Britain’s breastfeeding failure

A UNICEF report claims that maternity units are putting the health of mothers and babies at risk by not doing enough to promote breastfeeding. 38% of the units have failed to implement minimum standards brought in a year ago.
Meanwhile breastfeeding rates in the UK remain among the lowest in Europe – despite evidence that breastmilk protects babies against a range of illnesses and guards against breast and ovarian cancer in mothers.
NICEF estimates that only 10% of women give birth in a fully-accredited ‘Baby Friendly’ hospital, which means they have passed a rigorous assessment by Unicef staff.

Summer baby = Happier Adult?

According to researchers from Hertfordshire University, summer babies are happier than winter ones. In a recent study, 40,000 people were questioned and the researchers found that those born between March and August tended to have a more positive outlook outlook on life compared to those born between September and February. Exposure to daylight and warmer temperatures are believed to be contributory factors, as well as the fact that parents tend to be more relaxed and play differently with their babies in summer. So if you would like your baby to grow into a happy adult, then 9 months before May is now!!

Don’t mow your toddlers!

Every year, over 100 under-fives go into hospital because of accidents with lawn mowers.
(source: RoSPA)

Your turn this time

According to the children’s charity ‘Tommy’s’, 20% of parents are woken by their baby more than four times every night in the first month

Did You Know…..

On average, a breast weighs about 200g, but in pregnancy it can swell to 800g!

Only in Oz!

As an experiment, midwives in Sydney, Australia are holding antenatal classes in more male-friendly environments, such as pubs, in an attempt to increase the participation of expectant dads.

Improving your chances of conceiving

According to a study in the journal of the American Society for Reproduction Medicine, 89% is the amount by which your chances of conception are increased within two cycles using a Clearblue Fertility Monitor

Water Births – what you need to know

1. Women have used water for pain relief and relaxation for centuries, and about 60% of NHS hospitals have pool labour rooms.
2. Being in warm water helps release tension, providing a calming environment in which to have your baby. It also helps the body produce more of its natural painkillers.
3. The water gives extra buoyancy so you won’t have to use up as much energy to support your body, making it easier to try diffedrent positions.
4. Water is a similar environment to the amniotic sac. Your baby will receive oxygen from you once she is born via your placenta and umbilical cord – only when she is brought out of the water will she take her first breath.
5. Your midwife will be able to tell you if your hospital has a birth pool, or if you’ve had an uncomplicated pregnancy you could hire one at home.

Things you’ll secretly love about being pregnant (1)

1. Not having to worry about VPL any more because it’s safely tucked up under your armpits
2. Nine glorious months of pudding every night – that’s 270 slices of cheescake, lady.
3. Spending lunchtimes buying things that will definitely fit. The baby, that is.
4. Having a range of mysterious maladies to call upon when you want to duck out early from duty dinners with your in-laws.
(source: motherandbabymagazine)

Play the music

78% of parents feel that playing classical music is important to their child’s development