Baby 

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Common ways to help get an overtired baby to sleep include holding baby close (preferably skin to skin), rocking in a rhythmical fashion, pushing them in a pram, speaking or singing in soothing tones.

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For the first 6 months of life babies only require breastmilk.   From 6 months water can be introduced, however the water will need to be boiled and cooled first.  This should be continued until at least 12 months.

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Whole cows’ milk is not recommended as a main drink in infants under 12 months of age as it can lead to iron deficiency.

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A newborn baby has approximately 300 bones.

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There’s no question about it – the sleeping patterns of babies are irregular and constantly keep parents on their toes. When a baby is born, their circadian rhythm isn’t yet formed so they can be awake during the night and asleep during the day. A newborn will need up to 16 hours sleep a day, and will wake for 45 -90 minutes only. At 7 weeks, babies typically start to go drift off to sleep earlier and stay asleep for 2-3 hours at the start of the night. By the time your baby is 12 weeks, sleeping stretches can reach up to 6 hours.

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It is important to understand the pros and cons of introducing a dummy.  Babies can sleep with a dummy, however if the dummy falls out while they are sleeping it should not put back in.  it is recommended that a baby stops using a dummy after 12 months.

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Typically, 90% of vitamin D is obtained by the action of sunlight on the skin (90%). The remainder is obtained through food, particularly through dairy products, eggs and fish. It is almost impossible to achieve adequate vitamin D status through diet alone and therefore some sun exposure is important. Read more here 

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In the early years of life, the main way children learn and develop is through play. The more play time a child has, the more opportunities they have to try different things, experience success, make mistakes and build relationships. Each experience over time is a building block to resilience.Resilience is a normal part of development and is essential to be able to cope with the ups and downs of life. There are some fundamentals a child needs for this normal part of development and 3 of these are:

• Good nutrition
• Opportunities to play indoors and outdoors
• Positive relationships

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Prebiotics possess 2 important characteristics:

• The fibre must pass through the gastrointestinal tract undigested
• They must stimulate the growth and/or activity of certain ‘good’ bacteria, called probiotics, in the large intestine

Most prebiotics are dietary fibre. You might be interested in

You might read lots of articles about your baby’s tummy, stomach, gut, gut flora and gut microbiota, and wonder what it all means. You might ask yourself, “Are they all the same thing?” Let’s break it down. ‘Stomach’ and ‘tummy’ are generally used to mean the same thing. The stomach (or tummy, if you prefer) digests food using acids and enzymes.‘Gut flora’ and ‘gut microbiota’ can be used interchangeably. These terms refer to the bacteria that live in our digestive system. Having a diverse gut flora means having lots of good bacteria.When the term ‘gut’ alone is used, it often refers to the entire system that starts at the mouth and ends at the anus. Along the way, this includes the stomach (or tummy), small intestine and large intestine. We all know how uncomfortable an upset stomach can be, so we don’t want our babies going through that discomfort. Here are 6 things you can do to help your little one have a healthy and happy tummy.

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Probiotics are the good bacteria that live in the large intestine. Prebiotics stimulate the growth of probiotics. Think about prebiotics as the favourite and only food for probiotics.

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The immune system is made up of a network of cells, tissues and organs around your body. Its fundamental role is to fight off infections and enable immune responses. An important part of the immune system is the gut flora or gut microbiota: millions of healthy bacteria that live in the digestive system and thrive off prebiotics and probiotics.

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Prebiotics possess 2 important characteristics:

• The fibre must pass through the gastrointestinal tract undigested
• They must stimulate the growth and/or activity of certain ‘good’ bacteria, called probiotics, in the large intestine

Most prebiotics are dietary fibre. You might be interested in

Around 70–80% of the immune system is located within the gut. While it’s not yet fully understood why or how, it is recognised that a diverse gut flora – by this we mean having lots of different microorganisms – may play an essential role in how your baby’s immune system develops and responds to challenges like bacteria, viruses and allergens. In addition to immune system support, it is also believed that a healthy gut microbiota plays an important role in:

• Producing beneficial vitamins, such as B12 and folate
• Helping your baby’s body to digest certain foods, such as dietary fibre

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The best way to promote resilience is to let your child discover the world right from the start. Their resilience will grow with every experience they have. Resilience develops in a very simple cycle: every experience leads to more resilience. Having lots of resilience enables them to collect all kinds of new experiences. From their first paddle in a swimming pool to their first bike ride – every early contact with people and the environment supports the development of their resilience.

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Prioritise foods that are nutrient-rich. We can look at the foods in 5 areas:

• A rainbow of different vegetables, plus legumes and lentils where possible
• Plenty of fruits (including the washed skin) in a variety of colours
• Breads and cereals, focusing on wholegrains, as well as rice, pasta, couscous and quinoa
• Quality meats – like chicken and beef – and meat alternatives, like tofu
• Dairy sources – milk, cheese and yoghurt – and dairy alternatives

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Independence is a quality that we should strive to teach children. As they move through the world and begin to conquer milestones, it’s essential that they develop autonomy and a sense of self-esteem derived from their own choices and actions.  Here are 7 simple ways that you can encourage your child to begin to spread their wings.

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Resilience is a characteristic we should strive to cultivate in children. Broadly, it is the ability to confront challenges and negative experiences and emerge on the other side with positive changes. While some children will naturally be more adept at handling tough scenarios than others, resilience is in fact a learned skill, and all children can benefit from learning resilience skills and lessons. Developing resilience skills allows them to navigate the everyday challenges of daily life, and it also lays the foundations for tackling bigger problems as they grow older. From starting school, to moving to a new house or the death of a family pet, resilience is a necessary trait for moving through life’s highs and lows. The Children’s Resilience Research Project, a guide developed in conjunction with Beyond Blue to assist practitioners to promote resilience, describes resilience as a learned quality that can change over time. So, as your child grows, how can you improve your little one’s ability to be resilient? 

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• Consider the timing
• Consider a theme
• Pick a location
• Plan the menu

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In a newborn’s delicate sleep routine, one of the trickiest things to negotiate is keeping them awake during feeds. Here’s why it’s important and how to do it. Why not let them sleep? While it’s lovely to watch your baby start to drift off to sleep as they feed, this can cause them to form a feed-to-sleep association – which is a difficult habit to break. Newborns can only handle between 45 and 90 minutes of wakefulness before they need to sleep again, so keeping your baby awake while feeding will help to foster good habits in both areas. When to feed? Your baby’s body clock (which signals when to sleep, eat and digest) is still developing during the first six months of their life, so they need some help to get on track. After observing the physical and emotional signs your baby gives off to show they’re hungry or tired, you can follow their cues and feed them when they’re most wakeful. This will be either right after they wake up, or well before the next sleep. One place to feed, another to sleep Use the environment to signal to your baby that it’s time to either feed or sleep – not both at once. If you wrap your baby in a warm swaddle and lay them in a dark room to sleep, try the opposite for feeding: sit in a well-lit room and expose their body to cooler air. Use their senses Don’t be afraid to introduce some sound and movement to your baby’s feeding routine to keep them alert (without overstimulating them). Try one of these:

• Burp your baby or change their position while they feed
• Remove the bottle or gently unlatch them to keep them roused
• Change their nappy mid-feed Stroke their feet
• Gently blow air on their cheeks or forehead
• Sing or speak to your baby while they feed
• Play some music or make gentle noises

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Research shows that organic foods, including cows’ milk, may have nutritional benefits for the consumer and positive benefits for the world we live in. But there are so many buzzwords around health and nutrition these days that it can be confusing to know what’s good. Let’s take a closer look at six benefits of organic and grass fed cows’ milk. Nutrition: beneficial fatty acids Certified organic cows’ milk has a more favourable fat profile than conventional cows’ milk. Omega-3 fatty acids are known as healthy fats because they help support the health of the brain, eyes, heart, joints and nervous system, and strengthen the immune system¹. Globally, organic cows’ milk has been shown to contain more omega-3 fatty acids and Conjugated Linolenic Acid (CLA) than conventional cows’ milk². And because organic cows’ milk has proportionally more omega-3, they offer a better ratio of omega-3 to omega-6^3,4. Why is this important? Studies suggest that a lower ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 plays a role in reducing the risk of many chronic diseases ⁵. Supporting sustainability Organic farming fosters biodiversity and sustainability because it involves practices that keep the land in good condition. The practice of organic farming only allows for the use of specific fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides – the majority of which are non-synthetic – while it also promotes the use of practices such as composting, crop rotation and cover crops⁶. The practice of crop or pasture rotation reduces soil erosion and nitrous oxide emissions. Plus, diversifying crops helps with soil quality^7,8,9. Not derived from GMOs Certified Organic foods and the ingredients used in making them are not derived from GMOs. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are organisms (i.e. plants, animals or microorganisms) where the genetic material has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination¹⁰. The foods produced from GMOs, referred to as genetically modified (GM) foods, are not compatible with the principles of organic production methods. In organic food production, the use of genetically engineered organisms or their derivatives is not accepted⁷. This includes animals, seed farm inputs such as fertilisers, soil conditioners, or crop protection materials, as well as, ingredients in the final product.  Cows’ have a grass-based diet     A grass fed certification for a farm ensures that feed of the milking cows is strictly managed. Milking cows’ on grass fed farms are fed on a diet which constitutes 95% grass-based feed.  The Grass Fed Standard enables appropriate livestock density and pasture management to ensure that nutritional needs of the animals are met by grazing during milk supply. Certified Organic milk is made without the use of synthetic growth hormones and antibiotics* These are not intentionally added to the farming or manufacturing process of Certified Organic milk. Antibiotics are often used by primary producers to keep animals healthy¹¹. Growth hormones are sometimes used to speed up growth in animals as part of food production, too. Under requirements for NZ dairy and organic food production, synthetic growth promoters or stimulants must not be used in feeds^6,12,13. And, unless an exemption is granted, the use of synthetic veterinary drugs or antibiotics will cause the animal to lose its organic status. * *Exemptions may be granted when withholding such medication will result in the unnecessary suffering of the cows. Care for animal welfare Ethical treatment of animals is at the heart of organic and grass fed farming practices. The Organic Standard certification process governs pasture management and includes information on animal welfare provisions⁶. Cows on organic and grass fed farms have access to roam on pastures in the open air, feed on high-quality grasses and have sufficient protection against the weather.

References

1. https://raisingchildren.net.au/toddlers/nutrition-fitness/nutrients/fats

2. Srednicka-Tober et al (2016) Higher PUFA and n-3 PUFA, conjugated linoleic acid, α-tocopherol and iron, but lower iodine and selenium concentrations in organic milk: a systematic literature review and meta- and redundancy analysis. British journal of Nutrition, 115, 1043-1060.

3. Ellis, K. A., et al (2006). Comparing the fatty acid composition of organic and conventional milk. Journal of dairy science, 89(6), 1938-1950.

4. Bloksma, J., et al (2008). Comparison of organic and conventional raw milk quality in the Netherlands. Biological Agriculture & Horticulture, 26(1), 69-83.

5. Simopoulous A P. (2008) The importance of the ratio of omega-6/omega-3 essential fatty acids. Biomed Pharmacother. 56 (8):365-79

6.  AQ-Organics-Standard_2020-v8.pdf

7. Regenerative Organic Agriculture and Climate Change, Rodale Institute, Available at: https://rodaleinstitute.org/assets/WhitePaper.pdf

8. David Pimentel et al. (2005) Environmental, Energetic, and Economic Comparisons of Organic and Conventional Farming Systems, 55(7), 573–582

9. Seufert, V et al. (2012) Comparing the yields of organic and conventional agriculture, Nature 485, 229–23

10. https://www.who.int/foodsafety/areas_work/food-technology/faq-genetically-modified-food/en/

11. https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/consumer/generalissues/Pages/Antibiotics.aspx

12. https://www.mpi.govt.nz/growing-and-harvesting/livestock-and-animal-care/using-hormonal-growth-promotants/

13. https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/4484-Animal-Products-Notice-Regulated-Control-Scheme-Hormonal-Growth-Promotants-2017

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Baby feeding cues can be early, mid or late. Early cues (‘I’m hungry’) are stirring, mouth opening and turning their head. Mid cues (‘I’m really hungry’) are stretching, increasing physical movement and hand to mouth. Late cues (‘Calm me, then feed me’) are crying, agitated body movement and colour turning red.

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Combination feeding, also known as ‘mixed feeding’, is when a mother chooses to feed her baby a combination of breastmilk and formula. This can be due to several reasons, including insufficient breastmilk supply, mum going back to work, or mum wanting a break from constant breastfeeding, among others.

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It is important to follow your baby’s feeding cues. Unrestricted feeding, both day and night, is a key factor in successfully establishing breastfeeding and results in optimum milk production. If you are concerned about your baby’s feeding patterns, please consult with a healthcare professional.

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Young infants may feed eight to 12 times in 24 hours, including several times during the night. Unrestricted feeding, both day and night, is an important factor in successfully establishing breastfeeding.

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Most newborns feed every 90 minutes to three hours. In the first few weeks of life, it is normal for babies to nurse more often. As they get older, they will nurse less often and may establish a more predictable schedule.

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At three months of age, an infant should be exclusively breastfed (if possible) or, alternatively, formula or combo fed. Introducing foods into a child’s diet is an important milestone that can begin at around six months old.

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Most babies will show signs they are ready to try solid food at around six months. Here’s what to look for. At around six months of age you should start to notice signs that your baby is becoming interested in food. She may be watching you eating, she may start to lean forward and reach for food, or even open her mouth to show she wants to get in on the action. These signs indicated that you’re about to enter the wonderful, messy world of feeding your baby solids. The best time to start solids Before you introduce solids, your baby should have good head control and be able to sit comfortably while supported in a high chair or baby seat. Now is the time to invest in one, if you haven’t already done so. For their first taste of solid food, they need to be able to close their mouth around a spoon and keep the food in their mouth. Research suggests that around six months (but not before 4 months) is the optimal time for introducing solids to your baby’s diet. Before then, they will be getting all the hydration and nutrients they need through breastmilk or formula – which will remain their major source of nutrition for their first year of life.

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The introduction of solid foods at around six months should start with iron-containing foods, including iron-enriched infant cereals, pureed meat, poultry and fish, or cooked tofu and legumes. Vegetables, fruits, and dairy products such as full-fat yoghurt, cheese and custard can then be added to their diet. Other than starting with iron-rich first foods, there are no recommendations on the order in which things should be introduced. The most important factor is nutrient content, including adequate amounts of iron and zinc, fat, protein, vitamins and other essential minerals. Try and select foods that represent each of the five food groups. Also, even from an early age, fruit and vegetable purees should be varied to ensure adequate energy and nutrient supply.  Some examples of appropriate first foods include:

• Single-grain iron-fortified cereal mixed with breast milk or formula. Start with one or two teaspoons.

• Pureed vegetables or fruit with no added sugar or salt. Start with single ingredients like mashed banana. Then, after three to five days, introduce mashed avocado, then mashed pear, mashed pumpkin, and so on.

• Bite-size soft finger foods like a spoonful of a small pasta like risoni, small amounts of cottage cheese or ricotta, or well–cooked meats like bite-size pieces of soft chicken.

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Babies feed more often in the first weeks of life and can also go through periods of rapid growth where they may feed more than usual. As they grow older, they may want to feed less often, especially once they start on solid foods.

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Be careful not to offer a child any foods that might cause choking, including small round things (like cherry tomatoes and grapes) or hard foods like nuts. Offer safe sizes of food for them to eat and ensure your child is alert and sitting up straight. It’s safest to watch them eat, as well.

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As your baby grows, their nutritional needs change. Breast milk naturally changes to meet the nutritional requirements of infants, helping with their development. This is the best source of nutrition for your infants. If your baby is formula fed, there may come a time when they need to switch to a different age-specific formula that better supports their changing nutritional needs. Here are some simple tips for recognising if it’s time to switch to a more age-appropriate formula, and how you can go about it.Switching to a new formula isn’t complicated. That said, there are a few things you can do to make the transition as seamless as possible. Don’t fret though – the process is probably more straightforward than you think!

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Navigating the toddler years can be tricky. Get through the terrible twos with our top tips for managing your toddler’s behaviour.

Toddlers like to have things their own way – which can make them difficult to manage. One moment everything seems perfect; the next a switch has been flipped and your toddler is in full meltdown, throwing a tantrum in the middle of the supermarket. While it might feel like everyone around you is judging your parenting, you are not alone. Your toddler is yet to learn the skills and understanding they need to react in an appropriate way.

Keep your cool

While you gently guide your toddler through these difficult years, it helps to remember to set a good example by controlling your own emotions and behaviour. Don’t lose your cool – take a deep breath, stay calm and remember that you are the adult. Unwanted behaviour such as screaming, kicking, hitting, biting and throwing things needs to be addressed with consistent responses.

Five ways to manage a meltdown

1. Try to avoid situations that cause tantrums – if you anticipate a change in your toddler’s mood, distract them or move on to a new task. This can help stop a meltdown. 2. Help them feel secure – make sure you let your little one know that you love them after they have calmed down. If you use time-out be sure to talk it over with your child afterwards. They may need extra cuddles. 3. Let your toddler explore and test their limits – this is important to help build confidence and self-esteem. 4. Offer choices to your child – by explaining the consequences and giving them a choice of two outcomes, they will learn how to make decisions and feel like they have some control. This may not work until closer to 3 years old so don’t be alarmed if you have to make a judgement call. 5. Praise good behaviour – and avoid rewarding bad behaviour. Toddlers have a short attention span, so keep your verbal instructions short and simple. By being consistent in the way you help your toddler to manage their emotions they will feel more secure and gradually begin to self-regulate their outbursts.

Newborn babies have unpredictable sleeping patterns. As the weeks pass, you can help them sleep soundly for longer. Sleep deprivation is one of the biggest challenges of being a new parent. Newborns have unpredictable sleep patterns, waking up at all hours demanding attention. Your baby’s circadian rhythm is not yet developed, and usually won’t mature until around 4 months of age. During the first few months, newborns average 16 plus hours of sleep in a 24-hour period with short bouts of wakefulness lasting only 45-90 minutes. Hang in there! Around the time that your baby begins smiling at you – from about 7 weeks – her bedtime will start to drift earlier, and she should start sleeping for a solid 2-3 hours at the start of the night. By around 12 weeks, she should be sleeping for longer stretches (typically 4-6 hours). Until then, though, you need to be patient and ride out her unpredictable sleeping patterns as best you can. While her biological clock is still developing, there are things you can do to help her (and you) sleep. Use light and dark cues to help develop the circadian rhythm Keep your baby’s sleeping environment dark when you want her to sleep. Conversely, expose your baby to daytime natural light during her awake playtime. Ensure your baby gets enough daytime sleep Overtiredness can hinder your baby’s ability to self soothe and regulate her little body throughout the night. Don’t keep her awake for longer than she is comfortable during the day, in the hope that she will sleep longer at night. Create an optimal sleep environment Give your baby every advantage to sleep well at night by providing a cool, dark and quiet sleeping space. Make sure it is safe, too – place your baby on her back on a firm mattress (such as in a bassinet or bedside co-sleeper) free of any loose bedding or clothing. Follow your baby’s lead Watch your baby closely during weeks 7-12 to see new sleep patterns emerge. When she starts sleeping more in the first third of the night, avoid waking her to feed. Instead, let her body’s natural pattern emerge (unless instructed otherwise by your pediatrician). Let your baby practice falling asleep Encourage your baby to learn how to fall asleep independently. Observe what time she nods off each night, and start laying her down just before this time so she can practice falling asleep on her own. She may need lots of support at first with shushing, tummy rubbing or a soothing cuddle. Feed her well during the day If your baby is sleeping longer stretches during the day without waking to eat, but sleeping shorter periods at night with the need for lots of calories, you may need to encourage more daytime feeding sessions.

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Sure, store-bought jars of baby puree are convenient to feed your baby. But there is something very satisfying and nurturing about making your baby’s first foods yourself. By making your own purees, you have complete control over what you are feeding your baby. You can also reduce the amount of packaging and waste in your home – all you need in order to make purees are some fresh fruits and vegetables. It’s much cheaper, too. The cost of baby food is up to three times the cost of making it yourself. Before you get started Babies are more prone to food-borne illnesses than older children or adults, so it is very important that you are careful with your preparation. Always wash your hands before handling foods and make sure your bench or work area is clean. The food itself should be rinsed thoroughly, and always cook to recommended internal temperatures to avoid cross-contamination. Choose your method of cooking Most fruits, vegetables and grains need to be cooked before you can puree them. You can choose from a range of methods – if you have other kids and a busy kitchen, then go with whatever works! Each method has pros and cons in terms of ease and nutritional value:

• Steaming – quick and easy, steaming retains maximum nutrients and you can use the leftover water as stock for pureeing
• Boiling or stewing – while very easy, this method loses more nutrients than steaming
• Baking or roasting – a big batch of roast vegetables is easy to pop in the oven, and they retain most of their nutrients
• Microwave cooking – very easy for small quantities, but just watch out for uneven cooking
• Pressure cooking – this takes a little more effort and equipment, but is great for retaining nutrients

Choose your foods Most babies can handle a wide range of first foods. Often, it’s a matter of trial and error to work out what they like. The type of food you’re cooking will determine how you puree it. For example, roasted pumpkin can simply be mashed with a fork; while thicker-skinned vegetables like beans or peas will need to be pushed through a sieve or whizzed up in a blender. Steamed pears or apples will need to be popped into a blender to turn into a puree. Many soft fruits, like avocado and banana, don’t need to be cooked or blended – simply mash with a fork. To make a baby cereal, grind uncooked oatmeal, brown rice or barley in a coffee grinder, food processor or blender. Then, cook it in water for about 15 minutes to get a thin, soupy consistency. Meats can be pureed, too. Make sure it is cooked to well-done before blending and feeding your baby. You might be interested in

Baby milestones refer to baby’s “firsts”, when they are able to show new developmental skills. These include crawling, walking and talking.

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Read more about developmental milestones by leading parenting expert, Dr. Justin Coulson.  You might be interested in

By the end of the second month, you’ll notice changes to your little one almost every day. As well as being more alert, your baby may already be growing out of those size 000 onesies.  As your baby’s grasp reflex lessens, grabbing at all sorts of things will become a natural instinct. Keep your little one stimulated with talking, reading and touch – these are their best toys. You may also have a range of baby-safe toys with bright colours and textures which can aid in play time. Your baby’s hearing is improving too, so by talking, reading or singing you are likely to help your little one to recognise you, and may help settling at sleep time.

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Three months in and you may notice some significant changes to the way your little baby sleeps, feeds and – most noticeably – interacts with you and the wide world around them.  Playtime is easy at this age, as your baby’s personality is starting to really emerge and develop. As your baby becomes more responsive to play, you can try introducing more baby-safe toys. It is important that you play with the toys with your baby too. You’ll find that your little one will still be fascinated with hands (yours and their own). Keep up the tummy time too – 15 to 30 minutes a day is recommended to help develop coordination and muscle development. You can break this down throughout the day if needed. Ensure that playtime still involves lots of touch. At this stage, touch makes your baby feel safe, and is a great way for the two of you to communicate with each other.

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At 4 months old your baby is moving and wriggling more, and possibly rolling, it’s important to ensure small objects are well out of reach. Four-month-olds often explore objects by putting them up to the mouth; make sure nothing can fit inside! They have very strong touch receptors on their lips and mouth that are still developing in their fingers. When your baby is able to grip enough to pick up objects, create games where you drop things and see if bub can pick them up. Continue talking, reading and singing to your baby, and check whether your library or community group have song or story sessions; a great way to keep your little one stimulated.

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More settled, more predictable and more entertaining; your 5-month-old keeps building skills, bit by bit, getting the body and brain ready for the big challenges ahead.  Your baby loves to laugh, so little tickles are always fun. Take the time to make eye contact and laugh along; it’s actually hard to resist. Tummy time continues to be important. As your baby’s stomach muscles develop, you can put toys just out of reach. Stretching will help with strengthening and to encourage your bub to roll.

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Easing into solid foods, developing a tighter grip and become more and more mobile mark the development of your 6-month old baby, who will also start to understand what you’re saying. Your little one will become slowly more independent as they learn to move around by themselves. As sitting confidence grows, your bub may start to crawl, pull themselves up to a standing position or slide around on their bottom. Now’s the time to move all those precious vases out of reach, and make sure access to cupboards and stairs are secure. Remember that crawling happens at different times for different babies, and may never happen at all. Continue spending time with your little one at floor level, encouraging rolling, crawling, reaching and grasping. With a strengthening grip, babies also now realise how much fun it is to let things drop (especially with a full spoon of pureed mince). Grin and bear it; it’s your bub’s way of discovering the world.

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The first 18 months of your baby’s life is filled with exciting milestones – in fact, your baby will achieve more in this short space of time than any other period of his/her life! Key developmental milestones include the very basic – such as grasping and coo’ing – through to crawling, eating solids and saying actual words.

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While weight can be an important tool to assess whether a baby is getting enough nutrition from breast milk, there are other factors to consider and here are some common signs that a baby is well fed:

• After most feeds they appear to be content
• Your nipples and breasts don’t feel too uncomfortable
• You begin to feel your milk “come in” and it changes in colour from golden to white between days 2 and 5 (for some women this process may take a bit longer)
• After feeding your breasts feel softer and emptier
• Your baby is a healthy colour, their skin is firm and bounces back when gently pressed
• After the first few days your baby should have around six wet nappies every day

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The third largest component of breastmilk (after carbohydrates and fats) is prebiotics. Breastmilk is the best possible source of prebiotics for your baby. Breastmilk also contains many immune factors (such as immune cells, maternal antibodies, nucleotides, fatty acids and carbohydrates) that can’t be replicated.

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As at any time, getting a tattoo increases your risk of getting an infection such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C or HIV.  Therefore, it is extremely important to use a reputable tattoo artist and parlour to reduce this risk.

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The short answer is yes! It is a myth that breastfeeding means you can’t fall pregnant. While you may experience a time of delayed fertility during breastfeeding, it's possible to get pregnant any time from about three weeks after giving birth. If you don’t want to get pregnant again, it’s wise to use a reliable form of contraception.

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Alcohol can be passed through to breast milk.  It is safest to not drink, however if you are organised you can enjoy a glass of wine or another alcoholic beverage when breastfeeding. As a guide, alcohol will be in your breast milk 30 to 60 minutes after you start drinking. It takes approximately 2 hours for an average woman to metabolise 1 standard alcoholic drink (10g of alcohol). The Feed Safe app (http://www.feedsafe.net/) can help you work out these times more accurately.

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There is no definitive evidence that suggests having a nipple piercing affects breastfeeding a baby. If you have had your nipple(s) pierced and are concerned about its impact on breastfeeding, speak to your Healthcare Professional.

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As in pregnancy, what you eat while breastfeeding is passed on to your baby. By maintaining healthy eating habits when breast feeding, you can help keep you and your baby well-nourished and support his/her developing taste for healthy foods. There is also no convincing evidence that you should avoid or limit major allergens (milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish and shellfish) from your diet while breast feeding, unless you yourself are allergic to a particular food.  Some foods, drinks and ingredients are best limited or avoided while breastfeeding, including alcohol, high mercury fish (shark, swordfish, tilefish and king mackerel), and caffeine.

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A new mum can drink coffee while breastfeeding, with 2 to3 cups a day generally shown to be acceptable. Caffeine passes from your bloodstream into your breast milk, so having too much may make some babies, especially newborns, difficult to settle. Having a coffee after you’ve finished nursing is a good idea (you’ve definitely earned it!). Don’t forget that caffeine is found in non-herbal teas, some medications, chocolate, some soft drink, some herbal products and supplements, and some energy drinks.

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Any extra fat stores built up when pregnant is often used during breastfeeding.  When and how much is lost varies between women. It is important not to lose any extra weight gained during pregnancy gradually; up to half a kilogram per week is safe. Source: https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bf-info/common-concerns%E2%80%93mum/diet

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How many calories you burn depends on a number of factors including how much milk you produce and the energy density of your milk. Exclusively breastfeeding eats up about 595 calories a day during the first two months of a baby’s life, increasing to approximately 655 calories a day as your baby gets bigger.

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When sleep is scarce and you need to eat quickly, spending hours preparing food isn’t really an option (especially if your hands are occupied holding your baby). Here are some low-fuss ideas to nourish you and your child if you’re breastfeeding. Snack on: Sandwiches or pita bread filled with salad, cheese, meats and fish Yoghurt mixed with some chopped fruit and porridge oats Muesli, porridge or other wholegrain breakfast cereals Microwaved baked potatoes with beans or tuna melt filling Vegetable soup with wholegrain toast Make-ahead meals When neighbours, friends and family offer to drop off a dinner, say yes. Having a stash of pre-portioned meals in the freezer – whether they were made ahead by you or dropped off by a loved one – will give you quick, hearty nourishment on nights when you can’t summon the energy to cook. Great go-tos include:

• Bolognese
• Curry and dahl
• Stews and casseroles
• Soups

Mix it up Changing up the menu regularly will both keep you from getting bored and ensure you and your baby are both receiving the full range of vitamins and minerals you need to stay energetic and healthy. Ensure these food types make a regular appearance on your plate:

• Five portions of fruit and veg a day in a range of colours – fresh, frozen, or tinned is fine (just avoid anything packed in juice or syrup)
• Starchy foods: pasta, rice, wholemeal bread, potatoes
• Fibre: fruit and vegetables; wholegrain bread, pasta and cereal; brown rice; pulses
• Protein: lean meat, poultry, fish, eggs, pulses like lentils and chickpeas
• Two portions of fish a week, including one of oily fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines and anchovies
• Dairy: milk, cheese and yogurt

Keep your fluids up It’s extra important to stay hydrated when you’re breastfeeding; you’ll likely feel more thirsty than usual because your body is busy making milk. As always, make sure you’re drinking at least eight glasses throughout the day – and possibly more. Try using your baby’s feeds as a reminder to have a drink yourself.

• Water and milk are best to sip on
• Keep your drinks interesting with fruit slices in water
• Try replacing one glass with soda or mineral water
• Tea and coffee are fine, but try to go for blends with low caffeine. Remember they can be dehydrating, so you might need to have some more water to make up for it.

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Breast feeding is best for babies. As a sole source of nutrition for the first 6 months of life, it meets all their nutritional needs as Mother Nature intended.

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It takes time to work out which breast feeding position is most comfortable for you and your baby. But it’s worth persevering. There is no right or wrong when it comes to breast feeding positions. What works for you and your baby may not work for someone else. And, what works on one breast might not work on the other. Finding the right breast feeding position is important, though. If you are both comfortable and your baby can latch on correctly, then it’s more likely she will get sufficient milk at each feed. Remember, practice makes perfect – for both of you. Five common breast feeding positions

• Cradle – your baby is positioned belly-to-belly in front of you, supported on one arm and latched onto the breast on that same side
• Cross cradle – your baby is positioned belly-to-belly in front of you, supported on one arm opposite to the breast (if left arm supporting, baby latches to right breast)
• Football – your baby is wrapped along your side with her head at your breast and feet behind your back (think of holding your baby like an American football player running with the ball)
• Side-lying – both you and your baby lay on your sides facing each other with your baby slightly below your breast so she must tilt her head back while you hug her in to latch on
• Laid-back – using pillows for support, you recline at a 45 degree angle with your baby’s head between your breasts allowing her to latch to either side

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While a baby is suckling a hormone (cholecystokinin) is released which makes both the mother and baby sleepy.

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It is generally safe to keep breast feeding if you have a common illness like a cold or flu. While you may not feel like breast feeding when you have the flu or other common illness, it is usually safe for your baby to keep feeding. In fact, it could help protect your little one from becoming sick too. Most common illnesses – like a cold, flu, mastitis, stomach virus or food poisoning – are not passed through breast milk. Indeed, by the time you start feeling poorly, your little one has probably been exposed to your germs through your cuddles and care anyway. Breast feeding can actually help your baby, because your body produces antibodies when you are sick, and these antibodies are passed through your breast milk to your bub to help them fight the illness. Your mature immune response may be just what your little one needs during your illness. Things to remember if you fall ill If you fall sick when breast feeding, it is important to look after yourself. If you can, sleep whenever your baby sleeps, get some help for a few days while you recover, and don’t forget to stay hydrated and maintain a nutritious diet. If you’ve got a common illness like a cold or flu, try to breast feed as frequently as usual. Feed lying down if you’re low on energy; or if you are in hospital and separated from your baby, then ask the nurses to provide a breast pump to maintain your milk supply. Don’t forget to inform your doctor or pharmacist that you are breast feeding so they can confirm that it’s safe for you to continue feeding your little one during your treatment and recovery. What to do with more serious conditions Sometimes, if you have a more serious illness or medical condition, you may not be able to continue breast feeding. This is rare, so don’t give up without asking your doctor, pharmacist and lactation consultant first. If you are taking any medication, whether prescription or over-the-counter, always speak to your doctor, pharmacist or lactation consultant to find out if it is safe to keep breast feeding. And be aware that some medications which are safe to take when breast feeding may decrease your milk supply. You should not breast feed if you have HIV, AIDS, untreated active tuberculosis, untreated active brucellosis, a herpes lesion or syphilitic lesion on the breast or nipple. Nor, if you are taking antiretroviral medications, or undergoing radiation treatment and some types of chemotherapy. Remember, if you are ever unsure, check with your doctor or healthcare professional.

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To reach this ideal breast feeding state can take practice and patience. You will need to learn how to help your baby to get into the right position, and they will need to learn how to suck effectively. When it comes to the right position for breast feeding, there’s no golden rule. However, many babies are comfortable being held along the chest, so that their shoulders, hips, and ears are aligned and their arms and hands can hug around your breast. To encourage her to latch on, place her nose directly opposite your breast so she can smell your colostrum or breast milk. Then, gently move her away from your breast – this should encourage her to open her mouth even wider. As you bring her back to the breast, her head should tilt back so that her bottom lip and tongue reach it first, with your nipple filling the upper half of the roof of her mouth and the lower part of your breast more covered by her mouth. If your baby doesn’t seem to latch on, or the feeding is painful for you, place a clean finger in the corner of your baby’s mouth to release the seal of the latch and try again. If you have to do this more than twice, try changing your position to find something else that might work better. Here are some more tips to help with breast feeding:

• Limit the introduction of pacifiers and bottles, as these can encourage babies to suck in a different way
• Enjoy plenty of skin-to-skin contact with your baby, as this helps you to recognise your baby’s pre-feeding behaviour and helps them to latch on more effectively
• Find a comfortable position for you, so that you can relax as well

Don’t be disappointed or discouraged if you find things difficult at first – you’re certainly not alone! And remember, help is always available.  Our Careline team includes midwives and lactation consultants who can help you out with any breast feeding questions you may have. You might be interested in

If your baby isn’t gaining weight or producing enough wet and dirty nappies, here are some things you can do to help improve your milk supply:

• Relax – easier said than done, but your ‘let-down’ reflex works best when you are relaxed.
• Frequent feeds – to boost your supply, feed your baby more frequently. In the first few weeks after birth, your goal should be 8 to 12 nursing sessions in a 24-hour period. Once your baby becomes more efficient and can drink more milk in a feeding session, they will feed less often.
• Offer both breasts – this will help your baby get enough milk and ensure that both breasts are stimulated frequently to produce more milk. Remember, your body makes milk based on how much is removed from the breast.
• Try breast compression – squeeze your breast firmly (but not to the point of pain) with your thumb on one side and fingers on the other (like you’re holding a sandwich) to help increase milk flow. Wait until your baby is not actively sucking, release her from your nipple, and rotate your fingers around your breast and squeeze again. Switch breasts and repeat twice on each breast.
• Schedule a breast feeding holiday – cuddle up in bed with your baby and do nothing but rest and breast feed – and, of course, feed yourself as well.
• Eat well – you need an extra 450-500 calories each day, ideally nutrient-rich foods including vegetables like spinach, to help keep you feeling energised and healthy. Drink plenty of water, too.

If you are concerned about your milk supply, contact your healthcare provider or a lactation consultant for assistance. She or he can check your baby’s positioning and latch, and suggest ways to improve nursing sessions so you and your baby both get what you need. You might be interested in

Electric or manual pumps create suction to pull and release your nipple and extract milk from your breast, much like a baby does. The best pump for you will depend on your personal situation and preference. Some choices include:

• Hospital grade pump – these can be hired from hospital or purchased, with newer brands making them more affordable. They are best for use under 6 weeks or for exclusively pumping as they are stronger than a standard double/single electric pump.
• Double/single electric pump – with a double electric pump you can express from both breasts at the same time, which sends signals to the brain to increase your output, making the process quicker and more efficient. Best used over 6-8 weeks once your supply has fully established.
• Manual pump – smaller, more portable and less expensive, but more time consuming as you will need to manually express from each breast

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Try to avoid expressing for the first four to six weeks of breast feeding, unless you will be returning to work straight away. This is an important time for establishing supply and getting in tune with your baby’s needs.

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Try to pump at your baby’s normal feeding times to help keep your milk production on track. If this isn’t possible, then express the same number of feeds to maintain your supply. A breast feeding diary or app can help, so you know how many feeds to express to keep your body in sync with your baby. Try to fit in an extra pumping session in the morning when your breasts are fullest. Wait 15 to 30 minutes after your baby’s first feed for the day – this short break signals the start of a new feeding session, causing a spike in oxytocin that helps increase your supply.

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Storing your expressed breastmilk can make those times you need to be away from your baby easier. Here’s how to do it safely. Work or life can mean you need to be away from your baby from time to time. Having a supply of pumped and properly stored breastmilk on hand can help minimise disruptions to your baby if you need to miss a feed. The proper handling and safe storage of breastmilk is the key to maintaining its nutritional and anti-infective properties. Storing your breastmilk You’ll need either glass or BPA free plastic bottles or milk storage bags before you begin pumping. If you know how much milk your baby usually consumes at each feed you can avoid wasting any of your liquid gold by storing the milk in similar sized portions. Carefully wash your hands with soap and water or hand sanitiser before pumping and storing your breastmilk. Write the date, volume of milk and your child’s name (if the milk will be travelling to a childcare provider) on every container. Chilling your breastmilk Freshly expressed breastmilk is safe at room temperature (25°C) for up to 6 hours, but in a warmer room (26-32°C) should be used or refrigerated within 3-4 hours. If you don’t plan to use your expressed milk within 4 hours it’s a good idea to get into the habit of chilling it straight away in a fridge, freezer or cooler. Breastmilk can stay in the fridge (below 3.8°C) for up to 3 days – after this it starts to lose its antibodies. It can be kept in the freezer (below -18°C) for up to 3 months and the deep freeze (below -20°C) for 6 to 12 months. Make sure you leave enough room in the container for the milk to expand as it freezes. And remember to always keep your pumped milk at the back of the fridge or freezer, where it is coldest. Thawing it out Your breastmilk can be safely thawed in the fridge (it usually takes about 12 hours), in a bowl of warm water, or beneath running warm water. Never leave your breastmilk to defrost at room temperature, and remember to always thaw and use the oldest milk first. Never use a microwave for defrosting frozen breastmilk as it can damage the milk and cause hotspots that could burn your baby. Previously frozen breast milk thawed in the refrigerator can be stored in the fridge for 24 hours, however if thawed outside the refrigerator in warm water it can be stored in the fridge for 4 hours. Once the infant has begun feeding the breast milk should only be used for the completion of the feed and then discarded. Always check the milk’s temperature by putting a few drops on your wrist before offering it to your baby. You are best to warm the bottle in a cup of boiling hot water for 1-2 minutes until it is lukewarm – feels like nothing when dripped on your wrist. Milk should be warmed for every feed for at least the first 3 months as your baby cannot warm themselves easily. Mixing milks It is safe to mix pumped milk of the same temperature – warm with warm, and cold with cold. If the milk has been expressed on different days, label it with the oldest date. Often the milk will separate, with the cream rising to the top. Gently mix the layers back together by swirling the bottle – but avoid shaking as this can damage the milk’s proteins and other beneficial properties.

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Some infant formulas may include prebiotics. You can ask your healthcare professional for advice about whether your baby requires a formula containing prebiotics.At around 6 months, and not before 4, you can start introducing solid foods that contain prebiotics. Some age-appropriate foods that contain prebiotics are: Vegetables: sweetcorn, asparagus, snow peas, green peas, leek, onion Fruits: bananas, watermelon, apples, nectarines, white peaches, dates Grain sources: oats, bran muffins, rye crackers, wheat bread Legumes: chickpeas, lentils, baked beans

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It is important to provide sensory stimulation throughout childhood in order to encourage babies to grow and develop.  Sensory play incorporates  activities that stimulates baby's sense of touch, smell, taste, sight, or hearing.

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Playtime is easy at this age, as your baby’s personality is starting to really emerge and develop. As your baby becomes more responsive to play, you can try introducing more baby-safe toys. It is important that you play with the toys with your baby too. You’ll find that your little one will still be fascinated with hands (yours and their own). Keep up the tummy time too – 15 to 30 minutes a day is recommended to help develop coordination and muscle development. You can break this down throughout the day if needed. Ensure that playtime still involves lots of touch. At this stage, touch makes your baby feel safe, and is a great way for the two of you to communicate with each other.

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Skin-to-skin contact helps form an emotional bond between you and your baby. Cuddles, gentle massages, snoozes on your tummy, and moving arms and legs all promote emotional closeness and wellbeing in bub and mum. Make sure you get out for a few short walks or a trip to the shops, both with and without your little one

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Babies grow up in the blink of an eye. The first 24 months are crucial. You can support their development on all levels: physical, intellectual, and psychological. This is the phase where they gain consciousness of their own bodies, through movement and play. And it doesn’t take much to keep them stimulated. All you need are objects that are readily available at home and some quality time. Games you can play with our baby in the first 6 months include gently rub your baby's body and arms with different fabrics and have them smell different scents. You can strengthen their neural connections by caressing their skin with silk, wool, cotton, and fluffy fabrics. Introduce them to different scents like orange, vanilla, and lavender. Place a toy in front of your baby and then hide it. After hiding it, ask "I wonder where it's gone?" and ask "Is it over here, over there?" as you search for it. Watch the baby's reactions. Watch their development every time you play this game. Will their eyes dart over to the place you hid the toy, or will they try to scoot over there?

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You can encourage your baby to play through back-and-forth interactions such as playing peekaboo, and encouraging him/her to copy sounds and actions that you make.

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