Your child needs you

Viewing the world through the eyes of a child could not be said better than in the words of
“The Prayer” by Josh Groban.

I pray you’ll be our eyes
And watch us where we go
And help us to be wise
In times when we don’t know
Let this be our prayer
As we go our way
Lead us to a place
Guide us with your grace
To a place where we’ll be safe

Help me to encourage other parents

Jan Murray

If you would like to enjoy a gorgeous lavender scented Lab on your pillow to help you sleep, simply write in 15 words or less what area of Settle Petal services or information has helped your baby or family over the years.

It could be information emails, individual consultations, products or some specific piece of information that worked for your family.

Please send your email with subject line 'LAV LAB' to jan@settlepetal.com

All responses need to be in by the end of August to go in the draw to WIN. Name of winner and their answer will be included in the next Parenting eNews.

I look forward to posting 'Lav Lab' to your home soon.

'Lavender Lab' was generously donated by Andrea from Pure Innocence. Thanks Andrea

Meet 'Lavender Lab' at Pure Innocence here

Be Healthy From the First Mouthful

Jan Murray

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.

Obesity is a preventable disease;
largely as a result of the following four areas:

READ FULL ARTICLE HERE

Follow what is happening and connect with others

Jan Murray

Facebook is an amazing social network medium. For Settle Petal it is a place to:

1. Meet other parents online and chat about issues even when you are housebound

2. Get other parents insight and solutions to problems you are having

3. Organise a 'play date' to catch up in person

4. Enter into discussions that are posted. These are usually topics that many parents are talking about in the community. It helps to know you are not alone

5. I will get on from time to time and add my knowledge as well

If you already have a facebook profile go to my page below and press LIKE

LIKE me here

How to Handle Your Toddler When the Next Baby Arrives: TEN TIPS

Jan Murray

If you have recently had baby number two and things are getting a little tense with your toddler, then put yourself in your toddler’s shoes for a moment…

You are the centre of attention and have had every need met at the time you have usually demanded it. Cuddles when you need them, sitting on a knee to have stories anytime and food as requested, then all of a sudden your mummy goes away for a few days and life just isn’t the same. She brings back a little bundle that cries night and day and demands her instant attention. Your mummy seems tired and does not have the time to spend with you and gets cranky at things that normally wouldn’t have mattered. You find you have to do things that you know will make her give you attention.

This can be a difficult time for all but there are some things that can be done in regards to your toddler that can help this situation be less stressful. These ten tips include:

1. Try to avoid making any changes in your toddler’s life either two months before or two months after a new baby arrives. This could include things like toilet training, changing into a bed, starting day care and moving house

READ FULL ARTICLE HERE

Michele Lynch, Sunshine Coast

"Jez has gone two nights without a bottle in bed and not even water through the night. He hasn't woken at the 11.30 mark but still at around 4.30 in morning but with a little pat and chat he goes back to sleep.

So.. we are on our way to better sleep.

It's great to have some-one elses perspectice on things (yours) as when you are in it you don't see a way out sometimes. so thanks again Jan"

Clinic Consultation Options

Will you choose to use a dummy for your baby?

Jan Murray

As a Midwife and Child Health Nurse who works closely with babies and children from birth to five years old, I have some useful insight into the use of dummies for babies that I would like to share with you. Not all babies take to sucking a dummy but there are certainly babies in the world who do benefit from sucking one. Once you have heard my findings the decision to use one or not will then be up to you.

SIX POSITIVE REASONS FOR A BABY TO USE A DUMMY

1. Babies who are three to four 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 as this can reduce milk production resulting in an undernourished and unsettled baby

2. A baby sucking a dummy can reduce tummy discomfort, cranial pressure and wind pain until the cause of the pain and discomfort is diagnosed and relieved. However, by aiding the digestive process this then can cause them to become hungrier earlier

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

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE

Jan Murray

1.CONGRATULATIONS Jessica Martin. Lucky draw WINNER of 'Lavender Lab'. Thanks for signing up to receive 'Parenting eNews' at the 'Baby & Kids Market', Sunshine Coast last month.
Thankyou 'Pure Innocence' Noosaville for your generous donation

2. I am NO LONGER doing weigh & measure clinics at BELLY2BABY, Maroochydore. Instead you can drop in and see me at Direct Chemist Outlet, Pacific Paradise on Wednesdays between 9 - 12. This clinic is FREE and no appointment necessary

3. CONGRATULATIONS to Fiona Roberts of Caloundra who was the WINNER of the beautiful all-in-one-kindy-sheet-set GIVEAWAY last 'Parenting eNews' issue.

4. DAY CARE PROVIDER TALKS CONTINUE
For a gold coin donation parents and staff of Day Care facilities on the Sunshine Coast are gaining valuable information on baby and toddler eating and sleeping. These are fun and relaxed evenings. To hold one at your centre ENQUIRE with Jan TODAY:
M:0410475437
E:jan@settlepetal.com

5. Sami and Todd from Hot91fm and myself are coming to the rescue for parents with kiddie conundrums in every issue of Kids on the Coast. If you have a question, send it to breakfast@hot91.com.au

6. Like the NEW LOGO? Makes me look like helping babies rather than arranging flowers.

Click here to visit Website

MOTHER LOVE

Real Mothers don't eat quiche they don't have time to make it.
Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils are probably in the sandbox.
Real Mothers often have sticky floors, filthy ovens and happy kids.
Real Mothers know that dried play dough doesn't come out of carpets.
Real Mothers don't want to know what the vacuum just sucked up.
Real Mothers sometimes ask 'Why me?' and get their answer when a little voice says, 'Because I love you best.'
Real Mothers know that a child's growth is not measured by height or years or grade...
It is marked by the progression of Mummy to Mum to Mother...

Erich Fromm quotes
"The mother-child relationship is paradoxical and, in a sense, tragic. It requires the most intense love on the mother's side, yet this very love must help the child grow away from the mother, and to become fully independent."

Watch this SHORT VIDEO CLIP and understand how valued a mother truly is.

'ALL-IN-ONE KINDY SHEET SET'

Justine Henkel & Jan Murray

This product is a great choice for young children who attend Day Care and require a sheet and pillow.

•Easy to carry
•No separate bits to get lost
•Washes all in one piece

It is also a great idea for the toddler who is reluctant to have a sleep during the day as they can use the 'All-in-One Kindy Sheet Set' as a ‘camp out’.

WIN A FREE SHEET SET
First person to email jan@settlepetal.com with a short reason for why you would like a specific colour will have that colour posted to them absolutely FREE. The winner will be notified by email and published in the next Parenting eNews. GOOD LUCK

ONLINE INFORMATION HERE

The big debate with babies

Jan Murray

Are you confusion about whether to let your baby cry or not? I am not sure what you believe but I can see there needs to be a balance.

Babies cry; it is one of their first forms of communication. Young babies under four months should never be left to cry alone or without investigating why they are crying. They need comfort and reassurance.

However, from four months onwards there are many parents left tired and desperate as they continually rock or feed their baby to sleep. Babies will generally take longer and longer to settle with these measures the older they get. This leaves frustrated and exhausted parents walking the streets pushing strollers or driving around in cars to get their baby to sleep. Parents even resort to repeatedly giving milk feeds to help their baby sleep overnight whether they are hungry or not. This extra milk can then affect a baby’s day time nutrient intake and the cycle of night hunger continues.

I believe a small amount of crying in a controlled and respectful manner does wonders for parents and babies stuck in this cycle. It is however vital for a baby to be assessed by a health care professional to establish that they are well with no issues creating unsettled behaviour before a 'crying' method is considered.

Crying in a controlled manner to help a baby settle to sleep has specific actions that determine its success. These need to be outline carefully and in detail before a parent feels confident to begin.

Read article on 'CRYING' babies here

Abdominal & pelvic floor muscles

Dulcie Wilson

The birth of your baby is certainly a joyful event, congratulations! However, it does come with extra demands on not only your time but also your body.

* The pelvic floor muscles are weakened during pregnancy and the weakness is exacerbated with a simple vaginal birth as the baby stretches the pelvic floor during decent
* Tearing or an episiotomy will damage the muscles further and this makes rehabilitation of these muscles crucial
* Stresses associated with lifting and carrying your baby as well as lifting capsules and prams will continue to strain these muscles
* Problems such as incontinence and vaginal or bladder prolapse can occur especially if another pregnancy follows before the pelvic floor has been properly rehabilitated
* The stomach muscles also lose tone during pregnancy and this together with weakness in the pelvic floor can often be a cause of low back pain
* Weakened core and abdominal muscles can lead to an altered body shape – this is enhanced by poor postural positions associated with feeding
* Weakness and laxity in the pelvic floor muscles decreases sensation and sexual pleasure for both you and also sometimes your partner

Pilates is an excellent form of exercise to engage both the pelvic floor and the deep abdominal muscles. Pelvic floor exercises should be started within 24-48 hrs after the birth of your baby and Pilates can be started 4-6 weeks after a normal delivery and 8-12 weeks after a Caesarean section.

Do your body a favour and seek out Pilates classes in your area
or if you are on the Sunshine Coast, Dulcie Wilson is an experienced Physiotherapist and has training in both women’s health issues and Pilates.
Contact Dulcie at Balance Physio on Buderim - Phone 54501233.

Balance Physio on Buderim

Parent lead or baby lead

Jan Murray

Many parents follow strict routines and others follow baby lead demands. I believe somewhere in between works the best.

In my experience with raising my own children as well as helping many others, I see babies and toddlers secure and settled when they have regular food intake and predictable patterns and cues of sleep and activity throughout their day and night.

If you have not already signed up to receive your FREE 'Routines' eBook you can do it below now. It includes suggested age related routines and ongoing information for both breast and infant formula fed babies and toddlers from birth to 5 years old.

Sign up for your FREE copy here

Help Toddlers Sleep Session

Cherie Morrison

Cherie already new the value of routine but since the session ...

"We have since had 3 full nights sleep !!! The only changes we made were a slightly earlier dinner (15 mins) and no fruit for dessert and no hall light on through the night. So far so good. Am also thoroughly enjoying your recipe book - the meals are so basic and easy but still tasty and suit the whole family. thanks so much".

Jan Murray

1. WINNER of February 'taste it' book purchase.
CONGRATULATIONS Kate Downing.
No doubt you will choose a beautiful keepsake piece from 'Pitter Patter Prints'

2. I have heard that more parents and toddlers are getting sleep after attending the 'Help Toddlers Sleep' session held last month.
This session is now available for individual parenting groups. Minimum 6.
View SESSION OR GROUP category for more details.

3. Are you one of the 113 members who have joined the Settle Petal FACEBOOK? If not, you are welcome to join and take part in the many discussions or connect with other parents and break the isolation that some parents feel.
Why not suggest a facebook 'play date' to connect with each other in a nearby location.

4. DAY CARE CENTRE TALKS
I am doing a variety of talks for a gold coin donation to randomly selected Day Care Centres on the Sunshine Coast. If you attend or work in a Day Care Centre on the Sunshine Coast that has not mentioned me coming and you would like a talk, let me know and I will forward more details to you or your centre.

5. 'taste it - easy baby & toddler recipes along with professional child health advice'
"We have just started our daughter on solids and your book is a godsend", Kristy
EXCLUSIVE 40% DISCOUNT for readers of 'Parenting eNews'
ORDER TODAY - LIMITED TIME ONLY
Place this code: J92I3DSW1DR at the checkout

VIEW WEBSITE FOR DETAILS HERE

Day of the Party

Michelle Eckles

Having a party for your little one can be stressful. Below is an organisational timetable to help you on the day...

*2 hours before – set up decorations/tableware if you weren’t able to do the night before. Also set up any games if you are doing them yourself (including your stereo & music)

*1.5 hours before - get everyone dressed and ready late enough to avoid spills and stains but early enough to avoid any last minute stress.

*1 hour before - put your cake knife/server, plates/napkins, candles and matches somewhere handy and ready (but safe out of the way of little hands).

*45 min before – put an esky where you are having the party or jugs on the table with drinks for the kids, drinks for the adult and water. Put a box/bin out for the rubbish and recyclables

*30 min before - lay out all the food before the guests arrive so you aren’t spending the whole party in and out of the kitchen(even warm food – heat it up just before and keep the foil over it and it will stay warm enough to eat).

*15 min before - have a box ready for all of the wrapping paper or make an area to put the presents aside until after the party.

Sample Party
10.00 Kids arrive & presents get opened
10.15 games/activities or play
11.00 food (have a break between games/activities for kids to have a drink/eat or just let them graze throughout)
11.15 games/activities or play
11.45 cake
12.00 hand out the party bags as the guests leave

Clean up and fall on the couch exhausted thinking to yourself: “I can’t believe all that effort for just two hours that went so fast and I didn’t get a chance to talk to anyone – next time I’ll get 'Ezy Kids Parties' to do everything for me!”

'Ezy Kids Parties' will save you time, energy, stress and money by organising and supplying anything and everything to do with kids parties. Sign up to our birthday reminder service to receive a FREE copy of our party planning checklist, loads of tips and ideas and $10 off your next order.

READ MORE about the before party preparations at http://www.babyparentblog.com

SIGN UP HERE

Unknown to me

Is there a magic cut off period when offspring become accountable for their own actions?

Is there a wonderful moment when
parents can become detached spectators in the lives of their children and shrug, 'It's
their life,' and feel nothing?

When I was in my twenties, I stood in a hospital corridor waiting for doctors to put a few stitches in my daughter's head.
I asked, 'When do you stop worrying?'
The nurse said, 'When they get out of the accident stage.'
My Dad just smiled faintly and said nothing.

When I was in my thirties, I sat on a little chair in a classroom and heard how one of my children talked incessantly, disrupted the class, and was headed for a career making license plates.
As if to read my mind, a teacher
said, 'Don't worry, they all go through this stage and then you can sit back, relax and enjoy them.'
My dad just smiled faintly and said nothing.

When I was in my forties, I spent a lifetime waiting for the phone to ring, the cars to come
home, the front door to open.
A friend said, 'They're trying to find themselves. Don't worry, in a few years, you can stop worrying. they'll be adults.'
My dad just smiled faintly and said nothing.

By the time I was fifty, I was sick & tired of being vulnerable.
I was still worrying over my
children, but there was a new wrinkle. There was nothing I could do about it.
My Dad just smiled faintly and said nothing.

I continued to anguish over their failures, be tormented by their frustrations and absorbed in
their disappointments.

My friends said that when my kids got married I could stop worrying and lead my own life. I wanted to believe that, but I was haunted by my dad's warm smile and his
occasional, 'You look pale. Are you all right?
Call me the minute you get home.
Are you depressed about something?'

Can it be that parents are sentenced to a lifetime of worry? Is concern for one another handed down like a torch to blaze the trail of human frailties and the fears of the unknown?
Is concern a curse or is it a virtue that elevates us to the highest form of life?

One of my children became quite irritable recently, saying to me, 'Where were you? I've been calling for 3 days, and no one answered I was worried.'

I smiled a warm smile.
The torch has been passed.

Eye Contact

Jan Murray

Have you noticed there is often conflicting information about how to settle babies?

It has been my understanding and practice to avoid making eye contact with babies as they are settling into sleep. This is because it stimulates them and prevents them from switching off which has certainly been evident with the babies that I see.

Recently there has been information about eye contact being important for a baby’s development and not having it at sleep time could be to a baby's disadvantage.

It is evident that babies are actually the ones that instinctively break eye contact when they are tired and ready to sleep.

As you settle your baby, if you find eye contact is stimulating them, avoid it, but give them plenty when they are awake and wanting to engage with you.
Staring into the eyes of a tiny baby can help them to settle and sleep.

As parents, you will know what is the right decision to make for settling your baby.

"Bore your baby to sleep" by Howard Chilton Neonatal Paediatrician

Settle Petal changes

Jan Murray

SUNSHINE COAST AREA ONLY

1.CLINIC OPTIONS
There are new
*locations
*time slots
*pricing
See 'Consultation Options' on the website link below for more details.


2. 'NEWBORN WELCOME VISIT'
Gain confidence and feel reassured
in the first few weeks after getting home from hospital.
Book a 'Newborn Welcome Visit' this month, mention you read about it in 'Parenting eNews' and receive 20% OFF your visit. See 'CONSULTATION Options' on the website link below.


3.'GROUP SESSIONS'.
New pricing
Less $$$ for more people.
Book this month, mention you read about it in 'Parenting eNews' to receive an EXTRA $5 OFF.
See 'SESSION or GROUP' menu on the website link below.


4. LAKE KAWANA COMMUNITY CENTRE,BABY AND KIDS MARKET, this Saturday 6TH February I'll be selling 'taste it' at a special market price.


ANYWHERE

5. JOIN A GROUP
There are parents who are looking to connect with other parents raising babies. Therefore, if you belong to a group that meets regularly and you would welcome new mum's or dad's please let me know.
I am compilng a list on the Settle Petal website of groups that meet and would be happy to share there group with others.
Email your town or suburb location, a contact name and detail and I will add it to my website. I can take it off whenever your group stops meeting.
I look forward to hearing from you.
You could also advertise it yourself via Settle Petal Facebook.

DETAIL of UPDATES here

Much more than a recipe book!

Jan Murray

'taste it' is more than just a recipe book, it is a book that answers many questions parents have about starting their baby on solids and progressing through textures and tastes.

It is professional, simple and easy to follow.

On sale at the
BABY AND KIDS MARKET
at a special market price this Saturday 6th Feb 9-12 at
LAKE KAWANA COMMUNITY CENTRE.

BUY A BOOK online or at the B&K market during the month of February to go in the draw to win
A PRICELESS MOMENTO from
Pitter Patter Prints (Value $100)
http://www.pitter-patter.com.au

The winner will be notified by email and published in the next Parenting eNews.

PROMO VIDEO ON SALES PAGE

The BUMBO SEAT or BEDE POD

Jan Murray

The Bumbo Seat or Bede Pod
are both a wonderful
new way to gain maximum interaction and enjoyable communication with your child.

Versatile
- On the beach or park
- Perfect for feeding
- Visiting friends, family
- Attending to more than one child or twins

Applications
- Suggested age (6 weeks to 14 months)
- Lightweight portable
- Durable (easy maintenance)
- Soft & comfortable

Endorsed by Pediatric and Orthopedic Faculties
- Key features are that the seat is at a lower level than the leg openings. This provides correct support for the lumber area of the vertebral column.

- They have a favorable orthopedic effect that is important to assist in the correct spinal development of an infant.

- The raised leg spaces result in an increased flexibility of the baby's hip and knee joints, which has the benefit of decreasing stress on the baby's spine.

- The front support won't push against baby's groin but prevents baby sliding forward.

Which one to choose!
The two products are actually both very impressive, and a big leap in improvement over the past and the limits of bouncy seats. It is not easy to pick a winner, and most parents will hardly find a reason to prefer one over the other.
Read more http://familytravel.suite101.com/article.cfm/bumbo_vs_bebe_pod_baby_seats

If you order one online or at Belly2Bay store ask about the special price offer for the tray.

Order online

6 month old

Elle & Aston, Townsville

"I have changed his feeding habits as you recommended and it has made such a difference already.

I was scared it would be a tough change because even though I put him down awake and let him put himself to sleep I was giving him a big feed first.

Thank you so much, so many people tell you so many things but I have found all of your advice really practical and fairly easy to put into practice!"

'Sleep eClinc' consultation

Sleeping through!!!!

Jan Murray

Five points to consider regarding your baby ‘sleeping through’the night.

1. For a baby under three months, five hours is considered sleeping through!
2. Sleep is largely effected by their personality
3. Are they hungry because they are not getting enough nutrients during the day (milk or solids)?
4. If an unsuitable ‘sleep association’ is being used to settle a baby to sleep, then that can be the cause of them waking you during the night. Some methods suit babies at certain ages better than others
5. Some babies require more sleep than others, therefore consider whether they are developing appropriately and are happy!!!

HOW MUCH SLEEP!!