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WHAT IS CULTURALLY APPROPRIATE PREGNANCY CARE?
Written by Lucy Hall In a multicultural society like Australia, getting the right pregnancy care for yourself and your unborn child is not only important, it’s also needed. With a diverse range of cultures, finding the right care can be difficult. Culturally appropriate pregnancy care is a holistic approach, recognising and respecting the diversities of cultural background, beliefs and practices that pregnant women and their families represent. In order to make sure that the care provided is in line with each patient’s values and customs, this type of care focuses on the importance of understanding the cultural significance of pregnancy throughout different cultural groups. Health providers are able to enhance…
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THE ART OF DEALING WITH UNWANTED PARENTING ADVICE! TIPS TO MANAGE YOUR SANITY
Written by Lucy Hall From the time you announce that you are pregnant, to the time your little one has arrived earthside, you are going to go through changes physically and hormonally, that you didn’t even know existed. When you take the leap into the great unknown world that is parenting, just like the changes you go through that you didn’t know existed, you are going to get a lot of unwanted advice! Unfortunately for most parents it is just a fact and a part of the journey. But how to handle this unwanted advice can be harder than you expect! There are many things to consider and different ways…
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GENDER DISAPPOINTMENT IS A THING: WHEN REALITY DOESN’T MATCH EXPECTATIONS
Written. by Lucy Hall The journey of parenthood is something like a rollercoaster ride that you cannot get off. When you embark on this journey, there are many unknowns that you’ll have to face. One hurdle that is not really talked about, but that many parents will have to overcome, and yes, it’s more common than you think, is gender disappointment! Whether you decide to find out the gender of your baby during your pregnancy or save it as the ultimate surprise to be announced at the birth, once the baby arrives, having a specific gender that didn’t fit into the future plans you envisioned can be genuinely, and quite…
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UNDERSTANDING TONGUE TIE IN NEWBORNS: UNTANGLING THE CAUSES AND EFFECTS
Written by Lucy Hall Ankyloglossia also known as tongue tie is a condition that babies are born with and restricts the tongue’s ability to have a full range motion. This happens when the frenulum which is the tissue that connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too short, thick or tight. If left untreated it can lead to other complications and may at some stage affect a child’s ability to feed, speak and swallow. What Causes It And How Is It Diagnosed? It’s unclear what exactly causes tongue tie, but it’s considered to be a hereditary condition. Once your baby has arrived, they will…
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SURVIVING MORNING SICKNESS DURING PREGNANCY
Written by Lucy Hall Its an exciting time to find out that you’re pregnant but it can also be a challenging experience. One challenge that pregnant women face is morning sickness, it’s common in the first trimester and can happen at any time of the day, not just in the mornings. Morning sickness in pregnancy can range from mild nausea too severe vomiting and can make pregnancy a little miserable. Understanding how to deal with morning sickness can make this easier to handle. Understanding Morning Sickness Approximately 70% to 80% of women experience morning sickness during pregnancy. It typically begins in the sixth week of pregnancy and can continue until…
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WHAT EXACTLY IS GBS IN PREGNANCY?
Written by Lucy Hall Pregnancy is mostly a wonderful and exciting experience, it’s filled with excitement and joy, knowing that the new life you are growing inside of you is going to be joining your family very soon. Being pregnant also comes with some difficulties and concerns that you may not necessarily have known about before you decided to embark on this crazy journey. One concern that you’ll need to be aware of is Group B Streptococcus, which is also known as GBS. GBS is a type of bacteria that is commonly found in the digestive and reproductive tracts of many healthy adults. However GBS in pregnancy can be a…
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BENEATH THE GLOW: THE HIDDEN SIDE OF PREGNANCY ANXIETY
Written by Lucy Hall Pregnancy is a time of sweet anticipation of the blossoming life you are growing, however if you dig a little deeper beneath that warm and rosy glow, something that is not always spoken about is pregnancy anxiety. We are all familiar with the baby blues that can occur after giving birth, but what about the much less talked about feelings of worry and fear that can overshadow the nine months of pregnancy itself! Being pregnant isn’t all about baby showers and maternity photoshoots. The increase of emotions and hormones that occur during this time can cause pregnant women to experience a lot of anxiety. Experiencing anxiety…
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UNDERSTANDING PREECLAMPSIA IN PREGNANCY
Written by Lucy Hall Pregnancy can be that magical time of blooming life and profound transformation, it can be an exhilarating and fascinating journey, but even the most beautiful journeys can be a little bumpy. Preeclampsia is one of the complications that many pregnant women can face. Understanding what preeclampsia is, its symptoms, who’s at risk, how it’s treated and most importantly, how to keep you and your baby safe throughout this incredible journey can make pregnant life a little easier. What Exactly is Preeclampsia? Preeclampsia can pop up during pregnancy, usually after the 20-week mark, or even make an unexpected appearance post-delivery. It’s when your blood pressure starts to…
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SLEEPING SAFELY DURING PREGNANCY
Written by Lucy Hall While pregnancy causes significant emotional and physical changes, achieving a good night’s sleep can be a delicate balancing act. As the baby bump grows, so does the need for comfort, with the goal of ensuring that both the mother and her baby get enough rest and support throughout the night. During pregnancy, it’s important to figure out the best sleeping positions. Recognising that certain positions may impact not only your baby’s development but also your comfort and health is important. Choosing sleeping positions that support your growing baby and are comfortable for you is essential during pregnancy. There are certain sleep positions that can have an…
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WHAT IS THE BONAPACE BIRTH METHOD?
Written by Lucy Hall The Bonapace Birth Method was created by Canadian perinatal psychologist and childbirth educator Julie Bonapace. This method addresses the emotional and physical aspects of childbirth which is why many families have turned to the Bonapace Birth Method in search of a more natural and empowering childbirth experience. Going beyond the strict guidelines of childbirth, the Bonapace Birth Method provides a set of principles and techniques which allows women a sense of control and comfort during labour by using a variety of techniques, including movement and breathing exercises. The important nature of the mind and body connection during childbirth forms the key principles of the Bonapace Birth…
