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Your baby's milestones part 1 (up to 6 months)

2013-05-05T19:21:54+01:00

As your baby grows she’ll develop new skills and these ‘milestones’ show she’s becoming more independent and growing the right way. Here is the lowdown on what to expect and how to encourage your baby to embrace these new skills in the first 6 months.

It’s important to remember too though that babies don’t all develop at the same rate, and so may pick things up faster or slower than others. If you’re worried about anything, it’s always worth going to see your GP.

The milestone: Smiling

At around six weeks, you should see your baby smile for the first time. Why now? Well, it takes this long for her to strengthen the muscles that enable her to do it! It’s a moment for parents to get excited – sure your baby feels happy to see you for weeks, now she can finally show it. Encourage your baby to smile by talking to her face to face, with lots of facial expressions.

The milestone: Babbling
From 4-6 months your baby will try and mimic the sound of talking where, she’s trying to communicate with you! Babbling is important for infants as it helps them learn the sounds of speech, Encourage her by talking – even if it’s just giving her a running commentary of things you’re up to. Repeat her sounds back to her so she can learn to copy you. Read to her – the more you communicate, the more she’ll pick up, and sing to her – babies love hearing nursery rhymes and songs – especially ones with actions.

The milestone: Rolling Over
Between 4-6 months when her neck and arm muscles are strong enough, your baby will start to rollover. First she’ll roll over one way, and then she’ll master being able to roll back again. To encourage rolling over, put your baby on her tummy for short periods to help her develop strength in her neck muscles. Position a toy just out of reach to encourage her to roll over to get it.

The milestone: Holding something
By 5 months your little one should be able to hold an object, but she may not be able to let it go again! A rattle can prove lots of fun at this age as she masters her new skill.

The milestone: Teething
Your baby’s teeth can come through anytime, but often it’s around the six month mark. The first tooth normally comes through in the front of the mouth, at the bottom.

The milestone: Weaning
By six months you’ll need to start introducing solid food. You may find that she is no longer satisfied by milk and that she’s starting to show interest in the food that you and others are eating. Your baby needs it to build up nutrients in her body, as well as develop muscles and coordination in her mouth, which is essential for talking.

In Part 2 I’ll be covering the milestones up to 18months.

Benefits of massage in Pregnancy

2013-04-30T22:11:30+01:00

I caught up with Lindsey Seabrook, an experienced massage therapist in Balham, who recently completed her diploma in pregnancy massage (and she used 2 lucky Baby Care Company customers as case studies….) I remember discovering massages late on in my pregnancy, and wished I’d started having them sooner! I asked Lindsey the benefits of massage in pregnancy and what to expect.

During pregnancy the body undergoes some significant physical changes to adapt to the life growing inside it. It may also be a time of stress and worry, as the mother has to adapt to carrying a new life as well as starting a new life herself with her newborn. Pregnancy massage can support expectant mothers on a physical and mental level throughout their pregnancy and help maintain a healthy body and healthy mind.

Pregnancy massage is particularly good for:
• Relieving muscle pain especially in the lower back where the muscles take the extra strain of your baby weight.
• Encouraging circulation and reducing the risk of oedema (common swelling in pregnancy especially in the wrists and ankles from additional fluid retention)
• Stimulating the part of the nervous system that allows us to relax and de-stress – very important when carrying a baby.
• Naturally decrease heartburn through effective stretches.
• Abdominal massage (if required by the client) which massages the baby as well as helping to support the abdominal muscles that are being stretched. This also helps the digestive system and can decrease indigestion and constipation.
• Allowing you time and space to connect with your baby mentally and really focus on its presence.

Pregnancy massage, like any other massage treatment, will be tailor made to your exact requirements. You may well have some of the exact same muscular tension as you had before you became pregnant which can be treated as normal. For example, you may have neck and shoulder tension from using a computer for long periods of time or lower back pain from sitting at a desk all day. However, you will now be treated with your changing body and growing baby in mind.
A good pregnancy massage therapist will also be aware of the stages of growth of a baby so that they will know what stage of development that your baby is at during treatment. This helps you feel supported and safe.

You should expect to be treated with the care and attention you deserve being an expectant mother. Your therapist will ensure that you and your baby are supported on the massage table and that you are comfortable with the relevant pillows. If you need to move about during the treatment then we can adapt to your needs. Your comfort is key to maximize the benefits of the treatment.

If you’d like to find out more about Lindsey, her website is www.thetouch.uk.com

Tongue-tie (medical term - Ankyloglossia)

2013-02-05T12:43:55+00:00

A couple of new mums who have been to my classes have reported back that their babies had tongue-tie, so I thought it’d be useful to give you some information on this incase your babies have it too.

Tongue-tie is where the piece of skin (the frenulum) that joins the tongue to the base of the mouth is shorter than normal, restricting movement in the tongue. This can cause the baby difficulty feeding, by being unable to suck effectively.

The severity of this condition can vary and at its worst, the tongue is effectively fused to the base of the mouth.

Sometimes tongue-tie improves spontaneously over time, however if your baby is having trouble feeding, a simple surgical procedure is often recommended. This is known as frenuloplasty or tongue-tie division and it is where the frenulum is snipped to free the tongue. For younger babies, this procedure is usually performed with a local anaesthetic. However as babies get older, a general anaesthetic is normally required. The baby can usually start feeding straight away.

Tongue-tie is usually spotting by a midwife or doctor when they are examining your baby. If you have any concerns about tongue-tie, it’s worth speaking to your GP in the first instance to see if intervention is necessary.

Post Natal Depression support

2012-12-14T09:47:45+00:00

For around 15-20% of mums, postnatal depression can be a frightening, confusing and isolating illness. We caught up with The Cedar House Support Group, a charity helping women experiencing postnatal depression (PND). They are about to bring a new support group to Nappy Valley, starting on Friday 11 January at the Weir Link in Balham/Clapham.

I spoke to them about the illness and where families can find help.

What is postnatal depression?
Postnatal Depression is an illness that affects between around 15 in every 100 women having a baby.

PND can happen to anyone and it is not your fault. Mums experiencing PND do get better. It is recommended as a first instance to talk to your health visitor and/or GP if you are feeling unwell.

When does PND happen?
PND often starts within one or two months of giving birth. It can also start several months after having a baby. About a third of women with PND have symptoms, which started in pregnancy and continue after birth.

What does it feel like to have PND?
• Depressed
You feel low, unhappy and tearful for much or all of the time.

• Irritable
You may get irritable or angry with your partner, baby or other children.

• Tired
Depression can make you feel utterly exhausted and lacking in energy.

• Sleepless
Even though you are tired, you can't fall asleep. You may lie awake worrying about things. You wake during the night even when your baby is asleep. You may wake very early.

• Appetite changes
You may lose your appetite and forget to eat. Some women eat for comfort and then feel bad about gaining weight.

• Lack of enjoyment

You find that you can't enjoy or be interested in anything.
You may find it difficult to concentrate on TV or reading a book.

• Negative and guilty thoughts
Depression changes your thinking, you may be experiencing negative or even scary thoughts. This is all part of the illness.

If you have thoughts about harming yourself, you should ask your doctor for help. If you have a strong urge to harm yourself, seek immediate help from the medical profession. E.g. A&E

• Anxious
Most new mothers worry about their babies' health. If you have PND, the anxiety can be overwhelming.

Social withdrawal

• You may not want to see friends and family.

Hopeless
• You may feel that things will never get better. You may think that life is not worth living.

PND is a treatable illness and it is important not to experience this on your own. You must seek help.
We have seen hundreds of women over the years with severe to mild depression and they do get better.
Our support groups provide a safe and confidential environment where mothers can share their thoughts and feelings with others who may be experiencing similar symptoms. It can be a terribly isolating illness and to know others are feeling similar to you, often really helps the road to recovery.

For further information on the Cedar House Support Group, please contact our counsellor: Liz Wise, lwise@talktalk.net

Support
• Talk to your family, partner or friends for support. Most people know someone statistically who’s had the illness. You are not alone.
• Contact your health visitor or GP
• The Association for Postnatal Illness www. Apni.org
• The Cedar House Support Group www.postnataldepression.com

Tips on babysitters

2012-10-25T22:32:18+01:00

Likeminders are one of London’s favourite babysitting agencies offering safe, flexible and reliable babysitting. They have over 15 years experience in childcare and pride themselves on only using the very best, CRB checked childcarers, all of whom have to pass a strict selection process including thorough reference checking.
Over the years they have dealt with many nervous parents who have never left their child with a babysitter before. It can be very difficult to leave your precious little one with someone new, but everyone needs a break sometimes. I still remember my very first ‘date night’ with my husband after our little one was born. It felt so odd to be going out and leaving him behind, yet at the same time we had such a lovely night.

I asked Likeminders to put together a few helpful tips for parents who are using a babysitter for the first time, and this is what they said.

• Always check references if you are not using an agency who will have already done this for you.
• For your first booking make sure you book the babysitter to turn up an hour before you are due to go out. That way you can show them around, advise them on what you would like them to do and watch them interact with your child.
• Leave detailed instructions outlining your child/ren’s routine. The more information the better if the child is very young.
• Take the telephone number of the babysitter and make sure that they have yours in case they need to contact you.
• Ask the babysitter to text you at hourly intervals or a few times throughout the day or evening so that you can feel at ease.
• Don’t go far for the first time, go for drinks or dinner near to your home so you can go back easily if you feel uncomfortable or even want to check in half way through.
• For older kids let the babysitter know about any favorite books/hobbies etc. This will help the child feel at ease with a new person.
• For very little ones leave a pashmina or an item of clothing which has your scent on it. If your child is not happy the babysitter can let them smell it and it will calm them down.
• Relax and enjoy your time to yourself!

For more information about the services that Likeminders offer (which includes emergency childcare and caring for your older child when you go into labour with your 2nd baby), please visit their website www.likeminders.co.uk

The importance of Mummy friends

2012-10-01T14:39:35+01:00

I remember when I was pregnant with my first son, a close friend gave me her top baby tip, and that was to make sure I did classes before I gave birth to make new mummy friends. I had at the time thought it was a bit odd. I’d never had to sign up to something before in the hope of meeting people!! But as she was such a good friend, I did as she said, and she was right.

Having and caring for a baby is really wonderful yet everyone has bad days, and as a new mum you can sometimes feel quite isolated and lonely when you’re at home with your baby. The world can sometimes feel as though it’s rushing on past you while you’re getting to grips with being a mummy at home. I found it comforting having a diary scheduled with coffee dates and trips to the park. It’s a chance to get out of the house and speak to others about what you’re going through. The old saying a problem shared is a problem halved is true when you’re going through those early weeks, and it’s really reassuring to know others are going through the same thing as you.

I’m still really good friends with those first mummy friends. You don’t have to meet scores of people, just a couple going through what you are. If you’ve been up a lot in the night, or just having a bad day, a chat over a cup of tea and a piece of cake can make all the difference.

Nutrition for new mums

2012-08-19T20:29:53+01:00

Laura Clark is a registered Dietitian, providing tailored, evidence-based, practical dietary advice for conception, pregnancy, motherhood and more. She is based in SW London. www.lecnutrition.co.uk

I asked Laura to tell me her top tips for nutrition after having a baby

Remember back to your pregnancy when everyone asked how YOU were feeling and you had the time to focus on your body and your needs? Once a new baby arrives it’s a different story! So with limited time what are the nutritional priorities to enable a swift post natal recovery and a return to optimal health and well-being?
1) Prioritise meals, especially breakfast – skipping a meal and telling yourself you’ll ‘grab something later’ probably materialises as a less healthy choice as your blood sugar levels plummet and your brain steers you towards high sugar fixes. Grazing on food is tempting, especially when you’re out of routine and tired and a little nearer the fridge than you’re used to! Quick breakfasts packed full of nutrition include fortified wholegrain cereal (which you can always nibble dry), cereal bars (avoid ones coated in yoghurt or syrup), malt loaf, low fat yoghurt and fruit.
2) To help regulate your energy levels stick to 3 meals a day and have a healthy snack if meals are greater than 3-4 hours apart. For main meals why not cook more the night before and re-heat leftovers whilst baby naps. For lighter meals and snacks choose easy wholesome foods – rice cakes, oat cakes or crisp-breads go well with reduced fat hummus, cream cheese or tzatziki and carrot sticks or cherry tomatoes for example –which might be a little easier to munch than a sandwich!
3) Balance meals with wholesome carbs, lean proteins and plenty of fruit and veggies. Don’t be tempted to skip carbs for quick post baby weight loss – whole wheat pasta, wholegrain bread, sweet potato, cous-cous, basmati rice or noodles for example provide your body with essential energy and b vitamins. Proteins include fish, lean meat, pulses or low fat dairy products. Enjoy oily fish once a week to boost omega 3 intake and potentially benefit brain function and don’t neglect red meat, a valuable iron and vitamin B12 source. Dark green leafy veg such as spinach, curly kale and broccoli are an excellent source of folate, low levels of which have been linked to risk of depression.

4) Shop smart – smaller versions of the big supermarkets located on your doorstep are great for everyday essentials and offer a good sense of purpose for early outings with a new-born. Don’t get out of the habit though of weekly shopping involving some meal planning and a shopping list. Keeping consistency to your shopping habits will help ensure a wider variety of food in the diet and easier budgeting. Online shopping is ideal for convenience but once do-able head through the aisles with your baby – early exposure to food selection boosts a healthy curiosity and helps foster a balanced relationship with food long-term!
For more details or to contact Laura, please visit her website www.lecnutrition.co.uk

Breathing in labour

2012-05-29T19:15:15+01:00

Annabel Hargrave is an active birth yoga teacher with over 14 years experience www.annabel-yogabirth.com I went to her classes before the birth of my 2 boys and felt her classes really helped me understand how breathing correctly in labour can really make a difference. Here she describes how breathing helps in labour and gives a step by step guide to the coloured ribbon breath visualisation.

Breathing
Breathing, essential to life and birth, is the core of YogaBirth classes. Over the weeks spent in the class through the practice of simple breath awareness, visualisation and sounding, you will become familiar with the natural rhythm of your breath and increase your ability to focus inward. The repetitious nature of this work is a form of self-hypnosis. When practiced in simple postures this hypnobreathing will enable you to go into the “zone”- a meditative state which is perfect for labour. This practice is healing and calms the busy mind during pregnancy, clearing the way for you to listen to your own intuitive voice. Breath awareness is the background to YogaBirth, so that when the time comes and your body takes over during labour you will instinctively know how to use your breath to soothe, steady and guide yourself through the waves of contractions and breathe yourself to an easier birth.

Coloured ribbon breath visualisation

Take a yawn, release jaw, throat, teeth. Close your eyes. Have your teeth slightly apart, the lips slightly apart.
Watch the easy natural rhythm of your breath.
Allow there to be a very small gap between the top teeth and the bottom of the teeth, between the top lip and the bottom lip. Breathe in through your nose and out through slightly parted lips.
Feel a fine cool breeze passing out between the lips.
Allow the muscles of your face to relax and feel soft. Feel the breath now travelling in through the nose, and out through the mouth.
Allow the breath to be so fine that it feels as a fine thread or ribbon is spinning out between the lips. You can choose whatever colour you would like it to be, golden, silver, purple, blue – any colour you like. It’s smooth, silky, soft and supple, and it is spinning out and out and out with every exhalation.
Allow the exhalation to lengthen each time, without pushing or forcing, but simply letting the out breath increase in length, as the beautiful coloured ribbon or thread of breath spins into the air in front of you.
With each exhalation allow for the breath to go in though the nose and out through the mouth.
Feel the breeze of the exhalation travelling out between the lips, out into the air, in front of your closed eyes.
The exhalation will naturally and inevitably lengthen. Let the end of the silver yarn carry the mental attention farther and farther away with each exhalation. It is as if the final point of the outgoing breath were to carry the mental focus completely out of your body.
The longer the breath – the longer the distance between the mind and the body so your body is left with stillness and quietness. The exhalation releases tension and allows the body to rest. The exhalation is the antidote to pain and tension.
Stay with the moment and rhythm of your own breath.
©Annabel Hargrave

For details of Annabel’s classes please refer to her website http://www.annabel-yogabirth.com/annabel.php or email her hargrave.family@blueyonder.co.uk, or phone 07817931571.

First trip out with your baby

2012-05-02T14:48:54+01:00

Some new mums find it hard to leave the house in the early days. It can become very easy to stay in all day, with what feels like a constant cycle of feeding, nappy changing and sleeping.

When you do finally venture out, the fresh air and the sheer sense of being out of the house can make you feel a lot better and refreshed.

Here are 10 tips to help

- Make the first journey a short one so you gain in confidence

- Best time to go out is after a feed so you don’t have to stop to feed when you’re out

- Your baby will probably sleep in the pram when you walk around, so if you’re trying to get your baby into a routine, that would be a good time to go.

- Bring a travel changing mat, nappies, wipes and bags just incase you need to change a nappy when you’re out.

- Dress your baby in layers so you can adjust their temperature easily if they get too hot/cold. A spare cardigan helps if it’s a bit colder.

- Bring a muslin incase your baby possets (brings back some milk) when you’re out

- Dress your baby in a hat as they loose a lot of heat through their head.

- Sunglasses can help to protect your eyes as they will be more sensitive from lack of sleep

- Bring the raincover for the buggy and an umbrella

- Bring your mobile if you want to catch up with friends.

Exercising throughout your pregnancy offers great rewards, but how do you make sure that you exercise the right way and what differences should you expect?

2012-04-05T16:35:16+01:00

Here is an article from Elizabeth Kamm who runs Lovefitbetsy – personal training for pregnancy and post birth. Elizabeth shares her top tips for exercise in pregnancy. Please visit her website www.lovefitbetsy.com for more information.

Why should you continue to exercise in pregnancy?

By strengthening your whole core and pelvic floor muscles means you’re well equipped to cope with the postural changes and growing weight of your uterus throughout your trimesters, as well as the birth itself. By maintaining your fitness and building your energy will also help keep that spring in your step as the trimesters progress.
By guiding mums through pregnancy AND after the big event – I see swift recoveries and mums who are in great shape, ready to embark on the activities of motherhood.

It is recommended that you consult your doctor before embarking on an exercise programme. This is important because your doctor will be able to identify any present or past medical conditions that may affect your own health or health of your baby.

Lovefitbesty’s tips about exercise during pregnancy compared to pre-pregnancy so you know what to expect.

Early Pregnancy

*You have probably already discovered that within these first few weeks you have symptoms which make the idea of exercise about as appealing as "dental work!" These may include fatigue, nausea or simply feeling extremely off-kilter.
LFB TIP: Often a gentle exercise session can alleviate these symptoms and make you feel much better. Listen to your body and be aware of how you feel. If you still don't feel great, slow down and rest if needs be.

As Pregnancy progresses

*You will feel heavier on your feet as your weight increases.
LFB TIP: Low impact exercise coupled with strength work and stretching are ideal at this time. Swimming and stationary cycling can be great options. The increasing weight can make impact exercise, like jogging, uncomfortable. However, you don't have to "hang-up" your running shoes at this time, but it is likely the present body may be more suited to other activities. Listen to your body and if the exercise is not comfortable or feels wrong, replace it with something that feels right.

*Your centre of gravity will start to change with your new weight distribution. This will become more noticeable as your pregnancy progresses. Your posture is likely to alter and correct alignment will feel different. This may also affect your balance.
LFB TIP: Incorporate balance, posture correction and core strength work into your weekly exercise regime. This will help off-set the biomechanical changes you are experiencing, keeping you strong and aligned for every daily life. Note: Core strength work which builds a strong pelvic floor, abdominal muscles and back muscles is key to help you through your pregnancy and will help off-set the common complaints of pregnancy such as lower back pain.

* You may experience areas of tightness as your pregnancy progresses e.g. lower back, shoulders and breasts
LFB TIP: Include gentle stretching for areas that are tight, and work through a comfortable range of movement during exercise. “Stretch the muscles that have become tight and strengthen the muscles that have become weak”. Pregnancy yoga and specialist massage are also great to help alleviate muscle stiffness.

*Joint laxity and flexibility increase due to the presence of pregnancy hormones.
LFB TIP: Throughout your pregnancy, exercise staying pain-free and in a comfortable range, and avoid over-stretching. The pregnancy hormones can remain with you after pregnancy too, so use the same tip during the post-natal period.

*Sweating begins at a lower level of exertion in order to help cooling.
LFB TIP: Have cool water at hand during your exercise session and stay well hydrated (1.5-2 litres per day). Avoid overheating during exercise

*Your respiration rate increases (number of breaths per minute) and the quantity of air taken in with each breath also increases during exercise.
LFB TIP: Move with greater awareness and listen to your breathing capacity during exercise.. The Talk Test is a good indication of exercise intensity - the guideline is not to become over-breathless and to be able to hold a brief conversation whilst exercising.

*You may notice a progressive decline in your aerobic performance as your pregnancy progresses.
LFB TIP: Gently decrease the intensity of your exercise regime as your trimesters progress. This is not a time to increase fitness levels or compete in races. Exercise, in order to maintain your fitness. Note: With regards to exercise intensity, a good rule of thumb is to use a scale between 1-10, where “1” is “sitting at home watching TV” and “10” is working/ exercising at your absolute maximum. When you exercise aerobically, working around a “6” would be a very good level to maintain. Remember, how you feel during exercise after 12 weeks compared to 32 weeks is likely to be different, so a previous “perceived exertion” of “6” is likely to translate to a lower intensity of aerobic exercise at the later stage.

*You might be more conscious of self image.
LFB TIP: Treat yourself to some great maternity sportswear that’s breathable and comfortable to wear. Feel good and embrace this wonderful time.

Third trimester

In your 3rd trimester it is likely you may feel more tired than previously and the extra weight will have an impact on your energy levels and your motivation to exercise.
LFB TIP Be kind to yourself and slowly reduce the intensity of your exercise programme including the type of exercise, duration, weights, exercise repetitions and number of sets. Continue with your aerobic exercise, strength work, core and pelvic floor exercises. Aim to leave every session feeling invigorated rather than drained and exhausted. Incorporate rest, relaxation and restoration into your daily routine. Note: Rotation and twisting should be avoided if the abdominal muscles separate, or you are feeling discomfort.
For further guidance please contact Elizabeth at www.lovefitbetsy.com

When to return to exercise after having a baby?

2012-03-17T09:10:11+00:00

This article on postnatal exercise is written by Rebecca Bennett of Natus Physiotherapy. She currently offers Postnatal Return to Fitness sessions (see link below).

Early postnatal exercise has many positive effects on our bodies including: increasing confidence, toning weakened muscles like abdominals and pelvic floor, giving you more energy and releasing feel-good hormones. For a lot of new mums, after looking after baby and getting some sleep, returning to exercise is often high on the agenda, but when is it safe to re-start exercise? How often should you be exercising?

Often your doctor, midwife or health care professional may ask you to wait until your 6 weeks postnatal to resume exercise. This can be for a few reasons which include: you will have your 6 week check where they can ask how you are feeling and check your blood pressure, lochia (breakthrough postnatal bleeding) has often stopped by this point, you may have got into a good routine with baby so you can fit in exercise in a more structured way and numerous other reasons. However, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists suggest gradually resuming exercising when you feel up to it, which may be before or well after the 6 week mark.

Here are some things to consider when or before resuming exercise:

·         You can start your pelvic floor exercises very soon after giving birth and even though they may feel very difficult to contract or have reduced sensation, persevere, they will help support your bladder when you are exercising and help with healing of any stitches.

·         Starting some gentle abdominal exercises as soon as you can is important to give tone to your stomach. At your 10 day health visitor visit, ask them to check for any ‘stomach gap’, formally known as divarication of recti, if the gap is more than 2 fingers widths wide at this check it means some postnatal exercise like sit-ups will be restricted and you should see a women’s health physiotherapist. Some examples of basic abdominal exercises that are safe for everyone include pelvic tilts and static abdominal contractions.

·         The type of delivery you have had may restrict how quickly you return to exercise, especially if you have had a c-section, allow your body to recovery for 6 weeks but you can still do pelvic floor exercises, gentle abdominal exercises and walking.

·         Try not to start a completely new exercise immediately postnatally, re-start something you have done in the past and gradually increase the intensity of the workout. Listen to your body, if you need to slow down or stop, do so. A good exercise early postnatally is a slow walk which can then be increased to a power-walk and then a jog over time.

·         If you would like to go swimming, make sure your breakthrough bleeding has stopped for at least one week, this reduces any infection risk, and in the early stages avoid breast stroke movements as this often puts a strain on your abdominals.

·         Always warm up the body before doing exercises with some gentle stretches, and always stop when you feel your body has had enough.

·         Have water handy when you are exercising and you may need to drink quite a bit more than usual if you are breast feeding. Sometimes breast feeding before exercise means your breasts are not quite so heavy. Do not forget a well fitting, supportive sports bra!

·         The hormone ‘Relaxin’ is released in your blood stream in early pregnancy and affects all of your ligaments by softening them in order to help your pelvis expand. Even though this hormone leaves your system very soon after birth, the effects of this hormone can stay in your system for months. This leaves your body more susceptible to strains and sprains as your ligaments will be looser. Try and keep to flat, even ground and wear good quality, supportive trainers.

·         A postnatal exercise class run by a professional will provide safe guided exercises as well as advice and support. An exercise buddy can help keep you motivated.

In conclusion, when to return to exercise postnatally will depend on the individual, what sort of delivery they have had, how easily baby gets into a routine and how you are feeling physically and mentally. In general in the first few days postnatal commence pelvic floor exercises, gentle abdominal exercises and some stretches daily. After a few weeks, either when you feel ready or you have had your 6 week check you can re-start some gentle low impact exercises, listen to your body and then gradually increase as you feel able.

Rebecca Bennett (Natus Physiotherapy)

www.natus-physiotherapy.co.uk

For details of Rebecca’s assessments and treatment sessions, please click here

Why would you do a refresher class if you've got a smaller age gap?

2012-03-07T11:30:24+00:00

The popularity of my refresher classes is starting to take off. Hooray!!

When you start a new business it’s hard to know how best to help people and which class will be most popular.

It made sense to me to offer refresher classes to people on babycare thinking that it’d mostly be those with a larger age gap that would come along.

More recently though, the classes have been popular with smaller age gaps - 2 1/2 and below. These refresher classes are less about babycare as that is still top of mind (and in most cases your firstborn still feels like a baby). Instead the focus of the classes is more about the logistics of managing 2 - how would bath time work and what about bedtime as you can’t split yourself in 2 (although it’d be very handy sometimes if you could!)

Also I’ve had lots of questions about potty training - when is the right time to do it and when you start what are you really letting yourself in for?

Moving to a bed is also a hot topic as many want to free up the cot so as not to have to buy another, but again they want to know what issues might arise if they do this too early?

The thing about a smaller gap between kids is the fact that you’re still very busy with your first - they still need you to do most things for them. (Although on the plus-side they are still usually having a nap or 2 in the day) Therefore you don’t have lots of time to be reading books on what to do through each of the stages and you haven’t had friends go through it yet to help you out.

My 2 hour class is an opportunity to get a practical heads-up on all the things you might be thinking of with your firstborn so that you don’t make things harder for yourself. It’s also an opportunity to think of the practicalities of coping with 2 and how to manage it so that the transition is as smooth as possible.

My first birth experience (7.5 years ago!)and the early weeks with my son

2012-03-04T20:40:15+00:00

I remember feeling really excited when I was pregnant with my first baby. After my 20 week scan, I felt more confident that things would be OK, and whilst I didn’t know if I was going to have a boy or a girl, I started to think about the things I’d need for the nursery and gearing myself up for the birth.

I found it quite hard knowing what to buy for my baby. There was so much ‘stuff’ out there. The Bugaboo had just come out and at the time everyone thought it looked odd. It was featured in magazines being pushed by the then new mummy Gwyneth Paltrow and was new competition for the popular 3-wheelers. I remember feeling completely confused about what to get. At the time I wasn’t thinking – does it fit in my hallway, can I push it with one hand so I can hold my mobile with the other to speak to my friends/husband. I remember the lady in the shop demonstrating how to fold it down and back up again, but I wasn’t thinking just how many times I’d be doing this and how I really should be paying attention to how small it folded and how much it weighed.

Similarly I didn’t know much about the other things that I needed – yes friends had babies and I loved cuddling them and smiling at them, but in terms of babygrows vs. bodysuits and swaddle robes vs. sleeping bags in addition to everything else, I was pretty clueless.

I had a wonderful birth which I’m sure was down in part to luck, and in part to learning the different birth positions, breathing properly and staying active. I laboured at home for most of the day – getting into the bath as soon as I felt my first contractions, and then using the tens machine and the birth ball until it felt like things were getting more intense. My husband was amazing – I was lucky that I spoke to him before about how I’d like him to help me – not asking me too many questions but just being on-hand if I needed him. When we got to the hospital (over what felt like a hundred speed bumps = not good when you’re contracting!), I remember with amazement when the midwife told me I was 8cms and would I like her to run the water? I was soon in the birth pool, feeling cocooned, and then after a couple of hours, my gorgeous boy was born with the longest eyelashes I’d ever seen. That moment of instant love was completely unforgettable.

I got home early the next day and it was then that I’d realised having a baby was much more than just the birth. I remember looking at our gorgeous boy and wondering what do we do now? I guess I was focusing so much on the birth, that the reality of a baby almost didn’t feel real until that point. I was used to just popping out to get things for 10mins and I wasn’t prepared for how much harder it was to leave the house with my son.

Similarly I was just so shocked by how a little person could cause so much work. I hadn’t really thought through just how long I’d be feeding, and how it could take over my day and night! I was shocked just how simple things you take for granted can change straightaway! I was used to eating when I was hungry and sleeping when I was tired - my son had other ideas!

I’d wished in hindsight that I’d thought more about those early weeks with my son and prepared myself for what it would be like and how I might go about doing things.

When my second son arrived, I felt I had learnt the short cuts and practicalities the hard way. I was so much more prepared this time round and those early weeks were so amazing. Less rushing around and instead concentrating on my beautiful boys.

I started to share my learnings with friends when they became pregnant, and it was them who suggested I set up The Baby Care Company to help other mums and dads-to-be feel more prepared.

The Babycare Company offers a straightforward service based on equipping you with the knowledge and skills you need to thrive as a new mum. Partly, this is about giving you essential information - the things I wished I'd known when I was a young mum. But it's more than this. It's about providing small classes and a supportive environment to give the confidence and encouragement through what is a truly life changing experience.

Mine is a never ending quest to make mums feel happy and confident in those early weeks.

Flying with your baby - some helpful hints

2012-03-04T20:33:02+00:00

Here’s an interview I did for Ready Steady Mums on flying with your baby for the first time..

Going on holiday with your new baby is fun, relaxing and joyful... No?

I recently met with Eilish Saba, mother of 2, Oxford University graduate in Physiology, expert in caring for babies and toddlers and founder of The Baby Care Company. We were talking about holidays, and in particular, the challenges of taking a flight with your baby.

Many of our Ready Steady Mums members really look forward to the precious time they have to go on holiday as a family. But how can you make sure it's more fun than fuss? Here is some of Eilish's expert guidance on taking a flight with your new baby.

Q: What should we consider when planning our journey by plane?

Eilish: Your little one will need their own passport. The application process is the same as for an adult passport but they last for 5 years. Getting the photo right when your baby isn’t sleeping or crying can prove a bit of a challenge so give yourself plenty of time.

When booking your flights, give the airline your baby’s details. A child under 2 will be on your knee unless you buy them a separate ticket. For longer journeys ask to book a bassinet which is a small fold down cot, for your baby to sleep in. As numbers are limited, book them as early as you can, and confirm you have one reserved just before you travel.

Q: What should we expect when going through security?

Eilish: You’ll be expected to take your baby out of the buggy, and fold up the buggy to put it through the X-ray machine.

There are still quite strict measures on taking liquids through security but check the latest guidelines before you travel as they change all the time. It’s usually possible to bring breast or formula milk in 100ml quantities. You may be asked to taste your baby’s milk or food to be allowed to take it through.

Just in case, bring an empty sterilised bottle in hand luggage as a spare so in an emergency you can buy pre-mixed formula on the other side of the security gates.

Q: How can we manage the stress of boarding the plane?

Eilish: Some airlines allow parents with small children to board first. But if not, try to relax, hold back and get on the plane after the rush has died down. Older babies can get restless if they board too early and it’s very difficult to get out of your seat whilst others are boarding, so it can sometimes be worth waiting to board.

It’s a good idea to bring your buggy with you on your journey through the airport. Most airlines let you keep them with you until you board the plane and don’t charge for it as extra luggage. You’ll usually get your buggy back when you get off the plane or it’ll be prioritised ahead of the suitcases on the carousel. A sling is also a good accessory to bring to keep your hands free once you get rid of the buggy.

Q: What can we do the make the flight itself easier?

Eilish: Once you’re in your seat, it’s very awkward to move around, and some babies can get frustrated and upset while you wait to take off. Take off and landing can also be hard as babies can be affected by the change in pressure. Try to plan to feed your baby at this time, or use a dummy, to help with equalising. If you’re breastfeeding, it’s worth bringing a blanket for extra privacy and also to ask for a window seat. If you’re formula feeding, pre-mixed formula is easier to use on flights, or measure out your powder beforehand.

Once you are in the air things may calm down and good preparation will help you stay in control.

Compartmentalise your bag so you don’t have to root around for things if you need them in a hurry. Have some wipes, nappies and nappy bags out separately so you don’t have to bring your whole bag to the toilets as there isn’t much room in there. Disposable changing mats are handy as the changing tables can get quite yucky after a longer flight. Oh, and check which toilets have fold down changing tables, to save you queuing at the wrong one!

Dress your baby in layers – so you can add or remove them easily with sudden temperature changes.

Babies often sleep on flights, but if yours doesn’t, taking the baby in the sling and walking up and down the aisle can help settle or entertain a baby. It’s advisable to move around on longer flights anyhow to help prevent DVT.

The cabin crew are usually really helpful when you have a baby on board, so don’t be afraid to ask if you need something.

Q: Do you have a check-list for "what to pack in hand luggage"?

Eilish: As a new parent you’ll be used to bringing the kitchen sink around with you! But here are the essentials.

Pre-mixed formula milk if not breast feeding.
Disposable changing mats
Nappies (lots), wipes, nappy bags
Pre-sterilised bottles (more than you think you’ll need just in case you’re delayed)
Some pre-boiled water (this can help sooth baby if there is turbulence and on take-off and landing)
Bibs
Muslins
More than one change of clothes for the baby
Change of clothes for you (just in case of sick or poo mess!)
Blanket (the temperature on the aircraft can change quite a lot)
Disinfectant hand gel
Plastic carrier bags (for soiled clothes or nappies)
Dummy (if your baby uses one this can help on take off and landing)
Tissues
Sling
Toys to entertain (book, cuddly toy, rattle, stickers)

Q: And what else do we need in our luggage?

Eilish: If you’re planning to hire a car at your destination, make sure you either bring a car seat with you, or hire one in advance. The quality and cleanliness of the hired seats can vary as can the position they rest in the car so bring your own if you’re concerned.

Annoyingly, buggies can be thrown around quite a lot by the baggage handlers, so either take a cheaper travel buggy with you, or make sure yours is packed up carefully. You can usually buy a separate buggy cover which might be a good investment to keep your buggy protected.

Q: Brilliant, we're set for a happy flight! Where can we get more of your tips Eilish?

Eilish: For more helpful tips on caring for your baby please follow us on Twitter:
@TheBabyCareCo
You can email me info@thebabycarecompany.co.uk or call me on 0207 228 1041 with any questions.

Good luck on your first flight together!

Welcome to my blog!!

2012-03-04T20:30:48+00:00