My Baby Magazine - Issue Two

Making Mummy Time with

Chezzi Denyer

Pre and Postnatal Fitness with

Anna-Rose Klaus from RunBaby

How to Survive

SLEEP DEPRIVATION

Contents 6

Pre and Postnatal Fitness With Anna-Rose from RunBaby

10

Fluidity And Flexibility For Parenting Gold: Libby Trickett

13

Making Mummy Time: Chezzi Denyer

15

12 Tips For Travelling With Kids

18

Expert Tips On Breastfeeding: Pinky McKay

22

7 Alternative Uses For Breast Milk

26

Feeding Fussy Eaters: Krissy Rapiha

30

How To Survive Sleep Deprivation

32

Top 10 Best Parenting Influencers To Follow

10

6

26

13

15

18

22

30

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Innovative baby products you didn't know existed!

www.eatteethsleep.com.au

A message from the Editor-in-chief

Welcome to My Baby Magazine! We are so excited to share this issue with you.

This magazine has been created to educate and inspire you on your parenting journey. Parenting can be an exciting but overwhelming time with challenges around every corner. We are here to support you, so take a break and enjoy reading our stories and advice.

We would like you to meet Chezzi Denyer and Libby Tricket - both amazing mums sharing tips and advice on what they have learnt throughout their parenting journey.

Take some time to read our cover story from Pre and Postnatal Expert and Personal Trainer, Anna-Rose Klaus from RunBaby sharing her top tips for getting back into fitness. Make sure you to check out the videos and try some of these fantastic exercises. Anna-Rose has included her baby girl in the workouts to show how you can incorporate your little one into your exercise.

We also have expert breastfeeding tips from IBCLC Lactation Consultant and best-selling Author Pinky McKay, plus valuable tips on feeding your fussy eaters with nutrition and psychology practitioner specialising in childhood nutrition and meal time success, Krissy Ropiha.

As you can see, our magazine is filled with information to support along every step of the way, because we understand that the challenges of sleep deprivation, breastfeeding issues, fussy eaters and let’s not forget your own wellbeing, are real!

Remember, there is no perfect way to be a good parent.

Everyone has different skills and abilities.

Each situation is unique.

Every child is different.

Don’t compare yourself to other mothers. They might look like they have it together, but they might be screaming on the inside.

Always be kind and smile to another mother…you never know she may have just lost an argument with a two-year-old! A smile goes a long way!

Above all, remember that YOU are doing an amazing job!

Thank you for taking the time the check out the magazine.

C ontributors Anna-Rose Klaus, RunBaby Mumpreneur and founder of RunBaby, Anna-Rose delivers group fitness classes and personal training with a difference that is empowered by women, for women.

Mother to two beautiful children, Anna-Rose understands all things motherhood, including the importance of pelvic floor, prenatal and postnatal exercises.

Chezzi Denyer Media personality and senior television producer Chezzi Denyer and mother to two gorgeous girls. Celebrity ambassador for PANDA, Chezzi was faced with something a little different; post-natal anxiety. Chezzi has become proactive in helping fellow mums cope with the ups and downs of parenthood through her online program MummyTime TV.

Krissy Ropiha Gold Coast mum, Krissy Ropiha juggles three young children while working as a nutrition and psychology practitioner specialising in childhood nutrition and meal time success.

Passionate about supporting, inspiring and empowering busy mums in the kitchen and at meal times, Krissy shares simple, relatable and practical tips and guidance and her healthy parenting journey via @her.nourished and on YouTube.

Libby Trickett Libby Trickett first took gold in the 2004 Summer Olympics. With hard work and determination she followed with three Olympic gold and a 100 metre freestyle world record.

The next win for Libby was welcoming baby Poppy to the world and then another daughter, Edwina (Eddie) joining the family last February, 2018.

Libby has embraced this new chapter in her life and taken on a realistic, down-to-earth approach to dealing with stressors and expectations.

Pinky McKay Pinky McKay is Australia’s most recognised and respected breastfeeding expert. She’s an IBCLC lactation consultant, a mum of five, best-selling author of Sleeping Like a Baby, Parenting

by Heart and Toddler Tactics (Penguin Random House). She is also the creator of Boobie Bikkies, all natural and organic cookies to nourish breastfeeding mothers.

Pinky McKay works with new mums to help build confidence, knowledge and comfort around feeding their little ones.

Pre and Postnatal Fitness

Editor in Chief, Amy chats with Anna-Rose from RunBaby

Knowing what exercise you can and can’t do during pregnancy can be confusing and tricky. Once you have the baby, finding the time to work out can be challenging - even on a good day!

nurturing their bodies both mentally and physically. Anna-Rose and RunBaby’s Personal trainer, Rachel Scobie share their top pelvic floor, prenatal and postnatal exercises.

That’s why we have pre and postnatal fitness expert Anna-Rose Klaus here to share her tips and exercises you can do during your pregnancy and beyond.

P E LV I C F L O O R E X E R C I S E S

Anna-Rose is the mumpreneur and founder of RunBaby; a group fitness class and personal training program with a difference. RunBaby is empowered by women, for women. As a mother to two beautiful children, Anna-Rose understands all things motherhood from sleep deprivation, developmental leaps, teething to pelvic floor issues, ab separation and lack of core strength. Anna-Rose’s mission is to embrace, encourage and empower other women to find their strength, by

PREGNANCY ( P R E N AT A L ) E X E R C I S E S

organ to feed a growing baby inuetro and produce milk to keep our babies alive. How amazing is that?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that form a wide sling like a hammock. They extend across the fan-shaped pelvic bone, connecting to the pelvic organs (cervix, uterus, bladder, vagina, urethra, lower rectum) through strong muscle fibers that are further reinforced by fibrous tissue.

P O S T N AT A L E X E R C I S E

Damage to these muscles is common in women with a staggering 1 in 3 women reporting bladder incontinence or a prolapse at some point in their lives.

This could be due to stress and strain from pregnancy and childbirth—and also hormonal changes from menopause.

Damage can cause reduced sexual satisfaction, which is why it is so important to show this group of muscles the love and respect it deserves and to make sure that we are strengthening them throughout our pregnancy and beyond.

Q & A with Anna Why are pelvic floor muscles important during pregnancy?

Since becoming a mother, I have taken on a whole new level of love and respect for the female body. It is honestly amazing! We can grow a small human, create an extra

Do you have any advice and tips for new mums who want to get back into exercise post pregnancy?

My biggest piece of advice to a new Mum is to listen to your body, getting back into exercise is different for everyone. Set small daily goals for yourself, your body and your baby. Take the time to breathe deep and respect the changes (You have just brought a human into this world - you are a freaking birthing goddess!)

Your body has changed, but so have you.

Be kind, take your time, go slow and focus on your core breath and pelvic floor exercises.

Lack of sleep and a teething baby are exhausting. How can a tired mum motivate herself to exercise?

My biggest motivation for waking up before my kids and exercising is to create a sense of calmness in my mind and body. This energy sets me up for the day.

Many new mothers don’t even have time to sleep, let alone exercise! How can mothers find the time to fit in exercise?

You need to be gentle to yourself, but you also need to prioritise YOU. There is so much research currently conducted into the neuroscience of exercise and the benefits that this has not only on our bodies but on our mental health. The benefits of physical activity are more than muscle-deep. Moving your body builds and conditions your mind, making you smarter, happier and more resilient.

My kids are my work out! How can you incorporate your children into your workout?

Being a Mum is busy. There are so many ‘Mummy Moves’ that we do without giving it any thought. Lifting a pram in and out of your car boot, for example, is like doing a weighted squat or deadlift.

My kids love it when I pull my mat out for a workout. My son will come and jump on me and I use him as my weight. I hold him whilst I do my squats or throw him on my hips whilst I do my bridges - it really helps with Glute engagement. I think what is the most special about incorporating your kids into your workout is that they see you modelling healthy habits.

What advice would you give to a new mum who wants to attend a fitness class but is scared and hesitant after having a baby?

What are your top tips for mothers who feel ‘cabin fever’, particularly in those first few weeks and months after having a baby?

Do it! Magic happens when you are out of your comfort zone. We have all been there.

We have all turned up not knowing a single soul, but we all leave feeling like we have known each other for years. I think finding a fitness class with like-minded women is good for your soul.

Becoming a mother, especially in those first couple of months is hard. Nothing that you do in life prior to becoming a mother can prepare you for it. My best advice is to get out of the house at least once a day, even if it’s just to go for a walk around the block to grab a coffee. Find a local group of Mums that you ‘click’ with and build a village.

www.runbaby.com.au www.facebook.com/RunBaby1 @run__baby

WITH LIBBY TRICKETT

L

ibby Trickett’s bubbly personality and bright smile first graced our screens in 2004 as she took gold in the Summer Olympics. Hard work and determination paid off, as she subsequently graced the Aussies with another three Olympic gold medals and a 100 metre freestyle world record.

After a decade in competitive swimming, 2013 saw Libby retire due to injury, and just two years later Libby and her husband Luke welcomed baby Poppy. Their second beautiful girl, Edwina (Eddie) joined the family in February of last year.

While parenthood is a far cry from swimming laps and media engagements, Libby has embraced this new chapter in her life and taken on a realistic, down-to-earth approach to dealing with stressors and expectations.

No new parent is under the illusion that life will go on as it did pre-kids, but just how much things change can be easily underestimated. For Libby, becoming a mum meant a great deal of re-prioritisation. Learning to say ‘no’ was a huge transformation for her as she worked to balance the needs of her family against the wants of the outside world.

“I definitely understand now that for me, I want to work and have something that I’m passionate about outside of my family, but it needs to be important to me to spend time away from them. I really need to understand why I’m doing it and what I’m working towards, otherwise I say no,” she said.

Going from being able to work, maintain fitness, socialise or just drink a hot cup of coffee, to sleep deprivation and the physical and emotional turmoil that parenthood brings can be difficult to manage. Postnatal depression (PND) adds an extra dimension, which unfortunately one in seven Australian mums now suffer. Libby found herself in the grips of PND after the birth of Poppy and has worked hard to bring herself back to wellness. That elusive work/life balance? It could be fair to liken it to a unicorn – beautiful in theory but not part of any true reality. Libby takes arealistic approach, describing balance as “a constant fluid movement”. Things change in an instant with kids, there is certainly no room for complacency!

“Life is constantly changing and shifting – kids get sick, work gets stressful, there’s so many obstacles and challenges that we all need to overcome. It’s about being flexible, doing the best that we can and asking for help when we need it.”

Support is a key point in any discussion on surviving parenthood. Libby has a fantastic support network in her mum, sisters, friends and her husband Luke. No human can care for children – and themselves – in isolation. As parents and partners, Libby and Luke are a team and help each other schedule the time they need for themselves. As the saying goes, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

“I want to show them that I am an imperfect human being but someone who constantly strives to be better and do better.

S t e p h a n i e

B o we r s

P h o t o g r a p h y

present moment – practicing mindfulness everyday has really helped me in a big way,” Libby said.

The final important point Libby has for new parents to remember is not to expect too much and be flexible. While Libby aims to work, exercise and socialise when and where she can, if her precious children need to be priority, then that is ok too. This flexibility and willingness to accept imperfection is a valuable lesson for both herself and her girls.

Taking care of yourself does not have to be a mammoth effort or daily grand gesture either – it’s the little things that add up to a greater balance and ability to enjoy the incredible things around you.

“I want to show them that I am an imperfect human being but someone who constantly strives to be better and do better. I’m constantly going to make mistakes, whether it’s in parenting, my relationships or at work, but I want to try and recognise if I have made a mistake and try to improve whenever I can.”

“Self-care doesn’t have to be a couple of hours, but it can simply be moments during the day to go and stand in the sunshine and take a few breaths. Simple things that bring us back to the

So, be kind to yourself, ask for support where needed and lower your expectations – just a little.

Parenthood is a whole new world, but worth every moment.

Online baby & toddler store

Mummy Making Time

With Chezzi Denyer

The emotional rollercoaster of motherhood can be a tough one to navigate. Not only are you dealing with the practicalities of looking after a tiny human(s), as well as mass sleep-deprivation, but the mental turmoil can be equally exhausting.

Media personality and senior television producer Chezzi Denyer is a highly skilled, organised and competent professional, but when it came to the birth of her first child, feelings of guilt and inadequacy suddenly surfaced in ways she had never before experienced. Things just didn’t go to plan – as they often don’t – but at the time Chezzi was unable to understand why she felt the way she did. Whilerecognition of post-natal depression was growing steadily, what she faced was something a little different; post-natal anxiety.

“I knew for six months that something wasn’t right, but every time I spoke up, I was referred to the PND test, of which I always had a very low score as I was not depressed. I had no idea post-natal anxiety even existed. I made a pact with myself back then that when I was stronger, I would help get the word out there about PNA,” she said.

Last year, Chezzi was signed up as a celebrity ambassador for PANDA and sampled a new online checklist for parents that brings clarity to PNA symptoms. Mums who do not know why they feel the way they did can try the checklist, and if the results match, they can seek appropriate help and support.

Chezzi has also been proactive in helping fellow mums cope with the ups and downs of parenthood through her online program MummyTime TV. This idea crystalised from her own experience as a new parent, often finding herself alone with her new baby while her husband Grant travelled for work. As she moved around quite a lot and was juggling many other commitments, Chezzi did not have a mother’s group to call on for help, so the internet became her main source of information and support.

“Like any new mum, I felt a great sense of overwhelm, and because I didn’t have a mother’s group, I relied on the internet late at night when I was trying to breastfeed to answer particular worries or concerns I had about my baby… I decided that one day I’d combine my love of TV with my desire to help mums in a similar situation.”

MummyTime TV is now in its second season and is proving particularly beneficial to rural, regional and remote mums for whom isolation can be overwhelming. Growing up in a tiny regional town herself and now living on a farm with her family, Chezzi is well-equipped to offer practical, personal support to her country followers. She injects a healthy dose of humour into each episode which instantly connects mothers – it really helps to know your life isn’t actually as crazy as it feels!

When asked about key ways to cope with life as a new parent and the mental health concerns that often accompany it, two things stood out for Chezzi – living in the moment and being kind to yourself. She recommends a quick burst of activity to shake off the cobwebs, then finding an activity you can do with your children to totally immerse yourself in being together. Switch off distractions and live in the moment, you will all feel so much more connected, relaxed and your mummy-guilt allayed (at least for a while!).

Taking time out is equally important to allow yourself to reboot and come back to your kids refreshed. Regular mini-breaks can be as simple as a warm bath on your own, or getting someone to look after the kids while you pop out for a coffee with a friend.

A self-confessed former perfectionist, Chezzi had a hard time learning to be true and kind to herself, but she has worked hard to be in a position where she is comfortable in her own skin. Being a well-known family in the Australian media throws some additional challenges to the Denyer’s, but Chezzi tries not to let that stop her enjoying quality time with her children. While her work is incredible important to her, she has decided now is the right time to take a few months break to recalibrate and spend quality time with her family.

“Before having kids, I put an awful amount of pressure on myself, especially because I felt like living in the media spotlight meant you needed to be perfect, or you needed to think and act a certain way or you would be seen as a failure. And now I realise when you’re not honest or true to yourself, deep down you always feel like a fraud.

“Living in the moment is far more important to me now, and also to [the kids], than not living the life I want out of fear of public scrutiny.”

Chezzi’s last tip on coping with parenthood when things get tough: “Remind yourself that your children do love you, and you’re doing the best you can. We are all human and in this parenting game together.“ Click here to watch Mummy Time TV

12 tips for traveling with kids

Travelling with kids can be awesome.

Holidays as a family can be some of the most bonding and special moments for families. The trick is to be prepared. It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give your kids and something the we need to embrace.

Although sometimes a little daunting, if you stick to these simple steps below you will be well on the way to having a holiday everyone will enjoy!

Here are some tips to help you prepare and save both you and the kids having a meltdown along the way…

1. Just do it There is never a “right” time. Although the thought of travelling with kids can be

overwhelming, just remember that you will get there – you will survive.

2. Prepare, prepare and prepare some more As we said preparation is key to any holiday success story. If you are flying look closely at flight times and connections. If you’re driving plot suitable rest stops along the way. Know all the details about your accommodation and the facilities that are provided. Phone ahead and make enquiries, put any special requests in writing. Look at the weather and take appropriate precautions. There is no such thing as too much preparation when you are holidaying with kids.

3. Check visa requirements and baggage allowances

5. Weigh up your options and choose accommodation wisely

If you are traveling overseas make sure that you find out well in advance if you need a visa to travel. You might need to apply for an ESTA if you are visiting the USA an eTA if your visiting Canada.

Don’t leave applying for visas to the last minute. Avoid the stress and get organised in advance. Also know your baggage limit and keep in mind that there might be difference between what is allowed on international and domestic flights, so if you are doing any internal flights abroad do your homework so you are not over your limit.

Between hotels, motels, Airbnb and holiday rentals we are literally spoilt for choice with accommodation options.

Make a list of all the facilities that would make your holiday easier and the most enjoyable for you and choose your accommodation accordingly.

4. Take it slowly When travelling solo or with other grown ups its easy to be the first one to the baggage carousel or to drive 8 hours non stop with out a toilet stop. Travelling with kids is a whole different ballgame, so take the pressure off and take it slowly. There are no prizes for who gets there fastest!

6. Label them Don’t laugh but we label our luggage so why not our children as well. Write your name and mobile number on your child’s arm or make a lanyard for them to wear around their necks.

7. Pack smart Its always sensible not to over pack but by the same token make sure that you have everything that you need.

Do your research on the predicted weather at your destination and pack appropriately. Always consider the unexpected and make sure you are prepared.

8. Take your medicines with you Always ensure that you have a fully stocked medical bag with you when you are travelling with kids complete with any medicines that you might need for colds, temperatures, gastro or coughs. Anti bacterial wipes and Band-Aids are also a must pack item.

you just need to take the path of least resistance for the sake of peace and your sanity.

11. Have entertainment on tap

A spare change of clothes, extra nappies, dummies, snacks and plenty of wipes – whatever it is that you might need put it in your emergency pack.

When traveling with children one of the best things that you can do is to keep them entertained. It makes things go a lot faster for both them and for you. Get prepared and have a list of games and activities that you can do whilst you are travelling.

Pack colouring books and pencils and make sure that the Ipad is charged and loaded with some of your child’s favourite shows or movies.

10. Adjust the rules

12. Keep calm and enjoy it

Traveling with kids is all about being flexible. Sometimes you might need to adjust the rules a little in order for things to go smoothly and for everyone (including your fellow travellers) to have a good time. You might not always let your kid play on your phone or eat a cookie in the morning but sometimes

Remember that this is supposed to be a holiday so try and have fun. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Remember that life is short and these precious moments with your family are special so when things get overwhelming take a deep breath and remember that it really is all worth it!

9. Always have an emergency pack

EXP E RT T IPS O N BR EA S TF E E DIN G YOUR B A B Y F RO M

Pinky Mckay L

ittle else fills new mums with more fear and trepidation than how to feed a new baby. Making the decision on bottle or breast is never straightforward, but where breastfeeding is possible, there is no doubt it is the gold-standard in baby food. However, with this biological miracle comes a torrent of overwhelm; getting the supply right, the perfect positioning, the timing, feeding in public….and then just as you think you have it sorted, something changes!

Lactation consultant and baby expert Pinky McKay works with new mums – as well as those further down their breastfeeding journey – to help build confidence, knowledge and comfort around feeding their little ones. Pinky has kindly shared her top five most commonly asked breastfeeding questions and her answers to help you on your journey too.

1. H O W D O I G E T M Y B A BY I N T O A R O U T I N E?

Firstly, from your baby’s perspective, how is it respectful to have someone wake you up from a lovely restful nap and whip a boob in your mouth because THEY decide you should eat? Or, if your baby is thirsty and desperately needs a wee drink but he has to wait until the clock says it’s time, isn’t that pretty mean?

After all, if you are hungry or thirsty you can open the fridge or turn on a tap. I discourage

a strict feeding schedule, however, for your own peace of mind, you can time feeds so you know how often your baby is feeding or how long his feeds seem to take so you can better plan your days. If you have other children and you need to do a school pickup, for instance, it’s perfectly reasonable to gently offer your baby a feed before you head out the door, even if he isn’t signalling that he is hungry, just yet.

By watching your baby’s cues (hand to mouth, rooting towards you, lip smacking), you will know when needs to eat or drink. This could be more often than usual if he is having a growth spurt or if he needs a boost of immune factors because he’s been exposed to a bug.

By offering feeds according to your baby’s signals, you will be stimulating your breasts

to make more milk because breast milk production works on a ‘supply and demand’ basis – the more milk you remove, the more your body is signalled to make.

2. D O I N E E D A B R E A S T P U M P?

Unless you are going to be separated from your baby because he is premature, sick or you are going back to work, you don’t need to worry about buying a pump and you don’t need to pump a stash of mama milk for your freezer.

If you do need to express some milk for comfort or for occasional separations, it’s good to know how to hand express – this is really simple when you get the hang of it and can even be more effective than using a pump.

Don’t panic if you don’t seem to get much milk when you pump either, as does not necessarily reflect your supply. A healthy, well-latched baby who is sucking effectively will almost always get more milk than even the best breast pump. Try warming your breasts first, massage them and hand express until the milk starts to flow before applying the pump.

Then, as you are pumping, try using breast compressions as the flow slows – and watch the milk start spurting again!

3. A R E T H E R E F O O D S I S H O U L D AV O I D W H I L E B R E A S T F E E D I N G?

There are lots of old wives’ tales about what foods to avoid while you are breastfeeding but you don’t need to worry about restricting your own diet unless you have a baby who has allergies or is upset when you eat particular foods. Some babies are sensitive to certain foods passing through mother’s milk, but your baby is never allergic to your milk. A good rule of thumb is to eat a wide variety of natural foods and eat all things in moderation rather than binging on a particular food (such as chocolate!).

4. S H O U L D I S T O P M Y B A BY FA L L I N G A S L E E P O N M Y B R E A S T?

Breastfeeding is not just about ‘the milk’, it’s also about comfort, connection and immunity.

There are wonderful chemicals in breast milk that affect your baby’s brain, gut health and development as they lull him to sleep.

These include: oxytocin, the ‘love hormone’ released by you and your baby as you snuggle and breastfeed that encourages your milk flow and enhances bonding and attachment; cholecystokinin that helps tell your baby’s brain when he has satisfied his hunger; tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin that helps with the development of serotonin receptors in your baby’s gut; and endocannabinoids that have a calming effect on your baby’s brain. Night milk is also rich in tryptophan and melatonin, along with some other exclusively present proteins. These magical chemicals help your baby relax, so it makes perfect sense to allow him to doze off as he feeds in the warmth of your arms, drinking your warm, sweet milk.

Relax and stop worrying about ‘comfort feeding’. Instead, try and see breastfeeding as a simple mothering tool and a beautiful way to calm and connect with your baby. If you do need to make changes, try other ways to comfort your baby such as wearing him or introducing gentle music as a sleepy cue.

Please don’t worry that your baby will become dependent (babies are dependent!) or that he will need a breast to fall asleep when he is eighteen – he may still like to snuggle up to a warm boob, but it won’t be yours!

5. H O W D O I F E E L M O R E C O M F O RTA B L E F E E D I N G I N P U B L I C?

It can take a while to build up confidence around feeding when you are out and about,

but try not to worry about other people’s hang-ups – it’s legally your right to breastfeed anywhere without harassment. By simply pulling up your top and feeding your baby when he starts fussing (which is pretty discreet anyway – your baby covers your nipple, which

running at the moment too. Simply follow @ boobiebikkies on Instagram and share a photo of yourself breastfeeding with the hashtag #whereareyoufeedingtoday and you could win five packs of delicious Bookie Bikkies!

Despite all the questions, concerns and second-guessing that comes with looking after your beautiful baby, Pinky urges you to trust your own judgement. You are the expert on your own baby. If you are worried about something or suffering a barrage of conflicting advice and information, simply ask yourself; is it safe? Is it respectful? Does it FEEL right?

Don’t be afraid to ask for help either, becoming a parent is possibly the steepest learning curve you will ever experience. People around you WANT to help but they may feel as though they are intruding if they are too forward. So, ask!

Above all else, be gentle on yourself and enjoy this special time with your little one. Tough times pass - soak up every precious moment you can.

For more from Pinky McKay, visit her website www.pinkymckay.com

seems to be what upsets the critics), you are drawing less attention to yourself than if your baby has to wait and starts yelling. To gain confidence, practice in front of a mirror at home to see which clothing and what positions feel most comfortable for you.

Our Boobie Bikkies Instagram campaign is a great place to find support from fellow breastfeeding mums going about their normal days. We have a competition

Her books Sleeping Like a Baby and Parenting

by Heart (Penguin Random House) are available: www.shopwithpinky.com/baby For breastfeeding support:

www.facebook.com/BoobieBikkies/ @boobiebikkies

on sale now!

Starting solids?

7 Alternative Uses For Breast Milk

Brought to you

by Mumasil

Most of us already know the benefits of breast milk for feeding a baby, but did you know it has other uses?

Breast milk contains antibodies that help fight off viruses and bacteria. It has amazing healing power and the best part is that it’s completely FREE!

1. Apply to sore or cracked nipples.

A study has found that when applying breast milk to sore and cracked nipples, healing time was faster than using lanolin cream.

2. Add it to a bath.

Breast milk is great for moisturising dry or sensitive skin. Just mix enough in the bath until it becomes a bit cloudy for maximum benefit.

3. Treating cuts or sores.

Breast milk has natural antiseptic properties, which can be applied on minor cuts or sores to reduce burning and sting ing. The antibody IgA prevents germs from forming on the wound and helps speed up the healing process. Apply the breast milk with cotton wool and allow it to fully dry.

4. Cradle Cap. Rubbing breast milk into your baby’s head can help clear up cradle cap. Just rub into the scalp consistently over a few days and you will start to see an improvement.

5. Nappy Rash.

Research has proven that breast milk is just as effective at reducing nappy rash as hydrocortisone 1% cream.

6. Teething.

Make breast milk ice blocks for your baby to suck on to soothe their sore gums. Nuk have a great set purpose made moulds perfect for little hands.

7. Use in cooking when introducing solids.

If you are making your own purees, breast milk can be added to smooth the consistency of foods like potato, sweet potato and pumpkin. It can also be mixed with rice cereal.

TO MAXIMISE YOUR BREAST MILK COLLECTION WITHOUT HAVING TO PUMP, VIEW THE MUMASIL PRODUCT RANGE. www.mumasil.com.au

www.facebook.com/mumasilaustralia @mumasil.com.au

Feeding Fussy Eaters with..

Krissy Ropiha

One of the biggest stressors for many parents, particularly those of toddlers and young children, is getting kids to eat what’s provided at meal times. Fussy eating is a very common scenario, and often makes parents feel frustrated, worried, and like they’re not measuring up.

If you’re in this scenario, though, don’t despair!

You’re certainly not alone, and there are helpful things you can do to get your children eating more of the foods you want, on a regular basis. Krissy Ropiha from Her

Nourished helps busy mums and dads regularly to make meal time a happier occasion. Kellie Byrnes chatted with Krissy to get some insights My Baby readers can start implementing today.

Krissy, what do you see as some of the reasons behind fussy eating?

I have had countless parents speak of their struggles with food rejection, ‘picky’ and ‘fussy’ eaters, children who just can’t sit still during meal times and children who change their food preferences daily.

intake of food over a day, intense responses to sensory information (this is often seen in clinical picky eaters and may require a therapeutic approach), limited family meals and the use of technology or bribery at meal times.

How do you help parents in this field?

Fussy eating is a term commonly used by parents but the behaviours most parents are referring to are those of food rejection and/ or short attention spans, both of which are normal and relate to periods of cognitive and emotional development.

As frustrating as the behaviours can be (especially when wiping dinner from the floor or trying to encourage a child to sit in one spot during meal times) it is comforting to know they are usually temporary. Studies have shown that in most cases these behaviours are unlikely to have an impact on your child’s long term growth. There are also ways in which we can guide our little ones through these periods of change and growth to make these common behaviours less stressful for everyone.

What do most fussy eaters have in common?

There are a few common themes that I see when parents report food rejection and fussiness at meal times. The most common include tiredness at meal times, frequent snacking or losing track of a child’s actual

As a mum I found many recipes and ideas for toddler food but very little information on how to support my children through meal times to make them as enjoyable as possible for everyone involved. With a background in psychology, it is now my mission to provide parents with support to make meal times feel as stress-free as possible EVEN when children reject their meals or get up and down from the table more often than you can count.

I help parents by providing evidence-based guidance in a relatable and practical format.

Often, after a review and with just a few small tweaks, parents report improvements in their child’s eating habits and their stress-levels at meal times. To me, that makes everything I share worthwhile!

How did you get into this area of expertise?

When I had my first son I realised that an easy and enjoyable part of our day (meal times) was actually a stress-inducing and frustrating part for others. As a teenager I struggled with my relationship with food and spent many years overcoming this battle so fostering a healthy relationship with food has been a top priority for me as a parent. When I had my first son and was pregnant with my daughter I decided to return to study so that I could combine my background of Psychology with nutrition.

When I explored how I approached meal times with my children based on their

individual needs I realised I actually had a formula for meal time success and it worked really well despite the huge differences in personality and food preferences.

My core business, Her Nourished, always had a heavy focus on the health and wellbeing of busy mums. Her Nourished Kids and my Meal Time Success programs have been a natural progression based on my real life parenting experiences and conversations with mums around the World. I am honoured to have conversations with mums each and every day and I feel a wave of pride for those who share with me how well their little ones are eating and how successful meal times now feel for them.

What are some of the mistakes you see parents making when it comes to their fussy eaters?

I believe every parent is doing the best they can with the resources they have available to them and it is my heartfelt desire to help parents navigate meal times.

The most common strategies I see parents use which often result in more challenging meal times include the use of bribery, technology or having unrealistic expectations.

Bribery is one of the most common meal time strategies I hear and I too have used the phrase ‘eat your dinner and then you can have this delicious dessert’. We know from learning theories that over time the bribery or promise of a treat food may result in the treat food becoming more desirable and the food you are actually trying to encourage them to eat becoming less desirable, therefore resulting in even more challenging behaviours at meal times.

Similarly, I too have found myself using technology at times as a way to encourage eating but it is ideal to encourage technology-free meal times as often as possible. While using technology can give us a ‘break’ from the meal time struggles, frequent use at meal times may result in mindless eating and poor health outcomes including obesity and negative body image.

Finally, unrealistic expectations at meal times is one of the most common reasons for meal time frustration and stress. Meal times with children are often imperfect and that is okay.

There are ways we can support our little ones through periods of change and growth to make meal times feel less frustrating and stressful, but also know you are not alone! Most of us experience these behaviours with our little ones at some stage, myself included.

What are your top tips to encourage healthy eating?

The most successful and promising tip I can share is to prioritise eating as a family! There are many evidence-based learning theories that extend to meal times and social modelling/social learning is one of the most effective (and free!) tools you can use. The great news is that the health benefits of eating as a family have been seen in as little as three family meals per week.

Set aside time to eat with your children as often as possible.

Eat your vegetables, model the relationship with food that you want your children to have, turn off the technology and use lots of praise.

You don’t need to make Pinterest-worthy meals or spend a fortune on superfoods for kids.

Here are a few realistic tips: • Serve food on child-friendly serving dishes or plates.

• Less may be more. It may be overwhelming for a child to be presented with a big plate of food so start small and aim to make every bite count.

• Model wherever possible. I can’t tell you how many times my children have tried a new food simply because it has been on my plate and not theirs.

• Make the plate colourful with different types of fruit and vegetables.

• Serve new foods with old favourites and encourage tastes without pressure. It can take a child 10-20 tastes before they accept a new food (that’s 1-3 weeks of consistently offering a new food!).

It is my heartfelt intention to give as much value and support as possible because I know how tough parenting can be at the best of times. I share free evidence-based information and tips on a dedicated Instagram page @hernourishedkids.

If you want to go deeper we have a Meal Time Success Program for 1-5 year olds (and we are launching two new foundation programs for pregnancy and breastfeeding as well as 6-12 months very soon!). The programs alongside evidence-based articles are available at www.hernourished.com.

• Plan DIY meals such as homemade pizzas and encourage children to be a part of the meal creation.

@her.nourished

And finally, the imperfect moments create perfect opportunities for learning and growth!

Talk about meal times, about how food makes us feel (the good AND the not-so-good feelings) and help your children learn how to make food choices on their own as they become more independent.

Krissy Ropiha

For kids: @hernourishedkids

How to survive sleep deprivation Like most things in life you don’t know what its like until you have lived it. Sleep deprivation is no different. For new parents, sleep deprivation can be one of the most challenging obstacles they face in the early days of parenting.

Before you have children you could always make up for lack of sleep the next night but in the world of babies you no longer have that luxury.

Sleep deprivation is unfortunately inevitable for new parents so what is vital is that you learn how to deal with it.

Here are some strategies to help you cope with sleep deprivation:

1. Keep life simple (at least for now)

After you have had a baby is not the time to put any extra pressure on yourself.

It is ok to say no to dinners out, play dates and visits from family and friends.

Don’t over commit yourself and make arrangements that are going to put added pressure on you and your bub.

2. Eat well and drink lots of water

It is quite phenomenal how the food and drink that we consume can affect how we feel. Whenever you can opt to eat as many serves of fruit and vegetables as you can.

Not only will eating healthier foods make you feel better it will also help your body recover as well.

And water! Don’t forget to keep hydrated and drink lots and lots of water.

Keeping well hydrated will keep your body functioning well and help to keep headaches at bay.

3. Try and exercise

No one is suggesting hitting the gym on a daily basis but as soon as you feel up to it try and incorporate some gentle exercise

into your daily routine. Put your baby in the pram and go for a walk or try and do 20 minutes of yoga or stretching. The endorphins that your body produces when you are exercising help to battle fatigue.

4. Limit the caffeine

You might need coffee to help you get through the day but try and limit your caffeine intake in the afternoons and evenings. It can be difficult to fall asleep if your body is wired to stay awake!

5. Don’t stress if you can’t sleep

You might find yourself in the position that when your baby is sleeping you simple cant sleep. Whether your mind is racing with the million loads of washing that needs to be done or your anxious about being a new parent, take a deep breath and relax.

Don’t stress further about NOT being able to sleep, simply rest your body instead.

Do some deep breathing techniques, lay on the couch and read a magazine or watch a movie. Simply give your body some time to rest and relax.

6. Adjust your thinking

Let go of any negative thoughts about your baby not sleeping and yourself getting enough sleep as that will make things worse. It’s a case of mind over matter.

Babies are not naturally programmed to sleep at night. This is a learnt pattern that will come in time.

7. Go to bed early

Forget about watching late night TV for a while. Get into the habit of going to bed early at least until your baby is in a sleeping routine.

8. Get outside

Sometimes the worse thing you can do when you are feeling utterly exhausted is to stay inside. Meet a friend for coffee, go for a walk to the park or visit a family member.

Sometimes a change of scene and a bit of company can take your mind off how tired you are.

9. Ask for help

Don’t try and be a super mum. If your partner, a friend or relative offers to look after the baby so that you can have a rest, accept the offer. Whatever you do don’t turn down help and don’t be afraid to ask for it when you need it.

10. Talk about it

If you are feeling overwhelmed and that you cant cope then make sure that you talk to your doctor, partner, family or friends about how you are feeling. There is no shame in putting your hand up and asking for help. Many mothers suffer from anxiety, depression and exhaustion after having a baby and this can be exasperated by sleep deprivation. The most important thing is to know that you are not alone and that you get the help and support that you need.

11. Know that there this too shall end

Take comfort in knowing that you will not be sleep deprived forever. Its hard to imagine an end when you are in the thick of it but just remember that – this too shall pass!

TOP 10

Best Parenting Influencers TO FOLLOW

1.

The Root Cause Great for healthy eating especially for kids. Amazing recipes with plenty of ideas.

And easy lunch box fillers for mums on the go.

3.

Additive Free Kids This channel spreads awareness to families about unhealthy food and health risks for their kids.

And has many great posts for healthy alternative foods.

5.

Mama Tribe Love A beautiful online community of mums that support each other through loneliness, isolation and stress.

Their amazing quote, ’no mum left behind’.

2.

The Blonde Nomads A blog of a family travelling full time in a caravan, that share travel tips and inspiration to other families to do the same.

4.

Trip In A Van A family of five that blog their trip around Australia in a van, perfect with a more realistic approach to traveling with kids.

6.

Fatherly

A great page for dads who need help raising a family and staying connected to their partner. Tips and tricks, life hacks and answers for the many questions of being a parent.

8.

7.

Miss Kyree Loves An inspirational blog page for mums who want a change of fashion, beauty and lifestyle to suit their busy schedule.

Not So Mumsy

An inspirational blog for mums who want to switch up their fashion ideas and style, for not only themselves but also their little ones.

10.

Bub Hub An advice page for pregnancy and parenting, perfect for young mums or any mums struggling with anything, their questions will be answered

9.

Travel Mad Dad A stay at home dad that shares his adventures with his two kids and travel tips for when traveling around the world.

TV People We Love To Tune Into WATCH NOW!

MUMMY TIME TV

PINKY MCKAY

KRISSY ROPIHA

TIFFINY HALL

TURIA PITT

IMANI BENFELL

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