1.If you are on the Sunshine Coast you may have heard the talk about limited birthing bed space in our private hospital system. Don't worry, Settle Petal 'NEWBORN WELCOME VISITS' are available to weigh and measure baby, assess feeding, reassure and refer any newborn or postnatal concerns from the comfort of home. Let a friend know or better still buy them a visit as a gift.

2. I am excited to announce Drop in Clinics(Free)and Parent Sharing Groups($15) held at Buderim on the Sunshine Coast in 2012. More details in separate entry.

While visiting 'Goodlife Community Centre' you could enjoy a coffee and give your children a play on the outside play equipment.

While visiting 'Hush Mother and Baby' you can browse the beautiful baby product range or stroll up the hill to the park.

2. Parent Sharing Groups have recommenced Thursdays at 'Hush Mother and Baby', 87 Burnett St, Buderim at 11.30 - 12.30. Bookings essential as numbers are limited 54537271. See separate entry for further information.

4. The FREE Drop in Clinic held at 'Direct Chemist Outlet', Pacific Paradise finishes January 25th. If you usually see me at this clinic I would love to see you at either 'Hush' or 'Goodlife' DROP IN in Buderim.

5. The FREE Drop in Clinic held at 'Gympie Babyworld', finishes January 31st. BABY HELP and FEEDING HELP remains available through my books stocked at Gympie Toyworld or use the phone or email clinics available online.

I hope you took some wonderful photos of your little ones enjoying Christmas. These memories become very precious as the years pass.

I would love to put a selection of Christmas photos on a blog post that parents can view next Parenting eNews.

Rather than pick the best photo (they'll all be too gorgeous), I will select the 5th photo submitted to WIN a FREE copy of 'mum & baby together we learn' PLUS a copy of 'taste it'.

If you do not want you photo placed on my blog piece 'Christmas Memories' please do not send one in.

Can't wait to see how your little ones spent Christmas.

Attachment parenting involves being aware of and open to babies’ requests and responding in a sensitive manner. It is being there when needed. Healthy attachment between parents and their children during the early years prepares the way for connected relationships in later years.

Connected parents recognize the importance of the language of infant communication linked with eye contact, skin to skin contact and playful interaction. These are involved with:
•Communication cues
•Secure sleep
•Breast feeding
•Playing together
•Facilitating acceptable behaviour
•Baby wearing

Imagine the secure environment within a mother’s womb continuing beyond birth. Attachment parenting provides such a place where babies feel safe, a place where parents are tuned in to what makes babies feel heard and supported to grow. Research shows close attachments with people rather than things builds the ability to feel close to others.

Attached parents feel connected and have a deep understanding and heartfelt reassurance that they know what their baby needs. Knowing what promotes desirable and undesirable behaviour in babies is fundamental in building a strong and secure relationship.

NOTE: If you need insight into how to survive 'arsenic hour', read my article in this months Practical Parenting.

"Just read your journal in one sitting. Through tears and heartbreak I connected with your pain and the utter disbelief of what to do next. I saw myself in many of your words. Last November my baby was stillborn at 38 weeks pregnant and now, nearly 12 months on, life is still so 'wrong', but we are coping. Thankyou for sharing your story of your precious Ben. I have hope that one day I too will smile and 'live' again".

I am sure that I am not the only adult who has battled weight gain. Today, merely looking at a piece of cheesecake adds centimetres to my hips. Could this be linked to my poor childhood eating habits? Research reveals, yes.

Unfortunately, obesity is not just a physical problem restricting movement but it leads to the body breaking down with conditions such as liver disease, heart disease and diabetes. Add to this low self esteem and social awkwardness leading to relationship challenges and behaviour disorders and the future looks pretty bleak. One in four children suffers obesity in Australia today. As quoted by Jamie Oliver at TED awards “these children are looking at a future with a life expectancy 10 years less than their parents”.

Statistically, diet related disease is fast approaching as the number one killer and is a generational and global problem.

Discover four easy steps to start a healthy future for your baby or child.

There are only a few 'taste it' books left with this old cover.

Review link for content information

Parents can prevent a lot of worry and uncertainty having bub checked regularly by a child health professional.

From February 1st 2012 FREE drop in clinics available at:

Goodlife Community Centre, Buderim
1st & 3rd Wednesday 9.30 - 11.30am
2nd & 4th Wednesday 11 - 1pm

Hush Mother and Baby, Buderim
Thursday 9.30 - 11.30am

Don't forget to bring bubs RED book
and any brief question you may have.

For further in-depth questions book a one-on-one appointment and know you don't have to rush, there is no one waiting behind you - the time is all yours to talk.

Encourage a healthier scar, reduce pain, tearing and chances of post surgery complications after a caesarean assisted birth.

Available at 'Hush Mother and Baby', Buderim

Your newborn needs time and support to make a smooth transition from being warm and secure inside the womb to feeling comfortable and secure in the outside world.

When mimicking the womb environment for a period of time most babies find this transition a lot easier.

Many parents with babies and toddlers read a lot both in books and on the internet but remain confused with what is the best thing to do for their baby.

Parent Sharing Groups:

1. Are designed to stay casual, relaxed and small making question and answer time easier and groups more enjoyable.

2.Groups held weekly allowing word to spread so others can come to following ones.

3. Topics are specific and commonly discussed by parents.

4. Learn professional as well as practical and personal suggestions.

5. Topics and dates are promoted on Settle Petal facebook page and website for the month ahead.

6. Bookings essential as numbers limited.