An intrauterine device is a small contraceptive device that is inserted into the uterus (womb) to prevent pregnancy. In Australia, we have two types:
The Copper IUD – is a small plastic and copper T-shaped device, which constantly releases a small amount of copper into the uterus from its stem.
Postnatal
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 –
Baby-Led Breastfeeding
BLA – how do you do it?
Basically, it is handing some of the control of feeding back to the baby and is very simple to do.
Firstly, we must have a calm baby, and mum must be in a comfortable position. Ideally baby will just have a nappy on and mum will have no top on. The whole process starts with
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
Mastitis In Pregnancy
Breastfeeding should be an exciting and enjoyable experience, which you share with your baby, providing not only essential nutrients and immunological defense for your baby, but also developing a strong and lasting relationship.
However, common problems in breastfeeding, such as mastitis, can
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
Breastfeeding & Lactation Services
Breastfeeding provides not only the nutritional requirements for your baby, but also the immunological protection needed for the first months of your baby’s life. It also presents a wonderful opportunity for establishing a strong and positive mother-infant relationship. Angela Smith is the lactation
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
Immunization
April 24th – 30th marks International Immunization 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
Lactation Bites
Lactation bites are an excellent source of essential nutrients for breastfeeding. These tasty bites are a great "on-the-go" snack and the "no bake" recipe is very easy and quick to make. Containing fibre, protein, iron, magnesium, potassium and B vitamins, these bites make for a healthy energy
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
Lactation Cookie
The purpose of Lactation Cookies is to provide a vehicle for some essential nutrients that we know can have a very positive effect on lactation. For example brewers yeast contains protein, B vitamins, iron, selenium and many other trace elements, which not only promote milk supply but also help with
Why Breastfeeding Irish Babies is Different
An interesting article appeared in the Irish Times on Tuesday about Breastfeeding – or lack there of, in Ireland.
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Breastfeeding in Australia - Comparison
Some interesting comparisons can be seen between Australia and Ireland in terms of breastfeeding rates.
The most recent
Sex in Pregnancy and Post Birth
Can I Have Sex In Pregnancy and Is It Safe?
In 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 the placental sac and is protected within the
Postnatal Essentials
Length of Stay
As the “Baby Boom” continues in Australia, all Sydney maternity hospitals are experiencing bed shortages. This translates to a shortened length of stay for all well healthy women.
Vaginal Birth
You will generally remain in hospital for around 2 – 4 days. Each of the four hospitals
Tongue Tie
Interesting facts/terms
Ankyloglossia is the Medical term for Tongue Tie
Tongue Tie occurs in 5% of babies
It is three times more common in boys
It is familial
The upper frenum or maxillary tie is also very important for oral development as well as breastfeeding.
We use our tongue to
Expressing & Storing Breastmilk
We are excited to announce the commencement of a new class - Expressing & Storing Breastmilk, taken by our midwife and lactation consultant Angela Smith.
The Expressing & Storing Breastmilk class, taken by our midwife and lactation consultant Angela Smith is held on the
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
Vitamin D & Breastfeeding
Vitamin D, and specifically Vitamin D deficiency, has been in the news recently, as the incidence of problems associated with Vitamin D deficiency is on the rise.
Vitamin D is important for everyone and particularly pregnant and breastfeeding women. The question has been raised whether or not
Sleep and Newborn Behaviour: Newborn – 3 Months
This topic would have to be one of the most emotive. The expectation of a newborns behavior 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 parents to do some
