Mum Reviews...

Keep Calm - The New Mum's Manual by Dr Ellie Cannon

Keep Calm - The New Mum's Manual by GP and mother of two Dr Ellie Cannon  is a new parenting book which hails as "the perfect antidote to guilt-inducing parenting guides". Having four children of my own, I was keen to see what this book offers that is different from the multitude of parenting books I've already read over the years!

Upon opening the book I was immediately drawn to the fact that Dr Ellie stresses this book is about mums and about helping them to become happy and confident mothers. It's not a book that is going to tell us what to do, when to do it or how to do it! Refreshing, to say the least.

Dr Ellie is very keen to stress to mothers that they should enjoy their babies and that they should learn to trust their own instincts and trust their parenting skills. She believes most of us are simply lacking confidence in our own abilities and that we get worn down and stressed by all the things we think we are supposed to know and be doing. She's right. I've lost count of the many times I ran to others seeking answers only to realise that my first instincts were usually what I ended up following anyway!

Emily Evans Mother Brilliant Bust Cream - A Bust Firming Cream for Mothers to Be and Breastfeeding Mothers

Normally, when breastfeeding, I don't like to use body lotions and potions for a couple of reasons. Firstly, I worry that the ingredients may not be all that good for my baby and secondly, I worry that they won't taste very pleasant for her.

However, when I was asked to try Emily Evans Mother Brilliant Bust Cream, a new bust firming cream by mother of three and founder of maternity boutique 9 London, I was interested, not least because the formula contains a special blend of the natural ingredients centella and borage oil which help tone and tighten the bust, but also because, let's face it, after having four babies I feel like I could do with a little help in the bust firming area!

Now, before I go any further, let me make it very clear that breastfeeding in itself does not cause your breasts to become less firm. Many people will try to tell you otherwise, but the fact of the matter is that it is pregnancy that causes the damage! Now that I've cleared that up for everyone, let me continue...

Emily Evans bust firming cream arrived at my door in the most delightful manner, all packaged in a lovely big Harrod's box making me feel very special from the get go!

Starch Intake May Increase the Risk of Breast Cancer (Guest Post)

The results of an intensive seven-year-long research study that involved over 2,600 women—the Women's Healthy Eating and Living (WHEL) Dietary Intervention Trial—were presented at last year's CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium with some surprising findings. The WHEL study participants had all suffered from breast cancer prior to participation and had apparently successfully completed breast cancer treatment. This specific study was designed to assess for any correlations between a healthy lifestyle and a recurrence of breast cancer. Results indicated that a higher consumption of starchy foods such as pasta or potatoes is associated with an increased risk of tumor recurrence. This association was identified specifically for dietary starch intake and not with other carbohydrates.

Positive and Negative Dietary Associations

Breast cancer researchers have long associated certain diets and foods with an increased risk of breast cancer, such as diets high in red meats, refined carbohydrates and alcohol. Conversely, diets high in fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans and unrefined foods are generally associated with breast health. As you've probably heard through one media source or another, aim for a naturally colorful diet of blues, reds, dark greens and orange colors. Further, these dietary changes don't necessarily mean that your entire food habits have to change—surprisingly, even a couple of cups of coffee a day can lower your risk of developing the disease.

Breastfeeding Photos - Naomi

We've just received this gorgeous breastfeeding photo featuring Pearl breastfeeding her newborn daughter, Naomi! I think you'll agree it's stunning and a great advert for breastfeeding :)

If you would like to see your breastfeeding photos featured here and in our breastfeeding gallery, simply email them to Breastfeeding Mums. Include your URL if you would like a link back to your website or blog.

See more breastfeeding photos

Miscarriage Poems - You Are Mine!

This tender miscarriage poem was sent to us by a grandmother who wrote it in memory of her grandchild after her daughter suffered a miscarriage.

You Are Mine!

Your guardian angel
placed you in my womb.

A safe haven, right under my heart.
I held you with my body,

A hug that was 360 degrees
For 24 hours each day.

You and I were one for several weeks,
I dreamed of your face,

Held you in my arms,
Kissed your tiny hands,

I gave you a name,
You were mine!

You were called by name,
By the Lord above,

To the only place,
That is as beautiful and safe as inside me.

I let you go,
To the only one that would love you as much as I do.

So here I am and there you are,
You waiting for me –

Me waiting for you
Locked in a Love embrace

360 degrees
24 hours a day.

You are Mine!

Read more Miscarriage Poems

If you would like to recommend a miscarriage poem or story, or contribute one of your own, please contact us and we'll add it to the site. Thanks.

 

Healthy Breastfeeding (Guest Post)

Being a new mum is a wonderful time, but it can also be a stressful time. There is so much to remember, and so much health advice to take on board. This is even more so the case if you are a breastfeeding mum, as you of course want to make sure you give your baby the best nutrients and best start in life possible.

If you are breastfeeding then it is important to eat right to ensure your baby gets all the nutrients it needs to grow up into a healthy and happy child and adult. Don’t panic however. As long as you follow the basic rules of a healthy diet, you don’t need to worry.

Although there is lots of conflicting advice out there for breastfeeding mums, most foods are fine in moderation, and general healthy eating advice is worth following. So, make sure you are getting your five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, varied if possible and fresh wherever you can.

Breastfeeding a 4 Year Old (Guest Post)

I have been a nursing mother for 4 and a half years now.  My son is a wonderful chunky outgoing little boy who loves his “boob drink”.  It has been fun asking him what he prefers “daddy or boob drink”?  Of course no matter what I put up against the milky stuff, the milky stuff always triumphs.  He loves it and is definitely telling me that he has no intention of giving it up anytime soon.

My son’s natural weaning process has been quite slow.  When my son was a year or so old, I often read about babies already sleeping through the night/not nursing by the time they were 11/2 – 2.  I was curious as to when I could expect my wriggly little monster to give me a full nights sleep without requesting the “boob drink”.  Of course though, despite reading about others experiences, mine was certainly different and my son didn’t give up the night feeding by the time he was 2.  It took a lot longer.  In fact I think it has only been in the last year (so potentially when he was 31/2) that he no longer feeds during the night.  He still likes to have a morning feed in bed though (we chose to cosleep rather than use a cot bed.

Breastfeeding Facts

Thanks to PregnancyGroup.org for this fascinating breastfeeding infographic.

Get ready for a new career with NCT and University of Worcester

If you’re looking for a rewarding job you can fit around your family, or are thinking about returning to study or work after having a baby, a change of career to become an NCT practitioner could be just what you need.

NCT, the UK’s largest charity for parents, and the University of Worcester have joined forces to provide university-accredited training for those wanting to support parents on their journey from pregnancy to parenthood by becoming an NCT practitioner.

NCT College admissions are open for courses beginning in September 2012. There’s no better training if you want to build up a rewarding and enjoyable career working with parents at a unique and important time in their lives.

NCT is well-known for the information and support its practitioners provide through antenatal courses, breastfeeding counselling and facilitated postnatal groups, enabling parents to feel more confident and prepared for their new role.

The courses allow students to learn through a mixture of tutorials, one-to-one time with tutors and online learning. With tutorials run across the UK and study days hosted regionally, students can complete the majority of their studies without the need to travel to Worcester. This flexibility is ideal if you’re looking for a career you can juggle around a young family, and the varied syllabus offers plenty of choice depending on your interests and aspirations.

One NCT antenatal teacher, Fiona, said: “For me, my NCT work fits around the needs of my teenage boys. The training is very comprehensive, diverse and interesting and of a very high standard. I also love getting together with other practitioners and sharing ideas. I have a job I can do around my family and earn a decent hourly wage.”

The new Certificate of Higher Education – Birth and Beyond Practitioner, completed over one or two years, is the only university-accredited qualification for parenting education. Qualifying students can then begin a year of probationary practice, delivering innovative Preparation for Birth and Beyond (PBB) courses based on the Department of Health’s new framework. So, you can start earning an income from your new knowledge and skills right away.

Students can then choose from a range of modules from the Foundation Degree course. Will you train as an antenatal teacher, breastfeeding counsellor, postnatal leader or NCT Doula? Or perhaps you’d be more interested in running NCT Yoga for Pregnancy classes.

In the climate of an ever-increasing birth rate and overstretched maternity services, there could not be a better time to build a fulfilling career as an NCT practitioner working alongside midwives and other health professionals to support new and expectant parents. As one of the UK’s largest network of practitioners working with new and expectant parents, students are supported to find work quickly and easily through the charity’s national operation.

Clea Harmer, Education Manager at NCT, said: “We’re delighted to offer a range of exciting opportunities through NCT College. The varied training programme allows students to specialise in a wide range of areas, while the flexibility means they can fit their learning around families and potentially be earning an income after one year. So if you’re interested in a new career making a real difference to new parents, come and join us at NCT College.”

Professor Geoffrey Elliott Director of Regional Engagement at the University of Worcester at the University of Worcester, said: “We are delighted to have been chosen to work with NCT to help parents in their transition to parenthood and will do all we can to help the country’s parents and children get off to the best possible start.”

If you are interested in finding out more about our training or a career working with new parents, visit http://www.nct.org.uk/nct-college for more information about the full range of courses on offer.

-ENDS-
Case studies are available: to speak to a current NCT practitioner about their work please contact the NCT press office.
For more information about NCT or NCT College please contact the press office on 020 8752 2412 or email [email protected]

NCT has an ISDN line. Please call the press office in advance to book.

For more information about the University of Worcester please call 01905 857517 or email [email protected]

What Should I Eat and Drink While I'm Breastfeeding? (Guest Post)

It's common knowledge that breastfeeding your baby is better for its health, but is there anything you can eat and drink to make your milk even more nutritious? And what about your own health while breastfeeding? Two of the most common complaints amongst breastfeeding women are exhaustion and dehydration, both of which are helped by drinking plenty of water, herbal tea and milk (providing you can eat dairy). Eating a healthy, balanced diet will help to maintain your energy levels, and ensure that your baby is getting all the vitamins and minerals he or she needs from your breast milk. 

What is a healthy diet?

You'll need to be eating a variety of vegetables, and lots of them. If you're not a big fan of veggies, try stir-frying them with some garlic or flavoured oil. Stir-frying is the most delicious way to prepare vegetables, and also the healthiest, after steaming & microwaving, as the quick cooking time means you're not destroying so many of the vitamins. (Vitamins are water-soluble, so boiling veg usually means you're boiling away the vitamins, too.)