Shhhhhhhhhh do you want to know a secret? Guest blog by Ann from About Birth and Babies Antenatal Norwich
Shhhh do you want to know a secret? Guest blog by Ann from Birth and Babies Antenatal Norwich - 2015
Guest blog by Ann from Birth and Babies Antenatal Norwich, did you know that if you look on any parenting forum you may find people are asking questions about their baby and sleep. Some have discovered through experimentation that their baby will sleep on his side or tummy – but not for long on his back – and are worried about whether this is ok. Other concerns relate to wind, colic, reflux and head moulding.
Mothers know that newborn babies like to sleep curled up, often in a foetal position, and preferably in someone’s arms or very close to them. The breastfeeding mother knows that her baby sleeps really well next to her in bed, often on his side or back, and she curls around him in a protective C position. Fathers know that their babies sleep really well on their tummies, on his chest.
After 40 years as a mother and grandmother, and 25 years as an antenatal teacher, I have my own thoughts and beliefs about what babies like.
However, it is difficult to express them when current advice on sleep position is completely inflexible. I believe many midwives and health visitors have the same problem, they have clear instruction on what can be said. Please read lullaby for more information.
So, what am I to do when parents ask for my thoughts on the fact that the only sleep they’ve had in the weeks since their baby’s birth, is when they sleep propped up with him on their chests? The obvious suggestion is to try the baby on his side or tummy, in his crib, feet to foot with appropriate bedding. They are already doing something that is NOT recommended, so would these alternatives be any more or less risky?
I find myself hesitant in recommending this, and a Health Visitor almost definitely will not. However, if the parents consult parenting forums they may find a whole bunch of parents are saying “it’s fine actually – that’s what we do – just don’t tell”. Is this satisfactory?
SIDS Risk Factors
There are many risk factors associated with SIDS but we still don’t understand exactly what causes it– sleeping position is the easiest message to give in a catchy phrase, I believe that is what makes it seem to be most important, but in fact, it may not be.
Lots of research (click here for a link ) shows the top of the risk list is exposure to smoking before and/or after birth. Others relate to the baby's general health and well being and the sleeping environment.
Baby’s Sleeping Position
The question parents would like answered is "does the prone (tummy lying) position, in the absence of other risk factors, present such a problem?" It is pretty much impossible to say because we are so entrenched in the “Back to Sleep” philosophy that nobody will discuss this, and because research is often unable to separate out all the above.
A little bit of history
It is difficult to find older baby books which give much guidance on how to lie a baby down. Backs, sides and tummies are all variously recommended for different reasons over the years
From the 1950s, one paragraph in The Care of Young Babies by Dr John Gibbens:
“Warm and snug as he was in the womb, he responds best for the first week or two to the snug fit of swaddling clothes, to being wrapped up cosily in a shawl, and tucked up on his side with his fists clenched and his knees drawn well up.”
From 1968 “The Baby Book”, an early version of the Bounty Book, every other page has an advert for formula milk or bottles and breastfeeding is not promoted.
“Quite a number of babies prefer sleeping on their stomachs, and this position often helps when baby has colic pains. It’s also rather safer than sleeping on the back, because a young baby may vomit and choke on it in that position”.
By 1996 NCT’s Becoming a Family gives the topic only one line but still allows side sleeping:
“Place your baby on her back, or her side, to sleep” but does also say “Don’t smoke near her and don’t let anyone smoke in the house”.
So – hang on a minute – in the 60s breastfeeding was not thought important and formulas were not as well modified as now, and we were advising putting babies on their tummies? Also, many people smoked in the house, polyester bedding and central heating arrived, more premature babies survived; one cannot help wondering whether there was an increase in SIDS at this time and whether the dramatic decline from 1992 was due to multiple changes.
Tracy Hogg (Secrets of the Baby Whisperer) in 2001 was obviously giving a nod to the current “safe sleep” advice; however, her Tip in the sleep chapter says:
“I usually suggest putting a baby down on her back. However, you can also put her to sleep on her side by wedging her with two rolled-up towels . . .” she later adds “If she sleeps on her side, make sure it’s not always the same side”
She doesn’t say why, but I assume this was because babies settle better like this and to avoid plagiocephaly (head moulding) which was becoming a real issue since sleeping on backs was introduced.
Side sleeping has since been ruled out after a study indicated it resulted in more infant deaths, perhaps babies were rolling onto their tummies? Dr Sears discusses this sleep problem, but is still happy to recommend parents are not put off using this position to help babies sleep.
What now?
In the past mothers and fathers probably had more confidence to experiment and find the position in which their baby slept best. When side and tummy positions were allowed they were said to help with ‘3 month colic’ which was considered normal, with advice on winding and gripe water; however we had never heard of reflux or plagiocephaly. (I need another blog for these two!)
Current advice is detailed and specific, meaning that informed decision making is very difficult for parents; because there is no discussion of alternatives. Anecdotal information from other parents contradicts what the health professionals tell us.
So - what are parents to do?
I might just point them to an article I stumbled upon last week and which prompted this blog; it tries to put the risk of prone sleeping into perspective: Sorting out SIDS and sleep position
My comment was that he should have mentioned side sleeping as that is always going to be my position of preference!!
Ann Roberts -from Birth and Babies Antenatal Norwich
www.aboutbirthandbabies.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/aboutbirthandbabies?ref=ts&fref=ts
About Birth & Babies offer antenatal courses in Norfolk and Suffolk at a variety of locations.
Excellent and affordable preparation for giving birth, and feeding and parenting your baby.
Free Early Pregnancy Classes can be attended earlier in your pregnancy.
All venues, formats and prices for courses are on our website.
Actively Pregnant - Norfolk blogger
Actively Pregnant - Norfolk blogger 2015
Guest Blog by LauraJamie chats about being actively pregnant.
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To book a pregnancy shoot contact me via my contact form I'd love to hear from you!
Pregnancy classes in Norfolk for Mums-to-be
Pregnancy classes in Norfolk for Mums-to-be 2014
There is no better time to be pregnant! Norfolk has lots of pregnancy classes on offer, for pregnant Mums-to-be ladies to go along too.
Both times I went to pregnancy yoga with Jackie she now runs Yoga Bumps . It was very relaxing and my 'me' time. Her website lists locations and times, after that you can sign up to Yogabubs too and spend some relaxing time with your baby.
I was helping a friend look at Pregnancy classes in Norfolk for Mums-to-be and here is what we found.
- Babyfit: Pregnancy Aqua Fit held Norwich. I love swimming and wish this class was around when I was pregnant.
- Childbirth Preparation workshops
- other yoga courses which look great are with Bliss Yoga and Sally Yoga. In fact there are quite a few yoga classes available at different locations across Norfolk.
- One-to-One pregnancy Pilates if available from Emma of Stay Active Physiotherapy . Read her guest blog here .
NCT is very good for providing antenatal courses and making friends. They also now run a Bumps and Babes group. They meet on the first and third Friday of every month, 1:30-3pm at Harford Community Centre, Peterkin Road NR4 6LQ.
If you are in the early stages of pregnancy check out All about Birth and Babies FREE antenatal classes for early pregnancy! They run classes for later stages of pregnancy too, these ladies are very knowledgeable and friendly, check out Ann's guest blog here.
If you are interested in using slings the Norwich Sling Library can help! They can provide consultations and also have a group that meets regularly.
When you are a bit further on in pregnancy you may like to sign up to hypo-birthing classes at the Orange Grove Clinic, lots of my clients found these classes great for confidence and making friends.
It is always worth seeing what your local sure start center is doing too!
If you provide any Pregnancy classes in Norfolk for Mums-to-be, or groups not listed please drop me a line, also I will be putting together a list of local classes for once baby is here and as they get older!
Jess x
Why not book a bump shoot to find out how to book in contact me!
Loosing the baby weight - Guest blog
Loosing the baby weight - Guest blogger Anna from Buggy Buddies shares her top tips 2014
Getting pregnant, pregnancy, childbirth and parenting aside, loosing weight is one of biggest challenges we can undertake. The task becomes even trickier while endeavouring to nurture a newborn, keep on top of the washing, the housework and daily chores. It seems that feeding ourselves something remotely healthy and exercising suddenly sinks to the bottom of the priority list and as for drinking the recommended 2 litres of water a day, who needs water – its coffee we want and make it a strong one!
We have all heard the ‘Calories in v Calories out’ theory of losing weight and to a certain extent this is still true. We no longer need the extra calories required during pregnancy unless of course, you are breastfeeding. If you are breastfeeding you do need to consume an extra 300-500 calories to maintain milk supply.
Reducing calories too much will only result in your metabolism plummeting and after a few days of ‘starvation’ your shrinking fat cells will send out chemical messengers which send you rummaging in the cupboards and fridge for piles and piles of naughty foods.
Not all calories are created equal. There are good and bad calories, healthy and unhealthy calories. Choosing the right calories is simply a matter of choice with an added bit of will power.
Top Tips:
1: Reduce simple carbs (ie sweets, chocolate, white pasta, bread, potatoes) replace with complex carbs and protein (sweet potatoes, nuts, lots of leafy green veg). Aim to eat berries as a fruit choice as their energy is released slower.
2: Eat good fats (avocado, olives, oily fish, nuts/seeds, coconut oil, nut butters), reduce bad fats (transfats/margerines, processed foods, hydrogenated oils, veg oil, sunflower oils)
3. Drink water. Bottled is better but realistically who can afford that. Fill a litre bottle and aim to consume that by lunchtime, refill it and drink the next lot by tea time.
4. Eat 5 times a day. Breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner. Aim to get a good portion of lean protein in each meal (fish, chicken, turkey, quorn, tofu, nuts). Try to reduce the carb load at breakfast time – eggs and bacon is a better start than carbohydrate packed cereals/breads.
5. EXERCISE: Try and ‘do a bit’ every day, it will not only help raise the metabolism and burn off the body fat but it will enhance mood, raise energy levels, and boost your self esteem.
6. Wait until 6 weeks post natal or 8 wks if you had a c section, before joining a suitable postnatal exercise class and starting a formal exercise routine. Prior to that build up with steady walking and of course do not neglect the pelvic floor exercises. Ensure your class instructor holds a postnatal exercise certificate, checks your tummy for diastasis recti (gap in the tummy muscles) and asks you relevant health questions including any recent births. All of this is covered in my BuggyBuddy Workout Classes where it is my aim to look after all my mums post natal needs.
7. Plan everything in advance. Plan your meals, your snacks, and your workouts. Write it down, put it in your diary, make if you fail to plan you may as well plan to fail!
8. Try to fit activity into your day – walks with your buggy, digging in the garden, playing footy with your kids etc. Be realistic as to when you can fit in your gym sessions and or classes – not many mums can formerly exercise every day.
9. Recruit an exercise buddy. Committing to exercise with a friend means you’ll be less likely to ‘bail’! I renamed my classes Buggy Buddies as that is exactly what we are ‘exercise buddies with buggies’ – we have a great giggle in classes.
10. The best exercise for you is the one you enjoy the most – as long as it raises your heart rate, makes you hot and sweaty and makes you smile it should do the trick. Aim to start your exercise regime where you left off during pregnancy.
Of course failing all of the above you could employ an experienced Personal trainer who can help you set achievable goals and motivate you towards them.
Anna Jakob
Personal Trainer with over 20 years experience in all areas of Fitness and well being. Since having my little boy 3 ½ years ago and setting up Norwich’s Buggy Buddy Workouts I have developed a strong interest in helping postnatal mums regain and improve their pre pregnancy figures.
My classes are held at Bannatynes Health Club in Thorpe St Andrews on Wednesdays and Fridays at 145-245 and are open to everyone – for more information on these classes or any other personal training info please contact me at buggybuddies@hotmail.com.
Pregnant? Massage can help you and baby
Pregnant? Massage can help you and baby
Are you Pregnant? Massage can help you and baby, Guess Blog by Jan from Motherlylove
Over forty years I have helped thousands of mums and their partners to have a very happy positive childbirth & pregnancy experience. Working in a hospital and in the community and on two continents, I found that the benefits of massage and traditional ways were so beneficial for when you are pregnant & labour. Being a medical person I wanted to know the science behind these techniques for pregnancy & labour, so obtained a BSc.(Hons) complementary therapy/aromatherapy. To share my knowledge as a midwife and aromatherapist, I have created this range of 100% pure natural oils for pregnancy, labour and babies please click here to view my website.
Many Dads-to-be want to be more involved with their partners in pregnancy and birth to give loving encouragement:-
1) Massage is very relaxing and comforting in pregnancy.
2) Using a foot and leg massage can ease many pregnancy discomforts, such as tired overheated feet, leg cramps and promotes sleep in pregnancy when you ease those aches and pains.
3) A hand massage can ease tension after a hectic day carrying heavy bags.
4) A back massage when you are pregnant can help with lower back pain, especially as you advance in pregnancy.
5) From pregnancy to labour massage the benefits are huge, as in labour, massage soothes tired muscles and comforts the emotions when you are coping with pregnancy or labour.
6) When you are less anxious in pregnancy, your stress hormones are reduced and studies have shown that your baby will benefit enormously in their foetal development.
Practising massage in pregnancy is a great help for labour, as you will feel confident to massage your partner in labour. Use a simple hand massage if she has an epidural or caesarean section, as researchers have demonstrated that a hand massage helps for anxiety and pain relief. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15297952)
Importantly, don’t forget that when the baby is born, capture those very precious magical moments of your newborn baby with photographs by a trusted experienced photographer.
By Jan Bastard
How Life Coaching Can Help Busy Mums (and Dads)
Jess asked me to share a little bit about the life coaching that I offer to mums and a few tips to help with the juggling act of parenthood.
My name is Sam James and I am a Life Coach here in Norwich. I am passionate about helping mums to thrive and flourish as a woman and whatever roles that involves. I work with you to understand what makes you tick, what is important to you, and how to start designing your life to be the perfect fit for you and your family!
My Top Life Coaching Tips for Tired Parents:
Find time to be Grateful
Take some time every day to think of something that you are grateful for or that makes you happy (especially important when you haven’t had much sleep or have had a bad day!). It can help to have a physical object as a reminder – I have a butterfly shaped stone to remind me (but it can be anything that you will see or touch every day)
Work out what your family priorities are
You can use these to ground you, and use as a benchmark when making tough decisions. This will help you make the decision that is right for you and not the decision everyone else thinks is the right one for you!
Have some regular ‘me’ time
To do something that is about you and not about being mummy, to look after yourself
Be realistic
What ‘jobs’ can you really achieve with a young baby / toddler in tow all day? If you're realistic, then you can enjoy your day without feeling guilty about everything else you ‘should’ be doing.
Write a Quick List
Have a ‘Quick’ list of jobs that you can do if you get the odd few minutes spare (e.g. an email or phone call). These jobs are not urgent things though, so it doesn’t matter if you get to the end of the day and they aren’t done. But when you do tick them off you can count that as an achievement for the day!
Forget about Should
If the reason you are doing something is because you ‘should’, question if it is something that you need to do or want to do?
I hope these tips help you as a busy parent !
Sam
About Sam James Coaching
I found life coaching was just what I needed when I was pregnant with my son and throughout those early years, enabling me to be confident in the choices I made (and there are so many choices as a parent!). That is why I love to offer life coaching in an affordable package, both individually and in small groups, in Norwich and surrounding areas.
Follow Sam James Coaching: Website | Facebook | Instagram
Main Image: Family Photoshoot by me Jess Wilkins Photography Find out how to book a photoshoot here.
Pilates in pregnancy and following birth
Pilates in pregnancy and following birth - guest blog by Emma Harris
Pilates in pregnancy and exercise. An exhausting word when you are pregnant or you are suffering from sleepless nights following the birth of your baby. It is difficult to find the motivation to go for a jog, bike ride or fast walk let along commit to a gym membership or weekly class at the same time each week (nearly impossible with a new baby)!
Whilst I was pregnant with my first daughter I wanted to stay active to maintain my fitness, make sure I was strong for labour and have a reasonable level of stamina to help me adjust to life with a newborn. Having the motivation to do exercise during my first and third trimesters and postpartum period was difficult. Even for me. Fortunately, I am a trained ante and postnatal clinical Pilates teacher, I, therefore, created myself a programme to see me through my pregnancy and I continued and progressed this after having my little girl. My experience inspired me to set up a home-based service for other pregnant ladies and new Mums in Norfolk, which involves exactly what I did for myself. Have a short Physiotherapy assessment and a chat to see what areas of the body need to be addressed alongside what each lady wishes to target. I combine these two and create a Pilates routine that is progressed over 4, 1 hour sessions. Many ladies choose to spread these sessions over a few weeks, whilst others like them on a weekly basis. I am flexible and there are pros and cons to doing both, which we can run through after your first session.
I set up Stay Active in Pregnancy (based in Norwich) after my own experiences and therefore feel very passionate about what I do. I treat every lady individually and have experience not only in Pilates during pregnancy and after birth but also in treating pregnant ladies with pelvic girdle pain (formerly SPD), lower back pain, sciatica, and other pregnancy-related conditions. I love my job and feel very lucky that I am able to use my extra skills to work in an area of Physiotherapy that I truly love.
Guest blog by Emma Harris
Tel: 07912 665545
E-mail: physioem@hotmail.com
Web: www.stayactivephysiotherapy.com
Please head over to Emma's page and give her a like if you are pregnant and interested in pregnancy Pilates in Norfolk .
https://www.facebook.com/StayActivePhysiotherapy
And to book a pregnancy shoot contact me to chat!