Pregnancy BUMP&baby issue 11

ISSUE 11

“For me, it’s precious.”

Laura McGoldrick, CordBank mum.

Saving your baby’s cord blood could save your baby’s life.

It takes just a few minutes to collect umbilical cord blood from your newborn baby. Saving the stem cells from this blood can give your child the chance to recover from many serious illnesses and conditions. When you have cord blood collected, processed and stored with CordBank in New Zealand, you have direct access to it for medical use when your child needs it – now and into adulthood.

To learn more about the lifesaving value of cord blood stem cells and what you need to do to save your baby’s cord blood, go to cordbank.co.nz or phone 0800 CORDBANK.

cordbank.co.nz

Ever y Stage Canyon • 10 years of use • EasyClick technology • Custom cradle fit • Integrated steel frame • Infinite slide harness • Side–impact protection • Rollover tested • Adjustable headrest • Plush harness covers • Bubble recline • Up–front adjust • Dual, removable cup holders • Machine washable Purchase from Baby On The Move

Symphony Paramount The Evenflo Symphony Elite All-in-1 Convertible Car Seat now offers parents superior e3 Side Impact protection to keep your child safe alongside features that help make installation as easy as possible. This all-in-one car seat accommodates children ranging from 5 to 110 lbs with the most innovation and value on the market. Symphony DLX provides exclusive safety features like SureLATCH technology; you simply click, click, push for a super-fast and super-snug installation in less than 60 seconds!

Purchase from Farmers

Tr i u m p h C h a r l e s t o n The Triumph LX provides parents with the convenience of a convertible seat at great value.

Adorned with soft, cosy fabrics, a removable head pillow, and featuring: • Infinite Slide™ Harness easily slides for an accurate fit every time. No reworking the harness as child grows!

• Tension Right™ side knobs for one-hand harness tightening • Up-Front Adjust multi-position recline for your child’s comfort while asleep or awake Purchase from Farmers

farmers.co.nz

babyonthemove.co.nz

Prepare your home.

Protect your whānau.

Did you know that a baby-proofed home is also a home that’s likely to be safer in a natural disaster, like an earthquake?

Every little step you take today could make a big difference later on, plus you don’t need building skills to get started - there’s a lot you can do right now.

Everything you need to check, fasten and fix is in the free downloadable brochure at eqc.govt.nz/prepare After all, a safer home means a safer family.

contents

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Conception & Pregnancy 24 5 THINGS NOT TO SAY TO SOMEONE WITH INFERTILIT Y Take note

26 HOW TO BOOST YOUR NUTRITION BEFORE PREGNANCY Eating ready to conceive

30 GO GINGERLY

Quick fix 8 KIA ORA

A few words from our editor

10 MY PREGNANCY JOURNEY Behind the scenes of our cover shoot

12 SUBSCRIBE & WIN

Our special subscriber offer for you

14 JUST BUMPED INTO…

New and noteworthy gear, research, and info

20 BUMP&BABY MALL

Have you seen our online shop?

We deliver everything except the baby!

124 BUMPER SHOPPING GUIDE Ideas for the new arrival

126 INSTA ENV Y

44

Got morning sickness?

Try these

32 COSMETIC PROCEDURES DURING PREGNANCY: WHAT’S SAFE? No, you can’t get Botox

43 HOW BIG IS MY BABY?

A non-food guide to bump size

44 BEAT THE HEAT Survive your summer pregnancy

52

get in my belly

46 NUTRIENTS FOR A HEALTHY BIRTH AND POSTPARTUM

What should you eat when you’re pregnant?

60 GETTING THE MOST FROM ANTENATAL CL A SSES

They’re not just about the coffee group

Love your life 36 SHOW US YOUR BUMP

Winners of our beautiful bump photo comp

52 EAT YOUR PL ANTS

Delicious plant-based recipes from Chelsea Winter

74 BLUSH & BA SHFUL

Hospital bag must-haves

100 WHAT WE’RE READING

Books for parents and parents-to-be

Nursery inspo Pregnancy BUMP & baby

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84

Birth & newborn 64 I’LL BE THERE FOR YOU

Do you want to hire a doula?

68 PRECIOUS MOMENTS

Amazing birth photos from real Kiwi mums

76 HAPŪ, WHĀNAU, WHENUA Traditional Māori birth rites

80 YOUR POSTBABY BODY

What to expect after you’re expecting

84 WHERE’S THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL?

90 WHAT CAN THOSE LITTLE EARS HEAR?

Noise exposure in utero and after birth

96 7 NURTURING THERAPIES FOR BABIES

Alternatives and options for common issues

116 BEST PL ANTS FOR BABY’S NURSERY

Go green (with caution) in baby’s room

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Pregnancy BUMP & baby

First six months

Bringing your baby home

89 SLEEP SOFTLY

Send your little one to slumber

116

102 BREA STFEEDING AND WORKING

Get the job done

110 MY LITTLE NURSING CORNER

Set up your own comfortable haven

amazing

births

80 112 YOUR ULTIMATE BABYPROOFING GUIDE Keeping your little one safe

118 SWADDLE THROUGH TO SLEEPING BAG

Advice from the Baby Whisperer

123 BABY’S FIRST BOOKS Raise a tiny reader right from the start

NATURAL & GENTLE

OR GREATER

We believe natural is best for your beautiful baby.

With premium certified New Zealand Manuka Honey, the Honey Babe range from Wild Ferns contains at least 95% natural ingredients to gently soothe you and your precious little one.

made in new zealand

Wild Ferns Skincare by Parrs,

a New Zealand family business since 1951 www.wildferns.co.nz

*Beauty Shortlist Editor’s Choice Award Winner - Honey Babe Room Spray. Beauty Review Top Rated Products - Honey Babe Barrier Crème and Room Spray.

kia ora

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PREGNANCY

When I was pregnant with my first child, I was working for a major New Zealand publishing company located in an office building in the centre of Auckland. Like many pregnant women who work outside the home, I wanted to make plans for what would happen with my job once I returned from parental leave. One of the things I was most curious about was the facilities available at the office for breastfeeding mums – either being able to breastfeed my baby there, or being able to pump milk and store it to take home to my baby. So I did the sensible thing and emailed the HR department.

A somewhat perplexed HR rep replied, telling me that there was currently no area set aside for breastfeeding mums in our very large, multi-level office building. Thankfully, he didn’t suggest I pump milk or feed my baby in the toilet. He said he’d see what he could do, and he’d get back to me.

A few weeks later, the HR rep got in touch to say he’d located a room that could be repurposed, and invited me to take a look.

I waddled to the lift, which took me from the fourth floor where I worked down to the basement level, and met the HR rep, who escorted me through grey-painted, dingy hallways until we came to a door marked with a faded, ripped sticker reading “first-aid room”. It wasn’t a first-aid room any longer – I’m sure my employer was counting on the rampant alcoholism among journalists of the time to serve as self-medication and therefore require them to provide nothing more substantial than a pack of plasters – and as he flipped the switch inside, he asked, “Will this do?”

The room was grey-painted, like the hallways, and contained a single metal folding chair. The ceiling light was one of those old-school fluoro tubes that flickered as it came on, then annoyed the ear with a low-level hum until it was switched off again. There were no electrical outlets to plug a breast pump into, nor was there a fridge, let alone a comfortable sofa and soft lighting. And there were no windows. It felt like a prison cell.

The HR rep, though very friendly, was clearly out of his depth when I asked about the lack of electrical outlet. “Why would you need that?” he asked, genuinely unsure. As we retreated from the room and he locked the door behind us, I remember thinking, “The toilets are far nicer than this hole in the ground!”

I didn’t return to that job after parental leave, so I never knew what happened with the former first-aid room. Was it revamped as a pleasant, relaxing space with comfortable seats and privacy for breastfeeding mums? Or did it stay locked and dusty, unused, as no one else ever bothered to ask what accommodations the company would make for them to continue breastfeeding once they were back at work? It will remain a mystery, and I’m kind of glad about that. There are some things I just don’t want to add to my list of stuff that depresses me.

This issue, we’re fortunate to have an article that I wish I’d been able to read back then. Our friends at Breastfeeding NZ tell us what your rights are at work as a breastfeeding mum, and how to help make breastfeeding and going back to work a manageable success.

Check it out on page 102.

KATHERINE GRANICH, EDITOR

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Issue 11 PREGNANCY BUMP&baby IS AVAILABLE FROM SELECTED RETAILERS OR VISIT BUMPANDBABY.CO.NZ TO SUBSCRIBE. PUBLISHERS / Tony and Aana Marinovich tony@bumpandbaby.co.nz aana@bumpandbaby.co.nz EDITOR / Katherine Granich editor@bumpandbaby.co.nz ART DIRECTOR / Emma Henderson design@bumpandbay.co.nz ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Tony Marinovich tony@bumpandbaby.co.nz ONLINE ENQUIRIES digital@bumpandbaby.co.nz social@bumpandbaby.co.nz PREGNANCY BUMP&baby PUBLISHED BY TOTS TO TEENS PO Box 70 Kumeu Auckland 0841 New Zealand The Media Barn 91 Moontide Road RD2 Kumeu Auckland 0892 New Zealand T: +64 9 412 5123 F: +64 9 412 5133 ONLINE bumpandbaby.co.nz facebook.com@bumpandbabynz pinterest.com@bumpbabynz instagram.com@bumpandbabymagazine tiktok@bumpandbabymagazine PRINTER / OVATO Limited

Pregnancy BUMP&baby ISSN 2463-283X is published bi-annually (2 issues per year) The opinions expressed and statements made in Pregnancy BUMP&baby are those of the contributors and advertisers and do not necessarily represent the views of the publishers.

Pregnancy BUMP&baby, on behalf of itself and the authors, asserts copyright on all original material appearing in Pregnancy BUMP&baby and none of it shall be reproduced wholly or in part without the prior written consent of the publishers. The publishers reserve all rights in respect of all material received and accepted for publication. Pregnancy BUMP&baby reserves the right to edit or abridge all articles, letters, or other material (solicited or otherwise) accepted for publication. While every care has been taken in the research and compilation of this publication, it is not intended to replace professional or medical advice. To the best knowledge of Pregnancy BUMP&baby, all information herein is correct at the time of publication. Please contact your healthcare provider in the first instance for medical assistance and advice.

EDITOR'S PHOTO: NIGEL MARPLE • EDITOR'S CLOTHING: BREASTMATES.CO.NZ

Room with no view

NATURALLY SOFT FOR YOUR BABY AND THE ENVIRONMENT

EarthSmart Aquawipes are made in New Zealand with Pure New Zealand Water and 100% biodegradable bamboo fibre.

With no plastic, harmful chemicals or nasties, EarthSmart Aquawipes are hypoallergenic and kind on your baby’s sensitive skin and the environment.

*0.2% Soy bean amino acid.

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Aquawipes NZ

B&B/J18043

www.earthsmartaquawipes.co.nz

journey My pregnancy

Our cover model, Ilse Wolfe of Aglow, tells us about running two businesses and keeping up with her growing family.

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I’M ALSO A PROPERT Y INVESTOR AND COACH OTHER WOMEN IN THIS FIELD.

- -- -COVER MODEL: ILSE WOLFE (AGLOWORGANICS.CO.NZ @AGLOW.ORGANICS) • CREATIVE DIRECTOR: ISOBEL BENESCH (BELANDBEAU.COM @ISOBELBENESCH) • PHOTOGRAPHER: ANNUPAM (ANNUPAM.COM @ANNUPAM) • STYLING: GENEVIEVE LEMKUS (@GENEVIEVEROSEART) • HAIR AND MAKEUP: CLAIRE MCGRATH MAKEUP (CMMAKEUP.CO.NZ @CLAIREMCGRATHMAKEUP) • CLOTHING: ROCK YOUR BUMP (ROCKYOURBUMP.CO.NZ @ROCKYOURBUMP) AND COTTON ON (COTTONON.COM @COTTONON) • JEWELLERY: THE DIAMOND SHOP (THEDIAMONDSHOP.CO.NZ @THEDIAMONDSHOP)

y

our cover bump

WHEN I LEARNED I WA S PREGNANT, I FELT EMOTIONAL AND APPRECIATIVE BEYOND WORDS.

Our daughter London (3) was conceived with ease, but then my partner Taylor and I experienced unexplained secondary infertility. It took about a year of trying before we made the decision to seek professional fertility intervention. Following medical assessments and then fertility treatment with Repromed, including two rounds of IUI and one round of IVF, we finally got pregnant with a baby boy!

OURS WA S THE LA ST IMPLANTATION PROCEDURE PRIOR TO THE FIRST LOCKDOWN. Repromed was shut down as a non-essential service for the first lockdown from March to May, and they literally turned off the lights as we walked out the door after our IVF procedure. This pregnancy is nothing short of a miracle.

MY FAVOURITE THING ABOUT PREGNANCY IS THE CUTENESS FACTOR OF LONDON MIMICKING ME.

She walks around the house wearing stuffed toys under her dresses and arching her back with her hands on her hips – I think to myself, “Do I really walk like this?” Once she asked me why I go to the loo so often, and I explained that the baby is pushing on my bladder – so now she fondly says this herself when running off to the toilet!

I’M A LOT MORE RELA XED THE SECOND TIME AROUND.

With London, Taylor and I took hypnobirthing classes as a couple, which I believe was really calming for a first-time pregnancy when fear of the unknown can elevate anxiety levels about childbirth. I’ll repeat some hypnobirthing techniques for our next, but am prioritising the guidance of my obstetrician Dr Nick Walker, of Origins, as to what will be needed this time. Each pregnancy is completely different, and my obstetrician was incredible with the delivery of London, so I put my whole faith in him.

I’ve clocked over 10,000 hours as a fulltime investor over the past five years – it’s a well-refined business and the results are very satisfying. Friends and contacts started approaching me to coach them into property investment and also renovations, and I’d love to assist any woman in to their first property purchase by empowering them through financial literacy and purchasing strategy.

Property is a much-loved investment path, yet women are massively (sadly) underrepresented and largely under-educated about it. I share my renovation project images on my Instagram @ilsewolfenz

I’M GRATEFUL TO BE ABLE TO BE IN CHARGE OF MY TIME AND CHOICES. It means I can listen to my body each day.

Parenting while running multiple businesses is really tough, but it is super rewarding knowing it’ll provide the ultimate freedom of choice for my family. The goal to be able to educate my kids with a world education through international travel and experiences keeps me focused on the task at hand.

I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO RELIVING THE CUDDLY NEWBORN STAGE.

I’m also looking forward to having time slow down, and take time away from business to treasure all the pleasures of family life.

I’m excited to learn as a first-time mother of a baby boy, and to embrace the differences that London and her brother present, to make myself a better mother. I also cannot wait to observe London with her little brother, as she is a highly maternal big sister already. She spends a lot of her time with different soft toys under her shirt, telling us to be quiet because her baby is sleeping as she rubs her belly!

Ilse’s

Ilse’s

favourite things

• Essano Certified Organic Rosehip Oil (RRP$34.99, essano.co.nz) I mix this with almond or coconut base oil as a daily belly rub. I find this ritual deliciously comforting after a shower, using rosehip to counter the tention of my skin stretching for baby.

• Artemis Pregnancy Tea (RRP$22.50, artemis.co.nz) I feel detoxed at the end of the day and it relieves indigestion, (which, being in my third trimester now, I find particularly irritating).

• Baby Shusher (RRP$59.99, babycity.co.nz) This was the eureka moment we found with London after her first few weeks. We soon learned that she needed white noise, and this portable device was a life-changer for us. It it small and portable, which means it came with us everywhere, even when we were travelling.

business

Aglow (agloworganics.co.nz) Aglow started when I was pregnant for the first time and I wanted to get as healthy as possible. Dissatisfied with the products available, I decided to take charge of my and my baby’s health through creating an organic range of freeze-dried superfoods.

I take Aglow Skin, Hair & Nails religiously as a morning shot, super-dosing my day with green nutrients and super foods. Post-pregnancy I wanted something really targeted to support my body following pregnancy and childbirth, so have launched Aglow Collagen + Anti-Oxidants to support my body with its collagen regeneration.

Our products reflect how we’d like other businesses to be run: We have no landfill waste; all our packaging is either recyclable or reusable. All our ingredients are either organic or sustainably sourced. Both of these come at a higher cost, but for us to do any different would be at odds with our values.

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

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SUBSCRIBE & WIN

We have the most amazing magazine subscription offers, including beautiful pregnancy packs and chances to win great prizes.

Yay, you’re pregnant! Choose from the following: Single issue hard copy or digital copy

Digital copy pregnancy bundles

2-issue subscription and PeekaBox combo

Subscribe at

BUMPANDBABY.CO.NZ 12

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

FIND IT ALL AT OUR MALL BATHING BOOKS & MAGS CLOTHING FEEDING & NURSERY PL AY & LE ARN FERTILIT Y HE ALTH & WELLNESS NAPPIES & CHANGING NURSERY OUT AND ABOUT SAFET Y SKINCARE SLEEP TEETHING & DUMMIES

GET EVERYTHING YOU NEED, WITHOUT LEAVING THE HOUSE Home to Kiwi mums’ favourite brands, BUMP&baby Mall (bumpandbabymall.co.nz) is your one-stop baby shop.

PREGNANCY

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Pregnancy BUMP & baby

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Just bumped into...

The latest news, info, and gear for stylish mums, bumps, and babies

SOFT ON SENSITIVE SKIN

THIS IS NOT SURPRISING AT ALL

A new study has found that severe morning sickness increases the risk of depression both during and after pregnancy. Severe morning sickness, known as hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), is a debilitating condition that affects around 1-2% of pregnant women. The study found that nearly half of women with HG suffered antenatal depression and nearly 30% had postnatal depression. Dr Nicola MitchellJones, specialist registrar in obstetrics and gynaecology and lead author of the study, believes the psychological impact of the condition is not taken seriously enough by both healthcare professionals and the wider public. “Our study shows that women with HG are around eight times more likely to suffer antenatal depression and four times more likely to have postnatal depression,” she says.

“We need to do much more than simply treat the physical symptoms of HG; assessment for mental health support should also be routine for any woman with the condition.”

QV Baby is a paediatrician-recommended range of gentle and hydrating cleansers and moisturisers specially developed for baby’s delicate skin. Like the regular QV range, QV Baby is designed to be non-irritating to skin and is free from colour, fragrance, and other common irritants, so nothing comes between you and your baby. It's suitable for use every day and is ideal for babies with dry, sensitive skin and skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis.

Available from all good pharmacies.

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Pregnancy BUMP & baby

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PURE AND GENTLE

WaterWipes are the world’s purest baby wipes made with just two ingredients: 99.9% purified water and a drop of fruit extract. Made to be gentle and suitable on sensitive, newborn, and premature babies’ skin.

They are recommended by midwives and used in hospitals across Australia and New Zealand. Available from supermarkets, pharmacies, and online. waterwipes.com

did you know?

name game Luna and Milo were the most searched-for baby names of 2020, according to nameberry.com.

ODOUR-FREE NATURALLY

Do you want a natural, aluminium-free deodorant that really works? essano’s new Natural Deodorant ticks all the boxes. With no alcohol, it doesn’t block pores and delivers eight hours of protection against odours – naturally. Comes in Mandarin and Aloe Vera, Lily Flower and Chamomile, and Freedom Fragrance Free (great if you’ve got pregnancy nose). RRP$9.99 from essano.co.nz

LIGHT IN THE DARK

Little Belle nightlights are beautiful hand‑crafted porcelain nightlights designed to not only look gorgeous in a room, but importantly, help little ones sleep. Exuding a warm, gentle glow, they help create a calming bedtime routine and reassure children who wake in the night. Made from sustainably sourced earthenware, Little Belle nightlights are crafted by a small team of ethical artisans who use generations of skill to create these gorgeous pieces that make a stunning gift idea. littlebelle.co.nz Pregnancy BUMP & baby

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read me

UNTAMED, BY GLENNON DOYLE (Vermilion $40)

Who were you before the world told you who to be? For many years, Glennon Doyle denied her discontent. Then, while speaking at a conference, she looked at a woman across the room and fell instantly in love. Three words flooded her mind: There. She. Is. At first, Glennon assumed these words came to her from on high, but soon she realised they had come to her from within. This was the voice she had buried beneath decades of numbing addictions and social conditioning. Glennon decided to let go of the world’s expectations of her. Untamed is the story of how one woman learned that a responsible mother is not one who slowly dies for her children, but one who shows them how to fully live.

did you know?

30.7 is the median age of women having a baby in NZ. (Source: Statistics NZ)

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WE’LL DRINK TO THAT

Being pregnant or breastfeeding doesn’t mean you have to miss out on socialising or get stuck drinking average-tasting, sugar-heavy concoctions.

The Happy Mama box from Drink Happy contains a variety of flavours and drink options carefully selected to be nutritious and hydrating, such as bone broths, smoothies, kombuchas, and sparkling drinks. Sourced right here in New Zealand, from RRP$49. getdrinkhappy.com

noteworthy

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UNLOCKING THE SECRETS OF SPERM

Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst have identified a single-measure biomarker in sperm mitochondrial DNA that may predict male reproductive health and pregnancy success. The discovery applies not just to couples seeking care for infertility but also for the general population. This biomarker could become a more accurate predictor of male infertility than semen parameters, on which health care organisations and clinicians have long relied. “Clinically, the diagnosis of male infertility really hasn't changed in decades,” says UMass Amherst environmental epigeneticist Richard Pilsner, corresponding author of the study. “In the last 10 to 20 years, there have been major advances in the understanding of the molecular and cellular functions of sperm, but the clinical diagnosis hasn't changed or caught up.” Watch this space.

CUTEST SHEEP IN NZ

Lull your little one into a sweet slumber with this adorable, soft sheep that sings, plays music, and tells stories. Vtech Storytime Rhymes Sheep RRP$29, suitable for age six months to three years.

SUPPORTING YOU THROUGH BREASTFEEDING

As natural and wonderful as breastfeeding can be, we all know that it can sometimes come with challenges. Lansinoh has been supporting breastfeeding mums for over 30 years and our aim is to help you through the challenges, so you can continue breastfeeding as long as you like. For more information visit lansinoh.com.au

ONE SIZE FITS ALL DOESN’T, IN FACT

New research led by the University of South Australia and the University of Otago shows that a blanket approach to prescribing medication during pregnancy may put low birth weight babies at risk for the rest of their lives. Foetal physiologists say that smaller foetuses metabolise medication taken by the mother in a less efficient way than normal-weight babies, which may lead to long-term health consequences. UniSA Professor Janna Morrison says growth-restricted babies may be exposed to higher concentrations of some prescribed or over-the-counter drugs that a woman takes during pregnancy due to a “one size fits all” approach when it comes to dosing. “If the foetus is smaller and a mother takes 20 milligrams of a drug, it may effectively be a higher dose than in a normal-sized baby,” Prof Morrison says. “The actual drug doesn’t make the foetus smaller, but if it is already smaller, the foetus may be less able to metabolise the drug and get rid of it.”

The researchers say that neither the drug companies nor doctors are at fault as there are no existing guidelines for administering dosages based on complicated pregnancies. “Based on our findings, however, we believe that more work needs to be done to better understand the interaction between pregnancy and foetal growth on how drugs are metabolised. It would then be possible to determine the right dosages for both mother and unborn child,” Prof Morrison says.

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noteworthy

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yay!

20,000

nappies, $7,500 worth of clothing vouchers, and hundreds of bags of preloved clothes were donated to Plunket families through the Hug It Forward initiative, a partnership between Huggies, Countdown, and New World supermarkets.

EXERCISE MAKES BREAST MILK BETTER

A new study found even moderate exercise during pregnancy increases a compound in breast milk that reduces a baby's lifelong risks of serious health issues such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Researchers studied mice born from sedentary mothers and fed them milk from mothers who were active throughout pregnancy. They found that the health benefits from fit mums transferred to the pups, proving that they were, in fact, passed through breast milk and not simply inherited genetic traits. Researchers also followed about 150 pregnant and postpartum women using activity trackers and found that those who had more steps per day had an increased amount of a compound known as 3SL in their breast milk, which they believe is responsible for these health benefits. Because many women are unable to breastfeed or experience complications that require bed rest, researchers are examining if they can isolate this beneficial compound found in the breast milk of active mums and add it to infant formula.

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Pregnancy BUMP & baby

CHECK THESE OUT

ZipTop 100% platinum silicone breast milk storage bags stand up, stay open, and zip shut with convenient pour corners and a surface you can write on.

Freezer and dishwasher safe, easy to sterilise. Available in a two-bag pack (RRP$39.99) or six bags with freezer tray (RRP$124.99). ziptop.co.nz

REGULAR LIKE CLOCKWORK

It is not uncommon to experience some digestive and bowel sluggishness in pregnancy. Hormonal changes can slow down transit time, which may mean less frequent bowel movements that are harder to pass.

However, there are a number of ways to help keep things moving, such as drinking plenty of water a day, increasing your fibre intake through plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, and daily exercise such as a gentle walk. Phloe might help, too. Phloe is a natural New Zealand kiwifruit supplement that is suitable for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

It contains the patented kiwifruit extract Zyactinase which contains fibre, digestive enzymes, and prebiotics to gently normalise bowel movements and avoid discomfort from gas and bloating. Phloe is available in tasty chewable tablets or capsules.

u t a r a N l A o d o r an t de l y l a e r t a h t wo r k s

89%* of NZ

women who tried essano Natural Deodorant say they’d likely purchase it again!

Pregnancy is a time when mums-to-be think about using natural skin, hair, and body products that care for their bodies and the planet. essano’s new Natural Deodorants are made in New Zealand and packaged in 100% recycled material, and are available in Lily Flower & Chamomile, Mandarin & Aloe Vera, and Fragrance-Free.

* TESTING DONE IN NZ WITH WOMEN BETWEEN 25-75. HALF HAD USED NATURAL DEODORANT BEFORE, HALF HAD NOT. ** TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY.

H O T S T U F F, B A B Y

Sweating more than usual is common during pregnancy (especially in the first and third trimesters). But if you’re worried about smell, it’s important to know that sweat isn’t what makes your underarms a bit whiffy – it’s when sweat comes into contact with the natural bacteria on our skin. Many deodorants try to mask bad smells with other, stronger smells, or use baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to dry the skin. essano Natural Deodorant works by gently neutralising the odour-causing bacteria under your arms for up to eight hours.

SKIN DEEP

Unlike anti-perspirants, essano Natural Deodorant won’t clog your pores and is free from ingredients like aluminium salts and baking soda.

30-DAY MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE If you don’t love essano Natural Deodorant, simply return it for your money back – see essano.co.nz/collections/deodorants for details!**

“This is the first natural deodorant that works for me.

No bad smell throughout the day and no need to reapply.” ~ Pricila

“ I have tried many natural deodorants but I have not had success. This new essano deodorant has proved itself to work really well resulting in no body odour.” ~ Cheryl “It’s light, dries quickly, and lasts all day.” ~ Louise

RRP$9.99 from Countdown, New World North Island, Pak’nSave North Island, Chemist Warehouse NZ, The Warehouse NZ and online at essano.co.nz

BUMP&BABY MALL...

WE DELIVER EVERYTHING EXCEPT THE BABY! Shop at bumpandbabymall.co.nz – our new vir tual mall – for all of these (and more!) amazing bump and baby products. We have a massive selection with dozens of brands.

We’d love you to log in!

It’s hard to describe how much we love 2-in-1 Snuggle Hunny fitted sheet and change pad cover RRP$36.32).

Scandanavian woodland feels all around!

CATEGORY: NURSERY, SHEETS

What could be more fun when you’re pregnant than having a good browse through one of the most extensive pregnancy, bump and baby malls in New Zealand? Take a peek… And enjoy.

Organic Willow Rattles (RRP$34.99) are ethically handmade from willow roots with a wee bell inside, and make a gorgeous, soft tinkling sound that is gentle on your baby’s hearing. CATEGORY: PLAY & LEARN, RATTLES

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A DD TO C A RT

Little digestive systems need a bit of a hand sometimes. As a secret weapon, we recommend Qbaby Dorothy Drops (RRP$35), specially blended for the clients of baby whisperer Dorothy Waide to relieve colic symptoms.

CATEGORY: HEALTH & WELLNESS, COLIC & DIGESTION

bumpandbabymall.co.nz

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A DD TO C A RT

These little mittens are the cutest way to prevent your baby from tender scratches from their sharp little nails. $8 CATEGORY: CLOTHING, BABY, SCRATCH MITTENS

Our pick of the best in bumpandbabymall.co.nz

bumpandbabymall.co.nz

CATEGORIES A DD TO C A RT

Bathing Books & Magazines Clothing Feeding & Nursing Play & Learn Fertility Health & Wellness

Bear & Moo cloth nappies (RRP$17.95) have gorgeous new colours arriving all the time, so make sure you keep checking in for your baby’s new season nappy wardrobe. CATEGORY: CHANGING, NAPPIES, REUSABLE NAPPIES

Nappies & Changing

It’s all scattered rainbows in vintage colours with this Serenity Boba wrap (RRP$99.95), it has two-way stretch and is made of natural viscose from bamboo fibre CATEGORY: OUT & ABOUT, BABY WEARING

If you’re looking for the perfect cot to go with natural fibres and rattan accessories, then this Walnut Maxwell (preorder RRP$1099) is the answer to your prayers. It works with so many themes! CATEGORY: NURSERY, COTS

Nursery Out & About Safety Skincare & Grooming Sleep Teething & Dummies

This little Mum & Baby Kit trio from Little Botanics (RRP$72.70) is your staple pregnancy and nursing station must-have. Using a powerful blend of nutrient-rich oils and healing extracts of kawakawa, you’re in nurturing hands. CATEGORY: NURSING & FEEDING, GIFT SETS

Reduce stretchmarks, scars, and itching with Hayley Bensemen’s Tummy Time (RRP$31.50).

It smells like heaven, with an infusion of mandarin and calendula, and is soft enough to use for baby massage (3+ months).

CATEGORY: SKINCARE & GROOMING, STRETCHMARKS

Pregnant mums, rejoice! The new morning sickness lifesaver EmeTerm Band RRPAU$140) is now available in New Zealand. Even better, your band will carry on its usefulness for any motion sickness (which seems to escalate postnatally).

CATEGORY: HEALTH & WELLNESS, MORNING SICKNESS

A DD TO C A RT

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Hope in a Bottle (RRP$69) is a velvety oil that’s like heaven for stretchmarks.

Your bump will be scented with citrus and honey. Bliss! CATEGORY: SKINCARE & GROOMING, STRETCHMARKS.

A DD TO C A RT

PROBABLY THE MOST EXCITING TIME IN PREGNANCY IS…

Building t he nest.

The Brolly Sheets Hugs and Kisses Protective Cot Pad (RRP$26.95) is also super-handy as a change mat. CATEGORY: NURSERY, MATTRESS PROTECTORS

Noopii nappies (RRP$11.99) are super soft, sustainable and renewable, and we love that they are created with Manuka Hydrosol and cotton. CATEGORY: CHANGING, NAPPIES, DISPOSABLE NAPPIES Safe T Sleep Sleepwrap (RRP$119.99) is a nursery must for wriggly little babies and keeps them sleeping safely. CATEGORY: SLEEP, SLEEP WRAPS & WEDGES

Little World Organic Bodysoft Lotion (RRP$25) is a little bottle of natural goodness that will be incredibly kind on your new baby’s skin. Blended with organic oils of sunflower, shea butter, jojoba and cocoa seed butter, and combined with aloe vera and calendula. CATEGORY: SKINCARE & GROOMING, BABY SHAMPOO & BODY WASH

Have a new baby? You’ll need a little bottle of natural Sleep Drops for Babies (RRP$39.90) on hand for sure.

CATEGORY: SLEEP, SLEEP SUPPORT

Pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding: Your breasts will have their uncomfortable moments for sure, so we suggest adding a BodyICE pack (RRP$74.90) to your list. It’s a blooming necessity.

CATEGORY: FEEDING & NURSING, HEALTH & WELLNESS

A DD TO C A RT

Little Shades (RRP$34.99) are a transparent removable film applied to the inside of your car window, only visible from the inside, in the cutest patterns. CATEGORY: OUT & ABOUT, CAR SHADES C

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For a gorgeous, yet practical solution to your change table, these Seagrass Change Baskets (RRP$149) give your nursery a natural feel. Handmade and all-natural fibres. CATEGORY: NURSERY, CHANGE TABLES

Now you can match your baby’s Gobstopperz Comforter (RRP$39.90) to their room décor, with the most divine shades of rose, taupe, cloud, and blue hues. Don’t mind if I do!

CATEGORY: SLEEP, COMFORTERS & DUMMY HOLDERS

Every part of this cute little Cthulhu Chew teething toy (RRP$12) is a lifesaver, with his thick, bulbous head to withstand gumming through to aggressive biting, a fingerlike tentacled face to provide oral sensory stimulation, and wings to act as a molar chew in later teething phases.

Nom nom nom. CATEGORY: TEETHING, CHEW TOYS

Pop the sun cover on and you’re ready for adventure in the Edwards & Co Oscar MX (RRP$899). The tan and black combo is incredibly smart.

CATEGORY: OUT & ABOUT, PRAMS & STROLLERS

Vanchi Pram Caddy (RRP$69.95) is a little piece of genius. It carries a tonne more than you’d expect, and means everything you need is right there at your pram-handy fingertips. CATEGORY: CHANGING & NAPPIES, NAPPY BAGS

Check out this magnificent lineup of beautiful reusable breast pads! The BUMP&baby Mall is spilling over with abundance. CATEGORY: FEEDING & NURSING, BREAST FEEDING, BREAST PADS

A DD TO C A RT

Honey Babe Room Spray (RRP$18.90) is like magic for baby sleeptime. A nurturing blend of NZ Manuka Honey 80+ and gentle aromatic oils of chamomile, lavender, geranium, and sandalwood. Like a genie in a spray bottle! CATEGORY: SLEEP, SLEEP AIDS A DD TO C A RT

Seriously, though… Who doesn’t want a pair of these Motlied Kids vintage floral bloomers (RRP$34.99) for warm afternoons in the sun? CATEGORY: CLOTHING, BABY, BLOOMERS

BUMPANDBABYMALL.CO.NZ

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t to say o n 5 things

to someone struggling with infertility If you or someone you know is dealing with infertility, don’t even think about saying one of these annoying (and insensitive) things, says Jennifer Gordon, Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Regina.

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nfertility is stressful. In fact, research tells us that distress levels among individuals with infertility are comparable to those of cancer patients. Rates of depression and anxiety are high, especially in women, who bear the greatest physical burden associated with fertility treatments: Near-daily ultrasounds and self-injection of hormones, among other invasive and painful procedures.

As a clinical psychologist and researcher who specialises in women’s mental health, my focus has been on helping women with infertility cope with their condition.

In my work, it’s become clear that one

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huge source of stress is the barrage of unhelpful comments and suggestions made to individuals struggling with infertility. Supporting this idea, findings from our most recent study suggest that when women seek social support to cope with their infertility, they typically feel more, rather than less, distressed.

Clearly, some public education is needed.

So, with the help of my team’s Infertility Research Advisory Panel − a group of six women who have personal experience with infertility − I’ve identified the following five things not to say to someone struggling with infertility.

“JUST RELA X AND IT WILL HAPPEN.”

This is by far the most highly cited zinger that people struggling with infertility hear but, in fact, there is a lack of clear evidence that stress contributes to infertility.

On the other hand, research is extremely clear in concluding that a diagnosis of infertility causes stress. So don’t assume that anxiety led to infertility − it’s likely the other way around.

In the beginning, the person struggling to conceive likely felt excited and hopeful and it’s only as months (or years) crept by without a positive result that the stress you see now developed.

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“HAVE YOU TRIED STANDING ON YOUR HEAD DURING SEX? CUTTING DAIRY? ETC, ETC, ETC”

Most of these old wives’ tales have no research backing them up whatsoever. Advice is also often doled out without any knowledge of the receiver’s situation.

Imagine you’ve been diagnosed with a medical condition that makes it very difficult to conceive; you’ve undergone three failed IVF cycles and have had multiple miscarriages. Now imagine how insulting and frustrating it would be to be told that if only you had cut out dairy, you would have been pregnant years ago.

If you don’t know the whole context, abstain from giving advice. And even if you do, let your loved one’s doctor decide what’s going to help them get pregnant.

“DON’T WORRY; MY FRIEND SO-AND-SO HAD INFERTILIT Y AND IVF WORKED FOR THEM!”

Infertility prognosis varies wildly according to a patient’s particular circumstances: Their age, diagnosis, reproductive history, and hormone levels are all strong predictors of treatment success. So, unfortunately, the fact that a friend of a friend of yours conceived through IVF (in vitro fertilisation) means nothing for the person in front of you.

“ARE YOU SURE YOU WANT KIDS? YOU CAN HAVE MINE!”

Kids can be exhausting − feel free to vent about this to your other parent-friends. But when you’re with a friend struggling with infertility, be sensitive to the fact that they would give anything to have what you have. Though this is meant to be funny, it’s likely to be perceived as insensitive and ungrateful.

“MAYBE YOU SHOULD JUST ADOPT. THERE ARE LOTS OF KIDS WHO NEED A GOOD HOME.” There is no “just” adopt. Adoption can be incredibly expensive, time-consuming, and emotionally draining. There may be a years-long waiting list, fees that can exceed $30,000, and multiple evaluations of your fitness to be a parent. Needless to say, it’s a very big decision that requires careful consideration.

So what should you say?

Infertility involves grieving the existence of a child you may never have. So think of how you might interact with people experiencing other kinds of grief − for example, a friend whose spouse has died. You would never say, “I know you just lost your husband, but just try to relax.” or “You can have mine!” You would say, “This must be so hard for you” or “Anytime you need to talk, I’m here for you.”

You can also ask the person how you can be most helpful. Some people like to talk about their infertility struggles blow-by-blow; others would prefer to be distracted from them. So it can never hurt to ask how you can be most supportive.

One final “don’t” that applies to anyone is to ask: “When are you having children?”

You may be surprised at how many people in your life have struggled with infertility but kept it secret. This seemingly innocent question can be a knife to the heart of someone secretly struggling with infertility, so don’t ask it.

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How to boost your nutrition before pregnancy Thinking about trying to have a baby?

Then now is the time for future mums (and dads) to “spring clean” food and lifestyle habits. Here are some nutrition tips to put in place before you get pregnant.

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AIM FOR A HEALTHY WEIGHT

In your 20s and 30s it’s common to have “weight creep”, an extra kilogram or two gained each year, without realising.

Carrying too much weight increases the risk of pregnancy complications, including gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and delivery complications. So, it’s worth trying to shift some of the extra kilos before trying to conceive.

A mother’s pre-pregnancy weight also has a direct effect on her baby’s birth weight. Compared with mothers who are in the healthy weight range, mothers who are overweight or obese are 1.5 to 2 times more likely to have babies with a high birth weight, increasing the risk of birth complications. For these infants, there is an increased risk of developing obesity, heart disease, and type 1 diabetes later in life.

But improving eating and physical activity helps you achieve a healthy weight that is right for you. For women carrying excess weight, a loss of 5 to 10% of pre-pregnancy weight is enough to improve fertility and reduce the risk of weight-related pregnancy complications.

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IMPROVE YOUR FOOD AND DRINK CHOICES

Increasing the variety of food you eat each week across the basic food groups – vegetables, fruit, wholegrains, vegetarian foods (including legumes like baked beans, kidney beans, lentils, eggs, nuts and seeds), lean meats/poultry/fish, and dairy foods – also boosts the vitamins and minerals needed from the very beginning of pregnancy.

Start by assessing the quality of your diet using the free Healthy Eating Quiz (healthyeatingquiz.com.au) and check how it suggests you boost your score.

You can also use the eat-for-health calculator linked to the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating (eatforhealth.gov.au). This calculates your recommended daily serves from each of the five basic food groups, and gives an idea of daily serves to aim for to optimise your nutrients. You can also find NZspecific information at healthed.govt.nz Getting your nutrients from food in the first instance is recommended, but some nutrients do need extra attention before conception and early in pregnancy.

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TAKE A FOLATE SUPPLEMENT

Folate is a B-group vitamin. It is needed to complete the development of the neural tube, which forms the baby’s brain and spinal cord in the first few weeks of pregnancy. This can be before you even know you’re pregnant. If the neural tube doesn’t close it can cause a neural tube defect like spina bifida.

Taking a folate supplement (in the form of folic acid) from one month before pregnancy until the end of the first trimester is the best way to make sure you meet folate requirements during early pregnancy.

Choose a supplement with at least 400 micrograms of folic acid. Talk to your GP or health professional if you have a family history of neural tube defects, as you will need higher levels of folic acid.

A folate supplement is in addition to eating good food sources of folate, like green leafy vegetables, fruits, lentils and breadmaking flour, most of which is fortified with folic acid. Organic breadmaking flour and most regular flour is not fortified, so check the ingredient list on flour you buy for home cooking.

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TAKE AN IODINE SUPPLEMENT

In pregnancy, iodine is needed to support the baby’s developing brain and nervous system. Good food sources of iodine include seafood, dairy foods, eggs and iodine fortified breadmaking flour (except for regular and organic flour).

Although seafood is high in iodine, some types such as shark and swordfish should be avoided before and during pregnancy as they may contain large amounts of mercury.

It is recommended that women planning to become pregnant, take an iodine supplement containing 150 micrograms of iodine daily, and to continue this while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about vitamin supplements to meet your needs.

For more personal advice on nutrition consult a dietitian.

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AVOID ALCOHOL

All health authorities agree it is best to avoid alcohol from the time you start thinking about having a baby. There is no known safe level of alcohol during pregnancy. Alcohol consumed in moderateto-large quantities can cause foetal alcohol syndrome and increase the risk of having a baby preterm birth and of low birth weight, which increases the chance of the baby having medical problems. The risks to the baby at lower levels are less clear.

The safest option is drinking no alcohol if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding.

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PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

Now is the time to start make changes to improve the nutritional quality of your food. And it’s not all about mum.

Dads-to-be can benefit from eating a variety of nutritious foods, cutting down on alcohol, and dropping a pants size. One study found that overweight men were 1.2 times and obese men were 1.3 times more likely to be infertile. But some good news in our study was that overweight and obese men who shed a few kilograms reported better erectile function. Any improvements you make to your food and lifestyle habits today will benefit you and your family in the future.

BY CLARE COLLINS, PROFESSOR IN NUTRITION AND DIETETICS, UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE; JENNA HOLLIS, CONJOINT LECTURER, UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE; AND SIÂN ROBINSON, PROFESSOR OF NUTRITIONAL EPIDEMIOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON. REPUBLISHED FROM THECONVERSATION.COM

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GO GINGER LY L OV E

Got morning sickness? These might help settle your stomach.

Fever Tree Ginger Ale ($4.99, fever-tree.com) • Harney & Sons Ginger Tea ($19.99, harneyteas.co.nz) • Molly Woppy Ginger, Almond & Brazil Nut Biscotti Bites ($6.95, mollywoppy.co.nz) • Gingerella ($3.50, karmacola.co.nz) • Frank Ginger Beer ($3.80) • Mama's Lemongrass and Ginger Kombucha ($6.99, mamasbrewshop.com) • Pure Delish Pecan, Ginger & Coconut Nograinola ($20.99, puredelish.co.nz) • Hakanoa Gingerful Ginger Syrup ($16.99, hakanoa-handmade.co.nz) • Opies Ginger Syrup ($13.99) • All products courtesy of Boric Food Market (boricfood.co.nz)

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Cosmetic medicine during pregnancy: What's safe?

When it comes to cosmetic medicine treatments, it can be hard to know what’s okay to have during pregnancy – and what’s not. Dr Catherine Stone of The Face Place (thefaceplace.co.nz) shares some sound advice.

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uring pregnancy, one of the things you’ll need to consider more carefully is what you put into, around, and on your body, as you’re now supporting another little human growing inside you. Your skin will be somewhat unpredictable due to fluctuations and changes in hormonal levels.

Overactive or aggressive treatments, or those that cause trauma, should be avoided. On the other hand, it’s nice to indulge in a little self-care, so that you can feel confident about putting your best face forward during this special time.

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THESE TRE ATMENTS ARE CONSIDERED SAFE DURING PREGNANCY

CERTAIN PEELS

Light lactic peels (20% or less) can be used regularly through pregnancy to help maintain cellular turnover and keep skin fresh and bright. Lactic peels help to hydrate the skin, so can be useful for maintaining your pregnancy “glow”. Be aware that your skin’s needs can change dramatically during pregnancy, so may respond differently to your normal skincare products and treatment regime. It’s a great time to have an in-depth skin consultation and check your current skincare regime is working for you.

OMNILUX LED LIGHT TREATMENTS

Omnilux LED light treatments are relaxing and “feed” your skin with energy, helping to maintain moisture, collagen, and “glow”.

Light penetrates the skin and “recharges” the mitochondria, considered to be the “batteries” of the skin cells. These treatments are very gentle and considered safe; however, it is always wise to get clearance from your obstetrician first.

PRP (PLATELET-RICH PLA SMA)

Another treatment you can safely have during pregnancy is PRP (platelet-rich plasma). PRP can be injected with minimal discomfort and can be used to improve skin texture and glow, thicken crepey skin, reduce hair loss, blend scars, and improve tissue rejuvenation in general. We are using the healing parts of your own blood, so there is nothing that your body can react to, reject, or that can cause serious long-term issues.

t h g i l e g n a r O PROCEED WITH CAUTION DURING PREGNANCY

ANY THING THAT INVOLVES NEEDLING

Usually, patients have numbing cream before needling, but numbing cream cannot be used on pregnant patients. For this reason alone, we don’t recommend the Vampire Facial PLUS while pregnant – unless you have a rather high threshold for discomfort!

(On that topic, you’d want to steer clear of any type needling or other collagen induction therapy that usually requires numbing cream.)

VITAMIN A

There is a lot of controversy regarding the use of topical Vitamin A creams and serums during pregnancy. The very high dose Vitamin A used in isotane/accutane/ roaccutane and other acne medications

is known to be teratogenic (literally, this means “monster-forming”), or causes severe birth defects, so it is imperative to not be taking these medications if you are planning to become pregnant. On the other hand, Vitamin A is essential for normal formation of the embryo, and is often found in high doses in liver, and other foods.

Cosmeceutical Vitamin A preparations often contain a gentler form of Vitamin A than the prescription creams like Tretinoin.

It’s known that only 2% to 10% of the cream is likely to penetrate the skin, and even less is likely to enter the bloodstream. It’s likely that certain Vitamin A creams will be safe to use in pregnancy, but these should be considered on a case-by-case basis and discussed with your skin therapist and LMC or obstetrician.

Injectable treatments while breastfeeding As with pregnancy, very few actual scientific studies have been conducted on the safety of cosmetic procedures during lactation. When it comes to injectables, the main concern is that small quantities of the chemicals may leech into the breast milk.

According to the International Journal of Women’s Dermatology 2017 and Dermatological Surgery in 2013, most cosmetic procedures are safe to use during lactation because of the very small quantities of the product used (for example, Botox or dermal filler). The molecular size of these materials also make them unlikely to be excreted into breast milk.

Despite this, ethically, most reputable clinics will not offer these treatments to breastfeeding patients.

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Red ligh t DO NOT UNDERGO THESE TRE ATMENTS WHILE PREGNANT BOTOX AND FILLER

Light treatments while breastfeeding Laser industry expert Ruth Nicholson from NZ Laser Training advises that cosmetic light treatments are considered safe because, unlike other forms such as X-rays, “the type of energy they create doesn’t disrupt human cells.”

“We are able to do certain IPL and laser treatments (such as hair removal) on pregnant women and breastfeeding women after their first trimester,” she continues.

However, although it is safe, some treatments (such as for pigmentation) may not be as effective while your hormones are in flux due to breastfeeding. That’s why it’s best to wait until after you finish breastfeeding, in order to get the best and most long-lasting results.

Nicholson also warns against laser tattoo removal for pregnant or breastfeeding women, as the process involves the lymphatic system.

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If you have been a regular user of Botox and filler, you will be taking a break from these treatments until you have finished breastfeeding. It is not ethical to conduct research studying the effect of these treatments on pregnant mothers, so good clinics will advise you wait until after breastfeeding finishes before you recommence injectable treatments. In saying that, if you accidentally get pregnant or were not aware you were pregnant while having treatment with Botox or fillers, there have been no reported issues, and it is relatively common, so you can breathe easy.

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THESE TRE ATMENTS ARE IDE AL FOR MUMS

SKIN TREATMENTS FOR PIGMENTATION

Many people develop melasma – sometimes called chloasma – during pregnancy. Melasma is a deeper pigmentation, often across the cheeks, upper lip, and forehead, which is difficult to treat. It is sometimes called the “pregnancy mask”. Nutrients in the skin can become even more depleted during pregnancy with an increase in melanin-stimulating hormone, which causes melasma or chloasma, so it’s best to keep up with your topical B and C and sunscreen throughout. Often it will settle by itself over weeks to months after the hormonal stimulation of pregnancy or breastfeeding stops. If it is still visible six to 12 months after pregnancy, you might want to consider some professional advice. Always ask your practitioner if they have treated melasma previously, what they use, the results they have achieved, and don’t have too high an expectation – it will usually take months to years to see significant change, as deep pigmentation can be hard to budge!

SEXUAL REJUVENATION TREATMENTS

Once you have had your little bundle(s) of joy, you can also use PRP to help improve any scarring, loss of sensation, or leaky bladder caused by the birth process with a vaginal rejuvenation treatment called “The O Shot”. The Face Place also offers Thermi-Va, which is a laser wand treatment to help rejuvenate the vaginal tissue.

Christina 31 WEEKS PREGNANT

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“As this was a first-time pregnancy, I wanted to capture these memorable moments with my puku and fiancé. The location was special because my baby’s second name, Tirikawa, is also known as North Rock at the front of Mauao in Tauranga Harbour. It just so happened our photographer had the perfect spot to shoot right in front of it.”

R MY B A B Y:

“K A NGARO K A NGARO, K A EA K A EA, TE TOK A A TIRIK AWA.” “Though it is submerged and lost, the rock of Tirikawa will always appear again.”

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Showyour us

BUMP We love seeing the gorgeous baby bump photos you shared with us in our Show Us Your BUMP competition! Here are our five winners and their beautiful baby bumps.

LOCATION: MAUAO MOUNT MAUNGANUI PHOTOGRAPHER: RIA RAWIRI PHOTOGRAPHY BY RIA FACEBOOK.COM/PHOTOGRAPHYBYRIA

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Lillian

37 WEEKS PREGNANT

“My baby would move around inside of me when his dad read to him – this early bonding between father and son was magical to experience.

Growing a human is pretty incredible, and I loved seeing what my body was capable of.”

LOCATION: K AREK ARE PHOTOGRAPHER: NAMI NAMICREATIVE.CO.NZ

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Lianne

34 WEEKS PREGNANT

“I wish someone told me that every pregnancy is different.

The size of your bump will be different from other pregnant women. Don’t compare yourself to other pregnant women, especially on social media.

Everyone’s pregnancy journey is unique in their own way.”

LOCATION: DOMAIN PARK, ASHHURST PHOTOGRAPHER: CHRISTIE THEWOLFPACK.CO.NZ

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Eman

19 WEEKS PREGNANT

“I have two older girls, aged four and seven, and they are old enough to understand and be very much involved in this pregnancy.

This photo shoot doubled as a gender reveal, and seeing the girls’ faces when they found out they were having a baby brother was just magical.”

LOCATION: CORNWALL PARK, AUCKL AND PHOTOGRAPHER: ZAHRA JAWADI PHOTOGRAPHY: ZARA JAWADI.CO.NZ

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Cindy

32 WEEKS PREGNANT

“This is my second pregnancy.

I loved my pregnant body and how beautiful I felt in my skin.

I actually feel most confident when I am pregnant. I wanted to capture the essence of that – the female body and its capabilities to grow and nurture a baby – as well as to document this pregnancy, as I had with my first.”

LOCATION: OREWA ESTUARY PHOTOGRAPHER: SES GREENFIELD INSTAGRAM.COM/SESANDJEN

S how us your bump Do you have gorgeous pregnancy photos? Send us a beautiful BUMP photo and you’ll be in to win a stunning out-andabout prize package!

BUMP&baby is running a year-long search for beautiful pregnancy photos!

Send in yours and you’ll not only be in to win amazing prizes, we’ll also publish all of the winning photos in BUMP&baby magazine!

ENTER AT bumpandbaby.co.nz 42

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How big is my baby?

Most guides to your baby’s size compare their growth in utero to food items. But here’s a fun and different way to track your baby’s measurements in the womb!

THANKS TO HOPE AND MANUEL, PHOTOGRAPHED

BY KAU'I WIHONGI (KAUIWIHONGI.COM)

2ND TRIMESTER 1ST TRIMESTER

WEEKS 1 & 2: Marking time, no baby yet WEEK 3: The fertilised egg is too small to measure WEEK 4: Pencil tip WEEK 5: Hashtag WEEK 6: Ladybug WEEK 7: Two-stud LEGO brick WEEK 8: iPhone app icon WEEK 9: Enter key on your laptop WEEK 10: Coffee pod capsule WEEK 11: Squash ball WEEK 12: Snooker ball

WEEK 13: Cricket ball WEEK 14: Rubik’s cube WEEK 15: Softball WEEK 16: Can of soft drink WEEK 17: Toilet paper roll WEEK 18: Smartphone WEEK 19: Kina shell WEEK 20: Hedgehog WEEK 21: Height of a standard box of cereal WEEK 22: Roll of paper towels WEEK 23: The golden fertility idol from Raiders of the Lost Ark WEEK 24: Barbie doll WEEK 25: Cockatiel (tail included!)

WEEK 26: Little blue penguin WEEK 27: Width of a jigsaw puzzle box WEEKS 28: PlayStation 5 console

3RD TRIMESTER

WEEK 29: MacBook Pro WEEK 30: Brown kiwi bird WEEK 31: Short-stemmed rose WEEK 32: Sherlock’s deerstalker hat WEEK 33: Ukulele WEEK 34: Full-size computer keyboard WEEK 35: Throw pillow WEEK 36: Rolling pin WEEK 37: Kea bird WEEK 38: Red crayfish WEEK 39: Quarter of Michael Jordan's height WEEK 40: Beach ball

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heat

Beat the

When the weather is warm and balmy, and summer is in full swing, being pregnant can be incredibly uncomfortable. Here's how to cope.

GET OFF YOUR FEET

Swollen legs and feet are common, particularly towards the end of your pregnancy, and are often made worse during hotter weather. Minimise your misery by elevating your legs and feet whenever you’re sitting down, or pop your feet into a tub of cool water, and be sure to wear comfortable shoes to support your feet when standing or walking.

REDUCE SALT INTAKE

While sodium is an important chemical element that works to regulate the temperature and pH levels in your body, too much salt can cause you to retain water, leaving you feeling puffy and swollen. Called oedema, fluid retention causes swelling in your hands, feet, and ankles, and only gets worse as summer heat rises. Don’t overdo it on your salt intake – a teaspoon a day is as much as you need. Check the salt content in processed and packaged foods, and drink plenty of fluids to flush out excess water and help keep cool.

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TRY MA SSAGE

STAY OUT OF THE SUN

Avoid the midday heat; when the sun’s high, head for the indoors and crank up the fan or air conditioning. Get things done in the morning or late afternoon, and remember to slow down when it’s especially hot.

An early morning stroll not only provides great cardio benefits, it’s the perfect time for some fresh air.

WATCH THE SWELL

As with legs and feet, fingers tend to swell up too during pregnancy. If the swelling seems sudden (you’ve gone from slender to sausage fingers overnight), get yourself checked out by your GP or LMC, as this could be a sign of pre-eclampsia. Try eating foods like bananas that are high in potassium, use a cold compress on your hands, and drink plenty of water. It may pay to take your rings off before your fingers start swelling; that way, you’ll avoid having to get your rings cut off.

PHOTOGRAPHER: LIV BUCHANAN (LIVBUCHANAN.COM @LIVBUCHANAN)

JUST ADD WATER

Pregnant mamas need to drink more liquids, especially on hotter days.

Not enough water can make your pregnancy aches worse, cause swelling, and even trigger contractions. Be sure to sip water throughout the day; at least six to eight glasses. If the thought of another glass of water is too awful to bear, flavour it up by adding a slice of lemon or lime, a sprig of mint, and ice cubes. Try caffeinefree, herbal iced tea or mix a "mocktail" of crushed pineapple, coconut milk, yoghurt and banana, and blend until smooth (great for replacing electrolytes on scorching days). Water-rich fruits and vegetables like melons and cucumber will also help keep you hydrated.

KEEP COOL

Feel like you’re melting? Keep cool and fresh with a water-filled spritz bottle.

Spray a cooling mist on your face and the back of your neck for an instant refresher; it helps keep your skin hydrated too.

Pop a cool washcloth on the back of your neck or forehead, stick your feet up, and chill out. Ever tried freezing your scarves?

Wrap one of those around your neck to cool off quickly.

If you’re feeling the heat, a pregnancy massage may be just the thing to cool you down. Based on the techniques of Swedish massage, a pregnancy massage helps reduce muscle tension, and improve blood flow and lymphatic drainage, which can reduce swelling and water retention. It’s also an ideal opportunity to completely relax, and even catch up on some sleep.

SLIP, SLOP, SLAP

Sun worshippers, beware: Your pregnant body is prone to sunburn. Take care when you’re out in the sun. Opt for a higher SPF sun cream, and cover up your head and face with a wide-brimmed hat. Hormonal changes in your body can cause skin to discolour and darken, especially on your face, and is made worse by exposure to the sun. If you do have to go out in the sun, avoid midday heat, and be sure to top up your fluid intake, too.

SHOE SUPPORT

Wearing comfortable shoes is an absolute must. Pregnancy hormones cause your ligaments and tendons (including those in your feet) to stretch, often causing swelling and pain. Steer clear of flip-flops; to support the extra weight your feet are carrying, choose sandals and shoes with arch support.

You may even find your puffed-up feet need a half-size larger than normal.

NAP TIME

It doesn’t really matter what stage you’re at, sleep during pregnancy is something of a challenge. From morning sickness to hourly toilet trips, leg cramps to scary dreams, getting some shut-eye can seem near impossible. To recharge and refresh yourself, try napping during the hottest time of the day. Close curtains and blinds, turn the fan on, and relax. You don’t have to sleep, but allow yourself time to rest and re-energise.

A 30- to 60-minute nap during the day does wonders, leaving you feeling more alert and invigorated.

SHOP IT OFF

Sometimes you just have to go shopping!

Places like the mall and movie theatres bring cooling relief when it’s scorching outside. Find reasons to spend time in air-conditioned spaces; catch up on a movie or get that baby shopping done while cooling off for a few hours.

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Nutrients

for a healthy birth and postpartum Food, glorious food. But what on earth should I eat when I’m pregnant? Tiffany Brown digs in.

H

onestly, I was bummed out when I learned pregnancy is not actually an excuse to “eat for two”. If I was going have to give up wine and coffee, it seemed a cruel punishment to deprive me of those extra calories I’d seen my favourite “pregnant” actresses wolfing down in movie and TV shows. (Hollywood has much to answer for in the pregnancy and birthing stakes, but that’s another article.)

In all seriousness, it’s important to keep your weight gain in check during pregnancy.

Besides anything, millions of mothers would agree that landing on the other side of pregnancy with a whole lot of extra weight is not an ideal scenario either. Pregnancy health advice tends to focus on appropriate weight gain, but what about the various nutritional components that support a healthy gestation?

Calcium Essential for helping baby’s bones to develop, calcium is a mineral your growing baby will pull right out of your own bones if they can’t get enough through the placenta. Calcium also helps your baby regulate their use of fluids, as well as helping you to use vitamin D effectively.

Pregnant women need a whopping 1,200 milligrams of calcium per day, preferably in two even doses rather than all at once. (No, I’m afraid you can’t send your partner to the dairy for an enormous ice cream after dinner and call it your calcium intake. Believe me, I tried.)

MILLIGRAMS OF CALCIUM

Looking back at my first pregnancy, I feel like I lived on a steady diet of mandarins, steak, and cooked spinach.

I was so nervous to eat the wrong thing that my diet was extremely limited, and I believe that compromised the amount of nutrition I had available for myself and my baby. While the advice to avoid certain foods certainly has a sound basis, I sometimes wish I could do it over again. I would eat a much wider variety of foods, and focus my efforts on consuming the whole range of nutritive components known to support my baby’s growth.

NUTRITION IN PREGNANCY:

Macronutrients are foods that provide energy in the form of calories to the body.

These include carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Micronutrients are dietary components like vitamins and minerals.

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PARMESAN CHEESE (336MG PER 28G) SARDINES (285MG PER 1/2 CUP) SESAME SEEDS (280MG PER 28G) SPINACH (COOKED) (244MG PER 1 CUP) CHEESE (EDAM) (207MG PER 28G) SALMON (TINNED) (197MG PER 85G) KALE (COOKED) (195MG PER 1 CUP) CHIA SEEDS (179MG PER 28G) WHITE BEANS (COOKED) (161MG PER 1 CUP) GREEK YOGHURT (150MG PER 150G) AMARANTH (COOKED) (115MG PER 1 CUP) ALMONDS (DRY ROASTED) (76MG PER 28G)

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Folate The naturally occurring form of vitamin B9, folate is the micronutrient associated with neural tube birth defects.

In pregnancy you need to consume about 600 micrograms of folate per day. Folic acid supplements are routinely prescribed as it’s assumed the average diet will not provide a sufficient quantity of folate. To do its job properly and to support folate absorption, the body also needs sufficient vitamin B12, which helps make healthy red blood cells and DNA. B12 is found exclusively in animal products, so vegan or vegetarian mamas should talk to their healthcare professional about supplementation.

MICROGRAMS 50 OF FOLATE

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200

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LENTILS (COOKED) (358MCG PER 1 CUP) ASPARAGUS (COOKED) (268MCG PER 1 CUP) SPINACH (COOKED) (262 MCG PER 1 CUP) RED KIDNEY BEANS (COOKED) (230MCG PER 1 CUP) BEEF LIVER (210MCG PER 81G) BROCCOLI (COOKED) (168MCG PER 1 CUP) BEETROOT (COOKED) (136MCG PER 1 CUP) BRUSSELS SPROUTS (COOKED) (93MCG PER 1 CUP) KALE (COOKED) (84MCG PER 1 CUP) ORANGE (54MCG PER 1 CUP) EGG (SCRAMBLED) (22MCG PER 1 LARGE EGG) ALMONDS (12MCG PER 1 CUP)

Iron With the increased needs of the blood supply in pregnancy, expectant mums need around 27 milligrams of iron per day. Iron is most richly found in animal foods, but can be obtained from various vegetarian foods too. Remember that vitamin C is required for good iron absorption. Finish off your dinner with a healthy portion of citrus fruits, strawberries, lychees, pawpaw or honeydew melon; these fruits are all rich in vitamin C. Sweet yellow peppers, thyme, parsley, mustard greens, kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts are all rich sources of vitamin C too, and one green chilli pepper provides nearly four times the daily pregnancy recommendation for vitamin C (don’t worry, you can’t overdose on it, and are you likely to eat a whole green chilli pepper? Power to you if you are!).

MILLIGRAMS OF IRON

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BEEF STEAK (9.3MG PER 170G) OYSTERS (COOKED) (7.8MG PER 85G) TOFU (FIRM) (6.7MG PER 1 CUP) LENTILS (COOKED) (6.6MG PER 1 CUP) SPINACH (COOKED) (6.4MG PER 1 CUP) MUSSELS (COOKED) (5.4MG PER 113G) BEEF LIVER (PAN FRIED) (5MG PER 81G) DARK CHOCOLATE (70-85%) (3.4MG PER 28G) QUINOA (COOKED) (2.8MG PER 1 CUP) CHICKEN (ROASTED) (2.8MG PER 1 LEG) PUMPKIN SEEDS (2.7MG PER 30G) BROCCOLI (COOKED) (1MG PER 1 CUP)

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MY BABY’S HERE – NOW WHAT DO I EAT?

Ah, yes, the temptation to dive right into the foods you’ve been missing out on may be great, but let sanity prevail. You’ve done such a wonderful job on your pregnancy diet, it would be a crying shame to let it all go to waste for the sake of a 3am sleep deprivation consolation tub of cookies and cream.

Postpartum nutrition requirements are very similar to those throughout pregnancy, but here comes the best news. You’ll need to increase your calories once baby is born, especially if you’re breastfeeding. For the first six months, it’s estimated you’ll burn up to 500 extra calories per day. The key is to simply listen to your hunger cues (it’s surprisingly easy to forget to eat when you’re caring for a newborn) and keep up the healthy variety of food you were eating before.

And more good news! You can stop worrying about the usual possibly unsafe list of foods now, and chow down on sushi, seafood, raw fish, salads, and unpasteurised cheeses to your heart’s content.

Other great ideas for the postpartum munchies: • Soups, stews, and curries made with bone broth. These hearty meals provide plenty of electrolyte replenishment, collagen-building amino acids, and diverse micronutrients.

• Meats rich in iron, like slow-cooked beef and lamb or roast pork, and organ meats.

I know, many of us feel squeamish about offal, but how about trying a steak and kidney pie, chicken liver pate, or hide finely chopped heart meat in a meat-rich sauce, meatloaf, or burger patties.

• Omega-3 rich foods like salmon (especially raw) and other fatty fish, eggs, nuts, seeds, spinach, and avocados.

• Iodine-rich foods like seaweed and nori (more sushi, anyone?).

• Soft-cooked vegetables in favour of raw.

• Well-cooked grains and starches like oats, rice, and kumara are great for stabilising blood sugar.

• Lots of lactation-support and herbal teas to support fluid intake while breastfeeding.

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POST-BIRTH DIET AROUND THE WORLD There are some interesting traditions from around the world worth mentioning in terms of postpartum recovery. Chinese folklore considers this a time for warming or yang, rather than cooling or yin foods.

Rich bone broths and soups are a staple for post-birth recovery, as are pork, chicken, organ meats, rice, eggs, sesame seeds, ginger, and herbal teas. Eggs are recommended to boost milk production, while raw (yin) foods like fruits, vegetables, and liquids are discouraged.

In India, the warming tradition continues where postpartum mothers are encouraged to consume warm whole milk, ghee (clarified butter), nuts, ginger, and an unrefined sugar known as jaggery (yum, sounds like dessert!). Proteins, salts and

Protein Critical for growing all your baby’s tissues and organs, including their brain, protein also boosts pregnancy blood supply. Research indicates current recommendations on protein may be inadequate, but eating something like 70-100 grams of protein per day should give you and your baby what it needs.

This will depend on your weight and stage of pregnancy so check with your medical professional for individual advice.

GRAMS OF PROTEIN

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CHICKEN BREAST (54G PER 170G) BEEF STEAK (48G PER 170G) SALMON (COOKED) (43G PER 170G) TUNA (PACKED IN OIL) (22G PER 85G) CHICKPEAS (14G PER 1 CUP) COTTAGE CHEESE (NON FAT) (12G PER 113G) CANNELLINI BEANS (11G PER 45G) GREEK YOGHURT (9G PER 1 CUP) QUINOA (8G PER 1 CUP) PEANUT BUTTER (7G PER 2 TBSP) EGG (SCRAMBLED) (6G PER 1 EGG) ALMONDS (ROASTED) (6G PER 23 NUTS) PORRIDGE (COOKED) (5.9G PER 1 CUP)

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spices are also recommended, while cool foods like cucumber and tomatoes are off the menu.

In Mexico, warm broths and chicken soup are staple post-birth fare, as is hot chocolate made with milk and cinnamon (yes, please!).

Amazonians recommend proteins, rice, and beans, and discourage the eating of fruit in the first month or so after birth.

In other parts of Asia and Africa, the theme remains the same. Warm, salty, spicy chicken, red meat, fish and rice get the thumbs up, while cold, sour and raw foods are thought to inhibit milk production.

Thanks to nutritional science, we better understand the logic behind these traditions.

Stretching and tearing does damage to tissues during the birth process, and these amino acid-rich, collagen-forming foods do a great job of repair. Electrolytes and fluids are also lost during labour, which can be replaced with soups, broths, slow-cooked dishes, and curries. Blood loss is addressed through consumption of organ meats, and breast milk is enriched by eating eggs and seafood.

CAN YOU PREVENT PND WITH NUTRITION? Lack of exercise, stress, lack of support, and a history of depression have all been identified as risk factors for developing PND (postnatal depression), but so has food. Aiming for complete nutrition can absolutely mitigate your risk by improving your mood, so go ahead and eat your way happy.

(Sadly, ice cream doesn’t feature here either, but use your imagination and I’m sure you’ll come up with some tasty treats from the following recommended foods.)

The omega-3 and DHA you’ll get from salmon, sardines, walnuts, and flaxseeds all play a part in brain function and can help keep depression at bay. Likewise, eggs are full of protein, vitamin D, and B-vitamins, a lack of which can contribute to depression.

Eggs are an easy addition to meals or work as snacks or meals all on their own. Full-fat dairy products like Greek yoghurt help you to feel full and satisfied, while giving you protein, calcium, and vitamin D. Legumes like lentils and beans contain plenty of iron, protein, and fibre, and help keep digestion on track. They also help to regulate blood sugar, which for many people is inextricably linked with fluctuations in mood. Whole grains like oats, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, quinoa, and buckwheat not only provide all-important energy, they’re also linked with boosting serotonin, the hormone responsible for feelings of happiness. Hey, who needs ice cream when you can eat a bowlful of macaroni cheese and call it good for you?

HE LP S

YOU EP KE

REG UL AR ORK KW OC CL AS

It is not uncommon for pregnant women to experience some sluggishness in their digestive system at some point in their pregnancy. Hormonal changes can have an effect of slowing down transition time, which could result in bowel movements not occurring on a daily basis.

There are a number of good tips to keep things moving such as: • Making sure you drink plenty of water, at least 8 glasses a day. A large glass in the morning can certainly help get you moving • Increase fibre, so plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, mixed grain bread, brown rice, legumes, nuts and seeds are good options • Exercise helps to improve motility, even a gentle walk • Choose your iron wisely as iron can lead to poor bowel motility. Well absorbed iron like Carbonyl Iron is gentle on the digestive system.

Another great addition to all these lifestyle tips is Phloe®. Phloe® is a natural product made from New Zealand kiwifruit that is suitable for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains the patented ingredient Zyactinase™ from kiwifruit extract which contains fibre, digestive enzymes and prebiotics to gently help normalise bowel movements.

Helps keep you regular in a gentle way Available in capsules or tasty chewable tablets Helps avoid episodes of gas, bloating and digestive discomfort Suitable for long term use

BLE *SUITA RING E DU FOR US NCY & A PREGN EDING FE T BREAS

AVAILABLE FROM SUPERMARKETS, PHARMACIES AND HEALTH FOOD STORES NATIONWIDE *Dietary supplements are not a replacement for a balanced diet. Always read the label and use as directed. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional.

Made Douglas Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Auckland. TAPS MR5669

from New Zealand Kiwifruit

These four plant-based, dairy-free recipes from Chelsea Winter are healthy and delicious.

(Plus, you can make them gluten-free!)

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tip

This cake isn’t huge, so make sure you use the correct size of tin. If you like, you can double the mixture to make 2 x 21cm cakes and stack them with extra icing in the middle. Or, if you need a whopper of a cake for a special occasion, make one large cake using a 24cm tin. recipe next page

plants

CARROT CAKE PREP: 20 MINUTES COOK: 45 MINUTES MAKES: ONE 21-22CM CAKE CAKE • ²⁄ ³ cup soft brown sugar or caster sugar • ¾ cup grapeseed, rice bran, or sunflower oil • ½ cup canned chickpea liquid (aquafaba) • ¼ cup plant-based milk • 2 tsp vanilla extract • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar • ½ tsp salt • 1½ cups plain flour • 1 tsp baking soda • ½ tsp baking powder • 2 tsp ground cinnamon • ½ tsp ground ginger • ¼ tsp ground cloves • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg • ¾ cup ground almonds • 1½ cups peeled and grated carrot • ¹⁄ ³ cup raisins or sultanas • ¼ cup chopped walnuts (optional) ICING AND GARNISH • ½ cup dairy-free spread • 1¼ cups icing sugar • Zest of 2 lemons • 2 tbsp lemon juice • ¼ tsp salt • 1 tbsp just-boiled water • Chopped pistachios, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C regular bake. Line the base and sides of a 21–22cm round cake tin with baking paper (I just chuck a whole piece in and flatten/scrumple it up the sides).

2. Place the sugar, oil, aquafaba, milk, vanilla, vinegar, and salt in a medium-sized bowl and stir with a whisk to combine.

3. Sift the flour, baking soda, baking powder and spices into a large mixing bowl. Add the almonds and stir to combine, then make a well in the middle and scrape the wet mixture in. Fold until evenly combined. Add the carrot, raisins, and walnuts, if using, and fold them through.

4. Scrape the mixture into the tin, smooth it out, and bake for about 45 minutes, or until a skewer poked in comes out clean. Cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then remove and leave to cool completely on a wire rack.

5. To make the icing, beat the spread and icing sugar in a bowl for a few minutes until light and fluffy. Add the lemon zest, juice, salt, and a little boiled water, and beat again briefly until smooth. You can add a little more water if you like it a bit thinner. It may not go completely smooth, but that’s okay. Let it cool to room temperature, then spread on top of the cooled cake. Sprinkle with pistachios, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds.

6. Keeps for a few days in an airtight container at room temperature.

tip To make it gluten-free, use a GF flour mix without raising agent added.

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SNAUSAGE ROLLS PREP: 30 MINUTES, PLUS 20 MINUTES TO CHILL COOK: 45 MINUTES SERVES: 4 AS A MEAL, 8 AS A SNACK FILLING • ¹ ⁄ ³ cup each brown lentils and French green lentils (or ²⁄ ³ cup brown lentils), rinsed • 3 cups vegetable or chicken-style stock (or use stock powder and water) • 1 large onion, roughly chopped • 2 stalks celery, roughly chopped • 1 large carrot, peeled and roughly chopped • 200g Portobello or shiitake mushrooms (or a mixture) • 4 cloves garlic, crushed • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil • 3 tbsp tomato paste • ½ cup walnuts, whizzed to a crumb • 2 tsp vegetable or chicken-style stock powder • ½ tsp fennel seeds • ½ tsp cumin seeds • 2 tsp soy sauce or tamari • 1 tsp paprika • ½ tsp curry powder • ½ tsp finely ground black pepper • ¼ cup plain flour TO ASSEMBLE • 350g rolled dairy-free flaky puff pastry • ¼ cup canned chickpea liquid (aquafaba) • 1 tbsp sesame or poppy seeds

tip

To make glutenfree, use GF flour, pastr y, stock, and soy sauce.

1. To make the filling, simmer the lentils in the stock until just tender – about 25 minutes. Drain and set aside.

2. Place the onion, celery, carrot, mushrooms, and garlic in a food processor and pulse until chopped quite finely but not mushy.

3. Heat the oil in a frying pan over a medium heat. Add the chopped veges and cook, stirring, for 15–20 minutes, until they have reduced right down to a soft golden mush.

4. Add the drained lentils and remaining filling ingredients except the flour, and stir to combine. Cook for another 5 minutes or so over a medium heat. If it seems a little dry, add more tomato paste and a little water and cook a bit more.

5. Add the flour and stir through. Remove from the heat and leave to cool down to room temperature (or put in a bowl in the fridge to speed it up).

6. Line a large baking tray with baking paper.

7. To assemble, lay the pastry sheet/s out on a clean floured benchtop (or roll your own to about 5mm thick). Arrange the cooled filling in a neat log (about 6cm wide) lengthways down the middle. Fold up both sides of the pastry snugly (you might have a big overlap, but that’s okay – pastry is yum). Brush a little water on both parts where the pastry joins.

Place seam-side down on the lined baking tray and refrigerate for 20 minutes or so to firm up.

8. Preheat the oven to 180°C fan-bake (190°C regular bake).

9. Slice the chilled log into hearty chunks using a bread knife and a light sawing motion. Brush the rolls all over with the aquafaba and prick the tops a couple of times with a knife. Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds.

10. Bake in the lower half of the oven for around 45 minutes, or until the pastry is dark golden brown and puffy. Serve with a dollop of tomato sauce, relish, or chutney.

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SCRAMBLED TOFU PREP: 10 MINUTES COOK: 10 MINUTES SERVES: 2-3 • 1 x 300g block tofu (organic is best; I use Tonzu) • 2 tbsp grapeseed oil or unflavoured coconut oil (or use dairy-free spread) • ½ cup very finely chopped onion • ½ tsp ground turmeric • ¹⁄ ³ cup plant-based milk • 2 tsp cashew butter (optional) • ¾ tsp salt • ½ tsp finely ground black pepper • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley and chives, plus extra to garnish • Squeeze of lemon juice • Pinch chilli flakes (optional) TO SERVE • Freshly toasted bread • Sliced avocado or tomato (optional)

1. Crumble the tofu up – not too finely, leave some chunkier bits in there. Set aside on a plate.

2. Heat the oil in a frying pan over a medium-low heat.

Add the onion and cook, stirring, for about 7 minutes until softened. Add the turmeric and cook for another minute.

3. Add the tofu, milk, cashew butter (if using), salt, and pepper, and cook for another few minutes until the liquid has almost evaporated. Taste and season with more salt and pepper if you think it needs it.

Add the herbs and lemon juice and stir through.

4. Serve immediately on hot toast (a garnish of sliced avocado and/or tomato is nice) with the extra herbs scattered on top. If you have to leave your scrambled tofu sitting for a while, freshen it up with a little more milk before you serve it so that it isn’t dry.

tip

I like drizzling a little Tabasco sauce on top to take the flavours up a level.

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CHOCOLATE MOUSSE PREP: 20 MINUTES, PLUS 4 HOURS TO SET SERVES: 4 • 200g good-quality dairy-free eating chocolate (50% cocoa solids or higher is often dairy-free) • 1 tbsp just-boiled water • 1 cup canned chickpea liquid (aquafaba) • 1 tsp lemon juice TO SERVE • Finely chopped chocolate • Dusting of cocoa powder

tip You can add some

fresh berries on top for a refreshing pop of flavour and colour.

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’

It

1. Have four small glasses or ramekins ready for the mousse, and make space in your fridge.

2. Chop the chocolate up finely on a clean, dry chopping board using a large, sharp knife. Transfer to a heatproof bowl (Pyrex or ceramic).

3. Set the bowl over a saucepan with a little gently simmering water in the bottom (make sure the water doesn’t touch the bowl). Leave it there for a few minutes until you can see that the chocolate has melted quite a bit, then gently stir every now and then until smooth.

4. Add the just-boiled water and stir it through. Remove the bowl from the pan and leave to cool slightly while you beat the aquafaba.

5. Pour the aquafaba into a large, clean mixing bowl (metal, Pyrex or ceramic is best). Beat with an electric beater on high speed for a few minutes until you have a lovely thick, pillowy cloud, like meringue. When you tip the bowl upside down, the fluff should stay put.

6. Fold about a cup of the whipped aquafaba through the melted chocolate to aerate it.

7. Now, scrape the aerated chocolate mixture into the bowl containing the remaining aquafaba, and fold lightly and lovingly with a spatula until it’s evenly combined – a light brown, pillowy mass. If your mixture seems a little runny at this point, don’t despair; it will still set like mousse.

8. Ladle or pour the mixture into the prepared glasses and refrigerate for about 4 hours to set.

9. When ready to serve, sprinkle with finely chopped chocolate and dust with cocoa.

lu g s

-fr ten

ee!

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tip

Mixing melted chocolate with any thing is always a bit of a gamble – sometimes you follow the instructions to a T and the end result is still a little grainy.

If that happens, don’t worr y about it – it’ll still taste awesome.

Extracted from Supergood

by Chelsea Winter, published

by Random House NZ (RRP $50).

Text © Chelsea Winter 2020.

Photography © Tam West 2020.

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tip

Ask your birth educator all the questions bouncing around in your brain.

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Making the most of classes l ta a n te an Birth educator Janine Gard explains why antenatal classes are an integral part of pregnancy.

C

hildbirth is full of wonderment, excitement, joy, trepidation, and a huge dose of the unknown.

How am I going to cope? What if I can't do this? How does my body make breast milk? Can I sleep safely with my baby next to me? Do I need to even need to attend antenatal classes? As a diploma-qualified birth educator with 15 years’ experience facilitating antenatal classes, I’m here to tell you why you should be eager and excited to sign up as part of your pregnancy journey, and why you should bring all your curliest questions to your antenatal group.

Antenatal classes are the best place to learn about the labour and birthing process, and allay any fear or worries you may have.

I’ve taught over 3,000 parents throughout my career, and labour is always the hottest topic of conversation. Understanding what happens to your body and your baby's body during the labour and birthing journey may alleviate some of your concerns. You’ll learn tools to help you relax and keep calm, which will make your labour easier to cope with – and, let's face it, who doesn't want an easier, faster birth?

WHY SHOULD YOU SIGN UP FOR ANTENATAL CLA SSES?

I find that parents are empowered to learn that they have options, too! No two births are the same, and there are plenty of choices women, and couples, can make. Ask your birth educator all the questions bouncing around in your brain – you can't make an informed decision about your birth without having all the information. For instance, some women are surprised to learn that medical staff require permission from the mum to proceed with certain interventions.

This can be verbal consent, but in some cases, written consent needs to be obtained.

Some women tell me that simply knowing that they don’t have to agree to an intervention is quite powerful and that, in many cases, there are other options to try first. Knowing it's your body and your birth can help greatly.

First and foremost, you’ll meet new people, make new friends, and create a support network with others who are due around the same time as yourself. Family might be some distance away, and while they may stay for a short time after your baby is born, it's always great to have a group of people close by, who understand what you are going through. The people in your coffee group are a fantastic network for new parents, and know exactly what it’s like to be surviving on four hours’ sleep, or what it’s like to deal with a full explosion and impromptu baby bath at three in the morning. It's also a great place for the blokes to catch up, debrief the labour, and discuss the latest baby gadget they've seen online.

GOT QUESTIONS? BRING THEM TO CLA SS!

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YES, YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT PAIN RELIEF

Gaining information about natural and medical pain relief options may also be something you will want to know about.

A lot of mums are worried about how much it's going to hurt and their level of pain tolerance. No doubt they’ve seen TV programmes or movies showing people screaming and yelling, making birth look terrifying and scary. Yes, labour hurts and it’s hard work, but there are natural coping techniques you’ll learn about during antenatal classes to help boost hormones that are released during labour to help you with the pain. And if you choose, or need, medical pain relief, there are several options. Learning the pros and cons of each, when you can have them, how they are administered, and how they may affect you and your baby is hugely important.

This is one area you will want to have sound knowledge about.

SEPARATING FACT FROM FICTION

Not everything you've heard about labour and birth is true! When it comes to misconceptions, myths, and old wives’ tales shared on the internet, by well-meaning friends and family or even work colleagues, clearing these up with a trusted birth educator can help you feel more at ease.

Some of the doozies I’ve heard include “You’ll need to harden your nipples with a toothbrush before breastfeeding” and “Everyone poops during labour”.

(FYI: Neither of those are true!) Making sure you get factual, evidence-based information will help ease your mind.

tip

Not all antenatal classes are the same. Find one that feels right and fits your philosophy, your needs and wants.

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You’ll be looking for good support during labour and birth. Antenatal classes will give your partner or support person the tips and tools they need to help and support you, as well as some insights into what’s happening and when. These might take the shape of encouraging words, practical support such as massage and pressure points, how to keep you relaxed and calm, and that sometimes you’ll just want them sitting quietly in a corner and not disturbing you. You’ll also learn what you can and can't bring to the hospital or birthing unit, if that’s where you plan to have your baby, if there’s an after-hours entrance, what to pack, and where can you heat your wheat bag.

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SUPPORT FOR YOUR SUPPORT PERSON, TOO

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: THIS ARTICLE IS FOR EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND MAY NOT BE CONSTRUED AS MEDICAL ADVICE. THE INFORMATION IS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE MEDICAL ADVICE OFFERED BY PHYSICIANS.

AND SO MUCH MORE

You’ll be talking through how to cope with unexpected outcomes, too. It’s not a subject that we really like considering, but while your lead maternity carer will have an idea of how your labour might progress, they don't have a crystal ball (sorry!). The majority of uncomplicated pregnancies have an uncomplicated labour, but it's always a good idea to have a plan in case things need to be modified. Antenatal classes will give you confidence knowing that if your labouring or birthing situation changes, you can and will cope, because you have learned all your options.

A large portion of your antenatal class should be dedicated to postnatal topics.

Quite often parents focus purely on the birth, but classes should include info on breastfeeding, expressing, and alternative options for feeding your baby, how to make a safe bed for your little one, how to bathe your baby, what's normal and not, and when to seek medical advice. You’ll learn about physical and psychological changes, postnatal depression and anxiety, reliable support services, and local community groups and organisations.

I often say that antenatal classes can actually be a great way to spend quality time with your partner – learning together (kind of like date night!) and perhaps grabbing takeaways on the way home while discussing the evening's topics.

WHAT AM I LOOKING FOR?

Ensure the class you’re considering is taught by a professional – someone who has specific qualifications to be facilitating these classes and is abreast of the latest updates and research. You’ll probably want your birth education delivered in a clear, fun, friendly manner. Check their feedback – look at their Facebook page, Google reviews, and ask your own friends or LMC for recommendations.

Not all antenatal classes are the same, just as not all educators are the same. Find one that feels right and fits your philosophy, your needs and wants. Classes can be in groups, one-on-one, and there are weekend intensive classes on offer too. There are also live, interactive online classes for those that would like to learn and engage with

others from the comfort of their home, or online classes that offer workbooks supported by videos that you can do at your own pace. Birth educators should be delivering all this information in a unbiased way, without judgment or opinion. Take time to find the right antenatal class for you.

Antenatal classes in your pyjamas For information about live, interactive online antenatal classes with Janine Gard, check out From Bellies to Babies Antenatal Classes (hbantenatal-classes.co.nz or phone 022 637 0624).

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I’ll be t here for you Considering using a doula as an extra support person for your labour and birth?

Tiffany Brown finds out more.

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y brother and his partner had their children about a decade before I did, but a story they shared, which came from the doula who supported them through all three births, really resonated with me, and stuck. I use her analogy all the time, but it’s even more appropriate to share it here, in a discussion of birth doulas and their benefits.

My sister-in-law’s doula compared an expectant mum’s birth process to an Olympic-sized effort in a swimming challenge you may have set yourself: Let’s say, to swim across the Tasman.

The people gliding beside you in your support boat will cheer you on, of course, but when that eventual moment comes when you’ve given everything you’ve got, and all you want to do is give up, are they doing the right thing by you if that support crew extends a hand and says, “Okay, love, that looks pretty hard.

Look, you’ve done your best, why don’t you pop back in the boat and we’ll get you nice and dry?”

No. You set yourself that challenge, and you want that gold medal. You need a crew who will keep cheering, keep telling you that you can make it, even when you want to give up. Well, a birth doula can be that crew person, even if the others are trying to pull you back into the boat.

WHAT IS A DOULA?

A term coined in the 1960s, a doula is a trained companion who works as a birth support partner for you during and at the end of your pregnancy, and sometimes beyond. Usually a woman, a doula assists you emotionally and physically during childbirth, advocates between you and your medical

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teams or family members, and may support you in the first weeks after the birth.

The word “doula” comes from an ancient Greek word meaning “servant”. And gosh, who wouldn’t want a servant at their beck and call during the most physically and emotionally taxing thing you’re likely to ever do? In modern times, of course, we think of a doula less as a servant and more as a really helpful sister-type friend, and the rise in popularity of doulas in recent times is thanks to medical research that showed more positive birth outcomes when a doula was employed, particularly in reducing the need for medical intervention and increasing the success of breastfeeding.

WHAT DOES A DOULA DO?

So what will your fairy doula godmother do for you? Some doulas focus on the birth itself, and may be called “birth” or “labour” doulas. They’ll educate you on birthing positions, pain management strategies, breathing, and medical or non-medical interventions, but they are not medical professionals and will not offer medical services. They’ll also provide emotional support and companionship during the process to give you a safe, comforting presence during a time of potential anxiety and insecurity. After all, as great as dads, partners, mums, or friends can be, the birth experience can prove a challenge for everyone who is intimately acquainted with the birthing mother, with some being overwhelmed by not only their own feelings about the arrival of a new life, but also from their concern about you, the mother they love.

The presence of a birth doula can anchor a professional in your midst whom you trust and respect, but also someone who will keep

their cool and offer you unwavering support in line with your own wishes. A postpartum or postnatal doula provides the same comfort to both mother and baby after the birth, as well as breastfeeding education and support.

Some doulas offer specialised support for high-risk pregnancies, but doulas are not the same as healthcare workers, and they don’t perform any clinical or medical tasks or procedures for you. That’s what your midwife, nurse, or doctor is there for.

WHAT BENEFITS ARE THERE TO HAVING A DOULA?

The assistance of a doula can reduce the need for medical interventions such as Caesarean section surgery, forceps or ventouse delivery,

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and epidural. Research has also shown a doula can help reduce the incidence of postnatal depression, improve relationships between new parents, reduce anxiety, and help mums to breastfeed more successfully and enjoy their newborn in confidence.

Doula enthusiasts point out the last century has seen a dramatic shift away from the style of childbirth our ancestors were used to, where experienced female relatives supported mothers through the birthing process, passing on knowledge and expertise and providing physical and emotional support that was never replicated when the trend towards hospital-style birthing took hold. They say a doula, whose only job is to

support the mother in a professional manner, can replace that lost support, without compromising the standard of care that has allowed for dramatic improvements in modern birth outcomes.

HOW DO I WORK WITH A DOULA?

Before the birth, a doula may help you to work out a birth plan, and explain all the elements of the birthing process to you.

They’ll get an understanding of what’s important to you. Immediately before and during the birth, a doula may assist with birth support measures such as acupuncture or acupressure, relaxation, yoga, the use of water, breathing exercises, position, massage,

visualization, or hypnobirthing. They’ll also help you to understand what’s happening, and explain any processes or procedures initiated by medical staff. They will advocate for you with medical staff and family members in line with your birth plan, or as your wishes change during the process.

Beyond the birth, your doula can help you to establish breastfeeding and recommend sources of support, as well as teach you to care for your newborn. They may help with your physical and emotional recovery, and provide practical assistance like preparing meals, housework, looking after other children, or anything else to provide assistance during the intense time with your newborn infant.

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Beyond the birth, your doula can help you to establish breastfeeding and recommend sources of support, as well as teach you to care for your newborn.

Emily Farris hired a doula, Jessica, for the bir th of her son, and despite declaring herself not at all the "t ypical doula client", she has no regret s.

She says, "Whether by text or in person, Jessica was there for me from my first contraction until my new family of three was settled into our private room. All told, it was about 4 8 hours.

She didn’t sleep. She didn’t leave. She even waited right out side the operating room during my C-section (though I hope she was able to rest a little then). When I break down what we paid versus how much time she dedicated to my family, her hourly rate was a steal.”

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WHAT QUALIFICATIONS SHOULD A DOULA HAVE?

There are no mandatory qualifications required in New Zealand to work as a doula, although various types of training are available. The global industry itself is only in its infancy, with its oldest formal professional doula training organisation, DONA International, beginning in 1992, just a few decades ago. Online training is available from multiple international companies, and local classroom training is provided by a number of national doula organisations in New Zealand. There are 27 doulas listed throughout the country on the NZ Doulas directory (nzdoulas.nz/doula-directory).

Here are some questions to consider when deciding whether a doula is right for you.

• Do you have firm ideas about how you would like your birth experience to go?

(That is, are you keen to avoid interventions?)

Doulas are there to help you get the experience you want, as much as is practicable or possible, whereas midwives, medical professionals, and family members may have other priorities in their support of your birthing experience.

• Do you feel overwhelmed by the prospect of giving birth? If yes, you’re not alone, and a doula may go a long way to help you navigate this new and intimidating landscape.

• Are you the type of person who can fight your own corner over the things that

HOW DO I KNOW IF THE DOULA I’VE CHOSEN IS RIGHT FOR ME?

When you connect with a doula, be sure to ask her everything you need to in order to make a decision if she is the right fit for you. Establishing a good relationship and feeling that you understand and like each other is crucial.

Feel free to ask her for references or testimonials from previous clients, and ask to have a chat with one of them. You may also want to find out from her practical information such as how many births she has supported, what sort of training she has had, exactly which parts of the birth and postpartum process she will support you through, and how much she will charge.

It may be more your style to invite her to meet you and get to know each other personally over a cup of tea. Whichever is more important to you, make sure you feel confident she is the person to provide you the emotional support you’re looking for.

THANKS TO HOPE AND MANUEL, PHOTOGRAPHED

BY KAU'I WIHONGI (KAUIWIHONGI.COM)

EMILY’S STORY

are important to you? Not every woman unleashes a hidden mama tiger the moment they go in to labour. If you’re inclined to stay on the passive side, a doula can be your mouthpiece, advocating for you when you can’t or would rather not do so yourself.

• Do you have the budget to pay for a doula? Doula services are not covered as part of standard maternity care, so you’ll need to consider your finances. Private insurance is not likely to cover this either, although with a trend towards insurers funding more alternative therapies, this may change.

A doula’s charges will vary, but you’ll be looking at an average of around $500 to $1,000 for the service.

You can also find help on doula training organisation and provider websites, and through groups, forums and providers on Facebook or Instagram. Your midwife or medical professional may have a recommendation for you, as may friends or family, or contacts from your antenatal birth education class or group.

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Play to learn, learn to grow

Precious moments Cassie Emmett of Capturing LIFE – photo + film (capturinglife.co.nz) and Catherine Smith of Catherine Smith Photography (catherinesmithphotography.com) share these incredible photographs of women in the strong, yet vulnerable, glory of becoming mothers.

Larraine’s birth

"When I met Larraine, Moherehere, and their little girl Mia, I felt so lucky to be part of the upcoming birth of their little boy. A home birth was planned and I could just tell it was going to be so special! At 9am on a Thursday, I received a text from Larraine saying things were happening, but nothing was regular yet. By 10.30am the midwife, Courtney, called to ask me to come. Surrounded by her loving whānau, Larraine laboured beautifully, then at 12.36pm and almost without a peep from Larraine, baby Mýre was born peacefully into the water, taking the rest of us by surprise! What I loved most about this birth was the inclusion of Mia, their daughter. How wonderful to show her just how amazing birth can be." — Cassie

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Larissa's birth "This not-so-little guy decided that being breech felt way better than being head-down. He was the second breech baby for Larissa and Chris. Their daughter was birthed at home; however, due to the size and gestation of baby Scott, they chose to birth

by Caesarean section.

And he was a big boy! 10lb 4oz and oh, so gorgeous.

It was a real honour to be invited into the operating theatre to photograph these amazing moments for this lovely family.

Moments that can never be redone!" — Cassie

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Genesis’s birth

ALL PHOTOGRAPHS REPRODUCED WITH KIND PERMISSION OF THE FAMILIES PHOTOGRAPHED BY CASSIE EMMETT OF CAPTURING LIFE – PHOTO + FILM (CAPTURINGLIFE.CO.NZ) AND CATHERINE Smith OF CATHERINE SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY (CATHERINESMITHPHOTOGRAPHY.COM)

"After arriving at the birth centre in the early hours of the morning, contractions had begun to space right out. We were all tired, especially Genesis. But after some rebozo, stair walks, and a little patience, the contractions began to pick up again. And it wasn't long after this before Genesis was moving to the pool to birth. Her partner Chea also got in to help coach and support her through those last few contractions and after only a short time in the pool, Avayah-Ann arrived perfectly into Chea's arms. Chea, shedding a proud tear, handed her over to Genesis as the whole room celebrated. It had been a little while since I'd last photographed a birth due to recently having my own little one, and wow, what an absolutely beautiful experience to welcome me back to birth photography." — Catherine

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HAPŪ, WHĀNAU, WHENUA: Bringing the past into the present with traditional Māori birth rites

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For modern mum Whetu Horo, the recent birth of her baby son was imbued with the spirit of her precious culture, explains Tiffany Brown.

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he first people of Aotearoa dwelt here for centuries before the arrival of the Europeans.

Since Captain James Cook and his men claimed the discovery of this inhabited land in 1770, systematic infiltration of people from all over the globe has followed. Māori culture has endured a tumultuous history in that time, in which rites and customs have alternately been puzzled over, ridiculed, ignored, stamped out, persecuted, and celebrated. But many indigenous descendants of this proud heritage have worked tirelessly to keep its traditions alive, and as a result we are now seeing greater mainstream acceptance of the incorporation of special birth protocols for modern mothers.

BIRTH IN THE MĀORI TRADITION

Māori culture has a strong oral tradition, and te reo Māori, or the Māori language, is richly layered, and an effective means through which non-Māori may more fully understand the wairua (spirit) and tikanga (customs) of the culture. Many will be familiar with the respective meanings of the terms whānau, hapū, and whenua, being family, clan, and land.

The exact same three words are used to describe birth, pregnancy, and placenta, expressing the importance for Māori of people and nature. Historically, childbirth was considered so tapu (sacred) that a separate purpose-built structure or hut would be created in which the hapū woman would labour and give birth, with special pou, or hand posts, for her to hold. The structure, along with mats and anything used for the birth was burned once the pēpi (baby) arrived.

Whakapapa (genealogy) is central to Māori philosophy, and a way of understanding both the universe and its place in time. Birth, as the origin of whakapapa, was therefore always considered in the highest esteem in tribal tradition.

Producing children was also important to ensure the survival of the iwi (tribe).

MAHUĀIO’S BIRTH

Whetu Horo knew she wanted to incorporate Māori tikanga (customs) into her labour and birthing experience as soon as she found out she was pregnant. “I knew I wanted to have baby at home,” she said. “It’s the place where I feel most comfortable.” During her pregnancy, she and partner Jerome Nonoa talked extensively about the birth. “Both Jerome and I were born at home, so we felt it was only natural to choose to birth at home.”

Raised in an exclusively te reo Māorispeaking household, Whetu was educated at an immersive te reo Māori language wānanga (school), Mana Tamariki in Palmerston North. Her mother is a Māori artist and her father a Māori musician.

Whetu will continue with the tradition of speaking te reo Māori at home in part, and is committed to raising baby Mahuāio to be bilingual in te reo Māori and English.

“It’s a big thing for me, to teach my baby to speak te reo Māori.” Dad Jerome is part Samoan, so little Mahuāio may be lucky enough to learn three important languages during his childhood.

Whetu chose to have her pēpi (baby) at the home she shares with Jerome in Hamilton. She was surrounded by her immediate whānau (family) including her siblings and parents, who were instrumental in helping her create the elements of the traditional experience she had been empowered to choose after attending a local Plunket Whirihia antenatal wānanga (class) led by childbirth educator Kelly Spriggs.

“The course was really empowering,” said Whetu. “It was really cool to see them trying to inform other mums who are Māori that want to incorporate Māori stuff too.”

Whetu’s whānau were contacted after she went into labour about 3am in late December of 2019. “Mum came in and she was massaging my back. It was really calm, and I had incense burning.” Mirimiri (massage) is a labour support measure which appears in most cultures, including in the Māori tradition.

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DRAWING ON MĀORI TRADITION

What about non-Māori parent s borrowing from these traditions, or using Māori names for their babies? Whetu was enthusiastic about Māori mothers accessing classes to help them better understand some of the bir thing traditions they may want to incorporate.

And she felt that for some non-Māori mothers, perhaps those who have a Māori par tner, or who strongly identif y with Māori culture for some reason, then by all means, use some of these traditions for your bir th. But she advises that you do your homework.

For example, a person must really understand the language of Māori karakia, rather than pulling a few words you may like out of the dictionar y. The alternative would be to recite a simple prayer in your own language.

To be respectful of a culture which is not inherently yours, it makes sense to immerse yourself in it before you appropriate any of it s element s. Look for Māori-focused classes, learn te reo Māori, or reach out and communicate with people of Māori descent.

You are likely to find suppor t if you remain humble while asking how you can sensitively incorporate the par t s of this noble tradition that may appeal to you.

of the women created an ipu whenua, a clay bowl to hold their baby’s placenta. Sharing the name with the description for land, it’s traditional to return the placenta to the earth, hence the container. For Whetu, though, as she laboured upstairs supported by her mother, her father was downstairs carving a hue (calabash) for the whenua (placenta). Hue were traditionally carved from gourds and used for carrying water.

“I don’t know if he did it to distract himself,” said Whetu. “But he was carving it, and drawing on it, and he was doing it for baby.

Then when I was finished, he was finished.”

The birth of Mahuāio was particularly special for all the whānau, as he is the first grandchild of his generation.

Whetu’s siblings, her support people, arrived and joined in with her musician pāpā (dad) to play taonga puoro (treasured or precious songs). He also sang a type of

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identifying incantation karakia (prayer or chant) known as a tauparapara, and he played a special type of Māori instrument known to relieve labour pains.

As Mahuāio’s head appeared, Whetu’s mother started to call out to announce the imminent birth to their ancestors.

“My māmā started to karanga (call out) our new taonga (treasure) into this world, and as the body came out my partner got to be the first to place hands on his pēpi.”

Next, Mahuāio had skin-to-skin contact with Whetu, and then with his pāpā as Whetu pushed the placenta out. Whetu said, “The room oozed with love and maungārongo (peace).”

While baby was having skin-to-skin, Whetu’s younger siblings went outside to play the pūkāea, a long wooden trumpet, to further announce the arrival to the ancestors and the world. (“Not to the neighbours,” Whetu joked. “I think I made enough noise during labour that they knew what was happening.”)

Next, they cut Mahuāio’s pito, the part of the umbilical cord near the belly button.

Jerome used his pounamu (greenstone) as a base, and the couple used matā (obsidian) from Whetu’s ancestral land to sever the cord. Although using obsidian for this purpose is a ritual dating back to legend, Whetu and Jerome were more pragmatic about its use. “We didn’t use obsidian because of tradition, we used it because we knew how sharp it was.” There was a little sentimentality to the ritual, though.

The obsidian was gifted to them by Whetu’s uncle, and came from the same rock that had cut her nephew’s pito 12 years earlier.

The couple had retrieved some muka (prepared flax fibre) from both Taranaki and Hokianga, locations linking both their whakapapa, and they weaved this together to tie off the cord, as per tradition.

Overall, Whetu felt wonderful about her birth experience with Mahuāio.

“I felt so blessed to be able to experience such powerful forces. I was beyond proud of my body for doing it all naturally and extremely grateful to my support people and my partner.”

PHOTOGRAPHY: REGAN BALZER

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0800 933 922

Kei konei mātou

Your

post-baby body

Carrying and giving birth to a baby changes your body irrevocably, but knowledge is power.

Pregnancy and general osteopath Sarah Boughtwood (sarahboughtwoodosteopath.co.nz) explains what to expect when you’re done expecting.

E

very birth is unique, but there are some common physical and psychological changes that occur in those first few days.

Your midwife or obstetrician will discuss with you some of the common things you may notice after birth and the symptoms to look out for. Always speak to your health professional if you have any concerns and to check your symptoms are normal.

FIRST FEW DAYS POSTNATAL BLEEDING

Postnatal bleeding (lochia) refers to the extra blood and tissue that your womb sheds and while it replaces its lining after birth. Please ask your midwife or obstetrician to make sure your level of bleeding is normal and if there are any associated symptoms.

BREAST CHANGES

Typically, your milk “comes in” around day two to three postpartum, and your breast size can go up one to three cup sizes. As an osteopath, I encourage you to get properly fitting breastfeeding bras. These need to be the correct size, underwire-free, and feel supportive. The increase in breast volume puts a great deal of strain on the back, neck, shoulders, and your posture, which over time can start to cause aches and pains.

Sometimes when your milk comes in, you can get night sweats. Please inform your midwife, obstetrician, or health professional if you develop night sweats. Typically, this

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is due to the hormonal changes during postpartum and settles down over a few weeks, but it can be a sign of other illnesses, so always check with your health professional.

Breastfeeding comes naturally to some women and for others it can be a little harder to establish. Your midwife will help you will get breastfeeding established. If you are struggling with breastfeeding, your midwife might recommend a lactation consultant or seeing an osteopath who treats postpartum women and babies.

Due to birth or the baby’s position during pregnancy, your baby’s neck, jaw, chest, and back muscles and joints might be a bit tight or compressed, making it hard for the baby to latch.

Your baby might also have a tongue tie, which is a short, tight band of tissue tether, joining the tip of the tongue to the floor of your baby’s mouth. A lactation consultant and osteopath can assess both the mother and baby to identify any issues that might be influencing breast feeding and help resolve them.

A TEAR DOWN THERE

Perineal tearing (between your vaginal opening and anus) can occur in labour, which can make those first few days or weeks uncomfortable. Stitches can be used to help the tear heal, but extra caution is needed when passing stools. Ask your midwife or LMC if you are unsure.

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Your postbaby body may be difficult to adjust to at first. Over time, you'll grow to appreciate the changes that brought your baby into your life.

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I WASN’T EXPECTING THIS…

FIRST FEW WEEKS BABY BLUES AND PND

UTERUS

In those first few weeks postpartum, your uterus contracts down to its pre-pregnancy size. By six weeks, it is roughly back to its original size. Some women describe a cramping sensation in their belly during this time. Always ask your midwife if you experience this to check it is normal.

WHOSE BODY IS THIS

During pregnancy you will experience a number of physical changes including a shift in your centre of gravity, weight, blood and fluid volume, spinal curves and so on. As your hormones settle back to normal, these all slowly return to pre-pregnancy settings . Every person is different; for some women it is very fast, but for others it takes longer. Always ask your LMC if you have any concerns. Never compare yourself to others or to celebrities.

ACHES AND PAINS

A lot of pains experienced during pregnancy typically disappear once the baby is born and as physical strain of the baby and belly is no longer there. Some women need osteopathic treatment to help settle those aches and pains down or treat new pains that have started as the demands on your body due to motherhood change.

Some of the common aches and pains osteopaths treat in those first few weeks include shoulder, neck, and back pain. This is largely due to posture while breastfeeding, carrying, lifting, and changing your baby.

During pregnancy it is common to lose muscle tone, which can therefore cause

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These physical changes might surprise you.

added strain to your joints. Treatment is aimed at loosening up the joints, stretching tight muscles, and helping the body adapt to new tasks involved with looking after a newborn. Your body is also settling back down to normal – or a new normal – postpartum.

FIRST FEW MONTHS MOVE YOUR BODY

Once cleared by your health professional, you can ease your way back into exercise.

I always recommend starting off small, light, and easy. Starting off too intense can cause injuries, due to muscle tone and strength lost over the course of pregnancy, especially if you have developed diastasis recti (abdominal separation). Gentle walking is always a good place to start, as is working with a personal trainer who specialises in pregnancy and postpartum. If you have or suspect you have abdominal separation, seek advice from a women’s physiotherapist, personal trainer whose specialises in postpartum or your health professional.

MY ACHING BACK

Osteopaths commonly treat back, neck, pelvic, lower back, and hip pain in those first few months of motherhood. This is due to carrying a baby on your hip and in a front pack (if worn incorrectly), carrying, feeding, and lifting your baby. It can take a few months postpartum for your hormones to settle down and your body to start to return to its pre-pregnancy state.

Common advice I give to my postpartum clients is to be very mindful of their posture.

If you hold your baby on your hip, try swapping to the other hip every now and again to balance yourself out. Also, carrying a capsule with your baby in it puts a lot of strain on your body, so use a pram or properly fitted baby carrier.

IN BED

Getting back into having sex can be a challenge for some new mums. This can be due to fear, previous tearing making the genital area painful, low progesterone making you dry (and therefore making

HAIR: Darker and wavier Quite commonly your hair can become slightly darker in colour and slightly wavier. At four months postpartum, it is quite common for both you and your baby to lose some hair. For you this is due to changes in hormones and doesn’t last long.

FEET: Go up a size It is very common for women to say they are now buying a shoe size bigger than before they had kids.

SKIN: Can be darker Something I noticed personally was that my skin goes slightly browner in the summer than it ever did before I had kids.

sex uncomfortable). Talk to your midwife about contraception and lubricant, and remember, never rely on breastfeeding as a form of contraception.

STRETCH MARKS

Stretch marks can develop during pregnancy as the skin is stretched with the growing belly. They are normally over your belly, breasts, and hips. Stretch marks are initially pink, but typically will fade over time once the baby is born.

THANKS TO WHETU, PHOTOGRAPHED

BY CATHERINESMITHPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

In those first few days, you’ll feel a lot of emotions, which can include love, joy, overwhelm, relief, pride, exhaustion, anxiety, and so on. The “baby blues” can occur in those first few days or weeks after birth.

This is due to big changes in hormones, sleep deprivation, and stress. The baby blues only lasts a very short period of time, where postpartum depression symptoms worsen and do not go away. Always ask for help and tell someone if you are feeling down or needing help. Motherhood is not always an easy transition, and we all need help from time to time. It is very important you reach out to someone and tell them how you are feeling.

The product most recommended by doctors for pregnancy stretch marks.

Colmar Brunton, 2018

“I got stretch marks in my teens, so of course when I fell pregnant I wanted to avoid them. I’d hear about Bio-Oil all the time, even before I thought about having children, so it was the obvious choice. I think I was 8 weeks pregnant when I started using it for stretch marks on my tummy, and I got none. So when my sister fell pregnant I also recommended it to her to use immediately.”

Nicky with Chiara

Bio-Oil® helps reduce the possibility of pregnancy stretch marks forming by increasing the skin’s elasticity. It should be applied twice daily from the start of the second trimester. Bio-Oil is available at pharmacies and selected retailers. Individual results will vary. Bio-Oil is distributed in New Zealand by Douglas Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Auckland.

Where’s the

instruction manual?

Your first week at home with your new baby is a whole new experience you probably aren’t prepared for, no matter how much you think you are. Yvonne Walus tells you what might happen – and what to keep in mind.

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re you wondering what happens when you bring your newborn home? While you’re in hospital, you have midwives and nurses (and maybe even fellow mums on the ward) to consult, but as soon as you take your precious bundle home, you’re on your own and it’s not even like you’ve passed an exam or gotten a parenting licence!

The first week “home alone” with your baby is a time of major change, and not knowing exactly what it entails can make it particularly stressful. If you want the super-short version of what to expect, it’s “no sleep”. For a slightly longer version, read on.

GOING HOME

Before you leave the hospital building, dress your baby in one more layer than you’re wearing, and add a beanie or a sunhat.

The temperature inside the uterus is higher than the air temperature outside.

Make sure the car seat or baby capsule is securely fastened to the car and in the rear-facing position (follow the instructions).

Strap the baby in – the shoulder straps

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should come through the car seat slots at or just below your baby’s shoulders. The harness should be tight, but loose enough that you can slip two fingers (no more) flat between your baby and the straps.

On that first ride home, it’s normal to drive 20km/h in a 50km/h zone. It’ll feel like 250km/h with the precious cargo on board. Speaking of which, many new parents invest in the yellow “baby on board” signs to encourage other drivers to use caution, but these are just courtesy signs (not official ones like the L-plates).

HOW TO DECODE CRYING

Crying is the only way your baby can communicate with you. If the cry is low-pitched and rhythmic, and the baby makes sucking motions, they’re hungry.

If the cry sounds whiny, the baby is probably tired. If it’s a wail or a scream, the baby is in pain. Soft whimpering that lacks energy may indicate that the baby’s sick, and you need to consult your LMC or GP. If nothing seems to be wrong, try to rock the baby, pat their back, walk while holding

them, and make shushing sounds. If nothing works, you might need to put the baby safely in the cot, then walk away for a few minutes.

FEEDING

In the first two days, your body will produce colostrum, a type of pre-milk (watery and yellowish in colour) that’s nevertheless rich in nutrients that boost a baby's immune system and help fight infection. The change from colostrum to transitional milk occurs after two to five days. Transitional milk is

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creamier in texture and looks more like milk, although mature milk typically only comes in two weeks after giving birth.

If your milk is not coming in, it could be because your baby is not latching properly or sucking hard enough. Because the removal of milk is what tells your body to make more, you can help the process along by using a hand pump to express.

Your LMC can advise you if you want to supplement your breast milk with formula feeds.

WHEN PEOPLE WANT TO MEET YOUR BABY

Try to limit visitors in the first two weeks. Apart from your immediate circle, it may pay to postpone socialising until you’re fully recovered and in an established routine. If guests do arrive, suggest that they make themselves at home and prepare a pot of tea for everyone (you’ll take yours with milk and one sugar, thank you), and if they stay once the cups are empty, point them in the direction of the dishwasher, the vacuum cleaner, or the laundry basket. If they want you to wake up the baby so they can have a cuddle, the answer is no. If they want you to leave the room to breastfeed your baby, the answer is whatever you feel comfortable with (you’re allowed to breastfeed wherever you want to).

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TAKING CARE OF YOU

Don’t be intimidated by the myth of yummy mummies with flat tummies.

The reality is that we all struggle to get back into shape: Nine months of growing your baby from two cells to a 3kg person is a pretty tough ask for your body. Give yourself time to heal.

If you deliver your baby vaginally, your perineum will be bruised, swollen, and possibly torn, so sitting will be a challenge. If you have a Caesarean, which is a major abdominal surgery, you will need time to regain your energy, and the incision site will hurt. Urinating may sting no matter how you gave birth, so drink lots of water to dilute the uric acid. You will also experience vaginal bleeding for two to six weeks after the birth (whether after a vaginal or a C-section delivery).

SLEEPING

IS THE NAPPY SUPPOSED TO LOOK LIKE THIS?

The first few nappies will be sticky and black-green as the baby passes meconium.

Later, the contents will be mustard-yellow.

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Most newborns go through two to four nappies in the first five days, increasing to eight nappies a day when your milk comes in.

BATHTIME

Make sure the room is warm, your baby’s fed and alert, and that you have everything ready. For a quick wash, undress the baby, wet a soft washcloth (baby soap optional), and gently pass it over the baby’s skin, starting with the face and working your way down. Remember to wipe the eyelids (no soap), around the mouth, the outer parts of the ears, and under the chin.

Newborns need a full bath only once or twice a week. Fill a baby tub with water that feels warm but not hot. Support the head, cover the tummy with a towel to keep the baby warm, and wash from the top down with a soft cloth. Get into all the skin creases, plus the spaces between fingers and toes.

Wash the genital area from front to back.

SOME OBVIOUS STUFF • Call your LMC or midwife, Plunket, or your GP if you have any questions or problems, no matter how trivial.

• Be careful with your hot drink while you’re breastfeeding.

• Check the cot for loose pieces of cloth, pillows, soft toys, crib bumpers – anything that might end up covering the baby’s face. Take everything out – babies don’t need these things, and they’re not safe.

• Never leave your baby unattended: Not in the car, not in a shopping trolley, not in a buggy outside a public toilet.

THANKS TO SAMANTHA, PHOTOGRAPHED

BY CATHERINESMITHPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

Good news: A newborn will typically sleep a lot, up to 18 hours out of every 24! Bad news: They will want to feed every two to four hours, day and night. Unfortunately, the sleep patterns of a newborn baby are not related to the daylight and nighttime cycles.

Because they can’t distinguish between day and night, you have to teach them by exposing them to daylight during the day, as well as introducing a nighttime routine in the evening. Bathe and feed the baby at the same time every day, then place them in the cot as soon as they appear drowsy. Turn off the light and draw the curtains. You don’t need the house to be silent, but avoid any sudden loud noises. The baby will still wake up through the night, but the night feeds will be different from the daytime feeds.

At night, go to the baby as soon as the crying starts, switch on a night light, and talk very softly to keep the atmosphere as sleepy as possible.

In the first week, it may seem that all the baby does is sleep and eat. If you’re worried they’re sleeping too much, speak to your LMC.

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SLEEP SOF TLY

They say blue is the perfect colour for a good night's sleep. This little collection of sleepytime accessories ensures it's all sweet dreams at your place.

1. Heilo Fox Handmade Felted Toy ($39.90 from ecosprout.co.nz) 2. You Simply Can’t Spoil A Newborn by Dorothy Wade ($39.99 from babyhelp.co.nz) 3. Hushh White Noise Machine ($79.95 from thesleepstore.co.nz) 4. Bluebell Star Anais Cot Quilt ($119 from ecosprout.co.nz) 5. Estillo Dinosaur Cuddly ($10 from bumpandbabymall.co.nz) 6. Gobstopperz Tribal Deer Dummy Holder ($39.99 from bumpandbabymall.co.nz) 7. Hush Little Baby Sleep Support Spritz and Refill ($59.99 from bumpandbabymall.co.nz) 8. Hayley Benseman Lavender Massage oil ($29 from bumpandbabymall.co.nz) 9. BIBS Pacifier in Sage ($19.90 for two from ecosprout.co.nz) 10. Hatch Baby & Child Bamboo Elephant Comforter ($23 from bumpandbabymall.co.nz) 11. Organic Cotton Sweet Dreams Blanket in Sky Gray ($49.90 from ecosprout.co.nz)

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What can those litt le ears hear?

What can babies hear in utero?

And what do you need to know about noise exposure for newborns? Tiffany Brown listens to the sounds all around.

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he cute image of a parent-to-be talking animatedly to a pregnant belly is as perennial as it is endearing. But should we pay attention to the sounds babies hear in utero?

And what about noise for newborns?

Let’s break down what happens in the aural department for babies and newborns, and how their world of sound impacts prenatal and postnatal development.

WHEN DO BABIES START TO HEAR?

The indentations on the neck where babies’ ears will grow only appear around the ninth week of pregnancy, but they develop quickly, and by the eighteenth week of pregnancy the foetus starts to hear sound. Early sound recognition is limited to the sounds coming from their mother: The heartbeat, air moving in and out of the lungs, the stomach growling, and even blood moving through the umbilical cord.

Sensitivity to sound increases by week 24, and in the following few weeks, your baby should start to make responses to voices and other low-frequency sounds. As there is no air in the uterus, all sounds are muffled by about half for the baby, but by the third trimester, your baby’s heartbeat will quicken when their mother is audible, indicating recognition and alertness in response to hearing your voice.

During the final trimester, babies even begin to recognise certain words. These sounds for them are similar to what you hear when you talk with your hand over your mouth. Recognition of fathers’ voices has also been detected, but sorry, dads – by and large babies indicate a clear preference for listening to their mum. Incredibly, research has shown this early recognition is the initial basis of learning. But don’t go rushing to play Learn Spanish in Three Weeks just yet. We’re only at the baby steps stage right now.

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HOW MUCH NOISE IS TOO LOUD?

PRENATAL TO POSTNATAL SLEEP HACK One study found that newborns became calm in response to a piece of music they had heard repeatedly while in the womb. Why not tr y to recreate this magic at home? Choose a favourite piece of music to play and sing to your growing belly, then pop the same track on when you tr y to soothe your newborn to sleep – it might just do the trick.

A word to the wise, though: Make sure you enjoy the piece sufficiently to hear it over and over.

The key to success here is that the music uplif t s and relaxes both of you, rather than irritates you because you’ve heard it once too of ten.

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While there is some evidence to suggest prolonged exposure to excessive noise or exposure to very loud sounds may lead to hearing loss in a newborn, the direct causes are not well known. Because sounds are significantly muffled in the womb, allowance should be made for the subsequent reduction in noise. Babies are also more likely to hear low-frequency sounds like vowels in speech, rather than high-frequency sounds like consonants. So attending an occasional loud concert is unlikely to present major problems, but experts say you should generally keep noise level to between 50 and 60 decibels for your unborn baby. If you work in a noisy or high-pitched environment, or you’re otherwise surrounded by noises louder than that of a normal conversation, you may want to chat to your lead maternity carer.

PRE-TERM BABIES

The beneficial muffling effect of the cushioned uterus on developing newborn ears is naturally lost if a baby is born prematurely, and there is a body of ongoing research exploring the best remedy for pre-term infants in neonatal hospital settings.

Researchers have suggested that both the exposure to more high-frequency sounds due to this lack of uterine buffering, and the absence of noise from Mum’s body, can lead to problems. One recent clinical study showed music helped to enhance connectivity in the brains of pre-term infants when the effect was observed.

SHOULD YOU PLAY MUSIC TO YOUR BABY IN UTERO?

This is another captivating idea, and research suggests it can’t hurt to play music to your baby, providing that doesn’t take the form of a weekly ear-splitting thrash metal gig!

The everyday sounds of life for a baby in utero are actually more likely to stimulate and encourage foetal development, because the sound of your voice is amplified and reverberates through your body as you talk, sing, or read aloud to your belly. As much as your partner might get carried away with strapping a pair of headphones around you, plain speech or singing is a more effective tool for delivering the benefits of sound to your unborn baby. In fact, headphones may deliver too high a volume of noise to the developing foetus, and are best avoided, so encourage your partner to read your bump a story or sing it a song instead.

THE RHY THM SECTION

Decades of research has established a clear link between both the response to and the creation of rhythmical sound and movement, and the establishment of effective communication and therefore all-important social bonds in infancy and childhood.

Rhythmic stimulations surround foetuses and newborns, primarily from their mother’s activities. Mums produce rhythm in patterns, from breathing, cardiac activity, walking, speaking, singing, and moving their limbs or face in different cadences. The detection and differentiation of these rhythms form the eventual basis for the development of speech and music production.

NEWBORN HEARING

By the time of birth, a newborn can hear quite well, although the immaturity of the hearing apparatus and a concentration of fluid in the middle ear will impair their hearing to a certain extent at first. Your newborn may clearly respond to its mother’s voice, and exhibit a startle reaction to sudden, loud sounds like a dog barking or door slamming.

A newborn hearing screening will take place within the first few days of your baby’s life. This is a simple and painless procedure your baby is likely to sleep through, but which can usually detect hearing problems right from the start.

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MUSIC FOR NEWBORNS Playing soft music or singing lullabies to your baby activates their neural pathways, encouraging the development of a range of skills. Although researchers have debated for years the existence of a so-called “Mozart effect”, a hypothesis which says exposure to classical music can enhance intelligence, it is generally agreed listening to music can enhance the creativity of babies and small children. It has also been shown that music can help with memory skills, and improve both spatial and emotional intelligence. Music can generate a sense of calmness for the listener, and early music instruction and exposure benefits development of both perceptual and fine motor skills. Baby music and movement classes are encouraged from as young as six months.

Music is also unique in that it activates the whole brain and is particularly effective at creating a sense of well-being and of bonding within a group.

As with so many facets of development, some children take longer than others, but most babies recognise a parent’s voice by the age of three months, and will turn their eyes or head towards a sound by six months.

Around one year of age, most babies have started to mimic sounds and may even produce a few words like “mama”, “dada”, or “byebye”.

WHITE NOISE FOR NEWBORNS

With an alluring promise to block out other distracting sounds and mimic the sound of the uterine environment, white-noise machines grew popular after a 1990 study showed 80% of infants tested were able to fall asleep within five minutes of being surrounded by white noise. The phenomenon blocks out other, often sporadic and disruptive noises in the home such as those caused by older siblings or outdoor traffic, and some soundtracks include a heartbeatlike sound which recreates mum’s heartbeat, soothing the infant to sleep. There are some drawbacks to a white noise machine, though.

Not every infant responds well to them, and they can set up an impractical dependence on white noise for effective sleep and nap times.

A number of white noise machines were found to exceed the limit for noise for infants when the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) tested them, with all 14 models

testing in the range of 60 decibels or over, despite the recommended upper limit being around 50 decibels. If you do choose to use a white noise machine for your newborn, it’s recommended the device is placed at least two metres away from where your baby sleeps, and the volume is turned down below the maximum volume setting. Infant sleep experts often encourage a bit of DIY white noise-making, recommending you make a firm "shushing" sound while helping your baby to sleep. The theory is the same; this ocean-like sound mimics the sounds of the womb. The rhythms kick in again here too, with a corresponding swaying or rocking motion the most popular method of soothing and calming an unsettled infant.

ADJUST YOUR VOLUME

The ideal measurement of sound for babies, both in utero and newborn, is around 50 decibels. How does this compare to other sounds? A typical conversation registers around 60 decibels, while talking in whispers is around 30 decibels. The hum of your fridge is between 40 and 50 decibels, but a small appliance like a blender shoots up to 70 decibels, and can climb as high as 90 decibels. Likewise, an electronic toy held 25cm away from the ear is around 70-80 decibels, climbing up to 90 decibels when

held to the ear. Busy traffic is between 70 and 85 decibels, a noisy restaurant around 80-90 decibels, and the noise of a plane registers a whopping 140 decibels. It’s not always practical to keep your belly away from noisy environments, nor to wrap your newborn up in a sound-protecting swathe of cotton wool, but it’s worth noting some of these noise levels just to be aware of the noise to which your infant is exposed.

TV ON IN THE BACKGROUND? TURN IT OFF

A constant stream of background noise can be detrimental to the learning of language for newborns and young children. This is particularly true when background noise is itself speech that conflicts with the words a child is trying to discern. A recent study found that newborn babies were able to identify words within a stream of continuous speech, but it was unknown whether this ability was present at birth or whether it emerged as a result of brain maturation or language saturation. What the experts do know is that a muddle of background noise, particularly at higher frequencies or when it produces higher decibel ratings than is recommended (50 decibels for newborns) is detrimental to health, perception, and learning. So best to keep it down!

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Learning for life

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We sat down with Saint Kentigern Preschool Principal, Nikki Joyce, to talk about how learning at a quality preschool can empower children to be independent learners, thinkers, and doers.

t Saint Kentigern Preschool, their programme fosters the development of two skills that can truly build children's learning confidence: creativity, and teamwork. Here's how.

CRITICAL THINKING

The power of play has been recognised by early childhood educators for 20 years. Contrary to what people may think, play isn't simple − it is, instead, complex. Learning through play at Saint Kentigern Preschool isn't based around aimless, random interaction.

It is about preparing an environment

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that invites young children to examine, question, predict, test, and investigate.

Through the thoughtful planning of the teaching team, children learn to think critically about the world around them, as well as refine the skills necessary to collaborate with others. A high level of teacher engagement with the children makes this programme successful, which is supported by the Preschool's impressively high teacher-to-child ratio of one to six. "This high ratio means that teachers get the time to engage with the children at length, and take cues from their curiosity and imagination," says Joyce. "They have time to really

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NURTURING MIND, BODY, AND SOUL

Saint Kentigern Preschool Principal, Nikki Joyce

deepen and extend the child's interest in the topic, offering them a breadth of knowledge rather than just superficial learning."

COLLABORATION AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

In a preschool classroom, children generally, naturally assign themselves into groups. At Saint Kentigern Preschool, there is a particular emphasis on playing and creating together.

Through collaboration, the children learn to predict and respond to other people, and this helps them to interpret and acknowledge others' ideas, understanding that not everyone is the same. Joyce refers to it as "learning to live in a democracy". Children develop the ability to "debate ideas without, you know, losing the plot!" Playing and working together in a group with a mutual objective helps them learn to share, negotiate, resolve conflicts, and be accountable for their actions.

It is never too early to learn the practice of mindfulness, and Joyce believes that it definitely has a place in the early childhood curriculum. There is a special place in the Preschool aptly named the "Dream Room", where children can take themselves away for restful, quiet time during the day, or simply take some time to quietly explore the properties of light and shadow. "They love mindfulness," she continues. "They'll go into the Dream Room and they're all respectful of the quiet, listening to music, or having a teacher guide them through something. It really grounds them."

Fostering children's brain development through nutrition adds to the Preschool's overall approach to health and wellbeing. The onsite cook who prepares wholefoodbased meals also means parents never have to worry about making their children's lunch boxes!

French is on the timetable once a week, with a dedicated French teacher, and the children are encouraged to spread their wings and participate in other co-curricular activities such as performing arts and sporting skills.

TRANSITION TO SCHOOL

A term before they are due to start school, children who continue their education at the Saint Kentigern Schools are involved in a comprehensive Transition to School programme. These children have a special extension time each day where they work closely with a teacher, ensuring they get the best start to their schooling life. Children are taken for regular visits to either Saint Kentigern Girls' School or Boys' School to spend time in the class they will be starting in, as well as becoming comfortable with the school environment itself.

A SENSE OF BELONGING

Over the past 70 years, the Saint Kentigern Trust has become the largest church schools' group in New Zealand.

Saint Kentigern Preschool, together with Saint Kentigern College, Saint Kentigern Boys' School, and Saint Kentigern Girls' School, provides independent Presbyterian values-based education for girls and boys aged three to 18 years on three campuses across Auckland.

There is a true sense of community and belonging for the whole family at Saint Kentigern, and it begins right from the get-go during the preschool years, with events and functions for parents to meet one another. "It is really beneficial for the children when parents and caregivers are involved in their education," says Joyce. "That connectedness adds to what is an incredible learning experience for the children."

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7

nurturing natural therapies

for babies

Tiffany Brown looks into some complementary and alternative treatments that might help your baby with common issues.

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lthough it can be hard to see at first, newborn babies emerge into their post-womb environment displaying many of the signs of their predetermined personalities, as well as their physical idiosyncrasies. They can also be bearing physical or psychological influences from their in-utero experience, which may affect their ability to feed or settle. Notoriously, most newborns have periods of great distress, which are in turn deeply distressing for anxious new parents.

Until you get to know your baby, and start to understand the difference between their levels of distress, there are many natural therapies available which may be beneficial in easing, removing or even reversing these effects. Here are some therapies parents have found to help their newborns orient to life in the big wide world.

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A word of caution Before exploring any of these options for your baby, please consult your LMC, GP, or well-child provider. Ensure that any practitioner you take your baby to is accredited and registered with the appropriate professional body. Always seek advice from a reputable health provider.

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WORK OUT THE KINKS:

CHIROPRACTIC

Babies can experience imbalances in their spine and nervous system which may be identified and adjusted by a chiropractor. If your baby is unsettled, having difficulty sleeping or feeding, has a limited range of motion or low muscle tone, or is arching their back, this may be due to stress on the spine and limbs during gestation. Chiropractic adjustment involves very light touch and close attention to developing areas such as the cranial space and hips. Chiropractic can also help with infant ear infections and improving the immune system.

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LIGHT-TOUCH ALIGNMENT:

OSTEOPATHY

Osteopaths encourage the body’s own self-correcting mechanisms to help relieve any trauma that occurred during the birthing process. By looking at how the bones, muscles, and connective tissue work together, osteopaths help to restore a baby’s body to balance. Cranial osteopathy is a light-touch experience for your baby that can relieve discomfort, restore head shape abnormalities, assist with breastfeeding difficulties, and address issues with colic, constipation, reflux, sinus pain, sleep difficulties, feeding problems, and restless or unsettled babies.

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EA SY DOES IT:

MA SSAGE

A lovely and relaxing experience for many babies and their parents, infant massage uses gentle touch as stimulation. Massage can help your baby to sleep more deeply and peacefully, may relieve colic and help with digestion, and encourages both physical and neurological development. Even better, it can be used continuously as your child grows. Infant massage courses are often provided through Plunket or local parent groups. They are not usually expensive and well worth the investment.

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Mums and Bubs yoga has quickly become a must-do for many new mums. Yoga instructors guide you through gentle post-natal yoga poses, incorporating your newborn wherever possible. These classes range from blissfully quiet as babies sleep to pandemonium if they wake and holler.

Often half the class will be stretching while the other half is breastfeeding or feeding their baby with a bottle. The beauty of it is that anything goes, and you’re all in this together. Mums and Bubs yoga classes are a great way for you to get out of the house and enjoy some fellow mum company, introducing your baby to new experiences, and encouraging movement and mindfulness for you both.

RE-ALIGN ENERGY CENTRES:

ACUPUNCTURE

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Profound relief from pain and agitation for babies may be achieved through the use of acupuncture, a therapy that is also well supported as a natural pain relieving and labour management tool.

Research suggests acupuncture is a safe non-pharmacologic alternative for easing colic and other infant distress.

Acupuncture works to bring the body in balance by improving energetic functions, working with the meridians of the body or the non-physical pathways acupuncture uses as roadmaps for alignment.

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BEND AND STRETCH:

PROMISING FOR COLIC:

PROBIOTICS

Hope may be on the way for babies suffering from reflux or colic. A 2019 study found probiotic supplementation showed promising results for reducing the length of crying time in affected infants. 80% of the 40 babies studied reduced crying time by half when treated with probiotics; they also improve sleep duration and stool frequency and consistency. Another study indicated fennel extract and spinal adjustment could also be helpful in reducing colic symptoms, although none of these treatments had an effect on whether a child experienced colic or reflux.

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fyi

HOLISTIC REMEDIES FOR

TEETHING

Teething is a normal part of baby’s development, but can be distressing for both child and parent. Signs of teething are dribbling, mild fever, irritability, nappy rash, a change in bowel movements, watery eyes, constantly chewing on fingers or toys, or biting the nipple or bottle teat. Some alternative therapies for teething include applying pressure or massaging the gum or jaw line, cold compresses like chilled cloths on the inflamed area, or giving two teaspoons of steeped and cooled chamomile tea.

Popular amber bead necklaces are said to provide healing power through a bio-transmitting electrical charge from the natural fossil resin, and can be worn from the age of three months, but use with caution and never leave on baby unattended or asleep.

Chamomile has a fragrance like a cross between freshly cut hay and apples. The name is derived from Greek for “earth apple” because of its scent.

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What we're

reading

The latest thought-provoking and relevant books for expectant mums and new parents.

Doing yoga as a family models an active lifestyle as well as mindfulness. It gives parents a break from their feelings of stress and overwhelm, at the same time teaching children to practise relaxation. This ebook was designed to help parents guide their children through carefully curated yoga poses, serving as a gentle meditation to deepen tranquillity and cultivate inner peace.

SIMPLY PARENTING

BY DOROTHY WAIDE (BATEMAN RRP$39.99) The first three months may have passed by in a bit of a blur, but you made it. However, you probably don’t quite feel like you have achieved expert status… Yet. Enter the original baby-whisperer-to-thestars, Dorothy Waide.

Her latest book outlines all the parenting options from the end of the newborn stage until the testing yet terrific years of toddlerhood, using matter-of-fact language to gently guide you to make the decisions that are right for you and your baby. Whether you want to try the routinebased approach or if it suits you better to be more flexible – regardless of whether you are breastor bottle-feeding, co-sleeping or swaddling – this book outlines all the options clearly and without judgement.

After all, there truly is no "one way fits all", and no one is more of an expert on your baby than you. Become your own baby's whisperer!

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YOGA INSPIRATION FOR FAMILIES BY PENELOPE JANE JONES (FREE EBOOK AVAIL ABLE FROM BIT.LY/3LH3094)

LOVE YOUR CAREER FROM THE START BY CAROLINE SANDFORD (CALICO RRP$39.95)

This book for young adults is also really valuable for mums who are re-entering the workforce or rethinking their careers after having a baby. It contains practical exercises to enable you to understand who you are and who you want to become, use this information to explore options that are right for you, create an action plan, and have the strategies to create the career that you want.

THE MINDFUL PARENT

BY SHIRLEY PA STIROFF (RRP$35 FROM RENEW YOURMIND.CO.NZ)

Is it even possible to be sane, calm, and connected in the chaos of parenting? This is a timely and liberating journey back to the heart of what really matters – a deep and lasting relationship with our children.

Each chapter re-examines a different area of our parenting lives: Busyness and stress levels; difficult emotions; challenging core beliefs; our children’s tricky emotions; and more.

THE HEALTHY BABY GUT GUIDE

BY VINCENT HO ( ALLEN & UNWIN RRP$32.99)

What if simple lifestyle changes in the critical first 1,000 days could change your baby's life?

A leading gastroenterologist dives into the medical field of gut health and explains that from conception to birth, and from breastfeeding to introducing solids, small steps go a long way in preventing allergies and fortifying your baby's immune system.

TINY HUMAN, WHAT DO I FEED YOU?

BY GINA URLICH (RRP$19.99 FROM NUTRITIONBY GINAROSE.COM)

This excellent ebook from a NZ-based nutritionist is perfect for parents who are wondering if their baby is ready to start solid foods. Learn signs of readiness, the best foods for your baby’s delicate digestive system, delicious recipes, and sensible advice.

Supporting you through breastfeeding As natural and wonderful as breastfeeding can be, we all know that it can sometimes come with challenges. Lansinoh has been supporting breastfeeding mums for over 30 years and our aim is to help you through the challenges, should any arise, so you can continue breastfeeding for as long as you like. Below we look at some common issues that can crop up and ways of managing them. It is very possible to breastfeed without experiencing any issues, but if you do, it’s good to know help is at hand! ®

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Lansinoh Thera°Pearl reusable packs can be used either warm or cold, depending on your needs.

Engorgement is when the breasts feel hard, swollen and tender. This can be relieved by emptying your breasts by feeding your baby or expressing your milk and using cold therapy. Cold therapy can help to soothe the pain and swelling associated with engorgement. Similarly, cold therapy can help provide soothing relief for the symptoms of mastitis (which is an inflammation of the breast and sometimes even an infection). If you believe you have mastitis, it is important to see your doctor straight away.

Lansinoh Thera°Pearl’s unique design conforms to your breast to provide 360° relief.

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Breastfeeding and working:

e n o d b o j e h t g n G e tti Lucia from BreastfeedingNZ shares with us her precious tips on how to combine breastfeeding and working.

M

any of us choose to or need to return to work while we are still breastfeeding. And let’s face it, breastfeeding can be hard work. We mums know the time that we put into it, and the skills required to reap all the rewards breastfeeding can offer for both mum and baby. While we have not done the research in New Zealand yet, in Australia, the 44 million litres of breast milk produced each year is worth $3 billion Australian dollars to the economy (Dr Julie Smith has crunched the numbers).

Of course, managing breastfeeding and/ or expressing and working can be a juggle at times. Thankfully, there are plenty of things in place to help make this transition easier.

This includes legislation to protect and support breastfeeding in the workplace.

GOOD PLANNING IS KEY

Let’s start with good planning. One question that you probably have played with already is: Can you breastfeed while you're at work? Can somebody bring your baby over on your breaks, or can you drop into your baby’s daycare and breastfeed?

With my first baby, my father spent time with baby in a park close to my workplace, where I would go regularly to breastfeed.

My colleagues would pop in during their

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breaks to play with my baby, who suddenly gained a few kind friends and extra cuddles.

My second baby was a winter baby, and the park strategy was doomed. I negotiated longer work hours to allow for a bigger lunch break, so I could pop in at home and breastfeed. You probably guessed that expressing was not my thing, but I strongly encourage you to give it a better chance than I did – it’s worth the effort.

THE ART OF EXPRESSING

Some people find expressing a breeze, while others might say that it is an art, and you need to learn to master it.

Sometimes this comes down to finding the right breast pump for you, and the technicalities of using it efficiently.

If pumping works for you, it is worth investing in a good pump. A manual pump is cheaper and easy to carry around, but it can be hard work. An electric pump will save you time, particularly a double pump.

More expensive, but incredibly versatile are the wearable pumps – you can fit them in your bra; they are completely hands-free, silent and smart; and you can control them via an app. Talk with other mums, ask for recommendations, and remember: You know best what works for you and what you are comfortable with.

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Real mum tip “Start pumping a month before you return to work so you can get used to it all and get a mini stash so there isn't stress if some days you just don't pump that much. Also get baby used to taking a bottle well in advance; it helped us a lot!”

TALKING TO YOUR EMPLOYER

Once you work out what might work best for you and your whānau, approach your employer early, be clear, and be realistic.

BE EARLY

Employers are required, as far as is reasonable and practicable, to provide appropriate breaks and facilities for employees who wish to breastfeed their infants or express milk during work hours.

The earlier you talk with your employer, the more time you will both have to come up with a plan that works for you both.

From our mums’ stories, most employers will genuinely work with you to support you with your return to work.

BE CLEAR

Do you need more expressing breaks? Or do you want to use your existing lunch and tea breaks and take them all at once so that you can go home or to daycare and breastfeed your baby? Think of your

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baby’s breastfeeding routine, and tell your employer what would be helpful, rather than expecting them to guess. Remember the time and frequency of breaks will reduce over time as your baby grows older.

BE REALISTIC

An ideal workplace a breastfeeding or expressing space would be private, warm, specifically designed for this purpose, and will contain a lockable door, a washbasin, a fridge (or chilly bin with ice packs) for storing expressed breast milk, a table, a clean space to store equipment (such as a small locker or cupboard), and a power point (if using an electric pump). For some employers, though, it may be difficult to provide such space. In these cases, you can use a communal fridge (remember, breast milk is food). Make sure that you clearly label the container. If a fridge or chilly bin is not available, breast milk can safely be stored at room temperature (19-22°C) for up to two hours. If there is no suitable space available

for expressing, is there a mall nearby that has a parents’ room you can use?

IT IS YOUR RIGHT TO BREA STFEED OR EXPRESS AT WORK

Most employers understand that by supporting breastfeeding employees, they promote their business as familyfriendly and progressive, and they save money by retaining their key staff, rather than having to train new people.

New Zealand employment law requires that women who choose to breastfeed can return to work and continue to either breastfeed or express milk during working hours. The Employment Relations Act 2000 says that employers must provide appropriate facilities for any employees who choose to breastfeed at work, and that sufficient breaks must be provided.

The Human Rights Commission confirms that forbidding a woman from breastfeeding at work could be considered to be sex discrimination.

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Real mum tip

If you are treated unfairly because you are breastfeeding or expressing at work, it is a form of sex discrimination under the Human Rights Act. Talk with your manager, a human resources person, or someone who can help solve the problem.

Suggest ways in which your employer can support you to do your job while you are breastfeeding. For more information and to make a complaint about discrimination, call the HRC Infoline on 0800 4 YOUR RIGHTS (0800 496 877) or email infoline@hrc.co.nz

LOOK AFTER YOURSELF

Looking after a little one is hard work in itself! And combining breastfeeding and work can sometimes be a challenge.

Look after yourself well. With all your good intentions, things may not go as planned, and you may find juggling breastfeeding and work quite difficult.

That is okay! You are a wonderful mum, the best your little one can have. Celebrate every little victory during this time, it will go fast.

It is a wonderful bonding experience to snuggle comfortably with your little one and breastfeed after you’ve been away from each other for a long day.

Don’t be shy to ask for help to make this time as enjoyable as possible, from close family and from friends.

And remember, you can access free breastfeeding support anytime.

Real mum tip

FAQS Will my breast milk supply drop when I return to work?

With the extra pressure from your work, you may find that you have less milk in the evenings and less milk at the end of a busy week. Be kind to yourself, try to have a healthy, balanced diet and rest as much as possible. To keep a good milk supply, breastfeed more when you are with your baby – in the mornings, evenings, and days off. You can plan a “breastfeeding holiday”: One day a week, cuddle up with your baby in bed, relax, recharge, and offer your baby the breast often, with plenty of cuddles and skin-to-skin contact. Bear in mind that it is normal for the amount you pump to vary from session to session and from day to day.

With practice, you can increase the amount of milk that you express, but having an occasional low-volume day when you express is not unusual.

“I chose a preschool close to my work, and they have a family room. I also got agreement from my team leader at work for hours worked and breaks. Therefore, I could continue to breastfeed while I worked in the office.

I would feed my baby at the preschool during my breaks (I did have to take my lunch break at 11.30am so I could feed my son before his nap at noon). My job allowed me to return on a flexible work contract where I worked some of my hours in the office and others at home.”

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“I knew there were some sort of legal requirements for breastfeeding mums returning to work. So, when my work offered me new hours, I said I need time to feed my baby and they gave me an extralong lunch break (which ties in with our routine) so that I can go to daycare to feed my bubba. “

What if my baby doesn’t take a bottle?

Babies can be quite stubborn about where their milk is coming from. It might pay to introduce your baby to a cup/bottle at least two weeks before returning to work. It can be hard at first to understand your baby’s cues, but try to feed before baby becomes too hungry and impatient, and try different positions, or even walking around with your baby in a sling. They may be quite reluctant to take a cup or bottle from Mum, so somebody else in the family may be more successful.

My baby breastfeeds to sleep for naps at home. How will he go to sleep at daycare?

Babies are incredibly adaptable, much more than we often give them credit for. Before you return to work, you can try to settle your baby in a wake/feed/play/sleep routine.

Don’t be too upset if you don’t succeed; daycare staff are really good at finding ways to help babies settle. Our mums told us that they have “magic hands” and are often experienced with these circumstances.

You can send a worn shirt of yours for your baby to cuddle in his cot for comfort.

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REBECCA’S STORY

Real mum tip

“Know your legal rights to breastfeeding breaks.

And get used to expressing before returning to work.”

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him in for feeds because we lived close by. At first there was only an office chair to use in the room, but my boss agreed to get a nice padded armchair so I could feed in comfort. I also expressed milk using the room and would store it in the fridge in our office kitchen.

I marked it clearly and nobody ever touched it!

After a few months of this I managed to get my baby to take a bottle, so my mum didn’t need to bring him in any more. I still used the room to express for several more months and all up was able to feed my baby breast milk for almost two years.

A couple of years later my boss’s adult daughter had a baby and she used my experience to talk to her own boss about breastfeeding and working, and was able to tell them what her dad had done at his workplace to help me to be able to breastfeed. I was very proud of that.

HELP IS AT HAND

If you’re looking for more advice on combining breastfeeding and working, check out these resources.

• Ministry of Health: Breastfeeding and returning to work (bit.ly/2SlCxej) • Women’s Health Action: Breastfeeding friendly workplaces (womens-health.org.nz/ breastfeeding-friendly-workplaces) • HealthEd: Breastfeeding and Working (bit.ly/36wS6rN) • Human Rights Commission: Your rights as a breastfeeding mother (bit.ly/3jrS3kO)

BREA STFEEDING SUPPORT SERVICES • The Breastfeeding NZ Facebook page (facebook.com/breastfeedingnz) • Plunketline 0800 933 922 • La Leche League (lalecheleague.org.nz)

Real mum tip

“Have a discussion with your boss about expressing or feeding while at work before you go in to inform them how long or often you'll need to feed.

And put a time in your calendar with an alert. I also spoke to my colleagues so they knew I wouldn’t be back from lunch for a bit longer because I expressed after eating my own lunch. Be prepared for unwanted comments. Prioritise eating (I had oats in the morning to boost my supply!) and plenty of water.

Do what's right for you!”

THANKS TO WHETU AND PEPI, PHOTOGRAPHED

BY CATHERINESMITHPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

When I had my first child, I worked in the office at a construction company. I was the only female employee and the only staff member they’d ever had who got pregnant.

I knew I was going to take six months off following the birth of my baby, and I hoped to breastfeed until my baby was at least a year old. So I talked to the boss of the company, who was also the owner, about my plans.

He was a bit taken aback as he didn’t know there was legislation in place that supported my right to breastfeed or express at work. At first he was hesitant because he thought it might be very disruptive and he was worried about health and safety. I think he was worried I would bring my baby onto job sites! But we talked things through and he started to see that it wasn’t going to be an issue.

The office didn’t have a separate space for me to breastfeed or express milk (it was open-plan), but being that it was a construction company, the boss got the team to build me a small room attached to the side of the building. They did this while I was away on leave so I didn’t get to see it until I came back to work. I was pleasantly surprised – they put in carpet and a window with curtains I could draw for privacy, and the door could be locked.

When I came back to work, my mother was looking after my baby. She brought

You’re not alone Mama!

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My litt le

nursing corner

Sitting down to nurse your baby is a special time for bonding and being together in your own small, sweet world. Here's a haven you can both retreat to. tip

A themed print, such as this gorgeous mother feeding her baby by Genevieve Rose Art (@genevieveroseart), gives instant identity to your space.

S

etting up a dedicated space for nursing your baby is well worth a little time and energy. You’ll be spending more than a few moments in this area over the next six months (or longer!), and you’ll appreciate a little pre-planning.

Your nursing corner can be in your baby’s room, your bedroom, or any other room of the house where you have space. It’s ideal to have your nursing corner permanently set up so you can retreat there at nursing time and not need to run all over the house looking for what you’ll need.

Choosing your nursing chair is the mainstay of this little corner, and you should take your time to find something comfortable, warm, and big enough for you and your baby (and pillows). You want this to be a place you both love to be in.

MAMA WISDOM

Karen Betton, mother of baby Riya, shares some advice about nursing – and the items she was glad to have at her side. a lamp, or a spot to place a portable light or salt lamp for a soft glow.

2. Prepare a tray, basket, or caddy with nipple cream, burp cloth, spare reusable or disposable breast pads, lactation cookies/snacks, medication or vitamins, water, a hair tie, and lip balm. Remember to keep this out of baby’s reach.

3. When choosing a nursing chair, try it instore before you buy it. Imagine sitting in it holding a baby – a rocking chair may be uncomfortable to get out of if you have stitches. Choose a versatile nursing chair that can grow with your baby, to read books in or suit the décor of another room once it outgrows its original purpose.

4. Have a footrest or ottoman you can rest your legs and feet on.

tip

Your nursing corner is a space for you and your partner to comfortably feed your baby, so it needs a vibe that you all enjoy.

But aesthetically, you can make it all about you and what you love. While you look around during a warm afternoon, or relax in the moonlit room, you’ll appreciate the little touches.

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Karen's fave

products for nursing

• Shnuggle Moonlight portable night light • Medela Purelan nipple cream • Hotmilk Bamboo nursing pads • Kmart Maternity Cross Over Crop Bra • Smart Mothering, by Dr Natalie Flynn (particularly helpful during my fourth trimester when I felt overwhelmed)

BUNNIES AND BEES ROSE MERINO SWADDLE (BUNNIESANDBEES.CO.NZ) * NURSING CHAIR FROM FARMERS.CO.NZ GARDEN FLORAL MUSLIN SWADDLE BY THEMINISCOUT.COM

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B

abies usually begin to move – I mean seriously move – between the six- and 12-month mark. Yes, Mother Nature has an ironic sense of humour. Just as you settle into a rhythm with your baby, things change, and arguably one of the biggest, and most challenging, changes is the move from stationary to mobile.

Some babies are more active and curious than others; that’s just how they’re put together. You may be one of those mums who gets in a tonne of exercise as you chase after your moving target, and you may look enviously at other mums whose cherubs are still happy to plonk on a mat and sit still for long stretches at a time. But whether your bub turns out to be a tearaway or not, all parents and caregivers need to consider the safety of their child’s main environment.

To make a baby-proof fitness assessment of your home, it’s crucial to get down low and see it all from their point of view. What can you reach, grab, push, or stick your fingers into? In many cases, baby-proofing does double duty as toddler-proofing, so be thoughtful about the changes you make and how they’ll work when your baby is older; walking, jumping, and running.

1 / ELECTRICIT Y

With so many devices, appliances, and gadgets in our lives these days, managing electrical outlets, cords, and implements will be a key focus for baby-proofing your home. Take an inventory of your electrical needs and be sure not to overload outlets, employing surge protectors where necessary.

Then, drop down low and view the electrical landscape as your baby would.

Newer homes are generally fitted with safety outlet covers, but older homes may need retrofitting with appropriate covers to guard against curious baby fingers exploring sockets or poking things inside.

Cords need to be considered too; there are all sorts of trips and falls a baby or toddler can take that an adult would not, such as underneath tables or in hard-toreach corners. Make sure all your appliances and devices are either securely fastened in place or stowed safely away when not in immediate use.

2 / CORNER GUARDS, BABY GATES, AND PLAY PENS

You may have bruised your shins on them from time to time, but sharp corners on tables and furniture can be extremely hazardous for a baby who is head- or eye-level with them. Corner guards are inexpensive and a simple way to safeguard against nasty collisions. Baby gates are an investment with a heftier price tag, but a lifesaver for homes with stairs or to block off areas you’d rather your baby didn’t venture into, such as the kitchen, particularly at meal prep time. Play pens can also provide the security you need, especially for open-plan style homes. Just make sure your baby has plenty of toys to keep them occupied inside the pen, or put on some nursery rhymes and sing together while you prepare dinner.

If budget is a consideration, check with friends, on local grapevines, or at garage sales for gently used play pens or gates.

3

Heavy, unsecured objects

Secure your television to the wall if it isn’t already, and run a critical eye over the other heavy pieces of furniture or displayed objects in your home.

Slim bookcases or tables and unsecured heavy items sitting on top such as lamps, vases, or display objects can all be extremely hazardous if a curious baby starts rocking on the bottom or climbing up on them.

Special tethering straps are available at large retailers or specialist baby stores.

4 / HOT WATER

Until your children are old enough to understand how the hot water works, turn the temperature down on your hot water cylinder to around 50°C. Babies love to fiddle and operate taps and levers, and very hot water could cause terrible burns before they even register the heat.

5 / BATHROOMS

The ultimate nightmare scenario for a curious baby, the bathroom features all sorts of baby booby traps. Bottles of goo they’d be better off not consuming, toilets they can fall into (or give the family cat a bath in), heated towel rails they can burn themselves on, sockets, glass… You name the hazard, it’s probably in there. If you don’t have the ability to secure or lock your bathroom or toilet now, change the handle or get a temporary closure. This goes for the laundry too, and make sure you ask guests or others in your home to observe a “shut door” policy for these areas. There are special toilet locks available to buy if you want to take extra precautions.

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8 / CHOKING HAZARDS

6

Small items that can be chewed on, swallowed, and lodged in the airways are especially important to consider if you have older children who are already at the playwith-Lego sort of stage. It’s hard enough to keep things tidy at the best of times, but the safety of new baby siblings must be put first.

A helpful way to explain to older children how to determine the size of a choking hazard is to use a toilet paper tube. If the object can fit inside, then it’s a choking hazard and can’t be safely played with by a baby. Create a special box out of your baby’s reach which your older child knows is just for their smaller toys and must not be shared with baby until they’re older.

Windows and blinds

It’s incredible how quickly some babies go from crawlers to mountain climbers. Do you have beds, couches, tables, or chairs next to the windows? Little climbers will mount those obstacles like stepping stones and, hey presto, they’re in the danger zone. Make sure your windows are fitted with safety catches to prevent them opening too far, or can otherwise be locked or secured. If you have blinds, ensure the cords are wound up safely out of reach.

7 / CHEMICALS

tip

Like all baby items, make sure any kid safety gear you purchase meets current safety standards and is manufactured by a reputable company.

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Detergents, cleaning products, bathroom items, garage, laundry, garden… Suddenly you’ll become aware almost everything that comes in a bottle, tube, or jar that isn’t designed for eating contains something hazardous you don’t want your baby to consume. Many styles of packaging come with baby-proof lids or safety mechanisms, but you’ll want to try to veer your baby away from these dangerous items in the first instance. If possible, store them all in a high cupboard that is well out of reach, and use a temporary safety lock on the cupboard as an extra precaution. These locks also work well for cabinets, drawers, and cupboards that are unavoidably within reach. Be mindful of pills and medications too, and ensure household members and visitors know to keep these items out of sight and securely locked away.

9 / TABLECLOTHS

Oh, the temptation for a crawling baby…

That dangling cloth looks like it was put there for the express purpose of helping them to lift up or to see what will happen when the cloth is yanked. You may need to stow away your tablecloths for special, child-free occasions for a while, and use placemats or a plain table instead.

10 / ANY THING ELSE YOU DON’T WANT RUINED

It’s worth remembering that separating play items from household items is an entirely adult concept, as is assigning ownership of items to various household members. Babies are constantly learning about the world around them, and it will be many years before they can distinguish play from life. Until then, they see everything they encounter as they would a toy; something to be studied, examined, and explored. Keep that in mind as you baby-proof your home. If you don’t want items to be grabbed, chewed, tossed, or broken, it’s time to pack them away for a while. (Or build more high shelves.)

And as you sadly wrap and store those precious, breakable things, take heart.

It’s not forever. Before long, you’ll be watching your big kid deftly negotiate their way through their old baby gates, and you’ll wonder where the time has gone.

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Best plants for baby’s nursery If you’re decorating your baby’s room, have you thought about adding a touch of living green?

Adam from The Plant Base (theplantbase.co.nz) suggests some plants to enhance this special space.

THINK ABOUT THIS…

When you’re buying houseplants, here are some things to keep in mind.

EE

R CLEAR A top purifier, but can cause severe swelling when eaten.

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If you use a humidifier in your baby’s room, Ferns, Calatheas, and Air Plants thrive in environments with high humidity.

CLE

AR

philodendrons

If eaten, can cause severe pain, burning, swelling, and gastric irritation.

Is it non-toxic?

Plants can be toxic, and most garden centres don't provide warning labels on their plants noting possible toxicity. We always recommend researching before you buy your plants.

AR STEER

CLEAR ST

english ivy

tip

LE

R

STEE

Have you ever gone away for a few days in the summer and returned home to a dry, crispy plant? Avoid the guilt of killing your plants by buying drought-resistant indoor plants.

These plants actually prefer to stay on the dryer side, giving them the capability to be neglected.

STEER C

How much water will it need?

DID YOU KNOW?

Indoor plant s can cleanse your space of chemicals and toxins.

They can help with neutralising the ef fec t s of sick building s yndrome, take in carbon dioxide, release ox ygen, and absorb nasties like formaldehyde, benzene, x ylene, toluene, ammonia, and trichloroethylene. Not only do plant s improve your air qualit y, they ac tually reduce stress and make you happier.

green thumb

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TOP 3 PLANTS YOU’LL LOVE Spider Plant (Chlorophy tum comosum)

Spider plants survive in almost all conditions, one of the best air purifiers and an all-round champ for beginners.

burro's tail

Burro's Tail (Sedum morganianum)

Burro's Tail or Donkey's Tail is a succulent with long, trailing stems covered densely by its leaves, making it very unique to look at.

Very hardy – the only way to kill it is by overwatering.

Parlour Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

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VE LOVE

BE A GOOD PLANT PARENT 1. O pen the windows to give your plant s fresh air.

2. K eep plant s high and out of reach, and in safe containers on shelves with corner bracket s, or in hanging basket s that your baby definitely cannot reach (especially when standing in their cot).

4. W hen repotting plant s, use organic soils, as some nurseries use chemical fer tilisers which could be harmful if ingested.

Stick to hanging plants or succulents in high windowsill planters or corner brackets that your baby can’t reach. Plant stands and shelves may encourage climbing. If you have a big potted plant on the floor, your baby will try to get into it once they start to move!

EL

OV E LOV

E

3. I f the room is kept ver y warm in the winter months, you’ll need to water your plant s more of ten than normal.

tip

LOV E LOV

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VE LOVE

A bit smaller than other indoor palms.

A NASA study found it to be one of the best air-filtering plants for benzene and trichloroethylene.

parlour palm

HOW PLANTS HELP…

Adam says: “When we breathe, our bodies take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide. During photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Increasing the oxygen levels in the nursery can lead to lower blood pressure and less stress.”

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New Zealand winters Please note that the suggestions below would also apply to any country where homes are not centrally heated.

My recommendations are as follows: • One cotton sleeveless bodysuit with under-crotch snaps •O ne long-sleeved merino top • One onesie (long-sleeved and with enclosed feet) • One sleeping bag Remember, clothing layers worn inside the sleeping bag are more suitable than using extra blankets on top. If the home temperature drops below 16°C then I suggest a temperature-controlled heater set to 16°C that will take the chill out of the room.

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baby care

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Swaddle through to sleeping bag

Many parents swear by swaddling but in recent times, it’s fallen out of favour. Baby whisperer to the stars Dorothy Waide shares her “snow angel swaddle” method, and also explains how to know which sleeping bag is right for your baby.

T

he reason it is now recommended not to swaddle is that our babies are born with some amazing natural reflexes while still growing in the womb. Modern thinking suggests that it is important for babies to use their startle reflex (Moro Reflex), which helps them to reset their heart rate, breathing, and temperature. It is said that swaddling inhibits all these reflexes.

The reason why I swaddle (using the cross-the-chest, “snow angel”, or Love to Dream Swaddle Up method) is twofold.

The first is to minimise the impact of baby’s startle reflex, so they are less likely to wake themselves up. The second reason is the security it gives your baby by replicating a cocoon – similar to the feeling of being in the womb.

It is important to do your research about the risks and benefits of swaddling, so you can make your own informed decision based on the needs of your own baby.

In my opinion, 11 to 12 weeks is the perfect age to remove a swaddle and put your baby into a sleeping bag. Parents often ask me how to go about this transition.

Well, the quickest and easiest way is to just remove the swaddle and put your baby

straight into a sleeping bag. Quite honestly, your baby will soon adjust.

There are a few modern-day swaddles which cleverly transition into sleeping bags.

Love to Dream Swaddle Up offer a swaddle that can be unzipped one arm at a time.

However, some swaddles are more difficult to transition from than others, and unfortunately the longer you leave the transition the harder it can be.

I often suggest using a large muslin cloth, whereby only one arm is kept half-swaddled for 10 days, after which the arm is freed from the swaddle and then the process is repeated with the other arm (i.e. half-swaddled for 10 days and then freed).

For those babies who flap their arms around once fully un-swaddled, I suggest using a large muslin cloth and tucking this under the far side of the cot mattress and then over their bodies and then tucked into the side of the cot mattress closest to you, so that their arms are under the muslin cloth to begin with. This helps control their arm movements until they adjust to not being swaddled.

For babies who find the above step is not for them, then I recommend using my snow angel swaddle method (see next page) as an in-between step.

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SNOW ANGEL SWADDLE (ARMS-UP POSITION) 1

1.

Fold down 15 centimetres of fabric from the top of the square – this will create the “snow angel” fold, into which you will tuck baby’s raised arms.

2.

Place baby in the middle of the swaddle with shoulders positioned 5 centimetres lower than the top of the fold.

2

3.

Take one of baby’s arms and tuck it up inside the fold (so you can no longer see it), then, starting at baby’s elbow, trace the raw edge of the fold outwards until you reach the corner of the swaddle cloth.

4.

3

4

5

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Take this corner and place it under baby’s body (the same side of the arm). Tuck it firmly under baby’s lower back.

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5.

Next, starting from the top of the nappy line (i.e. the middle torso), trace the raw edge outwards until you come to the edge of the cloth, and fold it across baby’s body, over the chest (no higher than the nipples) and tuck it firmly under baby’s body.

6.

Repeat for the other side.

7.

The swaddle is deliberately left loose and flowing at the base to ensure that no undue pressure is placed on the hip joints.

This allows freedom of movement in both the hip and tummy areas.

8.

As you pick up your baby, be sure to anchor the edge of the swaddle firmly across your baby’s back so it doesn’t unravel. With both arms outstretched and tucked up under the fold, your baby now resembles a snow angel.

baby care

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New Zealand summers Please note that the suggestions below would also include those countries where homes are not cooled by air-conditioning. My recommendations are as follows: DAYTIME • One cotton sleeveless or short-sleeved bodysuit • One sleeping bag (0.5 TOG, this depends on the temperature of your home)

Did you know?

NIGHT-TIME • One long-sleeved cotton undershirt • One sleeping bag (depends on your home, but anywhere from 1.0–1.5 TOG)

Be mindful at all times of both the temperature in your own home and whether or not you have a hot or cold baby when deciding what your baby needs to wear inside their sleeping bag. Check the recommended age range for each individual product to help you choose the right sleeping bag or sleepwalker for you.

The term “TOG” originated in the UK in the 1940s at the Shirley Institute in Manchester.

PHOTOGRAPHY: FIONA TOMLINSON PHOTOGRAPHY LTD

BABY SLEEPING BAGS/SLEEP SACKS

The recommendation for using baby sleeping bags/sleep sacks is to replace sheets and blankets, therefore making a safer sleeping environment in the cot. Using sleeping bags reduces the risk of your baby wriggling under their blankets. The modern sleeping bags are designed to cover a wide age group, and so it is important when choosing a sleeping bag that it is equipped with underarm domes for use with smaller babies.

Babies who do not like sleeping bags may prefer the sleepwalkers, which are similar but the bag is replaced with legs. It is important to ensure that the bag is the correct size, with a fitted neck and armholes, has no hood and is made of breathable fabric.

Many manufacturers use a TOG (Thermal Overall Grade) rating. This is a standard measurement that indicates how well the sleeping bag keeps you warm.

The higher the rating, the better the heat retention. Before choosing a sleeping bag, you need to take into account the season

and the method by which the room is cooled or heated. Below is a basic guide on TOG ratings and the conditions that apply to the type of sleeping bag to be used.

ROUGH GUIDELINE

• Summer: 0.5–1.5 TOG, the lighter one during the day and the heavier for night.

• Winter: 2.0 TOG for winter days; 2.5 TOG upwards for nights.

ROOM TEMPERATURE AND WEIGHT OF SLEEPING BAG • 13°C–18°C = 2.5 TOG plus • 18°C–20°C = 2.0–1.5 TOG • 21°C–24°C = 1.5–1.0 TOG • Anything hotter = 0.5 TOG

Please note that this is a simple guideline, as you also need to take into consideration what your little person is wearing inside the bag.

Extracted with permission from Simply Parenting: From 12 Weeks to 12 Months,

by Dorothy Waide (David Bateman $39.99) Pregnancy BUMP & baby

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READ YOUR FREE DIGITAL MAGAZINE TODAY AT TOTSTOTEENS.CO.NZ

Childhood in Aotearoa

Where you'll find great ideas for helping Kiwi mums and dads to raise healthy and happy children.

Pick up a copy at your preschool, Plunket, school, library or local sports centre.

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little readers

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Baby's B IG K ID C O R N ER

first

books

Stock your little one’s library with these fun to read, colourful, baby-friendly books.

SELF-HELP FOR BABIES: WHINE GUIDE AND SLEEP 101

BY BECK AND MATT STANTON ( ABC RRP$19.99 E ACH)

HOW DO YOU MAKE A BABY?

BY ANNA FISKE (GECKO PRESS RRP$32.99)

Answers the questions all children are curious about: How does a baby get into the mother’s stomach? Who can make a baby, and how is it actually done? With comic illustrations and a playful tone, this is a funny and factual book about an eternally relevant topic, giving parents and children a starting point for discussion. Informational, funny, and warm, How Do You Make a Baby? is suitable for children aged four and up.

THE HUG BLANKET BY CHRIS GURNEY (SCHOL A STIC RRP$19.99)

“One day, Dad told me that Nana had died suddenly. I didn’t know what to do. Everything felt wrong. People said she had gone to a better place. I wondered how she could go to a place that was better than here with me.” This book, for children over the age of three, is a heartfelt exploration of the bond between children and grandparents, and a sensitive approach to helping children understand grief.

If you've had a baby, you've no doubt had some well-meaning parent smugly say, “You know, babies don't come with a manual.”

Well, now your newborn can READ the manual with Self-Help for Babies, a hilarious new series from bestselling Australian authors Beck and Matt Stanton. Whine Guide: Find Your Voice And Start Sweating The Small Stuff and Sleep 101: How to Sleep Like A Baby are utterly hilarious, and may possibly get you through some challenging times as you navigate new babyhood.

OMELETTA HEN BY JANELLE WILKEY (SCHOL A STIC RRP$18.99) A heart-warming tale of a free-spirited hen. “An egg in the garden. An egg on the path. An egg in a shoe. An egg in the bath. Cluck, cluck! Wonderful me!

Cackle, cackle! My eggs are free!”

Young Nelson despairs that his hen won’t lay her eggs in his henhouse, so decides to lock her in until she lays in the nest. But Omeletta is a stubborn creature and refuses to lay any eggs at all until she is freed. Humorously written in a mixture of prose and rhyme, this will have children cackling with delight! Great to read aloud to even the smallest of little ones.

MY LITTLE BOOK OF BUGS (TE PAPA PRESS RRP$19.99)

A beautiful board book for babies and toddlers, featuring amazing photos of New Zealand bugs in the collection of Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. With text in both English and te reo Māori, it is a perfect gift for any baby and their family.

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are you baby ready?

As natural and wonderful as breastfeeding can be, we know that it can be challenging. Our aim is to help you through the challenges, so you can continue breastfeeding as long as you like.

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bumper shopping

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look & love

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INSTA envy

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Natural accents, muted pastels, on-trend colours, and touchable textures make these real-life nurseries #goals.

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What What’’ss wrong wrong with this picture? with this picture?

Toys · Cots · Children’s nightwear · Baby walkers Toys · Cots · Children’s nightwear · Baby walkers

All All of of these these products products must must meet meet compulsory compulsory safety safety standards standards Find out more: comcom.govt.nz/safety

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multi-mode multi-mode multi-mode pram pram pram that goes that thatgoes goes further further further Share the joy at nz.joiebaby.com

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versatrax™ versatrax versatrax ™adventure ™ There’s so much ahead, so make the most of every moment with 4 ways to travel the distance inof of There’s There’s so so much much adventure adventure ahead, ahead, so so make make thethe most most effortless comfort delightful durability.

Made every every moment moment with with 4and ways 4 ways to to travel travel thethe distance distance in to in go and go with comfort ancomfort easierand than ever folddurability. and setup, higher than most effortless effortless and delightful delightful durability.

Made Made to to go go and and usage at 22kg, all access storage, durable and puncture gogo with with an an easier easier than than ever ever fold fold and and setup, setup, higher higher than than most most proof foam filled rubber tyres and everything you need to usage usage at at 22kg, 22kg, all all access access storage, storage, durable durable and and puncture puncture travel far, experience more and enjoy most. proof proof foam foam filled filled rubber rubber tyres tyres and and everything everything you you need need to to travel travel far,far, experience experience more more and and enjoy enjoy most. most.