NEWSLETTER -APRIL 2007

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CONTENTS
Ed's Note
Because I said so… your monthly column from the editor
Featured Article 1: Birthing Options Part 2: Pain Relief Options for Childbirth, by Lana Peterson
Featured Article 2: The Benefits of Cloth Nappies, by Kelly Brooker of Natural Nappies
Ask the Experts: Weaning from a Bottle to a Beaker
Quick Coffee Break: Foolproof way of keeping kids out of trouble
MTW Recommends: Nazo Vapour Patches
Giveaway! See what's on offer this month
Noticeboard: Your space
In Closing...

Ed's Note

It's the day before Easter we just arrived in Langebaan today, and it's the first chance I have had to write this month's edition! Up until now my work has been pretty quiet, but now all of a sudden I have had three websites to build and I had a talk to prepare for, as well as having builders in my house and two sick kids (yes, again). So apologies for it being so late - it has really been on my mind! Being in Langebaan does have its advantages - namely Granny and Papa, who can play with the girls for a little while so that I can get some work done! Thanks Mom and Dad! So going to keep this note short and just wish you all a happy holiday - and please drive safely and buckle up if you are on the roads! As always, comments and contributions can be sent to sally@mumstheword.co.za.

Because I said so…

I love Easter. A lovely time to spend with the family, without the stress and fuss that goes with Christmas. Our Easters usually entail a week's holiday in Langebaan with the Easter weekend spent with my parents who join us there (well since it IS their house!), and either a Sunday roast lamb or a braaid fillet of beef. It also brings back the lovely memory of when we first found out we were pregnant with Megan…

Picture it. We had been somewhat overenthusiastic in doing a test every month, pretty much the day after doing the deed. Needless to say we had many negative results. It was Good Friday and we were in Langebaan, and two days before I had had a little bit of spotting and of course thought that's it, not pregnant, but then it went away. So off we went to the chemist to buy another test. I diligently did it as instructed on the box, and then we both bent over the little stick to watch. It immediately started going completely blue – no two lines or anything, so my husband walked off not wanting to face more disappointment and went to read the newspaper in the lounge. I marched off to the kitchen and set the microwave timer for five minutes – after all if you are going to do something, do it properly. So I waited, and then went to check on it when the timer went off, and lo and behold, there was a very faint second blue line. I jumped up and down in the bathroom all by myself, imagining myself sashaying to the lounge and nonchalantly informing my hubby that he's going to be a father… “Oh, by the way, Honey, it's positive…”, but I got halfway to the lounge when I started running, waving the stick in the air, shouting “It's positive! It's positive!” (So much for Miss cool and calm!). But my husband being the type A that he is insisted on going to the pharmacy since the line was so faint, and the pharmacist took one look and said, yes, it's faint, but it's there all the same!

So now the big thing was to tell the family. We phoned his parents first, since mine were on their way to Langebaan. His mom of course burst into tears, all excited, and his sister went so quiet that we thought we had cut her off! Then the rest of the afternoon was spent in anticipation of telling my parents – in particular my dad, because to him it would be final confirmation that his little girl was not so little anymore! Anyway we decided to wait until supper time, and surprisingly my mom was not suspicious when I declined to have any wine with my meal (I mean that should have set her off straight away! Me? Not have wine with my meal? Unheard of.). We had bean bredie that night – my favourite “mom-cooked meal” (no matter how many times I make it I just can't get it to taste the same), and my mom gave me an enormous plate of food. I told her there was no way I would finish it but she said just eat what I want and leave the rest. So the rest of the meal was spent making regular conversation, with Clayton and I nudging eachother, waiting for the right moment to tell them. Before I knew it I had polished off the entire plate of food, to which my mom teased me, I thought it was too much! My response? Actually, Mom, I'm eating for two… Well I think her face went through a range of emotions in the space of thirty seconds… ending with a huge smile and excitement. I don't think my poor dad even registered at all, because he was just looking confused, as if to say have I missed something? After explaining to him that he was going to be a grandpa, he got into the spirit of things, before insisting that first thing in the morning we go to Vredenberg (a pretty small town) to have a proper blood test to make it official. Typical accountant! Covering all bases.

So every year since then, Good Friday to me means exciting memories, spending time with my family, and yup, a new tradition… bean bredie.

But whoever decided that Easter was for chocolate, didn't have children. I mean the thought of a three year old sugared up on all manner of sweet things… just too much. Last year Megan got so many chocolates that even with a daily rationing I still have some left in my cupboard. So this year I asked all the grandparents to rather buy her one or two chocolates and a present, instead of a whole lot of eggs. Of course when in the middle of Pick n Pay and confronted by an entire aisle of chocolate bunnies, eggs, and other sweeties I went a bit mad myself, and ended up buying far more than I intended, and this was after buying a colouring book, a Spot story and a peg board! So much for a low chocolate Easter! Oh well, we all have our weaknesses, and I guess if Megan struggles to finish them, she will always have a willing helper in me…

So as I wish you a happy Easter / Passover / holiday or whatever you may be celebrating, I leave you with one final thought: A balanced diet is a chocolate in each hand – a quote pasted up at my gym… I suppose to remind me with every bite that I must pay the gym a visit the minute I get back from Langebaan!

Have a lovely holiday everyone!

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Featured Article 1: Birthing Options Part II: Pain Relief Options for Childbirth
By Lana Peterson, Doula

Mention childbirth, and inevitably the subject of “pain” or rather what the best ways to avoid it, comes up.

There are VERY few women who will experience childbirth with relatively little to moderate pain as opposed to the rest of us who've been through it without the drugs that can only describe it as “a kinda pain that would kill a grown man”

So naturally we'll leave-no-stone-unturned in the search for safe pain relief!

However, it must be said that labour and childbirth cannot and should not be compared to any other sort of pain like breaking your leg or passing kidney stones!! This is something so completely different because it is a “pain with a special purpose” Contractions have a start and an ending, labour does eventually come to an end and those women who've gone through natural birth, will testify to how “quickly” you forget “how intense & challenging” it was. Instead it can leave you with a sense of immense satisfaction and victory by what you've been able to do. So please, don't wish this special “life-changing” event away. The birth is a part of your pregnancy – Embrace it, - welcome it, - it's what you were meant to do!

But by no means should you feel less of a woman for wanting and using some sort of pain relief, as long as you're well informed of the benefits and consequences of each method.

Water

Most women can attest to feeling more focused by merely being submerged in water along with the ability of being able to move around more agilely and having water poured over a contracting belly can be a huge relief to a lot of women.

If you're birthing at hospital, find out if they have a bath available if you think that using water would be beneficial for you. For homebirths, the bath in your home would be adequate for labouring purposes but if you're wanting more space and are perhaps attempting a water birth, it would be a good idea to hire a birth pool, which is specifically designed to hold more water, be accessible from all sides for the midwife and offer more space to move around in – your partner could even join you in the bath if you wish!! Using the shower could be another good method of relief – Seat yourself on a plastic chair or stool inside the shower for your comfort and direct the cascading waters over your belly or your lower back. Partners can also join you, if your shower is big enough!!

Alternatively, some baths come equipped with a hand held shower device that could be cascaded over your belly.

For birth pool hire, ask your independent midwife or contact: Karen Clark 082 776 3622 or checkout the birth works website for birthing equipment hire at http://www.birthworks.co.za.

Massage/aromatherapy

The benefit of touch, especially during labour, is infinitely underestimated. Massage connects the giver & receiver in a mutually beneficial way, and especially in labour, it offers the mother, the feeling of being supported & “companioned” which has a phenomenal impact on her sense of security and ultimately her perception of pain. It leaves the giver with a sense of purpose, and a feeling of empathy and can leave them feeling better about themselves at being able to provide the aforementioned benefits to the mother. The giver need not be skilled in how to massage but with the mothers direction and perhaps a little help from a midwife or doula, the birthing partner will realize that you don't need to be a professional masseuse to offer touch that gives the labouring woman something truly special – tender, loving care.

Added to touch/massage, the benefits of certain essential oils have proven highly effective as pain relief as well. Lavender massage oil has a wonderful fragrance that's pleasant to a labouring woman and helps relax her. Certain oils aid the uterine muscles to work more effectively and others, offer properties that assist with fear & anxiety. Consult a qualified aromatherapist to prepare a mixture of essential oils that is safe for pregnant women to use during labour if this is something you'd like to try.

For “blissful birth” labour oils, contact Suzanne Leighton at 021 794 2738.

Hypnobirthing

Hypnobirthing teaches mothers and their partners, techniques for a safe and satisfying birth through guided imagery, visualization and special breathing. The technique of learning deep relaxation, helps women to eliminate the FEAR-TENSION-PAIN cycle, unnecessarily associated with childbirth.

Having supported a couple using this method for the birth of their second child, I was amazed at how “in control” of this birth she was. No-one needed to coach her breathing and more importantly no shouting at her to PUSH-PUSH-PUSH. She managed to birth her 4kg baby without any tearing, despite shoulder dystocia!!!!!

Hypnobirthing is definitely not about getting mothers' to be in a trance or sleep state but instead she'll be aware and fully in control, but profoundly relaxed.

For more info on the Hypnobirthing technique or classes contact Robyn Sheldon 021-6742932.

TENS Machine

TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. This is a non-invasive form of pain relief that is completely controlled by the labouring mother. It's applied to the lower back area on the mother and when turned on, gives a tingly, buzzing sensation to the skin covered by the electrodes. Essentially this action causes your body to release it's own endorphins (natural pain killers) and acts as a gateway blocking deeper pain messages travelling to your brain. So the advantages of TENS is that it's controlled by the mother, assists with the release of the body's own painkillers is non-invasive and drug-free. It doesn't cause any drowsiness to the user, allows freedom of movement to any position and does not alter the course of labour. Lastly, it can also be used in conjunction with many other form of pain relief .

TENS does NOT completely eradicate labour pain and some women have a slight allergic reaction to the material of the electrode pads or the conductive gel or plaster used to hold the device in place.

A word of caution – DO NOT USE THE DEVICE IN WATER – Or you may be in for a shocking experience!

You can hire TENS machines from most independent midwives or call Karen Clark 082 776 3622 or visit http://www.birthworks.co.za/

Epidurals

This is an injection of anaesthetic given into the epidural space around the spinal cord, numbing the area below the injection site. Once administered by a skilled anaesthetist it takes effect within 10-15minutes. The advantages are that in some instances it can completely eradicate the sensation of pain, allowing the mother to relax more easily and possibly facilitate quicker cervical dilation. It can reduce high blood pressure in women with this condition and it allows the mother to be fully conscious during the birth. The disadvantages are possible partial numbness ie. The anaesthetic only takes effect in “patches” on the abdomen leaving areas exposed to the sensation of pain. It does confine the mother to the bed, therefore a urinary catheter will be necessary. In most instances, food intake will be discouraged so therefore an iv drip will be inserted for this purpose and as a counter measure to a rapid decline in blood pressure.

Sometimes the epidural can “slow-down” the process of labour so therefore labour-accelerant drugs may be needed to “move things along”. Most women do not experience the urge to push and may require an instrumental delivery with forceps or vacuum extraction, which would mean needing an episiotomy.

The effects of the epidural last between 3-4 hours. There is much debate about when the best time is to have the epidural administered : in early or active labour.

This should be the mothers' decision after being thoroughly counselled on the advantages and disadvantages of this method. TIP . You will NOT wish to be counselled when you are in the “throws of labour”!! Discuss this option of pain relief with your medical caregiver BEFORE your baby's birth.

Entonox (Gas & Air)

The combination of nitrous oxide & oxygen, is inhaled through a facemask or mouthpiece and deep breathing is required to activate the dispensing machine. It starts to take effect within 20 seconds and the maximum effect is felt after about 45-60 seconds. Inhalation must be started at the very beginning of each contraction and be continued until the peak of the contraction has passed. The effect wears off quickly and does not affect the baby. The mother controls the administration. This is a mild form of pain relief and can be used in conjunction with other methods (like being in the bath or with TENS machine, pethidine, etc.) The action of deep in and out breathing also helps the mom breathe more effectively during contractions.

Some women complain of becoming nauseas and others do not like the claustrophobic feeling of having a mask over their face. Generally it's advised to use this method during the late active or transition phase of labour.

Accupuncture

Accupuncture is thought to help stimulate the body's natural release of endorphins as well as interrupting the transmission of pain-stimuli. It is also commonly used to induce labour. Accupuncture for pregnant women must only be done by a skilled therapist as it's effects can be quite powerful.

This option may not be too readily accessible to women planning on a hospital birth, due to limited access in the labour wards and sometimes lack of understanding of alternative methods of pain relief by medical personnel.

Pethidine

Pethidine is a derivative of Morphine, which is given as a sedative during labour. It sedates the mother and has a secondary effect as a muscle relaxant, which lessens the pain and reduces muscle tension, allowing faster dilation. This method can have side effects that affect both the mother and the baby.

Some women experience nausea, vomiting, light-headedness and a feeling of being “high”. It crosses the placental barrier and can cause respiratory depression in the baby. It is important that this drug be administered timeously so as to allow it's effects to wear off before the baby's born. Should the baby be born with a high dose of pethidine in its system and antidote can be administered to the baby. Mum's should note that the baby might initially be lethargic and not interested in feeding until the drug has run its course. Pethidine can be administered by obstetricians and independent midwives. It can take between 10-20minutes to start working and remains in the system for 3-4hours.

Aterax

Is an antihistamine drug mainly used as pre-anaesthetic medication. It can also be used in labours where the cervix is slow in dilating, to calm an anxious mother. It appears to have no undesirable effect on the mother or baby and is in some cases given in combination with pethidine so as to offer pain relief and help normalise inco-ordinate uterine contractions.

The purpose of making women aware of the pros & cons of pain relief options is not to overwhelm them with more information but rather to facilitate open debate & discussion for you & your baby's well being.

There may be many other methods of pain relief that women have tried that might not have been mentioned here.

It is also important to note that access to certain methods of pain relief might be restricted to where you are having your baby (home, state hospital, private hospital or active birth unit) as well as what your medical caregiver is “familiar” with.

Discuss the options of pain relief that appeal to you with your caregiver well before the time as it could mean changing caregivers to get what you want.

Lana is a qualified Doula at Lalilu Doula Care. She can be contacted on 021 703 4291 or 073 514 9754. She can be emailed at lalilu@sybaweb.co.za.

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Featured Article 2: The Benefits of Cloth Nappies
By Kelly Brooker of Natural Nappies

Cloth nappies are usually thought of as a remote link to the past – some strange throwback that our poor mothers had to cope with before disposables! Most people are astounded when I tell them my son is cloth-bummed. People imagine that I use old fashioned terry squares secured with a nappy pin; that my house reeks of old nappies and my son walks like sumo wrestler! In fact, I don't even know how to fold a terry square, instead I use colourful shaped nappies made from hemp, cotton and even bamboo. The nappies work exactly like disposables – secured with poppers or velcro except you wash them, rather than throwing them away! Cloth nappies are washed just like you wash your clothes and you don't even need to soak them anymore. Most cloth nappy moms put the dirty nappies in a bin with no water at all and when the bin is full, transfer to the washing machine where they are washed normally. Cloth nappies, also called “real” nappies, washable nappies and reusable nappies, are fairly common in the US , Europe and the UK and they are starting to catch on in SA too. To be honest, even if I weren't convinced by the environmental or health aspects of washable nappies, the shopaholic in me would be – they are just so damn cute!

Cloth nappies are an alternative to disposables for many parents because they may be concerned about the powerful chemicals present in disposables and the potential health implications these could have on their child. Disposables contain chemicals such as sodium polyacralyte and dioxin. Sodium polyacralyte makes the nappy super absorbent - when the baby urinates the powdered sodium polyacralyte turns to a gel which can sometimes be seen on your child's genitals. This chemical caused haemorrhage, cardiovascular failure and death when injected into rats. It has been banned from tampons since 1985 in the US because of its links to Toxic Shock Syndrome. Dioxin is another chemical present in disposables – it's a cancer causing chemical that has been called the most toxic substance ever produced and has been linked with birth defects, genetic defects and skin/liver disease.

Other parents are influenced by the enormous environmental impact of disposables. Disposables don't biodegrade, but are dumped in land fill sites where they are literally mummified – retaining the original weight and volume. We are running out of space in land fill sites – the alternatives are incinerating the nappies which further add to the greenhouse effect. Each baby in disposables creates about 1 ton of garbage, assuming that the child would be in nappies for 2 years. Using cloth nappies for just one child would cut down on the waste of a household by 50%. Disposable nappies are the 3rd largest single consumer item in landfills, and represent 30% of non-biodegradable waste.

Cost is also a pretty convincing argument for using cloth over disposables. It's estimated that approximately 6, 500 disposable nappies are used from birth to potty which will cost you about R12 000. Cloth nappies will cost you less than half that amount – sounds like that could buy me a lovely holiday! I love cloth nappies not only because they are a more natural and environmentally friendly choice, but because I think they are so cuddly, comfy and cute. I have a total nappy addiction and have lots of different kinds, in a variety of colours, fabrics and designs. My “little addiction” has cost me about R4 000.

A figure my husband initially balked at, but that's an R8 000 saving and now I'm pregnant again my nappies will be used on baby number 2, saving us an additional

R12 000. Enough for a trip to Mauritius you think? Disposables may be more convenient, but the benefits of cloth for me are overwhelming. Besides, that squidgy little bum in a fluffy nappy is too irresistible!

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Ask the Experts: Weaning from a Bottle to a Beaker

Q: I'm experiencing some problems introducing anything but milk and any other cup but a bottle to my second baby, who is six months old. He is quite happily eating purees and starting on finger foods, however getting him to drink anything but milk and out of any other cup but his normal milk bottles is a problem. At the moment, I am making up smaller amounts of formula milk to quench his thirst in between his meals.These are seved in his normal milk bottles. He has milk with breakfast, lunch and tea as well, but only a few ounces. Am I worrying unnecessarily. Please help.

Helen Gosnell, Parenting Expert Replies:

I would say that as this age you are worrying unnecessarily. He is still very young - some babies are still exclusively on the breast or bottle at this age. On very hot days you can try and get him to drink boiled, cooled water (try different temperatures to see whether this will help). You will find that by the time next summer rules around and the need to drink between meals increases, he will take to other liquids - particularly with an older sibling to copy. Try and avoid introducing anything with sugar in it stick to the black rooibos / camomile / fennel type teas and water. He is also very young to be managing other ways of drinking but through a bottle. As he gets more competent with food and eating, introduce any number of the cups available on the market for training drinkers - straws, valve spouts (these are very hard to suck from), dotted open spouts (although these spill everywhere) or from actual cups as they pass about 18 months or so. There are no hard and fast rules, take your son's dexterity and interest as a good pointer.

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Quick Coffee Break: Foolproof Way of Keeping Kids out of Trouble

Thanks to my brother Andrew for this! Source Unknown.

For more quick funnies, prose and pictures, see the Coffee Break on www.mumstheword.co.za - and keep them coming to sally@mumstheword.co.za!

MTW Recommends: Nazo Vapour Patches

These patches have become a firm must-have in my medicine cabinet. They travel with me and I make sure I always have  stock. They are great for when Megan has a cold as they are a safe, non-invasive way of helping her blocked nose and  tight chest for the whole night. I just stick one on her pyjama top when she goes to bed, and the essential oils of Eucalyptus  and Camphor help  clear her passages so that she can have a good night's sleep - essential to fighting off those bugs! It has  not been tested in  children under the age of two, although last night Caty was coughing so badly that she vomited up her  bottle so I stuck one  at the

Got something to recommend? Email sally@mumstheword.co.za with info!

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WINWINWIN! This Month's Giveaway!

A Natural Nappies Nappy and Wrap

Many people imagine that opting for cloth nappies involves old fashioned terry squares, sharp pins and complicated folding manouveres! But cloth  nappies also referred to as real nappies, reusable nappies, cotton nappies or washable nappies have moved on! The nappies look a lot like  disposables – they are shaped and secured with Velcro or poppers. Gone are the dreadful plastic pants too – wraps are super soft and come in a  range of funky, cool designs and colours! Natural Nappies are giving away to one lucky reader a nappy and wrap set worth

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Noticeboard: This is your space! Submit your comments, ideas or suggestions on anything you have seen or want to see in Mum's the Word. This is also a space to advertise child related products or services, be they your own or something interesting that you have seen or heard about. Email me your contributions and if I deem them suitable I will happily put them up!

	Winners! Congratulations to the Adele Augustyn and Sumayyah Osman who won slings Rhubarb & Custard and Adine (no surname supplied!) who won the Bizzy Bodies party.  Your prizes will be with you shortly! For more information  on the slings see www.rhubarbandcustard.co.za and for Bizzy Bodies contact Cecile on 021 852 2101.
	Coping with Night Terrors. Post comments or questions on the message board at www.mumstheword.co.za - whatever grabs you! Your comments on MTW would also be hugely appreciated!

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In Closing…

This is probably the fastest I have ever put an issue of MTW together, so please forgive any typo's, but had to get it together between entertaining Megan, getting Caty to have a nap and the rugby - which for a change the Stormers actually won! Yay! So time to gear up for the big Easter Eggs hunt tomorrow - I just love Megan being at an age where she can appreciate it all so much! And me being at an age where every ounce of chocolate finds its way to my hips! Hope you all have a good one! And remember to keep forwarding your copy of MTW on! 

Until next time…

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