Considering Cord Blood Banking

Throughout pregnancy, blood travels between the baby and placenta through the pulsating umbilical cord. Immediately after the birth, this pulsating occurs for between two and five minutes; and, by the end of the process, your baby should have more blood in his body than he did when he was born.

Cord blood banking

Cord blood banking is the process of collecting blood left in the umbilical cord, and storing it for use in future medical procedures. The blood is valuable because it is a rich source of stem cells. Stem cells have the potential to become many different types of cells. This means they can be used to treat diseases, and repair tissues and organs.

Research into cord blood stem cells is ongoing. So far, the cells have been successfully used to treat over 70 diseases including leukemia, Hodgkin’s disease, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and aplastic anemia. The cells can also be used to treat rare metabolic disorders in infants.

The blood can be donated to a public cord blood bank – who will store the blood until it is needed by a member of the public much like a blood bank – meaning you could potentially save a life. As many as 70% of patients in need have no family match and must wait for donor blood to become available. Or, you can pay to have the blood stored at a private cord blood bank who will keep the blood for use only by your family.

Cord blood collection

The blood is collected immediately after the birth. It is a painless procedure, and is considered to be safe for both you and your newborn baby. If you have chosen to have the cord clamped and cut in the usual way, the blood will be taken then. Once your baby’s umbilical cord is clamped, a needle will be inserted into the part of the umbilical cord still attached to the placenta. The needle will not go near your baby. Up to five ounces of blood will be collected, and this could take up to 10 minutes. During this time, you will probably be having your first cuddles with your newborn baby.

If you have chosen to delay cord clamping, the procedure will wait until the cord has finished pulsating. Once the cord has been cut, the remaining blood can be collected immediately for banking.

The blood is then sent for testing at the cord blood bank. The cells that are found to be potentially useful, are frozen at -180C, and can be stored for up to 20 years.

Is it best to treat a patient using their own stem cells?

When using a patient’s own stem cells, the body will not reject the cells or react against them. However, if the body was making the wrong cells, and this is what caused the illness, then it is considered too risky to use the patient’s own cells.

Because the research into stem cells is in it’s infancy, the full potential of cord blood is not yet known. In fact, the science hasn’t yet caught up, meaning it could be a while until the full potential of cord blood is unlocked.

Around 5% of parents now bank the blood of their newborns. The overwhelming majority of this blood goes to private family banks to be stored for family use, but 10% of it is donated to public banks. In the US,  there are 185,000 units of cord blood in public banks.

In the UK, the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) licenses all private and public cord blood banks. They have published a guide for parents outlining questions you should ask, as well as how to interpret the results provided by the cord blood bank after collection. In the US, the Department of Health and Human Services maintains a website with information about both public and private cord blood banking.

If you think you might be interested in donating your baby’s cord blood, or banking it for private use, speak to your healthcare provider about local resources for cord blood collection and storage.

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

Pregnancy Photography: Capturing Memories

At the moment, you are eating, breathing and (not) sleeping pregnancy, but one day it will be a distant memory. As those nine months edge slowly by, you may struggle to remember what life was like before pregnancy. I mean, what do your knees actually look like anyway? Once it’s over, however, you’ll think back and find it hard to believe just how big your bump got.

One way to make sure you never forget is to use photography to capture the pregnancy for you. The photographs will last a lifetime, and the photo shoot will be a great way to celebrate your pregnant body. You may not be all too fond of it now, but you might find yourself looking back in amazement one day.

Here are some tips to help you get photographs to be proud of:

1. Use a professional – if you want professional photographs, use a professional photographer. A professional will have all of the camera, lighting and editing equipment to make sure your pictures turn out perfect. Choose a photographer you feel comfortable with, and whose photography style you love.

2. Wait until your seventh month – experts say this is the ideal time for a pregnancy photo shoot. If you wait much longer, you might find yourself feeling swollen, bloated, stretched and uncomfortable. Any earlier and you may not have much of a bump to photograph.

3. Have your hair done – get your hair and makeup done before the shoot. If you’re on a budget, ask a friend to do them for you. Having your hair and makeup done will help to make sure you look your best, and will also help to boost your confidence in front of the camera.

4. Wear something special – you need to feel comfortable on the day, so wear something you love for the photo shoot. Whether you’re wearing a maxi dress, a nightgown, or going nude, make sure you feel beautiful in what you wear.

5. Make sure it’s ‘you’ – if you’re not the kind of person who wants a photograph of your topless husband hugging your bump, don’t do it. The photograph should reflect your personality, so make sure your photographer knows what you want. Whether it’s romantic, cheesy, cute or quirky, make sure you take photographs you will want to frame.

6. Make it personal – the best way to make a photo shoot personal, is to shoot it in your house. Many photographers will be happy to come out to your home and shoot the photographs there. If space won’t allow that, take some props with you to the studio. Whether it’s something you’ve bought for the baby, the scan photo, or just some bits and pieces from around the home, take them in. Your photographer will be able to come up with ways to incorporate the props, and make the photo shoot unique to you.

7. Get some silhouette shots – the silhouette of a bump is always beautiful, so make sure you get a few photos of this. If you’re feeling self conscious about your face or body, the silhouette shots may end up being your favourites.

8. Make it a family affair – if you have children, get them involved in the photo shoot. There are lots of cute ways to get kids involved, some couples choose to have their hand prints painted on the bump. If your pets are your family, invite them along too. Muddy paw prints are another cute bump decoration.

9. Get follow ups taken – if you love the photographs, and enjoyed working with the photographer, book for some follow-ups for after the baby arrives. Using the same photographer will allow for continuity between the two shoots.

Are you having a pregnancy photo shoot?

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

Breathing Techniques for Labor

Many women find breathing techniques an effective way to manage contractions during labor. By focusing on your breathing, you may find yourself better able to deal with any discomfort caused by the contractions.

How will breathing techniques help me during labor?

When you feel panicked, your breathing can become shallow and rapid. This can limit the amount of oxygen available to you and your baby.

  • Focusing on your breathing can help to act as a mild pain relief during the early contractions.
  • Breathing techniques can help you to feel in control during labor.
  • When you feel scared or stressed, your body initiates the ‘fight or flight’ response. During labor, this can slow down or even stop contractions. Breathing techniques can help to control this response.

Which breathing technique should I use?

There are a number of different techniques available, each claiming to be effective during birth. In fact, it doesn’t matter which breathing technique you use, as long as you ensure it is rhythmical. There is no need to spend vast amounts of money on classes to learn a particular technique, as long as you feel comfortable teaching yourself. You could try:

  • Counting as you breathe – by counting the length of your inhale and exhale, you can control your breathing. To feel calm during a contraction, you should aim for a longer exhale than inhale. This will help to relax you.
  • Visualisation breathing – think of your happy place. As you breathe in, imagine sucking things in, and then visualise blowing them away as you breath out.
  • Nose to mouth – try breathing in through your nose, and out through your mouth.

The breathing techniques taught at antenatal yoga, pilates and meditation can also be used during labor. The breathing technique should make you feel relaxed and calm. These techniques are great to use throughout the pregnancy to ward off stress.

The pushing stage

Once you reach the pushing stage, you may find that you change how you breathe. You may prefer a pant-like breathing technique while pushing. That’s fine, just go with whatever feels natural at the time. The midwife will be there to offer any support or guidance.

Teach your birth partner the breathing technique you would like to use during labor. They will be able to remind you of the breathing pattern each time you experience a contraction. You may find you forget all your carefully thought out plans when the day arrives!

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

Important Facts About Weight Gain During Pregnancy

When you are pregnant, you think that you can eat just anything you want. Your main excuse is that you are eating for two. Although that is true, you only really need 200 extra calories a day in the third trimester in order to support the growth and development of your baby. You need to be careful about how much weight you gain during pregnancy. Gaining too much or too little can be harmful to both you and your baby.

How much weight gain during pregnancy is acceptable?

Ask your healthcare provider how much weight you should gain. In general, you should gain approximately 2-4 pounds in the first trimester and 1 pound for each week after that. A woman of average weight should gain about 25 to 35 pounds during pregnancy. Underweight women should gain 28 to 40 pounds while overweight women need to gain only 15 to 25 pounds.

If you’re expecting twins, you should ideally gain 35 to 45 pounds during your pregnancy. Weight gain during pregnancy is especially important when you are expecting twins since your weight affects the weight of your babies. Twins are usually delivered early, so they benefit from some extra weight at birth. You may need to consume 3,000 to 3,500 calories a day.

What happens if you gain too little or too much weight?

Women who gain too much weight have a higher chance of a Caesarean delivery. They also tend to retain much of their weight after pregnancy and start with a higher weight in their following pregnancies. This can be a problem with women who are already overweight, as this increases their risk of complications, such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes.

Children whose mothers were overweight during pregnancy are also more likely to become obese themselves. In addition, obesity may lead to problems with breastfeeding due to poor milk production and difficulty with positioning.

On the other hand, underweight women are at high risk of delivering a preterm infant or a low birth weight baby. This also causes health problems that may be harmful to the baby.

Weight gain during pregnancy should be slow and steady. Do not worry too much if you gain a little more or a little less than you should in a week – look at the big picture and overall weight gain.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

Premature Labor and How to Avoid It

A baby before week 37, is considered to be premature. Most premature babies are born after week 22. The later your baby is born, the better he is likely to do. A baby born later has more developed organs, and is better able to suck and feed. Premature babies often spend some time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) before they are able to go home. Premature babies have an increased risk of suffering from health problems.

Around 8% of babies are born premature in the UK, and this number rises to 12.5% in the US. If you are having a healthy low-risk pregnancy, your baby is most likely to be born at term. Less than 2% of healthy singleton pregnancies end in premature labor in the UK.

Your risk of premature labor increases if you:

  • are carrying more than one baby
  • are underweight or overweight
  • smoke
  • use recreational drugs
  • have had a premature baby in the past
  • lack prenatal support
  • work long hours in a physically demanding job

How to avoid premature labor

Unfortunately, there aren’t any hard and fast rules for how to avoid premature labor, however there are things you can do to greatly reduce your risk of going into labor too soon:

  • stop smoking, drinking alcohol and using drugs
  • eat a healthy, balanced diet
  • maintain a healthy weight gain
  • start prenatal care as soon as you find out you’re pregnant
  • take your prenatal vitamins
  • stay hydrated
  • empty your bladder regularly
  • get tested – if you are high-risk for a premature birth, ask your healthcare provider to screen you for possible causes. Knowledge is key to prevention.

If you go into premature labor

If you think you may be in premature labor, ring your healthcare provider immediately. If your waters break, or if you are having contractions before week 37, contact your healthcare provider without delay. They should ask you to go in to be checked out. Around half of all cases of suspected premature labor end with the mum-to-be being sent home once the labor symptoms stop.

If your labor has really started though, what happens next will depend on the prematurity of your baby. Very premature babies require steroid injections to speed up lung development before the birth. Your doctor may try to delay labor for as long as possible, buying the baby extra development time in your uterus.

Premature labor and birth can be very scary experiences, and you will need the support of your partner, friends and family at times. Your healthcare provider is best placed to offer advice and support during this time, and will be able to answer any of your questions.

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2018. All rights reserved.

Choosing a Stroller: Five Things to Consider

There are a number of big purchases to make when you’re expecting a baby, and the stroller is probably one of the most exciting. As you stand in the store, trying out strollers, it may all suddenly start to feel very real. Strollers can be expensive, so it’s not a decision to take lightly. Here are five things to consider when choosing a stroller:

  1. Price – before you step foot in a store, work out a realistic budget for this purchase. Have a quick look online to see what sort of price to expect, and then work out what you can afford to spend. There’s no point falling head over heels for a designer stroller if you can’t take it home for you. Set a budget, and stick to it. Tell the shop assistant how much you have to spend, and ask them to only show you strollers in your price range.
  2. Size – strollers vary drastically in size. From the nifty ones that are perfect for city living, to the larger systems designed for off roading in the countryside, you will be able to find a stroller to suit your lifestyle. It’s important to work out where you will store the stroller when not in use, and make sure you buy one that can fit in that space. You should also consider the size of the trunk of your car, because the stroller needs to fit easily in there. If you use public transport a lot, choose a stroller that will fit easily on public transport, and be easy to navigate on and off buses and trains.
  3. Usability – it’s important to get a stroller you can use. There’s no point spending a small fortune on a fancy stroller only to discover you can’t get any of the additional functions to work. How easy is the pram to use? Does it feel nice to push? Is it the right height for both you and your partner? Are the breaks easy to use, and do they feel secure when on? Is it easy to fold down when not in use? Is it parent-facing so you can talk to your baby as you walk? Does it look comfy for your little one? Make sure you are familiar with every function of the stroller before you buy it.
  4. Reviews – speak to your friends and family to find out what they think of their strollers. By speaking to people who have experienced strollers day to day, you can get more of an idea what that stroller is like. While it may feel great to push in the shop, you may find out that your sister finds hers difficult to push on county roads. Parents are the experts on this one, so speak to as many as you can before making your purchase.
  5. Style – you’re probably going to be spending a lot of time with this stroller, and at times it may seem like an extension of your own body. Strollers come in all shapes and sizes, some are available in simple designs, and others have themes. Choose one that you love. If you’re planning to have more children, it might be worth avoiding strongly gendered themes. While your newborn daughter will look great in a hot pink pram, her future little brother may be less impressed a few years down the line.

Have you chosen your stroller, or are you currently trying to decide which one to buy?

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.


[amazon title=baby strollers&thumb=https://team-hp.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/2M-pushchair.png&template=Thumbnail&search_link=1]
[amazon title=baby strollers&text=Shop for baby strollers on Amazon&search_link=1]

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

Do You Need Breastfeeding Classes?

Today, there are classes for everything. One popular choice is a breastfeeding class, offered to women while they are pregnant. These are often offered by your local hospital, or by a lactation consultant or peer counselor. Essentially, they are designed to not only encourage women to breastfeed by going over the benefits of breastfeeding versus bottle-feeding, but also to help you learn some tricks of the trade that may make the transition to breastfeeding after delivery easier. But do you NEED these classes before the baby is born? Here are two sides to the debate for you to consider:

Stef Says:

This mom says no.  For one thing, the decision to breast or bottle feed is a personal one. Chances are you have all the information you need to make an informed choice. Secondly, no matter what your decision is, your baby may have a different plan once he or she is born. You may have had one child that breastfed perfectly, only to have a second child that doesn’t seem to take to the nipple well. And if your baby is not thriving after delivery and you are breastfeeding, the doctors may encourage you to switch to a bottle.

In fact, the time to take a class, would be AFTER delivery, especially if you are having trouble with breastfeeding. Most hospitals today staff lactation consultants who will also help you through the process while you are in the hospital having your baby. Most often, this is enough instruction for you to breastfeed successfully!

Michelle Says:

I’m, of course, a little biased – I’m a lactation consultant, La Leche League Leader, and mom of 4 children who were all breastfed well past the national average. From a professional standpoint, I definitely recommend these classes to all pregnant moms. They are a great place to meet other like-minded moms. Because breastfeeding is rarely encouraged in public in the US, it can be nice to know others are making the same choices you are, and it can be helpful to make connections with those moms during pregnancy to start your support network for the postpartum.

Breastfeeding classes also give you the chance to learn about the myths and realities of breastfeeding. Your Aunt Sally tells you that you need to drink tons of cow’s milk in order to make milk for your baby – but is that really true? Having a trained instructor to ask can get you started on the path to success. The other benefit of these classes is that, while you can’t actually latch a baby to your breast, you may be able to practice positioning and holds to make you more confident as you bring your baby to the breast for the first time after birth.

What Stef and Michelle agree on is that whatever you decide, make sure that you make the decision that works BEST for YOU!

Did you take a breastfeeding class during pregnancy? Was it helpful?

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational 
and
Michelle, writer, editor, childbirth educator, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

Choosing a Birth Partner

Research shows that women who receive continuous emotional and physical encouragement during labor are less likely to need pain relief, medical intervention, assisted delivery, or cesarean surgery, and generally experience shorter labors. Additionally, after the fact, women who had supportive birth partners tend to view their birth experience in a more positive light, and some research even shows that they have less post-partum depression, and breastfeed easier.

Wow, right? That all sounds great. So how do you choose? Choosing a birth partner is not as easy as it may sound. Is your partner automatically the right choice? Would a female friend or family member, or someone who has been through labor and delivery before be a better choice? What about your mom? Are you worried about offending someone by not inviting them into the room with you?

The truth is that labor and delivery is typically a long event. Your partner, who may be just as nervous and anxious as you – and may not do very well in the face of blood and guts – may not be the best person to have at your side. This doesn’t mean that he shouldn’t be allowed or invited in the room, but perhaps having a good friend or trusted loved one by your side AS WELL, is a good option. In fact, there are many people who hire a doula for just this purpose – to help keep them calm, talk them through the labor and make the experience as beautiful as possible.

The last person you want to choose as your birth partner is someone who is overly anxious, or worried, or who would react badly in rough situations. And yet, you also want someone who knows what YOU want, and who will advocate for you. You want someone who is not afraid to ask questions of the medical staff, who isn’t afraid to intervene, and who pays attention to everything that goes on around you. Remember, you will have enough going on and you will need someone else there to help with the minor details. You should also choose a birth partner who is not afraid to baby you a little bit, and who is truly and earnestly concerned with your wellbeing. No woman wants a birth partner to stand beside her and tell her to ‘suck it up,’ or ‘calm down.’ You need compassion and assistance that is positive during this time in your life.

Many women prefer to have another female, especially one who has already had a baby, by their side when they give birth. Having someone who will make you laugh and will help you pass the time is a good way to stay distracted (or at least as distracted as possible during this difficult time).

If you are really lucky, your partner will be the perfect match. But if not, don’t fret. And don’t be afraid to ask a friend, loved one or family member to sit by your side and literally and metaphorically hold your hand. Do this ahead of time, and make sure that they are aware of your birth plan, and anything that you do or don’t want during pregnancy. Chances are, they will be delighted that you chose them. And, they may be of great help to the baby’s father as well.

Essentially, having someone with you who can remain calm and supportive is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself. This is your birth, and you want to be able to look back on it and remember how special it was.  The perfect birth partner can help you do just that. If you don’t know anyone, consider talking with doulas in your area.

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

Where Will My Baby Sleep?

It may seem that choosing a place for your infant to sleep is a given.  After all, isn’t that what the crib you bought is for?  The truth is that during the first few months of life, your baby will be calmer and sleep better if they are in a womb-like environment and closer to YOU. This is where a bassinet, cradle or baby Moses basket comes into play. Leave the big crib in the nursery and find one of the hundreds of adorable baby bassinets to keep your baby in close quarters.  Many have traditional handles perfect for toting baby from one room to the next without waking them. And the best part is you can keep your baby in the bedroom with you so you will be sure you will hear every sound and sniffle your baby makes during the night.

According to experts, a baby basket or bassinet in the room WITH YOU is safer than bed-sharing. It will help you sleep soundly at night, as well, because you will feel more relaxed. If you are planning to breastfeed, getting to your baby quickly helps them ease back to sleep more efficiently (Which also means you can get back to sleep more quickly).

When looking for a baby basket or bassinet, the key is to find one that is both sturdy and easy to clean. Make sure that the mattress is removable and well-fitted, and that you can find tight fitting sheets for the mattress. Some of the baby baskets or bassinets have legs or wheels which mean that you can transport them around the house without waking the baby. Even though your baby will not be rolling over or moving much in the very beginning – you want to make sure the walls are high enough to provide safety to your baby. Keep in mind babies can use their reflexes to scoot their bodies around in sleep; so, you may notice your baby against the side of the bassinet after a short while (which is why you should be sure to never leave your baby unattended on an adult bed or couch.)

Certainly, you will need that beautiful crib in the nursery at some point. There will come a day in the next few months where the nursery will be alive with the sounds of a baby. What most new parents don’t realize, however, is that leaving the baby in the nursery, even with a baby monitor, causes a lot of stress and many trips up and down throughout the night, especially in the first few weeks after birth. If you haven’t had your shower yet, check out a bassinet or Moses basket, and put it on your list. Even though it will only be useful for a very short time, it will definitely make your life easier.

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

Celebrity Baby Names of 2013 So Far

Celebrities have a habit of coming with unusual, unique and magnificent names for their offspring. Much like marmite, the unique nature of celebrity baby names usually split people into two distinguished camps: the lovers and the haters. Here we take a look at the celebrity baby names of 2013 so far:

Klay
Coleen and Wayne Rooney’s latest addition, born in May, is named Klay. While this may be an unusual name, it is by no means new. Klay is a variant of Clay, a name that has been around for generations. The name Clay originally comes from the natural resource taken from the ground, so Klay is a name inspired by nature.

Alaia-Mai
The Saturdays’ Rochelle and husband, former JLS singer, Marvin Humes welcomed their first daughter, Alaia-Mai, in May. Alaia is a Nordic name meaning joyful or happy. Mai (pronounced May) has a number of potential origins. In Japan it means dance, in China it means ocean or elegance, in Vietnam it means cherry blossom, and in Wales it simply means May.

Phaedra
The second son born to Peaches Geldof and her musician husband Tom Cohen, Phaedra, was born in April. Phaedra is a name from Greek mythology. Phaedra was the wife of Theseus, who fell in love with and was rejected by her stepson, and then hanged herself. The name itself is Greek in origin and means bright. Phaedra is most commonly used as a girls’ name, although there may be an increase in baby boys named Phaedra now.

Rex
The radio presenter Fearne Cotton and partner Jess Wood welcomed their first son, Rex, in February. Rex is a name of Latin and English origin, and means king. It can also be interpreted to mean ruler.

Marnie
Lily Rose Cooper and husband Sam Cooper welcomed their second daughter, Marnie, at the start of the year. Marnie is a Scottish name meaning of the sea. Other interpretations include sparkling and shining as the meaning of this name. Marnie is a popular name in the US, and popularity is set to increase in the UK following the birth of Marnie Rose Cooper.

Milan
Pop singer Shakira and her footballer boyfriend Gerard Pique welcome their first son, Milan, in January. Milan is a name of Slavic origin, and means dear, loving or gracious. In ancient Rome, the name Milan was thought to mean eager, laborious or rival. The Sanskrit interpretation of the meaning of Milan is unification or coming together.

There are a number of celebrity babies expected in 2013, and we’re eagerly awaiting more birth announcements. The most anticipated baby name of 2013 must be the Royal Baby. Prince William and Kate are keeping quiet about the exact due date, but we do know the baby is due during July. Another celeb baby due in July, is the first child of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West. We’re looking forward to finding out the name of this already internationally famous baby.

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2013. All rights reserved.