Kids on the coast

An excuse for indulgence?

by Maxine Arthur

Intense food cravings can derail the best dietary intentions and, as many women know, they can be particularly strong during pregnancy. We are not talking real hunger here but the ‘I need a packet of Tim Tams now or no-one is safe’ kind of craving. A longing so powerful that even ‘film star whippet thin two weeks after giving birth’ photos won’t stop you from indulging.

 Read more

Midwives – building confidence, giving choices

by Maxine Arthur

Some women just know…others are taken by surprise. Either way, when you receive confirmation of your pregnancy you will be faced with a number of decisions. How will you prepare for the birth? Who will provide medical care for you throughout your pregnancy, birth and post-natal periods? Where will you birth? How much will it cost?

 Read more

by Kim Lahey

There they were — mum and toddler — in the middle of the busy car park, when I heard the little girl call out “Mummy, I need to do wee!” I felt for them (I knew the nearest toilet was miles away), but out of the corner of my eye I saw the clever mum whip out a potty, pop it into the back of their car, and spare her little girl a long, hot hike.

 Read more

CONTRACEPTION AFTER BIRTH
by Kim Robins

When you have just had a baby, usually, the last thing on your mind is immediately having another one! So, to be sure this doesn’t happen again until you and your partner are ready, it’s important to consider the safe contraception options available to you, especially while you are breastfeeding.

 Read more

by Kim Lahey

Marg was at the brink: New house; Newborn baby; New feelings. “All I could think was, ‘this was not how motherhood was supposed to be, it was too hard’,” Marg says. “I felt I was at the worst point in my life.”

 Read more

A NEW BREAST MILK BANK MEETS THE NEED

by Maxine Arthur

We all understand the life-saving role of blood banks in our community. Human milk banks provide a less well known, but equally important, service. As with blood donations, donated breast milk saves lives and improves future health – primarily for sick and premature babies when their mother’s own milk is not available.

 Read more

Babysitting clubs relieve the pressure
by Kim Robins

You’ve just moved to the area: have finally unpacked, the boxes are empty, the house is in (some kind) of order, the kids are settled and you and your family are enjoying the great beaches and lifestyle the Coast has to offer. Everything is sailing along nicely until wham! You have to go to the doctor, want to get groceries or your hair cut, go to a job interview or just need some time with your partner and you realise there’s no one to babysit the kids.
 Read more

by Alison Rodriguez

You’ve survived the ordeal of birth and you are exhausted. Luckily the books say newborns sleep more than they are awake and you are looking forward to the rest. Unfortunately, YOUR baby doesn’t seem to have read the manual.
 Read more

Why should they start swimming early?

by Sue Timms

From tiny newborns to strapping great teenagers, most kids love swimming. Teaching your baby to swim can be incredibly rewarding: not only are you boosting their confidence, it’s great exercise, supports a healthy lifestyle, and is also one of the best ways of spending some fun, quality time together.
 Read more

By Jane O'Hare

Fish around in bookstores and websites to find ideas on parenting, and you’ll be amazed on the literature available. There are books and articles covering every topic of parenting you can imagine, (and some you probably haven’t). There is no excuse for any parent not to be well prepared for the arrival of that baby bundle, or is there?
 Read more