World Breastfeeding Week Aug 1-7th

Hi Mums!
I got my newsletter this week from OhBaby! and they were celebrating World Breastfeeding Week. I thought the info they obtained from the MOH website was interesting. However, we all know that breastfeeding isn't just a given, and it doesn't always work. It is a skill to be learned by both Mum & Baby, and sometimes, there are physiological reasons why it isn't possible. With my first baby, I began to lose my milk around 4 months, and was exclusively bottle-forumula feeding by 6 months. I found this really difficult to adjust, and there wasn't really anyone to talk to as no-one was experiencing what I was.

I'm very aware of the things that effect my milk supply this time round, and thought I'd share some: tiredness (if I don't have arvo sleeps for a week, it has a huge effect); liquids - you really do need to drink alot!; good food - when we're busy with toddlers, breakfast often gets skipped, when I do this, I notice that my milk is so much lower in the evening; lastly Stress. It is so important as a mum to get a good time out for yourself. Sometimes the only way this is possible is to have a quiet bath on your own for 20 mins while your husband takes the child/ren for a walk.

Being a Mum is a tough job girls - Look After Yourself so you can effectively Look After Your Family!


Breast is best for baby because:

• Breastfed babies are less likely to have tummy upsets, respiratory infections and ear infections – or if they do get these illnesses, they may be less serious.
• Breastfeeding decreases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
• It helps a baby grow and develop physically and emotionally. They feel secure, less anxious, and more settled and happy. Sucking is rhythmic and comforting and very good for the development of the baby’s brain and nervous system.
• Breastmilk is easily digested and provides the best nutrition for a baby. It is always fresh and immediately available.
• Breastfeeding helps reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease in a baby’s later life.

Breast is best for mum because:

• It reduces the risk of breast cancer.
• It may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer, osteoporosis, and hip fracture later in life.
• Breastfeeding may help with losing the weight gained during pregnancy.

Breast is best for both mum and baby because:

• Skin-to-skin contact with a well baby is a wonderful way to recover from birth for a mother and baby, a way to start intimately connecting to a baby and a great boost to breastfeeding beginnings.
• Oxytocin has been described as the ‘love hormone’ and it is secreted when falling in love with another adult, or a baby, and it makes mothers feel relaxed, contented and less anxious.
• Mothers who breastfeed experience surges of oxytocin every time they breastfeed their babies. Skin-to-skin contact helps this hormone start and keep working.
• Oxytocin also makes the cells that are wrapped around the milk making glands in breasts contract, which starts breastmilk flowing. A baby sucking at the breast triggers milk let downs during breastfeeds and at the same time a mother's uterus contracts to help it get back into shape faster.

Exclusive breastfeeding is important because:

• Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended until the infant is around six months of age.
• Exclusive breastfeeding means that only breastmilk, from the breast or expressed and prescribed medicines have been given from birth.
• Exclusively breast-fed infants can meet their fluid requirements with breastmilk and do not need water or any other drinks or food.
• Exclusive breastfeeding protects the infant from infection, because baby is not given any other food or drink that may contain harmful bacteria. Breast milk also supplies antibodies, and immune cells that help baby to resist infection.
• After around six months of age, exclusive breastfeeding alone is not enough for baby to grow and develop. Complementary foods (solids) should be introduced with continued breastfeeding until at least one year of age, or longer.

Content supplied by the Ministry of Health, for more information see www.breastfeeding.org.nz.

Cooking Secrets Exposed

On the 18th Aug, bring along your favourite recipes to WM, for us to compile into a cookbook. We may take photos of you &/or your kids for the book too, so be prepared. :o)

The categories we're considering are:
One Pot Wonders (Casserole, Crockpots etc)
Easy Baking
Delectable Desserts
Fun Cooking for Kids

So get busy and bring along your favourites...

the funky monkeys

Hi ladies - note that next Tues there is no WM. We are going to the funky monkeys on the wed at 10.30am instead. See their website for more information on them. This will be a huge fun event for our kids. Bring your friends too!

Welcome Term 3!!

Hi ladies, the new season calendar is now linked on the right there - we'll have originals at WM next week for you. We had a blast on Tuesday - baking coming out our ears! Thanks for all those that contributed! A huge welcome to the new people who came along too.

The Parenting Place now has it's Term 3 schedule of courses etc available on their website. Check it out - maybe pair up and attend those that interest you, or do swapsies on babysitting. There's always a way to make it happen if you're keen. :o)

Preparation for Parenting Classes: My husband & I facilitate these classes and think they're very practically helpful! If you know anyone who is interested, please give them my details. We will start our next class on the 25th August. (For more info, see the blog listed on the right : NZ Parents...)

See the poll to the right - would you be opposed to wearing a name tag? Have your say.

We hope you all have a fantastic term!

Hey God, About that Baby!

Hey God, you know that baby that Mum brought home last week:
She said I need a playmate, but gee the kid won't speak!
He can't even kick my footy, or bowl my cricket ball.
I think it's a waste of time to bring him home at all.

Mummy used to play with me, and read my favourite rhyme,
Now we've got that baby, she hasn't got the time.
It's "just the baby's sleeping", or "must you make that noise?"
Or "mind you don't hurt the baby, don't touch the baby's toys".

Gran says "he's simply darling", she loves his eyes of blue,
I'm getting tired of all this female "coochy coo".
If he burps, he's a clever boy, if I burp, I'm just rude.
Mum says I'm displaying a jealous attitude.

Mum says, "you've got to learn to share, you've got a brother now"
So I shared my sardine sandwich, and gee what a row!
How was I supposed to know a baby doesn't chew,
He's got no teeth, gee what a kid, there's nothing he can do.

So I asked my Dad to change him, maybe for a Pup,
Now Mummy's in there howling, and Dad can't shut her up.
What's the good of babies, they don't know how to play,
And I have to tippy toe around, "Cos baby sleeps all day".

So now I'm in my bedroom, because I cause a fuss.
Gee God! Why did you send that kid to live with us???

Wondermums Community Support Project - Noah!

As you may be aware, as a Wondermums group, we are trying to raise money for a little boy named Noah with Leukemia. The thing is, that although we don't know a whole lot about this boy or his family, we do know that they are struggling with this illness and with life right now. Noah is 10 years old and attends a local Manurewa primary school. His family are not well off and are coping with frequent hospital trips for treatment and the like. Noah is loosing his hair and finding it difficult to cope with this socially.
I just can't imagine the pain and emotions that accompany a family who must cope with such an illness as this in one of their children. As a new-ish mum i already know what i feel when my daughter is sick, lethargic and in mild pain! So my heart goes out to Noah and his mum and dad who are dealing with much much more daily.
In a recent email I sent out i gave the opportunity for people to give money towards purchasing the family a new in-ear thermometer. However they are recently been informed by their doctor that unless they are specifically trained in the use of these then they can often give inaccurate readings! Soo we will be giving some more thought as to how to best use the money given for Noah. We will keep you informed, but please be assured that this money given will bless a family in need and show that we care and want to support them with their pain.

Thank you so so much for the amount given so far! We will keep you updated and if you would like any more information please feel free to contact me (Ruth). My email address is ruthbeale.nz@gmail.com.

What Could I Have Done?

When I think back on my life; years that have passed one by one,
I have to stop and ask myself... just what could I have done?

What could I have done that was so special? What did I do? I'd like to know.
What virtuous deed did I commit that equals the privilege of watching you grow?

As I watch your playful expressions while some amusing story is being unfurled,
I think I must have done something right to bring such a child into this world.

The special times we share together make memories that last long after.
My child, you've brightened so many days with the sound of your sweet laughter.

When a bad day gets me feeling down and things just aren't going right,
you can turn my attitude around with just your hug and kiss "goodnight."

For anything that you may need, I would walk mile...after...mile
if my reward at the end of the journey was just to see you smile.

Our hearts seem to be connected as though linked with an invisible chain;
for when you laugh..I am happy and when you hurt...I feel your pain.

I feel the need to guard and protect you even when we are apart.
From the first time I held you in my arms, ...have held you in my heart.

Did I quench a dying man's thirst? Did I save the life of another?
What could I have done that was so grand that I got this chance to be your mother?

Whatever act that I performed, whatever task that I got done...
I'm just glad that God took note of it... and chose me to be the one!

(c) 1998 Linda Ellis All Rights Reserved