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SUPPORTING PARENTS THROUGH THE EARLY YEARS
FEBRUARY 2019 – MARCH 2019
In pursuit of happiness Emotional regulation for preschoolers
Superpower Teach your children mindfulness
Five reasons why Putting your family online
Kids’ outdoor projects Off the couch and into the garden
Digital dilemma How do you choose what to watch?
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Subscribe or renew your subscription to Kiwiparent and go in the draw to WIN a Philips AVENT 4-in-1 Healthy Baby Food Maker valued at RRP $329.99! 1 years subscription to Kiwiparent (6 issues) is only $45 delivered to your door.
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Special Features In pursuit of happiness Kerstin Kramar................................................................ 8–12
Give children the superpower of mindfulness
Birth story: Perfect timing Hannah Faulke..............................................................66–69
On your bike Summer cycling............................................................70–73
Homemade is best Jo Seagar.........................................................................74–77
Jen Sievers......................................................................14–19
Empowering whaea Mothers Matter............................................................20–23
Features
Getting ready for the big day Starting school..............................................................24–26
Letters to the Editor .................................................4–5
Baby’s perfect skin..................................................28–30
Product page .................................................................6–7
Digital dilemma
Back to basics
Mckay Turner.................................................................32–33
Breastfeeding for beginners.....................................34–38
A dream career
Parents Centre Pages............................................39–43
PORSE..............................................................................46–48
A new approach to pregnancy
Find a Centre...................................................................44
Dr Carrie Barber............................................................50–51
Find out about Parents Centre..............................45
Five reasons why…
A true Kiwi publisher..........................................58–59
Jessica Dove London...................................................52–55
It’s not worth the risk Alcohol and pregnancy don’t mix...........................56–57
Kids’ outdoor projects Resene creative team ...............................................60–65
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Our partners..............................................................78–79 Giveaways..........................................................................80
SUPPORTING PARENTS THROUGH THE EARLY YEARS
FEBRUARY 2019 – MARCH 2019
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Stepping into the wide world I hope you had a refreshing break over the festive period – if you are lucky you will be rested and recharged and ready to rip into all the opportunities that 2019 presents.
In pursuit of happiness | pages 8–12 Research says that children achieving their potential can be reduced to two main factors: emotion regulation and quality of interpersonal relationships. The quality of relationships is significantly influenced by how well a child learns to regulate their emotions over time. Learn more about the important issue of emotion regulation.
Give children the superpower of mindfulness | pages 14–19 Being mindful in challenging situations teaches children how to choose which thoughts and emotions are helpful, and which ones are not. Teaching children the habit of being mindful on a daily basis by doing mindful exercises together, is possibly the best gift you can ever give your children.
Kids’ outdoor projects | pages 60–65 Most of us at one stage or another look at the kids hanging out indoors and wish they would get outside to play more often. That doesn’t always mean you have to take them to the playground. Having fun outside can happen in your own backyard no matter how big or small. Try these ideas to entice your youngsters outdoors.
Kiwiparent. Since 1954. The magazine of Parents Centre New Zealand Inc Editor
Publisher
Leigh Bredenkamp Ph (04) 472 1193 Mobile (0274) 572 821 leighb@e–borne.co.nz PO Box 28 115, Kelburn, 6150
Parents Centres New Zealand Inc Ph (04) 233 2022
Editorial Enquiries Ph (04) 233 2022 or (04) 472 1193 info@e–borne.co.nz
Advertising Sales Taslim Parsons Ph (04) 233 2022 x8804 Mobile 021 1860 323 t.parsons@parentscentre.org.nz
Design Hannah Faulke edendesign.nz
Proofing Megan Kelly
Subscriptions info@parentscentre.org.nz
Opinions expressed in the magazine do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher. Advertising in this magazine does not imply endorsement by Parents Centres. Generally material in this publication may be reproduced provided it is used for non-commercial purposes and the source is acknowledged. However, written permission must be sought from the editor. Kiwiparent is proud to support the WHO/UNICEF International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes adopted by the World Health Assembly in 1981.
ISSN 1173–7638
Printer Caxton Design and Print
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For many of you, February will provide something of a new beginning. Perhaps you will be going back to work after maternity or paternity leave, starting a new job, or re-engaging with studies or personal development. This will inevitably mean a change in family dynamics as you look at childcare options that will work best for your whanau. Perhaps you have a little one ready to start school. That is a big step! Most parents greet this big milestone with a mixture of delight and trepidation. You have raised your beautiful preschooler in the safety of your home and close circle of family and friends – but now they are ready to take that first step into a wider world. To be honest, it can be pretty terrifying! I remember taking our daughter to school for the first time. I could not believe how tiny she looked compared to all the other children. The school environment was loud and busy – so different from the tranquil surrounds of the Montessori kindergarten she had attended. Little children confidently found their named hooks for their bags, shouted greetings to each other and tumbled onto the mat ready for the day to begin. Our little one clung tightly to my hand, her face rigid with anxiety and I could feel her trembling. I wasn’t much better, trying to be determinedly positive and upbeat – all the while wanting nothing more than to gather her in my arms and carry her back to the safety and security of home. She wasn’t ready. I wasn’t ready. Then a small boy came up to our daughter and said he was her buddy, took her gently by the hand, showed her where to hang her bag and escorted her with great pride to sit up at the front of the mat so they would be close to the teacher. The teacher had a big smile and introduced her to her classmates as a future friend and so the day began, she was launched on her school career. I was a mess that day, I found it hard to settle to anything and was surprised to find that I was really grieving. Those preschool days – exhausting and exhilarating as they were – had passed and they would never be back. I knew she was ready for school, but I also knew that this was the first big step towards independence and our tight family unit was forever changed. I was there early to collect her (of course!) and she bundled out with the other children, still in the company of her buddy boy who was a perfect mother hen to her. She’d had a fabulous day, she learned stuff, she loved her teacher, she had friends. She was set. If you have a little one about to start a new independence step in the new year – kia kaha. It will be a challenge, but you have done an amazing job for the first five years of parenting. The future is there for the taking – for your child and yourself. Leigh Bredenkamp
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Letters
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A surprise arrival I was due on 24th of August 2018 – I was going to take maternity leave from Saturday, 28th of July, but on that weekend, I didn’t feel well so I rang my midwife who told me to go to hospital. She found I had an infection and told me to take medicine for seven days before I went sleep. I used the medicine that night before bed, but I still needed to go to the bathroom every five minutes. The next day I noticed I was bleeding, so my husband rang the midwife. She said it was normal, but after 15 minutes I started to bleed more heavily. My husband rang our midwife again and she told us to drive straight to hospital. While I stood in our garage waiting while my husband put our puppy outside, my waters broke. He told me to go back inside then rang for an ambulance. The paramedics told him to prepare for the delivery! He went to get fresh towels, but by the time he came back into the room our baby’s legs had appeared. The ambulance officer told my husband to take me to our bedroom, but I refused. Then they said he should get me to lie down but again I said it was too hard – and after just 30 seconds our daughter dropped on the floor! I didn’t have any labour pain at all. To start with, she didn’t cry or breathe and I panicked – but after a few seconds she was ok. A few minutes later, the ambulance came and looked after her. Our daughter was born a month early on July 29 – a 2.6kg healthy baby. Tharani Gupta, Taita, Wellington
Citycare Property Supervisor Doug Peek (right) looking for items that can be repurposed in the community.
Turning trash into treasure Obsolete equipment from throughout Christchurch is getting a new lease on life as it finds its way to a special children’s playground in New Brighton. The sensory playground is designed to give all children, especially those with special needs, the opportunity to explore their senses through interaction with nature and their environment. The playground has a sensory path leading children around the site as they experience all it has to offer. There are different surfaces to walk on, different things to touch, plants to smell and taste, and sound-producing activities to experience.
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There is also a special area where parents who have lost a child can place a special toy or item in memory of their child. The playground was the brainchild of Kelly Dugan, founder of SmileDial New Zealand, a charity that assists families of children with special needs. An avid supporter of the playground is Citycare Property Supervisor Doug Peek. Doug looks for items that can be recycled into something useful and fun at the playground, rather than being sent to landfill. Doug looks for anything that is surplus to requirements, and which may be suitable for the kids, to repurpose and give a new lease of life.
Nappy Disposal System
Read more about SmileDial and the sensory playgrounds in the next issue of Kiwiparent
Making life easier for whanau in Taupo A few years ago, Taupo Parents Centre donated some stretcher beds to the new Taupo maternity unit. We were active in advocating for extra rooms as there were only two birthing rooms and three postnatal rooms provided when the new hospital wing was built. The stretcher beds are for partners who want to stay with new mums overnight. We also donated other things such as breastfeeding armchairs and crockery. Unfortunately, the red fold-out beds were rather hard and uncomfortable but the only option available for us to donate as they needed to be easily stored away. Recently, we had a bit of extra money and donated mattress toppers for the beds, a coffee machine for whanau, head torches for suturing and a capsule for hospital transfers as the previous one had been stolen. The capsule is used if whanau come in and unexpectedly have baby there and aren’t prepared with a capsule, or for when baby is born but Mum needs to be transferred to Rotorua. Kat Money President Taupo Parents Centre
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Kat Money with son Emmanuel and daughter Lisette, Charlotte Worthington, CBE convenor, and Theresa Enright a midwife from Taupo Maternity. Read more about Taupo Parents Centre on page 41.
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information
Auckland Baby Show is due in March No one issues you with a manual on the birth of your child, but luckily you can find all the info you need on pregnancy, birthing, babies and toddlers under one roof, with the arrival of the new Autumn Baby Show. Whether you’re looking for car seats, prams or pregnancy pillows, waste-free ways to parent, clothing, baby food, nappies or skincare – you can explore all the options here and save yourself days of trawling through shops.
Collectible plush toys born in an egg ZURU has launched Rainbocorns, a new line of adorable collectible plush toys ‘born’ in a mystery egg and featuring a rainbow of exciting elements, from reversible sequins to hair play to enchanted creatures is also an animated web series on YouTube following the Rainbocorns on their adventures in Rainboville.
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There are small-batch handmade and organic goods right through to big name brands, not to mention the huge range of discounts and show specials. Bring the family – there’s face painting and entertainment for littlies, extra-wide aisles to accommodate buggies and a well-equipped parents’ room. 9–10 March 2019, 10am–5pm, ASB Showgrounds www.babyshow.co.nz
Tiny Treasures baby banners Show them you’re the best gift-giver in town with our custom-made baby banners, personalised with each baby’s arrival details. Each banner acts both as a stylish artwork and meaningful memento, recording a treasured baby’s birth stats and lovingly handmade in New Zealand. www.tinytreasures.co.nz
‘Just Breathe – A Mindfulness Adventure’ NZ author and artist Jen Sievers has just released a new book on mindfulness for young children. The book is called “Just Breathe – A Mindfulness Adventure” and is written and illustrated by Jen. “My aim with this book is to help children make sense of their own emotions in a fun and inspiring way that is tailored to their age. I think learning mindfulness is just as important as reading and writing, as it helps foster healthier and happier future adults,” says Jen.
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In pursuit of
happiness
Empathetic parenting and emotional regulation When you ask parents what is on their wish list for their new bundle of joy’s future, HAPPINESS is usually somewhere around top of the list. We all want our children to have fulfilled lives, be happy in themselves, in what they do and in the world around them – this includes relationships and the wider community they spend their lives in. However, people have different ideas about the ingredients that go into this happiness cake for their children. Some may think it is money and the material goods that having money enables, the intelligence factor, ethnic background and sometimes the challenges or privileges that may come with that, the area you live in, the talents the child has, and the opportunities that one can provide the child for education and outside of school. Life is full of opportunities and our children partly determine to what extent they can take advantage of. The research would say that our children achieving their potential can be reduced to two main factors: emotion regulation and quality of interpersonal relationships. Interestingly, the quality of relationships is significantly influenced by how well a child learns to regulate their emotions over time. So, I come to write about the important issue of emotion regulation.
physiological responses (for example, heart rate or hormonal activity), and emotion-related behaviour (bodily actions or expressions)”. Simply put, when it comes to children, it is their ability to handle themselves age appropriately when they experience a range of feelings, positive as well as challenging ones. They range from exuberant excitement or happiness to deepest sadness, confusion, or being scared, while feeling frustrated is somewhere in the middle. Let’s focus on what we as adults can do to support our children to achieve emotion regulation. The general process of emotional regulation is one that starts with someone else regulating things for the child, which then moves to co-regulation, and eventually to self-regulation.
First steps Age 0–18 months
Understanding emotion regulation
In this first stage of life it is all about the adults recognising the child’s needs and responding appropriately to meet those needs. It is all about “other regulation” at this stage – the only self-regulation going on here is an automatic cry out for help which babies are programmed to do. There is a lot of figuring out going on, which is a process called attunement. It is like fine-tuning your sensors to figure out whether the cry means hungry, tired, nappy change, uncomfortable clothes, tummy ache, or possibly overstimulation.
If we were to look up the definition of emotion regulation we would find a definition that reads something like: “Emotional regulation is a complex process that involves initiating, inhibiting, or modulating one’s state or behaviour in a given situation – for example, the subjective experience (feelings), cognitive responses (thoughts), emotion-related
Biologically we are programmed to master this finetuning and the baby helps us with that in the bonding process. The important part in this process is that babies are responded to consistently to have their needs met. It gives baby the message that “when I cry this way (I’m hungry) then I get responded to that way (I’m fed) and that makes me feel so much better.”
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Later this translates into “I feel hungry, so I need to get myself a banana or ask for one, and that will make me feel better” which is then self-regulation. Through our fine-tuning, babies learn to identify their feelings and how to respond to them appropriately. As babies grow up, it is important to put words to our observations, which will help a toddler then put words to their felt experience. This means once they have their own words, they can say what they need in order to regulate themselves. Practically this looks like a lot of “thinking aloud” and reflecting this to an infant and toddler – “Oh look, you’re rubbing your eyes, you are getting tired; let’s have a bath, put our PJs on and off into bed.”
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Second steps 18 months onwards Once you find yourself saying “no” quite a bit, it is likely your child has progressed to the “terrific twos”. CONGRATULATIONS. I strongly believe that this stage is to be welcomed with massive celebrating – bells, whistles, and fireworks. It means that your toddler has learnt cause and effect to some extent, that the world is a predictable and trustworthy place, that others are reliable, and that instead of worrying about who to trust and how to have their needs met, they can focus on exploring the world and learning as much as possible – pretty much until they drop to sleep.
During this stage, identifying your child’s emotions, reflecting them to your child, and empathising with them are all important. A common childhood scene could look something like this: your two-year-old smacks another child because they took the toy your child was looking at from a distance. They then grabbed the toy while the other child was busy crying. In this type of situation, in order to foster emotional regulation, you need to address your child’s ability to manage frustration. Assuming the hurt child is taken care off, it will be important to get onto the same level with the child who smacked and calmly talk with them. As a first step, you could describe the situation factually – “I saw you playing with the blocks and looking at the car over there; then Carlos took that car to play a game.” Then reflect your observation of your child’s feelings and connect them to their actions – “I could see you got really angry that he had taken the car that you wanted. You were frustrated, and you smacked him to get the car.” It is really important to acknowledge the feelings
of your child before asking them to focus on how the other child felt about being smacked and having the toy snatched off them. Because after all this child was hurting too – how dare his little friend take the toy he was looking at! Children – and even adults – go by the premise “I will care about the other, when the other cares for me.” In the third stage, you focus on repairing the damage by helping your child to develop empathy for the one who was hurt and find ways to make them feel better. I would not suggest you jump to, “You have to say sorry to Carlos or otherwise you won’t play with any of these toys until you do.” Instead invite your child to feel for the playmate – “Oh look at Carlos, he has tears running down his cheeks and he looks really sad because when you smacked him he got hurt. Smacking is not ok, let’s use our words when we want something.” Then invite him to come up with ideas of what we could do to make everyone feel better.
Continued overleaf...
Baby and You Following on from antenatal classes, Baby & You offers tips and strategies as you begin your remarkable journey into parenthood. Baby & You explores the first three months of your baby’s life and gives you the much-needed tools to enable you to grow in confidence as a parent. Contact your local Parents Centre for more information on their upcoming Baby & You programme www.parentscentre.org.nz
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This will only work if we remember that both children were hurt in some way – “Let’s see what we can do to make Carlos feel better … maybe Carlos can tell us …. Ok, let’s get him an ice pack, I will open the door and you can take it out and give it to him.” Once this process is complete, then you can focus on the more rational talk about sharing and turn-taking. In this stage, it is about the child’s ability to learn to identify their emotions, to express them appropriately, and to have their needs met appropriately. They need your help to connect the dots, which is called co-regulation. We can see how the process illustrated above fosters good relationships. It is a process many of us as parents still have to learn – because after all, hardly anyone was raised that way. However, emotional regulation is more important then ever in a world that is highly digital and highly interconnected. So on top of my wishlist for parents of little bubs and tots would definitely be to teach their children emotional regulation through empathic parenting.
Kerstin Kramer Kerstin is a consultant clinical psychologist in private practice in Wellington. She is passionate about supporting parents to raise confident and resilient children. Kerstin also specialises in children with developmental concerns and children who are adopted or in foster care. In her practice she draws on a combination of research and practice-based evidence, including experience raising her own diverse children.
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because home-made is best for your baby
Give children the superpower of
mindfulness As parents we want our children to be happy, and we always do our best to protect them from all the bad stuff, even though we know we can’t protect them from everything. We can’t protect them from the hurtful feeling of being excluded by a group of friends, or not being as good in a sport as their friends. Events like these can make children feel sad, frustrated or angry, and in the worst case, stay in their minds for months, causing worry and anxiety. Being a parent and having experienced the incredible power of mindfulness myself, I wanted to find an easy way to teach this magical superpower to children. In a young mind, the difference between fact and fiction, between thoughts and anxieties, is even more blurred. I believe it’s our role as parents and adults to help them master their thoughts and emotions, as well as our own. We spend a lot of time focusing on imagination, play, problem-solving, pre-literacy and numeracy – all of which are so important in a child’s development. But statistics are showing that anxiety in children is on the rise – in 2006, 3,000 Kiwi children aged between two and 14 were diagnosed with anxiety. A decade later, that number had bumped up to 24,000. So, it is clear
we need to place just as much importance on the mastery of thoughts and emotions.
Learning to find their inner voice
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Imagine their mind as a room full of people, with teachers, friends, parents and adults, all telling them how to act, what to say, what to think and what to do. Each one of these voices do their bit to suppress and silence a child’s inner voice and intuition. Now, imagine there was a way to quiet these voices, so your child can work out exactly which thoughts are useful, and learn to listen to their own voice and trust it. Being mindful in challenging situations teaches children how to choose which thoughts and emotions are helpful, and which ones are not. Teaching children the habit of being mindful on a daily basis by doing mindful exercises together, is possibly the best gift you can ever hope to give your children.
“Remember, your natural state is joy” Dr Wayne Dyer
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But how does it work? The human brain evolved over time to protect us from danger. It’s constantly in a defensive mode – looking for signs of danger. This was very useful when we were being chased by lions, but our brains now treat unkind words, embarrassing situations, or feelings of not being good enough, with the same urgency. We go into fight or flight mode, and this is how anxiety creeps in. Mindful breathing immediately calms down the nervous system to perceive the situation more clearly. Over time, regular mindful practice actually rewires the brain, so that your reactions are always calmer and more balanced. Pretty amazing, huh?
Joy in the moment It is safe to say mindfulness has now been generally accepted as an effective tool for maintaining a healthy
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and happy mind. It has been researched and widely proven to decrease stress, improve concentration, build resilience, improve social skills, reduce bullying and has countless other benefits. All we need to do is get off the noisy highway of competing thoughts and voices, and back onto our own track of feeling the joy of being present in the moment. By teaching your children to be mindful, you extend and ingrain your love and protection of them into their own inner voice. They learn that bad thoughts and feelings do not define them. They gain the clarity to trust their own intuition in challenging situations and, with your help, learn to reframe them positively into a learning process. No one can make them feel bad about themselves without their consent. Teaching them to observe their thoughts before becoming involved in them will be incredibly valuable for their whole life.
“I think learning mindfulness is just as important as reading and writing, as it helps foster healthier and happier future adults” Jen Sievers
In other words, mindfulness teaches children how to protect themselves against the hurt and anger projected onto them by other children and adults. Luckily, you don’t need a degree to practise simple mindfulness techniques with your children (and for yourself). All you need is short, regular exercises at key points in the day, and some timely reminders for children to take a few deep breaths when they are experiencing overwhelming emotions. The key with young children is to keep it short and engaging. When introducing children to mindfulness, it’s important to speak their language, keep it simple – which is really the true gist of mindfulness. Phrases you can use are: Mindfulness is to notice what is happening around you right now. Mindfulness is noticing how your body feels and what you see, smell and taste, and what you’re thinking about. When you take long breaths, it can help you to calm down when you’re sad, angry or frustrated. Mindfulness helps you deal with sad and angry feelings, and mindfulness can make you happy and feel good.
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As they start to understand what mindfulness means, you can begin to teach them how to use mindfulness themselves. Try these three ideas to get started:
A body scan Get children to stand, sit or lie (depending on what you think will work best for them at the time). Ask them to squeeze and clench every part of their body one by one – starting at their toes, and ending at their head. For example: “Squeeze your toes together as hard as you can! Now relax them and make your legs as hard as rocks. After you relax them, squeeze the muscles in your bottom (this is bound to get a giggle), then squeeze your hands into tight fists…” Once they have got to their heads (squeeze your face tightly), then ask them to tighten the entire body, before letting go and relaxing the whole thing – and noticing what that feels like for a few seconds. Take a few deep breaths (don’t forget to smile!) and you’re done.
Three wishes breathing (adapted from a loving kindness meditation) Ask children to close their eyes and imagine they’re walking up a green grassy hill. When they get to the
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top, they stop to take a breath, and notice a huge magical dandelion. Ask them to take three deep breaths – and on each breath they make a wish. The first wish is something for themselves, the second is for someone they know, and the third is for the whole world. Get them to take each in-breath carefully and think of the wish as they blow the dandelion seeds as far as they can.
Read about mindfulness My book, Just Breathe: A Mindfulness Adventure takes children through a basic breathing exercise in the form of a story. It helps them to understand how to use this to calm difficult emotions. This works as a mindfulness exercise on its own, and also opens a conversation about the idea of breathing through emotions. Finally, mindfulness doesn’t have to be complicated. Anything that brings us back to the present moment (focusing on what we can see, feel, hear, taste and touch) and quiets the rowdy chatter in our minds, can offer countless benefits to our and our children’s mental state. Start by doing the exercises above with your children on a daily basis, and you’ll quickly notice how much better you both feel.
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Jen Sievers Jen is an artist, designer, mother and joy aficionado. She lives in the foothills of the Waitakere Ranges and is inspired by colour, laughter, people and trees. She researches joy through books, the internet and way too many podcasts. She is unshakeably optimistic and obsessed with helping others rediscover their own joy – she does this through her art, conversations, and now books. Jen believes teaching kindness, compassion and mindfulness from an early age should be just as important as reading and writing. Her first book, “Just Breathe: A Mindfulness Adventure” is dedicated to her daughter, Mila, who regularly tells her to “just breathe, Mum!”
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Empowering
women
Postnatal care and support
Giving birth is quite literally life-changing – it is a profound physiological, mental and emotional experience. he first 48 hours following the delivery of a baby T can be particularly hard, when it should be the most exciting time as the journey of parenthood begins. It is the time when mothers need the most care and support. E very mother is different, and some mums will be comfortable leaving hospital within the 48-hour postnatal period she’s entitled to receive in New Zealand. But other mums need to stay in the hospital for the full 48 hours after she has given birth – to receive all the support that a dedicated maternity facility can offer her and her whanau.
Why are the 48 hours after
giving birth so important? Becoming a parent, whether or not it’s your first time, is always going to mark a big transition for your family. Giving parents the tools to make the right decisions and the opportunity to form a loving, nurturing attachment with their baby is at the heart of postnatal care. he first 48 hours after birth often sets a pattern of T interaction that will serve both baby and parent for a lifetime. Without a good, loving bond or attachment, children are less likely to grow up to become happy, independent and resilient adults. This special time is all about developing a close bond of love, interaction and attachment. It is the time that allows mothers and fathers to learn skills and gain confidence as parents.
It is the time for monitoring the health and well-being of a mother and her baby. It is well documented that an impaired parent-child relationship can contribute to the development of behavioural, social or learning difficulties in children and makes it more difficult for them to fulfil their full potential and become resilient in the face of life’s challenges.
An emotional rollercoaster While birth is a defining moment, it’s also an emotionally tumultuous time as many mothers (and fathers) are vulnerable to psychological problems including anxiety, depression and adjustment disorders. There is an idealistic expectation that a woman will know exactly what to do when she becomes a mum, that she somehow has an innate knowledge of how to be a parent. Many women experience the ‘baby blues’, a perfectly normal feeling that is triggered by physical changes and emotional factors – but up to one in four Kiwi women suffer from depression during or after pregnancy. The transition from mum-to-be to actual mum requires a special type of care and support that can only come from trained, dedicated professionals.
Mothers need just as much attention as a newborn, because they too have just been born.
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Mothers are like the hull BREAK
of a canoe,
OUT
they are the
QUOTE Ko te whaea te takere o
heart of the family.
te waka.
Fortunately, the vast majority of women who give birth every year in New Zealand experience no significant medical complications. However, some new mothers can endure dangerous and even life-threatening complications that can have a long-term negative impact on them, their baby and family. Receiving the appropriate postnatal care, support and management in a dedicated maternal facility can alleviate and possibly even prevent the many treatable conditions that can arise from giving birth. For these reasons, and so many more, receiving supportive and skilled postnatal care in the right facility for up to 48 hours after baby is born is critically important.
Knowledge is power To make an informed choice about what is best for themselves, their baby and family, women need quality information. They need to understand about the health and well-being benefits that come from receiving up to 48 hours postnatal care in a supportive environment and dedicated maternal facility. In New Zealand, the Government recognises that every woman and her baby should receive up to 48 hours of funded in-patient postnatal care. However, research shows that women and their families are most often
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Ko te whaea te takere o te waka. Mothers are like the hull of a canoe, they are the heart of the family. not aware that it is their right, no matter what type of birth they have had, to receive this level of postnatal care. In some cases, they can even be encouraged, or urged, to leave this care early. While all women have the right to birth at the place of their choice, they don’t currently have the right to choose the birthing and maternal facility where they would like to receive their in-patient postnatal care. This choice is controlled by the District Health Board (DHB) and is dependent on whether the DHB decides to fund a range of community-based options, or only their hospital-based services. This means that the provision of postnatal care varies from one DHB to the next depending on where a woman gives birth, with many families being unaware of their entitlements to 48 hours of funded in-patient care.
“We have a collective responsibility to nurture our families and facilitate the best, most positive and most confident start for a mother, her baby and her family, and we welcome your support.” Heather Hayden, CEO Parents Centre
Lobbying for change
On behalf of Mothers Matter:
A new organisation has been formed called Mothers Matter. It is a collaboration of individuals, health professionals and parents who want to ensure all women:
Heather Hayden CEO Parents Centre
know why postnatal care is important understand they are entitled to receive up to 48 hours of funded in-patient postnatal care regardless of the type of birth can choose where they receive that care. Mothers Matter is requesting the Government establish a ring-fenced national fund, managed by the Ministry of Health. This fund would support a mother’s right to receive the clinically and psychologically appropriate amount of postnatal care and support. This would be up to 48 hours or longer if clinically indicated. Mothers would be able to receive the care at the primary health facility of her choice, no matter what kind of birth she has had – whether this is at a hospital, primary maternity centre, or community birthing facility.
Dame Lesley Max Co-founder of Great Potentials Foundation Nathan Wallis Neuroscience Educator Dr Anil Sharma Specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Philippa Murphy Postnatal Practitioner/Educator & Founder of BabyCues Tracy O’Sullivan Founder of iMoko
They also believe, for women and their families to make an informed choice about postnatal care, they need to know what their entitlement is, and what the benefits are from receiving the right level of postnatal care in the right place.
What can you do? Find out more from www.mothersmatter.nz or connect to our social media pages to support our mission in empowering New Zealand women to receive the postnatal care they’re entitled to at the place of their choice.
Say Goodbye to Baby Woes! Up to 70% of babies suffer the distress of gas and gastric discomfort. Colic Calm & Tummy Calm is an all natural allergen free homoeopathic formula that provides rapid and effective relief. Works even in the toughest cases! Soothing support for Wind | Colic | Upset Stomach Available nationwide from selected pharmacies Always read the label and use as directed. If symptoms persist see your health professional. TAPS: PP1133 The magazine of Parents Centre
For more information and a stockist near you, visit www.coliccalm.co.nz
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“You’re off to great places. Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!” Dr Seuss
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Getting ready
for the big day
The great day is looming – your preschooler will soon be leaving the nest and starting their first day at school. This will be a time of mixed emotions. On the one hand you will be so proud of this big step into the wide world but on the other hand, you will feel real sadness at the passing of those special preschool years. In New Zealand, most children start school shortly after they turn five, but all children must be enrolled at school by their sixth birthday.
Talk to them about basic school rules, such as putting your hand up to ask a question or asking to go to the toilet. Be positive!
School visits are an important way to help you and your child to meet the staff and talk about ways to make sure things go smoothly. Discuss how many visits your child should have – how often and for how long – so your child will have a good transition to the people, routines and environment that will soon be part of their daily life.
If you show your child that you believe they can manage well, it will help them believe in themselves. Try not to let them know about any anxieties you may have as they may pick up on this and begin to worry as well.
Your child might join their new class for half a day a week for a while before they begin school. You could try taking your child to activities such as sports days if you want them to have even more contact with the school before they start. School visits mean the classroom teacher and many of the children will be quite familiar by the time your child starts school full time.
Plan a shopping trip Make sure they have all the required items, such as a good schoolbag, lunchbox and sunhat – or a school uniform if that applies to the school you have chosen. Before you buy stationery items, check with the school as sometimes things are supplied through the school.
Talk about school
Think of anything that your child could find tricky, such as being able to open that shiny new lunchbox – and practise at home!
Before you start school visits, talk with your child about what going to school will mean. Tell them about the wonderful new things they will do and learn. Listen to their fears and talk with them about how you can address their concerns. Explain practical things to them – like where to go to the toilet, what happens at break time and what is expected of them at mat time.
Make a checklist (using words or pictures) of things they need to take to school in their bag and things they need to remember to bring home every day – stick it on the fridge so they will know what to take in the morning. You may need to remind them at home time about the things that need to come home.
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Get your child to have their clothing out and backpack ready the night before to reduce stress in the morning. Make sure you’ve labelled their lunchbox, drink bottle, sunhat and any clothing likely to be taken off during the day – you might be surprised at what clothes an active child can shed in the pursuit of fun and knowledge! Children take a while to adjust to the school day and the formal activities and structure of the classroom, so don’t be surprised if your child may be a bit unsettled and more tired than usual. They may be quite grumpy after school and need to go to bed earlier for the first few months. They could be famished after school and need a big snack, which may mean they’ll only want something small or nothing at all when it comes to dinner. This is normal as your child is on a huge learning curve, constantly soaking up all the new information and ideas.
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Before your child starts school, the office will need to know: specific information about your child’s needs details of any medicines your child takes the names of parents, caregivers, whanau and other significant people involved with your child and who to contact in an emergency information about your child’s ethnicity and the language you speak at home. Even though the first day at school can be emotionally wrenching, take time to congratulate yourself for the wonderful job you have done in guiding your child through their preschool years. In the words of the inimitable Dr Seuss: “You’re off to great places. Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!”
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Tiny babies have fragile new skin which leaves them vulnerable when they are exposed to irritants and allergens
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Baby’s
perfect skin
It is hard to think of anything more perfect than a child’s skin. It is delicate and fragile and beautiful, but it also has an important practical role to play. Human skin acts as a vital protective barrier and is your first line of defence against the dangers of the outside world – organisms, toxins, irritants and allergens. A baby or young child’s skin, which is thinner than yours and which continues to develop through the first year of life, is very vulnerable. This is why it is so important to protect your child’s skin from irritants and a harsh environment.
A healthy skin barrier should do two main things – it should keep allergens and irritants out and keep water in.
Young skin is very different to adult skin, so their needs are particular. Their skin is thinner, it absorbs and loses water more quickly, it has less natural moisturising properties and baby’s all-important immune system is still in the process of developing. This makes their skin more vulnerable and many babies and children are troubled by eczema which can cause real distress to them and their families.
If maintaining the skin barrier is key to healthy skin, this is particularly important for tiny babies who have a new, fragile barrier that leaves them more vulnerable to skin disorders that develop when they are exposed to irritants and allergens.
There is so much to learn when you have a newborn – including the complex nature of their skin which is constantly exposed to a barrage of environmental and chemical elements that may disrupt the delicate balance of this important organ.
Baby’s first line of defence The skin is the largest organ in the body and provides the first line of defence against microbes such as bacteria and fungus. As long as the skin stays intact and remains at a healthy mild acidic balance, there are fewer ways in which microbes can enter the body of your baby. Our skin is made up of several layers – and overlying all these layers is the protective acid mantle that covers the skin of all people, young and old. This protective acid mantle is an important barrier designed to limit the impact of environmental and chemical factors that our skin may be exposed to. If this barrier is broken down, it leaves the body susceptible to invading microbes.
Limit exposure to irritants and allergens
Disorders such as atopic dermatitis are caused by the skin barrier being disrupted, because of a complex mix of genetic and environmental factors. Cases of atopic dermatitis have steadily increased over the last 50 years, largely due to environmental factors – things like using hard water, soap and harsh detergents – all of which elevate the skin’s natural pH and contribute to barrier breakdown. Fortunately, the skin’s barrier can often be restored by avoiding those negative environmental influences and developing skincare routines that use products to repair and nourish the skin. This includes washing with mild cleansers and bathing in water that is not too ‘hard’.
The skin is the largest organ in the body and provides the first line of defence against microbes such as bacteria and fungus. Continued overleaf... The magazine of Parents Centre
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Avoid hard water Hard water can irritate baby skin, cause dryness and increase the risk of atopic dermatitis. Most tap water contains calcium carbonate and chlorine, both of which may act as irritants to newborn skin. Some products that are clinically tested can help to reduce the pH level of the water, making it less harsh for baby’s skin.
Repair the defence barrier Repairing the skin barrier is the first step to both treating and preventing atopic dermatitis. To do this you will need to remove all the negative environmental factors and replace them with positive options. Creams called emollients help to restore the pH barrier by improving hydration and replenishing depleted levels of natural moisturiser. Good emollients can have a very positive effect on the skin barrier, leading to its repair for a prolonged period of time. Not all emollients are the same and some can contain harsh detergents or oils that can exacerbate rather than improve atopic dermatitis. Emollients that are not correctly formulated, such as aqueous cream, can actually damage the skin barrier rather than repair it. This is because aqueous cream contains 1% sodium lauryl sulphate which can cause significant damage to the skin. So, when choosing an emollient, it is essential to know exactly what is in it and how it will affect the skin barrier in babies, children and adults.
An opportunity to prevent atopic dermatitis There is a small window of opportunity in the first few months after birth to change the environment
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and prevent atopic dermatitis developing, so it is very important to choose carefully which products to use on your precious baby. Urban myths about care of the newborn’s skin – ‘preservative-free is good’, and ‘it’s always best to bath in plain water’ are not always best for baby.
When caring for your child’s skin AVOID…… Products containing alcohol Washing baby in plain ‘hard water’ Aqueous cream on infants with a predisposition to atopic dermatitis or eczema
CONSIDER……. Using a product to ‘soften’ water Choosing products that are pH balanced to the skin Understanding the type of moisturising agent (emollient) used on baby skin
Everything we put on a baby’s skin from birth should be designed to enhance the skin barrier rather than damage it.
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My digital
dilemma
My mum would often say to us kids “you’re going to get square eyes” because we watched too much TV…at least that’s what she thought! My parents censored what we watched quite a lot compared to our friends. I wasn’t allowed to watch any of the cool stuff like Power Rangers or The Simpsons. When all my cousins got to go watch Independence Day at the cinema, I had to watch Matilda. We didn’t own a gaming console until I was 18! I used to think that was all unfair, but now it’s my turn to be a parent. Suddenly, I’m responsible for the media that my kids consume. Except that instead of one TV in the house, there are multiple computers, iPhones and iPads. Our kids can watch TV or stream content from SO MANY different sources, DVDs are super cheap, and there are tons of gaming devices. And instead of a few programmes to choose from, there is so much out there to watch.
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How do you choose what they watch? People reading this will have kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews or kids of friends of all different ages and backgrounds. How do you decide what they watch? At the moment my oldest loves watching her “videos”. This is usually videos on the YouTube Kids app. As for stuff that she might watch on my TV, how do I choose what she can watch? Well, I don’t choose based on educational content. It’s not based on her age. It’s not based on violence or bad language. The reason is, and I know it might be selfish, it’s based on what I enjoy, haha. That’s right, I only let her watch shows I find interesting or can stand. I love The Wiggles, so that gets a ‘yes’ every time. I don’t like Hi 5, so she doesn’t get that. I also HATE Frozen. I love Disney and most animated films, I have a big collection, but Frozen… don’t get me started… But she loves Frozen, so I made a rule, she can only watch Frozen on a Friday. And it can’t be turned up loud. Peppa Pig, yes. Dora, no way. And as for YouTube Kids, I’ll let her watch almost anything on there since they’re all kid-friendly videos, but I hate Ryan’s Toy Review. Just something about the voices of the mum and kid. So, no real logical or rational explanations here. I basically let her watch whatever doesn’t drive me insane. I hope I’m not the only one!
The good thing about my media censorship The upside of my parents being strict on what we could watch and how much we could watch meant I spent a lot of time outside as a kid and a lot of time reading. This was great. Kids love the outdoors. I became (in my not-so-humble opinion) quite good at sports and I was well ahead of my age for reading.
McKay (Macca) Turner A little bit more about me. I’ll play or watch almost any sport; cricket, rugby and tennis being my top three. I have a hugely varied music collection (30.9 days’ worth!) and a diploma in film-making. Hopefully next year I’ll start a degree in teaching primary school. This stay-at-home business was all pretty new to me, I had a lot of learning to do, and fast! I had no idea what I was in for. I searched the net for articles and blogs from a dad’s point of view that would be useful. There were lots from overseas, but I couldn’t find very many from a Kiwi Dad’s point of view. So, I began my own blog – come along and visit me some time! www.kiwisahd.com
So, while I realise that kids these days are more connected digitally than any generation before, I want them to have similar boundaries. I do try to have limits on how much they watch. But the digital dilemma will only continue as my kids get older. My generation was the first with “social media” in the forms of chat rooms and MSN messenger. Now you could be on any one of a multitude of apps. Ten years ago, MySpace was the biggest social site around. Now it’s Facebook or Instagram or Snapchat. Who knows what’ll exist in ten years when my kids are preparing to enter high school? I want to find the ideal balance, if there is such a thing. I don’t want my kids to grow up as the weirdo kids who never had a TV, but I don’t want them to be the kids whose best friend is a keyboard either.
So, how do you choose what your kids watch? Any tips or tricks for the rest of us? Let me know on my website or on my Facebook page!
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N EW
Back
to basics
Starting your breastfeeding journey Placing your baby on your bare skin encourages baby to feed as soon as possible after the birth. Newborn babies are placed straight onto their mothers as soon as they are born. This skin-to-skin contact with you after birth is good for your baby’s physical health and helps you to bond with each other. It is also the best way to keep baby at the right temperature and it encourages the baby to start breastfeeding.
The first feed You and baby will spend some time recovering from the birth. Within an hour, your baby will normally start to show interest in breastfeeding. Baby will: feel the warmth of your body and your body rhythms recognise your voice smell the breast and start to push upwards towards the breast open their mouth and suck their tongue. Your midwife will help you to position your baby for breastfeeding and make sure that baby has a good latch on your breast.
Miracle milk – colostrum It’s important in the first few days that your baby feeds whenever they need to, so that they get plenty of the first milk, or colostrum.
BECAUSE EVERY DROP OF BREAST MILK COUNTS
Colostrum is the first food your baby gets – this special milk is yellow in colour and is thick and sticky and protects baby from infections. Your baby feeds on colostrum for the first few days until your milk ‘comes in’. This is when your breasts start making more milk and the milk changes from thick and sticky colostrum to the normal breast milk, which is thinner and whiter.
How to breastfeed A good latch is the key to successful breastfeeding. Babies should be breastfed ‘tummy to tummy’. If you can see your baby’s tummy button, they’re not turned close enough to latch well. Make sure that: you snuggle baby in close baby’s head is tilted back baby’s mouth is wide open baby’s tongue is forward and right down baby’s chin touches your breast and baby’s nose lines up with your nipple.
Introducing making life simple for mums who express Our Express and Go range makes everything easier. By using a single pouch to EXPRESS, STORE, WARM and FEED, there’s no need to transfer breastmilk between bottles so you’ll never lose a precious drop!
Gently tickle the top part of baby’s lip with your areola (the darker area around the nipple). Bring your baby to your breast quickly so the bottom lip is pushed back to form a suction cup. Let your baby take in a large mouthful of breast, not just the nipple.
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Remember – breastfeeding should feel comfortable If it doesn’t feel comfortable – start again. Slip your finger into the corner of your baby’s mouth between their gums, with the soft side (not the nail) next to the lip so that you gently break the suction. If you let your baby suck the wrong way it can cause problems. If you feel pain in your nipples or breasts, ask your midwife for help or talk to a lactation consultant.
You will know if baby has a good latch if their chin is touching your breast but their nose should be reasonably clear. Baby’s bottom lip will be turned outwards and not turned inwards. To start with, they’ll be sucking quite quickly, but once the milk starts to flow they’ll change to rhythmic, longer sucks with some short pauses. You’ll also start to hear baby swallowing – this will happen more as your milk comes in and flows more. Your baby’s cheeks should stay rounded when sucking.
Baby’s hunger signs Babies will let you know when they are ready for a breastfeed. These hunger signs may happen with their eyes closed or open: rooting around with the mouth – opening the mouth and turning their head as if looking for the breast sucking movements and sucking sounds – often quite soft sounds the tongue coming out of the mouth and almost licking the lips hand-to-mouth movements sucking the fingers or hand opening the mouth and possibly turning the head in response to a touch around the mouth area.
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These are often called early hunger signs and if you miss these early signs your baby will start to cry. Crying is a late hunger sign. Try to not let this happen, or your baby may be too upset to feed well and then you will both become stressed and anxious.
Getting the position right
How long on each side?
Cross-cradle
Different women find different ways to breastfeed, but as a general guide: feed your baby from one breast for 20 to 30 minutes change your baby’s nappy then feed your baby from the other breast remember to start the next feed on the breast that you last fed from. New babies need to feed about eight to twelve times every 24 hours. This means that you will be feeding your baby during the night. As your baby is quickly growing and developing, some days they will need to feed more often. Don’t worry though, you will not run out of milk – if you feed your baby more, your miraculous breasts will simply make more milk.
Just as every mum and baby are unique, there are different ways that you can hold your baby to breastfeed – find the ones that are comfortable for you.
It’s often easier to start breastfeeding by holding the baby in the cross-cradle position. This means that the baby’s head is supported with your hand at the base of their neck. The position of your hand is important as the baby needs to be able to tilt their head back slightly. Make sure that your arm or hand is not behind the baby’s head, or they might not be able to tilt it back. Your other hand is supporting your breast.
Cradle hold Once baby is latched well, you can change to a cradle hold, which might be more comfortable. Release your hold on your breast (unless it is very heavy and full, in which case you may need to support it during the feed – see the underarm/rugby hold on page 38) and move your arm gently around the baby.
More comfort, more milk When you are comfortable and relaxed, your milk flows more easily. That is why we created our most comfortable breast pump yet; sit comfortably with no need to lean forward and let our soft massage cushion gently stimulate your milk flow.
Comfort breast pumps
www.philips.co.nz/avent www.facebook.com/Philips.Avent.NewZealand
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Other positions The underarm or rugby hold can also be useful if your breasts are heavy, as the weight is partially supported by the baby. Some women find that using a lying-down position or the underarm or rugby hold can be useful if they’ve had a caesarean.
Support a breastfeeding mum with a babymoon Breastfeeding can be challenging – and it can be tiring. Support from dads/partners, whanau and friends can make all the difference. There are many things that can be done to support mothers to breastfeed. offer to help with the other children – read them a story or play with them help around the house – do the dishes or the grocery shopping. Hang out the washing, do some cleaning or make the school/ preschool lunches if mum is finding breastfeeding hard going, encourage her to keep at it. Breastfeeding may not be easy for every mother at first, but it’s worth the effort
Breastfeeding can help you lose some of the weight you gained during pregnancy. A slow weight loss over the time of breastfeeding is best but remember, your body needs more energy (kilojoules or calories) when you are breastfeeding, so your appetite will increase. Dieting is not recommended.
Make sure you get enough energy
drinking alcohol is not recommended for mums who are breastfeeding
Eat regularly, starting the day with breakfast. Make sure to eat a variety of healthy foods every day from each of the four main food groups:
keep a healthy weight by eating well and being physically active each day (unless your midwife advises you differently).
help mum to get the rest she needs by spending time with the baby. As an added bonus, helping out by caring for an infant gives dads/partners and support people a chance to bond with baby as well. You could bath baby, burp them after a feed, or cuddle and soothe them. And don’t forget to help with nappy changing!
2. breads and cereals (wholegrain if possible)
Some women may need special advice from a dietitian about eating. Ask your midwife to arrange for you to see a dietitian if you:
3. milk and milk products (reduced or low-fat milk)
find that certain foods that you eat are affecting your baby
4. lean meat, chicken, seafood, eggs, legumes, nuts and seeds.
have a medical condition that affects what you eat, such as diabetes
aim to make at least the first ten days after the birth a ‘babymoon’ for the new mother – free from cooking, cleaning and childcare, unless she chooses.
limit your intake of foods that are high in fat (especially saturated fat), salt and sugar
If mum is acting out of character or obviously not coping, it could be normal ups and downs in adjusting to a new baby, sometimes called the ‘baby blues’, or it could be postnatal depression. Get help early – talk to her and her midwife, nurse or doctor.
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What about the baby weight?
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1. vegetables and fruit
Follow these common sense guides when you’re breastfeeding:
if using salt, choose iodised salt take care when buying, preparing, cooking and storing food so that it is as safe as possible to eat – especially in the warmer months drink plenty of fluids each day – water and reduced or low-fat milk are good choices
eat very little or have a history of eating problems are vegetarian or vegan are 18 years old or younger. This article was prepared with support from the Ministry of Health and La Leche League
Find out more www.healthed.govt.nz www.lalecheleague.org.nz
In this section Heather and Liz visit the South Island Celebrating in Taupo Centre news Find a Centre
Diverse Centres meeting the needs of local communities nationwide
Spotlight on: Music and Movement
Established in 1952, today Parents Centres has the largest network of parent-based education in the country. From Whangarei to Invercargill, our 46 Centres nationwide are as widespread in their geographical location as they are diverse in their approaches to meeting the needs of their local communities. In this issue, we profile a Centre that has reaped the benefits of the huge number of volunteer hours they have invested in their community for over 40 years. Read about their impressive list of achievements as they make Taupo a great place to raise a family. Not only do they work hard, but together they have lots of fun and have become experts at raising the profile of Parents Centre in their community. Are you interested in becoming part of the passion and proud history that is Parents Centres? Visit our website to find out more about volunteering or becoming a parent educator. It can be surprising what unexpected personal benefits can come from being involved with your local Parents Centre, and how rewarding volunteering can be. Go to www.parentscentre.org.nz to find out more. ď Ž
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Parents Centre Conference
Out and about with Heather and Liz
Saturday 4 & Sunday 5 May 2019 Has your Centre registered to attend? It will be a great opportunity to connect with other Parents Centre members and committees.
Keep an eye on Facebook for information on speakers & workshops
In November last year, Heather Hayden and Liz Pearce travelled south to Ashburton to meet with representatives of Christchurch, Ashburton and Timaru Parents Centres.
Exult volunteer training workshops Parents Centre has secured a grant to deliver volunteer training workshops to Centres across the country at the start of 2019. This is a fantastic opportunity to: Learn new skills & enhance the ones you have Strengthen & grow your Centre
Rotorua................................... Thu 21 Feb Dunedin................................ Wed 27 Feb Palmerston North.............. Wed 27 Feb Mana, Wellington..............Wed 13 Mar Mana, Wellington............... Thu 14 Mar Auckland South......................Fri 22 Mar
Topics covered include:
Auckland North.................... Sat 23 Mar
Growing great volunteer teams
Christchurch......................... Tue 26 Mar
Developing a team culture
Role of the committee Succession planning Strategic planning Best practice governance
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The workshop runs from 9am to 3pm, with the following dates and locations:
Network with other local Centres
Recognition vs appreciation
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From left the adults are: Cara (Ashburton), Linda (Ashburton), Amy (Ashburton), Debbie Kell (Ashburton), Heather Hayden (National Support Centre), Yvette Cundy (Christchurch), Katy (Ashburton) and Michaela Rayner (Timaru).
Timaru..................................Wed 27 Mar Blenheim..................................Tue 2 Apr Cambridge..............................Wed 3 Apr Taranaki................................ Wed 10 Apr
Forty years young in Taupo In February 1978 a group of eight wahine saw the need for a Parents Centre in Taupo (TPC). They approached local doctors and the social welfare department, which resulted in New Zealand’s 39th Centre becoming incorporated in November 1978. The original role of our Centre was to set up playgroups for new mums and help them develop friendships with other young families. In 1979 they started newborn support groups and within a year were running eleven playgroups. These women organised toddler courses and family picnic days so that whanau that didn’t have a support network were able to develop relationships which often turned into lifelong friendships. We originally raised the issue of lack of playgrounds for under-fives in Taupo, which resulted in collaboration with other organisations, applying for grants, fundraising and gaining council approval to establish the iconic spa park playground. TPC also lobbied for midwives to be Lead Maternity Carers rather than GP assistants. We have been running Childbirth Education classes in Taupo for 30 years! One of our biggest achievements was arranging for the DHB to contract directly to our Centre.
This meant DHB funding for our region was allocated directly into OUR community and allowed TPC to provide free Childbirth Education in our community. We developed our “Meals to Whanau” project. Volunteers cook family-sized meals with a recipe card and ingredients list, as well as dessert for vulnerable mums. We collaborate with local midwives who are able to recognise the families who need extra support. In February 2016, we started a free car seat clinic for installation and checks and began to hire out car seats – we now have almost 70 seats and need more! With the help of Ebbet Taupo we can keep going with two qualified techs doing clinics twice a week. Thank you to all the social services and community organisations who have supported us. Thank you to the past committee members who have helped us get to where we are today, and to our current incredible committee and our families, we are all grateful for the time and effort you put in to the betterment of our community and children and whanau. Kat Money President Taupo Parents Centre
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Photo: Pam Jones
What a quacker! The inaugural Annual Duck Race was a great success for Alexandra Parents Centre. We had great weather and a fantastic turn out. Lots of support from local businesses for spot prizes as well as donations for raffles. We raised close to $4,000 which will help to cover our running costs as a Centre. The actual duck race went really well with an impressive 500 ducks floating down the Manuherikia River. It was quite the sight to see and the kids loved it! We will definitely be looking at making this an annual fundraiser. Jennifer Mataitis Alexandra Parents Centre
18 years of friendship This group of fabulous mums first met at East and Bays Parents Centre – October 2000 class. 18 years later, they are still going strong and all the kids have just finishing year 13 at school! Lisa Nelson from Kohimarama sent this photo from their annual Christmas catch-up last year.
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Photo: Pam Jones
Each edition of Kiwiparent will profile one of Parents Centre's renowned parent education programmes.
This month the spotlight is on:
‘Music and Movement’ Parents Centre’s ‘Music and Movement’ is a programme welcoming caregivers with their babies and toddlers to join in with a host of different musical activities. The programme includes fun with singing, musical instruments and action songs. It is run by enthusiastic leaders who interact personally with parents and children. Making musical instruments such as drums, shakers, cymbals and coloured streamers is something which may be included as an activity in the programme, depending on the age of children attending the group. Children are also given the opportunity to dance using props such as scarves and ribbons, lycra sheets, bubble
Some groups include themes in the programme – such as a teddy bears’ picnic, inviting special guests, encouraging children to dress up in their favourite costumes and dance, or act out nursery rhymes or other favourite songs. The Music and Movement programme offers endless opportunities for a vast variety of music and stimulating activities. Learning through play is a big part of the Music and Movement philosophy. Children enjoy the sounds, the colours, the activities and the interaction, while using up their energy in an active and happy learning environment. Contact your local Centre through www.parentscentre.org.nz for details for programmes running in your area.
makers, poi, balls, balloons etc. Hand-action songs and finger rhymes allow children to interact with other children and their caregiver.
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Find a Centre near you Parents Centres span the entire country with 46 locations around New Zealand. Contact your local Centre for details of programmes and support available in your area, or go to:
www.parentscentre.org.nz
North Island Auckland Region 1
Bay of Plenty
Whangarei
Tauranga
Waitemata
Whakatane
Bays North Harbour
Rotorua
Hibiscus Coast
Taupo
Onewa
Taranaki
Auckland Region 2
New Plymouth
Auckland East
Stratford
Papakura
South Taranaki
Manukau
East Coast North Island
Franklin
Central Hawke's Bay
Auckland Region 3
Hawke's Bay
West Auckland
Central Districts
Central Auckland
Palmerston North
East & Bays
Wairarapa
Waikato
Wellington
Cambridge
Kapiti
Putaruru
Lower Hutt
Otorohanga
Mana
Morrinsville
Upper Hutt
Thames-Hauraki
Wellington North Wellington South
South Island Northern South Island Nelson Marlborough Greymouth Canterbury Region Ashburton Christchurch Timaru Oamaru Southern Region Alexandra Balclutha Dunedin Gore Taieri
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Great parents
grow great kids
Arm yourself with knowledge as you grow as a parent alongside your child, by taking part in one of the Parents Centre programmes that run nationwide. Having a new baby is a time of significant change – your brain is working overtime with questions and your body is going through amazing changes. It's quite a journey. Parents Centre has been supporting parents for 65 years. Become a member of Parents Centre and we can support you too! You’ll get access to quality pregnancy, childbirth and parent education that will help you gain invaluable knowledge on your pregnancy, childbirth and early parenting journey. It’s a great way to meet other new parents who are on the same journey as you. They often become lifelong friends. You get support through coffee groups that meet on a regular basis, and ongoing education programmes to help you navigate the stages of pregnancy and parenthood. With 46 Centres nationwide, we provide many opportunities for social engagement for both parents and children. Many of our Centres offer playgroups and music classes, and these are a great way to learn with your children while you get to socialise with other parents at the same time.
You also gain skills and experience that will be a real asset when you decide to rejoin the workforce. We look forward to having you join our Parents Centre family and supporting you on your parenting journey! Early Pregnancy – a special programme tailored for your 12th to 24th week of pregnancy. Pregnancy, Childbirth and Parent Education (Antenatal) – essential information to prepare you for childbirth and early parenting. Baby and You – practical and sensible tips and advice for enjoying and making the most of those first months with your newborn. Parenting with Purpose – consciously focusing on how you want to parent and how your child ticks. Return to Work – advice for preparing and returning to the paid workforce. Magic Moments – strategies for positive communication and discipline with your child. Moving and Munching – exploring baby's first foods and developmental stages.
As a Parents Centre member you will receive loads of free giveaways and samples, as well as special discount shopping days, and discounted products and services exclusive to Parents Centre members. Who doesn’t love freebies and discounts!
Music and Movement – stimulating music activities for your baby and toddler.
Many of our members gain so much from being a Parents Centre member that they want to ‘give back’ and become volunteers for their local Centre, ensuring that new parents can continue to benefit from the skills, knowledge, friendships and support they’ve received.
www.parentscentre.org.nz
Tinies to Tots – positively encouraging your emerging adventurous toddler.
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“I started to revisit my natural love of teaching and child development� Amber Blakesley
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A dream
career
Amber Blakesley has come full circle, back to a career she always knew she would have one day. From her home in Hastings, which she shares with her partner and two small children, Amber runs her PORSE business, looking after one-year-old daughter Bodhi and three other children. It’s a complete change of environment for the 40-year-old, who only joined PORSE in July 2018. For the past eight years Amber has been working in the wine industry in sales and marketing. “It was an extremely busy career, working in high level corporate roles. I loved it, but a series of personal events changed my direction and saw me return to my first interest – children,” she explains. When Amber was in her mid-20s, she was very keen on becoming a schoolteacher. “I’d always been interested in human development and I volunteered in schools. I even got accepted into Teachers College. But then my mother passed away, which changed the course of my life. I had already lost my father so it was a definite turning point.” Amber’s mother had always encouraged her to travel, which she did, living in the UK and Europe for several years before returning to New Zealand to advance her wine career. In 2017, Amber fell pregnant and six months later, was made redundant from her job. She says it was at that point “everything changed”. “I was devastated. I had a baby on the way and suddenly my career, income and security were whipped out from under me. When Bodhi was born I thought what am I going to do? I knew I didn’t want to go back to the corporate world. I worried about how I could work, manage the household and care for Bodhi.
“I looked at my little girl and thought how much I wanted her to have someone in her life who understood the importance and advantage of attachment in those early years. My mind started to drift back to being a teacher and I started to revisit my natural love of teaching and child development.”
Taking the next step A lightbulb moment clarified Amber’s next step. “I realised I could be an in-home educator and look after Bodhi and other children. I could offer parents exactly what I was hoping to find, a home away from home. A nurturing, loving environment. It was like a switch had been turned on.” Amber is one of 1,100 PORSE educators who care for more than 3,000 families’ children. She chose the company after researching three providers to make sure the fit would be right for her and her family. “What sold me was the support they give to both the educator and the children. They offer online qualification programmes including in-house webinars so I can upskill while I work. They are so professional and it felt like they were supporting us from day one.” For new educators, the company offers a $500 business start-up package that includes initial marketing collateral. As all PORSE in-home educators are self-employed contractors, it was essential to Amber that she understood how to run her own business. “I wasn’t sure how hard setting up a business would be. But I needn’t have worried, it was easier than expected. PORSE helped me with a lot of the administration and advice around taxation, charging rates and finances. They also take care of my payroll. With that support, I can concentrate on what I do best – caring for children.”
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Amber has just completed a six-week course on early childhood development and will shortly begin studying for her NZ Certificate in Early Childhood Education (Level 4), a qualification PORSE has developed and offers free to its educators. As well as looking after her own child, Amber has found it straightforward to attract new families to her business. “If you’ve got the right attitude and environment, and are a bit proactive, it’s easy.” The benefits of one-on-one connections formed during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life are well documented. With lower ratio numbers in an in-home setting, there is more time available for each child, giving both carer and child more opportunity to connect on an authentic level. “The impact of being home in the first three years and having a connection with a primary or secondary caregiver is essential for future development. PORSE is the closest thing to a child staying at home with their primary caregiver – the most natural, beneficial relationship for them.”
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Any regrets? Would she go back to her old job? Never, says Amber. “I’m fairly close to what I was earning in my other jobs and paying half the rate of tax. And I don’t have the pressure, childcare costs or the stress of getting myself and children out the door in the morning.” Taking the leap and starting a new career as an in-home educator has been the best decision Amber says she’s ever made. “I get to run my own business and have the ultimate flexibility. I’m available for Bodhi and also for my stepdaughter Sophie when she comes home from school and during school holidays. “I’ve fulfilled my dream of a career with children and it’s working so well for me.” This article was supplied by www.porse.co.nz
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A new approach
to pregnancy
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Researchers at the University of Waikato believe they have created an app that can make a real difference for pregnant women, their partners and families.
Photo: Bob Zuur | momentsoflight.nz
Director, Clinical Psychology Training, Dr Carrie Barber and her team have developed and launched Positively Pregnant. It is a first for New Zealand and brings together useful local information, activities, ideas to start conversations with whanau, and ways for pregnant mums to assess how they are coping, then find strategies to deal with any stress or anxiety they may be facing. It is interactive and individualised, and aims to help prevent antenatal and postnatal distress. There is increasing evidence that stress, anxiety, and depression during pregnancy affect the physical and mental health of both mother and baby for many months and even years. Postnatal depression has been called the most common complication of pregnancy. The researchers completed a pilot study in which 88 women used the Positively Pregnant app, and using their feedback modified the app for launch to the public. A small number of the women were struggling with depression or anxiety, and their levels of distress decreased while using Positively Pregnant. Others found it useful for information and creating a solid foundation for transitioning into parenthood. Carrie says having a baby is awe-inspiring. “But we know it can also be a roller coaster of emotions, decisions, and big life changes. We hope this app will help women enjoy the ride when they can and hang on with confidence in the scary bits.” Positively Pregnant is a free resource and can be downloaded for Android and iOS.
Mums who piloted the app say “This pregnancy has been very difficult juggling full-time study, two young children, managing a household and the normal everyday hormones that come with pregnancy. After reading some of the articles about mental health etc I found them helpful and reassuring.” “I think it is a great resource especially for first-time mums.” “It’s a great idea, and a good app for people with anxiety regarding pregnancy.”
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Five reasons why‌
We are putting our kids online
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Since having our boys three years ago we haven’t really posted a lot of pictures of our kids online, mostly because… well… we’ve had quite a lot going on. However, recently we have started a YouTube channel primarily focusing on our kids. So yes, there’s been a bit of a shift. Why? Honestly, we’ve been hesitant in posting pictures of our kids because there is such a big and complex backstory to our family, and our boys are different. Our journey as a family is not the typical experience. From early in my pregnancy, when we were busily travelling the world like privileged nomads, when we found out we were having twins (‘whoa’, then ‘hooray’!) we also found out that they had serious health challenges, and they may not make it. Both our toddlers have cerebral palsy, as well as a rare syndrome. There have been lots of long ICU stints, surgeries, medical complexities, and they have lifelong disabilities. But our boys have made it this far and they are thriving. We didn’t wake up one day and think, ‘Let’s make these kiddos famous!’ There has been a lot of soul searching about this. Both Tim, my hubby, and I are ultra-wary of the phenomenon of parents creating social media brands out of their children and we constantly reassess that we are doing it for the right reasons.
Going ‘live’ has required some real courage, lots of deep breaths, many prayers, and a stepping out. We are sharing our pearls with those we know and love, but also those who we don’t know. And so here they are, our reasons for putting our kids online (hope it’s ok kids!).
Reason #1 Where are all the children with disabilities? Cerebral palsy (known as CP) is the most common physical disability in children. In New Zealand alone over 1 in 500 children are diagnosed with CP, with global figures as high as 1 in 250. And yet it wasn’t until I had my two boys that I ever saw a child in a walker. I can’t even recall ever seeing a small child in a wheelchair. Sharing images and videos of our boys is a way of saying, ‘We’re here and we have a right to be us,’ just like every other three-year-old. By introducing difference and disability through our personal and family story, we hope to normalise and bring understanding, and make it a little less daunting for
other families with experiences of disability and difference to do the same thing. Our boys need adventures, nature, and opportunities to experience the world just as much as every other kid. So we want to share some of our getting out into the world, adventuring, getting lost in the wild in our tiny house school bus (yes, we caught onto that craze and it’s almost finished – yay!), and sharing how important this is and how enriching it is for everyone.
We are passionate about the ability that media has to dignify, humanise, and empower, rather than victimise, stigmatise, or sensationalise. So we are pretty careful about what and how we will share our family story.
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Reason #2 We have a lot to say, about a lot of things
Reason #3 We’re able to share this story
Reason #4 We want to share some of our gift
Having to watch our children endure more than most do in a lifetime, and knowing this road for them is far from over, has forever changed us. Going out with a child that is not mobile is a huge effort and sometimes really hard (let alone when there are medical or other complex issues involved). Much of this effort is just the reality of disability. However, a lot of it is because society is not as accessible, physically or socially, as I once assumed it was.
For the first three years of our boys’ lives, much of this time was a period of simple survival; day-to-day living, or, on the really bad days, hour-to-hour. As we have transitioned from critical survival and continual complex care, to a more managing and monitoring stage, our eyes have been opened to how many others continue to live right now, yet are unable to share their important experiences.
Our boys and the journey they are taking us on has pockets of more joy and love and life than I ever knew I could experience. The normal, ordinary things have been transformed, appreciated and heightened like never before.
We want to make sure the world they are growing into is a kinder, fairer, more accessible, and understanding-of-difference kind of place. So, if we can have a platform to make this dream come true, we will use it.
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We now have more space in our lives to be able to share this journey and are also able to tell this story from the inside and with dignity. Obviously as parents, we cannot tell the story from our boys’ perspectives and will never try to. But we are right in there, front seat to it all!
I recently listened to a podcast of people with terminal cancer who had come to terms with their diagnosis. A few people said that since they had the diagnosis there came this appreciation and zest for living and being present that has enriched them so much, they did not even regret that their prognosis was terminal. I feel similarly; this new way of seeing everything has been the gift. For us, it really has taken a village to get this far, and we feel like
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we want to give a gift back. Not that Tim and I are that gift, but by sharing our journey we can hopefully share with people the joy of simple pleasures and the richness disability and difference can unearth.
improving strength and function. We would love to share some of what we are doing and give hope to others about all that is happening, and push for wider services to be doing more for our amazing children.
Reason #5 We want our kids to have more healing
But we can’t do it alone. So, we have started a Patreon page to accompany our weekly vlog of our journey, so people can join our tribe and be part of making our story a reality.
We as a family have already started doing some innovative interventions and seen great results, with both our boys
We have done it! We are live. It’s not always polished, perfect, or sharing everything, but learning as we go.
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So, as we take this leap of faith I can honestly say that I think we have made a great decision for our family, but also for the wider wonderful world. We invite you to come and join our journey!
Get your EXCLUSIVE code & save on selected styles from The Sleep Store! Go to thesleepstore.co.nz/content/parentscentre to sign-up for yours & for further details.
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Jessica is mother to two beautiful twin toddler boys who are on a health and disability journey. This journey has been a bumpy one, with over eight months in intensive care and 15 surgeries to date. Jess has a background in communications in public health and aid, and regularly writes a blog about her incredible boys. certaintysuspended.com
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It’s not worth the risk
When you’re pregnant, every time you drink alcohol, your baby is drinking too. All alcohol is carried in your bloodstream, through the placenta, to your baby. Your baby can’t break down alcohol like you can. If you drink alcohol while pregnant your baby may not grow properly, with their brain development being most at risk. The baby may develop a range of life-long problems, known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder or FASD. Sometimes problems may be seen soon after baby is born, but most may not be noticed until the child is older. Children with FASD may have trouble learning or socialising or develop behavioural problems. Mums who drink when they are pregnant have a greater chance of having a premature baby – and are more likely to lose their baby through a miscarriage or stillbirth.
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Not all babies are affected the same way by alcohol, so there is no way of knowing whether it is safe to drink. Cutting out alcohol altogether avoids any possible harm.
How much is too much? There is no known safe amount of alcohol to drink during pregnancy, so health professionals advise women not to drink any alcohol when pregnant. Alcohol can harm a baby’s development at any stage of the pregnancy. This can be even before you know that you are pregnant. If you’re trying to get pregnant, or there’s a chance you could be pregnant, don’t drink alcohol. There is no safe form of alcohol – all types of alcoholic drinks can harm your baby, including beer, wine, cider, spirits or RTDs.
Support makes all the difference Partners and whanau have an important role to play in helping mums or other family members to be alcohol-free, and in looking after the health of the baby. Give support by: joining mum in being alcohol-free discouraging others from offering alcohol to her or other women who may be pregnant making sure there are plenty of non-alcoholic drinks at social gatherings, workplaces, parties and events. Article prepared with information from the Health Promotion Agency.
Is there a chance you could be pregnant or that you want to be pregnant? Alcohol can harm a baby from conception onwards. It is safest not to drink alcohol at all until you know for sure that you’re not pregnant. Don’t worry if you drank alcohol before you found out you were pregnant – it’s never too late to stop drinking. This will increase the chance of your baby being healthy. Talk to your midwife or GP if you’re worried about it.
Breastfeeding While breastfeeding, its best to be alcohol-free. Alcohol enters your breast milk and passes to your baby – this can affect your baby’s growth and development. If you choose to drink when breastfeeding, plan ahead and only feed baby when there’s no alcohol in your system. It takes about two hours for your body to break down one standard drink of alcohol. If you drink more than this, you will need to wait longer before breastfeeding.
Finding it hard to stop drinking? You can get help and support to stop drinking by talking to your midwife, doctor, nurse or any other health professional. They will talk with you about ways you can stay healthy during your pregnancy, answer your questions, or put you in touch with others who can help you.
Find out more The Alcohol Drug Helpline Contact them on 0800 787 797 alcoholdrughelp.org.nz
Free text 8681, 24 hours, 7 days a week.
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A true Kiwi publisher
OneTree House
Launched in 2017, OneTree House is an exciting, lively and fiercely independent children’s press that believes in the transformative power of story to affect life and educational outcomes. Based in Auckland, under the shadow of One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie), they aim to reach out to the world with a range of carefully crafted works, each destined to become much-loved stories, told by New Zealand authors and illustrators.
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OneTree House publish titles that babies through to young adults will love – stories that reflect Aotearoa New Zealand’s landscape, that reflect the goals of inclusion and social justice and that promote our substantial literary tradition to the world. While these works may not always be set in New Zealand, they emanate from our uniquely talented pool of authors and illustrators. At the prestigious Bologna Book Fair/IPA 2018, OneTree House won the Children’s Publisher of the Year – Oceania section, and of their first six titles, two went on to be shortlisted for awards, a huge achievement for such a young publishing house.
Seeking an Aurora
Ko Kiwi Ma
Elizabeth Pulford/Anne Bannock
Ngaere Roberts/Christine Dale
A small boy wakes to a cold, midnight adventure with his dad, walking up through the snowy landscape to the top of a hill, to see a wonderful sight – the Aurora Australis. The distant and quiet man becomes a loving and excited dad as he tells his son all about this amazing phenomenon.
Written in te reo Maori with images of New Zealand flora and fauna, accompanied by a brief sentence using the word. Designed to help babies through to younger children to focus and recognise word shapes and phrases. Research has proven that high contrast images are an aid to quietening the mind and stimulating neural links, for babies and toddlers. These sturdy little editions can be used in classrooms and homes for early language learning in te reo Maori.
Dad pulled on my jacket, woolly hat, and mittens. “We’re off to find an Aurora,” he said.
Of Course You Can /Ka Taea Tonu e Koe Karen Hinge/Nicky Sievert /Ngaere Roberts Jeremy is starting a new school. He is a bit nervous and a lot worried but the children in this class are welcoming. Every time he thinks he can’t take part they say: ‘Of course you can!’ and so he plays soccer, joins in the Kapa Haka and even takes part in the cross country ... But when it comes to swimming the children tell him not to do it. Told in both Te Reo Maori and English.
Yackety Zac Chris Gurney illustrated by Ross Kinnaird Zachary Black just won’t shut up! From the moment he was born he was yakking non-stop. At first his parents are proud of their son but with time they tire of the constant noise. A trip to the doctor and a cure is found. A rhyme and rhythm tongue-twister that is a joy to read out loud.
Simon Said and Other Cautionary Tales
Te Whare Ngaere Roberts/Christine Dale Written in te reo Maori with images of New Zealand culture, accompanied by a brief sentence using the word. Designed to help babies through to younger children to focus and recognise word shapes and phrases. Research shows that high contrast images are an aid to quietening the mind and stimulate neural links, for babies and toddlers. These sturdy, little editions can be used in classrooms and homes for early language learning in te reo Maori.
Black Dog Pamela Allen A story of friendship and the perils of yearning for more at the expense of what you already have. Available in bilingual editions: English/Arabic, English/Samoan, English/te reo Maori.
Moon Cow Kyle Mewburn/Deirdre Copeland Cow believes the moon is her friend, though the other cows laugh at her… but she grows impatient with her friend.
Pamela Allen Pamela Allen’s four charming cautionary tales, first published as individual editions, are now available in one hardcover gift book. For early emergent reading with two stories told through illustration alone.
The Eleventh Sheep Kyle Mewburn/Claire Richards The eleventh sheep is always overlooked when Sian tries to go to sleep by counting sheep… until one night.
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Kids
outdoor projects
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Most of us at one stage or another look at the kids on their screens or hanging out indoors and wish they would get outside to play more often. That doesn’t mean you have to stop what you are doing and take them down to the local playground. Having fun outdoors can happen in your own backyard, no matter how big or small. Here are some ideas to entice your youngsters outdoors.
Make a bird feeder out of a plastic milk bottle and paint it Resene Dizzy Lizzy with streaks in Resene Neva for a more natural look. Paint the fringed strips Resene Hi Jinx, Resene Rocket, Resene Bright Spark and Resene Neva. Or make a birdhouse out of timber with a fun Resene Clockwork Orange roof.
Get them involved Growing your own vegies, feeding the birds and even making your own honey are activities that are on the increase due to our heightened awareness of healthy eating and looking after our natural environment. Children can easily get involved in all three.
Growing to eat Give your children a corner of the vegie patch or make them a simple raised vegie garden out of fence palings, then get them to either plant their own seeds, or plant and raise seedlings. They can make plant tags out of Resene paint stirrers and label the various crops. If you’ve built a raised timber vegie garden, ask the kids to paint it either in their own colour choices or under your guidance. Use Resene Lumbersider, which is specially formulated for outdoor use. When children have put in the effort to tend to their own vegies, they’re much less likely to turn their nose up at mealtimes. This is where the garden-to-plate exercise really does have added rewards. Cherry tomato plants are always a winner – the fruit is super sweet, like garden ‘lollies’. Try lettuces where the outer leaves can be cropped rather than the whole plant. Beans are fun with needing to train the plants up a frame. Coloured-stem silver beet will look more interesting to a child’s eye, and of course strawberries are a perennial favourite.
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Feed the birds Making a bird feeder is a fun project, and keeps kids engaged long term with adding food like seeds, apples and sugar-water. A feeder can be a simple platform of timber or made out of an old plastic bottle. Set the kids on a bird-watching and counting project, taking note of how many birds visit and learning to identify the different breeds of birds.
Opposite: It’s the game that combines fun with strategic thinking… and this giant version of Jenga will take it to another level. The kids will love spending time outdoors with this giant set, made using timber pieces and finished in Resene Woodsman stains: Resene Pickled Bean, Resene Tamarind, Resene Grey Green and Resene Natural. Below: This pebble mat uses Resene Turbo, Resene Wild Thing, Resene Moonlight and Resene Alabaster. The deck is finished in Resene Woodsman Iroko stain, the succulent holder is painted in Resene Swiss Caramel and the doorstep in Resene Sepia.
Making a birdhouse adds another dimension throughout spring and summer, as busy parent birds raise their young. Get the kids to watch out for the fledglings as they emerge and learn to fly. There has been a lot of publicity about the threat our honeybees are under, and what better way to do your bit than to have some beehives. Obviously, if you or your children are allergic to bee stings, this isn’t a good idea. But contrary to imaginings, bees usually aren’t that interested in stinging you; they’re keener on getting on with looking after their queen and making honey. Bee-keeping can be fairly hands-off anyway, with services available to stock and maintain the hives as well as harvest the honey. The kids can certainly help paint the hives – the reason hive boxes are often painted various bright colours is so the bee can find their way home to the right box. Bees don’t like red, brown or black, preferring blue, pink, mauve, yellow and green. Resene paints are non-toxic, so perfect for use on beehives.
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Let your ideas loose all over your walls with Resene Write-on Wall Paint.
Get
! g n i t i r w
Simply apply over your existing light coloured wall paint. Then once dry and cured you can use whiteboard markers to write all over the wall without damaging the surface. And when it’s time to delete an idea just grab a soft cloth or whiteboard eraser, rub out the marker and start again. With Resene Write-on Wall Paint there’s no limit to your ideas.
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www.resene.co.nz
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Things to make While you have the brushes out, how about getting the kids to put them to good use with these great ideas.
Paint up your plant pots It’s a project that’s good for budding painters as they don’t have to be that precise. Use Resene Terracotta Sealer first on porous pots so that the moisture doesn’t leach through and affect the paint, and put down plenty of dropcloths or have them paint on the lawn to avoid unwanted mess or paint spills.
Above: Kids will love painting plant pots in bright colours. These are in Resene Daredevil (deep orange), Resene Party Zone (bright orange), Resene Pink Ribbon, Resene Lazy River (blue) and Resene Poppy (red). The fence is in Resene Safehaven. Opposite: This fun signpost uses classic AA signs but the kids could make their own, paint them in Resene Bright Spark yellow and add their own wording, like ‘nana’s house’ or ‘skate park’. Below: Use Resene paint stirrers, seed packets and your own artistic skill for these funky vege and herb labels.
Show the way How about a fun signpost in a corner of the garden. Use some plywood or timber planking, cut the end into an arrow wedge, then have the kids paint them yellow – Resene Bright Spark is ideal for this – and add their own labels like ‘nana’s house’ or ‘skate park’.
Outdoor blackboard Tack a piece of plywood to the fence, and paint it in Resene Blackboard Paint for a fun outdoor chalkboard to draw on.
Welcome mat Involve the kids in making a pebble doormat in a rainbow of colours. They can collect the pebbles, or you can buy them inexpensively from the local garden centre or hardware store. Paint the pebbles in any colours you or they desire, then glue them onto a plastic backing – a simple plastic non-slip bathroom or kitchen mat will do.
Giant Jenga Buy some framing timber or use off-cuts from a recent project and have the kids make their own giant Jenga game. You could paint the different pieces of timber or stain them with a colour from the Resene Woodsman exterior stains range for a more natural look.
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Perfect
timing
The birth of our little princess Zara Jane Faulke
Life is full of surprises, and when it comes to children, anyone who has had one (or some) of these, know that your plans are not often what pans out for the day. The birth story of our second child is not any different. Thinking it would take as long as the first to get a bun in the oven, we were surprised and delighted that the bun started cooking straight away. We would keep the gender as a surprise until birth, but deep down my heart’s desire was for a baby girl. We had a girl’s name but to avoid disappointment I spent most of the pregnancy imagining Ethan with a little brother, counting the benefits, and scouting for boys’ names that we may like. Hubby was happy either way but had a hunch a boy was baking.
The 40th week Today is due date. With an active toddler to run after, this day has arrived before we knew it. We are expecting baby to be born early or on time like his brother, so hubby has started parental leave just a few days before. This 40th week is proving painful – not so much physically (albeit uncomfortable at full term!), but mentally challenging. We are both getting frustrated.
The 41st week It is now Tuesday, 41 weeks to the day, and hubby only has a week of parental leave left. Perhaps we made a mistake on that one!
Yesterday we had a routine CTG scan with good results and a stretch and sweep. We were delighted this morning with an ultrasound including a 3D image of baby’s face. The afternoon was met with frustration, with still no signs of baby’s arrival. As I sat on the loo with tears, I suddenly realised baby was showing signs of coming. We were hopeful, but nothing was certain. Early evening, 7pm, hubby was out, and I received a call from the midwife. Straight away I knew it was to do with the scan from that morning. There was more amniotic fluid than they would like to see, and the doctors said we needed to be induced two days later. Instructions were given should labour start, as the small risk was that the cord could present itself in the way of the baby and birth canal which could prove very dangerous. Whilst a wise precautionary measure, the induction process was new and foreign to us, and resulted in quite a journey into Wellington city from the Kapiti Coast where we live. However, at least we now knew we were going to have the baby this week! As I talked on the phone to the midwife, something felt different, and I wondered if signs of contractions were starting.
Not wanting to give the midwife a false alarm, I kept the thought to myself for the time being. An hour later, at 8pm, hubby was back from taking our boy, Ethan, for a drive. After putting our toddler to bed I thought I better start timing these more apparent contractions. 5 mins, 3 mins, 4 mins, 3 mins, 3 mins…. “Ohhh, these are getting regular, and quickly”. Because of the scan results that morning, the midwife had said to call when contractions were five minutes apart, but by 8:30pm they had quickly ramped up to three minutes apart, although they were still manageable. Around 9pm after a much stronger contraction, I tentatively motioned to hubby, “Ummm, I think you better call your mum!” Nana was around in a jiffy to settle in and look after a sleeping Ethan. Then just before 10pm, “EEERRRR, I think we NEEEED to call the midwife,” I exclaimed, as the 3 min contractions became very strong. Waking up a surprised midwife from a deep sleep, she decided meeting at the maternity ward was best (I later learned she was contemplating coming to check me at home first – good thing she didn’t!). During the six-minute
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drive to the hospital things quickly progressed to contractions coming every two minutes. We arrived at 10:20pm, I was checked, and then double-checked, “You’re 9cms!” said the midwife. I cried with relief. And in just over an hour, hubby called the time at 11:26pm, our baby was born with a surprising gush! Amidst the surprise and relief, it took a few seconds to realise we hadn’t even checked the gender. As they passed the baby up, I asked hubby to look. “It’s a girl, it’s a girl, it’s a girl!!!” I cried, overwhelmed that the baby was out and that it was a girl. A few days later and we settled on the name Zara Jane, meaning princess, precious gift of God. Big brother Ethan’s reaction to introducing his sister to others has been special to watch. Such as hearing his squeals of delight and excitement as his grandparents entered the front door, he hurriedly
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pointed them in the direction of the lounge where his new day-old sister lay, squealing “sissa sissa sissa”.
Adjusting to a family of four The arrival of number two is different to the first. We have done this before and are soon reminded of the dynamics of having a newborn in the home, taking advantage of learned experience and applying it to number two. Ethan loves his sister, lavishing her with kisses and learning from mummy how to rub her back and helping to bathe her. Sometimes however his curious mind wants to see the cause and effect of what happens when he hits her, much to mummy’s horror. I am learning whether it’s best to console baby and ignore toddler, or discipline and educate the toddler.
We must say, my mum was right. You think it’s going to be the new baby that causes the work, but really it’s the toddler. Our two-year-old’s level of energy amped up a week or two before Zara was born, and skyrocketed the day she arrived. A few weeks after Zara’s birth, our household is often fraught with frustrations as mummy and daddy learn to respond in the right manner in love and discipline with an enthusiastic, active toddler. We have apologised to each other, to Ethan – and to the neighbours! They have no doubt heard our antics with the windows open in the summer evenings: toddler tantrums, banging doors, frustrated parents, a crying newborn. Sometimes our heart goes out to Zara who is whisked off the breast halfway through a feed and left unattended in order to rescue her brother from whatever mischief
www.kathyfray.com
Get empowered peace-of-mind with your own copy of NZ’s No.1 best-selling Birth & Babies book since 2005! he is getting into. Mummy’s tired from middle-of-the-night feeds, Daddy’s tired after a long day at work, both children are crying, and the moment suddenly becomes overwhelming. Toilet training Ethan has added to the frustrations but has proven rewarding seeing that it IS possible. Whilst there have been moments that have felt nightmarish, there are also moments of refreshment and delight. The infectious laughter of Ethan as he plays tickles with daddy running around the house; a very thoughtful and helpful Ethan willing to learn and care for his sister and be involved; and his increasing vocabulary and cute attempt to act out like charades what he can’t verbally put to words. It has also been special seeing how
grandparents love our children and interact with Ethan in his new active adventures. Right now, there may be a few more challenges than we anticipated, but it’s a season and they grow up quickly. Our children are teaching us patience, flexibility, and selflessness, not to mention how to laugh, play again, and make fools of ourselves for fun. A will to get out of the house for a walk, and the fresh air benefits all family members. Let’s take a breath (or take a nap!), try take two, and enjoy the delights of Ethan and Zara and the season we are all in as a family.
Feel Childbirth confidence with your own copy of my FREE download guide to Labour and Birth
We love our children immensely and share with all the other mums and dads out there a new colourful perspective of the challenges and joys that children bring to daily life.
Hannah Faulke Hannah lives with her husband and two children on the Kapiti Coast north of Wellington. Hannah is the graphic designer who lays out Kiwiparent each issue, now on maternity leave as she settles in to her role of mother of two. Exactly two years ago, Hannah shared Ethan’s birth story with readers in issue 276.
Bit unsure of the difference between correctly dressing a 1-Day-Old versus a 1-Month-Old? Own the perfect award-winning organic merino outfit for your precious brand new Baby
www.rootswings.com
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Photo: NZ Transport Agency
On your
bike!
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The outdoors and cycling are key features of a Kiwi childhood but teaching a child can also be seen as too hard for busy parents. Bike Wise Month is February 2019, so why not take your preschooler out to start developing their biking skills. Cycling can be fun and a great way for families to get out and about together. Before you start, bear in mind a few golden rules:
Striding and gliding or scooting along
Build bike confidence – the more you ride, the better you get.
Encourage your child to scoot along on their bike using their feet to push off before teaching them to pedal – this helps them to learn the feeling of balancing on two wheels. The aim is to push themselves off and keep both their feet off the ground for as long as they can. Children who are too big for balance bikes should aim to learn to balance on their normal bikes without training wheels by pushing off with their feet and scooting along.
Give positive encouragement throughout the learning process – and stop when it’s time to stop. Try and end on a positive note. Make it fun! It is a good idea to learn to cycle off-street on netball courts, school playgrounds or other car-free areas. These are great for learning. Many parents make the mistake of teaching their children on grass in case they fall, however it’s best to teach them how to ride on a flat, smooth surface first, if possible, as it’s easier. The children benefit from learning to ride smoothly first, before going over bumps!
Starting and stopping Children should be taught to use their brakes properly from the beginning even if they cannot ride yet. You can practise by having them walk along pushing the bike and using the brakes to stop. Braking is an essential skill, which ultimately will enable them to feel in control when starting out. Note: Balance bikes do not have brakes!
Follow these simple steps for teaching your child to ride:
Your children should be taught to use both brakes evenly to assist with more control when coming to a stop.
Set up your child’s bike correctly to give them the best possible start
Although many children’s bikes have a front hand brake it is often very difficult for them to apply the brake, as little hands are simply not strong enough to do so. In this case you can teach children to stop by using the back pedal or coaster brakes. The aim is to get them to be able to stop without wobbling too much.
Your child should be able to stand over their bike and be clear of the top tube. The bike should not be too high, and they should not have to reach too far in front of them for the handlebars and, more importantly, the brakes. When sitting on the saddle, your child should be able to reach the ground with both of their feet flat on the ground.
Getting on and off the bike It’s very important to teach your child the fundamentals of getting on and off their bike safely. Try this approach: When your child gets on their bike, encourage them to apply the brakes and lean the bike towards them. When getting off the bike, remind them to keep the brakes applied.
Safety first Maintain your child’s bicycle regularly – check their brakes, tyres and chain. If you have any doubts, it’s best to get their bike serviced by an expert or cycle shop.
Lead by example Teach your child the correct road rules, and ride with them if they are under the age of ten.
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Balance and vision To start, balance bikes can work better than training wheels. It’s hard to progress their cycling skills until they learn to balance on two wheels. Training wheels shift the weight of the child from side-to-side and so it’s hard for them to learn the ‘balancing instinct’. Once the feeling of balancing is learned it doesn’t go away – it’s an internal mechanism that kicks in, hence the phrase “it’s like riding a bike”. Gaining this feeling early is invaluable, as once they have it, a child will not lose it.
Anything that involves balance is helpful. Scooters are good for older children – if they can scooter with both feet on the platform, they can learn to balance on two wheels. Encourage your child to look where they’re going. “Look where you go – go where you look.” Get them to keep their eyes up and look ahead – the eyes control their inner-balance and direction. If they are looking down, it can make it harder to balance and get going as looking down pulls you forward.
Photo: NZ Transport Agency
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Always, ALWAYS wear a helmet when riding Helmets must be a good fit – this is something your child shouldn’t grow into!
Photo: NZ Transport Agency
Pedal power
Safe biking for families with preschoolers
Once your child has learned these fundamental skills and gained their balance, it’s time to start learning to pedal.
Learn in a safe car-free area, such as netball courts or school playgrounds.
Aim to have one of the pedals in the 2 o’clock position – the pedal-ready position – in line with the downtube on the frame, which will help them get started and gain momentum. You can run alongside them and help support from the front by holding onto the stem to help them keep their balance. You will feel it as well when this happens. Once they get the hang of it, get them to practise riding along and riding around in areas that are free of obstacles and hazards. You can add in some gentle turns to help with steering the bike where they want it to go. A great way to teach them to turn is to set up some cones (a friend of mine uses rubber ducks!) two to three metres apart and ride in and out with gentle turns. They’ll soon pick up the techniques for controlling their bike. Use any opportunity to practise stopping using both the brakes.
When it’s time to have a go on public cycleways/ shared paths, the best idea is for an adult to ride behind them and give instructions and advice as they go. As a parent, you can ride between them and any obstacle or hazard, to help protect them. Helmets are a legal requirement and an essential part of any cyclist’s kit – no matter what level. Good, closed toe shoes should be worn so they don’t have to worry about banging their toes. Longer clothing can help when learning as this will help protect them from bumps and scrapes if they take a tumble. Don’t let your child wear clothing that is too loose or baggy, and make sure they have tied up shoelaces that are tucked in, so they don’t wrap around pedals and chains.
Find out more www.bikeready.govt.nz www.nzta.govt.nz
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Homemade is
best
Jo Seagar previously trained as a cordon bleu chef in Paris and London. She owned her own cooking school in Christchurch, has run a restaurant in Auckland, and has been a writer and columnist throughout. Jo is known best for her ‘easy-peasy’ recipes and pearls of wisdom which make baking and feeding a family that much easier. Better than a Bought One is Jo Seagar’s latest book, full of home-grown celebration ideas and recipes to help you cater soirees such as a backyard wedding, baby shower, and a 21st birthday party. Jo shares these fabulous recipes from Better than a Bought One, by Jo Seagar, published by Random House, RRP$50.00. Photography by Jae Frew.
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Prawn and avocado rice paper rolls with sweet chilli dipping sauce Makes 24, prep time 25–30 minutes
For the dipping sauce ½ cup sweet chilli sauce grated rind and juice of 2 limes ½ teaspoon Asian fish sauce
Ingredients
Method
1 telegraph cucumber
Have a shallow dish (a small lasagne dish or even a frying pan) of room temperature tap water ready. Wring out a clean tea towel in cold water.
1 avocado, firm but ripe 24 prawns, cooked and peeled (defrosted frozen prawns are fine) 24 small mint leaves (or coriander leaves), washed 1 small packet (about ½ cup) sliced pickled pink ginger 1 packet (at least 24) 16cm rice paper discs
Slice thin strips of cucumber with a potato peeler and cut the strips in half. Quarter, peel and slice the avocado into 24 thin strips. Rinse the prawns and drain well in a sieve. Have the mint leaves and pickled ginger ready in small bowls.
Soak the rice paper discs, one at a time, for 30 seconds in the dish of water. Lay flat on the bench. Place a slice of cucumber and avocado, a mint leaf and a piece of pickled ginger in the middle of the rice paper. Place a prawn on top, breaking it in the centre to uncurl. Fold the sides of the rice paper in and tightly wrap up (like fish and chips) into a small neat roll. Place on a plate and cover with the damp tea towel. Continue until you have made all 24. Your technique gets better as you make more and soon you have one rice paper soaking while you roll one and a real production line gets going. The completed rolls will keep under a damp tea towel for up to 24 hours. Whisk the dipping sauce ingredients together. Serve in a small bowl.
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Kumara, feta and cherry tomato salad with orange pepper dressing This is a good picnic salad as nothing wilts and it travels easily. Bright, gorgeous colours with a sharp citrusy dressing. Serves 6 | Prep Time 5–10 minutes
Ingredients 1 red or yellow kumara, peeled and diced into 1cm cubes 1 punnet red cherry tomatoes, cut in half 1 punnet yellow cherry tomatoes, cut in half 1 red capsicum, deseeded and diced
Pacific-style coconut and lime marinated seafood I have a little collection of clam shells that I got many years ago when I was working in the Pacific islands of Tuvalu. I wash these shells in the dishwasher and they are my marinated seafood dishes of choice. Paua shells or big scallop shells would also be great or, if no shells are available, serve on small plates or in small noodle bowls. Prep time 10 minutes, marinating time 45–60 minutes
Ingredients 1kg boneless skinless white fish fillets (snapper, tarakihi, blue cod, kahawai), cut into bite-sized strips grated rind and juice of 4 limes or lemons handful of coriander leaves, chopped 1 spring onion, finely sliced ½ long red chilli, deseeded and finely sliced (you can substitute red capsicum instead of chilli if you desire) salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
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½ cup coconut cream
180g feta cheese, cut into 1cm cubes
12 cooked, peeled prawns to garnish
2 oranges
lemon and lime wedges, and fresh herb sprigs to garnish
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard ½ teaspoon salt
Method Place the sliced fish in a bowl with the lime or lemon juice and grated rind. Mix well. Cover and chill to marinate. The fish will go white. Marinate for 45–60 minutes. Drain off the juice and discard. Mix the fish with the chopped coriander, spring onion, chilli, salt and freshly ground pepper, and coconut cream. Spoon into the shells or plates and garnish with the prawns and lime and/or lemon wedges and sprigs of fresh herbs. Keep chilled until serving.
Cook’s Tip Lots of things can be added to this dish: avocado, cherry tomatoes, sliced green beans and all sorts of seafood — prawns, mussels, scallops, etc. Just marinate them with the fish, adding enough lime or lemon juice to coat and cover the seafood.
freshly ground black pepper to taste (be quite generous) ¼ cup olive oil 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
Method Microwave or steam the cubes of kumara until softened, about 5 minutes. Pierce with a toothpick or small sharp knife to check they are cooked. Place in a medium bowl. Cool. Add the tomatoes, capsicum and feta cubes. Grate the orange rinds into a small bowl. Peel one of the oranges and cut the flesh into slices or bite-sized pieces and add to the salad. Squeeze the other orange, adding the juice to the zest. Whisk the mustard, salt and pepper, oil and white wine vinegar together with the orange juice and zest. Pour over the salad and mix lightly. Keep in a covered container and chill until serving.
Lemon curd and berry meringues All components of this dessert are prepared ahead for easy assembly. Serves 10–12, makes 20–24 meringues, prep time meringues 20 minutes; lemon curd 5 minutes Cooking Time meringues 45–60 minutes; lemon curd 10–15 minutes
For the meringues 3 egg whites, at room temperature 1 cup caster sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
For the lemon curd 200g butter 1 cup caster sugar grated rind and juice of 3 lemons 4 eggs
To serve whipped cream or thick Greek-style yoghurt raspberries, blackberries, boysenberries, strawberries and blueberries icing sugar to dust
For the meringues Preheat oven to 120°C. Line two baking trays with non-stick baking paper. In a large metal or china bowl (not plastic), beat the egg whites with an electric beater until soft peaks form. Gradually, a teaspoon at a time, add the caster sugar. The mixture will get thicker, whiter and glossier with each addition of sugar. The whole process should take about 8–10 minutes. Add the vanilla and gently mix. Spoon or pipe the mixture into 5–6cm circles on the prepared tray. Bake for approximately 45 minutes until crisp and dry; the meringues should lift off the paper easily.
Cool on a wire rack and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
For the lemon curd Place the butter in a saucepan over a medium-high heat and melt. Using a wire whisk, add the caster sugar, grated rind and lemon juice and the eggs, whisking well to combine. Whisk continuously as it thickens and comes up to the boil. Remove from heat just as it is about to boil vigorously, and cool. When cold, store covered in the refrigerator. The curd thickens considerably in the refrigerator.
To serve Either sandwich meringues together with whipped cream and lemon curd or serve these separately in little bowls for guests to help themselves. Serve with mixed berries dusted with icing sugar. A mint sprig always adds a pop of fresh colour to the final presentation.
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Our Partners Partnering to support families We develop long term partnerships with organisations that we work with. The partnership with The Sleep Store is now entering its third year and is so much more collaborative. The Sleep Store have developed great resources for our Childbirth Educators around babywearing, to help us encourage babywearing and responsive parenting across New Zealand. The Sleep Store sells a wide range of high quality products for newborns through to big kids, aimed at making parenthood enjoyable from the start. As a notfor-profit organisation we rely on our partners to ensure that we can continue to deliver education and support to families across New Zealand on an ongoing basis.
The Sleep Store continue to provide our families with great deals. All our members receive a 20% discount off a huge range of products which change month to month. We are committed to working with family orientated companies and are thrilled that The Sleep Store continue to be one of our valued partners.
Taslim Parsons Strategic Partnerships Manager, Parents Centre New Zealand
A word from The Sleep Store The Sleep Store has been helping babies (and tired parents) get more sleep for over ten years through our award-winning online store and expert infant sleep advice. We are proud to support Parents Centres and welcome members to The Sleep Store. In addition to our range that includes Woolbabe, Crane, Bobux and over 100 other high-quality brands from New Zealand and around the world, you’ll find access to an extensive library of expert sleep advice. We believe every parent should have free access to the information they need to help their little one sleep. Browse over 200 sleep advice articles, guides and safe sleep tips plus join our sleep coach curated support groups on Facebook for parents of newborns, 4–12-month olds and children 12 months and over. Choosing to shop at The Sleep Store means that you are supporting a family business that’s committed to delivering the best range of infant sleep essentials and advice to tired parents and their children. Louise Tanguay Founder of The Sleep Store
Huggies online pregnancy and parenting PC member benefits: All attendees of CBE get a Huggies gift pack, attendees of Baby and You and toilet training programmes get gift packs. Phone: 0800 733 703 www.huggies.co.nz
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Johnson & Johnson
Philips Avent
PC member benefits: All attendees of Parents Centre CBE and Baby and You get a J&J baby bath gift pack and information on science of the skin.
PC member benefits: Supply breastpads to our members and give a $30 discount on the purchase of breast pumps.
www.jnj.com
Phone: 0800 104 401 www.philips.co.nz/AVENT
Supporting Kiwi parents
0800 222 966 / www.babyonthemove.co.nz
Baby On The Move
The Sleep Store
PORSE
PC member benefits: 20% off car seat hire for all members.
PC member benefits: 20% off selected items which are regularly updated.
PC member benefits: Heavily discounted hourly rate for childcare.
Phone: 0800 222 966 www.babyonthemove.co.nz
www.thesleepstore.co.nz/ content/parentscentre
Phone: 0800 023 456 www.porse.co.nz
Reckitt Benckiser Group
Life Pharmacy & Unichem
Resene
PC member benefits: $20 off when you purchase the Nurofen Feversmart Thermometer.
PC member benefits: Local discounts and offers for our Centres.
PC member benefits: Various discounts on decorating supplies and paints with Parents Centre membership card.
Phone: 09 839 0200 www.rb.com/offices/new-zealand
www.lifepharmacy.co.nz www.unichem.co.nz
Au Pair Link New Zealand
SplashSave
PC member benefits: 25% off placement fee for Parents Centre Members.
PC member benefits: 30% discount on water safety package.
If you want to partner with Parents Centre, or would like to discuss how this may work for your business, contact Taslim on:
www.aupairlink.co.nz
www.splashsave.co.nz
t.parsons@parentscentre.org.nz
www.resene.co.nz
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Win great giveaways
Enter online at kiwiparent.co.nz and follow the instructions. Entries must be received by 5pm March 5, 2019 Winners will be published in issue 289
Be in to win a Crane Humidifier from The Sleep Store The Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier helps relieve congestion, support easier breathing and is whisper quiet, for a good night’s sleep. Cool mist pumps out the chimney stack of the train. RRP: $139.95 Supports easier breathing and congestion relief from allergy and asthmatic-type symptoms Provides moisture for dry coughs, sinus irritation, dry skin Removable water tank for easy carrying and filling, runs up to 11 hours per filling, or up to 24 hours on the lowest setting, with low power consumption. www.thesleepstore.co.nz
Win a copy of ‘Just Breathe – Mindfulness Adventure’ Be in the draw to win one of three copies of NZ artist and author, Jen Sievers’ new book Just Breathe – A Mindfulness Adventure. The book is written and illustrated by Jen and is for children who are three to eight years old. The storyline helps children make sense of their feelings in a fun and inspiring way. The book is published by New Shoots Publishing. RRP $26.95. www.curiate.co.nz
Win a breast pump from Philips Avent worth $338
2 personalised baby banners to be won Win a personalised baby banner from Tiny Treasures. Each banner is custom-made with your baby’s vital birth stats, displayed as a stylish and meaningful memento for your wall. Handmade in New Zealand. The best gift for you or a friend. RRP: $69 each. www.tinytreasures.co.nz
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Designed for comfort, the Philips Avent single electric breast pump enables you sit in a relaxed position while the soft massage cushion gently stimulates your milk flow. The milk storage cups connect directly into the breast pump for a quick and convenient expressing solution. One lucky reader will win: Single electric breast pump 10 pack milk storage cups. www.philips.co.nz/c-m-mo/breast-pumps-care
Research shows that going to sleep on your side from 28 weeks of pregnancy halve your risk of stillbirth compared with sleeping on your back. Why should I go to sleep on my side? Lying on your back in the last three months of pregnancy (from 28 weeks) presses on major blood vessels which can reduce blood flow to your womb and oxygen supply to your baby.
Is it best to go to sleep on my left or right side? You can settle to sleep on either the left or the right side – any side is good from 28 weeks of pregnancy.
SLEEP ON SIDE WHEN BABY’S INSIDE
FROM 28 WEEKS OF PREGNANCY Research shows that going to sleep on www.sleeponside.org.nz your side from 28 weeks of pregnancy halve your risk of stillbirth compared with sleeping on your back. Why should I go to sleep on my side? Lying on your back in the last three months of pregnancy (from 28 weeks) presses on major blood vessels which can reduce blood flow to your womb and oxygen supply to your baby.
Is it best to go to sleep on my left or right side? You can settle to sleep on either the left or the right side – any side is good from 28 weeks of pregnancy.
But what if I feel more comfortable going to sleep on my back? Going to sleep on your back is not best for baby after 28 weeks of pregnancy. Most women find side sleeping is more comfortable in pregnancy, especially in the last three months.
What if I wake up on my back?
But what if I feel more comfortable going to sleep on my back? Going to sleep on your back is not best for baby after 28 weeks of pregnancy. Most women find side sleeping is more comfortable in pregnancy, especially in the last three months.
What if I wake up on my back? It’s normal to change position during sleep and many pregnant women wake up on their back. The important thing is to start every sleep (daytime naps and going to bed at night) lying on your side and settle back to sleep on your side if you wake up.
What is the risk of stillbirth if I go to sleep on my back? Stillbirth in the last three months of pregnancy affects about one in every 500 babies. However, research has confirmed that going to sleep on your side halves your risk of stillbirth compared with sleeping on your back.
SLEEP ONON SIDE SLEEP SIDE WHEN BABY’S INSIDE WHEN BABY’S INSIDE SLEEP ON SIDE FROMFROM 28 WEEKS OF PREGNANCY 28 WEEKS OF PREGNANCY WHEN BABY’S For more information please INSIDE contact your midwife, nurse or28 doctor. www.sleeponside.org.nz www.sleeponside.org.nz FROM WEEKS OF PREGNANCY
www.sleeponside.org.nz www.sleeponside.org.nz
IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS
2 OUT OF 3 DRIVERS USED MEDICATION THAT MAY IMPAIR DRIVING
ARE YOU SAFE TO DRIVE? Did you know the medication you take can impact your driving? These include common medications like strong painkillers, those used to treat hay fever and colds, heart conditions, depression and sleeping tablets. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist to make sure you’re safe to drive. If you’re not fully alert you could be putting yourself, your children and others using the road in danger.
www.nzta.govt.nz/are-you-safe-to-drive
It’s illegal to drive if you’re impaired