I've been through quite a few of these in HK (and abroad) with Isabelle. You think that when baby no 2 comes along you won't be going back and forth to the doctor as much....hhmmm not necessarily true. I've probably been as many times with Sebastien too, the difference is that you are possibly not so worried and stressed out about the whole process.
Some paediatricians in HK
Dr Joseph Pang
Rm 901 Hing Wai Building
36 Queens Road, Central
tel:2526 7633
pager: 7202 8139
Dr Steve Wong
Rm 901 Hing Wai Building
36 Queens Road, Central
tel:2526 7633
pager:7388 7999
Dr Mark Chan
818 Health Professionals
Suite 818 Central Building
1 Peddar Street
tel:2526 6332
mobile: 6629 7322
General Family Practitioners
Dr David Owens / Dr Brigitte Schlaikier
5/F Century Square, 1 D'Aguilar Street Central
Tel: 2521 3181
OR
Room 1501-1503 Shui on Centre, 8 Harbour Road, Wanchai
tel: 2824 9112
Dr Sue Baldwin
Dr Fosters & Stevenson
13/F Hing Wai Building
36 Queens Road, Central
tel:2537 7281
in the UK:
Dr Stanley Rom
+ 44 20 7637 0358
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Can you prevent the whole household from getting sick when 1 child falls ill?
This week was my first time with both kids sick at the same time. It started on Saturday when Isabelle woke up at 5am saying 'hot mummy! hot!' followed by 'drink water mummy, Isabelle drink water'. We couldn't get her back to sleep so by 10am we were all patiently sitting in the doctor's surgery. Sore throat, fever, cough, runny and congested nose.....When we got home we started the process of 'ISOLATION'. The idea was that if we kept Isabelle away from Sebastien, if we made sure that no one who looks after her then picks up Sebastien, then by some miracle the 2nd child in the same household wouldn't get sick....WRONG!
We followed the strict rules to isolating the children from each other, washing hands and using alcohol if we had to go from one child to the next, changing bedsheets and hand towels each day...did any of it work ? NOPE! First I started to get sick (headache, sore throat, dry cough). Then Isabelle's nanny started to complain of a sore throat and cough, by Thursday morning Sebastien started coughing. Back to the doctor we went. He also had Bronchiolitis and I now had sinusitis on top of everything else (oh and did I mention that Sebastien's nanny also started to get sick?).
It's now Saturday again, after several sleepless nights trying to console 2 inconsolable children, after my own sleepless night last night and prescription of anti-biotics and a bucket full of medicines for everyone else, I've concluded that this is the start of many many many more episodes to come in a household with more than one child. There is nothing you can do to stop the spread, these things are airborne anyway (which reminds we even aired the flat to no avail). You just have to ride the wave. Good hygiene and handwashing are still good practice, as for stopping the spread of anything..? you just have to accept there is nothing you can do and know that this time next weekend we will back to our routine of playgroups and school where a whole host of new viruses are awaiting our arrival with open arms.
We followed the strict rules to isolating the children from each other, washing hands and using alcohol if we had to go from one child to the next, changing bedsheets and hand towels each day...did any of it work ? NOPE! First I started to get sick (headache, sore throat, dry cough). Then Isabelle's nanny started to complain of a sore throat and cough, by Thursday morning Sebastien started coughing. Back to the doctor we went. He also had Bronchiolitis and I now had sinusitis on top of everything else (oh and did I mention that Sebastien's nanny also started to get sick?).
It's now Saturday again, after several sleepless nights trying to console 2 inconsolable children, after my own sleepless night last night and prescription of anti-biotics and a bucket full of medicines for everyone else, I've concluded that this is the start of many many many more episodes to come in a household with more than one child. There is nothing you can do to stop the spread, these things are airborne anyway (which reminds we even aired the flat to no avail). You just have to ride the wave. Good hygiene and handwashing are still good practice, as for stopping the spread of anything..? you just have to accept there is nothing you can do and know that this time next weekend we will back to our routine of playgroups and school where a whole host of new viruses are awaiting our arrival with open arms.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Signs that Baby is ready to sleep through the night?
If you are still feeding your baby once in the middle of the night, and your baby is over 6wks old and weights more than 10 pounds you MIGHT notice that he doesn't really feel all that hungry at his 7am(morning) feed anymore. THAT'S WHEN YOU KNOW HE DOESN'T NEED THAT MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT FEED ANYMORE AND IT'S JUST BECOME A HABIT.
Maternity nurses for years have worked with a concept known as the CORE NIGHT. All it means is that once your baby sleeps for a large chunk through the night, you should never again give your baby a feed in that time even if he wakes; you should let him settle himself back to sleep; and if he can't settle himself you can pat him, use a dummy but not pick him up, as an absolute last resort some people recommend giving cooled boiled water, I found it created the same sleep association as giving milk, except that now your baby is waking up for the water (you are still not getting any sleep !).
Maternity nurses for years have worked with a concept known as the CORE NIGHT. All it means is that once your baby sleeps for a large chunk through the night, you should never again give your baby a feed in that time even if he wakes; you should let him settle himself back to sleep; and if he can't settle himself you can pat him, use a dummy but not pick him up, as an absolute last resort some people recommend giving cooled boiled water, I found it created the same sleep association as giving milk, except that now your baby is waking up for the water (you are still not getting any sleep !).
SIDS / Cot Death - What is it and safe sleeping
What is SIDS or Cot Death?
It's a syndrome marked by the sudden death of an infant that is unexpected by history and remains unexplained after a thorough forensic autopsy and a detailed death scene investigation.
I think knowing and understanding Cot Death or SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is so important that it's the only section of my blog that I have actually copied and pasted straight out of a website. In this case from the 'The Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths' site, otherwise known as FSID. FSID is the UK's leading baby charity working to prevent sudden deaths and promote health. FSID funds research, supports bereaved families and promotes safe baby care advice.
For more detailed info this is the site to go to www.fsid.org.uk
This is an extract from the site:
Try to remember that cot death is rare and that if you follow advice such as sleeping your baby on the back, you will be reducing their risk of cot death considerably.
Since the introduction of our 'reduce the risk of cot death' campaign in 1991 the number of babies dying has fallen by 75%. Advances in research mean we are regularly discovering new positive steps parents can take. Follow the steps below to give your baby the chance of a lifetime.
Advice for parents to reduce the risk of cot death:
•Cut smoking in pregnancy – fathers too! And don’t let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby.
•Place your baby on the back to sleep (and not on the front or side).
•Do not let your baby get too hot, and keep your baby’s head uncovered.
•Place your baby with their feet to the foot of the cot, to prevent them wriggling down under the covers, or use a baby sleep bag.
•Never sleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair.
•The safest place for your baby to sleep is in a crib or cot in a room with you for the first six months.
•It’s especially dangerous for your baby to sleep in your bed
if you (or your partner):
• are a smoker, even if you never smoke in bed or at home
• have been drinking alcohol
• take medication or drugs that make you drowsy
• feel very tired;
or if your baby:
• was born before 37 weeks
• weighed less than 2.5kg or 5½ lbs at birth.
•Don’t forget, accidents can happen: you might roll over in your sleep and suffocate your baby; or your baby could get caught between the wall and the bed, or could roll out of an adult bed and be injured.
•Settling your baby to sleep (day and night) with a dummy can reduce the risk of cot death, even if the dummy falls out while your baby is asleep.
•Breastfeed your baby. Establish breastfeeding before starting to use a dummy.
Much of this advice is contained in the booklet Reduce the Risk of Cot Death: An Easy Guide. Our award-wining BabyZone booklet covers all this advice as well as advising you on how to protect your baby from infections and accidents. Follow the links on the left to view the leaflets and go to our publications list to order your free copy.
If you have any questions about looking after your baby safely please call our Helpline on 0808 802 6868 or email helpline@fsid.org.uk
Where should I put my baby’s cot?
The safest place for your baby to sleep for the first six months is in a cot in a room with you. This is true for day-time sleeps too. Babies should never sleep next to a radiator, heater or in direct sunlight. Keep an eye on the temperature by buying a simple room thermometer. Make sure your baby cannot reach cords on curtains, window blinds or lights.
Can I use a duvet, quilt or pillow for my baby?
If your baby is under one year, do not use a duvet, quilt or pillow. Don’t use electric blankets or hot water bottles. Instead, use one or more layers of light blankets and clothing.
What kind of mattress should I use?
It is very important that your baby’s mattress is kept clean and dry. Ideally you should buy a new mattress for each new baby. If you are not able to do this, use the one you have, as long as it was made with a completely waterproof cover and has no tears, cracks or holes. Clean and dry it thoroughly. Check that the mattress is in good condition; is firm, not soft; fits the cot without any gaps; and doesn’t sag. Never sleep your baby on a pillow, cushion, bean bag or waterbed.
Can my baby use a sleeping bag?
Yes, sleeping bags are a safe alternative to blankets. If you use a sleeping bag, it needs to be hoodless, and have the right size opening at the neck so your baby won’t slip down inside the bag. Never use with a duvet. To make sure your baby doesn’t become too hot, choose a lightweight bag.
Can my baby share my bed?
There are dangers in bedsharing. The safest place for your baby to sleep is in a cot in your bedroom for the first six months. There is a proven risk in bedsharing if you or your partner smoke (even if you never smoke in bed or at home), have been drinking alcohol, take drugs or medication that make you drowsy, or have had little sleep, or if your baby was born premature or was small at birth. If your baby does come into your bed, use lightweight blankets and keep your baby’s head uncovered and remember that accidents can happen. Never sleep together with your baby on a sofa or armchair.
My baby keeps rolling onto his front. What should I do?
If your baby is less than six months old and you find him sleeping on his tummy, gently turn him onto his back. Don’t feel you need to keep getting up all night to check on this. Whatever your baby’s age, always place him to sleep on his back.
Is it okay to swaddle my baby?
People swaddle in different ways, using different weight materials. If you swaddle your baby, don’t cover the head and only use thin materials.
Can I use a Moses basket?
There is no research evidence on Moses baskets. If using a Moses basket, it should have only a thin cotton lining and a waterproof mattress. Follow the ‘reduce the risk of cot death’ advice at the end of this fact sheet.
Is it okay for my baby to sleep in a car seat?
Car seats are not ideal places for safe infant sleep in the home. Our advice is that the safest place for your baby to sleep – both during the day for naps and during the night – is in a crib, cot or Moses basket in a room with you for the first six months. It is important to check on your baby regularly when she is asleep. If your baby is being transported in a car, she should be carried in a properly designed and fitted car seat, facing backwards, and be observable by a competent adult. Be careful that your baby doesn’t get too hot and remove hats and outdoor coats when you get in the car. On long car journeys, stop for breaks for fresh air and a drink for the baby. Premature babies who may slump need particular care when travelling in a car seat.
A recent study of car seats gave this advice: “We are still concerned about the vulnerability of infants in car seats … We advise parents to use car seats that do not have a steeply angled back. Caregivers are also instructed that immature infants being discharged from the neonatal nursery should be watched carefully while in the car seat and transferred back to their cot as soon as possible after the car journey ends.” [Car seat test for preterm infants: comparison with polysomnography, Elder et al. Arch. Dis. Child. Fetal Neonatal Ed..2007; 92: F468-F472]
How can I prevent my baby’s head from getting covered?
It can be dangerous if your baby’s head gets covered when he sleeps. Place him with his feet to the foot of the cot, with the bedclothes firmly tucked in and no higher than the shoulders, so he can’t wriggle down under the covers. If he wriggles up and gets uncovered, don’t worry. You can also use a baby sleeping bag instead of sheets and blankets.
Do movement (breathing) monitors prevent cot death?
There is no evidence that movement monitors (also known as apnoea or breathing monitors) prevent cot death. Babies can and do die whilst on a monitor. They are designed to sound an alarm after 20 seconds if they can’t detect a baby’s breathing movement. They cannot detect a blocked airway until breathing movements stop.
Is it safe for my baby to play on her front?
Babies should have plenty of opportunity to play on the front, so their muscles develop properly and to avoid misshapen heads. Keep an eye on them at all times.
Should I breastfeed my baby?
Yes, breastfeed your baby as it has been found to reduce the risk of cot death. It’s natural and the best way to feed your baby, and increases resistance to infection.
Should I use a dummy?
Settling your baby to sleep with a dummy – even for naps – can reduce the risk of cot death. If breastfeeding, do not begin to give a dummy until your baby is one month old to ensure breastfeeding is well-established. If you are sure that breastfeeding has been firmly established before your baby is one month old then there is no reason to withhold a dummy until this time. Don’t worry if the dummy falls out while your baby is asleep, and don’t force your baby to take a dummy if she doesn’t want it. Never coat the dummy in anything sweet. Try to gradually wean your baby off a dummy by the age of one year. The risk of cot death drops significantly after six months, so from this point onwards up to one year, you should try to get her to stop using a dummy to prevent dental and other problems.
Should my baby be immunised?
Your baby is less likely to die as a cot death if he has been immunised. Have your baby immunised and go for checkups.
Is it okay to take my baby on an aeroplane?
There is no evidence that flying is unsafe for healthy babies. If you fly with your baby on either long or short flights, you should follow these guidelines: place your baby on the back to sleep, keep your baby cool, and make sure your baby takes appropriate feeds and doesn’t become dehydrated. If you have specific questions about your baby, e.g. if your baby is unwell or has a cold, speak to your doctor before travelling.
Is there anything else I can do to reduce the risk of cot death?
• Cut smoking in pregnancy – fathers too! And don’t let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby.
• Place your baby on the back to sleep (and not on the front or side).
• Do not let your baby get too hot, and keep your baby’s head uncovered.
• Place your baby with their feet to the foot of the cot, to prevent them wriggling down under the covers.
• Never sleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair.
• The safest place for your baby to sleep is in a crib or cot in a room with you for the first six months.
• It’s especially dangerous for your baby to sleep in your bed
if you (or your partner):
- are a smoker, even if you never smoke in bed or at home
- have been drinking alcohol
- take medication or drugs that make you drowsy
- feel very tired;
or if your baby:
- was born before 37 weeks
- weighed less than 2.5kg or 5½ lbs at birth.
• Don’t forget, accidents can happen: you might roll over in your sleep and suffocate your baby; or your baby could get caught between the wall and the bed, or could roll out of an adult bed and be injured.
• Settling your baby to sleep (day and night) with a dummy can reduce the risk of cot death, even if the dummy falls out while your baby is asleep.
• Breastfeed your baby. Establish breastfeeding before starting to use a dummy.
It's a syndrome marked by the sudden death of an infant that is unexpected by history and remains unexplained after a thorough forensic autopsy and a detailed death scene investigation.
I think knowing and understanding Cot Death or SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is so important that it's the only section of my blog that I have actually copied and pasted straight out of a website. In this case from the 'The Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths' site, otherwise known as FSID. FSID is the UK's leading baby charity working to prevent sudden deaths and promote health. FSID funds research, supports bereaved families and promotes safe baby care advice.
For more detailed info this is the site to go to www.fsid.org.uk
This is an extract from the site:
Try to remember that cot death is rare and that if you follow advice such as sleeping your baby on the back, you will be reducing their risk of cot death considerably.
Since the introduction of our 'reduce the risk of cot death' campaign in 1991 the number of babies dying has fallen by 75%. Advances in research mean we are regularly discovering new positive steps parents can take. Follow the steps below to give your baby the chance of a lifetime.
Advice for parents to reduce the risk of cot death:
•Cut smoking in pregnancy – fathers too! And don’t let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby.
•Place your baby on the back to sleep (and not on the front or side).
•Do not let your baby get too hot, and keep your baby’s head uncovered.
•Place your baby with their feet to the foot of the cot, to prevent them wriggling down under the covers, or use a baby sleep bag.
•Never sleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair.
•The safest place for your baby to sleep is in a crib or cot in a room with you for the first six months.
•It’s especially dangerous for your baby to sleep in your bed
if you (or your partner):
• are a smoker, even if you never smoke in bed or at home
• have been drinking alcohol
• take medication or drugs that make you drowsy
• feel very tired;
or if your baby:
• was born before 37 weeks
• weighed less than 2.5kg or 5½ lbs at birth.
•Don’t forget, accidents can happen: you might roll over in your sleep and suffocate your baby; or your baby could get caught between the wall and the bed, or could roll out of an adult bed and be injured.
•Settling your baby to sleep (day and night) with a dummy can reduce the risk of cot death, even if the dummy falls out while your baby is asleep.
•Breastfeed your baby. Establish breastfeeding before starting to use a dummy.
Much of this advice is contained in the booklet Reduce the Risk of Cot Death: An Easy Guide. Our award-wining BabyZone booklet covers all this advice as well as advising you on how to protect your baby from infections and accidents. Follow the links on the left to view the leaflets and go to our publications list to order your free copy.
If you have any questions about looking after your baby safely please call our Helpline on 0808 802 6868 or email helpline@fsid.org.uk
Where should I put my baby’s cot?
The safest place for your baby to sleep for the first six months is in a cot in a room with you. This is true for day-time sleeps too. Babies should never sleep next to a radiator, heater or in direct sunlight. Keep an eye on the temperature by buying a simple room thermometer. Make sure your baby cannot reach cords on curtains, window blinds or lights.
Can I use a duvet, quilt or pillow for my baby?
If your baby is under one year, do not use a duvet, quilt or pillow. Don’t use electric blankets or hot water bottles. Instead, use one or more layers of light blankets and clothing.
What kind of mattress should I use?
It is very important that your baby’s mattress is kept clean and dry. Ideally you should buy a new mattress for each new baby. If you are not able to do this, use the one you have, as long as it was made with a completely waterproof cover and has no tears, cracks or holes. Clean and dry it thoroughly. Check that the mattress is in good condition; is firm, not soft; fits the cot without any gaps; and doesn’t sag. Never sleep your baby on a pillow, cushion, bean bag or waterbed.
Can my baby use a sleeping bag?
Yes, sleeping bags are a safe alternative to blankets. If you use a sleeping bag, it needs to be hoodless, and have the right size opening at the neck so your baby won’t slip down inside the bag. Never use with a duvet. To make sure your baby doesn’t become too hot, choose a lightweight bag.
Can my baby share my bed?
There are dangers in bedsharing. The safest place for your baby to sleep is in a cot in your bedroom for the first six months. There is a proven risk in bedsharing if you or your partner smoke (even if you never smoke in bed or at home), have been drinking alcohol, take drugs or medication that make you drowsy, or have had little sleep, or if your baby was born premature or was small at birth. If your baby does come into your bed, use lightweight blankets and keep your baby’s head uncovered and remember that accidents can happen. Never sleep together with your baby on a sofa or armchair.
My baby keeps rolling onto his front. What should I do?
If your baby is less than six months old and you find him sleeping on his tummy, gently turn him onto his back. Don’t feel you need to keep getting up all night to check on this. Whatever your baby’s age, always place him to sleep on his back.
Is it okay to swaddle my baby?
People swaddle in different ways, using different weight materials. If you swaddle your baby, don’t cover the head and only use thin materials.
Can I use a Moses basket?
There is no research evidence on Moses baskets. If using a Moses basket, it should have only a thin cotton lining and a waterproof mattress. Follow the ‘reduce the risk of cot death’ advice at the end of this fact sheet.
Is it okay for my baby to sleep in a car seat?
Car seats are not ideal places for safe infant sleep in the home. Our advice is that the safest place for your baby to sleep – both during the day for naps and during the night – is in a crib, cot or Moses basket in a room with you for the first six months. It is important to check on your baby regularly when she is asleep. If your baby is being transported in a car, she should be carried in a properly designed and fitted car seat, facing backwards, and be observable by a competent adult. Be careful that your baby doesn’t get too hot and remove hats and outdoor coats when you get in the car. On long car journeys, stop for breaks for fresh air and a drink for the baby. Premature babies who may slump need particular care when travelling in a car seat.
A recent study of car seats gave this advice: “We are still concerned about the vulnerability of infants in car seats … We advise parents to use car seats that do not have a steeply angled back. Caregivers are also instructed that immature infants being discharged from the neonatal nursery should be watched carefully while in the car seat and transferred back to their cot as soon as possible after the car journey ends.” [Car seat test for preterm infants: comparison with polysomnography, Elder et al. Arch. Dis. Child. Fetal Neonatal Ed..2007; 92: F468-F472]
How can I prevent my baby’s head from getting covered?
It can be dangerous if your baby’s head gets covered when he sleeps. Place him with his feet to the foot of the cot, with the bedclothes firmly tucked in and no higher than the shoulders, so he can’t wriggle down under the covers. If he wriggles up and gets uncovered, don’t worry. You can also use a baby sleeping bag instead of sheets and blankets.
Do movement (breathing) monitors prevent cot death?
There is no evidence that movement monitors (also known as apnoea or breathing monitors) prevent cot death. Babies can and do die whilst on a monitor. They are designed to sound an alarm after 20 seconds if they can’t detect a baby’s breathing movement. They cannot detect a blocked airway until breathing movements stop.
Is it safe for my baby to play on her front?
Babies should have plenty of opportunity to play on the front, so their muscles develop properly and to avoid misshapen heads. Keep an eye on them at all times.
Should I breastfeed my baby?
Yes, breastfeed your baby as it has been found to reduce the risk of cot death. It’s natural and the best way to feed your baby, and increases resistance to infection.
Should I use a dummy?
Settling your baby to sleep with a dummy – even for naps – can reduce the risk of cot death. If breastfeeding, do not begin to give a dummy until your baby is one month old to ensure breastfeeding is well-established. If you are sure that breastfeeding has been firmly established before your baby is one month old then there is no reason to withhold a dummy until this time. Don’t worry if the dummy falls out while your baby is asleep, and don’t force your baby to take a dummy if she doesn’t want it. Never coat the dummy in anything sweet. Try to gradually wean your baby off a dummy by the age of one year. The risk of cot death drops significantly after six months, so from this point onwards up to one year, you should try to get her to stop using a dummy to prevent dental and other problems.
Should my baby be immunised?
Your baby is less likely to die as a cot death if he has been immunised. Have your baby immunised and go for checkups.
Is it okay to take my baby on an aeroplane?
There is no evidence that flying is unsafe for healthy babies. If you fly with your baby on either long or short flights, you should follow these guidelines: place your baby on the back to sleep, keep your baby cool, and make sure your baby takes appropriate feeds and doesn’t become dehydrated. If you have specific questions about your baby, e.g. if your baby is unwell or has a cold, speak to your doctor before travelling.
Is there anything else I can do to reduce the risk of cot death?
• Cut smoking in pregnancy – fathers too! And don’t let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby.
• Place your baby on the back to sleep (and not on the front or side).
• Do not let your baby get too hot, and keep your baby’s head uncovered.
• Place your baby with their feet to the foot of the cot, to prevent them wriggling down under the covers.
• Never sleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair.
• The safest place for your baby to sleep is in a crib or cot in a room with you for the first six months.
• It’s especially dangerous for your baby to sleep in your bed
if you (or your partner):
- are a smoker, even if you never smoke in bed or at home
- have been drinking alcohol
- take medication or drugs that make you drowsy
- feel very tired;
or if your baby:
- was born before 37 weeks
- weighed less than 2.5kg or 5½ lbs at birth.
• Don’t forget, accidents can happen: you might roll over in your sleep and suffocate your baby; or your baby could get caught between the wall and the bed, or could roll out of an adult bed and be injured.
• Settling your baby to sleep (day and night) with a dummy can reduce the risk of cot death, even if the dummy falls out while your baby is asleep.
• Breastfeed your baby. Establish breastfeeding before starting to use a dummy.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Pre & Postnatal Excersise
Prenatal Exercise
Depending on where in the world you live there are VERY different views on exercise during pregnancy and whether you should in fact be doing any at all. So here are two different pictures for you:
In HK: I was about 6mths pregnant, I went to the gym to walk on the treadmill. I set the tread mil on a slight incline of about 5%, and started a brisk (ish)walk. After about 20 mins, as I stepped off the treadmill I felt very lightheaded and within minutes was sitting down with 3 worried instructors buzzing around me getting me energy bars and isotonic drinks. I'll never forget one of them saying 'but you are pregnant why are you even AT the gym?!?'. She thought I was insane, I thought she was even more insane for asking me that. The simple fact was that I had been a bit irresponsible and forgotten to have a snack before my workout. I was running on empty.
In London: in my mother's gym class I've seen many pregnant ladies from 3mths through to 8mths in the body conditioning classes. This is TOUGH 60min class that has cardio, and body toning using hand weights. It is totally the way to go in Europe
As long as you have asked your doctor if it is safe for you to exercise, and that you have no pregnancy complications it should be totally ok for you to work out, in fact it's positively the right thing to do (but you MUST check with your Dr first). It's all about being sensible too, if you have never done yoga, it's probably not the time to start. But if you continue something that your body was used to before (but modified to the fact that you are pregnant) then you should be fine. I think walking is great, I think Pilates is fantastic (specially for your pelvic floor which takes on quite a strain during pregnancy). Others love yoga and some people ( like the example above) love more strenuous exercise. I had a super fit friend who loved spinning, when she became pregnant she carried on spinning right through to her 7th or 8th month.
Postnatal Exercise
I don't have any earth shattering tips here other than you MUST wait to get ok from your doctor after your 6 week check up before you start any kind of postnatal exercise specially if you've had a c-section like me. It's amazing how the body changes during pregnancy and your expectations of what it is capable of after the birth have to be realistic. You need to start slow and then build up the straight. Consistency is the most important thing, even if you do 20mins a day. I waited 2mths after the birth and then I called my personal trainer and we went full on for a month (1 or sometimes 2 sessions a day, 5 or 6 days a week). Whether you have a trainer or not it's really important to understand what the right exercises are. For example it may seem obviously to do a lot of abdominal work after a baby to get that tummy back in...NOOOOO! the abdominal have a thin layer of fascia in the middle at the front that hold them and if you do crunches just after the birth you will most probably tear it apart (and that's for good). Crunches pull the muscles away from each other and there is only 1 exercise that draws them towards each other - you need to know what that is if you want to close your 'separation' (the gap between your abs). Some people can have a separation as wide as 4 fingers, I was lucky mine was only a finger wide. Anyway I'm not an instructor and I'm not about to give out any work out tips, all I will say is that with hard work and good balanced diet you can get back to your pre pregnancy weight if you want to within 6mths.
Depending on where in the world you live there are VERY different views on exercise during pregnancy and whether you should in fact be doing any at all. So here are two different pictures for you:
In HK: I was about 6mths pregnant, I went to the gym to walk on the treadmill. I set the tread mil on a slight incline of about 5%, and started a brisk (ish)walk. After about 20 mins, as I stepped off the treadmill I felt very lightheaded and within minutes was sitting down with 3 worried instructors buzzing around me getting me energy bars and isotonic drinks. I'll never forget one of them saying 'but you are pregnant why are you even AT the gym?!?'. She thought I was insane, I thought she was even more insane for asking me that. The simple fact was that I had been a bit irresponsible and forgotten to have a snack before my workout. I was running on empty.
In London: in my mother's gym class I've seen many pregnant ladies from 3mths through to 8mths in the body conditioning classes. This is TOUGH 60min class that has cardio, and body toning using hand weights. It is totally the way to go in Europe
As long as you have asked your doctor if it is safe for you to exercise, and that you have no pregnancy complications it should be totally ok for you to work out, in fact it's positively the right thing to do (but you MUST check with your Dr first). It's all about being sensible too, if you have never done yoga, it's probably not the time to start. But if you continue something that your body was used to before (but modified to the fact that you are pregnant) then you should be fine. I think walking is great, I think Pilates is fantastic (specially for your pelvic floor which takes on quite a strain during pregnancy). Others love yoga and some people ( like the example above) love more strenuous exercise. I had a super fit friend who loved spinning, when she became pregnant she carried on spinning right through to her 7th or 8th month.
Postnatal Exercise
I don't have any earth shattering tips here other than you MUST wait to get ok from your doctor after your 6 week check up before you start any kind of postnatal exercise specially if you've had a c-section like me. It's amazing how the body changes during pregnancy and your expectations of what it is capable of after the birth have to be realistic. You need to start slow and then build up the straight. Consistency is the most important thing, even if you do 20mins a day. I waited 2mths after the birth and then I called my personal trainer and we went full on for a month (1 or sometimes 2 sessions a day, 5 or 6 days a week). Whether you have a trainer or not it's really important to understand what the right exercises are. For example it may seem obviously to do a lot of abdominal work after a baby to get that tummy back in...NOOOOO! the abdominal have a thin layer of fascia in the middle at the front that hold them and if you do crunches just after the birth you will most probably tear it apart (and that's for good). Crunches pull the muscles away from each other and there is only 1 exercise that draws them towards each other - you need to know what that is if you want to close your 'separation' (the gap between your abs). Some people can have a separation as wide as 4 fingers, I was lucky mine was only a finger wide. Anyway I'm not an instructor and I'm not about to give out any work out tips, all I will say is that with hard work and good balanced diet you can get back to your pre pregnancy weight if you want to within 6mths.
What would you like to see on this blog?
Thought I would open up a section here on things YOU would like to see here, or questions you have. I can't promise that I will have the answers but use the comment box attached below to ask me anything you would like to know about your baby bundle.
Monday, March 8, 2010
REM? Sleep Cycle or a Band??
What is REM? Unless you've ever specifically come across it in relation to sleep, you'll know REM as the band who sang 'Everybody Hurts'. But seriously what is REM? Rapid Eye Movement, it sounds more complicated than it really is. It's just a name that refers to the light phase of sleep. Babies spend 50% of thier time in REM sleep (that's why they make those cute jerky movements and eye flickets etc). If your baby was born prematurly he'll be in REM for closer to 80% of the time.
The non REM sleep is the really still part of sleep. The part that makes you wonder if they are still breathing. Totally normal as a 1st time mother to check on them the whole time during this part of the sleep. It's ok though you get over this after a while and if you don't the sensor pad is the way to go (look under best buys in my what to buy a new born).
By the 3rd month babies develeop a proper sleep pattern of 4 REM and non-REM sleep. Non-REM sleep has 4 STAGES. First they enter STAGE 1 of non-REM sleep (drowsy sleep) they quickly move into STAGE 2 (light sleep) and finally into STAGE 3 and STAGE 4 (very deep sleep). This whole cyle (STAGE 1-4) lasts 40-50mins. The baby then enters the REM sleep (which is a very light sleep) for 5-10mins and then back again into the non-REM cycle. This is why babies often wake up after 45mins, and if they don't know how to settle themselves back to sleep unassisted in that REM stage they wake up and the problems start. If they aren't able to get more than 40/50mins stretches during the day, by the afternoon they are super irritable and overtired and can't settle well into the night sleep. If you fall into the habit of assisting your baby back to sleep every 40/50mins you'll find yourself having to do that all the night as well.
The non REM sleep is the really still part of sleep. The part that makes you wonder if they are still breathing. Totally normal as a 1st time mother to check on them the whole time during this part of the sleep. It's ok though you get over this after a while and if you don't the sensor pad is the way to go (look under best buys in my what to buy a new born).
By the 3rd month babies develeop a proper sleep pattern of 4 REM and non-REM sleep. Non-REM sleep has 4 STAGES. First they enter STAGE 1 of non-REM sleep (drowsy sleep) they quickly move into STAGE 2 (light sleep) and finally into STAGE 3 and STAGE 4 (very deep sleep). This whole cyle (STAGE 1-4) lasts 40-50mins. The baby then enters the REM sleep (which is a very light sleep) for 5-10mins and then back again into the non-REM cycle. This is why babies often wake up after 45mins, and if they don't know how to settle themselves back to sleep unassisted in that REM stage they wake up and the problems start. If they aren't able to get more than 40/50mins stretches during the day, by the afternoon they are super irritable and overtired and can't settle well into the night sleep. If you fall into the habit of assisting your baby back to sleep every 40/50mins you'll find yourself having to do that all the night as well.
Controlled Crying: What is it and can I really do it?
What is Controlled Crying?
It's basically sleep training. It trains babies and toddlers to sleep on their own without needing to be rocked to sleep.
If you are going to sleep train your baby you need to first read the section on Basics of Sleep, and once you have that under control you can try the sleep training. If you demand feed your baby it's almost impossible to sleep train your baby. Demand feeding means feeding your baby whenever your baby cries for milk but more importantly it means letting your baby sleep as much as she likes in between those feeds. This often results in far too many hours of day time sleep and therefore not enough hours of night time sleep. Silent Nights by Dr Brian Synon is a great book in understanding the importance of a routine.
The harsh fact is that sleep training is REALLY HARD, I can't stress how hard it was for me, heartbreaking infact but the good news is that it takes about a week or two and then after that you have a much easier baby.
First of all ask your doctor if you can sleep train your baby using controlled crying. You MUST get the OK from the Dr first.
Some reasons NOT to sleep train your baby
- baby is underweight
- your baby is ill or recovering from an illness
- you're about to move home or have moved home, are on holiday or just got back from holiday
- your baby / toddler has just started pre-school or nursery or an older sibling is having a tough time with pre-school or nursery or accepting the new baby
- YOU the parents are not mentally ready (post natally depressed or other causes of stress)
All on the same page
- the best solution is that the SAME person deals with the baby during sleep training and if this isn't possible then to sit down and make sure you are all on the same page. I sleep trained both bundles whilst still on maternity leave, but I had my nanny on hand to help throughout the process. With Isabelle it was much easier, we started when she was 8wks old and by 9wks she was sleeping after her 10.30pm feed through to 7am totally uninterupted. With Sebastien it's been much harder. he was able to do the same when he was almost 13months old and even now at 19mths he STILL stirs once at 4am. So being on the same page as his nanny is really important and we work together on this every day having disussions and updates througout the day when I am at work and in the evenings when I get home.
Usually with babies under 6mths if they are still getting up more than 2 times and are not able to settle down again it's probably hunger so make sure you check his weight and amount of milk with your doctor first. You MUST be sure all that is in order if you are to ignore a crying baby during the night.
Letting your baby cry himself to sleep
Sounds really cruel right? In fact it's a totally natural thing for a tired baby to 'cry down'. Babies who are sleepy and ready to sleep with start crying really quite loudly when you put them into thier cot, it's thier way of winding down. It shouldn't take more than 10-30mins. The more tired the baby the louder he will cry down. It's NOT easy to listen to your baby cry himself to sleep, and every minute feels like 20 mins. If after 10mins you really can't take it anymore you can go in, give a few tap taps, and then walk out again. If you pick the baby up the game is over. I used to stick head phones on. I know it sounds awful and just as I would approach the 10th minute and was about to pull my hair out and go running in and kiss and cuddle my baby suddenly silence ! he would be fast asleep. I can't stress how valuable a lesson you are teaching your baby by letting him to learn to settle himself.
All babies come into a light sleep a few times throughout the night and when they wake up, IF they have not learnt to settle themselves they will not sleep again, and you'll find yourself resorting to rocking or dummies which only compound the problem.
Controlled Crying for babies over 6mths
Day 1: Start in the evening with a structured evening routine that involves a bath and then the last feed of the night. Settle your baby in his cot after he is well winded and leave the room. Allow him to cry for 5 to 10 mins depending on how long YOU can tolerate. Go back in, dont't make eye contact, stroke or pat him, say 'shhh, shhh'. Stay no longer than 2mins and leave the room even if he cried the whole way through the time you were with him. Go back in again after 5-10mins. If the first time you let your baby cry 5 mins, this time try 6mins, the 3rd time try 7mins but never longer than 10mins. If they 1st time you managed 10mins, do 10mins the 2nd and 3rd time. Each time you go in stay no longer than 2mins. After 30mins of doing this you can then increase the time between going in to 15-20mins, I know IT IS HARD, but I PROMISE you eventually your baby will fall asleep (probably just as you are about to give up). Each time in the night your baby wakes up, follow the same structure.
Day 2: now you will doing the controlled crying during the day...pick up where you left off, so if the longest you had to leave your baby was 15mins then start with 15mins and go in only after 15mins, again for a short 2mins only, and then start again. If your baby's morning nap is supposed to be 45mins but it takes you 45mins of contrlled crying to eventually get him to sleep you might be wondering what to do next....allow him a short25/20min nap anyway. If this happens during the lunch time nap, allow him 45mins anyway no matter what time he falls asleep otherwise he will be too tired by the afternoon. That evening do the same as day 1 but leave your baby for about 20-25mins this time. This time let reasurance be only 'shhh, shhh' no patting or stroking this time. If after a whole hour or going in every 20mins he is still crying increase the gap to 35-40mins. This will almost never happen, usually children learn pretty quickly that you are not going to get them up and that it's in thier better interest to actually just go to sleep. If he wakes in the middle of the night, ignore him for a good 45mins before going in to 'shh, shh' him and this time no longer than 1min.
Day 3: by now most babies will settle themselves within the 1st 20mins
If it takes longer than 3 days just stick with it, some days you will go back a step but work back forward again.
When we travel long haul we usually don't leave the bundles to cry for the 1st 3 days, in recognition that they are jet lagged we assist them in their sleep using cuddles or dummies, the problem is that they then get used to this very quickly so we then have to do the whole controlled crying again to re-teach them and remind them they have to put themselves to sleep. It never takes more than 2/3 days. It's the same when they are unwell, I never let an ill child cry himself to sleep, but they soon get used to the comfort of someone picking them up or rocking them to sleep so even when they are well again they might play up as they want to be rocked to sleep and once again we have to do the controlled crying to let them know they have to do it themselves.
When it works it's amazing, with both bundles we put them down in their cots, they cry for a few minutes (less than 5) and they fall asleep, it's great as a parent not to have to be rocking your child to sleep each night and everytime you lower them into thier bed they burst out crying again.
When they are older toddlers they are so used to it that they will then dictate to you. With Isabelle we read her a bedtime story, give her a cuddle for a few minutes in the dark and she herself will say 'bed time mummy, time for Isabelle's bed'.
It's basically sleep training. It trains babies and toddlers to sleep on their own without needing to be rocked to sleep.
If you are going to sleep train your baby you need to first read the section on Basics of Sleep, and once you have that under control you can try the sleep training. If you demand feed your baby it's almost impossible to sleep train your baby. Demand feeding means feeding your baby whenever your baby cries for milk but more importantly it means letting your baby sleep as much as she likes in between those feeds. This often results in far too many hours of day time sleep and therefore not enough hours of night time sleep. Silent Nights by Dr Brian Synon is a great book in understanding the importance of a routine.
The harsh fact is that sleep training is REALLY HARD, I can't stress how hard it was for me, heartbreaking infact but the good news is that it takes about a week or two and then after that you have a much easier baby.
First of all ask your doctor if you can sleep train your baby using controlled crying. You MUST get the OK from the Dr first.
Some reasons NOT to sleep train your baby
- baby is underweight
- your baby is ill or recovering from an illness
- you're about to move home or have moved home, are on holiday or just got back from holiday
- your baby / toddler has just started pre-school or nursery or an older sibling is having a tough time with pre-school or nursery or accepting the new baby
- YOU the parents are not mentally ready (post natally depressed or other causes of stress)
All on the same page
- the best solution is that the SAME person deals with the baby during sleep training and if this isn't possible then to sit down and make sure you are all on the same page. I sleep trained both bundles whilst still on maternity leave, but I had my nanny on hand to help throughout the process. With Isabelle it was much easier, we started when she was 8wks old and by 9wks she was sleeping after her 10.30pm feed through to 7am totally uninterupted. With Sebastien it's been much harder. he was able to do the same when he was almost 13months old and even now at 19mths he STILL stirs once at 4am. So being on the same page as his nanny is really important and we work together on this every day having disussions and updates througout the day when I am at work and in the evenings when I get home.
Usually with babies under 6mths if they are still getting up more than 2 times and are not able to settle down again it's probably hunger so make sure you check his weight and amount of milk with your doctor first. You MUST be sure all that is in order if you are to ignore a crying baby during the night.
Letting your baby cry himself to sleep
Sounds really cruel right? In fact it's a totally natural thing for a tired baby to 'cry down'. Babies who are sleepy and ready to sleep with start crying really quite loudly when you put them into thier cot, it's thier way of winding down. It shouldn't take more than 10-30mins. The more tired the baby the louder he will cry down. It's NOT easy to listen to your baby cry himself to sleep, and every minute feels like 20 mins. If after 10mins you really can't take it anymore you can go in, give a few tap taps, and then walk out again. If you pick the baby up the game is over. I used to stick head phones on. I know it sounds awful and just as I would approach the 10th minute and was about to pull my hair out and go running in and kiss and cuddle my baby suddenly silence ! he would be fast asleep. I can't stress how valuable a lesson you are teaching your baby by letting him to learn to settle himself.
All babies come into a light sleep a few times throughout the night and when they wake up, IF they have not learnt to settle themselves they will not sleep again, and you'll find yourself resorting to rocking or dummies which only compound the problem.
Controlled Crying for babies over 6mths
Day 1: Start in the evening with a structured evening routine that involves a bath and then the last feed of the night. Settle your baby in his cot after he is well winded and leave the room. Allow him to cry for 5 to 10 mins depending on how long YOU can tolerate. Go back in, dont't make eye contact, stroke or pat him, say 'shhh, shhh'. Stay no longer than 2mins and leave the room even if he cried the whole way through the time you were with him. Go back in again after 5-10mins. If the first time you let your baby cry 5 mins, this time try 6mins, the 3rd time try 7mins but never longer than 10mins. If they 1st time you managed 10mins, do 10mins the 2nd and 3rd time. Each time you go in stay no longer than 2mins. After 30mins of doing this you can then increase the time between going in to 15-20mins, I know IT IS HARD, but I PROMISE you eventually your baby will fall asleep (probably just as you are about to give up). Each time in the night your baby wakes up, follow the same structure.
Day 2: now you will doing the controlled crying during the day...pick up where you left off, so if the longest you had to leave your baby was 15mins then start with 15mins and go in only after 15mins, again for a short 2mins only, and then start again. If your baby's morning nap is supposed to be 45mins but it takes you 45mins of contrlled crying to eventually get him to sleep you might be wondering what to do next....allow him a short25/20min nap anyway. If this happens during the lunch time nap, allow him 45mins anyway no matter what time he falls asleep otherwise he will be too tired by the afternoon. That evening do the same as day 1 but leave your baby for about 20-25mins this time. This time let reasurance be only 'shhh, shhh' no patting or stroking this time. If after a whole hour or going in every 20mins he is still crying increase the gap to 35-40mins. This will almost never happen, usually children learn pretty quickly that you are not going to get them up and that it's in thier better interest to actually just go to sleep. If he wakes in the middle of the night, ignore him for a good 45mins before going in to 'shh, shh' him and this time no longer than 1min.
Day 3: by now most babies will settle themselves within the 1st 20mins
If it takes longer than 3 days just stick with it, some days you will go back a step but work back forward again.
When we travel long haul we usually don't leave the bundles to cry for the 1st 3 days, in recognition that they are jet lagged we assist them in their sleep using cuddles or dummies, the problem is that they then get used to this very quickly so we then have to do the whole controlled crying again to re-teach them and remind them they have to put themselves to sleep. It never takes more than 2/3 days. It's the same when they are unwell, I never let an ill child cry himself to sleep, but they soon get used to the comfort of someone picking them up or rocking them to sleep so even when they are well again they might play up as they want to be rocked to sleep and once again we have to do the controlled crying to let them know they have to do it themselves.
When it works it's amazing, with both bundles we put them down in their cots, they cry for a few minutes (less than 5) and they fall asleep, it's great as a parent not to have to be rocking your child to sleep each night and everytime you lower them into thier bed they burst out crying again.
When they are older toddlers they are so used to it that they will then dictate to you. With Isabelle we read her a bedtime story, give her a cuddle for a few minutes in the dark and she herself will say 'bed time mummy, time for Isabelle's bed'.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Some Basics on Sleep
I follow a few basic rules and so far so good with both little bundles
1 - Understanding how long your baby needs to sleep during the day. There is a maximum amount of time each child should sleep during the day to ensure that they are able to make it through the night. It should be divide between 2 shorter naps morning and afternoon and then one longer lunch time nap. A baby under 5wks needs around 5hrs sleep a day; between 4 to 8wks it should be around 4hrs; from 8 to 12 wks about 3hrs 30mins. By 3mths it should be no longer than 3hrs. By 6mths if your baby is giving you all the right signs you can drop the afternoon nap altogether and the total daytime sleep will be no more than 2hrs 30mins to 3hrs. After their 1st birthday they will probably sleep no more than 2hrs 30 mins and some time between 15 and 18 mths your toddler will also drop his morning nap sleeping no more than 2hrs at lunch time. These are all guidelines and if you have a very active toddler they will sleep a lot less. Isabelle never slept as long as the guidelines and from around 16mths onwards was sleeping anything between 45mins to 2hrs at lunch time (with an average of 1hr 30mins for most days)
2 - Waking up a baby that is sleeping too long during the day. This is related to the first point but not always obvious. It's really hard waking up a sleeping baby specially if it's the only down time you get but TRUST me, it's a lot better to have him awake during the day than during the night. I don't mean startle a baby to wake. As long as you gently unwrap him from his swaddle or unzip him from his sleeping bag, pull back any sheets and open any blinds he should start to wake up on his own...if not then gently stroke his tummy and speak to him softly.
3 - Eliminating Sleep associations. There are lots of these from rocking and cuddling, to dummies and tap tapping a baby to sleep. My view is that in the first 2 to 3 months babies need as much love, cuddles and attention as they can get, and yes perhaps they will develop sleep associations, but as long as you stop them well before the end of their third month you can wean them off any sleep associations in a few days. With a dummy (if you choose to use one) the trick is to pull it out your baby's mouth JUST before he falls asleep. That way they don't learn to 'need' it to fall asleep and they won't be startled when it falls out of their little mouths. I think if you HAVE to do something then some 'sshh-ing and some tapping' is fine but try not to pick the baby up and rock him to sleep. Then you will end up in a never ending cycle of the baby bursting into tears the minute you try to put him down. I used CONTROLED CRYING with both my bundles. Done CORRECTLY it can really work...more on that later
4 - The premise that if your baby has had the right amount of milk for his weight, is gaining the right amount of weight each week, is sleeping only the maximum amount of hours allowed for his age then he SHOULD be able to get through the bulk fo the night - sometimes referred to as the 'core night'.
1 - Understanding how long your baby needs to sleep during the day. There is a maximum amount of time each child should sleep during the day to ensure that they are able to make it through the night. It should be divide between 2 shorter naps morning and afternoon and then one longer lunch time nap. A baby under 5wks needs around 5hrs sleep a day; between 4 to 8wks it should be around 4hrs; from 8 to 12 wks about 3hrs 30mins. By 3mths it should be no longer than 3hrs. By 6mths if your baby is giving you all the right signs you can drop the afternoon nap altogether and the total daytime sleep will be no more than 2hrs 30mins to 3hrs. After their 1st birthday they will probably sleep no more than 2hrs 30 mins and some time between 15 and 18 mths your toddler will also drop his morning nap sleeping no more than 2hrs at lunch time. These are all guidelines and if you have a very active toddler they will sleep a lot less. Isabelle never slept as long as the guidelines and from around 16mths onwards was sleeping anything between 45mins to 2hrs at lunch time (with an average of 1hr 30mins for most days)
2 - Waking up a baby that is sleeping too long during the day. This is related to the first point but not always obvious. It's really hard waking up a sleeping baby specially if it's the only down time you get but TRUST me, it's a lot better to have him awake during the day than during the night. I don't mean startle a baby to wake. As long as you gently unwrap him from his swaddle or unzip him from his sleeping bag, pull back any sheets and open any blinds he should start to wake up on his own...if not then gently stroke his tummy and speak to him softly.
3 - Eliminating Sleep associations. There are lots of these from rocking and cuddling, to dummies and tap tapping a baby to sleep. My view is that in the first 2 to 3 months babies need as much love, cuddles and attention as they can get, and yes perhaps they will develop sleep associations, but as long as you stop them well before the end of their third month you can wean them off any sleep associations in a few days. With a dummy (if you choose to use one) the trick is to pull it out your baby's mouth JUST before he falls asleep. That way they don't learn to 'need' it to fall asleep and they won't be startled when it falls out of their little mouths. I think if you HAVE to do something then some 'sshh-ing and some tapping' is fine but try not to pick the baby up and rock him to sleep. Then you will end up in a never ending cycle of the baby bursting into tears the minute you try to put him down. I used CONTROLED CRYING with both my bundles. Done CORRECTLY it can really work...more on that later
4 - The premise that if your baby has had the right amount of milk for his weight, is gaining the right amount of weight each week, is sleeping only the maximum amount of hours allowed for his age then he SHOULD be able to get through the bulk fo the night - sometimes referred to as the 'core night'.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
What is Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD)
Well the reason I had to go to the doctor today was because Isabelle woke up with a fever in the middle of the night. At the doctors she was diagnosed with HFMD.
Not to be confused with Foot and Mouth disease that cattle get, HFMD is an intestinal virus from the PICORNAVIRIDAE family. It usually affects infants and children, and is quite common. It is moderately contagious and spread through direct contact with the mucus, saliva, or feces of an infected person. It typically occurs in small epidemics in nursery schools or kindergartens, usually during the summer and autumn months. The usual incubation period is 3–7 days.
The name is pretty scary, but in reality it's no worse than any other viral infection. There really is no cure for it and you have to sit it out.
The list of symptoms can vary fro child to child, the most common ones (and the ones Isabelle has today) are fever, sore throat/cough, fatigue, oral ulcers and sores on the hands and feet. It sounds so much worse than it really is. For now the back of her throat is very red with what look like the start of little blisters and the palms of her hands and soles of her feet have a mild rash. She's grumpy and irritable and sleepy. This is day 1 and it could be worse on days 2 and 3 but we are crossing our fingers it's not too awful for her.
Panadol controls the fever and any pain from the sore throat and cough medicine is helping her cough. Aside from that just lots of TLC and Peppa Pig are all we can do.
She needs to stay home and away from other kids for a good week and we have to be extra careful with hygiene around Sebastien.
Not a good day today
Not to be confused with Foot and Mouth disease that cattle get, HFMD is an intestinal virus from the PICORNAVIRIDAE family. It usually affects infants and children, and is quite common. It is moderately contagious and spread through direct contact with the mucus, saliva, or feces of an infected person. It typically occurs in small epidemics in nursery schools or kindergartens, usually during the summer and autumn months. The usual incubation period is 3–7 days.
The name is pretty scary, but in reality it's no worse than any other viral infection. There really is no cure for it and you have to sit it out.
The list of symptoms can vary fro child to child, the most common ones (and the ones Isabelle has today) are fever, sore throat/cough, fatigue, oral ulcers and sores on the hands and feet. It sounds so much worse than it really is. For now the back of her throat is very red with what look like the start of little blisters and the palms of her hands and soles of her feet have a mild rash. She's grumpy and irritable and sleepy. This is day 1 and it could be worse on days 2 and 3 but we are crossing our fingers it's not too awful for her.
Panadol controls the fever and any pain from the sore throat and cough medicine is helping her cough. Aside from that just lots of TLC and Peppa Pig are all we can do.
She needs to stay home and away from other kids for a good week and we have to be extra careful with hygiene around Sebastien.
Not a good day today
The Hip Seat
Having said that one of my worst buys was the hip seat I actually needed to use it today. I wish I hadn't thought as I used it for a trip to the doctors. It's pretty good actually for a short venture out somewhere where you don't want to lug the stroller with you. The short wait for a taxi at both ends was made much easier. Any longer and I could feel it was going to start hurting my lower back.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Children's illness: Top 5 causes of missed school
The Mayo Clinic in the States published a report about the top causes of missed school. It talked about why children got sick so often? Or when it's safe to send kids back to school or child care?
Once kids start to socialise it seems that each week they catch something. Their little immune system are really put to the test. They are literally breeding grounds for the organisms that cause illness.
Here's a lineup (from the Mayo Clinic Report) of the infectious illnesses most likely to keep children home from school or child care, including how to treat and prevent these illnesses — and when it's OK to return to usual activities.
The top five culprits
1. Common cold
The common cold spreads easily through contact with infected respiratory droplets coughed or sneezed into the air. Signs and symptoms may include runny or stuffy nose, itchy or sore throat, cough, sneezing and low-grade fever.
There's no cure for the common cold, and cough and cold medicines aren't recommended for young children — but you can help your child feel better while he or she toughs it out.
Offer plenty of fluids, such as water, juice and chicken soup.
Encourage your child to rest as much as possible.
Run a humidifier in your child's bedroom, or have your child sit in a steamy bathroom.
Try over-the-counter saline nose drops.
An over-the-counter pain reliever — such as baby paracetamol — can reduce a fever and ease the pain of a sore throat or headache. Remember, however, low-grade fevers don't need treatment. If you give your child a pain reliever, follow the dosing guidelines carefully. Don't give aspirin to anyone age 18 or younger.
2. Stomach flu (viral gastroenteritis)
Viral gastroenteritis typically develops after contact with an infected person or after eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Signs include vomiting and diarrhea.
There's no effective treatment for viral gastroenteritis. While the illness runs its course:
Prevent dehydration with an oral rehydration solution, which can help replace lost fluids, minerals and salts.
Encourage your child to rest as much as possible.
Slowly return to a normal diet, starting with easy-to-digest items — toast, rice, bananas, potatoes. Avoid dairy products, which can make diarrhea worse.
Don't give your child over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications unless your child's doctor recommends it. These medications can make it harder for your child's body to eliminate the virus. If your child seems dehydrated — is excessively thirsty, complains of dry mouth, produces little or no urine, or seems severely weak or lethargic — contact the doctor right away.
3. Ear infection (otitis media)
Ear infections usually start with a viral infection, such as a cold. The middle ear becomes inflamed from the infection, and fluid builds up behind the eardrum. This fluid can become a breeding ground for viruses or bacteria. Your child may complain of ear pain, tug or pull at the affected ear, be unusually irritable or have trouble sleeping.
Most ear infections clear on their own in just a few days, and antibiotics won't help an infection caused by a virus. If your child is uncomfortable:
Place a warm, moist cloth over the affected ear. (my mother used to warm cotton wool on the radiator or on a hot water bottle and place that on my ear)
Ask your child's doctor about pain relievers. He or she may recommend eardrops or an over-the-counter pain reliever. Use the correct dose for your child's age and weight. Don't give aspirin to anyone age 18 or younger.
4. Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is an inflammation or infection of the clear membrane that lines the eyelid and part of the eyeball. Pink eye is typically caused by a virus, often in association with a cold — although sometimes bacteria or allergies are to blame. When pink eye is caused by a virus or bacteria, it's highly contagious. You may notice redness and discharge in one or both of your child's eyes. Your child may complain of itchy eyes or blurred vision.
If your child has bacterial pink eye, the doctor may prescribe antibiotic eyedrops or ointment. Viral pink eye simply needs to run its course. Use warm or cool compresses on the eyes to ease your child's discomfort.
5. Sore throat
Most sore throats are caused by viruses. They're usually associated with other respiratory signs, such as a runny nose and cough. Most sore throats go away without treatment. To help your child feel better in the meantime:
Offer plenty of fluids. Try honey and lemon in hot water. (Doctors in HK tell you that children under the age of 2 shouldn't have honey - this is worth checking)
Encourage your child to rest his or her voice as much as possible.
Run a humidifier in your child's bedroom, or have your child sit in a steamy bathroom.
For an older child, try gargled salt water.
If the sore throat lasts longer than a week, causes severe pain, or is accompanied by a fever or red and swollen tonsils, contact your child's doctor. Your child may have strep throat, a bacterial infection that's treated with antibiotics.
When to stay home, when to return to school or child care
Although the specific school or facility guidelines may vary, your child will probably need to stay home if he or she:
Has a fever higher than 100.4 F (38 C)
Is vomiting
Has diarrhea
Is in the first 24 hours of antibiotic treatment for pink eye or strep throat
Generally, a child can return to school or child care when he or she:
Has no fever
Can eat and drink normally
Is rested and alert enough to pay attention in class
Has completed any period of doctor-recommended isolation
Prevention for one and all
Common sense can go a long way toward preventing illness. Teach your child the basics:
Keep your hands clean. Remind your child to wash his or her hands before eating and after using the toilet or blowing his or her nose. Suggest soaping up for as long as it takes to sing the ABCs, "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" or the "Happy Birthday" song.
Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. It's best to use a tissue. If you can't reach a tissue in time, cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow.
Keep your hands away from your eyes and out of your mouth. Hands are often covered in germs.
Avoid anyone who's sick. Close contact with someone who's sick could leave you sick, too.
As your child gets older, he or she will build an arsenal of antibodies to fight common viruses. Gradually your child will become less prone to common illnesses and recover more quickly from the illnesses he or she does catch.
AND IF YOU EVER JUST NEED PIECE OF MIND IT'S ALWAYS BETTER TO MAKE A SHORT TRIP TO THE DOCTOR INSTEAD OF HAVING A SLEEPLESS NIGHT WORRYING
Once kids start to socialise it seems that each week they catch something. Their little immune system are really put to the test. They are literally breeding grounds for the organisms that cause illness.
Here's a lineup (from the Mayo Clinic Report) of the infectious illnesses most likely to keep children home from school or child care, including how to treat and prevent these illnesses — and when it's OK to return to usual activities.
The top five culprits
1. Common cold
The common cold spreads easily through contact with infected respiratory droplets coughed or sneezed into the air. Signs and symptoms may include runny or stuffy nose, itchy or sore throat, cough, sneezing and low-grade fever.
There's no cure for the common cold, and cough and cold medicines aren't recommended for young children — but you can help your child feel better while he or she toughs it out.
Offer plenty of fluids, such as water, juice and chicken soup.
Encourage your child to rest as much as possible.
Run a humidifier in your child's bedroom, or have your child sit in a steamy bathroom.
Try over-the-counter saline nose drops.
An over-the-counter pain reliever — such as baby paracetamol — can reduce a fever and ease the pain of a sore throat or headache. Remember, however, low-grade fevers don't need treatment. If you give your child a pain reliever, follow the dosing guidelines carefully. Don't give aspirin to anyone age 18 or younger.
2. Stomach flu (viral gastroenteritis)
Viral gastroenteritis typically develops after contact with an infected person or after eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Signs include vomiting and diarrhea.
There's no effective treatment for viral gastroenteritis. While the illness runs its course:
Prevent dehydration with an oral rehydration solution, which can help replace lost fluids, minerals and salts.
Encourage your child to rest as much as possible.
Slowly return to a normal diet, starting with easy-to-digest items — toast, rice, bananas, potatoes. Avoid dairy products, which can make diarrhea worse.
Don't give your child over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications unless your child's doctor recommends it. These medications can make it harder for your child's body to eliminate the virus. If your child seems dehydrated — is excessively thirsty, complains of dry mouth, produces little or no urine, or seems severely weak or lethargic — contact the doctor right away.
3. Ear infection (otitis media)
Ear infections usually start with a viral infection, such as a cold. The middle ear becomes inflamed from the infection, and fluid builds up behind the eardrum. This fluid can become a breeding ground for viruses or bacteria. Your child may complain of ear pain, tug or pull at the affected ear, be unusually irritable or have trouble sleeping.
Most ear infections clear on their own in just a few days, and antibiotics won't help an infection caused by a virus. If your child is uncomfortable:
Place a warm, moist cloth over the affected ear. (my mother used to warm cotton wool on the radiator or on a hot water bottle and place that on my ear)
Ask your child's doctor about pain relievers. He or she may recommend eardrops or an over-the-counter pain reliever. Use the correct dose for your child's age and weight. Don't give aspirin to anyone age 18 or younger.
4. Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is an inflammation or infection of the clear membrane that lines the eyelid and part of the eyeball. Pink eye is typically caused by a virus, often in association with a cold — although sometimes bacteria or allergies are to blame. When pink eye is caused by a virus or bacteria, it's highly contagious. You may notice redness and discharge in one or both of your child's eyes. Your child may complain of itchy eyes or blurred vision.
If your child has bacterial pink eye, the doctor may prescribe antibiotic eyedrops or ointment. Viral pink eye simply needs to run its course. Use warm or cool compresses on the eyes to ease your child's discomfort.
5. Sore throat
Most sore throats are caused by viruses. They're usually associated with other respiratory signs, such as a runny nose and cough. Most sore throats go away without treatment. To help your child feel better in the meantime:
Offer plenty of fluids. Try honey and lemon in hot water. (Doctors in HK tell you that children under the age of 2 shouldn't have honey - this is worth checking)
Encourage your child to rest his or her voice as much as possible.
Run a humidifier in your child's bedroom, or have your child sit in a steamy bathroom.
For an older child, try gargled salt water.
If the sore throat lasts longer than a week, causes severe pain, or is accompanied by a fever or red and swollen tonsils, contact your child's doctor. Your child may have strep throat, a bacterial infection that's treated with antibiotics.
When to stay home, when to return to school or child care
Although the specific school or facility guidelines may vary, your child will probably need to stay home if he or she:
Has a fever higher than 100.4 F (38 C)
Is vomiting
Has diarrhea
Is in the first 24 hours of antibiotic treatment for pink eye or strep throat
Generally, a child can return to school or child care when he or she:
Has no fever
Can eat and drink normally
Is rested and alert enough to pay attention in class
Has completed any period of doctor-recommended isolation
Prevention for one and all
Common sense can go a long way toward preventing illness. Teach your child the basics:
Keep your hands clean. Remind your child to wash his or her hands before eating and after using the toilet or blowing his or her nose. Suggest soaping up for as long as it takes to sing the ABCs, "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" or the "Happy Birthday" song.
Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. It's best to use a tissue. If you can't reach a tissue in time, cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow.
Keep your hands away from your eyes and out of your mouth. Hands are often covered in germs.
Avoid anyone who's sick. Close contact with someone who's sick could leave you sick, too.
As your child gets older, he or she will build an arsenal of antibodies to fight common viruses. Gradually your child will become less prone to common illnesses and recover more quickly from the illnesses he or she does catch.
AND IF YOU EVER JUST NEED PIECE OF MIND IT'S ALWAYS BETTER TO MAKE A SHORT TRIP TO THE DOCTOR INSTEAD OF HAVING A SLEEPLESS NIGHT WORRYING
Still to come....
Pre and post natal depression
Feeding & Sleeping schedules
Dealing with Toddler tantrums
....and much more
Feeding & Sleeping schedules
Dealing with Toddler tantrums
....and much more
Trevel with your Baby
Travelling with your baby
If it's the first time you are flying with your baby you'll feel like you've packed everything except the kitchen sink. There's the car seat, stroller, diaper bag, carry on bag and of course the baby. Air travel with a baby isn't easy, and some of the struggles start before you even board the plane. These simple tips will help you manage your baby gear before and after you board the airplane and make the entire air travel experience more pleasant for everyone.
The Car Seat Conundrum
Many parents debate over whether or not to take their baby's car seat. If you plan to travel by car at your destination, you'll need a baby car seat anyway. Car seats are sometimes available for rent, but you never know what the quality will be on a rental seat, and the car seat may have been in an accident, making it a risky choice for your baby. For babies 1yr and under my personal suggestion would be to take your own car seat with you. Better safe than sorry. But you will have one battle on your hands…how to get the car seat into the cabin. The manufacturers recommendation is that you never check a car seat. If it's dropped and has an internal fracture that you can't see, it's no longer safe to use (much like a bike helmet). I suggest you don't ask at the counter and just board the plane with it. On most large planes it will fit into the overheard lockers, the problem starts on smaller planes on short haul flights where sometimes it doens't fit into the overhead lockers. This is where your battle begins with the staff. Will they be kind enough to find an empty seat or an empty storage locker? It's just pot luck, at some point you might loose the battle. If you do have to check it in it should be wrapped well for protection.
Should I Buy Baby his or her own Plane Seat?
For a baby that can fit into a bassinet you absolutetly do not need to pay for a seat. All you need to do is to ask for a bulk head seat and a bassinet. On take off and landing you have to use an infant seat belt and strap the baby to your lap. This is a good time to give your baby some milk or a dummy to get him sucking as the air pressure changes. The air pressure really hurts their ears and this is usually the time babies cry on fights.
As soon as the seat belt signs go off you can then settle your baby into the bassinet and hopefully your baby will sleep to the hum of the plane for the whole journey. One thing to note however is that as soon as the belt signs go on you have to take your baby out of the bassinet and back onto your lap and belted up (cross your fingers you have as little turbulance as possible).
Baby bassinets are only given to infants up to 7 mths so between 7 mths and 2yrs old your child is essentially on your lap for the whole flight. This is when you can consider buying a seat for your child anyway (you'll have to at the age of 2 anyway so you may as well adjust to the extra cost). Some airlines will let you strap the car seat into the plane seat and leave your baby in there for the flight. Check the manual to be sure that your baby's car seat is FAA approved for air travel before taking it on the plane for that purpose. Also note that baby car seats can only be installed in a window seat on most airlines. If you do buy a seat for your baby who is too big for a bassinet but under 2yrs old again they have to sit on your lap for take off, landing and any other time the seat belt signs go on. However for the rest of the flight you can raise the arm rest pop a pillow under thier heads and let them lie across their seat and onto your lap). Make sure in this instance you do NOT ask for a bulk head seat because arm rests are fixed in those seats and won't raise up.
One tip for the bassinet (usually they have little to no padding, if you have a skeepskin cover for your stroller take that on board and use it as a 'mattress' in the bassinet. Another good tip is to carry some clothes pegs with you, great to pin a blanket or muslin over the bassinet to keep the lights out (specially as bulk head seats are close to the toilettes, lights on, lights off, lights on, lights of..... and useful when lights go on for meals). It also means you can watch a movie on the screen right above the bassinet whilst your baby is sleeping without the screen lights disturbing him/her
Carry On Baby Bags
One carry on bag that serves the role of purse, briefcase and baby bag is the most practical choice for air travel. Back pack style bags can be easier than shoulder bags as they get the bag well and truly out of your way. Make a list before you leave, of everything you will need for the duration of the flight - count the number of meals you will need, toys you might need, bibs, blankets, change of clothes, nappies , wipes etc. Also think about the temperature of your destination, you may need a jacket for baby on arrival). Carry your boiled hot water for milk in a flask and extra cold water you boiled before in a spare bottle or two that way you can mix the hot and cold together in the right ratio to get warm milk (no need to mess around with trying to heat the bottle). I also suggest you zip lock each bottle individually as cabin pressure can make the water leak and you don't want a wet baby bag ! I've been there. Another thing to bare in mind is that with new travel restrictions on fluids you can take on board: airlines will allow water and food for babies but some of them will make you taste it at the security check, and if you are a 1st time mother obsessed with sterilising everything you will shudder at the thought of having to drink from your babies bottle, so if it really bothers you then take a paper cup with you and all will go well. Personally I would say just take a sip from the bottle. Oh and the less fuss you make the less likely they are to make you empty the whole bag out.
Strollers - A Travel Must-Have
Even the smallest babies feel heavy after a long time in your arms, and toddlers often decide they can't walk any longer at the most inconvenient times. A stroller solves these problems. Most infant car seats now fit onto a travel system stroller, making it simple to take both along for the trip and you can take it right up to the plane door and hand it in there. Some airports will also have it ready for you at the plane door at the other end (eg HK) some make you go to the baggage belt to collect it (eg UK!!!). It can also depend on the airline. It's worth asking in advance.
Other Ways to Carry Baby in the Airport
A baby sling or backpack carrier may help you carry your baby quickly through an airport, too. Some parents have successfully used a baby sling during the airplane trip to keep a baby close when the baby doesn't have a ticketed seat. Just remember again that during takeoff and landing you have to use the baby seat belts.
Special Travel Gear for Baby
If you're preparing for a long trip, or you travel a lot, invest in some top of the line baby travel gear to lessen travel hassles. Car seat and stroller combinations let you wheel you baby right to the plane and board. Add a set of travel straps to baby's regular car seat and wear it like a backpack. Look for disposable feeding supplies like bibs, bottles, sippy cups and utensils so that you don't have to clean up during your trip. And don't forget to bring a few new toys to keep your baby entertained! You also might consider things like travel sterilisers or microwave steriliser bags, disposable changing mats etc etc etc
Helper or no Helper
I'm a whimp and I always travel with my helper, an extra set of hands on a long flight is invaluable if you can afford it. It also means that you actually get a holiday at your destination with the option to have dinner at a restaurant at dinner time instead of at 6pm with a baby in tow and you have the option to go out during the day without your baby if you need to or whilst he/she naps. But taking your helper doesn't come without its own complications, visas can be expensive and can take up to 3mths to apply for, and helpers have been known to flee at the destination. One way I give myself peace of mind is that I am in charge of all ID cards and passports from check in right to when we get back to HK. I don't give the helper pocket money and I don't let her take day trips on her own. She is with us all day with the baby and in the evenings if we go out she is at the hotel with the baby (I'm yet to hear of a helper running away and leaving a baby unattended, I have however heard of several stories where the helper has been sent on an errand on her own never to return again)
If it's the first time you are flying with your baby you'll feel like you've packed everything except the kitchen sink. There's the car seat, stroller, diaper bag, carry on bag and of course the baby. Air travel with a baby isn't easy, and some of the struggles start before you even board the plane. These simple tips will help you manage your baby gear before and after you board the airplane and make the entire air travel experience more pleasant for everyone.
The Car Seat Conundrum
Many parents debate over whether or not to take their baby's car seat. If you plan to travel by car at your destination, you'll need a baby car seat anyway. Car seats are sometimes available for rent, but you never know what the quality will be on a rental seat, and the car seat may have been in an accident, making it a risky choice for your baby. For babies 1yr and under my personal suggestion would be to take your own car seat with you. Better safe than sorry. But you will have one battle on your hands…how to get the car seat into the cabin. The manufacturers recommendation is that you never check a car seat. If it's dropped and has an internal fracture that you can't see, it's no longer safe to use (much like a bike helmet). I suggest you don't ask at the counter and just board the plane with it. On most large planes it will fit into the overheard lockers, the problem starts on smaller planes on short haul flights where sometimes it doens't fit into the overhead lockers. This is where your battle begins with the staff. Will they be kind enough to find an empty seat or an empty storage locker? It's just pot luck, at some point you might loose the battle. If you do have to check it in it should be wrapped well for protection.
Should I Buy Baby his or her own Plane Seat?
For a baby that can fit into a bassinet you absolutetly do not need to pay for a seat. All you need to do is to ask for a bulk head seat and a bassinet. On take off and landing you have to use an infant seat belt and strap the baby to your lap. This is a good time to give your baby some milk or a dummy to get him sucking as the air pressure changes. The air pressure really hurts their ears and this is usually the time babies cry on fights.
As soon as the seat belt signs go off you can then settle your baby into the bassinet and hopefully your baby will sleep to the hum of the plane for the whole journey. One thing to note however is that as soon as the belt signs go on you have to take your baby out of the bassinet and back onto your lap and belted up (cross your fingers you have as little turbulance as possible).
Baby bassinets are only given to infants up to 7 mths so between 7 mths and 2yrs old your child is essentially on your lap for the whole flight. This is when you can consider buying a seat for your child anyway (you'll have to at the age of 2 anyway so you may as well adjust to the extra cost). Some airlines will let you strap the car seat into the plane seat and leave your baby in there for the flight. Check the manual to be sure that your baby's car seat is FAA approved for air travel before taking it on the plane for that purpose. Also note that baby car seats can only be installed in a window seat on most airlines. If you do buy a seat for your baby who is too big for a bassinet but under 2yrs old again they have to sit on your lap for take off, landing and any other time the seat belt signs go on. However for the rest of the flight you can raise the arm rest pop a pillow under thier heads and let them lie across their seat and onto your lap). Make sure in this instance you do NOT ask for a bulk head seat because arm rests are fixed in those seats and won't raise up.
One tip for the bassinet (usually they have little to no padding, if you have a skeepskin cover for your stroller take that on board and use it as a 'mattress' in the bassinet. Another good tip is to carry some clothes pegs with you, great to pin a blanket or muslin over the bassinet to keep the lights out (specially as bulk head seats are close to the toilettes, lights on, lights off, lights on, lights of..... and useful when lights go on for meals). It also means you can watch a movie on the screen right above the bassinet whilst your baby is sleeping without the screen lights disturbing him/her
Carry On Baby Bags
One carry on bag that serves the role of purse, briefcase and baby bag is the most practical choice for air travel. Back pack style bags can be easier than shoulder bags as they get the bag well and truly out of your way. Make a list before you leave, of everything you will need for the duration of the flight - count the number of meals you will need, toys you might need, bibs, blankets, change of clothes, nappies , wipes etc. Also think about the temperature of your destination, you may need a jacket for baby on arrival). Carry your boiled hot water for milk in a flask and extra cold water you boiled before in a spare bottle or two that way you can mix the hot and cold together in the right ratio to get warm milk (no need to mess around with trying to heat the bottle). I also suggest you zip lock each bottle individually as cabin pressure can make the water leak and you don't want a wet baby bag ! I've been there. Another thing to bare in mind is that with new travel restrictions on fluids you can take on board: airlines will allow water and food for babies but some of them will make you taste it at the security check, and if you are a 1st time mother obsessed with sterilising everything you will shudder at the thought of having to drink from your babies bottle, so if it really bothers you then take a paper cup with you and all will go well. Personally I would say just take a sip from the bottle. Oh and the less fuss you make the less likely they are to make you empty the whole bag out.
Strollers - A Travel Must-Have
Even the smallest babies feel heavy after a long time in your arms, and toddlers often decide they can't walk any longer at the most inconvenient times. A stroller solves these problems. Most infant car seats now fit onto a travel system stroller, making it simple to take both along for the trip and you can take it right up to the plane door and hand it in there. Some airports will also have it ready for you at the plane door at the other end (eg HK) some make you go to the baggage belt to collect it (eg UK!!!). It can also depend on the airline. It's worth asking in advance.
Other Ways to Carry Baby in the Airport
A baby sling or backpack carrier may help you carry your baby quickly through an airport, too. Some parents have successfully used a baby sling during the airplane trip to keep a baby close when the baby doesn't have a ticketed seat. Just remember again that during takeoff and landing you have to use the baby seat belts.
Special Travel Gear for Baby
If you're preparing for a long trip, or you travel a lot, invest in some top of the line baby travel gear to lessen travel hassles. Car seat and stroller combinations let you wheel you baby right to the plane and board. Add a set of travel straps to baby's regular car seat and wear it like a backpack. Look for disposable feeding supplies like bibs, bottles, sippy cups and utensils so that you don't have to clean up during your trip. And don't forget to bring a few new toys to keep your baby entertained! You also might consider things like travel sterilisers or microwave steriliser bags, disposable changing mats etc etc etc
Helper or no Helper
I'm a whimp and I always travel with my helper, an extra set of hands on a long flight is invaluable if you can afford it. It also means that you actually get a holiday at your destination with the option to have dinner at a restaurant at dinner time instead of at 6pm with a baby in tow and you have the option to go out during the day without your baby if you need to or whilst he/she naps. But taking your helper doesn't come without its own complications, visas can be expensive and can take up to 3mths to apply for, and helpers have been known to flee at the destination. One way I give myself peace of mind is that I am in charge of all ID cards and passports from check in right to when we get back to HK. I don't give the helper pocket money and I don't let her take day trips on her own. She is with us all day with the baby and in the evenings if we go out she is at the hotel with the baby (I'm yet to hear of a helper running away and leaving a baby unattended, I have however heard of several stories where the helper has been sent on an errand on her own never to return again)
Prenatal classes
Annerley
17/F Tak Woo House, 17-19 D’Aguilar Street Central
2983 1558
www.annerley.com.hk
info@annerley.com.hk
When Annerley started, it was initially only a midwifery service; now they have expanded to include a wide range of services, individual consultations and specialist services from antenatal care, the postnatal period and the early years of parenting.
Services include:
Antenatal clinic
Antenatal classes
Hypnobirthing
Birth breathing
Birth support
Postnatal home visits
Developmental checks
Mother and baby group
Baby massage
CPR & first aid
Domestic helper course
Sleep consultations
Sleep programme
Matilda International Hospital
The Peak
2849 0357
http://www.matilda.org/eng/healthedu/antenatalclass.php
health@matilda.org
Up at the peak, most people have heard of the Matilda (affectionately known as the Matilda Hotel). Apart from having inherited a wealth of architecture and a stunning view of Hong Kong, the hospital offers a wide range of services (surgical,
maternity, family medicine, critical care, allied health and several wellness
programs)
The Wellmess Programs include:
Health Education
Antenatal Parentcraft Classes
Paediatric First Aid and Home Safety Course
Courses for Domestic Helpers
Parent and Baby Group
Parent and Toddler Group
Infant Massage Course
Fitness Classes
Lifestyle Lunch Box Lectures
17/F Tak Woo House, 17-19 D’Aguilar Street Central
2983 1558
www.annerley.com.hk
info@annerley.com.hk
When Annerley started, it was initially only a midwifery service; now they have expanded to include a wide range of services, individual consultations and specialist services from antenatal care, the postnatal period and the early years of parenting.
Services include:
Antenatal clinic
Antenatal classes
Hypnobirthing
Birth breathing
Birth support
Postnatal home visits
Developmental checks
Mother and baby group
Baby massage
CPR & first aid
Domestic helper course
Sleep consultations
Sleep programme
Matilda International Hospital
The Peak
2849 0357
http://www.matilda.org/eng/healthedu/antenatalclass.php
health@matilda.org
Up at the peak, most people have heard of the Matilda (affectionately known as the Matilda Hotel). Apart from having inherited a wealth of architecture and a stunning view of Hong Kong, the hospital offers a wide range of services (surgical,
maternity, family medicine, critical care, allied health and several wellness
programs)
The Wellmess Programs include:
Health Education
Antenatal Parentcraft Classes
Paediatric First Aid and Home Safety Course
Courses for Domestic Helpers
Parent and Baby Group
Parent and Toddler Group
Infant Massage Course
Fitness Classes
Lifestyle Lunch Box Lectures
Alternative medicine during pregnancy
Kari Shroeder - Certified Massage Therapist
Balance Health
2705 Universal Trade Centre
Gianna Buonocore – Chinese Medical Practitioner (Acupuncture)
Matilda Medical Centre
2601-2604, 9 Queens Road Central
2537 8500
Dr Ma – Acupuncture
(he only accepts requests for appointments via Fax, based in Causeway bay)
Fax no: 2577 6600
Balance Health
2705 Universal Trade Centre
Gianna Buonocore – Chinese Medical Practitioner (Acupuncture)
Matilda Medical Centre
2601-2604, 9 Queens Road Central
2537 8500
Dr Ma – Acupuncture
(he only accepts requests for appointments via Fax, based in Causeway bay)
Fax no: 2577 6600
Osteopaths & Physiotherapists
All of the ones below have experience with pregnancy
Philip Clark – Osteopath
Certified Massage Therapist
Balance Health
2705 Universal Trade Centre
2530 3315
Ines De Beer - Osteopath
OT&P
Room 1501 Shio on Centre, 8 Harbour Road Wanchia
2824 9112
Leone Booth- Osteopath
OT&P
Room 1501 Shio on Centre, 8 Harbour Road Wanchia
2824 9112
Tim McCosker - Physiotherapist
Jardine House Sports & Spinal Physiotherapy Centre
715 Jardine House Central
2715 4577
Aaron Smith – Physotherapist
(Aaron will come to your office and make sure your seating alignment is correct)
Sports Performance
8/F AON China Building, 29 Queen Road Central
2521 6380
Philip Clark – Osteopath
Certified Massage Therapist
Balance Health
2705 Universal Trade Centre
2530 3315
Ines De Beer - Osteopath
OT&P
Room 1501 Shio on Centre, 8 Harbour Road Wanchia
2824 9112
Leone Booth- Osteopath
OT&P
Room 1501 Shio on Centre, 8 Harbour Road Wanchia
2824 9112
Tim McCosker - Physiotherapist
Jardine House Sports & Spinal Physiotherapy Centre
715 Jardine House Central
2715 4577
Aaron Smith – Physotherapist
(Aaron will come to your office and make sure your seating alignment is correct)
Sports Performance
8/F AON China Building, 29 Queen Road Central
2521 6380
Night nurses
Taking on a night nurse is not to be taken lightly. It’s an expensive, and apart from he expense (typically they cost around $1750 per night) some mother’s wonder whether it means they are opting out of raising their own child and whether the sleepless nights are all part of becoming a parent. My personal view is that they are fantastic (specially for the first time mother who is still in a daze in those first few weeks) and even more so if you find yourself suffering from pre or postnatal depression or extreme lack of sleep that is just not allowing you to function properly or produce enough milk if you are breast feeding.
They usually arrive at 7pm and stay in your baby’s room; taking care of all the night time nappy changes and feeds (either using formula or milk you have expressed earlier) and they leave at 7am allowing you to have an uninterrupted night sleep. There is no doubt of the benefits it brings and I know of mothers who have taken on a full time nightnurse (i.e. 7 days a week) for a full 3mths (which is essentially around the time your baby will start to sleep through the night) hence never knowing what a sleepless night is. But do the sums and that is achieved at a princely sum of around HK$160,000.
But you can pick and choose your own schedule, you can opt for two nights a week to help you through the weekend or (as I did) have 5 nights a week only for the first 8 weeks to help you through those initial tough weeks AND to help hubbie get some sleep during the week as he still has to go to work the next day - we don't often think about the poor dads and the impact that lack of sleep can have on them too as they don't get the maternity leave.
They are worth thier weight in gold!
Donna Cheung
(runs her own company of nightnurses, they are fantastic...a few names to ask for Win, Terence, Lily, Vivian and many more)
9277 9696
Annerly
17/F Tak Woo House, 17-19 D’Aguilar Street Central
2983 1558
They usually arrive at 7pm and stay in your baby’s room; taking care of all the night time nappy changes and feeds (either using formula or milk you have expressed earlier) and they leave at 7am allowing you to have an uninterrupted night sleep. There is no doubt of the benefits it brings and I know of mothers who have taken on a full time nightnurse (i.e. 7 days a week) for a full 3mths (which is essentially around the time your baby will start to sleep through the night) hence never knowing what a sleepless night is. But do the sums and that is achieved at a princely sum of around HK$160,000.
But you can pick and choose your own schedule, you can opt for two nights a week to help you through the weekend or (as I did) have 5 nights a week only for the first 8 weeks to help you through those initial tough weeks AND to help hubbie get some sleep during the week as he still has to go to work the next day - we don't often think about the poor dads and the impact that lack of sleep can have on them too as they don't get the maternity leave.
They are worth thier weight in gold!
Donna Cheung
(runs her own company of nightnurses, they are fantastic...a few names to ask for Win, Terence, Lily, Vivian and many more)
9277 9696
Annerly
17/F Tak Woo House, 17-19 D’Aguilar Street Central
2983 1558
CPR & Childcare Courses for Helpers
I found sending my helpers to a CPR and Childcare course very useful (even though she has raised her own two daughters as well as 3 other children in HK and had been sent on one several years ago). It gave me the added piece of mind that if something happened whilst I was at work that my helpers would know how to handle it until I got myself home.
There are several of these courses in HK, some are just CPR, and some include new born care and are very comprehensive with an exam at the end (with the results posted to the employer not the helper)
Matilda Course
Contact Debbie Tong
health@matilda.org
YWCA course
http://www.esmdywca.org.hk/Courses/CourseList.aspx?type=subcategory&id=1000098
FamilyZone
(also runs courses for parents)
Yvonne Heavyside
yvonneheavyside@thefamilyzone.hk
9887 3235
www.thefamilyzone.hk
There are several of these courses in HK, some are just CPR, and some include new born care and are very comprehensive with an exam at the end (with the results posted to the employer not the helper)
Matilda Course
Contact Debbie Tong
health@matilda.org
YWCA course
http://www.esmdywca.org.hk/Courses/CourseList.aspx?type=subcategory&id=1000098
FamilyZone
(also runs courses for parents)
Yvonne Heavyside
yvonneheavyside@thefamilyzone.hk
9887 3235
www.thefamilyzone.hk
Childcare / Interview Questions
Hiring a helper to do your housework can be difficult enough let alone hiring someone to entrust your baby to all day when you are at work. Interview candidates tend to all sound the same, giving standard monosyllabic responses to questions (‘yes’ or ‘no’) without giving you much more information.
My advice is ALWAYS do a trial day (or two) before you hire a helper. At the trial ask her to do 5 things that really matter to you (e.g. cleaning, cooking from a recipe, separating the laundry, doing a supermarket shop, walking your dog etc) whilst under your watchful eye. It does mean you giving up your Sunday (as they can usually only do the trial on their day off) but it's a lot less painful than having to fire the wrong helper a few months down the line! Of course as part of your trial you need to see how they look after and interact with your child; are they supporting the head of new born, do they understand about wiping from front to back and not the other way around when changing a nappy, do they know that you sleep a baby at the foot of the bed for cot death safety....??
I’ve put together some interview questions that force actual sentence out of the candidate. It’s up to you to decide which ones you think are important enough for you to ask and which ones are not.
(I have put what were ideal answers for me in brackets next to the questions - where I haven't done that, it was because I didn't have a preference)
GENERAL ABOUT HELPER
1. How long have you lived in HK? (Ideally they have been here for more than 4yrs)
2. How well do you know Midlevels/Central/Stanley etc?
3. How old are you? (Over 30)
4. Are you married? (yes)
5. Do you have Children of your own? (yes)
6. Did you raise your own children? (yes)
7. How do you spend your Sundays?
8. Do you smoke? (NO)
9. Are you prepared to work occasional Sundays if I need you to? (yes)
10. Do you have other family in HK?
EMPLOYER INFORMATION
11. How many employers have you had and for how long each (Contracts are 2yrs long - Ideally you want someone you worked for a family that renewed their contract after the first 2yrs – i.e. they were good enough to keep on)
12. Can you provide written references from your last employer? (yes)
13. Can you provide a phone number for your last employer? (Helpers always know the home number of where they live and work so they will have it unless the family moved; even then they always have a mobile number for their employer unless they relocated out of HK. This shouldn't be a big ask for a good helper who left amicably)
14. Why did you leave your last employer? (You want reasons like ‘family relocated’ or specific stuff that indicates it was the family situation that changed not that the helper was bad)
EXPERIENCE
15. Have you worked with babies and children? (Ask for details)
16. How old were they and for how many years did you look after them?
17. Do you have experience with pets? Which ones and how long? (I asked lots of questions about understanding of dogs, dog behaviour & safety with leads in HK etc as I have 2 dogs – the trial day will tell you a lot about this, how they act around a dog. Most helpers will say they had dogs back home if they haven’t actually worked with pets in HK, this does NOT mean their understanding of pet care is the same as ours).
18. Have you taken CPR course? When and where? Have you got the certificate? (Yes at YMCA or Matilda - even if they have done this a refresher course is advised)
19. Can you cook? Asian or Western (Yes isn’t sufficient ask them details of what dishes they can cook)
SPECIFIC TO CHILD CARE
20. Tell me how you sterilize baby bottles? (They should either know how to use a steam sterilizer or how long to leave bottles in boiled water to sterilize it the traditional way).
21. Can you re-boil water more than once in a kettle? (No you can not re boil the same water again)
22. Do you know what COT death is ? (they should have heard of this or ‘SIDS’ and have a basic understanding of what it is; they may not be familiar with the terminology so perhaps prompt them).
23. What are the most important things to know to avoid COT death? (Some understanding of room temperature guidelines (18-22C) some understanding of sleeping a baby at the foot of the bed not the head of the bed. Most helpers don't even know what SIDS is but if you feel she is a fast learner this is easy and covered by the CPR and child care courses)
24. Ask questions about changing nappies and feeding (frequent changing and use of cream as powder is no longer recommended. Some understanding of colic).
25. Ask questions about hygiene (food hygiene in the fridge / hygiene for a new born etc)
So where do you look for helpers?
You can either use word of mouth / a recommendation, or you can tackle some websites that have postings of helpers looking for work (Asia Expat has listings and for a small fee around $200 for the month you can access it)
Another alternative is to use an agency. They can be more expensive but take most of the leg work out it for you. You still need to do a thorough interview and I still suggest a trial.
Agencies:
Amanet
Shop 2012, 2/f United Centre, 95 Queensway, Admiralty
2869 9330
www.amanet.com
Aura Employment Agency
Tung Fong Building, 9/F, Block B, 151-155 Johnston Road, Wanchai
2573 6463
World Champ International Employment Agency
Room 1101, 11/F Chung Sheung Building, 9-10 Queen Victoria Street Central
2590 9328
My advice is ALWAYS do a trial day (or two) before you hire a helper. At the trial ask her to do 5 things that really matter to you (e.g. cleaning, cooking from a recipe, separating the laundry, doing a supermarket shop, walking your dog etc) whilst under your watchful eye. It does mean you giving up your Sunday (as they can usually only do the trial on their day off) but it's a lot less painful than having to fire the wrong helper a few months down the line! Of course as part of your trial you need to see how they look after and interact with your child; are they supporting the head of new born, do they understand about wiping from front to back and not the other way around when changing a nappy, do they know that you sleep a baby at the foot of the bed for cot death safety....??
I’ve put together some interview questions that force actual sentence out of the candidate. It’s up to you to decide which ones you think are important enough for you to ask and which ones are not.
(I have put what were ideal answers for me in brackets next to the questions - where I haven't done that, it was because I didn't have a preference)
GENERAL ABOUT HELPER
1. How long have you lived in HK? (Ideally they have been here for more than 4yrs)
2. How well do you know Midlevels/Central/Stanley etc?
3. How old are you? (Over 30)
4. Are you married? (yes)
5. Do you have Children of your own? (yes)
6. Did you raise your own children? (yes)
7. How do you spend your Sundays?
8. Do you smoke? (NO)
9. Are you prepared to work occasional Sundays if I need you to? (yes)
10. Do you have other family in HK?
EMPLOYER INFORMATION
11. How many employers have you had and for how long each (Contracts are 2yrs long - Ideally you want someone you worked for a family that renewed their contract after the first 2yrs – i.e. they were good enough to keep on)
12. Can you provide written references from your last employer? (yes)
13. Can you provide a phone number for your last employer? (Helpers always know the home number of where they live and work so they will have it unless the family moved; even then they always have a mobile number for their employer unless they relocated out of HK. This shouldn't be a big ask for a good helper who left amicably)
14. Why did you leave your last employer? (You want reasons like ‘family relocated’ or specific stuff that indicates it was the family situation that changed not that the helper was bad)
EXPERIENCE
15. Have you worked with babies and children? (Ask for details)
16. How old were they and for how many years did you look after them?
17. Do you have experience with pets? Which ones and how long? (I asked lots of questions about understanding of dogs, dog behaviour & safety with leads in HK etc as I have 2 dogs – the trial day will tell you a lot about this, how they act around a dog. Most helpers will say they had dogs back home if they haven’t actually worked with pets in HK, this does NOT mean their understanding of pet care is the same as ours).
18. Have you taken CPR course? When and where? Have you got the certificate? (Yes at YMCA or Matilda - even if they have done this a refresher course is advised)
19. Can you cook? Asian or Western (Yes isn’t sufficient ask them details of what dishes they can cook)
SPECIFIC TO CHILD CARE
20. Tell me how you sterilize baby bottles? (They should either know how to use a steam sterilizer or how long to leave bottles in boiled water to sterilize it the traditional way).
21. Can you re-boil water more than once in a kettle? (No you can not re boil the same water again)
22. Do you know what COT death is ? (they should have heard of this or ‘SIDS’ and have a basic understanding of what it is; they may not be familiar with the terminology so perhaps prompt them).
23. What are the most important things to know to avoid COT death? (Some understanding of room temperature guidelines (18-22C) some understanding of sleeping a baby at the foot of the bed not the head of the bed. Most helpers don't even know what SIDS is but if you feel she is a fast learner this is easy and covered by the CPR and child care courses)
24. Ask questions about changing nappies and feeding (frequent changing and use of cream as powder is no longer recommended. Some understanding of colic).
25. Ask questions about hygiene (food hygiene in the fridge / hygiene for a new born etc)
So where do you look for helpers?
You can either use word of mouth / a recommendation, or you can tackle some websites that have postings of helpers looking for work (Asia Expat has listings and for a small fee around $200 for the month you can access it)
Another alternative is to use an agency. They can be more expensive but take most of the leg work out it for you. You still need to do a thorough interview and I still suggest a trial.
Agencies:
Amanet
Shop 2012, 2/f United Centre, 95 Queensway, Admiralty
2869 9330
www.amanet.com
Aura Employment Agency
Tung Fong Building, 9/F, Block B, 151-155 Johnston Road, Wanchai
2573 6463
World Champ International Employment Agency
Room 1101, 11/F Chung Sheung Building, 9-10 Queen Victoria Street Central
2590 9328
Getting Ready for the Baby – what to buy
Are you the mother to be who walked around Mothercare or Bumps to Babes with every intention of buying bathtubs and nappies, blankets and bibs for your newborn, but as aisle after aisles was filled with things you ‘need’, a slow panic started to set in and overwhelmed you left empty handed ??? Well that was me! Or are you the mother to be who is cool calm and collected not a worry or a panic in sight? Either way there is a lot out there you are told you need, and trust me you don't need it all (coming from someone who bought it all). There is also a lot out there you don't think you will need but you will.
So I have put together a list of everything I think you really do need and a few that are nice to have. (let me know if you would like to see it - I'm still working out how to load it to my blog). The back of the Mothercare catalogue has a similar list, and Bumps to Babes can provide you with one too as can many similar stores. In addition Eugene on Queen Road has a huge variety of products to choose from too.
I found that most store lists contained lots of things you will never use but sound
essential. As an example I thought I would tell you about a few of my best buys and a few I'd rather not mention within earshot of hubbie
Worst buys:
Bottle warmer: around $500 and again something you would think of as A MUST. In
reality it always took too long to use and the milk was either too hot or too cold which meant we had to then run it under the cold tap or sit it in boiling water anyway. A much faster way is to always have cooled boiled water stored in your spare milk bottles in the fridge and then to add freshly boiled water from the kettle in the right proportion to make it warm.
Eg: if you are making 5 ounces of milk you use 3 ounces of your cooled boiled water from the fridge and add 2 ounces from your kettle to get the perfect temperature (make sure you always check the milk on your wrist before you use it and remember never boil water more than once, so empty your kettle after each use)
Baby hip seat: Around $500 and it looks like one of the most useful things you could have when you see it; the reality is that you don't use it around the house and you certainly wouldn't walk around town with it on (you'd have a proper babybjorn style carrier to free up your arms or a stroller). I'd sometimes force myself to use it at home just so that I could say I was using it!?
Best Buys:
Stand up bath unit: around $800 but means you are not crouching over onto the floor. The tub sits on top of a storage unit (you can keep shampoos, towels and creams in the unit). It allows you to wash a new born whilst standing and when you close the lid it doubles up as a changing table. The only thing to note is that you probably won’t get more than 3 to 4 mths use out of it and as your baby grows you will need to buy a bath support to place in your bathtub.
Sensor Pad Baby Monitor (Angelcare): This is not just any baby monitor. It comes with a sensor pad that detects the slightest movement down to a breath taken or a heartbeat, and god forbid anything stops it sets off an alarm. I know it's for those more paranoid of us, but before I bought one I would find myself creeping into Isabelle's room almost hourly and quietly place my hand on her chest to check she was still breathing. Very silly I know, but I couldn't help myself. Buying the sensor pad just gave me peace of mind, it allowed me to have an evening to myself and be able to sleep through the night.
So I have put together a list of everything I think you really do need and a few that are nice to have. (let me know if you would like to see it - I'm still working out how to load it to my blog). The back of the Mothercare catalogue has a similar list, and Bumps to Babes can provide you with one too as can many similar stores. In addition Eugene on Queen Road has a huge variety of products to choose from too.
I found that most store lists contained lots of things you will never use but sound
essential. As an example I thought I would tell you about a few of my best buys and a few I'd rather not mention within earshot of hubbie
Worst buys:
Bottle warmer: around $500 and again something you would think of as A MUST. In
reality it always took too long to use and the milk was either too hot or too cold which meant we had to then run it under the cold tap or sit it in boiling water anyway. A much faster way is to always have cooled boiled water stored in your spare milk bottles in the fridge and then to add freshly boiled water from the kettle in the right proportion to make it warm.
Eg: if you are making 5 ounces of milk you use 3 ounces of your cooled boiled water from the fridge and add 2 ounces from your kettle to get the perfect temperature (make sure you always check the milk on your wrist before you use it and remember never boil water more than once, so empty your kettle after each use)
Baby hip seat: Around $500 and it looks like one of the most useful things you could have when you see it; the reality is that you don't use it around the house and you certainly wouldn't walk around town with it on (you'd have a proper babybjorn style carrier to free up your arms or a stroller). I'd sometimes force myself to use it at home just so that I could say I was using it!?
Best Buys:
Stand up bath unit: around $800 but means you are not crouching over onto the floor. The tub sits on top of a storage unit (you can keep shampoos, towels and creams in the unit). It allows you to wash a new born whilst standing and when you close the lid it doubles up as a changing table. The only thing to note is that you probably won’t get more than 3 to 4 mths use out of it and as your baby grows you will need to buy a bath support to place in your bathtub.
Sensor Pad Baby Monitor (Angelcare): This is not just any baby monitor. It comes with a sensor pad that detects the slightest movement down to a breath taken or a heartbeat, and god forbid anything stops it sets off an alarm. I know it's for those more paranoid of us, but before I bought one I would find myself creeping into Isabelle's room almost hourly and quietly place my hand on her chest to check she was still breathing. Very silly I know, but I couldn't help myself. Buying the sensor pad just gave me peace of mind, it allowed me to have an evening to myself and be able to sleep through the night.
Maternity & Nursing Lingerie / How to Measure Yourself
Rigby and Pellar (famous in London for fitting you with the correct bra size) quote that ‘80% of the customers who walk through our doors are wearing a bra too small in the cup and two big in the back'.
A recent UK survey also showed that almost 70% of women in the UK were either wearing the wrong size of didn't know their correct size….and that's when they're not even pregnant. So it’s little wonder that with your size changing monthly most pregnant women are getting it wrong without even knowing it.
In HK it’s even harder to get it right as there is the added problem of finding somewhere that can fit you correctly and then trying to find somewhere that carries your size. One way to get around this is to know how to fit yourself and to know what to look for and then order online.
Maternity lingerie has a few key differences from normal lingerie. It usually provides much better support which is why it’s important to start wearing the right underwear as soon as you find out you're pregnant. Something you'll hear a lot about is the debate about whether it’s safe to wear an under-wired bra when pregnant. Some doctors believe that the restrictive nature of the wire interferes with the milk glands as well as blood flow to your breasts. Others simply say that if you do continue to wear an under-wired bra then you simply have to make sure it sits well clear of any breast tissue (making the correct fitting even more important!!!).
Some fitting tips:
1. There is no such thing as a definitive bra size - your size can vary depending on the fit, style and fabric.
2. The back of your bra should hug the narrowest part of your back and be at the same level as the front (i.e. not ride up)
3. The under-wire should curve snugly around your breast and never cut into it. A test you can do is to push the wire of the bra when you have it on. If it feels soft, the wire is sitting on your breast tissue and you should try a larger cup size. If it feels hard, it is sitting on the ribcage and is therefore fitting you correctly.
4. Always fasten a new bra on the loosest hooks. The band should still be very snug. Wear and tear and washing will relax the fit. When this happens use the tighter hooks.
Fitting yourself at home:
1. Use a tape measure around your chest just below your breasts. Make sure the tape measure rests flat on your skin and goes straight across your back and take the measurement in inches.
2. If you are an odd number go up to the next round number. This is your BAND SIZE. Some stores will suggest adding 2 inches to this number. You'll know what's right when you try it on. Just remember that it should be really snug as bras stretch and as they do you should be able to tighten the back onto the next hook. If you’ve become used to wearing a bra that is too loose in the back it might feel very tight at first.
3. To find out your CUP size you need to measure yourself again this time going across the fullest part of your breast.
4. You then subtract BAND size from this new measurement and the difference indicates your CUP size. CONFUSED?
Ok here is an example: If your BAND size is 32 and then the size around fullest part of your breast is 36 then the difference is 4.
4 = D cup
This chart should help:
difference of 1 = A cup
difference of 2 = B cup
difference of 3 = C cup
Difference of 4 = D cup
Difference of 5 = DD or E cup
Difference of 6 = F cup
Difference of 7 = G cup
Now you know what size you are, but is there anywhere in HK you can buy a good maternity bra? One thing you shouldn't do is buy a bigger bra in anticipation of your changing size each month. Buy the right size as and when you need it.
Towards the end of your pregnancy if you want to rush out and buy a nursing bra the cup will need to be bigger than your current size by about a fist size (yup when your milk comes in your size can increase by your fist size ). The difference with a nursing bra is that it can unhook and allow you to breastfeed easily without having to take the whole bra off.
M&S
Queens Road central
NineMonths
www.ninemonthshk.com
Online from Bravissimo
www.bravissimo.com
Bralicious
www.bralicious.com.hk
A recent UK survey also showed that almost 70% of women in the UK were either wearing the wrong size of didn't know their correct size….and that's when they're not even pregnant. So it’s little wonder that with your size changing monthly most pregnant women are getting it wrong without even knowing it.
In HK it’s even harder to get it right as there is the added problem of finding somewhere that can fit you correctly and then trying to find somewhere that carries your size. One way to get around this is to know how to fit yourself and to know what to look for and then order online.
Maternity lingerie has a few key differences from normal lingerie. It usually provides much better support which is why it’s important to start wearing the right underwear as soon as you find out you're pregnant. Something you'll hear a lot about is the debate about whether it’s safe to wear an under-wired bra when pregnant. Some doctors believe that the restrictive nature of the wire interferes with the milk glands as well as blood flow to your breasts. Others simply say that if you do continue to wear an under-wired bra then you simply have to make sure it sits well clear of any breast tissue (making the correct fitting even more important!!!).
Some fitting tips:
1. There is no such thing as a definitive bra size - your size can vary depending on the fit, style and fabric.
2. The back of your bra should hug the narrowest part of your back and be at the same level as the front (i.e. not ride up)
3. The under-wire should curve snugly around your breast and never cut into it. A test you can do is to push the wire of the bra when you have it on. If it feels soft, the wire is sitting on your breast tissue and you should try a larger cup size. If it feels hard, it is sitting on the ribcage and is therefore fitting you correctly.
4. Always fasten a new bra on the loosest hooks. The band should still be very snug. Wear and tear and washing will relax the fit. When this happens use the tighter hooks.
Fitting yourself at home:
1. Use a tape measure around your chest just below your breasts. Make sure the tape measure rests flat on your skin and goes straight across your back and take the measurement in inches.
2. If you are an odd number go up to the next round number. This is your BAND SIZE. Some stores will suggest adding 2 inches to this number. You'll know what's right when you try it on. Just remember that it should be really snug as bras stretch and as they do you should be able to tighten the back onto the next hook. If you’ve become used to wearing a bra that is too loose in the back it might feel very tight at first.
3. To find out your CUP size you need to measure yourself again this time going across the fullest part of your breast.
4. You then subtract BAND size from this new measurement and the difference indicates your CUP size. CONFUSED?
Ok here is an example: If your BAND size is 32 and then the size around fullest part of your breast is 36 then the difference is 4.
4 = D cup
This chart should help:
difference of 1 = A cup
difference of 2 = B cup
difference of 3 = C cup
Difference of 4 = D cup
Difference of 5 = DD or E cup
Difference of 6 = F cup
Difference of 7 = G cup
Now you know what size you are, but is there anywhere in HK you can buy a good maternity bra? One thing you shouldn't do is buy a bigger bra in anticipation of your changing size each month. Buy the right size as and when you need it.
Towards the end of your pregnancy if you want to rush out and buy a nursing bra the cup will need to be bigger than your current size by about a fist size (yup when your milk comes in your size can increase by your fist size ). The difference with a nursing bra is that it can unhook and allow you to breastfeed easily without having to take the whole bra off.
M&S
Queens Road central
NineMonths
www.ninemonthshk.com
Online from Bravissimo
www.bravissimo.com
Bralicious
www.bralicious.com.hk
Maternity Shops & Websites
Maternity shops in HK are far and few between and good ones are even more rare, and then when you do find them you might find yourself paying as much as double the price of stores in Europe, Australia or the US. So if you can shop when you travel do so. Otherwise try these ones.
Linea Negra
Unit 501, Pacifi House, 20 Queen Road Central
Info@lineanegra.com.hk
They have a really wide range of maternity clothes (specially jeans and trousers) but they are expensive and some of the same brands are carried at Bumps to Babes for less.
www.lineanegra.com.hk
Bumps to Babes
5/F Pedder Building, 12 Pedder Street Central (larger branch in Horizon Plaza, Ap Lei Chau)
Apart from maternity wear this is your one stop shop to everything you would need for a newborn.
www.bumpstobabes.com
Formes
8 On Lan Street Central (also branches in Causeway Bay and TST)
Some good work clothes here
www.formes.com
NineMonths
7/F, 68-70 Wellington Street Central
Fairly new in HK, can be expensive but useful for a special occasion dress as well as some very pretty night gowns with inbuilt nursing bra.
www.ninemonthshk.com
H&M
Queens Road Central
They have a good range of casual clothes and great value for money (some great
weekend cargos !).
www.hm.com/hk
Zara
IFC Central
Very limited maternity section in HK, but what they have is very cute.
http://www.ifc.com.hk/english/shop.aspx?id=1065
IN THE UK
Not all these sites deliver to HK but if you do travel to Europe they are worth a visit.
Jojomamanbebe - www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk
Crave - www.cravematernity.co.uk
Seraphine - www.seraphine.com
Isabella Oliver - www.isabellaoliver.com/womens-clothes
Blooming Marvellous - www.bloomingmarvellous.co.uk
Bumps Maternity - www.bumpsmaternity.com
Arabelle B - www.arabellab.com
IN THE US
Not all these sites deliver to HK but if you do travel to the US they are worth a visit.
Belly Dance Maternity - www.bellydancematernity.com
Stella Maternity - www.stellamaternity.com/maternitytops.html
In style Moms - www.instylemoms.com
Figure 8 - www.figure8maternity.com
Due Maternity - www.duematernity.com
Bella Blu - www.bellablumaternity.com
Euphoria - www.euphoriamaternity.com
Expected - www.expectedmaternity.com
Linea Negra
Unit 501, Pacifi House, 20 Queen Road Central
Info@lineanegra.com.hk
They have a really wide range of maternity clothes (specially jeans and trousers) but they are expensive and some of the same brands are carried at Bumps to Babes for less.
www.lineanegra.com.hk
Bumps to Babes
5/F Pedder Building, 12 Pedder Street Central (larger branch in Horizon Plaza, Ap Lei Chau)
Apart from maternity wear this is your one stop shop to everything you would need for a newborn.
www.bumpstobabes.com
Formes
8 On Lan Street Central (also branches in Causeway Bay and TST)
Some good work clothes here
www.formes.com
NineMonths
7/F, 68-70 Wellington Street Central
Fairly new in HK, can be expensive but useful for a special occasion dress as well as some very pretty night gowns with inbuilt nursing bra.
www.ninemonthshk.com
H&M
Queens Road Central
They have a good range of casual clothes and great value for money (some great
weekend cargos !).
www.hm.com/hk
Zara
IFC Central
Very limited maternity section in HK, but what they have is very cute.
http://www.ifc.com.hk/english/shop.aspx?id=1065
IN THE UK
Not all these sites deliver to HK but if you do travel to Europe they are worth a visit.
Jojomamanbebe - www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk
Crave - www.cravematernity.co.uk
Seraphine - www.seraphine.com
Isabella Oliver - www.isabellaoliver.com/womens-clothes
Blooming Marvellous - www.bloomingmarvellous.co.uk
Bumps Maternity - www.bumpsmaternity.com
Arabelle B - www.arabellab.com
IN THE US
Not all these sites deliver to HK but if you do travel to the US they are worth a visit.
Belly Dance Maternity - www.bellydancematernity.com
Stella Maternity - www.stellamaternity.com/maternitytops.html
In style Moms - www.instylemoms.com
Figure 8 - www.figure8maternity.com
Due Maternity - www.duematernity.com
Bella Blu - www.bellablumaternity.com
Euphoria - www.euphoriamaternity.com
Expected - www.expectedmaternity.com
Obs & Gynae in HK
There are many doctors to choose from in HK, some with firm views about how they like to do things and some that will be as flexible as you need them to be.
It’s really important that you shop around. You'd never walk into a shop and buy the first jacket on the rack would you? Or the first house you viewed, so why would you buy into the first doctor you talk to? This will be the person you need to trust 100% for the next 40 weeks and who'll deliver your baby, so you need to make sure you like and trust them. Start by asking your friends who they would recommend and what their birth experience was like and then start to meet one or two.
Gynecologists in HK each have their own sensibilities, some have a preference for c-sections and others for a natural birth. Once you've decided what is right for you then you can decide who is right for you. Here are just a few of the names that I have come across during my time in HK. The rest if up to you.
One other thing to bare in mind is that each of these doctors are registered with different hospitals or are residents at particular hospitals so if you have your heart set on the private rooms at the Matilda or you live around the corner from the Adventist and want a short ride to your hospital then make sure you ask where they are registered too.
Dr Philip Ho
Well Woman Clinic, Room 701 Hing Wai Building, 36 Queen Road Central
www.wellwoman.com.hk
2899 2293
Dr Lucy Lord
3/F Baskerville House , 13 Duddell Street Central
www.centralhealth.com.hk
2824 0822
Dr Grace Cheung
3/F Baskerville House , 13 Duddell Street Central
www.centralhealth.com.hk
2824 0822
Dr Stephanie Chow
Room 1304 Central Building, Peddar Street Central
2523 5729
Dr Arabinda Gosh
Suite 2902 Bank of America Tower, 12 Harcourt Road Central
www.veritas-medical.com
2877 3118
Dr Christine Choi
308 Central Building. 3 Pedder Street
2523 3007
Dr Robert Stephenson
1301 Century Square, 1-13 D’Aguilar Street Central
2537 9213
Dr Sally Ferguson
Room 1504-4 Shui on Centre, 6-8 Harbour Road, Wanchia
www.otandp.com
2824 9112
And if you happen to be in London my strongest recommendation would be for
Mr Peter Mason
148 Harley Street
+44 20 7935 7952
It’s really important that you shop around. You'd never walk into a shop and buy the first jacket on the rack would you? Or the first house you viewed, so why would you buy into the first doctor you talk to? This will be the person you need to trust 100% for the next 40 weeks and who'll deliver your baby, so you need to make sure you like and trust them. Start by asking your friends who they would recommend and what their birth experience was like and then start to meet one or two.
Gynecologists in HK each have their own sensibilities, some have a preference for c-sections and others for a natural birth. Once you've decided what is right for you then you can decide who is right for you. Here are just a few of the names that I have come across during my time in HK. The rest if up to you.
One other thing to bare in mind is that each of these doctors are registered with different hospitals or are residents at particular hospitals so if you have your heart set on the private rooms at the Matilda or you live around the corner from the Adventist and want a short ride to your hospital then make sure you ask where they are registered too.
Dr Philip Ho
Well Woman Clinic, Room 701 Hing Wai Building, 36 Queen Road Central
www.wellwoman.com.hk
2899 2293
Dr Lucy Lord
3/F Baskerville House , 13 Duddell Street Central
www.centralhealth.com.hk
2824 0822
Dr Grace Cheung
3/F Baskerville House , 13 Duddell Street Central
www.centralhealth.com.hk
2824 0822
Dr Stephanie Chow
Room 1304 Central Building, Peddar Street Central
2523 5729
Dr Arabinda Gosh
Suite 2902 Bank of America Tower, 12 Harcourt Road Central
www.veritas-medical.com
2877 3118
Dr Christine Choi
308 Central Building. 3 Pedder Street
2523 3007
Dr Robert Stephenson
1301 Century Square, 1-13 D’Aguilar Street Central
2537 9213
Dr Sally Ferguson
Room 1504-4 Shui on Centre, 6-8 Harbour Road, Wanchia
www.otandp.com
2824 9112
And if you happen to be in London my strongest recommendation would be for
Mr Peter Mason
148 Harley Street
+44 20 7935 7952
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
What is BB Baby Bundles?
If you are reading this page then I assume either congratulations are in order, or you have a few of your own bundles, and whether you are a first time parent or a seasoned one, there is always more you can learn especially if this is your first time becoming a parent. Most of my blog focuses on being a parent in HK, but don't be put off if you are anywhere else in the world...LOTS OF TIPS FOR YOU TOO.
I've had 2 bundles in 2 years and certainly don't claim to know what I am doing, but what I have done is share a lot of my own experiences with close friends and work collegues, most of whom have been really grateful for the advice. It was time I start a blog so that I could continue to share my exepriences and my tips as well as suggestions from other more experienced mothers (I owe a huge part of this blog to them too).
What to buy a new born? how to fly long haul? how to ensure your baby sleeps from 2mths? the list of things you learn is endless and the learning curve incredible, and to have someone share their own story and experience is so helpful. I'm not trained and I'm by no means the guru, but what I did worked for me and it's worked for so many friends....so here goes, tips, advice, suggestions and lots more about how I'm raising my own two Baby Bundles.
Oh and one disclaimer, most of these tips are just from my own experiences and from the mothers I know, it’s meant to be helpful and doesn't claim to be the only way. The right way is the way your own parental instincts lead you.
I've had 2 bundles in 2 years and certainly don't claim to know what I am doing, but what I have done is share a lot of my own experiences with close friends and work collegues, most of whom have been really grateful for the advice. It was time I start a blog so that I could continue to share my exepriences and my tips as well as suggestions from other more experienced mothers (I owe a huge part of this blog to them too).
What to buy a new born? how to fly long haul? how to ensure your baby sleeps from 2mths? the list of things you learn is endless and the learning curve incredible, and to have someone share their own story and experience is so helpful. I'm not trained and I'm by no means the guru, but what I did worked for me and it's worked for so many friends....so here goes, tips, advice, suggestions and lots more about how I'm raising my own two Baby Bundles.
Oh and one disclaimer, most of these tips are just from my own experiences and from the mothers I know, it’s meant to be helpful and doesn't claim to be the only way. The right way is the way your own parental instincts lead you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
