Your baby's milestones part 1 (up to 6 months)
05/05/13 19:21
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
30/04/13 22:11
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
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)
05/02/13 12:43
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.
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
14/12/12 09:47
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
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
25/10/12 22:32
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
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
