Pregnancy BUMP&baby issue 16

Rocking to sleep is good... ...but waking to a shake?

Not so much.

It’s quick and easy to quake safe your baby’s room. Here are 5 important steps to take that will make them safer.

• Don’t hang pictures, shelves or clocks above cots or beds • Move heavy items onto lower shelves • Secure tall or heavy furniture to wall studs with brackets or straps • Hang pictures on appropriate hooks (no single nails) • Move beds or cots away from windows – next to an interior wall is best Visit www.eqc.govt.nz/be-prepared to prepare your home and protect your whānau.

COMING TO A CITY NEAR YOU! AUCKLAND WAIKATO BAY OF PLENTY WELLINGTON CHRISTCHURCH

GET YOUR FREE TICKETS ONLINE! and be in to WIN an

Bundle valued at over $2300!

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contents

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36

magical broth

108

Every issue 8 EDITOR’S LETTER

Health+ wellness

Age is just a number

10 ONLINE ANTENATAL COURSE Take our in-depth course at home

must have it

72

22 HAIR TODAY, GONE TOMORROW Hair changes during pregnancy and postpartum

28 COMFORT IS KEY Everyday tips to ease pregnancy tension

30 AND STRETCHHH!

News, views and products we love

Encourage hair growth and restore moisture

Minimise your reflux symptoms

125 RESOURCES Birthing bag, checklist and support services

Your guide to weight training during pregnancy COVER | Cover māmā: Renee Brown @renee_brown_ Photography: Anupam Singh @annupam, annupam.com Hair & make-up: Luisa Petch @glamsquad nz, glamsquad.co.nz Stylist: Maddie Long, @seventhsister, the7thsister.co.nz Dress: Oroton One-Shoulder Dress in Red, theiconic.co.nz Jewellery: Meadowlark @meadowlarkjewellery, meadowlark.co.nz

46 YOU’RE JUST ADVANCED What it means to be a mama who is 35+

Planning a gorgeous maternity photoshoot

32 THE BURNING QUESTION

Our cover māmā Renee shares pregnancy insights

When morning sickness gets real

48 PICTURE PERFECT

24 HYDRATION STATION

26 WEIGHT A MINUTE

42 SICK OF IT

Postpartum belly essentials

12 PARENTAL GUIDANCE

16 COVER BUMP

BUMP +baby

34 TIME TO STOCK UP! Postpartum pantry requirements

36 SIMPLE GOODNESS Easy, nourishing, minimal-mess recipes

50 MOTHER NATURE Kiwi women share how pregnancy empowered them

56 WIN A PĒPI PACK Send in a picture of your baby bump and be in to win a $700 pēpi pack thanks to Chicco and Isoki Pregnancy BUMP & baby

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84

incrediable woman!

Labour+ birth Nursery+ 80 OH HAPPY DAY! to have a equipment How positive birth

68

Life+ relationships

67 NURSERY NOOK

Special stories for small people

68 GET INTO NATURE

58 HOW ARE YOU FEELING, DAD?

a natureShop from Style inspired nursery Focus on paternal home mental health

62 ON A BUDGET Babies cost HOW much?

64 GENTLY DOES IT What it means to be a gentle parent

66 THE F WORD Navigating the topic of fertility

20 SUBSCRIBE TO BUMP&BABY And enjoy a BUMP&baby Box full of goodies

60 BUMP&BABY MALL.CO.NZ The online store that delivers everything – except the baby!

124 DIRECTORY Some of our favourite businesses to support

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Pregnancy BUMP & baby

70 RUB-A-DUB-DUB Answering your bathtime questions

72 COOL COTS No boring beds here!

74 SWEET RIDE! Buying the perfect pram for your needs

76 VIP PA SSENGER Keeping your pēpi safe while travelling

experience

82 EVICTION NOTICE Your guide to induction

84 WONDER WOMEN Capturing three very special birthdays

90 BLOODY GOOD Cord blood banking explained

92 THE INS AND OUTS OF IT The wonders of the belly button!

Newborn+ postpartum 94 KEEPING ABREA ST OF THINGS

116 BABY FEVER

The journey of breastfeeding

Taking your baby’s temperature at home

102 BREA ST BUDDIES

118 WELL, WELL, WELL

Breastfeeding essentials

Ways to soothe and support pēpi

104 JUST THE BABY BLUES?

120 YOU’RE IN CONTROL

Or is it postpartum depression?

Postpartum contraception options

106 TEMPER, TEMPER The different temperaments of babies

108 JOY IN THE JOURNEY Five Kiwi mamas share their unique experiences

122 IT’S HEART WORK Post-baby exercise tips

130 PL AY TIME How to have fun with your pēpi

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we're all about

family

We are home of baby’s biggest brands from pregnancy to childhood

your helpful checklist

Pregnancy is an incredible experience, and we aim to help ease your journey when it comes to choosing the right products from pregnancy to parenthood. Our team are ready to listen and offer tailored advice on any decisions you’ll need to make to help you find the right products to suit your lifestyle. out & about

nursery

buggy

bassinet / cot

car seat / capsule

bassinet / cot mattress

sun / storm cover

fitted & top sheets

front pack / baby sling

bassinet / cot blankets

nappy bag

swaddles / wrap

stroller blankets

night light

baby on board sign

mattress protector

rear view mirror sun blind

cut me out!

& changing

health & safety

play & development

baby monitor

cot mobile

baby shampoo & bodywash

bed rail

bouncer

non-slip bathmat

playpens

activity gym

gates & extensions

2 soft rattles

locks & latches

2 fabric books

baby nail scissors

buggy toy

brush & comb set

cuddle toy

nappies

bottle brush high chair

barrier cream & bags

babycity.co.nz

7 Stores Nationwide

kia ora

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PREGNANCY

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Pregnancy BUMP & baby

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Want to learn more about pregnancy in your own environment?

The Introduction to Antenatal Online Course, in association with Nest Pregnancy and Parenting, is available at bumpandbaby.co.nz or by scanning this QR code. Turn the page for more info.

NI

CHARLOTTE COWAN, EDITOR

Mother-to-Be Voted BEST Learning Platform

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C h arlo tte

BUMP&baby

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It’s interesting how trends change when it comes to pregnancy. I was 32 when I became pregnant with my first daughter and 36 with my second and, at the time, that seemed pretty old to many people. Not too long ago, it was a shock if a woman became pregnant past 30 and now it’s not uncommon for women to have babies up until their mid-to-late 40s. In fact, the median age for a woman to be pregnant in New Zealand is currently 30, while in the 1970s it was 25.

This can obviously be attributed to a number of factors – financial security, meeting partners later in life, struggles with fertility… The list goes on. But it’s clear that people are having babies much later in life than 30, or even 20 years ago. But what does that mean? Aside from being older, being a mother of advanced maternal age can have its positives and negatives, as you can read in our story by Yvonne Walus on pages 46-47.

I personally (and ironically) struggled much more with my first pregnancy in terms of how uncomfortable I felt. From very early on, my pelvis deemed itself unable to cope with the pressure of the new addition to my body and by my third trimester, walking was mostly unbearable.

I recall driving all the way to a mall, finding a park, getting out of the car…

And hopping straight back in and driving home. I couldn’t face the walk; the groceries could wait, forever if need be! I also struggled to sleep and spent many a night attempting to doze sitting up on the couch.

With my second daughter, I didn’t struggle nearly as much. I could walk without pain, I slept easily until late into my third trimester and, aside from a little back niggle, I was a box of birds! Was I hitting the gym or going for a run? Absolutely not. But I was doing okay.

Ironically (once again) my first daughter was 4kg – not small, by any means – but my second was 4.3kg, so theoretically she should have caused me more issues! Although, perhaps she was waiting until she came out for that? Kidding… Sort of!

Whenever you choose to have your baby, there’s no “right time”.

Every pregnancy is different, every journey can have its ups and downs.

Just because you’re not 25 doesn’t mean you won’t have an easy pregnancy and be the most energetic mum in your coffee group. And just because you are 25, doesn’t mean you will. We’re all different and as they say, age is just a number. Take care, mamas!

H E R -T O - B E

H E R -T O - B E

MOT

Age is just a number

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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 / Charlotte Cowan editor@bumpandbaby.co.nz ART DIRECTOR / Emma Henderson design@bumpandbaby.co.nz DIGITAL EDITOR / Maraya Robinson SUBEDITOR / Katherine Granich ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Tony Marinovich tony@bumpandbaby.co.nz DIGITAL 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 or The Media Barn 91 Moontide Road, RD2 Kumeu Auckland 0892, New Zealand T: +64 9 412 5123 JOIN US ONLINE! bumpandbaby.co.nz facebook.com/bumpandbabynz pinterest.com/bumpbabynz instagram.com/bumpandbabymagazine tiktok@bumpandbabymagazine PRINTER / Webstar 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. Prices on products are a guide only and may differ from stockist to stockist.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MOIRA MEIRING OF WILD LITTLE HEARTS.

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Issue 16

closer to nature

®

the most breast-like teat ever

Voted Mum’s #1 bottle for switching between breast and bottle

shaped like a mum for a natural latch anti-collic teat to ease discomfort accepted by babies recommended by mums

Here for parents, from pregnancy, birth and beyond.

Visit www.tommeetippee.co.nz to see full range of products. *Based on 2021 study of 524 parents who use Tommee Tippee bottles.*

online course

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YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT...

d b i t e -s i z e Y O J N E HOM E! T A s o e vi d

• Choosing your LMC • Birthing options • Pregnancy discomforts • Informed consent • Pregnancy nutrition • Scans and monitoring • Premature birth • Your birth plan • Induction • Pelvic floor • Baby clothing • Perineal massage • Position of baby for birth • Signs of labour • Stages of labour • Positions in labour • Assisted delivery • Labour support

Introducing the online

Introductory Antenatal Class

Brought to you by Nest Pregnancy & Parenting and BUMP&baby magazine This is the perfect course to do with your partner when you find out you’re expecting, or a great refresher if this isn't your first baby. Watch and/or listen to our online course in your own time to better understand your pregnant body, birth options, and to feel more confident about labour and birth.

A friendly, easy-to-understand course made up of bite-sized sessions, each ranging from five to 15 minutes long, so you can binge-watch or select a different session to watch every few days. This is the perfect introductory course for yourself, or as a gift to a friend, to get a handle on pregnancy and everything to expect in the next nine months.

COURSE BONUS!

“We both loved the bite-sized workshops. They were so easy to listen to at the end of each day; we would make a cuppa and watch them together.” – Caylie

UNLOCK EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS AND LOTS OF PRACTICAL, BONUS DOWNLOADABLES.

ALL THIS FOR JUST $28.75!

bumpandbaby.co.nz/courses 10

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

PORE OVER PAST ISSUES OF BUMP&baby

PREGNANCY BUMP & baby

PLUS PREPARING FOR BREASTFEEDING

Aotearoa

ISSUE 12

Trust in YOUR BODY & INSTINCT

AS YOU GROW YOUR PRECIOUS PEPI

BROUGHT TO YOU BY TOTS TO TEENS

S H O P AT b u m p a n d b a b y m a l l .c o. n z W E D EL I V ER E V ERY T H I N G E XC EP T T H E B A B Y

Scan to read past issues

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NEW RESEARCH FOR PREM BABIES

University of Otago researchers have successfully tested a safer way to administer the pupil-dilating eye drops used to test the eyes of preterm babies and help to prevent permanent blindness.

Every year in New Zealand and Australia, about 540 very preterm babies are born and are at risk of permanent blindness. These preterm babies are offered an eye test, and if detected early, blindness and vision impairment can be prevented.

Until now, testing for babies has often used adult doses and formulations of eye drops, which can in some cases result in serious adverse events which affect the heart, lungs, and gastrointestinal system.

A three-year research project funded by Cure Kids tested the safety and efficacy of “microdrops” and proved that these smaller doses reduced side effects for babies.

The new approach could transform guidelines in New Zealand and around the world.

Parental guidance...

News, views, and handy products in the pregnancy and parenting space.

CARRIED AWAY JUST JOKING!

Like dad jokes but way smarter, this book has more than 500 hilarious familyfriendly jokes, ready to bring out at any occasion.

Mum Jokes by Jessica Rowe, $22.99, Allen & Unwin

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Pregnancy BUMP & baby

The Thule Sapling Child Carrier Backpack is a modern, stylish baby backpack that lets you live an active life, experiencing the freedom to go anywhere in the outdoors with your child. Fully adjustable for the perfect fit with an innovative, machine washable child seat that provides complete leg support to maximise comfort on any adventure. $599, foray.nz

up and away!

noteworthy

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DON’T BE A DUMMY!

There’s nothing worse than your baby’s dummies constantly falling on the floor – yuck! – so these super-cute dummy chains are a lifesaver. Made from 100% food grade silicone, they are plasticfree, easy to clean and simple to use – just fasten the attachable clip to your baby’s clothes! $19.99, munchcupboard.com

Did you know?

Babies are born with 300 bones but it decreases to 206 bones in adulthood.

sleep time

BEAUTIFUL BEDDING

Looking for divine, yet affordable, organic cotton cot sheets? Look no further than Launder & Love.

Owned by Bear & Moo, bringing you super-stylish reusable nappies, Launder & Love’s gorgeous sheet designs are soft, divine and beautifully packaged for you or for a gift. Fitted sheets are available in five fun prints ($49.99) and flat sheets are available in two ($44.99). To get yours, visit launderandlove.co.nz

PUMP IT UP!

When mum-of-two Micaela had her first baby in 2021, she noticed a need for affordable wearable breast pumps that were readily available in New Zealand.

And so Milkii was born! Milkii’s quality wearable pumps are not only affordable and accessible, but they come from a small Kiwi business, and we love that!

Get yours from milkiibreastpumps.nz

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

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CAR SEAT RECYCLING

Baby Bunting, which opened its first New Zealand store in August 2022, is offering a $10 subsidy for any child car seat returned to the store for recycling through the SeatSmart programme.

This applies to any brand of child car seat, no matter where it was purchased.

Additionally, any seats purchased from Baby Bunting, which have been subsequently damaged or expired, will have the full cost of recycling covered when returned to their Albany store in Auckland.

This makes Baby Bunting the only retailer in New Zealand currently fully covering the cost of recycling the car seats it sells. babybunting.co.nz

INSPIRED

BY MUMS

Tommee Tippee’s Closer to Nature bottle means switching between breast and bottle feeding has never been simpler. With its breast-like teat and built-in anti-colic valve, it’s inspired by mum and designed by experts. The 150ml and 260ml bottles each come complete with a slow-flow teat, ideal for newborns, and the 340ml bottles each come with a medium-flow teat which is ideal for babies three months+. The bottles are compatible with all Closer to Nature teats, so you can adapt the flow of milk as your little one develops. From $13.99, tommeetippee.co.nz

NO LEFT TURN Only 15% of newborns prefer to turn their head left when lying on their back. Thoughts are that it’s related to a gene and it’s also consistent with being right-handed!

the podcast: A new podcast from Stuff and Wabi Sabi Media Group is revealing stories of New Zealanders in the race of their lives: To make a tiny human. Hosted by Nadine and Dan Higgins, who have been candid about their own four-year struggle to have a child, The Human Race is a aims to support people who are feeling alone on the fertility journey. Available now with an initial season of eight episodes, you can listen at Stuff, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Or follow the Instagram page @humanracenz

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Pregnancy BUMP & baby

MIX IT UP

Let Thermomix TM6 do the cooking, so you can make time for what matters most. With step-by-step recipes on-screen for everything from baby’s first foods, to toddler foods and family meals, save time and money cooking recipes you love. With Thermomix – it’s only the best for you and baby. $2,499, thermomix.co.nz

COMPILED BY CHARLOTTE COWAN.

THE HUMAN RACE

our cover bump

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LUCKY& grateful Cover māmā Renee Brown shares the joys of her first pregnancy with a baby girl.

ntrepreneur Renee Brown lives a semi-nomadic life – spending half the year in Hamilton and the other half in Papamoa due to her partner, rugby player Manaaki Selby-Rickit's work commitments for the Chiefs.

Owning her own loungewear business, ARBY&OPAL (arbyandopal.com), Renee is lucky to able to work from anywhere and has recently added a newborn range to her collection, which is sure to keep her busy!

“I’M VERY GRATEFUL FOR MY PREGNANCY JOURNEY”

Renee says she has had no major issues with her pregnancy and is grateful for the experience. “I know there are so many things that can go wrong and struggles through pregnancies which can complicate things or make the experience difficult,” she says.

“I had a pretty easy first trimester – I didn’t have morning sickness at all, and overall I didn’t feel much different! The second trimester was so great because by this point, everyone knew about the pregnancy and it was such an exciting time.”

But Renee says she found the third trimester the most challenging due to the added pressure on her body. “I experienced a fair bit of nerve pain through towards the

end of this trimester, so I struggled to be able to go for even short walks. Sleep was also a struggle in the last few weeks – constantly waking up being uncomfortable and needing the bathroom. However, it definitely helps to prepare for when the baby is here, and you get less sleep!”

“I DON’T THINK I COULD WAIT TO FIND OUT!”

Renee says she and her partner choose to do NIPT (non-invasive prenatal testing) at 10 weeks, and finding out the gender was an added bonus! “I don’t think I could wait to find out, especially for the first one at least,” she says. “We might try and keep it a surprise next time!”

When they found out the baby was a girl, Renee says picking a name was definitely a struggle. “We have quite different tastes in names but thankfully agreed on Māia Mae, which we love,” she says.

As per pregnancy progressed, Renee says the scans made everything seem more real.

“I found the 20 week scan the most exciting because you can really see a little human shape for the first time! I had to get a few growth scans during my third trimester to check her growth as she was measuring quite small and in the 10th percentile, but she was absolutely fine!”

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our cover bump

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Renee’s

1.

2.

3.

NESTING NECESSITIES

1. DIMPLES BREATHABLE BABY NEST, $249.99, dimples.co.nz “We love this item! It is the perfect addition and will be easily transported with us wherever we go. It will also be great for when I am working from home if I would rather have Māia sleeping downstairs with me when she is brand new.”

5.

“I think the best thing [about pregnancy] is the realisation of how amazing it is to be able to grow an actual little human inside you,” says Renee. “The female body is so incredible and when you get to experience it from the start to the end result, it is quite surreal.”

But Renee says there were also adjustments she had to get used to. “I am usually a very social person, so I felt that it restricted my social life a lot. I [also] feel like my emotions and hormones were all over the show throughout my pregnancy, which definitely made my relationships hard at times.

However, we slowly realised that these things make us stronger in the end. I overthink a lot at times too, so that didn’t help!”

“IT REALLY MAKES YOU REALISE WHAT IS IMPORTANT”

As a model, Renee says the pressures of not only the industry but other factors such as social media can hugely impact the issue of body image. “Being pregnant has helped me a lot through this – when you are responsible for the growth and survival of a little human growing inside you it really makes you realise what is important,” she says. “I am a super-active person and I didn’t do a whole lot of exercise throughout my pregnancy, which made me worry I would gain a lot of weight, which I wasn’t used to. But you do soon realise it’s not the priority, and it is so important to listen to your body and make sure baby is well looked after throughout, because you are the only one who can control that.”

4.

$69, puremama.com "I used this oil throughout my pregnancy – it helped the elasticity of my skin as I was growing and it smells and feels so amazing.

Definitely a product I highly recommend."

“HE WILL BE SPEAKING TE REO PRIMARILY”

3. PETITE EATS HOODED

“I WILL DO EVERY THING I CAN TO MAKE SURE OF THIS”

4. NATURE BABY POINTELLE

Renee says as she and partner Maanaki are both Māori, they hope to associate the culture and the language where they can.

“Te reo is Manaaki’s first language and he speaks it at home,” she says. “He will be speaking te reo primarily to Māia and I will be sure to learn as she does. I am going to do a full emergent course when I get the time also.”

As a first-time mum, Renee says she wants to be a good example to her daughter and to always be supportive, caring and open.

“All I wish for this child is that they live a long, healthy and happy life and I will do everything I can to make sure of this,” she says.

“I think there are so many pressures around us that shape our lives these days and many of these pressures have a negative impact on people. I hope to be able to encourage my girl to always be herself and not to take everyone else’s opinions to heart.

I think it is such a great tool, to just not worry too much about what others think.”

Photographer: Anupam Singh @annupam, annupam.com Make-up: Luisa Petch @glamsquadnz, glamsquad.co.nz Stylist: Maddie Long, @seventhsister, the7thsister.co.nz Model mama: Renee Brown, @renee_brown_. Clothing (page 16): Limited Edition Long Pink Dress, zara.com/nz Clothing (page 19): Max Giselle Midi-Dress in Butterscotch, max.co.nz, Zara Patchwork Print Kimono, zara.com/nz Jewellery: Meadowlark @meadowlarkjewellery, meadowlark.co.nz

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Pregnancy BUMP & baby

2. PURE MAMA BELLY OIL,

TOWEL SET, $59.99, petiteeats.co.nz “These are the most adorable towels and when they are washed and dried they still feel soft and fluffy! They come in different animal themes and are smartly made to just wrap around rather than pull over the little ones’ heads.”

KIMONO BODYSUIT IN ROSE BUD, $29.95, naturebaby.co.nz “We love these kimonos because they just wrap around rather than having to go over the baby's head.

Super-quick and easy when changing nappies or having to change babies outfits multiple times throughout the day.”

5. KAYLULA SOVA CLASSIC 5-IN-1 COT IN BEECH, $1,499, babyhood.co.nz “Not only is it such an aesthetically pleasing cot, but it also caters to adapt to the baby’s growth, so can be used all the way up until they are a toddler.”

INTERVIEW BY CHARLOTTE COWAN.

“I OVERTHINK A LOT AT TIMES”

our cover bump

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I HOPE TO BE ABLE TO ENCOURAGE MY GIRL TO ALWAYS BE HERSELF AND NOT TO TAKE EVERYONE EL SE’S OPINIONS TO HEART.

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

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What’s in the BUMP&baby Box? We work with the most amazing pregnancy, mother, and baby brands to bring you our BUMP&baby Box – jam-packed with amazing products, full-sized samples, and vouchers. Look out for the following brands that we love and regularly include in the BUMP&baby Box: Sudocrem, Bear & Moo, Phloe, Pigeon, Rascal + Friends, Chicco, Tommee Tippee, Pureness Baby, Kiwi Garden, Tui, Floradix, Mammas Milk Bar, Lansinoh, Cetaphil, Bio-Oil, Weleda, Palmers, NUK, Crystawash, Dermal Therapy and many more!

Check out our website bumpandbaby.co.nz/ subscribe to see the current box of treasures that you'll receive when you subscribe. We promise you'll love them all!

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Pregnancy BUMP & baby

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Pregnancy BUMP & baby

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Hair today, gone tomorrow Hair changes are common during pregnancy and postpartum – biomedical scientist Raissa Sidhu from SRS Hair Clinic (srshairclinic.co.nz) explains why.

YOUR HAIR CYCLE

Many women notice a visible difference in their hair quality during pregnancy versus after giving birth. This stems from changes in hormone activity that can affect the hair cycle.

A normal hair cycle consists of the anagen “growing” phase, the “transitional” catagen phase and the final “resting/shedding” telogen phase.

During pregnancy, elevated levels of oestrogen can delay the final shedding stage of the hair cycle, which means your hair will not fall out as normal. A major increase in circulating blood volume during pregnancy can also result in thickening of new hair in the growth phase due to increased nutrient delivery to the hair follicles. This combination of factors gives the impression of a fuller, thicker head of hair during pregnancy.

After childbirth, however, there is a significant drop in elevated hormone levels as the body slowly regulates back to normal.

This usually means that all extra hair that was kept on your head during pregnancy (beyond its original lifespan) may now fall out as the normal hair cycle resumes.

This can feel scary, particularly in cases where hair has thinned beyond pre-pregnancy density, there is receding at the temples, or the scalp becomes visible.

WHAT IS PPTE HAIR LOSS?

Postpartum hair loss is very common, with an estimated 40-50% of women experiencing “postpartum telogen effluvium” (PPTE) after giving birth.

Telogen effluvium-type hair loss typically develops in response to some sort of systemic shock, such as physical injury, childbirth, medications, emotional trauma, or severe illness. This is usually temporary and can be

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reversed (although the time frame may vary depending on the causes and their severity).

HOW LONG DOES POSTPARTUM HAIR LOSS LA ST?

Postpartum hair loss commonly peaks around four months following childbirth and lasts between one and six months on average. Although it is not uncommon to experience hair loss up to one year (or even two years) after giving birth, depending on various factors such as whether you are breastfeeding, the quality of your diet, sleep patterns, stress, and more.

HAIR LOSS AND BREA STFEEDING

If you are breastfeeding, your hair loss may take a little longer to settle back to normal levels due to changes in the delicate balance of hormones.

Oestrogen levels are high during pregnancy but drop after birth, while another hormone called prolactin will increase in preparation for breastfeeding.

Continued breastfeeding will maintain high prolactin and suppress oestrogen and progesterone, and this imbalance will suppress hair growth. Once you stop breastfeeding, oestrogen and progesterone levels should start to regulate again and hair loss should stabilise, provided there are no other factors contributing to your hair loss.

HAIR LOSS AND NUTRITION

Proper nutrition is important for the wellbeing of mother and baby and is crucial during pregnancy and after birth, as the body goes through the process of healing and producing milk. Lack of sufficient vitamins and minerals may contribute towards prolonged hair loss, so it is important to bridge this deficit by increasing intake of proper nutrients.

Postpartum hair loss is very common with an estimated 40-50% of women experiencing “postpartum telogen effluvium” (PPTE) after giving birth.

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HAIR LOSS AND STRESS

Stress is another factor that can play a significant role in hair loss. Nowadays, you would be hard-pressed to find someone not experiencing any stress! For a new mother, stress might even be considered a “fact of life”, particularly if your baby is not sleeping through the night or you suffer from interrupted or poor quality sleep.

When your body is under stress, the adrenal glands produce and release cortisol.

This hormone stimulates release of adrenaline, leading to the well-recognised “fight-or-flight” response. Studies have shown lack of sleep can increase cortisol production the following evening – meaning it becomes harder to fall asleep even when you are suffering from sleep deprivation because your body is alert.

Chronic stress can wear on the body in the long-term and lead to sustained high cortisol levels, which can suppress production of other hormones required for healthy hair growth. Over an extended period of time, too much cortisol may eventually tire out the adrenal glands and result in your system underproducing cortisol and other hormones, which may again lead to hair loss. Long-term stress is also associated with a range of health conditions for which effects may range in severity, including impaired immunity and cognitive function, slow metabolism, and decreased cell generation.

DO I NEED TREATMENT FOR MY HAIR LOSS?

Get checked…

If you are worried about hair loss, your first port of call is booking a microscopic hair analysis. By microscopically examining your hair root and the state of your scalp, as well as taking a deeper look into your lifestyle habits and genetic predispositions, this can classify the state of your hair loss and advise you on the best treatments.

A 45 minute SRS Microscopic Hair Analysis Consultation is $30 for BUMP&baby readers (normally $50). Phone (0800) 348 616 for an appointment.

Generally, your postpartum hair loss should gradually self-resolve within six to 12 months. For some women it may take longer, depending on factors such as whether you breastfeed and over what length of time, your stress levels, lack of sleep, poor nutrition, whether you previously experienced hair loss before giving birth, and more.

If you are struggling to resolve persistent or severe hair loss after giving birth, it may be prudent to talk to an expert, such as the team at SRS Hair Clinic.

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Lady Jayne Flexi Glide Detangling Brush Large, $12.49, ladyjayne.co.nz A’kin Miracle Shine Conditioning Hair Mask, $24,99, akin.co.nz Essano Exper+ise Growth + Volume Hair Scalp Serum, $25.99, essano.co.nz Essano Exper+ise Growth + Volume Volumising Conditioner, $25.99, essano.co.nz Glow Lab Hydrating Shampoo, $15, glowlab.co.nz

hydrates, soothes and revitalises the scalp!

Actyva P-Factor Scalp Lotion, $40.50, ihair.co.nz

Joico K-PAK Liquid Reconstructor, $41, hairproductsonline.co.nz Mater Beauty Good Hair Days Supercharged Conditioner Bar, $28, mater.beauty Glow Lab Leave-In Conditioner, $15, glowlab.co.nz

HYDR ATION STATION Encourage growth and restore moisture with these hair helpers.

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Pregnancy BUMP & baby

COMPILED BY CHARLOTTE COWAN.

L OV E

One cream.

Double action Heals and protects your baby’s delicate skin from nappy rash sudocrem.co.nz Always read the Label. If symptoms worsen or change unexpectedly, talk to your healthcare professional. Follow the directions for use. Teva Pharma (New Zealand) Limited, Auckland. Ph 0800 800 097. TAPs MR8787, BGA221201, Dec2022. SUDO-BB 2023

Weight a

minute

Personal and postnatal trainer Fleur Park (corerestore.co.nz) shares her guide to strength-training during pregnancy.

A

s a collective, women around New Zealand are changing their ideas and beliefs around lifting weights and embracing all the physical and mental benefits this type of training delivers.

The benefits extend far beyond the present and into all different life stages, including pregnancy. With an increased awareness and acceptance of exercising during pregnancy, regular strength training sessions can still be an integral part of your weekly exercise regime.

Most experts agree, along with your LMC’s approval, that strength-training during pregnancy is not only healthy and beneficial for mum and baby, but also assists in preparing the mother’s body for the many physiological changes that occur during pregnancy and the postnatal period.

Modifications will need to be made to your programme or certain exercises, but continuing to weight-train will help you to counteract the physiological changes that affect neurological connection and postural alignment.

YOUR BODY DURING PREGNANCY

During pregnancy, the mother’s body is impacted by the growing weight of the baby, which forces the spine and pelvis into a lordosis position (exaggerated anterior pelvic tilt). This can cause pain and discomfort and places a lot of strain on the joints and ligaments.

It also causes a loss of mind-muscle connection with the glutes, which become lengthened and weak, while the hip flexors become shortened and tight.

The upper back can display signs of kyphosis (exaggerated rounding of the upper back and shoulders) from the breasts increasing in size and the mother’s centre of gravity changing. This can cause rolling

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through the shoulders, resulting in lengthened and weak upper back muscles and shortened tight chest muscles.

Therefore, weight-training is a great option for women who want to continue to remain active during pregnancy as it will help to prevent or reduce the severity of these physiological changes.

Using pregnancy-safe strength exercises, a focus should be placed on strengthening the posterior/back of the body (upper back, latissimus dorsi, and glutes) and maintaining connection with the transverse abdominus (deep core) and pelvic floor.

If you have any specific questions or concerns, always contact your LMC to get the green light before starting or continuing with a strength-training programme.

GETTING STARTED

Here are some handy tips to get you started on your weight-training journey through pregnancy and help guide you with some important steps to keep you and your baby safe. Remember, it’s advisable that women receive clearance from their LMC before starting any kind of exercise regime during pregnancy.

Listen to your body and don’t overexert yourself. Pregnancy is not a time to be breaking personal bests or setting goals that are unrealistic due to physiological changes.

An intensity level of no higher than six to seven out of 10 is advisable and should be determined by how you’re feeling on the day.

Hormones, morning sickness, lack of sleep and different trimesters will see fluctuations in energy levels. You also need to be conscious of not overheating or raising the baby’s heart rate too high. High-impact exercises may also cause discomfort and pain to muscles and joints.

If you experience any breathlessness, abdominal or pelvic pain, nausea, headaches,

The benefits Weight training can promote the following health benefits for both mother and baby… elps minimise H aches and pains related to physiological changes.

Increases muscular and joint strength. elps to H maintain stability and mobility.

I mproves sleep and energy levels.

Reduces risk of gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, excess weight gain and preterm delivery.

Boosts mood, improves self-esteem and positive body image, relieves stress, and promotes mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

Associated with a quicker postnatal recovery and good preparation for lifting and carrying in the postnatal period.

dizziness, chest pain, vaginal bleeding, fatigue etc, you should stop immediately and seek medical advice.

Have a plan as to what you want to achieve in each weight-training session and the specific pregnancy-safe exercises you will complete. A well-designed programme will help you achieve this while keeping you and your baby safe.

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“Always contact your LMC to get the green light before starting or continuing with a strength-training programme.”

Strengthening and stretching the glutes, lower back and quads will help, but ensure movements are slow and controlled and low amounts of tension are applied.

WEIGHT GAIN AND CENTRE OF GR AVIT Y

After the first trimester, you should avoid exercises that require lying on your back for extended periods of time, which can reduce blood flow and therefore oxygen to the baby.

Warm up and activate muscles before exercising and cool down after with some gentle stretching and myofascial rolling and releasing.

Stay cool and always remain hydrated.

Try to have a snack before and after to ensure energy levels are kept stable.

Dress for comfort with loose, breathable and stretchy tops and leggings along with a good supportive sports bra and shoes.

A S YOUR PREGNANCY PROGRESSES

During the early stages of pregnancy, most women will find that they are able to continue with their exercise and weighttraining routine (provided they have their LMC’s approval). However, as you progress

through the trimesters, you need to be more cautious and selective of the exercises and weights you are lifting.

SPD AND PGP

Some women start to experience or suffer from symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD), or pelvic girdle pain (PGP). This occurs when the ligaments that normally keep your pelvic bone aligned during pregnancy become too relaxed and stretchy due to the hormone relaxin .This is released during pregnancy to allow for the body to accommodate for the growing baby and also prepare the pelvis for delivery.

Avoiding any lateral or unilateral movements with the legs, such as split squats or side, forward and back lunges is essential, and reducing weight in exercises such as leg presses, squats and wall sits is recommended.

Some women will also experience discomfort in certain positions or while completing exercises they used to do with ease. Their stability is affected and therefore certain exercises will be more challenging due to weight gain and a change in centre of gravity due to the increase in size of their tummy and breasts.

Regressing movements to a seated position on a bench or Swiss ball could counteract the changes and stabilise movements. Working with a qualified and experienced fitness professional is advisable as they can ensure your workouts are effective and safe by taking you through the exercises and regressing movements and resistance as needed.

EVERY WOMAN IS DIFFERENT

These recommendations and guidelines are a general overview and should be treated as such. Every woman’s experience of pregnancy is as different and as diverse as their specific fitness level, training age/ experience and physical ability. Therefore, it’s vital you consult your LMC first before starting or continuing a weight training programme, and advisable you work with an experienced fitness professional giving you peace of mind and confidence that your weight-training programme is both effective and safe for you and your baby.

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Comfort is key

Dr Ainslee Roughan from Brain Under Construction (brainunderconstruction.co.nz) shares her top five everyday tips to help decrease tension and discomfort during pregnancy.

P

regnancy changes the body significantly: The pelvis expands, the spinal curvatures change and your rib cage flares at the bottom to make space for your growing bump.

The head moves forward and the shoulders often roll forward, too. All of these changes are compensations to accommodate the baby’s size, but are also an important part of keeping us upright and balanced. These an even weight distribution through your structural and postural shifts ensure that pelvis and legs, which ultimately eliminates our centre of gravity doesn’t move too any unneeded extra shearing forces through far forward; otherwise, we would topple your pelvis. forward with the weight of the bump throwing us off balance.

GETTING OFF THE COUCH FROM A Let’s be honest, moving during pregnancy SEATED POSITION can feel like a marathon sometimes, so When getting up off a couch, wriggle your let’s unpack my top five tips for everyday bottom forward to the edge of the couch movement modifications to make life easier. and have your feet planted firmly on the These are tips you can apply to everyday ground in front of you at hip-width apart. life and may help your body feel more Lean forward towards your knees and stand comfortable during pregnancy. up in a way that means your nose Keep in mind some people “Moving is over your toes as you stand won’t need these movement up. This is using your own body during modifications, but for some of weight in a way that helps you you, they will be a game-changer. pregnancy stand up – winning!

GETTING UP AND DOWN FROM CHAIRS

can feel like a marathon sometimes.”

When getting up and down from a dining room chair or office chair, try to keep your knees closer together. Often when we get up or go to sit down, we split our legs wide and put most of our weight onto one leg while we stand upright or sit down. By swivelling on your bottom, you can keep your knees closer together and stand up with two feet planted on the ground hip-width apart; this creates

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WALKING UP AND DOWN STAIRS

If you are getting pain in the groin area, inform your LMC and get it assessed by a specialist in this area (chiropractor, physiotherapist or osteopath) and try walking up stairs one at a time. This means bringing two feet onto one step before moving to the next step. It is a slower way to move up stairs, but creates less torsional stress on the pelvis. You could also walk up the stairs sideways and one stair

at a time; just be sure to alternate which foot leads when you are going up and down for both techniques.

GETTING OUT OF BED

When getting out of bed, roll to face the side of the bed you are getting out of. Keeping your knees in alignment with each other, bring your knees up towards your chest as you push your torso up with your hands until you are in a seated position. This will allow your feet to lower onto the ground as you sit up, and it keeps your body aligned while getting into a seated position to then stand up.

GETTING DRESSED

Sit down when getting dressed and putting on underwear, pants, socks and shoes. This helps keep your pelvis stable and avoids shearing forces when you are standing on one leg awkwardly trying to reach your other foot in mid-air to put a sock on.

Not to mention it eliminates the risk of toppling over.

Remember, if your body is not feeling comfortable during pregnancy, inform your LMC and seek help from a professional in that area to find help to support your body to move more comfortably.

poo problems

--

Get

moving

Poo – not fun to talk about, but a super-important topic during pregnancy and postpartum.

IT ALL STARTS IN PREGNANCY…

It is not uncommon for pregnant women to experience some digestive system sluggishness at some point in their pregnancy. Hormonal changes can have POSTPARTUM POO, WHERE ARE YOU? an effect of slowing slow down transit Your first bowel movement after birth, time, which means you may not be having especially after a C-section, can be bowel movements as frequently as you daunting, and postpartum constipation once were. This is common from around is common. the second to third month of pregnancy It can have a number of causes, such and may get worse as pregnancy as new sleep schedules, progresses and your uterus dehydration, less overall grows. To help normalise Top tip! movement, iron infusions, bowel movements during For pregnancy and the use of opioid pain pregnancy: • Drink plenty of water, at and postpartum medication. It can take three four days for your bowel least eight glasses a day. we recommend or to start functioning normally • Increase fibre by eating Phloe original again after birth. plenty of fresh fruit and Plus, if you have stitches vegetables, mixed grain capsules or (either from an episiotomy or bread, brown rice, legumes, chewable tablets. C-section) or haemorrhoids, nuts and seeds. this may lead to constipation • Try a natural digestive as you may be afraid to cause more pain supplement such as Phloe, which is by putting strain on your stitches, which made from NZ green kiwifruit extract. means you hold on instead of going to • Exercise! It helps to improve bowel the loo. regularity.

• Be careful with iron as it can lead to sluggish bowels – choose your source wisely.

SPECIAL PROMOTION

review:

A little piece of Kiwi ingenuity.

My friends warned me about how uncomfortable *number 2s* can be postpartum, so I decided to stay well ahead of the game and take these. I took the Phloe capsules once a day, and they really supported me with regularity and bloating! Love that they are made of kiwifruit and natural too. – Maria

HOW PHLOE CAN HELP Phloe is a natural digestive health supplement that is suitable for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is made from New Zealand green kiwifruit extract Zyactinase, which contains fibre, digestive enzymes and prebiotics to gently help normalise bowel movements and avoid discomfort from gas and bloating.

Fibre: Phloe contains two types of fibre – insoluble and soluble – which both work differently. Insoluble fibre adds bulk to loose stools and soluble fibre absorbs water to soften firm stools.

Digestive enzymes: These help to gently support movement in the bowel without sudden urgency and assist in moving toxins and waste through quickly.

Prebiotics: Phloe is a natural source of prebiotics which help to feed the good bacteria in the gut. This, in turn, supports the bacteria balance in the digestive system and overall gut health.

CAN’T I JUST EAT SOME KIWIFRUIT? Phloe’s production process makes the kiwifruit extract Zyactinase more bio-available. This means it’s more available for absorption into the body than it would be from just eating kiwifruit – in other words, you would have to eat A LOT of kiwifruit to get a similar effect!

phloe.co.nz Pregnancy BUMP & baby

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AND STRETCHHH! Moisturise your growing bump with these pregnancy and postpartum belly essentials!

Weleda Stretch Mark Massage Oil, $32.90, weleda.co.nz This 100% natural oil contains precious almond and organic jojoba oil, vitamin E-rich wheat germ oil and an arnica blossoms extract to preserve the skin’s moisture and improve elasticity.

Mustela Stretch Marks Oil, $35.99, babyonthemove.co.nz Formulated with maracuja oil, known for its highly moisturising properties, this serum helps improve the appearance of stretch marks by strengthening and regaining the skin’s elasticity.

L OV E did you know?

what are

Terra Stretch Mark Cream, $14.99, terra.co.nz

stretch

An indulgent blend of creamy whipped butters including extra-virgin olive oil, organic coconut oil, rosehip oil, and jojoba oil, Terra is 100% handmade in New Zealand and delivers long-lasting moisture to optimise skin elasticity.

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Clarins Body Partner Stretch Mark Expert, $105, clarinsnewzealand.co.nz A high-tolerance cream with a silky lightweight formula of active ingredients that help to improve elasticity and firmness and minimise the look of stretch marks.

Bio-Oil Skincare Oil, $42.99, bio-oil.com Specifically formulated to help reduce the appearance of scars, stretch marks and uneven skin tone, Bio-Oil contains vitamin A and vitamin E, calendula, lavender and rosemary oils, and chamomile extract.

Aotea Road Natural Stretch Mark Balm Raspberry + Rosehip, $18.99, aotearoad.com A carefully blended formula or organic oils, rosehip and jojoba to help with cell renewal and repair for soft and supple skin.

COMPILED BY CHARLOTTE COWAN.

marks?

Stretch marks, known medically as stria distensae, are scars that appear when the skin is stretched beyond its elastic limit. During pregnancy, your expanding belly, hormonal and genetic factors can all be contributing factors to the development of stretch marks, as can your age. The younger you are, the firmer your skin – which means your elastic limit is lower and you are more likely to develop stretch marks.

While most stretch marks start off an angry red colour, over time they will become white and less conspicuous.

IF YOUR MUM OR SISTER HAD STRETCH MARK S, YOU ARE MORE LIKELY TO GET THEM TOO!

High-oil specialist skincare 100% NATURAL

for scars, stretch marks, uneven skin tone Scientifically proven and designed to effectively work with the skin to deliver optimal skin health

POWERFUL FORMULATIONS. POWERFUL RESULTS.

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Bio-Oil® Skincare Oil is a specialist skincare product formulated to help improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks and uneven skin tone. Available in the original and 100% natural versions at participating stockists. Individual results will vary.

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The burning question Reflux during pregnancy can be horrific! Pregnancy and postnatal osteopath Sarah Boughtwood (sarahboughtwoodosteopath.co.nz) shares tips to lessen the pain.

U

nfortunately, a common complaint during pregnancy is reflux: That burning sensation in the back of your throat and chest.

WHAT CAUSES REFLUX?

pregnancy This is due to relaxin hormone levels dropping back to normal and the physical compression of the stomach being removed.

Being pregnant doesn’t necessarily mean you will have heartburn, but it is very common. It depends on many factors, including your physiology, diet, daily habits, and your pregnancy.

When we eat, food passes down the oesophagus into the stomach, but to stop the food going back up our throat, there is a sphincter/valve. In pregnancy, the relaxin hormone can make this valve weak, thus allowing food and stomach acid back up the OSTEOPATHY “During the first AND REFLUX oesophagus and creating the burning feeling.

Osteopaths commonly trimester, you During the first treat pregnant women for are at higher risk reflux as it can be quite trimester, you are at higher risk of developing reflux painful and frustrating. of developing due to food moving down Osteopathic treatment reflux due to food includes working through the oesophagus slowly and a slower emptying all the factors that might moving down time of the stomach. This be influencing the mother’s the oesophagus is to allow for greater reflux. This can include absorption of food and slowly and a slower diet, compressive clothing, nutrients to the growing time of meals, size of the emptying time of meal, sleeping and sitting foetus, but then this can make you more susceptible posture, exercise and so on. the stomach.” to reflux.

Physical treatment is During the third trimester, the stomach aimed at loosening the rib cage, thoracic can become physically compressed due to spine and neck joints, muscles and ligaments the growing baby and the limited amount to remove any compression and restriction.

The diaphragm is also a key component of room in the abdominal cavity. This mechanical compression can increase your to reflux, as the stomach sits below the risk of having reflux. diaphragm. Treatment will address any Generally speaking, most women who tightness and restriction in the diaphragm, suffer from reflux during pregnancy say that thus removing physical compression off the it quickly disappears after giving birth. stomach and sphincter.

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how can you minimise reflux?

Eat slowly and chew thoroughly.

Avoid eating a few hours before bed.

Avoid foods and beverages that trigger your heartburn. Typical triggers include: Chocolate, fatty foods, spicy foods, acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomato-based items, carbonated beverages, and caffeine. tay upright for at least one hour S after a meal. ear comfortable clothing – in W particular, your bra must be soft with no underwire and the correct size.

Maintain a healthy weight. se pillows or wedges to elevate your U upper body while sleeping. leep on your left side. Lying on your S right side will position your stomach higher than your oesophagus, which may lead to heartburn. hew a piece of sugarless gum C after meals. The increased saliva may neutralise any acid coming back up into the oesophagus. at yoghurt or drink a glass of milk E to help symptoms once they start. at smaller meals more frequently E and avoid drinking while eating.

Drink water in between meals instead. peak to your GP or LMC about S medications that may be suitable for you.

Only the best for you and baby We all know how busy life can get. Luckily, this is where having Thermomix® TM6 on your kitchen bench can become your super-power.

Thanks to its smart, connected tech, not only will TM6 look after most of the cooking, but you can browse recipes, make weekly meal plans, and even shop for ingredients with TM6 and Cookidoo® (the Thermomix® recipe platform).

So, here’s to the whole family enjoying wholesome, nourishing food while making more time for what matters most.

Scan for the downloadable First foods, fuss free eBook which includes 7 recipes to get you on your way, from first foods, through to baby-led weaning and finger foods.

Or head to Thermomix.co.nz/baby to find out more.

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Time to

stock up!

Mamas need and deserve to put their nutritional needs first and eat well. Here are the most nutrient-dense foods to stock up on before your baby arrives, from naturopath Vaughne Geary.

FILL YOUR FREEZER

During maternity leave, while nesting into your final weeks of pregnancy, is a great time to fill your freezer with warming and nourishing meals. Doing this will seriously lighten your load once baby arrives!

It’s also a great idea to ask friends and family, who want to support you, to make meals you can freeze, or start a meal train that can be delivered throughout the week.

Meals and snacks that freeze well include soups, stews, broths, curries, slow-cooked meals using meat, legumes and root vegetables, rissoles and burger patties, pasta sauces, muffins, slices and bliss balls.

CHOOSE WARMING, EA SILY DIGESTIBLE FOODS

Your digestive system is more sensitive in the weeks following birth and your body is recovering from the marathon effort of growing and birthing a whole other human.

Many cultures believe that after labour, a woman’s body is left feeling “cold” and in need of warming meals to support recovery.

Similarly, from a naturopathic perspective, foods cooked with warming herbs and spices yield therapeutic benefits that support breastmilk production, digestive function and the absorption and uptake of essential nutrients.

PROTEIN

Protein is an essential macronutrient required to support repair and recovery of muscles and cells, as well as regulate blood sugar and help us feel fuller for longer.

Recent studies show that in the first six months of the postpartum period, exclusively breastfeeding mothers may require between 1.7–1.9 grams of protein

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per kilo of body weight, each day, to support their and their baby’s nutritional needs.

This might sound like a lot, but protein is abundant in so many delicious foods, such as legumes and beans, nuts, seeds and nut butters, tempeh, tofu, dairy, poultry, meat and fish.

Aim to eat a palm-sized piece during each main meal and keep some protein-heavy snacks in your bag, next to your feeding chair and on your bedside table to keep you going throughout the day and night.

FATS

Fat is incredibly important to consume during pregnancy to fuel your baby’s growing brain and neurological development, but did you know that it’s just as important to boost fat consumption through your postpartum? Breastmilk is made up of over 50 per cent fat and human brains are composed of approximately 60 per cent fat, which makes it an essential macronutrient that we must consume in order to think and function at our healthiest. The important thing to focus on is the quality and variety of fats you’re eating.

Studies have shown that healthy fats, including those that are rich in omega-3, may reduce inflammation, lower the risk of blood clotting, support hormonal health and increase absorption of other nutrients.

Trans fats and industrial vegetable oils are often processed and found in fried, baked and packaged junk foods, which studies have shown can increase inflammation in the body and the risk of postpartum depression.

The best fats to eat liberally are found in nuts, seeds, avocado, olives, oily fish, eggs and extra-virgin olive oil.

take a tip

1.7–1.9

grams of protein per kilo of your body weight each day will support your and your baby’s nutritional needs.

turn the page FOR DELICIOUS POSTPARTUM RECIPES FROM VAUGHNE GEARY AND JESSICA PRESCOTT.

CARBOHYDRATES

Carbohydrates are another essential macronutrient that fuel your brain and muscles, which is important for sleepdeprived and busy mothers, who also require the glucose found in carbs to produce the lactose that is found in breastmilk. Simple carbohydrates (or sugars) are often refined and do not contain adequate amounts of nutrients, starch or fibre, and so produce a greater spike in blood glucose and offer the body a shorter lasting source of energy. It’s best to limit these foods, including white bread, cakes, lollies, pastries and soft drinks.

Complex carbs on the other hand, provide a more sustained release of energy.

The healthiest complex carbohydrates are unrefined plant foods that are high in fibre, such as brown rice, starchy vegetables, beans, legumes, and whole grains. To balance your blood sugar through the day, combine carbs with a source of protein and fat, such as sourdough toast loaded with avocado and goat’s feta.

FIBRE

After your baby has spent the better half of nine months squashing your organs, your digestive system may need some time to recover and get back into a healthy groove.

Ensuring that you are eating enough fibre will help regulate your bowel function by bulking the stool and making it easier to pass.

Fibre-rich foods such as vegetables, fruit, whole grains, nuts, seeds and legumes can also support blood sugar regulation, as it helps to slow digestion which can curb sugar cravings and stabilise your energy. Our gut microbiome also benefits from fibre, as some contain prebiotics which feed the healthy bacteria in our intestines which are important for optimal digestive health.

Edited extract from Life After Birth by Jessica Prescott and Vaughne Geary, $45, Hardie Grant Books.

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Simple

Goodness bump tip!

You can use your Thermomix to chop veges, blend baking ingredient s and simmer sauces – it combines more than 20 kitchen appliances in one!

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Pregnancy BUMP & baby

MAGICAL HE ALING BROTH page 38

FIVE MINUTE NOODLES page 41

Easy, nourishing, minimal-mess recipes that are packed with the good stuff.

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

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MAGICAL HEALING broth

This broth is full of warming, healing and immune-boosting foods that provide maximum nutrition in an easy-to-digest liquid. It’s light enough that it can be sipped from a mug, so you get all the goodness even when you don’t have the appetite for a full meal. Make it more substantial by serving with noodles and veggies à la our Five Minute Noodle recipe (see page 41).

MAKES APPROXIMATELY 3 LITRES (12 CUPS) • 1 onion, skin on, quartered • 1 carrot, roughly chopped • 1 celery stalk, leaves and all, roughly chopped • 5 0g or thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger, sliced • 6 to 8 garlic cloves, peeled • 1 0g dried seaweed (wakame or kelp) • 5 to 6 dried shiitake mushrooms (about 10g) • 5 or 6 Chinese red (jujube) dates • 1 tablespoon goji berries • 1 lemongrass stalk, halved lengthways • 1 cinnamon stick • 3 star anise • 1 tablespoon coriander seeds • 1 tablespoon white peppercorns • 1 ½ teaspoons salt • 1 teaspoon miso paste, to serve 1. Place all the ingredients in a large pot, cover with 4 litres

(16 cups) water and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 2 hours.

2. Remove from the heat and once cooled, strain through a sieve into another large pot or bowl, then ladle the broth into jars.

3. To serve, place a teaspoon of miso paste in a mug. Add a small amount of warm broth, stir until the miso paste is dissolved and then top up the mug with more broth.

4. Store the remaining broth in a glass jug in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.

tip

38

If freezing, don’t fill your container all the way to the top as the broth will expand as it’s freezing and will crack the glass if it has nowhere to go.

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OATY, FUDGY, CHOCOLATE

slice

Full of healthy fats and antioxidantrich cacao powder, as well as the galactagogue goodness of oats and peanut butter – this slice really hits the spot.

MAKES 16–25 PIECES

• 1 0 fresh Medjool dates, pitted 120g (3/4 cup) sultanas (golden raisins)

• 9 0g (3/4 cup) roasted almonds • 7 0g (1/2 cup) pepitas (pumpkin seeds) • 4 0g (1/4 cup) hemp seeds • 9 0g (1 cup) rolled (porridge) oats • 9 0g (1 cup) desiccated (shredded) coconut • 6 0g (1/2 cup) cacao powder • 1 teaspoon vanilla • Pinch of sea salt • 280g (1 cup) natural peanut butter • 120g (1/2 cup) coconut oil, melted •F reeze-dried raspberries, to garnish (optional)

1. Line a 20cm × 20cm tin with baking paper.

2. Place everything except the peanut butter

and coconut oil in a food processor and pulse to a fine crumb (approximately 20 seconds).

While the machine is running, add the peanut butter and coconut oil and process until combined.

3. Transfer the mixture into your baking tin and press firmly, using damp fingers or the back of a tablespoon. Once smooth and even, crush the freeze-dried raspberries over the top, if using. Place in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.

4. Remove from the tin by lifting the baking paper out. Cut into squares – 4cm x 4cm if you like a smaller slice, or 5cm x 5cm if you prefer a chunkier slice. You can also cut rectangles or triangles if you like – go wild!

5. Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a month.

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WRAP IT up

The ingredients we’ve suggest here are a favourite combo of ours, but you can really go wild with wraps. Instead of hummus or tahini, you can melt cheese onto your wrap when heating it. You can use grated beets instead of carrot; finely sliced red cabbage instead of leafy greens; cannellini beans, minced chicken, or minced beef instead of black beans; and sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh ones. You could even skip the cooking step altogether and add a tin of tuna instead. Find a combo you love, and enjoy the heck out of it. Your mind and body will thank you.

Wraps are great because you can load them with infinitely more nutritious filling than you could ever fit between two slices of bread.

SERVES 2

•D rizzle of olive oil • 1 small red onion, chopped • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 1 teaspoon ground cumin • 1 teaspoon ground coriander 400g tinned black beans, drained and rinsed (or 1½ cups cooked black beans)

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika • ¹ /2 teaspoon sea salt • 2 wholegrain, seeded or gluten-free wraps • 2 tablespoons hummus or tahini 2 handfuls rocket (arugula) or baby spinach

• 1 carrot, grated •H andful of cherry tomatoes, diced • 1 avocado, sliced •M icrogreens or coriander leaves, to garnish (optional) •C hilli flakes or hot sauce, to taste (optional) 1. Heat the oil in a frying pan over a medium-high heat. Add

the onion and cook for 5 minutes. Add the garlic, cumin and coriander and stir for a minute or two, until fragrant.

2. Add the black beans, 60ml (¼ cup) water, smoked paprika and salt. Mash the beans a little and give everything a good stir so the water mixes with the beans and you have a creamy, chunky mash. Cook for a couple of minutes until the beans are heated through, then remove from the heat.

3. Heat the wraps on the stove or in a microwave. Spread a tablespoon of hummus or tahini onto each and fill with the greens, beans, carrot, tomato, avocado and herbs. Add chilli if using. Fold and devour!

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WRAP IT UP

noodles

FIVE MINUTE

You can throw these noodles together for a quick and easy meal on days when you’re parenting solo.

We always have these ingredients on hand, so even when we have “nothing in the fridge” we can call on our trusty freezer and pantry and create this nourishing comfort meal in moments.

SERVES 1

• 3 00ml vegetable stock or Magical Healing Broth (see page 38)

• 1 25g soft tofu, cubed • 1 00g dried noodles • 5 0g frozen edamame • 7 0g frozen spinach • 1 spring onion (scallion), chopped (optional) • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional) • 1 tablespoon toasted black and white sesame seeds, to garnish

•T amari, to taste • S ambal oelek (or other chilli sauce), to taste (optional)

1. Bring the stock to a boil. Add the tofu

and noodles and cook for 2 minutes.

2. Add the edamame, spinach, spring onion and ginger, if using. Stir frequently for about 3 minutes until the spinach has thawed and the noodles, beans and tofu are cooked.

3. Add a tablespoon of sesame seeds. Pour into a big-bellied bowl and add tamari and sambal oelek (or other chilli sauce) to taste. Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes while you tend to other tasks, and then slurp your way to heaven.

tip This recipe is based on noodles that take 5 minutes to cook.

Check the packet to see if yours take longer, in which case cook them a little longer before adding the other ingredient s.

Edited extract from Life After Birth by Jessica Prescott and Vaughne Geary, RRP $45, Hardie Grant Books.

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V

Sick of it Suffering from HG during pregnancy? Tiffany Brown talks us through when morning sickness gets REAL.

omiting during pregnancy is as well-known as weird food cravings like pickles and ice cream as a fairly reductive representation of human gestation.

Being sick during pregnancy was reported as early as 2000 BCE – but for a few of us, the colloquially dubbed “morning sickness” goes one step further, developing into hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). It not only happens morning, noon, and night, but can take over your life completely. While around seven in 10 women experience nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, only one in 100 will develop symptoms of HG.

IS IT REALLY HG?

Hyperemesis gravidarum is a severe pregnancy condition that was first identified in 1852. Prior to identification and treatment, HG was a leading cause of death in pregnancy. Perhaps surprisingly, the condition carries a lower risk of miscarriage, but understandably, a higher risk of premature birth and low birth weight.

The diagnosis of HG is made based on observation of symptoms, usually based on more than three episodes of vomiting per day, weight loss of five per cent or three kilos of body weight, and the presence of ketones in the urine.

HG tends to be more common earlier in pregnancy, with symptoms typically starting around six weeks, often waning around 20 weeks, but sometimes continuing until birth.

WHO IS AT RISK?

You’re more likely to suffer HG in a first pregnancy, a multiple pregnancy, if you’re obese, have a history of eating disorders, a family history of HG, or if you have gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD).

There is also a high risk that HG will occur in subsequent pregnancies.

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+ TIFFANY’S STORY

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Characterised by severe vomiting, nausea, dehydration, and possible weight loss and fainting, HG can cause nutritional and metabolic disorders, physical and emotional stress, and severely impact daily activities.

Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, confusion, headaches, jaundice, loss of skin elasticity, and low blood pressure.

WHAT CAUSES HG?

While the cause of HG is controversial, most experts believe the condition relates to a range of factors, including genetics.

One theory argues an adverse reaction to the hormonal changes of pregnancy triggers HG, in particular, elevated levels of human chorionic gonadotopin (β-hCG). Evidence for this theory is the condition being more common earlier in pregnancy, when β-hCG levels are highest. Leptin, a hormone which inhibits hunger, may also play a part.

Another suggestion asserts the increase in maternal oestrogen decreases intestinal motility and gastric emptying, leading to nausea and vomiting.

A recent discovery made by an American medical researcher identified abnormal levels of the protein GDF15 as a possible cause of HG. The researcher was motivated to discover the cause of HG after being accused by her doctor of manufacturing her own severe vomiting as a ploy for sympathy.

WHEN TO SEEK HELP

Tell your midwife or doctor if you start to experience severe nausea, or if you’re vomiting more than three times a day.

If you get to the point of being unable to keep food or liquids down for 24 hours, if you don’t pass urine for more than eight hours, or if you have severe tummy pain or a fever, seek medical attention immediately.

An inability to eat or drink regularly can lead to dehydration and malnutrition, which is dangerous for you and your baby.

Dehydration symptoms: • You have a feeling of dryness, beyond extreme thirst.

• Your urine changes from light yellow to a dark yellow or brown colour.

Malnutrition symptoms: • You’re losing weight.

• You feel frequently lightheaded, or you’re fainting.

• You develop ketosis, a condition where your body is breaking down fat instead of glucose for energy.

Tiffany Felton had two schoolaged children when she started to feel extreme nausea during her third pregnancy with son, Braxton.

She’d experienced morning sickness with her first child, Grace, but at the end of the first trimester with Braxton, Tiffany knew the sickness was different.

“The nausea would come on when I stood up, from the smell of food, even people talking about food. I was vomiting six to eight times a day,” she says.

An acid reflux sufferer, Tiffany suspected her reflux may be worsening the nausea, so she tried every kind of common analgesic to soothe her digestion, but nothing worked.

Tiffany’s HG diagnosis came at 12 weeks, and she was prescribed ondansetron. “I couldn’t even keep that down.”

Tiffany had two trips to hospital for IV fluids, and multiple visits to A&E. At 20 weeks, she reduced her work hours to part-time due to the state of her health and frequent absences.

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She took maternity leave a month before Braxton’s birth, exhausted by her condition and the demands of caring for Grace and second child George.

“I was a bit depressed,” she says. “I was meant to be happy and enjoying the pregnancy flow, but it’s hard to function and be a parent to the other two when you have your head over a bowl all day.”

Tiffany says the severity of her symptoms were not believed at first, and she had a long wait and numerous referrals before getting the HG diagnosis.

Although the experience has put her off having any more children, Tiffany hopes sharing her experience will help others.

Her advice is to go straight to your GP if your midwife isn’t providing enough support, and look to connect with others going through a similar experience.

Tiffany has since found a supportive HG community on the Peanut app, a platform for women to connect at all stages from fertility through to menopause.

“Characterised by severe vomiting, nausea, dehydration, and possible weight loss and fainting, HG can cause nutritional and metabolic disorders, physical and emotional stress, and severely impact daily activities.”

MEDICAL TREATMENTS

HG may land you in hospital if you’re losing weight, and anti-nausea medication, fluids, or thiamine (a type of B vitamin) will be administered by IV drip. In rare cases, nutrients may also be delivered via nasogastric tube.

Doctors routinely prescribe anti-nausea or anti-sickness medications,including cyclizine, prochlorperazine, etoclopramide, ondansetron, and steroids to alleviate the symptoms.

While these medications are not ideal to take in a normal pregnancy, the benefits of easing your HG burden and allowing you to live more normally may outweigh any risks.

Your doctor is obligated to provide you with fully informed consent about any prescription, including risks and benefits, safety profile data and side effects.

The healthnavigator.org.nz website is also a useful source of information.

NATURAL THERAPIES

These are evidence-based alternatives to traditional medicine worth trying for some relief from hyperemesis gravidarum.

• Dietary changes.

• Reducing stress.

• Chiropractic care, massage therapy, and physio.

• Acupuncture.

• Ginger – whole or supplemental.

• Vitamin B6.

• Thiamine.

• Hypnotherapy.

• Talking to an alternative practitioner or functional medicine specialist about hormone balancing, gut health and overall toxicity could also be helpful.

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drate soothe and hy Franjos Kitchen Hydration Powder Mixed Berry, $62, franjoskitchen.com

TIPS TO TRY TO EA SE HG YOURSELF

Sea Band Mama Morning Sickness Band, $24.99, bargainchemist.co.nz Mammas Milk Bar Ginger Drops, from $9, mammasmilkbar.com

Everyone is different, so some or none of these at-home remedies may reduce symptoms for you.

E ATING

• Avoid getting hungry.

• Eat a bland, protein-rich diet, and eat slowly and regularly in small quantities.

• Include carbohydrates such as plain wholemeal grains, potatoes, low-acid fruits and vegetables to interrupt any ketonic activity.

• Avoid processed, spicy, high fat, acidic or overly sweet foods.

DRINKING

• Regularly take small sips of water or other tolerated drinks that are low-acid and unsweetened.

• Suck ice cubes.

• Use electrolyte drinks for essential salts and minerals.

• Avoid coffee.

AVOIDING TRIGGERS

• Avoid sensory stimulations, such as strong smells, noises, bright light, moving images and certain foods.

• Acupuncture or acupressure could be helpful.

• Avoid hunger which is often a trigger.

REL A XING

• Rest as much as possible.

• Avoid getting overtired. Just do the minimum, and ask for help.

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT

HG can have a huge impact on you psychologically. Its severity can interrupt your excitement about the pregnancy.

You may feel isolated, anxious about constantly needing somewhere to vomit, guilt about work or caring for other children, or unsure of your ability to cope with the rest of the pregnancy.

Talk to your partner, family, friends or medical team about how you’re feeling and the impact HG is having on you.

HG will be done with once your baby arrives, and education and support is available to help you get through this difficult time.

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+ K AREN’S STORY

At around six weeks into her pregnancy with first daughter, Anna, Karen Bullen said she started throwing up 24/7 and literally did not stop for three weeks.

She was nauseated by the smell of her own urine, food and water set her off, even toothpaste.

The stress of moving house also increased her vomiting.

Karen and her husband Guy lived very remotely in South Africa’s Sodwana Bay at the time, 600km from the nearest town.

“We knew we had to get help when I had lost 7kg,” says Karen.

The couple drove to town and went straight to Karen’s GP, a Chinese doctor who used acupuncture extensively in his practice.

Mammas Milk Bar Watermelon Mango Crush Hydration Electrolyte Drink with Verisol Collagen, $46, mammasmilkbar.com

After one treatment, Karen went home and ate a roast meal, only throwing up once in the days following that first treatment.

She had a second treatment and didn’t throw up again for the rest of the pregnancy.

With second daughter, Emily, Karen threw up a few times and returned immediately for acupuncture treatment, which again did the trick. “I can’t say if it would have developed otherwise,” she says.

Karen says she’s forever grateful to her doctor. “I was amazed that first night of being able to eat, and fully expected to dash for the bathroom any second. It was astonishing.”

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You’re just advanced Yvonne Walus explains the positives and negatives of being a pregnant mama who is 35+ years young.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE OF ADVANCED MATERNAL AGE?

Advanced maternal age (AMA) is the term health professionals apply to women who will be at least 35 years of age when they give birth. The word used to be “geriatric”, but that didn’t go down well. Even the more commonly accepted phrase “advanced maternal age” sometimes doesn’t resonate, and so, some doctors and midwives adopted the phrase “35+ mothers”.

WHAT ISSUES CAN ARISE DURING AN “ADVANCED MATERNAL AGE” PREGNANCY?

Many women over the age of 35 have babies – sometimes their first, sometimes

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their fourth. Most of them end up with smooth pregnancies, however, the following statements hold true for older mothers: • Th e chance of multiple pregnancy increases with a mama’s age because hormonal changes may result in the release of more than one egg per fertility cycle.

•G estational diabetes is more common in older mums. Left untreated, this can cause the baby to grow larger than average and increase the risk of injuries during birth.

• The risk of the mum developing high blood pressure during pregnancy rises with age.

This in turn may lead to pre-eclampsia, so as a precaution your LMC will monitor your blood pressure, as well as the baby’s growth and development.

• There’s an increased risk of premature birth and medical problems for the baby.

• Because the risk of pregnancy-related complications increases with age, so does the chance of a C-section delivery.

• Babies of older mothers have a higher risk of certain chromosomal conditions such as Down syndrome.

• The risk of miscarriage and stillbirth increases with the mother’s age.

HOW CAN WE LOWER THE RISKS?

Actually, there’s nothing magical about the number 35. Research suggests that if a mother is fit and in good health, age is not a concern on its own. Cath Clarke, an Auckland midwife, agrees.

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The Renaming

“Studies also suggest that men’s ages at the time of conception might pose health risks for children.” Mayo Clinic EXERCISE

Cath also advises to keep in mind the importance of exercising to prepare your body for the journey ahead: pregnancy, birthing, breastfeeding, taking care of the baby. “This doesn’t mean running if you don’t run, or joining a gym if you don’t like gyms,” she says. “A simple 30-minute walk every day, or a cycle on an exercycle at home, or dancing to music in your lounge are perfect.”

THE OBVIOUS

Of course, it should go without saying that there is no place for smoking, alcohol, or drugs in pregnancy, no matter how old the mum is.

ARE THERE ANY EXTRA TESTS THAT NEED TO BE DONE DURING AN AMA PREGNANCY?

“Keeping healthy is definitely key to all pregnancies and particularly as we get older,” she says. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on health fads or vitamins, but you should eat “to ensure you can provide both your body and a growing baby with all the nutrients it needs whatever your dietary choices are,” says Cath.

NUTRITION

Eat unprocessed foods high in fibre: Lots of whole fruits and vegetables, moderate amounts of proteins and healthy fats, and moderate amounts of whole grains – this will help prevent gestational diabetes, as well as hypertension (and therefore pre-eclampsia).

Because of your age, your LMC may want to do extra prenatal testing to exclude specific abnormalities for which your risk is elevated.

A non-invasive blood test examines foetal DNA in your bloodstream to determine whether your baby is at risk of certain chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, Turner syndrome, Trisomy 13, or Trisomy 18. Occasionally, these can also alert to the mother’s risk of a pregnancyrelated health condition.

The screening tests available in New Zealand include: • First trimester ultrasound-scan-and-blood combined screening, and • Second trimester maternal serum screening.

If screening indicates an raised risk of a genetic condition, you’re likely to be offered further testing such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis.

GETTING YOUR HEAD SPACE RIGHT Another obstacle the over 35-year-old pregnant parents might have to assess is their psychological readiness. Being child-

Revolution In an effort to revise the language surrounding motherhood, some terms have been phased out in favour of more empowering ones.

Geriatric UPDATED TO

Advanced maternal age, or 35+ mum Infertile UPDATED TO

Reproductive struggles Vanishing twin UPDATED TO

Miscarried multiple Spontaneous abortion UPDATED TO

Pregnancy loss Morning sickness UPDATED TO

Pregnancy nausea Uneventful pregnancy UPDATED TO

Smooth pregnancy Birth plans UPDATED TO

Birth preferences Birth defects UPDATED TO

Birth differences

free for more than three decades means that older mums and dads are more used to their independence and are more set in their ways.

It may take a bit of pointed effort to adjust to the 24/7 needs of a baby and the sudden restriction of your personal freedom.

ANY BENEFITS OF BEING AN OLDER MAMA?

For sure! With age often comes financial stability, confidence, patience, and wisdom borne out of life experience. Also, a surprising fact about older dads: A study published in Translational Psychiatry indicated that older fathers tend to sire children with higher IQ who do well in STEM subjects.

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Picture perfect Tips for planning a stunning maternity photo shoot that you will treasure forever.

CHOOSING A PHOTOGRAPHER

“The biggest piece of advice I would recommend to any person seeking a pregnancy photographer is invest in a passionate photographer whose work is unique and that they love. Pregnancy is such a special time in a woman’s life and you will want to have a beautiful selection of photos to look back on, so it’s best to get it right from the start! Meeting and feeling comfortable with your photographer is huge – empathy goes a long way in our industry.” ~ Sarah Nutt, Milk Photography Studio (milkphotography.co.nz)

QUALIT Y OVER QUANTIT Y

It’s tempting to choose the cheapest photographer who will offer you a memory stick of 100 unedited images for you to do with what you will. But you’ll appreciate choosing a photographer who takes their time, edits down the number of images for you to choose from and then appropriately – and professionally – edits the photos you choose.

KNOW THE COSTS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KIM MCGREGOR OF KIMBERLY JOY PHOTOGRAPHY.

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Quality photography is not cheap – but you do get what you pay for. It’s not easy to create good-quality images, as it’s about so much more than just taking the photo.

If you spend time and money on a maternity photo shoot, you should love your images – and if you don’t like them, or you feel just so-so about them, then that’s money wasted. Getting it right the first time is worth every cent.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY MOIRA MEIRING OF WILD LITTLE HEARTS.

“Meeting and feeling comfortable with your photographer is huge.”

STUDIO SESSIONS

WHEN TO BOOK YOUR SHOOT

“A question that comes up a lot when planning a maternity shoot is ‘When is the best time to book in my maternity photo shoot?’ We all know babies make their grand entrance whenever they want to, so booking early is always a great idea!

I recommend booking your photo shoot between weeks 28 and 34 of your pregnancy. If you are having twins or you have any suspicions they may come early, let your photographer know and they may book you in at a slightly earlier date.” ~ Megan Cope, Megan Cope Photography (megancopephotography.com)

WEAR AND WHEN?

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH NUTT OF MILK PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO.

“Maternity sessions don’t have to be about big flowing gowns and structured poses on a picture-perfect beach. Some of my favourite sessions have been super-casual – throw on some jeans and an open linen shirt with a bralette or crop top and enjoy a fun, casual maternity session anywhere.

Cosy in-home sessions are great for a relaxed vibe, especially with young siblings. Plan a beach picnic, or take a fun walk through the city – mix it up!” ~ Natalia Bowers, Little Lovely (littlelovely.co.nz)

“Are you after something relaxed with a neutral backdrop? Then a studio may be your option! It brings a crisp, light feel to your photos. For me, these sessions are booked between 10am and 1pm as I am a natural light photographer and I have found this is the best time for the perfect light.” ~ Kim McGregor, Kimberly Joy Photography (kimberlyjoyphoto.co.nz)

BARING ALL?

“Decide if you want to include any bare belly, or bare-it-all shots! I personally love photographing bare belly or bare-it-all shots, just as nature intended!” ~ Moira Meiring, Wild Little Hearts (wildlittlehearts.nz)

PICTURE-PERFECT POSING

Your photographer should have a range of ideas of how to pose you in the most comfortable positions which suit your body and bump shape. A great photographer will spend time helping you to feel confident and beautiful, getting you relaxed and into the session, and will keep talking to you and directing you to move in ways that feel natural and look beautiful on camera. Trust your photographer to pose you in the ways they think looks best – what looks good on camera isn’t always what you would expect, so keep an open mind and just try what they are suggesting!

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MOTHER

NATURE Five Kiwi women share how pregnancy has

empowered t hem in unique and special ways.

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Alita

34 WEEKS PREGNANT

“Our photo shoot was such a magical experience. We didn’t get to have the sunset photos on the beach that we wanted; however, the rain turned out to be a blessing. My partner and I ran and danced in the rain, and the result was amazing. Our photographer knew exactly how to make us feel comfortable. For someone who doesn’t like being in front of the camera, this was a huge help.”

--PHOTOGR APHED IN NEW PLYMOUTH BY CLERYSE MCL ACHL AN OF PĪWARI PORTR AITS.

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Tegan

30 WEEKS PREGNANT

“I was [photographer] Giarna’s first client as a test model. I am beyond grateful, as her photos look as if she’s been a photographer for years.

I loved watching my bump grow.

At night, in bed, we would always chat about how she would be and who she would look like. It was the best!”

--PHOTOGR APHED BY GIARNA PINHEY OF NGAIO AND I AT MURIWAI BEACH, AUCKL AND.

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S arah

35 WEEKS PREGNANT

“We had our babymoon in Europe and took the bump to all these cool places like the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Austria, the Porsche track and autobahn in Germany, the best spots in London, and all over Italy! We decided on our boy's name while in Florence, Italy and then a few days later in Venice, I ended up in the hospital with severe abdominal pain (kidney stones) and they did an ultrasound and we found out we were having a boy! We spent the rest of our time walking around Venice telling Michael about the places he’d been and the adventures we wanted to take him on one day.”

--PHOTOGR APHED AT PIHA , AUCKL AND, BY JUAN-DRE LOUW OF FR ATELLI MEDIA .

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Billie J ean 34 WEEKS PREGNANT

“After not being sure I’d ever be a mother (following years of fertility issues, two IVF rounds, – one successful – and now our surprise natural baby), I always knew that when the time came I would want to capture every single beautiful moment. I was initially worried due to now being a single māmā that this one wouldn’t feel or look as ‘right’ without a partner next to me – but if anything, it was the most empowering I felt in a very long time!

Connecting with my puku pēpi while also out in nature completely grounded me and was the reminder I needed at the time of how much strength I have in me to carry, birth and raise a strong wee boy.”

--PHOTOGR APHED AT THE MANAWATŪ RIVER BY LEANA ROSS OF MOMENTS FOR LIFE PHOTOGR APHY.

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32 WEEKS PREGNANT

F atim a

“This pregnancy I made a conscious effort to get more photos of my baby bump – to document each stage and milestone. I absolutely love being pregnant; I love the feeling of life growing inside me.

Pregnancy needs to be honoured, so take those photos! It’s something you won’t regret and also a time in your life you can look back on.”

--PHOTOGR APHED AT KINGCLIFF, NSW, AUSTR ALIA ,

BY AMY WEIR OF WEIR COUTURE.

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SHOW US YOUR BUMP

and be in to win!

PEPI CARE PACK AGE WORTH OVER $730

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 our 10 winning photos across two issues of BUMP&baby magazine!

See details for the chicco and isoki prizes and enter at bumpandbaby.co.nz/win

SPONSORED BY 56

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BUMP&baby’s am azingweek-by-week

WEEK 14 In the 1950s, Swedish photojournalist Lennart Nilsson embarked on 12-year project to use photography and technology to document life before birth.

Together with medical experts, and in collaboration with five hospitals in the Stockholm region, Lennart produced unrivalled crystalclear colour images of the 266 days between conception and birth.

The photographs were published both in his book A Child is Born and in a Life Magazine article entitled “Drama of Life Before Birth” in 1965. Such images have never been reproduced.

BUMP&baby readers have the chance to see these fascinating, thought-provoking images in our week-to-week pregnancy guide at bumpandbaby.co.nz/week-by-week.

Measuring around four centimetres, your baby’s facial muscles have learnt to squint, frown and grimace.

Their kidneys are processing urine and they can even try to suck their thumb.

WEEK 33

Now the size of a pineapple, at 33 weeks your baby is able to show the rooting reflex by turning their head and opening their mouth to respond to stimulation of the cheek. They are also practising sucking and swallowing.

WEEK 27

At 27 weeks, baby is now the size of a cauliflower head and spends 10-20% of the time taking practise breaths (of amniotic fluid), an important exercise to strengthen the lungs.

Scan to see images

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How are you I feeling, Dad? Dr. Felicia Low explains how adjusting to a new family member can affect paternal mental health.

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n recent years, there has been growing attention on the mental wellbeing of pregnant mums and new mothers.

About 15% of women experience high levels of mental distress either before or after birth, and it’s estimated that nearly half of all mothers are affected by at least some level of mental distress during their pregnancy or postnatal journey.

However, what is less known is that fathers can be affected too. Welcoming a new member into the family can be an exciting but overwhelming time for dads as they adjust to a new family dynamic while trying to support their partner. This may be even more challenging during a complicated

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Useful pregnancy, following a difficult birth experience, or dealing with the challenges of newborn care such as sleeping and feeding.

While there is comparatively little research on dads, a New Zealand survey found that about 2% of Kiwi fathers experienced depression during their partner’s pregnancy, and 4% reported depression after birth of their child. More recent studies from other countries report higher rates of around 10%. Even so, these figures are thought to underestimate the true rates.

IMPACTING THE FAMILY

Mental distress in fathers can have a large impact if not adequately addressed.

Firstly, dads may be experiencing symptoms such as feeling moody, isolated, constantly tired, and having sleep and appetite problems. Given dads do not have the same physical connection to their baby as mums during pregnancy and breastfeeding, there may be a sense of exclusion that can be further deepened by the mum-centric nature of the commercial and medical worlds.

THANKS TO DAD MARK AND BABY SPENCER. PHOTOGRAPHY BY MILK PHOTOGRAPHY.

“Mental distress in fathers can have a large impact if not adequately addressed.”

Secondly, it can affect mums too. Fathers with depression may withdraw emotionally from their partners and communicate less, resulting in more friction in the relationship and affecting parenting.

This can unfortunately compound if both parents are experiencing mental distress.

Thirdly, fathers’ mental distress may also affect their children’s socio-emotional development. A strong parent-child bond with lots of warm interactions is important for brain development. As with mums, dads who have depressive symptoms can, understandably, have more difficulty bonding with their baby. Both antenatal and postnatal depression in fathers is consistently linked to a greater risk of mood and behavioural issues in infants and school-aged children. Part of this appears to be due to harsher parenting style and relationship conflict with mum.

We are now learning that the potentially negative outcomes for children may continue through to the teenage years.

links and helplines

KIDZ NEED DADZ kidzneeddadz.org.nz (0800) 563 123 PLUNKET plunket.org.nz/being-aparent/being-a-dad/yourmental-health Plunketline (0800) 933 922

Yo u a r e not alone Helpful reads for dads on a mental health journey…

PERINATAL ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION AOTEAROA pada.nz/dads-worry-too DEPRESSION HELPLINE (0800) 111 757 or text 4202

HOW TO SEEK HELP

Regrettably, just as for women, there is no perinatal screening for mental wellbeing for fathers. Nor is there dedicated paternity leave for dads to take time to bond with their babies.

So what can dads (and mums) do to help ensure that their mental wellbeing is in the best possible shape? Awareness is the most important thing!

Social and cultural expectations, such as the idea that dads should be “staunch” in the face of new challenges, may prevent them from realising that there is a problem.

We also know from the New Zealand study that risk factors include not being in a relationship with the child’s mother, being unemployed, not being in great physical health, and having a history of depression.

Dads – recognising that you might be struggling, that you are not alone, and that it is perfectly okay, is the key first step.

The next step is committing to acting on that. Seeking (and accepting) help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Ask your midwife, GP or Well Child provider for advice, as they can help you access support services. Also, reach out to friends and whānau for social support.

Just as airplane safety instructions urge us to put on our oxygen masks first before helping others, a well-supported dad with his “oxygen mask” on can better support and meet the needs of both mum and baby.

This will benefit the entire family and help give baby a great developmental head start.

Dr. Felicia Low leads the Knowledge Hub for Maternal and Child Health at Koi Tū: The Centre for Informed Futures, University of Auckland.

Daddy Blues by Mark Williams, $35, Trigger The tale of a man learning to deal with a problem he never knew he could have, from the founder of International Fathers Mental Health Day.

Sad Dad: An Exploration of Postnatal Depression in Fathers by Olivia Spencer, $51, Free Association Books Taking in many different perspectives, this book sheds light on the many aspects of postnatal depression in fathers.

Stop Feeling So Damn Depressed: The No BS Guide for Men by Jonas A Horwitz, $40, New Harbinger Straightforward, jargon-free strategies to help you identify and overcome depression, once and for all.

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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.

With a 100% bamboo knit outer and polyester Sherpa fleece lining, this Edwards & Co Stroller Blanket, $49, is incredibly soft and the perfect addition to your nappy bag. >> OUT & ABOUT > PRAM BLANKETS A DD TO C A RT

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The Haakaa Baby Nail Care Set, $23.90, lets you safely trim down your baby’s nails without the need for sharp scissors or clippers! >> SKINCARE & GROOMING > NAIL CLIPPERS

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Cocoon your baby’s arms in hidden pockets to gently calm their startle reflex and prevent tiny hands from escaping with the Baby Loves Sleep Koala Hugs Swaddle, from $55. >> SLEEP > WRAPS, SWADDLES & MUSLINS

Made from soft, breathable cotton and easy to use, the 5-in-1 Multi Cover from Bloom, $18.89, is a capsule cover, breastfeeding cover, trolley cover, buggy cover, nursing scarf, and it also makes a great playmat when you’re out and about! >> OUT&ABOUT > STORM & SUN COVERS

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a budget

Babies cost HOW much? Yvonne Walus delves into the details of budgeting for your newest addition.

HOW MUCH?

The cost of raising a baby will vary from family to family. It all depends on your lifestyle and the choices you make. Although you might have seen figures like $16,000 per year per baby, that’s an average figure – you can spend a lot less, or a lot more.

INITIAL EXPENSES

Even before the baby arrives, you will need to procure a few rather expensive essentials: A car seat or capsule, a bassinette and a cot, a stroller, a baby blanket, infant clothes. Other items are optional: A proper nappy bag is useful, but you can use an ordinary shopping tote, and you can change the baby on the floor and thus eliminate the expense of a changing table.

AGE 0-6 MONTHS (APPROXIMATELY)

Once the baby arrives, your biggest expense will be the nappies and wipes (whether disposable or reusable), anti-rash cream, and clothes (in the first months, babies grow out of their outfits every few weeks). Breastfeeding is free (except perhaps for a few extra calories you eat), but if you’re expressing, you’ll need a pump and bottles, and if you’re supplementing, then there is the cost of that, plus bottles. This is the option of a baby sling, or carrier – it will depend on what works for you, as well as for your baby.

AGE 6 MONTHS AND BEYOND

When the baby starts sitting and eating solids, you will need a high chair, a nonbreakable plate, a sippy cup and a baby

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pro tip

spoon. At this stage, the cost of baby food may be almost negligible (a spoonful of banana, a piece of pumpkin, a few peas) or quite high if you buy ready-made baby food in jars.

AT ANY AGE

Often, the largest financial impact of having a baby is the loss of income as one parent takes time off, or the cost of daycare if both parents continue to work. Other costs may include a bigger house, a safer car, additional electricity and starting or upping your life insurance policies.

If you don’t have a budget and would like one, check out Sorted's budgeting tool at sorted.org.nz/tool/ budgeting-tool And there are toys galore, educational toys designed to guilt you into buying them to ensure the correct development of your baby.

Don’t get me wrong – they’re awesome, but if you can’t afford them, you can make them yourself or hire them from a toy library.

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Eat what you buy

SPEND LESS MAKE MORE What can you sell?

Look around the house for items that you can sell on Trade Me or in a garage sale: Clothes in good condition, seldom-used kitchen appliances, collectables, the old iPad, furniture (particularly if you’re clearing a room to make it into a nursery).

Inspect the items in your fridge once a week, and your pantry once every three months. Make a list of foodstuffs nearing their use-by date and plan to use them in your meals before they expire.

Eat before you shop Shopping when hungry might make you buy more than you need, so eat before you do food shopping.

Buy bulk… Or not Sometimes a big packet of popcorn works out cheaper per 100g than a smaller packet of popcorn, but let’s be real – are you really going to stop halfway and save the rest for tomorrow?

Also, buying corn kernels and popping them in the microwave is more economical than purchasing the ready product.

What can you rent out?

Rent out unused space in your home. If you can’t commit to a long-term tenant with the baby on the way, consider hosting a foreign high school student on short-term exchange programs (typically two to three months), or a university student (March to November).

Side gigs Can you or your partner earn extra money housesitting, babysitting, tutoring, gardening or walking someone’s dog?

LOWERING THE COSTS

• Before the baby arrives, reduce your credit card debt and mortgage.

• Borrow the baby items you need, buy them secondhand, or wait for a sale.

• Check the specials and plan your meals around them. This works particularly well with the more expensive items such as meat.

• Cook meat-free meals with plenty of fresh or frozen vegetables, bulked with beans, lentils or chickpeas.

• Buy fruit and vegetables that are in season.

• Buy ugly vegetables – shops usually have a section for funny-looking vegetables.

• Switch to generic brands – often

Apply the 30-day rule Okay, buying in bulk it is Those Costco or bulk bin prices just too good to pass up? Then go ahead. Consider teaming up with a friend or three for products with a limited shelf life – and also split the cost of driving (and any membership fees).

Say no to takeaways Don’t buy water, make your own coffee, and avoid UberEATS – home-made food is cheaper and often healthier than takeaways.

Make gifts Homemade gifts are unique, and people appreciate the effort you put into crafting them. You can get creative with food mixes in a jar (meat rubs, brownie ingredients – just add water and bake, soup mixes, muesli), bath bombs, fresh-baked cookies, soap, candles.

the product is the same as the more expensive brand.

• Make pizza and pasta from scratch: It’ll cost a fraction of the price.

THE GOOD NEWS, FINANCIALLY SPEAKING

The government will actually give you some money! Best Start payments are available for all babies in their first year.

There’s paid parental leave, Working for Families, help for single parents, young parents, parents of multiples, and babies that need ongoing medical care.

Most GPs are free for children aged 13 and under. Similarly, many after-hours clinics or pharmacies don’t charge a fee.

Also, children get basic free dental care until they turn 18.

Well Child/Tamariki Ora (provided by agencies like Plunket) is a free service for all children under five. They offer: • Free health checks.

• Information on protecting and improving your child’s health and development.

• A record book to track your child’s progress and health.

Wait 30 days (or at least a week) to decide whether you really need or want the item you’re tempted to buy.

Shop around You’ve heard this one before, but do shop around for the best telephone deal, electricity rates, insurance, etc. Research the local supermarkets to see which one gives you the best deal on your shopping trolley (you can compare prices online) – the answer may vary week to week depending on the specials.

Pay your bills on time Avoid penalty fees by paying every bill before the due date. If you do have a credit card, try to pay off as much of the sum owed as possible – if you only pay the minimum required, you will be charged interest on the remaining balance.

THE SCARY B-WORD

Creating a budget is easier than you think!

It’s literally listing all the things you spend money on. Just have a look at your bank account statement and divide the expenses into categories like: • Food and household products (break down the bill into things you eat, things you drink, and things you clean with); • Transport (petrol, bus tickets); • Insurance; • Utilities (electricity, telephone, water); • Rent or mortgage (together with rates/ council taxes); • Entertainment (movies, outings, books, Netflix); • Health (GP, pharmacy, vitamins, gym); • Incidentals (new clothes, insurance excess, WOF).

The idea is to consider where your money goes and whether you can spend less on luxury items such as a pair of shoes you don’t need or a subscription you don’t use.

You should aim to use approximately 20% of your income on savings and payments of debts.

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Gently does it

Planning on being a gentle parent when your baby arrives? Psychologist Stephen Scott explains exactly what that means.

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from parents. It also resulted in enduring improvements in child adjustment and reading ability, as seen in our follow-up study of the children into adolescence.

However, this is only half the story.

In addition to the warm, close relationship created by sensitive responses to a child, boundaries need to be set as well. Children need to be able to live in the world with other people and get on with other children and adults. They need to learn how to fit in with externally imposed rules and that there are consequences if they do not. Children need both love and limits.

THANKS TO MAMA PRIYA AND BABY JAZLYN. PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEXA PEDERSEN OF ALEXA DOULA PHOTOGRAPHY.

I

n the past decade, the concept of But we also know that, when it comes “gentle” or “respectful” parenting to the parent-child relationship, how the has gained considerable traction. parent responds to their child is crucial.

The foundation of the idea is in being After listening and clarifying what the a parent who is emotionally attuned to their child is feeling, the parent then needs to child, and tries to understand the reasons build on this to help the child think calmly behind their behaviour. and positively about the problem and find There is great value in this, but it is not the a good solution. whole story. Children also need their carers to set clear limits.

RESPONDING TO CHILDREN A common theme of gentle parenting Parents who do this are, in the language of is that parents should not rush in and child development, “responding sensitively” immediately condemn their children if to their children, both when the child is they don’t like what they’re doing. Instead, upset and when they are happy. A research they should stop and listen to their child, study of more than 1,000 pairs of children then validate their and mothers showed that feelings. For example, children whose mothers “In addition to they might say, “So you responded sensitively are cross and shouting in their first three years the warm, close because you think your of life had better social relationship created skills at age 15 and brother was being unfair when he took your toy, also performed better by sensitive and that upset you.” academically. responses to a child, What’s more, parenting Gentle parenting suggests that when like this can be learned. boundaries need I carried out research a parent shows understanding of the with colleagues in which to be set as well.” child’s emotional state, it groups of parents and will help the child to calm down. Only after children attended a two-hour session each doing this should the parent decide what to week over three months. In this time, do. This approach also has the longer-term parents were encouraged to get down on the aim of promoting emotional intelligence. floor to play with the children in a particular The idea is that as children grow older they way where they make positive comments will learn to identify their own emotions on the child’s play activity and keep up more thoughtfully and a positive tone. act more appropriately.

They also avoided asking questions, which Higher emotional intelligence interrupts the child’s imaginative play and is associated with fewer emotional imposes the adult’s agenda. This led to an problems and higher school attainment. improvement in sensitively responding

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I t 's ea s y to b e c a l m w h e n yo u ' re a s leep

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PUBLISHED WITH PERMISSION FROM THECONVERSATION.COM

SETTING BOUNDARIES

The trick is to set limits calmly and not be angry or explosive as a parent. A frustrated reaction is often unconscious and related to the way the parents themselves were brought up; they may not know any other way.

The good news is that parents can learn calm, effective discipline. If parents pay lots of attention when children are misbehaving, they are more likely to continue to behave badly. The drive for children to feel connected to their parents is so strong that, especially in a background where there is not much attention to go round, they will prefer

negative attention to none. They soon learn that they need to play up to connect, so misbehaving becomes more frequent.

The solution is to briefly withdraw attention when children are misbehaving, followed by engaging with them warmly when they are behaving better. At this point, emotional feelings can be aired and an appropriate response should be set.

Such an apparently simple regime takes a bit of learning, but usually has a striking effect on improving behaviour.

Also, crucially, if children are encouraged and paid warm attention when they are

behaving well, they will do more of it.

There is good evidence that listening to your child and showing that you have understood them can be helpful, so long as the next step is to respond sensitively and if necessary set a calm limit. All this needs to be in the context of a positive relationship where the parent takes the time to have fun with their child.

Stephen Scott is Professor of Child Health and Behaviour and Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at King’s College London.

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The

F word Easy tips and advice for navigating the topic of fertility.

F

ertility is a difficult word for many women and it can be hard to know what to do or say if you are, or you know someone who is, trying to conceive.

Here, three women who have been on their own unique fertility journeys share advice for those who may be struggling with the f word.

ADVICE TO THOSE STRUGGLING WITH FERTILIT Y… 1. Get a fur-baby.

2. Set boundaries with the people around you.

3. Set boundaries with the events you choose to attend.

4. Don’t Google too much – things can spiral very quickly.

5. Communicate with your partner – keep that line of communication open.

6. Be explicit with your close people (family or friends) and communicate your boundaries – they can’t read minds, so tell them what you’re going through and how you feel.

7. Find your support network (with those who have experienced fertility issues or going through it).

8. Your story is yours – remember that experiences are different, and that’s okay.

What works for one isn’t going to work for another.

9. Don’t feel guilty or blame yourself for your situation (you wouldn’t blame someone for getting cancer, would you?).

10. Set boundaries for yourself. Do whatever you want to or need to do, but don’t let it get to the point that that’s all you’re doing and it consumes you. You can’t control what happens around you, but you can control how you react/respond.

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ADVICE TO THOSE WHO KNOW SOMEONE STRUGGLING WITH FERTILIT Y… 1. Treat their fur-baby as a fur-baby – that pet is their baby.

2. You may notice distance with a person in this situation. Don’t take it personally. That’s how they need to protect themselves.

3. Don’t have expectations for people in this situation to attend your events (especially baby showers). Send their invite separately/ privately, giving them the opportunity to decline in a safe space.

4. Don’t Google too much. It can spiral very quickly. Don’t give advice about someone’s uncle’s brother’s cousin’s distant cat who also had a fertility issue which you heard from someone’s aunty who got it from Google!

5. Keep the lines of communication open with your loved one, and provide them the safe space to open up and talk to you about what they’re going through. Recognise that the relationship might not be 50/50 at that time, but understand that (just as you would with a loved one who’s facing a health issue eg mental health, cancer, etc.) don’t expect that the relationship will be that way forever.

6. Actively listen to that person around what they need and accept their boundaries.

7. If you’ve been accepted as a support person to someone in this situation, then you should treat that support importantly.

If you’re not in someone’s support network, then don’t take it personally (you might have three kids or you complained about the third kid being too hard).

8. Don’t compare stories or experiences.

Comparison undermines the unique and personal challenges of a person.

9. In the case that there is a reason for the infertility, let’s not use the words fault or guilt or blame. Remove them from your vocab, and instead acknowledge the situation and what is happening to them as an unfortunate situation that is not their fault.

10. Don’t walk on eggshells, it’s a journey you are on with your loved one. Communicate your expectations too. Talk about how you’re feeling. You both need a safe space to say what you feel.

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it

SPE AKING OF VOCABUL ARY, PLE A SE BE AWARE THAT THESE ARE NOT HELPFUL THINGS TO SAY: “At least you have your health.”

“At least you have a husband, some people are still single at your age.”

“Are you sure you want children? Mine are monsters.”

“Just relax, it will happen when the time is right.”

“You must be getting clucky by now.”

“I envy your freedom, not having kids.”

“When are you having children?”

“Why haven’t you had kids yet? Don’t wait too long!”

Be mindful and aware.

Think about your words!

Extracted from When Sex is not Enough: Three Fertility Journeys by Melissa Hori, Stephanie Larnder and Simone Fernandes, RRP $27.99.

nursery+equipment

nook

Nursery Hello Animals, $23, Happy Fox Books

Cute stories to stimulate

Baby Touch: My First Book, $24, Ladybird

Baby’s Very First Black and White Book: Faces, $12.99, Usborne

COMPILED BY CHARLOTTE COWAN.

YOU MAY HAVE HEARD THAT HIGH-CONTRA ST BLACK AND WHITE BOOKS ARE GOOD FOR BABIES – BUT WHY? Just after birth, your baby’s world will be mostly blurry. By one month old, they will be able to see your face and by two to three months old, their ability to focus will improve.

Up until around four months old, your baby will only see in black and white, and maybe some shades of grey, so black and white books will immediately grab their attention.

Books with bold, clean lines will assist in developing your baby’s optic nerves, encourage cognitive development and focus, and help them to gradually learn about the world around them, without feeling over-stimulated.

little minds.

Read To Your Baby Every Night by Lucy Brownridge, $27.99, Allen & Unwin A gorgeous keepsake volume of tried-and-true lullabies and rhymes to share with your baby.

Anchored by Debra Tidball & Arielle Li, $24.99, EK Books A sweet, reassuring tale to remind children that the love they share with their parents and caregivers can sustain time apart: They are firmly anchored in each other’s hearts.

Hairy Maclary Treasury by Lynley Dodd, $50, Penguin Celebrating 40 years of Hairy Maclary, this is the complete collection of the dog’s mischievous and mad adventures, which children will love to read and listen to over and over.

First Baby Days: Night, Night, $15, Pat-A-Cake

in black + white

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You’re So Amazing by James and Lucy Catchpole, $27.99, Allen & Unwin A funny, whip-smart, friendly picture book about how it feels when strangers make you feel different because of your disability.

One Day by Joanna Ho, $29.99, HarperCollins This gorgeous book is a mother’s ode to her baby boy, where she shares her hopes and dreams for her son as she envisions him exploring the world.

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Woodland Fox Nursery Wallpaper, $30, snugasabug.co.nz

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Cam Cam Scallop Knit Blanket in Dusty Green, $104.95, littlewhimsy.co.nz

Lily & George Wild Ones Mr Fox, $48, lilyandgeorge.co.nz

Get into

nature

Tips and products for creating a gorgeous nature-inspired nursery.

Numero 74 Charlie Playmat in Natural, $220, littlewhimsy.co.nz

COLOUR ME INTERESTING

There are two options for colour when it comes to creating a nature-inspired nursery.

You can embrace a single colour such as forest or dusky green, or a warm sandy beige which will bring the idea of greenery and nature indoors. Or you can opt for a neutral palette, such as cream or cool lilac or grey, which will allow you to create a personal and interesting space by layering textures with bedding and décor.

ADD SOME GREENERY

We all know that babies and soil can be a lethal combination – handfuls of dirt in the mouth, anyone? But adding some plants to the nursery – real or faux – can contribute to the natural aesthetic and create a gorgeous, calm, outdoorsy feel. Plus, real plants create more oxygen and can help remove harmful toxins from the air. Try hanging the plants in rattan baskets that you can fix securely to a ceiling corner, or add a pot plant to the dresser – away from tiny hands! Just make sure that whatever plant you choose has soft edges and is non-toxic.

COMPILED BY CHARLOTTE COWAN.

LET THERE BE LIGHT

As a new parent it can be easy to stick up black-out blinds in the nursery that just stay there all day and night, but allowing natural light to flood in during non-nap times helps our bodies produce Vitamin D and improves our circadian rhythms and sleep patterns. An all-white colour palette can accentuate the natural light as it helps reflect rays around the space.

Rogue Artificial Baker Fern, $84.95, freedomfurniture.co.nz

FURNISH WITH NATURAL MATERIALS Choosing furnishings such as a cot, dresser and décor made from sustainable materials like wood or rattan add to the natural vibe, while also lessening the risk of exposure to toxic or potentially harmful chemicals.

Wood is also a great way to bring warmth to a room.

STICK THEM ON!

Decals or peel-and-stick wallpaper are a great way to add a nature or woodland feel to your nursery, while also being easy to apply and remove. The options are endless – from foxes or bears, to trees, flowers and garden-inspired designs. All perfect for bringing nature vibes inside.

Felt Ball Wall Flowers, from $8.50, store17.co.nz

bring nature vibes inside

TEXTURE IS KEY

A neutral colour palette allows you to mix different textures to add interest to the room. Layer rugs made from natural fibres, drape a dusky green blanket over the cot or feeding chair, bring in some cute soft toys and woodland creatures, or a felt garland on the wall. Texture will help bring the décor of the nursery together.

Olli Ella Rattan Mushroom Basket, $97.73, heartandhands.co.nz

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Rub-a-dub-bub We answer the most common questions about baby bathtime.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I BATHE MY BABY?

There’s no hard-and-fast rule for this. Generally, if your baby enjoys being in the bath, and/or if it relaxes them before bed and forms a part of their bedtime routine, there’s no reason why they can’t have a daily (or nightly!) dip in the tub.

If your baby tends to get dry or irritable skin, you might want to bathe them less often, as frequent bathing can exacerbate eczema and cause your baby’s skin to become drier.

Baby lotion or specialised baby eczema products can help with this dryness, however – talk to your GP if you are concerned about your baby’s skin.

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WHERE SHOULD I BATH PĒPI? WHAT TIME OF DAY IS BEST?

As you start to learn your baby’s routine, you’ll figure out when is the best time for a bath. It’s best to aim for when pēpi is not too tired and not hungry (or directly after a feed). Some parents like to include bathtime as part of the night routine before bedtime, while others like their babies to be more alert and awake, so prefer the morning. There’s no right or wrong time, it’s just whenever works best for you!

Some parents bathe their babies in the kitchen or bathroom sink; some use the bathtub; some have a special baby bath on the dining table or on the floor; some even take their babies into the shower with them.

Remember that a baby bath full of water can be heavy, so if you’ve had a C-section or are struggling with core stability, ask for help to lift the bath if you want to move it to a different location. And if you’re showering with pēpi, remember that they’re slippery, so have someone on hand to help!

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number one rule:

WHEN BATHING YOUR BABY – NE VER, E VER LE AVE THEM UNAT TENDED, NOT E VEN FOR A SECOND.

Bath Over The Dandelions Organic Cotton Wash Cloth Set, $29.90, overthedandelions.co.nz

mates

Soft and versatile wash cloths knitted from GOTS certified organic cotton.

ecostore Baby Sleepytime Bath, $8.99, ecostore.com/nz A plant-based infusion with lavender and geranium oils to help soothe and relax your baby.

Shnuggle Pebbly Bath Thermometer, $39.99, dimples.co.nz

HOW WARM SHOULD THE BATH BE?

Always start with cold water and add water to get to an appropriate temperature for your baby, which is around 37˚C. You can use a baby bath thermometer to measure this or, if you don’t have one, test the water temperature with the inside part of your wrist. If you are using a bathtub, run the cold tap again at the end so that it isn’t hot to touch if your baby reaches for it during bathtime. You only need around 8-10cm of water and your baby doesn’t need to spend too much time in the bath – about five minutes is long enough to get them clean before the water cools down too much.

THANKS TO BABY SPENCER. PHOTOGRAPHY BY MILK PHOTOGRAPHY. COMPILED BY CHARLOTTE COWAN.

SHOULD I USE SOAP?

You can use a very mild unscented soap or cleanser to clean your baby’s skin.

It may be easier to wash your baby with a wet, soapy face cloth rather than trying to lather them like an adult, and don’t forget to get into all the creases where poo or spew could be hiding! Make sure anything you use in the bath are infant-formulated products, as adult products are typically too strong for baby’s skin.

WHY DOES MY BABY HATE THE BATH?

It can take around three months for babies to get used to having a bath. To help them feel safe and secure, place a warm, wet washcloth on their chest and tummy.

It will also stop them from getting cold.

Designed to float and self-right in the water, the pebble design has a simple, colour-changing heart display that indicates when the water temperature is just right.

L OV E Munch Eco Baby Soap, $6.99, munchcupboard.com Munch eco baby soaps are gentle on babies’ skin and tender to the environment.

One hundred percent natural and New Zealand-made using coconut from the Pacific Islands, each soap is free of nasty chemicals and is fragrancefree. As a bonus, each soap is wrapped in cotton fabric for extra tender loving care.

Skip Hop Moby Smart Sling 3-Stage Tub, $99.90, babies.co.nz This versatile tub grows with baby through three stages – from head-to-toe newborn cradling, to infants learning to sit, and babies who can sit upright.

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listen here

BUMP&BABY SLEEP PL AYLIST

Kaylula Bella Cot 4-in-1, $1,999, babyhood.co.nz

cots

Cool

Orlando Cot in Charcoal, $499.85, mocka.co.nz

No boring beds here!

Tasman Eco Maui Cot, $899, babybunting.co.nz

Ellie Cot in Rose Gold, $1,199, incyinteriors.co.nz

Cot safety ENSURE YOUR BABY IS SAFE WHEN SLEEPING IN THEIR COT BY… Boori Natty Cot, $689, babycity.co.nz

•R emoving any padded bumpers, pillows, duvets, blankets and toys that could be a suffocation hazard. Keep baby warm with a sleeping bag or swaddle instead.

converts from cot to bed!

•A lways placing baby on their back to sleep on a firm, flat mattress.

Leander Cot, $2,299, dimples.co.nz

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•E nsuring all bolts and fastenings on the cot are secure and that there are two fasteners or a system that requires two separate but simultaneous actions to drop down the side of the cot.

• L ooking out for any sharp edges or points that could risk injury your baby, or that clothing could catch on.

•P lacing the cot away from any dangling cords such as blind cords, buntings or canopies which could potentially entangle your baby.

COMPILED BY CHARLOTTE COWAN.

•C hecking that the space between the cot bars is not less than 50mm or exceeding 95mm.

Sweet ride!

A pram is one of the biggest purchases you’ ll make for your pēpi, so here are some things to consider first.

DO...

eat all t he ic e c re

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Hang shopping or bags over the handles as this could cause the pram to tip over.

Let any child climb or play on it, especially if there is a baby inside, as it could become unstable and tip over.

Use a pram on stairs or escalators – use lifts whenever possible.

Leave the pram unattended without the brake activated. And always use a tether strap whenever the parking brake is not engaged.

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DON’T…

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a walk it, mam Edwards & Co Olive, $1,199, edwardsandco.co.nz Olive, the new double pram from Edwards & Co, is an adaptable four-wheel pram with luxurious, full-size seats for one or two children. It has the same footprint whether you use it as a single or double pram and boasts a super-compact fold.

Olive was designed to be longer-lasting, and it exceeds the AS/NZS durability standards.

And with a 54kg weight capacity, you’ll soon learn why Olive is small, yet mighty!

Bugaboo Butterfly, $799, babybunting.co.nz Compact and lightweight, this stroller is perfect for day-to-day adventures. It folds with just one hand and unfolding is just as easy with the smart air unfold system – just click and let gravity do the job.

L OV E

WHEN WILL YOU BE USING YOUR PRAM?

Unfortunately, when it comes to prams, there is no pram that fits all situations!

While your best friend may love her pram, IS IT USER-FRIENDLY? she may also run with it every day and all Some prams are gorgeous to look at but are you want to do is go for the odd stroll. so heavy and impossible to manoeuvre or A few of the questions you should fold. The last thing you want ask yourself before forking out for to happen is to be stuck at the top tip supermarket with a screaming this big item are: How active am I? Will you be baby while you’re struggling to As running or walking regularly with fold the pram and get it in the your baby? If so, an all-terrain tempting car. Look for a pram that opens pram might be right for you. and folds easily and that isn’t too as it is to heavy. Prams can weigh more Do I really need a big pram?

If you’re not the kind of person buy online, than 20kg, which can put strain to head out and about a lot, on your back. A good option make perhaps a compact stroller would is to pick a pram that separates be a good choice for those quick sure you into two parts, so you’re not trips. They’re lighter and easier lifting the weight all at once. check out And if you’re going to be on to transport than a full stroller.

Will my baby be sleeping in the the pram your own a lot with the baby, pram? If so, a pram that offers choose a pram that is as easy instore a bassinet attachment is perfect to push with one hand as it is for when baby needs a nap. with two. first!

COMPILED BY CHARLOTTE COWAN.

HOW MUCH ROOM DO YOU HAVE?

Prams can often be bulky, so it’s important to think about where you will be storing it and if you have enough room. This could be in your boot or your home. Before purchasing your dream pram, check its dimensions when folded to ensure you can store it easily in your home and that it can fit in the boot of your car – especially when there are also groceries and other items you need to transport as well.

Thule Sleek City stroller with bassinet, $1,899, foray.nz A flexible and stylish city stroller, the lightweight and contemporary design is designed for the active parent with outstanding manoeuvrability. Ready to use from day one with the bassinet attachment, it provides superior comfort for both mama and baby.

HOW WILL I KNOW IF IT’S SAFE?

Prams with a fixed upright seat are not suitable for newborns as they increase the risk of asphyxiation, so ensure your pram has the functionality for your baby to lay flat. Also make sure that the brakes work properly, it has a five-point safety harness, there are no sharp edges or open tubes, and that fabric and linings fit snugly and don’t contain gaps or hidden pockets that could trap your baby.

Baby Jogger City Elite 2, $1,339.99, babyjogger.co.nz Premium city aesthetic paired with all-terrain tenacity, the City Elite 2 features large rubber tyres, all-wheel suspension, and Baby Jogger’s signature one-hand, quick and compact fold.

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passenger Must-know car seat facts to keep your wee one safe and sound.

Under New Zealand law, all children under seven years of age must use a child restraint (car seat) that’s appropriate for their age, size, and development.

It is recommended that all infants and t​​oddlers should ride in a rear-facing car seat until they are at least two years old.

They are safer in a rear-facing seat as they are at risk of head and spinal cord injuries due to their immature spine, neck, head, and pelvis.

Rear-facing car seats should be installed at around a 45-degree angle and should not move more than 2.5cm when pulled side-to-side. If it does, it’s not installed correctly.

In a rear-facing car seat, ensure your baby’s head is at least 2.5cm lower than the top of the seat shell.

Do not put your pēpi’s capsule or car seat in the front passenger seat, especially if the car has an airbag. In an accident, the airbag will throw the infant seat up against the car seat and could seriously injure your pēpi.

While it seems convenient to leave a sleeping baby in a capsule, it is safest to transfer them to a flat sleep surface once they’re out of the car.

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Chicco OneFit ClearTex All in One Car Seat, $899.95, chicco.co.nz This all-in-one car seat fits your child, vehicle and life – from birth through booster. Its slim, space-saving design fits easily into your vehicle, without compromising comfort for your growing child. Designed with top-rated installation features, OneFit is easy to install as you transition from a rear-facing harness to forward-facing harness to booster.

Featuring ClearTex fabrics with no added chemicals, it is GREENGUARD Gold certified for low chemical emissions, contributing to healthier air quality around your child.

BOOSTERS KEEPING YOUR BIG KIDS SAFE!

PROTECTING WHAT MATTERS MOST

The Britax Highpoint and Skyline Booster Seats have been designed with superior safety and style in mind. Equipped with a 2-stage belt-positioning design means you can easily convert from a high back booster to a backless booster, so your child rides safer, longer.

Visit www.britax.co.nz for more information

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Thinking of buying secondhand?

Nuna Arra Next Capsule, $499, babybunting.co.nz

Shoulder harnesses complying with the Australia/New Zealand Standard should come over the child’s shoulders level with, or just above, the top of the shoulders.

Some restraints have a chest/harness clip that will hold the shoulder harness in the right position. This should be placed at the level of the baby’s chest/armpits, not up towards the neck.

Use the “pinch test” to check if your pēpi’s harness is secure. At their shoulder, try to pinch the harness in an up and down movement (not side to side). If you can pinch any harness between your fingers, it is too loose.

A tether strap, which stops the car seat tipping forward in an accident, must be used for all car seats that comply with the Australian/New Zealand standard.

Don’t worry about their legs! It may not be comfortable for an adult to sit with their legs bent, but children have different joint and bone structure and they are far more flexible than we are!

Child restraint technicians can help you install your baby’s car seat correctly. You can find one near you at nzta.govt.nz/ safety/what-waka-kotahi-isdoing/education-initiatives/ child-restraints/find-a-childrestraint-technician 78

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

It's important to exercise caution when buying a secondhand car seat.

Check the manufacture date on the seat’s shell and don’t buy a seat that’s more than 10 years old.

Some seats will have an expiry date sticker, so look for that. And make sure there is a safety standard sticker and that there are no missing or loose parts.

Chicco KeyFit 30, $449.95, chicco.co.nz

Maxi Cosi Stone 360 i-Size, $799, foray.nz With smooth 360° spin for effortless travel, this car seat is suitable from newborn to approximately four years old.

Premium European design combining all the best MaxiCosi technologies for first-class functionality, safety and style.

ur splash of colo

Britax Boulevard ClickTight Convertible Car Seat, $679, britax.co.nz

Graco Sequence 65, $429, babyonthemove.co.nz

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NO MATTER YOUR JOURNEY, WE'VE GOT A CAR SEAT CONV EN TE IE MA FOR YOU I T

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learn more at

chicco.co.nz

AGE

0m+ WEIGHT (KG)

0-22

NEW!

STROLLER (KG)

5.5

STROLLER

THE BEST TRAVEL BUDDY

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happy day!

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hether you’re a first-time parent or have had children before, you’re probably willing to try anything to ensure you have the most positive birth experience you can. After all, the kind of birth experience you have can not only affect your own mental health, but can have an effect on parent-child bonding, as well as partner-to-partner relationships for years after giving birth.

It can be confusing to know what to expect or where to turn to for advice, but here are a few things you can do yourself as you navigate your maternity care, which may help you have a more positive birth experience.

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1

G ET EDUCATED

Studies have shown that signing up for antenatal classes can help reduce fear, depression and anxiety – both during pregnancy and after birth.

Typically, antenatal classes will help you understand what’s happening to your body during pregnancy and explain the birth process. They may also teach you coping strategies to help relax during labour, alongside guidance on caring for your new baby. Antenatal classes can also be a great way of meeting other parents going through

the same thing as you.

Another option is creating a personalised care and support plan. This is a tool you can use with your care providers to explore what’s important to you – and discuss what your range of options are, such as your preferred place of birth, or whether you prefer skin-to-skin contact with your baby immediately after birth.

Understanding what your body’s going through, and making a personalised plan for your birth, may help you feel more prepared and less anxious about what to expect.

THANKS TO CLARE AND BABY SPENCER. PHOTOGRAPHY BY MILK PHOTOGRAPHY.

Five things you can do to help you have a more positive birth experience.

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CHALLENGE CARE RECOMMENDATIONS IF YOU AREN’T HAPPY

2 PUBLISHED WITH PERMISSION FROM THECONVERSATION.COM

K NOW YOUR CARERS

Being cared for by one nominated midwife, or being assigned to a team of familiar midwives, is shown to be associated with better outcomes for you and your baby – including decreased chance of having a premature labour and lower likelihood of needing interventions (such as birth with the help of forceps).

You’re also more likely to be satisfied with your overall experience.

When an allocated midwife is not an option, this makes choosing the right birth partners crucial. They can not only offer you reassurance, encouragement and support but can be your advocate, help you try different positions in labour and help provide you with snacks and drinks. Most typically these would be trusted loved ones. But be aware that research shows birth partners may also feel anxious or overwhelmed at taking on this role, and may struggle with seeing a loved one in pain – so it’s important to be realistic about your expectations, and choose the right person. It may be the best birth partner for you is a close friend or relative.

There are likely to be many other options available to you – such as where you might give birth, or how you want to be cared for during labour.

During antenatal appointments be sure to pause, think and ask about benefits, risks and alternatives to the care being proposed.

Research shows how important choice and personalised care are for expectant parents who want their voices and preferences to be acknowledged, and to receive consistent advice.

If you have concerns over a suggestion your care providers have made or have questions, don’t be afraid to ask. Take your birth partner with you if you prefer, who can empower you to ensure your voice is heard.

After all, care providers are duty-bound to ensure you make fully informed choices.

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DON’T ALWAYS LISTEN TO YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Once people hear you have a baby on the way it seems everyone feels the need, without asking, to tell you the full (and often graphic) details of their own children’s birth.

But it’s perfectly acceptable to politely change the subject if you don’t want to listen, or if hearing these stories makes you nervous or worry. It’s also worth remembering that each person has a different labour and birth, even with their own children – so what was true for someone else is likely not to be the same for you. While it can be helpful for some people to debrief after the birth, it’s okay to avoid hearing this yourself if it makes your nervous, and maybe suggest they speak with a professional about their experience instead of telling you.

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If you have concerns over a suggestion your care providers have made or have questions, don’t be afraid to ask.

5

VISIT YOUR PREFERRED PLACE OF BIRTH

Many maternity units open their doors to tours and informal visits. Becoming familiar with where you might give birth – even down to where you might park on the day – can help you feel more confident about giving birth. It may also remove some of the unknown, helping you regain a sense of control – which in itself is linked to a more positive birth experience.

For those planning a home birth, speak to your midwife about how you can improve your space to facilitate the most safe and positive experience. For one of the most important days of your life, visualising where this will take place ahead of time can help you feel more confident and in control.

Ultimately, it’s important to remember that no one can predict exactly how your labour and birth journey will go. Even after heeding the above steps – there’s always a chance you may need to consider a plan B, C or even D. But no matter what, remember you’ve done your very best, and you’re not likely to repeat this exact experience the next time.

Written by Claire Parker, Senior Lecturer in Midwifery, Anglia Ruskin University.

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Eviction

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t’s all very good having a due date, but as you know, this is just a rough guide.

Going into labour isn’t like switching on a light switch at a designated time.

In fact, what triggers your labour to begin isn’t clearly understood, but it’s generally thought to be a complex combination of chemical messages from both mum and baby. Most women start labour without any help from anyone and it’s probably easier for mum and baby when this can happen naturally. However, sometimes there are reasons why your labour needs to be started medically and this may be best for you and/or your baby. This is called an induction of labour. There are a few ways this can be done. Sometimes it doesn’t take much to get your labour started because your body is raring to go (usually after your due date), but other times can take a little longer to get you off the start line.

There are a few reasons why a medical induction might be suggested: • Several days over your due date. Decisions about this will vary depending on your health and your age.

• Gestational diabetes – a type of diabetes developed in pregnancy which often disappears after birth.

• Baby’s growth has slowed, or their health is a concern.

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notice

The team at Nest Pregnancy and Parenting (nestpregnancyandparenting.co.nz) explains the process of induction.

• Serious vaginal bleeding.

• High blood pressure that gets worse.

• Pre-eclampsia – quite a serious medical condition but don’t worry, your LMC will monitor you carefully and suggest appropriate care.

• If your water has broken (rupture of the membrane) and no contractions have started.

All this talk of induction sounds like a great idea and in many cases an induction of labour can be a good thing. However, it’s really important that you understand why an induction is being recommended and that you feel comfortable with this option.

Your LMC will explain the process and the benefits, risks, and possible alternatives.

Together you need to balance the risk of induction against risks associated with continuing with the pregnancy. Make sure you ask lots of questions. It may not be an easy way to start your labour, often taking some time if your body hasn’t shown any sign of going there on its own.

RISKS

• Can increase the risk of an emergency C-section.

• It may result in a lengthy labour process.

• Increased need for pain relief.

• You may experience heavier blood loss post-birth.

• You may be sensitive to the medication used.

• Increased risk of forceps/ventouse delivery.

BENEFITS

• Useful when the health of mum or baby is at risk.

• May result in a quick labour if you are over your due date.

If your labour has started but stalled or even stopped, a few things can swing it back into action. In this case it’s called an augmentation rather than an induction. Overall, there are several ways of kick-starting labour.

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types of

INDUCTION/ AUGMENTATION Stretch and sweep (sweeping the membranes)

After all this talk about getting labour underway or encouraging it to move a little quicker you’ll no doubt be asking, “So what about all the ‘other things’ you can try?”

So especially for you, here are our thoughts...

“OTHER THINGS” E XERCISE Thought we’d start with

a gentle one. Movement such as walking is often suggested for women who want to encourage the start of labour. Gravity may help the baby move in the right direction and aid in dilating the cervix through simple pressure. An upright position is also good once labour has established.

SE X Now we’re into the nitty-gritty. Sex is

How is it done? Your LMC will use a gloved finger to separate the sac of water (amniotic membrane that surrounds your baby) from the uterine wall. This helps bring labour on by releasing natural prostaglandins which encourage your cervix to do its stuff. It may be uncomfortable, but this method of induction can be effective for some women.

Breaking the waters (artificial rupture of the membranes/ARM)

How is it done? If your cervix is open enough your LMC can make a small hole in the membrane (amniotic sac) that makes the fluid and surrounds the baby.

This is done using a funny-looking thing that looks like a long crochet hook, and is carried out via a vaginal examination.

Once the water has been released the baby’s weight can put pressure on the cervix and encourage it to open more.

Now I bet you were expecting to see often the one thing that people have heard “curry” on the list. It’s not here, because about regarding lending a helping hand to it generally doesn’t work. Similarly with start labour. That’s because semen is highly pineapple. This is the new kid on the concentrated with prostaglandins, which are block that people are talking about. That’s chemicals that help soften your cervix. Sex because there’s an enzyme in the core of is safe as long as waters haven’t broken but the pineapple that, eaten in large enough should be avoided if the placenta is low-lying amounts, is suggested to irritate the cervix. (placenta previa) or mum has experienced However, as always, it’s best to do your vaginal bleeding. Female orgasm may also homework and not just assume these things help as this will initiate are true. In reality, to get tightening of the uterus. enough of the enzyme into “It’s really All this is based on how your circulation, you’d need hormones act and how your important that you to eat so many pineapples body responds to them, understand why an it would be physically so don’t hold your breath. induction is being impossible!

There is limited data on For many years recommended the effectiveness of sex to swallowing castor oil has initiate labour but probably and that you feel been used as a way to get worth a shot if you are over labour going. It works by comfortable with loosening the bowels. your due date. this option.”

The chemicals released NIPPLE STIMUL ATION when this happens are Now here’s one I bet you didn’t expect. thought to pass through the circulation Stimulating the nipples causes a release and help initiate labour. However, this of the hormone oxytocin. This may cause diarrhoea is not a pleasant start to labour the uterus to contract and may help to start and may cause dehydration. Consult your labour. However, the devotion to this is a bit LMC before trying this option. of a marathon. Ask your LMC if you want There are many other ideas to bring more info. Physiologically, given enough on labour that are tossed around but our time, this could help to bring on labour but recommendation – ask your LMC and should only be attempted if the mother has do some reading that is based on evidence, experienced a problem-free pregnancy. not a random social media page.

Misoprostol

How is it done? The misoprostol solution is taken for “ripening” the cervix and starting labour. After assessment of mum’s cervix and baby’s heart rate, mum will be asked to drink a small amount of misoprostol solution. Mum and baby will be assessed every two hours. Further doses of oral misoprostol may be given unless labour has started. Once contractions are regular your waters may be broken, or a further dose of oral misoprostol will be given. Baby’s heart rate will be monitored regularly.

Prostaglandin gel

How is it done? A gel or suppository (containing prostaglandins) is placed at the top of the vagina. Between one or three applications can be given to try and get labour started. It is a quick and straightforward procedure. This is often a gentler approach to inducing labour but is generally only successful if mum is close to or past her due date.

Intravenous drip of hormone

How is it done? In the hospital, the LMC will give mum a synthetic version of the hormone oxytocin via a drip. Oxytocin will be continually released into her circulation until labour begins. This can also be used if labour has slowed down. Contractions and the baby’s heart rate will be monitored continuously. If this type of induction is done before the due date, it might take 24-48 hours before labour begins.

Contractions are generally stronger and more intense than in a naturally occurring labour, so your LMC might recommend an epidural.

Balloon catheter

How is it done? The balloon catheter is another method that can be used to encourage your cervix to prepare for labour. A narrow, flexible tube is passed upwards through your cervix. Once it is in place, a tiny balloon on the end of the catheter is inflated with a small amount of water. The pressure of the balloon can assist in softening your cervix by releasing prostaglandins. Baby is monitored regularly.

And be sure to check out our Introduc tor y to Antenatal Online Course by scanning this QR code, or visiting bumpandbaby.co.nz (more information on page 10).

Book your antenatal class or postnatal workshop now at nestpregnancyandparenting.co.nz Pregnancy BUMP & baby

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women Wonder

"The warmth of the water was exquisite, soothing me through each surge and relaxing me in between."

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEXA DOULA PHOTOGRAPHY.

Three magical birthdays captured

by Hawke's Bay photographer and doula Alexa Pedersen (alexadoulaphotography.co.nz)

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"A bittersweet moment, marking the end of our physical connection, and yet feeling so ready to bring her into the world."

The birth of

"I wanted nothing more than to be the first person to touch her and in this moment my vision for her birth was fulfilled!"

Cassidy-May Cassidy-May was born at 39 weeks and three days and weighed 3.7kg. Mum Dominique went into labour naturally with contractions starting at 1am – but this determined mama still made it to her son's first piano recital that day, before heading to the hospital at 4.45pm. Just 36 minutes later, her gorgeous daughter was safely delivered – what a whirlwind!

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"Jack embodies his full divine masculine for me to lean into.

I felt so called to move into the sun after labouring away in the dark for a few hours."

The birth of Hugo

The newest addition to the Barr family, Hugo John, was delivered safely at 41 weeks and 6 days, weighing 4kg. Choosing not to have an induction, mum Sarah wanted a home birth with midwife Beatrix in attendance, after having a hospital birth for her first child. But it wasn't your typical home birth. Being a pole dancer, Sarah birthed baby Hugo standing up, holding onto her husband Jack – and sometimes the pole!

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEXA DOULA PHOTOGRAPHY.

"Relief and joy spread over Jack's face as I literally roar my baby down into the world after a 20-hour labour."

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"Hugo looks just like his grandad John, hence the name Hugo John Barr.

I can't believe I did it!"

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"We were all sitting there in delight and laughter at how my birth had gone.

It was so quick and powerful and amazing, we were all in delightful shock."

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"I was feeling a sense of pleasure and relief my baby had arrived safely into the arms of dad."

The birth of Teo Tane

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEXA DOULA PHOTOGRAPHY.

Mahuta

"I felt peace and love as I nursed my baby for the first time and proud that I could after breast cancer."

Cynthia welcomed her fourth baby Teo Tane Mahuta at home, following a swift labour. After being diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer following the birth of her twin girls, Cynthia didn't know if she could or would have another baby, but she says Teo was exactly what she needed to continue her healing. Teo was born on the floor beside the birthing pool, just a couple of days past his due date, and weighed 3.3kg. Mama says the birth was a peaceful, powerful and potent experience.

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Bloody good

W

hen a baby is born, their umbilical cord is full of stem cells – the purest, freshest, most potent and flexible stem cells there are. If collected at birth, these stem cells can be stored to use in future medical treatment for an everincreasing variety of illnesses and injuries.

match ready to go that won’t be rejected by their immune system if used in medical treatment. In comparison, the stem cells from a bone marrow donor are older and less flexible – and finding a perfect match can be time-consuming and is not guaranteed.

Cord blood banks have been available in many countries around the world for decades, following the first successful cord blood stem cell transplant in France in the HOW IS THE CORD BLOOD late 1980s. At first, it was almost impossible COLLECTED AND STORED? for Kiwi families to bank cord blood, as Parents registering with New Zealand’s cord the time it took to send collected cord blood bank sign up online for a collection blood overseas for processing kit, which they take with them was too long for the stem cells to the birth (or keep nearby at “Cord blood to be viable. But in 2002, home if planning a home birth). stem cells are After the baby has been born CordBank (cordbank.co.nz) incredibly was established by a mother and the cord has been cut, the and her obstetrician, who saw remaining cord blood is drawn flexible the medical potential for stem straight into the kit from the as they’re cells, and wanted to ensure that umbilical cord by the midwife brand new.” families could store cord blood or obstetrician. The kit is then right here in New Zealand, collected by a dedicated courier protected by New Zealand law. and taken to the cord blood bank’s lab in Auckland where the stem cells are extracted, WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT tested, and cryogenically frozen.

CORD BLOOD STEM CELLS?

Cord blood stem cells are incredibly flexible as they’re brand new – undamaged by the ageing process and pollutants that other stem cells are exposed to over time.

When a child has access to their own cord blood stem cells, they’ve got a 100% DNA

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HOW LONG CAN CORD BLOOD BE STORED FOR?

When stored cryogenically, cord blood stem cells have no expiry date, which is great news as the likelihood of needing a stem cell transplant increases with age.

WHAT ELSE COULD CORD BLOOD BE USED FOR IN FUTURE?

As well as the diseases and conditions that cord blood plays a part in the treatment of now, including blood, immune and metabolic disorders (see more at parentsguidecordblood.org/en/ diseases), many researchers and cord blood transplant doctors believe that the next big advance in medicine is going to be in cell therapy and regenerative medicine. Their view is that cells can repair tissue, which drug therapies can’t do. Watch this space!

SEE MORE PHOTOS BY LENNART NILSSON IN OUR BUMP&BABY WEEK BY WEEK AT BUMPANDBABY.CO.NZ

Wondering about the process and benefits of cord blood banking?

Here’s everything you need to know.

FREE

AVAILABLE TO READ AT TOTSTOTEEN.CO.NZ Scan to read this issue for free

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The ins and

outs of it

Can you control whether your baby’s belly button is an innie or an outie? Nope, sorry!

Biologist Sarah Leupen explains why.

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WHY DO WE HAVE A BELLY BUTTON?

PUBLISHED WITH PERMISSION FROM THE CONVERSATION.COM

Your belly button, or navel – clinically, your umbilicus – is the permanent scar left from where your umbilical cord connected your circulatory system, when you were a foetus, to the placenta. Foetuses don’t breathe, eat or eliminate waste, so the placenta provides an exchange site for the mother to deliver oxygen and nutrients from her bloodstream to the foetus, as well as collecting its wastes to eliminate from her body.

After the baby is born, the LMC or other attendant cuts the cord and clamps off the stub, which then dries and falls off after about a week, leaving the point of connection – your belly button – remaining.

If the cord is not cut, as has been the practice in some times and places and as is becoming trendy again in others, it will close off after an hour or so, then naturally detach a few days after birth. Some health care practitioners are concerned that this “lotus birth” could be an infection risk, since the umbilical cord remains attached to the placenta, which is dead tissue once out of the mother’s body.

WHY DON’T BELLY BUTTONS DISAPPEAR OVER TIME?

HOW DEEP DOES IT GO?

You can probably easily probe the depth If you injure just the outer layers of your of your own navel – there are no hidden skin, as in a cut or burn, the scar will soon recesses there. What’s under it is the same completely disappear, especially in young as what’s under the skin of the rest of people. And newborns are very young your abdomen: Your abdominal muscles, people. But unlike in those situations, to which the navel is attached by a short the umbilicus involves more tissue layers umbilical stalk, and the peritoneum, the – not just the skin but the connective membrane that lines the abdominal cavity. tissue underneath – so it makes sense Under that lie your guts – that is, your it doesn’t just blend in with the rest of your intestines and other abdominal organs. abdominal wall once it’s healed.

If you keep following this imaginary If you don’t like the way your umbilical journey back, you’ll get to your spine scar looks, plastic surgery to – the belly button is usually change its appearance, called lined up between the third “Outies are umbilicoplasty, is possible. and fourth lumbar vertebrae simply an People sometimes take (L3 and L4). this cosmetic option Whatever your feelings example after pregnancy. about belly buttons, of normal human they’re harmless. What’s BUT WHY DO SOME they’re part of your variation, like more, PEOPLE HAVE OUTIES? evolutionary legacy as The look of your belly button the way some a mammal, the group of is not related to the location animals so invested in their people have of the clamp or where your offspring that they invented LMC cut the cord. a way to deliver nutrients curly hair or Outies are simply an and oxygen, the mother’s dimples.” example of normal human bread and breath, straight variation, like the way some into their developing young. people have curly hair or dimples.

Your baby’s navel can be a reminder of that When the tip of the umbilical cord’s first life-sustaining care you gave to another remnant pokes out past the skin around person before they were even born. it, you have an outie; about 10% of people have these. Any concave navel is called an “innie” and a convex one an “outie”.

Sarah Leupen is the Principal Lecturer Sometimes outies can be caused by an in Biological Sciences at the University umbilical hernia in the baby or another of Maryland, Baltimore County, USA. medical problem, but most of it is just due to what your genes encoded. You might also temporarily have an outie during late pregnancy, when the abdominal pressure from the growing foetus stretches your navel and may push it out.

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The Ministry of Health recommends continued breastfeeding for up to two years and beyond.

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Keeping abreast of things

Breastfeeding is a journey that comes with its own challenges, but we’re here to explain exactly what’s going on!

E

ver wondered how breast milk changes in your baby’s first few weeks? From colostrum to mature milk, it takes time for your breast milk to change, but it’s always providing your pēpi with just what they need at that specific time.

Days 1-2

Colostrum

The first milk your breasts will produce after your baby is born is called colostrum.

Colostrum is usually a creamy yellow colour (part of the reason it’s called “liquid gold”) and is thick and sticky. You won’t produce much colostrum, but what you do produce is extremely rich in fat-soluble vitamins, protein, minerals, and antibodies. It’s the perfect “first food” for your baby, as its rich composition helps to keep your baby satisfied in those early days when their little tummy can only hold about five millilitres at first! Colostrum looks different to mature milk because it’s tailored to what your newborn needs in those first 24-48 hours of life. Don’t panic if you think you’re not producing very much milk at this stage, because it really is worth its weight in gold for what it is giving to your baby.

D ay s 2-1 4

Transitional milk

As your baby learns to suckle at the breast, your colostrum will start to change from thick and yellow to a lighter yellow colour.

At some point in the first two weeks of your baby’s life, colostrum will gradually transition to being mature milk – but while it’s doing so, you may notice that the quantity of your milk starts to increase in demand to your baby’s desire to feed.

This happens because the level of the hormone progesterone decreases in your body following your baby’s birth. Your baby is still getting just the right levels of vitamins, minerals, and antibodies to meet their needs, so don’t worry that your milk isn’t “quality” – it is! Your breasts are just learning to build up their supply of milk in response to your baby’s needs.

Day 14+

Mature milk

At some stage around the two-week mark following your baby’s birth, your milk will become lighter in colour and also greater in volume! You may find that you can produce quite a lot of breast milk at each feed, and that your breasts will ache, leak, and feel “full” when it’s feeding time. Your baby will have learned how to feed more efficiently by this point, and you’ll see them gulping and swallowing a lot more as they drink. Your milk production will continue to increase during the first month, and will change in response to your baby’s growth and needs. Mature milk consists of foremilk and hindmilk.

FOREMILK: Often watery, sometimes bluish in colour, this milk flows at the start of your baby’s breastfeed and will quench their thirst, but is low in fat and high in protein and lactose (milk sugar). It’s important to keep your baby latched on and drinking until the hindmilk starts flowing.

HINDMILK: This is higher in fat and calories and will satisfy your baby’s hunger. It flows after the foremilk as you continue to feed your baby.

Mature milk is a “living fluid” and contains ingredients that are specifically tailored to your baby – for example, if your baby gets an infection, the proportion of white blood cells in your milk will increase to fight it off.

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I’M WORRIED ABOUT MY MILK SUPPLY! HYPERLACTATION Hyperlactation or breast milk oversupply causes full, leaking breasts that don’t noticeably soften after a feeding. Oversupply can cause breast pain, severe engorgement, and may make breastfeeding difficult. This is because the rush of milk during breastfeeding might be too forceful, causing an infant to choke and cough. Positioning your baby so that gravity slows the flow of milk might help.

Try leaning back during breastfeeding. Also, frequently burp your baby and allow them to come off the breast as needed.

Hyperlactation typically stops in a few weeks but if the problem continues or you are concerned, consult your LMC or a lactation consultant.

fyi High in boobie-milkmaking ingredients like oats and flaxseed meal, this breakfast smoothie is packed with flavour and is designed to support breast milk production and digestive function.

INSUFFICIENT SUPPLY If you suspect you have low milk supply, feed as often as you can, and as often as your baby wants to.

Frequent demand-feeding, supplemented by pumping if necessary, is the sure-fire way to increase milk production.

If you are still concerned, there are a number of products on the market which are said to help breastfeeding mums increase their milk supply – lactation cookies and teas, herbal supplements, vitamins, and more. But your first port of call should always be your LMC, Plunket nurse, or another medical professional, who can help to answer your questions about how much milk your baby needs, how breastfeeding is going for you, and what to do if you feel like you are not producing enough breast milk.

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L ACTATION RECIPES Help boost your supply with these delicious and nutritious recipes from Mothers Mylk (mothersmylk.co).

mothers mylk shake PREP TIME: 5 MINS SERVING SIZE: 1 GLUTEN-FREE AND DAIRY-FREE • ½ tsp vanilla bean extract • 1 large frozen banana • ¼ cup rolled oats • 1 tbsp flaxseed meal • ½ cup baby spinach (fresh or frozen) • 1 tbsp vanilla protein powder (optional) • 1 tsp collagen powder (optional) • 300ml plant-based milk of choice 1. Place all ingredients in a blender and

blend until smooth.

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fyi

Feel happy and enjoy this sweet treat knowing that these brownies are designed to support your breast milk production. Brewer’s yeast is traditionally known for supporting lactation!

lactation

brownies

PREP TIME: 10 MINS COOK TIME: 30-35 MINS SERVING SIZE: 10-15 GLUTEN-FREE OPTION, DAIRY-FREE DRY INGREDIENTS • 1 cup buckwheat flour • ½ cup dark chocolate chips • ½ cup cocoa powder • ¾ cup coconut sugar • 4 tbsp brewer’s yeast • 4 tbsp flax seeds • 2 tsp baking powder WET INGREDIENTS • 1/3 cup coconut oil • ½ cup coconut milk (from the carton) • 3 eggs (whisked) • 1 tsp vanilla essence METHOD 1. Preheat the oven to 180˚C

fan-forced.

2. Line a brownie tin with baking paper or alternatively use coconut oil.

3. In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients and mix.

4. In a separate large bowl, whisk all the wet ingredients together.

5. Pour the wet mixture in with the dry mixture and mix well to combine.

6. Transfer the mixture to the brownie tin and bake for approximately 20 minutes.

7. Enjoy warm or cold.

note use gluten-free brewer’s

For the gluten-free option, yeast or omit instead.

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WHAT’S GOING ON? The most natural thing in the world? With a bit of luck, ever y breastfeeding mother experiences times of intense satisfaction and bonding with their offspring. But sadly, for many, these happy moments will be peppered with times of intense discomfort, often escalating into painful issues you need to seek treatment for.

Here is a rundown of some of the most common breastfeeding problems, and their fixes.

ENGORGEMENT

Engorged breasts occur when your breasts flood with milk and become full and heavy, sometimes even rock-hard, tender to the touch, and hot. This tends to happen when your newborn is around four days old and your early milk (colostrum) gives way to full milk, often referred to as “when your milk comes in”.

Though painful, the best way to deal with engorgement is to carry on as normal, trusting pēpi to deal with the production when they are able. It’s tempting to perhaps express and try to “empty” your sore boobs, but doing so will just encourage more milk production and could worsen the problem.

Demand-feed your baby as normal, applying hot towels to the breasts just before feeding to allow milk to flow and to let your baby enjoy a more effective feed. After feeding, you can massage some arnica cream into your breasts or place cool packs on the sore areas to alleviate your discomfort. Feeding will become easier as your baby grows and is better able to deal with your milk flow.

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MA STITIS

Occurring when one of your milk ducts gets blocked and most commonly caused by engorged breasts, mastitis is an inflammation of the breasts that you should watch out for and try to remedy quickly. If the inflammation becomes infected, the situation can escalate quickly and may necessitate a course of prescription antibiotics which, in turn, can lead to thrush infections.

Blocked ducts can often be visually located, as the area may be red and obvious, perhaps even quite hard. Massage the affected area as much as possible, and use hot towels or a hot water bottle to encourage milk flow. Drink plenty of water and encourage your baby to feed from the affected breast as much as possible to help clear the blockage. After feeding, place a cool pack on the breast for a few minutes to reduce discomfort.

If you feel unwell, sluggish, or feverish, you may have an infection and should seek medical help.

THRUSH

Pink nipples, pain between feedings, and shooting pains are all symptoms of thrush in the nipple area. Thrush is a yeast infection caused by an over-production of the fungus candida albicans. This fungus is always present in our bodies, but various factors can destroy the good bacteria that keeps candida albicans in check, such as eating too much dietary sugar, bread, wheat, cheese, and fermented food products, or the use of antibiotics.

If your nipples become infected with thrush, your baby’s mouth is likely to become infected with oral thrush, and then you risk passing the infection back and forth indefinitely until it’s treated. Acidophilus, vinegar, or the antifungal/antiseptic remedy gentian violet can be used for both mum and baby to try to halt an infection in its early stages, but if you progress to the shooting pains stage, you may need to treat the problem with a prescription anti-fungal remedy from the pharmacy. See your LMC or GP if you or your baby have thrush.

All tied up

CRACKED NIPPLES

Sore, red, and grazed nipples are often a result of poor latch and are not a necessary part of breastfeeding! Sadly, though, many mums learn this once the damage is already done. Breast milk itself is the best natural remedy for sore nipples, so leave some on your nipples after feeding for healing and try to let them air-dry. There are also soothing nipple creams such as Lansinoh, which is made from lanolin and safe for your baby, so you don’t have to remove it before feeding.

If you are having trouble with your pēpi’s latch, your midwife or Plunket nurse can help, or seek the help of a lactation consultant. It could also be an issue with your baby’s mouth, such as a tongue-tie, creating latching problems, so be sure to seek help.

PAINFUL OR OVERACTIVE LET-DOWN

Some mums experience this as a prickly pins-and-needles sensation, while some can feel achy. Either way, try to relax and breathe through it. Switch to the other breast if it helps to alleviate the sensation. Be mindful though, if the sensations become really painful or if you become feverish, you may have an infection and should seek treatment.

Around five to 10% of babies are born with a tongue-tie, but at least half of those babies can still breastfeed normally, according to the Ministry of Health.

Tongue-tie is a condition that involves a small piece of tissue called the lingual frenulum that connects the tongue to the bottom of the mouth. When a baby’s frenulum is short or tight, it may stop their tongue from moving properly which can cause a problem with feeding. In this instance your baby may require a tongue-tie release.

If you suspect your baby has a tongue tie, talk to your LMC of GP.

INVERTED NIPPLES

If your nipple retracts rather than protrudes when you gently squeeze your areola between your thumb and forefinger, you have what is known as flat or inverted nipples. Breastfeeding is still a viable option for you, although you can expect it may be a little more challenging for you both. Using a breast pump to get your milk flowing before putting baby to your breast is advised.

With the help of your lactation specialist or postnatal care team, you may decide the use of nipple shields could be effective to improve your baby’s latch and promote more successful breastfeeding.

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did you know?

Breast milk knows the difference between day and night. In the evenings it produces more melatonin to help baby sleep.

We now know that breastfeeding offers some protection against the formation of allergies. Breastfed babies are less likely to experience an allergy. For example, breastfeeding can be particularly helpful in infants whose family has a history of allergies, such as those with asthma, sinusitis, wheezing, and eczema (NHMRC, 2003). Research suggests that the antibodies in breast milk (specifically IgA) may bind to food proteins to form a complex that reduces the likelihood of these proteins crossing into baby’s blood (Palmer et al, 2004).

While altering your diet (for example, reducing the intake of common allergens such as eggs, nuts, dairy, and gluten, or expressing off the foremilk, which is higher in lactose) is not generally well-supported by research, you will hear of many practitioners recommending such changes and that they have been successful. Who’s to say that research just hasn’t caught up to anecdotal evidence? We now know that parts of egg protein can pass whole into breast milk, so

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who knows what other food compounds may pass that we are unaware of as yet?

Ultimately, do what works best for you and your baby, as long as you have all the nutritional bases covered.

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

From the time of your baby’s first breastfeeds, it is best to assume that they won’t have any problems. Unless you have a strong family history of sensitivities or have an older child with proven allergies, the general recommendation is to eat a wellbalanced diet and not restrict or limit any foods. Those rich in calcium, iron, and iodine are particularly beneficial, as they tend to be the nutrients which most commonly become low during periods of lactation. Likewise, carbohydrates and protein are useful to maintain energy, and for cell renewal.

Some babies can be particularly sensitive or allergic to foods which filter through via breast milk. The most common reactions are to foods such as seafood, cow’s milk and dairy foods, peanuts, tree nuts, and eggs.

Generally the reaction is seen in the baby’s behaviour as they become more unsettled and grizzly, and change their feeding and sleeping patterns.

Some mums find that keeping a food diary is useful to track what they have eaten. It is unclear exactly how long it takes for food to be digested and metabolised into breast milk, but four to 12 hours is a realistic estimate for most mums.

+

Here are some symptoms of allergy or food sensitivity in breastfeeding babies: • U nsettledness, crying and colicky behaviour.

• Not responding to the usual comfort and soothing measures.

• A rash which does not seem to be related to illness.

• Frequent, loose bowel motions which are different to the baby’s usual pattern.

It is important not to assume your baby’s unsettledness is because they are reacting to something you have eaten. There are lots of causes for crying. Try comforts like rocking and calming, bathing, massage, extra feeds, and going for a walk.

THANKS TO MAMA GEMMA AND BABY SOFIA. PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEXA PEDERSEN OF ALEXA DOULA PHOTOGRAPHY.

NEWBORNS AND ALLERGIES

Supporting you through breastfeeding While breas�eeding has a lot of benefits for you and your baby, it can also be challenging, especially in the early days. It’s common to experience some discomfort, sensi�vity, and sore nipples due to latching issues, hormonal changes, and nursing frequency.

Thankfully, Lansinoh are here to help!

Sore, cracked nipples Beyond the ini�al tenderness of baby’s first few feeds, the most cmmon cause of sore or damaged nipples is poor posi�oning and a�achment. This can happen when the baby doesn’t always take a big mouthful of breast. If you are struggling, it is recommended to seek out the support of your midwife, child health nurse or lacta�on consultant.

In the mean�me, Lansinoh® HPA® LANOLIN can soothe, heal and protect sore and cracked nipples. Lansinoh® HPA® LANOLIN is 100% pure lanolin and clinically proven to accelerate healing. Being all natural and hypoallergenic, it is safe for you and baby, and doesn’t need to be removed before breas�eeing.

Engorgement & Mas��s It is normal for your breasts to become larger, heavier and a li�le tender when they begin to make more milk. Occasionally this fullness can lead to engorgment, when the breasts feel very hard and painful. Ease symptoms with Lansinoh Thera°Pearl reusable packs. These can be used either warm or cold depending on your needs and conform to your breast to provide 360° relief.

Cold therapy with Thera°Pearl can help to soothe the pain and swelling associated with engorgment and provide soothing relief for the symptoms of mas��s (which is inflamma�on of the breast and some�mes an infec�on).

If you believe you have mas��s, it is important to see your doctor straight away.

Lansinoh Thera°Pearl can be used warm on the breast before a feed to encourage let-down (the reflex that makes your milk avaiable to the baby). When used warm with a breast pump, Lansinoh Thera°Pearl can also help reduce the �me spent expressing.

Also available in the Lansinoh range are Nursing Pads, designed to keep you dry all day.

For more informa�on see h�ps://lansinoh.com.au/

The Lansinoh Range ®

5 stars out of 5*

Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional.

Wilson Consumer Products, Auckland TAPS NA BG2548

Lansinoh is available in pharmacies and supermarkets nationwide.

*source: 24 New Zealand Mums who trialled Lansinoh® HPA® Lanolin Nipple Cream, Nursing Pads & 3-in-1 Breast Therapy.

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L OV E

BREAST BUDDIES Essentials for an easy and comfortable breastfeeding experience.

soothing

Dear Mumma Lily Lace Maternity Bralette in Rose, $59, dearmumma.co.nz Weleda Nursing Tea, $23.90, weleda.co.nz Chicco Nipple Shields, $14.95, chicco.co.nz

SIPPIN' GOOD

Lansinoh Therapearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy 2 Pack, $39, lansinoh.com.au

Weleda’s herbal Nursing Tea is naturally caffeine-free with fennel, anise and refreshing lemon verbena.

Lansinoh Nipple Care Cream, $19.99, lansinoh.com.au

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Bear & Moo Rustic Rainbow Breast Pads, $7, bearandmoo.co.nz Boston + Forest Burp Cloth, $18, bostonandforest.co.nz

COMPILED BY CHARLOTTE COWAN.

Mammas Milk Bar Lactation Oat Milk Rich Chocolate, $24, mammasmilkbar.com

PlunketLine is here to support all parents, caregivers and whānau, whenever you need.

We offer support on areas such as sleep, adjusting to parenthood, children’s health, breastfeeding via video call, and much more - so you and your family can receive the help you need.

Free from any landline or mobile and available 24/7.

0800 933 922

Kei konei mātou

Just the baby blues?

If you’re feeling down after the birth of your baby, you are not alone – but is it the baby blues or postnatal depression? Psychologist Gwendoline Smith explains the difference.

B

aby blues are feelings of sadness that you may experience after having a baby. Up to 80% of new parents experience the baby blues.

It can affect new parents of any race, age, income, culture or education level.

The key difference between the baby blues and postnatal depression is the severity of the symptoms. These do differ between women, as do the number of symptoms experienced.

Medical intervention is not required unless the symptoms hang around for longer than a few weeks. It is at this stage that the “blues” may have morphed into depression, in which case treatment will need to be explored.

SOME STATISTICS

Although it differs across countries, it is very common to experience the “baby blues”.

However, it is estimated that between 10 and 20% of mothers are affected by the more serious condition postnatal depression. The onset of postnatal depression occurs within six weeks of giving birth, although it can emerge for up to a year after the baby is born.

I have found in my practice that women often experience a severe drop in mood after stopping breastfeeding, which is not necessarily a sign that they are developing

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postnatal depression. It appears to be strongly correlated with the decrease and eventual cessation of nature’s production of the hormone oxytocin.

This hormone has gathered a reputation of being the “love” or “cuddle” hormone, as it is released when human beings snuggle up or bond socially.

When a mother breastfeeds, her body makes the hormones prolactin and oxytocin. Oxytocin produces a peaceful, nurturing feeling that allows her to relax and focus on the baby, and also contributes to ease of milk release. It also promotes a strong sense of love and attachment between mother and baby. So when breastfeeding stops, it can take a while for the mother’s brain and body to readjust.

important note When it comes to the “baby blues”, and especially postnatal depression, it is important to remember that you are not at fault. What you are experiencing is an illness and not a reflection of you as a mother or as a woman.

THE BABY BLUES Baby blues are a common phenomenon, and although they do not require a lot of medical attention, they can still be very distressing.

Albeit short-lived, they can be a highly unpleasant experience for new mothers.

There is no one cause, and nor are some women more likely to suffer than others.

SYMPTOMS INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS

• Not sleeping well, and feeling tired no matter how much sleep you’ve had.

• Lack of energy.

• Food cravings or loss of appetite.

PSYCHOLOGICAL/EMOTIONAL SYMPTOMS • Feeling constantly anxious.

• Lacking confidence and feeling like “I’m not myself.”

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The key difference between the baby blues and postnatal depression is the severity of the symptoms, and their duration.

As I mentioned earlier, medical intervention is not required unless the symptoms hang around for longer than a few weeks. It is at this stage that the “baby blues” may have morphed into depression, in which case treatment will need to be explored.

The most important thing that I can suggest is that you talk about what you are experiencing.

help & resources IF YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH, SEE PAGE 127.

• Overwhelming feelings of sadness.

• Feeling confused and nervous.

REACTIONS

• Irritability with everyone.

• Feeling hurt easily and crying a lot.

• Lack of feeling for the baby.

These symptoms can pass quickly, and of course can be attributed to sleep deprivation, but research suggests a number of contributing factors can be at work, such as: • Hormonal changes.

• The physical and mental stresses of labour.

• The social changes involved in transitioning from being at work to being home in a more isolated position.

I would speculate that, as a new mother, you have been looking forward to your baby arriving. So to feel sad, anxious and lacking in confidence seems like a total contradiction, when you think of how you “should” be feeling.

The benefits are twofold: 1. You establish a pathway to open communication with your loved ones, which acts as a preventative measure if things start to get worse and the blues develop into postnatal depression.

2. This openness enables you to ask for help.

Ask not only for practical help, but also for a bit of assistance with the baby so that you can have a day spa or a good soak in a bath surrounded by beautiful aromatherapy candles.

“Don’t ask, don’t get.” Remember, your loved ones don’t necessarily know what you need. So I encourage you to be very open about your experience and don’t be shy to ask for support. As I said earlier, this subjective experience is complicated and is not because you are a bad mother or a bad person.

Anyone involved with the new mother can offer support by listening to the mother’s feelings and encouraging her to talk. Practical support, like a bit of housework, shopping or doing some washing, never goes amiss.

Don’t forget to indulge her with the odd massage or beauty spa visit, or invite a couple of her friends around for a catch-up.

POSTNATAL DEPRESSION The key difference between postnatal depression and the baby blues is the severity of the symptoms, and their duration.

This does differ between women. The symptoms can occur separately or be a manifestation of prolonged “baby blues”.

SYMPTOMS INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS

• Sleep disturbance, unable to get to sleep, waking early.

• Headaches.

• General pains and feelings of being unwell (for example, chest pains, heart palpitations).

• Hyperventilation, panic attacks.

• Loss of sexual interest.

• Marked change in appetite.

PSYCHOLOGICAL/EMOTIONAL SYMPTOMS • Despondency and despair.

• Feeling inadequate, unable to cope.

• A sense of hopelessness and powerlessness.

• Inability to concentrate, think clearly or remember things. I’ve had a few new mums say to me: “It’s almost like my brain disappeared with the placenta.”

• Thoughts of suicide, strange thoughts or fantasies.

• Lack of interest in activities once enjoyed (anhedonia).

• Excessive concern over the baby’s health.

REACTIONS

• Extreme or unusual behaviour.

• Anxiety, along with new fears or phobias.

• Not wanting to go out or be with people.

• Nightmares.

• Feelings of being out of control or “going crazy”.

• No feelings for the baby, or anger towards the baby.

• Feelings of extreme guilt.

Research tells us that severe depression before, during, and after pregnancy can have lasting negative effects on new mothers and their young children.

A mother’s inability to care for and form an attachment with her baby can affect the child’s long-term social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.

Maternal mental health specialists are the first port of call for advice; however, your psychiatrist and/or primary healthcare provider should be knowledgeable in this area or able to refer you to a specialist.

Edited extract from The Book of Feeling Blue by Gwendoline Smith, $27.99, Allen & Unwin NZ Pregnancy BUMP & baby

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Temper,

temper is ke it, but thi s

W

m

Is your baby an angel or mostly grumpy? Baby sleep and developmental specialist Kenna Zachinskaia (babysleep.nz) explains how a baby’s temperament can affect their daily routine.

ANGEL BABY

Angel Babies quickly adapt to new circumstances and settings. They are mellow, eternally smiling, and consistently undemanding. Their cues are easy to read.

They feed, play, and sleep regularly and usually don’t cry when they wake up. They amuse themselves when they wake up in the morning and can often calm down on their own. Even when they get overtired, it is easy to settle down again.

You don’t need many strategies to settle these babies – they are easy-going, smoothly adapt to changes and don’t require too much effort to create a nice routine.

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t se

no ay

tm

There are many different classifications of temperaments. For example, the ability to express emotions (extrovert, introvert).

Or Hippocrates’ classifications: Choleric, sanguine, phlegmatic, melancholic.

To determine your baby’s temperament, we'll use British nurse, author and “baby whisperer” Tracy Hogg’s categories: Angel Baby, Textbook Baby, Spirited Baby, Touchy Baby and Grumpy Baby. These types can be divided into two groups: easy and hard to interact with.

The sanguine type can be attributed to Angel and Textbook, according to the Hogg system. And in the second, more difficult group, belongs the Spirited, Grumpy and Touchy babies.

em li

hat does temperament mean? Essentially, it is a specific type of nervous system.

I

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TOUCHY BABY

TEXTBOOK BABY

As you can guess, touchy babies are ultra-sensitive. To them, the world is an endless collection of sensory challenges.

Introducing new things slowly is necessary because they love structure and predictability. They would play independently for a few minutes but need the reassurance that someone they know well is nearby. They like to suck a lot, and this cue may be misread as hunger.

They have trouble falling asleep and regularly get off schedule. It is extremely important to carefully observe these children to notice even a slight change in their mood or well-being, as it can significantly impact their routine.

Touchy Babies need a well-balanced, detailed routine that meets their specific likes or dislikes. Parents should be ready to change their plans and adjust the baby’s schedule if they are not well, visiting or having friends over, or if it’s just the weather changes.

Textbook Babies do everything on cue, so there are usually few surprises with them. They reach all the typical milestones right on schedule: Sleep through the night by three months, roll over by five, and sit up by six. They’ll have growth spurts like clockwork. They can play on their own for short periods (about 15 minutes) as early as one week old. They’ll coo a lot and look around. They smile when someone smiles at them. Though they have usual cranky periods, they are easy to soothe, and it isn’t hard to get them to sleep either.

Routine is important for these little ones; however, they still are pretty adjustable “The Spirited to something new, and as Baby emerges long as parents follow an ageappropriate average balance from the womb of awake time and sleep (that is why we call them Textbook knowing what Babies!), they won’t have too they like and many difficulties with setting up the routine. don’t like, and

GRUMPY BABY

Grumpy Babies have a mind of their own and test their parents daily. They whimper in the morning, don’t smile much during the day and fuss their way to sleep every night. They hate baths at first, and they get fidgety and irritable whenever they never SPIRITED BABY someone tries to change The Spirited Baby emerges dress them. Feeding is hesitate to tell or from the womb knowing difficult because of their what they like and don’t like, cranky character. you about it.” and they never hesitate to tell Calming grumpy babies you about it. Very vocal and even aggressive takes a patient mum or dad, as they get at times, they despise lying in their own pee very annoyed, and their cries are loud and or poop and will vocalise their discomfort. long. Keeping a stable routine is crucial for They babble a lot and loudly. Their body this type of baby. Parents should be ready language tends to be a bit jerky. They often to bathe their baby in the morning or early need swaddling to get to sleep because their afternoon (definitely not before bedtime), flailing arms and legs keep them up and do nappy changes before starting quiet time overstimulated. If they start crying and the and establish a robust bedtime ritual. cycle is not interrupted, they reach the point The good news for parents is that you can of no return. They may need a longer quiet adapt and reduce frustration if you follow time and more calming activities to soothe your baby’s cues, know their personality their nervous system. and act according to their needs. As a result, Again, Spirited Babies need a consistent they can adjust to new circumstances and routine, which may differ from the average respond to the outside world easier. pattern. Always remember that comfort Establishing a routine can be difficult is everything for these children, so light in the beginning, but it makes a huge and soft fabrics, darkness, frequent difference for children. As they get older, nappy changes, and swaddling will be you will see how much easier it is for you your best choice. to have everything under control.

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Joy 108 Pregnancy BUMP & baby

in the journey

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Five amazing Kiwi mamas share their unique pregnancy and birth stories with Ria Rawiri (@photography _by _ria_).

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Kelly A S A TEENAGER I struggled with severe

period pain and would often stay at home from school or work because the pain would nearly knock me out. When I was around 26, I went to a fertility clinic and told a specialist my symptoms. He took me very seriously and booked me in for a laparoscopy for endometriosis as soon as I could get in.

After the operation the results that came back weren’t good. I was told I had stage 4 endometriosis and I would struggle

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to have children. I was booked in for another operation in the next month as they didn’t have the right surgeon to remove the endo, but they were able to give my fallopian tubes a good flush out.

Within a few weeks after my first operation, I found out I was pregnant; I honestly couldn’t believe it as I was just told it would be super-hard for me to have children. Unfortunately, I was in a very toxic, unhealthy relationship and was going

down the wrong path, and I honestly believe that getting pregnant was what saved me.

My son Ryder is now 11 years old and he is my best little mate. We have gone through a lot together, but he’s always been my “why” for getting to where I am in life.

After being a single mum for a few years, I fell into a new relationship and we pretty much knew we wanted to have babies.

We tried for five years with five IVF rounds and six embryo transfers. I can honestly say it was such a lonely road.

I fell pregnant naturally [and when] we got to the 12-week scan, everything looked amazing, so we decided to announce the news – but only two weeks later my body went into labour. The whole experience was so traumatic that I still feel that I haven’t really got over it.

After losing our son, Makai, it gave me more hope that I could have a baby. On our final round of IVF, we got that call saying “Congratulations!” It was the best phone call I’ve ever received.

I felt anxious the whole way through my pregnancy; I wanted to enjoy it but it was so hard to. Our beautiful little girl Rosa came in three hours, so I had no time for any drugs or even a water birth. I felt so empowered by her birth, as my first birth was 36 hours. I just kept looking at her and couldn’t believe she was finally here.

Being a new mum again with a 10-year age gap between my children was definitely not easy, but I was just so grateful to be finally holding my baby and that she was healthy and safe in my arms.

Loads of personal things have happened which have led me down the path of being a single mum again, and it has been one of my toughest times yet. It’s something that I didn’t expect and want, but it is what it is, and I’m trying to navigate my way through the new normal.

My story is unique but I also know how many mums would relate as well. It’s been one hell of a rollercoaster ride, but I also have the most beautiful two little souls I could ever ask for. They both are my absolute everything in this world and I’m just so grateful that we have each other.

EDITED TEXT AND ALL IMAGES FROM AN ODE TO MOTHERHOOD BY RIA RAWIRI, @PHOTOGRAPHY_BY_RIA_

"It’s been one hell of a rollercoaster ride.”

Judea

MY DAUGHTER would’ve turned two

years old this August the 3rd. She passed away when she was two months old. Nine weeks – that’s all I got with my baby girl.

Our daughter was a natural conception; we didn’t know anything was wrong with our fertility until we spent six months desperately trying for another baby. Every month I would think, “This is the month!” and every month I’d be disappointed.

I thought it was my fault, naturally. Everyone told me it was my fault. “Your body knows you’re not ready.” “Your womb is carrying too much trauma.” “It’ll happen in God’s timing.” “You’re grieving too much.” – and so many other backhanded comments.

I’m a proactive person; I wasn’t about to wait a full year just to find out something I could find out earlier, so we went to a fertility specialist. Turns out we had a male infertility factor and our daughter was a literal miracle. Our chances of conception are so slim, but Noah-Lee came as a surprise.

We decided to do IVF ICSI. I was so desperate – I knew I needed more reason to stay than “maybe” getting pregnant again, and I needed that reason now. The pull to my daughter was and is so strong. My son

positive pregnancy test I felt so much panic in my heart. That was it, now I knew for sure I had to endure this life sentence without my baby girl. Leaving this world to be with her was no longer an option and even though that was the goal, it was scary that I had no choice anymore.

It was difficult to accept we were having a boy, but once we did, it didn’t take long to bond with our son at all. That fierce love and devotion I feel for my daughter was immediately felt for my son as well.

I didn’t have any “extra” anxiety around my pregnancy. My fears were and are about having him earthside. I worried that I wouldn’t be as good a mother as I was to my daughter. Grief has worn me out, I am so exhausted, and I worried that exhaustion saved my life; he’s the reason I’m still here would restrict me from being the mother today. It’s more than that, though, because I know I’m capable of being – or was capable I didn’t want my life saved; he saved of being. I knew I’d be a good mother, but whatever chance I have at an eternity I want to be more than that. with my baby girl.

It’s hard to talk about because I’m To briefly explain this complex feeling, supposed to love my life again now that my I was raised in a religious family and we son is here. I don’t love my life but I love my were taught there would be son. I love Echo so much and punishment for taking our confusing to feel so much “My son saved it’s own lives. I don’t know if happiness and pain at the there is anything after this life, my life; he’s the same time.

I don’t know what I believe, It was surprising just how reason I’m still much but I don’t want to risk an happiness I’m still here today.” capable of feeling. It feels eternity apart from Noah-Lee as opposed to a lifetime. It’s like Echo has pulled me pure torture, though, and some days the back into myself, like because of him I have pain outweighs the fear. I knew another permission to feel those good feelings again. baby would be the only thing strong enough After Noah, it didn’t seem possible, nothing to keep me here no matter what – an equal could outweigh my pain enough to make pull in both directions. me feel true and simple happiness, nothing People find that difficult to hear, and except my children. Echo doesn’t replace the difficult to understand. pain and hurt; he provides a balance.

Even though I was so desperate to These photos are for both my precious conceive again, the moment we got our babies. One in my arms and one in my heart.

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go inwards nesting on my husband’s whenua where our activations of our wairuatanga (spiritual synergy) started to flow.

In 2013, my health declined, dropping us into a threshold of rebirth, I was hospitalised and on a drip to my heart for three months.

Tracing the whakapapa (lineage) to this unknown illness lead us into the weavings of our ancient plant medicine – Rongoā Māori and herbalism.

These years truly built stamina, endurance and offered incredible healing of many and still ongoing internal wānanga.

I became hapū twice and unable to carry full-term. Losing my last pēpi simply made us strip right back to healing my womb space. Essentially mothering my inner child to embody true compassion, connection and empathy of those parts of myself that needed to be healed and held through “Embracing my own upbringing and conditioning. and sharing I bow my head in deep our first breath gratitude for my darlings who have watched me together was and grow many a never-ending grow, times over for the Māmā and wife I am today. love of unified The courage and strength connection.” we carry as Māmās is absolutely profound, for surgery. As traumatic as this birth was, the mountains we move and climb to embracing and sharing our first breath internally shift. together was a never-ending love of unified What felt like lifetimes waiting to carry this precious soul, 10 years on we were connection, ushering in a new way of life and steeped responsibility of purpose. blessed with our second kōtiro, Taaniko Every pēpi brings their own gifts down Ruby. We were faced with having to bring to this earth realm and their own medicine Taaniko earthside via Caesarean due to to teach as we are chosen to be their kaitiaki developing antibodies three weeks before (guardians). Ava-Rose imprinted her deep her due date. An opportunity to take my innate wisdom of aroha and peace. It truly power back from my first birth. Welcoming was vital for her Pāpā and me to nurture her our girl with taonga puoro playing, karakia, in the way that her wairua (soul) needed and takutaku chanting and the hums of our cultivate a kainga (village or community) ancient oriori (traditional songs). both my husband I were not brought up in.

Our babies know when they are needed here on this earth, it is they who teach us We listened to the karanga (call) to move away from our safety nest, our childhood to see through their eyes. These are the many roots of South Auckland to slow down and moods of mamahood.

Wikitoria

THE DAY WE BIRTH our pēpi is the day

we rebirth ourselves as wāhine, as Māmās.

Growing up I was not as fortunate as my tamariki, and was not immersed in Te Ao Māori or our indigenous practices.

My yearning and longing to connect to my iwi really started awakening when my first star seed Ava-Rose initiated me into mamahood at the early ripe age of 20. Birthing her into this earth realm via emergency Caesarean was one of my first unlocking points as a Māmā. Through hapūtanga (pregnancy), I developed a condition of severe pre-eclampsia, and during the final transitions of labour went into epileptic seizures, retaining no memory until I was on the table preparing

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She agreed and said she would come and check up on me. Once she arrived, I was told her face dropped and the sounds I was making signalled I was in the transition phase of labour. She checked me and I was 9cm dilated! My mum began frantically filling up every pot we had to heat the water for the pool.

In I hopped, desperate for some kind of relief, and after an hour of pushing and three hours of active labour, our little girl was brought earthside into her daddy’s hands.

But from here I went into shock. I was trying to comprehend everything that just happened. The midwife said I needed to get out of the water as there was a bit of bleeding. I hoped out, mum taking our baby girl while I was stitched due to a second-degree tear. I was laying there exhausted, “The quiet overwhelmed, wondering moments when where is that overwhelming knees by the power of these love everyone told me it was just me surges. My husband started about. That feeling of running around the house instant love you can’t put and her, that’s moving furniture, turning into words. That wasn’t my where the love on the diffuser, setting up reality. I thought something the birth pool. Meanwhile was wrong with me. I had blossomed.”

I tried to stay calm and always wanted to be a mum, breathe through these new sensations. she was so wanted; I didn’t understand why Within an hour, my contractions were I wasn’t experiencing “that moment”. But in coming every two minutes. So we called the days following, the quiet moments when the back-up midwife and she said to call it was just me and her, that’s where the love back in another hour. I couldn’t believe it. blossomed. I finally understood a mother’s I thought surely what I am experiencing isn’t love, a love like no other. early labour. My mum arrived. Trying to I now understand that not falling in love stay calm, she asked us where the midwife with your baby right away doesn’t mean was as she recognised the sounds I was you’re a bad mum – it means you’re a human making. So, my husband called back and who needs some time to adjust to the major said, “I think you need to come now.” changes that have just happened to you.

Shonetelle AT 11 DAYS OVERDUE, we arrived at

the hospital to check that our baby was still happy in there. It was my midwife’s day off, so I met the back-up midwife for the first time while being checked over. I was feeling defeated as we were booked in for an induction the following day and the idea of a home birth was looking unlikely. After 20 minutes on the monitor, it was showing that I was having small contractions but the midwife advised this can go on for days before established labour begins. So off we went back home, intending to rest as much as possible in case this was the beginning of something. As soon as I walked in our front door, things went from 0-100; my body must have known I was in my safe space.

Within 30 minutes, I was brought to my

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Dani

I HAVE SPENT MY WHOLE LIFE

dreaming of being a mum but at 21 years old, those two lines made my entire heart drop. Pure shock and silence filled my relationship for the first 12 weeks. We were in this strange pull of not being ready, but equally being so in love and terrified of losing our baby. Days felt like weeks in the beginning. But then my pregnancy became everything I had always dreamed of. I loved my bump, I loved feeling my baby move, I loved feeling for her limbs, I loved hearing her heartbeat, I loved talking to her; I just loved her so much already.

My birth was long, but so empowering.

I couldn’t believe what us women go through and how strong we are. Every ounce of pain was forgotten the minute I had my This felt so unfair. She was only three days girl on my chest. We hadn’t found out the old. She just wanted her mama, and sex, so finding out I had a mini-me was just I just wanted her. After hours of this, we everything. Milla Rose. The sweetest thing were finally able to rest in ICU, though I had ever seen. The happiest I had ever felt.

Milla was attached to so many cords and A love I had never experienced. She was here, tubes. I had to ask permission to cuddle she was healthy, and she was safe in my arms. my own baby. I didn’t know sadness like My sister noticed her squeaky cry almost this existed. I felt so empty, a mother who immediately. Then the caving of her chest couldn’t protect her own baby. with each breath. As a first-time mother, We were flown to Waikato Hospital I just assumed it was a normal newborn [and after] two days, we finally got our cry. Then the surroundings of her mouth answers. A small list of medical problems, started turning blueish. After seeing a nurse, the main one being vocal cord paralysis, a specialist appointment was booked for meaning she could not get enough oxygen two days later. Though that through her body. night, my mother instincts We spent two long weeks “Motherhood is in hospital monitoring her kicked in. My mum and I took her to the hospital a journey nobody and learning how to use [and] the moment she was the medical equipment could have checked over, I was told we ourselves. We got to take would be heading straight prepared me for. our baby girl home on her to Rotorua hospital due date, though attached It is the hardest, to 24/7 oxygen. For four via ambulance.

Nobody could tell me yet easiest thing months she was attached what was wrong with my to this tube with stickers baby because nobody knew. I have ever done.” covering her beautiful The first night was horrific; cheeks. She had rashes, a memory and feeling I wish I could forget. sometimes bled, and always screamed when I was alone, sleep-deprived, and so scared it was time to change her prongs. We didn’t for my baby’s life. She was taken from me find out until she was 10 weeks old that for testing, then I would be handed back my she had the most prominent dimple in her screaming baby to settle, just for her to be right cheek, which is now our favourite taken again the moment she closed her eyes. feature of her.

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Our medical journey was tough.

But on top of this, our poor girl had colic and reflux. Hours of uncontrollable screaming every night mixed with projectile vomiting multiple times a day. For our first time becoming parents, we truly were thrown the works.

Coming off oxygen was a process within itself. Decreasing the flow slowly.

Monitoring her constantly. But when we finally got to take her for her first walk without the tank, sunglasses hiding my teary eyes, the feeling really was indescribable.

We were so close to achieving our goal.

Then two weeks later we had the phone call.

“I am happy for Milla to come off of the oxygen.” The tears absolutely poured. Time seriously stood still and the three of us just held each other.

Motherhood is a journey nobody could have prepared me for. It is the hardest, yet easiest thing I have ever done. The most challenging, but most rewarding. It is terrifying to love somebody so much, but also the best feeling. My own little best friend. It was an unfair start to life for our girl and a traumatic start to parenthood for us. But I would do it all over again in a heartbeat to have the beautiful, strong baby I have today.

----EDITED TEXT AND ALL IMAGES FROM AN ODE TO MOTHERHOOD BY RIA RAWIRI, @PHOTOGRAPHY_BY_RIA_

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Baby fever

Whānau Āwhina Plunket (plunket.org.nz) explains how to take your child’s temperature, manage a fever at home, and know when to take them to a doctor.

A

normal temperature is around 37°C. A mild fever is a temperature higher than 38°C and a high fever is more than 39°C.

USING A THERMOMETER

Digital thermometers give you a digital reading of your child’s temperature and can be used on children of any age. Usually these thermometers are the cheapest option and any brand will work. For babies and children under five years old, place the digital thermometer under their arm.

Ear thermometers can be used in older children, but not young babies.

Read the instructions on how to take your child’s temperature and remember to be gentle and just place the thermometer in the entrance of the ear canal – it doesn’t have to be pushed right into the ear.

Infrared forehead thermometers measure your child’s forehead skin temperature by pointing the thermometer at your child’s forehead. Infrared thermometers may not be completely accurate and can be expensive.

Febrile convulsions

DON’T HAVE A THERMOMETER?

Don’t worry if you don’t have a thermometer handy; you can still check your child’s temperature. Slip two fingers down the back of their neck (under their clothes, in between the shoulder blades) and see if they feel hotter than normal.

FEVER IN BABIES UNDER THREE MONTHS

Young babies get fevers just like older children, but they’re not as good at fighting off infections. If your baby is under three months old and has a fever, take them to a doctor immediately.

If your baby feels colder than normal, that’s a worrying sign and means you should see your doctor urgently.

WHEN TO VISIT A DOCTOR AFTER THREE MONTHS

Usually children will recover from a fever quickly without problems, but sometimes a fever can be a sign of a more serious illness or infection.

Call PlunketLine or your doctor if your child has a fever and: • Is unusually sleepy or irritable; • Is not responding to you as normal; • Has difficulty with their breathing, has noisy breathing, or is breathing fast; • Has a different cry or is crying more; • Refuses to drink or is drinking less than normal; • Has fewer wet nappies or is passing less wee than normal; • Vomits and/or has diarrhoea; • Has a non-blanching rash (a rash that doesn’t fade when pressed with, and viewed through, a glass); • Avoids lights; • Appears to have a sore head or neck.

Some children have febrile convulsions (seizures) when they have a fever – they are common between six months to six years. Your child may be unresponsive or stiff, their arms and legs may start to twitch, and their eyes may roll back.

A seizure typically lasts a few minutes and can look scary, but it’s unlikely to cause long-term problems. Lie them down on their side, loosen clothes around the face/neck, and wait for the seizure to stop, then take your child to the doctor.

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TREATMENT

Here are some tips to help make your child comfortable when they have a fever: • Give them extra rest.

• Provide extra cuddles and comfort and let them be near you.

• Offer extra fluids.

• Undress them so they are wearing just a single layer.

• Make sure the room isn’t too hot or too cold.

• Avoid cooling your little one too quickly – a cool face cloth on their forehead or neck may be soothing.

If you’re worried about your child – even if they don’t have a fever – you can call PlunketLine anytime on 0800 933 922, or take them to see a doctor.

When to call 111 SEEK URGENT MEDICAL HELP IF: A seizure lasts longer than five minutes, Your child is having trouble breathing, Your child looks very unwell, and/or our child is not waking up and Y responding after the seizure.

r smart buys fo your med kit Touchless Forehead Thermometer, $33, mightyape.co.nz

Welcare Digital Thermometer Ultimate, $14.99, chemistwarehouse.co.nz

Cherub Baby Digital Ear & Forehead Thermometer 4-in-1, $89.95, babybunting.co.nz

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Nordic Naturals Baby’s Vitamin D3, $32.95, nz.therastore.co Provides essential support for immunity, plus healthy bones, teeth and brain growth and development. Suitable for babies 0-12 months.

NUK Nasal Decongester, $12.99, babycity.co.nz The safe and gentle way to unblock your little one’s nose. Simply press the pump bulb together, hold the nozzle in one of your baby’s nostrils and keep the other nostril closed. Slowly release the pressure on the bulb and your baby’s nose will start to decongest!

WELL, WELL, WELL

With chilly weather comes dry skin and icky bugs! These must-have products will help protect, soothe and support your baby – inside and out!

note

L OV E

Tui Baby Balm, $16.50 for 50g, tuibalms.co.nz Crane Drop Ultrasonic Humidifier, $129.95, xokids.co.nz A natural remedy for colds and coughs, humidifiers increase the moisture in the air to help your baby breathe easier when they are congested.

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Soothing skincare made especially for baby’s delicate skin.

Formulated with natural moisturising oils and soothing herbs to nurture and protect sensitive skin, it’s great for all-over use and baby’s bum!

Weleda Calendula Baby Oil (Fragrance Free), $27.90, weleda.co.nz Treat dry, chafed or irritated skin with this simplest of baby oil formulas.

Willow By The Sea Breathe Baby Bath Tea, $38, willowbythesea.com

The Nude Alchemist Chest Rub for Babies, $22.95, nude-alchemist.com

Packed with ingredients rich in powerful antibacterial and anti-viral properties, such as chamomile, lemon myrtle and calendula, this bath tea acts as a natural decongestant and expectorant to help ease the discomfort of colds.

A natural vapour chest rub that supports the respiratory and immune system with the help of active ingredients in the essential oil blends known for their antibacterial, antiviral, antiseptic and antiinflammatory properties.

Suitable for 3 months+.

THANKS TO MAMA ALEX AND BABY CHARLIE. PHOTOGRAPHY BY KIM MCGREGOR OF KIMBERLY JOY PHOTOGRAPHY. COMPILED BY CHARLOTTE COWAN.

REMEMBER TO ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR LMC OR GP BEFORE USING NEW PRODUCTS ON YOUR BABY.

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 – now and into adulthood.

It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Here in New Zealand, we have our own world class cord blood storage facility at CordBank. Only CordBank collects and stores your baby’s cord blood right here in New Zealand. They’re 100% New Zealand owned and operated, and they deal exclusively with cord blood – the world’s most proven source of stem cells. And because your child’s cord blood stem cells are stored here, they’re close at hand and protected by New Zealand law.

To learn more about the lifesaving value of cord blood stem cells go to cordbank.co.nz or phone 0800 CORDBANK.

cordbank.co.nz

You’re in

control

After baby arrives, it’s time to think about contraception. Family Planning New Zealand (familyplanning.org.nz) explains your options.

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CONDOMS

F

inding the right contraception after baby is born is an important part of your postnatal care. Some contraception, such as progestogenonly methods, can be used straight after delivery. We recommend these methods, which research shows have no effect on breast milk volume, or on infant-growth.

And we recommend starting your contraception straight after delivery – it means you’ve got good contraception in place and is one less thing you have to worry about while you’re caring for baby.

CONTRACEPTIVE IMPLANT

The contraceptive implant (Jadelle) is a type of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC).

Two small rods the size of a matchstick are put under the skin in the inside of your arm, which slowly release progestogen.

The rods can stop your body from releasing an egg each month and they also thicken the mucus in your cervix, so sperm cannot get to an egg.

Advantages: More than 99% effective, they can be inserted immediately after delivery.

They will work for up to five years and you can have them taken out at any time.

Disadvantages: You might have irregular periods or periods that last longer. This is quite common in the first six months but it can last as long as you use the implant.

This can be annoying, but it’s not harmful and the implant will still work.

DEPO PROVERA INJECTION

Depo Provera is a progestogen injection that is given every 10-14 weeks and is around 97% effective. It can be started immediately after birth.

Advantages: Convenient, effective and helpful if you have heavy or painful periods.

It also reduces the risk of endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the uterus) by 80%.

Disadvantages: It can cause irregular or longer-than-usual bleeding. This is more common when first starting to use Depo Provera and often improves with time.

A safe and affordable option that and can be used at any time. Condoms also stop STIs from passing between sexual partners. They are cheaper if you get a prescription for them.

INTRA UTERINE DEVICE (IUD)

A copper (no hormones) or hormonal (a small amount of hormones) IUD is a small device that is placed inside your uterus to prevent pregnancy. It can be inserted immediately after delivery if your Lead Maternity Carer is trained to do so, but it is more common to have it inserted four weeks later. It lasts for five plus years (depending on type) and can be removed at any time.

A copper IUD can be inserted as emergency contraception in certain circumstances.

Advantages: Long-lasting and 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. It can be removed at any time and doesn’t affect breastfeeding.

Disadvantages: With a copper IUD, your periods may be longer, heavier and more painful, particularly in the first few months.

This may settle with time. With a hormonal IUD, you may have some spotting in first few months, then light or no periods.

COMBINED ORAL CONTRACEPTIVE PILL

The combined pill contains two hormones – oestrogen and progestogen – which stop eggs developing, so no egg is released from the ovary.

When you can start taking the pill depends on a few factors, but your LMC will help work out what is best for you.

If you’re not breastfeeding, you can usually start taking the pill 21 days after delivery. For some it is safer to wait until six weeks, but your GP or LMC will discuss if this applies to you.

If you’re breastfeeding, you can start taking the pill after six weeks if you are medically cleared to do so.

Advantages: Easy-to-use, you can choose to have lighter, less crampy periods or no period at all and as soon as you stop taking the pill, you can get pregnant.

Disadvantages: You have to take it every day and you might have irregular bleeding in the first month or two.

fyi

2/100

is the pregnancy rate when condoms are used correctly every time.

PROGESTOGEN-ONLY PILL

The progestogen-only pill works mainly by thickening the mucus in the cervix so sperm can’t travel through it.

It also changes the lining of the uterus so it is less likely to accept a fertilised egg.

Advantages: Very few side effects and does not affect breastfeeding.

Disadvantages: The pill must be taken every day, whether you have sexual intercourse on that day or not. Some progestogen-only pills need to be taken at the same time every day.

EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTIVE PILL

The ECP can be taken up to three days after sex. Because pregnancy is extremely unlikely in the first 21 days after delivery, you likely won’t need emergency contraception if you have unprotected intercourse during that time. The ECP is less effective for those who weigh more than 70kg – an emergency IUD is best in this instance. An emergency IUD cannot be used until you are at least 28 days post-delivery.

BREA STFEEDING A S CONTRACEPTION

Breastfeeding can also be a form of contraception for the first six months after giving birth. Ask your LMC about how this works and what you need to be aware of during this time.

For all postpartum contraception options, talk to your LMC, GP or Family Planning about what’s right for you.

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It’s heart work Tools to help postpartum mamas make exercise decisions.

NAVIGATING POSTPARTUM PHYSICAL ACTIVIT Y

Despite the potential benefits of physical activity for new mothers, few women engage in physical activity after the birth of a child. The mothers we spoke to in our research frequently cited a lack of education surrounding how to return to physical activity after the birth of a child to be a barrier.

Understandably, postpartum women do not want to overexert themselves after their bodies have navigated pregnancy and birth, while also experiencing fatigue and recovery. The first step is to help mothers learn to progress with physical activity in a flexible and adaptable way.

For example, if a mother had an

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he transition to parenthood is challenging for all parents but is particularly hard on mothers who are recovering from pregnancy and birth. This recovery often takes place behind the scenes of tending to the constant needs of a new baby. This “motherload” can leave mothers feeling fatigued and overwhelmed, increasing the risk of postpartum anxiety and depression.

As mothers of young children ourselves and/or researchers who aim to better understand women’s postpartum journeys, we can relate to the challenges mothers face in navigating physical activity after the birth of a child. We want to share two strategies that we (and broader research findings) have found helpful to (re)learn to engage in physical activity in new motherhood.

Our recommendations incorporate both a physiological indicator of recovery (heart rate variability) and a psychological indicator of wellbeing (self-compassion).

exceptionally poor night’s sleep due to frequent infant wakening, they may wish to consider engaging in low-intensity physical activity or to rest that day to allow for restoration. Comparatively, if a mother had a decent stretch of sleep and feels restored, they may wish to engage in more challenging physical activity.

Integrating physiological feedback into physical activity planning can help understand how the body is recovering (or not).

PHYSIOLOGICAL FEEDBACK

One example is heart rate variability monitoring, which is frequently used by athletes to determine training load as it

provides physiological feedback regarding athlete recovery. Heart rate variability has also been used to safely prescribe exercise in pregnant women.

Heart rate variability is a measure of the variation in time between each heartbeat.

• High heart rate variability has greater variability between heartbeats and indicates that the body is in a relaxed nervous system state (parasympathetic tone). A higher heart rate variability suggests the body has a high capacity for stress and adaptation and can handle greater challenge.

• Low heart rate variability has a more consistent time between heartbeats and indicates that the body is in a more stressed nervous system state (sympathetic tone).

newborn+postpartum

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rate it

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heart rate devices

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Low heart rate variability suggests that the body has low capacity for stress and adaptation.

Monitoring heart rate variability is a quick and easy way to assess the body’s state of stress. It could be used by new mothers to determine whether their bodies are both physically and mentally prepared for physical activity, and help them decide what intensity is appropriate for their current state.

This individualised health information may reduce some of the fear that new mothers experience when understanding whether their body is ready for exercise, and enables self-education on physical activity prescription.

THE ROLE OF SELF-COMPA SSION

Self-compassion means treating oneself with the same kindness and concern during challenging life events as you would a friend.

Self-compassion can not only enhance physical and psychological health, but may also influence physical activity in the Fitbit Inspire 2, $149.99, postpartum period. New mothers who fitbit.com/global/nz adopt a lens of self-compassion have been found to have less guilt about taking time away from motherhood duties. Through this lens of self-compassion mothers are more comfortable taking time to engage For instance, there are many leisure in health-promoting behaviours such as activities that raise one’s heart rate that physical activity. yield mental and physical health benefits, Given the many mental and physical yet place less stress on the body, such as health benefits that mothers may experience walking, stretching, playing with children with physical activity, there is a need for or gardening. These activities feasible and meaningful ways could be done on days Self-compassion to guide mothers through of lower than usual heart physical activity participation can not only rate variability. in their current life situation.

Integrating knowledge enhance HOW TO MEA SURE about heart rate variability physical and HEART RATE and self-compassion can lead VARIABILIT Y psychological to meaningful and informed While the most accurate physical activity engagement. health, but may way to measure heart On a day when heart rate rate variability is by variability is lower than also influence electrocardiograms in normal, mothers could physical a laboratory, tools exist that consider whether some time allow us to measure it at activity in the to focus on rest and lowhome. Various heart rate intensity movement to enable postpartum monitors are available recovery is most important, commercially, and rather than engaging in period. smartphone apps can be exercise that may be more downloaded to record heart rate stressful on the body. variability from heart rate monitors, Reframing expectations around physical track heart rate variability over time, and activity postpartum through a lens of give recommendations on physical activity self-compassion may lead to better physical intensity based on the results. and psychological well-being and physical One important thing to remember activity engagement in the long term. about heart rate variability is that it is an individualised metric. What is “normal”

By Iris Lesser, Assistant Professor in for one person isn’t necessarily the same Kinesiology, University of The Fraser for another. So, most smartphone apps Valley; Corliss Bean, Assistant Professor will ask you to record your waking heart of Recreation & Leisure Studies, Brock rate variability for one or two weeks University; and Gillian Hatfield, prior to making physical activity Associate Professor, School of Kinesiology, intensity recommendations.

University of The Fraser Valley.

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THE BEST PROTECTION FOR BABY

helpful resources

Baby

CPR

St John (stjohn.org.nz) shares how to perform CPR the right way.

1. ASSESS DANGERS

•M ake sure that you, the baby, and bystanders are safe from any dangers.

•D o not put your own safety at risk.

2. IS THE BABY

RESPONSIVE? •C heck for response by calling the baby’s name loudly and gently squeezing their toes.

•M oving or making a noise is regarded as a response.

• I f there is no response, the baby is unresponsive and in danger of dying because of their airway becoming blocked.

3. SEND FOR HELP

• Call 111 for an ambulance or send someone else to call.

• It is important to call an ambulance as soon as possible so that advanced resuscitation assistance is on its way.

Remember – you will be keeping the baby alive with CPR, but they need additional care to start their heart. If you are on your own, and a phone is not readily available, do CPR for about one minute then call for help. If portable, bring the phone with you to the patient.

4. OPEN AND CLEAR

THE AIRWAY When a person is unresponsive, their muscles relax. The tongue is a muscle and so relaxes. This is dangerous because the back of the tongue can flop downwards against the back of the airway and block it. This means the baby cannot breathe. In any unresponsive person, it is important to open the airway: • In a baby, this is done simply by moving the head into a neutral position and lifting the chin.

• If you see anything in the baby’s mouth, use two fingers to sweep it out.

5. CHECK TO SEE

WHETHER THE BABY IS BREATHING NORMALLY When the airway is open and clear, check for normal breathing: • Look and feel for movement of the lower chest and stomach area.

• Listen and feel for air coming from the nose or mouth.

• Check for any movement.

I f the baby is breathing, move them and support them on their side with their head in a neutral position, and continually monitor their breathing. Note that occasional gasps of air are inadequate to sustain life and should be ignored.

How safe and sound is baby’s room?

6. IF THE BABY IS NOT

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BREATHING • Position the baby on any flat surface or even support them on your lap or arm.

• Place two fingers of one hand in the centre of the chest, just below an imaginary line between the nipples.

• Push down hard and fast 30 times (push down one third of chest depth). Do not worry about pushing too hard – good CPR requires you to push hard and fast.

• Once you have completed 30 compressions (pushes) on the chest, breathe into the baby’s mouth two times.

To breathe into the baby: • Keep the head in a neutral position with one hand.

• Seal your lips around the baby’s mouth and nose.

• Gently puff into the baby until you see the chest rise.

• Remove your mouth, take a fresh breath, and puff into the baby again.

• Continue with the cycle of 30 chest compressions and two breaths until the ambulance arrives.

Scan the QR code to see a demonstration of how to perform CPR on an infant.

PROTECTING WHAT MATTERS MOST

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helpful resources

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Birthing ba g

It’s a good idea to pack a bag in case of an emergency – or simply to have all the essentials together in one place when you give birth.

MUM

Books/magazines

HOME COMFORTS

Pyjamas or night shirt, preferably one that buttons up in front (at least two pairs)

Cash/credit cards/wallet

Take your own pillow and pillowcase to the hospital or your birthing centre. It’ll bring you comfort and might even make it easier to drift off to sleep in the minimal moments you’ll get.

Dressing gown Nursing bras x 3 Bikini/tank top (water birth option) Cotton knickers x 10 Socks Slippers Drink bottle Portable speakers, earpods (hypnobirth, music) Sandals (for the shower) Clothes to wear home (alas, still your pregnancy clothes, because even after the baby’s out, your tummy will be still be swollen) Toiletries (your usual overnight stuff)

Maternity pads (these should be supplied by the hospital, but you’ll feel better knowing you have them available) A few pairs of big granny undies (high-waisted) because if you have a C-section you don’t want the elastic to rub the stitches

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BABY Car capsule or car seat (already installed and ready for the baby) Blankets x 2 Muslin wraps x 2 Baby bodysuits x 4 Socks/booties x 2 Beanie

Make-up (to be honest, you probably won’t bother with it, but just in case)

Going home outfit

Breast pads and nipple cream

Nappies and baby wipes

Any medications or vitamins you are taking

Bottles/formula/steriliser if you plan to bottle-feed

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Copy of your birth plan

PARTNER

List of people and numbers to call after birth (store them in your phone)

A change of clothes, toiletries (toothbrush, deodorant), water bottle, some snacks and water, something to read, money for the parking meter (and for the vending machine!). Phone/camera.

Snacks and bottles of water Camera (with extra batteries or charger) Mobile phone and charger

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REFRESHMENTS If you "run hot", take a mini fan, face cloth, or face mist to keep you feeling refreshed during contractions, in labour, and in the days following.

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handy tips

Toiletries: Free up room in your bag with miniature toiletries or decant what you have into smaller containers.

Clothing: Don’t assume your little bundle will fit "newborn" baby clothing. If they’re overdue or simply on the larger size, they might already be ready for the next size up!

(See the size guide below.)

NEWBORN

0-3 MTHS

SIZE: 0000 WEIGHT up to 4kg

SIZE: 000 WEIGHT up to 6kg

ANTENATAL CLASSES College of Midwives auckland.midwife.org.nz/ for-birthing-women/antenatalclasses

introduction to

ULTRASOUND

Nest Parenting & Education nestpregnancyand parenting.co.nz ANXIETY/DEPRESSION Depression Helpline 0800 111 757 depression.org.nz Lifeline 0800 543 354 lifeline.org.nz

Support

Mental Health Foundation mentalhealth.org.nz Mothers Helpers mothershelpers.co.nz Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Aotearoa pada.nz APPS BreastfedNZ Māmā Aroha BREASTFEEDING BreastFed NZ breastfednz.co.nz BreastfeedingNZ Facebook page facebook.com/ breastfeedingnz Feeding and Work womens-health.org.nz Lactation Consultants nzlca.org.nz La Leche League lalecheleague.org.nz Plunket plunket.org.nz Women’s Health Action infantfeedingsupport.org.nz C-SECTIONS Your Caesarean Section Birth yourcsection.co.nz/home/ electivesections CAR SEAT SAFETY Car Restraint Technician nzta.govt.nz New Zealand Transport Agency nzta.govt.nz Safe 'n Snug safensnug.co.nz Sit Tight Education sittight.co.nz

se rvices CHILD’S HEALTH Kids Health kidshealth.org.nz PlunketLine 0800 933 922 plunket.org.nz DOULAS Bespoke Births bespokebirths.co.nz New Zealand Doulas nzdoulas.nz GENERAL HEALTH Healthline 0800 611 116 Health Navigator healthnavigator.org.nz Ministry of Health health.govt.nz IMMUNISATION COVID-19 health.govt.nz Immunisation Advisory immune.org.nz MIDWIFERY Find Your Midwife findyourmidwife.co.nz MISCARRIAGE Miscarriage Support NZ miscarriagesupport.org.nz Sands sands.org.nz PARENTAL LEAVE & BENEFITS New Zealand Government govt.nz/browse/work/ parental-leave

Work and Income NZ workandincome.govt.nz/ eligibility/children/having -a-baby PREGNANCY Kellymom Parenting & Breastfeeding kellymom.com

Pregnancy Counselling Services pregnancycounselling.org.nz Pregnancy Health NZ pregnancyhelp.org.nz SINGLE PARENT SUPPORT SERVICES Auckland Single Parents Trust heartsandminds.org.nz Birthright birthright.org.nz Solo Parent Support workandincome.govt.nz/ products/a-z-benefits/soleULTRASOUND SUPPORT SERVICES Ministry of Health health.govt.nz/publication/ new-zealand-obstetricultrasound-guidelines WOMEN’S HEALTH National Women's Health nationalwomenshealth.adhb. govt.nz Women’s Health Action womens-health.org.nz YOUR RIGHTS Maternity Rights NZ maternity.org.nz

As explained by midwives.co.nz, an ultrasound scan uses sound waves to create a picture of your baby in the uterus.

"Scans" are carried out by trained professionals (sonographers) and the main purpose of a pregnancy ultrasound scan is to check your baby’s anatomy, growth, and development – and to check for other things such as the placenta placement.

Each pregnancy is different, and depending on your own personal circumstances, you may have additional tests and scans; however Wellington Ultrasound list these as the most common scans for New Zealand mums-to-be: FIRST TRIMESTER SCREENING OR NUCHAL TRANSLUCENCY (NT) WHEN: 11-13 weeks WHAT: Nuchal translucency is a measurement of fluid behind a baby’s neck. It’s a non-invasive screening tool to see how likely it is that your unborn baby could have a chromosomal abnormality.

ANATOMY SCAN WHEN: 19-21 Weeks WHAT: A thorough check of your little one’s anatomy and growth/development.

Some birth defects cannot be diagnosed early in pregnancy, but most can be picked up at this scan.

Fortunately, these defects are rare.

GROWTH SCAN WHEN: Closer to your baby's due date WHY: To track your baby’s growth to ensure that the baby is born at the optimum time for their wellbeing. The placental function, placement, and the level of amniotic fluid – among other things – are checked at this time. ​

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helpful resources

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A new

language

A super-quick lesson in pregnancy lingo. You’re welcome!

amniotic fluid – the liquid that surrounds a baby in the uterus (commonly called "waters") amniotic sac – the sac that surrounds the baby, inside your uterus anaesthetic – an administered drug that gives total or partial loss of sensation of a part or the whole of the body anaesthetist – a doctor who specialises in giving the anaesthetic to a patient antenatal – meaning "before birth" (also called "prenatal" and "antepartum") APGAR score – a test given one minute after a baby is born, then again five minutes later, that assesses a baby’s appearance, pulse, grimace (reflex), activity (muscle tone), and respiration.

A perfect APGAR score is 10; typical APGAR scores are seven, eight, or nine.

A score lower than seven means that the baby might need help breathing birth canal – the cervix and the vagina. the route that the baby travels through to be born birth plan – a written document describing a woman’s preferences for her care during labour and birth Braxton Hicks contractions – a tightening of the uterus that feels like a labour contraction. Braxton Hicks contractions are not painful and do not get stronger and closer together like true contractions

breaking of water – when a healthcare practitioner bursts the sac holding the amniotic fluid using an instrument with a pointy tip. Often used to speed up a labour that has slowed breech – when the baby is positioned inside the uterus with its bottom or feet down (instead of its head) Caesarean section – a surgical procedure where a baby is delivered through a cut in the abdomen and uterus (also called C-section) cervix – the narrow, lower end of the uterus that softens during labour to allow the baby to come out contraction – strong and often painful tightening of the uterus, indicating that the cervix is dilating as well as helping the baby make its way out crowning – a point in labour when the baby’s head has reached the external vaginal opening and can be seen from the outside dilation – the opening of the cervix, usually measured in diameter from 1 to 10 centimeters embryo – a fertilised egg from the time of conception until week eight of pregnancy epidural – an anaesthetic that can be used in labour where drugs are used to numb the lower half of the body for birth pain relief first-degree tear – a tear involving only the perineal skin (adjacent to the vaginal opening) that occurs at the time of delivery

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first trimester – weeks one to 14 of pregnancy fontanelles – soft spots on a baby’s head that allow its skull to compress during birth so it can pass through the birth canal forceps – instruments shaped like a large tong that is placed around the baby’s head to encourage the baby through the birth canal during childbirth full-term – 37 to 42 weeks gestation/ pregnant gestation – the length of time that a baby is in the uterus home birth – labour and birth that takes place in someone's home, under the supervision of a midwife induced – when a professional tries to artificially "kick-start" a woman’s labour jaundice – when a baby's skin and the whites of their eyes appear yellowish, caused by an excess of a chemical called bilirubin in the blood labour – the process a woman’s body goes through when her baby is born lactation consultant – a professional trained to give advice and support about breastfeeding and breast milk meconium – a black tar-like substance; baby's first poo midwife – someone who has been specially trained to care for women physically and mentally during pregnancy, labour, birth, and the postpartum period

Nappy chat

morning sickness – nausea, vomiting, and aversions to certain foods and smells. Symptoms are not restricted to morning only multiple pregnancy – when a woman is carrying more than one baby Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) – an area in hospitals for babies who need high-level medical care post-birth obstetrician – a specialist doctor who has training in pregnancy and childbirth paediatrician – a specialist doctor who has undertaken training in treating children perineum – the area of skin between the anus and vagina placenta – an organ that connects to the wall of the uterus and nourishes the baby during pregnancy, through the umbilical cord postnatal – after the baby is born premature – when a baby is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy

You’ll be changing up to 10 nappies a day in the first month, so it pays to get down with the vocab.

scented or unscented, in travel packs or in big bulk packs you can put into refillable containers.

CLOTH NAPPY Often made of cotton or bamboo, cloth nappies are reusable fabric nappies.

BARRIER CREAM AND NAPPY RASH PRODUCTS Powders, lotions, and creams to help treat and prevent nappy rash and chafing of delicate bottoms and legs.

DISPOSABLE NAPPY A one-use nappy that is thrown out after use. Compostable options available.

NAPPY BIN This can be a simple lidded bucket, a pedal-bin with a lid, or even nappy disposal systems where you open a lid, put the dirty nappy in, and turn the top to seal the nappy into its own nappy bag.

BABY WIPES You can make your own reusable wipes from terry cloth, or purchase disposable baby wipes which are

SWIM NAPPY Nappies that can be worn in the swimming pool or at the beach, which hold in poo but allow wee to soak through (regular nappies can’t be worn in water because their absorbency would make them too heavy and bulky).

NAPPY BAG Totes and backpacks, some with special adapters to hang on the pram, with lots of convenient pockets to hold nappies and

supplies for when you’re out and about.

CHANGE MAT Disposable, wipeable, or even washable, these are great for nappy changes on the go, for travelling, and for public restrooms.

CHANGE TABLE Special waist-height furniture that makes changing your baby’s nappy more convenient and saves you bending over and straining your back.

Caution: Never leave a baby unattended on a change table.

WET BAGS Waterproof fabric bags to hold dirty clothing, swimwear, or used cloth nappies.

NAPPY WALLET A compact bag to hold one or two nappies and a travel pack of wipes. Great for your handbag or in the car.

second trimester – 14 weeks to 26 weeks of pregnancy special care nursery (SCN) – an area in hospital for babies who need special medical care stretch marks – lines or patterns that can appear on the tummy, breasts, or legs during pregnancy. This happens because the skin stretches TENS machine – Trans-Electrical Nerve Stimulation, a machine used for pain management during labour third- or fourth-degree tear – a tear of the perineum involving the skin, muscles, and anus. Classed as more severe than a first-degree tear

third trimester – From 26 weeks to 40 weeks of pregnancy trimester – a time span of certain months during pregnancy with different phases of foetal development. See "first trimester", "second trimester", and "third trimester" on the previous page/s ultrasound – a scan of the uterus (womb) and baby during pregnancy umbilical cord – a cord-like structure that connects the baby to the placenta, allowing nutrients and oxygen to be carried from the woman to the baby

uterus – a woman’s womb vacuum cap/ventouse – a suction device that can be used during the end of labour to help to pull the baby down the birth canal water birth – when a baby is born submerged in a birthing pool, either at home or at a birthing centre waters – the amniotic fluid that surrounds an unborn baby inside the uterus

newborn+postpartum

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Play

time

Even newborns need playtime! Whānau Āwhina Plunket (plunket.org.nz) shares ideas on how to have fun with your pēpi.

B

NEWBORN PLAY

PLAY…

• Helps you and your baby get to know each other, teaching your pēpi to trust and depend on you.

• Helps your newborn feel loved and secure, and the bond between you and your baby gets stronger.

• Gives babies different physical, sensory and cognitive experiences, and those experiences build connections in their wee brains.

• Helps them learn to understand words, and soon, to talk • Helps them learn what their bodies can do as they experiment with movement.

abies are born to learn and their brains develop through use, forming connections as they watch, listen, play, experiment, and explore their environment. You’re their first teacher, and they keep learning from you as By playing with your baby, you help them they get older. Give yourself and your learn about themselves, you, and the world pēpi lots of playtime. These periods of around them. play will probably be very short, because Watching your pēpi and seeing how they play and react to play can teach your newborn will get tired easily and can’t focus on anything for too long. you about their personality.

Connections are made in the “Connections Some babies will watch you with brain as you interact and play raised eyebrows and a serious face are made with your baby. Simple “serve when you’re making funny faces in the brain at them, while others will clearly and return” interactions – where find you hilarious. Their reactions your pēpi connects with you by as you “serving” a movement, facial will show you what they like. interact expression, or sound and you Follow your baby’s cues of and play with when they want to play, and “return” by responding to them and then waiting for their reaction your baby.” when they’ve had enough.

– help make strong connections Pēpi have different states of being in developing brains. alert. The best time to play with them in For babies, play isn’t about toys and games, when they’re in a quiet alert state. If they it’s all about connecting and interacting. become unsettled or look away, give them Your face, voice, and body are all you need some time to calm and then they may be to entertain them. ready to play again.

130 Pregnancy BUMP & baby

Play may feel a bit one-sided in those first few weeks, but your baby will soon start to respond and join in. Try… • Making funny faces, smiling, poking out your tongue.

• Sing, chat, tell stories, enjoy nursery rhymes together. Rhymes like “this little piggy went to market” and “round the round the garden” are really fun.

• Reading to your baby, holding the book close so your newborn can see the images tickling, blowing raspberries, counting fingers and toes.

• Giving your baby different things to look at – outside, inside, different people and different places.

• Help them explore their senses – let them splash in the bath, feel different textures, smell different scents.

• Use rhythm and motion – play music with them, rock them gently as you hold them.

• Mix it up – they need variety to make new connections in their brain and body.

Vary the pitch of your voice when you talk to them, take them into different rooms, show them new places, introduce them to new materials they can touch and move.

• Tummy time and floor play: Tummy time helps them practise holding their head up, and they can see things from a different point of view. Tummy time might be very short, and sometimes lying with them or showing them a toy may help. A little frustration is normal and helps them learn, but be guided by pēpi as to how long they can tolerate it.

the signs

Play takes lots of energy, so your baby might get tired or need a break. They’ll let you know by looking away from you, getting restless, getting grumpy, or seeming disinterested. When they’re ready to play again they may turn towards you, look at you, move their arms and legs, or make sounds.

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