A woman, renewing her driver's licence ,
was asked by the woman at Registry to state her occupation.

She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.

'What I mean is, ' explained the woman at Registry,
'do you have a job or are you just a ...?'

'Of course I have a job,' snapped the woman.

'I'm a Mum.'

'We don't list 'Mum' as an occupation,
'housewife' covers it,'
Said the recorder emphatically.

I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself
in the same situation.
The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised,
efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like,
'Official Interrogator' or 'City Registrar.'

'What is your occupation?' she probed.

What made me say it? I do not know.
The words simply popped out.
'I'm a Research Associate in the field of
Child Development and Human Relations.'

The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and
looked up as though she had not heard right.

I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words.
Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written,
in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.

'Might I ask,' said the clerk with new interest,
'just what you do in your field?'

Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice,
I heard myself reply,
'I have a continuing program of research,
(what mother doesn't)
In the laboratory and in the field,
(normally I would have said indoors and out).
I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family)
and already have four credits (all daughters).
Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities,
(any mother care to disagree?)
and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it).
But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers
and the rewards aremore of a satisfaction rather than just money.'

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she
completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.

As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career,
I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3.
Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model,
(a 6 month old baby) in the child development program,
testing out a new vocal pattern.
I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy!
And I had gone on the official records as someone more
distinguished and indispensable to mankind than 'just another Mum.'
Motherhood!

What a glorious career!
Especially when there's a title on the door.

Does this make grandmothers
'Senior Research associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations'
And great grandmothers
'Executive Senior Research Associates?'
I think so!!!
I also think it makes Aunts '
Associate Research Assistants.'

• 6 positive reasons for a baby to use a dummy
• 5 ways a baby can be disadvantaged for using a dummy
• What type of dummy to choose

Not all babies take to sucking a dummy but there are certainly babies in the world that benefit from sucking one. These are

1. Babies who are 3 - 4 weeks old who have learnt to attach and feed well from the breast but think they should feed constantly. In this situation, the breast feeding mother and her nipples could do with some relief and possibly repair from constant sucking. It is however, important not to substitute a breast feed for a dummy soothe as this can reduce milk production resulting in an undernourished and unsettled baby

2. A baby sucking a dummy can reduce their tummy discomfort and pain until the cause of the pain and discomfort is diagnosed and relieved

3. Sucking a dummy can reduce the pain of oesophageal reflux allowing for a bit more sleep!

4. Recent knowledge indicates a baby sucking a dummy can reduce the incidence of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). This is thought to be due to a baby being in a more alert state of sleep and having their airways in a more open position allowing for better air entry. There are also other factors relating to the reduction of SIDS

5. Premature babies are given a dummy to encourage them suck when they are fed via a tube and to stimulate their suck before they are able to breast feed.

6. A baby who settles to sleep best with a sucking action. Commonly, a baby who is fed either breast milk or infant formula from a bottle requires a dummy to build up the length of sucking time required in a day.

Here are 5 reasons why a baby is disadvantaged using a dummy.

1. There is an increased risk of bacterial infections from dirty dummies. Sterilise them regularly and throw out any that have cracks or worn areas where bacteria can settle.

2. The continued use of a dummy after 3 - 4 months can set up strong sleep associations that can lead to unsettled sleep in the months that follow.

3. The regular and frequent use of a dummy has been shown to decrease the length of time a woman will continue to breast feed.

4. A young baby who sucks too often on a dummy can be too tired for nutritional breast feeding.

5. The use of a dummy after 9 months can not only disturb good sleep patterns but it can also interrupt speech development.

It can be difficult to know which dummy is best when there is a large variety on the market. Consider these 3 things which closely mimic a breast nipple.

1. Look for the dummy that is soft and supple. The brown latex rubber is usually the softest.

2. Choose a shape that is similar to a nipple, this is usually the round cherry or bulb shaped dummy.

3. It needs to be large enough to reach back into the back of the baby's mouth. This will depend on the size of baby.

With the above information in mind, I believe there is a place for a dummy in a baby's life providing that it is an appropriate dummy used at an appropriate time and only for the first 3 - 4 months of life when a baby's strong sucking reflex is present. After this they discover other ways to be soothed other than a dummy.

With today’s knowledge on SIDS, it is safer to sleep young babies on their back and not on their tummy. For this reason, it is important to give your baby a snug and secure feeling in another way


Three misconceptions about swaddling a baby:

1.My baby doesn't like their hands wrapped up tight

2.My baby fights the wrap when I put them in it

3.They are struggling to get free


Three benefits to swaddling a baby the way I show you:

1.The hands are wrapped and placed in a natural position (you will notice that your baby places their hands on the chest when you have them lying contented and unwrapped on their back)

2.Wrap them securely before their nervous system is out of control and over loaded

3.Once they are asleep it prevents the startle reflex waking them between sleep cycles; allowing for a longer more settled sleep


Swaddling a baby to aid in a settled sleep is appropriate until they are 6 months old.

The swaddling technique that I show you in the video is appropriate for the first 3 months after that you can leave their arms free of the wrap which allows them to be able to suck their fist or fingers to self settle.

NEWBORN qualities:
Little head movement, eyes not tracking, not smiling, wiggley, will look at bright areas so have a big window behind you, face will turn towards touch: so gently stroke side of the mouth closest to you

Qualities at 7 WEEKS:
Child will smile, rub side of mouth to get them to face you, use your hand as a blinker so they will look toward light (behind the photographer)

Best ENVIRONMENT: photograph in a warm room - have the heater on in winter, bare skin looks more delicate than clothes, have a plain background either very dark or white – have a big sheet set up behind the baby.

Suggested POSES:
Cuddled into mum with baby facing toward camera (chest to chest), looking over mum’s/dad’s shoulder, lying on the bed with baby looking straight up or sideways to the camera, mum cups baby’s head and holds it up gently to her face.

LAST MINUTE TIPS:
Babies can be very red so keep to timeless black and white images, get as close in as possible to the baby’s face, don’t use the flash on your camera


SPECIAL OFFER for families on the Sunshine Coast
Father’s Day Portrait
ONLY $60 (value $420)

Offer available to the first 12 callers (from Parenting eNews)to book a family portrait in the month of August receives a framed 5x7” black and white fine art print and $50 credit towards other purchases .. just perfect for that FATHERS DAY GIFT just around the corner.

PHONE CHERYL TODAY ON 5445 4533 TO REGISTER

"I just wanted to say a big thank you for doing the talk for us a few weeks ago. Jett has settled into your recommended routine and it suits him perfectly. He has even started putting on extra weight so the feeding/milk part of the routine is fantastic too.
I just really appreciated the help more than you know."

1. RECIPE BOOK

I am constantly asked for suggestions on what to feed babies who are just starting solids and toddlers who won't eat.
For this reason, I decided to put together my own recipe book with food combinations and recipes proven to be No.1 food favourites enjoyed by Settle Petal babies and toddlers.
It is about to go to the editor but there is always room for one more favourite. If you have a recipe that your baby or toddler truly loves I would be happy to include it. Just drop it to me in an email.
If your recipe is included (nutritional enough!) you will receive a complimentary copy.

BANANA SMOOTHIE
Whiz or blend soya milk (or other milk) + one ripe or frozen banana + almond meal (if you know your child is OK with nuts) to make a quick and nutritious snack. You can experiment with quantities depending on how thick you would like your smoothie to be.
Serve with coloured straws!
– Provided by Georgina Williams

TIP: This Banana Smoothie is a great snack to help your toddler sleep if given 30 minutes before bed.



2. 'ARTICALS OF INTEREST'

This is a new page set up for you to read or watch information on a variety of topics. Some of these include:
'Swine Flu'
'Baby Poo'
'Rewards of Parenting film clip'

When you have a moment pop in and have a look through the link below


3. FOLLOW ME on TWITTER.
Sign up from the 'About Me' page through the link below


AVAILABLE FOR SUNSHINE COAST ONLY

4. Dr George Bogiatzis (OBG)

Antenatal parenting talks and postnatal clinic has commenced on every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month. This is a casual time to share ideas and discuss concerns about when you bring your new baby home. Available to George's clients only.
Enquire with Kylie or Irene at your next antenatal check up.


5. ‘GET MORE SLEEP' Session

After 5 informative and successful sessions entitled ‘Get More Sleep’ I am holding another one at 3pm on August 12th at Children’s Sunshine Chiropractic,Caloundra. All welcome

It covers the 7 key points for helping babies between 4 and 12 months to sleep through the night.
1.Milk & food
2.Sleep associations
3.Establishing cues and rhythms
4.Acting on tired signs
5.Looking after yourself
6.Pre sleep stimulation and daily activity
7.Settling ideas

Numbers are limited. Cost $17
Secure your spot by phoning Jan on 0410 47 5437

More details under 'Parenting Sessions' through the link below

This is a soft toy created by an early childhood educator. They are based on the idea that babies love to rub satin edges, clothing labels and tags. A soft toy that can contribute to a babies emotional well being and sense of security by providing tactile and visually stimulating features that both soothes and entertains.

JAN'S TIP: This could be a good exchange at 3 – 4 months when you are trying to get rid of the dummy!