When my daughter started school her backpack was nearly as big as her! It's really important to choose the right backpack for your children, given that most of them are lugging round a small home office these days. Here is an interesting piece supplied by Intel Australia. ......

 

 

School goes high tech!

By Intel Australia

Times are a-changing and technology really seems to be making an impact on our children’s school environment these days. Firstly, we used to lug around backpacks filled with heavy text books and more recently students have been carrying heavy text books AND a heavy laptop. You’ve got to be thinking that can’t be good for your child’s back, and you’d be right. The Chiropractor’s Association of Australia says that adult back pain and spinal disorders may stem from childhood activities including carrying a heavily loaded backpack for twelve years or more of schooling[i].

So much work seems to be done on a computer these days and laptops are getting lighter. An Ultrabook, which is a thin and light notebook computer, can weigh as little as 1kg. Now that’s better than a bag filled with text books – or having to fork out for two sets of text books so your child doesn’t have to cart them from home to school every day!

Back in our day (seriously, I thought that was something only our parents said), we didn’t have things like interactive whiteboards or school intranets, let alone back packs with built in laptop compartments and smartphone pockets. The first point of call for assignments was always the family set of encyclopaedias or the library, not the internet. Technology is really making its mark on our children’s schooling.

Kate Burleigh from Intel Australia says Ultrabook computers are a great option for students. “They are thin, light and powerful enough for older students who may be looking for a device that can last them through university. They have at least five hours of battery life, and some have up to eight hours which is plenty to get children through the school day.”

Here are some additional tips on how to prevent back pain associated with carrying heavy back packs from The Chiropractor’s Association of Australia[ii]:

• - Backpacks should  ideally be no heavier than 10% of a student’s weight when packed
• - Make sure the backpack is sturdy and appropriately sized - no wider than the student's chest
• - Put comfort and fit at the top of the priority list, rather than good looks
• - Choose a backpack with broad, padded shoulder straps
• - Use both shoulder straps - never sling the pack over one shoulder
• - Use waist straps attached - they are there for a good reason
• - Don't wear the backpack any lower than the hollow of the lower back
• - Don't overload the backpack - use school lockers and plan homework well in advance
• - Place all heavy items at the base of the pack, close to the spine, for a better distribution of weight

 

To download a fact sheet with more information about carrying back packs click here.

For more information on choosing the right computer for your child, visit the Intel website.

 

 

[ii] Back Pack Tips, The Australian Chiropractors Association, viewed 1^st February 2012, http://chiropractors.asn.au/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Back_Pack_Fact_Sheet&Template=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&ContentID=10770

 

 

Nature's Own have just released Omega Delight.

 

 

I've put the (scientific) facts below about the health benefits for school age children (and adults!) of Omega-3. But I'm a true believer in putting things to the test. I want honesty. I want pure, unscripted reactions. Basically, I want the truth - so bring in the kids.

 

Mr 7 and Miss 5 are guaranteed to give you an honest opinion, especially when it comes to taste. How often do you hear YUCK when you're giving your kids medicines or vitamins? Let's face it some don't really taste that good. I remember the taste of liquid penicillin given to me as a kid, it still makes me shudder when I think of it.

 

First of all, I have to comment on the packaging because I like to consider myself a bit arty. I find the presentation very appealing, and especially enticing for kids. So what did the kids think?

 

I showed them the bottle and explained what it was and what it did. They were interested in how it would "help their brain".  Now for the all important taste test.....

 

There was a chorus of YUM and MMMM. My son said "It's creamy and fruity....can I have some more".

 

I then had to explain that it was "medicine" and you only have the recommended amount everyday. So now, on a regular basis, I get "Can I have some more of that yummy medicine?"

 

So if your children aren't getting enough Omega-3 naturally and you are looking for a way to supplement their diet I can highly recommend Nature's Own Omega Delight. Oh, and by the way I thought it was pretty yummy too!

 

Here's what the the experts say:

 

Despite near blanket awareness of the role of Omega-3 in brain development and concentration, Australian school children are not even close to consuming enough for optimal health.  This Omega-3 dietary challenge is particularly relevant as parents worry about their children’s concentration levels heading back to school.

 

According to the Omega Delight Survey*, 97% of mothers correctly link Omega-3 to brain development and 94% to concentration.  However, only 20% manage to get their children to eat the recommended two to three servings of fish a week and less than 20% supplement their child’s diet.

 

Accredited Practicing Dietitian, Milena Katz, said there is clearly a high awareness and understanding of the role Omega-3 plays in brain development and concentration but this study demonstrates that awareness is unfortunately failing to translate into action through either diet or supplements.

 

Although Omega-3 intake through diet is always preferred, it’s relevant that parents consider other options including Omega-3 supplementation while also working on improving their children’s fish intake.

 

Acknowledging the significant challenges associated with getting children to eat enough fish or take a traditional Omega-3 supplement, Nature’s Own Senior Brand Manager, Mark Ho, said the new Omega Delight range had recently been introduced in Australia as an alternative.

 

“Our customers were telling us that they understood the need for Omega-3 but some were turned away from supplements because of the traditional fishy taste or oily texture.

 

“Omega Delight is a good source of Omega-3 with the delicious taste and texture of a fruit smoothie.  It’s a delicious way to get the benefits of Omega-3 and can be enjoyed on its own, in a drink or as a cereal topping. As an added bonus, it doesn’t contain any sugar. “

 

Omega Delight is now available in good pharmacies and Coles stores. RRP $21.95.

 

 

 

We have two Nature's Own Omega Delight prize packs to give away.

Each pack consist of three bottles of Nature's Own Omega Delight: 1 x Mango Peach, 1 x Pineapple and 1 x Citrus Burst (specifically for kids). Each Prize Pack RRP is $65.85.

Competition ends 12 Feb, 2012. For full terms and condition click here.

 

Leave a comment below, answering the following question:

"Tell us in 25 words or less how Omega Delight would benefit your child?"

 

   

My kids love eggs.

 

My (almost) two year old will vacuum up a plate of scrambled eggs in a matter of minutes. On those days when we're all tired and just can't face preparing and cooking a huge meal, it's eggs on toast or scrambled eggs.

 

The good thing is - they are healthy (pheww, don't feel like a bad parent for skimping on the meat and three veg once in a while). My eldest had a a very short lived reaction to eggs as a baby. They gave him a mild rash around his mouth.

 

From my own research I have found that egg allergy or intolerance is the one of the most common food allergies which affects about 1-2% of preschool age children. It is usually due to allergy (IgE) antibodies against egg proteins.

 

Many infants and young children will grow out of their egg allergy. Approximately 2 out of 3 will grow out of their allergy by 5-10 years of age. Those children who have had milder allergic reactions with only skin reactions are more likely to outgrow their allergy than children with more severe reactions.

 

If you would like more information on egg allergy you can visit the Kid's Health section of the Westmead Children's Hospital website which is a fabulous resource for parents, with a wide variety of fact sheets covering children's health topics. Just a note - don't rely on my word or a website when it comes to medical situations - always seek advice from a health professional.

 

My son was one of those children who outgrew his intolerance. Thank goodness because, amongst other things, eggs are in (most) cakes, biscuits and other yummy things! But they are also fantastic on there own.

 

Some nutritional facts about eggs:

 

- Two average eggs provide two thirds of the day's requirements for selenium, around one third of the day's requirements for vitamin B12, iodine, pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), riboflavin, vitamin A and vitamin E and 20-25% of the day's requirements for protein, folate, iron and phosphorus.

 

- Eggs also provide  zinc, are one of the only food sources of vitamin D and are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly the long chain DHA and DPA.

 

So with the kids heading back to school I won't be able to whip up eggs on toast for lunch and I am not sure they will win many friends with a stinky boiled egg in their lunch box. The Australian Egg Coorporation has come up with a super yummy Carrot and Muesli Muffin recipe which makes a perfect lunch box treat.

 

 

  

 

As well as being lower in saturated fat and sugar* than an average muffin, these lunch box goodies contain nutritious eggs and are also high in fibre thanks to their wholegrain ingredients - wholegrain flour, muesli and carrots, which help kids maintain a healthy digestive system.

 

In fact one serving will provide your child with**:

 

- 17% RDI for dietary fibre

- 17% RDI for iron

- 17% RDI for protein

 

These muffins in your children's lunch box means you know exactly what they're eating and they're also less likely to eat other not-so-healthy snacks. You can download the recipe here.

 

For more inspiring egg ideas you can visit www.eggs.com.au

 

* Daily intake and recommended dietary intakes for labelling puposes.

**One carrot and muesli muffin is 28% lower in saturated fat and 34% lower in sugar compared to a commercial style muffin (NUTTAB 2010)

My daughter is five and started school last year. When she started school she was only 4, but we thought she was ready. I am very proud to say we were right and she got through kindy with flying colours.

 

I know all children are different, some are ready for school sooner than others and some need to wait a little longer. My son and daughter were born in the middle of the year, so for both we had to make a decision as to put them in early or hold them back. With my oldest (my son) we waited that extra little bit before starting school but my daughter just seemed ready, especially after watching her older brother go off to school every day.

 

I am amazed at the transformation that kids go through in that first year of school. They go in knowing next to nothing and at the end of that first year they can read and write. It is wonderful to watch. But I am noticing with my son, going on to year one, and in a week year two, the shine is starting to come off the whole school thing. You see (according to my son), year one is so much harder than kindy. I asked him why and was told "you have to do maths and stuff and there isn't as much free time". So I suspect this was a little glimpse into the future that will contain the constant "have you done your homework" sagas!

 

Over the school holidays my five year old daughter and seven year old son have been road testing some of the wonderful LeapFrog educational products.  Now lets not fool anyone, these products are sneaky devices that actually make kids think they are playing (ie having fun) when all the while they are also learning - BRILLIANT! Who would of thought - a toy that you actually want them to play with all the time. And that's just what both of them did.

 

My daughter can now always be found within a 2 metre radius of her Leapster Explorer. This little beauty is a hand held "gaming" device which I like to call the Nintendo DS for 4-9 year olds. Personally, the difference for me is that hand helds like the DS are focused on gaming, where as the Leapster has found that balance between fun, gaming and learning. The Leapster has games, e-books and a whole range of other features and add-ons. The games and software (purchased separately RRP $44.95) contain licensed characters such as Dora, Fairies, Scooby Doo and Ben 10. The Leapster comes with a preloaded game which my daughter loves - woo hoo (we all know that buying add-ons and games can get expensive so it's great when they actually like the pre-loaded one!).

 

   

 

Although he liked the Leapster (if he could ever pry it from his sister), my son took a shine to the LeapFrog Tag Reading System (RRP $59.99) and in particular the Interactive Map (RRP $29.99) we purchased for it. This was a surprise actually because at least 50 times a day my son requests a Nintendo DS..."you know what I want, I want a DS" over and over, he tells us. By the way he did have a DS until he learned the harsh lesson that when you "leave" your Nintendo DS somewhere not many people will hand it in or try and return it to it's (very distressed) owner. But back to the story...So I was shocked that he was more interested in the Tag and I can't really blame him, it's quite impressive. I would have a loved a pen that talked to me when I was a kid! And that is essentially what it is.

 

   

 

To be a little more technical, there is a small infrared camera at the tip of the stylus which 'reads' letters, words and symbols printed on the special dot-patterned pages of the books in the Tag library. Like the pre-loaded game on the Leapster, the Tag comes with a Disney book called 'Let's Play Tag' which teaches kids how it all works. The Tag will read an entire book out loud in character voices and as skill levels increase you can read word by word or just play activities. This is where it was great, totally suitable for both my children. For my four year old daughter, she enjoyed the reading aspect, where as this didn't challenge my seven year old son so much, and he enjoyed the activities.

 

Straight up - I don't get paid to do reviews, so when I say this I am totally honest...the Interactive World Map is fantastic. My son and I stayed up way too late one night trying to get to "Super Dooper Voyager" level playing the Map Racer game which is a timed quiz that tests your knowledge of the world's countries. I can tell you I was embarrassed at how bad my geography knowledge was. My son can now instantly point out any country on the globe within a nanosecond (well close to it). There are other great learning activities and I was quite amazed at how much fun we had with what seems like a map printed on a bit of cardboard. The Interactive World Map (pictured below) RRP $29.99 is sold separately to the Tag Reading System.

    

 

There are heaps of great books available for the Tag which include Dr Seuss' Cat In The Hat as well as activity storybooks with popular characters SpongeBob SquarePants (popular - my kids think this yellow guy is a god!), Disney Princess and Toy Story.

 

The other great feature of all the LeapFrog products is the free online LeapFrog Learning Path. The LeapFrog Connect Application is the gateway to all the online features for your LeapFrog products.

 

Via LeapFrog Connect you can:

- see what your child is up too, the skills they have engaged and their progress

- download learning apps (these aren't free and will set you back around $10)

- download books for the tag reader

- redeem rewards for completed activities and games (rewards include printable activity sheets).

 

The LeapFrog products are an investment (let's face it they are big ticket items and then there are the books and games etc etc) but I think they are a worthwhile investment in my children's education: short story - money well spent. Now whilst these products are great, the down side is they "chew the juice" and by that I mean get a battery charger or you will go broke replacing batteries. I suppose I could always see this as a positive that they are constantly using them and learning as they do!  If you want to find out more about LeapFrog products visit www.leapfrog.com

 

Thanks to LeapFrog we have a Tag Reading System (RRP $59.99) and a Tag Interactive Map (RRP $29.99) to give away.

 

 

  

 

To enter tell us in 25 words or less, in a comment below, which LeapFrog product would help your kids leap into the new school year and why.

 

Oh and don't forget to share this blog on Facebook so all your friends can find out all about LeapFrog and our fab giveaway!

 

Competition ends midnight 5 February 2012

 

 

 

 

It's not often that I find cooking under pressure this much fun.

 

Cooking Mama 4: Warning - this game is (highly) addictive.

 

So if your like me you have been too busy, cooking (real) food, raising children and running a (real) household to find the time to play many "computer games" lately - I leave that to the kids.

 

But when I got my hands on Cooking Mama 4 for the Nintendo 3DS I found it surprisingly entertaining.

 

The concept is simple - you basically cook recipes.

 

You recipes or dishes by completing various "mini-games". Mini games are based on different aspects of meal preparation - chopping, slicing, boiling etc or whatever the recipes call for. You are rated on how well you cooked the recipe based on your average performance in the meal preparation or "mini games".

 

Once you have successfully cooked some dishes you can start to combine them to make all new dishes.

 

It sounds pretty weird but this game is really entertaining and had that "just have to get to the next level (or finish this recipe, in this case)" effect on me.

 

But really I need to get back to the real cooking and stuff....so I let the kids try it out.They loved it (and I loved the few hours of peace and quiet while they were entranced...). The good thing about this game is it's G rated - it isn't violent or obscene. Harmless fun, and something I was happy for them to play.

 

This game it is entertaining for small kids and big kids like me!

 

      

 

 

Cooking Mama 4 for Nintendo 3DS will set you back $69.95 but will give the kids (and you) hours and hours of fun. Some of the new features in Cooking Mama 4 are:

 

- Master over 100 new recipes under Mama’s watchful eye plus the fun clean up and tidy away afterwards.

 

- Rewards for challenges completed include new recipes or mini-games

 

- Nintendo 3DS wireless function for up to 4 players

 

- Choose a new outfit or hair accessory for Mama! Customise your kitchen and your utensils.

Now I am going to be totally honest with you - our house is a bit messy some of the time. What! I hear you say, messy - well I would go as far to say a pig sty sometimes. Oh the shame. With 3 young kids and two parents who both work full time I think we do our best to function as a "normal" family most of the time.

With our busy lives there is just not much time allocated to cleaning and scrubbing - We do our best. Our car is a particular point of interest in the messy department. We have 3 kids ranging from 19 months to 7 years so our back seat is fully occupied.

 

Then there is the floor of the car - oh my - which usually resembles a rubbish tip. Abandoned toys, remnants of party lolly bags - ransacked then discarded, school notes and half rotting bananas are just a few things that have been found in this area of our car.

So I hear about a product line called grubby bubby and instantly think someone has been spying on my (sometimes messy) family. Grubby? No, no not me. Everything is in total order here.

Apart from the whole "tell the whole wide world we are less than perfect in the tidy department" this is a review for the grubby bubby range of products and I think we are the perfect family for the task.

Firstly the grubby bubby car seat cover - hallelujah.

 

This is genius. I yell out to my husband to get the car seat out of the car so I can put the grubby bubby car seat cover on. Whilst he is out in the garage I read in big letters on the packet...No need to remove your car seat...oops

 

In walks husband with the car seat.... "look it slips on we didn't have to take it out after all" I quickly mention. *Insert eye roll from husband* who begins to put on the car seat cover. The covers are universal and fit most car seats. The cover wasn't a perfect fit on our car seat but looked good and was a HUGE improvement on the gritty seat it had just covered. The grubby bubby car seat cover we had was chocolate brown, perfect to hide the dirt and they have other great colours including apple, marine and fushia.

 

We have washed the cover a few times and all-in-all I give it a double thumbs up - highly recommended, even for clean families who want to look even cleaner!

   

 

Then we have the grubby bubby high chair cover which is pretty much the same as the car seat cover but - you guessed it - for a high chair. Again double thumbs up.

 

These two grubby bubby products are made for busy parents.

Easy to put on. Easy to clean.

 

The high chair and car seat get a pretty good workout and can get quite grotty so these covers are great for helping to keep them in good condition. The grubby bubby car seat cover retails for $49.95 and the grubby bubby high chair cover retails for $39.95 and I say money well spent!

 

And just when you thought it couldn't get any better...how about an extra long bib that won't just keep your baby's shirt clean but also their pants. Not possible you say? Introducing the grubby bubby extra long bib RRP $9.95.

 

This bib slips on over your baby's head so it is harder to pull off and more likely to stay on and do it's job.

 

Apart from keeping the dripping yoghurt and other food off Lachlan I found it great to use as a wipe for his face and hands once he had finished eating. And I am not joking when I say extra long this bib is loooong.

 

 

For more information the fabulous range of grubby bubby products visit www.grubbybubby.com and visit www.bubbahh.com.au to pick up a grubby bubby extra long bib.

 

So when is a baby not a baby anymore?

 

My third child, born last May, will probably always be my "baby".

But before my very eyes he has now become a little boy.

 

I can't put my finger on the exact moment I realised he had "grown-up".

Maybe when he started to walk it hit me that he was no longer the tiny baby I left hospital with 18 months ago.

I have to say I am full of mixed emotions.

I am sad that my little baby is growing up. We are pretty certain that he is the last baby, its kind of the end of an era.

But on the other hand I am loving the extended chunks of quality sleep - hallelujah!!

 

I am also fascinated everyday watching his development and seeing the world through his eyes.

I also love the fact I can communicate better with my little man.

When he was a baby (well... younger) it was endless questions back and forth between my husband and I (well actually between me and anyone who was in a 5 metre radius of me and my screaming child) oh and not forgetting the numerous calls to my mum...

Do you think he's hungry? Maybe he's got wind? No I think he's in pain, what do you think? Could be a dirty nappy.

I dont know arrrggghhh???

But now I can ask him things. The answer is usually "No". Come to think of it 9 times out of 10 the answer is no (all my children seem to love that word) but at least he communicates and gives me a better idea of what is going on.

Even after 3 kids I am no baby whisperer - I wish.

 

It seems like a distant (blurry) memory - and I hear a collective squel of "She can't be serious" from all those new mums and dads..... sleepless nights, feeding every 3 hours (and then some), bizarre nappy monitoring - how many wees? How many poos? What colour? What consistency? (apologies to my father who when he reads this will declare far to much information. A super grandad but just can't handle poo conversation - love you dad!). And lets not forget the constant guessing games of is he too hot, too cold, to wrap or not to wrap. And then there is breastfeeding which I personally  struggled with (but persisted with for all my children). When I had my first baby I assumed breastfeeding was just something that came naturally. But to my shock and sometimes horror - like when my first son regurgitated blood tinged milk from drinking breastmilk from my cracked, bleeding and very very sore nipples! - I  realised this breastfeeding gig does not come naturally to all....and in amongst those first few months the exhaustion, questioning your choices, actions and decisions and wondering whether you are a good mother? What happened to my life? And thinking will I ever be able to have 5 minutes to myself let alone a shower.

Will this ever end? Yes, it does.

Before I go I want to say a huge congratulations to Holly & Neil who welcomed a liitle bundle of joy named Myles into the world recently. To you both and to all the new parents out there - Enjoy every moment - good and bad because trust me one day you will blink, open your eyes and look at your little man or lady and say "Where did my baby go?"

 

My baby Lachlan.

30 Things My Dad Taught Me

Ian, Paul and Denis Baker

A fabulous book just in time for Father's Day.

*As seen on Channel 10 Morning News, heard on 2GB Afternoons with Chris Smith, 4BC Mornings with Greg Cary,  2SM Talk Tonight, 2MCE with Richard Baillie, 2BOB, 89.9 Light FM and seen on the website Our Kidz.

This book is three brothers’ exploration of the wisdom of their father. 30 Things My Dad Taught Me will help the reader appreciate their own father, value what is special about themselves and help them to positively influence their own children.
 

The book is a meditation on the experiences of one family, but reveals universal truths about love, kindness, growing up and loss. The reader is invited to enjoy the lessons of Leon James Baker and the voices of many other great men, and encouraged to add their own thoughts and recollections to blank pages in the book, to bring out the truths of their own lives.

The authors invite everyone who was once a child to share their memories of what it was like to be that happy, scared, petulant, loving person and to re-learn the valuable lessons that so many of us have forgotten.

Visit thirtythings.com.au to add the lesson your Dad taught you and read others contributions.

About the authors

Denis Baker is a newspaper columnist and public speaker who has also worked in education, employment and training. He has written books on subjects ranging from employment to sport.

Ian Baker is a retired automotive technician and tireless community worker who has been deeply involved with getting young people into sport and supporting the elderly. He and his wife Denise have four children and four grandchildren. Ian loves fishing, lawn Bowls and the Sydney Swans. 

Like his brother Denis, Paul Baker held senior roles in the education, employment and training sectors and was involved in voluntary work helping homeless people in western Sydney. He died in 2010 after a year-long battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Mary, their two children and four grandchildren.

REVIEWS

“Such a poignant book with many shared experiences we can all relate to with our own Dad’s enabling us to cherish these memories more. A great  influence on our own parenting journey too because as Paul, Ian and Denis attest, it really DOES make a difference.”

- Claire McFee, Author, Organize Your Life www.organizeyourlife.com.au

“I found the book, 30 Things My Dad Taught Me, to be a wonderful recollection of family in the truest sense of the word.  Paul, Ian and Denis take the reader in 2 directions; one, showing gratitude for the spoken and unspoken wisdoms of their father and secondly, allowing the parent reader to get an insight into how your children do notice and take in all that you say and do.  They also are able to convey the effects later on in their lives these small and big gifts of presence and guidance that a parent gives to their child.  The book made me laugh, smile and even get the occasional tear, to me that is a well written and significant book.  This book is a living manuscript for your family as it also provides sections and prompts you to begin your own pages of memories.  A must for all parents!”

- Kirsty O’Callaghan www.unity-qld.com.au

This competition has closed congratulations to our winner Paul Purnell!
Thanks to Exisle Publishing we have a copy of 30 Things My Dad Taught Me to giveaway.

For your chance to win email us at info@mummahh.com.au and tell us the best thing your Dad taught you.

Mastitis - Catching it early

Download this as a pdf

 

You have woken up and out of the blue it seems, you have a sore, red lumpy patch on one breast. You have heard so many horror stories about mastitis that you are terrified as you wonder, do I have mastitis?

 

Your sore breast may be due to a blocked duct that, if treated quickly, could prevent a bout of mastitis, an inflammation of the breast that may or may not also be infected.

 

Blocked ducts

A blocked duct is just as the name sounds, an area of the breast that hasn’t been properly drained. When this happens, fat globules can clump together causing milk to bank up behind the blockage, creating an inflammation of the breast tissue.

 

Mastitis

As well as having a sore breast – either the entire breast is red, hot and painful or you may have a localised tender area - symptoms of mastitis may include a headache, general body aches and tiredness as though you are getting the flu. Mastitis can hit suddenly and hard: one minute you feel just fine and the next you feel shattered and aching all over with chills and a fever. Sometimes flu-like symptoms come on even before you get a fever or notice breast tenderness. Mastitis can affect you emotionally too - it is common to feel ‘just awful’ and teary.

 

Preventing mastitis

Taking care of yourself is one of the best preventative measures against mastitis: overdoing things, becoming exhausted and stressed are often contributing factors. Rest, a nutritious diet and relaxing activities that make you feel good will reduce the effects of stress and boost your immune system.

 

Blocked ducts (which can lead to mastitis if not treated quickly) can be due to pressure from clothing such as poorly fitted bras or sleeping in positions that compress your breast, such as lying on your stomach. Missing feeds and overly full breasts can also result in blocked ducts so take breaks on long car trips to feed (full breasts and seat belt pressure are a lethal mix!) and express for comfort if you go out without your baby or if you feel full after feeds. If baby sleeps through a feed either express or gently wake him to feed.  If you feel any lumpiness, massage your breast gently towards the nipple under a warm shower (or apply a warm face washer) and express for comfort. 

 

If you have a blocked ducts your milk may taste salty so your baby may not feed well on that side.  A tip from lactation consultant Sue Cox is to eat freshly crushed garlic. Babies like the taste of garlic which will mask the salty taste, and your baby will drain your breast. Also, as garlic is a natural antibacterial agent it could help reduce infection.

 

Cracked nipples can also set you up for mastitis as infection can enter the breasts through broken skin so it is important to seek help early for nipple soreness.

 

Treating mastitis

Whether you have blocked ducts or mastitis, “warmth, rest and empty your breast” is a good motto to remember and if you suspect mastitis, remember this is a medical illness. Ideally, delegate all duties except feeding your baby and consult your doctor early.

 

•  Take pain relief such as Panadol or Nurofen half an hour before feeding and apply heat to your sore breast.
•  Feed baby frequently to drain your breast. Feed on the sore side first and vary feeding positions to empty all ducts.  

• •  Alternate hot and cold packs on your breast for comfort – heat before a feed will stimulate circulation and mobilise infection fighters in the breast. It will also increase oxytocin, which will help milk flow, clearing blocked ducts as you feed. Applying cool packs after feeds will relieve pain.
• •  Drink plenty of fluids – fever and infection will increase your need for fluids.
• •  Weaning isn’t wise while you are treating mastitis as this will increase the chances of developing an abscess that needs to be surgically drained
• •  If you are prescribed antibiotics, be sure to take the full course or you could experience a recurrence.
•  

Pinky McKay, International Board certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), runs a private practice in Melbourne specializing in gentle parenting techniques. A sought after keynote speaker and best-selling author with 4 titles published by Penguin, including her recent book Parenting By Heart, she’s an expert source for media appearing regularly on major network TV and quoted in various publications. Pinky’s books, parenting resources and her free newsletter ‘Gentle Beginnings’ can be found on her website www.pinkymckay.com.

 

Kate Hale is a Registered Nurse, Midwife IBCLC Lactation Consultant. She has had experience in midwifery, neonatal intensive care and baby clinics and has been working with breastfeeding mums for over 20 years, she is also the mother of 4 adult children. Kate runs a Private Lactation Practice in Sydney.

 

In response to an overwhelming need for an excellent, visual-how-to on breastfeeding Kate has just brought out her new Breastfeeding & Baby Care Guide DVD aptly titled " Happy Mums Happy Bubs ".

 

Kate has made the DVD because she wants mums to be able to sit at home able to watch the how-to's of breastfeeding on a screen, to be able to go over it as often as they want, until they feel they have 'got it'.

The DVD also covers Baby Massage, Bathing, Dressing, Nappies, Wrapping, understanding Mastitis and much more, all in an easy to follow, very visual, up to the minute practical format.

 

For more information go to   www.happymumshappybubs.com.au

 

 

Kate's "5 Top Tip's on breastfeeding"

 

1.  We keep hearing ' breast is best '! Well, yes it is for all the right reasons, starting with the colostrum. This fantastic first milk your baby will get after it is born, is packed full of antibodies, designed to help stop your baby getting sick in the early months. It will also provide your baby with the perfect recipe feed. So, my tip is give breastfeeding a go!

 

2. A lot of mums start breastfeeding in hospital, only to find they end up with grazed, sore nipples. Sadly, when you’re sore and tired it is easy to decide you don't want to breastfeed. So, my next tip is, learn how to get the attachment or latch right!

 

3. It is always difficult to work out how much milk our baby has had at a breastfeed. When we can work it out a bit we have more confidence with our feeding. So, try and ' learn ' your breasts!

 

4. Watch how your baby is sucking and swallowing. They are supposed to have pauses and rests through the feed. You want to be able to see some good swallowing as well. So, 'learn' your baby.

 

5. When you understand as much as possible about what you are doing at a breastfeed, you will feel more in control with the way you manage your baby. So, trust your own confidence and 'gut feeling'.

 

www.happymumshappybubs.com.au

Visit our World Breastfeeding Week page for your chance to win a copy of the Happy Mums Happy Bubs DVD by Kate Hale