Tag: motherhood
Is Breastfeeding Best for Babies?
There’s a lot of debate when it comes to feeding and what’s best for your baby.
Exclusive breastfeeding, mixed feeding (breast and formula) or formula feeding?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) published a statement in January 2011 indicating findings show exclusive breastfeeding up to the age of 6 months is best for babies, as it helps to achieve optimal growth, development and health.
This statement on breastfeeding by the WHO is for all babies and not just babies in developing countries.
You can read the WHO’s statement on breastfeeding here.
Are You A Baby Whisperer?
I recommend you read the insightful book The Baby Whisperer Solves All Your Problems
There’s so much useful information in this book that I use it when I need guidance with a particular issue, or just to check if I’m doing things right.
It focuses on sleep, feeding, the behaviour of your baby and everything in between. Even my husband has turned to this book for advice several times, now that’s saying something!
I diligently made a list of ‘how to parent’ books I wanted to read before I had my baby. But I’d forgotten, things never go according to plan!
In the month before our baby was due we decided we had to have our bathroom renovated. Time slipped through my fingers as I sourced tiles, tap fittings and a new showerhead.
No problem I thought, I’ll have plenty of time when my baby’s born and she’s sleeping peacefully in her Moses Basket whilst I relax on the sofa next to her. Ha!
In the early days my baby didn’t like to sleep too much in the hours of daylight. And when she did sleep, it was mandatory she was swaddled and held (thank you Moby Wrap for helping with this).
So in those rare moments of slumber during the day, they certainly didn’t allow me much time to hold a book!
I’m Not Fat, Baby on Board
I was lucky to be pregnant during winter, no hot sticky summer nights to contend with my already uncomfortable pregnancy insomnia. Being naturally warmer when pregnant was a blessing throughout the colder months! Although it did have its downside when it came to my daily commute.
I found travelling to and from work at rush hour in the hustle and bustle of London city and grappling for space to protect my bump from being knocked, became more difficult the larger my bump grew. Wearing a winter coat and scarf disguised my delicate situation.
Fellow tube and train travellers weren’t aware of my desperate need to sit down, to give my legs a break from the weight bearing down on them and to provide me with stability when the tube or train lurched around a corner or stopped abruptly.
My previously pregnant friends recommended I wear a badge on my coat that clearly said I was pregnant (and in the nicest possible way, could you therefore please give up your seat). They had done it and told me it worked! Secretly, I scoffed at the idea of wearing a badge. The last time I wore a badge I was 5 years old and declaring to the world it was my Birthday!
But it’s NOT a silly idea. It’s highly practical and pleasantly polite (with the bonus being you don’t need to engage in a needless conversation with a stranger as they’ll know instantly that you’re pregnant).
