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Every year there is a breastfeeding awareness week where they focus on a specific theme/subject.

This years focus is on Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding .

This Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) was launched by WHO & UNICEF in 1991 and started in South Africa in 1994. The first health facility to be declared Baby Friendly in South Africa was St. Monica’s Maternity Hospital in Cape Tow n in 1994. The next 2 were only listed in 1996 and The last listing by Unicef of Baby Friendly Hospitals in South Africa is from 2005 where the total listed was 176 (of about 480).

UNICEF recently noted that the reduction of child deaths from 13 million globally in 1990 to 8.8 million in 2008 is partly due to the adoption of basic health interventions such as early and exclusive breastfeeding. More and more studies have shown that implementation of the Ten Steps with continued postnatal support contributes to increased breastfeeding initiation and exclusive breastfeeding at the local, national and global levels.

Breastfeeding ♥ collage

Last years theme was The First Hour- in which focus fell on making the world aware of the global change that could be made in terms of child health and infant deaths if certain steps were taken within the first crucial hour after birth to assist babies and mothers in successful breastfeeding initiation. This information is still available on our site as even if the focus week has long past that information and initiative should be ongoing.

The World Breastfeeding Week site
Wikipedias listing on breastfeeding and it’s benefits

(by Damaria Senne)

As you and your partner go through different stages of your life, so your love-making will change. At times it will be wonderful. At times it might be just okay. And sometimes, it may even be difficult. What’s important is that you always talk and listen to one another and do as much as possible to keep your sexual relationship working.

If you have a new-born baby, your sexual relationship might be difficult for 6 months or longer, says SoulSEX, a new 44-page sex guide published by the Soul City Institute.

This is really a time when talking, listening, caring and supporting one another is so important. You both need to be patient and understanding. After all, there is a tiny little person in your life.

A man needs to remember that a mother of a new-born baby is often sore after giving birth and her body needs to recover. She may also be tired from nights of being up with the baby and from breastfeeding. What’s more a man needs to understand the mother’s natural motherly feelings about giving her baby as much attention, love and care as possible.

Fathers can help look after babies. This will take some of the strain off the new mother.

A new mother needs to understand that the father of a new-born baby also wants her attention, love and care. What’s more, a woman needs to remember that today many fathers want to help with their new-born babies and don’t want to be left out.

Also, there are a few men who were present at the birth of their child who find that they very distressed by what they have seen. “Some of them feel so guilty at the pain their partner has gone through that they are unable to even consider the idea of making love with her again. This is usually just a passing phase, but not always,” says Dr David Delvin at netdoctor.com.uk. Fathers who feel like this should seek help from a counsellor to discuss his feelings, he says.

Will childbirth change your sex life?

Definitely, says Delvin. “Please don’t expect that everything will instantly return to normal. Men are particularly likely to believe this; a lot of young blokes think that they’ll be able to have intercourse as soon as their partner gets home from hospital. But that just isn’t true,” he says.

Dr Delvin notes that childbirth is a traumatic process for a woman. “Having a baby pass through her vagina is almost like having a small explosion go off inside her. The delicate vaginal tissues are inevitably strained, bruised and torn – and it takes some weeks for these injuries to heal up,” he says.

He adds that childbirth also involves very considerable hormone changes and emotional stress. As a result, very few women feel “rampagingly sexy until a long time after they have given birth,” he says.

However, a couple can engage in non-penetrative sex while they wait for the woman to heal. And that, too, can bring its own fun, and help the couple maintain a sexual closeness. For more details on some of the non-penetrative sexual activities you can do, download SoulSEX.
Also note that non-penetrative sexual activities should exclude cunnilingus for the first few weeks after childbirth, which could introduce infection into the vagina and womb.

Is sex going to be the same?

As previously mentioned in the introduction of this article, love-making will change as we go through various stages of our lives. However, that does not mean that it can’t be fun/as or even more rewarding than before childbirth. And yes, the vagina of a woman who had a natural childbirth will not go back to its original shape.

As Kelly Winder at Bellybelly.com.au notes: “The vagina is designed like a piano accordion – its actually designed to stretch open. Memories of trying to insert a tampon for the first time or the first sexual encounter may suggest to women that giving birth to a baby will be even worse. But the body is very capable and in fact designed to do this. Another help is that the baby is slippery, covered in vernix or at least wet with amniotic fluid. This lubrication will help the baby move through the birth canal.”
This means that the vagina is designed to stretch for childbirth and revert back to its original position afterwards, she says.

“The result of vaginal birth is an increase in blood supply to the area. This can result in women becoming more orgasmic after vaginal birth. This effect may be reduced if the pelvic floor is weak, however a women’s health physiotherapist can teach women how to correctly exercise these muscles to improve strength.”

Baby steps

According to Delvin, a couple should begin sexual intercourse gently after childbirth. If possible, try and find a time of the day when you are not too worn out, he says. Also, try to find a time when the baby is not likely to wake up, so you can have some peace and quiet.
“Hormone changes and worry can lead to some women experiencing vaginal dryness for the first three months after giving birth. But you don’t take hormones for this. Instead, buy lubricants over the counter from a pharmacist,” he says
He also notes that a couple should choose a position in which the woman can control the pace and depth of penetration for the first few sessions of sex after childbirth, A position with her on top, or one where both partners lie side-by-side facing each other, may be more comfortable, he says.

Lastly, here are some ideas stop your children walking in when you are making love:
• Lock the door
• Ask a friend to look after them when you arrange a special time for yourself as a couple
• Make love somewhere else (outside the home, for example0
• Make sure your children are fast asleep.

Download SoulSEX

Bio
Damaria Senne is a writer based in Johannesburg. She is the web content developer for OneLove (www.onelovesouthernafrica.org) , a 9-country regional campaign which aims to encourage people in Southern Africa to have one sexual partner. Damaria writes about her life as a writer at http://damariasenne.blogspot.com

The subject of sex offenders against children has come up a few times in a matter of weeks, which has had me thinking deeper on the subject ongoing and evolving. I am not going to reinvent the wheel and retype things that have already been said but rather ask you to take a little time to read these blog posts and then I would love to hear what your thoughts on the subject are.

Jozikids – How much freedom should we give our kids
Harassed Mom – Too often we give children answers to remember rather than problems to solve. (related to the 1st)
Kiddies Corner – Sex Offenders Registry

I have recently had it re-emphasised to me how easily our children can come in contact with a sex offender without our suspecting it. It is always said is most often someone you know and would not necessarily suspect – and this is very true (it is only after the fact with the new knowledge that you can say I should have known, but at the time all seems innocent).
We are often on the look out for the creepy person where it is the ‘normal’ person who is creepy.

I have recently, due to a few blog posts, been thinking about the vivid dreams women have when pregnant (it is very common – like morning sickness).

Acidicice’s … Do Dream catchers really work? and
Louisa – 123blogmyself’s … Week 21 – She’s a Carrot

They got me wondering and reading as to why we have such vivid dreams when pg – there must be a reason as every pregnant woman I know has spoken of the dreams – happy, sad, nightmares, disturbing, erotic does not matter what it is they are generally very detailed and you do remember them when you wake.

This stunning picture is from Lauri’s blog where she also discusses/interprets common pregnancy dreams.

Other common dreams that reflect the first time mom’s impatience are:
*Dreaming the baby is born with teeth
*Dreaming the baby can talk
*Dreaming of giving birth to a toddler or child
*Dreaming you can see inside your belly

Pregnancy-info.net had an interesting read on the whats, why’s hows and how not to’s of pregnancy dreams

Are Pregnancy Dreams Normal?

Though these vivid dreams can often be confusing and even frightening, it is entirely normal to experience a large number of dreams during pregnancy. There are a variety of reasons that can help explain this dramatic increase in dreams:

* Pregnancy Hormones:
Throughout your pregnancy, your body pumps out a variety of different hormones, including progesterone and estrogen. It is thought that these hormones affect the way we sleep at night, causing us to experience longer periods of REM sleep. It is during REM sleep that our minds begin to dream.

*Increased Waking:
Pregnant women are much more likely to wake up during the night than women who aren’t pregnant. Whether you have a leg cramp or a backache, you may find that you wake up several times every night. When your body wakes up from a deep sleep, it has better dream recall than it would had you slept through the night. This means that you may be experiencing more vivid dreams simply because your body is better at recalling them.

* Pregnancy Anxiety:
Pregnancy is a time of distinct changes, many of which are scary and overwhelming. You probably have a number of anxieties over becoming a parent: for instance, you may worry how you will handle having a baby and if you will be a capable mother. Our subconscious mind often works through these anxieties while we are sleeping, in the form of dreams.

Was reading an small article this morning in the GOLF magazine about Catriona Matthews a Scottish golfer – and before you are either impressed or think I am nuts, noooo I dont follow golf my husband showed me the article (which is a month old news – but new to me).

What is impressive – apart from that she can actually play golf – is that at 39 years of age (which many considered to old to be playing as well as she did) and a mere 10 weeks after giving birth to her second child she won her first Major championship at the Women’s British Open held at Royal Lytham and St Anne’s (on the 2nd of August 2009)… WOW!!!

Catriona Matthew with her trophy and her husband Graeme, her caddie

Though my second birth was a walk in the park I was definitely not up to a 3 day golf championship just 10 weeks later (okay who am I kidding I am not ever up to that).

articles:
Times Online
LPGA.com

Related to yesterdays blog about touch and bonding I came across this article about touch between teachers and pupils. It is a well written article that gets you thinking.

The importance of physical touch in a school environment

Would love to hear your thoughts on this subject, how do you feel about physical contact from your child’s educators … or lack thereof? Would a no contact rule be beneficial to our children or like me do you think that we would be damaging and disadvantaging our children in the long run all in the interest of keeping them safe from the risk of inappropriate touch.

I have always had a personal rule to trust my children’s innate instinct and to never force them to greet an adult they don’t want to. It is embarrassing at times and I have found myself being apologetic or trying to cover up what is perceived as rudeness but have recently again had this highlighted to me – if your child does not want to greet or have contact with an adult you need to respect that desire irrespective of who that person is – your child has their reasons and that instinct to stay away is what will keep them safe if you respect and nurture it.

Aromatherapy has been found to be beneficial in labour to reduce to reduce anxiety and pain – most commonly used oils are lavender, frankinsence and rose though there are others (see article below). It is important to use a scent you enjoy and to use in moderation as your senses are heightened in labour.

I liked the suggestions in this article by Nancy Eggleston because they give a lighter application and alternatives to the direct applying to the skin in the form of oils which can be limiting – I am careful about using oils specifically for women wanting to birth in water. Women in labour have heightened senses so what was pleasant can suddenly bother them as labour progresses – having a scent or oil on your skin that you cannot easily wash off can be very distracting and cause discomfort and even nausea.

(parts taken from Creative Uses for Aromatherapy During Labor – by Nancy Eggleston)

If you have never used aromatherapy before, begin slowly and test some of the many aromatic scents ahead of time. Remember, your senses may be heightened during labor.

Soothing and healing properties to choose from:
– Geranium, rosemary, lavender and chamomile have pain relieving and relaxant effects.

– Lavender is very balancing and calming. It is also very good for headaches.

– Geranium supports circulation and breathing, and boasts antidepressant effects.

– Neroli is a very good anti-depressant, but it also helps with anxiety, fear and apprehension.

– Rose is considered a very feminine oil and is used as a uterine tonic which supports labor.

– Jasmine is uplifting and yet balancing.
– Bergamot is calming and relaxing.

– Ylang Ylang is a strong scent – be certain that you find it pleasing ahead of time. I happen to love it, but may not have during labor. If you do enjoy this scent, it is a good choice for helping to lower blood pressure. It can be soothing and relaxing.

Suggestions on how to use aromatherapy in labour:

o Make a spritzer by combining one or two drops of an essential oil listed above and 120ml of water. Pour into a clean, small spray bottle and shake well. Store in the refrigerator until labor day. You can adjust the amount of oil later if you find that you want a drop or two more.

o If you are allowed to bathe during labor, spritz into the water for a soothing and relaxing soak.

o Spritz on a pretty handkerchief and pamper yourself – how special is that?! You can hold it, twist it, wipe yourself with it, and share with your birthing partner when you’ve had enough.

o Spray into the birthing room gently to soften and freshen the air around you.

o Spritz on your feet for a clean, fresh feeling. Peppermint is a good choice for your feet as it is cooling and refreshing. Your feet are far enough away from your nose that the smell may be ignored if it bothers you later. Chances are, the scent will be gone quickly.

o Choose a soft, pure cotton handkerchief or washcloth. Fold it over, sew up three sides and fill halfway with a mixture of rice and one tablespoon of dried lavender. Sew up the third side. Place in the freezer or in an air-tight plastic bag and set in an ice chest. This can be placed over your eyes for relaxation. (See Aromatherapy for Labor & Childbirth for chakra centers and place over each one during labor stages.) Other herbs to choose from are: dried orange or grapefruit peel, dried and crumbled rose petals, dried chamomile or raspberry leaves. Make several of these and keep a few ready to microwave in case you feel chilled.

o Fill a new, soft, cotton tube sock with approximately 1/2 cup of rice and one or two tablespoons of dried lavender so that the amount fits neatly into the palm of your hand like a round ball. (Lavender is antiseptic and it is very soothing for aching backs and limbs.) Cut, and sew up the open end. Your birth partner can use this to rub the small of your back if you have back labor. This item can also be made by sewing about a half inch above the filled rice, then tying a knot at the top of the sock. Hold the sock in the palm of your hand, with the knotted end coming up between your thumb and first finger. It makes a nice “handle.”

o Fill a square piece of muslin fabric with a mixture of rolled oats and lavender or other dried herb. Pull corners up and tie tightly with a ribbon or string. Rub gently on your tummy, legs, back or neck. The oats are calming and soothing, as are the dried herbs.

o Fill a small bowl with hot water and a few drops of your choice of essential oils above. Set somewhere in the room where it can be enjoyed, yet easily removed.

o Add a drop or two of essential oil to a very natural, unscented body lotion. Some bath shops carry these, or you can make your own easily using recipes from Janice Cox’s Natural Beauty books. Keep handy and ask your birthing partner to rub on your feet, back or legs during labor.

Essential Oils to stay clear of during pregnancy (note some may be used during labour though) :
Basil, clary sage, cedarwood, cypress, fennel, jasmine, juniper, lemongrass, marjoram, myrrh, origanum, parsley, peppermint, rose, rosemary and thyme