Many medications can affect your baby so always consult with your doctor before starting or continuing any medication during pregnancy.
We all know "breast is best" for babies, and that it's recommended we exclusively breastfeed our babies until they're six months old. But if breastfeeding isn't working for you and you feel you need to bottle-feed or supplement with formula, here are some things you should know.
Because of its nutritional value, fish is great to eat when you're pregnant. It contains important fatty acids which are crucial to the development of your baby's brain. So eat away - with a few provisos!
Is your baby sad and agitated and having trouble pooing? It could be that they're constipated.
Pregnancy affects women's skin in all sorts of ways. It may be greasier than usual, have a rash, stretch marks or pigmentation - all because of the hormones and other changes taking place in your body.
No matter whether it was planned or not, living alone with children has its moments - both positive ones and more tiring ones. Our single parenting experts share their experiences here to help make your day-to-day life easier.
Why doesn't everything taste as it used to? Moreover, I have such a foul taste in my mouth.
What you eat when you're pregnant is extremely important, but it's even more important if you're vegetarian. Vegetarian mums-to-be need to be especially vigilant about getting enough protein and iron.
There are ways to smooth the transition for a big sister or brother. One is letting them feel as jealous as they want to.
What are contractions?
Here are a number of things you can do to create the best conditions for a good night's sleep!
My partner doesn’t show any signs of really getting the fact that we are going to have a baby. Any suggestions?
Take advantage of your baby’s chilled-out nature and book a quiet relaxing trip. It’s a great bonding experience for the whole family.
How big will I actually get?
For the first time since becoming a parent, you're thinking about handing your child over to a babysitter. Do you dare to? Can you?
There is far too much talk about weight during the pregnancy. This is a time to be eating as healthily as you can so you deliver a healthy baby.
You don't have to stop travelling when you're pregnant. You can travel and even fly right up until week 36, as long as you're feeling OK.
It is easy to forget each other when you become a parent as your baby takes most of your time and energy. What do you do to keep your relationship alive? Share your suggestions here.
What kind of foetal diagnosis is available?
I didn’t know I was pregnant and I had some wine, is there any reason to worry?
You are pregnant again - congratulations! Here are five tips to prepare your older child. Because this time round, there are three people awaiting the baby. And one of you is not so sure this is a good idea.
It’s time for the big conversation. Already. About what kind of parents you want to be. And what kind of child you hope to raise.
A miscarriage is the loss of a life and the loss of a dream. And along with that sense of loss comes worry that you may never have another child.
First of all, to prevent cot death, put your baby down to sleep on their back. And never smoke around your baby.
It's happening! Grab your bags and head to the hospital. Here is what will happen when you get there.
Here is some down-to-earth wisdom from other Treasures parents about food:
I’m really, really afraid of the birth, what shall I do?
For those days when you're stuck for ideas, here's a list of fun things to do indoors together.
A fever is a sign the body is fighting an infection such as a cold. Here are a few tips for babies running a temperature.
The key to a healthy appetite is letting your baby play with their food, and eating meals together.
Perhaps you've got the pregnancy test in your hand and you've just found out that you're pregnant! Congratulations! This is the beginning of a long, exciting, fantastic, fun, sometimes tough and tiresome journey. Welcome aboard!
Your LMC will be a really important person in your life over the next few months. He/She is the one responsible for monitoring your health, answering all your questions and being your sounding board.
Your baby is growing and can go for longer periods without food. Hopefully, this is reflected in their nighttime sleep patterns. If not, we have a few sleep tips for you.
It's not hard to become the best birth coach ever. Start by reading this article and you're almost there.
I have heartburn, what can I do?
What can you do if your child will only eat one thing, or if they won't eat anything at all? The best advice is to keep your cool. Don't make a big deal out of it if your child is fussy or flatly refuses to eat.
The space is narrow and it can take time. So how does the baby experience delivery? Very little is known about this, but what we do know is it's a tough journey.
Siblings’ fights are common, squabbling and arguing is more or less a part of family life. But perhaps that knowledge isn’t enough for you to keep your cool and stay sane. Carry on reading and get some tips on how to keep the peace around the house.
I’m feeling so sick, and have problems eating, can that affect my baby?
Before you started breastfeeding, you probably never heard of baby growth spurts. But growth spurts are the reason your baby is fretful and whiny during certain times and just wants to stay at your breast the whole day.
So you don't want to have sex. That's ok. Actually, everything inside you and around you is working against your desire for sex. But soon your sex drive will return. Just be patient and keep the intimacy between you alive.
It's never too early to prepare for the birth.
Does sex still feel like something that other people do for fun? Are you just not that interested? There's no reason to worry; you're not alone. The important thing is to keep the intimacy alive.
How often should the baby move?
Routine sounds dull to us grown-ups, but it's the exact opposite for children. They love things to be predictable; it makes them feel happy and secure.
Chances are the only thing you know about childbirth is that it hurts. And that's enough to scare anybody. One way of dealing with your worry is by getting informed.
What do you do when you and your ex don't agree on what your children are allowed and not allowed to do? Any advice would be great!
Most babies spit up often because they have had too much to eat. There are some things you could try to minimise the vomiting.
You can ease birth pain and help the birthing process by moving a bit and switching between different positions.
Why do I have these crazy dreams?
Here are some ways you can help your child develop their vocabulary and communication skills.
I have trouble sleeping, any suggestions?
Playing isn't just fun - it's vital for your child. In fact, playing freely is better than anything else they could be doing.
Why isn’t the baby born on the due day?
My gums are bleeding, why?
Here is some down-to-earth wisdom from Treasures (local adaption) mums .
Some babies love having a bath, others don't. But either way, this is how you do it.
Your newborn will eat and sleep and eat and sleep again, for the next couple of months. But a few pre-sleep rituals might help, even at this early stage.
It begins with small portions of puréed food. The next step is chewing on more solid food, until eventually, you and your child are eating the same food.
Two people decide when it's time to stop using nappies: you and your toddler. There's no point trying to hurry the process; sooner or later all children say goodbye to nappies.
At around three to four months of age, your baby will be able to tell the difference between night and day, and that gives some hope for a more settled sleep pattern from now on. Time for some bedtime rituals and a teddy bear!
It's over. The birth is over. Your baby is lying in your arms and you're probably counting his or her fingers and toes, examining your precious bundle from head to toe. Congratulations, you're now a mother.
Most bacteria and viruses will not harm your baby. But unfortunately there are some exceptions.
Caesarean sections, or c-sections, can either be planned or carried out as an emergency procedure when a delivery doesn't go as planned.
At parent groups, there's room for celebration, laughing and sharing successes and frustrations over a cup of tea. In short, they can be sanity savers for new parents!
IVF is used in all cases of involuntary childlessness. And after three attempts with IVF as many as almost two thirds are parents.
I’m so worried about having a miscarriage, is there anything I can do to prevent one?
A food allergy is usually very easy to spot - your child will get a reaction such as rash or stomach pain. But this may not be a permanent allergy. Luckily, some food intolerances are only temporary.
I had a light period, but the pregnancy test is positive – am I pregnant or not?
What Doctor Spock said already in 1946 still holds true: The key to Mom’s confidence is: “Trust yourself; you know more than you think you do.”
There is actually only one rule when it comes to buying maternity clothes: Wait, until you really need some.
Even if you eat a healthy, varied diet during pregnancy, it can be hard to get enough folic acid and calcium, in particular. Multivitamin tablets can be a good solution.
Breastfeeding is the only thing you can't do. But you're still nearly as important as your partner in the breastfeeding process. That's because help and support are the key to successful breastfeeding.
The key to learning to read is closely linked to being curious about reading. You can awaken that curiosity and a love of reading in your child.
Do you trickle a bit when you run or sneeze? Is jumping out of the question? Time to do those pelvic floor exercises!
I occasionally have stabbing pains in my sides, is that anything to worry about?
Is it time to say goodbye to nappies? Does it look like your child can tell when they are peeing or pooing? That's great! Here's how to go about toilet training.
Here are some handy things that are useful to know about little kids, food and eating.
Can sex harm the baby?
When it comes to dressing your baby, layers rule, along with clothes that breathe.
A baby subjected to passive smoking has an increased risk of developing allergy-related diseases, respiratory diseases, infections in the middle ear, colic and cot death (SIDS).
It's not very common for babies to be born prematurely. But if they are, a premature baby gets the very best care and has very good prospects for the future.
For many women, one of the first signs of pregnancy is a feeling of sickness in the pit of their stomach. No, it's not dread or fear (usually!); it's morning sickness! Not pleasant, but here are some things that might help.
How do you know if it's started? There's a sure sign; regular contractions. When the contractions get as frequent as three in ten minutes, it could be time to go.
A baby carrier "front pack" or sling is a wonderful accessory during the first months. Your baby gets to snuggle up close, while you get a bit more freedom.
The first signs of pre-eclampsia are often high blood pressure and swelling of the hands, feet and abdomen. The most common remedy is rest. If this doesn't help and the pre-eclampsia goes from mild to severe, a caesarean may be advised.
If you've spent the last six months drinking only milk, it's going to take a while to get used to chewing and appreciating new tastes. That's why we start with small tastes of food.
Tired? Short of breath? And somewhere around week 20 of your pregnancy? You probably need more iron.
One out of six couples have difficulties conceiving. But going through a fertility investigation may be enough to help you get pregnant. And sometimes just talking to your gynacologist.
When and how to change a nappy is not rocket science, but a few tips can come in handy. Here are some!
From planning to flying. From packing to sightseeing. From expectations to reality. Here is your guide to traveling with your toddler – the great adventure!
We don't mean to scare you, but once your baby is on the move, they are exposed to new dangers. The most common include falls, burns and scalds, water hazards and poisons. Time to baby-proof your home.
How much should children sleep at this age?
Ultrasound scans are available to all pregnant women, and are an exciting experience for many. Often it's during an ultrasound scan that you truly realise you're going to be a parent. It can be especially wonderful for dads and older siblings.
With all due respect to hormones, it's your baby who starts your breast milk flowing. And your baby who determines the amount of milk you produce. So to get breastfeeding started or to produce more breast milk, put your baby to your breast.
How can I tell the difference between false and real contractions?
Thinking about getting pregnant? Here are some tips to boost your fertility.
Do I have to change my fitness routine?
It's a toddler's body that dictates when it's time to stay dry for a whole night. Until that happens, there's no point trying to hurry the process.
After three months spent cocooned with your baby on the sofa, you're ready to move into a new phase with your baby.
Perhaps your pregnancy clashes with your work? You have legal rights that you might not be aware of. Your work environment should be safe both for you and your unborn baby.
Oops! Your waters have broken, but no contractions. Call your LMC. It may not be time to have your baby just yet, but it is time for a check-up.
You don't have to stop going to the gym when you're pregnant. just ask the staff to tailor your fitness programme as your pregnancy progresses.
Your baby’s skin is soft and sensitive. So choose baby clothes with care, for environmental and health reasons as well as comfort. Here are some tips.
A blast in the fresh air is just what you need to beat cabin fever. Here are some fun things to do outside with your preschooler.
When you are a single parent, a large and active network is the best support. Building such a network doesn't need to be hard. Start here.
Hitting a friend when you don't get your way isn't uncommon at this age. But that doesn't mean it's right. It can help you as a parent to have some strategies to stop it happening again.
After-pains, bloody discharge and constipation... the things that follow birth aren't exactly fun. But here are some explanations and consolations regarding your body after the birth.
Perhaps you’re even more excited than your kid, who knows, but after all it’s the first day of preschool. Here’re some little things to make the transition smoother.
Whoops, the milk's leaking out. It makes a mess and your breasts feel taut and tight. Here are some tips for dealing with too much milk.
If toilet training isn't working, the best advice is to relax, put your toddler back in nappies and try again later.
As a parent, seeing your baby cry is painful. For the most part, they simply want to be close, if they're not hungry. So here are 15 tips for comforting a sad little baby.
Our skin protects us and produces vital vitamin D. So it's important to take care of it. Small babies' skin isn't fully developed, so needs extra care.
What toys are safe?
In a way, you're sharing your food with your baby when you are breastfeeding.. So think about what you put on your plate and make sure it's nutritious and varied.
An instruction manual for Baby. Here is some advice regarding washing and dressing your baby, caring for their nails, belly button and hair.
If I trip or if someone bumps into my stomach, can that hurt the baby?
I´m supposed to write a birth plan, but this is my first time and I don’t know anything of what to expect and even less what to write. Is there any point with a birth plan in that case?
Nobody knows how much alcohol you can drink before it harms your baby. So for that reason, abstaining from alcohol altogether during pregnancy is a good idea.
I’m itching all over, why?
About half of all pregnant women report feeling nauseous during pregnancy. It's due to a combination of a drop in blood sugar levels and/or fluctuating pregnancy hormones. And it can be really, really tough.
Putting your baby on the breast sounds easy, but all mothers breastfeeding for the first time can do with some guidelines on the correct sucking technique and a comfortable breastfeeding position.
Your five new favourite diaper bag essentials
Sure you're eating for two, and one of you is developing. Unfortunately that doesn't mean you should actually eat for two; wouldn't that be great? Here is what you need to know about eating during pregnancy.
What should I pack for the birth?
Fatigue, weight, joy - double it; you’re having twins! But not to worry. Odds are that you’re going to have two healthy babies.
Whether it's a planned or an emergency caesarean, the procedure and the outcome are the same. You'll have a 15-cm-long scar along your bikini line and your baby in your arms.
You don't have to sign up for a class or a gym to get that heart rate going. The only thing you need to do is step out of the house.
Nappy rash is irritated skin on your baby's little bum. However careful you are, it can be difficult to prevent. But here are some tips.
It can be hard to know what type of pain relief to choose before labour starts, since you don't know what kind of pain you'll be dealing with. The only thing to do is read up about different pain relief solutions beforehand, so at least you're familiar with the options when the time comes.
Your little explorer is growing up at such a rapid rate that sometimes it's hard to keep up with their new tricks. That's why it's important to start baby-proofing your home now, before you really need to. Here's a guide to baby-proofing your home.
A common question concerning breastfeeding is how long and how often mothers should breastfeed. Your baby will probably have very strong opinions on this, and it's wise to follow their lead.
It's frustrating - and worrying - when you can't get pregnant, despite trying for months and months. Many people tell you it will happen if you don't think about it. But just not thinking about it is impossible.
When does the baby recognise my voice?
I’m not feeling any morning sickness at all; does that mean my pregnancy isn’t strong enough?
Returning to work after becoming a mother can be really strange. Now that you're back, it's as if nothing has changed.
Cradle cap is a thick layer of brownish/yellowish scales made up of dead skin cells and grease. Cradle cap is not dangerous, but it can take time to get rid of, so it's best to prevent it from happening in the first place.
Children who have been breastfed during their first four months are less likely to develop asthma and allergies. The added protection lasts until they’re eight years old.
What to buy?
When should you drop the morning nap?
Here is some down-to-earth wisdom from other Treasures (local adaption) parents:
Choosing a name can be one of the biggest challenges – and one of the most fun things – you’ll face during pregnancy. Here are some tips for that very important decision.
You might be keen to get rid of some of your baby weight after the birth, but to begin with, walking will have to do, until your midwife gives you the green light to increase your efforts.
Buying a pram or buggy is a bit like buying a car; it all depends on your individual needs and preferences.
You might find it hard to believe, but you're very likely to develop an interest in poo - your baby's poo to be precise. Poo can tell us a lot about a baby's general state of health and wellbeing.
This is the age when you can’t go out of the room without your baby getting worried. It’s time to start playing a lot of peek-a-boo.
Are you feeling anxious? Or just plain frightened when you think about giving birth? You're not the only one. But you should share your concerns with your midwife.
You need to be extra careful in the kitchen when cooking for babies and toddlers, as they're more sensitive than adults to things like bacteria that can upset their stomachs.
Pregnancy doesn't mean you have to confine yourself to the couch for 40 weeks. Far from it. Taking regular exercise won't just make you feel better, it can also help with the birth.
After an emergency caesarean section there can be a lot of mixed emotions - relief, disappointment and fear may be some of them. And an emergency caesarean section is also very stressful for the father/partner.
Colic is every parent's nightmare. It's rare, but that's not much of a comfort when you have a crying baby in your arms. Colic is really tough and you should not hesitate to ask for help from family and friends.
It's your baby who gets breastfeeding started - by having an appetite. It's as easy as that. All you need to do to start breastfeeding is put your baby on your breast. Well, almost.
Chores are not just about helping each other around the house. They’re about building self-esteem and, in the long run, self-reliance.
Does it feel like your baby has trouble settling down in the evening? Is he or she unhappy most of the time? Try taking things easy for a while and see if that helps.
Shyness is a matter of personality. So it’s not your child who has to change; it’s you. Maybe it sounds harsh. But it’s not hard at all. It just requires less pushing.
Everybody wants to know how long labour will last. The answer is maybe around 20 hours. But it can be shorter. Or longer.
Can I kick-start the labour?
It's hard to tell if there's something wrong with your child's speech and language development or not. But trust your instincts and make that telephone call if you're at all worried.
If you had no problems conceiving your first baby, you probably assume it will be the same second time around. Many couples are taken by surprise when they find they do have trouble and that this isn't unusual.
For nutritional reasons, your baby will have to be fed at night until they're at least six months old.
If you're pregnant, you need to make doubly sure the food you eat is safe, because food poisoning can sometimes harm your baby.
Get ready to have fun! Here is the recipe for fingerpaint. Yes, it's a bit messy at this age. But why not take it outside?
So you want a well-mannered kid? It’s actually not that hard. But there is a catch; you have to be well-behaved yourself...
It's time to find a good preschool, a difficult and important decision many parents face. Here are some key questions that will help you decide whether it's the right preschool for you, your child and your family.
Time passes slowly when you're waiting to start labour, and even more slowly if you're overdue. But a scheduled induction can feel like both a blessing and a disappointment.
The blood in the umbilical cord contains blood stem cells, that could be used if your child were to get sick. This is why a growing number of prospective parents are offered the opportunity, by private companies, to save the blood from the umbilical cord should there be any need for them in the future. Necessary or not? Here you can find out more?
Small children breathe mainly through their nose, so it's especially distressing when they catch a cold. Here are a few tips to ease those days with a blocked nose.
Between 10 and 15 per cent of women suffer from postnatal depression in the first year after childbirth. It's an emotional state, where you feel sad and anxious and it affects all aspects of your life. But help is nearby; you just need to ask.
If your baby is in a breech position, your doctor will try to turn them around. But there are also things you can try at home.
Blocked milk ducts is not an uncommon problem, but left untreated it can develop into mastitis. Here are some tips for dealing with blocked ducts.
A lot of pregnant women experience back pain and pain in the pelvis. Here are some things you can do to ease the pain.
Friendships are one of the most important things there are. But it’s not really until now your kid will actually make friends. It takes time to get all the skills you need to be a friend.
All babies cry to some extent. During the first year, it is their foremost, and most important, means of communication. And you’re supposed to feel it to your core.
How much weight will I gain?
It's easier said than done, to stop smoking. But expecting a baby is a really good reason to quit and maybe your best-ever motivator.
Back home with your baby and a line of stitches on your belly. It hurts and you need to heal properly. Here are some tips on coping at home after a caesarean section.
