Baby showers are an important occasion in the social calendar of a mum-to-be. As the organiser, you want to make sure the event goes above and beyond her expectations. Having a theme can help to tie an event together. It’s important to plan the theme before sending out the invitations, so that they can correspond with the theme and give guests an idea of what to expect.

Boy/Girl Theme – If you know the sex of the baby, then this a great way to tailor the baby shower. Go for blue decorations for a boy’s shower, and pink for a girl’s. Make sure the invitations, cake, decorations, balloons and party favours all tie into the colour scheme. For a little boy, you could have toy boats and train tracks as part of the decor. For little girls, you could opt for floral decorations and some dolls to add to the effect. Even if the sex of the baby is unknown, you could still utilise the boy/girl theme by having a mixture of pink and blue decorations – and a lot of question marks.

Bookworm – When you think back to your childhood, one of the things that stands out most is probably your favourite books. From bedtime stories with your parents, to learning to read, our childhoods are filled with books. You could ask each of the guests to bring a copy of their favourite childhood book. You could even theme the party around the mum-to-be’s favourite childhood book. There are so many beautiful and colourful children’s books to choose from, and you can pick copies up for next to nothing at your local charity or thrift shop. For decoration, you can display inspirational quotes from children’s story books.

Baby Animals – Baby shops across the world are filled with animal themed products. From circus bedding, to farmyard dinner plates, you can get pretty much anything adorned in animals. Animals are a great theme for a baby shower, and it’s really easy to find inspiration. Baby animals are particularly relevant at a shower – so fill the walls with lambs, kittens and elephant calves. The great thing about this theme is that any decorations can be passed on to the mum-to-be to use in the nursery. A great centrepiece for this theme, would be a giant stuffed animal that could be given as a gift too.

Vintage Tea Party – Since the mum-to-be can’t drink and baby showers tend to take place in the afternoon, why not celebrate with a vintage inspired tea party? Think bunting, mismatched cups and saucers, and cupcake stands for decorations. For food, serve cucumber sandwiches, mini cupcakes and a victoria sponge. Ask guests to dress in vintage inspired dresses to match the surroundings.

Mocktail Party – Indulge the mum-to-be’s decadent side by hosting a mocktail party. There are loads of amazing recipes to choose from, and you certainly won’t miss the alcohol. Fruity, fizzy and milky – there are lots of different types of mocktails so try to offer a selection at the party. For the decorations, try to dress the venue like a fancy cocktail bar (or, even better, have the party at a fancy cocktail bar). Mood lighting, background music and bold colours will look great with this theme. Make sure you have all the right glasses, garnishes and decorations to make the mocktails feel extra special.

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

Babywearing is nothing new, women have been wearing their babies for generations the world over. Long before prams were invented, women were carrying their babies using lengths of fabric as makeshift carriers. Far from being the new craze the media would have you believe, babywearing is a tried and tested  parenting method to make life a little bit easier once the baby arrives. There are plenty of reasons to try babywearing, here are just five of them:

1. You won’t have to leave your baby crying – listening to your newborn baby scream because he needs you is awful. If you have a clingy baby (they all are, at times) and you need a bathroom, you have two choices. You can either leave your baby to cry while you feel guilty on the toilet, or you can cross your legs tightly until your partner gets home to help out. Or, secret option number three, you can stick your baby in the carrier, and go about your daily business as usual.

2. You’ll be hands free – babies just love being carried, and cuddled and played with. Your baby may not be overly keen on being put down, so you’ll probably find yourself carrying him around the house with you anyway. You will learn to do pretty much everything with just one hand, for example, make cups of tea, open jars and pack the nappy bag. Or, you could stick your baby in the carrier, and have the luxury of two hands.

3. Your baby is nearer to the action – babies in prams and pushchairs are a little out of the way. If he is parent-facing, he will enjoy listening to you, but probably won’t be able to see much of what you see. If he is forward-facing, he will miss out on the conversation (and opportunities for language skills development) and will see a knee-height view of the world. In a sling, he would be able to hear what you’re saying, engage with the same people as you, and be able to see the same things.

4. Your baby will have his creature comforts to hand – after nine long months in the womb, your baby likes the sound of your heartbeat, the rhythm of your voice, the smell of your skin, and the warmth of your body. Your baby wants to be with you as much as possible to help him feel safe and confident in new environments. If you’re breastfeeding, you may find you can breastfeed him in the carrier, meaning he’s exactly where he needs to be.

5. Why not? – if you’re not sure babywearing is for you, give it a go before discounting it as an option. There are lots of different types of carriers available, so you should be able to find one you feel comfortable using. Get in touch with your local sling library to book a consultation, an advisor will be able to help you try on different slings, and recommend which will be best for you and your baby.

Will you be giving babywearing a try?

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

Chances are you have been trying to put off looking for a childcare provider for your baby as long as possible. If you are like most moms, thinking about WHO will take care of your baby BEFORE you have even given birth, seems a bit counter-intuitive. Plus, all the waiting around, and your accumulation of maternity leave and vacation time from work, likely makes you feel like there is no rush to choose a daycare provider, especially in the third trimester of pregnancy. Right?  Wrong! Here’s why.

Firstly, you might be shocked to start your search for the perfect daycare, find one – and then find out that you have to be put on a waiting list for several months to a year. In the United States, many of the premiere daycare centers have waiting lists a mile long, especially for the newborn, infant and baby rooms. The reason is simple. There are only so many babies that these daycare centers are legally allowed to have per room. Secondly, there is a high demand for top-notch facilities. And in order to find the best facility for you and your baby, you will have to do a lot of research and door to door visiting of daycare centers so that you can get an ‘intuitive feel’ for the center before enrolling your child.

As you begin to search for a daycare center, you may want to make impromptu stops at daycare centers without appointments so that you can see how things are run when the center is not expecting a visitor. Certainly you will have to check in with the front office staff before touring the center, but not allowing the center time to ‘prepare’ in order to make a good example to gain a customer is a smart way to check the integrity of a daycare center.

When you tour, pay attention to the children and your intuition. Do the kids look happy?  Are there adults present at all times? Do you get a good feel from the staff that is in charge of the daycare center? Are all of the employees certified to care for children?  Are doors locked and secure? Pay close attention to how things are organized, and come prepared with as many question as possible. Also, avoid making a hasty decision – and try to visit a center that you are interested in at least 2 -3 times before committing so you can get a better feel of the day to day operations.

You should also check online for any complaints or problems with a daycare center. Sometimes, you will find problems or concerns from other parents in forums or local listings specific to your town. Also, check in with neighbors and other moms around your area to see which day care centers they would recommend, and which ones they would not. Other moms can be your greatest source of information, especially if they have personal experience with the daycare center.

Certainly, looking for a daycare center in your third trimester can be bittersweet. If you know you are going back to work, and know that you will have to rely on a daycare for your child, it will be much easier to research and visit the daycares, prior to having your baby than it will be afterwards.

Also, don’t totally count out in-home day care centers, which can also provide a loving, more personal environment for your child. If you go to an individual for your daycare needs, you should do not just a background check on the provider, but also ask to see all credentials they have which allow them to care for children in their home.

Remember, the most important decision you will make after you have your baby is who will care for your child in your absence. Use your best judgment and don’t be afraid to rely on your feelings and intuition to help you make a decision.

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @MOM-SPIRATIONAL

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

Hypnobirthing is the use of hypnosis during labour. The practice aims to replace feelings of fear with confidence, and to allow women to experience labour in a positive way.

How does hypnobirthing work?

Hypnobirthing techniques can reduce your need for other forms of pain relief during labour. It can also help you to feel calm and positive during labour, rather than feeling scared or in pain. When you feel scared, your body initiates the fight or flight response. During this response, stress hormones, including adrenaline, flood your body. This reduces blood flow to the uterus, which can slow labour. The stress hormones can alter the amount of oxytocin released by your body. Oxytocin and other feel good hormones are released during labour and play a vital role in natural pain relief; without this, you may find labour to be more painful.

Where can I learn more about hypnobirthing?

There are a number of different ways to learn the basics of hypnobirthing:

• One on one – you can have individual sessions with a hypnobirthing practitioner, and they will teach you how to use the techniques and tools to ease yourself into a calm state of mind.
• Group sessions – you can attend classes to learn these techniques whilst also meeting other expectant parents. The classes are usually quite intimate, with only a small number of couples attending each one. Be sure to take your birth partner with you so that they can learn how to help you use hypnobirthing on the big day.
• Learn at home – the most affordable option is to use hypnobirthing CDs. The CDs help you to get into the correct state for labour. You should listen to them during pregnancy to help yourself get used to hypnobirthing, and then use them once your labor begins. You can also try an App.

You should get your birth partner involved in hypnobirthing from an early stage. Your birth partner should learn the breathing, relaxation and visualization techniques to be able to guide you during labour. You should practice your hypnobirthing techniques together at home as often as you can before the birth. You should aim to know the techniques so well that they become second nature to you during labour.

When should I start hypnobirthing?

The ideal time to attend classes or start listening to your CD, is between 25 and 29 weeks. By this time you will feel focused on the impending birth, and yet will have enough time left to learn the techniques. However, you can start at anytime, so do not feel that at 34 weeks it is too late for you start. The relaxation techniques will be useful during labour, no matter when you start to learn them.

During labour

Once labour starts, use the hypnobirthing relaxation techniques to stay calm. Listen to your hypnobirthing CD, and ask your birth partner to read through the visualization scripts and help you with the breathing techniques during surges.

Are you planning to use hypnobirthing, or have you used it before? Please share your experiences in the comments below.

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

The nesting instinct is experienced by mammals and birds alike. Cats select a private place to give birth, and spend some time collecting rags and other materials to create a soft bed. While you may not be building a pile of old towels in the cupboard under the stairs, you may also be nesting. In humans, the nesting instinct is described as an urge to get things ready for the baby. This could feel like an uncontrollable urge to sort things out. From cleaning behind the bookcase, to de-cluttering the loft, the nesting instinct can take many forms.

It can start as early as the second trimester, although most women will experience it only a matter of weeks before the birth. You may also find that the nesting instinct leaves you feeling a desire to stay close to home.

Does it mean I’m about to go into labour?

During those last few weeks of pregnancy, you may find yourself on your hands and knees scrubbing the utility room floor, or alphabetising all the books in the nursery. However, this doesn’t mean labour is imminent. Some people believe that nesting during the last few weeks is a sign labour is near. Some women do report experiencing the nesting instinct in the last few days of pregnancy.

Follow your instincts, and get all the last minute jobs out of the way. Once it’s all finished, you’ll be able to feel calm and relaxed while you wait for the baby.

It’s also worth bearing in mind, once the baby arrives you may struggle to find the time to order all your photographs by year. Make the most of the time and energy you have during nesting, and get things ready for when baby arrives.

Be sensible

You may be feeling an uncontrollable urge to dust the top of the bookcase, but if it means balancing on top of a wheeled chair, it’s probably best not to. Ask your partner, or friends and family, to help with any jobs that are unsuitable for pregnant women. Climbing, balancing and lugging around heavy objects are all jobs you should avoid.

You should also be careful to avoid strong chemical smells such as oven cleaner or oil based paints. Be sure to take precautions when using cleaning fluids, and leave windows open to allow air to circulate.

If you haven’t felt any urges to clean your house, don’t worry. Not all women experience the nesting instinct.

Do you enjoy this App? Want to prepare for your baby’s arrival? You can now also download our new Baby App for iPhone / iPad or Android. Click Baby+ iOS or Baby+ Android to install the App.

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

If you are having a baby shower, then chances are you have strolled through a local store and made up a list of all the things you want for your baby. Typically, on this baby shower list or registry are a plethora of things like diapers and wipes, baby clothes, a baby monitor, a swing or stroller and receiving blankets. The reality is, however, that most of what you receive during your baby shower become nothing more than nursery art that your baby will soon outgrow. Then what? Typically when people create a baby shower registry they are thinking of the newborn phase. But take it from a mom who has been there, this is perhaps the shortest phase of your child’s life and a newborn in actuality requires very little to be happy.

(And for the record, no baby in the world needs 45 receiving blankets.)

The following are some baby shower gifts you really want to put on your registry, and some clever ideas for those looking to give something special to the ‘mom-to-be’ in their life.

1. How about a GIFT for mom? A gift card for a pregnancy massage, or for a pedicure (because she certainly cannot reach her toes) are great presents. Every woman wants to show up in the delivery room with at the very least, her feet looking stellar, right? While the baby shower is ABOUT the baby, it never hurts to give a little something to the mom as well. Another great idea is some nice pajamas to wear in the hospital so she won’t be in an ugly hospital gown during all the pictures that will be taken during the first few hours and days after delivery.

2. LARGER size diapers. Your baby will grow fast. The newborn and size 1 diapers will be obsolete after the first few weeks. Rather than load up on little diapers that you will then have to return later – register for size 3 and size 4 diapers. Typically, your baby will be in this size for the longest period of time. And, while people are very helpful in the beginning of your child’s life by providing you with things like diapers, all that ‘assistance’ tends to disappear when your newborn becomes a baby.

3. Clothes in 6-12 month size. Your newborn will be happiest in the simplest clothing. Yes, it sounds fun to dress up your little girl in a dress and headband, but the fun wears off when you realize just how cranky a newborn can be when they are not comfortable (and how hard they are to change in frilly clothes). Onesies are fine, but if you really want to help a mother to be out, get her USEFUL clothes for the future.

4. Laundry detergent. Baby laundry detergents, like Dreft, are the heavenly scents of a baby. But they are also very expensive compared to other laundry detergents. Keep in mind just how much laundry one baby can leave behind – and you will quickly realize how much money will be spent on baby laundry detergents. It might not be the ‘fanciest’ gift at the party – but it certainly will be appreciated in the months to come.

5. Toys NOT for a newborn. Newborns don’t play with toys. They play with their toes. If you want to give a baby a toy, then think ahead and buy one designed for a 6 to 18 month old, because that is when the baby will actually use toys. (Plus, mom and dad will be broke by then from buying diapers and will appreciate having the toys on hand).

6. A gift card for portraits. Face it, newborns aren’t the cutest things in the world. But give them a few weeks to grow into themselves and they become adorable. A great present is to give the expecting family a gift card for family portraits that they can use once the baby can hold his or her own head up, and mom has returned to resemble some of her pre-pregnancy self.

7. A gift card. Yes, just a simple gift card or cash would be great. It may not be very personal, but THIS is exactly what every new family will really need. Remember, according to statistics it costs nearly half a million dollars to raise a child in today’s economy.

Written By Stef, Mother of 4@MOM-SPIRATIONAL

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

You may have noticed that since becoming pregnant, your personal life has become public property. Your mother-in-law, work colleagues and strangers at bus stops are now only too happy to give you (unsolicited) advice.

Many women complain that the worst part of this (yes, even worse than strangers grabbing at your bump), is the childbirth stories – especially horror stories. Where the sight of a pregnant woman should cause people to refrain from sharing horror stories, in fact it seems to have the opposite effect. People seem to go out of their way to casually drop into conversations the terrible birth experience of their friend.

Why do people like telling not-so-helpful childbirth stories?

You shouldn’t assume the entire world is out to get you. The people telling you the stories probably aren’t giving much thought to your feelings – they’re just excited to tell that reaction-invoking story again. Some may even think they’re doing you a favour by preparing you for what could happen.

Ignorance is bliss

Some people like to know all the facts, and know every possible outcome, before an event so that they feel prepared. Pregnant women that fit into this category probably do like to know about interventions and complications, so they can feel prepared for any eventuality. It’s important to remember, however, that not all pregnant women will feel that way. For some, hearing about traumatic births can make them feel terrified and unprepared for labour.

The science

Feeling scared during labour, can actually increase your risk of interventions. Grantly Dick-Read, an experienced midwife, attended to labouring women all over the world, and found that the women who suffered most during labour were those who feared it.

The science behind this is that when we’re scared, our bodies initiate the fight or flight response. During labour, this can mean blood is directed away from the uterus (where it is needed) and to the legs for running away. This redirection means the uterus is not able to contract as strongly, thus leading to a longer (and potentially more painful) labour.

There is a lot of emphasis on relaxation during labour. Hypnobirthing, water births and breathing exercises are all used as a way to keep women calm during labour. These relaxation techniques can lower your risk of medical intervention, so it’s important to stay relaxed and free from fear during labour.

How to stop the negative childbirth stories

If you can tell someone is about to launch into another horror story, stop them. Explain politely that, while you understand births can sometimes be traumatic, you would rather not hear about it. Explain that you want to approach the birth feeling positive, and that you don’t want any horror stories keeping you awake at night.

Alternatively, share this blog post with your friends and family – they’ll soon get the picture!

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

If you have ever had the pleasure of watching an animal, such as a cow, dog or cat give birth – then you have probably also witnessed the not-so-pleasurable act of these animals eating their afterbirth. In nature, the birthing mother almost always ingests some or all of the afterbirth. With humans, of course, the afterbirth and placenta are collected and sampled and shipped off, and most mothers don’t even get to see this part of the childbirth.

Still, placenta encapsulation – where the placenta is shipped to specialized facilities that turn the placenta into a capsule form – is gaining in popularity. But is it safe?

Placentophagy (the act of consuming the human placenta) is extremely uncommon for humans. In a study or 179 cultures, researchers found only one that mentioned this practice (and even that one may have been an outlier where the practice was not actually common). Consuming the placenta has been used in Chinese medicine since the early 1500’s – though it is not typically the new mother it is used for.

Claims made by proponents of placenta encapsulation include: increased energy, balanced hormones, uterine repair, better milk production, decreased incidence of postpartum depression, and quickly rebounding levels of iron in the blood. Proponents of placenta encapsulation claim that the placenta is filled with an amazing amount of minerals, vitamins and nutrients that may help to boost the immune systems after birth. These claims, however, are unproven.

Because of the high levels of progesterone in the placenta, it is actually counterintuitive that it would increase milk production. Progesterone is needed to maintain a pregnancy, and it’s not until the placenta is delivered and the hormones shift that milk production begins. When a woman has retained placental fragments in her uterus, her milk coming in is delayed. Anecdotally, lactation consultants are seeing a trend of low milk supply in moms who have consumed their placenta after the birth.

Regarding use of placentophagy for preventing or treating postpartum mood disorders, researchers have concluded that “current evidence does not suggest that placentophagy prevents or treats PPD by replenishing therapeutic doses of estrogen nor that it facilitates a return to a normal postpartum estrogen cycle. While it is clear that estrogen is significantly depleted at childbirth, not all women experience postnatal mood symptoms, thus the exact role of estrogen in PPD is not fully understood.”

In addition, the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently issued a warning about placenta encapsulation after a baby became ill with late-onset Group B Strep infection, and the placenta is thought to be the ultimate source of infection.

Unless you are utilizing a natural birth center, doula or midwife who associates with an organization that safely encapsulates placentas, you may not even be aware that it is a possibility.  If you are interested, you need to do your homework prior to delivery. Weigh the purported pros and cons before you make a decision to spend the time and money to encapsulate your placenta. Be sure to use a reputable service with sterile handling practices. Include placenta encapsulation in your birthing plan so the hospital or birthing center where you give birth knows to properly store and label your afterbirth. Your safety – and your baby’s – are of paramount importance.

Written By Team Health & Parenting

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

Only around three percent of women hire a doula to act as a professional labour supporter. Although relatively uncommon, you have probably heard the term doula quite a lot during your pregnancy. You may be wondering, what does a doula do?

A doula is a trained professional who offers emotional and physical support to a woman (or to a couple) during labour. A doula aims to improve the birthing experience of the mother by ensuring that her needs are met and she feels supported throughout the birth.

What does a doula do?

A doula will answer all of your questions about the impending birth, and help you to put together a birth plan. Her aim is to ease your concerns and help you to feel confident about the birth. The doula will help you to prepare yourself for labour and becoming a mother.

During labour, a doula will help in anyway she can. She may suggest birthing positions, talk you through contractions and massage you to relieve discomfort. She is there to support both you and your partner.

Advantages of a doula

• A friendly face – you may not know the doctor or midwife working the night you give birth, and you can never be too sure how your birth partner is going to handle the event. By hiring a doula, you know you will have a friendly face on hand to help guide you through the labour process.
• The birth plan – it’s important to remember you’ll be focused on the birth, and won’t be aware of the details on the day. If the healthcare provider are pushing for potentially unnecessary interventions, a doula may find it easier to advocate for you than your birth partner would.
• Continuous support – your doula will stay with you throughout your labour and birth. Many hospitals are unable to offer this level of continuous support due to high demand and staff shortages.
• Reduced risk of interventions – studies have found that doula assisted births have 50 percent less chance of caesarean section, 40 percent less risk of a forceps delivery and 60 percent reduction in the use of epidural pain medication.

Disadvantages of a doula

• Cost – doulas vary in price, but you should expect to pay anything from several hundred to several thousand dollars for your care. This cost is usually not covered by health insurance. Some doulas charge on a “sliding scale,” taking your income into account.

How do I choose a doula?

• Some hospitals have trained doulas on staff, so check whether your local hospital is one of them.
• You could also try contacting Doulas of North America (DONA) to find out about the doulas in your local area.
• Your healthcare provider may be able to refer you to a local doula.

Once you have a list of local doulas, you should set up interviews to meet each one available around your due date. Find out about their training, qualifications, experience, and references. It’s important you find the doula who is the right fit for your family.

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

It’s safe to say, we’re all a little bit more aware of our impact on the planet these days. From the methane created by farming cows, to the air miles used in the production of our new dress, we spend a lot of time feeling guilty. If you’ve ever worked out your carbon footprint, you’ll be surprised how much it increases once you add children into the mix.

In fact, while you’re running about buying baby baths, onesies and bibs, your unborn child is running up a quite substantial carbon footprint of their own. And they’re not even walking yet. If you’re hoping to raise an environmentally conscious child, you can start now by leading a good example. When choosing items for your baby’s nursery, follow the steps below to create an eco nursery for your baby (and his teeny tiny carbon footprint) to enjoy.

1. Use eco paints – the average paint (even water based) contain volatile organic compounds, chemicals and fungicides. It hardly sounds like something you want to house your baby in, does it? Eco paints are made with natural ingredients. Some eco paints are greener than others, so do some research to find the most sustainable paints before you buy. Eco paints come in a variety of colours, and are just as durable as conventional paint.

2. Furnish with love – when choosing your furniture, look for solid wood. Veneers and laminates are likely to contain a number of harmful chemicals that may be released over time. Reuse and recycle are important core messages of eco living, so consider using second hand furniture in the nursery. Your friends or family may have a chest of drawers you can have, or you might pick up a bargain at your local second hand shop. Second hand furniture can be sanded down and repainted (with eco paint) to make it look as good as new. Wear protective gear when sanding, and be sure any hand-me-down pieces meet today’s safety standards.

3. Go organic – when choosing a mattress for your baby, choose organic. Your baby will spend around 14 hours a day on the mattress, and non-organic ones contain chemicals and toxins that may be harmful for your baby to breathe in. Once you’ve selected an organic mattress, it makes sense to use organic bedding too. You should be able to find organic bedding for around the same price as non-organic bedding, so there’s really no excuse not to buy it.

4. Eco toys – you’ll probably want some toys to fill the nursery, but these don’t have to be the battery powered plastic toys that seem to flood the market. These toys often have a relatively short life cycle, and soon end up in landfill. By choosing wooden eco toys, you can give your baby toys that will last. From organic cuddly animals, to wooden instruments, your baby won’t be missing out by owning eco toys. You can find lots of great baby toys at your local charity or thrift shop too, so keep your eyes open for a great find.

5. Keep it clean – once you’ve spent time and money creating the perfect eco-bubble for your precious bundle, there’s no point coating it in harmful chemicals in the name of cleaning. Track down some organic cleaning products to use in the nursery, not only are these better for the environment but they will protect your child from coming into contact with potentially harmful chemicals.

No one is expecting you to do it all, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make a few eco purchases. Every eco decision, no matter how small, will have a positive impact on your family’s carbon footprint and, ultimately, the planet.

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

False labor is something that happens towards the end of a pregnancy, often within days of the due date. It’s different than Braxton Hicks contractions, and is often initially mistaken for the beginning of labor. One in five first time mums will experience false labor, and it is even more common in second time mums.

How can I tell if it’s false labor?
There are a number of differences between the contractions of false labor, and those of real labor:

• False labor contractions vary in time – they do not become increasingly longer like the contractions of real labor
• False labor contractions will ease if you change position
• False labor contractions will ease if you walk around
• False labor contractions may be felt in the abdomen – active labor pains tend to be more focused in the lower back
• False labor contractions are irregular – real labor contractions happen at regular intervals

False labor often seems to occur at night. If you start experiencing contractions at night, get up and walk around. If the contractions ease off, it’s false labor. You could also try relaxing in a warm bath to ease contractions.

Does false labor do anything?

False labor is a sign that your body is starting to prepare for the birth. Your uterine muscles are practising their contractions for the main event. False labor is what happens before the first stage of labor. Before it can start dilating, your cervix must soften, shorten and shift position. False labor is believed to be part of this process.

Do not feel disheartened if what you thought was real labor turns out to be false labor. False labor is a sign that your body is preparing for labor, so you know that the birth of your baby will be soon. Get some rest, finish those last minute jobs, and enjoy your final few days before you become a mum.

When to call your healthcare provider

• If the contractions are becoming stronger, longer and occurring at regular intervals, you should contact your healthcare provider.
• If your waters have broken, or you have experienced a “show”, you should contact your healthcare provider.
• If you are feeling worried that you may be in labor, contact your healthcare provider. Don’t feel embarrassed about contacting them unnecessarily, they will want to support you through the pregnancy – and this includes the panic that ensues during a bout of false labor contractions!

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

Baby showers aren’t just about eating cake, playing party games and aahing over tiny baby grows. They’re about helping the mum-to-be to prepare for the birth and life as a new mum. As the big day approaches, many pregnant women start to feel scared or apprehensive about the birth. Make sure you use the baby shower to focus on the birth, and how great the mum-to-be in going to do. Below are some baby shower traditions that focus on the mum-to-be.

Belly casting

Much as she may say she hates it now, she will one day look back fondly at photos of her bump. By creating a belly cast, you can give her something more solid to remember it by. Belly casts can look great as ornaments, vases and garden planters. You can make the belly cast as part of the shower. Or, you can ask the mum-to-be to make the cast in advance, and then have the guests decorate it at the shower.

Henna bump art

Made famous by Alanis Morissette in 2010, henna bump art is a great activity for a baby shower. The mum-to-be will be able to relax while the henna is applied, and then admire the work after it’s done. Henna looks great and you can achieve very detailed and beautiful designs with it. You could also give each of the shower guests a small henna tattoo on their wrists in a show of support for the mum-to-be. This will remind them to think of the mum-to-be during her last few weeks of pregnancy. Take some photos of the henna bump art, and be sure to frame the best one and give it to the mum-to-be as a reminder of the party.

Beaded bracelet

This is a great way to help the mum-to-be feel supported during labour. A bracelet is made at the shower, and the mum-to-be should wear it during labour to remind her of her strong support system of friends and family. You can ask each guest to bring a bead to form the bracelet, or provide modeling clay and ask guests to make them at the shower. If any guests are unable to attend the shower, they should send their beads in the post before, along with a message to be read out on the day.

These are just a few traditions that are popular across the globe. You can adapt and change them to suit your mum-to-be. The important thing is that the mum-to-be leaves her shower feeling loved, supported and confident about the birth and motherhood.

Written by Fiona, proud owner of a toddler, @fiona_peacock

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.