T H E U LT I M AT E P R E G N A N C Y G U I D E 20 0 9 / 2010 maternity Ireland’s Favourite Baby Magazine 40 WEEKS OF MAGIC FASHION Labour OF LOVE Yummy Mummy PAMPER YOURSELF DURING PREGNANCY HEALTHY HAPPY BABIES FRENZY Baby Bliss THE ART OF BABY MASSAGE FROM PARTNERS TO PARENTS PAIN RELIEF ● PERSONAL STORIES ● MATERNITY RIGHTS ● CHILDCARE ● FASHION OUR 10-PAGE GUIDE TO LABOUR AND BIRTH THE FACTS ABOUT IMMUNISATION BEAUTIFY YOUR BUMP!
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Still Ireland’s No.1 Nursery StoreNationwide Delivery Service
Largest Selection of Products
Impartial Expert Advice
Over 65 Years’ Experience
Car Seat Fitting Service
Unit 2 Eaton House, Main Street, Rathcoole, Co. DublinTel: (01) 458 6793 • Email: [email protected] • Web: www.murphysprams.ie
Open Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm / Sunday 1pm-5pm“Making babies mobile for over half a century”
Formerly of Murphy’s Pram & Nursery Store, 17 High Street, Dublin 8
Main stockists forMamas & Papas, Phil & Teds, Silver Cross, Quinny, Britax,
A recent UK study has revealed thatchildren born in late summer or earlyautumn are often taller and less prone toosteoporosis in later life than those bornduring the months of spring and winter. TheAvon Longitudinal Study of Parents andChildren (ALSPAC), also known as theChildren of the 90s, involved almost 7,000children born in 1991 and 1992. Researchersfrom the University of Bristol studiedmeteorological data from those years todetermine the mothers’ likely sun exposureduring the last three months of thepregnancy. They concluded that childrenborn to mothers with the highest sunexposure were, on average, a half centimetretaller and had stronger bones than thoseborn in the darkest months of the year. Thisincrease is believed to be attributed to thelevels of Vitamin D (the sunshine vitamin)the baby is exposed to in the womb.
Did you know?The top 5 baby names in Irelandare Jack, Sean, Conor, Daniel andJames for boys, and Sarah, Emma,Ella, Katie and Sophie for girls.
Shoes, Glorious Shoes!
If you are looking for fun,fashionable and functionalbaby and children’s shoes
then www.littlescamps.ie isyour one-stop-shop. Rangingfrom super soft newbornslippers to black leatherschool shoes, thisWestmeath-basedwebsite stocks all of themajor brands in kids’shoes, including Crocs,Pediped, Buckle MyShoe and Skechers.Many of the shoeslisted on the LittleScamps website havebeen awarded theAmerican PodiatricMedical Associationprestigious Seal of
Acceptance in support of theirbeneficial attributes for yourchild’s feet. So now you aresafe in the knowledge thatyour little ones’ feet can lookstylish and protected.
€89.73, WWW.CHILDRENSALON.COMBABY DIOR BLUE FOUR PIECE GIFT SET,
NEWS REGULARS
SMALLtalkHOT TOPICS FOR MUMS-TO-BE
Hello Sunshine!
Mammy Knows Best For straight forward advice on pregnancy and parenthood log onto www.mammy.ie.Whether your little one is still in the womb or starting school, this site is packed full of useful information aboutbeing a parent from conception through to birth and beyond. Easy to navigate, there’s lots of articles from
worldwide sources, including the US, and top tips on everything from fertility to childcare for your toddler. Just sodads aren’t left out, there are some good articles dedicated to new and expectant fathers about supporting their partnerduring pregnancy and coping with their new role as a daddy.
Down on the FarmIf you’re in and around
the Long Mile Road area
of Dublin 12, pop into
Baby Farm to pick up a
few bits for the new
arrival. With a wide
range of products from
cots and buggies to organic baby clothes, maternity wear
and books, Baby Farm is the ideal place to spend an
afternoon for expectant and new parents. If the thought
of traffic doesn’t appeal to you, check out Baby Farm’s
online shop at www.babyfarm.ie. Pictured: Cosatto Oki
fin Maternity 09 1-62:Layout 1 19/06/2009 13:15 Page 7
8 maternity
NEWS REGULARS
SMALLtalkFifty years ago, Johnson’s baby brand
developed a new set of safety
standards to mark the quality and
gentleness of Johnson’s baby mild-
cleansing soap free shampoo with the
No More Tears formulation. A favourite
with mums the world over, No More
Tears products are formulated to
exceptionally high standards and
rigorously tested to ensure they
are mild and gentle so you
don’t have to worry about
protecting your baby’s
delicate eyes during
bathtime. Nothing should
come between you and
your baby enjoying bath
time, that’s why Johnson
& Johnson have spent 50
years making it their
responsibility to know as
much as possible about
your baby's
precious eyes.
SAFETY FIRST Looking after the
health and safety of your new baby can be a
daunting experience. That’s why Clap
Handies have joined forces with Responder
Training to bring you a practical up-to-date
paediatric first aid training course for
parents and carers of babies and young
children. The aim of the course is to teach
you how to respond confidently in an
emergency, and includes training in CPR,
temperature management and dealing with
accidents around the home. For
information about courses in your area log
onto www.claphandies.com,
www.respondertraining.ie, or call Liza on
(087) 919 6042.
Natures Nest,£164.99, Amby
UK (www.amby.co.uk)
Did you know?Taking good care of your teeth whilepregnant may help to reduce theincidence of some complications inpregnancy and newborn babies,according to researchers in the UK. Shhh!
Newborns sleep almost 16 hours
a day, and are often difficult to
settle as they adjust to their new
world. That’s why Amby have
designed the Natures Nest, a
baby hammock that creates a
womb like effect in which your
baby can enjoy a snug tactile
environment with a gentle
vertical bouncing motion. Once
placed in the Natures Nest, it is
virtually impossible for your
newborn to turn onto his tummy
keeping baby in the
recommended supine position
(on the back). For more
information about the Natures
Nest log onto www.amby.co.uk
or www.ambybaby.com.
New research
from Trinity
College, Dublin
has found that
using a
Clevamama
memory
foam mattress or pillow
instead of a standard mattress can significantly
reduce ‘flat head syndrome’ common in young
babies. The study found that the Clevamama
pillow reduced the pressure on the baby’s
cranium by almost 50 per cent, while
providing over 80 per cent more contact with
the head. The tests also found that the pillow’s
profile is sufficiently low and the material is not too
stiff, so the baby’s head will be allowed to rest in a
natural position that does not restrict the airways.
The Clevamama memory foam range is
available online at www.clevamama.com.
WITH BABYBATH TIME
REST EASYWIN!maternity, in conjunction with Baby Farm on theLongmile Road (www.babyfarm.ie), are offeringone lucky reader the chance to win this fantasticJeep Candy Duo Set Stroller. Retailing at€199.99, this lightweight stroller comes completewith a matching soft carrycot that can be usedfrom birth. It has three positions and has a five-point baby harness, so you know you’re little oneis in safe hands.
To be in with a chance to win this prize, popyour name, address and telephone number onthe back of a postcardand send to Editor,maternity, Ashville MediaGroup, 57-59 Sir JohnRogerson’s Quay,Dublin 2.Draw date: December 12th
2009 We regret if this date
precedes your receipt of
this issue.
fin Maternity 09 1-62:Layout 1 19/06/2009 13:16 Page 8
TIREDNESSTiredness is common, especially during the
early months of pregnancy, when your baby
is developing, and again during the last few
months, when your body is adjusting to your
growing baby. The problem is clearly more
severe if your routine is inflexible.
When feeling overtired:
� Relax and take naps when possible.
� Don’t be a superwoman – ask for help
and remember nothing is more important
than the health of you and your baby.
� Talk to your doctor to check if you
are anaemic.
� Do not take sleeping pills unless advised
to do so by your doctor.
BREAST CHANGESBreast changes may be the first sign of
pregnancy and, as early as the sixth week,
you will be conscious of your breasts
enlarging. They have a firm, tense feeling,
may have a prickling, tingling sensation and
are sometimes tender. The growth of the
breasts continues throughout pregnancy to
2lbs/900g, so good support is essential.
The nipples also become darker in colour
and more prominent.
BACK PAINBack pain, especially in the lower back,
occurs during pregnancy. The reasons are
numerous, including ligaments softening and
stretching and posture changing as your
baby grows.
For back pain:
� Good posture is vital. Stand tall, shoulders
relaxed, buttocks tucked in and weight
spread evenly on both feet.
� Footwear should be low-heeled.
� Sit with your lower back well-supported
by pillows.
� Lie on your side on a firm mattress with
your knees drawn up.
� Avoid lifting heavy objects.
� Do some exercise – swimming may ease
back pain.
� Consult your doctor if your back pain is
severe or persists.
CONSTIPATIONConstipation occurs during pregnancy due
to hormonal changes and extra pressure
from your growing baby.
To combat constipation:
� Drink plenty of water (7-8 glasses daily).
� Eat a well-balanced diet – including lots
of fruit, vegetables and fibre.
28 maternity
Pregnancy should be a time of great joy, but often it canseem spoiled by common pregnancy ailments. However,these shouldn’t mar the time for a mum-to-be.MARGARET FANAGAN explains how to alleviate thoseniggling pregnancy complaints.
ComfortableGetting
MORNING SICKNESSSome women suffer from morning
sickness, especially during the first
few months of pregnancy. It can occur
anytime during the day or night but is
always worse on an empty stomach.
To avoid morning sickness:
� Have some tea and dry toast or a
biscuit before getting up each
morning.
� Get up slowly.
� Rest on the side of the bed for a
few minutes.
� Eat small frequent snacks.
� Avoid fatty foods that may make
the nausea worse.
� Avoid strong smells that are likely to
make you feel sick.
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maternity 29
� Take regular exercise, such as walking
and swimming.
� Consult your doctor if you feel you need
a mild laxative.
SWOLLEN JOINTSSwollen joints, especially in the ankles and
hands, are fairly common. However, sudden
or severe swelling should be reported to
your doctor immediately.
To fight swollen joints:
� Raise your feet whenever possible.
� Avoid wearing anything tight.
� Wear well-supported shoes and
support stockings.
� Avoid standing or sitting for long periods.
� Remove rings from fingers if tight.
HEARTBURNHeartburn is a form of indigestion and is
common during pregnancy, especially
during the latter months. It is experienced as
a burning sensation in the stomach and
throat and is due to the hormone
progesterone combined with pressure from
the growing baby.
To beat heartburn:
� Avoid fatty and spicy foods.
� Eat five or six small meals a day.
� Eat slowly and in a stress-
free atmosphere.
� If possible, rest for a few hours after you
have eaten.
� Sleep propped up on pillows.
� Try to drink fluids separate to eating.
HAEMORRHOIDSHaemorrhoids are varicose veins in the
back passage. They are caused by
constipation, the increased pressure of your
growing baby and hormonal changes.
The HypnoBirthing Childbirth method is as
much a philosophy of birth as it is a technique
for achieving a satisfying, relaxing and stress-
free method of birthing. HypnoBirthing
teaches you, along with your birthing
companion, the art and joy of experiencing
birth in a more comfortable manner.
Based on the theories and writings of Dr
Grantly Dick-Read, one of the pioneers of
natural childbirth. In his book Childbirth
Without Fear he explains that: “There is no
physiological function that gives rise to pain in
the normal course of health.” He also states “In
no other animal species is the process of birth
apparently associated with any suffering, pain
or agony, except where pathology exists or in
an unnatural state, such as captivity”. When
we are afraid, our body diverts blood and
oxygen from non-essential organs (like the
uterus) to large muscle groups in our
extremities. Our face drains of blood and we
are said to be ‘white with fear’. He termed this
phenomenon ‘fear-tension syndrome of
childbirth’, and said it occurred in 95 per cent
of women during labour.
He believed that by eliminating the fear,
women could return the uterus to its normal
function, thereby eliminating the pain.
Hypnosis’ main objective in labour and birth
is to reduce the ‘fear- tension response’ in
labour which can trigger:
� Excessive fear/anxiety
� Activation of stress hormones
� Inhibition of oxytocin/endorphins
� Sympathetic system initiated
� Uterine muscle conflict
� Lactic acid build-up
� Excessive pain.
When a woman is properly prepared for
childbirth and when mind and body are in
harmony, nature is free to function in the same
well designed manner that it does with all
other creatures.
Hypnosis is a naturally occurring
phenomenon, a little like daydreaming. Any
time we redirect or narrow our focus, such as
when engrossed in a good book, or watching
the flickering flame of a fire we are said to be
in a state of hypnosis. We are fully in control
and aware of what is happening to us and
around us.
In a HypnoBirthing class the mother will
learn a programme of deep relaxation, self-
hypnosis, breathing techniques, birth positions
and the basic physiology of birth and much
more. It will teach her to release all prior
programming about birth, how to trust her
own body and work with it, as well as how to
free herself of harmful emotions that lead to
pain – causing fear and unyielding muscles.
HypnoBirthing will teach her the art of using
her own natural birthing instincts. Gentle
birthing techniques are used to allow her to
breathe her baby into the world without hard
physical pushing. She is totally conscious, a
consenting participant, fully in control,
comfortably relaxed and fully aware of what
is happening.
Fathers have a big role to play in the birth
experience, guiding the mother into deeper
states of relaxation and protecting her. As a
result they feel closer to mother and baby
resulting in better bonding.
When the mother is properly prepared for
birth physically, mentally and spiritually, she
can give birth in an easier, more comfortable,
shorter time and as a result many mothers
find birth empowering and life-changing.
HypnoBirthing classes are held in four
sessions or over a weekend. A book and
relaxation CD is an accompaniment to the
course and mum needs to listen to CD daily
for maximum benefits.
Carmel Flaherty
CMM2/Yoga/HypnoBirthing instructor
LEG CRAMPSLeg cramps can sometimes occur during
the latter months of pregnancy,
particularly at night. The exact cause is
unknown, but they are more frequent
when the muscle is tired.
To avoid leg cramps:
� Increase your calcium intake from milk,
green leafy vegetables and the mineral
potassium from bananas.
� Gently exercise the foot by rotating in a
clockwise and anti-clockwise direction.
� Stretch your legs just before bedtime and
massage them in warm water.
� Avoid pointing toes, as this seems to
encourage spasm.
Midwife CARMEL FLAHERTY on dealing with labour andbirth by HypnoBirthing.
Coping with birth: HYPNOBIRTHING
When dealing with
haemorrhoids:
� Follow tips for constipation.
� Consult your doctor.
VARICOSE VEINSSwollen veins usually occur in the lower leg
and may extend to the pelvic area. These
are due to increased pressure in the vein
and the action of pregnancy hormones.
For varicose veins:
� Follow advice for swollen joints in the
lower limbs.
� Avoid crossing your legs when seated.
� Consult your doctor.
Remember: pregnancy is not an illness, try
to enjoy it – it’s a special time!
PREGNANCY GETTING COMFORTABLE
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80 maternity
hether you’re expecting
or have just given birth,
the decision of how to
feed your new baby is an
important one. While modern formula milks
are always improving, they will never replicate
the essential mix of nutrients and immunities
that breast milk contains. Breastfeeding is
healthy, easy and economical yet, according
to a recent national survey, only 47 per cent
of Irish women breastfeed their newborn
babies with this rate falling precipitously to 24
per cent in the weeks following the birth.
These figures are astonishing when you
consider that every major health group,
including the World Heath Organisation and
UNICEF, recommends that babies be fed
breast milk exclusively for the first six months
of life, and that breastfeeding should continue
as long as possible after the introduction of
solid food.
Although breastfeeding is the natural
choice, it is not always easy. Breastfeeding is
a skill that needs to be learned by a mother
and her baby and attending a breastfeeding
class before the birth can make a huge
difference, both in knowledge and
confidence. All pregnant mothers have the
opportunity to attend antenatal classes
which will include a breastfeeding class. In
addition to these, some hospitals run
breastfeeding skills workshops which offer
more specific information on breastfeeding
and teach the skills necessary to help get
breastfeeding off to a good start.
The AdvantagesBreastfeeding has many advantages for babies,
their mothers, society and the environment.
Remember, your breast milk is perfect for your
baby and it adapts to meet your baby’s
changing needs.
Benefits for baby:k Strengthens your baby’s immature digestive
system and helps to kick start their immune
system.
k Lowers your baby’s risk of SIDS (Sudden
Infant Death Syndrome) and childhood
illnesses.
k Ensures a baby’s optimum growth and brain
development and contains antibodies to
protect your baby from infection.
k Helps prevent illnesses such as asthma,
eczema, bacterial meningitis and allergies
caused by certain foods in infancy
and adolescence.
k Children who are breastfed as babies tend to
have lower blood pressure than those who
are bottle fed.
k Children who have breast milk for seven
months or more have higher IQ scores and
have been shown to perform better at
school than babies who have been fed
formula milk.
k Helps prevent diarrhoea and vomiting, as
well as respiratory, urinary and ear infections.
k Breast milk is particularly important for
babies who are preterm or ill as your preterm
milk is especially designed for your
premature baby.
Breastfeeding will give your baby the best possible start tolife and can be an enjoyable and beneficial experience foryou too. LORRAINE O’HAGAN and DENISE MCGUINNESSexplain how to master the technique and makebreastfeeding successful for you and your little one.