Offspring Magazine Spring 2012 by Sally Travis

Spring 2012

Problems falling

pregnant? special Fertility Feature

Mia Freedman Magazines, motherhood and mastering the online world CNNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hero of Year:

Robin Lim

Healthy Snacks FOR KIDS

real birtH storY

I had my baby at home alone in the shower FREE

contents

spring

Editor’s NotE

thE CoNtributors

Feature articles 12

thE busiNEss of bEiNg Mia Mia Freedman’s balancing act: kids, career, and the online world.

What’s hot This season’s funkiest fashion for kids.

out oN a LiM Winner of the CNN Hero of the Year Award, Robin Lim’s goal is to make pregnancy and birth safe for all women.

dad’s Word – bEdtiME aNtiCs Gary Ausbruch marvels at his twoyear old son’s creative stalling techniques used at bedtime.

MarkEt girL Unique, boutique and handmade - check out these local and affordable products.

off thE air – No bEd of rosEs With three years of single-parenting and full-time work behind her, Lisa Fernandez finally has time to fall in love all over again… with her darling Isabella.

thE big squEEzE Housing in Perth is getting harder and harder to come by. Tara Dryland talks about securing the perfect rental. styLE sECrEts for MuMs From top to toe (and everything in between), Elise Papamihail shares her best style tips. spriNg fashioN for MuMs You’ll be blooming in these gorgeous spring trends.

4 Offspring | spring 2012

fuNNy MuMMy – triCky busiNEss How to multi-task while sneaking a cheeky Tim Tam: Ari Chavez shares her hilarious tricks of the trade.

20 44

iNtErNEt piCks Our selection of websites offering great products for your kids.

What’s oN iN pErth Our pick of the best family entertainment this season. Plus, win tickets to see Diary of aWimpy Kid, Dog Days!

Pregnancy & Birth 46

tELEthoN We welcome Professor Jonathan Carapetis, the new Director of Perth’s Telethon Institute for Child Health Research.

aN uNExpECtEd shoWEr Perth mum shares her unique birth story, recounting how she gave birth at home, in the shower, and alone.

quiLtiNg CoMpassioN Ethical beauty - the gift that keeps on giving.

He wants to be an engineer. (But you shouldn’t have to dig deep to pay for his education) Just like engineers, at the Australian Scholarships Group (ASG) we are masters at planning and ensuring the right foundations are in place. We offer a proven and proactive way to help you nurture and fund your child’s education, no matter what they want to be. In fact with a heritage of almost 40 years, ASG has already helped more than 287,000 families to do just that, and now we’d like to help you too. To start planning for your child’s future education, contact our Perth Information Centre on 9440 4466 or visit asg.com.au

ASG (the Issuer) recommends that the Product Disclosure Statement, available from ASG’s Registered Office, or any Information Centre, should be considered when making application for membership.

71 50

CyCling away from pregnanCy diabetes Find out about the unique study in Perth to find out if exercise can prevent gestational diabetes.

speCial feature - fertile foundations Perth’s fertility experts talk about common conception problems and ways to increase the chances of falling pregnant.

pretty and pregnant Does Miranda Kerr’s post-baby body turn you green with envy? Recapture your razzle-dazzle with a trip to the Yummy Mummy Pregnancy Day Spa.

speCial feature - preparing for baby Preparing for a new baby can be involved! We’ve compiled a handy checklist of baby items and accessories to help with your preparation. swimming and water safety Summer is almost upon us, and with our water-loving lifestyle, it’s vital to take precautions with children around water.

76 68

building resilienCe Ngala discusses why developing resilience in children is so important.

speCial feature - ChildCare ChoiCes Choosing childcare can be daunting. Claire Armstrong researches childcare options in Perth.

79 82

holidaying at the hard roCk hotel Editor’s Review - Staying at the Hard Rock Hotel Bali with a family

party direCtory

Calendar of events Free springtime events for WA families

Food & NutritioN 76

snaCk time Healthy snacks the kids will love.

travel 79

spring break! From house swapping overseas to local farmstays and trips to the goldfields, here are some great family holiday ideas.

85 & 86 direCtory

ISSUE 11 SPRING 2012

Mia Freedman

Offspring magazine is produced and published by Family Life Publications ABN: 55 398 258 346 PO Box 724 Claremont 6910 Contact Phone 08 9499 1291 Website www.offspringmagazine.com.au Editorial enquiries editorial@offspringmagazine.com.au Advertising enquiries advertising@offspringmagazine.com.au Subscription enquiries subscription@offspringmagazine.com.au

Managing Editor Kate Durack Contributing writers Ari Chavez, Department of Education, Tara Dryland, Gary Ausbruch, Lisa Fernandez, Ellen O’Brien, Elise Papamihail, Melanie Hearse, Ngala Parenting Education Team, Sam Whitely, Claire Armstrong, M.S. Ong, Kate Bullen, Jennifer Black. Graphic Designers Sally Travis, Glenda Morley, Steven Lillywhite Printed by Scott Print

Distribution 30,000 copies distributed by paid subscriptions and for free at selected locations throughout Perth. Offspring magazine is an independent magazine published quarterly by Family Life Publications. Opinions represented are not necessarily those of the publisher. Offspring magazine contains general information and does not claim to substitute for health or parenting advice. All content is subject to copyright, and may not be reproduced without permission.

6 Offspring | spring 2012

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Photo: Lucy MiLLer PhotograPhy

editor’s note you want a raise a good kid, spend “Ifhalf as much money on them

Then last night as I was tucking my daughter into bed, assuring her I only had

and twice as much time.” I read this

one more day until I finished this edition

recently and it’s become my new mantra.

(yes, that’s right, I have three months to

I haven’t mastered it yet. Actually, I

write this but it always happens in the

haven’t even really started implementing

eleventh hour), she asks, “Mummy, does

it but it’s there, on my To Do list.

that mean you’ll be all finished?” “Yes, darling, that’s right,” I assure her.

I can always tell when the balance is way out because little ‘rewards’ start cropping up – hair clips, colouring-in books, textas - and ice creams become

inspiring mothers, such as the heroic

“Well...no. But I’ll have a break, and we

Ibu Robin Lim (Ibu meaning “Mother”),

can do lots of things together.” “You mean you’ll be finished all the

more of a dietary staple than a treat. The amount of bribery going on is a barometer for how well I’m applying

to print deadlines the tricks and treats

more?”

edition, “Out on a Lim” (pg 20). I wondered

want you to work any more.”Yep, that’ll

the mantra becomes a mirage on the

do it. Boom goes the barometer! Flicking away my tears, I kiss her Good

I call it Working Mother’s Syndrome, the Mother of all Guilts. My four year old daughter gets

how she managed the work-family balance with eight children, three grandchildren,

“You always work, Mummy. I don’t

multiply, the barometer goes up, and horizon.

Award, and whether she experienced this struggle. We interviewed Robin Lim for this

again.

much Guilt I feel. When I’m working

who won the 2011 CNN Hero of the Year

magazines? And never have to do any Gulp. Up, up, up goes that mercury

this mantra. Or, more accurately, how

Which got me wondering about other

‘You mean forever?’

and dedicating her life to saving women’s and babies’ lives in childbirth, for free. So I phoned my own mum to chat about this very topic, wondering if she

Night, slump down the stairs...and go and

too felt It. I was shocked, but comforted,

have a meltdown.

and ever so dismayed, to hear that not

So I can say I was delighted to read in

only did she feel It too, but, that she still

tetchier by the day and my 10 month old

our lead story this issue, “The Business

does. Sorry? You mean to tell me I have a

baby gets clingier by the hour. And, up,

of Being Mia”, that Mia Freedman also

long, tortuous, parental road ahead of me

up, up goes that barometer.

has meltdowns. I know it’s unbecoming

dotted with Big, Fat, Ugly, Mother Guilts?

to take pleasure from other people’s

Erm, I don’t think so. Add to To Do list:

was ‘beating’ our nanny’s chest. That’s

misfortunes, but knowing that someone

Throw away old mantra. Create new one:

what he does to my chest, it’s our code,

as successful, cool and apparently

Cast Off Guilt.

how he tells me he wants ‘Boob’. Ouch.

together as Mia Freedman, also struggles

The mercury really is rising.

with Mother Guilt is reassuring.

Just the other day, I noticed my baby

We love our family lifestyle So do our 30,000+ readers :) Offspring is growing! Advertising in Offspring magazine offers a unique and value added opportunity for your business to promote exceptional products and services to over 30,000 readers every quarter who are smack bang in the middle of your target market.

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If your business offers and •relevant products • exceptional photography graphic designand services to Perth families, give us a call, we can put you in touch with over 30,000 of them :) These are freelance positions.

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phone: 08 9499 1291 Please send your CV and a cover letter to kate@offspringmagazine.com.au employment@offspringmagazine.com.au www.offspringmagazine.com.au www.facebook.offspring.com or phone 08-9499 1291 for more information.

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our contributors

ARI CHÁVEZ COLUMNIST has had work published in Australia, England, Japan and Singapore. She has a delightful toddler, Gabriel, who was born with coffee in his veins. She is currently completing her first novel as part of a PhD project.

MELANIE HEARSE JOURNALIST and mother of seven and four year old boys, has worked on a range of local and national publications, focusing on parenting, health and lifestyle articles. She worked for 10 years in the public health sector before deciding to follow her passion to be a writer when her first son Max was born.

LISA FERNANDEZ RADIO ANNOUNCER is a Perth girl who co-hosts 92.9’s Lisa, Paul & Baz breakfast show with Basil Zempilas and Paul Hogan. As a mother, Lisa wants to “nurture, encourage, teach, inspire and give my love unconditionally... because the reward is so incredibly great.” Keep up-todate with Lisa daily on Twitter at @Lisa_Fernandez.

TARA DRYLAND JOURNALIST When she’s not managing the family business (Cafe 58), Tara is busy being a single mum to her beautiful two-year-old son, Jett. She loves working for Offspring, as it allows her to merge her passions for writing, parenting and kids fashion!

GARY AUSBRUCH ACCOUNTANT/COLUMNIST is financial controller for a Perth-based mining company. He has had columns published on the challenging subject of the lighter side of accountancy, and has written for SBS TV. He is married to Sue and has two young children, Ella and Sebastian.

KATE BULLEN DIETITIAN runs www.dietitianonline.com. au and is mum to two young children. Kate has translated her love of all things online to providing expert nutrition coaching online – it works well for anyone who is busy! Kate’s passion lies in making healthy eating simple and enjoyable.

CLAIRE ARMSTRONG JOURNALIST a journalist of five years and a mother of two. “I love a challenge, journalism provides me with a mental challenge and motherhood has the ability to challenge every aspect of my being, and I wouldn’t have life any other way.”

DEVON PLUMLEY MIDWIFE believes her work is most satisfying when she can empower a woman and her partner to birth their baby naturally; and the new little human being thanks his mummy with a squeal!

BROOKE EVANS-BUTLER JOURNALIST has written for home improvement, bridal and women’s lifestyle publications, but says Offspring enables her to combine writing with her new favourite hobby, being a mum to her beautiful boys Caleb and Baby Jonah.

JENNIFER BLACK TRAVEL WRITER was an Award Winning Travel Manager for Flight Centre and Harvey World Travel for 10 years. After years of personal travel experiences and now with two young boys in tow, Jennifer writes about ‘Family’ Travel - where to go and how to get there with minimum stress!

BETH JOHNSTON JOURNALIST worked in print media before welcoming gorgeous baby boy Sam into the world. She is now doing some freelance writing and absolutely loving being a mum.“Sam changes so much every day, so it’s great to be able to keep that passion for writing but not miss a thing.”

ELISE PAPAMIHAIL FASHION & BEAUTY WRITER has had a diverse career in PR, events and marketing, and has always had a passion for style, beauty and fashion. Now a full-time mum to the beautiful 18-month old Chloe, she has harnessed her creativity and love of fashion into her lifestyle blog for mums: thestylemama. com.au

10 Offspring | spring winter 2012 2012

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The Business of being BY ARI CHAVEZ

One of the most high profile working mothers in Australia, Mia Freedman, shares why despite her extraordinary success in the media, previously with women’s gloss magazines and now with the soaringly successful website, mamamia.com.au, she also doesn’t escape Mother Guilt.

ia Freedman is busy. Eye-wateringly so. When I phone her Sydney office for our scheduled

interview, the mother-of-three is in the middle of a media

blitz to launch her new radio show, , and can’t speak to me. When I call back, she is apologetic.

“I’m so, so, so sorry,” she says, breathlessly, “it’s just been a bit chaotic with our radio show starting this afternoon... we’ve just had a hundred meetings and phone calls and media interviews.” Quite. Attending one hundred meetings would engender chaos in the best of us. At 40 years of age, Mia could be forgiven for triggering great tidal waves of chaos as she attempts to juggle the myriad demands on her time and talents. As a columnist, web and e-book publisher, author, public speaker, TV personality, blogger, media consultant, editor, wife, mother, business proprietor and contributor to the aforesaid newly-minted radio show, she has a mind-boggling list of commitments, for which she is the star attraction. And it is Mia people want, women in particular. Her popular weekly column is syndicated nationally through News Limited’s weekend newspapers, her website, mamamia.com.au, is one of the most successful of its kind in Australia, she is a sought after public speaker and commentator, and her books are popular choices for Mia aficionados. It is easy to see why. Mia Freedman has the great gift of relate-ability. She could be your best friend, or mine, or that cousin you grew up with, who is more like a sister. Despite her privileged upbringing as the daughter of Laurence Freedman, who co-founded fund management company EquitiLink, and later sold it for $150 million, an elite education at the private Sydney girls’ school, Ascham,

12 Offspring | spring 2012

Mia and her high-profile professional successes, she is

warm and approachable, and overflowing with self deprecating anecdotes. She’s able, I suspect, to talk to anyone. About anything.

This, perhaps, is the key to her phenomenal success. Mia Freedman is everywoman, just like you and me, and boy is it paying off. Guided by an uncanny ability to tap into topics women want to engage with, and aided by the marketing tools of traditional and social media, she has become that most eponymous of 21st century constructions - a trusted and bankable commercial brand. The brand platform, mamamia.com.au, is tagged ‘What Everyone Is Talking About’ and what-everyoneis-talking-about sounds pretty

‘That vast silence, bereft of job offers, was perhaps a blessing in disguise. In it, and from it, mamamia.com. au was born.’

PHOTO: SAM RUTTYN © NEWSPIX / NEWS LTD /

Offspring | spring 2012 13

much like a conversation with a group of

this opportunity and I wish both

girlfriends. A community of enthusiastic

Nine Network and ACP Magazines

users visit the site to read articles

every success in the future.” Privately, she was waiting for the

and comment on topics as diverse as

phone to ring. The silence, as they

breastfeeding, fashion, politics, child abuse,

say, was deafening.

gay marriage, childbirth, Olympic medals and, my personal favourite, the hilariously-titled Mia column,

“I wasn’t being offered any other jobs,” says Mia, of that

‘Where Is My *%&$ing Village?’. The website is bolstered by

period. “I thought I would be, after I left Channel 9 in such a

Mia’s numerous other business activities all featuring, of

flurry of publicity. I thought, quite arrogantly, that the phone

course, the effervescent Mia Freedman herself. Brand Mia,

would ring. And it just didn’t.” It was an unenviable position for someone who had

take a bow. It was not always thus, however. Mia’s current success

worked in the media and publishing since the age of 19,

in the online world can be traced back to a stingingly

who was used to stimulation and ideas and deadlines and

public failure in that old school communications medium -

success. In retrospect, however, that vast silence, bereft of

television. After a dream run in ACP’s women’s magazines,

job offers, was perhaps a blessing in disguise. In it, and from

which included becoming the youngest Editor of magazine

it, mamamia.com.au was born.

in the world, at the tender age of 24, Mia was eventually appointed Editor-In-Chief of Cosmopolitan, Cleo and Dolly.

“I’m someone who needs to be busy,” Mia notes, in what is perhaps the understatement of the century. “I didn’t really have anything else to do. I loved working

She was then lured to the Nine Network by Eddie McGuire, ostensibly to, “bring a woman’s touch,” to Nine’s notoriously blokey culture. As Creative Services Director, and responsible for the ill-fated talk show she lasted 12 months. In 2007, she left in a blaze of publicity, not all of it kind, and also quit her job as Editorial Consultant to ACP’s magazine division. It was a fall from grace. Publicly Mia was sanguine, saying, “I’ve enjoyed having the chance to work in television and I’ve learnt an enormous amount this past year. I am grateful to PBL Media for giving me

14 Offspring | spring 2012

‘There was about fifteen minutes back in June when I thought one day, ‘I’ve really got this balance thing going’. It was literally fifteen minutes!’

in online. I loved writing and being able to express myself directly to an audience, which I hadn’t been able to do for a lot of years when I’d been in management. So I just had my head down and kept going.” It wasn’t easy. Faith, in spades, was needed to keep going when the dismal commercial realities of working for herself hit home. “For the first three years I made less than nothing,” explains Mia. “In fact I lost money for three years. I obviously didn’t earn a cent from it myself and I was working 12 hour days on the site doing everything by myself.

Inevitably, however, the work does come home. “Sometimes I just have to get away from it,” Mia says. “Something about I had income coming in from other areas, I still wrote a column and did various bits

working with your partner is that you can never escape. So, we’ll be in

and pieces, but it was a massive, massive

bed and one of us will be working and

income drop for me from when I was

want to talk about it and one of us will

working for someone else to go to working for myself.” Trusting her instincts she persevered, perhaps sensing

be trying to switch off, so sometimes it’s very, very intense.” Which begs the obvious question - how on earth does

that people would soon turn to the online world in droves to

she juggle it all? The needs of her three children, Luca, 14,

get their information and entertainment, and to connect in

Coco, 6, and Remy, 3, the business, her myriad other media

digital communities of like-minded users. In the early years

engagements, keeping up with her extended family and

the website evolved organically, partly because there was

friends, eating, cooking, exercising? Is there such a thing as

nothing similar to it around.

balance on Planet Mia?

“It took about a year before I was even comfortable with

Mia sighs. “I have so much help and so much support

what it was going to be,” Mia says. “At first I thought, ‘is it a

and I still don’t manage it very well. I’m a Libra, so balance

personal blog?’ I always knew it wasn’t going to be a Mummy

for me is really important.” She pauses for a moment and

Blog, but I wasn’t sure what it was going to be because there

laughs. “There was about fifteen minutes back in June when

wasn’t anything else that was like it at the time.

I thought one day, ‘I’ve really got this balance thing going’. It

It wasn’t until my husband came on board about two years ago, as CEO, that it became a viable business. He really

was literally fifteen minutes!” Fifteen minutes of balance. One whole quarter-of-an-

had the vision of taking it from a personal blog to a women’s

hour, way-back-when in June. This is the lament of the

website, which is where it got to within about a year of him

working mother. The pressure to be everything to everybody.

joining the business, or not even, probably six months.”

The lack of time. The worry that you are neglecting your

Ah, yes. The husband. Behind the very public success of

family versus the financial need to work, or the desire to

Mia Freedman is her husband Jason Lavigne, whom she fell

have an identity outside the home. The guilt about just

in love with at 23 years of age. They have been a team ever

about everything. The guilt about the guilt. Aren’t we

since. Jason now works in the business in, Mia stresses, a

supposed to be having it all? Are we having fun yet?

very different role. Respect, boundaries and, erm, separate bathrooms are mandatory. “I think it would be very hard for us to work at this level of

There is no easy answer, not even for Mia Freedman. And in a scenario that will be familiar to mothers everywhere, she reveals that she’s not immune to having the odd

intensity if we weren’t doing it together...we’re both working

meltdown over being stretched too thin, feeling as if she’s

towards the same goal. What saves us is that we work in very

doing too many things, and all of them badly.

different parts of the business. We’re very, very respectful of

“I’ve just spent the weekend having a crisis,” she

each other’s area of expertise. We drive to work separately

confesses, “just saying to Jase ‘we don’t have enough

and have separate offices and separate bathrooms.”

childcare, like, I actually can’t do this’. I’m spread too thin.

Offspring | spring 2012 15

I’m not doing anything well enough. I’m snappy and grumpy and resentful of everybody, particularly him. ”

“I think it’s all of us acknowledging it,” Mia says. “I don’t know any man who has angst-ed about whether he is

Mia pauses for a moment and then her words tumble out

working too much or not enough. I think this generation

of her mouth, as if racing for some imaginary finishing line.

of fathers are the best ever, and the most present ever as

“We only have a nanny three days a week and there have been times when he’s said, ‘Are you sure that’s enough?’ and I’m like, ‘No, no, no, it’s enough! I want to spend time with

parents, but they do seem to be missing the guilt gene and I’m very, very envious of that. Even to the point of...you know, I can’t stand taking the

the kids’. And I do and I’m completely torn and I haven’t

kids to the playground. I hate playgrounds and I hate parks

resolved it. And we’re fortunate that we can afford to pay for

and I do it sometimes but I feel guilty that I don’t do it more,

more childcare but the feelings I have about it, the mixed

and I feel guilty that I don’t love taking my kids to the park.

feelings about it, and the guilt and all of that – money has no

And my husband doesn’t either, but he just feels no guilt.

impact on that. I’m the same as everyone.”

He’s like, ‘I just don’t like doing it. It’s simple. Why would I

I nod at my end of the phone. I tell her a lot of women will be able to relate to what she is saying.

waste time feeling guilty?’ “It’s not a choice feeling guilty, I don’t think,” she says, wearily.

“It is an ongoing juggling act,” she continues. “Our eldest

There is silence for a moment and then, perhaps

is almost fifteen and there’s this perception with people who

inopportunely given we have just been at the coalface of

have little kids that they need you less as they get older, but

Working Mother Guilt, I ask her if she has plans to publish

in many ways they need you more but in a different way...

any more books.

They need you to be watching and present, even if they don’t think they do. So I’m finding that my children’s needs

“No,” she sighs, sounding overwhelmed. “I just...I have thought about this but...books...” she trails off for a

are increasing at the same time work is

moment, and suddenly brightens, “we do

increasing, and there’s no easy answer.”

have an e-publishing company and, oh,

Mia’s refusal to airbrush the challenges of being a working mother from her public persona may disappoint those who want the glossy version. On the surface she seems to be managing just fine. There’s no doubt that she has a privileged life, and can afford a lot of support and help. In fact, she appears to be one of those mythical women who has it all - the husband and kids, the high-powered and satisfying career, someone else to do the cleaning and tedious housework. And yet there’s the guilt. Always the guilt.

16 Offspring | spring 2012

‘I think it’s all of us acknowledging it. I don’t know any man who has angst-ed about whether he is working too much or not enough.’

I forgot about this, I’ve co-written a book with this 20 year old guy. It’s for parents understanding their kids’ online world.” Mia is bubbling again. She’s full of enthusiasm for the project at hand, and its potential to communicate important information and connect with a community of people. Another one. The possibilities are endless and the future is bright. And Mia Freedman would not be Mia Freedman without another project waiting in the wings. Make that a double.

ancis Reddin Parish 2006 - 2010 ~ ~ Elliot Fr

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Spring

This seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s funkiest fashion for kids

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18 winter 2012 2012 18 Offspring | spring

6 4

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Offspring Offspring || winter spring 2012 19

Out on a

LIM BY TARA DRYLAND

In the small clinic of Bumi Sehat in Bali, Robin Lim is hard at work. Driven by the strong belief that a gentle childbirth creates loving human beings, the CNN Hero of the Year has dedicated her life to helping mothers and saving babies for free.

PHOTO: PALANI MOHAN/REPORTAGE BY GETTY IMAGES FOR CNN

eautiful Bali. An island paradise only hours away from Perth.

until their medical bills are paid in full. “Holding babies until payment is

Hundreds of thousands of Western

common in Indonesia,” says Robin Lim,

Australians flock to the popular

an American midwife who founded

holiday spot every year to shop, to

the Bumi Sehat (Healthy Mother Earth)

party, to relax and unwind. On the

birthing clinic in Bali in 2006.

same island, Indonesian women who

Mothers who can’t pay are allowed

have just given birth sleep on mats

in twice a day to feed their baby while

outside the local hospital. They wait all

those fortunate enough to find the

night, desperate to see their newborn

money will take their babies home.

babies, whom the hospital is holding

Often the mothers relinquish their

Kr�ty M�nix PHOTOGRAPHY

spring 2012 20 Offspring | winter 2012

up for adoption, Lim explains. “You worry, ‘Will I be able to deliver this baby safely into the world?’ But you shouldn’t have to worry, ‘How will I pay for it?’” “Mother Robin,” or “Ibu Robin” as she is called by the locals, is working to change this situation with the establishment of her Bumi

PHOTO: JEREMY FREEMAN/CNN

parental rights or put their children

things”. Anyone can be nominated and the votes are cast online by the general public. Over six million people voted in 2011. Nominated by her daughter who spearheaded a media initiative, “Akarumput” or “Grass roots”, Lim says she owes her win to the young people of Asia who made it their mission to get the word out about her work. “I continued to support and

Sehat health clinics, situated in Bali

protect mothers. The young people

and Aceh, Sumatra. The birthing

who truly believe in midwives did the

sanctuaries offer free prenatal care,

campaigning.”

birthing services and medical aid

Accepting her award at a lavish

to anyone who needs it. A certified

ceremony in Los Angeles, Ibu Robin

professional midwife, Ibu Robin is

said her win has put “gentle, life-

also a mother to eight children, a

saving, midwifery-to-mother care in

grandmother to three, an author, a

the hearts and minds of the citizens

poet, an educator and more recently,

of the Earth. What people saw was

the CNN hero of the Year (2011).

that every mother, every baby, every

Each year CNN honours 30 “Ordinary people doing extraordinary

family counts. Every baby’s first breath on Earth should be one of peace and love. Every mother should be healthy and strong. Every birth

“When a woman is healthy and supported, childbirth is a natural process, needing only to be protected. Midwives are the guardians of such healthy, natural birth.”

should be safe and loving.” As well as the title, Lim received a generous grant which she says will go towards building a new clinic once Bumi Sehats current lease expires. Ibu Robin became a midwife and moved to Bali 22 years ago, after her sister died from complications due to pregnancy. Having already birthed her own children at home with

Offspring || winter spring 2012 21 Offspring

do amazing prenatal care, and have prenatal yoga classes, all for free. The mothers who come to us are in pretty good health by the time they arrive in labour. There are often mothers arriving who have had no care. They come from far away, or they work as a prostitute, or a beggar, but we help them all the same.” Ever passionate about natural birthing and post-partum care, Ibu Robin also campaigns for breastfeeding. She says breastfeeding is crucial to Indonesian women and children as they are faced with huge expenses and poor water and sanitation

CNN RTAGE BY GETTY IMAGES FOR PHOTO: PALANI MOHAN/REPO

when bottle feeding. “A baby in Indonesia who is

midwives in attendance, Ibu Robin wondered if her sister could have been saved had she also been under the care of a midwife. “Midwives spend time and give very personal care. When something is wrong they take the mother’s hand, and guide her to the help she needs. Midwives can guide a woman through the labyrinth of medical protocol and procedures. When a woman is healthy and supported, childbirth is a natural process, needing only to be protected. Midwives are the guardians of such

bottlefed is 300 times more likely to

What people saw was that every mother, every baby, every family counts. Every baby’s first breath on Earth should be one of peace and love.

die in her first year of life, compared with a breastfed baby. Breastfeeding start-up is not easy for everyone. It takes commitment and love to help mums and babies successfully breastfeed.” Ibu Robin credits the midwives for Bumi Sehat’s high breastfeeding success rate. “All of our midwives share the vision and mission to support every mother and her family in good breastfeeding start-up. Plus, we follow up, and are available 24/7 to

healthy, natural birth.”

be consulted if there is a problem.” She

Working under the philosophy of “Loving healthcare is a human right”, Ibu Robin advocates for a more gentle approach to childbirth, where having a baby becomes “the natural process it used to be, instead of the clinical procedure it now so often is”. “After my sister’s death, I saw clearly that it is the Midwifery-to-Mother model of care that embodies the love necessary to really preserve life. It is the love that heals, and prevents disease. Medicine is only the conduit.” This philosophy of love is proving successful, with Ibu Robin making vast improvements into the way women are cared for during pregnancy and birth. “The mothers and babies born at Bumi Sehat are wonderful. We have a 100 per cent rate of breastfeeding. We

OROFLOT.COM/MARKULYSEAS

W.C PHOTO: © MARK ULYSEAS, WW

spring 2012 22 Offspring | winter

is still much work to be done.

from infant formula companies. “We

“Every day on Earth, 981

must stop the corruption of health-

women in the prime of their

providers sabotaging breastfeeding

lives die from complications of

start-up, but, sadly, it is epidemic.”

pregnancy and childbirth. We

Also trained as a doula, Ibu Robin

need to work together towards

provides doula training workshops at

a much lower maternal and

her Bali clinic and encourages doula

infant mortality rate and a 100

presence at births. “Doulas mother

per cent breastfeeding rate for

the mother. As a midwife, I appreciate

all babies, because that is what

having doulas around, to do most of

really preserves infant life. I want

the back rubbing, because I see that

all mothers and babies to have

it works; mothers are having better

gentle, loving, and culturally

births with doulas.”

appropriate births.”

Splitting her time between the birth centre in Bali and the Tsunami Relief Clinic in Aceh, Ibu Robin also tends to her large family and credits them to her success. It may seem like a lot of work for one person but Ibu Robin says she feeds off the loving energy that surrounds her. “I just love doing it, all the oxytocin around gives me tremendous energy.” Although she is

Offspring Readers can help Please donate to Robin Lim’s foundation directly by transferring your contribution to their account at: PT. Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) Branch: Denpasar KLN Ubud Address: Jl. Gajah Mada, No. 30, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia Account Name: Yayasan Bumi Sehat, Ds. PKR Nyuh Kuning

Account No. 117 765 425 Swift code: BNINI DJADPS Yayasan Bumi Sehat PO Box 116, Ubud, Bali 80571 Indonesia Phone: +62 361 970 002 Fax: +62 361 972 969 Email: info@bumisehatbali.org iburobin@bumisehatbali.org

kama sutra

PHOTO: PALANI MOHAN/REPO RTAGE BY GETTY IMAGES FOR CNN

says too many doctors are on the take

making headway, Ibu Robin says there

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Offspring Offspring || winter spring 2012 23

DAD’S WORD

with Gary Ausbruch

BEDTIME ANTICS Gary shares some interesting bedtime antics developed by his creative two year old.

he historically simple routine for putting down my two-and-a-half year old son at night – and I mean

putting down as in going to bed, not the sick old dog sense – has gradually become more elaborate, and designed by Sebastian to draw the process out for as long as possible. First, he insisted he brush his teeth by himself, after I’d just done them. No problem, I thought, at least he’ll have nice clean teeth. Then it was just one more sip of his drink, then one more book, then one more song, all still acceptable to me and within the confines of completing the put-down process in a timely manner. In fact, the one more song thing I didn’t mind at all, considering he usually tells me to stop whenever I sing at other times. But all this has just been the entrée. Little did I know that Sebastian has been slowly building up to his piece de resistance. Just as I’ve finished going through all the double brushing and extra books and songs, and his door is a centimetre from being closed, and I’m that close to being able to sit down to a dinner that I’m starving for and a drink that I deserve, a little voice from the darkness emanates in a slow, calculating tone… “Daddy. I think I’m…busting…for a…poo.” The first time it

stuck him on the potty, HE’S PUSHED SOMETHING OUT.

happened, I put it down to nature calling at an inconvenient

Even if he’s already been once or even twice that day,

time. It happens to the best of us. The second time was

he’s managed to save just a bit for me. Even if it’s just a

slightly annoying, but surely just a coincidence. But when

pellet. It’s like an actor being able to cry on demand for a

it happened a third time, and then again, and then again,

particular scene. I’m almost proud of my son’s talent.

I was blown away. It gave me a whole new respect for his intelligence, not to mention his bowel control. And the thing is, every time he’s pulled this trick, and

What an insight into the thought process of a two year old this is. He’s mentally gone through a list of everything he could possibly do to delay going to bed, from saying he’s

I’ve gone back in and switched the light on, and taken

hungry or he’s thirsty or he wants a different stuffed toy

him downstairs, and taken his pyjama bottoms off, and

or he wants to sleep with his remote controlled car, or he’s got a sore [insert body part here], and come up with the

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one thing that I can’t possibly deny him: the right to poo. But why does he go to such great lengths for seemingly such little reward: a couple of minutes alone on the floor in a cold bathroom? I’m interested in the psychology behind it, and although The Omnipotent One isn’t real big on talking poo, she says he’s discovering and testing the power he can exert on the world. Expressing himself as an individual. Maybe she’s right, but I think the best way to

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explain a two year old’s behaviour is as stated by my four going on fourteen year old daughter whenever I express exasperation at something Seb does. “Dad. That’s what two year olds do.” Out of the mouths of babes...

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Offspring | spring 2012 27

OFF THE AIR

with Lisa Fernandez

NO BED OF ROSES Lisa reflects on how being a single mother, to a baby, hasn’t been without its challenges and why, now, she’s stopped to smell the roses and falling in love, all over again.

k. I’m just going to say it. I’m lucky. I honestly believe I’m

The first time we were alone I realised I could just sit with this

the luckiest chick in Perth. And I’m

other little person for hours and

pretty sure I’m the luckiest parent too.

hours and be calm, and happy, and

Why? Because I’m single. I’m a single

most importantly, satisfied. Satisfied

mum to an almost three year old girl

that being with her was enough.

and I’m seriously loving every minute

Prior to holding my newborn infant

of my life which, at the moment is so

in the hospital I’d always needed to be

incredibly, selfishly, intoxicatingly full

working, or achieving some goal, or

of just her and me that I want her to

setting another goal to feel satisfied

stay this age forever.

with my life. But there I was, in some

ignorant can be. I believed I could

sort of ‘zone’ and I stayed that way for

do it all. I would do it all. And on my

my child all over again. I haven’t felt

three blissful, never-to-be-forgotten

terms.

this way since those first few days

days, until my milk came in and the

after giving birth, when the endless

realities of raising a child alone hit

when I was offered the job at 92.9. But

monotony of breastfeeding hadn’t

me like a bed-pan to the head and I

I didn’t balk. Instead, I desperately

yet began and I was completely

suddenly morphed into a fat, sleep-

tried to find the BEST breast pump,

and utterly naive to the upcoming

deprived, ready-to-be-milked-every-

so that I was able to pump and freeze

struggles of being a single parent. I

two-hours cow.

as much milk as I could humanly

I feel like I’ve fallen in love with

remember holding her and feeling at

Looking back, I can admit that I

peace. And if you know me I’m NEVER

WAS naive when I walked out of the

at peace, so that was an incredible

hospital with Isabella in my arms. I

moment for me.

was also brave and gutsy as only the

I was barely out of the hospital

produce. My freezer looked like the dairy section at Coles. I advertised immediately for a nanny who was capable of caring for

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28 Offspring | spring 2012

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an infant, and in between feeding

too exhausted. It’s only been in the

Isabella, sleeping, exercising and

last few months that I’ve fallen in

reading up on ‘How to get your baby

love again...with Isabella. I’m stopping

to sleep for 10 hours a night’, I also

to smell those roses and the scent is

started to research the Perth radio

wonderful.

market and assess where and how I

I’m surprised at how much I miss

would fit in when it came to ratings.

her when I’m at work. I drive home

I walked into 92.9 at 4.30am for my

excited that I will be seeing her and

first day of work when Isabella was

getting to hang out with her in ten

nine weeks old. And until right now, I

minutes time. I love this feeling....

haven’t stopped.

it’s more exhilarating than having a

Looking back, I have no idea how

boyfriend and way less of a hassle

I coped. It was really tough. And to

let me tell you! I find her presence

be brutally honest, it wasn’t much

actually FUN and I’ve discovered that

fun. I got no real ‘joy’ from being a

this little person I know as Bella has a

mother. In fact, I didn’t even feel like

wicked sense of humour and laughs

a mother. I was too busy. I was more

at herself when she makes a piggy

like a workhorse with a baby I had to

sound through her nose. It’s hilarious

provide sustenance for. I would get up

and we’re both in stitches at how

at 3am every morning to breastfeed

ridiculous it looks, me laughing at

and I pumped after every breakfast

her and her laughing at me losing it.

show for six months.

Brilliant.

I lived on four hours sleep a night.

Why on earth would I want a bloke

Maximum. I did this while dressing up

to enter this strictly chick domain?

as Lady Gaga for a station promotion

Where my pretty dresses and fake

or abseiling 75 metres off the WACA

jewellery are her playground and we

lights for charity. I took 92.9 listeners

talk together for hours, our heads

for lunch in Bali and I left my toddler

inches apart sorting through a box

at home with her nan to interview

of old clothes. I may not understand

Keith Urban in Los Angeles while

everything she says but I nod and giggle

raising money for Telethon.

at the right times so she thinks we’re

I felt terrible for leaving my child who wasn’t yet one, and although it was a once in a lifetime opportunity

having the best girlie chat ever and I swear there’s nowhere I’d rather be. And the other Sunday morning,

I’ve never forgiven myself for putting

for the first time ever, she woke me

work first. But I had to pay the bills,

up with these tiny little ‘fairy kisses’

and sacrifices had to be made, and

on my eyelashes and as I opened my

the fact I hadn’t had a boyfriend in

eyes she smiled like the angel she has

almost three years was just one of

become and her exact words were,

those things, and GOD, life totally and

“Good Morning Mummy. I love you!”

absolutely sucks! That’s how I felt a

And I thought to myself, Lise, enjoy

lot of the time.

this. It’s not going to get any better.

I’ve been through a million nappies

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stopped to smell the roses. I’ve been

together. My life is truly blessed.

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Offspring | spring 2012 29

The Big Squeeze

By Tara DrylanD

With the median Perth rental housing price at $420 per week, and the amount of family-suitable properties minimal, renting a house in the current Perth market can prove difficult.

amilies living in tents,

was obvious to all of us, that finding

on new rental listings with agility,

professional couples renting

a decent rental property in Perth was

making sure I was the first to secure a

going to be a struggle.

viewing. Next, I’d stake the house out,

out caravans, swarms of up to fifty

ensuring I was the first soldier on the

hopefuls at home-opens; I’d heard it

I found myself a participant in the

all on my quest for a rental property.

battle earlier this year. Like a warrior

scene. Armed with weapons of bribery

As I spoke to fellow wanna-be

ready for combat, I tackled the rental

(fresh coffee and muffins), I’d fight

tenants, some of whom I had seen

war front on, desperate to secure a

my way through the crowd of hopeful

at up to ten previous inspections, it

house for my son and I. I pounced

tenants, ambushing the agent with my

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immaculate identification portfolio

was ecstatic to finally have a place to

and barraging them with details of my

make a home.

perfect eight-year rental history.

It’s no surprise estate agents are reporting crowds of up to fifty tenants

According to Melissa Perry, the

at home opens and rental bidding

state director of Mission Australia,

wars becoming the norm. Official

long and hard - even living with

stories like mine aren’t unusual.

figures from REIWA show the median

my parents for three months. Why

“We’re seeing families who have

rental price jumped 10 per cent this

The war was fierce and I fought

had it come to this, I wondered?

year to $420 per week for a three-

I am a mature, responsible and

bedroom house. The official housing

tertiary-educated individual with a secure job and no financial debts. I’d even thrown away all priority of an aesthetically pleasing residence and was seriously considering properties with lime-green kitchens and poobrown bathrooms. “It shouldn’t be

“We’ve had people asking for tents and sleeping bags just to get by in the meantime.

vacancy rate is at just 1.6 per cent. Offspring Magazine reader and mum of nine, Rebecca Cooper, says she’s struggled to find a decent property for her large family, and has paid more than market value for poorly-maintained houses. She spent two years and completed over

this difficult!” I’d scream. never experienced such chronic

eighty applications before securing a

applications later, I was successful.

housing stress. It’s just your ordinary

home big enough to house her nine

The war was over. It had taken sheer

Australians who are finding it really

children. “As a mum of a large family

determination and persistence, I’d

tough to find housing. We’ve had

the discrimination is terrible and the

gone over budget and had basically

people asking for tents and sleeping

stress just makes you ill,” she says.

begged in my covering letter, but I

bags just to get by in the meantime.”

“I worry that the constant moving

Several months and dozens of

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Offspring | spring 2012 31

be the answer to the rental crisis, “’Opening Doors’ aims to deliver at least 20,000 affordable homes by 2020 through new and improved partnerships with llio and her

Marisa Di Tu

ildren.

family.

d her nine ch

er an Rebecca Coop

private developers”. Mr Buswell says WA’s rapid economic growth due to the

meet this demand alone, but with

mining boom had made it difficult

and instability is bad for my children

community support we can harness

for average Western Australians to

as well.” She stressed that the

the goodwill offered to us to provide

secure affordable housing. “It has

government needs more affordable

some form of relief to those many

become extremely difficult for low

housing options for low to middle

people experiencing hardship.”

income earners to find appropriate

The State Government says it

income earners.

rental accommodation, with only

is working towards a solution and

four per cent of rentals in Perth being

Palmer echoed the need for more

will lead the way in long-term

affordable for people earning less

to be done to help people obtain

solutions to increase the availability

than $35,000 per annum.”

accommodation and prevent them

of affordable housing in WA with the

sliding into homelessness. “Crisis

release of the ‘Affordable Housing

population growth is surpassing

accommodation services are at full

Strategy 2010-2020: Opening Doors to

all other states with 60,700 people

capacity with an excess of unmet

Affordable Housing’. Housing Minister

moving to the state in the year to

demand,” he says. “The Salvos cannot

Troy Buswell said the Strategy could

September 2011.

Salvation Army spokesman Warren

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32 Offspring Offspring || spring spring 2012 2012 32

Adding to the housing stress, WA’s

TIPS TO SECURE A RENTAL

Chris Sialtsis, manager at Central Caravan Park in Ascot says even

◆ Write a cover letter – the more information you give about yourself,

highly paid fly-in, fly-out workers are regularly using caravan parks

the better. ◆ Look outside the square – Suburbs further out of the CBD often

and camping grounds to avoid

have cheaper rents. Look at emerging suburbs, where people might

paying rent while they work away.

like to live in the near future.

He said some caravan parks were

◆ Get an application form from the agent before the inspection and be prepared to fill it out as soon as you have viewed the property. ◆ Look presentable and show the agent you are keen. Ask them what would be an advantage to you. ◆ Be prepared to pay the rent and bond within 24 hours of viewing the property and, if you

now taking formal applications to keep up with demand. “We’ve had people call and say they’ve got nowhere to go but we can’t help them,” he says. A powered site at the park costs on average $45 per night with $15

can, offer more than the asking price.

for each extra adult and $10 for each extra child. Mother of three, Marisa Di Tullio, of

as there is nothing else out there,

Despite the shortage in affordable

Bibra Lake says her family currently

and with three kids, it’s hard to be

housing, REIWA said it expected the

rent as they have invested in their

accepted for some properties. Now we

rental crisis to ease later this year as

own business. “Just recently our

realise we were really “lucky” to get

the rate of home ownership increased

rent went up another $20 per week

what we have, and despite the price,

and investors bought property to cash

to $520,” she says. “We just take it

we will not be giving this one up.”

in on high rental prices.

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www.earlychildhoodmusic.com.au ELM is a dynamic music and movement program of excellence designed for boys and girls aged 6yrs and under Offspring || spring spring 2012 2012 33 33 Offspring

Stylish MAMA

The best style secrets every mum should know By ELISE PAPAMIHAIL

fASHIonSHowPHotoS.nEt

With the demands of parenting and a busy lifestyle it can be tricky for mums to find their own individual style. This summer, step out with confidence and become effortlessly chic with these simple tips.

Inspirational celebrity mum Miranda Kerr.

➻ PlAn AheAd Take the time to lay out your outfit the night before or day of a big event. Have fun mixing and matching your fashion pieces and take inspiration from online resources such as

Accessories from Mimco

celebrity fashion blogs. Piperlane kaftan available at et seq fashion Floreat.

➻ less is More

Be generous spending on classic pieces that will

To achieve an effortless, chic

last over a few seasons and mix well with the

look, base the entire outfit

latest fashion trends. Classic pieces should be neutral in colour. Stick with blacks, whites and tans, which work perfectly with colour pops and patterns. Invest in quality materials such as cotton, silk and leather. Remember that the right fit for your shape makes all the difference.

34 Offspring | spring 2012

fASHIonSHowPHotoS.nEt

➻ Build A wArdroBe of clAssics

around one statement piece and then build up from there. Add one patterned item to a variety of block coloured pieces. Pick a maximum of three colours to work with.

➻ luSciouS Skin and natural makeup Always cleanse, tone and moisturise skin. A natural makeup application enhances your best features. Mineral foundations are great for day with a good coverage and light application. Make eyes pop with a slick of eyeliner and mascara. Add colour with a hint of blush and finish with a matt lip tint and slick of lip balm/ gloss. Go for a brightly coloured lip for balmy summer nights.

➻ Beautiful hair A simple style and cut that is both versatile and manageable is the key to beautiful hair. On those bad hair days, work a pony or messy curled updo or spray in dry shampoo. Backcombing into a quiff fringe can work wonders when you’re in a hurry. Cute hats also look great and are very in at the moment.

➻ Spoil yourSelf every now and then Even if you only get one hour to yourself, use the time to relax and unwind. Taking a breather will do small wonders for your stress levels and appearance. A girl’s night out is the perfect way to celebrate your newly found style.

Indiglo

Colour and Image Consulting

➻ manicured nailS Pay attention to your nails and hands for the complete finish. Trim and file nails regularly, add a good cuticle oil to avoid dryness and split ends. Gels such as Shellac work magically, making it easier to do your housework and still have gorgeous nails. Always finish with a great hand cream regularly.

Do you need a pick me up this season?

• Learn your best colours for clothes, hair and makeup to make you glow • Understand your body type and best styles of clothing • I can go shopping for you! A fresh wardrobe that’s perfect for you

For less than the cost of making yet another mistake clothing purchase! www.indiglo.com.au m: 0448 627 528 e: nadine@indiglo.com.au

Offspring | spring 2012 35

Kookai $30

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BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL:

SUMMER’S HOTTEST TRENDS

When it comes to hot trends for the spring/summer season, bright neons rule. With shades ranging from highlighted yellow to hot pink and scorching orange, burst by colour-blocking, head to toe, or clash colour with tans. For a sophisticated look, add neons to black and white staples to really see the colour pop.

Sportsgirl $9.95 Nicola Finetti $390

Mimco $229

MCQ Alexander McQueen $400 Peeptoe (et seq fashion Floreat) $109.90

Mimco $69.95

Mimco $299

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Birth Announcement Cards * Party Invitations Christening Invitations * Party Accessories

36 Offspring | spring 2012

Mimco $179

Carteblanche-x.com $102.42

IDS (et seq fashion Floreat) $29.95

Kookai $130

Kookai Sundown shorts $120

Jessicabratich.com $295

Nicola Finetti $595

Country Road $199

Dotti $59.95

Josh Goot greenwithenvy.com.au $479.95 / $329.95.

Green gift giving made easy! The Eco Providore is a boutique online eco store retailing products that are good for you and the planet too! From homewares, through to face & body products, and everything inbetween. Free delivery offer for Offspring readers Promo Code: olympics Expires September 30

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Offspring | spring 2012 37

FUNNY MUMMY with Ari Chávez

TRICKY BUSINESS Every mother has a few tricks up her sleeve to help stay one step.

here are a lot of tricks to being a mother. The art of appearing enraptured while singing Old McDonald

125 times in a row is one of them. The ability to cook dinner with a child velcro-ed to your hip, while having a phone conversation with your Significant Other about picking up some groceries on the way home, before pirouetting off to feed the dog and then launching into an alternate Techno version of Old McDonald, is another. There are more, of course. Many more. Most of them involve being a multi-tasking miracle that should, quite frankly, be running the entire world - like Barack Obama thinks he’s doing. I have found, through trial and error, that some mothering tricks are more equal than others. It’s a bit like Orwell’s Animal Farm, but with nursery rhymes

And Hairy Maclary and all his buddies. And that Miffy

and nappies. And the Gruffalo. And the Gruffalo’s Child.

character. Anyway. The biggest and best trick that I’ve discovered so far is this. Do. Not. Sit. Down. Ever. If we’re talking Animal Farm, that trick is one of the Pigs. Forget those TV commercials for washing powder, which depict mothers flinging themselves onto pristine sofas clutching a cup of tea and a plate of Tim Tams. In broad daylight. With the sun shining and everything. And no one trying to nick their biscuits. They’re telling dirty great lies, those commercials. Lots of them. Firstly, there’s the immaculate sofa, which is usually

Every child can shine Kumon’s maths and English programmes work to support your child in building confidence while developing a thorough skill-set to foster a love of learning for life.

white. This is a hilariously ambitious porky that only

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To discover how Kumon can support your child’s learning call 1800 458 666 or contact your local Kumon Education Centre. To find out about how you can become a Kumon Instructor please visit: http://www.kumoninstructors.com.au/franchise http://au.kumonglobal.com

38 Offspring | spring 2012

www.junglesports.com.au 9499 1800

people without children would fall for. I may have been

doesn’t have to be a part of this. Slumping will do just

in that group once. Obviously if I knew then what I know

fine. In fact, slumping on a Vegemite-smeared cushion

now, I would have purchased a black sofa made from

can bring into sharp relief the utter tedium of picking up

recycled car tyres with a subtle

500, 000, 000, 000 plastic blocks, and

pattern of greasy hands, vegemite smears, milk splatters and small particles of food. You live and learn. Secondly, there’s the plate of Tim Tams in full view. Every mother knows that biscuits must be consumed quickly and silently, head stuck inside the pantry, while you pretend to be searching for the tinned

putting on the third load of whites

Most of them involve being a multi-tasking miracle that should, quite frankly, be running the entire world - like Barack Obama thinks he’s doing.

and folding sixteen baskets of laundry that you’re then going to have to find space in various corners for. These things are much harder than they look. I do not think Barack Obama could manage them so easily. The solution, of course, is to avoid the sofa until at least 9.00pm, at

tomatoes. This even applies to the

which point you can permit yourself

Milk Arrowroots that were bought in a

a 15 minute slump before crawling

misguided attempt to be healthy. Thirdly, there’s the cup of tea. I suppose it’s a possibility, however it would be from 6.00am the previous morning, and it would be cold. Still. It’s a cup. With tea in it. Don’t look a Gift Horse and all that. Finally, there’s the soft-focus flinging of the mother onto the pristine sofa. In my experience, if you look sideways at

off to bed bed. All fours is okay, heck shimmying along on your belly is also good. I’ve been there myself, a number of times. An even better solution to the 9.00pm sofa slump is to replace your horizontal bed with a vertical one. That way you can sleep standing up, and be ready to rock and roll at 5.00am.

the sofa before 9.00pm you’ve got trouble brewing. If you

A vertical bed? Now that is one hell of a trick.

sit down on it, even for 30 seconds, you’re toast. Flinging

I think I spy a new and more equal Pig.

PINOCCHIO WORLD PREMIERE 15 > 29 September 2012 His Majesty’s Theatre with WASO Tickets $25-$106, BOCS (08) 9484 1133 or waballet.com.au

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Offspring | spring 2012 39

WHAT’S On? Springtime in Perth

Pinocchio by the WA Ballet Showing at His Majesty’s Theatre, with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, tickets cost between $25 and $106. The story of Pinocchio has captivated generations of young people with its moral tale about a little wooden puppet who is naughty, mischievous and daring, and faces many challenges along the road towards becoming human. Book at BOCS (08) 9484 1133 or visit waballet.com.au.

Hairy Maclary & Friends Come visit Hair Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy and his doggy friends at the Regal Theatre this October. Adapted from the much-loved children’s book, Hairy Maclary and the gang will have you in fits of laughter. Contact Ticketek on 1300 795 012 for session times.

Potted Potter Whether you know what a Horcrux is or not, this hilarious adaptation of the seven Harry Potter books will have you roaring with laughter. Running the 2-7 of October at the State Theatre Centre, you can purchase tickets from BOCS Ticketing on 9484 1133.

Walk To School Day Walk to School Day encourages WA children and their families to walk to school by understanding the health, environmental, social, community and economic benefits of regular walking. DATE 24 October. Contact Department of Transport on (08) 6551 6150.

Witches, Wizards & WASO Join WASO at this thrilling, spine-tingling and spooky Halloween Family Concert. Dress up as your favourite scary character and come and hear some of the best known eerie music of all time! 6 –13 year olds. Sunday 28 October, 3pm, Perth Concert Hall. COST From $20 (Transaction fees may apply). Contact waso.com.au.

Ernst & Young presents Symphonic ABBA WASO joins vocal phenomenon, Rajaton performing ABBA Classics - Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, Fernando and many more! Friday 7 & Saturday 8 September. 7.30pm Perth Concert Hall, TICKETS from $50 (Transaction fees may apply). CONTACT waso.com.au.

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The Best of Rodgers & Hammerstein WASO performs music from some of the best loved Broadway musicals – Oklahoma, Carousel, South Pacific, The King and I and The Sound of Music. 2, 4 November, Perth Concert Hall, 7.30pm, cost From $45 (Transaction fees may apply). Contact waso.com.au.

Special Wimpy Kids Prizes!

Go on a quest with the Children’s Adventure Map Explorers hunt for clues along the trail to spell out a secret password. It includes plenty of quirky facts and fun activities to do.Each child who gathers all the clues and presents the completed secret password to the library will receive a small prize. The map can be downloaded from www.subiaco.wa.gov. au, picked up from the Subiaco Library or

The Wimpy Kids are back on the big screen – on summer holiday in DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: DOG DAYS (PG) then perfect school holiday entertainment, in cinemas September 20. Twentieth Century Fox and every Mum’s favourite marker - Sharpie - are offering Offspring readers the chance to win one of five packs including a $50 sharpie product pack and an in-season double pass to see Diary of a Wimpy Kid Dog Days. To view the trailer go to: www.doawk3.com.au

Visit Facebook - Offspring Magazine for your chance to win!

sent out in the post (phone 9237 9216)

West Australian Symphony Orchestra

Fun For The Whole Family ERNST & YOUNG PRESENTS

Date night?

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Join WASO at this spooky Halloween family concert. Dress up as a scary Gimme, Gimme, Gimme the best music of the 70s! Dance your way into character and come and hear some of the best-known eerie music of all time! the Perth Concert Hall for a night of ABBA’s disco classics. Suitable for 6 to 13 year olds.

WASO performs music from some of the best loved Broadway musicals – Oklahoma, Carousel, South Pacific, The King and I and The Sound of Music.

Join an audience of thousands for WASO’s spectacular Symphony in the City event, moving for the first time to Langley Park.

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WIN | Quote OFFSPRING when purchasing tickets to these concerts and go into the draw to win your purchase (up to the value of $250). Winners notified Friday 9 November 2012.

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Offspring | spring 2012 41

New Director heads Telethon

Professor Jonathon Carapetis recently replaced Professor Fiona Stanley as Telethon’s new director

paediatrician with a research passion in infectious diseases

highest quality care. “As a paediatrician I know how

and Aboriginal health is the new

important it is to have that strong

Director of Perth’s Telethon Institute for

connection between practice and

Child Health Research.

research,” he says. “It not only means

Professor Jonathan Carapetis

that we’re working on the basis of the

joined the Institute in July following the

latest evidence, but that what we see

retirement of Founding Director Professor

in clinics can also be fed back to shape

Fiona Stanley at the end

and inform the type of research that’s

of 2011.

undertaken.”

Jonathan and his young family have

The Telethon Institute for Child Health

made the move to Perth from Darwin,

Research was founded in 1990 and has

where he headed the highly-respected

more than 500 staff and postgraduate

Menzies School of Health Research.

students investigating major diseases,

Jonathan says his focus is making sure that researchers and health professionals

disabilities and disorders affecting

Professor Jonathon Ca rapetis and Professor Fiona Stanley

children and families.

work closely together to make sure WA

For more information visit

children and families continue to get the

www.childhealthresearch.org.au

FREE online baby and children’s classifieds website WIN! Buy and sell preloved babies and children’s items, clothing, toys, furniture, books, anything, all in one easy place. Don’t throw it away, make some extra cash or grab yourself a bargain. Bandy is Australia wide, FREE to register and FREE to buy and sell.

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Register to become a member for you chance to win a photo session and digital image package valued at $950 with Kristy Mannix Photography.

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Our internet picks SHOPPING online is fun and convenient. Now there is fantastic range of fashion items and great buys for the family. However, looking for good-quality sites can be overwhelming with such a large number from which to choose. Finding your way around can be daunting! We’ve provided a few good Australian sites, including a couple from WA, which offer a great range of stylish, beautiful and practical items to help point you in the right direction.

www.crochetbambini.com.au

Crochet Bambini offers a beautiful collection of handmade products for newborn to 3 years, designed by a Perth-based WAHM. The range celebrates the traditional craft of crochet, but with a contemporary and unique twist! All products are handmade using 100% natural fibres. • Clothing • Soft Toys • Blankets • Shoes • Bath mitts Visit our online store to experience the full range! Join us on Facebook to receive updates. We display at various Perth markets during the year. Contact: info@crochetbambini.com.au or 0448 892 730.

www.avidiva.com.au

Avidiva is an online baby boutique filled with handmade, eco-friendly and organic baby products. Avidiva offers a wide variety of unique products ranging from organic skin care to bed linen, wraps to BPA free dinnerware and glass bottles. Along with beautiful ranges of bamboo clothing, slings, hammocks, bean chairs, developmental toys and so much more. All products must meet Avidiva’s high quality standards and all items are tried and tested on the most important little people in my life! Befriend us on facebook and subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter at the Avidiva homepage. Contact: 0420 720 930 info@avidiva.com.au

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Little Wooden Toybox sells a delightful range of brightly painted children’s wooden toys, instruments, novelties and educational resources. Lead-free, non-toxic and complies with Australian standards, making them safe and fun for little ones, newborn to 6 years old. See the website for a full list of markets & fetes where you’ll find Little Wooden Toybox. tash@littlewoodentoybox.com 0424958630 E Shed Markets Fremantle, Open every Fri to Sun 9-5pm.

10% off storewide on Fridays at E Shed Market Store $10.00 FREE gift with every online purchase over $30.00 FREE Gift is chosen to complement your order

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INTERNET PICKS

www.funkyelephant.com.au

Bring on the fun & Excitement with Funky Elephant! With Funky Elephants unique and exciting subscription based service, every month your child will receive a box delivered to your doorstep. A “Trunk” full of fun, interesting and themed projects to complete! Watch the kids get creative and learn through craft, activities, imaginative play and fun projects! • Perfect gift idea for kids aged 3-7years! • Convenient - all the materials and instructions included! • Excellent value for money - Trunks full of fun for peanuts! • Monthly delivery direct to your door • Free shipping

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www.skiptomylou.com.au

Skip to my Lou is a Perth-based online boutique stocking some of the coolest clothing and accessories brands from Australia and around the world for babies and children aged 0-6. Brands include Mini Rodini, ESP No.1, Nellystella, Alex & Ant, Coco & Ginger, Dandelion, Sudo, Kiniki, Milky, Mini & Maximus, TANE Organics, Babiators, Milk n Soda & Fabrik contact@skiptomylou.com.au

Express Shipping is $7.95 and free on orders over $150

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Fitness toys for kids that are Fun and Safe Do your kids like to imitate you whilst you train? Well now they can. WOD Kids offers a range toys that are light weight, scaled down versions of CrossFit® exercise equipment. These toys are not intended to be used as actual fitness equipment, the concept is to have children use the toys for fun with the family especially during parents exercise time, where they can playfully participate. WOD Kids also supply kids exercise apparel. Tee’s and baby rompers in bright colours with fun crossfit slogans. info@wodkids.com.au or 0498265889

www.femaleforlife.com.au

Love to keep fit and healthy and want to look feminine and fashionable during your pregnancy? Our gorgeous maternity sportswear and lifestyle range will keep you cool and calm with breathable fabrics that provide support and comfort. We also have a range of sportswear for postnatal and general fitness offering sizing from 6 through to size 24. A family owned business, products are available ONLINE ONLY at www.femaleforlife.com.au. We also offer mates rates, so refer your friends. Use promocode FFL_LOVES_WA for FREE DELIVERY until the end of September.

Offspring | spring 2012 45

Pregnancy & Birth

Real Life

an unexpected

baby shower

By Melanie Hearse

For those of you who experienced long labours, be warned this story may invoke birth envy. When Sarah Laird (31), recently gave birth to her second son, alby, it was all over in a matter of a shower and a couple of pushes. there wasn’t even time for her support crew to arrive.

magine this - you are patiently waiting out the last couple of weeks before baby number two makes its

arrival. Your youngest is happily asleep in his own bed, you’re also in the land of nod. Suddenly, you’re woken in the middle of the night with the kind of cramping that suggests Bubs might be on its way. Sarah Laird (31), mum to boys Luca (3) and Alby (two weeks old), found herself in this situation only weeks

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46 Offspring | spring 2012

for thousands of years and we’ll be doing it for thousands more - the rest of Alby’s birth was a little less ordinary. “On the night Alby was born, I woke up at about 1.30am with some mild cramping,” Sarah recounts. “After trying to ignore it for awhile I got up and went downstairs. At this stage I was thinking these must be the beginning stages of labour but, as anyone who has given birth understands, this can go on for quite awhile. I wasn’t having regular contractions yet and just rested on the couch in front of the heater. I rang my partner Kim (27) at around 2.45am to suggest he come in as this was probably going to be the

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and hopped back in the shower. I told her I was in the

away from the house we were renting in Fremantle for our

shower and I’d had the baby. Of course she was shocked,

baby’s birth.)”

but I think she handled it really well - she stayed calm,

Sarah was under the care of the

told me to make sure Alby and I were

Community Midwifery Program, and following advice from her midwife, spent the next hour or so moving around and using the fit ball. Having already experienced a painful posterior birth with Luca, Sarah was keen to do everything in her power to encourage a strong, straightforward labour. Feeling a stronger contraction at 3.30am, Sarah felt the urge to hop in the shower – it had been a great source of pain relief in her labour with Luca. As she was getting into the shower,

warm enough and that she was on

The contractions were mild, short and very irregular so I didn’t have any reason to feel I was near giving birth, nor was I even sure I was really in labour.

her way. I then called Kim, which was a funny conversation that I barely remember – I told him I was in the shower, had already had Alby, and that we were fine. Then I told him it was a boy and hung up!” Sarah’s voice takes on the dreamy tone of someone enjoying a pleasant memory as she recalls a favourite part of the story. “I wrapped Alby and myself in a towel and went out to the lounge room where I had the

she experienced a stronger contraction

heater on. I sat quietly gazing into

and what felt like her waters breaking.

Alby’s face and contemplating the

While standing under the warm water, Sarah experienced

incredible experience we had both just been through. He

some mild contractions, and knowing Kim was on the way,

began suckling almost immediately and I felt so calm

thought once he arrived they would call the midwives to let

and in control. The first few moments with your child are

them know things had started.

infinitely precious and miraculous and I will never forget

“Suddenly a strong painful contraction surged through

Pregnancy & Birth

day. (He was at our home in Dwellingup, about an hour

mine.

me and I squatted down to work through it. As I rose up I realised I was pushing, and I could actually feel his head moving down! At this moment I realised things were progressing much faster than I had thought. I pushed for a second time and his head was out. I remember thinking ‘OK, I just have to do this’ and knelt down while cradling my baby’s head with my hands. Two more pushes in quick succession and I caught my baby boy in my arms.” Still in shock from what had happened, Sarah knelt in the shower for a moment, then turned Alby over and loosened the umbilical cord from around his tummy. “I remember feeling a moment of extreme relief that he was breathing and appeared healthy and normal. I was holding my new baby boy in my arms and thinking ‘Wow, did that just happen?’” Back to practicalities, Sarah realised her phone was in the lounge room and she had no idea what time he was born, nor did anyone know that she had been remotely close to giving birth. “I put the phone on

NEW! Early Pregnancy Workshop Everything you want to know about early pregnancy! For details of all our services and classes and to book go to www.cmwa.net.au

loud speaker in the middle of the bathroom, rang the midwife Tracey,

Offspring | spring 2012 47

Pregnancy & Birth

After ten minutes had passed, I heard my eldest son calling out to me, so I told him to come into the lounge room. He came halfway down the hallway, and I said ‘Luca, come and meet your brother’. He came into the room and was so delighted to see the baby in my arms. We sat there for another fifteen minutes or so looking at Alby, and then Kim came in.” After Kim had met his new son, and the midwife had arrived and given Alby a clean bill of health, Sarah called her parents to share the kind of news they are unlikely to forget. “Dad answered the phone. I told him I had already had the baby and had given birth in the shower on my own. He just kept saying ‘What? What?’, then he put Mum on.” Sarah says lots of people tell her how amazing she was to cope, but to her, there wasn’t any other way to handle

Photo: hilary adamson

it. She also credits having planned to give birth at home with the relaxed way she reacted when things started to happen so quickly. “Because I was in the place I expected to give birth, I wasn’t panicking that I was still at home. If I’d been planning a hospital birth, I might have focused on being in the wrong place rather than dealing with what was

quite so quickly, or at home, alone in the shower. “I am in

happening.”

awe of what our bodies and minds are capable of and feel

While birth is often an unpredictable experience, Sarah says she never anticipated she would give birth to Alby

48 Offspring | spring 2012

extremely proud that I was able to find the courage and strength that I needed to bring Alby into our lives.”

Quilting compassion By EllEn O’BRIEn

ekong Quilts are made by some of the poorest women

in Vietnam and Cambodia. These are women with husbands, babies, children and elderly parents to care for, but with very little income and

“I will never forget the colours and beauty of the quilts cascading down the wall. I was totally blown away and knew there and then that these quilts were something special,” she says. Since returning home, Roz has become

few employment prospects. Before

a Mekong ‘Sales Angel,’ and helps

quilting, many of them literally had

customers to design their own custom

nothing. They would have to travel miles

quilts or choose something special from

benefits such as marriage and baby

to do back-breaking labour in faraway rice

the Mekong Quilt catalogue.

bonuses, health insurance and

paddies, and leave their children at home.

I really wanted people to know that the

Mekong provides employment

bereavement payments, all of which

quilts are far more than a beautiful creation.

help local families and ensure the

these women have become empowered,

From start to finish and beyond they are

children stay in school.

independent and motivated; they

making such a difference to people’s lives.”

Since Mekong Quilts started in 2001,

are now able to work in a safe and

One Vietnamese woman, Ca, used to sell

comfortable environment with their

fish at the village market, but she now runs a

babies and children around them.

workshop from her own home and employs

Starting at $55 for beautiful, handmade children’s quilts, they are an affordable gift that keeps on giving. To find out more about Mekong

26 other women. Once bare and empty,

Quilts, or choose a colourful, cozy

Greenhills, visited the Mekong Quilt

now her house is filled with colourful bolts of

rug for a loved one, please call

store in Siem Reap, Cambodia, and was

fabric and quilters laughing and chatting as

Roz on 9255 3475 or email her at

enchanted by the idea behind the quilts.

they work.

rozannemyles@hotmail.com

Perth grandmother, Roz Myles, of

The latest technology in car window shades

MuMs without MuMs there are a variety of reasons you could find yourself raising young children without the support or presence of your own mother. The city runs a free fortnightly mums without mums group, which is open to all, regardless of where you live. This is a chance for women in similar situations to support each other, talk about raising children and share their stories. Tea and coffee is provided and Lords crèche is available for $6 a session.

when: Tuesdays fortnightly from 10.30am to 12pm (except during school holidays) Upcoming dates – 11 and 25 September, 23 October, 6 and 20 November, 4 and 18 December

where: Lords Cafe, 3 Price Street, Subiaco For more information, or to attend, please contact the city on 9237 9216 or email natashaa@subiaco.wa.gov.au

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Offspring | spring 2012 49

Pregnancy & Birth

Cycling away from

pregnancy diabetes

WA researchers are studying the effects of exercise on preventing women from developing gestational diabetes.

f you have had a baby in WA, chances are, you had the unpleasant experience of sculling a bottle of overly

By MJ Ong

bring on the dietitian that tells you to choose low GI foods in hope of controlling your blood sugars, but really all you want is that piece of chocolate cake. Let’s not forget those needle pricks you need to give yourself three times a day to track your blood sugar levels

sweetened “flat lemonade”, followed by having your blood

at breakfast, lunch and dinner from the day you are

taken at hourly intervals for two hours, while sitting in the

diagnosed until your baby is born.

clinic feeling your body overload on sugars, a rush to your head, nauseous...as if being pregnant isn’t challenging enough. To make things worse, your blood test might have been positive, meaning you have pregnancy diabetes. From here,

Pregnancy diabetes is a state of high sugar levels in the pregnant woman. It usually results because the body has difficulty responding to a hormone called insulin which normally removes glucose from the bloodstream to allow it

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• 13 wks pregnant or less • Previously had gestational diabetes • Be in Perth up to 28 weeks pregnant

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resistance). Between 5-8 percent of WA women are diagnosed with this condition. Their risk of developing Type Two diabetes later in life is greatly increased, not to mention the complications it may bring to the labour and delivery of their baby and the future health of the child. Women who have pregnancy diabetes are classed as

Women who have pregnancy diabetes are at risk of developing preeclampsia and experiencing complications in labour and delivery of their baby.

Pregnancy & Birth

to be used by the body as fuel (a state described as insulin

having a ‘complicated pregnancy’ due to the risk involved with increased levels of blood sugars in their bodies. Firstly, it increases the risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension

reduce the recurrence of pregnancy diabetes in women who

(pre-eclampsia), which in itself has other complications.

have a history of the condition.

Secondly, their babies could become too big for their

This study is offering volunteer participants a 50 per

gestational age, making labour more difficult, which could

cent chance of receiving $4000 worth of personal training

lead to more medical intervention during delivery.

by an accredited Exercise Physiologist with all equipment

This has motivated WA researchers from the School of Women’s & Infants’ Health, and the School of Sport Science Exercise and Health at The University of Western Australia,

provided, in the comfort of their own homes when they are between 14 to 28 weeks of their pregnancy. The study needs 200 women with a history of

to team together in an attempt to find a way of preventing

pregnancy diabetes to participate. Women who have

the recurrence of pregnancy diabetes.

participated report that they feel fitter, healthier and more

The Cycle Study, an NHMRC/Telethon/Women and Infants Research Foundation-funded project, will test whether a 14-week home-based cycling program during pregnancy can

ready for labour than in previous pregnancies. For more information regarding the Cycle Study, visit www.thecyclestudy.com.au or call 9340 1720.

Ethical Beaut

Handmade products by women we support in Vietnam and Cambodia.

Mekong Quilts

Mekong Quilts are lovingly handcrafted by artisans from rural villages. The quilt you purchase will support many individual projects in the poorest areas of Vietnam and Cambodia. Our quilts are of the highest quality and will provide great comfort and joy. For further information on our products and/or to purchase your quilt, please contact; Roz Myles, ph92553475 or email rozannemyles@hotmail.com

A non-profit organisation

mekong-quilts.org

Offspring | spring 2012 51

ccording to Roger Hart, Professor of Reproductive Medicine and Medical Director

Fertility Specialists of WA, a healthy lifestyle is the number one priority and is the first thing he asks his clients to address. “We need to make sure the woman’s Rubella blood test is up to date, that she has started her folic acid and the couple need to be of optimal health with regular exercise, with no drinking for the woman, and minimum drinking for the male and no smoking. The woman’s weight

Fertile

also needs to be an optimal Body Mass Index (BMI) of between 20 and 25. That’s what I would recommend before they start.” Many people assume that

foundations

with a couple’s infertility the problem is mostly associated with the woman; however, in 40 per cent of couples who experience infertility, the

For one in six couples, trying to conceive a child can be nothing short of an uphill battle. We take at look at some common causes of infertility and some options for improving a couple’s chance of conceiving.

problem rests with the male. Professor Hart recommends that a healthy lifestyle for the male is equally as important. If a male smokes he needs to stop, as a male who smokes gives his child an increased risk of cancer. It takes only 90 days to adopt a new lifestyle to improve the sperm count.” Professor Hart emphasises the importance of weight management

By Sam Whitely

as a crucial factor in the ability to conceive. “We certainly know that sexually transmitted diseases are more common now which can cause issues in fertility. Also, obesity and BMI growth have a significant impact on fertility in terms of trying to conceive spontaneously, the success of fertility treatment, the risk of miscarriage and complications in pregnancy when the woman conceives. (Obesity) is a major factor causing infertility in the population.” Concept Fertility Centre Scientific Director Dr Peter Burton added, “There is now good evidence that male obesity can effect sperm production and quality and has been associated with reduced success with IVF treatment”.

52 Offspring | spring 2012

Treatments

number of chromosomes, a condition termed aneuploidy.”

There are numerous treatments for

THE STATISTICS

“It has been known for some time

infertility and falling pregnant can

that a significant number of human

be a long road for some couples, with

embryos have the wrong number of

ago at first birth was 26, it

fertility clinics also offering counselling

chromosomes.” It is normal for a cell

is now 31.

during this trying time. Initial

to contain 22 pairs of chromosomes

consultations would include a physical

plus the sex chromosomes, either

examination (including medical

XX for females or XY for males.

history), blood tests (to check for levels

“Problems such as reduced embryo

of ovulation), ultrasound scans and/

development or miscarriage can arise

during an IVF cycle is on

or a laparoscopy (an examination of

when the embryo’s cells contain

average around 20 per cent.

reproductive organs). Some woman

too many or too few chromosomes.”

may also require surgery yet some

Many fertility doctors believe this

experiencing infertility, the

may simply just require a boost in

new testing should increase the

problems rest with the male.

ovulation. Everyone is different.

likelihood of an embryo transferred

• Mean age of delivery 20 years

• One in 30 children are now born in Australia as a result of IVF treatment. • The chance of conceiving

• In 40 per cent of couples

during IVF treatment resulting in a

Chromosome screening of embryos in IVF The laboratory at Concept Fertility

successful healthy pregnancy.

A natural approach

Centre has set up a new test called 24sure that enables scientists to

At the IVF Support Centre in

screen developing embryos during IVF

Claremont, Director Andrash

and confirm that the correct number

Bodonyi specialises in the

of all the chromosomes are present in

administration of acupuncture

each embryo. Dr Burton says, “There

for women seeking to fall

is growing evidence suggesting that a

pregnant and his clinic boasts

major factor in the failure to establish

an astonishing success rate.

or maintain a pregnancy is when the

“We don’t understand how

cells in the embryo contain the wrong

acupuncture works exactly,

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Offspring | spring 2012 53

but we know from clinical trials that it

That’s the beauty of acupuncture, it is non-intrusive with a high safety standard.

“Acupuncture is extremely

just does,” says Andrash, who claims

effective. Clinical experience shows

that acupuncture has been shown to

that acupuncture creates hormonal

increase the blood supply to both the

balance and helps with profound

ovaries and uterus.

relaxation which also affects the uterus. We have women with us who have tried everything and we give

Not everyone is suited to surrogacy

them a real chance. That’s the beauty

and it can be a long and difficult

of acupuncture, it is non-intrusive

process, emotionally and financially,”

AGE FACTOR

with a high safety standard. It has

says Dr. Burton.

all the benefits without the risk.”

The process did work for one

• A woman’s chance of

For more information visit www.

couple in April this year however,

ivfsupport.com.au/home.php

when they had their son delivered

experiencing difficulty

after the woman’s sister had

conceiving under the age of 30 is about one in 20.

Surrogacy

carried the baby following in-vitro fertilisation, the first patrons since

• For women aged 30 to 35 According to Concept Fertility Centre

the legalisation of surrogacy in

Scientific Director Peter Burton, the

2009. Since then, the Reproductive

rate increases to about one

biggest limiting factor in surrogacy

Technology Council has approved only

in five.

is trying to find a suitable surrogate.

12 applications. For more information

“People have to be able to fulfil

on surrogacy visit www.rtc.org.au/

criteria and there are strict guidelines.

consumer/surrogacy_wa.html

this increases to one in 10. • For women over 35, this

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54 Offspring | spring 2012

Costs Involved

EGG And SpERm dOnORS nEEdEd

Costs for treatment for fertility treatments will vary hugely depending on what is required. Some clinics will charge an all-inclusive fee while others will quote an out of pocket fee. For the cost of IVF, with health insurance, expect to pay an out of pocket cost between $1000 to $5,000 per treatment. This will also cover any medications used. You will also need a referral from your GP or a gynaecologist/ obstetrician to be eligible for Medicare rebates for your specialist appointments. For more information about IVF fees and the Medicare Safety Net Threshold, visit ivf.com.au/

or some couples and individuals, using donated eggs, sperm or embryos gives them their only chance of having a baby. It is often difficult to approach family and friends to be donors so using an unknown donor is the only option. Unfortunately there is a shortage of egg and sperm donors in Western Australia and there are long waiting lists for access to donated eggs and sperm. Consequently, couples and individuals are looking overseas for donors to help them achieve their dream of starting a family. Sperm and egg donors are urgently required to help reduce the waiting lists and provide the opportunity for people to have a much desired baby. Concept Fertility Centre offers egg, sperm and embryo donation programs

and the centreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experienced staff are on hand to provide guidance and support for both donors and recipients throughout these programs. Egg and sperm donations are a wonderful gift and very much appreciated. All inquiries are confidential and reimbursement is provided. For more information about donor programs call 9382 2388, visit www. conceptfertility.com.au or email concept@conceptfert.com.au

ivf-fees

Your contribution can bring happiness to some couples

SPERM AND EGG DONORS urgently required

You will be reimbursed for your donation All approaches will be kept strictly confidential

Please call Concept Fertility Centre on (08) 9382 2388 to discuss or email concept@conceptfert.com.au or visit www.conceptfertility.com.au

Offspring Offspring || spring spring 2012 2012 55 55

Pretty and Pregnant Start glowing with a visit to the Yummy Mummy Day Spa. Miranda Kerr made it look easy to be pregnant and gorgeous, and feel fabulous. If you have already been there before, then you will know how hard it is to feel amazing when you also feel like a whale. Sadly there was nowhere in Perth to head to for all of your relaxation and beauty needs whilst pregnant. That was until two years ago, when Yummy Mummy Pregnancy Day Spa arrived on the scene. This little sanctuary for mothers and mothers-to-be was created by a pregnant woman (and mum), Amy Mitchell. Everything has been set up to cater for all stages of pregnancy - they even have custom made pregnancy mattresses for you to lie face down on regardless of how far along you are. There is no longer any need to let your toe nails grow until they scratch your partner in bed, or let your bikini line get out of control, or suffer in silence with spots like a

You can find Yummy Mummy Pregnancy Day Spa

teenager during pregnancy. The Yummy Mummy girls love

in Leederville and now in Woodvale! Head to www.

to help ladies get rid of these problems and start feeling a

pregnancydayspa.com.au to see what the latest

little more like Orlando Bloom’s Missus.

great value spa package is or for more details.

Even Super Mums Need Time Out!

Indulge with the

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Soul Mama Foot Soak Vanilla Back, Neck & Shoulder Scrub Soothing Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage Beautiful Age Defying Spa Facial Spa Refreshments in our Chill Out Lounge $50 Gift Voucher to Use on just a Microdermabrasion Treatment

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Maria Henderson, North Perth, Super Mum of Two

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Call 9201 1077

56 Offspring | spring 2012

“That was simply the best facial ever! Thank you to all the girls at Yummy Mummy for making me feel so welcome & relaxed. I will definitely be telling all my mummy friends about you!”

right now to snap yours up so you don’t miss out!

g n i r a p e Pr for baby BY BROOKE EVANS-BUTLER

You’re having a baby! It will not be too long after you get the positive pregnancy test that you realise preparing for the baby involves much more than booking the hospital and choosing a name. Looking through baby stores can sometimes be overwhelming… after all, how much stuff does one little person actually need? Our advice and handy checklists will help you on your way. Car restraint

A car restraint should be bought

◆ The size, age and body type of your vehicle

and correctly installed before you

◆ The number and location of the anchor points in

have your baby as you need it to bring your little bundle home from the hospital! Melita Leeds, Kidsafe WA, says you can choose from two

your vehicle ◆ How frequently you intend to move the restraint from one vehicle to another

main types of child car restraints:

◆ Whether you carry other passengers

◆ An Infant Restraint – Capsule/Carrier: (a rearward

◆ How user-friendly is

facing restraint suitable for babies from birth up to six or twelve months of age.) ◆ A Convertible Child Car Restraint: (suitable to use

the restraint ◆ Does it have good instructions?

rearward facing from birth up to six or twelve months

The Kidsafe WA Child

of age and then converts to a forward facing position

Car Restraint Service offers

to take a child to age four.)

an installation service to

Ms Leeds says when choosing a restraint you need to

ensure your car restraint is

ensure the restraint suits your child, car and individual

fitted correctly. For more

needs. In particular:

information visit www.

◆ Does it meet the Australian Standards?

kidsafewa.com.au

Travel checklist

Car restraint Pram/stroller ● Pram shade cover/ mosquito net/r ain cover ● Baby bag ● Slin g or baby carrier (optional) ● ‘Bab y on Board’ sign ●

●

Offspring | spring 2012 57

TIP

The age

Pram/stroller

gap you

would like to have between children is a consideration if you are investing in a pram/stroller. If you are considering having children close together (or if you are expecting twins),

: When you ying a are looking at bu the shop k as r, lle ro /st pram can test getting assistant if you check if it will to r ca ur it into yo there is no – ot fit into the bo big pram a g yin bu in point and lls be e with all th not ll wi it if les ist wh r! ca ur yo fit into

◆ Do you need storage for shopping? ◆ Are you planning on having children close together? ◆ Do you have twins or do you have a newborn and a toddler?

Cot

double prams are available, otherwise consider a pram that has a toddler attachment

Safety is the most important

consideration when choosing where your baby is going to sleep. Ms Leeds recommends the following to look for

seat or skateboard. Try different models out in store. Push it around, try collapsing it and lifting it (some prams are very heavy). Look at the wheels. If you are an active person, it is best to get a pram/stroller with wheels that are sturdy and will be suitable for long outdoor walks (some prams are more suited to indoor use, such as shopping trips). Things to consider: ◆ Do you want a reversible

when choosing a cot for your baby: ◆ Check your cot has a label showing it complies with the Australian Standard (AS2172). ◆ Spaces between the bars that are 50 to 95mm apart. ◆ A mattress that fits snugly all the way around (no gaps wider than your index finger). ◆ A minimum of 500 mm between the top of the mattress and the top of the cot sides (preferably 600mm). ◆ No knobs or protrusions to snag clothing. ◆ Drop-side mechanism that is secure and easy for an adult

handle so the baby can face

to use but not a child.

towards or away from you?

◆ If the cot has wheels, at

◆ Do you want something you can go walking/

least two have brakes. ◆ The cot should be sturdy,

jogging with, or just to

in good condition and

take to the shops?

regularly maintained.

TIP

: When you are investing in a good quality cot, why not look for one that can grow with your child? Cots that convert into toddler beds are very popular.

Peach stroller, www.icandyworld.com

Baby bag Choose a baby bag that you like the look of – you will be carrying it around with you everywhere! There are options available that rival the most fashionable handbags. Desirable features include: ◆ Insulated pocket for baby bottle ◆ Lots of compartments so you have a place for everything ◆ Fold-out change mat

● ● ● ● ●

◆ A bag that can easily be cleaned is a good choice

● ●

Debra McPherson, owner of Sweet Creations, says a great multifunctional baby bag that can be used for mum and baby is a good choice. She recommends Il Tutto Baby Bags.

●

● ●

Get your baby bag packed before you have the baby (it will be one less thing to do!) Include: Several nappies Nappy bags Wipes Changes of clothes for baby Spit cloth Hand sanitiser for after nappy changes Spare top for you (in case you are the one who ends up a mess!) Nappy rash cream and baby powder (optional) Dummy (optional) Newborn toy

Il tutto bages, www.sweetcreations.com.au 58 Offspring | spring 2012

Incy Interiors, www.sweetcreat

ions.com.au

◆ Think about where the cot will be positioned. Ensure it is away from dangerous items such as heaters and curtain cords. Parents can familiarise themselves with Sids & Kids safe sleeping guidelines: www.sidsandkids.org For more information contact Kidsafe WA www. kidsafewa.com.au or www.productsafety.gov.au

Nursery

A baby can happily sleep in a bassinet

or a cot in the parents’ room, but preparing a nursery is an exciting experience. Furniture: The cot is usually the first piece of furniture parents will think of getting for the nursery, but there are other furniture pieces that will make the nursery both functional and enjoyable to be in.

Nursery checklist

decorating as this will stop you from buying unnecessary accessories that

Bassinet (optio nal) Cot ● Chan ge table (optiona l) ● Nurs ing chair ● Otto man ● Ches t of drawers ● Wall decals, toys, music mobile ●

will clutter or not match your theme or

●

colour,” she says. “Remember to keep it simple – you don’t need to decorate every inch of a room.” There are many wonderful ways to add interest and personal touches to the nursery. Funky Kids owner, Anna Abelha,

Brooke Cain from Atreyu Designs’ Spaces for Dreaming recommends parents

suggests using acrylic letters such as ‘a to

get a nursing chair and ottoman. “Parents getting

z designer letters’ (stocked at Funky Kids)

up for feeding time all through the night (and day) will

to create a personalised feature. “They are a great way to decorate your nursery with

agree that a good place to rest whilst nursing, just a step away from the cot is money well spent,” she says. A change table is not a necessity, but can save your back during the many nappy changes a baby will need. Style: Ms McPherson says the Chevron print and yellow and grey colours are popular and suit boys and girls. “It can be hard choosing your colour/theme for your baby’s nursery but try to decide before you start

TIP: If you want to

your child’s name.”

paint the nursery during your pregnancy, check with your doctor about their recommendations. A good option is to get someone else to paint for you – and ensure paint used is low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Ms Abelha says bunting is also a hot item to dress up the nursery. A well-chosen wall decal can become a feature of a nursery. She suggests the adorable Cocoon Couture Tree Wall sticker (rrp $175 for 1m high and rrp $275 for 2m high). Go to www.cocooncouture.com to see the

options available. Check out: ◆ Funky Kids, www.funkykids.com.au ◆ Spaces for Dreaming, www.spacesfordreaming.com ◆ Sweet Creations, www.sweetcreations.com.au NOTE: Remember to choose good quality linen for your baby. Julie Rosario from local online eco retail store, The Eco Providore, is a big advocate for pure and organic, especially for newborns. “New Mums love our organic muslin baby wraps as the fabric is so soft and safe to use on delicate baby skin,” she says. “The cotton is grown in an environmentally and socially responsible way which also means it’s not only good for bub, but also good for the planet.” www.theecoprovidore.com.au

.au

Wall stickers, www.funkykids.com

Organic linen, www.theecoprovidore.com.au Offspring Offspring || spring spring 2012 2012 59 59

Nappies

Cloth nappy checklist

Disposable or cloth? Your baby

will be in nappies, every day and night, for at least a couple of years, so choosing a nappy is an important decision. Modern cloth nappies (MCNs) are easy care, absorbent and have an increasingly large following. Polly Delany, owner of

Cloth nappies ● Cloth wipes s ● Nappy liner et ● Nappy buck ing detergent sh wa ● Suitable ts or (such as Soap Nu n) ● Rockin Gree for dirty nappies ● Wet/dry bag

●

Superior Posteriors, says modern cloth nappies don’t need soaking and will save a substantial amount of money. “They are no longer the terry squares…they are just as easy to put on as the disposable nappy. Also you don’t put chemicals next to your baby’s skin, and it is a lot nicer for the

othnappies.com.au MCNs, www.bumsupmoderncl

environment.”

For information on MCNs: ◆ Bums Up Modern Cloth Nappies, www.bumsupmodernclothnappies. com.au ◆ Superior posteriors, www. superiorposteriors.com.au

Disposable nappy checklist

Disposable napp ies Wipes ● Odou r neutralising ba gs ● Napp y bin (optional) ●

●

If you choose disposable nappies, a nappy bin is handy (with odour neutralising bags) to store dirty nappies until you can get to the rubbish bin. Babies grow quickly, so it is advisable not to stock up on too many newborn nappies, in case you have a big baby.

Kathryn Card, owner of Bums Up Modern Cloth

There’s nothing

Nappies says the

Baby skin care products

savings of using

baby smell…although the wonderful smells we often

modern cloth

associate babies with are skin care products.

nappies over

like that new

There are no ‘necessities’ when it comes to baby skin

disposables are

care products – some new mums might be told by their

normally above

maternity hospital or clinic nurse to simply bathe their

$5,000 from birth to

baby in water – others may choose to use a body wash,

toilet training.

and others might use barrier creams, lotions and powders.

Ms Delaney says when choosing

When it comes to bathing your

cloth nappies you

Bath time

will generally need

all down to individual preference.

about 20 nappies to start off with, as well as disposable

baby, there are no ‘musts’ – it is

You do not have to buy a baby bath, sometimes the

liners (if baby is formula fed), a nappy bucket (nappies do

laundry trough or bathroom basin is just as easy when a

not need soaking, but dirty nappies are stored in a dry

baby is tiny.

nappy bucket between washes), and a wet bag to carry dirty nappies in. NOTE: MCNs require a number of prewashes to achieve maximum absorbency.

If you do decide to buy a baby bath – multifunctional baths are a great idea (such as a change table that opens up to a baby bath). Look for a bath that has a hose connection for easy emptying (a baby bath filled with water will be very heavy to lift).

Bathtime checklist

Baby bath (optio nal) Bath seats or ba th support aids (note these can be helpful to parents to su pport baby in the bath, but ar e not safety devic es) ● Bath thermometer (it is recommende d that a baby’s ba th water be abou t 37 degrees Celsius – but no te to ALWAYS te st the water yourself before placing baby in th e bath). ● Bath wash (optional) ● Was h cloths ● Towe l ● Safe ty products (for when your baby goes into the family bath) such as a non-slip mat and tap co vers ●

●

60 Offspring | spring 2012

Cot Linen (sheets, 2 x waterproof mattress protec tors (one on th e cot, one in the wash ), baby sleeping bag, blankets and m uslin wraps). ● Nigh t light ● Baby monitor (optiona l) ● Blac k out blind (opt ional) ● Porta ble cot (optiona l) ●

High chair

Baby monitor

Depending on when you are recommended to start your baby

Some parents

on solids, the high chair is a purchase that can come later

choose not to have

down the track. However, when you do go shopping for a

a monitor, but for

high chair, consider:

some it provides

◆ Safety (ensure fingers cannot get trapped, and it has a

added comfort.

proper harness for baby to be strapped in)

Sleeping checklist

●

However, a

◆ Cleanliness – no matter what you do, no matter how

monitor is not a monitor anymore! Features on some

careful you are, one day the highchair WILL get covered

models include:

in food.

◆ A video monitor so you can see your baby

◆ Ensure it is going to be easy to clean the inevitable mess.

Feeding It is difficult to prepare too much for feeding until you know whether breast or bottle feeding is going to be the best option for you and your baby.

◆ Music feature ◆ Movement sensor pads, which sound an alarm if

Several bottles and teats ● Bottl e brush ● Chos en formula ● Form ula dispenser ● Bottl e steriliser (opt ional) ● Bottl e warmer (optio nal) ● Feed ing pillow or we dge (optional) ●

baby movement is not detected.

Night light, www.avidiva.com.au

Breastfeeding checklist

Bottle feeding checklist

without going into their room. ◆ Night light

ty, A few good quali sure you (en as maternity br lly fitted) get professiona ● Breast pads l p (either manua ● Breast pum ) ric ct ele or hand pump for ng cover/wrap ● Breastfeedi mum (optional) w or wedge ● Feeding pillo

●

(optional)

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TIP

Clothing available from www.onelittleduck.com.au

Clothing

: Remember to buy some ba by-sized clothes hanger s. It is something th at is easy to forget, but th ey will come in handy whe n putting away all thos e cute baby clothes!

Minifin Onesie $18.50 Milky Combie Romper $24.95

Milky Owl Romper $24.95

And the Little Dog Laughed Rasberry Stripe Romper $29.95

Did someone say baby clothes? This is such a fun part of preparing for your baby…after all, how could you not smile when you pick up a tiny pair of

Bedhead Legionaire Hat with Strap in Lemon, $22.95

baby socks? It can be very easy to go overboard, and clothes are a popular gift (especially once your loved ones know if you are having a boy or a girl). Alison Plummer,

Clothing checklist

Looking for someone who understands what

s Rompers/onesie at a time to care for? ● Singlets bib chan AMBA understandssie ... AMBA ... ge a r toCares ● Bibs (it is ea tfit) than a whole ou ● Socks l to ional for hospita ● Mittens (opt selves) em th ratching prevent baby sc ● Hat/beanie from to coormtoefindhome For more information abouttmultiples ● Special outfi ents your local club contact AMBA on: ev d for special the hospital an www.amba.org.au ers ● Clothes hang secretary@amba.org.au

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◆ 5 pairs newborn socks

owner of One Little

◆ A jumper

Duck, recommends:

◆ Cotton beanie

◆ 6 singlets, or singlet

◆ A hat (it’s never too early to get

jumpsuits are even

them used to hats; we have some

better as there is less

great ones that are perfect for newborns).

riding up (great to

It is nice to buy something special for baby to wear

wear under things)

home from the hospital. Ms Plummer says if you don’t

◆ 6 short sleeve

know if you are having a boy or a girl, a romper with a

onesies

cute print on it is a good choice.

◆ 6 long sleeve onesies.

Having twins? Be sure to check out www.twinsane.com.au

17/11/11 5:07:43 PM

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62 Offspring | spring 2012

Duo Splash Float – New to the Australian Market, it’s a Double Float Ring, perfect for twins or two children close in age. For use from 6-36 months. Valued at $35 and available from www.twinsane.com.au

Photos: www.kristymannixphoto

graphy.com.au

Keepsakes

All new parents should create some special

keepsakes of their new baby. Beyond the humble photo album, there are various beautiful keepsake options to mark the arrival of a baby (and they make wonderful gifts!). Some options include: ◆ Photography: Although not a ‘necessity’, booking maternity and newborn photography Some newborn photographers to

is a wonderful thing to do. Babies grow much too quickly,

consider: Kristy Mannix Photography, www.

so newborn photographs will

kristymannixphotography.com.au

be a lasting reminder of how

www.hilaryadamsonphotography.com

small they were – they can also be a great idea if you want to use a beautiful photograph

Photography bo oking Photo album ● Belly cast ● Baby record book ● Art supplies to take handprints/foot prints ●

to make birth announcement

Keepsake checklist

●

cards. In demand newborn photographers can be booked out months in advance, so try to book as early as possible. Many photographers prefer sessions to be scheduled before your baby is two weeks old.

◆ Baby record book: Record all the ‘firsts’ and special moments in a baby record book. Look for one with blank pages and lots of room for photographs, hand/foot prints and other special keepsakes. Keep it somewhere accessible in the home (with a pen handy) so you remember to fill it in!

baby blocks

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Newborn to size 7 Free shipping on all orders over $100 Visit our website www.onelittleduck.com.au Contact Ali 0487 145 987 Find us on Facebook

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Offspring | spring 2012 63

◆ Personalised options: Once your baby has arrived, personalised keepsakes

m co nt. pri all sm w. ww

have extra sentimentality, and are also wonderful gifts for new parents and grandparents. Options include fingerprint or engraved jewellery (or mugs, ornaments or glass blocks featuring handprints, footprints or cast feet). Deanne Garrity, owner Smallprint Perth South, says hand-and-footprint pieces are a great newborn keepsake. “We have a new product, a Magic Inkless Print Kit that

Perez, proprietor/owner Evercasting

parents can take into hospital so they can get the prints

Love (Hand & Feet Sculptures). “They are

really early. With the inkless wipes the prints will only

so precious and so small; they will never

come up on the paper, so you won’t get ink everywhere. The

be that small again. This is the amazing

prints can then be made into jewellery.” Ms Garrity says the

thing about these casts, you are capturing these precious

popular Smallprints pure silver fingerprint jewellery is also

moments in time!”

a very popular keepsake, although she says you will get a better detail of your baby’s fingerprint once they are sixteen weeks old. “These keepsakes capture a moment in time

Check out: ◆ Evercasting Love (Hand & Feet Sculptures), www. evercastinglove.com.au

that you never have again. A baby is so tiny and brand new

◆ Glass by Gina, www.glassbygina.com.au

– so catch that moment while you can.”

◆ Little Waves, www.littlewaves.com.au

“I would strongly recommend having their hands and feet casted, especially their little kissable feet,” says Naomi

Spring Workshop Specials Building Brains (parents of newborns to 6 years)

Discusses the importance of early influences on your child’s brain development

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(parents of children 18 months–3 years) Explores readiness, expectations and management strategies for toileting

Positive experiences build brain connections

Book at: www.ngala.com.au/course/parenting-workshops

64 Offspring | spring 2012

◆ Silver Impressions, www.silverimpressions.com.au ◆ Smallprint, www.smallprint.com

The Natural Newborn The Natural Newborn is a hip online store that sells eco-chic and eco-friendly, natural and organic products for mother, baby and child! It all stemmed from a belief that there is a better alternative both for baby and the environment in everything we choose to purchase for our precious new family members. Joanne Ipock, founder and owner, would love to help you reduce the chemicals being used on your baby whilst being kinder to our planet. Take a look on www.thenaturalnewborn.com.au

Join Offspring Magazine Facebook page to WIN great prizes! We have 2 QuickSmart Bundles to give away. QuickSmart Easy Fold Stroller ($229.99) + QuickSmart Easy Fold Stroller Accessory Bundle ($100)+ QuickSmart Travel Cot ($249.95)+ QuickSmart 2 in 1 Booster Seat ($39.95) Win the ultimate Essential Baby Travel Package! Designed to make life easier for busy mums and dads, QuickSmart will help you move seamlessly through life with children.

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The collection of foldable, portable, compact strollers, cots, and booster seats are cleverly created to keep families on the go. From the morning rush of day care drop offs to supermarket shopping, sleepovers with Grandma and overseas adventures, QuickSmart will help keep you on the road with their award winning products. Available from Baby Zone.

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Safe for

swimming

It’s vital that special precautions are taken with children in and around water, and teaching them to swim is a great way to help them be more confident and safer in the water.

s summer draws near and the

beaches, rivers and lakes.

days get warmer and longer,

First and foremost, children under the age of 14 should never be left

These devices can suddenly shift

- an important part of our Western

alone near water - not for a second.

position, lose air or slip out from

Australian lifestyle.

It takes only a split second for a child

underneath children, leaving them in

to fall into a pool, hit their head on

dangerous situations.

Children are drawn to water and they love to play and swim in it.

the edge, or be caught in a rip at

However, water can present a real

the beach, and drown in a matter of

children going into a pool to play

danger to young children. There are

minutes.

with toys. Always keep your pool

important measures that parents and

Children younger than five should

carers need to take to ensure their

always be accompanied by their

children are safe when they are near

parents or carers in the pool. Using

water including swimming pools,

flotation devices and inflatable toys

FOR THE ADULTS

•

cannot replace direct supervision.

children’s minds turn to swimming

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Pay special attention to small

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66 Offspring | spring 2012

for all families. It could very well

lives and parents are increasingly

save their lives one day. Swimming

recognising the importance of their

is also a great activity for building

children learning to swim,” he says.

confidence and developing fitness.

“I recommend all children from five

key things to safeguard children near water: • swim with an adult

years old attend certified swimming

• shut the pool gate

have them taught, from the earliest

classes, or at least learn basic

• wear personal flotation device

possible age.

flotation and life saving techniques in

Teach your children to swim, or

Mary Burgess has been taking her children to VacSwim classes for three

case of accidents.”

(lifejacket) when on watercraft • swim between red and yellow

Parents wanting their children to

years and says they are confident in

attend swimming programs during

the pool.

the October and summer school

flags at the beach • read and obey all safety signs

holidays can enrol in VacSwim - a

swimming centre entry fees), so it is

holidays. Many of their friends attend

Department of Education program

an affordable activity for all families.

the classes and it makes me feel at

available to children five years or

It’s a good way to help keep your

ease that they can swim well.”

older. Programs are provided at more

children safe, active and entertained

than 200 pool and beach venues

during the holidays.

“It is a great activity for the school

The Department of Education’s manager of swimming and water safety, Les Lazarakis, says learning to

Enrolments close on 5 September

throughout WA. Classes are allocated according

for October programs and on 7

swim is an important and essential

to ability and not age so children in

November for December/January

element for all children in WA.

each group are closely matched and

programs.

“Learning how to stay safe in the water from an early age saves

progress well together. VacSwim costs only $1 a day (plus

For more information and to enrol online visit det.wa.edu.au/swimming

Join our team of swimming instructors You’ll enjoy a fun, rewarding job with great benefits. • Part-time hours*. • Great pay – from $25.69 an hour (more depending on your experience). • Friendly, supportive teams who love working with children. • Be part of Western Australia’s most popular swimming programs. * A minimum of four hours is usually available each day. Swimming classes are run during term and the school holidays. You can apply for a position with the Interm Swimming Program for Term 4 and/or VacSwim for the summer holidays. Proudly supported by

There are more than 200 pool and beach venues across the State, so there are many opportunities to join our team. Discover more: T: 9344 0999 W: education.wa.edu.au

Offspring | spring 2012 67

BaBiEs

Early Childhood

BUILDING Resilience

By ROSEMARy REDDON & THE EDUCATION TEAM AT NGALA

developing resiliency in children helps them to develop self esteem and self competence, while also assisting them to be better equipped to deal with challenges later in life.

he family along with wider

their children’s behaviour.

community contributions

Experiencing frustration and failure

Key resilience factors include:

serves as a vehicle for children

repeatedly can undermine a child’s

• High self esteem regardless of the

to feel a sense of belonging and a

confidence, but supporting them

child’s temperament, learning style

sense of worthiness as unique and

through challenging times makes a

and abilities.

competent individuals. Resiliency is

difference to how children deal with

a concept that has been about since

difficulties. It also enables young

the 1970’s, whereby children are able

minds to recognise the learning that

to maintain their sense of self and

can take place in both failures and

recover from the pitfalls of life. Recent

successes. These skills developed

studies highlight the importance of

during childhood are with them

acquired and their level of self

the factors that develop resiliency

for life.

competence.

in children on a community and

Young children’s personal

parenting level, as these are shown to

expectations of their abilities are

make a difference in their health and

often unrealistic, however they are

behaviours as adolescents and adults.

not to be quashed or they might lose

• A perception of personal contribution “I’m helping!” • A sense of control or responsibility “I do my...shoes”. • Understanding of skills they have

• Making connections and learning through exploring, experimenting and relating to others. • Asking questions, even the

motivation to improve. Repetitive

same ones repeatedly, to try to

manages stress, and identifying

stories and questions can be reflected

understand and master their world

the individual’s unique biology,

back to them, such as “How about you

and solve problems.

temperament and personality, is

tell me the story?” or “I wonder how

helpful for parents in understanding

you could find the answer to that?”

Recognising the ways a child

68 Offspring | spring 2012

Parental and family factors include: • Maintaining a sense of being the

not giving empty praises or harsh critiques. • Being spontaneous and curious

authority in the relationship. • Maintaining and communicating consistent standards and

Community factors include:

children.

• Peers’ contribution to social and

• Giving affirmation often that acknowledges the child in real and

boundaries.

specific ways.

• Being flexible, adaptable, thoughtful and receptive to

to incite fascination from your

• Give individual children undivided

moral development through interaction and play. • Community values portrayed in the acceptance and understanding

new information and ideas,

attention to ‘hang out’ with them

children need to feel they belong

and reconsider standards and

in their world where they are the

in the neighbourhood (through the

priority (even for 15 mins a day).

boundaries as context and circumstances demand. Most

• Accept your child for who they

importantly, communicating

are. Stress your child’s strengths.

these changes and reasons to your

Know your children’s differences

children.

and appreciate these rather than to compare and set up competition

• Knowing how to argue (with other

between siblings or peers.

adults in family and with children)

provision of parks etc). • The media’s portrayal of childhood. Are we protecting childhood or exploiting it? • The provision for children to spend money purposefully. • Extended social arenas for children

• Offer feedback and encourage your

to find adults outside of family who

personal limits (eg. No name

child through everyday activities

they can rely on in times of trouble

calling).

(babies tummy time or feeding self,

and provide advocacy for children.

within effective and predictable

toddlers doing puzzles etc).

• Communicating with respect by not interrupting, being honest,

• Help your child understand that

Yamaha Music Education Classes for children aged 3½ to 8½

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Offspring | spring 2012 69

Early Childhood

mistakes happen in the process of

young children’s behaviour provided by

learning. Having a sense of humour

Ngala), that incorporate understanding

about little mistakes helps. • Each member of the family is valued. • Have fun together. • Show empathy through appreciating and validating your child’s position. Children receiving empathy can be given hope that situations can change and improve. This does not mean that inappropriate behaviour is to be ignored. Understanding your

Young children’s personal expectations of their abilities are often unrealistic, however they are not to be quashed or their motivation to help will diminish.

and knowledge of the development of children’s bodies, brains and self regulation from birth, through to toddlers, preschoolers and beyond. The ability for children to be compassionate, creative, responsible, caring and healthy adults is directly influenced through love and kindness they experience as children. Parents are important in fostering hope, strength and optimism in their children. There are many avenues that

child’s brain development, physical

offer support to you as parents, your

capacities and behaviours of varying

families and your children to develop

temperaments means you can implement specific strategies to

less resiliency, less self-esteem and

the skills to cope successfully with

change behaviours in a realistic

less self regulation.

the challenges they face in life, such

and meaningful way. Discipline

How to discipline children

as those offered at Ngala. Please visit www.ngala.com.au for

actually means “to teach” not

appropriately can seem complicated

punish. Discipline that humiliates or

and challenging, however there are

more information on understanding

threatens children actually creates

courses available (such as guiding

and guiding children’s behaviour.

Carramar

$8.50 per class or $76 for 10 entry pass

Entry Prices 1-4 years $5.60 5-12 years $6.60

Entry Prices 1 child per 1 1/2 hr session - $4.50 10 entry x 1 1/2 hr sessions - $40.00

70 Offspring | spring 2012

early Childhood BaBies

Childcare choices

it can be a daunting decision to place your child into care for the first time. The options seem endless and so do the opinions. Claire Armstrong has researched the most common child care options to help make your decision a little easier.

or many of us the thought of placing our young children in someone else’s care is met with anxiety

and sometimes guilt, so you want to ensure you do your research to make the right choice for you and your child. The final decision will rest heavily on your reasons for requiring care, what is available in your area, what you can afford, the days and times you require and your own personal preferences on what is best for your child. Rachelle Tucker, Executive Officer at the Childcare

Things to consider

• What days and hours does my child need care? • Are the times regular or occasional? • Where do I want my child to be cared for? In a home

Association of WA, says long day care is proving the most

or centre environment, close to my work or close to

popular child care choice for parents as it offers a safe and

home?

educational environment for children. She further says

• What sort of care would best suit my child’s

there is “increasing evidence that the early years of life are

personality, interests, cultural or religious

a critical period in which the foundations for competence

background or disability needs?

and coping skills that affect long-term learning, behaviour

• What is the adult-to-child ratio?

and health are established”.

• How much can I afford and what government

“Evidence shows that giving children the best start to life and nurturing them over the early childhood years will have long-term benefits for their future life and learning.” “The Early Years Learning Framework ensures children in all early childhood education and care settings experience quality teaching and learning. It has a specific emphasis on play-based learning and recognises the importance of communication and language, including early literacy and

benefits am I entitled? • Is it important to me that the child care is regulated with certified care givers? • How will my child spend the day? • What happens when the carer or my child has holidays or sick days? • What are my first impressions? Listen to your instincts.

numeracy and social and emotional development.”

Offspring | spring 2012 71

early Childhood BaBies

accommodate shift working parents)

Long day care

Pros: Small numbers in a home environment with most carers monitored and accredited under a community

Cost: $55-120 per day (can be less with government

scheme; government subsidies available.

assistance)

Cons: Alternate arrangements will be needed, often last

Hours: Generally 6:30am – 6:30pm

minute, if the carer is ill or goes on holidays. The carer may

Pros: A licensed and regulated care option that is

not have formal qualifications and will have limited spaces.

reliable and offers social interactions with peers

Nanny

through qualified staff and specifically designed developmental programs; meals are often provided. Cons: Often large numbers of other children; greater

Cost: $15-30 per hour (depending on qualifications

risk of illness and can encounter long waiting lists for

and job description; agency fees may also apply)

places.

Hours: Flexible

Fees will differ between centres, however, most families

Pros: One-on-one care in the family home with some

are eligible for some form of government assistance

willing to do light household chores as well as the

through the Child Care Benefit scheme and Child Care

child’s out of home activities. Nanny sharing between

Rebate. For more information and to apply, visit your

families has become a popular option and reduces cost.

local Centrelink office, go to their new website: www.

No need to travel and less exposure to illness.

humanservices.gov.au

Cons: Usually more expensive than centre-based day care with little ability to claim benefits from the

Family day care

government; hiring requires interviews and generally contractual agreements.

Cost: $4-8 per hour Hours: Flexible (some will care for children overnight to

Au pair Cost: $200-500 per week, plus food and accommodation Hours: Flexible (two days off a week is generally expected) Pros: Live in care that exposes the family to another

Fun and Learning too! “An innovative Australian Program” American acadamy of Pediatrics

culture and language; cheaper than a full time nanny. Cons: Au pairs are usually restricted to six months working with one employer as part of their foreign working visas; they are often young travellers requiring

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transport, accommodation, site seeing opportunities and may not have a career interest in child care.

Occasional care Cost: $6.50-$9 per hour Hours: Generally 8:30-5pm Pros: All the benefits of centre-based care for short periods, usually only for children under school age, on either a regular or irregular basis; provides time for parents to attend appointments, study, casual work, respite or crisis care whilst only paying for the time used; government assistance is generally available. Doesn’t

BabyROO (from 6 weeks) Toddlers (1-3 yrs) Preschoolers (3-4 yrs) School readiness (4-5 yrs)

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72 Offspring | spring 2012

Cons: Due to the irregularity of care it can take extended periods for children to settle at the centre; centres are often small and community based and can often mean difficulty obtaining a place at short notice.

2011/08/12 12:31 PM

early Childhood BaBies

Before and after school care Cost: up to $20 for before and $30 for after school (combined care is usually discounted) Hours: 7am-9am and 2.30pm-6pm Pros: Supervised care with drop off and collection to selected schools for school-aged children, care also includes during school holidays, either in a purpose built facility or as part of a long day care centre; government assistance is generally available. Cons: Often restricted to certain schools and enrolments can depend on transport options available to the centre.

Pre-kindy stimulate cognitive and physical development and social Cost: Ranging from $20-60 per session, depending on

interaction with qualified staff; some minor government

hours attending and run in school terms.

assistance may be available.

Hours: Generally centres have optional one full day

Cons: Often run through community centres or private

9am-2:30pm or two half days of 2.5 hours each day, some

schools with hours and days varying significantly between

centres offer shorter one-day a week classes.

centres; may not be a viable option for all families;

Pros: Gives your child their first taste of a school

children need to have turned three and be toilet trained;

environment; programmed and run specifically to

usually book out very quickly or have waiting lists.

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1800 171 882 www.playgroupwa.com.au

Follow our Blog Scan to find your local Playgroup

Offspring | spring 2012 73

early Childhood BaBies

ElitE ChildCarE SolutionS Family day CarE EduCator in albany winS StatE award Debra goes above and beyond in her role as an Elite Family Day Care Educator to ensure families from the local community have access to flexible child care when they need it most and cares for each of the children in her care as if they were her own. Debra has an International Montessori teaching Diploma, she is passionate about childhoods, play and nature based learning. Children in her care gather loose bits of nature sorting into their baskets and making petal perfumes. They enjoy felting, transient art naturescapes and mostly play outside. All play based activities present opportunities for key learning outcomes. It’s for this reason Debra, a mother of two girls, has been named WA winner in the Family Day Care Australia Educator of the Year Awards. “Family Day Care is more than just child care – you become an extended part of their family, the bonds you form with the children are really special,” Debra says. Debra is one of 14,000 family day care educators providing quality early childhood care to over 112,000 children across Australia. Family Day Care Australia CEO Carla Northam says she is overwhelmed by the heartfelt stories from parents about the incredible service provided by

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74 Offspring | spring 2012

Educators like Debra. “Each of the 2500 Educators nominated holds a special place in the hearts of the families who nominated them,” she says. “There is no greater responsibility than to be entrusted with the care and education of a young child, every nomination reflected the importance to parents of the safe, nurturing and educational environment that is family day care.” “To be named the state winner is recognition of Debra’s dedication to providing quality early childhood education, but also to the wonderful and unique relationship between Educators like Debra and the children in her care.” Some Educators provide overnight and weekend care to families. Police & nurses are always looking out for these options as they return to work. Some Educators decide to concentrate on after school care and vacation care only. All care is in need and appreciated by your community. Educators are in high demand and there are low set up costs. For more information on becoming a home based Educator and turning this stage of your life’s journey and love of children to become your livelihood call 1300 796 399

unique Child Care oFFered at WhitFords Whitfords Occasional Childcare Centre offers a unique child care service. Their educators offer quality care for your child on a casual or permanent basis and provide a child-led program. They offer a flexible booking system where you only pay for what you use which is popular with FIFO families and relief workers and you may be eligible for the Child Care Benefit or Rebate towards your fees. Whitfords Occasional Childcare Centre can accommodate bookings if you require care whilst you attend meetings, appointments or would like to complete tasks such as shopping or even a quiet cup of coffee!

Give your child a Bright Beginning to their education by enrolling them in pre-kindergarten, now available in Claremont. Bright Beginnings Freshwater Bay offers an outstanding learning program created by a team of caring, dedicated teachers who have a passion for early childhood education. Brooke McAuliffe, Director and award winning educator, established the centre with the aim of fostering creativity, imagination, friendships and a love for learning. Each childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s achievements are celebrated and individual needs are catered for. The learning environment is beautiful and encourages play, experimentation, exploration and fun. Learning experiences are designed to develop important skills in literacy and numeracy, creativity, socialisation and to promote independence. For more information please email brightbeginningsfreshwaterbay@ gmail.com

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Offspring | spring 2012 75

food & nutrition

SNACK

time

BY KATE BULLEN

Children and snacking go hand in hand, and there is a good reason for this explains Kate Bullen, but selecting nutritious snacks over ‘junk food’ options is paramount.

nacks are a great way to keep the energy levels of children up and to stop them becoming tired and

lethargic – otherwise known as the four o’clock slump. However, while children have small stomachs, and need a regular source of food or ‘fuel’ to keep them going, the secret is to make sure children have nutritious snacks that help their bodies grow and develop. There are many healthy and tasty snacks that you can buy from the supermarket, but even I become a bit confused and overwhelmed by the number of snack foods that are available to buy. Many of the snacks marketed directly to children are covered in well-known fictional characters such as Dora or The Wiggles. My six year old daughter has been known to almost launch herself out of the shopping trolley to grab a snack with a Dora hiding what was otherwise a lolly snack (albeit made from ‘real fruit juice’ and with ‘no artificial

Fruit Smoothie Recipe 1 cup milk 1 frozen banana, sliced ½ cup frozen berries 1 teaspoon vanilla essence Place all ingredients in blender/food processor and blend until smooth.

colours’). When choosing packaged snacks from the supermarket, I often advise to look at the nutrition information panel and the ingredient list to decide if the food is a good choice or if the food should just be a ‘sometimes’ or special treat snack. There are a couple of great free apps called FoodSwitch or Food Tracker that you might like to download and use to help you interpret the nutrition information panel.

Give your child the ultimate lifetime gift. Make positive changes while they sleep tonight. It takes less than 5 minutes. “I have used the technique of SleepTalk™ over the past 14 years. SleepTalk™ is a safe effective and a very valuable process. I have found it useful in my clinical practice and recommend it highly.” – Dr. Eileen Feeney Registered MD and Psychiatrist The Sleeptalk™ program gives parents the tools to be able to assist their children to overcome challenges as they arise. For just 3-5 mins a night you can empower your child to be self-confident and have a positive self-image for the rest of their lives.

To find out more call Di 1300 349 378 visit www.diwestmindcoach.com

76 Offspring | spring 2012

(salt). It is these three components of snack foods that I think determine if the snack food should be a regular snack or just kept as a special, occasional snack.

High sugar snacks – I immediately think of drinks when it comes to high sugar snacks. Cordial, juices and soft

Easy, healthy and tasty snacks: ❏ ❏

capsicum, celery)

of snacks easily fill up children’s little tummies leaving little

with dip or peanut

room for vegetables, fruit and other healthy food that might milk as the best drinks and to limit sweetened drinks to

❏ ❏

These foods are often also high in fat and even sodium. Some snack foods are now manufactured to be lower in fat (for example, sweetened yoghurt) and in place of this fat, sugar has been added. This doesn’t mean you should avoid yoghurt as a snack – just choose wisely (by using the nutrition information panel and the ingredient list).

High fat snacks – chips, Twisties, chocolate, biscuits and

❏ ❏ ❏

❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏

Cheese Yoghurt Cooked pasta Soup Wholegrain cereal

paste

such as Weetbix,

Roast vegetables

oats or mini wheats

Baked beans or tinned spaghetti

special occasions. Other high sugar snacks will jump out at you in the biscuit and muesli bar aisle of the supermarket.

Chopped vegetables (carrot, cucumber,

drinks are very high in sugar and not much else. These types

be offered at their next meal. I suggest plain water or plain

Fruit

❏ ❏

Toasted sandwich Trail mix = air

Boiled egg

popped corn +

Fruit toast

pretzels + nuts/ seeds + dried fruit

Wholemeal English muffins – add some

❏

cheese, pineapple & tomato and you have an instant mini

food & NUTRITIoN Primary years

Packaged snack foods can be high in sugar, fat and sodium

Hommus on toast or crackers

❏

Homemade smoothie

pizza

pastry items such as doughnuts are all high fat snack

options. Some fat is always needed in our diet, but too much fat – particularly fat in processed and packaged food – can be unhealthy. Does this mean children can never have chips? No, but keep it to less than once a week – any more often and it is no longer an ‘occasional treat’.

High sodium snacks – sodium or salt is often added to make the food taste better. Don’t be fooled by this. The

reason we worry about high sodium or high salt in food is because it can lead to high blood pressure. And while in years gone by this wouldn’t have been a big concern for children, we are now seeing more children who have high blood pressure – which is a concern for their current and future health.

Offspring | spring 2012 77

food & nutrition

So what is the answer to the snacking dilemma? The answer lies in getting the balance right. Snacks should ideally be wholefoods – think fruit, vegetables, soups, cheese and crackers, toast, yoghurt, boiled eggs, or air popped corn. I often do a quick mental check of what foods my children haven’t eaten that day and then offer those foods as a snack. Sometimes this means my children often seem to be eating mini meals as their snacks – half a vegemite sandwich, avocado and tomato on crackers, or some leftover pasta. Having easy snacks in the freezer, such as homemade muffins, fruit toast or small tubs of fruit or baked beans in the cupboard means that you can have snacks that are quick and easy and on hand. If you are worried that you are relying too much on highly processed snacks, then think about choosing a couple of healthier snacks every week – that way it won’t be overwhelming for you

Kate Bullen is an Accredited Practising Dietitian and

or your children. Every healthier change that you make is

Mum to a five year old and 2 year old. More information

improving the future health for you and your family.

can be found at www.dietitianonline.com.au

WAKE UP YOUR KIDS! Find the balance between homework and play and switch them back on with a term kids programme.

Learn to Swim • Kids Gym • Breaking (dance) Junior Soccer and Basketball Clinics• Fit Club Kids Triathalon Training Course

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Offspring | spring 2012 78

TRAVEL

Spring break By Jennifer Black

When you have decided where you’d like to stay, you

elcome to spring and the endless travel options within Australia and overseas. Spring offers the

deal directly with the person you wish to swap with,

best weather for young families to travel, so be inspired to

organising and agreeing on dates and conditions. You can

start packing! I am delighted to share with you ways you

also swap as many times as you like for as long as you like! House swapping is, however, not for everyone. You have

can holiday and not pay for accommodation – that’s right, free accommodation! When the school term ends, the prices of family

to make sure that your home and garden are clean and in order, put away your treasured items (breakages can

getaways soar by an average 50 per cent - house swapping

happen), and be comfortable with having strangers in your

may be the solution and it is just a ‘click’ away. If it’s

home. That said, if you can accept these conditions, the

an easier trip you are planning for the October school

massive cost savings far outweigh any negatives.

holidays I have detailed some information on farm stays, or taking a trip up to the Goldfields. Both affordable, close

❖ Where to start:

and heaps of fun.

www.homeforexchange.com

HOUSE SWAPPING – Domestic and International!

www.houseswapholidays.com.au www.aussiehomeswap.com.au www.homeexchange.com/Australia

House Swapping has been around for more than 30 years but surprisingly the vast majority of people are not aware of its popularity. A holiday to France or Spain can be expensive, but not if you only need the airfares.

travel

Similarly, a week on the Goldcoast sounds fantastic but

explore. experience. enjoy.

costly, especially if you stay in a four bedroom house with a swimming pool. Just imagine how much you would save if you didn’t have to pay for either of them! All you have to do is exchange them for your own home - it is that easy!

❖ How it works: Register online, for a small annual fee, then register your house, upload photos and write a bio on your family and detail the benefits your home has to offer a family.

• • • • • • • •

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Offspring | spring 2012 79

TRAVEL

SPRING IN WA! ❖ Farm Stays Self-catering, child friendly holiday cottages and cabins with a range of facilities are plentiful in WA. Many offer games rooms, playgrounds, barbecue areas and, of course, the opportunity for the kids to interact with farm animals. The kids can hunt for eggs for breakfast, feed the lambs and watch the cows being milked - and that’s before lunch! It’s a relaxing fun-filled, outdoor family holiday. • You don’t have to travel too far from Perth as there are several in the Swan Valley and surrounding areas. • Lavendale Farm Stay in York is great for those with school aged kids as they have a playground, games room (which includes Football and table tennis) and a very good range of bigger animals like horses, ponies, donkeys, alpacas and cows. • Kirrup Cabins, Donnybrook - home to the biggest playground in WA offer cabins/cottages and a great farm experience for kids. • Escape with a couple of families, you can share the costs of a 3 bedroom cottage or enjoy your own cabin. • Head north of a Perth for a ‘Station Stay’ in the outback - ‘city slicker kids’ will have an experience that will stay with them forever.

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TO O

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Footprints Preston Beach is perfect for your next family getaway Choose from either our beach shacks or double storey townhouses – both self contained giving you everything you need for a holiday! Footprints Preston Beach also features: • Outdoor heated swimming pool • Fully licensed cafe and bar • Games area • Function rooms • Free parking • 400 metres to Preston Beach

Book your getaway now! Contact reservations on (08) 9739 1111 or email info@footprintsprestonbeach.com.au

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Book now and receive a complimentary 12pm late checkout exclusive to Offspring Readers 56 Mitchell Rd, Preston Beach WA 6215 www.footprintsprestonbeach.com.au

TRAVEL

❖ Kalgoorlie This bustling mining town is at the heart of WA’s rich Gold heritage and it is only an hour’s flight or a day’s drive away. Stopping in Merredin or Southern Cross over night makes the journey more pleasurable and interesting for families. Once you arrive, both Kalgoorlie and Boulder are packed with grand old buildings and tourist attractions. • Boulder Market Day is the 3rd Sunday of every month. The famous Burt Street, in the heart of Boulder, comes alive with a variety of market stalls, food and entertainment. The very popular one hour mining Super Pit tours run at 9:00am,10:00am,11:00am & 12:00pm and depart from the Super Pit Shop. • Visit the Australian Prospectors and Miners Hall of Fame - a historic precinct with prospector’s campsite and heritage buildings. • Check out the Flying Doctor’s Visitor Centre and

learn about the workings of a mine.

galleries featuring Aboriginal and Goldfields art for a

There are caravan parks and campsites as well as some

memorable souvenir.

really nice hotels and motels.

• Visit ghost towns, go gold panning and learn about Aboriginal culture.

TIP: Spring is the best time to visit as the temperatures can

• Cool off in WA’s largest indoor pool in Johnson Street.

start to soar by mid-November.

• Take the children down ‘Kalgoorlie’s mine shaft’ and

www.discoverwestholidays.com.au

Offspring | spring 2012 81

TRAVEL

Editor’s Review

The Hard Rock Hotel Bali By Kate DuracK

e were holidaying in Bali recently during Nyepi, the most sacred event on the Balinese calendar,

which was an interesting experience as everything shuts down. Everything includes every shop, every bar, every restaurant and (nearly) every hotel. The electricity is shut off, ATM’s don’t work, Bali becomes a ghost town and the beach is deserted. No one is allowed out on the streets.

Also catering to the kids was

There is silence and no lights. Blackout. That is, unless

the Lil’ Rock Kids Club with fun

you’re fortunate enough to be checked into somewhere

daily activities like rock climbing,

like The Hard Rock Hotel Bali, which is one of the few

cooking and dancing at the beach

hotels in Bali that are licensed to operate during Nyepi.

parties. They had a fabulous club for teenagers too, with

Consequently, the Hard Rock Hotel was pumping with families when we were there and we were fortunate to

pool tables, computers, a disco and a cinema. The hotel is home to the island’s largest free form

stay in one of their popular Kids Suites. These are just

swimming pool, complete with waterslides, a water

ideal for families, with three rooms, two bathrooms and a

playground and daily kids activities. It even boasts its own

massive 64 square metre floor space to spread out.

Sand Island! They have snazzy poolside cabanas, furnished

The Hard Rock Hotel Bali has thought of everything for

with tables, chairs and day beds, to keep your belongings,

families and children - the kids’ bedroom was magnificent

enjoy food and drinks ordered from the restaurant and

- bunk beds, board games, books, a flat screen TV, Play

shelter your family for the day.

Station 3, bean bag, bucket and spade sets for the beach

And for those who prefer the traditional western fare,

and even their own sets of kiddy robes. They also had their

this hotel will suit you well as classic American food

own bathroom which included fun accessories such as

dominates the menu; while McDonalds and KFC are a skip

kiddy towels and rubber ducks.

down the road.

A lounge area separated the children’s bedroom from

The Hard Rock Hotel is beachfront in Kuta and a short

ours; this featured a huge couch (that can be used as two

stroll to the Matahari shopping centre, big brand shops

day beds), dining table and chairs, a fridge and big TV.

such as Rip Curl and Billabong, and beachfront restaurants,

The parents large bedroom included our own TV, balcony and en suite, complete with a bath. The

including the iconic Hard Rock Café. The Hard Rock Hotel Bali is a great pick for those

comfortable king size bed was luxurious and I tried to buy

wanting to keep the kids entertained and who don’t like to

the pillows from the hotel as they were amazing!

stray too far from the action and western comforts.

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Offspring | spring 2012 83

calendar of events 11 & 28 September (23 Oct; 6 & 20 NOv; 4 & 18 Dec) MuMs without MuMs Fortnightly session run on Tuesdays (term time) for women who are raising young children without their own mother (for whatever reason). A chance to bond, support each other and share stories. Crèche available. • COST: Free • TIME: 10.3am – 12pm • VENUE: Lords Cafe, 3 Price Street, Subiaco • CONTACT: Natasha Annan, 9237 9216 or natashaa@subiaco.wa.gov.au

SuNDay 16 September BIBrA LAkE FUN rUN Bibra Lake Fun Run is on again. Register via our online registration from August, visit www.cockburn.wa.gov.au for more information or call the number above. • COST: Free • TIME: 9.30am • VENUE: Cnr of Gwilliam and Progress Drives, Bibra Lake • CONTACT: 9411 3444

9, 23 September, 7, 13, 21 OctOber SprINg FAMILy BUShwALkS The Spring Bushwalks program includes trails ranging in length from 2.5km to 6km. Some are one-way and a shuttle bus is provided to take walkers back to their cars. • COST: FREE • TIME: Various • VENUE: City of Armadale • CONTACT: Armadale Arena, 9399 0840. Registrations are essential for each walk.

SuNDay 23 September 2012 TrEk ThE TrAIL Join Shire of Mundaring’s annual premier walking and cycling event along 6.5km or 12km of Railway Reserves Heritage Trail from Wooroloo to Chidlow whilst enjoying art, entertainment, local history, activities and the physical challenge amongst the natural beauty of one of the State’s Top Trails. • COST: Free • TIME: 9.30am • VENUE: Railway Reserves Heritage Trail – Wooroloo to Chidlow. Parking at Chidlow Village Green, with free transport to the Wooroloo starting point • CONTACT: Shire of Mundaring, 08 9290 6666, events@mundaring.wa.gov.au www.trekthetrail.com.au

SuNDay 30th September

from their woodfired oven and have their photographic skills on display at the Photographic Art Exhibition, alongside the Pally Pop Shop art/craft stalls and the farm direct produce of the weekly Farmers Market. • COST: Free • TIME: 9.30am - 11.30am • VENUE: Palmyra Primary School, 60 McKimmie Rd, Palmyra • CONTACT: Lisa O’Malley 0433 433 077

WeDNeSDay 24 OctOber TEddy BEArS pICNIC Come along to the annual Teddy Bears Picnic for all your favourite treats, exhibits and entertainment and it’s all FREE! • COST: FREE • TIME: 10am – 1pm • VENUE: Manning Park Azelia Rd. Hamilton Hill • CONTACT: 9411 3444

SuNDay 28 OctOber COCkBUrN rOTAry SprINg FAIr Enjoy the atmosphere of Spring at the City’s Fair. Lots of interesting exhibits and stalls, live entertainment and rides! • COST: FREE • TIME: 11am – 8pm • VENUE: Manning Park Azelia Rd. Hamilton Hill • CONTACT: 9411 3444

21 OctOber MOrETON BAy FIg FESTIVAL The Moreton Bay Fig Festival is a day of fun, entertainment and adventure for the entire family to enjoy. Things to see and do include rides, displays, arts and crafts, sports, performers and games. • COST: Free • TIME: 12pm – 4pm • VENUE: John McMillan Park, Kent Street, East Victoria Park • CONTACT: 9311 8114

SuNDay 28 OctOber wEST COAST EArLy yEArS grOUp TOddLEr pLAy dAy Exciting morning of activities for pre-school aged children and their families to celebrate National Children’s Week. • COST: Free • TIME: 9.30am • VENUE: Jolimont Primary School, 657 Hay Street, Jolimont • CONTACT: Natasha Annan, 9237 9216 or natashaa@subiaco.wa.gov.au

28 OctOber – 11 NOvember

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The Festival will include some major events such as the 64th Blessing of the Fleet, the inaugural Seafood Festival, Children’s Fiesta, Norfolk Lanes, Wardarnji, Coffee Festival, Black Box Theatre, Town Hall and the Street Parade.

• COST: FREE entry & FREE parking • TIME: 10am – 3pm • VENUE: Prendiville Catholic College, Ocean Reef • CONTACT: marketgirl.info@gmail.com

SuNDay 30 September pALLy pATCh SprINg OpENINg Palmyra Primary School opens its kitchen garden, the ‘Pally Patch’ to the community. Students will sell delicious pizza

84 Offspring | spring 2012

• COST: Most events are free but some may have a cost • TIME: Various • VENUE: Throughout Fremantle • CONTACT: City of Fremantle – (08) 9432 99990 www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/ festivals/Fremantle_Festival

SuNDay 18 NOvember hIghLANd gAThErINg A celebration of all things Celtic- expect to see Highland Dancing, Pipe Bands, Blessing of the Haggis, Celtic music, a medieval fair and bar. • COST: Free • TIME: 11am – 5pm • VENUE: Minnawarra Park • CONTACT: 9399 0642 – City of Armadale

Directory TM

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My Baby Bundle Baby Goods, Toys and Beauty Products

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Offspring | spring 2012 85

Directory Indy J’s unique sterling silver designs each have a story of their own and are sourced from all corners of the globe. Available online or host a party for great rewards!

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phone: 08 9499 1291

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Important information for expecting parents

Family* Cord Blood Banking

“Family Cord Blood Banking” means your baby’s cord blood stem cells can be stored to treat themselves and other compatible family members.

with Cryosite, Australia’s leading Cord Blood Bank

Now is the time to decide who should store your baby’s cord blood stem cells Cord Blood is the blood that remains in the placenta and umbilical cord following birth. It contains stem cells that are currently used to treat diseases of the blood and to restore the blood system after treatment for specific cancers(1,2). The future potential uses of cord blood stem cells to experimentally treat diseases such as cerebral palsy and brain injury are currently the subject of much international research and human clinical trials(3).

Cryosite pioneered private autologous(4) cord blood stem cell banking in Australia in 2002(5.6) and since 2011 Cryosite has been licensed to provide a Family Cord Blood Banking service for Australian families(7).

Collection of cord blood is quick, safe and painless.

Since 2002 Cryosite’s scientists have banked cord blood for thousands of Australian children in our own TGA licensed laboratories(8). With over a decade’s experience in cord blood banking, Cryosite continues to provide the scientific expertise and financial stability(9) essential to confidently store your child’s stem cells for your family’s future use.

“Family Cord Blood Banking”, means your child’s cord blood stem cells can be stored and used to treat themselves and other compatible family members. This represents a significant new era in private cord blood banking in Australia and greatly extends the potential uses for your child’s cord blood.

For more information on Cryosite or Family Cord Blood Banking, please visit our website at www.cordblood.cryosite.com or talk to our friendly experts on 1800 220 410.

You only have one chance to save your baby’s stem cells - at the time of their birth. The cord blood will otherwise be discarded.

Australia’s Family Cord Blood Bank Download a comprehensive brochure from our website.

1800 220 410

References: 1. Broxmeyer H.E. Cord blood hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The Stem Cell Book (2011), Harvard Stem Cell Institute. www.stembook.org 2. New York Bood Centre (2011) www.nationalcordbloodprogram.org/qa/ what_is_treated 3. Harris D.T. Non-haematological uses of cord blood stem cells. British Journal of Haematology, 2009; (147): 177-184. 4. “Autologous” means your child’s cord blood can only be used to treat themselves. Family banking (also called “direct allogeneic”) means your child’s cord blood can also be used to treat other compatible family members. 5. Cryosite established Australia’s first private cord blood bank in 2002. 6. Cryosite was the first cord blood bank in Australia to achieve a TGA licence. 7. Cryosite’s regulatory licenses have been extended to include release of cord blood for family members (April 2011). 8. Cryosite’s cord blood laboratories are fully licensed by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (Lic No MI-18072008-LI-002488-11). 9. Cryosite is Australia’s only publically listed private Cord Blood Bank (ASX code “CTE”).

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