hospital, it was very strange because we had no visitors. The whole country was in lockdown. None of our family came to the hospital, because it wasn’t allowed. The first time Sofia met her grandparents in person, she was 8 weeks old and it was through a window in our lounge as they weren’t in our “bubble” and so, couldn’t come in.

14 PALMY PARENT . PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE

It was a very strange time. I had a lot of breastfeeding problems but, due to Covid restrictions, I couldn’t have an in person appointment with a lactation consultant. So online we went and got familiar with Zoom. Things like Plunket visits also couldn’t happen as they weren’t operating at Level 3. My antenatal group was an amazing support during this time. We had connected through

Facebook messenger and had a group chat that we were on most days. We messaged each other checking in to see how people were doing, sharing birth and post birth experiences and it was a great way to keep your spirits up to hear that others were going through the same things you were.

we have got back to a mostly “normal” life and have no “levels” or restrictions. However by February 2021 we have new cases of Covid-19 in the community and we find ourselves in another Level 4 lockdown on the 17th August. Thankfully my 2nd baby was only 3 days overdue and we managed to enjoy a few days before another country wide level 4 lockdown. Hunter Bennet Diprose arrived on the 12th of August and was big (just over 9 pounds) and healthy. This time round we knew more of what to expect. We were lucky, my family and Sam’s family had been able to come up to the hospital and hold their grandchild. Again, we had no visitors. It was the strangest thing to do again, have no one able to come and see you or meet the new baby, but it was also a blessing as we got to spend some nice quality family time together. For the second time I had a couple of problems with breastfeeding initially and due to lockdown again couldn’t see a lactation consultant in person. However I had a really kind lady through Community Birth Services work through on the phone with me and that did help somewhat. What I’ve learnt is that whatever life throws at you, you can choose to look at it in a positive light or a negative light and there’s always ups and downs. I have two beautiful, healthy children, the two lockdown experiences just made my husband and I stronger together as a team and I have made such good friendships through this journey of parenthood so far.

To this day our antenatal group has kept in touch and stayed really close. I think going through the shared experience of giving birth during lockdown and living through the Covid-19 pandemic with a newborn brought us closer together as a group and gave us a support network of other people who understood what we were going through. We got together and had a Christmas party for all our babies, we celebrated with a combined 1st Birthday Party, Covid themed of course, and to this day we’re still in touch in our group chat almost every day. Bring on 2021, I was pregnant with baby number two and New Zealand had no cases of Covid 19 at all. By this stage ISSUE 303 . October | November 2021

FEATURE

PHOEBE’S NICU JOURNEY As told by Mum, Kirsty I’ll never forget the words, “You’re going to have this baby in the next 48 hours, but probably tonight.” It had all been trucking along nicely; easy conception, no morning sickness, and barely any weight gain. A pretty smooth pregnancy. The gender reveal was planned; I was super excited for the baby shower, couldn’t wait for antenatal classes, I had slowly been purchasing cute cloth nappies and was eyeing up furniture. I had a Due Date group on Facebook and spent every spare minute googling everything and anything to do with pregnancy. My 22 week old baby was the size of a mango, how cute! Finally, I started experiencing some discomfort – pain under my ribs on the right hand side. My husband and I concluded that it was about time my body started to acknowledge this baby other than my bladder needing to be emptied 20 times in the night! Except the pain was pretty bad and I was struggling to sleep. I suspected preeclampsia but no, it was round ligament pain according to both Google and my midwife. This carried on for two weeks and then stopped. A week later Covid hit so my midwife appointment was cancelled. Lockdown didn’t bother me at all – perfect for taking naps and organising the house before the baby came! Except three days in the pain returned with a vengeance! I couldn’t sleep at night and I could barely walk. On the second day it was so unbearable I called Health Line, my GP and my midwife – she was at a delivery so her midwife partner answered. All three told me that because of Covid going to the emergency room was too dangerous, that it was still a bit early for preeclampsia and that it was likely still round ligament pain. By 3pm the pain was excruciating – thankfully my midwife answered this time and told me to go to ED. Level 4 meant no husband allowed, so I went in alone. The waiting room was empty! I was ushered straight through. Urine test revealed HELLP syndrome. “I’m sorry to tell you that you’re going to have this baby in the next 48 hours, most likely tonight. You’ll be flying to Wellington as soon as they get here. We’ll transfer you to the delivery suite in the next couple of hours and then your husband can join you.” I had a friend who had a 24 weeker and 25 weeker boys who were now 4 and 6 and they were doing great so while I was freaking out and in tears, I was naively reassuring myself

that everything was going to be fine. Text from husband a few minutes later: “Where’s the spag bol sauce?” “Top shelf in cupboard.” ….no point in telling him yet, I thought, wait until you can tell him to come to the delivery suite.

The next few hours were spent in shock. I can remember every detail of what happened right up until the cesarean but not how I felt. Drew was sent home twice by my midwife to repack, not realising at the time that we’d be in Wellington for months. Seven months! We arrived in Wellington at 1am where they were able to stabilize my blood pressure. At 3:06am on March 29, 2020 our little 525g girl was born. Some gender reveal. Wheeled away in a plastic bag and a little green hat, or so I was told – I wouldn’t see her for another 9 hours. I could have gone earlier but I didn’t want to, I’m still not sure why. “I didn’t even know there was such a thing as a breast pump!” I said to my hospital midwife as she hand expressed colostrum for me in the delivery suite. Little did I know at that point I would spend a decent part of the following 516 days attached to one. Drew and I were told that we’d be able to see her together once and then he wouldn’t be able to see her again at minimum until we were out of Level 4. I was both irate and confused. We pushed our anger aside and went

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to see our little girl where we would call her by her name together for the first time - ‘Phoebe Romine McLeod’. I was so enchanted by her – I fell in love. For some reason I saw past all the tubes and wires and just saw her as our cute little button with a fair amount of orange hair. Even though she was so scrawny she really was cute. Drew was a mess, knowing he wouldn’t be able to see her again for an unidentified amount of time. It was heart-wrenching. For the next 4 weeks, Drew would be staring

at the 4 walls of a motel room over the road – his days filled with a few short video calls from NICU, washing pump parts, waiting in line at the supermarket, and writing prayer updates for our family and friends. I was completely exhausted, pumping around the clock, recovering from a cesarean, trying to spend as much time with Phoebe as I could, attempting to understand all the NICU jargon and then relaying it all to Drew the next time I saw him. Phoebe’s first month of life was as to be expected for a micro prem; her first two weeks were great before she was hit

ISSUE 303 . October | November 2021

with a few infections, scariest of all, NEC, which thankfully cleared with antibiotics. Level 4 was really isolating. Mums weren’t encouraged to meet, there was no parents lunch, we smiled sheepishly as we passed each other in the corridor and there was very little conversation. I desperately wanted to connect with the mums who were there whose babies had started out as small as Phoebe but were close to discharge, I felt so alone. When Phoebe was 26 days old, Level 3 came and with it some relief for me. Drew could now visit Phoebe, though we couldn’t visit together. While it was hard not seeing her together, it was also a huge relief. I could finally take some legitimate rest while Drew was in the NICU. Phoebe trucked along, and was steadily gaining weight. On Day 45, Level 2 finally arrived! I could see my parents! I think not being able to see my mum during the hardest time of my life was the most difficult part of having a baby in NICU during lock down. I desperately wanted them close by, and I really wanted them to be able to meet their first grandchild. I’d been through much longer stints without seeing them but this was definitely the most tearful reunion! Level 2 also meant that Drew and I could now see Phoebe together. We’d been saving a lot of moments – we (tearfully) read her Earlybird together, prayed for her together, sang to her, and finally spent time

together as a family. We also realised that we’d been doing cares totally differently when Drew had the audacity to correct my nappy changing system! We’d finally hit our stride – Phoebe was 8 weeks old and I remember thinking that hopefully from here on it would just be a case of getting her onto high flow oxygen and feeding at the breast and then home sometime around her due date in July. We thought we were about half way there. Phoebe then developed a serious infection in her belly, it happened so quickly yet the days seemed to drag on. Surgery was inevitable as the antibiotics weren’t working this time. I had final cuddles in case she didn’t make it. They got her ready, then wheeled off in the early afternoon. I basically cried the entire time she was down there. Thankfully, my parents and brother had driven down to be with us for a few days to get us through. She made it through the surgery but the next 48 hours were touch and go. That night I purchased a onesie online in newborn size which said, “For this child we have prayed”. It took a lot of faith to believe that she would survive and be able to wear it one day. We were also told that a home date of July was off the cards and that we should be thinking more along the lines of October. Sigh. At Day 71, Level 1 finally came and my parents as well as other

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: Palmerston North Parents Centre, 117 Ruahine Street, info@palmyparentscentre.org.nz. Please pay in cash. Full terms and conditions supplied upon inquiry. Note: TEENS pads are reusable, you can purchase new TENS pads for $35.

18 PALMY PARENT . PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE

Courtney Yeoman

friends and family could meet her – we so loved being able to show her off! A few weeks later, Phoebe had meningitis so we were moved to our own room in nursery G where we would stay until discharge – another 120 or so days away. They increased her feeds by 1ml of EBM every 24 hours. The problem was she kept gaining weight so the goal post kept moving – as she gained weight she needed more food. The days turned into weeks and the weeks into months. Her due date came and went. Babies and their parents came and went. It got to the point where it was crazy if we got a nurse who hadn’t looked after Phoebe yet. I felt like a character in a horror version of the movie GroundHog Day. Leaving her every night knowing she was starting to wake and cry but in a room all alone became unbearable. Phoebe wasn’t allowed to try breastfeeding until she was 6 weeks corrected; amazingly she latched like a champ and while we had a few other attempts they were really worried about her drinking too much, which I found too stressful so we decided to go for bottle feeding EBM instead. I pushed for her to be allowed outside in the sunlight, next was to go for short walks, then we were allowed a few hours in a rooming-in room as a family before we were finally allowed to take her for short visits to Ronald McDonald house. There were small wins along the way! Eventually, the day came where Phoebe was tolerating ‘full feeds’. Finally! Somewhat unexpectedly, they let us take her over to Ronald McDonald that afternoon where we would look after her full time until Palmy was ready to receive us. She was on oxygen, NG tube, and pump feeds overnight with around 10 meds – only half of which I’d been allowed to prepare and give her in NICU. “Bring her back if you need to, she’s really high needs”….I went back a few hours

later to grab some syringes only to find that her room was already occupied with another baby! Two weeks later, we were transferred to Palmy Children’s ward for one night before finally taking her home! Phoebe was a champ and we did leave in October in the end. 198 days in NICU. How did that even happen? Coming home wasn’t easy – 10 months later and she’s only just come off oxygen at 18 months old (and that’s mostly because she just would not let us keep the nose prongs in no matter how much tape I used!) and is fed through a tube in her belly instead of tube down her nose (as she also tried to pull it out absolutely every chance she got…she was swaddled until she was 15 months old!). Oral eating is hard and weight gain even harder. I just stopped pumping a few days ago. I’m in countless Facebook support groups for all her conditions and I spend a lot of time researching how to best help her. Lockdown is still affecting us – we were on the children’s ward with RSV when Level 4 began this time round – Drew was prevented from seeing Phoebe again. This time only for 48 hours before we were discharged. Drew is also from the US so her American family still haven’t met her yet – she’s their first grandchild too. It has been a really long journey and if I’m honest with myself it’s far from over. Lots of preemies track along almost as if they were born at term. This isn’t the case for us; developmentally she’s quite behind at 14 months corrected. She can sit up but she’s not moving yet, but she will. She’s not eating much orally yet, but she will. One thing I can tell you is she’s so happy. Always smiling and laughing. It would seem that being around all her NICU aunties and uncles for the first 7 months of her life has really set the scene for her – she loves to be around people – she’s such a joy! ISSUE 303 . October | November 2021

PRODUCT REVIEW

MY TOP 4 BABY CARRIERS FOR NEWBORNS By Chelsea McIndoe Updated by Saritta Burney Chelsea was a previous long serving volunteer with Babywearers Manawatu Sling Library. This organisation runs a monthly sling library where members are able to come and try out different baby carriers with the possibility of hiring for the month. During her time as a volunteer, Chelsea birthed and wore two babies in carriers, and this helped her to be responsive in her parenting to more than one child at a time. Babywearing is the common term used for carrying a child on your body with the help of a carrier. The term “carrier” covers a huge range of items from a bath towel to a structured, backpack style product and hundreds of options in-between. For Chelsea, the benefits of baby wearing were endless; hands free parenting offered the ability of freedom, which empowers the wearer to have options other than those endless hours carrying, settling, and feeding a newborn baby. Babywearing also helps form the attachment between carer and infant, it provides comfort and familiarity to the baby. The possibility of skin to skin whilst babywearing can kick start your hormones and encourage breastmilk production, and the tight and safe feeling of a carrier as well as the motion of your natural movements act like the familiar environment of the womb and can often help calm a newborn during the transition to being earth side (the ‘fourth trimester). Once you decide that baby wearing might work for you and your family, it can be an overwhelming time choosing which carrier is right for you. The internet can be a scary place when it comes to information and opinions! Babywearing Manawatu volunteers are familiar with many (but certainly not all) carriers currently available on the New Zealand market and to narrow down your choices, without confusing internet forums or Facebook comments, Chelsea has previously put together her personal “top 4 options for newborns” with a quick review. This may

give you confidence to purchase one before your baby arrives, or it may give you a starting point to try a few once your baby is here. They are listed 1-4 but are in no order of preference. They are all amazing!

1:A stretchy Stretchy Wrap wrap is a long piece of fabric that is

stretchy! There are loads of brands of stretchy wraps available. I prefer one which has a two way stretch in it. This makes it much stretchier and easier to use. If you have one at home, and you don’t know if it is a one or two way stretch wrap you can tell by looking at which materials are listed on the tag - a two way stretch will have lycra in it. If your wrap does not have a tag you can tell by checking the elasticity of the fabric vertically AND horizontally. If the fabric stretches and bounces back both ways, it is a two way stretch! Many people find stretchy wraps a bit unsupportive after about 4-6 months as the child’s weight increases. The fabric can sag a bit with the extra weight, BUT this is easily fixed with a bit of practice at tightening and adjusting. The weight limits are around 13 kilos.

I love the Boba stretchy wrap. It is soft, stretchy, easy to use, and reasonably priced. There is also a wide range of colours, blend of fabrics and patterns. The cotton one is the lowest price and is what I would recommend if you aren’t particularly fussed about fancy bamboo or limited edition prints. RRP: $79.95 - $99.95 Price sourced from The Sleep Store

As part of the Kind Hearts Movement

d n i K ea ts H

has bestowed a random act of kindness upon

Alexandra Cameron You will each receive a free coffee voucher! Don’t forget to pay it forward! Streetwise Coffee Cart, Rangitikei Street, Palmerston North

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increases visibility for nosey children! A plus side is that it has less fabric to deal. One of the awesome things I have found with ring slings is the ability to put a baby in one whilst asleep! You can google tutorials of putting a sleeping baby into a ring sling, it will probably be easier to follow visually than by reading! When shopping for a ring sling I would recommend a cotton blend and be sure to make sure the fabric is woven. You can also check out the sling library for a tutorial so you can be extra prepared for when baby arrives, or you can bring your new baby in for a visit! One of my favourites is: Lenny Lamb 1.8m Ring Slings RRP: $89.95 (Price sourced from The Sleep Store)

2. Woven Wrap A woven wrap is a carrier with no structure to it. It is

a hemmed piece of fabric. You use the fabric to make a carrier! There is little to no stretch to the fabric which offers a higher weight limit. Again, loads and loads of brands available. Loads of patterns, colours, fabric blends, sizes etc - it can be a bit intimidating knowing where to start. I would recommend starting with a 100% cotton woven wrap with wide horizontal stripes; this makes it easier to see what you’re doing. If you feel compelled to buy one with an amazing pattern then go for it, you can learn with either, I just find the stripes easier for learning- but everyone is different!

The good thing about a woven wrap is the versatility. You are able to learn front carries, hip carries and back carries all with the same wrap. The sizes of the wraps state the length of the fabric; the more fabric you have, the more options you have to try different carries. This carrier will last you from newborn right up into school age and beyond. It is very strong! In the picture I am using a size 6 100% cotton wrap. I am about a size 18 and I JUST have enough fabric to achieve the most popular newborn carry (A Front Wrap Cross Carry). I could probably move to a size 7 to be honest…. I’d say a size 6 would suit a size 1218, any smaller and you have the option of trying a size 5, any larger and you could go for a size 7. Also be mindful that as baby grows you will need more fabric, so a size up might be a good option. Or you can have more than one woven wrap… Price range - $80 - $300+ (I’d say $150 would be a good budget).

3. Ring Sing A ring sling is a shorter piece of woven wrap fabric

with rings at one end to secure the fabric into a pouch. The picture will be easier to look at rather than me describe! The rings on my shoulder allow me to carefully tighten each strand of fabric to make sure the pouch is secured evenly over babies back. It is quick and easy to adjust with no knots needed. As baby gets older you can move to your hip which

4. Meh Dai.

There are many variations of a Meh Dai carrier. Traditionally they are a square or rectangle piece of fabric with long vertical straps at the top corners and long horizontal straps at the bottom corners. You use the horizontal straps to tie the front panel to your front, place baby in the pouch created, cross the top straps over shoulders and across your back and bring them back around the front to tie off. It is kind of like a soft structured carrier, but without the buckles! They are often made from woven wrap fabric so they are soft and secure. With the panel already structured on this carrier it can make it quicker and easier to adjust, and a little easier to visualise how it works - which really helped me when I was learning. I really like the: Fidella Fly- Meh Dai in baby size RRP: $219.00 (price sourced from The Woven Womb) All of these carriers are simply lovely - you can’t go wrong with any of them. If you are still not sure which one is right for you then please visit the Sling Library. We run every third Wednesday out of Parents Centre in Palmerston North from 12.15-1.45pm - and our Facebook group “Babywearers Manawatu” is active with members who are more than willing to chat and share their knowledge. ISSUE 303 . October | November 2021

FEATURE

AN ENTIRELY PRACTICAL GUIDE TO BABY CLOTHING

WHAT NOBODY TELLS YOU By Sarah Soteria PART 1 This is for all those who find no end to the frustrations of getting a floppy, then wriggly, then crawling, then walking, then running, then climbing baby into fiddlesome clothing. Not to mention dealing with the added complications of icky belly buttons, mucus, spit up, vomit, reflux, colic, leaks, blow outs, purees, drinking, drooling, outdoor adventuring and the incredible ability to get everything that you don’t want on them – on them. With all that to handle, it’s a wonder there is anything but practical clothing out there but we must have some fun and silliness too, of course! I just hope this guide can save some first time parents from having a wide selection of turtle necks for newborns, and save some poor babies from having to do the spider crawl.

NEWBORNS

Newborns have floppy heads, spastically flailing limbs, and most get rather titchy when you try and change them. So you want the absolute easiest stuff to put on and take off and put on and take off and put on and take off – because you’ll be doing a lot of that with a newborn. Also, everything is sleepwear, as baby sleeps so often during the day as well as night, you will need clothing they can fall asleep in, adding a sleep sack or swaddle over top if required, although overheating can be an issue depending on what sleep cover you choose. Onesies, also known as all-in-ones, pyjamas, grow suits, stretch and grows, honestly the list goes on… these one piece suits with snap buttons up the middle are hands down the best clothing for this age. Simply one handedly lay out a onesie on the changing surface with tiny naked baby in arm, then lay baby on top and snap up. Onesies mean you don’t have to pull shirts over heads or pants over bottoms with that floppy head and all those spastic movements and the discomfort of being changed that your newborn will let you know about. Zip up onesies are nice sometimes, but I find that because the zip only goes up one leg, you may have to wrestle the other leg into it’s leg hole as it doesn’t open up, but probably not at the start when baby is particularly floppy, so for newborn size a zip is okay. I’ve found two way zips very confusing for nappy changes, don’t ask me how, they’re that confusing. Newborns frequently spit up on the top half of clothes and regularly have poo explosions on the bottom half (expanding to the top back half) of clothes. Which half you’ll be changing the most is the mystery that your individual baby will get to determine. Thankfully I’ve found that neither is too staining if you keep up a frequent wash routine, although spit up discolours clothes with time to a light pinkish colour and some poop can leave staining if it’s particularly nasty. If you want high longevity and some light staining is the kind of thing that annoys you then I suggest staying away from

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light coloured clothing, however newborns look very cute in pastels and white and the staining only gets worse the older your baby is so you could also take this opportunity to sport some cute light colours on your little dot. As for split piece clothing, if you want to slightly reduce your washing and have the convenience of just changing the top or bottom half of an outfit (if you’re lucky) my suggestions are as follows. Get kimono style tops without crotch clips. This way you can still lie baby down on their clothes and clip up, and you don’t have to pull anything over their bobbly head. If available, get longish tops so as to avoid baby midriff every time Aunt Betty picks up little Jr under the arms. If longish tops aren’t available or it’s winter then try a long merino singlet with no crotch clips underneath. That way poo explosions are less likely to soil the singlet and you don’t have to mess with getting two layers of sleeves to not bunch up every time you change their top. I’ve yet to find such clothing styles readily available where I come from, so bodysuits are a close second choice and I found these fine after a bit of experience with bobbly heads. As for pants, if you’re worried about baby’s tootsies getting cold then get them with feet so you’re not eternally putting socks back on. Though I opt to have baby’s feet bare most of the time for their own enjoyment (and proper development) and just pop socks or booties on when absolutely necessary (when Aunt Betty complains their tootsies are cold). The other things that can save on washing if your baby vomits in a predictable fashion and direction, are bibs. Terry towelling is a great absorbent fabric that is easy to clean. Burp cloths are good for other fashions and directions

of vomiting. Just get flat or pre-fold nappies for this as they have multiple uses and are widely available. A watched baby with prefold in the hand never bubbles. For an extra layer of warmth when you venture anywhere outside of that warmly heated nursery, use a natural fibre cardigan as these are safe for temperature regulation and especially during sleep. The cardigan should open at the front, preferably with snaps for the same reasons as mentioned above. A natural fibre beanie is also great to have, although a lot of babies seem to hate beanies so don’t get your hopes up! We tended to take it off when we didn’t know why else baby was crying, and that seemed to help, placebo perhaps? Lastly, for warmth in winter if you’re outside or in a cold building and baby is not in their pram all snug with blankets or a foot muff, I suggest a fleece onesie, however these are unsafe to sleep unsupervised in as baby can overheat quickly. So to summarise, for the first few months, be prepared for a bucket load of outfit changes. Items in the firing line for changing should open easily at the front (and I’d recommend testing that! You’ll be doing it a hundred times in bad lighting!). Frequent areas in the firing line include neck if lying, chest/legs if seated (and all over you), all outside edges of a nappy for egress, (thighs, bootle, tummy, and aaaaall the way up the back). Areas in the firing line should be protected with armour in the form of terry or prefold, and fancy pants singlets would do well to avoid or be protected from said firing lines. It’s a pretty all consuming time, I hope some of this serves to prepare you, if not practically then mentally! www.medium.com/@sarahsoteria ISSUE 303 . October | November 2021

HEALTH AND WELBEING

RETHINKING THE NAPPY By Miriam McCaleb, DipT(ECE), BTchLn , PGCertHealSc

When we think about adults spending quality time with children, I wonder if it’s just me, or does your mind go straight to sentimental sorts of scenes: cosy board games by the fire, baby crawling through the daffodils of his first spring, perhaps a slow-motion shot of family laughing as child toddles through lapping waves. If I were to ask you to imagine an adult spending quality time with a child, to consider a rich opportunity for relationship strengthening or visualise a learning interaction, I don’t reckon you’d visualise a nappy change. But perhaps we should. Perhaps the journey to self begins on the nappy change table. If you’re reading this, you are probably fairly interested in child development and you will know how powerful early relationships are in impacting our social skills: our ability to read cues, to respond to and empathise with others, and that these abilities serve as powerful predictors of things like school success and later relationship health. Those of us who are interested in brain science understand that repetition is one of the key principles for reinforcing learning and building brains. We know that infants and young toddlers are particularly malleable at a foundational level: their ‘habits of mind’ are being formed, they are waistdeep in the fundamentals of identity formation. So while our memories might grasp onto “special occasion” moments as examples of quality time, our brains are actually built on the everyday minutiae, the day-in, day out activities so often disdained for being just routine.

h h hu

Please join me in rethinking this idea, just for a moment. Consider that most children are reported to enjoy around 5000 nappy changes in their lifetime. These are interactions that are happening anyway – these are, if you choose to think of it like this, tasks that must be done. A nappy change interaction can be swift and clinical, making maximum use of distraction as a tool for getting jobs done. The distraction might be that of the adult (cricking phone under neck or sending a text message) or it might be the child who is distracted, encouraged to lavish attention on something other than the adult. Instead, imagine the way that nappy change routines can be an oasis of relational connection in a busy, busy world. They offer the chance for adult and child to share gaze and conversation, smiles and song. Children who are consistently handled with kind hands and good humour are far more likely to radiate those gifts back to the world. Imagine how you might handle a nappy change routine differently if you weren’t consistently rushing to get it finished, but you were instead seeing it as an opportunity for unhurried, relational strengthening (with poo-begone benefits).

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Children who are consistently handled with kind hands and good umour are far more likely to radiate those gifts back to the world.

These daily acts of mothering/ fathering/caregiving provide an inbuilt opportunity for children to experience intimacy – especially when their adults hold an intention to build and nurture the relationship, to attune to the needs of their children, as well as achieve the practical goal represented by the routine.

It is helpful to view all care routines in this way, to see that feeding a baby is an opportunity for shared intimacy, warmth and the beginnings of conversation – and to consider that nappy changes are an extension of the feeding and nurturing routine. Babies aren’t necessarily aware of a separation: what happens at the top half of their personhood in comparison to what is happening in the bottom half, but they are certainly aware of how good it feels to be held gently, spoken to warmly, smiled at by a loving and familiar face.

and relationship enhancing opportunities” and “other” – the act of supporting a toddler into gumboots is just as full of rich learning as the splashing in puddles to follow. Let’s pledge to say the word “routine” with reverence, and imagine that the very familiarity of the event creates a framework that allows us to pay even closer attention to the person we’re caring for. If you enjoyed this article, you may also be interested in Embracing imperfection http://www.brainwave.org.nz/wp-content/ uploads/ embracing-imperf_web.pdf Love & Limits http://www.brainwave.org.nz/love-and-limits/ Circle of Security http://www.brainwave.org.nz/circle-ofsecurity/

And we are aware of the power of the repetitious. Remember, children don’t delineate their experiences into “educational

early years last forever whakamana i te tamaiti

www.brainwave.org.nz

ISSUE 303 . October | November 2021

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

GREEN PRESCRIPTION (GRX) By Sport Manawatu Do you want to get active? Learn about nutrition, how to read food labels, and safely re-engage back into physical activity? Not too sure where to start? One of our Green Prescription programmes could be for you.

(GRx)

We have many programmes available: GRx Active Families (4-12 years), GRx Active Teens (13-17years), GRx Mums & Bubs, GRx Maternal, and GRx Adults. GRx Adult classes run in Palmerston North twice a week, and Feilding and Levin once a week. The classes run in two parts. The first part is an education session that covers topics such as goal setting, nutrition, healthy hearts, sleep, eating well on a budget, and more. The second part is activity-based, you can choose from aqua aerobics, gym sessions, swimming, resistance bands exercises, and walking. With

trained advisors, they can help guide you in the right direction, creating suitable gym plans based on your specific needs. Our GRx staff will be with you in the gym, showing you how to correctly use the equipment and machines. The GRx classes are supportive, judgementfree spaces that enables you to make healthy lifestyle changes without being on strict diets and exercise regimes. Vince (previous GRx participant) says the GRx Programme gave him structure in his week. He knew he had to show up every week to classes, and this is what kept him accountable. Vince says he thrives off routine, something he lacked prior to going to the GRx programme. We have had many success stories come out of the programme; you can read about them on our website. For much information, or to refer yourself to the programme you can visit our website: www.sportmanawatu.org.nz/active/ Or call our office to talk to our GRx team 06-357 5349

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CRAFT

PAPER PLATE CRAFTS FOR TODDLERS Patty Case Paper Plate Fish Paper plates are a perfect craft activity for 1, 2, and 3-year-olds (cheap too!) Fun crafts do not need to be complicated and these fish are certainly proof of that. The bright colours of the patty cases and personal touch added to the design by their creator, really makes these paper plate crafts something special. What you need to make Patty Case Paper Plate Fish: • Paper Plate • Scissors • Coloured Pencils • Patty Cases / Cup Cake Cases • Glue • Googley Eyes - adhesive ones

skills that will help ready your child for formal education. Hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, colour recognition, and so many more skills can be practiced and refined while your toddler has a great time, creating their Patty Case Paper Plate Fish. https://myboredtoddler.com/patty-case-paper-plate-fish/

How to set up your Patty Case Paper Plate Fish activity: • Transform your paper plate to the fish template by just cutting out a few sections. • Using coloured pencils, decorate the fish. • Once happy with their designs, add the scales to the fish. To create the scales, simply cut a patty case into quarters. Apply the scales to the fish using your glue. It’s easier to apply the glue to the fish and then position the scales from there. To create the overlapped scale effect, start at the tail, applying the scales in vertical columns, only adhering to the ‘bases’ of the patty case. • To finish the fish off, a swipe of glue to hold the goggle-eye in place was all that was needed. • These fish are as fun and creative as their creator makes them. There are no right or wrongs and plenty of opportunities to develop

ISSUE 303 . October | November 2021

FAMILY FRIENDLY OUTING

MAKINO AQUATIC CENTRE By Natasha Napier I’ve lived in Palmerston North now for over ten years and in all that time, I’d never actually been to Makino Aquatic Centre in Feilding. Not entirely sure why, it was just never on my radar. So when the opportunity came up to take baby (8 months old), with a friend of mine and her delicious wee munchkin too, how could I say no? We arrived at Makino under Covid Level 2 restrictions, walked up and found out there’s a booking system. Makes sense when you think about it. Unfortunately, we didn’t think about this fact and there wasn’t another slot available for a few hours. So, we booked in, went back home for a cuppa and a gas bag and returned at our allotted time. Note to self: I should really check public place’s Covid restrictions before physically going there We were booked into the Learn to Swim pool, which was divided into two halves (one per booked party). It made the experience a lot nicer as the two babies were able to have some space and not get overwhelmed. They slowly got used to the water, sought out water toys and were looking over at the other half where big kids were playing and splashing around. Our main objective was to just let them float, getting used to the idea of “the giant bath” all the while feeling secure knowing we were holding them.

Photos sourced from Makino Aquatic Centre FB page 28 PALMY PARENT . PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE

We incorporated gentle splashing, showed them how to blow bubbles, and took them on mumassisted drag races across the pool. Hey, mum’s need to have fun too, right? Amazingly, we managed to get a full half an hour out of the babies before they started to suggest it was time to leave.

The changing facilities are great however the main changing areas are definitely better than the small ones by the Learn to Swim pool. One nice addition in the main female changing area is a cubicle with a baby changing station. Such a simple thing but allows us new mums to change baby and then get dressed ourselves safely away from public view. There ain’t nobody deserving of seeing my postpartum bod! We also noticed in the family changing areas some great facilities for people who need full body mobility assistance, which was in both family changing rooms, not just one. It was great to see that inclusivity. It may have been the Covid restrictions, I’m not sure, but Makino did seem a smidgen bare. At any rate, it was well worth the trip, especially at $9.60 for the four of us. 7/10 will visit again.

ISSUE 303 . October | November 2021

REVIEW

SUNSCREEN REVIEW By Rebecca Wilson With summer just around the corner (we hope!) we all know we need to be getting ready to slip, slop, slap and wrap. But which product as reviewed by parents is best to slop on our little one’s skin. There is such a vast range of sunscreen products available now with different SPF values, application methods and prices. So where do you start? Firstly, SPF is Sun Protection Factor and it is important to note that no matter how high the SPF value is on your sunscreen, some of the sun’s UV rays can still reach your skin. Sunsmart New Zealand recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 and applying it to your skin 20 minutes before going outside, and then again 10-20 minutes after going out into the sun in a two-coat approach. The top three brands recommended by parents who responded were: Skinnies Kids SPF50 gel came as a top recommendation. It is a broad-spectrum sunscreen that does not contain water and is vegan friendly. A huge bonus to a number of parents with this product is that it isn’t white! It is a honey-coloured gel with a cocoa butter texture and only requires a very small amount to cover face, neck and ears. This product retails for $42.99 for 100ml. Earth’s Kitchen Moringa & Harakeke SPF50+ certified

natural sun protection for sensitive skin and babies was another popular choice amongst parents and is suitable for use from 0-12 years or onwards for those with sensitive skin. This is the first fully certified natural broad-spectrum sunscreen and has great reviews as skincare as well as sun protection with the list of lovely ingredients. This is a concentrated product so application requires you to rub it between your fingers prior to applying to the skin as the warmth makes spreading the product much easier. This sunscreen retails for $38 per 150gm. Little Dragon Natural SPF 50 Broad Spectrum sunscreen is a natural and organic sunscreen suitable for use on all babies and is made to specifically meet the Australia and New Zealand standards. Little Dragon also offer a 30 day satisfaction where you can return the product for a full refund if you aren’t happy with it. This sunscreen retails at $24.95 for a 75ml tube. Cetaphil SUN kids 50SPF is a readily available sunscreen, being found in most pharmacies rather than online purchasing. Stains on clothes, but very high reviews for protection Nude Alchemist Sun-Barrier Cream comes with a number of positive reviews. It is 100% natural and organic and suitable for babies. The main ingredient

30 PALMY PARENT . PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE

is zinc oxide providing great protection. An added bonus to this sunscreen is that the scented option doubles as a mosquito and sandfly repellent. It is important to note the sun-barrier cream has not been lab tested so can not be given an SPF value. It retails for $18 for a 50gm pot.

Nivea Sun Kids Protect and Play also have a sensitive option for sun protection. Nivea offers SPF50+ for protection and comes in a number of application options including roll on and spray. This sun protection also has the longest water resistance with 4 hours protection, however does still recommend reapplication every 2 hours. A benefit to Nivea as a brand is that it is easily available at supermarkets and pharmacy. Nivea retails for $15 per 200ml

There is an incredible array of products available for sun protection and they all vary extremely in ingredients used, protection offered/SPF value, application process and cost. It is vital to always check product information labels as some products labelled for children are not recommended for use on babies under 12 months of age. As well as using sun protection, the use of shade and keeping skin covered with light layers will also keep your little one protected from the sun during those beautiful sunny summer days.

ISSUE 303 . October | November 2021

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 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. 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 Palmy Parents Centre, Ruahine St, 10am. 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.

32 PALMY PARENT . PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE

MEMBER DISCOUNTS Want to see your advert here? Contact palmyparent@hotmail.com

FREE! Address labels with any birth announcement, thank you cards

GRANT IRVINE PHARMACY

10% OFF

Ground Floor, TSB Building 12-19, Fitzherbert Ave, Palmerston North

168 Albert Street, Palmerston North Ph: 06 357 8782

10% off for all massages over $40 to PC members

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FREE TEA OR COFFEE

06 358 8549

Receive a free tea or coffee with the purchase of food. 95 the Square, Palmerston North

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15% OFF Discounted, low ratio childcare – For 30 hours WAIVED weekly admin & placement fees

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Link Arcade, Broadway Avenue Palmerston North Ph: 06 358 1309

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ISSUE 303 . October | November 2021

PLAYGROUPS IN YOUR AREA Plunket Family Centre Playgroup

ASHHURST

Ashhurst Playcentre

AWAPUNI/WESTEND

Kingston St Chapel Palmy Playgroup

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 Awapuni Community Centre, 22 Newbury St Tues & Fri 9.30am to 11.30am Facebook: Palmy Playgroup Please bring your own morning tea and a donation of $2 per child.

Crossroads Early Childhood Salvation Army Rudolf Steiner Seventh Day Adventist Church Playgroup with Hope

220 Church St 358 0669 cnr Church & Princess Sts 358 7455 187 Ruahine St 354 4514 257 Ferguson St 282 Cuba Street (opposite Briscoes) Contact: Heather 027 334 9981

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 Tuesday 9.30-11.30am playgroup@hopevineyard.nz

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

Mon to Thurs 9:15am to 12:15pm, Fri 11:45am to 2:45pm

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

34 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.

ISSUE 303 . October | November 2021

Palmy Parents Centre is excited to have Puddleducks on board as our newest Gold level sponsor

Locally and family owned and operated 7 centres throughout the Manawatu including a Montessori Pre-school and our Puddleducks’ Private Kindergarten. Centrally located. Spaces available now!

Enquire Today

0800 897 382

enquiries@puddleducks.co.nz PuddleducksPreschool

PalmyParent Magazine October / November 2021

Articles inside

Community support groups

Product Review: Sunscreen review

Craft: Paper Plate Crafts for Toddlers

Family Friendly Outing: Makino Aquatic Centre

Playgroups in your area

Rethinking the Nappy

Editor’s note

Cottage Flowers Arrangement

PNPC Seminars & Events

An Entirely Practical Guide to Baby Clothing

Birth Story: The Ups and Downs of having lockdown babies

Phoebe’s NICU Journey

Health and Wellbeing: Green Prescription (GRx