April 24th – 30th marks International Immunisation week. This is a time to really celebrate how far we have come in such a short space of time.
It is difficult for us to comprehend the devastation that used to occur before these “childhood diseases” were, for the most part, eradicated by the
General Health
Sex in Pregnancy and Post Birth
Can I Have Sex During Pregnancy and Is It Safe?
We are often asked this question. During a normal pregnancy, sex is safe right through to the end of the third trimester.
Your baby cannot be harmed during sexual intercourse as the baby is surrounded and cushioned by the amniotic fluid within
Sleep and Newborn Behaviour: Newborn – 3 Months
Getting newborns to sleep may well be the most emotive topic for new parents. The expectation of a newborns behaviour and sleep habits varies hugely from parent to parent. Some of us are more “laid back” in our approach, whilst some of us need more structure and rigidity.
I would advise most new
Postnatal Essentials
Here is a list of typical issues and occurrences related to the period immediately after birthing your baby.
Vaginal Birth
You will generally remain in hospital for around 2 – 4 days. Each of the four hospitals that Dr Morris attends offers something different regarding early discharge. If you
4 reasons why seeing a Physiotherapist after giving birth can be of benefit.
The early weeks and months after giving birth can be a bit of a blur. As a new mum, not only are you are busy adjusting to new challenges and learning new skills, but you are also often doing this on very little sleep. So, why should you prioritise this extra check up at this already-busy time? Here
Newborn Hearing Screening Test
The SWISH (State Wide Infant Screening Hearing) Programme:
About two in every one thousand babies has significant hearing loss. The hearing screening test means they can be identified early. Early recognition is really important for the development of children.
WHEN
It is almost always done
Post Partum Haemorrhage
A Post Partum Haemorrhage (PPH) is excessive, heavy bleeding after birth (more than 500 millilitres of blood). PPH is divided into two categories, a Primary PPH which occurs within 24 hours of birth, and a Secondary PPH which occurs from 24 hours until 6 weeks after birth. The Australian
Tongue Tie
Tongue Tie Interesting Facts and Terms
Ankyloglossia is the Medical term for Tongue TieTongue Tie occurs in 5% of babiesIt is three times more common in boysIt is familialThe upper frenum or maxillary tie is also very important for oral development as well as breastfeedingWe use our tongue to
Newborn Essentials. Our Sydney Mother and Baby List.
At Home.
Bassinet or cot – Australian safety standard approved. If you are using a family bassinet or cot passed down, then it is recommended you buy a new bassinet or cot mattress for your baby. Check the safe sleeping recommendations at www.rednose.org.au
Bedding for bassinet or cot –
Depression in Pregnancy & the Postnatal Period
Pregnancy, Birth and Parenthood can be a wonderful time, however it’s certainly not without its challenges. Nearly 20% of mothers and 10% of fathers will experience the isolation and distress of anxiety and depression during this time. These conditions are not uncommon, affecting more than 50,000
What to expect in the first 6 weeks after birth
Here is some helpful information regarding Postnatal Recovery for Vaginal Birth and Caesarean Section in the early weeks.
VAGINAL BIRTH
Time in hospital
You will generally remain in hospital 3 days following a vaginal birth.
Perineal Tear/Stitches
If you have a perineal tear
Dealing with Depression
We all become upset, sad or ‘down’ at different times in our lives, usually due to an event or circumstance which we find challenging, such as bereavement, relationship troubles or financial difficulties.
However, these feelings usually subside over time, as we learn to cope and live with them, or
Infant Sleep
Infant sleep: What an incredibly emotive, and at times, sensitive subject. I Googled “Infant Sleep” and it returned over sixty-six million hits. No wonder there is a lot of confusion and discussion about the best way to deal with this issue.
Conflicting information and advice are the enemies of all
The Introduction of Solids – Part 2
Baby is now six months old and is showing signs of being ready to start eating solids. He is reaching out to grab your food and is sitting up very well on his own in the high chair.
The initial introduction of solids will not only be about increasing calories and iron in the diet, but will be about
The Introduction of Solids – Part 1
For the first six months of a baby’s life, breastmilk alone (or formula) provides all the nourishment a baby needs. The World Health Organization still says that solids should be introduced at around six months and that breastmilk or formula will continue to be a baby’s main source of nutrition for