If you are looking for some extra motivation and incentive to do your pelvic floor muscle training during pregnancy this blog may be just what you need to read. There have been so many studies looking at the effect of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) in pregnancy and research continues to give them a big thumbs up. Why are they so valuable? Firstly, PFMT helps to improve labor outcomes. When we learn to do our pelvic floor exercises correctly, we learn to fully contract and fully relax the muscles of the pelvis. Having the ability to fully relax your pelvic floor leads to more efficient pus ..read more

Always a hot topic! I’ve had LOADS of questions about dressing bubs for sleep in this weather. Lots of concerns from parents about over heating and also how to know if bub is too cold. I briefly addressed this a few days ago in stories but wanted to give this a permanent spot, so bookmark this for ease of reference. How to tell if your little one is COLD. Common signs include:   How to tell if your little one is COLD. Common signs include: Crying in the cot but generally settles quickly and easily in arms (because you are warm) Sleeping arms but wakes within 10 or so minutes after being ..read more

I often get asked when to offer a cup! Around 6 months is the perfect time. Offering a cup over a “sipper cup” or straw helps your little one develop a mature sucking motion, promotes positive oral development and helps with their hand eye coordination. Just offering 10ml at a time, increasing the volume offered as they become more competent. If you are worried about the mess or spillage using a naturally thicker fluid is also really helpful to slow the flow down and allow your little one time to get the hang of drinking from an open cup. Yoghurt thinned down with EBM or formula, smoothies ..read more

A big thank you to P2B’s resident Woman’s Health Physiotherpists from Chevron Island Physiotherpy who have taken the time to share their knowledge with us! So many new mum’s present to my clinic complaining of neck and lower back pain in the early stages of bringing bub home. With all the duties needed to be done with your new bub, the last thing you need is pain that is interfering with life. Here are some great tips to help reduce your risk of developing neck pain and lower back pain while being a busy mum. Breastfeeding posture – Firstly, getting a comfortable feeding chair is really import ..read more

My daughters smoothie this morning has prompted me to re post my smoothie blog. I know that in 1 hour she will be back for something else to eat – yet if she actually ate that fruit whole, it would have kept her fuller for longer. Let me explain. Blended smoothies are a popular trend with both parents and kids. They are fast and simple, and can allow parents to get foods into a child that they otherwise would not eat. they are also easier when on the run – running late or tryng to get to kindy/work/play date! I know the struggle is real. I have lots of parents giving their little one smoothies ..read more

Every house I visit, there is always a floor mat, filled with toys and stimulation.  And sitting right next to that play mat are the swings, walkers, bouncers, baby chairs and jumpers. Let’s call them the ‘extras.’   Don’t get me wrong, the ‘extras’ can most definitely play a role in your little ones play time and I am not saying that they are bad. However, marketing has led many parents to believe that they are an essential item needed for your little one’s development. The knock effect of these purchases is that they are often expensive, and infants are now spending more time in th ..read more

Let me set the scene with a few common scenarios that are shared by parents that work with a Speech Pathologist: 1. Your pre-schooler is super excited to tell you all about something special in their world, but they can’t seem to get past the first word without repeating the first sound over and over again, and it’s been happening pretty consistently for the past 6 months. Your heart sinks and you feel helpless and uncertain about how to respond. You talk to your partner about it later that night and you both agree that he would probably be too young to see a Speech Pathologist. 2. You pick yo ..read more

P2B is being asked more and more about placenta encapsulation.  So let me break it down for you What is placenta encapsulation? Placenta encapsulation is where following birth the placenta is steamed, dehydrated and powderise and made into ‘ready-to-swallow’ pills. It is believed that ingesting your placenta after the birth of your baby will help improve your mood, increase your iron stores and increase your milk production. Unfortunately, there have been no in-depth peer-reviewed studies that have supported these claims or benefits. Most hormones are destroyed in the encapsulation proces ..read more

When dads shirt matches your newborn poo colour chart!   During a recent P2B private antenatal class we talked all things newborn including …. their poops. I have a colour chart of how newborns poops transition within the first week or so. I did laugh out loud when we realised dads shirt matched my colour chart   So lets talk about poop!   Your newborn’s first poop will be a dark green, tar-like substance called meconium. This is normal – it’s your baby’s stomach and bowel contents emptying after being in the womb for nine months. Meconium poops are normal and might last a few d ..read more

Many families are unaware of the local Child Health Clinics available to them in their local area What is Child Health? Child health services provide parenting information and support for families in Queensland. These free services for families to utilise from birth. Support for new families include nutrition (breastfeeding and formula feeding support and education), child growth (including weight checks), development assessments (6-8 weeks, 2,4,6,12 months, 3 &5 year – these will require bookings), the facilitation of parenting groups and immunisations. For bookings or enquires (07) 5687 ..read more