10 Tips and Tricks for Mums planning to breastfeed

Archive for category Attachment Parenting

10 Tips and Tricks for Mums planning to breastfeed

Many women decide during pregnancy they want to breastfeed their babies when they are born. While breastfeeding is perfectly natural it still takes some getting used to and there are many (common) concerns Mums have when they begin their breastfeeding journey. Questions like “How do I know my baby is getting enough milk?”, “Will it hurt?” and “Where can I get help if I need it?” are very common themes. We’ve set out 10 tips and tricks for Mums who are planning on breastfeeding, a little guide if you like to answer the most commonly asked questions and hopefully answer any questions you may have.

  1. Attend a breastfeeding specific antenatal class
    The Australian Breastfeeding Association run breastfeeding classes as do many hospitals. Its definately worth getting as much information as you can before your baby is born.
  2. Feed your baby as often as he or she wants to be fed.
    Breastfeeding your baby on demand (or feeding according to need) is the best way to establish and continue to build a good milk supply. Your breasts will refill automatically when emptied so regularly feeding your baby ensures your breasts are making sufficient milk. Breastfed babies cannot be overfed.
  3. Don’t watch the clock
    Allow your baby to set the timing of feeds, when and how long for.
  4. Learn your baby’s hunger cues
    Babies give out many signals of hunger before they start to cry for food. Signs include smacking or licking their lips; opening and closing their mouth or sucking on their fingers, toes, toys, clothing or even you! Feeding your baby at the early hunger signs makes it so much easier for them to attach before they get distressed and start to cry in earnest. Its much harder to correctly attach a very upset baby.
  5. Learn how to attach your baby correctly to the breast
    Initially it can be hard to work out how to attach baby, particularly if they’re very hungry and upset. The signs your baby is properly attached to your breast are:

    Latch on
    • it doesn’t hurt!
    • you can see your baby’s lips are curled back slightly
    • your baby’s chin is against your breast
    • you may be able to see and hear your baby’s swallows
  6. Breastfeed in a position that’s relaxing and comfortable for you both
    You can breasteed lying down in bed together, or sitting in your favorite chair. You don’t have to be sitting upright. Take the opportunity to have a break together :).
  7. Use your breastmilk to heal
    If you do get a cracked or sore nipple expressing a little bit of breastmilk and rubbing it into the crack and allowing it to air dry will expedite healing.
  8. mum and bub

    Learn the signs that your baby is getting enough milk Some good signs that your baby is getting enough milk are:

    • happy and mostly alert baby with good skin tone and colour
    • allow baby as much milk as she or he wants (at least 6 times per day)
    • well fed babies will have 5 or 6 pale yellow wet (disposable) nappies and soft bowel motions
    • your baby is gaining weight and filling out his or her clothes
  9. Rest when your baby rests
    This isn’t particular to breastfeeding but for all the Mums. Rest when your baby is resting. Take time for yourself, read a book, have a lie down when your baby is sleeping.
  10. Breastfed babies don’t need to poo all the time
    Don’t panic! It will come and believe me, when it does it could be a poo-explosion! In the early days babies may poo 6 times a day, or with every breastfeed. Seems like food goes in and food comes out the other end. After 6 weeks or so breastfed babies don’t poo as much, and will go as long as 7-10 days between poos. That’s perfectly normal.
  11. If it doesn’t work out, that’s ok too.
    Don’t punish yourself, babies thrive on formula too. Be kind to yourself and remember, every single breastfeed you did share was a great achievement.

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Everything you need to know about Extended Rear Facing

Did you know that if your child’s car seat was forward facing and you were to have an accident their neck would be hit with the force of between 180kg-220kg? Whereas if they were to be rearward facing that force would reduce to 40kg-60kg?

Without exception, rearward facing is the safest way for babies and children to travel in a car. While Australian law states that children can legally move to a forward facing restraint from 6 months onwards, this legislation also states that children can be kept in rear-facing car seats until they are four years old. It is safest to have children continue to rearward face for as long as the car seat allows. The law is the minimum and a guideline only, not a rule. Lets face it – who wants to aim for the minimum safety for their child?

The choice to go with extended rear facing or switch to forward facing is a personal one that it is different for every family and every child however as professional restraint fitters we will always recommend rear facing for as long as possible.

Benefits of Extended Rear Facing

The benefits of extended rear facing really come down to safety. If you were in a collision your child will be safer in a rear facing position. This is because of the way the car seat cushions the body in a rear facing versus forward facing position.

Rearward facing restraints are better designed to support a child’s head, neck and spine in the event of a crash. Upon impact, your child’s body is cocooned in the restraint while the forces of the collision are distributed across the shell of the seat. In a forward facing seat, a child’s head and body is thrust forward with the crash forces, and the harness is the main point of contact.

In children, this forward motion has the potential to cause serious injury as their muscles and bones are not yet developed enough to support themselves from the impact, unlike an adults body. Many parents turn their babies forward facing at 6 months old believing it’s a milestone, however it is always much safer to keep them rearward facing for as long as you can.

A video showing the difference between rear and forward facing can be viewed here:

Neuroscience Research Australia and Kidsafe recently released the National Guidelines for the Safe Restraint of Children Travelling in Motor Vehicles report, which outlined why rear facing options are safer for children up to the age of four.

“Rear facing restraints are highly effective in preventing injuries if used correctly because they fully support the child’s head and neck in the event of a crash,” the report says.

Rear facing height limits

When considering when to turn your child’s seat forward facing, your child’s height is more important than their age. If your child’s shoulders do not yet reach the shoulder height markers on their car seat, then they must stay rear facing. Once their shoulders reach the upper height markers, it is time to turn the car seat around or consider an alternative restraint if you wish to continue rear facing. There are quite a lot of seats on the market that allow for extended rear facing including this range from Infa Secure: https://infasecure.com.au/collections/all-of-our-extended-rearward-facing-car-seats

Where do their legs go?

Many parents worry about their child being uncomfortable or unable to find a safe position for their legs when they are rear facing. It is perfectly safe for their legs to touch the back of the seat in front. Children will find a comfortable way to sit and their legs are not at any greater risk in this position.

If you have any questions or need guidance about carseat choices or installation you can speak to one of our accredited restraint fitters by phone on 1300 859 775.

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Preparing for your new baby

It is an exciting time when you are preparing for the birth of your new baby. There are so many changes that you have already gone through and so many more that are about to come. Your life will change a lot and in different ways. Not only do you need to prepare yourself but you also need to prepare your partner and family and also your home ready for the new arrival. We hope our list of tips and ideas will help you in your own preparations at home.

Stocking Up

It is a good idea to stock up on the necessities before the birth of your little one. Buying a few weeks supply of nappies and wipes will help to reduce the need to go shopping with a newborn and reduces the risk of running out at a very inconvenient time (which of course will always be in the middle of the night with a huge poo explosion).

Also having a large supply of singlets, long onesies and short onesies means that you can reduce the number of loads of washing you need to do during those first few weeks.

Meals

If you are feeling up to it in the weeks leading up to the birth of your little one it is a good idea to spend a day making and freezing meals. This will help during those first few weeks when you are exhausted and not feeling like cooking. Ensuring that you are eating properly is important to make sure that you have energy and are able to continue functioning with your newborn. If you are breastfeeding you also need to ensure that you are getting a good amount of nutrients. There are many meals that can be prepared and frozen for eating later on.

Setting up the home

The last thing you want to be doing the day you bring your baby home is setting up the cot or bassinet. It is a good idea to set up as much of the nursery as possible before coming home from the hospital. This way there is not that stress on you or your partner when you should be spending the time cuddling and relaxing with your new baby. Having the car seat / capsule properly installed before the birth is also important. At Rock-A-Bye Baby all our staff are Accredited Restraint Fitters and you can hire a capsule or carseat from us or we can install your own restraint for you.

Labour

The labour is one of the hardest things to prepare for as each and every labour is going to be different. If you have friends with children they have most likely told you their labour stories in a hope to help prepare you for yours. The first step of preparing for your labour is to have a plan in place. Decide the type of labour you would like to have and whether you would like to use any pain relief. Our labour TENS for hire are a good item to add to your labour toolkit if you’re hoping to have a drug free birth. When making your plan you need to be aware and okay with the fact that it may not go to plan. There are times when things change through out labour and different measures need to be taken and it may change the plan that you originally had. Remember throughout that the doctors and midwives are their for the safety of you and your baby and that if they recommend a different way of doing things it is because they feel it is going to benefit you both the best.

Visitation

Before the birth of your baby, sit down with your partner and decide on how you would like the visitation to go after the birth of your baby. Whether you would like any one visiting on the day of birth and if so who. If you would prefer to wait until you get home for visitors then decide on times that suit you and your partner. These should be communicated to those around you and let them know that it is essential to call or message you beforehand to make sure that it is okay for them to be visiting.

Remember throughout all of your preparations and decisions to stop and enjoy the moments. There are some big changes coming and it is such an exciting and happy time for you and your family. Cherish each and every month and try not to stress too much. Accept help when it is offered and sleep when you can!

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What to do if you have mastitis

What is mastitis?

Mastitis is a painful breast condition that occurs in breastfeeding mothers and is generally the result of a blocked milk duct that hasn’t cleared or can sometimes be caused by a knock or bump to the breast. What happens is milk within the duct gets blocked up and is eventually forced into nearby breast tissue, causing the tissue to become red, hot, painful and inflamed. The inflammation is called mastitis and although infection is generally the partner of mastitis, it is not always present in every case.

What are the symptoms of mastitis?

Early symptoms of mastitis can give you shivers and aches, a temperature and sometimes there is red welts or streaks on the affected breast. Some mothers can get mastitis quite out of the blue with no previous duct blockage or issues.

The affected breast is generally quite sore like it is with a blocked duct, only worse. It is usually swollen and hot, and red and painful to touch and move. The skin on the breast may appear shiny and striped with red streaks. You will probably feel quite ill as if you are getting a flu and it is quite common for the ill feeling to come on very quickly.

What can I do?

Firstly – please see your health care professional and then start treatment as soon as you feel a lump or sore spot in your breast.

Drain the breast often – but do so gently.

This is not the time to stop breastfeeding. More than anything else, to get rid of the mastitis your breasts need to be kept as empty as possible and your baby’s feeding at the breast is the best way to do this. Your milk is not infected in any way and it is perfectly safe for your baby to drink.

When you have mastitis, it is recommended that you feed more often than usual, starting every feed on the sore breast first and let your baby suck long enough on this side to make sure that it is being drained well.

Getting rest when you have mastitis is vital to your recover. So stayin bed if you can, or at least put your feet up for most of the day. If you can go to bed for a day or two then take your baby with you and set yourself up with nappy supplies and enough food and drinks so you don’t have to get up and down. If you have other children and can’t go to bed then setting up a daybed on the couch in the living room might suit.

There are a range of things you can do to help relieve mastitis:

  • Start treatment straight away – as soon as you feel the mastitis starting or you notice a blocked duct appearing
  • Rest as much as you can
  • Keep the sore breast as empty as possible by feeding your baby often
  • Apply warmth to the sore breast for up to a few minutes before a feed with a wheat pack or face washer that has been under hot water
  • Feed from the sore breast first, when your baby’s sucking is strongest
  • Massage the breast gently with your fingertips while your baby is feeding
  • Change feeding positions to help shift the blockage perhaps by lying down to feed or using a football hold
  • Hand express if needed, before, after and between feeds
  • Cold packs after a feed may help relieve pain and reduce swelling
  • Breastfeed your baby often
  • Hand express if your breast feels full and your baby won’t feed often
  • Early treatment will mean you get better faster, you will feel less ill and you will be at less risk of a breast abscess.

Tips to try and prevent mastitis occuring (or reoccuring):

  • Ensure your baby is attaching well to your breasts and feeding well at each feed
  • Breastfeed your baby as often as your baby wants to feed
  • Avoid missing or putting off feeds wherever possible
  • If a breast becomes uncomfortably full, wake your baby for a feed. If your baby is not interested in feeding, you may like to express a small amount for comfort
  • Avoid putting pressure on your breasts eg with tight bras, fitted clothing or with your fingers while feeding
  • Rest as much as you can
  • Alternate from which breast you begin each feed. This can help ensure at least one breast gets drained well at every second feed
  • Avoid giving your baby any other fluids except your breastmilk, unless medically advised to do so.

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Time in -v- Time out

One of the most controversial topics relating to children is anything that touches on discipline or behaviour management. As someone who has been a foster carer I can say one thing with absolute certainty. Kids are not all the same and they don’t all behave or respond in the same way. You know this about your own little angels. Sleep patterns, feeding schedules, likes and dislikes vary and so do the ways in which they respond to you. What is important is choosing the right approach, with the right child at the right time. Simple, right?
One thing that almost all parents and experts agree on is that challenging behaviour, acting out, playing up or whatever you want to call it, is a form of communication and ALWAYS has a reason behind it.

When I was a child smacking was considered perfectly acceptable. Now we know better and have better techniques. These techniques not only work but reduce or even avoid the inevitable guilt we feel as parents when we discipline our children. Even that word, discipline, conjures up all sorts of dark and nasty images. In fact, the word derives from ancient Greek and means ‘to teach’. When it comes to managing behaviour that is exactly what we aim to do. Teach children how to manage strong feelings, teach them how to respond appropriately, teach them how to act or behave.
I’m sure you can relate to those situations when, for example, you implement a behaviour modifying technique on your child, that worked with them last time but now has no effect. It might be something like telling them you will take away their favourite toy for 1 hour because they are throwing their food at their older sister. You say to yourself “But that always worked before. Why isn’t it working now?”. Because the reason for the behaviour might be quite different this time. The reason behind the behaviour is more significant than the behaviour itself.

A lot of research is done on children and their behaviour. As I’m sure you know there is some controversy and conflicting advice. What seems to be a common and recurring theme is the importance of paying attention and addressing the cause of the behaviour. This is often called ‘Time In’. It’s a term that developed as response to the ‘Time Out’ behaviour management practice. In short, what the “Experts” say is that giving your child attention, talking to them, staying calm and trying to work out why they are upset or behaving badly is the best approach. Behaviour is communication and their behaviour is communicating that they are upset, sad, scared, angry, tired, etc. Reassuring, asking what’s wrong and comforting, can produce much better results, both short and long term, than punishing, placing them in ‘Time-Out’, taking away a toy or scolding.

It’s much easier said than done I know! Once I was in the supermarket the 2-year-old little boy who was currently in my care throws himself on the floor and screams and cries because I won’t put the packet of lollies he picked up in the trolley. I remembered what I was taught in my Foster Carer training and applied the ‘Time In’ principle. I stayed calm (despite the disapproving looks from other shoppers and previous advice from my grandparent’s generation) and did NOT apply the usual technique of threatening to take him straight home or take away his toy unless he stopped. Instead I picked him up, hugged him, talked calmly and asked him what was wrong. I didn’t say “no you can’t have the lollies” I just kept holding him and talking to him. After the crying stopped, he calmed down and he stopped saying he wanted lollies, I asked again what was wrong? He said “I want bunny”. He had a special toy bunny that we left in the car. He wanted it and didn’t know how to articulate that when he couldn’t see it. So we went back to the car, got bunny and then there were no more tears or demands for lollies. It really did work and I was so damn happy I was walking around the supermarket smiling. What I also did, as soon as possible is say, “now next time you feel bad like that tell me straight away so we can fix it”. That might seem too sophisticated for a 2 year old but the more you do and say it, the more they understand and it will start to prevent the behaviour in the first place.

This technique works much more than it doesn’t and has much greater results with different children with differing backgrounds and varying ages than any other technique. Believe me, I have tried them all and ‘Time In’ gets the best results. My advice is, just try it. What have you got to lose?

My name is Emma Hutton and I am the franchisee of Rock-A-Bye Baby Equipment Hire’s North and CBD branches. In a former life, I was a Specialist NICU Nurse and have also been a Foster Carer. The Foster caring, I miss and will be getting back to very soon. However, the nursing with night duty, working public holidays and having only one weekend off a month……not so much.
What has stayed with me through my career change is my passion for child safety and health. Precious and vulnerable little lives need to be protected and that is at the core of our business model at Rock-A-Bye Baby Equipment Hire. I make it my business to stay up to date with the latest research so that what I write about is relevant and factual.

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The latest news regarding SIDS

Scientists have identified a possible biological cause for SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) that was never known before. There has been a recent breakthrough in research into SIDS with results that could help prevent even more of these tragic deaths. SIDS is defined as the unexplained death of a seemingly healthy infant under 12 months of age. There has been extensive research and awareness campaigns conducted around the world over the last 20 years that have resulted in an 80% reduction in SIDS deaths. However, last year there were still 113 infant and newborn SIDS deaths. The aim is for that number to be 0.

Scientists at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, have discovered that babies who die from SIDS are deficient in a protein called Orexin. This protein is responsible for regulating sleep arousal in babies and adults. A cohort study of more than 27 SIDS cases and 19 controls found the level of Orexin was 20 per cent lower in the brains of those babies who had died from SIDS. What this means is that the message to wake up may not be getting through to babies’ brains.

Associate Professor Alexandra Martiniuk from The George Institute for Global Health at the University of Sydney says that the study found it was the Orexin deficiency along with environmental factors that resulted in the deaths. She stated that in most cases of SIDS related deaths, the baby was found either face down or with their head between the mattress and something else. The conclusions were that in most cases Orexin deficiency along with other factors resulted in the deaths. The discovery of this protein deficiency may be able to help health professionals identify babies at greater risk of SIDS. They hope to have a screening test within 10 years.

What the researchers and SIDS experts do emphasize is the need for all parents and carers to follow safe sleep practice guidelines. This is still considered the best method of preventing SIDS. The research may also have significant implications for how parents choose sleeping arrangements for their baby. Many parents are choosing co-sleeping arrangements these days with very positive outcomes. Research into these practices has found that when babies are in the same room as parents then the parent often wakes up when there is an adverse event. However, it is still recommended that babies under 3 months sleep on their own surface.

An excellent method for addressing both issues is by using a co-sleeper bassinet. A cosleeper is a baby bed that can securely attach to the parents bed, meaning both parent and baby have their own sleep surface but baby is easily accessible for nighttime cuddles, feeds and settling and can wake and see and smell his or her parents.

As a former Neonatal ICU nurse specialist, I am particularly focused on the health and safety of vulnerable babies. While it is great to have a test to see which babies will be most vulnerable to SIDS, its vitally important to continue safe sleeping practices. Those guidelines are listed by www.rednose.com.au and recommended by all medical experts and midwives. They include:

  1. Sleep baby on the back from birth, not on the tummy or side
  2. Sleep baby with head and face uncovered
  3. Keep baby smoke free before birth and after
  4. Provide a safe sleeping environment night and day
  5. Sleep baby in their own safe sleeping place in the same room as an adult care-giver for the first six to twelve months
  6. Breastfeed baby

Emma Hutton RN Post Grad. Cert. NICU
Owner Rock-A-Bye Baby Hire (North Branch)
www.rockabyebabyhire.com.au

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Ready to get back into your fitness?

From Bub to Fit Mumma.. Here’s how you can do it too!

We are super excited to bring you these awesome tips from our friends at Run Faster Gear and Fit Mumma Kylah Edwards!
So you want to get fit, get active, feel good and be happy after having a baby?

But how oh how do you find the time to workout?

The first thing you need to do is shift your mindset… A workout, doesn’t need to be in a busy gym smashing out kms on a treadmill or bike… It doesn’t have to be getting yelled at by a burly trainer in a park… It doesn’t have to be impossible to figure out how to get to a class around nap times… And it definitely doesn’t have to cost and arm and a leg… In fact you can easily workout around your home, with bubs, at your own pace and get results!

My daughter is 17 months… I’ve been doing some form of exercise since she was 6 weeks old (as soon as I had clearance from my Dr of course).  I took it easy to begin with, getting my head around the sleep deprivation, I tried lots of walks with her in the pram or wrapped to my chest, and found the days I managed to get my exhausted butt outside for a walk I felt about a million times better… Just actually taking the first steps out side were the hardest, but so so worth it!

I got stronger, more motivated and more energetic and started doing squats… Any chance I got… when I was hanging out washing, or in between washing each dish in the sink, in the shower, brushing my teeth, even during those long long breastfeeds!!

I would lunge walk around the house from room to room instead of walking, jump lunge folding the washing, add a random burpee in here and there for good measure and hey, presto! I have a good excuse for wearing my mummy uniform standard issue RunFaster tights and runners all day!!

If you like being out and about invest in a good baby carrier… (You will likely have a baby wearing group in your area that you can join for free and try some options out before you buy). Not only will bubs love it, but you can set out on big bush walks, go climbing stairs and exploring with your very own squishy lovable weight vest! Plus you can show off your funky new RunFaster tights in the process!!!

Some other mini exercises that are effective and easy to do at the drop of a wet nappy are;
  • Push ups, (Nel loves it when we do push ups and raspberries on her tummy or neck.. )
  • Planks (again a good opportunity to plaster kisses over your bubba)
  • Mountain climbers
  • Burpees
  • Squats (jumping squats will elevate your heart rate a lot more if you want more cardio in your workout)
  • Crunches
  • Star jumps
  • Lunges (walking around the house/standing in the kitchen/ or jumping if you want more)
So you see, there is always time for a workout!(Please remember to drink plenty of water, eat healthy, and listen to your body)

Kylah xx

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Is your child ready for toilet training?

It’s always difficult to know when the best time to start toilet training for your little one. There is no specific date or time to start – it’s really up to your parental intuition and child’s physiological (bladder and bowel control), cognitive and verbal developmental stages, emotional and social awareness and their individual needs. Some kids are dry by 4 years, others are still wet at 6 – and both are perfectly normal.

Generally, most children have some control over their bladders in the daytime by the age of three and girls seem quicker to adapt than boys. At night it takes a little longer to get to grips with staying dry, as the child has no bladder awareness whilst asleep. The hormone that sends signals to the kidneys to delay urine production whilst resting develops in children at different ages, some younger and some older.

In a class of 30 children:
  • at age 5 there will still be 5 or more children in the class who are still wetting the bed
  • at age 7 there will still be a couple who are still wetting their beds
  • at age 10 there will be one or two still.

Children are either physically capable of holding their urine or waking up to wee or they aren’t. If your child is still waking up wet every morning he is not ready to be in underwear and there is no shame in that. Some kids can day train at 2 and still be in pull-ups at 5 or 6. It’s just the way they are made and every kid is different.  Don’t be concerned if your toddler wets the bed because most children under the age of 5 still urinate in their sleep and one in ten younger primary school children do to.

Doctors consider bed wetting normal until about 7-8 years old. After that point they’ll sometimes check to see if there are other reasons for bed wetting (infections, diabetes, etc).

How to tell when your child is ready
  • Your child may attempt to go to the toilet or call out for your help.
  • They may become interested in watching you “go”.
  • Does your child say they want to try without nappies.
  • When your child is having dry nappies for up to two hours – this shows he’s able to store wee in his bladder (which automatically empties in younger babies or newborns).
  • She can pull her pants up and down
  • They may start to dislike wearing a nappy, often pulling it off when its wet or dirty.

Good luck and remember, its really an individual thing not an age or maturity related milestone at all.

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Hooded sleeping bags – a warning

Infant sleeping bags can be a great option for babies as they eliminate the need for any extra bedding and for babies who roll around lots in bed it means they can’t get completely uncovered and cold. Sleeping bags also eliminate the need for lots of bedding which can become a suffocation risk in bed.

However, some baby sleeping bags on the market – particularly but not limited to those sold overseas and on online auction sites – have hoods despite hoods posing a significant safety risk to babies.

Hooded sleeping bags can potentially cover a baby’s face while they sleep, increasing the risk of suffocation significantly.

There are a few important things to look out for when you’re choosing a sleeping bag for your baby:
  • make sure the sleeping bag is the right size and fit for your child;
  • make sure the sleeping bag is the correct weight for the season and the temperature in your child’s room. Thicker higher weight/tog bags should be kept for winter months and the thinner lighter weight/tog bags for warmer seasons and climates;
  • you can always add another layer of clothing under the bag when necessary;
  • ensure that the sleeping bag has a fitted neck (that can’t slip up and over baby’s face), well fitted arm holes and no hood.

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How to make up your baby’s cot

So, you’ve painted the nursery, bought the pram, set up the cot and are ready for baby to come home. Its very important to understand and follow the safe sleep guidelines to keep your baby sleeping safely day and night.

The guidelines for making up your baby’s cot have been prepared by SIDS and Kids and are a set of simple easy to follow recommendations to reduce the SIDS risk. SIDS and Kids Safe Sleeping is an evidence-based health promotion campaign developed for health professionals, childcare workers, new and expectant mothers, parents and anyone who cares for babies and infants. Since its inception in the early 1990s, the Safe Sleep campaign has reduced the incidence of Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy by 80% saving 8,480 babies’ lives.

How to make up your baby’s cot:
  • Put the baby’s cot in parents room for the first 6-12 months of life
  • Use a safe cot that meets the current Australian Standard AS2172
  • Use a safe mattress: clean, firm, flat (not tilted or elevated) and the right size for your cot
  • Sleep your baby flat on his or her back
  • Keep your baby’s head and face uncovered
  • Position your baby’s feet at the foot of the cot (see image)
  • Tuck the linen and blankets in firmly or use a safe sleeping bag – see our post here on safe sleeping bags
  • Do not allow pillows, doonas, soft toys, cot bumpers or lambswool anywhere in the cot
  • Do not put your baby to sleep on a water bed or on a beanbag
  • For more information on Safe Sleep please visit SIDS and Kids.

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Are second hand cot mattresses safe?

When you are becoming a parent you’ll often find yourself bombarded with lots of information – some helpful, some not so much so. One of the things as a parent you will need to learn about are how to put your baby to bed safely. SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is a genuine concern for all parents and at present the cause of SIDS remains unknown.

For some time there was a theory that there may be a link between SIDS events and the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) which can be present in baby’s bed mattresses. SIDS and Kids has reviewed the research to date and has found that there is no evidence to show that there is an increased risk of SIDS for babies who sleep on the back and on a firm, clean, well fitting mattress that is in good condition. There is no reason for you to buy a brand new mattress for every baby if the mattress you have or are hiring is clean, firm, it fits the bed its being used in well without any gaps it is perfectly safe.

A complete copy of the Information Statement can be found by following this link to the SIDS and Kids Website.

The Safe Sleep Guidelines as recommended by SIDS and Kids are:
  1. Sleep baby on the back from birth, not on the tummy or side
  2. Sleep baby with head and face uncovered
  3. Keep baby smoke free before birth and after
  4. Provide a safe sleeping environment night and day
  5. Sleep baby in their own safe sleeping place in the same room as an adult caregiver for the first six to twelve months
  6. Breastfeed baby

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Breastfeeding and expressing: 10 tips to pumping succesfully

There’s many reasons why mothers might express their breastmilk to feed their babies.
Some are short term issues that need to be overcome such as having to take a medication that is incompatible with breastfeeding;
or to manage breast engorgement or allow sore or damaged nipples to heal. Sometimes using an electric breastpump such as a Medela Symphony is recommended as a way of increasing a mother’s milk supply.
For some mums expressing is a longer-term plan for managing times when you can’t physically be with your baby – perhaps you’re going back to work or study or your baby is in hospital still and you need to pump and feed that way.
For occasional short term separations (such as a weekly evening out), hand expression or a manual pump may be all you need.
But if you’re going to be expressing most of your baby’s feeds then you’d be best to consider a hospital grade breastpump like the Medela Symphony. These generally aren’t available as retail items due to their very high price tag (in the thousands) so its definately an item that you’d hire rather than buy.
Hospital grade breast pumps are extremely powerful, long-lasting, super efficient at extracting breastmilk yet very gentle and comfortable to use. Most importantly, the Medela Symphony has been designed to be able to be safely and hygienically used by multiple users.
When you hire you have a “single user sterile pumping kit” that contains all the parts that come into contact with you, your breast, your milk and your baby so hiring is quite safe.

Our 10 tips for successful expressing:
  1. Choose your time
    Find the time that suits you best to express. Allow yourself this time to rest, read a magazine or listen to a radio programme. If you can make it a regular set appointment time in the same place.
  2. Get a pumping bra
    It allows for hands-free pumping by holding the bottles for you. You can pump while working, typing, and talking on the phone.
  3. Keep a hand towel handy
    Having a little handtowel or facecloth handy to clear up any drips is essential and will save you doing a load more laundry.
  4. Look at your baby
    Even looking at a picture of your baby or holding an item of their clothing will help to stimulate your let down reflex and get your milk flowing.
  5. Store your milk in small batches
    You can always add or heat more but you don’t want to waste liquid gold.
  6. Make Breastmilk Cubes
    Freeze your expressed milk in ice cube trays then pop the cubes in a freezer-lock bag. Much cheaper than buying breastmilk specific bags.
  7. Date your milk
    Remember to write the date the milk was expressed so you can use the oldest first and rotate your supply through the fridge.
  8. Have your own esky
    It’s fine to leave breast milk out at room temperature for six to eight hours if you don’t have a fridge. But to be safe, and if you work or are out for a longer day, have your own cooler bag with an ice pack to keep your milk fresh. When you get home, transfer your milk to the refrigerator or freezer ASAP.
  9. Ask for special treatment
    Don’t be shy – you are entitled to a safe clean place to express at work and you don’t have to do it in the toilet.
  10. Learn to hand express
    Just in case you forget your pump one day, or you get stuck in a meeting or whatever. If something falls over in the plan, being able to hand-express will prevent engorgement and mean you’ve still got something to give to baby.

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