Becoming a mother for the first time will change your life. During those first few months, your life will be full of new experiences. First smiles, first baths, teething pains, sleepless nights – it may take you a while to adjust to your new role. Caring for a newborn is amazing, and exhausting, and you will need a support system around you to make it easier.

If you and your partner both take leave from work for the first couple of weeks, you will become a team – caring for your baby together. Taking shifts to sleep, sharing in the nappy changing duties, and helping to keep each other sane.

As your partner leaves for work on his first day back, you may find yourself feeling a little helpless as you stare at your beautiful newborn baby, and wonder whether you’ll be able to cope alone. Of course, you will. And in many ways, the time alone will allow you to bond and grow more confident as a mother, but you may also miss adult company. When you start to long for the company of other adults, it’s time to get out and try to meet other mums. Here’s how:

1. Get in touch with old friends – if you have any friends with young children, now is the time to get in touch. Chances are, they’ve already rallied round to offer support during these first months, but if not, get in touch and see if they fancy meeting up.

2. Go to a healthcare group – there are plenty of baby clinics, breastfeeding support groups, pediatric first aid courses, and parenting groups for you to join. These groups are full of mothers just like you – people keen for more information, but also keen to meet friends to keep themselves and their babies entertained.

2. Go to a baby group – there are so many different types of groups available. From costly baby sign lessons, to free groups at your local church, there should be groups in your local area. Go along, and look out for parents with babies around the same age. If there aren’t any groups near you, why not try to organise one? Just an informal coffee morning at a local cafe would be a start, and it will be a great way to meet other mums.

3. Get chatting – when you’re out and about, at the park, shops or cafe, strike up conversations with other new mums. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to make conversation with complete strangers – motherhood is almost a universal language that allows women to bond. Don’t be afraid to suggest swapping numbers or meeting up again. It might seem forward, but chances are they’re just as keen to make some new friends.

4. Look online – there are a number of forums and online platforms where you can search for mums in your local area. From informal coffee mornings to huge group meets, from walks in the park to a local sling meet, there should be a few options in your local area.

These friends you make when your child is young could last you a lifetime, and you will see your children grow together and develop lasting friendships, too.

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

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.

You may not have the necessary equipment, but that doesn’t mean you get to sit breastfeeding out. Breastfeeding may seem like a one woman job, but there’s actually a lot of behind-the-scenes tasks that you can take care of. So, what can you do to help ensure your baby reaps the benefits of the best start in life by breastfeeding? Here are some ideas to improve the father’s role in breastfeeding:

1. Support your partner – this is probably your single most important job when it comes to breastfeeding. Breastfeeding isn’t easy, in fact it can be a tough cookie to crack, and your partner is likely to need a lot of support from you to help her stay positive about breastfeeding. When faced with newborn weight loss, cracked nipples and lack of sleep, many new mums start to doubt themselves. Add to this unwanted comments from elderly relatives, strangers and friends, and it’s not wonder your partner is feeling frustrated. But with your help and support, you can help your partner realise her personal goal of breastfeeding. Be it two days, two weeks or two years – your support can help her along the way with your positivity.

2. Help your partner – during the early days especially, as she recovers from the birth, your partner will probably appreciate some help during breastfeeding. If the baby was born by cesarean, she may need you to lift the baby up and pass him to her for feeds. It could also mean getting professional help for your partner. Some women encounter breastfeeding hurdles along the way, be it mastitis, latch problems or sore nipples, and there is plenty of help available. However, some women don’t want to ask for help, and instead struggle on before giving up. You can help by finding the support your partner needs to solve her breastfeeding problems. Look for a lactation consultant, breastfeeding counselor or support group nearby that can offer assistance and diagnose any issues.

3. Words of encouragement – it’s surprising the difference a few words of encouragement can make in the workplace, and this is true for breastfeeding, too. Let your partner know that she’s doing a great job, that you’re in awe of her, and that she’s a great mother – even if you think she’s lost her mind! On a tough day, these few words could be all it takes to give her the strength to keep going.

4. Let her sleep – breastfeeding is a full-time job, and your partner is likely to be up a lot during the night feeding the baby. Try to help her catch up on her sleep by encouraging her to nap during the day, looking after the baby for a couple of hours, and doing a night shift. Of course you’ll still need to wake her for feeds, but at least she’ll be able to catch up on a couple of hours in the meantime. If your partner is expressing for bottle feeds, you could give these during the night to let your partner get a proper rest (though she may wake anyway because her breasts get too full).

5. Offer a butler service – a feed lasts around 45 minutes for the first few months, so make sure your partner has everything within arm’s reach during that time. The television remote, a magazine, her phone, a drink and some healthy snacks are all things she might want nearby. Breastfeeding is thirsty (and hungry) work, so make sure she has enough to eat and drink while she’s trapped under the baby. Make sure she knows that whatever she needs, you will get it for her.

Experienced breastfeeders, how did your partners help to support you to breastfeed? Are there any tips you would add to the above list?

Want to see some educational videos on breastfeeding? Good news! You can now download our Baby App for iPhone / iPad or Android, which has lots of useful movies and information on breastfeeding. Click Baby+ iOS or Baby+ Android to install the App, and prepare for the arrival of your little one(s).

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

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.

A small number of babies each year (less than one percent) are “born before arrival.” For planned hospital births, this means the baby is born before arrival at the hospital. For home births, it means the baby arrives before the midwife.

It is very unlikely that this will happen to you, but there’s no harm in being prepared just in case. Bad weather, bad traffic and a short labour are all reasons why some babies are born before arrival. If unexpected circumstances mean your baby is going to be born before arrival, here’s what you need to do:

1. Stay calm – ok, easier said than done. This may not be happening in accordance with your carefully researched birth plan, but it is happening. It’s important to stay calm during labour, so concentrate on your breathing and try not to panic.

2. Call your healthcare provider and tell him or her what’s happening. Once you’re off the phone, call 911 and they will probably send some paramedics to your location. The operator will stay on the phone and will talk you, or whoever is with you, through what to do next.

3. If you are at home, leave the door unlocked so the paramedics can let themselves in.

4. To try and delay labour, you can try kneeling on all fours with your bottom in the air and your head pillowed on your forearms on the floor. However, this doesn’t always work. Follow your instincts, your body should tell you when to push and slow down. Try to stay calm and follow any urges to push.

5. You will be able to tell when the baby’s head is out. Feel down and gently check to see if the cord is wrapped around your baby’s neck. If it is, gently pull the cord over baby’s head. However, if the cord feels tight, leave it and you can deal with it once the baby has been born. Once the head is out, you will probably meet your baby after the next contraction.

6. Pull your baby straight to your chest and allow skin contact to warm the baby up. If you have one to hand, use a clean towel to dry the baby, this should stimulate your baby’s breathing. Keep your baby close and place a blanket over you both for warmth. Leave the cord intact and wait for the paramedics to arrive.

7. If the paramedics have not arrived when your third stage contractions start, you may need to deliver the placenta too. Follow your natural urges to push during contractions, and leave the cord intact once the placenta is delivered.

8. If you haven’t yet, and are planning to, try to feed your baby. By holding your baby to your chest for skin to skin, you may find that your baby latches on by himself.

An unplanned delivery can be a shock, but try to stay calm and remember, you can do this. The paramedics will arrive soon to help, but in the meantime you can do this.

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

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.

If your baby’s head is located at the top of your uterus, your baby is in the breech position. Most babies will get into a head down position before the birth, allowing them to be born head first, thus more easily. Babies continue to change position in the womb until they run out of room. Most babies who are in the breech position around week 33 will get themselves into the optimal head down position by week 37. This is not always the case, however, and some babies remain in the breech position until the end of the pregnancy.

If your baby is in a breech position, there are things you can do to encourage him to move into a head-down position. The following exercises are thought to give baby more room to maneuver inside the womb:

1. Pelvic rotations – belly dancing was traditionally a birth and fertility dance, used during pregnancy childbirth for generations. Rotating the hips allows the pelvis to open up, creating more room for the baby to change position. You can perform these exercises standing or while sitting on a birthing ball. Rotate your hips in a circular movement 10 times in each direction. Repeat this exercise three times a day. Alternatively, put your favourite Shakira or Britney track on and belly dance around the room.

2. Breech tilts – a breech tilt is another exercise used for turning breech babies. For this, you should lie on the floor with your feet resting on a chair or sofa. Yes, this position is easier said than done when you’re heavily pregnant. If you find it uncomfortable (or impossible), skip this exercise and try the next one instead. Lift your bum off the ground, and support yourself with pillows placed underneath. You should be at a 45 degree angle. Stay in position for a maximum of 15 minutes, or until you feel uncomfortable.

3. Kneel lean or knee-chest position – for this exercise, you may wish to place pillows under your knees and head for comfort. Kneel up with your knees shoulder width apart. Lean forward on your arms, so that your forehead is touching the floor. Hold this position for up to 15 minutes at a time, and repeat three times a day.

4. Back and forth – get into position on your hands and knees, you may wish to use pillows for comfort. Rock back and forth gently for up to 15 minutes, and repeat this up to three times a day. You could also try crawling forward on your hands and knees as a way of opening up your pelvis. If you’ve got the nesting instinct, wash your floors by hand.

5. Walking – walking is a great exercise during pregnancy, and can help to encourage the baby to shift position. Try to walk for 30 minutes each day throughout the pregnancy.

To encourage your baby to change position, these exercises are thought to work best during periods of fetal activity. So whenever your little one starts prodding and kicking you, it’s probably a good time to try a couple of these exercises.

If you experience any pain or feel lightheaded while exercising, stop immediately. Sit down carefully and stay seated until you are feeling better. Speak to your healthcare provider before continuing with the exercises to turn a breech baby.

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

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.

When you last left your house, you were a heavily pregnant woman, possibly in the throes of labour. Now you are about to walk into your house as a new mother, and introduce your newborn baby to his or her first home. The significance of this moment would be enough to have you in tears even without the post-partum hormonal sob fest, but what practical things should you have ready for your first days as a new parent?

1. Food, glorious food – you don’t want to arrive home from the hospital to discover that the cupboards are bare. Make sure your freezer is stocked up with precooked meals in advance, so all you need to do is reheat and eat. If you plan on having visitors during the first week, ask them to bring a small selection of fresh fruit with them. It’s important to eat healthily and look after yourself so that you are able to look after your baby.
2. Battle stations at the ready – well, changing stations anyway. You will arrive home from the hospital in a whirlwind of nappy changes, feeds and cuddles, so you won’t have time to hunt for nappy cream or diapers. Have your changing station set up before your due date, so that everything is where it should be for your first dirty nappy. In fact, consider having a couple of different ones – especially if your living quarters are two stories.
3. Going off grid – unplug the house phone, turn your mobile phone to silent, let the email inbox pile up, and ignore the door. These first few days are the ideal bonding time for your new family. Of course, you should invite any guests you want round, but make sure that your private moments are uninterrupted. There is nothing worse than finally soothing your baby to sleep, only to have your hard work undone by a deafeningly loud phone ringing in the next room.
4. Just in case – chances are, between childbirth and breastfeeding, you’re going to feel a little sore. You may not need them, but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared. Have some breastfeeding safe over-the-counter painkillers in the house, as well as some heat and ice packs. If you’re planning to breastfeed, you may want to keep some soothing nipple cream in the house too, because your nipples may feel quite tender for the first couple of days. Even a bag of frozen peas might make a handy ice pack if you’re suffering from engorgement.
5. Some baggies – you won’t be straight back into your skinny jeans, but you probably won’t need maternity wear anymore, either. Make sure you have lots of clean, comfy pyjamas to wear. Don’t forget, you’ll also want some clothes to wear for when visitors pop round, unless you don’t mind them seeing you in your pajamas.

The first few days as a new parent are exhausting, difficult and truly amazing all at the same time. Make sure you have the above items in the house, and if you discover any other useful must haves, be sure to share the advice in the comments below.

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

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.

When you’re past your pregnancy due date, you probably feel tired of waiting and anxious about childbirth. Your back may hurt more and your ankles may be swollen. You may even be struggling with haemorrhoids, heartburn and have trouble sleeping. However, try to enjoy these last days or weeks of your pregnancy as well. It’s the end of a beautiful journey and soon you will be very busy with your little one.

Here is some important information about being overdue.

CAUSES

Although your pregnancy due date is calculated, it is perfectly normal to give birth one or two weeks before or after. In fact, your pregnancy must continue two weeks after your due date to earn the real label of ‘overdue pregnancy’.

What are common reasons to deliver past your due date?

• The due date was incorrect assigned (e.g. due to irregular periods)
• This is your first pregnancy
• You have a (family) history of overdue pregnancy
• You are obese
• Your baby is a boy

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

1. Keep a close eye on your pregnancy

When you’re past your pregnancy due date, it’s important to increase the frequency of your prenatal care. Your health care provider will need to look out for possible complications and check your cervix frequently for thinning and dilation. If you are more than a week past your due date, your baby’s heartbeat and movements, and the amount of your amniotic fluid, will also be closely monitored.

2. Give your baby a nudge

If your pregnancy continues two weeks past your date, the chance of complications increases. His size may complicate a vaginal delivery, the amount of amniotic fluid decreases and the placenta starts to age. Therefore it won’t harm to try some natural ways to bring on labour. Try eating some spicy food or pineapple, go for a walk, try nipple stimulation or if you still feel like it have sex. These are all natural ways to bring on labour.

If the healthcare provider suspects any complications, you will probably be given medication to help soften and open the cervix in order to induce labour. Your health care provider may also break your water, or if necessary, give you a medication to start your contractions, such as Pitocin.

3. Hang in there.

Enjoy your pregnancy by accepting your emotions and taking advantage of the extra time. Enjoy watching a movie, going out for dinner, and reading a book.
As long as there are no complications, it’s best to let nature do its job. When your baby is ready to come out, he’ll come out!

Why not start reading up on what to expect when your baby is there? Whilst you wait for your baby’s arrival, download our new Baby App for iPhone / iPad or Android. Click Baby+ iOS or Baby+ Android to install the App, and prepare for the arrival of your little one(s).

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.

As you approach labor and delivery, you will be trying to put together everything you know about childbirth and wondering how it will be for you. Many people have labor and delivery concerns. In fact, even moms who have been there and done that, have worries about what labor and delivery will hold for them.

The following are the 3 common questions about labor and delivery that most women worry or wonder about.

1.  What if I cannot handle the pain? Sure, labor and delivery is painful. You have heard the stories. You have also likely heard that most women forget about it as soon as it is over. The good news is that today, pain management is available and you as the patient have the right to choose just how much you want to feel and how much you don’t. Taking pain medicine is a private choice, and if you are terrified of pain – then an epidural or spinal is the best way for you to go. The reality is, that although labor and delivery is painful, it is not altogether unpleasant. Keep in mind that women have been giving birth forever – and that you too, will be able to get through it. For most women, the worries about the pain are worse than the pain itself.

2.  Will I poop on the doctor? Chances are you will. And chances are, the doctor won’t mind a bit. And chances are, you won’t even know you did it. The pressure and pushing that go hand in hand with labor and delivery do often produce a bowel movement.  But believe us when we say that there is NOT a labor and delivery doctor that will be offended. In fact, you just focus on having a baby and let the doctors – and nurses – deal with the rest.

3. Will I embarrass myself by hollering or screaming during labor? When women give birth, they make many sounds. From winces of pains, to yelps, to moans to whines. In the throes of labor and delivery, you will not even notice you are making a sound at all. And, you will likely not worry about who is around to hear you. Some women don’t make any noises during labor, while others cry and scream. Regardless of what you do during labor – no one will be making fun of you, and you will not embarrass yourself. Midwives and those who attend birth are completely aware of what to expect, and they won’t hold it against you. After all, you are delivering a tiny human – which entitles you to any noises that you deem suitable.

Fears and worries about labor can impact the progress of the birth – even to the point of slowing things down to a stop. Dealing with your fears before the childbirth process starts can help you have the birth you want.

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.

Time seems to play tricks on you from the moment you fall pregnant. Sometimes the weeks rush by, leaving you wondering how so much time has passed without you ticking off a single thing from your to do list. Other times, time will seem to crawl by at an almost excruciating pace. This is especially true during the last few weeks of pregnancy. Chances are, you’ve crossed everything off your to do list, you’ve taken time off work to prepare for the baby, and you’re waiting for the birth.

If your due date has been and gone, you are probably ready to try anything to kick start labour. Here are some tried and tested ways to naturally induce labour:

Let’s talk about sex
The theory behind this is that sex can trigger the release of oxytocin, a hormone that controls contractions during labour, and may cause labour. It is also thought that having an orgasm could help to stimulate the uterus and get labour started. As well as this, semen contains a high number of prostaglandins which may help to soften the cervix in preparation for labour. Sex has not been proven to induce labour, although there is plenty of anecdotal evidence to support the theory. Having sex with a big bump can be a bit difficult, you may have to get creative with your positioning. Spooning, woman on top, and from behind are three positions commonly used during the third trimester.

Needle in a haystack
Acupuncture has been proven to be successful at inducing labour, although only a limited number of studies have been carried out. Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles into the body. Depending on the placement of the needles, the energy within the body is stimulated to work in a certain way. Acupuncture is safe during pregnancy, and may start to work as soon as six hours after the appointment.

Hot, hot, hot
There is no evidence to back up this claim, but many women swear it was a spicy curry that kick started their labours. The theory is that eating very spicy food can cause affect your digestive system, which may in turn cause your uterus to contract. Spicy food also contains prostaglandins which may also cause contractions.

Second base
Nipple stimulation is said to be effective for inducing labour as it releases the contraction-causing hormone oxytocin. Your nipple stimulation should mimic a baby suckling, because this is how the oxytocin release will be triggered. Massage your whole nipple, one at a time, including the areola, for five minutes. Then take a 15 minute break, and try this again on the other breast if nothing has happened. You should repeat this for about an hour, three times a day. You should cease nipple stimulation once labour has started.

Touch me babe
An induction massage is said to be an effective way to induce labour, and even if it doesn’t work for you, it will be a nice way to relax before the baby arrives. Choose a masseuse who is train in induction massages, and they will work on acupressure points that are usually avoided during pregnancy for fear of induction. They will also use specific essential oils that are said to induce labour.

Round the block
Walking may help to bring on labour. The rhythmic pressure of the baby’s head pushing down on your cervix as you walk, may stimulate the release of oxytocin. It can also help to get baby in a good position for the birth. Try not to tire yourself out, if labour does start, you will need plenty of energy. A short stroll round the block every hour or so is probably best. Bouncing on a birthing ball could also have a similar effect.

If you try any of the above and have success, let us know. What have you tried so far to induce labour?

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

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.

Vitamin K is important because it helps blood clot. Around one in every 10,000 babies is born with low amounts of vitamin K, meaning they are more at-risk of bleeding. If these babies suffered internal bleeding problems, they may not have enough vitamin K to prevent a serious bleed. The risk of internal bleeding problems is prominent during the first 13 weeks of a baby’s life. This is known as vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) or Haemorrhagic Disease of the Newborn (HDN).

Bleeding is a very serious problem for babies. Some babies may suffer bleeding during the first week of life. This could be bleeding from the nose, umbilical stump or bottom, or could even appear as spontaneous bruising. Sometimes bruising is from forceps or vacuum (ventouse) use during the delivery. Some babies experience late onset bleeding which occurs over a week after the birth date. Over half of all babies who suffer a late bleed, will have an intracranial bleed into their brain. This can cause brain damage, and can be fatal for some babies.

Does my baby need the vitamin K shot?

Some factors have been identified as high risk for VKDB, including babies who:

• were born born prematurely
• suffered breathing problems at birth
• were born by ventouse / vacuum, forceps or caesarean surgery
• were bruised during the birth
• had liver problems or were poorly at birth
• breastfed babies who are not feeding well
• were born to mothers who took epilepsy, tuberculosis or clotting medication during the pregnancy

However, a third of all babies who experience VKDB do not fit into any of the categories above. It is very difficult to tell which babies are most at risk of VKDB. For this reason, experts advise that all babies be given the shot immediately after birth. Without this, a very small number of babies born each year would suffer brain damage or die as a result of VKDB.

How is the shot administered?

Your baby will be offered the shot shortly after the birth, and this is usually something you consent to or oppose in advance. The injection is the most effective and efficient way to increase your baby’s vitamin K levels for a greater length of time.

If you prefer, you can request that the dose is taken orally, and some parents choose to do this instead. If you opt for this method, your baby will be given two doses during the first week of life, and may then be offered a third dose when your baby is a month old.

You can choose not to give your baby vitamin K at all. Whichever decision you make, you should discuss it with your healthcare provider in advance and ensure you are fully informed before making the decision.

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 2017. All rights reserved.