Coping With Brisbane’s Heat During Pregnancy

Coping With Brisbane’s Heat During Pregnancy

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  • Pregnant Woman in Sun

With the temperatures here in Brisbane soaring – if you are pregnant the heat can often feel even hotter carrying around your growing baby. Here are some tips to help tackle coping with the heat this summer: Keep your fluids up Hydration is important for everyone but when pregnant it is very important to ensure you drink enough fluids – so water, herbal teas, and milk.  At least 6-8 glasses of water per day is recommended. By the time you actually feel thirsty you are already starting to become dehydrated, so make sure you drink your fluids regularly. You might also want to minimise your salt intake as too much salt can lead to water retention. Tip – take a bottle of water in the car/on public transport and when out and about with you. Stay out of the sun Stay out of the sun where you can – especially when it is the hottest part of the day, and don’t forget that your skin may be sensitive during your pregnancy – so be careful. Some women can experience cholasma whilst pregnant which is causes pigmentation on the face – if you go in the sun these may darken also. Tip – make sure you wear a high factor sunscreen when out and about. Swimming to cool down If you have a pool a nice dip is the perfect way to cool off – preferably not in the direct sunlight, or if you don’t have a pool then pop along to your local public pool. Alternatively you could invest in a small paddling pool to dip your feet in on those extra hot days* or even have a nice cool shower (but not ice cold!). Tip – please consult council pool guidelines for paddling pools and safety, and always consult your doctor if you are intending on starting any new exercise. Wear fabrics that are breathable Wear fabrics that are lighter and cooler on the really hot days such as cotton, and in the evening when in bed consider your bed clothes and bed fabrics as they may make you […]

4 Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy

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If you are pregnant or are thinking about trying for a baby then my blog post today is just for you. It is all about how to have a healthy pregnancy. Keep Exercising! Whilst extreme exercise is not recommended if you are used to exercising, trying to get pregnant or whilst being pregnant does not mean that you have to stop everything – it is more about looking at continuing exercises that will help you and your baby. Extreme exercise such as Cross Fit and intense running and cycling is not recommended but exercise such as swimming, yoga and walking are great to get in the habit of doing whilst pregnant. You can check first with your Obstetrician if you are concerned about starting a new exercise during pregnancy. Consider toning down more intense daily jobs! Be mindful of the day to day work you do and also work around the house. When pregnant, especially as you get further into the pregnancy, be careful with tasks such as heavy lifting of objects and chores that may over exert you or put you at risk (e.g. handling raw meat or cat litter). Don’t take eating for two literally! Whilst you will eat more when pregnant often people can take that statement very literally, and then gain a lot of excess weight when pregnant – which can cause all sorts of complications when pregnant and make it hard after pregnancy to get the weight off again. Here is a great article with some recommended weight figures to consider. You can discuss your weight with your Obstetrician if you have any concerns. In addition, cutting back on caffeine, eating a healthy diet and avoiding certain foods in pregnancy are also strongly recommended. It’s still okay to enjoy a massage during pregnancy! If you are in need of a massage and are worried about things you have read about massages in pregnancy – for starters don’t worry, and secondly all you need to do is find a registered masseuse that is experienced in pregnancy massage. There are lots of websites with practitioners – here is one […]

5 Things to Have on Hand for After You Give Birth

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When pregnant, people seem to come out of the woodwork to give you their advice on everything ‘baby’ in their experience, and whilst it’s great to have that advice – sometimes the simple stuff is the most helpful. In this blog post I wanted to share 5 simple things to have on hand ready for when you give birth. Breast pads Once your milk comes in, you may find that you aren’t able to control your milk supply and you get excess milk leaking from your nipples. Some women get very heavy leaking which means it can make leaving the house difficult.  Breast pads  are great to help with this, and you can buy reusable or disposable pads that fit inside the bra and absorb the excess milk. Maternity pads After you give birth you will find that you experience some bleeding from your uterus (lochia). This will last for a few weeks and can sometimes be heavy like a period, so make sure you pack some maternity pads in your hospital bag. Maternity pads are preferable to normal sanitary pads as they are softer, longer and thicker. Muslin cloths When babies are born they like to feel like they are still in the womb so a great way to comfort them and create the same experience for them is to swaddle them. Muslin cloths are great for this as they are light and fairly flexible. They are also great for when your baby is a bit older and you are out and about and want something to put over their pram when out and about. Big undies Bridget Jones eat your heart out! Big undies are highly recommended after you give birth as they are comfortable and if you have had a C-Section they come up higher than where your wound is likely to be. Comfort is the order of the day! Nipple cream Breast feeding can be tough especially when your baby is first born and learning to latch on, and often your nipples will become very sore. I definitely recommend buying some nipple cream such as Lansinoh which […]

Nappy Bags Demystified

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  • nappy bag

One of the essentials on a new mum’s shopping list is a nappy bag. Nappy bags are literally a bag that you can put all your baby’s necessities in when you go out and about. Some mums and dads choose to simple use a rucksack, whereas many like to have a dedicated nappy bag that they buy ready for when their baby arrives. What kinds of things do mums and dads traditionally put in a nappy bag? Nappy bags can be used to put nappies (of course) in as well as a whole host of things you need for your baby such as: A change of clothes Bottles (if you need them with expressed milk or formula) – some nappy bags come with an insulated pocket Change mat – some nappy bags do come with a portable change mat Dummies if you are using one Toys and activities as your baby gets older and gets bored easily Wipes Muslin cloth Bibs Water free hand wipe for when you are in places where there are no taps Cutlery Snacks Emergency medical information How much should I spend on a nappy bag? There are lots of places to buy nappy bags, and you can pay hundreds of dollars for them if you really want to, but if your budget doesn’t stretch to that, many shops such as Target and Big W also sell them at very affordable prices. It comes down to whether you want a practical or a fashionable looking bag essentially. Things to look out for when choosing your nappy bag Plenty of pockets and useful compartments Insulated bottle pocket Washable clear plastic compartment/removable bag – can be good for those unforeseen ‘accidents’ As washable fabric as possible Change mat Miscellaneous extras such as a dummy holder, wipes pocket

5 great pregnancy apps

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  • Pregnancy App

With 79% of Australians owning smartphones and thousands of apps being used, it comes as no surprise that there are lots of apps for pregnancy available. From contraction timers to tracking your baby’s growth week by week – generally there is an app for every aspect of pregnancy. Here are my top 5 recommended FREE apps for your phone/tablet My Pregnancy & Baby Today Daily Tracker The My Pregnancy & Baby Today tracker is a great all rounder app that supports you before, during and after your pregnancy. The app gives week by week tips for your pregnancy along with video links, checklists and access to a wider community of other mums to chat to. There is a bumpie photo journal for you to document your pregnancy as well as a link to baby names. Once your baby is born the app switches over to give daily advice on parenting for the entire first year. What to Expect  You’ve heard of the famous books in the What to Expect series – well there is also an app available that gives you some great information and guides you through your pregnancy step by step. The app provides some great information about the changes you may experience as part of your pregnancy, as well as what is happening to your baby and how they are developing as well as access to a whole community of mums to be. Baby Bump The Baby Bump app is another great app available and is an all rounder when it comes to the information it provides for expectant mums. The app enables you to track your weight, your feelings/moods, and even details about your baby’s size. In addition, it has a great countdown widget that enables you to enter your due date and watch as the weeks fly by as well as giving you information each week about what to expect. It even has a contraction tracker which records the time between contractions as well as a kick counter, baby name database and enables you to create a birth plan. Baby Names Genius  Struggling to think […]

Postnatal Depression: Symptoms and Solutions

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Approximately 8 in 10 new mothers will have a case of the baby blues soon after giving birth. This is generally a fleeting sadness that passes within a couple of days. However, for some women, this feeling lingers and can develop into a more serious condition: postnatal depression. The Symptoms  Symptoms of postnatal depression (or PND) vary from individual to individual. However, general signs to look out for can include: Feeling like you can’t cope or that life has no meaning Feeling as though you are inadequate Negative thoughts or feelings of guilt Lowered self-esteem and confidence Insomnia or disturbed sleeping Lowered libido Less or no appetite Panic attacks or feelings of anxiety Frequent crying or getting irritated easily Forgetfulness or inability to concentrate. The Solutions Your partner, family members and/or friends are vital in helping you get through postnatal depression. Be honest about your feelings and thoughts so that your support network understands your state and can help as needed. If you withdraw from other people, your family needs to recognise that this is a side effect of PND and doesn’t mean they should stop supporting you. If your symptoms are severe, you should take action early by consulting your doctor. Counselling, anti-depressants or a combination of both may be recommended to help you overcome postnatal depression. Just remember: this condition is just that – a health problem – and does not suggest that you aren’t a good mother. If you’d like to discuss postnatal depression in more detail with an experienced obstetrician, please feel free to contact us for a consultation.

Tips for improving low milk supply

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Not having enough milk can be frustrating for your baby. And the last thing you need as a new parent is another reason for your baby to get cranky! If you’re struggling with low milk supply, here are some tips to try out. Feed More Frequently While this might seem counterintuitive, breastfeeding more often is actually the most common and simplest way to increase your milk supply. Try offering your baby milk every couple of hours – even when he/she isn’t crying for it yet. One easy way to increase your number of feeding sessions is to introduce ‘snacks’ in between your regular feeds, or even to offer a little ‘dessert’ milk about half an hour after each main meal. Swapping Sides Changing breasts often during a feed could help. When your baby’s sucking weakens, switch sides. Alternatively, allow your baby to entirely drain one breast before swapping sides. Keep Comfortable Breastfeeding isn’t always a pleasant experience, but try to relax and enjoy it. Doing so will help you produce and express the milk more easily. Staying comfortable applies to bub as well – ensure he or she is in a comfortable position that allows them to easily attach. Massage Your Breasts A light massage while breastfeeding can sometimes help. Focus on stroking towards the nipple, but be careful that you don’t disrupt your baby’s feeding while doing so! As a patient at Brisbane Obstetrician Dr Ken Law’s clinic you’ll get a home visit from his midwife after your birth, and if you till encounter problems we have lactation consultants at the hospital available to help you.

Keeping Baby Warm in Winter

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For us adults, the change in seasons can be annoying and uncomfortable. But for your young baby, staying warm during the colder months really is vital for good health. While we may not have snow to contend with here in Queensland, it can still get quite chilly. Here are some tips for keeping your baby happy and healthy during his or her first winter. All Rugged Up Even in the middle of winter, it’s good to get baby (and yourself!) out of the house once or twice each day. Of course, this entails taking some time to get properly dressed for the weather. A good general approach is to consider how many layers you’re wearing to stay comfortable and adding one layer for your baby. Or consider it this way: light cardigan weather for you means cotton jacket weather for bub. When dressing for the outdoors, keep in mind that little ones can lose a lot of heat through their head – especially if all their hair isn’t there yet. Counteract this with a cute hat or cosy beanie. Another great idea is to either equip your pram with warm blankets or swap it for a sling; being in close proximity to your personal body heat can help your little boy or girl stay warm. Chilly Nights While it’s tempting to adorn the cot with blanket upon blanket, try not to go overboard – overheating can be just as dangerous for a baby as being too cold. A fitted sheet and a couple of blankets will usually do the trick, while a cotton one-piece sleepsuit is a good idea for the coldest nights. When monitoring your baby’s temperature, don’t trust the hand or feet; these extremities are naturally colder than the rest of the body. Instead, check your baby’s tummy, then add or remove layers as appropriate. Keeping your youngster warm in winter doesn’t have to be difficult. It just takes some preparation and some extra clothes in the wardrobe!

Pain Relief in labour

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Nobody would call childbirth an easy or painless process. But thanks to modern medicine, you can now choose to make your labour more bearable than it would otherwise be. Let’s look at some options that are available to you when you’re giving birth. Nitrous Oxide Commonly known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide delivers pain relief through a mouth tube. When breathed in from the beginning of the contractions, this gas can help to take the edge off the pain from the contraction, though it doesn’t eliminate the pain altogether. Nitrous oxide is a popular choice because it gives the mother control over her pain relief – she can breathe in as much or as little of the gas as she needs or wants. The potential risks are minimal. Morphine Injection Morphine is an effective pain relief. The typical method of delivery is an injection to the bottom – something you might find embarrassing in other circumstances but probably won’t be bothered by while in labour! Medicine to treat nausea is usually given simultaneously because this is a common side effect of morphine. Epidural An injection of epidural anaesthesia is a common and usually effective form of pain relief for women in labour. After receiving the injection in the back, the body goes numb from the waist down. Epidurals are popular partly because they don’t affect the woman’s top half, allowing her to be present and alert during the birth. Speak to your doctor to get a good understanding of these before you make your decision. You’ll be ready to deliver a brand new child into the world! Dr Ken Law is a Brisbane Obstetrician specialising in the management of pregnancy and delivery. For more information and to discuss your specific situation, please contact Dr Ken Law to arrange a consultation at Greenslopes Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Partners in the Delivery Room

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It’s quite common for partners-to-be to feel a bit useless during labour. Nobody likes seeing their partner go through a tough and painful experience without being able to do anything to help.The good news is, expectant partners can do much more than stand around and get in the way! Here’s how you can help out in the delivery room. Understand What She Expects Your wife/partner might expect you to do everything during her delivery, or she might prefer you to keep back for the most part and let the doctor and midwife handle most things. Either way, the only way to know what she expects from you is to talk about it. Find out what kind of role she would like you to take on before and during the birth. If she wants you to be heavily involved, taking a birthing class together is a great way to feel a bit more prepared. Greenslopes Maternity offers antenatal classes for all their patients. Play Masseuse As a partner in the delivery room, you’ll likely find yourself on backrub duty at least once. There’s going to be a lot of soreness and stiffness in your partner’s body while she’s giving birth and afterwards. If you take the initiative by offering a soothing massage, she will almost certainly appreciate it. This is also a great way to comfort and distract your partner. Know the Hospital What’s the number to call when the contractions speed up? What’s the quickest route to the nearest bathroom? Where is the vending machine that has your partner’s favourite comfort food? Mum-to-be won’t have the patience to work out these details, so it’s up to you to understand the hospital’s layout and organise things as necessary. Provide Physical and Emotional Support From holding her up while she pushes to reassuring her she did a great job afterwards, you need to be the rock for your partner during and after labour. Yes, you’ll probably have an emotional breakdown (or two) of your own, but try to remain strong during the crucial moments and save these for later! Amongst all the […]

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