Five Prenatal Yoga Positions for Labour

Global yoga specialist, childbirth educator, and director of prenatal yoga specialist Jiivana UK Ltd, Zoe Mongey, lists her top five tips for labour.

Top Tip One: Carry out the early stage labour position: All Fours

Carry out the All Fours position during the early stages of labour to alleviate contraction pain.

This pose can be done on the floor or the bed.

It helps to encourage the baby into the anterior position so its spine swings to the front of your belly. It also relieves the pressure in the pelvis as gravity takes the weight away from the pelvis and to the belly.

Doing this pose, particularly in the last trimester, is an excellent way to encourage anterior lying babies.

Top Tip Two: Learn to use pelvic rotations to dissipate contraction discomfort

Trial pelvic rotations during the 1st stage of labour to dissipate the pain or use in second stage between contractions.

Kneel on floor or up onto the bed and use slow circling motions of the hips to help to dissipate the discomfort.

In this pose gravity also helps to push the baby down into the dilating cervix.

Use this position during contractions in the second stage to help descend the baby further down the birth canal in preparation for the next push.

Top Tip Three: Relax using the child’s pose

This position can be done on the bed or the floor.

Take the knees wider than the belly, big toes touching and sit back onto the heels. You can place your arms up on the bed, on your partner, stacked pillows or a ball.

In this position gravity also helps to push the baby down into the dilating cervix.

Top Tip Four – For the later stages of labour use the deep Squat position

The deep squat position is for later stages of labour.

Lean back onto your partner who is sitting on a chair or the ball and squat down with the knees wide.

You can also do this position up on the bed with the back of the bed raised to 90 degrees supporting the back, the knees bent and the feet flat on the bed.

This helps to widen the pelvic diameter bringing the baby’s head down into the dilating cervix.

Top Tip Five: Visualise your end goal by focusing on something special

When you are preparing your hospital bag, consider taking something special with you for the baby to wear after it’s born. This may be a little pair of socks or a little suit.

It can be anything that you feel is beautiful. You can look at it every now and then during your labour and this will help you focus on why you are there.

For more top prenatal and labour tips check out ‘Bliss from Within’. Jiivana’s complete package DVD helps to guide pregnant women through a happy and healthy pregnancy.

Zoe Mongey, director of Jiivana UK, said, “Whether you are birthing at home or in hospital yoga can help you cope better and enjoy the journey of pregnancy and the experience of labour.

“By physically preparing your body with yoga you will improve your comfort during pregnancy and reduce your risk of complications during labour. By practicing breathing techniques and visualisations you will calm and centre yourself and bond with your unborn baby during pregnancy and provide yourself with a tool to cope better during labour.

“Understanding and learning these poses will empower pregnant women with knowledge and understanding of active birth positions.

Jiivana has two renowned yoga DVDs — ‘Bliss from Within’ for mums-to-be, and ‘Baby Bliss’ for new mothers.

‘Bliss from Within’ has been endorsed as the most comprehensive prenatal Yoga DVD on the market by The National Association of Childbirth Educators as it features two 45-minute yoga programmes, alongside advice on positions and massage for labour, pelvic floor techniques, partner assisted yoga, breathing techniques, home prop for yoga and baby bonding visualisations.

The ‘positions for labour’ segment coaches Mums to be through a number of breathing techniques and positions that can help them during labour and provides massage and support techniques for their birthing partner.

‘Bliss from within’ is also used in hospital active birth classes around the world.

For more information on Jiivana please visit www.jiivana.co.uk.

Video: Breastfeeding — what you should know

Tips to help both you and baby get the most from it

Breastfeeding is natural and has benefits for both mums and babies. It should be easy and trouble-free, and a good start helps to ensure that is a happy experience.

To establish breastfeeding, the early days are crucial and when it comes to technique, you may need guidance from a midwife or breastfeeding counsellor. Also, there is a lot of information available from reliable sources like Bounty, the UK’s favourite parenting club.

In this close-up video clip, we offer guidance with latching-on and positioning tips for both you and baby as well as highlight the signs that help you know that all is going well to make that special time a happy one for you both.

Should you talk to your children about the economy?

One of the big responsibilities of any parent is how much to talk to their children about serious, complicated and potentially worrying issues.

On one hand, most parents want to allow children to maintain some degree of innocence, and to be shielded from the worst the world has to offer.

On the other hand, innocence is so quickly lost these days, and children need to be aware of certain issues so that they can be kept safe.

The current economic climate is causing many families to reassess what they spend their money on and how they live their lives. For many, it may mean a change in lifestyle because the mortgage costs more or the cost of living has increased.

Children aren’t stupid, and they’ll know something’s going on. How much should you tell them about the credit crunch and all that jazz?

Honesty, simplicity, and relevance is the best policy.

It may be that a child asks you what “the credit crunch” is. It may be that you don’t fully understand the intricacies of the global problem yourself (I certainly don’t) but by simplifying the situation and making it relevant to your family, it’s more likely to mean something to your child.

It’s probably best not to force the issue. If your child is showing no interest in the subject at all, it’s not worth making a big issue out of it – that could backfire and cause the child to become anxious about the situation.

It will depend on the age of the child as to if, when and how you tell them. Very young children are ultimately looking to you for their security, and no doubt you’re doing your very best to see that their needs are met. Why confuse them?

On the other hand, older children and teenagers may be much more inquisitive, possibly asking more demanding questions.

You might also find yourself being asked why you can’t afford those new trainers, mobile phone or games console. This is a good time to explain that, as a family, you have to look after your money and spend it more wisely.

Don’t make them feel guilty for wanting new things. Instead, suggest that, at least for the next few months, you’ll all have to find other less expensive ways of having fun and entertaining yourselves.

Your kids might get upset or stroppy, but often they do appreciate being included in things that affect the family. You could even begin introducing them to budgeting – though you’ll probably want to make sure you’re doing this yourself, first – as this will stand them in good stead for adulthood.

Every family is different, and you know your children the best, but these are some guidelines that you might want to adapt so that your family continues to feel secure and informed even in these more difficult times.

• What do you think?
• Have you talked to your kids about money and the current economic situation?
• How did they react?
• What advice would you give to other parents?

Parents: help is at hand from the Digital Nanny!

The Internet isn’t the be-all-and-end-all of information and advice, but it isn’t a bad place to turn.

The Digital Nanny comes from a source that you can most definitely trust to have the best interests of parents and children at heart: the NSPCC.

Though parents can often feel isolated, stressed and without anyone to turn to when bringing up young children, YourFamily.org.uk comes to the rescue with the new Digital Nanny service.

It provides professional advice and support which includes such issues as discipline, communication, tantrums, nutrition and sleep.

Entering the child’s sex and age brings up bespoke information from experts at the NSPCC, including personalised responses.

Of course, it’s not a substitute for getting caring friends and family members around in real life, but sometimes that’s not always possible. At least some fundamentals are covered using this service, and it’s free.

New “sick day” guidelines for children issued by US school nurses

‘Tis the season for coughs and colds and they certainly do the rounds in schools, which is why the National Association of School Nurses has issued some “Sick Day Guidelines” that offer advice on whether to send a child to school or not if they have some kind of cold.

These useful guidelines could be applied in most countries and while there are no absolute rules, they could help to reassure a worried parent that they’re doing the best for their child and the school.

Things to look out for that could mean it’s better to keep a child home from school include:

• having a fever of 100.4ËšF (38ËšC) or greater
• vomiting
• excessive tiredness
• lack of appetite
• productive coughing/sneezing
• headache, body aches, earache
• sore throat

Flu (influenza) in children is serious, and any signs of a high fever, chills, aches, nausea, vomiting, or dry cough should be investigated by a GP straight away.

There’s also advice on minimising the risks of getting a cold in the first place.

The PDF document can be downloaded from the NASN website.

Mums: Get daily pregnancy tips via Twitter

Do you know what Twitter is?

It’s an online service which allows anyone to share 140-character snippets of information about themselves, what they’re doing, and what’s important to them. It’s a bit like text messaging on the Internet.

March of Dimes has announced that it’s providing daily pregnancy tips – or “tweets” – for mums via the service.

It’s available in both English and Spanish.

“We’re using all the new technology that’s available to us to help women make sense of the latest medical and scientific research,” said Beverly Robertson, national director of the Pregnancy & Newborn Health Education Center at the March of Dimes. “This service is in whatever format you want it. You can get it on your cell phone via text message, through instant messaging and online. The March of Dimes already has almost 1,000 Twitter followers around the country.”

Talking of Twitter, you can get updates from the Family Relationships Magazine here

TV4Parents: online TV for parents goes live next week

I’ve just found out about a rather exciting new resource, due to launch next Thursday, 23rd October.

TV4Parents is an online forum, based in the UK, developed by Tomorrow’s Child, and aimed at parents, carers, and children aged 0-11.

This online TV styled web site will look at ways of parenting, offering hints, tips, advice, and a place for parents to share their experiences with others.

An ongoing nationwide survey – “Pressure Cooker Kids” – confirms that parents and children are under pressure to spend time together, deal with separation anxiety, and eat healthily and together.

A book and DVD will also be launched next week. “Creative Wellbeing” is written by education specialist Jacqueline Harding and medical advisor Dr Sanjay Chaudhuri, both who are heavily involved with Tomorrow’s Child and the new site.

Visit the site now to get a taste for what’s to come, and bookmark it, because it looks like it’s going to be a fantastic resource for anyone looking after children.

TV4Parents.com

Making Halloween safer for kids: ten tips for parents

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) has outlined ten things that parents can do to ensure that their children have a fun, but above all safe, Halloween night this year.

1. CHOOSE bright, flame-retardant costumes or add reflective tape to costumes and candy bags so children are easily seen in the dark. In addition, carry a glow stick or flashlight.
2. PLAN a trick-or-treating route in familiar neighbourhoods with well-lit streets. Avoid unfamiliar neighbourhoods, streets that are isolated, or homes that are poorly lit inside or outside.
3. NEVER send young children out alone. They should always be accompanied by a parent or another trusted adult. Older children should always travel in groups.
4. ALWAYS walk younger children to the door to receive treats and don’t let children enter a home unless you are with them.
5. BE SURE children do not approach any vehicle, occupied or not, unless you are with them.
6. DISCUSS basic pedestrian safety rules that children should use when walking to and from houses.
7. CONSIDER organising a home or community party as an alternative to “trick-or-treating”.
8. MAKE SURE children know their home phone number and address in case you get separated. Teach children how to call 911 (or equivalent emergency number) in an emergency.
9. TEACH children to say “NO!” or “this is not my mother/father” in a loud voice if someone tries to get them to go somewhere, accept anything other than a treat, or leave with them. And teach them that they should make every effort to get away by kicking, screaming and resisting.
10. REMIND children to remain alert and report suspicious incidents to parents and/or law enforcement.

“Child safety is important year round, but Halloween is an especially important time for parents and children to pay extra attention to their surroundings and not let their guard down,” said Nancy McBride, National Safety Director of NCMEC. “It is important that parents exercise a few basic safety precautions to help ensure that Halloween is both fun and safe.”

NHS launches pregnancy advice web site

The UK’s National Health Service has just launched a new web site where expectant mothers can go to get authoritative advice and information on all aspects of pregnancy and childbirth.

“Whether you’re planning to have a baby, are already pregnant, or your new baby has just arrived, our new interactive pregnancy planner is for you,” the site opens.

It’s the perfect way to find out all you need to have a healthy and happy pregnancy and to make sure you get the care that’s right for you. It contains over 250 pages of NHS accredited information, including pictures, videos and planning tools. You’ll also find all the facts you need to choose the best maternity services in your area.

The NHS is no stranger to offering medical advice online, and already runs the NHS Direct health information web site.

The site offers help on pre-pregnancy, pregnancy and labour, parent and baby advice, and general pregnancy information.

Pregnancy can be a huge mystery, and with the Internet’s myriad of information – some accurate and some wholly misleading – on the subject, it’s good to know that a trusted medical organisation is providing comprehensive coverage.

NHS Pregnancy web site (via Web User)

WellChild Helpline launched: UK’s only national children’s health advice line

The children’s charity WellChild today announced the launch of the WellChild Helpline, designed to offer comprehensive help and advice to anyone concerned about the health and well-being of children.

Staffed by a team of trained healthcare professionals from a variety of disciplines, callers will either have questions answered, or efficiently passed to the most appropriate organisation.

BBC1’s Breakfast programme’s GP, Dr Rosemary Leonard, endorsed the WellChild Helpline, saying, “WellChild’s new service is extremely welcome as accessing the right information can seem daunting and not having access to concerns about health can cause a lot of anxiety. By having this multi-disciplinary team of experts at the end of a phone-line or email, WellChild will be putting people in touch with the right health information which could ultimately lead to saved lives as well as an enormous improvement in the quality of many more.”

Read more

Mums look to online advice to avoid the judgement of others

According to new research by child medicine manufacturer Tixylix, modern mums are jumping online to find advice and support on parenting issues because they feel less judged than in other, more traditional environments.

Just two percent of mums surveyed said they felt judged by online peers, compared to one-quarter who felt judged by their neighbours and other mums at the school gate.

Unsurprisingly, at least for its fair share of (possibly untrue) anecdotal evidence, 26% of those who responded said that their mother-in-law was the most judgemental about parenting issues.

It’s not all online meetings though, with events like coffee mornings regularly attended by 54% of mums. Then again, one in five mums regularly log on to parenting sites when they need advice in a hurry.

Parenting expert Dr Jenny Leonard said, “The findings reflect a growing trend for modern mums to seek advice and support from a wider range or sources than ever before. The internet in particular allows mums to feel connected to the outside world and to seek answers to parenting questions
quickly and also without feeling embarrassed or judged.”

Expert advice on preventing the common cold infecting your child

Kenneth Haller, MD, associate professor of pediatrics at Saint Louis University School of Medicine in Missouri, has given some advice for parents wanting to reduce the risk of their children catching the “common cold”.

“The common cold is practically impossible to cure because more than 200 viruses can cause it,” he said. “Since it’s equally impossible to avoid exposure to all those viruses, the best course of action is to limit your risk for becoming infected.”

His eight common-sense tips are:

1. Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Good nutrition is the foundation for a strong immune system.
2. Drink lots of water, which helps to keep your body hydrated. Water also helps distribute nutrients throughout your body and flushes away toxins.
3. In the winter months, dry air can cause nasal membranes to become thinner and less effective at fighting off viruses. Use a saline nasal spray like OCEAN(R) Nasal Spray to keep membranes in the nose moist during cold, dry weather.
4. A cool mist humidifier in the bedroom during colder weather can also help keep nasal membranes well-hydrated.
5. Plenty of good sleep is vital, as is regular exercise, both of which help strengthen your immune system.
6. Be aware of your hands. Keep them away from eyes, nose and mouth – the most common portals for germs to enter into your body. Also, wash your hands throughout the day – before eating, after sneezing or coughing; after using the bathroom and touching high-use facilities such as cafeteria tables, doorknobs and playground equipment. Pack hand sanitizers in your children’s backpacks so they can use them at school.
7. Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze and cough to avoid spreading viruses through the air. Ideally, use a tissue. If a tissue isn’t available, sneeze into the elbow of your sleeve, not your hand, or turn your head away from people near you.
8. Stay home. The average child catches five to eight colds every year, largely because cold germs spread so easily through schools and day cares. Consider keeping a sick child home from school during the most contagious stage of the disease to avoid infecting others.

Of course that’s all easier said than done. September can be a nightmare month as children return to school and we move from summer to autumn.