The benefits for babies of breastfeeding have been well documented and in recent times, significant health benefits for women have also been uncovered. However, despite their best efforts, many women experience issues with low supply. Because breasts work on the principle of supply and demand, using a breast pump is often recommended. Regular pumping
The placenta is the organ which supplies your baby with nutrients and oxygen via the umbilical cord, as well as removing waste products. The placenta is attached to the wall of uterus by many blood vessels. While it can appear quite low in early pregnancy, as the uterus grows and stretches the placenta is
This is Rosina and Lilian's birth story and I am entirely amazed by how my babies entered this world. The last two months of our pregnancy - our second, and this time with twins - was hectic, to say the least. My husband and I found and bought a house big enough for our
Naphthalene, the active substance in moth balls, is used to deter moths and silverfish from eating fabrics. It is also commonly used in toilet deodorant cakes. While highly effective in preventing insects from destroying stored clothing and eliminating toilet odours, If breathed of consumed naphthalene can be dangerous to both pets and humans, especially
By Christy Leech Went in for my ultrasound at 37wks + 6days. Still had a ton of fluid with E and he was still transverse. The previous 2 nights I had terrible pain in my lower belly and a total of 4hrs sleep for both nights. I was exhausted and that didn’t make for
Ivan had rung to say Penny had called her doulas and was ready for the midwife to attend to the birthing woman. It was a cold May night, so it took me a little longer to get ready. I’ve always enjoyed wrapping my woollen cloak around me as I go off into the night
Folic acid, also known as folate, is a B-group vitamin that is essential for the healthy development of the foetus in early pregnancy. Folic acid is instrumental in preventing neural tube defects (NTDs) – serious birth defects of the spinal cord (such as spina bifida) and the brain (such as anencephaly). The use of
It is a sobering thought to consider that 1.7 million Australian children are at risk of developing serious illnesses as a result of sustained exposure to tobacco smoke. The Car and Home: Smoke-Free Campaign aims to help prevent children’s exposure to tobacco smoke so they can avoid the damaging health effects. What is environmental
A common question asked of midwives and doctors by pregnant women is whether flying during pregnancy is safe. For pregnant women, concerns usually centre around the possible effects of flight on the health and well being of their unborn baby, the possibility that the flight may cause preterm labour, and fears of what would
Hip dysplasia is the medical term for instability, or looseness, of the hip joint that affects thousands of children each year. This ranges from mild instability to complete dislocation. Approximately one out of every 20 full-term babies has some hip instability and two to three per 1000 will require treatment. Persistent hip instability is
