Travelling With Your Baby

Travelling With Your Baby

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For many people, the idea of travelling with their new baby can be very daunting and the thought of it puts some people off even considering it. Here are some things to consider when travelling with your baby. Flying with your baby Babies are able to travel on planes from a very early age but it is always best to check with the airline you are travelling what their individual requirements are. There are usually baby bassinets available on the plane but be aware that often airlines won’t allocate one until you have booked your tickets and have a name for your baby.  Furthermore, allocation is not always guaranteed as it comes down to the ages of the babies and how many are on board. One advantage to travelling with a baby is that you pay 10% of your fare for your baby (for international flights), and so it is very cost effective to travel with them at this age. For domestic flights in Australia, infants below the age of 2 travel for free! Young babies can also make easier travellers than older more inquisitive babies, but be mindful if your baby has a particular condition which might make things difficult. Consider buying a cheap pushchair to use in the airport once you have put your main stroller in the hold. Also consider if you are going to a country where you aren’t sure what food your baby can eat, it might be wise to take a small number of ready-made food pouches to help get you through, such as Bellamy’s Organic or Organic Bubs. Driving with your baby If you have a baby that is good in the car then a road trip might be the perfect getaway for you, as you might find they sleep for much of the journey giving you some downtime in the car. Be mindful of feeding and it might be good to map out some stops along the way if you are going a long distance to ensure that baby gets fed regularly and gets some fresh air. Make sure you take plenty […]

Preparing Your Pet For New Baby

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If you are planning to have a family, when the time comes if you already have a family pet such as a dog, it is important to prepare them for the new addition to the family. They’ve gotten used to the way things are and their whole world is about to change, and some pets can take it very well and others not so well. Here are some tips for preparing your dog for your new arrival : Make your dog part of the preparation As you bring new things home ready for the baby such as the bassinet, stroller, and clothes; let the dog have a good sniff and look at the items so that he/she gets used to the new objects in the home. Once your baby is born – whilst in the hospital bring home some of the clothes that they have worn, and again let the dog have a good sniff so that when you do bring the baby home he/she will already be familiar with the smell of your baby and hopefully won’t not be as wary. If your dog is not used to babies then a great suggestion is to play a recording of a baby crying to get them used to the noise, especially if your dog is sensitive to noise. By the time you bring the baby home the noise will not be so strange to them. Practice walking around with a doll in your arms (or a cushion if you don’t have a doll) and see how the dog reacts. If the dog jumps up you have time to train them not to before you bring your baby home, and also to be aware of any potential issues. Attention Consider whether it might be good to hire a dog walker for the first few weeks/months of bringing your baby home, as you may find that there isn’t as much time to walk the dog. Having a dog walker take the dog out will help to keep the dog exercised, but also give him/her much needed attention, and make time where you […]

Most Useful Baby Shower Gifts

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Baby showers are a great way to celebrate the impending arrival of a baby with your girlfriends. They are also an excuse to play baby-themed games, eat some great food, and have some fun… plus, there will usually be plenty of baby gifts! While it’s great to turn up with a surprise gift at a baby shower, pregnancy and birth can be a hectic time; it’s often best to buy something that will be useful following the arrival of the new baby. We asked a few mums what they thought were the most helpful baby shower gifts.  Here are some great ideas below: Baby clothes This would be the most obvious choice for a gift, but don’t forget babies do grow quickly. Consider buying clothes that are “00” and larger so that they will last a little while. Sleep Suits Sleep suits are a great gift idea and they are great for your baby to sleep in at night. You can get them from Target as well as the baby-themed stores. Portable change mat This is a great gift item and usually very affordable. They come in really handy when mum is out and about and needs to change her baby. Nappy delivery service Is mum-to-be intending on using cloth nappies? If so, a great idea for a gift is to pitch in with others and get her a nappy delivery service, such as Rescue Mum in Brisbane, where they collect dirty nappies and deliver clean ones. Alternatively, if mum is going to be using disposable nappies, you can never have enough and the supermarkets always have specials on! Baby care package Paw paw ointment, face cloths, wipes, a thermometer, and other items that will be needed on an ongoing basis… put a bunch of small essentials together in a nice basket/bag and you’ve got yourself a thoughtful and practical gift! Pregnancy recovery shorts SRC Pregnancy Recovery Shorts are excellent post birth to help with recovery and pulling the tummy back into shape. They go underneath clothing and have excellent reviews. *We sell SRC shorts at my practice at Greenslopes […]

Newborn Photographer

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Happy Snaps: Choosing a Photographer for Your Newborn Seeing your child for the first time is a truly magical moment. What better way to capture the wonder of this experience than with a professional photo of your new family member? When having baby photos taken, you want the final images to be as perfect as your child is, so it’s important to carefully choose the right photographer. Here are three tips to help you do so. Plan in Advance Research and compare local photographers well before you go into labour! Few periods of your life will be as hectic as the time immediately after bringing a new face into the world – you simply won’t have time to make a careful selection. The best photographers are usually in high demand, so consider booking well in advance. View Their Gallery When a photographer catches your attention, be sure to peruse a decent number of their past works. Make sure baby photography is something they specialise in, and check if their previous photos of children are as beautiful as you want yours to be. You are trusting this person with preserving one of your earliest memories of your new child, so don’t rely on great landscape or wedding photography as proof of their ability. Read Reviews What do other parents think of your potential photographer? Find out by checking their website for testimonials or asking for references. Your newborn’s photo-shoot should be an experience, not just a product, so don’t make your decision based solely on their portfolio. You want a photographer who knows how to create joy and capture it. Your new baby is precious and your first photos of them will be too. Take care to find a photographer with the talent and experience needed for such a special occasion. Dr Ken Law is a Brisbane Obstetrician specialising in the management of pregnancy and delivery.  For more information and to discuss your specific situation, please contact Dr Ken Law to arrange a consultation at Greenslopes Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Nursery Decorating Tips

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3 Tips for Decorating Your Nursery First and foremost, your nursery should provide your baby with a safe and relaxing environment. But once that’s taken care of, there’s no reason not to add a touch of your personal style to the room as well! After all, you will be spending a lot of time here. Here are three things to think about before you go out and buy any items for your nursery. 1. Choose Your Theme Will your nursery be ultra-modern or chic traditional? Before you even begin perusing furniture catalogues, you need to have a concept – even just a vague concept – in mind. This will help you create a consistent look in your nursery as well as saving you time in looking through items that simply don’t match your overall theme. 2. Choose Your Scheme Your colour scheme, that is. Gone are the days of uniform blue for boys and plain pink for girls. You can certainly choose a base colour with gender in mind, but a contemporary nursery should portray a whole palette of hues. To ensure the room is a peaceful space for your child, stick to neutral and/or calming colours. White and cream are always great back-up options, and you can rarely go wrong with pastels. 3. Get Inspired Not sure where to start? Jump online and get some inspiration from websites like Pinterest and Etsy. There are countless websites you can browse to get ideas for both overall nursery themes and individual furniture items. Don’t be afraid to take any concepts you find and adapt them to suit your personal tastes! With some pre-planning and a firm vision for your new baby’s first bedroom, you will be able to create a nursery that helps your bub sleep and also gets compliments from guests. Dr Ken Law is a Brisbane Obstetrician specialising in the management of pregnancy and delivery.  For more information and to discuss your specific situation, please contact Dr Ken Law to arrange a consultation at Greenslopes Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Baby Names

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Stuck on Baby Names? Here Are Some Ideas Your name is such an integral part of your identity, so it makes sense that you want to choose the right name for your baby. With so many names out there, the process of narrowing down your potential list can seem completely overwhelming – perhaps even leaving you with no ideas at all! Here are a few suggestions to help you approach this tricky task. Go Online The internet is a good place to start your search for eligible baby names. Sites like Baby Name Wizard and Nymbler provide plenty of tips and tools for choosing a baby name, including popularity charts. Browsing online should at least help you develop a shortlist. Loved Ones No doubt you and your partner have relatives and close friends you hold dear. Naming your child after someone who has made an indelible impact on your life can be a touching tribute. Keep in mind that you also want an era-appropriate name for your baby though – your great-great-grandfather’s name may not be suitable for newborns today. This approach could also extend to respected public figures that you and your partner have a deep admiration for. A Name You Both Like It’s important for both parents to be content with their child’s name. If a particular option is a big ‘Yes’ from you but a big ‘No’ from your partner, be respectful of their opinion and keep hunting. If you come across a name that makes both of you smile, it could be a sign that you’ve found the one. Our clinic has heard its fair share of baby-name discussions! If you need a caring and experienced obstetrician during your pregnancy, we would love to hear yours as well. Dr Ken Law is a Brisbane Obstetrician specialising in the management of pregnancy and delivery.  For more information and to discuss your specific situation, please contact Dr Ken Law to arrange a consultation at Greenslopes Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Pregnancy Diary

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Now you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy – have you considered keeping a diary? Even women who have never kept a journal – or haven’t used one since their school days – should consider writing a diary during their pregnancy. Whether you take out the old-fashioned notebook and pen or decide to go digital with your pre-childbirth thoughts and experiences, writing in a pregnancy diary is a wonderful idea. Why keep a pregnancy diary? The nine months of your pregnancy will be unlike any other period of your life, and tracking this time will help you re-live the magical moments (and the not-so-magical moments!) in the future. Not only can keeping a pregnancy diary be a fulfilling experience for you, but it can also help you gain rich insights into yourself. You might find your pregnancy reveals aspects of your personality you would otherwise never discover. How to keep a pregnancy diary The first thing you need to understand is that there is no ‘correct’ way to keep a pregnancy diary. If the way you approach it helps you get through the tough times and reflect on the process, you’ve already achieved the primary goal. Expecting mothers sometimes get hung up on what they’re ‘supposed’ to write about. Don’t let this bother you. Simply channel your raw thoughts, feelings, and experiences into the words that come naturally to you. If you’re a perfectionist who needs everything to sound right, you can always go over it and edit after writing! As with keeping any kind of journal, the hardest part is often remembering to keep it updated. The best way to solve this might be to set aside a pre-planned, specific time of every day (or second day) for writing. Obviously your pregnancy diary won’t always be your top priority, but it’s important that you value this allocated time in order to get the most out of it. For professional assistance with any aspect of your pregnancy, please contact our clinic. Dr Ken Law is a Brisbane Obstetrician specialising in the management of pregnancy and delivery.  For more information and […]

Loneliness As A New Mum

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Having your first baby marks an exciting new phase of your life. However, being a new mum isn’t always the wonderful experience you might imagine it to be. In particular, a newborn inevitably leads you to sacrificing some of the quality time you previously spent with friends and family. While bonding with baby is certainly special and essential, the disconnect from the outside world can leave you feeling isolated. Here are some ideas for coping with loneliness as a new mum. Join a mums group, make new friends You’re never alone as a new mummy. Set up some catch-ups with friends who have also become parents recently or consider giving a mothers’ group a go. Spending time with other women who are in the same situation as you can be immensely helpful and make a big difference to your feelings of loneliness. Start a new hobby or course for you or bub if time permits! Whilst having a new baby can be time consuming as well as exhausting it is important to try and do something for yourself. If you are feeling like you need company then consider start a new hobby or short course if time permits – even if it is for an hour a week to get you out and meeting other people. If you aren’t able to then create a new hobby for bub that means you meet people too such as a Gymboree class or swimming classes when old enough. You’ll potentially meet mums with children the same age and keep bub active at the same time which can be a great way to get some vital interpersonal interaction into your routine! Don’t hesitate to ask for help Sometimes prolonged feelings of isolation after becoming a mum can be a sign of postnatal depression. If you experience extended or intense feelings of sadness after welcoming your new child into the world, don’t be afraid to seek help from your doctor or a counsellor. Our clinic specialises in assisting women during and after pregnancy. For advice about coping with anything – including loneliness after giving birth […]

Obstetrician Looking After Your Pregnancy

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Let’s face it: pregnancy is no walk in the park. It’s challenging at times, there are lots of frustrating moments, and – of course – there’s the pain. An expecting mother really needs a support network of friends and family during this tough period, but these aren’t the only people who can help. A trusted obstetrician is an invaluable professional to have on your side before, during, and after your childbirth. Here’s a look at how an obstetrician can help you. During The Pregnancy With their specialised skills, obstetricians are perfectly positioned to monitor a pregnant woman’s health and wellbeing, as well as that of her growing baby, with the help of ultrasounds and other tests. They can check for specific problems and conditions while also offering general advice for maintaining your health as your body changes. Perhaps most importantly, an obstetrician is a knowledgeable yet friendly face whose guidance and support prepares you physically and emotionally for delivering your baby. During Labour During the big day (or days), your obstetrician will work closely with your dedicated team of midwives. The obstetrician monitors the progress of your labour, and checks on the well-being of the baby throughout your labour.  The obstetrician will guide you through the labour, and delivers your baby when the moment arrives. After Pregnancy and Labour Your obstetrician plays a vital role in ensuring your good health and recovery after the birth. Your OB will check on your postnatal recovery, and make sure you are well after your discharge from hospital. If you need a Brisbane obstetrician to offer professional services and compassionate care throughout your pregnancy, look no further. Dr Ken Law, our experienced Greenslopes maternity OB, has assisted many Brisbane women through their trimesters. He and the rest of our supportive team look forward to making your pregnancy as comfortable and pleasant as it possibly can be. Contact us to make your first appointment today. Dr Ken Law is a Brisbane Obstetrician specialising in the management of pregnancy and delivery.  For more information and to discuss your specific situation, please contact Dr Ken Law to arrange […]

Choosing An Obstetrician

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Are you looking for a Brisbane obstetrician you can trust and rely on to help you through your pregnancy? Making the selection can be tricky, but it’s important for your health and the well-being of your baby to make a good choice. Our last post talked about how an Obstetrician can help you during the birth of your baby.  Today’s post follows on from that and talks more about how to work out which obstetrician is right for you. Expertise If you have any conditions or illnesses that could complicate your pregnancy, you should seek out an obstetrician who has experience in treating and working with patients who have the same or similar issues. This way, any complications that arise won’t be new territory for your OB.   The Whole Team Each visit you have with your obstetrician should be a supportive experience from beginning to end. This means the environment of their practice and the attitude of their staff need to make you feel comfortable. Your ideal obstetrician will have a caring and compassionate team to help them help you. Experience and Professionalism Your obstetrician’s ability to support you properly throughout your pregnancy depends heavily on his or her experience. A professional with years of practice will have the confidence and expertise to help you navigate the tricky times that lay before you. You also want to find an obstetrician who knows how to balance friendliness and honesty with professionalism. The right physician for you will know how to reassure and support you while also thoroughly preparing you for your journey – and they won’t cut any corners during your procedures and check-ups. Communication and Intuition Getting along with your obstetrician is hugely important. If communication is lacking or your gut tells you a doctor isn’t the right match for you, it could be a great idea to look around for other options. If you’re looking for a practice that checks all these boxes, you can trust us to deliver. Our Greenslopes maternity obstetrician, Dr Ken Law, is a specialist in this area with over a decade of experience […]

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