Author: Louise Mannion

Bringing a new child into the world is always going to be stressful. There are so many preparations to make that feeling a little anxiety now and then is inevitable. There is, however, one way you can help alleviate some of the stresses associated with pregnancy: ensuring you’re adequately prepared for the big day.

One way in which you can help stay prepared for your hospital visit is organising your bag in advance. What kind of clothes are you going to bring, for instance? Do you need to pack items for the baby too? Have you brought magazines or your iPod to help you relax while you wait?

 In order to help you properly prepare for the big day, we’ve decided to compile a list of the essential items to be included in your hospital bag. We hope this helps.

 During Labour

– Dressing gown.

– Slippers.

– Socks.

– Toiletries bag with toothbrush, hairbrush, soap, etc.

– Old t-shirt or night dress to wear while in labour.

– A sponge to cool you down.

– Lip balm.

– Spare towels.

– Box of sanitary pads.

– Extra, comfortable pillows.

– Hair clips or hair band if you have long hair – so as to keep your hair out of your face during labour.

– Books, magazines, iPad – to help relax you while you wait.

– Snacks and drinks.

– Mobile phone and charger.

-TENS pain relief machine (if you are using one).

After Labour

– Outfit to go home in.

– Eye mask and earplugs to help you sleep in noisy ward.

– Nursing bras.

– Breast pads.

– Heavy-duty plastic bag to put dirty clothes in.

– A number of old or disposable knickers.

– Camera and charger.

For the Baby

– Blanket or wrap for going home.

– Number of vests or sleep suits.

– Nappies.

– One pair of booties.

– Hat.

– Baby car seat.

Just remember: a bit of preparation can go a long way to ensuring that your big day is as stress-free as possible.

The benefits of breastfeeding for your baby’s health are difficult to ignore. In recent years, scientific research has proven what many mothers have known for centuries: breastfeeding leads to healthier and stronger babies.

And yet, while many parents are aware of the more general benefits that breastfeeding is said to possess, few parents are aware of the more specific advantages that breastfed babies have over non-breastfed babies.

Did you know, for example, that breastfeeding has been linked to higher IQ scores in later childhood? Or that mothers who breastfeed are less susceptible to certain diseases? In this week’s article, we explore the various benefits of breastfeeding for your baby’s health and development.

Nutrition

One of the first and most obvious advantages to breastfeeding your child is that breast milk contains a wide range of nutrients and vitamins. Breast milk naturally contains a perfect balance of nutrients, vitamins, proteins and fats for your baby. Not only that, however, but babies find breast milk easier to digest than other alternatives.

Health & Development: Early Life

Alongside its nutritional qualities, breastfeeding has also been linked to a number of health and development benefits for infants. Feeding your baby breast milk, for example, is known to reduce the risk of such diseases and illnesses as:

-diarrhea and vomiting
-chest and ear infections
-coughs and colds
-obesity
-asthma and eczema
-diabetes

Not only that, but research suggests that the probability suffering from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is considerably less likely in breast-fed infants.

Health & Development: Later Years

Not only does breast milk help boost a baby’s immunity, in general, but it has also been linked – in some studies – to a number of other benefits in later life.

So what are these potential benefits?:

-Studies show that breastfed children have fewer cavities in later life than those who were not breastfed.
-Some studies suggest not only that breastfed children have higher IQ’s than their non breastfed counterparts, but that they develop fewer behavioural, developmental and psychological problems as they get older.
-Breastfeeding has been linked to a decreased likelihood of developing heart-disease in later life.
-Studies also indicate that babies who were breastfed have, on average, lower blood pressure than those who were not.

Benefits for Mothers

Alongside these numerous advantages to your baby’s overall well-being, breast feeding has also been shown to promote the well-being of mothers too. Let’s take a look at some of these potential benefits:

-Research has shown, for example, that mothers who breastfeed are less likely to develop ovarian and breast cancer in later life.
-Research has also shown that breastfeeding reduces the risk of osteoporosis in mothers.
-Breastfeeding releases oxytocin in women, which will help the uterus return to its normal size after giving birth.
-Not only that, but breastfeeding – which naturally uses up 500 calories a day – can help you return to your pre-pregnancy weight in no time.
-And, finally, the very act of breastfeeding itself is generally believed to increase the sense of connection between mother and child, and to reduce anxiety in the mother. This will help improve your overall emotional well-being and welfare.

To learn more about breastfeeding in general, see the following resources:

• Mayo Clinic

• HSE

• NHS

If Hollywood movies are anything to go by, the arrival of your baby will be signalled by one thing: your water breaking. Not only that, but if you believe the movies, you’ll be standing in a supermarket queue or in the middle of an important meeting.

The truth, of course, is a little less dramatic. According to healthcare professionals, only 15 percent of women actually experience their water breaking before going into labour. More often than not, you’ll already be in the hospital when it happens.

In this week’s article, we explore some of the most commonly asked questions relating to this issue. Have a look.

What exactly happens when my water breaks?

During your pregnancy, your baby is surrounded by a fluid-filled sac known as the ‘amniotic sac’. Just before you begin labour, or during labour, your ‘amniotic sac’ breaks – releasing these fluids. Although many people might associate this process with a dramatic onslaught of fluid (as a result of Hollywood movies, most likely), different women might experience this process differently. You’re just as likely to experience a wetness in your vaginal area, or intermittent dripping, as you are a dramatic burst of fluids.

Is it guaranteed that my water will break right before I go into labour?

The answer, in fact, is no. Only about 15 percent of women actually go through this experience. More often than not, your water will break when you’ve already gone into labour, or are already in the hospital. So, there’s no need to worry that you’re going to go into labour in the supermarket queue or while out and about. It could happen, but it’s relatively uncommon.

How can I be sure my water has broken?

Because the bursting of your amniotic sac might be experienced as a subtle wetness in the vagina, or a trickle of fluid, it’s sometimes difficult to tell whether or not your water has indeed broke. If you suspect your water has broke, but are unsure, contact your doctor immediately. Most likely, he will advise you to go to your nearest hospital. Once there, the doctors can do tests to see whether or not your amniotic sac has indeed burst.

What should I do when my water breaks?

Most healthcare professionals will provide you with a set of instructions to follow if and when your water breaks. These can vary, but if you have trouble remembering these – or have any concerns about them – don’t hesitate to get in touch with your doctor. That’s what your doctor is there for.

Generally, your doctor will advise you to prevent any bacteria from entering your vaginal area after your amniotic sac has broken. Keep your vaginal area as clean as possible. If you use the toilet, make sure to dry the area properly afterwards. Although you’re not likely to be considering it, avoid having sex after your water has broken.

Although it’s generally advised that you contact your doctor as soon as you suspect your water has broken, some doctors might instruct you to give it a few hours, to see if you begin experiencing signs of labour. However, even if this is the case, you should contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following:

-If you’re on week 37, or less, contact your doctor as soon as you can.

– If the fluid has a green or brown colour.

– If your water has broken, and you experience an unusual sensation in your vaginal area, or notice the top of an umbilical cord coming through, contact your doctor. This isn’t reason to panic, but could be a condition known as cord prolapse.

Sources:

http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/labor-and-delivery/in-depth/water-breaking/art-20044142

http://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/symptoms-and-solutions/water-breaking-during-pregnancy.aspx

http://www.babycentre.co.uk/a1053562/when-your-waters-break

Kangaroo care’ – which involves skin-to-skin contact between parent and newborn in the first few hours after birth – has begun to grow in popularity over the past few years. The reason for its growing popularity?

It has been shown to offer a wide variety of emotional and developmental benefits to both parent and child.

In this week’s article, we explore some of the established benefits of kangaroo care. Take a look.

How Does it Work?

Kangaroo care is incredibly straight-forward. Quite simply, it involves holding your newborn or young baby against your bare skin – most commonly, against the chest. Experts suggest that the most important time to do this is within the first two hours after birth. Beyond this, however, experts believe there may be further benefits for babies that continue to receive kangaroo care for the first few weeks after birth.

While kangaroo care appears to be beneficial for all newborns, and is recommended by most healthcare professionals, it can be particular beneficial to premature babies.

– Encourages Healthy Brain Development

According to studies done into the long-term effects of skin-to-skin contact for newborns, children who received this kind of care were shown to have healthier brain function later in life.

 – Helps Reduce Stress in your Baby

Babies who receive skin-to-skin contact as newborns have been shown to experience less stress than those who do not. This is because skin-to-skin contact is believed to release the hormone ‘oxytocin’, which promotes feelings of calm and security, and reduces levels of ‘cortisol’, the hormone associated with stress.

– Helps Baby Adapt to New Environment

Newborns – particularly preterm babies – can often find it difficult adjusting to the new temperature outside the womb. Because your skin is a similar temperature to the womb, skin-to-skin contact can help newborns adapt to the new temperatures after you give birth.

– Facilitates Breastfeeding

Newborns have a particularly acute sense of smell. By holding your newborn against your skin, you will allow your newborn to find your nipple easier and begin breastfeeding naturally.

– Shown to Reduce Postpartum Depression

As noted above, skin-to-skin contact release the hormone oxytocin. This is released not only in the baby, however, but in the mother too. Because of this, skin to skin contact helps reduce the chances of postpartum depression and helps encourage a feeling of calm and comfort in both mother and baby.

– Encourages Better Sleep

Because skin-to-skin contact reduce stress levels, and promotes feelings of calmness, comfort and security, it also helps newborns get longer and more restful sleep.

– Encourages Healthy Weight

According to some research, skin-to-skin contact helps promote weight gain in newborns. Because newborn babies will remain warm through skin-to-skin contact, they don’t need to expend energy regulating their body temperature. As a result, they tend to tend to put on weight easier and quicker.

– Promotes Meaningful Bonding

This is probably one of the most obvious benefits, but it certainly shouldn’t be overlooked. Skin-to-skin contact between newborns and mothers will further strengthen the inevitable bond between mother and child, but it can also help strengthen the bond between father and baby too. Many parents take turns providing their baby with skin-to-skin contact in the first few hours after birth.

Sources:

http://www.babycenter.com/0_how-to-do-kangaroo-care-and-why-it-helps-your-premature-baby_10300013.bc

http://www.fitpregnancy.com/baby/baby-care/kangaroo-care-9-benefits-skin-skin-contact

https://maternityandinfant.ie/8-benefits-of-skin-to-skin-contact/

According to healthcare professionals, pregnant women should aim to drink about 2.3 litres of water a day. While getting enough water during your pregnancy is important, for both you and your baby, you might find yourself craving something different from time to time.

Instead of turning to fizzy drinks or fruit juices packed full of added sugar, you should aim for some of the healthier alternatives available to you.

In this week’s blog post, we look at some healthy and nutritious beverages for you to explore during your pregnancy. Not only will these drinks help keep you refreshed and hydrated, but they’re packed full of important vitamins and nutrients too. Take a look.

Freshly Squeezed Fruit Juices

One of the simplest – but, in many ways, most nutritious – options available to pregnant women is freshly squeezed fruit juice. By squeezing the juice freshly yourself at home, or going to a juice bar where they’ll make the juice fresh in front of you, you get all the beneficial nutrients and vitamins. Some obvious favourites include orange, apple and pineapple juice. Other highly nutritious and refreshing options include watermelon, sweet lime and cranberry.

Smoothies

Let’s be honest – smoothies are delicious. Even if they weren’t packed full of vitamins and nutrients, they’d still be high on our list of favourite drinks. You can create all kinds of smoothies using a combination of fruits and ingredients. By mixing some milk in with the fruits, you get the added advantage of boosting your calcium and protein intake for the day.

Veggies Juices

Admittedly, vegetable juices sound a lot less appealing that smoothies and fruit juices, but you can create some tasty and extremely nurtirious combinations. Some popular favourites include carrot juice, tomato juice, and beetroot juice. For a super healthy blast of nutrients and anti-oxidants, add some dark leafy greens to your juice. For example, spinach, kale and broccoli are excellent.

If you’re feeling a little underwhelmed by the taste, try adding some fruit juices to the mix. You’ll be surprised at what some fresh orange, lime or apple juice can do when combined with some of these veggies.

Frozen Fruit Water

A really simple but surprisingly tasty way to improve your water is to add frozen fruit to it. In lieu of ice cubes, try freezing a piece of orange, plum, kiwi or strawberry and adding it to some mineral water. This will give it a pleasant hint of fruit – putting a colourful spin on what would otherwise be just a glass of water.

Coconut Water

Not only is coconut water full of potassium and naturally low in fat and sugar, but it’s also great for combatting dehydration and boosting your energy. For anyone struggling with pregnancy-related fatigue, this makes coconut water a virtual God-send.

Fruit Mocktails

Got a birthday party coming up? Maybe an anniversary, a wedding or a night out with your pals? Whatever the case, it’s normal to feel a little left out when everyone’s drinking alcohol – but you’re left clutching a mineral water? That’s where the fruit mocktails can come in handy. They’re also vitamin-rich and nutritious.

Needless to say, some fruit mocktails use overly sugary ingredients, such as lemonade or fizzy drinks. When deciding on a fruit mocktail, go for those that use fresh fruit juice and carbonated water and other healthy ingredients.

In the past, doctors warned women against any physical exercise during pregnancy. These days, however, studies have shown this to be wrong. Regular exercise during pregnancy has been shown to benefit both mother and baby in a variety of ways.

Are you planning on hitting the gym again or starting up a new fitness regime? Be sure to put some thought into packing your gym bag. In this week’s article, we look at some of the essentials to keep in your bag when exercising. *

Comfortable Shoes

Firstly, you’re going to need the right kind of shoes for working out. Aim for running shoes or trainers that are specifically designed for activity and fitness. Before purchasing them, however, try them out to see if you’re comfortable wearing them. Ideally, you want shoes with plenty of arch support – so as to avoid putting too much pressure on your back.

Also, keep in mind that your feet will often swell up during pregnancy. For this reason, your old trainers might be too tight for you during your prenatal months. It’s important to wear shoes that fit your properly when exercising, so it’s recommended that you purchase a new pair, now that you’re pregnant.

Durable Water Bottle

Staying adequately hydrated is extremely important. It’s recommended that expectant women get around 12 to 13 glasses of water per day. Whether you’re exercising in a gym, as part of a fitness class, or on your own, it’s always a good idea to have a water bottle near at hand.

When it comes to water bottles, there’s a huge variety out there. Look for a bottle that is durable and practical.

Layers of Comfortable, Active-Wear Clothing

Overheating is quite common during pregnancy, so it’s always good to plan accordingly. It’s generally a good idea to wear a few layers while your exercise, so you can add or remove according to the temperature.

Similarly, aim for comfortable clothing that’s designed for activity. Because of that growing belly, you might find that extra-long tops and t-shirts are more comfortable and help cover more. Clothes that will stretch as your belly grows are usually a more practical and cost-effective option.

Anti-Friction Balm

This can be a serious life-saver. Anti-friction gel or balm will help reduce chafing around your thighs and breasts, which is one of the more unpleasant side-effects of exercising. You can also use it on your heels or anywhere else that’s susceptible to skin irritation and chafing.

Sports Bra

More than likely, your breasts are growing in size alongside your belly. That’s why you’re going to need a bra that properly fits your body and provides support. Look for a sports bra that is designed to absorb impact and moisture.

Maternity Leggings

Look for maternity leggings that are specifically designed for fitness or active-wear. These will generally be more moisture-absorbent than regular maternity leggings. You’ll also want leggins with a high waist and that are elasticated, so they grow as your belly grows.

So there you go. As always, we hope this helps!

* Exercising while pregnant poses some special risks. Experts warn against certain types of activities. Before starting any exercise plan, discuss this with your doctor or healthcare professional.

Mood swings are extremely common during the prenatal months. They can arise as a result of a variety of factors. Although mood swings aren’t entirely avoidable, there are some activities and practice you can explore to try reduce their frequency.