Pregnancy BUMP&baby issue 12 by BUMP&baby

PLUS PREPARING FOR BREASTFEEDING

Aote aroa

Trust in YOUR BODY & INSTINCT

AS YOU GROW YOUR PRECIOUS PEPI

ISSUE 11

S H O P AT

b u m p a n d b a b y m a l l .c o. n z W E D EL I V E R E V E R Y T H I N G E XC E P T T H E B A B Y

Electric breast pumps Electric breast pumps

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• Memory function saves your preferred pumping settings

• 8 stimulation + 16 expression levels for a personalised experience

• Quiet motor • Lightweight and compact design

• Upright expression thanks to no-lean forward design

No.1 brand recommended by mums worldwide**

Learn more at www.philips.co.nz/breastpumps *Based on milk flow initiation time (time to Milk Ejection Reflex – MER) results from trial with 20 participants (Netherlands, 2019) compared to time to MER results for other Philips predecessor pump technology from Feasibility study with 9 participants (Netherlands, 2018). **Based on December 2019 GemSeek online satisfaction survey conducted among more than 8,000 female users of childcare brands and products in UK, USA, France, Germany, Italy, India, Indonesia, Russia, Brazil and China.

PlunketLine is here to support all parents, caregivers and whānau, whenever you need. We offer support on areas such as sleep, adjusting to parenthood, children’s health, breastfeeding via video call, and much more - so you and your family can receive the help you need. Free from any landline or mobile and available 24/7.

0800 933 922

Kei konei mātou

Is your baby’s room really safe & sound? There are things in your baby’s nursery that look harmless, but could be very dangerous in an earthquake. Here are some simple ways to make your baby safer and help you sleep at night. • Don’t hang pictures, shelves or clocks above baby’s cot • Move heavy items onto lower shelves • Secure tall or heavy furniture to wall studs with brackets or straps • Hang pictures on appropriate hooks (no single nails) • Move baby’s cot away from windows – next to an interior wall is best.

Visit eqc.govt.nz to prepare your home and protect your whānau

contents

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62 Your Growing Bump 50 WOW FACTOR

Every Issue 8 EDITOR’S LETTER A lesson in patience and resilience

10 PARENTAL GUIDANCE

Health+ Wellness

not sharing!

News, views and products we rate

16 COVER BUMP

20 SUBSCRIBE TO BUMP&baby

94 BUMP&baby MALL.CO.NZ

What you need

126 RESOURCES Birthing bag checklist and pregnancy jargon

PLUS PREPARING FOR BREASTFEEDING

Aotearoa

Trust in YOUR BODY & INSTINCT

34 MAMA NEEDS HER SLEEP

Fatigue and morning sickness explained

Get better quality Zzz's right now

Advice for exercise during pregnancy and postpartum

30 FEELIN' THE PINCH Osteopathic help for aches and pains

32 GUT FEELING How to support your digestive system

40 FULL FL AVOUR, NO FUSS Nourishing meals that are quick to prepare

46 SKIN CHANGES A specialist explains what's going on

54 BABY BRAIN …and no, not the one in your head

58 ST YLE IDEA S FOR YOUR GROWING BUMP Experts come to the rescue

62 YOUR BODY IS A WONDERL AND How pregnancy empowered these beautiful women

AS YOU GROW YOUR PRECIOUS PEPI

BROUGHT TO YOU BY TOTS TO TEENS

122 DIRECTORY

ISSUE 12

We deliver everything (except the baby!)

PREGNANCY BUMP & baby

and enjoy a PeekaBox of amazing products

22 JUST SICK & TIRED

26 SMOOTH MOVES

Our cover māmā Ariel Vijay is third time clucky!

Facts about pregnancy and birth that’ll blow your mind

S H O P AT

b u m p a n d b a b y m a l l .c o. n z W E D EL I V ER E V E R Y T H I N G E X C E P T T H E B A B Y

ON THE COVER CREATIVE DIRECTOR Isobel Benesch, belandbeau.com, @theatlasofmotherhood; COVER MĀMĀ Ariel Vijay of Red 11 Models (redeleven.net.nz) wears dress from Designer Wardrobe (designerwardrobe. co.nz) and jewellery from Meadowlark (meadowlark.co.nz); PHOTOGRAPHY Annupam (annupam.com); HAIR & MAKEUP by Claire Mcgrath (cmmakeup. co.nz); STUDIO & PHOTO EQUIPMENT Progear Photographic (progear.co.nz).

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

contents

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102

Life+ Insight 68 THE BANK BAL ANCE A growing family and a shrinking income.... eeek!

70 WHAT IF I DON’T LOVE BEING A PARENT? Not everyone is completely besotted with their baby. And it's okay

73 WHAT’S IN A NAME? How to decide on and register your newbie’s name

74 TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS How this mumof-two runs a successful business

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

Labour +Birth 98 WELCOME, EVE

98 Nursery+ Equipment 76 NAPPY DECISIONS Cloth vs Disposable: What’s the difference?

79 BUM BALMS

An at-home water birth

100 HELLO, PAIRIE

85 GOODNIGHT, SWEETHEART

Breastfeeding is natural, but it doesn’t always come naturally...

Prams, bags & carriers - oh my!

92 OUT & ABOUT

130 NURSERY PRINT Cut-out and frame this piece for your place

113 PUMP TO IT Browse what breast pumps are on offer

115 L ACTATION STATION

90 THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE

81 YOU’RE THE ONESIE The cutest little outfits you ever did see

102 KIA ORA, JA X X

A love of literature

Car seat 101

Postpartum support around the globe

108 MILK MADE!

86 READING NOOK

Nappy creams to soothe little bottoms

104 WHAT ABOUT MAMA?

A C-section after a long labour

A speedy arrival at hosptital

Nursery nice-tohaves

Newborn+ Postpartum

Pills and potions to bring on milk

130 just for you

116 ALL ABOUT FL AT HEAD What is it and why it happens

120 THE FIRST POSTBIRTH PERIOD Bloody awesome

kia ora

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Learning to let go

PREGNANCY

Issue 12

Neither my son nor daughter were prompt for their respective arrivals, with both pregnancies lasting 42 weeks and each birth – four years between – requiring induction to bring on labour. I recall the feeling in the weeks before meeting my firstborn; the excitement and anxiety were high but my patience was wearing thin (so, too, was the exercise ball I'd been bouncing on every day to encourage her arrival). In hindsight, I think having overdue babies was somewhat of a glimpse into parenthood; a test-run to learn how to “let go” and to accept that the next chapter of life would require a bit more wiggle room in the control department. Her birth was a marathon. She seemed determined to stay at “home” in my uterus rather than edge her way down the birth canal, perplexing every specialist over the course of a 24-hour labour. An emergency Cesarean delivery (C-section) was decided upon, then decided against... Eventually, our beautiful baby girl arrived safely and unaware of how much she’d already taught me about patience and resilience. I was (and still am) completely smitten. However, the physical recovery from birth threw me a few challenges that would require months of postnatal care. “What a ride!” I thought. And that’s before I was to navigate breastfeeding, understand communication cues, and learn how to settle a newborn to sleep! Speaking to the photographer behind the incredible births in “Special Delivery” (page 98), as well as our cover māmā Ariel Vijay (page 16), Bear & Moo’s Hannah Potter (page 74) and Two Islands’ Jules Matthews (page 112), I've been reminded about how vast and varied each birth and postpartum experience can be. And while there’s no manual or rule book when it comes to pregnancy and parenthood, there are some things I can guarantee. It changes you. It challenges you. And it’ll absolutely be worth it!

Pamela

PREGNANCY BUMP&baby IS AVAILABLE FROM SELECTED RETAILERS OR VISIT BUMPANDBABY.CO.NZ TO SUBSCRIBE. PUBLISHERS / Tony and Aana Marinovich tony@bumpandbaby.co.nz aana@bumpandbaby.co.nz EDITOR / Pamela McIntosh editor@bumpandbaby.co.nz ART DIRECTOR / Emma Henderson design@bumpandbaby.co.nz DIGITAL CO-ORDINATOR / Tayla Mitchell MARKETING ASSISTANT / Maraya Robinson SUBEDITOR / Katherine Granich ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Tony Marinovich tony@bumpandbaby.co.nz Ange Steiger ange@bumpandbaby.co.nz DIGITAL ENQUIRIES digital@bumpandbaby.co.nz social@bumpandbaby.co.nz

PREGNANCY BUMP&baby PUBLISHED BY TOTS TO TEENS PO Box 70, Kumeu Auckland 0841, New Zealand or The Media Barn 91 Moontide Road, RD2 Kumeu Auckland 0892, New Zealand T: +64 9 412 5123 JOIN US ONLINE! bumpandbaby.co.nz facebook.com/bumpandbabynz pinterest.com/bumpbabynz instagram.com/bumpandbabymagazine tiktok@bumpandbabymagazine

PAMELA MCINTOSH, EDITOR

1 bag it!

3 2

Function meets form in these baby bags we covet 1. Isoki Marlo Backpack, $130, isoki.co.nz and bumpandbabymall.co.nz 2. Skip Hop Curve Satchel, $199, babycity.co.nz 3. Hannah & Henry Classic Nappy Backpack, $210, hannahhenryapparel.com

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

PRINTER / OVATO Limited

Pregnancy BUMP&baby ISSN 2463-283X is published bi-annually (2 issues per year) The opinions expressed and statements made in Pregnancy BUMP&baby are those of the contributors and advertisers and do not necessarily represent the views of the publishers. Pregnancy BUMP&baby, on behalf of itself and the authors, asserts copyright on all original material appearing in Pregnancy BUMP&baby and none of it shall be reproduced wholly or in part without the prior written consent of the publishers. The publishers reserve all rights in respect of all material received and accepted for publication. Pregnancy BUMP&baby reserves the right to edit or abridge all articles, letters, or other material (solicited or otherwise) accepted for publication. While every care has been taken in the research and compilation of this publication, it is not intended to replace professional or medical advice. To the best knowledge of Pregnancy BUMP&baby, all information herein is correct at the time of publication. Please contact your healthcare provider in the first instance for medical assistance and advice. Prices on products are a guide only and may differ from stockist to stockist.

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Parental guidance... News, views, and handy products in the pregnancy and parenting space

FROM RAW TO RELIEF

TUNE IN

Hurō Pēpi is a positive and lighthearted show on Māori Television for new or soon-to-be parents across Aotearoa – hoping to bring smiles, enjoyment and a bit of fun to māmās and pāpās who are doing their best to raise the next generation of Māori language speakers. Rangatahi language enthusiasts Stevie Davis-Tana and partner Nathaniel Howe realised that topical content around Māori parenting practices from a youth perspective was virtually non-existent. Stevie – writer, presenter, and star of the first episode of Hurō Pēpi – says there was an overwhelming amount of online resources about parenthood but hardly any of it was by or for Māori. “Nat and I realised that if we were feeling a bit lost or confused, there must be so many other young parents out there in the same waka,” the 26-year-old explains. “So we thought, why not row this waka together? If we want to help create better lives and futures for our pēpi, if we want to help change the narrative and the negative statistics, then let's start with better equipping our whānau with the knowledge and skills that we need to raise healthy and happy pēpi.” maoritelevision.com

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

Cracked nipples can be a right pain in the boob. When a newborn is cluster feeding and you’re still trying to perfect the latch, this super-sensitive area can get angry and agitated. While you should always consult your Lead Maternity Carer (LMC) to prevent and care for cracked nipples, these creams (above) will provide relief. 1. Medela Purelan 100 Nipple Cream, $20.99 2. Weleda Nipple Care Cream, $29.90 3. Willow By The Sea Nipple Balm, $39.90

HŪRO PĒPI CO-CREATOR STEVIE DAVIS-TANA AND HER BABY, HAWAIIKI.

diary note Your pregnancy is divided into trimesters:

1st

trimester is from week 1 to the end of week 12.

2nd

trimester is from week 13 to the end of week 26.

3rd

trimester is from week 27 to the end of the pregnancy.

noteworthy

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good reads

SURROGACY SUPPORT

Love Makes Family matches intending parents with “angels” (sperm donors, egg donors, and surrogates). Dads Christian and Mark (@lovefromyourtwodads) set up the website to connect and support others in their journey to grow their family. The guys share their story, along with other surrogacy stories – including broadcaster Toni Street’s journey – to make surrogacy more streamlined. lovemakes.family

THE SINGLE MOTHER'S SOCIAL CLUB ($36.99, ALLEN & UNWIN) Journalist Jacinta Tynan interviews experts and single mothers to share the best advice for thriving when you're the only adult in the home.

“Body changes during pregnancy means that the immune system does not respond so well to viruses,” says the Immunisation Advisory Centre. The COVID-19 vaccine that is being used in New Zealand is called Comirnaty™ and although pregnant women were not initially included in clinical trials, studies are now underway to look at the safety, the immune response, and how well this vaccine protects pregnant women against COVID-19. There are no scientific concerns around receiving this vaccine in pregnancy as it is not a live vaccine. In New Zealand, most pregnant women are not at risk of being exposed to COVID-19; however, those who are at risk of exposure to this virus, through their work or from someone in their household, are recommended to be vaccinated to protect themselves and their baby. Although the vaccine was not specifically tested in women who are breastfeeding, as with all vaccines, you can have this while breastfeeding. The vaccine stimulates your body to make special proteins that help to stop the virus, called antibodies, which pass to your baby when you breastfeed and help to protect your baby as well as you. The Immunisation Advisory Centre recommends that you discuss your risk of exposure to COVID-19 with your midwife or doctor.

THANKS TO TAYLA, PHOTOGRAPHED BY BOHEMIANBLUEPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

COVID-19 VACCINE UPDATE

Only about 5% of women give birth on the exact date they are due. Most babies arrive between 37 weeks to 41 weeks of pregnancy – usually within a week either side of their expected due date.

MAKING A BABY: AN INCLUSIVE GUIDE TO HOW EVERY FAMILY BEGINS ($27.99, ALLEN & UNWIN) Working closely with a leading LGBT organisations, this guide covers sex, sperm and egg donation, IUI, IVF, surrogacy and adoption, as well as explaining how a baby grows in the womb.

due date / dju de�t /

estimate of when a baby will probably not arrive Pregnancy BUMP & baby

JUST A CALL AWAY

THERAPY SESSIONS

Give your breasts a break, thanks to a pearl therapy pack designed to gently form to your boob for the ultimate 360-degree relief during breastfeeding. Use the pack cold to help with swelling and engorgement, and heat the pack and apply to relieve plugged ducts, mastitis, and to encourage milk let-down. Lansinoh® Thera°Pearl® 3-in-1 Breast Therapy Packs, $34.99 for two reusable packs. lansinoh.com

PlunketLine is a toll-free helpline available to all families, whānau, and caregivers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Talk to a friendly Plunket nurse who can give you advice and information on any parenting issues and your child’s health and development, as well as provide quality advice and information. It is a gateway to many services, including breastfeeding support via video call (VC), referrals to local Plunket nurses, B4 School coordinators, appropriate health professionals, or other social and community services, so that you and your family will receive the support you need. Please reach out, they're here to help! 0800 933 922

A GREAT DAY OUT!

Come along to one of four nationwide Baby Expos to gain the most recent expert advice from a diverse range of exhibitors. With a complimentary créche, tonnes of space, baby change and family rooms, you’ll feel right at home in a friendly, casual, yet practical event. Free early bird tickets or $5 for door sales.

THANK YOU TO KEITA, PHOTOGRAPHED BY CATHERINESMITPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

AUCKLAND Saturday 15 May EventFinda Stadium, Wairau Valley, Auckland --CHRISTCHURCH Saturday 12 June Air Force Museum of NZ, Christchurch --WAIKATO Saturday 26 June Claudelands Arena, Hamilton --WELLINGTON Saturday 29 May Lower Hutt Events Centre, Lower Hutt

noteworthy

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a made in Aotearo

BREAST PADS THAT ARE GOOD FOR THE PLANET

Dealing with breast leakage and spontaneous let-down can be a challenge, but thanks to Kiwi-made Just’nCase Nursing Pads ($28.90 a pair), containing the overflow is simple and comfortable. “Women are keen to swap from single-use pads to reusable breast pads for the sake of the environment, but have had many embarrassing wet t-shirt moments,” explains CEO Christine Arden. “Just’nCase Nursing Pads’ are made with plastic-free and leak-proof fabric, and are able to mould and seal to the breast. They're washable and safe to tumble-dry too. justncase.co.nz

GENTLE SHEEP TODDLER MILK

Actress and mum to 20-month-old Freddie, Antonia Prebble has teamed up with Spring Sheep Milk Co as it launches a new premium Gentle Sheep Toddler Milk Drink, a product made with grass-fed New Zealand sheep milk and an alternative for children who struggle with cow’s milk. “I am really mindful when it comes to what I give Freddie to eat and drink, and working with the team at Spring Sheep, I saw early on that they are just as passionate about what goes into their product. Among its many benefits, it’s also gentle, super yummy. Spring Sheep has opened up my eyes to sheep milk and I can’t wait to share those learnings with my friends.” springsheepnz.com

LEAVE ENTITLEMENT AFTER LOSS

COMPILED BY PAMELA MCINTOSH

The loss of a child is heartbreaking for the mother (or carrier, in a surrogacy situation) and whānau. New Zealand Parliament recently approved legislation that provides three days of paid leave after a miscarriage or stillbirth, without needing to use sick leave. “The bill will give women and their partners time to come to terms with their loss without having to tap into sick leave,” said member of Parliament Ginny Andersen. “Because their grief is not a sickness, it is a loss. And loss takes time.” employment.govt.nz

PERFECT FOR EVERY OCCA SION

Unbelievably soft and ultra-absorbent, Kiddicare Deluxe Nappies (from $7.99) work hard to absorb every drop of moisture away from skin. With no harsh chemicals added, there’s no need to worry about nappy rash, and you’ll love the up to 12 hours of overnight protection provided by Kiddicare Deluxe. Available at select PAK’nSAVE and New World stores. kiddicare.co.nz

did you know?

1-2

in every 10 women in NZ experience miscarriage. (Source: health.govt.nz)

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

noteworthy

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PRECIOUS VESSEL Although wāhine means “woman” in te reo Māori, to Lisa Billing of Hey Maker, the word itself embodies the strength and courage we each hold as wāhine. Hey Maker’s signature vessel celebrates the female form in pregnancy. Each vessel is made slowly and with intention, beginning their “life” from a lump of clay and moulded by hand before being glazed and fired in your choice of finish. Use as a statement piece of art or a vase. --Wāhine Vessel, from $199, heymaker.co.nz

Bump art... PREGGY PRINT Waikato-based Illustrator Keren Elise’s abstract impressions are about empowerment. “I was a single mum of two young kids with no money and barely any time, and I pushed to get my dream up and running and to create my illustration business. If you feel like you’re in a place where you can’t have dreams, or can’t want anything for yourself – stop! You are capable of making it happen... When the time is right.”

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

BUMP CANDLES These beautiful candles are hand-sculpted from clay prior to being cast into a silicone mould, then hand-poured using a natural, vegan wax. --Mama Candle, $38, bisphastudios.com

--Rebirth, from $26.99, by Keren Elise Creative kerenelise.co.nz

PRINTED WITH LOVE Lisa Buscomb's printed words make a beautiful addition to your home – or the ideal baby shower gift. --Motherhood print (A4 size), $19.90, wilderoad.co.nz

CARE GIVER This Emotional Protection Oil is an exquisite botanical blend to protect and guard your energy field – and a popular item to have on hand before and during birth. --Love Skin Kaitiaki Protection Oil, $29 loveskin.co

COMPILED BY PAMELA MCINTOSH

Decorate your abode with beautiful reminders of your baby’s first home – your womb. Bump art is big, and we are here for it!

NEW

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Bio-Oil® Skincare Oil is a specialist skincare product formulated to help improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks and uneven skin tone. Available in the original and new 100% natural versions at participating stockists. Individual results will vary. *ISO 16128

Third time clucky

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Pregnancy BUMP & baby

cover bump

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Full-term with her third son, our cover māmā Ariel is no stranger to birth, a baby bump – and boys. But how does this pregnancy differ from her previous two?

other of two Ariel Vijay (29) lives in West Auckland with her husband Jason and their two sons, Nathan (3) and Micah (1). Their tribe is a beautiful representation of cultures – Ariel being pākehā and Māori, and Jason of Indian heritage. With a life philosophy of “count your own blessings, not someone else’s”, this māmā has navigated her third pregnancy with gratitude top of mind.

SPREADING THE NEWS

“I found out I was pregnant on the day I was due to get my second postpartum period. I’ve always surprised my husband in some way, but this time I thought it would be special to take a test together. He’s never experienced the anxiousness of waiting for a pregnancy test result, so it was fun to be able to go through that together. The next day we took a photo of our youngest son, Micah – who was eight months old at the time – holding the test and sent it to our immediate family to surprise them with the news. I am super-impatient when it comes to surprises and love to plan ahead, so, like our previous two pregnancies, we chose to find out the gender this time, too.”

TESTS AND TRACKING

“With my previous pregnancy, we found out in the later stages that the placenta wasn’t working the way it was meant to, which would put the baby in a dangerously low percentile when it came to his weight. Throughout this pregnancy I was monitored closely to avoid this happening again, and we had monthly growth scans to ensure he was on track. Finding time for the all-important

tests and scans during this pregnancy has been extremely difficult; especially with my boys being at such a curious and busy age of wanting to run and explore. Mum guilt due to fatigue and exhaustion is a very real part of this pregnancy. Knowing some days I can’t give my boys all my time and energy that they require and deserve is really hard. Thankfully, I have the best family support system who would always make time to watch them.”

EAGER & EXCITED

“An incredible part of pregnancy is listening to the baby’s heartbeat and feeling him move inside. I have always respected and thanked my body during the many changes it goes through to create life, and although social media can be a big influence on pressure to keep in shape, I have always seen my journey

individually and tried not to compare mine to others. As many parents experience, there was plenty of anxiety and concern in the first trimester, wanting to know if the baby was okay and thriving in there or making it past the ‘safe’ zone at 12 weeks.”

REARRANGING THE NEST

“During the second trimester, I felt an urgency to get all the essentials ready and prepare the space in our home for his arrival. When it came to the third trimester, I was eager to nest and deep-clean, while feeling super-excited to finally meet our precious boy. We currently live in a two-bedroom home, so we decided to buy bunk beds so that the two boys are able to share a room and help with space. We also got a narrow booster seat for our oldest son so we can fit all three boys in the back row safely.”

Ariel’s

message for mamas-to-be

“Be gentle with yourself and the changes going on within your body and mind. Build a trusting support system where you are able to talk to your partner and those you are close to about the highs and lows you’re most likely experiencing. Self-care during pregnancy should be a priority, not a luxury, so remember to do things for yourself that make you feel positive and beautiful.”

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Pregnancy BUMP & baby

cover bump

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BRINGING THIS BABY EARTHSIDE

“I would love to experience a calm water birth for the arrival of this child. My first birth was an epidural/episiotomy and my second was an induced non-medicated birth. I have always told myself before labour and birth, that ‘a change of mind can also prompt a change of plan.’ So I am very flexible with bringing my baby into the world as safely as needed. It's customary in Māori culture to bury the placenta in the earth, to return it to the land.”

FEEDING

THEM CRAVINGS

PHOTOGRAPHER Annupam @annupam, annupam.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Isobel Benesch, belaandbeau.com, @theatlasofmotherhood HAIR & MAKEUP Claire Mcgrath Makeup, @clairemcgrathmakeup, cmmakeup.co.nz MĀMĀ Ariel Vijay, Red11 Models, @red11models, redeleven.net.nz. Ariel wears cardigan from Flo & Frankie and jewellery from Meadowlark.

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

“My cravings have stayed consistent throughout all my pregnancies… With things like hot chips, jars of pickles, and cinnamon buns with cream cheese frosting! This pregnancy has definitely felt a lot more physically demanding due to my growing bump and pelvic pain while keeping on top of housework and looking after my two boys. But, funnily enough, you adapt to those changes and persevere. Nutritionally, I have always listened to what my body craves. There are days where I want salads and fruit, but most days I would crave carbs and takeaways. I never limit myself. I’ll be honest, when it comes to exercise, I am quite lazy and haven’t worked out in a while. But what I do really enjoy is taking my boys for a walk to the park and going on bike rides.”

“I breastfed my first two babies and would love to breastfeed this baby if I am lucky enough to do so. I found the process quite challenging in the beginning; the constant waking throughout the night as your baby’s main source of food and comfort would take its toll. The sensation of trying to latch got quite painful, and feeling like you might explode if your baby slept past their awakewindow. Soon enough, all of those challenges faded away and left me in awe of how our bodies and mind adapt. I’m thankful that breastfeeding eventually became the most beautiful thing I have experienced – it created a bond like no other.”

WISHES FOR MY LATEST LAD

“I hope that whatever his dreams are, that he gets to achieve them with all our love and support. I dream of a world for him where there is no fear of being himself, and I pray and hope that faith will be his foundation and a moral compass to guide him as he grows.” Exciting News! BUMP&baby is thrilled to congratulate Ariel and Jason on the arrival of their beautiful son, Shyloh Tautoru (Orion) Vijay, just as this magazine went to print.

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SUBSCRIBE & WIN

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Yay, you’re pregnant! Choose from the following: Single issue hard copy or digital copy

Digital copy pregnancy bundles

2-issue subscription and PeekaBox combo

Subscribe at

BUMPANDBABY.CO.NZ

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GET EVERYTHING YOU NEED, WITHOUT LEAVING THE HOUSE

Home to Kiwi mums’ favourite brands, BUMP&baby Mall (bumpandbabymall.co.nz) is your one-stop baby shop. PREGNANCY

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

health+wellness

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Just sick

and tired

Feeling hungover and you haven’t so much as sniffed a drink in weeks? Welcome to morning sickness, which *spoiler alert* is not just reserved for early in the day, as Yvonne Walus explains. IT ISN'T PRETT Y

Morning sickness is a term that describes vomiting, dry retching, or nausea that occurs during pregnancy. Horrible as it may sound, up to 80 percent of pregnant women experience the symptoms at some point in their pregnancy – so if you’re one of them, you’re not alone. The condition usually begins 4 to 6 weeks after your last period, manifests at its worst between 9 and 16 weeks, and all but disappears by the end of the first trimester… Unless you’re one of the 10 percent of unlucky women who continue to have symptoms until Delivery Day. Research indicates that morning sickness is more common in first pregnancies, in multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc), and in women prone to motion sickness. It can be amplified by fatigue and stress, as well as by not eating enough carbohydrates. Fortunately, doctors agree that mild nausea and vomiting won’t cause any harm to you or your baby. So when should you become concerned? The Mayo Clinic recommends you contact your doctor or midwife if the vomiting is severe, you can’t hold down fluids, you’re losing weight, you’re feeling dehydrated or dizzy, your urine is dark, or your heart races.

EXPERIENCES VARY

For some women, morning sickness may become so severe that they literally can’t keep down enough food and fluids to sustain themselves and they feel sick up to 50 times a day. This pregnancy complication occurs in about 1-2 percent of cases and is known as hyperemesis gravidarum. It goes

without saying that immediate medical attention is a must. Fortunately, as long as it’s treated, hyperemesis gravidarum is unlikely to harm your baby.

IT'S NOT JUST FOR THE A.M.

Ironically, the term “morning sickness” is actually inaccurate. Although most common between 7am and midday, the condition can occur any time of day. It is not restricted to the first trimester, either: Some women get it before the first tests come back positive, while others only develop it midway through the pregnancy. Another common myth says that experiencing intense morning sickness indicates you’re having a girl. Current research, however, is inconsistent. For example, a study from 1999 reported that women pregnant with daughters experienced more severe morning sickness. Then came a 2013 study, in which scientists observed a slightly higher rate of morning sickness in women who carried boys. Subsequently, a medical paper published in 2020 declared that women carrying a female baby reported significantly higher frequency of nausea and vomiting during the first trimester of pregnancy (although the mother’s age, BMI, and smoking were also factors). Confused much? Ultimately, the only way to know the gender of the baby before it’s born is through a chromosome test or ultrasound.

NOW, FOR THE MYSTERY

Unbelievable as it may sound, nobody really knows why morning sickness occurs, and why some women get affected Pregnancy BUMP & baby

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REMEDIES FOR RELIEF

There’s no way to prevent morning sickness, but here are a few tips for relief: • Avoid triggers such as intense smells and spicy foods. • Bright computer screens and small fonts may make you squint which, in turn, might trigger nausea. Lowering the brightness and changing the font may help. • Try sea-sickness wristbands. They are a non-drug way of controlling nausea, and perfectly safe to use in pregnancy. Simply slip them on and adjust the button to exert gentle pressure three finger-widths down from each wrist (exact instructions with diagrams are included in the box). Of course, these are not the same as motionsickness pills, which you should avoid unless prescribed by your Lead Maternity Carer. • Try ginger biscuits or ginger tea. Scientists say ginger offers relief for morning sickness by keeping your digestive function stable and blood pressure consistent. • Peppermint tea may also help because it relaxes your stomach muscles so that bile can break down fats, and food can move through quickly.

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

nobody likes nausea

Here's why you're so tired all the time. • Other folk remedies include bananas and oats, as they are relatively rich in vitamin B6 which helps our bodies to process certain amino acids and thus reduce nausea. Because vitamin B6 is toxic in large quantities, avoid supplements unless prescribed. • Gentle exercise like yoga or a walk can help with morning sickness, say some experts. But many women find this difficult to believe, or even patronising. • Eating a bland, starchy snack in bed before getting up can help prevent that first bout of morning sickness. Having small meals every few hours instead of three big ones may be an answer in some cases. • Sipping ice water (little and often) may help with hydration and keep nausea at bay. And lastly, the best advice ever... Get as much sleep as possible, take frequent breaks, and avoid stress. Not only is there a documented correlation between how tired you are and how nauseous you feel, but hey, this is also your last chance to rest before the baby comes!

Nearly all women experience debilitating tiredness in the first trimester, often as early as the first few weeks. You might feel too exhausted to get up in the morning or you may need to go to bed before dinnertime. That’s because you’re growing the placenta to supply your baby with food and oxygen. Oh, and those pregnancy hormones – they’re to blame for everything from fatigue and nausea to mood swings and the lack of sex drive. The second trimester offers respite, but approximately two-thirds of women feel drained again in the last three months. And no wonder! By now you’re carrying the weight of the placenta, amniotic fluid, as well as the baby. The bump is making it difficult to sleep and to move around. The stress of having to prepare for the baby, as well as going through the actual preparations, can also tire you out. And did we mention those pregnancy hormones… Fortunately, all that fatigue will not harm your baby. Nevertheless, if you’re seriously lacking in energy, talk to your LMC to rule out any health conditions that may require attention.

STYLING AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAMELA MCINTOSH.

more severely than others. The most commonly cited causes include hormones (for example, rapidly rising levels of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin, which is released by the placenta), low blood sugar levels (particularly upon awakening), genetic predisposition, and even cultural background (some researches point out that morning sickness is less common in societies with predominantly vegan diets). An interesting hypothesis states morning sickness to be an evolutionary defence mechanism that protects both the mother (whose immune system is suppressed during pregnancy) as well as the baby against potential contaminants in food. This protection is particularly important around the three-month mark, which is when the foetus is at its most vulnerable to toxins. This would also explain why pregnant women are super-sensitive to smell, and why morning sickness can sometimes be brought on by a strong food odour or taste.

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Smooth moves Sport and exercise in pregnancy is a good thing, but it should be carefully considered for the health of you and your baby, explains personal and postnatal trainer Fleur Park (corerestore.co.nz).

ill

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iwi women are renowned for having active lifestyles, whether it be in nature, at a recreation centre, on the sports field, in a yoga studio, or at the gym. Pregnancy doesn’t mean you have to ditch your passion for sport and exercise; however, you do need to look after yourself and become more aware of the physiological changes happening to your body. By adapting and regressing your movement patterns, exercise routine, or sport of choice, you can ensure the safety of both you and your baby.

IT'S GOOD TO MOVE IT, MOVE IT...

Most experts agree that exercise and physical activity during pregnancy, with your Lead Maternity Carer’s (LMC) approval, can promote health benefits for both mother and baby. Some of these benefits include: • I ncreased fitness, energy and stamina levels preparing you physically for labour and birth. • I ncreased muscular and joint strength. •H elps minimise the aches and pains related to the physiological changes. •D ecreases chances of gestational diabetes and excess weight gain. • Relieves constipation. • I mproves sleep. •B oosts mood, provides stress relief, and promotes mental wellbeing. • Associated with quicker postnatal recovery. •G ood preparation for all the lifting and carrying in the postnatal period.

PROCEED WITH CAUTION

During the early stages of pregnancy, most women can continue being active, depending on how they are feeling and with their LMC’s guidance or recommendations. Further into the pregnancy, you need to be more cautious and selective of what physical activities and exercise you choose to participate in. Pregnancy definitely isn’t a time to break any personal bests, due to the physiological changes occurring at this time.

YOGA OR PILATES

Great for pregnancy as they are low to moderate in intensity. They use body weight or light resistance, which provides muscular endurance which will assist during labour, birth, and the demands of the postnatal period. They help stretch muscles that are becoming tight due to physiological changes, and also provide a focus on breathing, relaxing, and mental wellbeing. Some regressions or adjustments would be necessary due to comfort, restriction of movement with the baby bump, changes in proprioception (body awareness), and balance. Also it’s important to not lie on your back after 16 weeks, as this restricts blood flow to the baby. Bikram yoga wouldn’t be advisable as it is practised in a room with high temperature and humidity levels which could be dangerous and harmful to both mother and baby.

Pregnancy definitely isn’t a time to break any personal bests or set any exercise goals that are unrealistic, due to the physiological changes occurring at this time. SWIMMING AND CYCLING

Good for cardiovascular health and muscular strength and endurance. Both are low/no impact activities, meaning they are safe to continue throughout pregnancy provided all the other considerations are followed. Many public swimming pool facilities provide special classes catering specifically to pregnancy. Cycling could

potentially prove to be uncomfortable later in pregnancy because of the seat and the downward pressure of the baby – not to mention getting on and off the bicycle!

WEIGHTS OR RESISTANCE TRAINING

This kind of training helps maintain physical strength, stability and mobility. It encourages proprioception and mind-muscle connection, which is important to have in the postpartum stage when strengthening the pelvic floor and core muscles. I would advise working with a qualified fitness professional experienced in maternity exercise. They will ensure your workouts are both safe and effective by regressing and changing movements to accommodate for the physiological changes, comfort levels and pain points such as lower back and pelvis.

WALKING AND RUNNING

Great for cardiovascular health, muscular endurance, and strength in the lower body, and promoting mental wellbeing. All of these will assist in coping with the demands of not only pregnancy, but also labour and birth. In order to keep both mother and baby’s heart rate at a safe level, the intensity of the walk or run should be kept at a low to moderate level. Over time, adjustments will need to be made; for example, reducing the speed from running to walking, reducing the duration of the exercise and also the gradient of the route that you are using. This is done mostly for comfort, as many women find it difficult to continue running until full term because of the downward pressure in their pelvis from the growing baby. Also, joints and ligaments are being softened due to the relaxin hormone circulating through the pregnant body and, because of this, higher-impact movements like running increase the risk of injury and pain to muscles and joints. Exploring high altitudes can prevent the required oxygen levels reaching the baby and cause distress and potential harm. Pregnancy BUMP & baby

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SAFETY FIRST

Keep these pointers in mind... 1. You need to seek spor t or exercise clearance from your LMC. 2. Work with a qualified and experienced fitness professional. 3.All exercise/movement should be modified to keep your body temperature at a comfor table level and also keep both you and your baby’s hear t rate at a moderate or safe rate. 4. Listen to your body. If you are feeling unwell, faint /dizzy, or are in pain – stop immediately.

WHAT TO AVOID

There are sports and activities that should be avoided while pregnant and are viewed as being dangerous because of the risk of foetal harm associated with them. They are usually contact and high-impact sports like rugby, netball, football, judo, and boxing. Tackles, hits, and collisions can harm both the mother and baby, especially if there is direct contact with the abdomen. There is also an increased chance of over-balancing or falling resulting in trauma. Quick and dynamic changes of direction observed in sports like netball, tennis, and even cricket can not only become difficult, but also increase the chance of over-balancing and falling due to the change in the mother’s centre of gravity with the increased weight from the baby and also heavier breasts pulling her forward. Along with agility, twisting movements of the abdomen demonstrated in sports like tennis, cricket, and kayaking can be difficult, painful, and potentially cause injury to muscles, ligaments, and joints as they have been softened in preparation for birth. Things like skiing, surfing, and horse-riding are activities that due to the increased risk of falling, and also the potential for impact or collision with other people or the ground should be avoided during pregnancy.

POSTNATAL EXERCISE

Healing and recovering after birth is extremely important, and the consequences of not rehabilitating correctly can be

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

incredibly damaging to your health and wellbeing for years to come. Some women rush back to their prepregnancy exercise regime after giving birth and are unaware of the risks involved in doing this. Pregnancy and birth compromise the integrity and strength of the pelvic floor and other core muscles. Rehabilitation and strengthening of these muscles is essential and can alleviate the life-lasting symptoms some women suffer from, which can become exacerbated during menopause. These symptoms include incontinence, Diastasis Recti (separation of six-pack muscle), pelvic organ prolapse (POP), Levator Avulsion (pelvic floor muscle is detached from the bone), and lower back and pelvic pain. Working with a certified postnatal fitness professional is essential at this stage, as safety is of the utmost importance and ensures that symptoms are not made worse and that the process is effective. It’s advisable that women receive their six-week postpartum clearance from their LMC before starting any kind of rehabilitation. These recommendations are a general overview and it’s worth acknowledging that not every woman’s experience of pregnancy or birth are the same. Each woman will have her own specific fitness level, training age/ experience, and physical ability, which should always be taken into consideration. This is why it’s vital to consult with your LMC first so you have peace of mind and confidence knowing your fitness routine is safe.

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Common aches and pains in pregnancy include; headaches, neck pain, breathing issues, back & rib pain, reflux, lower back pain, hip pain, difficulty sleeping, pelvic pain (SPD, symphysis pubis disorder), restless legs syndrome, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome and tailbone pain. Osteopathic treatment is very safe and effective during all stages of pregnancy.

HOW YOUR BODY CHANGES AFTER PREGNANCY

Feelin' the pinch

After birth, your body begins to return to its pregnancy and pre-pregnancy state or a version of it, with joints, muscles, ligaments etc returning to normal. Please bear in mind this takes months for your physical body and hormones to ‘go back to normal’. This includes your ‘pregnancy weight’ too. We are all different, so please don’t put any pressure on yourself to ‘bounce back’. Often after birth most aches and pains experienced during pregnancy disappear as the weight your belly is gone and your hormones start to settle down. New aches

"Women's bodies go through major changes – both hormonal and mechanical – as they adapt to growing a baby."

Pre- and post-natal Osteopath Sarah Broughtwood explains the pain you're feeling from places you didn’t even know existed.

safe and effective form of hands-on treatment and physical therapy that treats the whole body, Osteopathy aims to find the cause rather than just treating the patient's symptoms. If you haven’t been to an Osteopath before, a consultation likely begins by the osteopath asking about the presenting areas of pain followed by general medical and pregnancy questions. They will examine the body as a whole, looking for all areas of the body that are not functioning as well as possible; this may include one leg longer than the other, a twist/rotation in the pelvis, spinal restriction, tight muscles and so on. Tailored advice is given to each mumto-be, which can include lifestyle advice, for example gentle exercise or stretching, changing your work station set up and so on.

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

HOW YOUR BODY CHANGES IN PREGNANCY

Women’s bodies go through major changes – both hormonal and mechanical – as they adapt to growing a beautiful baby. Your breast tissue increases, ribs expand, the arch in your lower back flattens, muscles and joints relax, the pelvic joint separates and so on, all to allow your growing belly to expand. Some women breeze through pregnancy and all the changes that occur but other women need a bit of extra support to help their body adapt to pregnancy. There is no set time of when to see an Osteopath when you are pregnant. It can be beneficial to come in for an initial appointment to see how your body is adapting to pregnancy and ‘iron out’ any initial areas that need some extra help.

and pains can arise when adapting to motherhood. These occur as you are now doing new tasks that your body has never done before like feeding, changing, carrying a baby, leaning over a bassinet or cot, lifting prams and car seats etc. Breastfeeding can be easy and natural for some women but others may struggle. Commonly Osteopaths see postnatal women for neck, back and lower back pain related to these activities. Tailored advice is always given which may include changing your position whilst feeding, carrying your car seat on a different angle, showering your baby instead of leaning over a bath and so on. It can be wise to see an Osteopath or womens physio after birth for a check up and treat any issues that may have caused from delivery. This is regardless of vaginal or c-section delivery. If you ever have any concerns, always seek medical advice from your midwife, obstetrician or health professional. sarahboughtwoodosteopath.co.nz

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Go with your gut

Looking after your digestive system is a beautiful way to support your body when trying to conceive or while pregnant, says nutritionist and naturopath, Jess Blair.

he gut, aka the gastrointestinal tract (also called the GI tract), is the long tube that starts at the mouth and ends at the anus, and it’s essential for human health and wellbeing – its job is to transport food through all of your body, while keeping digestible nutrients and storing energy, and removing unwanted waste. The gut microbiome is the name given to the microorganisms, bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi in the gut.

YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT

Our microbiome is heavily influenced by what we eat, as well as factors such as environment, genetics, and even our stress levels. So eating a plentiful regime of rich, colourful, and different foods is important. It is equally as important to make sure that you are addressing all issues in your life to get a healthy diverse microbe.

MICROBIOTA FOR MAMA S-TO-BE

My philosophy around gut health is that it’s something that needs to be worked on every single day, as it’s ever-changing through different times in our life. There are ongoing studies on women’s microbiome, but what we do know is that a woman’s gut microbiota during pregnancy may support nutrient intake, is associated with diseases, and has been linked to infant health.

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THINGS THAT NEGATIVELY AFFECT YOUR MICROBIOME: • Alcohol • H igh fat, processed food • Stress • Lack of sleep GUT HEALTH AND YOUR BABY

Expert advice recommends to pay particular focus to your gut health before conception and also while pregnant. We know how much gut health affects our overall health generally, so it makes sense to pay attention to this area of our wellbeing while pregnant, too. Studies are ongoing to look into how the mother’s gut health plays a huge role in her baby’s immune system.

GET GOOD GUT

As well as eating an array of vibrant vegetables to diversify our gut microbes and to eliminate anything that may be causing harm to your gut health during this time. Managing stress levels is really important! Ensure you are getting adequate rest, movement, and hydration. Limit processed foods as much as possible. Of course, this advice is relevant at all times, not only in pregnancy.

FOOD AND FUNCTION

To keep your gut in tip-top shape, remove triggers under the guidance of your health care professional. Limit or avoid highly processed foods as well as high-sugar foods. Eating a wholesome diet of fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts and seeds, and an array of colours is great to diversify your microbiota. Eat enough prebiotic and rich probiotic foods. Drink water and nurturing herbal teas. Address stressors in your life (such as removing environmental stressors in your home), spend more time working on deep breathing and restorative-type exercises, or simply spend more time in nature. Speak to your doctor or LMC about the best way to eat through pregnancy as well. It is also important during this time in our lives that if we need some extra nutrients in the form of supplementation, you are under the guidance of your health care practitioner. Jess Blair is a clinical nutritionist, naturopath, author and public speaker. Jess shares her passion and expertise for healthy living by helping people work through areas of concern such as hormone imbalances, weight concerns, sleep disturbances, skin conditions, and nervous system conditions. wellnessbyblair.com

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sleep!

Why you’re finding it hard to get your Zzz’s and what you can do to improve your sleep - well, until the baby arrives, that is!

etting good-quality sleep during pregnancy can be challenging, particularly in the third trimester. Your body is going through huge changes. Physiologically, it has to make room for your baby’s rapid growth, and you will expend a huge amount of energy to keep up with your body’s physical requirements. Emotionally, the countdown to labour and becoming a new mum can feel quite exciting but sometimes overwhelming, too. Because of all the changes, your sleep can become more restless. Sleep is usually lighter in this trimester, so it is easier to be awakened by noises that you would normally sleep through. In the third trimester, almost all women wake up multiple times — three times per night on average — and the awakenings usually last longer. This can leave you exhausted and drowsy during the day, and also affect your memory, concentration and mood. During the third trimester, your pepi will be rapidly increasing in size. For women who are a healthy weight, this means you are carrying around 11–16 extra kilograms from your baby’s weight, fluid, nutrients, breast and womb growth, placenta and blood volume. It’s as if you’re carrying an extra 6–8 two-litre bottles of milk around with you all the time! It’s a big load for your body to move around all day. In fact, your body has increased its blood volume by approximately 50 per cent to deal with all this new growth. This means your heart is working hard to move that blood around. It’s no wonder you’re feeling tired!

Where does the extra weight in pregnancy go? Baby 3.5kg Increased about of blood 1.5kg Storing of nutrients 3.1kg Growth of your breasts 1.1kg Growth of your womb 0.9kg Placenta 0.7kg Fluid around the baby 0.9kg Other fluids 1.1kg Pregnancy BUMP & baby

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WHAT YOU CAN DO

Boppy Total Body Pillow, $169.95, gives full body support and promotes lateral position. Adjustable and machinewashable. chicco.co.nz

Sleeping on either side helps lower the risk of stillbirth and assists the flow of blood and nutrients to your baby and uterus. However, it’s important not to worry if you find yourself waking up on your back. Shifting positions is natural during sleep, and it is the ‘going to sleep’ position is most important. Just settle on your side to start your sleep again. Side sleeping is advised for any sleeps, including naps. Most women find they are most comfortable on their side with pillows for support. Experiment with pillows between your knees, under your abdomen or behind your back to discover a comfortable position.

TOILET TRIPS

Wondering why it’s common for multiple toilet trips each night in your last months of pregnancy? • Extra work for your kidneys: The increased blood and fluid moving through your body means your kidneys are filtering more too. Increased filtering increases the amount of urine being produced. More urine means more toilet trips. • Relaxed muscles in the urinary system: Progesterone and relaxin are hormones that relax muscles and ligaments to help cater for your expanding abdomen. However, these hormones also relax the muscles around your bladder, making toilet trips more frequent. • Increased pressure on your bladder: As your baby grows, the pressure on your bladder increases. This can make it seem like you need to urinate even if your bladder is empty. This feeling intensifies as your baby’s head becomes engaged ready for birth.

Growbright Belly Support Pillow, $69, lifts the belly into a neutral position. growbright.co

WHAT YOU CAN DO

• The pressure on your bladder causes it to change shape. This can make it difficult to fully empty when you go to the toilet and make you feel like you need to urinate soon after. Try leaning forward or rocking back and forth while urinating to help your bladder empty. • Don’t reduce your fluid intake, even though the constant trips to the bathroom can be annoying. It’s crucial for you and your baby’s health to stay hydrated. • Cut back on caffeinated drinks as these increase the production of urine. • To reduce the number of toilet trips during the night, drink plenty of fluids in the morning and afternoon, but start to reduce fluid intake two hours before bedtime and go to the toilet just before going to bed.

BABY BOOGIE

Ironically, your baby may be particularly active at bedtime, just as you are settling in to sleep. This may be due to your body

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movements during the day gently rocking the baby to sleep, or maybe you’re more aware of the baby's movements when you’re still. Either way, your baby’s 10pm disco party can be distracting when you’re trying to sleep.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

If the movements are stopping you from getting to sleep, you could try moving to another position for a short time to see if your baby settles. Anecdotally, women have found that their baby’s movements increase after eating and drinking, though there is limited research on this. You could try avoiding food and drink just before bedtime.

SO MUCH SNORING

Snoring is common in pregnancy, and some studies show that the frequency of snoring doubles in the third trimester compared to pre-pregnancy levels. This can be due to increased mucous production and also a softening and narrowing of the upper airways, which can restrict the flow of air in and out of your lungs.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

If your partner mentions that you’re snoring heavily, or that you have times when your breathing pauses, or you have woken up from sleep with a gasp, then it’s important to speak to your healthcare provider so they can assess you for a sleep disorder called sleep apnoea. Sleep apnoea in pregnancy can increase the risk of having high blood pressure, diabetes and pre-eclampsia, which can affect your health and the health of your baby. Sometimes a sleep study may need to be done to see what is happening to your breathing while asleep. Pregnancy BUMP & baby

GAVISCON DOUBLE STRENGTH I S S U I TA B L E F O R U S E WHILST PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING Reflux is estimated to occur in 30–50% of pregnancies, with the incidence up to 80% in some groups,1-3 and the most commonly reported reflux symptoms in pregnancy are heartburn, regurgitation, and acid taste in mouth 2

References: 1. Richter, J.E. Gastroesophageal reflux disease during pregnancy. Gastroenterology Clinics. 2003;32:1. 2. Fill Malfertheiner. et al. A prospective longitudinal cohort study: evolution of GERD symptoms during the course of pregnancy. BMC Gastroenterology. 2012;12:131. 3. Ali R, Egan LJ. Gastroesophageal reflux disease in pregnancy. Best Practice & Research Clinical Gastroenterology. 2007;21(5):793-806. Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional. Reckitt Benckiser, Auckland. 0800 40 30 30. TAPS NA12870

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HEARTBURN

Indigestion or heartburn can occur more frequently as your pregnancy progresses. In the first trimester, indigestion is likely caused by increased levels of progesterone relaxing your muscles and slowing your digestion, but as you progress to the second and third trimesters your growing baby will increasingly push on the stomach and oesophageal sphincter (the ring of muscle between your stomach and throat). Together, the relaxed muscles and increased pressure can force food and stomach acids into your throat, causing that burning sensation. This can become worse when lying down, because you lose the help of gravity to keep the food and acids in your stomach.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

• Eat smaller but more frequent meals during the day. • Avoid large meals before bedtime. • Limit spicy food and try eating and drinking at separate times. • Sleep on your left-hand side to keep your stomach lower than your oesophagus. • Elevate your head with pillows, or put foam wedges or rolled up towels under the top end of the mattress, to take some of the pressure off the oesophageal sphincter.

BACK PAIN

Several things can cause back pain in the third trimester, including softening of the ligaments and muscles (which can lead to joint instability), carrying around 11–16 extra kilograms in weight, and changes in your centre of gravity. These changes can make you feel less steady on your feet and more prone to back injuries, if you don’t adjust to them. Approximately two-thirds of women experience back pain in late pregnancy. This can be really tiring during the day, and makes sleeping difficult.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

• Use pillows under your head or abdomen or behind your back to find a comfortable sleeping position. • To get from lying down to standing, roll

did you know?

51%

the percentage of women who experience heartburn in the third trimester. SOURCE: utswmed.org

onto your side and push up with your arms. This prevents you placing extra strain on your back. • Take care when lifting and twisting — you may not be able to lift or carry what you normally can. • Try some regular low-impact exercise such as walking, aquarobics, hydrotherapy, pregnancy yoga or a Pilates class. (Always talk to your healthcare provider first) • Heat packs on the painful areas may also help, but it is important to talk to your healthcare provider beforehand as you want to be careful about raising your core body temperature.

LEG CRAMPS

Approximately 30 per cent of pregnant women experience leg cramps, most commonly in the second and third trimesters. Leg cramps are a painful contraction of the foot or calf muscle (or sometimes both). Even after the contraction releases, the pain can linger for around 10 minutes.

or eliminate the cramps, but it’s important to talk about this with your healthcare provider before you start taking any supplements. Although there is no research evidence to show that stretching before bedtime reduces leg cramps, anecdotal evidence suggests it’s helpful. Quinine and vitamin E have been shown to have a positive effect on reducing leg cramps, but their use during pregnancy is not recommended.

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WHAT YOU CAN DO

The best treatment for immediate relief is flexing the foot to release the contraction. For persistent leg cramps, the most recent research has shown that vitamin B or magnesium supplements can help reduce

Extract from Sleeping Better in Pregnancy ($24.99, Massey University Press). Pregnancy BUMP & baby

FULL FLAVOUR, Chef and mum-of-two Emma Galloway shares nutritious plant-based dishes that will deal to those pregnancy hunger pangs.

NO FUSS Pregnancy BUMP & baby

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ORANGE, HAZELNUT + COCONUT This bircher muesli is the per fect BIRCHER make-ahead meal. It's a grain-free riff on the original recipe by Swiss MUESLI physician and pioneer nutritionist, Serves: 4

Maximilian Bircher-Benner. With the goodness of coconut yoghur t, protein-rich chia, toasted hazelnut s and orange, it’s packed full of flavour and is super-quick and easy to make. If you’re fine eating dair y, use thick plain yoghur t instead of coconut.

• 1 cup plain coconut yoghurt • 1 cup orange juice (ideally freshly squeezed) • 1 cup shredded coconut • ½ cup almonds, lightly toasted (see note) + roughly chopped • ½ cup hazelnuts, lightly toasted (see note) + roughly chopped • 2 tbsp chia seeds • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste/extract • finely grated zest of ½ orange • 2 apples, finely grated, orange segments, extra coconut yoghurt, sliced apple + toasted nuts, to serve

1. Combine coconut yoghurt and orange juice in a bowl. Add shredded coconut, almonds and hazelnuts (reserve a few for the top, if desired), chia seeds, vanilla and orange zest and mix well. 2. Cover and place in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. To serve, stir through grated apple, spoon into bowls and top with orange segments, extra coconut yoghurt, sliced apple and reserved toasted nuts, if using. Without the apple added, the bircher muesli will store in the fridge up to four days. NOTE: To toast nuts, spread onto a tray and cook in a preheated oven at 180°C for 8–10 minutes, or until lightly browned. Rub the skins off the hazelnuts before roughly chopping.

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TOMATO PIL AF WITH BLACK LENTILS + CARAMELISED ONION Serves: 4 • ½ cup black (beluga) lentils, rinsed well • ¼ cup olive oil • 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped • 250g tomatoes (cherry tomatos are great), finely chopped • 1²⁄ ³ cups white basmati rice, rinsed + drained well • 3 cups water • coriander leaves, roughly chopped, to serve CARAMELISED ONIONS • 2 tbsp olive oil • 3 onions, finely sliced • fine salt, to taste

1. Place lentils into a small saucepan, cover with water and bring to the boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until just tender. Drain and set aside. 2. Heat a large heavy-based frying pan over medium heat. Add oil and garlic and cook for 30 seconds, before adding chopped tomato. Cook, stirring often, for 3–4 minutes, or until soft and juicy. Add rice and stir then add water and a good pinch of salt. Bring to the boil, cover with a lid, reduce heat to low and cook for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside with the lid on for a further 10 minutes. 3. To make the caramelised onions, as soon as your rice is happily cooking away, heat oil in a large heavy-based frying pan over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook, stirring often, for 20– 25 minutes or until deeply golden, taking care in the final 5–10 minutes to ensure the bottom doesn’t catch and burn. Season with salt. These can be prepared in advance and will store in a glass jar in the fridge for up to three days. 4. When the rice is cooked, remove the lid, stir through lentils, adjust seasoning if needed and serve topped with caramelised onions and chopped coriander.

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It's

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This delicious and nutritious almost-onepan-meal was inspired by Turkish tomato pilaf and Mujadara, a tast y combination of rice, lentils and onions found throughout the Middle East. Using smar t ways to extract ever y ounce of flavour from just a handful of simple ingredient s, this dish makes the per fect midweek meal. You can use puy-st yle or brown lentils in place of black lentils, if you prefer.

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

De fin ite ly n ot sha rin g.

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CARDAMOM + DARK CHOCOLATE ‘CHEESECAKE’ BARS Makes 12-14 slices BASE • 1½ cups dried pitted dates, roughly chopped • ²⁄ ³ cup raw almonds • 1 tbsp virgin coconut oil, melted FILLING • 3 cups raw cashew nuts, soaked overnight in cold water + drained well • ¾ cup virgin coconut oil, melted • ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice • ½ cup pure maple SYRUP • 2 tsp vanilla extract • ¼ tsp fine salt • seeds from 20 cardamom pods (or 2 tsp ground cardamom) CHOCOLATE TOPPING • 85g dairy-free dark chocolate, roughly chopped • ¼ cup coconut milk • 2 tbsp pure maple/brown rice syrup

This ‘cheesecake’ makes a great plan-ahead desser t and will store happily in the fridge for 4 –5 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. I prefer to use freshly ground cardamom seeds because their flavour is superior, but you could use 1–2 teaspoons ground cardamom at a pinch. In recipes like these, where the cashews are blended, you can use cashew pieces instead of whole nut s because they’re usually cheaper. Star t this recipe the night before to soak the cashews.

1. To make the cheesecake base, line a 28cm x 18cm slice tin with baking paper, overlapping the sides by 2cm. Put the pitted dates, almonds and melted coconut oil into a food processor and pulse until finely ground. Press the mixture into the tin, using the back of a spoon to pack it in firmly. 2. To make the filling, place all the filling ingredients into a highpowered blender and blend on high until smooth. If you don’t have a high-powered blender, finely grind the cardamom seeds in a mortar and pestle first, before adding to the blender. Pour the mixture over the base and smooth the top. Allow to set in the fridge for at least 6 hours or preferably overnight. 3. To make the chocolate topping, place the dark chocolate into a small heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of boiling water, making sure the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the bowl. 4. Add the coconut milk and the maple/ brown rice syrup and heat gently until melted. If it starts to look a little split (this can happen because of the coconut milk), whisk to bring it back together into a smooth sauce. When just melted, remove from the heat and set aside to cool slightly, before spreading over the cheesecake. Return to the fridge until set. Once set, slice into 12–14 bars, using a sharp knife warmed under running hot water.

Recipes extracted from Every Day by Emma Galloway ($60, HarperCollins NZ). Photography: Lottie Hedley.

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What's going on with my skin? Dermal Specialist Lucy Macdougald (biologi.com.au) explains why we can blame hormones for the havoc they play...

here are so many weird and wonderful changes that women experience during pregnancy, including the changes that happen to their skin. We’ve all heard about the “pregnancy glow”... That’s when an expectant mother’s skin is radiant, luminous, and seemingly better than ever. Then on the flip side, a frustrating bout of acne or an array of other skin concerns will commonly appear as well. So what is actually going on?

CH-CH-CHANGES

Well, from the moment a little miracle is conceived, there’s no doubt that pregnancy and childbirth take their toll on a woman. As a baby develops in the womb, changes in hormone levels, the introduction of unfamiliar emotions combined with the significant physical changes to the body, make pregnancy one of the most significant transitions a woman is ever likely to experience. One of the most prominent changes a woman may notice is in her skin. As the body expands to make room for a new mum to protect, nurture and grow her precious bundle of joy, weight gain and hormonal changes can lead to many changes in the skin including stretch marks, an increase in cellulite, dimples, and loss of hydration leading to dry patches.

HELLO HORMONES

Firstly, let’s talk a little about those hormones. When a woman falls pregnant, they typically experience a sudden and dramatic increase in the hormones oestrogen and progesterone. On top of this, other changes to their hormones will happen, including the amount and function

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

of a number of other hormones. It’s this combination of hormones, oil, and a 40 percent increase in blood volume that can be attributed to that “glow”. But it’s also these factors that can send a woman’s skin into disarray.

ACNE

Changes in hormone levels brought on by pregnancy can increase sebum production which can lead to acne. The more oil you produce, the higher the likelihood of aggressive spots and pimples. While there isn’t a product that can control the hormonal changes you’re experiencing through pregnancy, you can treat the acne itself. Some of the mainstream acne treatments contain strong chemicals and aren’t always recommended for use during pregnancy, so you need to find a more natural solution that still works.

PIGMENTATION

These same changes in hormones can lead to the overproduction of melanin (the pigment that causes us to tan when we go in the sun) which causes sporadic dark brown sun spots, called pigmentation. One of the most effective treatments for hyperpigmentation is vitamin C. It works as an antioxidant to lighten brown spots, increase cell turnover, and help stop the formation of new pigment.

STRETCH MARKS

Stretch marks are often caused during times of rapid weight gain like pregnancy. To keep the skin as strong as possible and to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, hydration and vitamin C are key.

A WORD ON ACNE It’s common for acne to appear in early pregnancy (or to be worse than usual) and sometimes it’ll improve as pregnancy progresses. It’s thought to relate to increased oestrogen levels. If you’re taking medication for acne orally or topically, it’s important to chat to your GP or dermatologist, as it may not be safe to continue this treatment while you grow your babe. Dermnet NZ advises that the following topical treatments must be avoided in pregnancy or while trying to conceive: • Topical retinoids (tretinoin, isotretinoin and adapalene). • High concentration salicylic acid.

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Simply gent le

SK INCAR E

What you put on the outside goes in, so it's best to pay attention to what you put on your skin in pregnancy. 11

2 10

did you know?

“Hormones, oil, and a 40% increase in blood volume is what brings on the pregnancy ‘glow’.”

L OV E 7 5

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1. Tailor Polish Every Other Day Scrub + Mask, $35, tailorskin.co 2. BioBlume by Heilala Brightening Facial Oil, $110, bioblume.com 3. Biologi Bd Luminosity Face Serum, $125, biologi.com.au 4. Juice Beauty Phyto-Pigments Ultra-Natural Mascara, $41, meccabeauty. co.nz 5. Biologi Microfibre Cloth (3 Pack), 28, biologi.com.au 6. Essano Mandarin & Aloe Vera Natural Deodorant, $9.99, essano.co.nz 7. The Ritual Rose Quartz Facial Roller, $39, theritual.co.nz 8. LoveSkin Waiwai Facial Serum, $49, loveskin.co 9. Lakoko Coconut and Kukui Nut Balm, $50, lakokobalm.com 10. Bio-Oil Skincare Oil (Natural), 60ml, $19.99, bio-oil.com 11. Glow Lab Soap Shea Butter, $3.80, glowlab.co.nz.

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

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Weleda Calendula Baby Care Caring for a baby is a conscious, bonding experience for us all, so being sensitive and aware of the products we use is purely instinctive. Turning to Calendula Baby’s gentle, loving touch comes just as naturally – for healthy looking baby skin and shared happiness for you both.

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Wow factor

Is your mind blown by the fact you’re creating a human? Here are more flabbergasting facts from Nest Parenting and Education (nestpregnancyandparenting.co.nz).

A breastfeeding mother has good bacteria around her nipples. In fact, babies who are breastfed receive about 28% of their gut bacteria from breast milk, and about 10% from the skin around the nipple.

THANKS TO KELSEY, PHOTOGRAPHED BY BOHEMIANBLUEPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

Waiting one minute after birth before cutting your baby's umbilical cord means that your baby will receive around 80 millilitres of extra blood, and waiting three minutes will allow your baby to receive around 100 millilitres of extra blood. Once the cord stops pulsating and turns white/translucent it means your baby has received all the available blood from the placenta and cord.

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black and white

...ARE THE ONLY COLOURS BABIES SEE UNTIL THEY ARE ABOUT SEVEN OR EIGHT WEEKS OLD.

PERCENT of women give birth on their due date.

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say what?

If left undisturbed and uninterrupted, nearly all women will adopt an upright, forward position in labour which is referred to as “active labour” and is encouraged by midwives and obstetricians Aotearoa-wide.

THE UMBILICAL CORD IS AROUND 55–60 CENTIMETRES LONG, DESIGNED SO THAT YOU CAN RAISE YOUR BABY UP TO THE BREAST TO FEED AS SOON AS THEY ARE BORN AND BEFORE THE PLACENTA HAS DETACHED FROM THE UTERINE WALL. THE CORD REACHES ITS FULL LENGTH AT AROUND WEEK 28 OF PREGNANCY.

OH The temperature of a mother’s chest will naturally increase to warm her baby perfectly after birth and will cool down if her baby becomes overly warm. It is a phenomenon called Thermal Synchrony!

HO OH

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Adrenaline C₉ H13 NO3

The hormone adrenaline can override the other helpful hormones of labour and birth and in some cases be responsible for stopping your labour altogether.

Dem bo ne

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Pregnant women absorb calcium from food better than women who are not pregnant. They also produce more oestrogen in pregnancy – a hormone that protects bones. This is important because babies need calcium to develop their skeleton, especially during the last months of pregnancy. If the mother does not get enough calcium, the baby will take the calcium that it needs from their mother’s bones.

BLOOD VOLUME IN THE BODY INCREASES UP TO 50% DURING PREGNANCY.

50,000

The average number of words a parent will speak each day to their firstborn child. (This decreases to 30,000 with their second child – but often the older sibling makes up the other 20,000 words!) Pregnancy BUMP & baby

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Truly a "jaw- dropping

" fa

In early pregnancy (weeks two to eight), the embryo has a connected face/jaw and pelvis/pelvic floor. As the embryo grows and the baby develops, the cells separate, but the connection between them remains. This is why you will often hear midwives saying “relax your jaw” during labour and birth. A relaxed face and jaw equal a relaxed pelvis and pelvic floor, making it easier for you to give birth.

Lanugo (noun)

La·nu·go “Wool” (Latin)

Some babies are born with fine, soft hair all over or on part of their body. This is referred to as Lanugo (yes, it means “wool” in Latin!). Lanugo is designed to keep your baby warm in the uterus and will usually shed before the baby is born.

Things to consider when CHOOSING AN ANTENATAL PROVIDER • Make sure your provider is unbiased, non-judgmental, and creates a safe and fun learning environment. • Contact them before making a booking. Give them a call so that you can speak to someone directly. • Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Courses get booked up quickly. • Ask your midwife to recommend a provider.

DID YOU KNOW? Breastfeeding lowers the risk of developing breast cancer. The longer you breastfeed the more the risk is reduced. 52

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

• Ask friends and/or family members who have recently attended antenatal classes. Did they enjoy the course? What did they enjoy? Would they recommend them? • Check out their social media and website. This will often give you a good feel of what they are about. The experienced (like, award-winning!) and friendly educators at Nest Pregnancy and Parenting Education (nestpregnancyandparenting. co.nz) will help you prepare for childbirth and teach you practical parenting skills in a friendly, comfortable, impartial and non-judgy environment. Nest Pregnancy and Parenting Education offers: • Childbirth education classes. • One-on-one birth preparation. • Childbirth refresher classes. • CPR and choking workshops.

The healthy start your baby’s skin deserves Tear Free

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Baby brain...

(and no, not the one in your head)

Mama, there’s an intrinsic machine developing inside your womb, which is well under construction. Tiffany Brown helps us understand the growth factors of the incredible human brain.

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ver the years your own fascinating brain has worked tirelessly to manage the control centre of your being, relaying and responding to information gleaned from all the other working parts of you. And now your job is to grow one of these incredible organs inside your mushrooming baby. But what exactly is the brain? And how can you best nurture its development?

ANATOMY OF A BRAIN

There are three parts to the human brain. The cerebrum has two hemispheres, left and right, and four lobes. This part of the brain controls motor function, cognition (thinking and reasoning), sensory impulse interpretation, speech, and emotional control. Research shows the left side takes a stronger role in language and logical processing, while the right side is more concerned with visual and intuitive processing, hence the terms “left” and “right”-brained, which you may hear in reference to a more pragmatic (left), or a more creative (right) child. The cerebellum is the receiving and regulating part of the brain, taking information from the sensory systems and the spinal cord, and regulating motor movements. The cerebellum consists of two hemispheres and is integral to voluntary movements like posture, balance, coordination, and speech, allowing for smooth muscular activities. At only ten percent of the brain’s total weight, the cerebellum contains about half the brain’s transmitting neurons, and is thought by scientists to have existed in our primal ancestors before the human brain even evolved. The brain stem is the part of the brain that includes breathing, heartbeat and blood pressure. It’s the vital part that primarily keeps the body alive.

WHAT’S GROWING ON INSIDE?

First Trimester: Weeks 1 to 13 Rapid development occurs in the early stages of pregnancy. Within the first four weeks, the neural plate develops. The plate lengthens, and its ends, called the neural folds, push up and together to fold into the neural tube, part of which becomes the brain itself, and the other part, the spinal cord. The tube continues to grow in these early stages, but closes around weeks 6 to 7, when the rudimentary brain, known as the cephalad portion of the tube, forms three distinct parts: The front brain, midbrain, and hindbrain. During this time synapses, or connections, begin to develop in the spinal cord, allowing for early movement. Second Trimester: Weeks 14 to 27 Neurons in the various brain regions start to produce chemical signalling molecules to enable communication between nerve cells during the second trimester, and the brain starts to take over bodily functions. Around 16 weeks, the foetus begins to suck and swallow, and by 21 weeks, is swallowing amniotic fluid. A phenomenon known as “practice breathing” also begins, as the brain stem directs the diaphragm and chest muscles to contract, while the cerebellum directs movements like kicking and stretching. Baby begins to hear around this time, and a sleep pattern emerges. By the end of the second trimester, the brain stem is almost fully developed and the brain looks very much like its eventual adult counterpart. Third Trimester: Weeks 28 to 40 Baby’s brain is growing rapidly along with the rest of the body, and the halves of the brain separate. The cerebellum takes centre stage as the baby practises movements by kicking, punching, wriggling, and stretching. Pregnancy BUMP & baby

THE POST-BIRTH BRAIN Enhancing transmission

The cerebral cortex Why are human babies born so helpless? Primarily because the cerebral cortex, the outermost layer of the cerebrum part of the brain, is not yet developed. Made up of grey matter and extensively folded, this is the most visible part of the brain. It forms extensive connections with our subcortical areas and is responsible for countless brain functions including tactile sensations, sensory information, movement, and cognitive processes like language, creativity, and decision making. In short, the cerebral cortex is responsible for our consciousness and our voluntary movements. During the first two years of life, the cerebral cortex experiences a massive burst of synaptic connections known as the exuberant period, peaking at an incredible two million synapses per second. By two, a toddler has over a hundred trillion synapses in their cerebral cortex. Development varies over the different parts, concentrating in the visual and sensory areas and occurring later in the higher cognitive and functional areas, but abundant right through to about eight years of age. This synaptic blooming is then followed by a gradual removal of surplus connections through the period of middle childhood and adolescence, a process called synaptic pruning, which settles the brain back to around half the number of toddler synapses by the time adulthood is reached.

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Another important factor in postnatal brain development is myelination. Myelin is a dense substance that covers mature brain cells and allows for clear and efficient electrical transmission. It’s the absence of this substance in babies and children that causes slowness in the processing of information or response to a request. Myelination, or the process of boosting myelin in the brain, can be assisted by early and exclusive breastfeeding, as it provides the neuro-associated nutrients known to support this early brain development. The ability of infant formula to replicate these nutrients varies widely between brands, but is an area of constant research.

BRAIN BOOSTERS NUTRITION IN PREGNANCY

Folate/Folic Acid A standard recommendation from early pregnancy, folic acid is the synthetic form of natural folate, or vitamin B9, advised to be taken at a dose of around 600mcg per day during pregnancy. A deficiency has been associated with neural tube defects, and folate also assists in the production of DNA and neurotransmitters, as well as energy and red blood cells. Folic acid is sometimes added to foods like cereals, breads, and fruit juices. To consume folate naturally, you’ll need around 3.25 cups of cooked lentils per day, 4.5 cups of spinach, 42.5 grams of sunflower seeds, 27 spears of asparagus, or 5 cups of broccoli. The Ministry of Health (MOH) recommends an 800mcg tablet from 4 weeks prior to conception, and 12 weeks after. Omega-3 Fatty Acids Helpful with the deposition of fat in the brain and eyes, omega-3 also helps neural synapse development connections. MOH recommendations are to consume around 115mg of omega-3 fatty acids per day when pregnant, but several international organisations recommend 200mg of DHA per day. DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, is one of the omega-3 group. A 2017 study of 596 NZ women found only 30% were achieving the 200mg DHA target. All oily fish contain omega-3, with mackerel, salmon, herring, oysters, sardines, anchovies, and caviar being the richest sources; a standard serve of any of the above can provide you with more than your recommended daily dose. Other foods to eat are flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and soybeans, although be aware that soybeans also contain high levels of inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids.

sunflower seeds

anchovies

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Early Nutrition Beyond the introduction of solids, providing children with a variety of brainnourishing foods is the best way to continue strengthening brain development. Proteins, zinc, iron, choline (found in rich quantities in egg yolks), folate, iodine, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A, D, B6, and B12 are all essential for healthy brain development. Stay away from processed and deep-fried foods, sugars, and sugary drinks. Chronic high blood sugar can be detrimental to the brain, and studies have shown high levels of sugar consumption to affect the brain on a level equivalent to extreme stress or abuse. Always offer children water instead of juice or sugary sodas, and avoid additives and preservatives wherever possible.

A LIFETIME OF DEVELOPMENT

Connection, Environment, and Play The neural synaptic blooming and pruning process taking place in the prenatal and childhood developing brain is influenced by both genetics and environment. Genes initially direct newly formed neurons to the right locations and regulate how they interact, but they also allow the brain to finetune itself depending on the information it receives from the environment. For example, on hearing sounds, a baby’s auditory sense relays information to the brain which fires up the region in charge of language development, creating synaptic connections in relation to sound. If these are repeated, the synapses are strengthened, but if that particular synapse is rarely used, it becomes weaker and may be pruned. Play through pretending, action, using equipment or toys, or fun games like peek-a-boo not only creates positive and emotionally enriching experiences for a baby or young child, but can reinforce the foundations for their learning and cognition too.

and

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Breast Milk Breastfeeding is an incredible symbiotic process designed to use a mother’s body to nourish her baby with exactly what it needs from birth onwards. Breast milk changes over time to respond to a baby’s changing needs, and paying attention to mother’s postnatal diet will ensure her vitality isn’t compromised by the demands of her baby. Eating a wide range of varied healthy foods, drinking plenty of water, and limiting fried, sugary and processed foods will nourish both you and your baby during your period of breastfeeding.

NUTRITION POST-BIRTH

DON’T STRESS, MUM! For a long time, researchers found it nearly impossible to separate the influencing factors involved in neonatal behaviour and development from those in play after birth, making it difficult for them to draw any solid conclusions. But a recent study took advantage of a new technology called “foetal resting state fMRI” to determine whether maternal

The Plastic Brain Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to change; think of all that synaptic stuff going on in the very early days. Until recently, scientists believed neuroplasticity was a phenomenon of early childhood, and once the brain reached maturity, that was all the brain growth we’d ever experience. But more sophisticated ways of looking at the brain have allowed for a new understanding of how the brain is, in fact, capable of changing all the way through to old age. Just like a muscle, the brain gets stronger every time it’s used, and through repetition and challenge, the brain can grow and change over the whole of our lifetimes. Early intervention with tailored neuroplastic techniques and methods can offer great hope for families with children who have learning, development or behavioural challenges. In some cases the brain may have the potential to rewire and relearn by strengthening certain neurological areas, improving outcomes for the child in question.

stress affected in-utero development. The study involved 47 babies between the 30th and 37th week of gestation, and showed that the mother’s stress levels during pregnancy ultimately reflected in the connectional properties of her baby’s developing brain. The researchers suggested the cerebellum, having the highest concentration of the glucocorticoid receptors involved in stress responses, may be the most vulnerable part of the brain to the effects of prenatal or early life stresses. The findings suggested that, rather than developing in a sequential organising fashion – simplest systems like vision and motor skills first, then more complex systems later – the brain seems to first develop the areas required to allow for connection across various systems. It would pay to consider this evidence of direct impact on a baby's developing brain when you find yourself in a stressful or anxious frame of mind. Take a walk, talk with a friend, run a bath, or watch TV; whatever relaxes you.

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Style

solutions

for your growing bump It is possible to maintain comfort and style as your body shape changes, as two stylists explain.

C a i t l i n Tay l o r Lucia Tigri-Brown

I’m still early days and haven’t told many people I’m pregnant. How can I “hide” my little bump subtly? –Sophie

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Caitlin: Congratulations, how exciting. My best advice would be to wear loose, floaty tops and dresses, and still give yourself some shape with a jacket or blazer over the top. You usually don’t want things to be tight around your tummy at this point anyway, so wear whatever feels comfortable. Lucia: The early stages of pregnancy can be tricky as we tend to just look a little bloated rather than pregnant. I suggest slightly drapier, longer-line tops, or tops and dresses that have ruching over the tummy area.

I’m not a dress gal, so how can I wear trousers, shorts, or skirts comfortably? – Annah

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Caitlin: High-waisted is the way to go! Look for dresses that you can pull up over your bump, and style by tucking a tee, or blouse, into the waistband. Look for pieces that have some elastic in the waist to give you that flexibility to get over the bump.

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Your other option is a relaxed jumpsuit; just make sure it has enough “depth” through the body to fit bump comfortably. Lucia: Once your bump is really popping out, I would say stretch is your new best friend. Not just from a fit point of view, but for comfort. As your bump gets larger, everyday tasks like getting in and out of the car and bending down will get harder. If you prefer separates like pants and skirts, go for slim-fits – like leggings and pencil skirts – in elastin fabrics worn with long-line tops that will fit over the bump.

What are some great nonmaternity styles that can work for a growing bump? –Fleur

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Caitlin: I’m loving tiered-style dresses; they are great for accommodating a growing bump and can be either worn loose or belted under your bust to create (some more) shape. There are so many to choose from; I pretty much lived in them most of my final pregnancy. Also, midi and maxi skirts are great. They are long enough to pull up over your bump, and then you can dress down with a tee, or dress up with a blouse. Lucia: For me personally it was stretch cotton elastane maxi dresses. I had so many of them in different colours. They are easy to pick up at many chain stores, they are not expensive, and are easy wash and wear. I would wear a blazer and dressy shoes and accessories for work, and then trainers or sandals and a denim or leather jacket on the weekends.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ZARA STAPLES (ZARASTAPLES.COM). THANKS TO CHLOE, WHO IS WEARING LONELY LINGERIE.

aitlin Taylor (@chasingcait_ stylecoach) and Lucia TigriBrown (@luciatigristyle) have both grown little people as well as dress people for a living, so they can totally relate to your frustration in adorning a growing bump and finding things to fit an ever-changing body shape. Here are their solutions to your questions.

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

your growing bump

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Caitlin: Pretty much the only maternityspecific items I purchased were maternity jeans (or denim shorts if summer) and a Rose & Thorne leak-proof maternity bra. It’s extra-supportive during pregnancy and works wonders when you’re feeding without any extra need for breast pads or worrying about leaks. Lucia: Don’t get too carried away with expensive investments during pregnancy, as you tend to want to move those clothes on after babies, and get back into your usual style. If you feel the need to splurge, I would say go purchase a super-stylish handbag or tote; that will elevate your overall look.

Bra- vo! The nursing bra experts at Hotmilk Lingerie (nz.hotmilklingerie.com) explain the importance of good breast support through pregnancy.

Regular bras do not allow room for your diaphragm to expand during pregnancy, and you can swap to a nursing bra as soon as you feel that your bust is changing. Good nursing bras have multiple rows of hooks-and-eyes for back adjustment (regular bras have three) so they can be worn while pregnant and grow with you and, of course, the most common feature – drop-down clips for breastfeeding.

Trimesters One & Two

How do I find a pair of maternity jeans that are right for me? –Shelley

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Caitlin: Comfort is key when it comes to maternity jeans. I found the “over the bump” more comfortable than the ones that sit under, but choose a leg (skinny, mom, wide) that works with your personal style and also isn’t too restrictive. There’s nothing worse than trying to manoeuvre yourself into a super-skinny jean at 8.5 months pregnant! Lucia: If you are denim brand loyal, investigate online and see if that brand also does a maternity style. Many of the big international brands do in fact have maternity jeans, but not many retailers in New Zealand stock them. If you are not comfortable with online shopping and following size charts, chain stores like Just Jeans, Jeans West, Cotton On, and Farmers have some great styles – so hit the mall and have a good try until you find one that works.

I love heels, but my feet are swelling and sore. Any great ideas for fashionable flats? –Helena

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Caitlin: Loafer and slide-style shoes are really big right now, so you have plenty to choose from. Basically, anything you don’t have to bend over to do up is great in the later stages of pregnancy! Lucia: Platform flats are super comfortable and work with any look. The chunky style is very flattering even if you tend to get swollen feet towards the end of pregnancy.

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

Lorna Jane Nursing Bra, $76.99. With an extendable bra clasp to allow you to customise your fit while the feeding clip and in-built sling give you freedom to feed without compromising on support or comfort.

Cadenshae Nursing Sports Bra, $79.99. Designed for E to G cups, this stylish and discreet nursing sports bra provides all the comfort and much needed support larger busted mums require.

You'll notice an increase in your bust and/or band size as your pregnancy progresses. If the bra you are wearing is too small and starting to dig in, it’s time to get fitted for a new size.

Trimesters Two & Three Re-check your bra fit. You may find your band and your breast size will have increased again. It is not uncommon for your band and cup size to go up a couple of sizes (or more!) during pregnancy, and there can be a need to have multiple different bra sizes during your pregnancy. We are all so different, so check your fit with a professional.

Trimester Four (after baby’s arrival)

Hotmilk Lingerie Heroine Plunge Lilac Nursing Bra, $49.95. Feminine lace with a sheer mesh lining; its plunging yet supportive shape features a flexi underwire lift and rose gold features.

Most women need at least two cup sizes bigger than their original size bra, but once the baby is settled and feeding regularly, you may start to decrease in bust size as well. Don’t forget, though, if your bra feels constrictive in any way, it’s not the right fit. Motherhood can be a bumpy ride; you haven’t got time for uncomfortable nursing bras.

COMPILED BY PAMELA MCINTOSH.

Are there any maternity-specific items that you think are worthy of investment? –Megan

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Suitable for use on dry and sensitive skin and with eczema prone skin. Irritancy Tested

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Douglas Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Auckland

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Dayna

34 WEEKS PREGNANT

“I’ve longed to be a mum for as long as I can remember. Creating life is so empowering as a woman and I was so proud of my body to be able to do so. I felt like wāhine toa – strong and empowered. My partner loved to play Samoan songs and press the speaker to my tummy so our son could hear. We would pray each day that our son would keep growing strong and healthy. This photo captures a precious time in my life; how blessed we are to have our little pepi (a boy) on the way, after nearly a year and a half of trying.”

PHOTOGR APHED AT WAINUI BEACH IN R AGL AN BY CATHERINE SMITH (CATHERINESMITHPHOTOGR APHY.COM).

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

your growing bump

YOUR body IS A WONDERLAND

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Our five winners of the BUMP&baby 'Show Us Your Bump' competition share how pregnancy empowered them in personally unique ways.

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

your growing bump

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Jacqui

25 WEEKS PREGNANT

“I was in love with my pregnant body as soon as I noticed it was changing. Previously I lacked confidence in my appearance and pregnancy completely changed that. I have felt so powerful and amazing through it knowing that I am growing a little person - and becoming a mother, which is something I have always known I wanted to be. I loved using belly oil and taking the time to rub it over my bump twice a day was a time of connection. I have been very aware of how the baby is sitting and that has in turn helped my partner to bond with him. I love that a photograph captures a moment – and I’m so pleased we have this collection to cherish”.

PHOTOGR APHED AT FRENCH FIELDS B&B IN BLENHEIM BY LILY WARRING (@LILY WARRING)

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

your growing bump

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Loren

34 WEEKS PREGNANT

“The best moments of pregnancy for me is feeling those kicks of life happening inside you, there isn’t a more special feeling or connection than that. This being my second pregnancy, I embraced my body changing and enjoyed it; being pregnant really is such a small chapter in time it made me feel super confident. I’m a makeup artist and thought, let’s push the boundaries with this photograph. Lizzy made me feel so comfortable during the shoot and I honestly left feeling like Beyoncé – an absolute goddess.”

PHOTOGR APHED IN PALMERSTON, OTAGO BY ELIZ ABETH JENKINS, (ELIZ ABETHJENKINSPHOTOGR APHY.COM).

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

Chloe

36 WEEKS PREGNANT

“I loved my baby bump and felt a deep connection with my little man.I loved the roundness, the softness and the curves of my body like a beautiful full moon. The bigger I got the more I embraced my pregnancy and my journey from maiden to mother. Looking back now I have never felt more beautiful in my whole entire life then I did when I was pregnant with my darling Koa. Bonding with my bump was always through water; I would lay in the bath and chat to my boy and he would wriggle and move. His dad would play music and hold my belly and wait for movement, and talk to Koa and tell him how loved he was. I wanted to have a maternity photo shoot so we could look back and show our little one that once upon a time I was his home.”

PHOTOGR APHED AT FIELD OF ROSES IN GISBORNE BY Z AR A STAPLES (Z AR ASTAPLES.COM). DRESS: LEAVE HER WILDER

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

your growing bump

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Taylor

37 WEEKS PREGNANT

“I gained so much appreciation for the female body watching my bump grow throughout the pregnancy. We loved bonding with our baby through belly rubs; my fiance would sing to the bump. My fiance and I are both from overseas and our families are unable to visit right now because of the pandemic. So we wanted to capture this pregnancy through beautiful photography to share with our families and friends who haven’t seen the bump in person. We will forever cherish these moments.” PHOTOGR APHED AT BETHELLS BEACH BY NATALIA BOWERS (LITTLELOVELY.CO.NZ).

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

The bank

balance

How to successfully manage your finances with a growing family and a shrinking income.

We’ve just discovered we are pregnant with our first child and have nine months (give or take!) to get prepared financially. What should we be thinking about in terms of budgeting before our baby arrives?

MARY SAYS: You’ve got heaps to think about at the moment. You don’t need money worries as well. So let’s keep this simple. It would be great to get used to living on one income, but do it gradually. Start by saving, say, a quarter of the income you will lose. Increase that step by step, so hopefully you’re saving the lot before the baby is born. Not only are you getting used to living on a lower income, but you’re building up savings for unexpected expenses. If that’s too hard, and you plan to live on a single income for only a year or two, it’s okay to plan to eat into your savings a bit over that time. You can get back into rebuilding the savings when you’re both back at work. But if one of you will stay out of the workforce for longer than that, it would be good to get used to living off one income. Look for tips on how to cut back your spending by Googling “F.I.R.E”

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

– which stands for Financial Independence, Retire Early. Younger people seem to be adopting this way of life, saving as much as half of their income so they can leave the workforce at 40 or 50. While this is not for everyone, it’s helpful to read about how others have slashed their spending.

Preparing for a baby is expensive, so it seems like a hard time to save when we need to buy essentials for the baby. Any tips?

MARY SAYS: If you’re regularly contributing to KiwiSaver, keep that up throughout. It’s a real pity to miss out on government – and in some cases employer – contributions. But beyond that, yes, you’ll have some additional expenses right now. So don’t beat yourself up about saving extra. Do, though, plan to save more when things have settled. Borrow or buy secondhand baby clothes and equipment. The baby won’t mind! Same goes for maternity clothes. You don’t need a whole new wardrobe for just a few months, even if you expect to use those clothes more than once. There’s heaps of great pre-loved stuff out there.

What money chats should my partner and I have before the baby arrives (and even in the future) so we’re both on the same page financially?

MARY SAYS: I dislike hearing about people who don’t really understand their financial situation. You never know when your partner won’t be there, and adjusting to that loss can be hard enough without having to

deal with money worries. Some people think money is too hard, but it isn’t – honestly. My new book, A Richer You: How To Make The Most of Your Money ($36.99, Harper Collins) has some great information. Make all your financial decisions together – this includes mortgages and investments, not just grocery money.

Maternity Leave in New Zealand only covers so much after the baby arrives. What can we do if we are really struggling with money? Can banks or financial experts help us to get through? MARY SAYS : Whatever you do, don’t start

– or continue – running up a big credit card bill or other debt. The interest rates are crippling. It’s how people get themselves

COMPILED BY PAMELA MCINTOSH

aving a baby can take its toll on your bank account – not to mention your anxiety and stress levels around your financial situation. We enlisted New Zealand’s most-trusted personal finance journalist and author, Mary Holm (maryholm.com), to answer your questions when it comes to money management during and after pregnancy.

life+insight

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What was once saved for a night

out is now for nappies.

DID YOU KNOW?

into long-term financial misery. If you’re struggling with credit card or other debt, or just having trouble with your budgeting, visit moneytalks.co.nz. You can get free and confidential advice by phone or email, or see a financial mentor. These people don’t judge you, they just help you sort things out. If mortgage payments get too much for you, talk to your lender – preferably before you get behind on payments. Explain that your family income is temporarily lower, and the lender may let you increase the term of your loan, from say 25 to 30 or 35 years. That will reduce your payments. Online mortgage calculators show you this. Once you’re back to two incomes, though, shorten the loan again. Otherwise you’ll pay considerably more interest in the long run, and become blissfully mortgage-free later.

We have the physical insurance policies (house, car, contents) but should we look into life, health, and income protection insurances when we have another little life to protect?

MARY SAYS: Absolutely! Too many New Zealanders neglect this, and it comes back to haunt them. Think about what would happen if you or your partner died or became incapacitated – not a happy thought, but do it anyway. How much money would you need? Ask an insurance broker to help you work it out and find a suitable policy for you. Note that you need coverage for the partner who is caring for your baby too. Insurance doesn’t just give you money when you need it, it also gives you peace of mind in the meantime.

You can sign up a child of any age to KiwiSaver and contribute any amount or nothing – although you would probably start with at least, say, $100. Look for a low-fee fund in the KiwiSaver Fund Finder on sorted.org.nz. The main advantage is that, when the child gets a part-time or full-time job, 3% is taken out of their pay (unless they take a savings suspension after a year). It’s a great way to get them started on a first-home deposit, and a lifelong savings habit. KiwiSaver is a good place to put money gifts from relatives. And if you can contribute regularly or occasionally, it all adds up. Pregnancy BUMP & baby

I don’t love being a parent? What if

Worried about not loving your baby? About finding no enJOYment in motherhood? You’re not alone, as Professor of Child Health, Amy Brown, explains.

f you believe what you see on so much social media, we should feel nothing apart from overwhelming love, gratitude and excitement when our baby is born. Although becoming a new parent might indeed be a time of happiness, feeling a far more complex array of emotions is actually more common than you think. Research shows that overall happiness actually drops in the first year of having a baby, especially for women. Although parents may love their babies very much, it’s common to not love the things that come alongside it, such as money worries, sleepless nights and feeling disconnected from your partner or friends. However, parents often hide how they

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

really feel, believing these thoughts are wrong, and that sharing them would have them labelled a “bad parent”. Worries such as this can be a core part of not feeling like a good enough parent and are also common in postnatal depression. I spoke with more than 500 parents who told me how they honestly felt after their baby was born. What was immensely clear from their stories is that there’s no one “right way” to feel once you have a baby. Alongside the positives, parents felt a whole host of emotions they weren’t expecting, often saying this was the first time they had spoken openly about their feelings. Here were some of the most common things people felt:

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professional, LMC or midwife. However, if these thoughts are affecting you, do consider talking to a therapist who specialises in supporting new parents.

GRIEF FOR A FORMER LIFE

The build-up to having a baby is often all about the birth and buying things for the baby. When the baby arrives, your life suddenly changes. It’s normal to be shocked, feel regret at how tough some parts can be, and to grieve for your old life – even though you wouldn’t actually swap back to it. Part of this, especially for mothers, was feeling like they’d lost their identity and simply became someone’s “mum”, their days filled with caring for their baby on repeat. But missing your old life does not mean you don’t love your baby or are a bad parent. And it does get easier over time as you transition into your new normal.

THIS ARTICLE IS REPUBLISHED FROM THE CONVERSATION UNDER A CREATIVE COMMONS LICENSE. THECONVERSATION.COM

FEELING TRAPPED – BUT NOT WANTING TO BE SEPARATED

NOT LOVING YOUR BABY INSTANTLY

The media would have us believe that the moment a baby is born, parents fall madly in love with them. Although this can happen, many parents talked about feeling disconnected or so exhausted they couldn’t think about loving anyone. Others felt shock that a baby was actually here. It can be especially difficult when parents have a traumatic pregnancy or birth, IVF or previous loss, or premature baby. It’s normal for bonding to take time. However, things like skin to skin contact, holding your baby closely in a sling, or even giving them a gentle baby massage are all shown to help improve bonding – and mental health.

FEELING INCOMPETENT AND OVERWHELMED

Another common emotion was feeling terrified by the responsibility of being a new parent. Many felt shocked that they were now actually expected to care for this baby, despite no tests or training. Parents felt like everyone else knew what to do, but they didn’t. This feeling is likely exacerbated by us now having babies later, living away from family, and often not really being around babies until we have our own. But many people feel this way. And babies are resilient, so it’s okay if you don’t do everything “perfectly” all the time. If you’re feeling this way, talking to other new parents or with your health care

Parents also talked about wanting a break while simultaneously not wanting to be separated from their baby. Mothers talked about jealousy of their partner leaving the house for work, yet dreaded being separated from their baby to do the same. Some counted down the clock until bedtime and then immediately missed their baby. You might find people get exasperated at you for feeling this way – ignore them. You don’t have to leave your baby if you don’t want to. What you probably need is more support in other ways, such as a hot meal, a nap or simply some adult company. If you’re a new parent and struggling, it’s important to remember that negative and mixed emotions are a normal part of life. Talking to other parents may help you see you aren’t alone in feeling this way. Having negative emotions about people and the things we love is also normal. And, perhaps most importantly, people lie on social media. Research shows it’s common for new parents to feel they have to share positive messages to the point they embellish or even lie to create a certain image to the world. Let’s not fall for it any more. Pregnancy BUMP & baby

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What’s in a name? Giving your child a moniker for life is no easy task. Pamela McIntosh takes a look at the legal bits and things to contemplate.

f you’re like me, you find it hard enough deciding on what’s for dinner, let alone what your little human will be called for the rest of his or her life. Absolutely. No. Pressure. Folks! In terms of New Zealand baby-naming law, if your sweetie is born in Aotearoa you must comply with local rules, no matter your nationality.

STYLING AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAMELA MCINTOSH.

FIRST NAME

You’re very much within your rights to be creative when it comes to the name your son or daughter will be known as most commonly throughout their lifetime. As long as a name doesn’t cause offence or resemble an official title (although I’m pretty sure you could get your “King” by calling him Kingston...), you’re good to choose whatever moniker you love. Macrons are fine (Hūmārire), hyphens too, (Mary-Ann), and go for gold with umlauts (Zoë). “There’s no problem if you want to give your child a spelled-out number or even a silly name,” explains Jeff Montgomery, registrar-general of Births, Deaths and Marriages. “But remember, your child has to live with it.”

MIDDLE NAME

While giving a “middle name” or even multiple middle names is totally up to you, it isn’t compulsory. A middle name often has a little less pressure associated with it, and it can be a great way to get in a family name or a secondary name you adore – be mindful, though, you could also save another muchloved name for if you’re planning another baby down the line.

SURNAME

Surnames have no doubt evolved, and while the majority of newborns are registered with their father’s surname, the Citizens Advice Bureau (cab.org.nz) says that you can choose to give your child a) your surname, b) the father’s surname, c) your partner’s surname (same-gender partnerships), or d) any other surname you want. Popular choices today include hyphenated surnames or doublebarrelled surnames (listing both parents’ surnames with no hyphenation).

AGREEING ON A NAME

Rules aside, arguably the hardest hurdle is coming up with a name that you and your partner can settle on (solo parents, you’re off the hook!). Try and approach the baby name decision with perspective, patience, and start

things to note: • Try and avoid passing trends; you don’t want to regret a name later (although children can change their names once they are 18).

earlier rather than later. If you’ve had a name “picked” since you were in high school and that same name reminds your partner of a nasty kid they used to know, you’ll have to work it through. Hear each other’s ideas and maybe even invest in a baby name book or app (many are like dating apps but for baby names; a kind of swipe-left-for-yes approach). They’re a good place to start to find out what style of names you both like, and you can talk and tweak the ideas from there. After your baby is born, you can register your chosen names at smartstart.services. govt.nz/register-my-baby. Normally, couples have done this within two months of birth. Registration is free, but you’ll need to pay a small fee for a printed birth certificate.

• Take inspiration from your family tree. •H onor your culture. • Look up meanings. • Contemplate nicknames. • Don’t forget about

what the initials could spell. • Say it out loud. Lots. Say it to your baby, even! They may even give you a kick of approval! Pregnancy BUMP & baby

Taking care of business Bear & Moo founder and mum-of-two Hannah Porter's story is one of resilience and relatability.

am sitting in the room where it started”, says mum of two Hannah Porter as we chat over Zoom for this story. She’s talking about a small bedroom in her home where she packed and labelled cloth nappies, then dispatched them to the first customers who heard about her business for little bums. After two premature births and a desire to form an e-commerce business rather than head back to a career in event planning and management, Hannah turned her frustration of not being able to find nappies that were affordable, friendly, and cute AF

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

into a business idea. She hustled hard to find suppliers and confirm styles and took Bear & Moo (bearandmoo.co.nz) from conception to birth in just five weeks! “I’m a big believer that done is better than perfect,” she explains. “I invested in my first wholesale order, created a brand name (based on her boys’ nicknames), threw together a website and social media pages, and crossed my fingers...” Her “hobby” made about $200 in its launch month. It was time to flesh out a brand philosophy. “I was never going for the super ‘green’

vibe with Bear & Moo,” explains Hannah, who has no issues using disposables as a nighttime nappy option. “We just want to be a judgement-free community for parents who want to give cloth nappies a go. I simply want to give them an option to buy and use nappies that are affordable and better for the environment.” The success of Bear & Moo means that nappies and wet bags are now ordered in the thousands, and the retail offering includes decor and other baby items. A move into a huge warehouse gave them much-needed storage and freed up space at home – a key

mama insight

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BY PAMELA MCINTOSH PHOTOGRAPHY (PAGE 74) ADAM PATMORE

UTERUS DIDELPHYS

decision, because Hannah is 31 weeks pregnant with her third child (a fact you’re already well aware of if you follow @bearandmoonz on Instagram). “I love showing up on social media. Sometimes I’m in my pyjamas chatting about nappies or just life in general. I don’t wear makeup. I’m just me. And I think that’s relatable, particularly to sleep-deprived, overwhelmed new mums.” As much as Hannah shows connection with her customers, valuing her staff is crucial. “Most of the people who helped us out in the early days were new mums or grandmas who just wanted to volunteer. But it got to a point where I wanted to show them how much I appreciated their time and support, and I was able to offer payment.” As Hannah approaches her third year as a business owner she is reluctantly separated from Bear & Moo HQ, due to strict orders for bed-rest from her midwife and specialists. Her first two pregnancies were rough – she suffered severe nausea, vomiting and dehydration (Hyperemesis Gravidarum), and both boys arrived prematurely at 31 and 36 weeks respectively. “Richard and I were on our babymoon when my waters broke unexpectedly at 31 weeks. I knew nothing about birth and our antenatal class wasn't starting until the next day, but thankfully I had read an article a few days prior that said babies born at 31 weeks gestation are likely to be okay. Twelve hours after rushing to hospital, Regan was born with an audience of an obstetrician,

A double uterus is a rare congenital abnormality which happens in foetal development. The structure of a uterus develops into two separate structures rather than one structure. A double uterus may have one opening (cervix) into one vagina, or each uterine cavity may have a cervix. Women who have a double uterus often have successful pregnancies, but the condition can increase the risk of miscarriage or premature birth. two midwives, and four paediatric specialists. He was little – just 3lb 3oz – and would require time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for six weeks to gain strength, but it was a relief to know that he was okay.” It was never known why Regan was born premature; however, during a dating scan of their second baby, the sonographer pointed out that Hannah had two uteruses.

During a dating scan during her second pregnancy, Hannah was told she had two uteruses. “It’s called uterus didelphys,” explains Hannah, who was as baffled as the woman holding the scanning device. “Basically, a baby only grows in one half of my uterus, then runs out of room, which brings on labour symptoms.” The newfound diagnosis answered a lot of questions about Regan’s early arrival, and

meant that Hannah's second pregnancy and any subsequent pregnancies would need to be treated with extra care, and bed-rest would be required from the 30-ish week mark. After following doctor's orders, Hannah and Richard welcomed second son Hadley into the world at 36 weeks via a C-section birth, because he was footling breech. Prior to Hannah’s third pregnancy, she sadly experienced two foetal losses. “We’ve got a great ‘village’ and support around us. My way of coping was to just keep trucking on. The business kept my mind busy, but the second loss hit me hard because I thought I may not be able to carry another child. Being pregnant again is exciting, but it’s been flanked with anxiety: I was hospitalised for dehydration, this baby is breech, and there’s a big difference in how my body (and mind) handles pregnancy than it did six years ago.” Hannah’s put her event planning skills back into good use preparing for the new arrival. “My hospital bags are packed, meals are in the freezer, and I’m ready to meet our baby – oh, and get him into some really awesome nappies!” Pregnancy BUMP & baby

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

W hy w o u l d

yo u w a n t to co v e r t hi

s cu te l i t t l e tu s

nursery+equipment

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! y p p me h a

Nappy

Midwife, maternal nurse, and mum-of-four Belinda Joyce (belindajoyce.com) gives an introduction to the world of nappies.

parent tip

“Got a poonami to deal with? Save a few wipes and take a shower with your babe for a faster cleanup – and don’t feel bad if you want to throw that onesie in the bin – we’ve all done it.”

t is estimated that most babies will go through 6,000 to 7,000 nappy changes in the first few years before being toilet trained! Can you believe it?! New parents have so many choices to make, and which type of nappy to use is an important one, but one that totally comes down to what’s right for you, your baby, and your lifestyle. Here are some ideas to think about, ask friends and family, discuss with your partner, and then make a choice. You can always change your mind later if you want to. Nappy changes can greatly depend on your baby, but in general terms, newborns go through many as they tend to poo with every feed – and as you’ll discover, they feed very frequently in the early days! You’ll change a baby’s nappy about 8 to 12 times a day (sometimes more) initially, while a toddler may require 6 to 8 changes a day.

REUSABLE NAPPIES

“Terry” towelling or flannelette fabric squares are likely the least expensive option for initial set-up. “Pre-folds” are a flat cloth nappy with layers of fabric which create a padded insert which goes inside a cover. Modern cloth nappies are shaped like a disposable nappy, with velcro or press-studs to secure. Made from a range of different fabrics such as bamboo, the initial set up costs could be large; on average they cost between $20-$35 each and you’ll need many to begin with. It’s a good idea to consider retail store sales and even secondhand purchases. Some estimate that over time, using a set of reusable cloth nappies will halve your costs when compared

to disposable nappies. When it comes to washing reusable nappies, there is a minimal cost involved with washing, the water, nappy soaker, detergent, and dryer, especially in winter if line-drying is not an option. The environmental impact is difficult to measure due to the flow-on costs with washing and drying cloth nappies. PROS FOR REUSABLE NAPPIES • Less waste • Can be used for future babies • Cost/use decreases over time • No need to replace regularly • No chemicals • Choose your design CONS FOR REUSABLE NAPPIES • Upfront cost to get set up • Skill to learn how to fold/use cloth nappies • More frequent nappy changes • Washing, drying, folding • Messy removing poos • Need access to washing facilities (holidays in particular)

whoa!

8-12

is the average amount of nappies a newborn baby will go through each day. Pregnancy BUMP & baby

nursery+equipment

BOYS & GIRLS ARE NOT THE SAME Particularly if this is your first child, the first few weeks of changing nappies can be a little hard – and, in some cases, downright hilarious.

Disposable nappies have improved enormously in the last 20 years. Many grandparents will suggest disposables will cause nappy rash, because the earlier disposables had a plastic covering that didn’t breathe at all. Nappies now have better technology, they breathe well, and are more of a cloth feel. Spending a little more may save you in the long-term due to increased absorbency, and your baby may sleep longer too. Now there are biodegradable options and those made largely with sustainable and renewable materials.

FOR LITTLE LADS... First of all, be prepared when you take off the nappy to get a spritz of urine when your little boy’s, errr, little boy feels the fresh air. It’s common (perhaps it’s the feeling of freedom!) so it’s a good idea to be prepared with an extra towel or wipe. Clean around the genital area with care (do not pull on

PROS OF DISPOSABLE NAPPIES • No washing • Readily available • Highly absorbent, draws liquid away from skin • Less frequent nappy changes • Easy to fasten and secure • Cheaper upfront cost

parent tip

“Your little man can get an erection as a newborn – so don’t be shocked when you change his nappy and this ‘pops’ up!”

CONS OF DISPOSABLE NAPPIES • Waste contributing to landfill • Single-use only • Continual regular cost for family budget • More expensive over time • Can contain chemicals Many families use a combination of cloth nappies at home and disposables when out and about. Or cloth during the day and disposables overnight. This works well and you get the best of both types. Like most things in life, you don’t have to be all one or the other. You need to make the right choice for your family, and this can change over time as required. Belinda Joyce (belindajoyce.com) is a midwife, maternal and child health nurse, mother of four, and author of Survive and Enjoy Your Baby: How to Find Your Path to Parenthood. She has earned a Bachelor of Nursing, Graduate Diploma of Midwifery, and a Master of Nursing Science in Child, Family & Community.

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

@dwaynelovescloth

WHY NOT BOTH!

AND FOR LITTLE LADIES A tricker situation given the internal anatomy of a female, but in time it’ll get easier. Girls can be more prone to UTIs (urinary tract infections), so wipe from front to back when you’re cleaning up a little lass. Opt for sensitive fragrance-free wipes or just water and a cloth to clean the vagina and labia – you don’t want to agitate the internal area.

CLOTH MAMAS Check out these Kiwi self-confessed #clothnappyenthusiasts who make reusable nappies (and the clean-up) look easy.

@stay_at_homestead_mum

DISPOSABLE NAPPIES

the foreskin), and if your boy has been circumcised, ask your healthcare professional about specific cleaning advice. After you clean your lad and put on the new nappy, remember to face the penis downwards to ensure the wee doesn’t absorb up high in the nappy near his tummy.

@shan.mall

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nursery+equipment

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2 1 3

8 9

STYLING AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAMELA MCINTOSH.

LIT TLE bum balms

Protection and relief from nappy rash begins here. 1. The Herb Farm Soothing Baby Bot Bot Cream, $25.90, herbfarm.co.nz 2. Hayley Benseman Calendula K+ Cream, $21.50, hayleybenseman.co.nz and bumpandbabymall.co.nz 3. EcoStore Baby Nappy Balm, $9, ecostore.com 4. Honey Babe Barrier Creme Pure Manuka Honey, $25, wildferns.co.nz and bumpandbabymall.co.nz 5. Little Botanics Nappy Balm, $24.90, littlebotanics.com and bumpandbabymall.co.nz 6. Weleda Calendula Nappy Change Cream, $19.90, weleda.co.nz 7. Scullys Baby Botty Balm, $11.90, scullysnz.com 8. Plant & Share Baby Bum Balm, $29.50, plantandshare.co.nz 9. Cetaphil Baby Advanced Cream Protection, $10.99, cetaphil.co.nz • Styled with Rattan Changing Basket, $119, and Jersey Fitted Bassinet Sheet (Wild Fern), $39.99, from EcoSprout, ecosprout.co.nz; and cloth nappies from Bear & Moo.

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

nursery+equipment

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You're t he

ONESIE

Bodysuit, romper, all-in-one... Whatever you call them, they’re damn cute and oh-so practical.

adorable

1. Dimples Cotton Romper in Sorbet, $79.99, dimples.co.nz; 2. Ergo Pouch Sleep Onesie, $75, ergopouch.com.au; 3. Postie Babies' Merino Growsuit, $20, postie.co.nz; 4. Babu Organic Rainbow Bodysuit, $31, babu.co.nz; 5. Seed Bunny Waffle Bodysuit, $29.90, seedheritage.com; 6. Jamie Kay Organic Cotton Frill Bodysuit, $34.99, jamiekay.com; 7. Seed Chenille Bunny Bodysuit, $34.90, seedheritage.com; 8. Ergo Pouch Short Sleeve Layer 0.2 tog, $34, ergopouch.com.au; 9. The Warehouse Young Original Baby Zippy All In One, $10, thewarehouse.co.nz; 10. Hatch Baby Organic Bodysuit (Sneaky Leopard), $39.95, hatch.co.nz; 11. Eco Sprout Snuggle Hunny Kids Long-Sleeve Bodysuit (Dewkist), $34.90, ecosprout.co.nz.

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

The land of nod

Karitane Mothercraft Nurse, Dorothy Waide, shares her top tips when it comes to newborn settling and sleep.

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

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“Some of my must-have pieces for nursery styling are a timeless rug to add warmth, texture and pattern, and framed prints to suit the room,” says Jemma Johnson (@styledbyjemma) of Styled By Jemma, who offers virtual nursery e-design packages.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND STYLING BY JEMMA JOHNSON (STYLEDBYJEMMA.COM)

arenting is a lifelong journey. It’s important to remember that all parents are different, and their parenting style and beliefs will vary. And all babies are different too. Relax and know that there is no “right” or “wrong” way. Sure, there are easy ways and harder ways, but the best thing about parenting is that you can't fail at this job. Do what you feel is right. You are your child’s own “baby whisperer” and expert. Specialists can guide and support you while you learn about your baby and discover what works best for them. Here are 12 of my expert sleep tips that may help: 1. Babies need two nutrients: Food and sleep. If they sleep well, they eat well... And vice-versa. 2. Sleep is a learned behaviour. 3. N ewborn babies don't have the ability to self-soothe until between the ages of 12 to 16 weeks. Whatever you do in the first 12 weeks is what your baby will take on board. 4. M ost babies catnap. Try and resettle them, but if you cannot resettle, then start the next wake cycle. 5. I n my experience, once your baby has regained their birth weight (and there are no medical reasons), don’t wake them overnight. Instead, let them wake you. 6. A s soon as your baby is born, they are in a routine. They wake and cry = you respond = you feed, burp, change and snuggle = you swaddle = your baby sleeps. 7. Y ou can’t spoil a newborn. Don’t believe the saying that if you hold your baby, you will make a rod for your own back. Babies belong in arms, but try not to do any movements with the baby in your arms that you can’t replicate in a cot (check out my videos at babyhelp.co.nz). 8. S afe swaddling replicates the womb and also controls the startle reflex. Remember, the swaddle should be loose from the waist down so your baby can kick and move their legs and hips freely. 9. D ummies will not cause nipple confusion. Just remember not to “plug” your baby as soon as they go to bed or to use a dummy instead of feeding.

Settling a newborn to sleep takes T. A .C.T:

T A C T

time

acceptance

consistency touch

10. Light is for playing, dark is for sleeping. Babies who are lightsensitive will not sleep well in light rooms. Melatonin is only produced in the dark, so a pitch-black room is important for daytime sleeping. 11. W hite noise is a shushhhh sound that is familiar to babies because it’s similar to what they heard while in the womb. The recommended sound range is between 50 decibels to 75 decibels – and if at the higher end, the white noise device should be on the opposite side of the room and only played for an hour at a time. 12. It’s okay for a baby to cry, because this is their only form of communication. It is not okay to ignore the cry.

SLEEP CYCLES A wake cycle is the time frame that starts when you take your baby out of their bassinet/cot and finishes as you are swaddling and placing them back into their bassinet/cot. A nap cycle is when you place your baby into their bassinet/cot, and it finishes when you pick them up upon waking/to wake them. It is not from the time they fall asleep, because self-settling (and resettling) is part of their sleep cycle.

Dorothy Waide (babyhelp.co.nz) is a Karitane Mothercraft Nurse with almost 30 years of baby nursing and sleep-settling experience. Sign up to one of her helpful Facebook Group Subscriptions and use BUMPBABY10 for $10 off. babyhelp. co.nz/product/dorothys-facebook-groups-subscription Pregnancy BUMP & baby

nursery+equipment

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Zazu Phoebe Nightlight, $70, babycity.co.nz

Cariboo Stockholm Cot, $749, cariboo.co.nz

ddler bed! turns into a to

Wild Ferns Honey Babe Sweet Dreams Room Spray, $18.90, wildferns.co.nz and bumpandbabymall.co.nz

Oricom Secure 870 Touchscreen Monitor, $580, babyfirst.co.nz

Good night,

sweet heart Spotlight Bouclair Sweet Moments Shelf, $27, spotlightstores.com

Owlet Smart Sock V3 Baby Sleep Monitor, $580, owletcare.com.au

Adairs Home Republic Livia Pom Pom Blush Pink Circle Bath Mat, $29, adairs.co.nz

COMPILED BY PAMELA MCINTOSH

Ecosa Cot Mattress, $580, ecosa.co.nz

The SmartSnugg monitor integrates with a custom infant sleeping bag to monitor sleep position, room temperature and baby's movement .

SmartSnugg Baby Sleep Monitoring System Starter Kit (Bridge, Pebble and Sleeper), from $330, shopsnooze.co.nz

ErgoPouch 2.5 tog Jersey Sleep Bag, $70, ergopouch.com.au

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

nursery+equipment

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Hello, Baby! ($23, Allen & Unwin) Here you are. Look at you! Tiny, precious, all brand-new. At first you were a beating heart, Now your life's about to start... Hello, Baby! A sweet story that perfectly captures the special feelings that arrive with a new baby, and which will welcome that bundle of joy into hearts and homes.

Calvin The Green Sea Turtle ($15, visitsealife.com) A true story of Calvin – a turtle that came into the care of SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium. All profits from the sale of this book will be donated to registered charity, Kelly Tarlton’s Marine Wildlife Trust, who will utilise the funds for conservation campaigns, scientific research, and inspiring education.

Mummy Loves You, Baby ($10, Fantail Books) Probably one of the sweetest books a mother can read her child. Mummy Loves You, Baby is a charming, easy-rhyming book with hand-drawn images. Created by Kiwi author and illustrator Stephen J Punter.

Set the scene for a lifetime of literature.

Hare ($24.99, from kiwikidsbooks.nz) Hare is a delightful story about friendship and loyalty… With a good dollop of humour thrown in. Soft, spiky, square, small, round, and loud objects are discovered and discarded in the hunt, providing fun opportunities for young readers to learn about colour, shape, size, and texture.

Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes ($21, Penguin Books) As everyone knows, nothing is sweeter than tiny baby fingers and chubby baby toes. From two of the most gifted picture book creators, this book is a celebration of babies and the joy they bring.

aroha

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

Kupu Tauaro ($17.99, Allen & Unwin) The Reo Pēpi books were born from a desire to produce simple, user-friendly bilingual board books in te reo Māori for Māori and Pākehā whānau alike. The third series, Reo Pēpi Toru, introduces essential concepts of feelings, opposites, and actions for everyday use of Te Reo Māori and English. Books are available to purchase individually ($17.99) and as a box set of three ($49.99).

abies love the sound of your voice and the rise and fall of speech as you narrate a story. Reading is one of the most important ways you can help your baby’s brain to grow and develop, so read to them from birth – even in the womb! Reading the same books over and over is important, as babies as young as eight months can learn to recognise the sequence of words in a story when it’s read two or three times in a row, helping them to learn language.

TALK TO THEM

It doesn’t matter if you’re babbling in “babyese” or reading from this magazine, let your baby hear your voice often.

MAKE THEM PART OF THE STORY

Read your baby books or tell stories using their name as the main character’s name – it’ll help them learn to recognise their own name. A mum tells us, “My son loved it when I sang him a song I made up about all the things we do together, repeating the words “mummy” and his name over and over within the song. I’ve done it since he was a baby, and now that he’s five, he requests it again and again – particularly when he’s tired and wants to be soothed.”

COMPILED BY PAMELA MCINTOSH.

nook

Reading

What pregnant mums are asking about

eing a new parent can be overwhelming, however, as many parents will tell you, time flies by and before you know it your baby will be a toddler and ready for the next part in their development – preschool! Speaking to parents about their child's future at preschool is a really rewarding part of my job, and there are some common questions that arise. I thought I would share them here to help you and your family prepare for your precious bundle's education.

Early learning insights from Nikki Joyce, Principal of Saint Kentigern Preschool (saintkentigern.com)

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

Q: Why should we think about preschool earlier rather than later?

Preschool provides the most important start to your child’s education, with skills developed during this time that will set up your child for not only a life-long love of learning, but also to understand how to work in a democratic society. Learning how to learn and to enjoy playing and working with others at such a young age, ensures that children

develop an innate desire to continue to learn throughout their lives.

Q: We like the idea of preschool, but how does it benefit our child?

Saint Kentigern Preschool offers many advantages to a child’s development and education: building skills, critical thinking, collaboration, listening to others’ ideas and an understanding of how to hypothesise, research and learn.

Q: Family values are really important to us, I'm interested to know if yours align...

Saint Kentigern’s values of respect, integrity, service, excellence and love are discussed with children each day. Values are absorbed by children as much as they are taught, which further emphasises the fact that both parents and teachers have a role to play in modelling positive behaviours and expectations. Through practising and talking about our values, children

advertorial

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what parents say

"We loved the strong sense of belonging to the whole school community our girls gained from attending Saint Kentigern Preschool. This connection helped with a seamless start to school." gain a solid foundation of a good moral character as well as guiding their sense of right and wrong.

Q: Should we be mindful of quality teaching and ask about this?

Yes, definitely. Our teachers are all qualified with a Bachelor of Education, and are passionate educators who appreciate the power that education plays in life. Our teachers are always learning, and through our ongoing professional development programme, teachers embrace opportunities to further extend their own understanding – including researching better ways to teach children and exploring new and innovative ideas to introduce to daily teaching practice.

Q: If I'm away from my child all day, how can I still connect with them? At Saint Kentigern, we ensure that a child and their parents feel completely comfortable with the staff and the environment at the Preschool before their child starts. This means taking the

what parents say

"Strong values are important to us as a family and this was one of the many reasons we chose Saint Kentigern Preschool."

time to visit as many times as necessary where parents and children can build a trusting relationship with the teachers and children already at the Preschool. We also talk each day with parents about what their child has been doing, and encourage them to discuss these experiences with their child at home. We post a blog each day on the Saint Kentigern Online Portal, where parents love to read and comment, and where we document each child’s learning journey during their time at Preschool.

Q: How do you (and us) prepare preschoolers for school?

Our preschoolers are lucky to be able to experience life at our Girls’ School on the same campus, or Boys’ School at Shore Road, Remuera many times before they start school. Opportunities such as joining into school events with the older girls and boys, spending time in the junior classrooms, using the gymnasium, and having the teachers visit the Preschool all ensure the transition to school is smooth. We also work hard to ensure that our curriculum flows into the junior school curriculum at the Girls’ School and Boys’ School, so children are capable and confident

when they start. Having such a strong relationship with our Saint Kentigern Girls’ School and Boys’ School, we understand how to prepare children for what will be expected of them, which makes the transition much easier and less disruptive to their ongoing learning.

Quality preschools often have years-long waiting lists. You can register your child for Saint Kentigern Preschool up to three years ahead of entry, so your family doesn't miss out. Following receipt, you and your child will be invited for an interview in an informal and friendly setting in the year prior to entry. Register now at saintkentigern.com/preschool

saintkentigern.com/preschool Saint Kentigern Preschool in Remuera Auckland, is part of the Saint Kentigern family of schools and is a high quality especially developed preschool education environment for children aged 3 and 4. Pregnancy BUMP & baby

The ride

of your life

Your infant capsule or car seat is a safety investment you won't regret.

note

6 years

is the lifespan of an infant capsule before it expires. (Source: childrestraints.co.nz)

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

nursery+equipment

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BY TIFFANY BROWN & PAMELA MCINTOSH.

f you birth at a hospital or a birthing centre, bringing your little treasure home in the car is an exciting but anxiety-inducing ride. Rest assured, once you’ve driven with your baby in tow a few times, the anxiety will reduce, but it’s crucial that their ‘seat’ is properly installed. Using the right car seats and restraints saves children’s lives and can protect them from serious injury during traffic accidents. New Zealand law requires children to be seated in appropriate restraints until the age of 7 or when they reach a height of 148cm, the height adult seat belts are designed for. It’s estimated around half of Kiwi children won’t be 148cm until they are around 10 years old, so make sure you get out the measuring tape rather than solely relying on a birthdate. Because an infant’s head is disproportionately large compared to their body, and their neck is not able to support them effectively in case of a crash, a rearfacing seat is the most sensible option for young children. The spine, head and pelvis are immature and also at risk from the force of impact. A rear-facing position with a firmly supportive harness greatly reduces a collision’s impact. You should keep your child rear-facing until at least 2, or until they reach the manufacturer’s height and weight limit for their particular seat.

A COMFY CAPSULE

Your car seat journey begins even before the baby arrives, because you must have an appropriate seat fitted to your car to take your child home. You can begin by hiring a specially-designed infant capsule for between $40 and $80 per month, or purchase one from around $200-$800, depending on the brand and features. Some capsules fit a stroller frame, making it easier to move the baby from the car. It’s okay for a baby to be in a capsule for up to two hours at a time, but any more than this may put too much pressure on their developing spine or cause restricted airflow to their lungs. If you need to take a car journey, do make frequent stops to feed, change, and play with your infant. In the case of a very long trip, it’s a good idea to stop over on the way to avoid prolonged stretches of driving.

INSTALLATION STATION

Not every car seat or capsule will be perfect for your type of vehicle, so we recommend having your child restraint fitted by a certified technician, or trying out a few options before you buy. There are different ways of installing a child restraint – using the vehicle seat belt or a system using lower anchor bars in the vehicle (Isofix or Latch) – which often comes down to your vehicle’s make and model.

MAKE SURE IT'S APPROVED FOR USE All child restraints must meet an approved standard. This ensures a restraint's design and construction are laboratory tested under crash conditions and provide the best protection when used according to manufacturer’s instructions. Here's what to look for...

• Tick mark (indicates the restraint meets the joint Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1754). • Australian standard

• “E” mark (indicates the restraint meets the European Standard ECE 44 or ECE 129) – the number on the circle will vary depending on the country of certification).

hire me

Baby Jogger City Go 2 Car Seat, $599, babyfirst.co.nz

Nuna PIPA RX and RELX Base, $719, dimples.co.nz

Maxi-Cosi Mico 30, hire from $40, babyonthemove.co.nz

• Or, look for a restraint that complies with the United States Standard FMVSS 213. The restraint must also show the New Zealand Standard “S” mark indicating it is certified for use here.

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

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FELIX & STONE 'TOBY' BAG, $339, FELIXANDSTONE.COM

Evenflo Pivot Xpand Travel System, $1,099, farmers.co.nz

Doona Car Seat and Base, $980, babyfirst.co.nz

i ch

mmy

S a v e r, $ 2 4.9

fr o bu

Practical items to make getting out of the house a whole lot easier.

OUT&ABOUT

BabyBjorn Baby Carrier One Air, $389.95, from bellybeyond.co.nz

an dbaby mal

l. c

parent hack! nz Ergo Baby Omni Carrier 360, $339, bellybeyond.co.nz

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

Phil & Teds Sport V6 Buggy (apple), from $899, babycity.co.nz

COMPILED BY PAMELA MCINTOSH.

Mountain Buggy Carry Cot Plus*, $329, babyfirst.co.nz *doesn't include buggy chassis as shown

KEEP YOUR PĒPĒ SAFE

We know that installing a child restraint isn’t the easiest thing to do, so we have a range of free and helpful videos, which are available in English and Te Reo at www.nzta.govt.nz/childrestraints

GET EVERYTHING YOU NEED, WITHOUT LEAVING THE HOUSE Home to Kiwi mums’ favourite brands, BUMP&baby Mall (bumpandbabymall.co.nz) is your one-stop baby shop.

With interior fins for a steady flow of water to ensure cry-free rinses, the Moby Waterfall Rinser from Hatch Baby & Child is a bathtime must-have, $24.90. > BATHING > BATH ACCESSORIES A DD TO C A RT

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

bumpandbabymall.co.nz

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FIND IT ALL AT OUR MALL BATHING BOOKS & MAGS CLOTHING FEEDING & NURSERY PLAY & LEARN FERTILITY HEALTH & WELLNESS NAPPIES & CHANGING NURSERY OUT AND ABOUT SAFETY SKINCARE SLEEP TEETHING & DUMMIES

Snug as a bug in a ... pram, with Edwards and Co Oscar Mx Newborn Insert Cushion, $59. > OUT & ABOUT > PRAMS & STROLLERS

Adjustable 'snaps' and available in a ton of sizes. Trust Bear & Moo for cool, comfy nappies, from $17.95 > NAPPIES & CHANGING > NAPPIES > REUSABLE NAPPIES

Baby's first rattle! A non-toxic, handmade rattle with delicate sounds, gentle for little ears. Mama Bear Organic Willow Rattle, $35. > PLAY & LEARN > RATTLES

A DD TO C A RT

Calm a restless baby (or treat a tired mother) with Honeybabe Calming Massage Oil with pure Mānuka honey, $25. > SKINCARE & GROOMING > MASSAGE

Made in New Zealand with 70% merino wool, these Dahlia Knee-High Socks are super-snug, from $18.95. > CLOTHING > BOOTIES/ SHOES/SOCKS

We're open all hours at bumpandbabymall.co.nz

A DD TO C A RT

Noopi nappies are made from 70% plant-based sustainable and renewable materials, from $12. > NAPPIES & CHANGING > NAPPIES > DISPOSABLE NAPPIES

Little World knows how to treat delicate hair and skin to a careful, gentle clean, $25. > SKINCARE & GROOMING > BABY SHAMPOO & BODY WASH

Adding a warm layer is simple (and stylish) thanks to this Estilo handmade wool-outer, cottonlined vest, $40. > CLOTHING > CARDIGANS & JUMPERS

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

MAKING YOUR LIFE SIMPLE. WE DELIVER EVERYTHING...

Except t he baby!

Designed to stimulate the five senses and soothe teething pain, Sophie the Giraffe, $40, is a true icon. > TEETHING AND DUMMIES > CHEW TOYS

Practical and pretty! The Vanchi Steffi Carryall Bag, $199.95, will ensure you leave nothing at home. > NAPPIES AND CHANGING > NAPPY BAGS Made with Mānuka honey and calendula, a nourishing and healing salve for lips and skin, $10. > SKINCARE & GROOMING > NATURAL BEAUTY PRODUCTS

A DD TO C A RT

Place the EmeTerm Sickness Relief Band, $162, on your wrist for relief from nausea and vomiting caused by morning sickness. > HEALTH & WELLNESS > MORNING SICKNESS

A DD TO C A RT

Moko Life Coffee Mug, $32. This cool mug is for the Grandparent to remind them of their mokopuna. A great gift idea! > CURIOS

Little Shades cover your back passenger window to give shade and protection from little eyes and skin, $35. > OUT & ABOUT > CAR WINDOWS AND SHADES

For first spoonfulls, Hear Me Roar's Silicone Spoon and Bowl Set, $30, makes mealtime a treat. > FEEDING AND NURSING > FIRST FOODS

A DD TO C A RT

Brolly Sheets, from $54.95, take the hassle out of changing a wet bed. Place on top of your bottom sheet, tuck in the wings and sleep directly on top. > SLEEP

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

Eat 'green' with Nip organic plates and sippy cups from XO Kids, from $11.20. BPAfree and dishwasher safe. > FEEDING AND NURSING > FIRST FOODS

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Qbaby BirthMix homeopathic formula, $35, is specially designed to help and prepare your body and emotions for giving birth. > HEALTH AND WELLNESS > PREGNANCY & BIRTH CARE

Unlike other double pumps, the BelleMa Effective Pro, $339.95, has two motors – ensuring no suction reduction and a faster expressing time. > FEEDING > BREAST FEEDING

Little Botanics products nourish and protect delicate skin making motherhood more comfortable. > FEEDING & NURSING

BodyIce soothes your body (with heat and/or cold) during pregnancy and postpartum. Gift box, $89. > HEALTH AND WELLNESS > PREGNANCY & BIRTH

A DD TO C A RT

Designed to keep your child's pacifier close-at-hand. Gobstopperz Versatile Cuddly, $40. > SLEEP > DUMMY HOLDERS AND COMFORTERS

The Sugar Skull Teething Toy, $24, is a feast of texture to help relieve aching and swollen gums. > TEETHING & DUMMIES > CHEW TOYS

Allow natural movement for babies with the clinicallyproven, practical and comfortable swaddling babywrap Safe T Sleep Mini Sleepwrap , $49. > SLEEP > SLEEP WRAPS & WEDGES

We can't get enough of this Motlied Kids Evie Turban, $37. > CLOTHING > BEANIES AND HATS

Sleepy time with soothing aromas and loving massage before bed, $22.50. > SKINCARE & GROOMING > MASSAGE

Made from pine and finished with a curvededge, the Cariboo Classic Bassinet, $449, is a sweet place for a snooze. NURSERY > BASSINETS A DD TO C A RT

BUMPANDBABYMALL.CO.NZ PREGNANCY

Scan code to shop!

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

Special delivery

“I loved being at home during labour. Contractions seemed more manageable surrounded by familiarity and loved ones.”

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SILVIA RAE OF HELLOBABY.CO.NZ

A six-page insight into the births of three new souls, captured by Silvia Rae of Hello Baby Photography Christchurch (hellobaby.co.nz).

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“Recording the numbers. We couldn't believe that she was over nine pounds!”

The birth of Eve

The latest addition to the Buckby family was delivered safely at 41 weeks (4.16kg/9.17lb). Mum Hannah went into labour naturally and experienced a water birth at home, with her midwife, backup midwife, husband, and photographer sharing the moment. Eve's brother was excited to meet the new baby soon after.

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

“With the safe arrival of my son, instantly all anxiety and fear is gone. I feel most grateful for life – both mine and our pēpi.”

100

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY SILVIA RAE OF HELLOBABY.CO.NZ

“With Māori tikanga and culture present throughout our pregnancy and birth, Paraire's pāpā Shannon firstly uses a Muka Tie to clamp the umbilical cord then, as shown, a Pounamu Pito Cutter to cut the umbilical cord.”

The birth Paraire of

A week overdue and after three days of induction and 118 hours of labour, mum Emma-Jane welcomed son Pararie Sweeney earthside via emergency C-section (4.3kg) with nine whānau and her birth photographer, Silvia, present.

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

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The birth of Jaxx Jaxx Oakley Leo Telford was eager to come into the world, because mum Ashley experienced contractions 10 days before the due date. After a four-hour labour, Jaxx arrived via an unassisted vaginal birth in hospital, weighing 8lb (3.63kg).

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Pregnancy BUMP & baby

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SILVIA RAE OF HELLOBABY.CO.NZ

“‘I am strong, powerful and in control’ was on repeat in my head during this moment. I knew that I was so close to holding my baby.”

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“A creation of life –created with love.”

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Kristin Haines @_luna.goods_

about these photos

Through virtual photoshoots "using wifi and a phone", Trina Cary (@trinacaryphotography) has been able to photograph these beautiful mothers without ever leaving her home in Canada. “I often giggle and say that I feel like I got shrunk,” says Trina. “Being tossed about and taped to ceilings and pushed behind blinds – it’s incredibly inspiring seeing the world from someone’s phone.”

mama?

What about

Isobel Benesch of Atlas of Motherhood takes a look at what mothercare means around the world and how to improve a mother’s wellbeing and health during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

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newborn+postpartum Leata-mae D’avoine @leatamae

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CANADA

/ GO SLOW

“The birth experience in Canada seems to be just something that women ‘do’," explains Kristin Haines of leather company, Luna Goods. "Sadly, it seems that there’s little to no acknowledgement about what women go through to grow, protect and birth a child. I know a mother who went to the mall the day after giving birth, and another whose partner went on a work trip three days postpartum. Birth can be traumatic, and magical, and painful. There is so much healing that needs to be done; so much care the new mother needs. By far my best birth experience was my latest one, when I recognised the need to slow down and accept support. Midwives here give good advice – such as advising rest as well as breast massages and lengthy warm showers. My

Asabea Britton @asabea

renatal and postpartum maternal health is critical to a woman's physical and mental wellbeing. It contributes to her ability to render loving care to her newborn child at birth and in the years thereafter. Yet more often than not, the focus of pregnancy is new baby health and care, forgetting the importance of care for the mother. Society tells us to focus on the health of the baby, to get back to work as soon as possible, to bounce back to our pre-baby body, and to juggle everything with a smile on our face. However, if a new mother is not given priority in her physical health and mental wellbeing during the changes and challenges taking place, the negative effects can last for years. Here we explore the different ways in which we can take care of mothers, by opening our eyes to the various traditions, rituals, and standards of care in countries and cultures around the world. I set about creating this resource to give women the information and tools they need to support themselves in the transition to motherhood. By learning how other cultures support the mother, learning practical knowledge and advice from experts and cultural specialists, demystifying the latest research on maternal health, connecting with women around the world – and ultimately gaining insights from country to country so mums-to-be will feel heard, supported and empowered as they embark on their journey into parenthood.

advice to mothers is to trust yourself. You’re the best mother for your child, and it’s also okay to not be at your best all the time.”

SWEDEN / SHARED PARENTING

With over 480 days of paid family leave for both parents and three months of parental leave reserved solely for the father/partner, Sweden is renowned for having one of the best family leave policies in the world. Asabea Britton, a midwife and mother of two, said that if the world could learn one thing from Sweden, “It would be to not make parents have to choose between having a career and being there during your child's first few years of life, and actively include fathers/partners in parenthood.” Dr Charlotte Evlander, PhD, a care developer, midwife, and mother of four based in Stockholm, explains that it’s important to share equal (as possible) leave and responsibilities from the very beginning because that sets the standard for the rest of your parental life. “Something that we in the Labour & Delivery Unit at BB Stockholm try to signal intentionally from the beginning is that the father or partner’s role in everything is very important. Once a baby is born, we as professionals don’t take care of the baby at all. The baby stays with the parents the entire time, and we give the baby to the father/partner as much as we give the baby to the mother. We don’t allow the grandmothers to be in the Labour and Delivery unit or in aftercare, because by only allowing the father or partner there after the birth, we’re signalling that it’s the parents and newborn baby as a unit. It’s all of these

small things that make the family leave policy what it is today.” At BB Stockholm delivery ward, they are intentional about fostering conversations with new parents on how responsibilities are to be shared at home. Dr Evlander says, “We need to demand and expect more help from our own partners, because if we question the system as a group, we allow ourselves options and choices.”

BELGIUM / PHYSIOTHERAPY

Mother of two Virginie Vanderheyden says physiotherapy contributed to her preparation for and recovery from birth. Prescribed by a general practitioner or OBGYN during pregnancy, physiotherapy is a part of routine perinatal care in Belgium, regardless of whether a woman is experiencing pain or injuries. When integrated into a woman’s pregnancy and postpartum journey, research has demonstrated that physiotherapy helps not just with physical wellbeing, but also improves a mother’s mental health. Women are offered nine sessions of physiotherapy through the basic insurance system to use in pregnancy and postpartum. Hajni Erdélyi, a physiotherapist located in Brussels, specialises in perinatal physical therapy and pelvic health, and says that the most important period for the body is the first six weeks following birth. If you don’t know how to protect yourself and your body, it can be detrimental to your physical health and recovery. The first six weeks postpartum is when women should be working on regeneration through physiotherapy. Pregnancy BUMP & baby

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Lakshya @lakshyayoga Line Charles @linesirla

“In India, women are advised after birth to have warming foods and a lot of ghee to cleanse the uterus.”

UNITED KINGDOM Line Charles was born and raised in Oslo, Norway, with the exception of living in Thailand for a year with her mother’s family at the age of five. She moved to London in 2015 and lives there with her wife, two sons, and dog. Finishing her law degree during postpartum after the birth of her first son, Line shares her experiences transitioning to motherhood after her first and second births in the United Kingdom and the identity shift into motherhood that is universally experienced by mothers. Line says, “After the birth of my first son, I was still holding on to the idea of the old me, and at the same time figuring out this whole new identity of being a mother, which often let me feeling quite hopeless, lost, and as if I couldn’t exist as I used to in this life I’d now created for myself – rather than knowing that I can beautifully exist in several forms at the same time and not have to conform to one idea. I wish someone had told me that it can take years to heal and build your new sense of self. My wish is for mothers to embrace it all. It took me almost three years to feel somewhat whole again mentally, physically, and spiritually, and looking back now, I realised I’ve changed for the better in times I thought I’d failed myself or others. It was all growth!” Leata-mae D’avoine, a doula in the UK, says that navigating the identity shift is one of the most common difficult transitions to face once entering or reentering parenthood. “Firstly, allow yourself to mourn your old life, your old freedoms and normals. It’s okay to miss the things that you maybe don’t have the time or energy to do right now. Not every part of parenthood has to be enjoyed and that doesn’t make you a bad parent, it makes you human.”

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INDIA

/ THE VILLAGE

Prenatal yoga instructor Layksha is raising her daughter with her Indian husband in Mumbai, and provides insights into Indian traditions and culture during the beautiful transition to motherhood. Layksha says if the world could learn one thing from India, it would be support for the new mother. “If there’s one thing that Indians thrive at, it’s family and support. They say it takes a village to raise a child, and in India, you would find this to be true. Families will go above and beyond to care for the new mother and her baby in every way possible: Cooking for them, creating healing concoctions, bathing and massaging the baby and mother and, most of all, just being there for them through thick and thin.” In India, postpartum nutrition to support recovery and milk production is a top priority. Women are advised after birth to have warming foods and a lot of ghee to help cleanse the uterus and give strength to the bones. During postpartum, new mothers also drink a concoction made out of different herbs, ghee (clarified butter), and

jaggery (unprocessed sugar). It’s said that jaggery helps to cleanse the uterus, and ghee gives you back your strength. It’s also custom to make a powder with different kinds of nuts, tree bark, gums and spices, to help with milk production. Leila Armour, creator of Village for Mama, a postpartum recipe book with recipe gift cards to help organise homemade meal-giving for the fourth trimester, states that in the early days following birth, warm, soft, and easy-to-digest food is really important. Leila explains that a nourishing postpartum diet not only promotes healing after birth, but can also provide the energy a new mama needs, help rebalance hormones and support her breastfeeding journey. There are several nutritional deficiencies that can be linked to postpartum depression including omega 3s, both DHA and EPA, Vitamin D,iron, and vitamin B12. A well-balanced, nourishing diet will also help maintain blood sugar levels and balance hormones, both of which can heavily impact a mother’s emotional and mental wellbeing.

join the movement

To read the full maternal inter views and expert step-by-step guides, and to share your own experiences of motherhood, visit atlasofmotherhood.co and follow along on social @theatlasofmotherhood

PHOTOGRAPHY: TRINA CARY PHOTOGRAPHY (TRINACARYPHOTOGRAPHY.COM)

/ SENSE OF SELF

Supporting you through breastfeeding As natural and wonderful as breastfeeding can be, we all know that it can sometimes come with challenges. Lansinoh has been supporting breastfeeding mums for over 30 years and our aim is to help you through the challenges, should any arise, so you can continue breastfeeding for as long as you like. Below we look at some common issues that can crop up and ways of managing them. It is very possible to breastfeed without experiencing any issues, but if you do, it’s good to know help is at hand! ®

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It can be a bit shocking to new mums to learn that the recommended way to administer cold therapy used to be a bag of peas or a frozen nappy in the bra! Thankfully, now there is Lansinoh Thera°Pearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy.

Cracked nipples are one of the most common challenges of breastfeeding and often indicate a problem with the way the baby has latched onto the breast. Speaking to a lactation consultant or breastfeeding counsellor can help you sort out the issue. In the meantime, Lansinoh HPA Lanolin will soothe the nipple, and is clinically proven to support the healing process. The ultra-pure lanolin penetrates deeply to restore and maintain the moisture content essential for healthy, supple skin. The lanolin is so pure that there is no need to remove before breastfeeding. Lansinoh HPA Lanolin is all natural, contains no additives or preservatives and is hypoallergenic.

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For more information about breastfeeding, visit: www.lansinoh.com.au

@lansinohaustralia

Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional. Wilson Consumer Products, Auckland TAPS NA 9925

Lansinoh Thera°Pearl reusable packs can be used either warm or cold, depending on your needs. Engorgement is when the breasts feel hard, swollen and tender. This can be relieved by emptying your breasts by feeding your baby or expressing your milk and using cold therapy. Cold therapy can help to soothe the pain and swelling associated with engorgement. Similarly, cold therapy can help provide soothing relief for the symptoms of mastitis (which is an inflammation of the breast and sometimes even an infection). If you believe you have mastitis, it is important to see your doctor straight away. Lansinoh Thera°Pearl’s unique design conforms to your breast to provide 360° relief. Lansinoh Thera°Pearl can also be used warm on the breast before a feed to encourage let-down (the reflex that makes your milk available to the baby). When used warm with a breast pump, Lansinoh Thera°Pearl can help reduce the time spent expressing. ® ® Lansinoh availablein Lansinoh isisavailable in pharmacies selected pharmacies and nationwide supermarkets nationwide

Milk maid made!

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THANKS TO KETIA, PHOTOGRAPHED BY CATHERINESMITHPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

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While breastfeeding is natural, it doesn’t always come naturally, which is why preparation can help, explains Lucia from BreastfeedingNZ.

newborn+postpartum

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LET'S TALK

he more you prepare for breastfeeding during pregnancy, the smoother your journey may be. Keep in mind that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. We’re all different, as are our babies, and breastfeeding may not be a straightforward experience. Your journey may have ups and downs, trials and errors, but you and pēpi will grow and learn together. Breast milk is the perfect food for your baby. It is all pēpi needs to eat and drink for about the first six months. It’s tailored to help protect your little one against colds, tummy bugs, infections, and allergies, and breastfeeding helps your baby to feel safe and secure. Breastfeeding is natural, but it doesn’t come naturally! You will need to learn the techniques. And this is where the information here can really help, so that you know what to expect before pēpi arrives.

HOW DO WE MAKE MILK?

Your baby helps you make milk by suckling and removing milk from your breast. Their suckling releases hormones (prolactin and oxytocin) in your body that cause your breasts to make and release milk. When milk is released, it is called the let-down reflex. This let-down reflex can also be triggered by your baby’s cry and touch. Some people experience let-down just by looking at or thinking about their baby!

Mum tip

“You and baby are both new to this and learning. Take your time, relax, and don’t overthink. Ask as many questions as you can of the midwives and/or lactation consultant at the hospital, and don’t leave until you’re confident in breastfeeding. I was nervous when I left the hospital as I was overwhelme, but my partner helped me and I was more relaxed, so the baby would latch and we got a good rhythm.”

ABOUT COLOSTRUM

Good news: Your body knows what it has to do! It can be tricky, but try to trust it. You should automatically start making colostrum about halfway through your pregnancy. Colostrum, also called “the first milk”, is yellow in colour, thick, and sticky, and has great qualities in protecting pēpē from infections. Some people leak or can express tiny amounts of colostrum during pregnancy, but many do not. Don’t worry; this is not a sign of low milk supply! Your midwife may recommend expressing colostrum antenatally (during pregnancy). This may be because: • You have diabetes in pregnancy (pre-existing or gestational) • You are having an elective Caesarean section • You have had breast surgery (including breast reduction) • Your baby is diagnosed with cleft lip and/or palate and other congenital abnormalities • Your baby has intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR/SGA) or is Large for Gestational Age (LGA) Antenatal expression of colostrum is done by hand-expressing colostrum starting at 36-40 weeks. After colostrum is collected, it should be frozen to be used to feed the baby, if required, after birth. Antenatal expression is not recommended for some people; it is important to talk to your midwife about possible risks and benefits before attempting antenatal expression.

Mum tip

“If you are able to express colostrum before the birth of your baby, that's great! There's actually storage pouches you can buy. Colostrum is worth its weight in gold."

PREPARE YOUR ENVIRONMENT

On average, mamas breastfeed their newborn eight to twelve times a day, 20- 30 minutes per session. This is at least four hours per day dedicated to breastfeeding. In such circumstances, it is important that your “work station” is as comfortable as possible for yourself and your little one. Consider a space or spaces in your home with good

• Chat with your whānau. Can any family members or friends share their experiences? Visit breastfeeding friends or relatives, spend time with them, and watch them breastfeed. • Talk to your midwife. Discuss with her what breastfeeding means, what are the possible challenges, and ways to overcome them. • Join an antenatal breastfeeding class. There are many free programmes available. • Follow BreastfeedingNZ on Facebook. The community of mamas is amazing! You can ask all your questions, and receive support from the lactation experts and the community. You’ll also find lots of tips and encouragement from other parents. • Contact La Leche League. They are a team of mothers who have successfully breastfed, and they volunteer their time to support other families meet their breastfeeding goals. • Check out infantfeedingsupport. org.nz for breastfeeding support services including classes, community support, peer support, lactation consultants, online forum, and much more!

back and arm support, with shelves or small tables nearby to have water, snacks, books, magazines, mobile phone, remote, with nice views and/or close to the TV. A rocking chair may be a good investment, particularly for unsettled nights. As the baby grows and you both feel more confident, you might even be able to wear the baby in a sling and breastfeed while walking around and multi-tasking. Pregnancy BUMP & baby

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IS BREA STFEEDING PAINFUL?

THINGS TO REMEMBER BEFORE BABY ARRIVES • Make sure you have a Lead Maternity Carer (LMC) (midwife, obstetrician, or GP) who really supports you and your decisions to breastfeed. If you’re not happy, you can change your LMC. • It helps to remember that newborn babies’ tummies are tiny (like the size of a marble). They only need very small amounts of colostrum for the first 48 hours. Talk to your LMC if you are worried. • It is normal for your baby to feed more often during hungry times and growth spurts (often around 2, 4, 6, and 12 weeks). • The more milk baby takes, the more milk you make. And it can be hard, especially at the beginning, but try to respond to your baby’s feeding cues rather than feeding by the clock. • Surrounding yourself with other women who are breastfeeding can be the best support network. • There are many free support services available near you and online. You don’t have to do it alone, Mama!

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Mum tip

Breastfeeding is not supposed to be painful. At the beginning, particularly when the milk comes in, you may experience tender nipples. A good nipple cream will help. If pain persists, have it checked, because it is usually a sign of a problem. In fact, breastfeeding is supposed to be an enjoyable experience for mums, because it releases oxytocin, “the love hormone”, into our brains, arousing intense feelings of love, wellness, and calm.

“Express colostrum under the guidance of your midwife (this helped my confidence immensely). Keep a station set up with a drink bottle, snack, and phone charger because it’s so frustrating sitting down then realising you forgot something. It can go pear-shaped at any time so don’t be afraid to ask for help – we needed a lactation consultant at birth, 3 months, and 6.5 months (so far).”

THE FIRST FEED

After you give birth, your midwife should be able to place pēpi on you. Skin-to-skin is extremely valuable for bonding with your baby. It is a beautiful bonding experience, where the baby feels the warmth and rhythm of your body, recognises your voice, and should start to push upwards towards your breast. Trust your body and your baby. Your midwife will be there to guide your movements, and to make sure that baby latches well to the breast. If you are not able to have a baby placed on you after birth (for example, recovery from C-section), skin-to-skin should be performed with the other parent or whānau. Colostrum is the baby’s first food, until milk, thinner and whiter and more abundant, “comes in”. Usually milk “comes in” in 2-3 days, but it can take longer, and the wait can be frustrating for both mother and baby. Cluster feeding, expressing, using the expressed colostrum, and support from those around you can save your sanity.

Mum tip

“It took about five days for my milk to come in. What helped me was lots of patience and caring nurses, good food, and plenty of water. We had to work with the baby as best as we could. It also helped understanding that our bodies are amazing and are designed to breastfeed. I have been breastfeeding for 11 months now, and every month it gets easier and easier.”

When the milk is “coming in”, your breasts are engorged and they may feel rock-hard and painfully full. This sensation should only last a day or two; seek support if it persists. If the baby finds it difficult to latch on a toofull breast, you can help by hand-expressing a little bit. Try to allow the baby enough time to breastfeed, to empty the breast. The next phase is called “supply and demand”. Your body will work to replace what your baby or a pump takes out. The more you breastfeed and express, the more milk you’ll produce. If you feel that the baby has not had enough milk, it is better to offer the breast often. This will tell your body to produce more milk. If you give a baby a bottle of formula, your body won’t receive the signal that more milk is needed, and you might start to produce less milk. Expressing might be helpful in this case to keep your supply up. If you’re not sure, remember to seek support. You don’t have to do this alone. It is normal to have questions and doubts, especially in the early stage of breastfeeding.

HELP IS AT HAND

Mum tip

“It sounds weird, but ask friends or family who are breastfeeding if you can watch a few feeds. When I started, I had never seen someone breastfeed up-close and it was so foreign to me.”

For more advice on breastfeeding, see our Recommended Support Services information on page 127.

New Zealand

You’re not alone Māmā! Join us on Facebook to connect with an empowering community and receive free support from our lactation experts.

JOIN US

advertorial

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Got milk? The mum behind the little capsule giving big lactation support.

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+ anxiety support

Milk Maker also contains Shatavari, a herb to help combat stress and overwhelm.

gastrointestinal comfort. Fenugreek is slightly bitter, so popping one capsule a day rather than drinking it in powder form means women aren’t put off by the taste and we don’t have to add any unnecessary sweeteners.” The women who trialled Milk Maker prior to its launch were impressed, with all bar one enjoying an increase in milk supply, some in as little as four hours. “The physical success of the product was everything we’d hoped for,” Jules acknowledges. “But what also hit home was the emotional support the product gave to mums – because not having enough breast milk for your baby can make mums feel like a failure.” Since Jules and her partner Cam welcomed their own baby into the world, they very much relate to the challenges that parents face. Their plan of a water birth for their own little lad changed when specialists decided a Caesarean section

would be the safest option, due to their baby’s size. A 5kg (11.1lb) baby, Lenny, was delivered “out the sunroof”, unfortunately with a broken arm which meant that he was taken away for x-rays immediately. “Lenny’s broken arm definitely made skinto-skin contact, general snuggles, and breastfeeding more difficult, with feeding happening mostly from one side.” After a few weeks of breastfeeding and giving it her all “pumping”, Jules decided that Lenny was feeding better on formula. “Breastfeeding just wasn’t for us. I did have a lactation consultant come over to help us, and that help was wonderful. But I don’t know if many new parents know that kind of support is available. If people feel like there isn’t any support and, in turn, stop breastfeeding sooner than you’d like, the emotional effects can be really damaging.” Jules wants to continue to be a voice for mums struggling with breastfeeding or lactation issues, saying, “Milk Maker is not a solution to all the causes, but rather a helpful option for one of the many speed bumps that women experience postpartum. There’s so much more work we have to do as a country to help parents post-birth in the newborn stage, particularly those who have little support around them.”

THERE ARE A NUMBER OF REASONS WHY A MOTHER'S BREAST MILK SUPPLY MAY BE AFFECTED. THESE INCLUDE: • Infrequent or short feedings • An incomplete latch • Stress

• Some medications, antihistamines, or oral contraceptives • Health conditions

• Premature birth • Previous breast surgery or trauma

STORY BY PAMELA MCINTOSH.

hen Two Islands founder Jules Matthews (pictured right) posted a call-out for people to try her new lactation support product – which at that point was still in its testing stages – she was flooded with responses from mothers who were keen to try it. While the engagement and interest was exciting, it was also tinged with sadness, because it reiterated to Jules just how common milk supply issues are for women in New Zealand – an area of women’s health that was about to become personal, as she was pregnant with her first baby. “I’d heard about friends’ struggles with milk supply when breastfeeding,” says Jules, who, three years ago, launched Two Islands (twoislandsco.com), a supplement company perhaps bestknown for protein and collagen products. “Finding wellbeing solutions or people really fills my cup,” she smiles, “as well as giving me ideas for Two Islands.” It’s no surprise that busy and sleepdeprived mums need convenient and fast-working products that are backed by quality and trust. So Jules and nutritionists Jess Blair and Emily Jensen started formulating. The trio researched therapeutic plant extracts that support healthy breast milk supply, along with ingredient ratios and daily dose requirements for their casually labelled “milk maker”, which eventually became the official product name! “It was always a given that we’d have our formulation in capsule form; I’m all about convenience,” laughs Jules, who has Milk Maker’s ingredients tested and made at a GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) manufacturer in Hamilton. “The main ingredient is fenugreek, one of the most popular herbs used to enhance healthy breast milk supply and volume. It's also a digestive aid, supporting

nursery & equipment

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Unimom Minuet LCD Automatic Breast Pump, $315. An innovative, compact design provides powerful, double-expressing performance with a ton of features. unimom.co.nz and bumpandbabymall.co.nz Philips Avent Electric Breast Pump, $349. Boasting a balance of suction and nipple stimulation, inspired by the natural way babies drink. philips.co.nz

Haakaa Breast Pumps with Flower Stoppers, from $39.90 each. Made of silicone with a suction base, the flower stopper sits tightly in the neck of your breast pump to stop any accidental spills. haakaa.co.nz and bumpandbabymall.co.nz

PUMP toIT

Browse what's on offer when it comes to breast pumps.

BelleMa Effective Pro Double Breast Pump, $339.95. Unlike other double pumps this pump has two motors – ensuring no suction reduction when double pumping. morethanmilk.co.nz and bumpandbabymall.co.nz

Tommee Tippee Manual Pump Breast Feeding Kit, $79. With a shape designed for women's hands and a soft and gentle silicon cone, this pump is compact enough to take anywhere. tommeetippee.co.nz

Medela Freestyle Flex™ 2-Phase Double Electric Breast Pump, $699. A light, compact design and USB-chargeable battery give you the flexibility to express wherever and whenever you like, with no compromise on pumping performance. medela.co.nz

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The The Medela Medela Flex™ Flex™ breast breast pump pump range range The TheMedela MedelaFlex™ Flex™breast breastpump pumprange range

Shaped Shaped around around you. you. Shaped Shaped around around you. you. Your Your experience experience of of motherhood motherhood is as is as unique unique asas you you are. are.

Your Your experience experience ofofmotherhood motherhood isisasrange asunique unique asas you you are. are. That’s That’s why why thethe Medela Medela breast breast pump pump range with with new new Flex Flex Technology™ Technology™ That’s why whyto the the Medela Medela breast breast pump pump range range with with new new Flex Flex Technology™ Technology™ isThat’s designed is designed to suite suite your your breast breast shape, shape, giving giving you you more more comfort comfort and and is is designed designed to to suite suite your your breast breast shape, shape, giving giving you you more more comfort comfort and and your your baby baby more more milk*. milk*. your yourbaby babymore moremilk*. milk*. *compared *compared to pumping to pumping withwith traditional traditional breast breast shields shields *compared *compared toto pumping pumping with with traditional traditional breast breast shields shields

newborn+postpartum

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3 4 5

STYLING AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAMELA MCINTOSH

LACTATION

station

Pills and potions to encourage milk production 1. Forever Mum Milk Supply, $48 (60 capsules), forevermum.co.nz 2. Franjo's Kitchen Choc Chip Tanker Topper Biscuits, $19.95, franjoskitchen.com and bumpandbabymall.co.nz 3. Two Islands Milk Maker, $79.95, twoislandsco.com 4. The Milk Collective Lactation Blend, $57, themilkcollective.co.nz 5. Eu Natural Nourish Milk Supply Lactation Support, $39.95; eunatural.co.nz 6. QBaby Lactation Drops, $45, qbaby.co.nz and bumpandbabymall.co.nz 7. Lorna Jane Nursing Bra in Pale Violet, $82.99, lornajane.nz 8. Lansinoh Therapearl 3 in 1 Breast Therapy, $34.99, lansinoh.com • Styled with Snuggle Hunny Organic Muslin Wrap in Dusk Purple, $49 and Fabelab Washcloths (two shown part of a three-pack), $34.50, littlewhimsy.co.nz.

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All about f lat head

lat head syndrome, or positional plagiocephaly, occurs when the baby’s soft skull can mould and cause a flat spot at the back of the head, or a bulge at the forehead. This is due to gradual pressure on the back of the head from the baby lying on that spot as the head grows rapidly. Plagiocephaly is surprisingly common, affecting 47 percent of infants at 7-12 weeks and 50 percent at six months old. In severe cases, the baby may be prescribed an orthotic helmet; but this is controversial and parents have reported problems such as child stress and high costs. In 2014, a randomised controlled trial discouraged the use of helmets, but the same year a study reported successful improvement in asymmetry with helmet therapy. Studies have shown three-year-olds with plagiocephaly had statistically significant delays in cognitive, language, and adaptive behaviours. Another study of three- to fiveyear-old children found postural changes and poor balance compared to children without flat head syndrome. A systematic review (published on pubmed.gov) of flat head syndrome and developmental delay concluded flat head may be a marker of developmental needs requiring early intervention.

HOW DO WE SUPPORT THE NECK AND PREVENT FLAT HEAD?

Tummy time can get a baby off the back of their head where flatness can occur and leads to strengthening of the extensors (straightening muscles) in the back of the neck, which hold the head up when babies are on their stomachs. But research has found tummy time

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alone is not enough to prevent flat heads. In addition to tummy time, parents should encourage “face time” (no, not the social media kind) to strengthen the muscles at the front of the neck to enable the baby to move their head while on their back. Face time is challenging for the baby as it requires the flexor (curling up) muscles to coordinate the head to lift it forward towards you, and against gravity. Face time can be done when the baby is awake by supporting them in front of you face-to-face and engaging them with direct eye contact. If they are happy and settled, they will follow your eyes to the side and, if you keep eye contact, turn their head to see you. Even newborns will be able to move their heads from side to side to keep your eye contact. Previous studies have shown reduced plagiocephaly rates when parents prepared the environment to allow free and spontaneous movement (such as placing the baby on a mat when they’re awake), when infants spent less time in carriers, and when parents were aware of the infant’s head position. This research adds specific advice for active head movement that can become part of daily activities. Both tummy time and face time can be started from birth. Tummy time can be face time as well if you lie down with your baby on your stomach. When your baby can hold their head up themselves in tummy time, they can go on a mat with some toys for short sessions. If your little one is upset when you try tummy time, get down and play with them to see if they settle; otherwise, you need to pick a better time when they are active and awake.

THIS ARTICLE IS REPUBLISHED FROM THE CONVERSATION (THECONVERSATION.COM) UNDER A CREATIVE COMMONS LICENSE.

Your infant’s precious little head can change shape once earthside. Flat head is common; let’s take a look at why it happens and some fun activities for good form.

newborn+postpartum

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PLAGIOCEPHALY side

top

BRACHYCEPHALY side

top

MOST COMMON side

top

What parents should know

It’s important to follow safe sleeping advice, which specifies a baby should sleep on their back. Along with this, parents should interact with their baby as in the above illustrations and know: • Even newborn babies can move their head to each side by following their parents’ eye contact or their voice, and they should be encouraged to do so. • Babies need both tummy time and face time when they are awake and happy. • Baby’s head should be supported until they can hold it themselves. The best way to encourage babies to be more active is to play with them, engage face-to-face with eye contact, smiles, and talking from birth. Pregnancy BUMP & baby

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SAFE SLEEP

IDEAS FOR PLAY AND TUMMY TIME From healthinfo.org.nz PLAY TIME

• Always supervise your baby when they’re having floor time. • When your baby is awake, place them on their back with a rolled-up towel under their preferred side. Put their toys on their non-preferred side. This will help to keep the pressure off the flattened area. • Sit or lie on the floor next to your baby, alternating the side you’re on, or staying on their non-preferred side if they have one. • When your baby is lying on the floor, place them in the room so they’re looking towards the light or where the action is. • Place your baby on their side, with a rolled-up towel behind them to keep them in position. This helps to keep their neck in a neutral position and keeps the weight off the back of their head.

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It’s important to ensure your baby is safe while sleeping. To avoid SUDI (Sudden Unexplained Death in Infancy), your baby should always sleep on their back, with no pillows or anything in their sleep space that can flex the neck and block the airway. TUMMY TIME

• Place your baby on a firm surface, allowing free breathing. • You can do tummy time in a variety of ways; for example, on a parent’s chest, over a wedge, over a cushion, over a rolledup towel, or over an adult’s legs. • Put toys on both sides of their face to encourage them to turn their head (or just on the opposite side to the flattened area if there is one). • Interact with your baby from both sides (or just on the opposite side to the flattened area, if there is one). • Your baby may not tolerate long times on their tummy to start with. Build up the time with short, frequent periods of practice throughout the day; for example, after each nappy change. • Start with just a minute or two and gradually increase to as much time as your baby can manage. • Take breaks when your baby shows signs of tiredness, for example grizzling, grunting and so on, but before they start crying. • Aim for at least 30 minutes a day. This can be over several short periods throughout the day.

OTHER

• Limit the time in car seats, prams, strollers, and so on. Take your baby out of the equipment when it isn’t needed. • Don’t overuse jumpers or exersaucers, especially for young babies. Time on the floor is much more important for developing movement skills and strength. If you have any questions or concerns, contact your GP, LMC, or Plunket nurse.

just a heads up

Babymoov Lovenest Baby Pillow, $38, from hellobabydirect. com/nz Developed by a French paediatrician, this pillow gives an even distribution of pressure over the infant's skull. *Use only while awake and supervised. Tummy Time Traveler Sensory Mat, $65.50, from tinyfox.co.nz A comfy space for your baby to wiggle, kick, and explore, and the prop pillow makes tummy time a more comfortable experience as your little one flexes their developing muscles. Easy to roll-up and take anywhere.

Baby First Infant Head Support, $35, from babycity.co.nz Cradles your baby’s head while bringing comfort and encouraging healthy skull development and shape. Made with memory foam encased in an ultra-soft, knitted fabric pillowcase to soothe your child and promote maximum hygiene. *Use only while awake and supervised.

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period

The first post-birth Nine months without a visit from Aunt Flo is enough time to all but forget about menstruation – until we meet again...

hile feeding, sleeping (or lack of) and body changes are hot topics at your mums 'n bubs catch up, what about postpartum periods? Yes, that nine-month period vacation sadly does come to an end. Susan Johns, mother of four, dietitian and operations manager at Lunette New Zealand (lunette.co.nz) explains more about postpartum bleeding and sustainable sanitary options.

WHAT IS POSTPARTUM BLEEDING AND WHAT SHOULD I USE?

After your baby is born, the placenta detaches from the uterine wall and is also ‘born’ – commonly referred to as the afterbirth. Bleeding after your baby’s birth is normal and comes from tiny open blood vessels that are left in the uterus when the placenta comes away. Postpartum bleeding can include blood, mucus, parts of the uterine wall and blood clots. The volume and length will vary from woman to woman, however it is important to note that this is not a period. It is best to view it as a wound that is healing. At this stage, it is not recommended to use any internal period products – such as a tampon, sea sponge or menstrual cup – due to the risk of any infection that could enter the bloodstream. Bleeding can be managed well with disposable pads, reusable cloth pads or period underwear. Bleeding can be quite heavy in the first few days, particularly during breastfeeding when your uterus contracts. Change your chosen sanitary support often. You may need to use disposable pads or cloth pads with a light top cover to allow you and your

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midwife to monitor bleeding. For all of my four children the postpartum bleeding lasted between two and three weeks, and I had some spotting straight after a long breastfeed for around four weeks. Note: If blood is coming out as clots or if the bleeding is still very heavy at two weeks or continues beyond four weeks, talk to your health professional as it is possible that not all of the placenta has come away (retained placenta), and the body may need help to remove this.

WHEN WILL I GET MY FIRST PERIOD AFTER HAVING A BABY?

If you are not breastfeeding your first period can return between six to eight weeks after giving birth. For those breastfeeding, the first period can be delayed, A period that is likened to what you experienced before pregnancy often returns when bub starts on solids (often at around six months old). Remember though, that you will ovulate ten days before your first period returns, and you will not know when this is happening. If you are not wanting to become pregnant at this time, it is important to use contraception. Don’t assume that you can’t fall pregnant when breastfeeding.

WILL A TAMPON OR MENSTRUAL CUP FEEL DIFFERENT AFTER A VAGINAL BIRTH?

Pregnancy changes a few things down there, so firstly take into account your new cervix position and your new flow volume postchildbirth. Luckily tampons and silicone period cups come in different sizes and strenghts, so there will be a size suitable for your body.

consider a cup

Many people are hesitant to try a new thing, however Lunette Menstrual Cups have been around for more than 15 years and are the pioneer brand with many happy people making the switch. For new mums it’s not just about saving the planet - but the money savings are a huge benefit as well as the convenience of being able to trust that a cup will control your flow for eight hours. With a little bundle keeping you on your toes, who has time to spend hours in the bathroom changing pads and tampons?

newborn+postpartum

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3 foods for

MENSTRUAL RELIEF ...and they all happen to (coincidently) be shades of red!

Beetroot Beetroot provides vitamins B and C, fibre, potassium, iron, sodium and magnesium. Iron is important during your period, and magnesium can help ease menstrual cramps by relaxing the uterine muscles.

Salmon Salmon contains good fats, vitamin D and Omega 3 fatty acids, which might be useful to fight period cramps. Fatty acids are the precursors of hormones; if your hormone balance is off the charts, take a look at the kind of fats you’re eating on a daily basis.

Pomegranate Rich in antioxidants including vitamin C. Antioxidants protect cells from oxidative stress and are believed to be good for a healthy heart. Vitamin C boosts absorption of iron.

TABOO-CRUSHING T-SHIRT, $35, LUNETTE.CO.NZ

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Weleda Baby Teething and Colic Powders are made in NZ, offering allnatural relief from teething and colic. Find out more at weleda.co.nz Always read the label and use only as directed. Consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist. Weleda NZ, Havelock North. TAPS MR7437.

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helpful resources

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Birthing ba g

It’s a good idea to pack a bag in case of an emergency – or simply to have all the essentials together in one place when you give birth. MUM

Books/magazines

HOME COMFORTS

Pyjamas or night shirt, preferably one that buttons up in front (at least 2 pairs)

Cash/credit cards/wallet

Take your own pillow and pillowcase to the hospital or your birthing centre. It’ll bring you comfort and might even make it easier to drift off to sleep in the minimal moments you’ll get to.

Dressing gown Nursing bras x 3 Bikini/tank top (water birth option) Cotton knickers x 10 Socks Slippers Drink bottle Portable speakers, earpods (hypnobirth, music) Jandals (for the shower) Clothes to wear home (alas, still your pregnancy clothes, because even after the baby’s out, your tummy will be still be swollen) Toiletries (your usual overnight stuff)

A few pairs of big granny undies (high waist) because if you have a C-section you don’t want the elastic to rub the stitches.

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BABY Car capsule or car seat (already installed and ready for the baby) Muslin wraps x 2 Baby bodysuits x 4 Socks/booties x2 Beanie Going home outfit

Breast pads and nipple cream

Nappies and baby wipes

Bottles/formula/steriliser if you plan to bottle feed

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Copy of your birth plan

PARTNER

List of people and numbers to call after birth (store them in your phone)

A change of clothes, toiletries (toothbrush, deodorant), water bottle, some snacks and water, something to read, money for the parking meter (and for the vending machine!). Phone/camera.

Snacks and bottles of water Camera (with extra batteries or charger) Mobile phone and charger

Pregnancy BUMP & baby

REFRESHMENTS If you "run hot", take a mini fan, face cloth or face mist to keep you feeling refreshed during contractions, in labour, and in the days following.

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Blankets x 2

Make-up (to be honest, you probably won’t bother with it, but just in case) Any medications or vitamins you are taking

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Maternity pads (these should be supplied by the hospital, but you’ll feel better knowing you have them available)

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handy tips

Go Mini - Free up room in your bag with miniature toiletries or decanting what you have into smaller containers. Size Up - Don’t assume your little treasure will fit "newborn" baby clothing. If they’re overdue or simply on the larger size, they might already be ready for the next size up! (See the size-guide below).

NEWBORN

0-3 MTHS

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WOMEN’S HEALTH Women’s Health Action womens-health.org.nz

introduction to

ULTRASOUND

National Womens Health nationalwomenshealth.adhb. govt.nz

As explained by midwives.co.nz, an ultrasound scan uses sound waves to create a picture of your baby in the uterus. "Scans" are carried out by trained professionals (sonographers) and the main purpose of a pregnancy ultrasound scan is to check your baby’s anatomy, growth and development – and to check for other things such as the placenta placement.

PREGNANCY Kellymom Parenting & Breastfeeding kellymom.com Pregnancy Health NZ pregnancyhelp.org.nz Pregnancy Counselling Services pregnancycounselling.org.nz GENERAL HEALTH Ministry of Health health.govt.nz Health Navigator healthnavigator.org.nz Healthline 0800 611 116 IMMUNISATION The Immunisation Advisory Centre immune.org.nz MIDWIFERY Find Your Midwife findyourmidwife.co.nz

Support

YOUR RIGHTS Maternity Rights NZ maternity.org.nz PARENTAL LEAVE & BENEFITS New Zealand Government govt.nz/browse/work/ parental-leave/ Work and Income NZ workandincome.govt.nz/ eligibility/children/having-ababy.html DEPRESSION Depression Helpline 0800 111 757 depression.org.nz Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Aotearoa pada.nz Mental Health Foundation mentalhealth.org.nz MISCARRIAGE Sands sands.org.nz Miscarriage Support NZ miscarriagesupport.org.nz

se rvices Skylight NZ skylight.org.nz

CHILD’S HEALTH PlunketLine 0800 933 922 plunket.org.nz

DOULAS New Zealand Doulas nzdoulas.nz Bespoke Births bespokebirths.co.nz

Kids Health kidshealth.org.nz

BREASTFEEDING Women’s Health Action infantfeedingsupport.org.nz

CAR SEAT SAFETY New Zealand Transport Agency nzta.govt.nz

BreastfeedingNZ Facebook page facebook.com/ breastfeedingnz

Sit Tight Education and Training sittight.co.nz

BreastFed NZ breastfednz.co.nz

ANTENATAL CLASSES College of Midwives auckland.midwife.org.nz/ for-birthing-women/antenatalclasses/ Nest Parenting & Education nestpregnancyandparenting. co.nz

LaLeche League lalecheleague.org.nz/ get-help ULTRASOUND SUPPORT SERVICES Ministry of Health health.govt.nz/publication/ new-zealand-obstetricultrasound-guidelines

Each pregnancy is different, and depending on your own personal circumstances you may have additional tests and scans, however Wellington Ultrasound list these as the four most common scans for New Zealand mums-to-be: FIRST TRIMESTER SCREENING OR NUCHAL TRANSLUCENCY (NT) WHEN 11-13 weeks WHAT Nuchal translucency is a measurement of fluid behind a baby’s neck. It’s a non-invasive screening tool to see how likely it is that your unborn baby could have a chromosomal abnormality. ANATOMY SCAN WHEN 19-21 Weeks WHAT A thorough check of your little one’s anatomy and growth/development. Some birth defects cannot be diagnosed early in pregnancy, but most can be picked up at this scan. Fortunately, these defects are rare.

GROWTH SCAN WHEN Closer to your baby's due date WHY To track your baby’s growth to ensure that the baby is born at the optimum time for their wellbeing. The placental function, placement and the level of amniotic fluid - among other things - are checked at this time.

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helpful resources

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A new

language

A super-quick lesson in pregnancy lingo. You’re welcome!

amniotic fluid – the liquid that surrounds a baby in the uterus (commontly called "waters") amniotic sac – the sac that surrounds the baby, inside your uterus anaesthetic – an administered drug that gives total or partial loss of sensation of a part or the whole of the body anaesthetist – a doctor who specialises in giving the anaesthetic to a patient antenatal – meaning "before birth" (also called "prenatal" and "antepartum") APGAR score – a test given one minute after a baby is born, then again five minutes later, that assesses a baby’s appearance, pulse, grimace (reflex), activity (muscle tone) and respiration. A perfect APGAR score is 10; typical Apgar scores are seven, eight or nine. A score lower than seven means that the baby might need help breathing birth canal – the cervix and the vagina. the route that the baby travels through to be born birth plan – a written document describing a woman’s preferences for her care during labour and birth Braxton Hicks contractions – a tightening of the uterus that feels like a labour contraction. Braxton Hicks contractions are not painful and do not get stronger and closer together like true contractions

breaking of water – when a healthcare practitioner bursts the sac holding the amniotic fluid using an instrument with a pointy tip. Often used to speed up a labour that has slowed breech – when the baby is positioned inside the uterus with its bottom or feet down (instead of its head) caesarean section – a surgical procedure where a baby is delivered through a cut in the abdomen and uterus (also called C-section) cervix – the narrow, lower end of the uterus that softens during labour to allow the baby to come out contraction – strong and often painful tightening of the uterus, indicating that the cervix is dilating as well as helping the baby make its way out crowning – a point in labour when the baby’s head has reached the external vaginal opening and can be seen from the outside dilation – the opening of the cervix, usually measured in diameter from 1 to 10 centimeters embryo – a fertilised egg from the time of conception until week eight of pregnancy epidural – an anaesthetic that can be used in labour where drugs are used to numb the lower half of the body for birth pain relief first-degree tear – a tear involving only the perineal skin (adjacent to the vaginal opening) that occurs at the time of delivery

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first trimester – weeks one to 14 of pregnancy fontanelles – soft spots on a baby’s head that allow its skull to compress during birth so it can pass through the birth canal forceps – instruments shaped like a large tong that is placed around the baby’s head to encourage the baby through the birth canal during childbirth full term – 37 to 42 weeks gestation/ pregnant gestation – the length of time that a baby is in the uterus home birth – labour and birth that takes place in someone's home, under the supervision of a midwife induced – when a professional tries to artificially ‘kick-start’ a woman’s labour jaundice – when a baby's skin and the whites of their eyes appear yellowish, caused by an excess of a chemical called bilirubin in the blood labour – the process a woman’s body goes through when her baby is born lactation consultant – a professional trained to give advice and support about breastfeeding and breastmilk meconium – a black tar-like substance. Baby's first poo midwife – someone who has been specially-trained to care for women physically and mentally during pregnancy, labour, birth and the postpartum period

Nappy You’ll be changing up to 10 nappies a day in the first month, so it pays to get down with the vocab. morning sickness – nausea, vomiting and aversions to certain foods and smells. Symptoms are not restricted to morning only. See page 22 multiple pregnancy – when a woman is carrying more than one baby Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) – an area in hospitals for babies who need high-level medical care post-birth obstetrician – a specialist doctor who has training in pregnancy and childbirth paediatrician – a specialist doctor who has undertaken training in treating children perineum – the area of skin between the anus and vagina placenta – an organ that connects to the wall of the uterus and nourishes the baby during pregnancy, through the umbilical cord postnatal – after the baby is born premature – when a baby is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy

CLOTH NAPPY Often made of cotton or bamboo, cloth nappies are reusable fabric nappies. See page 76. DISPOSABLE NAPPY A one-use nappy that is thrown out after use. Compostable options available. See page 76. NAPPY BIN This can be a simple lidded bucket, a pedal-bin with a lid, or even nappy disposal systems where you open a lid, put the dirty nappy in, and turn the top to seal the nappy tidily into its own nappy bag. BABY WIPES You can make your own reusable wipes from terry cloth, or purchase disposable

chat

baby wipes which are scented or unscented, in travel packs or in big bulk packs you can put into refillable containers. BARRIER CREAM AND NAPPY RASH PRODUCTS Powders, lotions, and creams to help treat and prevent nappy rash and chafing of delicate bottoms and legs. See page 79. SWIM NAPPY Nappies that can be worn in the swimming pool or at the beach, which hold in poo but allow wee to soak through (regular nappies can’t be worn in water because their absorbency would make them too heavy and bulky). NAPPY BAG Totes and backpacks, some with special adapters to hang on the pram, with lots of convenient pockets to hold nappies and

supplies for when you’re out and about. CHANGE MAT Disposable, wipeable, or even washable, these are great for nappy changes on the go, for travelling, and for public restrooms. CHANGE TABLE Special waist-height furniture that makes changing your baby’s nappy more convenient and saves you bending over and straining your back. Caution: Never leave a baby unattended on a change table. WET BAGS Waterproof fabric bags to hold dirty clothing, swimwear or used cloth nappies. NAPPY WALLET Compact bags to hold one or two nappies and a travel pack of wipes, these are great to pop into your handbag or keep in the car.

second trimester – 14 weeks to 26 weeks of pregnancy special care nursery (SCN) – an area in hospital for babies who need special medical care stretch marks – lines or patterns that can appear on the tummy, breasts or legs during pregnancy. This happens because the skin stretches TENS machine – Trans-Electrical Nerve Stimulation, a machine used for pain management during labour third- or fourth-degree tear – a tear of the perineum involving the skin, muscles and anus. Classed as more severe than a first-degree tear

third trimester – From 26 weeks to 40 weeks of pregnancy trimester – a time-span of certain months during pregnancy with different phases of fetal development. See 'first trimester', 'second trimester' and 'third trimester on the previous page/s ultrasound – a scan of the uterus (womb) and baby during pregnancy umbilical cord – a cord-like structure that connects the baby to the placenta, allowing nutrients and oxygen to be carried from the woman to the baby

uterus – a woman’s womb vacuum cap/ventouse – a suction device that can be used during the end of labour to help to pull the baby down the birth canal water birth – when a baby is born submerged in a birthing pool – either at home or at a birthing centre waters – the amniotic fluid that surrounds an unborn baby inside the uterus

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Pregnancy BUMP&baby issue 12

Articles inside

Baby brain...(and no, not the one in "your" head)

What's going on with my skin?Dermal Specialist Lucy Macdougald (biologi.com.au) explains why we can blame hormones for the havoc they play...

Full-term with her third son, our cover māmā Ariel is no stranger to birth, a baby bump – and boys. But how does this pregnancy differ from her previous two?