My Child Magazine Issue 129 June 2022 by My Child Magazine

MAGAZINE.COM.AU

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pregnancy

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Bianca Medina ART DIRECTOR

Bianca Medina DEPUTY EDITOR

Feba Maryann CONTRIBUTORS

Sheree Hoddinett Amy Adeney Lance Green Liza John Isaac Hermar Mart Production Mikhail Nilov Sofyan Sasono Agung Cliff Booth Freestocks.Org Rodnae Productions Mary Taylor Shvets Production Taryn Elliott Anastasia Shuraeva CONTACT

My Child Magazine Newcastle NSW Australia +614 11 572 877 editorial@mychildmagazine.com.au

Contents 6

8 POINTS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

PREGNANCY COMPLICATIONS YOU

DAD READ - HOW TO COPE WITH

A C SECTION

NEED TO LOOK OUT FOR

MISCARRIAGE FOR DADS

BICORNUATE UTERUS AND HOW IT

IS YOUR BABY OVERDUE?

WAYS TO MAKE TIME FOR YOUR

PARTNER AFTER YOUR BABY ARRIVES

PREGNANCY & PTSD

SOOTHE THEM

BLOGGER - LIVING IN THE MOMENT

SMOKING WHEN PREGNANT AND THE

GET THE LOOK INTERIORS

104

COMPLICATIONS IT CAN CAUSE!

114

CAN AFFECT YOUR PREGNANCY

BOOK REVIEWS

100

9 REASONS BABIES CRY AND HOW TO

FASHION

TEACHING YOUR CHILD TO SHARE

FASHION FEATURE - PATPAT

128

TOY REVIWS

WHAT IS AN EPISIOTOMY?

RECIPES

HOW TO TELL IF YOUR CHILD IS GIFTED OR NOT

142 MY CHILD DIRECTORY DISCLAIMER: It My Child Magazine and mychildmagazine.com.au are wholly owned by My Child Magazine (ABN 79 167 787 662). No other parties or individuals have any financial interest in the company or in My Child or mychildmagazine.com.au. My Child contains general information only and does not purport to be a substitute for health and parenting advice. Readers are advised to seek a doctor for all medical and health matters. The publisher and authors do not accept any liability whatsoever in respect of an action taken by readers in reliance on the recommendations set out in this magazine. Reproduction of any material without written permission by the publisher is strictly forbidden. We cannot accept responsibility for material lost or damaged in the post or for any unsolicited manuscripts and photographs. All reasonable efforts have been made to trace copyright holders.

Bianca Medina editor-in-chief Editor’s Letter

Hello My Child Mamma’s and Papa’s June is here and the year, well it’s just flying by! I sometimes wish for those early days of parenting when it didn’t feel like Groundhog Day every single day! The routine of a school child is so much harder, in my opinion, than that of a baby or toddler. My darling daughter starts school at 8.20am and finishes at 2.40pm and let me tell you, this is not exactly a convenient timetable, especially because of all the after-school activities we have. Tuesdays to Fridays are ridiculous. We are lucky to be home by 5pm on these days, and by the time the dinner and bath mission is complete, it’s 7.30pm and then starts the great debate about going to bed. This typically takes another 2 hrs! Doing this all week, every week for 10 weeks without a break until the school holidays come around, makes it feel like its forever, but it also makes the time fly by in a blink! I know this won’t last forever and when this phase passes, I know I’ll miss it like crazy, but until then I will continue to reflect on those past phases with fond memories forgetting all the heartache they were causing at the time. Bianca & My Child Team xoxox

Bianca oxo

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8 POINTS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT A C-SECTION W r i t t e n

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According to the World Health Organization, C-sections (or Caesarean Sections) account for more than one in every five births. With experts speculating these numbers to go as high as about one in every three by the end of this decade. C sections are absolutely critical in saving lives where conventional vaginal deliveries would be risky. So, you can not entirely rule out the chances of a C-section, no matter what type of birth you are planning or hoping to have. However, many-a-times C-sections are performed when they are not really medically necessary. This can put the

mom and baby at unnecessary risks of developing shortterm as well as long-term health problems. So here are eight points you need to know about a c-section. 1. C-Sections May Be Safer Than Vaginal Deliveries in Some Cases. C-sections may be essential in certain situations where there are complications in the pregnancy that may pose serious health risks or be even fatal to the mother and child. Situations such as prolonged or obstructed labour, foetal distress, or abnormal position of the foetus (foetal malpresentation) may call for a Caesarean. Women expecting twins or multiple babies are usually delivered with a Caesarean planned beforehand. 2. C-Sections Have Their Downsides Even though common, a C-section is still a major surgery that comes with its own downsides. The fact that the surgery is usually done quickly and safely doesn’t 8

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necessarily mean that it is the same as getting a haircut. There is a common perception that C-sections are entirely free of risk, but this is far from true. 3. You’ll Be Awake the Whole Time C-sections are performed using local or regional anaesthesia, which means you’ll be awake for most of the procedure. Usually, an epidural is applied, which numbs the body from the waist down. An epidural is applied to the area surrounding your spinal column. You’ll be awake the whole time. You might feel the baby coming out of the abdomen, but without any pain. 4. Longer Recovery Time After a vaginal delivery, women usually leave the hospitals within a day or two, however in the case of C-sections, women spend around three to four days in the hospital. When it comes to recovery, women who undergo a Caesarean delivery often need a couple of months to return to their normal selves, whereas women after a vaginal delivery need just a couple of weeks to get to JUNE 2022 | My Child Magazine Issue #129

that point, provided no complications arise. 5. Say Hi to Scars There are two ways that surgeons make an incision for a C-section, vertical and horizontal, regardless of which scarring will occur. But the scar may look different based on the direction of the incision. The horizontal ones are much easier to hide, as they are in most cases made just a couple of inches above your pubic bones. So, your swimwear or undergarments will easily cover the horizontal scars. 6. Having a C-section once does not imply you need to have it with every child Chuck that saying which goes, “Once a C-section, always a C-section”. Doctors back in the days used to encourage the same, which is where the saying came from. But now generally VBAC or vaginal birth after C-section is being encouraged. VBAC may not be the right choice for everyone. It really depends on how your first C-section went. If you 10

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developed a uterine scar, then a vaginal delivery may be ruled out. Sometimes, hospitals may not offer VBAC due to a lack of resources to handle an emergency C-section. But yes, VBAC is still there. 7. Health Risks Increase with Multiple C-Sections The more times you have C-sections, the higher the chances of developing problems like placenta previa or placenta accreta. You may develop complications due to adhesions, which is when the bands of scar-like tissue that develop after a C-section get too dense, increasing the risks of bladder injury and excessive bleeding. The risks of hernia and other incision related complications also go up with each C-section. 8. A C-Section Does Not Mean You Are Weak Delivering a baby via C-section is just as big an accomplishment as a vaginal delivery. It doesn’t make you any less of a mother than someone who underwent a vaginal delivery. You did go through the nine months, you pushed through the surgery, so never think that you aren’t equal to a mom who vaginally birthed their child.

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BICORNUATE UTERUS AND HOW IT CAN AFFECT YOUR PREGNANCY w

Sometimes the heart isn’t the only heart - shaped organ in the body. Some women also have a heart-shaped womb, this condition is called Bicornuate Uterus. Let’s try to learn a bit more about this rare condition. What Is a Bicornuate Uterus? A bicornuate uterus is a rare uterine anomaly that affects about one in every 200 women. The majority of these women are unaware of their condition until they become pregnant. A heart-shaped uterus is known as a bicornuate uterus. Instead of the single huge cavity that is common, this form of womb has two canals or niches. The uterus is shaped like a pear. It’s roughly three inches long, 2 inches in diameter, and 1.5 inches deep when you’re not pregnant. During pregnancy, the baby develops in the fundus, which is the top section of the uterus. The cervix is formed when the lower section of the womb dives into the vaginal canal a small distance. This is the gap that dilates during birth to allow the baby to pass through. What Causes a Bicornuate Uterus? Some women are born with an abnormally formed uterus, while

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others may acquire a uterine disease as a result of surgery or a previous illness. Uterine fibroids, congenital anomalies, Asherman’s disorder, Adenomyosis, and DES are just a few of the fertility issues that involve the uterus and contribute to infertile and recurrent loss. The uterus of a woman grows while she is still in her mother’s womb. A uterine abnormality might occur if her uterus does not grow normally. This is characterized as a congenital anomaly, which means it is present from birth in a woman. It is difficult to reverse or stop the occurrence of this illness. The paramesonephric ducts grow abnormally, resulting in a bicornuate uterus. The womb becomes divided into two extensions when the ducts fail to merge together properly, resulting in the heart-shaped appearance. Can You Get Pregnant with A Bicornuate Uterus? With a bicornuate uterus, you can still get pregnant, but it will be more challenging. A bicornuate uterus is found in about 1% of women who are infertile, 2% of women who have miscarried, and nearly 5% of women who have both. According to studies, women with this illness had a higher risk of specific pregnancy problems. Issues including premature birth, low birth weight, and breech babies are more common in women with bicornuate uteri than others.

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It’s natural to be concerned regarding your pregnancy, particularly if you’ve had previous miscarriages. The greatest thing you could do for your baby is to attend all of your prenatal appointments so that your Ob/Gyn can monitor his or her progress. Most women with a bicornuate uterus have no problems conceiving or throughout early pregnancy, although they do have a significantly higher risk of miscarriage and premature birth. It may also impact the way the baby lies later in pregnancy, necessitating a c-section. Treating A Bicornuate Uterus Most of the time, “fixing” a bicornuate uterus is unnecessary. Most women with this illness have no trouble conceiving and giving birth to healthy children, just like women now without. In these circumstances, you’ll just be monitored more closely throughout your pregnancy to catch any potential issues early. If you’re one of the many women who suffer from infertility, recurrent miscarriage, or both, you might want to look into surgical treatments. The Strassman metroplasty, in which the 2 small uterine cavities are merged into a larger single cavity, is the most prevalent. Women who have had this treatment to correct a bicornuate uterus have

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more successful pregnancies.

“A

bicornuate uterus is a rare uterine anomaly that affects about one in every 200 women. ”

However, you must probably wait three months after the intervention until trying to conceive. You will require a C-section to birth your kid if you become pregnant after undergoing a Strassman Metroplasty. This is due to the higher risk of vaginal birth during vaginal labour in women who have had uterus surgery. Final Thoughts Bicornuate uteri are exceptionally rare, and when they do develop, many women are completely unaware of their existence. However, they can sometimes cause issues, so your physician will also want to test for one if you’re having trouble getting pregnant or keeping pregnant. The great news is that surgery can usually fix the condition and set you on the road to a safe pregnancy.

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PREGNANCY & PTSD W r i t t e n

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Pregnancy changes you altogether as a person. Your body adjusts and goes through the process of creating a new life. The impact pregnancy has, is not just limited to your physical self, but also spreads to your mind.

In most cases, pregnancies proceed normally with women experiencing mild amounts of stress, but in some cases, pregnant women may experience high amounts of stress. This could very well be due to everyday events or due to traumatic experiences in the past. While the anxiety due to this could be managed to a large extent, the same cannot be said about the severe anxiety women often experience due to post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD.

In the rest of this article, we have covered all that you need to know about pregnancy and PTSD.

What Is PTSD?

PTSD is a mental health condition where in an individual experiences flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts as a result of some terrifying event in the past.

People who have had to go through traumatic events may find it difficult to cope and adjust temporarily. However, usually with time and self-care, they get better. But sometimes the symptoms last for months or in extreme cases even years, and interfere with their daily functions, then they may be suffering from PTSD.

PTSD Causes

PTSD is commonly seen in individuals who have experienced emotional trauma due to assault, war, abuse, torture, or disasters. However, PTSD can occur due to traumatic pregnancies or birth-related experiences such as miscarriages, abortions, pre-term deliveries, or pregnancies that involved complexities.

About 1 in 10 women that have experienced complications in previous pregnancies meet the full criteria for PTSD, and about 3 in 10 partially meet these criteria. 20

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PTSD Symptoms in Expecting and New Mothers

New research suggests that pregnancy may reduce the symptoms of PTSD and is likely to prevent flare-ups. However, for about one in every four women, the opposite is true with symptoms worsening with pregnancy and with a higher risk of post-partum depression.

Generally, PTSD Patients Display Symptoms Including:

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Intrusive thoughts

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Flashbacks

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Severe Anxiety

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Depression

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Mood swings

Depending on the cause of PTSD, every individual with PTSD may have their own personal triggers.

Pregnancy & PTSD

In most cases, as aforementioned, pregnancies do not result in PTSD, but the rates of PTSD in pregnant women tend to be higher than other women. The hormonal changes that happen in the body during pregnancy are to blame. The anxiety caused due to these can aggravate the symptoms of PTSD.

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This is even more prevalent in women who are currently dealing with trauma related to previous pregnancies. Even minor things such as questions about pregnancies or taking blood samples may trigger their PTSD. If you yourself are dealing with such a situation and plan on getting pregnant, get in touch with a medical practitioner or doctor to take steps to reduce the chances of developing PTSD during pregnancy.

PTSD is a major concern for health in new and expecting moms. Its onset could be during the pregnancy or after the delivery. It may worsen after delivery, due to anxiety over the child’s wellbeing, exacerbated by baby blues. Women, who have a history of PTSD, run a higher chance of developing complications during pregnancy.

Dealing With PTSD During Pregnancy

If you have PTSD or a history of the disorder, you need to seek proper care. This disorder can affect your hormonal levels during pregnancy that may in turn be detrimental to your child’s wellbeing. High levels of the hormone cortisol may lead to premature birth and low birth weight.

So, How Can You Deal With PTSD During Pregnancy? Let’s Find Out:

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Acceptance

When it comes to mental health disorders such as PTSD, it is important to accept the fact that you are having a problem. Acceptance is perhaps the first step towards dealing with PTSD. Only after you accept the fact that you have an issue and that you need to fix it, can you open up to someone else and seek help.

Ask For Help

PTSD like any other health condition can be treated. You must not force yourself into thinking that you should just ‘suck it up’ and move on. It is not your fault, and you don’t have to deal with it on your own. If you are experiencing flashbacks, nightmares, or incessant thoughts about a past event, you should seek help.

Self-Care

While your doctor will help treat your condition, there are some things you can do own your own to help with PTSD. Activities such as meditation and physical exercise can boost your mood and reduce irritability. These also facilitate the release of endorphins that increase happiness and provide a relief from flashbacks. Try to find a creative outlet such as art or music.

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SMOKING WHEN PREGNANT AND THE COMPLICATIONS IT CAN CAUSE! W r i t t e n

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Smoking is dangerous and harmful to your health on any day. On the label of every pack of cigarettes, you can find, written in bold, “Smoking Kills”. But those two words are rarely sufficient to get someone to quit smoking. Maybe your health isn’t enough to get you to quit, but surely the health of your baby should. Smoking during pregnancy exposes your baby to serious health problems even before they are born. Forget smoking, even being around smoke can put the developing baby at risk. Quitting smoking is not easy, but it is needed to protect your baby and yourself. Smoking During Pregnancy Can Lead To: Preterm Labour The CDC suggests that smoking can cause preterm labour, which can pose numerous health risks to your baby. From visual and hearing impairments to mental disability, premature labour can affect your baby from their birth to later in their life. Ectopic Pregnancy Nicotine in cigarettes can cause the fallopian tube to contract, which results in a fertilized egg being implanted outside the uterus. This is known as ectopic pregnancy, and the embryo in this case must be removed to prevent life-threatening complications to the mother.

Issues With The Placenta The placenta is the lifeline that provides the foetus with nourishment and oxygen. Smoking during pregnancy can lead to several complications to the placenta, such as placental abruption or placenta previa. Stillbirth & Miscarriage Miscarriage is defined as the loss of pregnancy within the first three months or twenty weeks of gestation. In some cases, they may occur after this period, this is called a stillbirth. Smoking is found to increase the chances of miscarriage as well as stillbirth. Low Birth Weight So, what’s wrong with having a baby with low birth weight? Low birth weight can result in serious health problems like developmental delay, cerebral palsy, in extreme cases it may even be fatal (SIDS). Women who quit smoking before getting pregnant are less likely to have babies with low birth weight. These are not all, smoking during pregnancy can cause other birth defects that affect their hearts, cleft lips, or cleft palate. It can also lead to excessive vaginal bleeding. Effects Of Smoking On Your Baby: In The Womb When you are pregnant every time you smoke, nicotine, carbon monoxide and a ton of other toxic chemicals, are passed onto your baby through your bloodstream. Nicotine and Carbon Monoxide reduce the supply of Oxygen to your baby. Nicotine narrows the blood vessels in the body, including the umbilical cord. Carbon Monoxide further exacerbates the situation, with Red Blood Cells picking up Carbon Monoxide instead of oxygen. This can lead to low birth weight, premature labour, or cleft lips. 26

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After Birth Exposing a newborn to tobacco smoke can impair your child’s health in the long term and increase their chances of dying due to SIDS. They are more likely to develop ear and lung infections, like pneumonia or bronchitis. They are also at risk of developing asthma, and pneumonia. Never Too Late While quitting smoking before getting pregnant is the best for you and your child. For women who are already pregnant, quitting as soon as possible will offer some protection against the developmental issues associated with smoking. Even after just a day of quitting, the baby would receive more oxygen and help the baby’s lungs develop. Just to make things clear, there is no safe amount of smoking. Each puff of smoke drives tons of toxins into your bloodstream and poses serious health risks. It is time to quit smoking for good. You may think that you can resume once the baby is born, however, even second-hand smoking can also affect your child’s health. Pregnancy & Quitting Talk to your midwife or doctor to find ways to help you quit smoking. Create a plan together with them to help you quit. If you are finding it difficult, as you probably will, don’t be disheartened, it is never too late to quit smoking and the earlier you stop the better. The point is that you believe in yourself and keep pushing yourself to quit smoking, for both you and your baby. First, try to quit smoking without taking any medications. If that proves to be futile, talk to your doctor to undergo Nicotine Replacement Therapy to help. While NRT, may be safer than smoking, it still isn’t entirely risk free.

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B O O K r e v i e w s by: Amy Adeney from Busy Bookwor ms

F LOOF

TANGK I T J UTA – D ON K EY S

B Y H E ID I M C K INNON

BY T HE T JANPI DESERT W EAVE RS

This is F l o o f.

Long, long ago, we didn’t ha v e d o nk ey s . We didn’t have a lot of t he t h i ng s w e ha v e t oday. We didn’t know donkey s ex i s ted . Our people used t o walk wit h t he i r c a mel s a nd donkeys from Areyonga t o Er n a b el l a .

Fl o o f is fl o o fy. Fl o o f is V E RY fl o o f y. Fl o o f is t h e F L O OF IE ST!

Me e t F l o o f – t he w o rl d ’s m o s t ador able, ch ao tic ca t . Yo u ’l l f o rg i v e Fl o o f e v er y t ime, j ust f or b e i n g s o cu te! Th i s i s a b o o k to delight a n y on e w h o h a s e v er l o v ed a ri diculous furball. Yo u n g re ad ers ag e d tw o an d up will l ove t h e b r i g h t , e n g ag i ng i l l us trations as the y f o l l o w a l o n g w i th F l o o f ’s f un n y a nt ics.

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Fresh, funny and highly or i g i na l , Ta ng k i T jut a Donkeys is an endear in g s to ry a b o ut how donkeys came t o be a r i c h p a rt o f l i fe for one A bor iginal communit y.

Told in P it jant jat jar a and E ng l i s h, a nd feat ur ing t he whimsical, d i s ti nc ti v e sculpt ures t hat have made Tj a np i Des ert Weaver s famous, t his A ust r ali a n s to ry o ffers war m and humorous insight s fro m a n A na ng u per spect ive, per fect for readers a g ed fo ur and up.

A LL TH E WO R DS I N EED T O KNOW

WHERE? BY JO RDAN CO LLINS & PHIL LE SN IE

B Y JAN E G O DWI N & A NDR EW J OY N ER ‘W here are you from?’ t hey sa y. All t h e w o rd s yo u n e e d to k n o w

W hat t hey mean is,

W ill h e l p yo u a s yo u l ear n an d g ro w.

‘W hy is your skin t hat colour ?’

From ant a n d b a ll and y ak and z o o ,

‘W hy does your hair look like tha t? ’

H e re ’s a w o rd b oo k JU S T F O R YO U !

This is a fi r s t d i cti o nary f o r y o u n g reader s a ge d t w o a n d u p , w i th f u n , l i l ti ng rh yme and vibran t, j o yfu l i l l u s trati o ns . J o ur ne y from A to Z wit h t h e a d orab l e o w l narrato rs as t hey ge t u p t o a l l s o r ts o f al p h ab et an ti c s. From ce le bra t e d cre a t o rs , th i s i s s u re to become a n e w A u s t r a l i a n c l as s i c .

A hear t felt pict ure book t ha t c ha l l eng es r acism, t hat is bot h a cr y of p a i n a nd a demonst r at ion of inner st rengt h, ta k i ng us o n an int ergalact ic jour ney past co l l a p s i ng s ta rs and glowing nebulae t o remind us no t o f o ur differences but of our shared huma ni ty. Thi s passionat e, per sonal and pol i ti c a l p i c ture book is a fant ast ic spr ingboard fo r d i s c us s i o n wit h pr imar y school- aged read ers .

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WHAT IS AN EPISIOTOMY? W r i t t e n

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An episiotomy is a procedure that is usually done to facilitate childbirth. In some necessary situations during delivery, a cut is made in the area between the vagina and anus, known as the perineum and this is referred to as an episiotomy. This is done to enlarge the vaginal opening for mainly reasons such as: 1. Risk of extensive tear during delivery. 2. The baby needs to be delivered early. 3. The baby is larger than normal and delivery may need the assistance of forceps/vacuum. The process of episiotomies used to be done very frequently, but has become less recommended in recent times, since these procedures might do more harm than good with respect to the risk of infections and the healing period. Types Of Episiotomies: Episiotomies, like other surgeries, have different methods of approaches. The two main types are: 1. Midline Episiotomy: The incision is made in the middle of the vaginal opening, straight down, reaching till the anus. Advantages of this method include 34

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that it has a faster healing rate and that it is less likely to cause discomfort during sexual intercourse. The disadvantage is that the path of incision might extend through the anal muscles, which may cause permanent damage. 2. Mediolateral Episiotomy: In this case, the incision is made from the middle of the vaginal opening, in a 45°degree angle, approaching the anus. Advantages of this method is the lower risk for anal muscle tears, while the disadvantages are many, including heavy blood loss and long-term discomfort. Severity Of Episiotomies: Episiotomies are again classified into four different

groups, based on the severity of the tear. They are: 1. First Degree: A small tear that only extends through the lining of the vagina, doesn’t involve the underlying tissues. 2. Second Degree: Most common type, extends through vaginal lining and tissues. Doesn’t involve the rectal lining/anal sphincter 3. Third Degree: Involves all three, vaginal lining and tissues and part of the anal sphincter 4. Fourth Degree: Most severe type of episiotomy, includes the rectal lining too. As the degree of severity increases, the risk associated with all the pain and infection also increases. JUNE 2022 | My Child Magazine Issue #129

Episiotomy Procedure: Episiotomy is a procedure that is very easy to perform. The patient is all prepped and then, anaesthesia is administered. When the baby’s head is visible at the vaginal opening, the doctor is supposed to make the incision. The area is first cleaned up, and the incision made, the doctor will then pinch the tissue under the incision to prevent further tearing. Small pressure is also placed on top of the baby’s head so that it is pushed out in control. After the delivery, the vagina is checked for tears and if tears aren’t found, the incision is cleaned up. If there is a wound, all of it is repaired first, using a suture. Thin sutures are

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used to close the rectal lining, and the stronger ones are for the rectal muscles. Recovery Phase: An episiotomy is generally treated within an hour after delivery. There will be bleeding from the incision but that will stop when the wound is closed. Some activities maybe out of bounds till the recovery period is finished. The pain of the incision may last for 2-3 weeks, although it is dependent on which degree the episiotomy is done at. Third- and fourth-degree episiotomies cause a longer period of discomfort. Physical exertion can cause pain during the healing phase.

You Can Try to Ease the Pain By: • Applying Cold Packs on The Perineum • Taking Pain-Relieving Medications • Frequent Sitz Baths • Using A Spray Bottle to Clean Up The incision should be fully healed within four to six weeks after delivery. The recovery time will be longer if it’s a third- or fourthdegree episiotomy. Complications: The complications of this episiotomy are mainly spontaneous perineal tears, which is the very issue trying to be prevented by the same procedure. It is very important that it should be calculated if the benefits outweigh the risks before the procedure. Adverse effects of episiotomy include bleeding, prolonged wound healing, complications in subsequent vaginal deliveries, pelvic floor dysfunction, urinary fistulas etc. The most adverse complication of an episiotomy is an injury to the external anal sphincter muscle, which can lead to many other connected issues. JUNE 2022 | My Child Magazine Issue #129

PR EGNA NCY C O M P L I C AT I O N S YOU N E E D TO LOOK OU T FOR W r i t t e n

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From the moment you find out that you’re pregnant, your emotions and thoughts start working double time. One moment you may be experiencing the joy and excitement of bringing a new life of your own into this world, while at the next you may be thinking of all the terrible things that could go wrong. But most pregnancies proceed without any issues or complications. However, in some cases, complications may arise that pose harm to the mother’s health or the baby’s health, or both.

Complications may be due to the mother’s existing health conditions or diseases the mother had before getting pregnant, and sometimes they may show up during delivery. Regardless of the complication, early detection and proper prenatal can reduce any health risk that they may pose. Are You at Risk of Developing Complications During Pregnancy? Some common health conditions and diseases that could increase your risks of developing complications during a pregnancy are diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, sexually transmitted diseases, kidney problems. Smoking tobacco, drinking alcohol or substance abuse during your pregnancy can have detrimental impacts on both your and your child’s health. Getting pregnant after the age of 35 or at a young age may also bump up the risks. Here Are Some Common Complications That Occur During Pregnancies: Miscarriage According to the WHO, a miscarriage is the spontaneous loss of pregnancy within 28 weeks of gestation. About 10-15% of pregnancies worldwide result in a miscarriage. Most miscarriages happen before 12 weeks. Usually, they occur when the foetus isn’t developing as it is supposed to. About one in every two miscarriage

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happens because of chromosomal abnormalities and not due to inherited problems. If you notice vaginal spotting or bleeding, get in touch with your doctor, as it is often the first sign of a miscarriage. However, many women who report vaginal spotting in the first trimester do go on to have successful deliveries. Gestational Diabetes Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that is diagnosed for the first time during your pregnancy. It causes high blood sugar that may place you and your baby at risk. Worldwide, gestational diabetes affects 7 to 10 per cent of pregnancies. The good news is that this can be brought under control with proper diet and exercise. Doctors rarely advise medication for gestational diabetes. However, if left unchecked, it can have serious repercussions on the mother’s and child’s health. Mums with gestational diabetes are 50% likely to develop type-2 diabetes later on in life. Even this risk can be reduced by eating healthy and maintaining a healthy weight.

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Ectopic Pregnancy An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg is implanted outside the uterus. Ectopic pregnancy poses a large risk to the mom’s health, as the growing embryo could rupture the fallopian tubes and cause internal bleeding. An ectopic pregnancy cannot proceed normally, the fertilized egg cannot survive and could even be life-threatening. If you experience severe abdominal or pelvic pain along with vaginal bleeding, seek emergency medical help. Due to heavy internal bleeding, you may feel light-headed or faint. Preeclampsia Preeclampsia occurs within the first 20 weeks of gestation; it causes hypertension and issues with the kidneys. Usually, preeclampsia is dealt by delivering the baby to prevent the condition from worsening. So, if you are about 37 to 40 weeks into pregnancy with preeclampsia, you may be induced into labour. However, if it is too early, you may be prescribed medications to control the blood pressure. In some cases, the mother is hospitalized for monitoring and care. Mothers with preeclampsia may develop mild symptoms near their due dates, and the pregnancy proceeds without any incidents. However, it may progress quickly and may even be life-threatening in some cases. 42

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Preterm Labour Preterm labour occurs when the regular contractions cause the cervix to dilate before 37 weeks of gestation. It poses several health risks for your baby, including underdeveloped lungs, low birth weight, difficulty regulating body temperature, or even be fatal. Preterm birth may require intense care, medication and even surgery. The more mature a child is at birth, the higher the chances of survival and being healthy. Issues with the Placenta Complications related to the placenta include Placental Abruption and Placenta previa. Placental abruption happens when the placenta detaches partially or completely before the baby is born. Depending on when it happens, you may need to undergo an emergency c-section to deliver the baby, if the baby isn’t receiving enough oxygen. Placenta previa occurs when the placenta is covering the cervical opening or lies unusually low in the uterus. It usually goes away on its own, without any treatment as such. But women, who have placenta previa during labour, may have to undergo a c-section to deliver the baby.

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IS YOUR BABY OVERDUE? W r i t t e n

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So, your pregnancy is finally coming to an end. You might be confused about labour and what lies ahead, but you are surely ready to meet your baby that you’ve been carrying around for nine months.

As the due date gets closer, you might get concerned if you haven’t gone into labour. You might start spiralling into a pit of thoughts, “Is my baby healthy?”, “Is my body functioning as it should?”, “Will this pregnancy ever end?”. Well, if that is the case, then chances are you have an overdue baby, let’s try to understand this better. What Does an Overdue Pregnancy Mean? Pregnancy lasts approximately 40 weeks, or 280 days, from the first day of your last menstruation. Many women give birth within a week of this day, but some

go overdue. It is termed overdue if your labour does not begin by the time, you are 41 weeks pregnant. Every baby, though, is unique, and there is a wide spectrum of what is considered normal when babies arrive. It’s unclear why some people are late on their payments. If you’re obese, haven’t ever given birth before, or are over the age of 30, you’re more prone to being overdue. Midwives or doctors will perform ultrasound scans and monitor your baby’s movement and heartbeat to ensure that you and your baby are both healthy. The ultrasound may reveal that your placenta isn’t supplying your baby with as much oxygen and nutrients as it formerly did. In these situations, your physician or midwife will most likely recommend an induction or a C-section. If tests reveal that your child is healthy and you are in good health, you may decide to wait and see if labour begins naturally. By the time they get to 42 weeks pregnant, the majority of women go into spontaneous labour. You’re also more likely to have a protracted labour, as well as bleeding and ripping following the birth. If your pregnancy lasts a longer time than 42 weeks and you choose to not have the labour induced, you will be provided more frequent monitoring to ensure the health of your baby.

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Risks Of Having an Overdue Baby There are potential hazards to deliveries more than 2 weeks beyond your due date. At more than 42 weeks of pregnancy, the postnatal fatality rate is double that of term. The following are some of the issues that might arise if the baby is born after the due date: •

Problems with breathing in the infant

•

Placental failure, which causes growth, to slow or cease.

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A decrease in the amount of amniotic fluid in your womb, which encases your growing baby.

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A slowing heartbeat and other symptoms that the baby is in discomfort, known as foetal distress.

•

Meconium Aspiratory Syndrome

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Foetal Macrosomia, increase the risks of a caesarean section (C-section)

•

Stillbirth

It’s natural to be worried about the birth of your child but try to remain calm. It’s fine to wait forever as long as your doctor decides your baby is healthy. Likewise, it’s important to remember that due dates are merely a guideline from the beginning of your pregnancy. Only approximately 5% of women give birth on the actual date they were meant to. Most physicians and midwives will let you go a few weeks past your due date if everything appears to be in order.

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Assess your blood pressure and urine for protein and feel your belly to check the shape and orientation of your baby. Examine your vagina to determine whether your cervix feels ready. Taking actions to urge labour to begin is referred to as “induction.” Around a fourth of pregnant women in Australia are induced. An induction is normally offered after 41 weeks by your obstetrician or doctor (usually an obstetrician, a doctor who specialises in pregnancy and delivery, or a GP with obstetric qualifications), although the schedule will depend on your health and your doctor’s (or hospital’s) policy. Some insurance coverage allows for inductions up to 10 days after your due date. Others allow for a period of up to two weeks. Because there is no research showing the best time to induce labour, policies differ. Inducing Labour When you visit your midwife or doctor for your 41-week check-up, she or he may, confirm your due date by verifying when you last got your period. Based on the results of the examination, your doctor or midwife will use one of the following methods to induce labour: 1.

Sweeping off the membranes — attempting to ‘start labour’ by gently

removing the membranes from the entrance of your uterus with their fingertips. This technique can be unpleasant, and it can occasionally result in a little bleeding.

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Artificial rupture of membranes (breaking your waters) is the process of

making a hole in the sac of amniotic fluid around your baby with a little device. Your cervix must be open a few millimetres before the waters may be ruptured. This might be inconvenient, particularly if your cervix isn’t fully open. Breaking the membranes could be enough to initiate labour by itself, although medicines such as oxytocin may be necessary in some cases. 3.

Place prostaglandin gel (or a pessary) at the rear of your vaginal canal to

loosen your cervix and encourage it to open. This may be sufficient to induce labour, and you may require the breaking of your waters or the administration of oxytocin. 4.

Oxytocin drip—administering oxytocin, a synthetic form of the hormone

that causes contractions. This is administered by an arm drip and is frequently used in conjunction with the other techniques indicated. Oxytocin can be given after the waters have ruptured and is used to initiate or enhance contractions. 5.

To apply pressure to your cervix, a balloon connected to a tube is inserted

and filled with saline. This will stay in place for at least 15 hours, or until it slips out. It should soften and open your cervix during this period. This could be enough to induce labour, and you may additionally require the breaking of your waters.

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9 REASONS BABIES CRY AND HOW TO SOOTHE THEM w

Well babies cry, and cry a lot, there’s no way to get around it. From nutrition to warmth and comfort, your baby depends on you for everything. Babies cry as a way of communicating their needs. It’s them asking you for attention and care. Fear, pain, hunger, you name it, babies cry for it. So how are you supposed to know what your baby is trying to tell you? Calculus might seem easier when compared to figuring out your child’s cries, at least initially. 9 Reasons Babies Cry: 1.

Hunger

Hunger is the most common reason for babies to cry. This is especially true, in the case of newborns, the younger the baby the more likely that they cry because of hunger. Some other signs of hunger include, fussing, lip-smacking, sucking on their fingers or putting their hands near their mouths. 2.

Tummy Problems

Now that your baby is fed well, naturally the next thing that comes is digesting. Digesting means gas, which in turn may cause tummy ache. Burping them well can help resolve the gas and get rid of the pain. 3.

Colic

Colic is a special pattern of crying seen in an otherwise happy,

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well-fed baby. Babies with colic cry for a longer time than others. Colic is caused by abdominal pain, that makes your baby cry for hours at a stretch. Your efforts to soothe them may fall short. The baby might become flushed, frustrated, clench their fists, and arch their back, if it is colic that is affecting them. 4.

Sleep

Babies have trouble going to sleep on their own. They need someone to sing a lullaby or swaddle them to help them sleep. Making a fuss or crying for no apparent reason, staring into blank space, are some other signs that your bundle of joy needs some rest. 5.

Too Cold or Too Hot

To know if your baby is feeling too cold or hot, check the temperature around their tummy or the back of their necks. Set the air conditioning at a comfortable temperature, not too cold or too hot around 18 to 20C. If your baby is overdressed, that may also cause them to heat up. Like adults, heat makes babies appear flushed, and the cold makes them shiver, so look for those cues.

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Pain

When something painful happens, your baby may suddenly cry. Check their toes, fingers, feet, and hands to ensure nothing is pinched or stuck. Maybe random everyday objects lying in the crib is poking them, so take care to remove those from the crib. 7.

Not Feeling Well

Your child may be crying to signal the onset of some sort of illness. Look for changes in their temperament. If a fussy baby suddenly turns silent and lethargic or if a happy one turns fussy, it may be due to some illness. 8.

Dirty Nappy

Your baby may create a ruckus if their Nappy is wet or soiled. But some babies are okay with it unless it irritates their skin. 9.

Wants To Be Held Differently

Maybe all your baby needs are a change in posture or direction. Try holding your baby facing away from you instead of facing you. You could try getting more skin-on-skin contact, by laying the baby across your chest or over your shoulders. How To Soothe a Crying Baby Initially, it is going to take you a while before figuring out why your baby is crying or what techniques best work for them. But with

time and experience, you’ll learn what works and what doesn’t work for your baby. Here are some tips to help you soother a crying baby. •

Make Some Noise

Turn on a fan or a vacuum cleaner or play a constant sound. Back in the womb, your baby got used to listening to the sound of your blood passing through the placenta, along with numerous other sounds. So, the theory, is that white noise, would mimic these sounds and soothe your baby. •

Massage

Babies love touches, so a massage might help calm your crying baby. You don’t have to be a professional masseuse, keep the movements gentle and slow to comfort your child. Massaging their tummy can also help improve digestion and get rid of gas. •

Warm Baths

A warm bath could help soothe a crying baby. Keep the temperature around 36 to 38C. If you don’t have a thermometer dip your elbow in it, the water should neither feel hot or cold. •

Rock and Sway

Babies in general love being rocked gently. Try rocking your baby in your arms as you walk around or in a rocking chair.

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Jellycat Bashful Lion $49.95 theiconic.com.au

Cualli Ivory Cream Textured Rug From $470 missamara.com.au

Babyletto Lolly Dresser $919 kiddiecountry.com.au

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Wooden Bed Frame Single Size $240 theponcer.com.au

London Bus & Taxi Wall Border $24 onetrickpony.design

Beetle Car Shape Pillow $112 kogan.com/au

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Soft Touch Sheet Set Single Bed $19 kmart.com.au

Tudor Wooden Dining Chair $179 livingstyles.com.au

Charlie The Train Quilt Cover Set $59.95 curtainwonderland.com.au

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TEACHING YOUR CHILD TO SHARE W r i t t e n

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Sharing is a concept that is alien to almost all kids. But sharing is a very essential life skill, it is what makes us human. Children need to learn to share so that they can socialize, play, negotiate and cope with the lows in life.

Sharing teaches them about cooperation, teamwork, and helps understand that if we give a little to others, we gain a lot more than what we lose. Sharing sets the foundation of friendships, relationships, and networking.

But take for instance the words, “No”, “it’s mine”, “Gimme”, we almost always associate these to kids. When we hear these words, we can also visualize a toddler or pre-schooler holding onto something, which they don’t want anyone else to have. So naturally, teaching kids to share is no walk in the park.

Tips To Help You Teach Your Child to Share:

Be a Role Model

As with any other quality, your child watches you and learns. So be a good role model for your child to look up to. No, you don’t have to suddenly go out of your way and be a philanthropist, but more than that, it’s the small actions that matter. Say you’re munching on a pack of chips when your toddler is around, offer them some, it’s as simple as that. Also offer to share it with your partner or anyone else who is around at the same time and draw attention to it.

Teach Them What Sharing Is

Ensure that your child understands that when he shares his toy with a 68

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friend, they don’t keep that toy forever. Once they realize that they’ll get their toys back, they are more likely to share their things in the future.

Show Them That Sharing is Fun

Playing games that require cooperation is a great way to reinforce ideas of sharing into your child in a fun set up. Taking turns in a board game or Jenga, working together as a team to finish a puzzle, can help your child pick up the skills necessary to learn sharing.

Other than games, you can also try other fun activities like maybe baking or cooking together. After finishing the game or accomplishing whatever your goal is, talk about how the activity went.

Sharing is Not About Objects

It is important to teach your child that sharing is not just about sharing the physical belongings. Sharing is not giving your favourite toys to your friends. It is also about taking turns, sharing time.

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As adults, you should model and encourage all kinds of sharing. So, whether you are taking care of your sick partner or waiting in a queue, use those as opportunities to teach your child about sharing.

Language Of Sharing

Teaching them the language of sharing is just as important as sharing. You need to give them words for their feelings, emotions, and actions. Praising their ability to share, encourages them to do the same again.

Say you are playing a board game, and your child is waiting for their turn, but they are clearly frustrated. Try saying something along the lines of, ”I understand that it can be frustrating to wait, but soon it’ll be your turn. So, cheer up.”.

This not only helps your frustrated kid, but also helps any older kids internalize turn taking and sharing.

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Use Positive Reinforcement

As with any other skill, you must stay patient and provide positive reinforcement to your child as they learn sharing. Yes, it can be embarrassing or frustrating when your child refuses to share their toys with other kids or when they hoard all the Legos at the table. But instead of using force and escalating the situation, instead try to deal with the situation by coming up with something they can do cooperatively, like a puzzle or play dough.

Give your child, things solely for sharing with friends, like stickers, small toys, or snacks. Once they see that sharing can be fun, they are likely to share again.

Final Thoughts

There may be items that your child holds special and wouldn’t want to share. That is okay and you have to respect that. Forcing them to share something they don’t want to will do more harm than good, turning your child resentful instead of generous.

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T O Y r e v i e w s b y :

S h e r e e

H o d d i n e t t

LEAPFROG 100 THINGS THAT GO

$34.95 4/5

S u it ab l e f o r a g e s: 18+ m o n t hs Tak e a ro a d t r i p to t h e l an d o f l e ar ning w it h t he 100 T hings T hat Go int er a ct i ve b ook. H e ar 1 0 0 + wo rds ab o u t m o d e s o f t r anspor t at ion from dog sleds and dump t r ucks t o sk ate s a n d s ch oo l b us e s . Si x d o uble- sided, t ouch- sensit iv e pages feat ure voca b ul a r y in En g l i s h a n d S p ani s h. Si m p l y f l i p t he language sw it ch t o hear w ords, p hr a s es a nd d e sc ri p t i o n s i n e i t he r l an g uag e. Triple t he fun w it h t hree play modes so you ca n l ea r n ab o u t Wo rd s , S o un d s and F u n F ac ts on ev er y page of t his bil ingual book for ki d s . The l ig h t-u p s t a r p l ays two l e arni ng s o ngs in Engl ish and Spanish. T he imagina t i ve a r t w or k e n g ag e s ki d d o s wi t h d e tai l -ri c h i l l u st r at ions. On t he road, on t he sea, on t h e j ob a nd i n y ou r n e i g h b o u r ho o d —t h i s p o rtab l e book gives l it t le ones a w indow int o w ay s t o move i n t h e wo r l d a ro u nd t h e m . Sto ry t i m e is lear ning t ime w it h LeapFrog books. Ou r Ve rd i ct – The Leap Fro g 100 Th ings T hat Go is a great and amazing lea r ni ng t oy for y ou n g ki d s . B u t m o re t han j us t a l e ar ning and educat ional t ool, it ’s act ual ly fun for ki d s . A s an a d d e d b onu s , i t ’s b i l i n g ual , so not only w il l your child st rengt hen t hei r E ng l i s h b u t t h e y h a v e t h e o p p o rtun i ty to l e ar n a var iet y of w ords in Spanish t oo. So not onl y w i l l t h e y l e a r n 1 0 0 + wo rd s ab o ut m o d e s of t r anspor t at ion from dog sleds and d ump t r ucks to sk a t e s a n d s cho o l b us e s , b u t t hey’re lear ning a new language t oo. It is a b ook t ha t w il l de fi n i t e l y g ro w wi t h t h e m as t hey get older and w iden t heir v ocabulary. The p a g es are d u r a b l e a n d t h e to u c h p i c tu res w or k w el l, so your l it t le one can t ake i t w i t h t hem, w h e rev e r t h e y g o . Availa b l e f ro m: l e ap fro g .c o m .au,Big W, good toy s tores and online retailers 74

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VTECH MYLA THE BLUSH AND BLOOM UNICORN

$94.95 3/5

S u it ab l e f o r a g es: 5 + ye ars M ak e s o me ma g i c wi t h yo u r ne w f ri end, Myla t he Blush and Bloom Unicor n. Thi s rob ot i c u n ic o r n t o y s p re ad s h e r wi n g s an d s par kles w it h l ight w hen she t al ks and sin g s . Pres s t he b u t te r fl y b u t t o n o n Myl a’s m ag i c wand t o choose a colour and change her eyes , w i ng s , or h air, h o r n a n d f l o we r. Wave t h e wand t o change al l My la’s colour s at once. Acces s or i s e M y la’s t a i l u s i n g he r s i x h ai r c l i p s to complet e her look. Blow Myla a kiss an d w a t ch t he f lo we r i n h e r man e b l o o m and l i g ht up. It ’s t ime t o par t y ! P lay music for Myl a a nd s he’ l l d an c e a n d g l o w. As k Myl a to p l ay a song, t hen hear her sing eight d ifferent t unes . Si ng alon g w h e n y o u l e arn t h e s o ng s ! W hen it ’s t ime t o rest , t uck My la’s legs und er her a nd b o o p h e r n o s e fo r c ute an d c u d d l y responses. She’l l t hen share her dreams a nd a s k for a lu l la b y. Ou r v e rd i ct – M yl a i s no o rd i nary unicor n and she is a cut e t oy for t hose w ho ha ve a l ove of t h e s e m y s t i ca l c re atures (i n c l u d i ng my gir ls). But I fel t she could proba b l y d o a b i t m o re fo r w h a t s h e ’s wo rt h, to b e honest . You can t al k t o her and she’l l t a l k b a ck. You u se t h e w a n d t o c han g e h e r c o l o u rs and y ou can br ush and accessor ise her t a i l . You ca n d o a b i t o f s i n g ing and d an c i n g wi t h her as w el l, but t hat ’s about w here t he ma g i c end s . T h e re ’s l o t s o f l i t t l e p i ec es to k ee p cont ained and y ou don’t w ant t o lose t he w a nd er or it ’s al l o v e r fo r t hi s l i t t l e un i c o rn . Sh e’s pret t y and she’s fun and t his might be t he p er fect toy f o r y o u r u n i co rn o b s e s s e d l i t t l e one but don’t expect t oo many bel ls and w hi s t l es , a s it may j u s t e n d u p at t h e b ac k o f t he t oy pile before y ou know it ! Availa b l e f ro m : vtec h.c o m .au, Bi g W, good toy s tores & online retailers 76

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ROO GAMES KOALA WALLA BING BANG

$32.95 4/5

Suitable for ages: 4+ years Climb to the top...don’t let him drop! Wally the Koala is hungry and wants to climb the tree to reach his favourite Eucalyptus leaves. Work together as a team to help Wally climb but be careful! Sometimes Wally gets scared and starts sliding down. It’s up to you to catch him before his behind hits the ground and goes bing bang! Roll the dice, pick an action card and perform it before Koala Walla hits the ground. Our Verdict – There’s an element of excitement to this game for the littlest (and biggest) members of the family. Kids have the opportunity to develop gross-motor skills, hand-eye coordination, turn-taking and more. With two difficulty levels, this game can also be adapted for older children. The game’s objective is to help Wally get to his food at the top of the tree by rolling the dice. If you get Wally to the top, everyone wins, woohoo! If someone rolls a BANG, that person draws a card and performs the stunt before Wally slides to the ground. If players fail to complete their stunts before Wally hits the ground three times, everyone loses, boohoo! The game includes active stunts to encourage everyone to get up and move. Kids will love the opportunity to try and keep Wally climbing so they don’t lose! Available from: U Games Australia, The Gameamen, Toy Galaxy, good toy stores & online retailers 78

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HAPE BUNNY STACKER

$35.00 4/5

S u it a b l e f o r a ges: 10 + m o n th s T h is cu t e b u n n y s tac k e r i s t h e p e rf ect w ay t o spend a r ainy day ! Feat ures t hree d i fferent rin gs t o s t a ck. One even has a s tri ng t ail t hat makes a cut e cl icking sound w hen you p ul l it ou t ! T h e r i n g s ca n b e re m o ved an d p l ay ed w it h separ at ely. Includes one flow er r i ng w i t h s i x pe tal s wh i ch y o u c an f l i p and p l ay w it h, one pink r ing w it h pleasant jingl es , one w hi ch f e ature s a p u l l - o ut s tri n g tai l wh i c h cl icks cut ely and a w obbl ing base. T he r i ng s a re ma d e f ro m d i ffe re n t l y te x tu red and c o l o ured mat er ials. Great for t act ile develop ment a s w el l as e nco u r a g i n g f i n e m o to r s k i l l s and colour- recognit ion. O u r v e rd i ct – Fun , c o l o urf ul an d cut e, t his bunny st acker t icks al l t he boxes for a n a l l in -o n e t o y. We l l i t ’s m o re l i k e f i ve t oys in one w it h each ind ividual piece u ns t a cked a nd t h e n t h e s t a cker i ts el f , s o i t ’s g reat v alue for your l it t le one. You get t he a d d ed b onus o f so ft p l u s h p i e c es m i x ed wi t h d ifferent shapes and t ext ures t hat are grea t for t a ct i l e de v e l o p m e n t a s we l l as e n c o u rag ing fine mot or skil ls and colour- recogni t i on. Thi s w i l l be c o m e t h e i r f avo u ri te l i t t l e b un n y in no t ime! Avail a b l e f ro m: U G am e s Au stral i a , Iconic, good toy s tores & online retai l ers 80

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HOW TO TELL IF YOUR CHILD IS GIFTED OR NOT W r i t t e n

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Giftedness is sometimes characterized as a mental capacity associated with an IQ of 130 or higher. However, not every brilliant child excels in the classroom. In comparison to their colleagues, certain people may have exceptional creative, artistic, musical, and/or leadership qualities. Giftedness might be exclusive to a single talent or more broad. It’s also critical for parents and teachers to recognize that it can occasionally be accompanied by unique learning disabilities that have an influence on school achievement. In certain situations, it may be beneficial for the kid to join a gifted programme or school, where they will have abundant opportunities for progress in a classroom setting that is attentive to their requirements and stimulates them appropriately.

Figuring Out If Your Child Is Gifted or Not A combination of aptitude and accomplishment tests, as well as observation and/ or study of the student’s portfolio of work, is frequently used to assess giftedness. A child’s activities both inside and outside of school, as well as cognitive ability, inventiveness, and emotional and behavioural tendencies, may be taken into account. It’s critical that any tests used to determine giftedness don’t place a limit on how much knowledge a kid may display. Specific tests have been devised to search for giftedness in various disciplines, such as maths. Giftedness accompanies a kid into maturity, and each talented person is different. While no two pupils will flourish in the same manner, there are several characteristics and behaviours that parents and teachers frequently notice in talented children: They Are Inquisitive and Ask Several Questions Gifted children are naturally interested in the world around them and may make thorough inquiries in order to satiate their curiosity. This curiosity can extend beyond a mere interest in a topic to include details that appear to be outside the scope of a lesson. In a school context, a youngster may not be content with studying simply what is required to pass an exam or finish an assignment. There may not always be time or the necessary background knowledge to deliver replies at home. While this might be aggravating for teachers, parents, and children, it’s crucial to avoid discouraging a child from asking questions because this can demotivate them and prevent them from communicating in the future.

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They Tackle Projects in Their Own Unique Way. Whereas bright pupils strive to satisfy their teachers and complete schoolwork, talented youngsters have their own methods. This might be due to a desire to concentrate on only one component of a subject, or a perceived lack of difficulty in the activity itself. They speak a wide range of languages and prefer to converse with adults. The bright vocabulary of children is one of the first things that people notice. They frequently comprehend and employ a greater number of words than their classmates, including abstract and metaphorical language. This might be because of their reading habits and increased exposure to more sophisticated materials. They Come Up with Unique Concepts. A talented kid is a creative thinker who is able to use abstract thinking and combine concepts from several fields. They may have a vivid imagination and create sophisticated tales, songs, and/or plays on their own. These examples of creative work may use complicated vocabulary and demonstrate a high level of humour awareness. They Are Aware of Their Surroundings. The brilliant youngster is hyper-aware of his or her surroundings from an early age. Some people have exceptional attention abilities and may become hyperfocused on a topic in a matter of seconds. They can improve their cognitive abilities by interacting with new stimuli. That is why it is critical to provide appropriate stimulation for gifted children. They are filled with intense emotions. These youngsters may have strong sentiments about things that are significant to them and may have strong opinions about them. They may also be more conscious of other people’s feelings and opinions. However, understanding how to deal with this JUNE 2022 | My Child Magazine Issue #129

knowledge through acceptable social channels does not always imply knowing how to deal with it. They might be quite emotional. They May Display Low Academic Performance There are also instances where bright young people stand out due to low academic performance. Many parents are surprised to find this, since they believe giftedness is always connected with good performance. A learning deficiency has the potential to overshadow giftedness. When a youngster has ADD/ADHD or dyslexia, this is especially true. It is possible to be talented in one topic, such as maths, yet have a learning handicap that impacts performance in other parts of the curriculum. Finally, brilliant children may get bored quickly when their coursework is not difficult, and they may be misdiagnosed with ADD or ADHD because of their failure to pay attention in class. Final Thoughts Programs that assist children with learning disabilities and giftedness focus and remain on target while also improving language and literacy skills may be beneficial. Touch-type Read and Spell is a phonics-based touch-typing application that reinforces reading and spelling abilities while also teaching typing and English vocabulary to children and adults with dyslexia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia, ADD, and ADHD. Knowing whether your child is talented can also help you determine whether the school is offering an adequate educational environment. It may also offer you peace of mind, assist you in better understanding your child, and enable you to provide them with the finest educational environment possible. 86

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HOW TO COPE WITH MISCARRIAGE FOR DADS W r i t t e n

B y :

L a n c e

G r e e n

What Is A Miscarriage? A miscarriage is defined as the spontaneous end of a pregnancy. Miscarriage affects around a quarter of all pregnant women and usually occurs between the ages of four and six weeks. Miscarriage occurs virtually frequently well before the 13th week of conception, while only approximately 1% of pregnancies end after that. First pregnancies have a higher risk of miscarriage than subsequent pregnancies. Miscarriages can occur for a number of reasons. About half of the cases are caused by genetic disorders in the foetus or placenta. When the egg attaches incorrectly, it might lead to an early miscarriage. Emotional Impact of a Miscarriage Miscarriage signifies much more than the academic description, both physiologically and emotionally. A miscarriage has significant physical, mental, and spiritual consequences for a couple. Sadness, helplessness, and rage are all acceptable emotions to feel. These emotions may shift over time. Many fathers are at a loss as to how to cope with the death of their child.

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You may believe that you must be brave for your spouse or that you must not be as unhappy as they are, but this can lead to you ignoring your own grief. In addition to helping your partner, it is important to recognize your feelings and take a moment to deal with your sadness. When a father loses a child, he realizes that he will no longer have a kid to watch grow up, play baseball with, or go swimming with. In many cases, a father’s desire to have children is just as important as a mother’s. In the face of a crisis, the usual male mentality is to solve things. Miscarriages, on the other hand, are irreversible. The pain of the death of intrauterine life can only be healed with time. In that light, a dad will feel helpless and hopeless in dealing with his own emotions as well as his partner’s despair. As parents, I’m sure you’re both going to be devastated. You won’t always do things in the same order, and each will take a different amount of time, leading to the pair of you being in different emotional locations. You’ll need to allow each other the space to grieve in your own unique way. What To Say and Not To Say You should be aware of what to say or what not to say. Many miscarriage mothers have advised their spouses not to try to reassure them by saying, “We can still have more kids.” This little one was one-of-a-kind and special JUNE 2022 | My Child Magazine Issue #129

to Mom. Having additional children, no matter how many, will not make the sense of loss go away. Men may try to rectify the situation by talking about past pregnancies. What Mom really needs is a sympathetic ear as well as assurances of your affection for her. This mindset will aid her in dealing with her loss more successfully. Opening Up Even in the event of a miscarriage, men rarely talk to other guys about their feelings. It’s just not their style of bereavement. However, some fathers have found peace and comfort by writing down their sentiments and “offering them life” on paper. For a bereaved parent, this can be extremely healing. A support group, counsellor, or therapist, whether as a couple or alone, may be beneficial. Healing Men frequently turn to tasks to help them cope with their grief and loss. It’s not a horrible way to deal with just about everything going on in your life. Being occupied can help you pass the time and keep you focused on the future. A commemoration initiative for the lost baby, like planting more

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trees or producing something that will serve as a tangible monument, is one option. Even simple actions like launching a helium balloon, burning a birthday candle on this child’s due date, or donating to a charity can aid in the healing process.

“Even in the

Support Your Partner

event of a

Don’t be in a hurry. After a good day, there

miscarriage, men

may be a bad day. You or your spouse may

rarely talk to other guys about their feelings. ”

believe that you or your spouse are no longer in mourning, but it returns with a vengeance a few months later. This is normal, and you should give each other as much time as you need. Encourage your partner. Your partner is likely to be more affected by the death of a child than you are. So sit with her, hug her, and listen to her communicate herself. Just being there for her and encouraging her through her sadness will go a long way toward assisting her in processing the event.

JUNE 2022 | My Child Magazine Issue #129

WAYS TO MAKE TIME FOR YOUR PARTNER AFTER YOUR BABY ARRIVES W r i t t e n

B y :

L i z a

J o h n

Having a baby is a significant milestone in a relationship. Bringing a new life into the world also means extra responsibilities and extra happiness. Taking care of a new baby isn’t always easy. Your body is recovering after childbirth, and you have a new baby to look after around the clock. You’re always nursing, pumping, feeding, or planning the next meal, and sleep is scarce for both you and your

partner. Add in the extra responsibilities you’ve both taken on as parents, and it’s a recipe for disaster. It’s an exciting time, but you’re undoubtedly dealing with a slew of emotions as you try to figure out who you are in your new roles. It is okay to acknowledge all the changes in your life and the challenges you’re facing. Examining your circumstances objectively is the first step in ensuring that you both thrive and remain connected as partners. You must be supportive of one another as well as be a strong foundation for your new baby. Regardless of how things were before, being a parent may put a strain on relationships. Part of the issue is that you’re exhausted and have far less time with your partner than you had before the kid was born. It’s a lot more difficult to go out with your friends and do the things you used to do. You may resent what you perceive to be a lack of support from your partner. However, the period when your physical and emotional energies are completely consumed by your newborn and children is not permanent. When you have the opportunity, make time for each other. Make little gestures to make each other feel loved and included. You could feel lonely and cut off from your previous life if you’re having your first child. Your

JUNE 2022 | My Child Magazine Issue #129

spouse won’t be able to provide you with all the things you used to acquire from your job or pals. Other people in your life can provide you with support, friendship, and a shoulder to cry on. It’s critical to maintain your relationship after having a child. It’s easy to let it go to the bottom of your priority list—after all, you’ve got so much more to worry about. But, when you think about it, having a solid connection is most crucial during times like these-when you’re anxious, vulnerable, and confused. Here are a few factors to look into to keep your relationship alive. Sharing Responsibilities You and your spouse are probably getting into a rhythm with your baby and working out how to keep track of your daily tasks. It’s easy to fall into a rut if you do the same duties over and over, so consider switching things up. If you’re continually feeding your baby, your spouse might be able to give him or her a bottle so you can take a break. After a feeding, your spouse might soothe and change your infant. Try rotating it up so that you each have some quiet time as well as one-on-one time with your child. Furthermore, sharing the tasks will allow both of you to have a better understanding of what the other is doing, and you will both respect each other more. JUNE 2022 | My Child Magazine Issue #129

Getting Help If Necessary There are several ways to contact a relationship therapist if you don’t want to talk to a friend or family member. The community provides a variety of relationship counselling services, including free, confidential live chat services as well as paid options such as telephone, webcam, email, or face-to-face counselling. Whether you’re married or single, having a child impacts your connections with family and friends. It’s preferable to be specific about the type of assistance you require rather than accept whatever is supplied and feel angry. Your relatives are adjusting to a new connection with you as well. Unless you inform them, they won’t know what to do for the best. Your old pals may cease to visit you, or they may appear to expect you to drop everything and go out for the evening. It may be tough to keep up with pals as a result of this but explain how your life has altered to them. They may be unaware of the changes you’re undergoing. Listening To Your Partner Even when you and your spouse are busier than ever, it’s more vital than ever to talk about how you’re both feeling on a regular basis. Explicitly expressing your sentiments allows you to have a deeper 98

JUNE 2022 | My Child Magazine Issue #129

understanding of the other person and what is going on behind the surface. It’s also a fantastic opportunity for people to learn how to debug and assist one another. Let’s face it: when you’re stressed, you’ll undoubtedly yell at each other or make comments you don’t mean. Take a few deep breaths and take a step back to gain some perspective. When it’s necessary, apologize. These moments with your new infant are wonderful, but they’re also challenging. Have each other’s backs and provide grace to one another. Plan Some Fun Time Organize a weekly film night with take-out meals. Life becomes a lot simpler once your baby falls into a consistent sleeping routine, which is yet another fantastic reason to strive toward establishing a regular bedtime. Watching a film with your partner is a simple way to spend some quality time together. Games are a terrific way to relax and have fun with others, so get out the backgammon set, cards, or Scrabble board. Alternatively, while snuggled on the sofa, complete a crossword or Sudoku problem together. Prepare the diaper bag, grab the pram or backpack, and go on a family outing this weekend. Stores, parks, and outdoor activities are all welcoming to children.

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living in the moment WRITTEN BY: SHEREE HODDINETT

Do you ever just stop and take it all in? Life, kids and all that it entails? Or much like me, do you spend a bit or perhaps a lot of time reflecting and thinking about how you could have done things differently? Life would be a lot smoother if we think first and act later. But we all know that’s not always possible, especially when it comes to life with kids. I say this so often but I’m not a perfect mum, I don’t even try to be because I don’t have the time or energy for that! And I have no shame in admitting it either. I make mistakes all the time. Some of them are pretty big, others not so much. In some ways, it probably makes me a better mum (I hope). I certainly gain a better understanding of what NOT to do next time…I think. My kids are a great reminder of the importance of not sweating the small stuff. Except when I’m losing my ‘you know what’ because they have found my last nerve, once again. Isn’t it funny (or not) how they know exactly which buttons to push at the wrong time? Every single time! Kids have this inane ability to hone in on your weakest moments, they just know the right time to escalate any situation and then it proceeds to blow up into something bigger. I just “love” the unnecessary arguments I get to have with my girls on a regular basis. Note the sarcasm in between the lines! Life with girls is certainly never dull or boring, especially with one princess and one tough little monkey on my hands. It’s amazing how similar and how different my girls can be. My eldest daughter is on the verge of her pre-teen years and yet she still feels like my baby that I just brought home from the hospital! Until she rolls her eyes, stomps her feet and then proceeds to tell me what she thinks of me because I won’t let her play a game on her tablet, watch what she wants on TV or heaven forbid she has to do her homework. Apparently I wouldn’t understand how tough life is at the age of eight, because you know, I was never that young. Insert eye roll here. As for her sister, give her time and I’m sure she’ll follow suit. For now, she’s still my better behaved child and I’ll hold on to that as long as I possibly can. 102

JUNE 2022 | My Child Magazine Issue #129

One

that is, there is no

girls. As I like to say a

right or wrong to do

lot (okay all the time!),

can’t stress enough

it other than to do

they do drive me

when it comes to

your best. I’m still

crazy, but they made

parenting is, find your

trying to figure out

me a mum and it’s a

tribe. The people who

what my best is, but

role I cherish. It’s one I

will have your back,

as I’ve been saying

could possibly change

any time you need

for many years, I must

at times as well, haha!

them. That group that

be doing something

They will

laughs at you and

right because my kids

my babies no matter

with you, but knows

are still alive, haha!

how big (tall!) they get.

important

the

most

things

your heart is always

always be

Catch up on all the

in the right place,

But as full on as things

other “fun” in my life

even when your mind

can be don’t ever wish

(trust me when I say

isn’t

your

the time away, it really

it’s not that exciting)

kids have driven you

does go by super-

with my blog over

insane, AGAIN!! I have

fast. There are times

some great friends out

I really miss (newborn

com. There’s never

there, but I also have

cuddles

a dull moment when

my tribe. I was lucky

and others I could

enough to find them

live without (a little

parenting journey and

through the school all

defiance and attitude

it’s far from over! Until

our kids go to. None

is only the beginning),

next time…

of us are perfect and

but

we all have similar

wouldn’t be the same

ideas on parenting,

without my beautiful

because

life

anyone?!)

www.shereekim.

comes

definitely

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H E A L T H Y r e c i p e s

sourced from: ais.gov.au

D e l i c i o u s

Buttermilk Pancakes

prep time: 20 mins serves: 4

INSTRUCTIONS

INGREDIENTS

combine flour and sugar in mixing bowl.

whisk buttermilk, egg and vanilla essence together in a jug.

1 1/2 cups self-raising flour 1 tbsp caster sugar 2 cups buttermilk

add to dry ingredients and stir until just combined.

heat oil in a medium non-stock frying pan over medium to low heat.

cook 1/3 cup mixture for 1–2 minutes or until bubbles appear on surface

turn and cook a further minute. remove from pan and keep warm while cooking the remainder of the mixture.

serve with fruit, vanilla yogurt and maple syrup.

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1 egg, lightly beaten 1 tsp vanilla essence oil for cooking raspberries, blueberries and strawberries, to serve maple syrup, to serve vanilla yogurt, to serve

Quick & Easy

Scrambled Eggs

prep time: 6 mins serves: 4

INSTRUCTIONS

INGREDIENTS

place eggs, milk and salt in a bowl and whisk together.

melt butter in a large non-stick frypan over medium heat.

pour in the egg mixture.

break up and stir gently with a wooden spoon until creamy curds have formed.

remove from heat and serve with toast.

8 eggs 1/2 cup reduced-fat milk pinch of salt 1 tsp butter bread, toasted, to serve

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Chicken & Vegetable Stirfry prep & cook time: 35 mins serves: 4-6

INSTRUCTIONS 1

cook the noodles in a large pan of boiling water for 5 minutes or until tender.

drain well then toss with a little oil to prevent them sticking.

set aside.

spray a nonstick wok or frying pan with oil and heat.

INGREDIENTS 250g dried thin egg noodles spray of canola or olive oil two skinless chicken 500g breast fillets, cut into thin strips 2 tsp minced ginger 1 tsp minced garlic 1 sml onion, chopped

cook the chicken in 2 or 3 batches over high heat for 2-3 minutes or until browned.

set the cooked chicken aside.

red and green capsicum, thinly sliced

250g snow peas, halved 1/4 cup plum sauce

reheat the wok, add the ginger, garlic and the onion and stirfry for 2 minutes or until soft.

2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce 1/3 cup chicken stock

add the capsicum and snow peas and stirfry for about 3 minutes or until tender but still crisp.

add the sauces and stock and bring to the boil.

add the noodles and toss to warm through.

return the chicken to the pan and reheat.

serve immediately.

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Asian Pork Salad In Lettuce Cups prep & cook time: 55 mins serves: 4-6

INSTRUCTIONS 1

cook rice according to packet instructions.

INGREDIENTS 1/2 cup rice 500g lean pork mince

2 3 4

cook pork and stock in a non-stick frypan over medium heat for 10 minutes or until pork is tender. remove from heat. add rice, water chestnuts, green shallots, coriander, mint, carrot and cucumber and mix to combine. whisk together fish sauce, lime juice and brown sugar and pour over pork mixture.

1/2 cup real chicken stock 230g

can of water chestnuts, drained and chopped

green shallots, chopped

2 tbsp

chopped fresh coriander

2 tbsp chopped fresh mint 1

carrot, peeled and grated

refrigerate for 1 hour or until chilled.

fold through bean sprouts and serve in lettuce leaves.

3 tbsp fish sauce

serve with bread rolls.

1 tbsp brown sugar

1 cucumber, diced 2 tbsp lime juice 100g bean sprouts 1 4 or 6

iceberg lettuce, leaves separated large or small bread rolls

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135

Quick & Easy Penne Primavera

prep time: 25 mins serves: 4-6

INSTRUCTIONS

INGREDIENTS

cook the pasta according to packet instruction.

500g penne

steam or microwave the vegetables until just tender and brightly coloured, taking care not to overcook.

carrots, halved 2 lrg lengthways and thinly sliced

put cornflour in a small bowl and gradually add 1/3 cup evaporated milk, stirring until smooth.

zucchini, halved 2 lrg lengthways and thinly sliced

add remaining evaporated milk to a small saucepan, and crumble in the stock cubes.

200g

broccoli, cut into small florets

add cornflour mixture to the saucepan, and stir over medium heat until the mixture boils and thickens.

125g

snow peas, halved diagonally

when the pasta is cooked, drain and serve with sauce, topped with the vegetables and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

garnish with chopped flat-leaf parsley, if desired.

1 tbsp cornflour carnation light and 375ml creamy evaporated milk 2

vegetable or chicken stock cubes

1 1//2 finely grated parmesan tbsp cheese, optional 136

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D e l i c i o u s Turkey Pasties

prep time: 45 mins makes: 20

INSTRUCTIONS

INGREDIENTS

preheat oven to 200°c.

combine mince, carrot, parsnip, barbecue sauce and bread crumbs in a large bowl and mix with a wooden spoon. the mix should form a pattie consistency.

cut 4 x 12cm rounds from each sheet of pastry.

spoon turkey mix into the centre of the pastry rounds and brush edges with egg.

500g lean turkey mince 1 med carrot, grated 1

parsnip, finely chopped

1 1/2 tbsp barbecue sauce 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs

fold edges to make a pastie shape and press firmly to ensure a good seal.

baste tops of pasties with egg.

place in oven for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.

serve with side salad

sheets of low-fat puff pastry

1 egg, lightly beaten

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Chocolate Raspberry Roly Poly prep & time: 65mins serves: 6-8

INSTRUCTIONS

INGREDIENTS self-raising flour, plus extra to dust

preheat oven to 180°c.

2 cups

sift flour and 2 tbsp of the cocoa into a bowl, add 2/3 cup of caster sugar and stir.

4 tbsp baking cocoa

make a well in the centre and add egg, stirring, then gradually add milk, stirring, until mixture forms a smooth dough. turn onto a sheet of baking paper, cover with another sheet of baking paper and roll out to a thin rectangle.

the rectangle should be 35-40cm long and just a little shorter in width.

spread jam over the top of dough.

drain berries if necessary and arrange over jam (squash into the jam a little), leaving a 5cm strip down one of the long sides uncovered.

starting from the long edge that is covered with berries, roll up to form a swiss roll.

transfer to a rectangular cake pan.

combine remaining 2 tablespoons of cocoa and extra 1/2 cup of caster sugar with 1 1/4 cups boiling water; pour over roll.

bake for 35-40 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

serve with custard.

2/3 cup

caster sugar, plus 1/2 cup extra

1 egg, beaten 100-125ml skim milk raspberry jam, to spread punnet fresh raspberries (or 250g 1 frozen raspberries, thawed) 300ml low-fat custard

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Apricot & Apple Sponge Pudding prep & cook time: 60 mins serves: 4-6

INSTRUCTIONS

INGREDIENTS 400g pie apple

preheat oven to 180°c.

combine apple, apricot and ¼ cup sugar and spread in lightly greased 8-cup capacity ovenproof pan.

3/4 cup caster sugar

using an electric beater, beat eggs and remaining sugar until light and creamy.

3/4 cup self-raising flour

3 4

gently mix in flour and milk.

spread over fruit.

bake for 45–50 minutes until lightly golden and sponge bounces back when touched.

serve hot.

400g pie apricot 3 eggs 1 tbsp milk

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