NEWSLETTER - JULY 2006

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CONTENTS
Ed's Note
Because I said so… your monthly column from the editor
Wanted: Your thoughts, views and opinions! See below for more info!
Featured Article: First Aid for Babies and Children, by Erica Neser 
Quick Coffee Break: What do you do? Laugh or Cry...
Link up: Bear Essentials
Top Tips!
Giveaways! See what's on offer this month
July Events: See what's happening this month!
Noticeboard: Useful stuff!
In Closing...

Ed's Note

This is a big week in my life! I am officially 37 weeks pregnant, which makes me further along than I was when I had Megan! Okay only by a week, but at this stage in the game every week counts! I am desperate to get this show on the road and have this baby already, although my gynae says that even another week means more fat reserves so when baby is born she will be a less demanding feeder - boy could I live with that after six months of two hourly feeds last time around! But already this baby is 3kg (bigger than her sister was by 400 grams!) and she is lying head down, bum up, so all systems go! I think... however... judging from the ligament pain I am suffering, that I will be taking the drugs... not going to go that natural thank you very much - I will be offering them my veins the minute I step in! After all - I am Woman! Hear me ROAR... "GIVE ME THE DRUGS!" Speaking of labour and all that, I have also been having hectic braxton hicks and don't know when to start loading the car with my hospital bag, although my gynae says, Trust me, you will know! but anyway I have put some tips further down for those of you who are pregnant on how to know the difference!

Right now for the big question - what is this little baby going to be called? I know I know my hubby and I have had nearly nine months to pick a name, but we STILL can't agree on anything! Poor "Speck" is going to be called just that for the first few weeks of her life until we can decide on something together - and "Speck" just doesn't seem appropriate anymore at three point something kilos! So I thought I would put it out there... time for you to play a game of "Name That Baby!" - please please please send me your ideas for baby names (it's a girl remember!) to sally@mumstheword.co.za - nothing outlandish or too modern... and something that goes with Megan. Who knows, maybe you will be the one with the esteemed honour of picking our baby's name! And once again I implore... no make that BEG any of you who can write to please send me your contributions - I am going to need all the help I can get in the next few weeks... months... hopefully not years... :-) As always send them to sally@mumstheword.co.za (and remember if I don't reply immediately, it might be because I am busy with my little bundle!).

Because I said so…

They didn't tell me it would be this uncomfortable. A tummy hanging out more by the day, can't see my (swollen) feet, enormous, back-breaking boobs hanging unattractively over said tummy, fat face (where is the pregnancy glow huh??) and not to mention constantly sore back and tummy muscles stretched beyond capacity! But that's not the worst of it. I have been very lucky through both pregnancies… maintaining a smooth, baby soft round belly… until the other day that is when I was about to heave myself into the bath and my dear hubby looked at me and said… “Um, Darling… I think you need to put on some more of that stretch mark cream …” (admittedly I had been a bit lax in this department…) “What!?” I replied, looking down in disbelief at my tummy. “I can't see a single line, what are you talking about?” “Um…” (husband trying not to pee off the big pregnant lady… “it's under your tummy, where you can't see… don't worry it's not too bad, but still you should put some cream on before it gets worse…”

So out comes the hand mirror, which I unceremoniously shove under my substantial girth… and yes, there they are, those delightful red banners of motherhood. And here I was thinking how lucky I was to avoid them… forgetting that my last pregnancy ended at 36 weeks before I got quite so enormous… And poor hubby still trying to make me feel better about myself pipes up: “Don't worry Darling, since I have been back at the gym I have also noticed a couple on my arms…” Thanks. My pain at creating life will forever be emblazoned on my saggy tummy, denying me the chance of ever wearing my expensive custom-made bikini ever again (a pre-holiday extravagance) while my dear hubby gets one teeny tiny little line on his now muscular triceps which he will no doubt enjoy showing off in the summer months…

I remember my first pregnancy… I was a typical first timer. I went around the shops wearing tops that would make my mom blush (“can't you wear something a little more flowing?”) hoping that the whole world would notice my blossoming tummy and imminent arrival. I spent hours browsing through maternity racks and baby wear, not to mention all the magazines I bought hoping to bring me closer to understanding the bliss that would be motherhood. Then I got pregnant again (clearly forgetting what that maternal “bliss” actually entailed…). No earth mothering for me this time around. Having still kept five kilos as a memento from my last pregnancy, I couldn't find maternity wear that flattered me. Also having a winter baby this time around, well stretch jeans that keep falling down just don't have the same cute allure that those little cargo pants had that kept me going last time around. So picture big baggy tops, stretchy jerseys and hubby's tracksuit pants – my maternity wardrobe. And baby clothes? No problem, my shop is now in the attic – just take down what I need and give it a good wash. So what if there is a small butternut stain on the left sleeve. She won't notice. What about magazines? I threw all my old ones out after my last pregnancy (after all, I was never going to have another baby again… not after six months of colic!). Who has time to read them anyway. It will all come back to me… or so I keep telling myself. Anyway after relishing every minute of my first pregnancy now I just can't wait to get this one over… another three weeks tops.

But there is one thing that I am experiencing the same as last time… I am pooping myself realising that in a few short weeks I will have another tiny bundle to bring home. But this time I am scared for a different reason – not because I don't have a clue what I am letting myself in for… but well, because I know exactly what's coming, and throw a toddler in the mix, and I have one word: HELP! But all my friends with two kids tell me not to worry, I will manage just fine, after all I won't have a choice will I! I know the first few days… make that weeks will be hectic, but we will soon settle into our lives again all the better for our two precious angels!

In the meantime bear with me while I get things together and try to find time between temper tantrums and breastfeeding to keep this newsletter coming… wish me luck! And here's pushing (no pun intended) for my first natural delivery – holding thumbs (and hubby's arms as I scream in agony… You did this to me!!! Don't bloody tell me to breath! But that's a story for another time…

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Wanted: Your thoughts, views and opinions!

Be selected to participate in our 10 minute brand survey and we'll reward you with a small mystery shopping voucher! Email the following to sally@mumstheword.co.za by 31 July 2006:    

Should you be selected to participate you will be contacted via email.

Featured Article: First Aid for Babies and Children - what every parent needs to know
By Erica Neser - Infant and Child CPR Instructor

If you are a first time mother, you will surely have bent over your sleeping baby to check if she is breathing. For a moment you may even have thought that she is NOT breathing, and then realise, a heart-stopping moment later, that she is, in fact, fine. This is perfectly normal. We all do it.

The question you now need to ask yourself, though, is whether you know what to do IF your child should really stop breathing, for whatever reason. If you have attended a first aid course in the past, do you still remember what to do? If you haven't attended one (or can't remember any of it), it is time that you attend a course, preferably one that focuses on first aid for babies and children. Every parent should be familiar with basic resuscitation: mouth-to-mouth breathing (artificial respiration) and chest compressions. These two techniques make up CPR – CARDIO (heart) PULMONARY (lungs) RESUSCITATION (bringing back to life). Every parent should also know what to do if a child chokes. This knowledge can save your child's life.

Emergency situations in and around the home:

· Drowning (pool, bath, bucket of water, fish pond etc.)

· Choking (foreign body airway obstruction)

· Cot death (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)

· Burns (bath, fire, chemicals, hot tea, stove, kettle etc.)

· Poisoning (chemicals, medicines, plants etc.)

· Concussion (falling on the head)

· Febrile convulsions

· Bleeding and wounds

· Fractures

The absolute minimum you need:

· Know how to do CPR and help a child who is choking

· Know who to phone (084-124 or 082-911 for private ambulance, poison centre 0800 333 444)

· First aid kit

Remember that brain damage sets in after FOUR MINUTES without oxygen. You may only realise that your child is not breathing when he has already been without oxygen for 3 minutes – you DO NOT have time to get the child into the car and to a hospital in time, even if you stay close to a hospital. You have to know what to do, right there and then. If you know how to do CPR, you can buy time and save your child's life.

The objective of an Infant and Child CPR course is to learn how to:

· Save a life

· Prevent further injuries

· Alert the emergency services

· Provide emotional and physical support to the injured child

You will learn step by step what to do if your baby or child's breathing and/or heart should stop. This is the core of the course: the basic techniques of artificial respiration, chest compressions and how to deal with choking. Some instructors also offer some basic first aid as well, covering, among others, the emergencies listed above. It is impossible to cover these topics in a short article such as this – the purpose of this article is to make you aware of the importance of attending a course (and sending your nanny to attend as well), having your emergency numbers next to your phone, and having a proper first aid kit.

FIRST AID KITS

Every home should have a first aid kit. It is also advisable to have a basic kit in your car. Your kit should contain at least the following items:

· Gauze swabs

· Plasters

· Stretchy bandages

· Wound dressings

· Burnshield

· Antihistamine ointment

· Scissors (for cutting bandages and removing clothing)

· Antiseptic cream and liquid / wipes

· Gloves (especially in car kit)

· CPR mouthpiece (especially in car kit)

· Tweezers

COURSES AND KITS FOR PARENTS

Infant and Child CPR courses offered on a monthly basis in Afrikaans or English - Stellenbosch/Somerset West/Strand area. Courses can also be arranged in other areas. First aid kits: Family kits, standard kits, and baby kits are available at affordable prices. Contact erica@adept.co.za for more information on courses and kits.

See also the articles page on www.mumstheword.co.za for the article "First Aid for Toddlers" and download your free Poison Treatment Card to stick up in a prominent place!

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Quick Coffee Break: What do you do? Laugh or cry...

(or personally anihilate the person who left the paint in their reach!)

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!

Link up - www.bearessentials.co.za

For everything you ever needed to know about first aid. Buy age-suitable kits or book your course online (also available in Xhosa - so get your nanny trained at the same time!). What I really liked about this company is that they also supply a preggie hospital bag packed with all the goodies that you might need in hospital, from breast and sanitary pads to feeding bras, underwear and nipple cream - all in a reusable bag, the perfect baby shower gift.

P.S.: Don't forget to add your views on anything and everything to the forum on www.mumstheword.co.za!

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Top Tips: How to know you are in Labour
by Kerry Pienaar, Doula and Labour Coach

Signs that labour may be about to start include:

1) Vomiting / Diarrhoea
2) General Achiness/ Pressure low down
3) Nesting - Cleaning everything in sight!!

You will know you are in labour when:

1) Your contractions are regular, strong and lasting between 30 and 60 seconds.
2) If your waters break (this may be a trickle or a gush), phone your gynae immediately. You are usually given a 24hr period in which to birth then, as the risk of infection increases.
3) If you have a show (the mucous plug), dont get too excited, labour can sometimes take up to 2 weeks to begin after presentation of a show!! But, inform your caregiver immediately.
4) Labour can be in the front or in your back, you may feel tightening in both places, or just in one area. And if in doubt - contact your caregiver for more advice!

Kerry is a Doula and Labour Coach. For more info contact her on tums2tots@telkomsa.net.

P.S.: Don't forget to add your views on anything and everything to the forum on www.mumstheword.co.za!

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WINWINWIN! This Month's Amazing Giveaways!

First Aid Kit
One lucky reader  will win a first aid kit worth R50, complements of Erica Neser, with everything in it to get you started to protecting your family. To enter send your details to sally@mumstheword.co.za with "First Aid Kit" in the subject line before 25 July 2006 For more information  or to order your kit contact Erica at erica@adept.co.za. 

Weeman
What a great invention! This great little gadget looks like a mini urinal and is designed to help little boys wee in the toilet without having to climb up steps or sit like a girl - so they can do it just like Dad! I t fits onto the toilet bowl hanging at just their height, and can be flipped over into the toilet for quick and easy flushing - and what's more it has the added bonus of teaching little boys to put the lid back down when they are finished flushing (it's never too early to teach them a good habit I say!). One lucky subscriber can win a weeman worth R130 for their little boy  - to enter send your details to sally@mumstheword.co.za with "weeman" in the subject line before 25  July 2006. Weeman has also very generously offered all MTW readers a 10% discount off orders - and they deliver countrywide. For more information or to place your order contact sales@weeman.co.za.

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July Events:

SPECIAL MENTIONS:

I am having a baby! Is that not enough for you?

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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!

	We have a winner! Congrats to Tatiana who won the Lil'lables voucher, and to Natasha Pereira and Narimal Diedericks who won the Aquarium vouchers. Your prizes will be with you shortly! For more info on Lil'lables contact Ursula at ursulabeek@cameratique.com and to find out what's happening at the Aquarium see www.aquarium.co.za. And remember to keep those entries coming!
	Quite a number of readers have recently sent me pics of their little angels - they are all now live on the website! Keep them coming to sally@mumstheword.co.za , but please remember to keep file sizes down! And while on the topic of the website, please remember that I am about to have a baby, so if it remains static for a week or two, well you know why!
	I am on another mission. I am a regular shopper at Cavendish Square in Claremont and am sick and tired of standing with a pram at the lifts waiting as the doors open and close many times over while the people inside look at you with an expression of "sorry... this one's full..." - people who could very easily walk the five steps to the escalator and make way for people with prams! It is really a pet peeve of mine and I would like to petition Cavendish to put a sign up asking patrons to kindly make way for parents with prams, who cannot use the escalators. And while on this topic what about all the unthinking people who merrily use the baby bays as their personal parking spaces, forgetting about us mums who need space to get wriggly toddlers out of their carchairs... Other shopping centres have "wheel clamping zone" written on their baby bays, but not Cavendish. Please send your comments on the above to sally@mumstheword.co.za.
	One of my Gauteng-based readers, Michelle Ramsamy, wants to start a support group in her area for single parents. You can contact her on (011) 653-5847 or 082 9971783. Alternatively email her at michelle.ramsamy@vodacom.co.za.
	Next issue:  We will be talking a bout  Nutrition for Two - how to look after yourself while you are pregnant (bear with me if it's late!). Post any questions or issues that you feel need to be discussed 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…

I must say I'm pretty chuffed that I got this month's issue out on time - more chuffed than you know that I have kept this baby in longer than I did Megan! But I can guarantee that baby will arrive between this issue and the next, so you know why if August's issue is a bit late! Again any contributions would be most appreciated (and some home cooked meals for my deepfreeze...) Wish me luck!

Until next time…

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