My Passion : Babywearing

I should start update my blog after 2 years of 'spider-webbing' my blog. I have a LOT to share yet to little time to do so (or re-phrasing: managing my time better..) N let's stop mumbling and nagging with no focus. Erm, I think i would more than love to share about one of my passion these days (lepas jadi mak orang). I.LOVE.BABYWEARING.

Syakir was 6 months

We started our journey in babywearing when Syakir was 6 months old woth MobyWrap. Oh, Syakir just loving it! It's not so airy but the warmth is tolerable. And, what exactly BABYWEARING.

Babywearing – holding/carrying a baby/young child with a cloth or a carrier. Holding babies is natural & universal but by using carriers makes it easier & more comfortable, allowing parents & caregivers to hold/ carry children while attending housechores or daily task.   

 Orang kampung saya cakap Babywearing tapi kalau bahasa modennya "menggendong bayi". Ia bukanlah sesuatu yang baru dan telah dipraktikkan sejak berkurun dahulu all around the world. Dengan mudahnya, kita membawa anak dengan menggunakan sehelai kain / carrier yang bersesuaian tanpa meninggalkan elemen2 keselamatan.

 

Jadi, apa yang seronok sgt menggendong anak ni? Eh, nak susahkan diri kenapa, stroller kan ada? Dah asyik mendukung jer anaknya, nanti lambat pulak berjalan anak tu baru tahu. Susah la anak tu nanti kalau maknya nak bekerja. Inilah beberapa pertanyaan/pandangan yang pernah dilontarkan kepada saya, namun saya ada sebab kenapa saya memilih untuk menggendong anak saya :

   i. Hormon oksitosin meningkat melalui physical contact dengan bayi, mengarahkan kepada hubungan keibuan yang lebih rapat, memudahkan penyusuan susu ibu dan penjagaan yang lebih baik, secara tidak langsung mengurangkan masalah postpartum depression and psychosomatic illness bagi ibu-ibu.

  ii. Bayi yang didukung/dikendong adalah bayi yang lebih tenang kerana all of their primal/survival needs are met. Bayi dapat melihat, mendengar, dapat bau, dapat merasakan kehadiran ibu mereka. Ini juga membantu meningkatkan perkembangan neural, gastrointestinal & kesihatan pernafasan and to establish balance (inner ear development) and muscle tone is constant. 

iii. Bayi lebih teratur and mudah dikendalikan. Bayi dapat mendengar ritma jantung ibu/bapa yang mampu menenangkan dan membuatkan bayi berasa dalam keadaan selamat. 

iv. Meningkatkan perkembangan sosial bayi. Bagaimana? Bayi adalah lebih dekat dengan ibu/bapa yang membolehkan bayi mengenali ekspresi wajah, cepat belajar bahasa dan familiar dengan body language.

 v.  Bayi menjadi lebih independence.

 vi.  Attachment between child and caregiver is more secure.   

vii. Mengurangkan risiko positional plagiocephaly ("flat head syndrome") yang disebabkan oleh extended time tidur secara telentang (on the back) dalam baby carseat or atas bantal. Seterusnya, I would prefer to note it in English. Sleeping on the back is recommended to decrease the risk of SIDS. Cranial distortion resulting from non-vehicular time in car seats has shown to be more severe than in children who develop plagiocephaly from back-lying on a mattress. None of the babywearing positions require infants to lie supine while being carried. Infants can even be worn while they sleep, also decreasing sleeping time spent in a supine position.  

Syakir slept on my back, comfortably, both me n him

 viii. Kajian mengenai ikatan ibubapa-anak, dengan mengendong bayi, ia boleh mengurangkan potensi bayi menangis dan membolehkan ibubapa menyediakan suasana yang optimum sebagai attachment between parent & child. Dengan mengendong bayi, ia membantu ibu2 serta bapa2 semasa mendukung bayi dengan lebih mudah. Dengan menambah jumlah bayi masa tersebut didukung/dipegang, ia membawa kepada pengurangan jumlah masa bayi tersebut menangis. There is an inverse relationship between number of hours spend crying & a child is held in a given day.

ix. Dengan mengendong anak, ibu atau bapa dapat melaksanakan kerja2 harian with 2 free hands. Suami sangat suka outing sebab dia tidak perlu bersusah mengendalikan stroller dan saya suka kerana saya punya keluasan boot kereta yang sesuai untuk lebih membeli-belah!! 

 x. Ia juga membolehkan anak turut serta terlibat dengan interaksi sosial dan melihat keliling mereka seperti orang dewasa. Anak saya boleh turut memilih buah-buahan, sayur-sayur and things he wants semasa membeli-belah. Dia mampu berinteraksi dan tidak kekok untuk bersosial. Alhamdulillah, anak saya berjalan pada usia 11 bulan, mampu bercakap pada usia 1 tahun dan dia bukanlah seorang yang clingy (unless he is not well).

  xi. Many sling users found that it is easier on the back & shoulders than carrying their infant in a car seat. The weight of the child is spread more evenly across the upper body.

xii. Slings can also be a fashion statement. They come in many different designs and colors and are available in many different types of materials, including silk, hemp, cotton, wool, fleece, and flax/linen.

Breastfeeding, basic to know.

Why is it best??

Breast milk is the best food for your baby. Ask any health professional, and they will respond that the healthiest way to feed an infant is to breastfeed him. Studies show that breastfeeding exclusively for at least three months may help prevent gastroenteritis (an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, involving both the stomach and the small intestine and resulting in acute diarrhoea. It can be transferred by contact with contaminated food and water. The inflammation is caused most often by an infection from certain viruses or less often by bacteria, their toxins, parasites, or an adverse reaction to something in the diet or medication) in babies. If you do so for at least four months, you may be able to lower your baby's risk of respiratory illness and catching ear infections.
Breast milk starts from colostrums (a form of milk produced by the mammary glands of mammals in late pregnancy. Most species will generate colostrums just prior to giving birth; containing antibodies to protect the newborn against disease, as well as being lower in fat and higher in protein than ordinary milk) is a complete food source; it contains all the nutrients your baby needs - at least 400 of them - including hormones and disease-fighting compounds absent in infant milk formula. Remarkably, its nutritional make-up even adjusts to your baby's needs as she grows and develops. And apart from the brain-building, infection-fighting benefits of mother's milk, which no formula can duplicate, breastfeeding can help to build a special bond between you and your baby. When you breastfeed, your child thrives on the skin-to-skin contact, the cuddling and the holding. You will, too.

Preparing for breastfeeding

You can't really prepare your nipples for the experience of breastfeeding, but you can, and should, prepare your mind. It helps to learn as much about breastfeeding as you can before your baby is born. Dads should learn as much as possible, too, so they can support and encourage their breastfeeding wives.
From the class I’ve attended, first and foremost, you have to have your own intention and let your mind in peace on the trial giving the baby breastfeed. You can’t stressed out and being too pushy to yourself as this will stop / discourage the production of milk by mammary gland. It’s all controlled in your mind and never thinks it as simple as ABC!!!

How should I prepare for breastfeeding?

Learn as much as you can about breastfeeding before your baby is born. Talk to other breastfeeding mothers, read books to familiarise yourself and contact local breastfeeding support organisations. Try to attend a breastfeeding class or preparation for breastfeeding session (offered by many hospitals as part of their antenatal classes) sometime during your last few months.
Whether you think about it or not, your pregnant body is preparing itself for breastfeeding. That's one reason your breasts get so much bigger during pregnancy -- your milk ducts and milk-producing cells are developing, and more blood goes to your breasts than before. But breast size has nothing to do with the ability to breastfeed successfully -- even if you stay small-breasted, that will not reduce your chances of being able to feed your baby yourself.

How to breastfeed

Since feeds can take anything from seven to 40 minutes, pick a comfortable place for breastfeeding. Atmosphere is very important, especially in the early days of breastfeeding when you're still trying to get the hang of it. If you are easily distracted and disrupted by noise, find somewhere quiet. If you are easily bored, you may want to feed in front of the television, but only if breastfeeding is going well for you and your baby. Try different spots until you find what works for you.
Hold your baby in a position that won't leave your arms and back sore. Add support around you with plenty of cushions. Many women find the cradle position works well, although it really depends on what is most comfortable for you. Get yourself and your baby in a relaxed position before you start feeding. Pay attention to how your breasts feel when your baby latches on. She / He should take in a big mouthful of breast tissue. If latching on hurts, break the suction - by inserting your little finger between your babies’s gums and your nipple - and try again. Once your baby latches on properly, she will be able to do the rest.

Problems you may encounter

Although women have breastfed their babies for centuries, it isn't always easy. Many women face difficulties in the early days. In the first six weeks, as your milk supply adjusts and your baby learns how to breastfeed, you may suffer from:
• Engorgement: overfull breasts;
• Mastitis: an inflammation of the breast;
• Sore nipples.

As I said b4, u can't expect it to be that easy-breezy thing to do...All u need is a peace n ease of mind, babes!!!

What you may be feeling

Some women adjust to breastfeeding easily, encountering no major hurdles. But many new mothers find it hard to learn - so if you're feeling discouraged, remember that you're not the only one. If you feel like giving up (or just want professional advice), contact a breastfeeding counsellor (most hospitals have them). You could also contact Ibu Family Resource Group, a volunteer organisation which hosts breastfeeding support groups in their Klang Valley HQ. The organisation may also be able to recommend groups in other parts of the country. Also, talk to your doctor about any health concerns that may impede successful breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding takes practice. Give yourself as much time as you need to get it down to a fine art. Take it a day, a week or even just a feed at a time. If you're having a bad feeding day, tell yourself that tomorrow will be better. And keep in mind that any problems you are having are likely to be temporary. By the time of your six-week check, you'll probably be breastfeeding without giving it a second thought. If not, don't hesitate to ask for support.

Breastfeeding in public

Although you may feel shy about breastfeeding in front of other people, it is becoming an increasingly common sight in urban Malaysia. Besides, you can't be expected to run home every time your baby needs to eat. Some tops are designed to allow you to breastfeed discreetly. Avoid shirts that you have to unbutton as they will make you feel very exposed - stretchy tops you can pull up work well. Draping a scarf, selendang or thin cloth blanket over your shoulder and chest as your baby feeds also helps you feed more discreetly in public (make sure your child is still able to breathe easily).
Most of the larger shopping centres built or renovated within the last five years have mother and baby rooms where you can sit comfortably and feed alongside others. Even if you don't have access to such facilities, most establishments will accommodate a nursing mother and hungry baby. Go ahead and ask for a discreet room or corner when you want to feed your baby. Soon, when breastfeeding becomes more familiar, you won't think twice about feeding your baby in public.
On the other hand, you may want to consider the fact that the Malaysian lifestyle can present some unique challenges to breastfeeding in public. For instance, if you are out at the hawker squares or 24-hour mamak stalls (never mind facilities, where can I find a clean toilet?!), it may be better to give your hungry baby a quick feed in your car (doors locked and engine running so you can run the air-con). Complete the feed once you are home.

What you need to buy

You will need to buy at least two breastfeeding bras. These provide the extra support that your larger-than-usual breasts need. They come with hooks or zips that you can easily undo when you need to feed. Ensure that they are properly fitted and that any flaps open completely. If only a small part of the breast is exposed, the bra may push against you and cause blocked ducts. You may want to wait until after you give birth to make this purchase, to make sure you get a bra that fits perfectly. Note that good quality maternity, breastfeeding or nursing bras are not fitted with underwire as the hard wires can cause blocked ducts.
Some mothers find that their breasts have a tendency to leak when they're lactating. Another baby's cry or the sight of an infant can stimulate milk flow, sometimes at inopportune moments. Make sure you have a good supply of breast pads. You can stock up on washable pads, or buy disposable ones.

Can I breastfeed after I go back to work?

Going back to work doesn't have to mean the end of breastfeeding. In fact, mothers who work outside the home are often able to feed their babies for as long as they want. You may want to express milk at work or breastfeed only when you are with your baby. Both are possible.

Do I need to toughen my nipples or do anything else beforehand?

The hormonal changes pregnancy brings to the breasts are sufficient preparation for most women. You don't need to use creams to soften your skin beforehand or express colostrums either. In particular, don't rub or scrub your nipples - this will only hurt you and make breastfeeding difficult.
The best preparation for breastfeeding is getting your husband and family to support you in your decision to breastfeed, so that you and your baby can get off to a good start. Research shows that you are more likely to breastfeed for longer if your husband is well-informed.
The other thing you can do to help breastfeeding is make sure that your obstetrician as well as the midwives and nurses who attend you during your baby's birth know that you would like plenty of skin-to-skin contact with your baby when he or she is born. Skin-to-skin contact has been shown to increase the length of time that women breastfeed for. Even if you need a caesarean birth, you can still hold your baby against your skin soon after the birth with some help from a nurse. Your baby may crawl to the breast and may feed, or he or she may only smell the breast, lick it or nuzzle it. All these things will help establish and promote breastfeeding.

Hence, for all newly-mom-to-be...Have a peace in mind n know what are your options in welcoming your newborn!!!

Jatidiri

it's May 2, 2010 which date that has been awaited by Sidang B generally to start our new phase of DPA....being sent to go through physical module out of INTAN, BOMBA had been our 1st module..after a week of intensive training in INTAN, on May 2, 2010 we were headed to Kuala Kubu Bharu...

A lot of new things learnt n introduced, nothing simple in this world actually...anyhow, we (Sidang B) had our best time there...

1st training is BA Gallery plus goin into sewer...the gallery was totally dark n u cud only rely on ur frens...n sewer??challenging as u r bringing together how many kilos of breathing apparatus cylinder at ur bax...

not forgetting rope repelling, oil spill simulator, CFBT (character fire behavior training, correct me if i'm wrong), kawad hos and penyelamat...

and more, RTA (Road Traffic Accident) where we cud hv a try of potong-memotong kereta...

Pregnancy Week 35

All About You

As my baby-to-be keeps growing, now my maternity clothes fit tightly. Clothes aren't the only things getting tighter—my body's internal organs are running out of room, too. I need to take more breaths since my lungs have less space and sometime I’d easily felt exhausted. My meal now is smaller in size but more frequent since my stomach doesn't have room to expand. Remember, only a few more weeks to go! There are tightening of the abdomen at times, especially if I've been on my feet all day. These false contractions, called Braxton Hicks, are normal.

Breastfeeding Basics

Breast milk provides your baby with the perfect food. Not only is breast milk filled with all your baby's nutritional needs such as disease-fighting antibodies, but it also comes at the ideal temperature and there's no measuring required. But just because breast milk is best for your baby, doesn't mean you or your baby will know how to nurse at first.

"Women should understand that breastfeeding is work," says Dr. Joanne Motino Bailey, PhD, and a certified nurse midwife. "Just because the body is made to [breastfeed] doesn't mean it doesn't involve some practice."

Babies and nursing: Babies love to suck. This sucking reflex is so strong that even if your baby's not hungry, you'll notice her smacking her lips. Before long you'll learn when your baby is sucking for practice and when she's ready to eat. It will take you a few days to get into a feeding rhythm with your baby. Expect to feed him every two to three hours since your baby digests breast milk easily.

Preparing your body for nursing: Before your baby arrives, talk to your healthcare provider about your desire to nurse. Your provider can examine your breasts to make sure you're ready. Some women have flat or inverted nipples that can be difficult for the baby to suck, but with some guidance, your provider can help you overcome these problems.

Your body readies itself for nursing by increasing the amount of breast tissue throughout your pregnancy. This tissue houses the milk production factory your body becomes to feed your baby. You'll notice your breasts leaking, especially in the last few weeks. This clear to whitish fluid, called colostrums, or foremilk, is packed with antibodies and will provide your baby with nourishment for the first few days of his life until your milk comes in.

Getting Started: Most hospitals have a lactation consultant on staff who can guide you through nursing. If you hope to breastfeed, a lactation consultant can help you get on track so you and Baby nurse soon after birth. Breastfeeding doesn't always go according to plan, though. Some women experience troubles (such as engorgement, infection, or nipple irritation) and some just can't seem to get it to work. Know that if you do have troubles nursing, it isn't your fault and you're not alone.

During nursing, your nipple and areola (the pigmented circle around the nipple) should be inside your baby's mouth. If your baby only sucks on the end of your nipple, your nipple will quickly become sore and nursing will be painful. At first getting this much of your breast into your newborn's mouth may seem awkward, but with practice both you and your baby will become pros.

There are several ways to hold your infant while she's feeding, including the classic cradle hold where her head rests at the crook of your elbow for support and her body is turned toward you. Your lactation consultant can explain several other positions until you find what's most comfortable to you.

All About Baby

At 35 weeks, your baby is considered full-term and she looks developed. The soft, fuzzy hairs that once covered her body begin to disappear. She continues to add fat layers, which will help her stay warm once she's out of the womb. During these last weeks, your baby is developed sleeping patterns (and they often have little to do with night and day!)

The baby weighs in a little over 5 pounds and stretches to around 18 inches (crown to heel).

I think my nipples are inverted. Will I still be able to breastfeed?

Yes, you should be able to breastfeed. In some cases it may require a bit of work and assistance from a lactation consultant, but it can be done! There are many tricks and tools we have to help moms whose nipples are inverted.

What are inverted nipples? An inverted nipple is one that does not stand out on its own. Some moms may have flat nipples and some may have truly inverted nipples. (You can do a pinch test during pregnancy or meet with a lactation consultant if you have questions about the status of your own nipples.) Using your thumb and index finger, hold onto your areola about an inch from your nipple and gently squeeze. Your nipple will do one of three things: stand out, remain flat or become inverted—kind of like belly button! When a woman's nipples are inverted, it is usually as a result of adhesions (acting much like a rubber band) holding the nipple back or pulling it in. Depending on how inverted the nipple is and how well your baby can latch will determine your ability to nurse. Many times after a baby gets started with nursing, the nipple will improve and stand out more easily.

Some of the strategies that may be used to assist you if you do have inverted nipples include:

ü Using breast shell periodically during pregnancy and also 30 minutes before you nurse to help your nipples stand out and loosen adhesions.

ü Manual stimulation before feedings to help the nipple "stand out" (rolling or gently tugging on nipple just prior to latching your baby can help).

ü Using a breast pump for a few minutes prior to nursing to help coax the nipple out.

ü Using a breast shield. This is different from a breast shell and is a thin, silicone nipple that fits over your own nipple. It has holes in the end to allow your milk to come through. This should be used with the guidance and support of a lactation consultant. (If not used properly it may affect how efficiently your baby removes milk from your breast and in turn decrease your ability to produce enough milk.

ü

33 weeks pregnant

My baby now weighs about 4.2 pounds / 2 kilograms and measures approximately 17 inches / 44 centimetres from head to toe. He / She baby should already be getting ready for birth by turning upside-down - his head should be pointing down. From the past one month, every time I got scanned, his/her head is already pointing down. However, the doctor did mention that I have more water than I should have which brings me to my very first MGTT test. So, the appointment has been made and all I have to do is to go through the test and pray the best for me and the baby, of course.

The doctor now is paying more careful attention to my baby's position in the coming weeks - some babies do decide to turn back round again. The baby's skull is still quite pliable and not completely joined, so he/she can ease out of the relatively narrow birth canal. But the bones in the rest of his body are hardening. My baby's skin is as well gradually becoming less red and wrinkled.

As I am a first-time mother, as from the doctor, my child's head may move into the pelvis this week and press firmly against my cervix. (This happens for about half of all first-time mothers.)But if you're a second-time mum, you can expect this to happen a week before labour - and for some this won't happen until the start of labour. I really hoping to manage my labour naturally and this is all I need to know about natural pain relief:

1. Warmth

People have used warmth to relax tense muscles for a long time and it can also be used to provide relief from labour pain. Warm your back, tummy or groin using a wheat bag or a hot water bottle. A wheat bag is a cloth bag filled with wheat husks which you heat up for a few minutes in the microwave; - they drape and shape themselves to you and will stay warm for an hour or more. You may have to order them online.

If you're going to use a hot-water bottle, fill it with hot (but not boiling) water, and carefully wrap it in a towel or soft cover before using it. Don't forget that massage provides warmth as well. Having someone rub your back will warm your skin as well as stimulating your body to release natural pain-killing substances. Using a birthing pool is another way to envelope yourself in all-encompassing warmth – see below.

When your baby's head is being born, a soft warm flannel or compress placed over your perineum (the tissue between the back of the vagina and the back passage) may make you feel more comfortable as the tissue stretches, although it won't necessarily prevent any tears to the area.

2. Breathing

Focusing on your breathing is a wonderful way of getting through each contraction. Take a deep breath at the beginning of the contraction and, as you breathe out, r-e-l-a-x. Then breathe in through your nose and breathe out through your mouth, keeping your mouth and cheeks very soft.

Don't worry too much about how deeply you're breathing; just keeps a good rhythm going. Breathe in through your nose, and out through a soft mouth. Concentrate as hard as you can on your breathing as the contraction builds up, and as it fades away. When the contraction's over, r-e-l-a-x.

3. Resting

In early labour, the best thing you can do to prepare yourself to cope with pain is to conserve your energy by resting. Make yourself as comfortable as possible in bed or on a chair. Tuck pillows all around yourself. Have a hot, sweet drink. Play some favourite music or put the TV on, and rest!

Later on, you'll find it much easier to cope with painful contractions if you're not exhausted because you were rushing around in early labour.

4. Changing position

Unless you are really tired, try to avoid lying down on your back once your contractions are regular and painful. Your labour will be slower if you lie down and, the longer your labour lasts, the more tired you'll become. Try to remain upright, but choose whatever position feels most comfortable. Your midwife should encourage and help you. You could:

· Stand up and lean on the bed or your labour partner.

· Kneel down and lean on the seat of a chair.

· Kneel with one leg raised to make lots of room in your pelvis for your baby to come out.

· Get on all fours to help ease backache.

· Sit for a while in a chair, then get up and walk around.

· Rock your hips as much as you can to get your baby moving.

5. Massage

Massage can help you cope with labour pain and can also help to relieve anxiety. Tell your labour partner where you'd like to be massaged. You might like massage at the very base of your back during contractions. Or you might like your shoulders massaged in between contractions to help you relax. Give feedback when you can, so that you get the best out of it.

A massage that starts slowly is best - frantic rubbing will make you feel panicky rather than relaxed! Firm pressure will help to stimulate your body to release endorphins, the "feel-good" hormones which make massage such a positive experience.

6. Being supported

A woman, who has someone supportive with her during labour, to comfort and stay with her, gives birth more quickly and easily than if she doesn't have continuous support. The evidence is strongest for having another woman with you, such as a close friend relative or doula. Surprisingly, there hasn't been much research on how much having your husband with you helps.

Think carefully about who you want to have with you during your labour and birth. You'll need someone who won't panic, who believes you can do it, and who is confident to talk to health professionals on your behalf. Your chosen labour partner may be your husband, or it may be your sister or your mum or a good friend. Or you might like to choose two birth partners.

Be aware, though, that some hospitals are reluctant to let you have two birth partners in the delivery room at the same time, because of lack of space. They may, however, agree to have one birth partner in the room at a time. Discuss this with your doctor and ask for your requests to be put in your notes well before your due date.

7. Using water

Labouring in water can make contractions more bearable, just as having a bath helps to ease tummy ache or backache. A review found that using a birthing pool significantly reduced the amount of pain relieving drugs in labour that women used and the amount of pain that they reported feeling. Women who spent some time labouring in water were far less likely to need an epidural or spinal than women who spent all their labour on dry land.

8. Midwifery skills

A kind, competent nurse midwife will keep you informed all the time about what is happening. If you want to use natural pain relief to cope with contractions, she'll help you, and if you choose an epidural, she'll support you.

A-Z of natural pain relief

Here's an A to Z of ideas to help you cope with pain and feel in control of your labour:

A: Ask for information: the more you know, the more relaxed you'll feel.

B: Breathe rhythmically, and relax as you breathe out.

C: Cuddle your husband.

D: Drink sips of isotonic drinks or water in between contractions.

E: Eat carbohydrate-rich foods little and often if you feel hungry. (Although research shows that eating and drinking in labour is safe, some doctors and hospitals still discourage it - check with your doctor about her preferences and hospital policy about this.)

F: Fan yourself with a small electric fan.

G: Groan and moan: making a noise is a great coping strategy!

H: Hold your husband's hand.

I: Imagine your baby moving down through your pelvis with every contraction.

J: Joke with your husband and your midwife; keep things in perspective!

K: Kisses (from your husband, mum, sister).

L: Listen to music to help you relax.

M: Move around to make yourself as comfortable as possible.

N: Nestle down in a large pile of pillows or a huge bean bag.

O: Open your pelvis as wide as possible to help your baby be born: kneel on one leg with the other out to the side.

P: Think positively: "Each contraction brings me closer to the birth of my baby".

Q: Question what you don't understand; being frightened will make the pain worse.

R: Rock your pelvis round and round and back and forwards with each contraction.

S: Sigh out gently with every breath.

T: Trust your body: you can give birth!

U: Understand the treatment being offered; understanding what's happening helps you feel more motivated.

V: Visit the toilet regularly; a full bladder will slow your labour.

W: Walk around to ease aches and pains and bring on contractions.

X: More kisses!

Y: Yell, loud and long, and then try to get back into a good breathing pattern.

Z: Zzzzzzz: doze off in between contractions

You may notice that your feet and ankles are quite swollen by the end of the day. Water retention, also known as oedema, is often worse in warm weather and late in the day. Surprisingly, keeping hydrated helps reduce water retention. Your body - particularly your kidneys - and your baby need plenty of fluids, so drink up. If you suddenly feel swollen or puffy in your hands or face, however, call your doctor - it may be a sign of pre-eclampsia.

Planning ahead

Make life easier for yourself. Stock up on basics - everything from can foods to beras - before shopping becomes too much of a chore. Cook up extra portions to freeze as ready meals for the early weeks - especially important when you're breastfeeding. Make a list of important numbers - your doctor and the labour ward - and pin it up by the phone. If your husband's difficult to get hold of, make sure he has a mobile phone on him at all times. What about your pets and older children? Sort out cover for them and you'll be more relaxed when the time comes.

Financial worries can mar your enjoyment of pregnancy and maternity leave. Work out if you're budgeting enough for your baby. Have you looked into how much childcare may cost when you go back to work? If you have hired a live-in maid, you need to factor in the increased costs of feeding and housing another adult.