Okay, so stretchmarks and morning sickness aren’t exactly highlights, but there’s so much to be positive about. So, come on, raise your (fruit juice) glass, and let’s hear it for pregnancy…

Bigger boobs, glossy hair, more attention than is strictly necessary, the chance to splash the cash, a healthy lifestyle, and bringing a whole new life into the world – gosh, pregnancy is wonderful, isn’t it? We want to celebrate all that’s great about expecting a baby, so join us on our pregnancy journey of joy!

WHAT A BOOB!

While your back end may resemble that of a double decker bus these days, your top deck is becoming more Jordan-esque. “I’m normally as flat as a pancake,” says Joanne, mum to Brook, three, and 32 weeks pregnant. “But during both my pregnancies I’ve gone up two cup sizes and love my new-found bustiness,” she exults. You’ve got pregnancy hormones to thank for your expanding chest, as U K M&B expert and midwife Helen O’Dell explains, “Your increased hormones make your boobs bigger and these changes in your body are preparing you for giving birth.” So, stick ‘em out and enjoy your new pair (but do get measured for a well-fitting maternity bra if you want to stop them heading south once your baby makes an appearance!).

ALL ABOUT YOU

“Most women moan about strangers touching their bump, but I love it,” says Melissa, 29 weeks pregnant, adding, “It’s like the person’s acknowledging that I’m doing something special.” Yes, this really is the time to lap up the compliments and accept all the attention that’s thrown your way. “People are genuinely happy for you, so make the most of what is actually a short period of time,” says Helen, “Learn to accept compliments and say ‘Yes, I know!’ when someone tells you you’re glowing.”

FEED ME

Food is fab, and if you can’t spoil yourself by eating that extra helping of banoffee pie in pregnancy, when can you? “I ate like a horse and, despite putting on so much, I didn’t care. I told myself I’d lose it all afterwards, and I have,” says Jenny, mum to Adam, two. “It’s great to treat yourself, but be sensible,” cautions Helen, adding, “Instead of having three huge meals a day, opt for six smaller ones instead.”

MAN, OH MAN

Soon, your cosy twosome will be a sleepless- night-inducing threesome, so the next nine months are the time to get closer to your man. Use this time to let him make you dinner, massage your feet and do the shopping. “Your partner’s on top of the world – and that bump is a demonstration of his manhood!” explains Helen. Involve him with the bump, too, getting him to feel all those kicks – it really will be a magical shared experience.

INDULGE YOURSELF

Want to whisk yourself off to a spa for a few days of? Fancy lying in till mid-day eating croissants and reading papers? Why not? Now is the time for spoilingyourself. “Treasure the time you have as a woman in your own right, as soon you’ll have a whole new person to look after,” advises Helen. “It’s only now that I have a lively six-month-old that I really appreciate my pregnancy days,” says Suzanne, mum to Daisy. “Having time to do things just for me is a distant memory (although I wouldn’t change it for the world!),” she says.

SHOPPING FRENZY

For any woman, that weekly trip to buy a new bag or lip gloss is a religion, so imagine the joy of knowing you have to buy things for your new baby. “The new clothes for me and the baby, buying a pram, kitting out the nursery -1 love it!” saysa gleeful Mandy, 26 weeks pregnant. Crikey, when you’re finished, Mothercare will have to re-stock!

GOOD LOOKS

In the second trimester, you start to glow. Your hair will look glossy and thick – in fact you’ll swish about like you just stepped out of a salon! “I can wash my hair and it doesn’t get greasy for fourdays!”says Emma Smith, mum to Samuel, 11 months and 19 weeks pregnant. And here comes the science bit: you can thank your increased blood volume and high levels of pregnancy hormones for yourflowing mane. “You don’t grow more hair,’ explains Helen, “You shed less, making it look thicker.” So now we know!

A NEW WORLD

The most amazing thing about pregnancy is knowing you’re creating a new life. “I love the fact that I’m never on my own – when I stroke my tummy, my baby always gives me a kick and it makes me go all gooey. If only I could bottle that feeling,” says Nicole, mum to Dylan and pregnant again. We couldn’t have put it better ourselves! Enjoy.

Pregnancy is good for you: it’s official

It’s not just feeling great that’s a plus-side of pregnancy, there are medical benefits, too. for a start, you clean up your act health-wise by banning the booze, quitting smoking and eating more healthily than ever before.

During pregnancy, you concentrate on your lifestyle as a whole and take more care of yourself, because you’re far more aware of the fact you have new responsibilities now.

There’s also evidence to suggest that being pregnant can reduce your risk of developing both ovarian and breast cancer. “The more children a woman has, the lower her risk of both diseases,” explains Hazel Nunn, Health Information officer at Cancer Research, UK. “for example, a woman who has no children has nearly two-and-a-half times the risk of developing ovarian cancer compared to a woman with four or more children.”

Pregrancy is an exciting time in a woman’s life – a time of expectations and preparations, hen her mind and body prepares itself for the joys and responsibilities of motherhood. Taking care of the mother’s health during the gestation period is of utmost importance for the baby to grow normally and enter this world hale and hearty.

Sometimes, especially around the 24th week of pregnancy, many women are diagnosed with high blood sugars, a term commonly known as Gestational Diabetes, even when they have had no previous history of diabetes. This may give rise to a lot of fear, apprehensions and anxiety both to the would-be parents as well as the rest of the family. The diagnosis of gestational diabetes does not mean that the mother will remain a diabetic after delivery, although a susceptibility to develop diabetes in the future is certainly present.

Why gestational diabetes develops is very interesting! We are all aware that during pregnancy, placenta supports the baby as it grows. Placental hormones are necessary for the baby to grow to and sustain the pregnancy, but these hormones also block the action of insulin in the mother’s body, a term called insulin resistance. So, although the mother’s body continues to produce insulin, it is not allowed to work properly and as a result, her blood glucose levels start rising. Gestational diabetes develops when the mother’s blood glucose levels rise above normal, thus, causing hyperglycaemia.

Gestational diabetes occurs at a later stage in pregnancy, when the baby has already formed but is still growing. As a result, though the baby may not have developmental birth defects, as seen in case of babies whose mothers had uncontrolled diabetes prior to pregnancy, but if it is left untreated, the baby might be harmed. Rising blood sugar levels in the mother’s body send the pancreas into overdrive to produce more insulin, causing hyperinsulinemia, but this is not able to reduce the blood glucose due to increasing insulin resistance caused by placental hormones. The insulin cannot cross the placenta but the extra glucose can easily enter the baby’s circulation along with other nutrients. As a result, the blood glucose levels of the baby also start rising, sending the developing pancreas in the baby’s body into overdrive to produce extra insulin to control them. As the baby receives more glucose, i.e. more energy than it normally needs for growth, this excess energy gets stored as fat in the baby’s body, thus, leading to ‘macrosomia’ or ‘fat baby’.

Babies with macrosomia face their own share of problems. Their large size can cause a difficult childbirth, mostly increasing the chances for a caesarian delivery, and an attempt to normal delivery may even damage the baby’s shoulder while passing through the birth passage. H igh levels of insulin in the baby’s blood may lead to very low blood glucose levels and severe respiratory distress at birth. Also, such babies are at an increased risk of obesity and have a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in the future as adults.

Treatment forgestational diabetes should start immediately after the mother is diagnosed with high blood sugar levels after undergoing an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test. A good treatment regime aims at keeping the blood glucose levels at normal throughout the pregnancy. It starts with special customised meal plans for the expecting mother as well as scheduled physical activity. The blood glucose levels need to be monitored on a daily basis as well as insulin injections need to be taken if dietary and lifestyle measures alone are not able to normalise the blood sugar level. During pregnancy, doctors prescribe insulin injections and not oral tablets, because in pregnancy all oral tablets cross the placenta and can harm the baby. But insulin does not cross the placental barrier and, therefore, is very safe, biding strictly by the prescribed treatment plan will not only ensure a healthy pregnancy and easy delivery, but will also make the baby develop normally and avoid future health problems.

Gestational diabetes usually goes away after pregnancy, but there are chances that in two out of three cases that it might return in future pregnancies too. In fact, in a small section of women, it may unmask Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes! Such women may need to continue their diabetes treatment regimes even after pregnancy. As gestational diabetes and Type 2 diabetes both are linked to insulin resistance, it is very important to continue with basic dietary and lifestyle measures especially in overweight women, to prevent future Type 2 diabetes after gestational diabetes. Losing a few kilos of weight, adopting healthy eating habits, exercising regularly and staying fit go a long way in preventing future diabetes.

GLYCAEMIC INDEX (GI) The GI measures how much a particular carbohydrate containing food will raise the blood sugar, foods are ranked on how they compare in raising blood glucose with reference to a standard such as glucose or white bread, foods with high GX cause a greater jump in blood glucose values on consumption and hence, need to be avoided as compared to foods with a low GI which do not cause a significant rise and thus, can be eaten freely or in moderation. So, a meal should be planned that contains food with a low or medium GI. If a high GI food is consumed, it should be supplemented with a low GI food in order to have a balanced meal. Some of the low GI foods include dried beans and legumes, kidney beans and lentils, all non starchy veggies and a few starchy ones, fruits like papaya and apples, and many whole grain breads and cereals like barley, whole wheat bread, rye bread and all bran cereals. Meats do not have a GI as they do not contain carbohydrate.

CARBOHYDRATE COUNTING There are three types of carbohydrates in food – starches, sugars and dietary fibres. Of these, mainly the starches and sugars raise the blood glucose levels. Carbohydrate Counting is a meal planning technique for managing blood glucose levels. Keeping a count of how much carbohydrate is consumed at meal can help one to keep the blood glucose levels in the target range, which is a fasting value between 70-95 mg/dl and a one-hour post meal value of around 120 mg/dl. The amount of carbohydrate needed at each meal can be decided by a diabetes care team though one can safely start with around 45-60 gms of carbs at each meal. Some carb containing foods are:

*    Starchy foods like breads, rice and cereal

*    fruits and juices

*    Milk and yoghurt

*    Dried beans and soy products

*    Starchy vegetables like potatoes, yams and corn

*    Sweets and snack foods like sodas, colas, cakes, cookies, candy and chips

Also, proteins and fats are equally important for a well balanced meal. Low saturated fats and transfats are recommended. Women suffering from high blood pressure should keep a check on the sodium content of the food item. They should eat food items low in sodium content, i.e. low in salt content, to maintain their BP. By choosing the right meal plan, the expecting mothers can try new foods and enjoy their favourites too!

Growing up into a responsible adult may not be as far away a thought for your tot as you think. In today’s times, even little ones are getting more independent and responsible. Here’s how you can enhance these traits in your tot…

Responsibility and tiny toddlers I seems like the most unlikely combination. All you feel like doing as a parent is to be protective and do everything you can foryour little one. However, the earlier she is taught to be responsible, the more time she’s going to have to reinforce the values and rewards that come with responsibility. As she grows older, acting responsibly will seem like the natural thing, rather than you or other authority figures having to enforce strict rules and set boundaries.

“Generally, Indian parents tend to be over protective and restrictive in child-rearing practices,” says Dr Sulata Shenoy, Child Psychologist at the Turning Point Centre, Bengaluru. “in many families, independence is frowned upon and implicit obedience is expected from the children. This can curb a child’s self-expression and independent thinking. We need to instill positive qualities in the child from a young age itself,” she says.As Dr Shenoy points out, many Indian parents prefer children who acquiesce to their every wish and this behaviour is achieved through strict discipline and sometimes, great control is exercised through over- protective ness or emotional blackmail. However, over the last few years, young parents of the current generation, many of whom have consciously broken free from the cycle of interdependence, have embraced more open parenting practices and are encouraging their children to be responsible for themselves.

SHOW ME THE MONEY

What is the right age to teach your child about money and being responsible with it? These days, there doesn’t seem to be a right number. Delhi-based features editor and mother, Priyamvada Kowshik’s jaw dropped when her seven-year-old son Angad began to ask for pocket money. “I thought it was way too soon,” she says, adding, “My husband and I resisted for a longtime. We simply could not conceive that a child so young would be able to handle money well. As the months passed, the topic would come up routinely, and we realised that if all the other children were getting pocket money, it wasn’t fair to let our son feel deprived.”

As Priyamvada got used to the idea of giving her son money to carry to school, she realised that she trusted him and began to communicate the same. “I would say, Angad, I trust you. I know you’ll buy what you say you will’, and this would typically be a small chocolate or a chewing gum, not other sorts of junk food,” says Priyamvada. According to ourexpert, Dr Shenoy, Priyamvada is doing the right thing, “Express your expectations, so they can behave appropriately. Be explicit in what you expect from your child,” she says and, at the same time, be cautions. As she says, we must “remember that these expectations and the responsibility we are putting on the child’s shoulders, should be suitable to the child’s age and appropriate to the situation”.

LEAD BY EXAMPLE

As children, we can all remember being compared with others, and hating it! But some mothers find that it’s a great tool to motivate their kids to be responsible. Komal Balaji, mother of four-year-old Arjun, finds that giving examples of other, more responsible children works. “My son is very naughty and often, I find myself talking about the good neighour’s son or classmate to get him to take care of his things better. When he gets a toy or a pencil case, he’s very protective the first few days and later, he becomes careless. It is just another old thing for him,” she says.

Since Arjun is only four, Komal feels that she can’t expect too much from him in terms of responsibility. However, these days, young mothers like her get help and support from their child’s school authorities as well. “We’ve had some meetings at school, where they share tips and suggestions on how to get our children to be polite and responsible for their behaviour and we’re trying to follow some of that advice,” she says. Like Komal, other working mothers might benefit from talking to teachers or experts. If you are still hurting from childhood memories of being compared with other kids, perhaps you can try Komal’s other trick. “There’s a famous TV character, Chhota Bheem, that Arjun and many other kids of his age are fans of, so I’ll tell him that if he is not responsible with his things or in doing his homework, Chhota Bheem will not be friends with him,” she says.

SHOWERING PRAISE

Often, mere comparison is not enough. Besides, incessant comparison can do more harm than good, which is why experts suggest praise to reinforce positive behaviour. “Praise and reward responsible behaviour in the child by enthusiastically telling his significant others, such as grandparents, about some instances in which the child displayed responsibility. Remember, no instance is too small, like when a child turns off the tap or lights, helps in laying the table, puts the plates in the sink for washing, keeps his toys back in place or helps change the diaper of a baby brother or sister; any instance needs to be acknowledged and appreciated,” says Dr Sulata.

Some tasks, like taking responsibility for their homework is something children take time to learn. The mothers we spoke to had problems with it. “Rules and regulations should be discussed with the child and if you get her to agree on them, certainly you can expect her to take responsibility for tasks like homework,” says Dr Sulata. “Homework is definitely something I can’t rely on him to finish,” says Komal. In this case, even the Chhota Bheem trick doesn’t work!

DON’T EXPECT THE WORLD

Nobody said parenting was easy, particularly when it comes to getting your child to be responsible. “Angad continues to test the limits. While I am pretty open with him and tell him routinely that I trust him, I know there are days when he takes a little extra money from his piggy bank… What can you do?” shrugs Priyamvada. She talks about being ‘disappointed’ but quickly corrects herself and says it’s not disappointment as much as it is learning and constantly drawing the boundaries of expectations.

And like their parents, even children are testing the limits. As Priyamvada talks about a son who’s constantly pushing to see how much leeway he can get, whether it’s his pocket money or the size of his birthday present. It’s not just the parents who can find the journey of helping their children imbibe responsibility arduous, sometimes, even the little ones are exasperated, “Arjun will just throw his hands up in the air and say,’ I don’t want to listen to take a step back then, and for a while, I take it easy on him and myself,” says Komal. However, one must soldier on and hopefully, with time, it’ll get easier. “As the child grows up, he should rely less on adults to remind and prompt him, and start doing things himself and enjoy the intrinsic feeling of satisfaction of having done his chores himself,” says Dr Sulata.

1. Take a baby moon

Friends and family will be dying to meet your new arrival but for the first few weeks be firm in limiting visitors and phone calls. This is your time to get to know your newborn, without worrying about everyone else.

2. Believe in breast

Your baby’s suckling action triggers intense bursts of the ‘love hormone’ oxytocin, which in turn enhance your feelings of love, trust and affection – all the better for learning to cope with being a mother.

3. Get back to nature…

Skin-to-skin contact is known to promote maternal bonding. But get dads in on the act by stripping your baby down to his nappy and laying him on your partner’s bare chest. Aaah…

4. … and let Daddy do bathtime

Research by energy company e.on has shown that babies who are bathed by their fathers at least three times a week are significantly less likely to experience difficulties making and keeping friends later on.

5. Get silly

From blowing raspberries on a tiny tummy to tumbling around with a boisterous toddler, physical contact reduces stress and boosts feelings of wellbeing for everyone involved.

6. Be a pushy mum

Parent-facing pushchairs are best when it comes to bonding. “It’s good to transport your baby in a position where she can communicate with you,” says UK-based John Lewis nursery advisor Sonia Burke.

7. Pump iron

A US study by researchers at Penn State University suggests that slightly anaemic mothers have more difficulty bonding with their newborns. Try an iron supplement.

8. Chat away

“Talking to your baby, however young, is the first step in developing his communication skills and helps him feel secure,” says Liz Attenborough of the UK Talk To Your Baby campaign.

9. Put him in a sling

According to research, babies cry less when they are carried. A sling lets you keep your baby close to you, while still allowing you to carry on with your daily life.

10. Picture this

Babies never tire of looking r at faces, so surround yours with photos to strengthen his relationships with family members. He will love a photo cube – have a look on the web or ask your local studio to personalise one!

11. Be a book worm

“Babies are never too young to enjoy a story,” says Rosemary Clarke, head of UK-based Bookstart, which aims to get more children enjoying books. “He won’t understand the words, but hearing the rhythm of your voice will make him feel close to you,” she says.

12. Be heaven scent

Newborns rely heavily on their sense of smell, so a comforter that carries your scent will reassure him. Sleep with an old T-shirt or muslin before the birth, then place it next to your baby at bedtime.

13. Make a splash

Sharing a bath can help your older children bond with your newborn, especially if you give them important jobs like singing to the baby or sponging his tummy.

14.  Log on together

The Internet is often cited as the root of all evil, but a study commissioned by games developer PopCap Games revealed 92 per cent of parents and grandparents said going online together (for a limited time only!) improved bonding. Log on to bbc.co.uk/cbeebies to find toddler- friendly games.

15. Rub it in

Baby massage is a rather intimate experience. “Massage teaches you to understand subtle body language, so you can intervene if your baby’s becoming distressed,” says Wendy Nicolson of the International Association of Infant Massage.

16. Snuggle up

Regular morning snuggles under the duvet also promote feel-good hormones. But you’re not advised to co-sleep with your baby. Never share a bed if you or your partner smoke, have been drinking alcohol or are taking drugs or medication that make you drowsy, or if you are very tired.

17. Talk in signs

Take your baby along to special sign-language classes and you’ll develop a greater understanding of each other. “Signing enhances your mutual bond because if your baby can communicate using it, there are no limits to the experiences you can share,” says UK’S baby signing teacher Christine Matthews.

18. Take the plunge

Babies find the water calming so w taking him swimming is a chance to relax together. He’ll also benefit from your undivided attention in the pool, especially if there’s normally an older sibling around.

19. Do some baby-gazing

“Sometimes bonding with your baby can be as simple as just sitting staring at him,” says UK health visitor Anne White. “Lie him on the floor between your legs and just watch. You’ll appreciate what an amazing thing you’ve created,” she says.

20. Stop worrying!

Babies are born with an instinctive attachment to their mother. Even if it takes time for a total bond to develop, this does not mean you won’t end up having a wonderful, lifelong relationship with your child.

Though numerology is a very old concept in India, it has recently become popular practice for parents to use a combination of astrology and numerology to zero in on names for their newborns. The bard may have asked, “What’s in a name?” But as far as the Jumaanis are concerned, there is a lot (read: everything!). The number game now has a new meaning, to be Number One, you have to now get the numbers in your name right.

WHAT IS NUMEROLOGY?

Commonly, it’s the belief that each letter of your name has a certain value, and the sum total of this should be in harmony with your date of birth to have an easier life. This necessitates one to know more about the study of numbers. The study of numbers is best known as numerology. It is an ancient science, which was practised by Hindus, Chaldeans, Hebrews, Egyptians, etc. In those days, this science was handed down from generation to generation of ‘wise men’ and kept as a secret from the general people. Slowly, it lost its significance and came to be regarded as a mere superstition. It was only in the last century that it came to be documented in a scientific manner and it was only in the last few decades that the general interest in numerology has been re-kindled, thanks to my father Bansilal M Jumaani.

IS IT JUST A PASSING FAD?

This same was asked of me by a journalist 11 years ago! How can a 5,000-year-old science be a fad? Awareness is only increasing, thanks to my father, the late Bansilal M Jumaani, who helped revive the art in India. Apart from cricketers, industrialists, most of the topmost film and TV producers and actors have used numerology to their benefit.

HOW CAN IT APPLY TO NEWBORN BABIES?

We all have a name and a date of birth, as we cannot change our date of birth, the next best thing we can do is to get our name on such a number that it matches the vibrations of our name. By making cosmetic changes in the name spellings we have helped thousands of people lead a happier life.

It is important for a newborn to have a lucky name as, if the child is fortunate from birth itself, he will have a better future. We find that there are people who work hard but do not get results, while some get results by putting in a lot less effort. This does not mean that we should not work hard. Remember, success is combination of hard work and good fortune.

Indian astrologers do their calculations as per the moon signs whereas we work according to the sun signs. Most parents believe in taking the starting letter of the name from pundits, but we do not consider only the first letter but the total sum of the letters that spell the name.

If an adult comes to us, we cannot change his name of so many years, so we make cosmetic changes in the spelling of his name to get it on a lucky number. However, in case of a newborn baby, we have the liberty to suggest a new name (of course, from a list of names given by the parents). Besides giving a lucky name, by seeing the date of birth, we can judge what type of a person he will turn out to be. According to this, we can guide the parents about the child’s future and most importantly, what line of work he is best suited for. Every number in numerology has its strong and weak points. Besides having a numerologically correct name, a knowledge of one’s strengths and weaknesses can go a long way in choosing the right career and leading a more satisfying life.

CAN YOU GIVE SOME TIPS TO BE CONSIDERED WHILE NAMING A BABY?

We suggest that for a newborn baby, the name should NOT start with the letters P, F, M, T or D as they belong to the planets Saturn and Uranus… two of the most disruptive planets in numerology. A few general points for overall well-being are:

Avoid the colours black and dark red as far as possible. Discard skin-touching items such as clothes, shoes, socks, belt, watch strap and so on of both these colours. Twenty-four is a lucky number for everybody. Write the number 24 on your front door (Do this only if your door is not south-opening ie, when you go out of your house, you should not go in the south
direction) and on the south wall of the room which is used the most. Write the number 24 on your palm everyday.

DOES IT REALLY WORK?

Our work has already proved that cosmetic changes in spellings can attain huge success through numerology. Ninety percent of our clients are ordinary people; names of celebrities are only taken so people can know about the wonders of numerology.

CAN IT BE USED FOR OTHER BENEFITS?

Compatibility issues can be sorted out, thereby improving relationships. Then, we have cases of at least 27 couples who were deemed childless by the best of gynaecologists of the country. After following numerology, they have gone on to become proud parents! Students can be guided towards better career options. But most importantly, a lot of people consult us for naming newborns; I believe it’s one of the best gifts parents can give them at that stage.

In the movies, it happens so effortlessly: after a none-too-convincing labour, the unruffled mother sets eyes on her plump, pink-cheeked newborn. Amid swirling music and soft-focus camera angles, bam! – it’s love at first sight. Back in the real world, bonding with your baby isn’t always so straightforward. “While some of us do experience an immediate rush of love for our newborns, not all do,” says UK health visitor Anne White. “For many women, that ‘instant’ devotion isn’t instant at all. It can take days, weeks, even months to form a loving attachment with your baby. Bonding is a learning curve.” To get you and your baby off to a strong start, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to bonding – from the moment you feel that first kick through to the first toddler kiss and beyond.

Bonding with… your bump

The process of learning to love your baby begins while you’re pregnant. From around 20 weeks, he can hear sounds from outside the womb, including your voice, and because it’s so familiar he will prefer it to all others once he’s born. He can also feel your touch through your abdomen and, once you can feel his movements, bonding becomes a two-way process. Research has even shown that a foetus can differentiate between the feel of your hand, your partner’s hand and a stranger’s touch.

To strengthen the attachment in these early stages, make time to focus onyourbump. “Babies often move most when the mother is still and relaxed,” says UK midwife Linda Hill. “You can even have ‘touch conversations’ with him, where he kicks in response to the pressure of your hand,” she added. Pregnancy is also the time to lay foundations for bonding afterthe birth. “Antenatal classes will help you prepare foryour baby’s arrival, so the early days at home with your newborn are less of a shock,” says Linda.

Bonding with… your newborn

“Newborns rely on their sense of touch to feel secure, making skin-to-skin contact one of the best things you can share with your baby,” says UK specialist neonatal nurse Cherry Bond, adding,” It also triggers the release of feel-good hormones called endorphins, helping him feel really loved.”

For the first few weeks, your baby can only focus on objects up to 25cm away, so get close to him. Babies prefer looking at faces to anything else so, for now, go easy on the artificial stimulation. “Over those early weeks, his sight will improve; gradually he’ll start to make eye contact with you, then he’ll follow your movements with his eyes,” says Cherry. While it can sometimes feel like the crying never ends, those tears are actually an essential part of the bonding process. Many parents underestimate the amount of comfort they’re giving their baby during his crying spells. “Babies learn by experience. Only by crying for you, can he learn that you are there for him,” says Cherry. Eventually, you’ll learn to read his signals – and he’ll gradually become more confident and won’t need to cry as much – but until then, lots of physical contact and gentle talking will see you through. If it gets too much, let other people cuddle him while you take a break. It’s good for both of you. As your baby develops, he’ll start to repay your affection. “The first 12 weeks often feel like you’re giving everything and getting nothing in return,” says UK health visitor Nicola Downie.” But at around six weeks, your baby will start to smile and be calmed whenyou hold him. And by three months, he’ll be interacting properly, cooing and copying your expressions,” she reveals.

Bonding with…. your growing baby

The period from three to 12 months is a time of huge development and the more interactive your baby becomes, the easier it’ll be to strengthen your relationship. “By 12 weeks or so, he’ll have started to show definite social smiles and will be giggling when you tickle him,” says Nicola. Talking to your baby is also  important, and you’ll naturally adopt a high-pitched, sing-song voice. This is known as Motherese and is essential for bonding because it captures his attention far better than normal speech. Once your baby can sit, another stage of attachment opens up. “Nowyou can sit him on your knee and play bouncing games, give him toys to hold and look at books together. You can also get involved in activities like swimming and soft play. At around eight months old, your baby will start to realise that you and he are two separate people,” she says. “He’ll become more independent and may not want to be held all the time. Don’tfeel despondent-thisisa positive sign that your bond is strong because your baby is secure enough to let you go, knowing that you’ll be there when he needs you. At the same time, though, separation anxiety can kick in, with your baby becoming distressed when you’re out of sight,” Nicola says. “This can be a wearing phase, but proof of just how fiercely he loves you,” she adds.

Bonding with… your toddler

Although your child is constantly gaining independence, when he’s a toddler you’re still the centre of his life. “A baby thrives on interaction, so involve him in your daily routine, talking to him and making eye contact,” says Nicola. She advises, “At bedtime, reinforce the bond between you with a story and cuddles, so he goes to sleep feeling secure.”

Most children master their first words at around 12 months and, marvellously, ‘Mama’ and ‘Dada’ are usually the earliest words you’ll hear. “This proves your baby knows who his parents are. He’ll also acquire new social skills such as kissing, clapping and waving, and use them to show his affection, which you can enjoy and reciprocate,” says Nicola. It doesn’t matter how adorable your baby is, however, tantrums can seriously test your patience. Don’t despair. “Acting up when he’s with you is actually a sign of his attachment,” Nicola reveals, adding, “He feels safe with you so is able to let his emotions come out.” Tantrums can also indicate he’s craving mummy time. “So although you can’t-and shouldn’t-cater to your child’s every whim, be aware he may need more attention than you think. Regular unrequested cuddles can help keep tantrums at bay,” says Nicola.

Don’t let those niggles get you down! Our experts give you all the advice you need to feel pert and perky in pregnancy.

Pregnancy should be nine mega- exciting months – not one long round of gynac appointments. While you’d be lucky to sail through without a niggle, taking care of yourself can mean a blooming-not blooming awful – pregnancy.

OOH, MY BACK! For lots of women, pregnancy is our first encounter with back pain. It’s thanks to the hormone relaxin, which softens and stretches your ligaments to make space for your baby. As he grows, your weight is pulled forward. This can make you arch your back, causing lower-back pain.

“To help avoid back pain you should practice good posture,” says UK M&B expert and midwife Helen O’Dell. “Watch how you sit in the car and on the sofa. And if you sit at work, get up and walk around every hour.” She recommends:

►    Regular exercise like yoga or swimming will help keep back muscles strong.

►    Swap your heels for flats.

►    When lifting, bend your knees and never your back.

IF YOU GET IT…

►    Relax your aching muscles in a warm bath that you’ve added a few drops of lavender oil to.

►    Use extra pillows in bed to take the weight off your bump.

UNDERPRESSURE High blood pressure can be dangerous for your baby. “The best way of avoiding it is to lower your stress levels,” says Helen, adding, “Yoga, swimming and listening to music are all ways of relaxing. Give yourself time each day to switch off. If you have a stressful commute, ask if you can work one day a week from home.”

IF YOU GET IT…

►    Zita West, author of Natural Pregnancy, says, “Eat garlic to lower blood pressure and improve blood flow in the placenta.”

►    ”Slow the pace of your life,” says Helen, who advises, “Take time out for some pampering.”

►    Acupuncture can be useful and is safe during pregnancy; always consult a qualified practitioner.

QUEASY FEELINGS Nausea affects around 85 percent of mums-to-be. Zita believes you’re more likely to suffer if you’re not eating well, and some researchers believe it could be linked to low vitamin B6 and zinc levels. Find these in wholemeal bread, raisins, chickpeas, chicken and sunflower seeds. “Eating little and often is the best way to prevent sickness,” says Helen O’Dell.

IF YOU GET IT…

►    Ginger is rich in zinc and stops the queasiness fast. Sip ginger tea, nibble ginger biscuits or chew ginger gum.

►    ”Keep a snack, such as a plain biscuit, by your bed and eat it before you put a foot out of bed in the morning,” suggests Helen.

►    Stick to bland food that doesn’t have a strong smell.

►    Fizzy water or soda can help settle your stomach.

►    Acupressure sickness bands worn day and night can help.

ELEPHANT ANKLES Swollen ankles are caused by the extra blood circulating around you, causing skin tissue to retain water. “It’s more common in summer when feet get hot, so wear flip-
flops instead of squeezing into tight shoes,” advises Helen. And pregnancy is the perfect excuse to put your feet up, which will stop the fluid going to your ankles. Use a footstool if you do a sedentary job, and take a walk every day to help your circulation and prevent swelling.

IF YOU GET IT…

►    Drink plenty of water. The less likely you are to dehydrate, the less fluid your body retains.

►    Give yourself a leg massage. Use firm, upward strokes from ankle to knee.

►    Wear support tights if you’re in a job that involves you being on your feet all day.

SPITTING PINK The old saying goes that you lose a tooth for every child. But if you take care of your teeth in pregnancy, there’s no reason why you won’t keep your pearly whites. Bleeding gums are more common because hormone changes make gums softer. Gum infections have been linked with premature labour, so it’s vital to care for your teeth now.

►    See your dentist for a check-up.

►    Floss teeth daily as well as brushing to  blitz the bacteria that causes gum disease.

►    You need three times as much calcium in pregnancy, so eat plenty of dairy foods.

IF YOU GET IT…

►    See a dental hygienist for a professional clean and advice on caring for teeth and gums.

►    Consider an electric toothbrush, as these are softer but clean more effectively.

►    Phosphorus 6c is a homeopathic remedy and is good for bleeding gums; consult a homeopath for advice.

MUM’S MISERY Piles are caused both by a sluggish circulation due to hormone overdrive, and by constipation. “A diet with plenty of fibre and lots of water is key to preventing constipation, and this will help prevent piles,” says Helen.

►    Don’t strain when you’re on the loo.

►    Avoid standing for long periods and put your feet up whenever you can.

IF YOU GET THEM…

►    Talk to your doctor about creams.

►    Apply an ice pack in a towel to ease pain.

►    Keep a bottle of witch hazel in the fridge. Sprinkle on a cloth and hold to the sore areas for relief.

TIGHTENING UP “Being jolted awake in the middle of the night by cramps in my legs was something I wasn’t prepared for,” says Sarah Brown, mum to Florence, three. “I was doubled up in pain, massaging my calf muscles almost every night towards the end,” she recounts. A lack of magnesium, potassium and calcium has been blamed for cramps, so you could try a pregnancy supplement that contains these. Stretching your calf muscles before you get into bed can help, as can circling your ankles whenever you’re sitting down.

IF YOU GET IT…

►    Stretch your leg out with toes pulled towards you and massage the cramp away.

►    Apply a hot-water bottle or warm towel.

Wondering how best to keep fit? Here’s what you need to know for the next nine months.

The days when pregnant women were told to put their feet up are long gone. But according to a recent report from in the British Medical Journal, some of us are taking pregnancy fitness regimes too far. The study found that expectant mothers who did intensive workouts had smaller babies – on average weighing 7lb 5oz, compared with 8lb 7oz for mothers who exercised less – risking health problems such as heart disease and respiratory illnesses for their children in later life.

So, is it dangerous to work out? The answer is a resounding no – as long as you are sensible. “Becoming inactive is as dangerous as becoming a fitness freak,” says Dr Virginia Beckett, spokesperson for UK’s Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Chartered physiotherapist Angela Petrocchi, who works with both pre- and postnatal mothers, agrees by saying, “You’ll have a better pregnancy – and get your figure back more easily – if you exercise sensibly.”

She adds, “Exercise can alleviate pregnancy symptoms like leg cramps and swelling. It’ll help you sleep better and improves your circulation, which will help reduce the risk of pregnancy thrombosis (blood clots) and diabetes.”

Here are our top 10 pregnancy exercise rules…

1. Stick to your old routine

“This isn’t the time to start a new strenuous fitness regime. The best plan is to continue with what you were doing pre-bump,” says Virginia. Health professionals also advise against certain sports, including rock climbing and horse riding, where there’s a risk of falls. For those who didn’t exercise at all pre-pregnancy, now is the time to introduce some gentle disciplines. Both yoga and Pilates are also recommended and they can be done until two weeks before birth.

2. Listen to your body

“When you’re exercising, keep going for as long as you can, but if you ever feel uncomfortable or out of breath – stop,” says Angela, explaining, “The point is to maintain fitness, not to exhaust yourself.” While you can exercise throughout the nine months, there will come a time when the size of your bump limits the type and amount of exercise you can do.

3. Ease off the tough stuff

Resistance exercises – those that involve lifting weights – need to be done with care. “Pregnancy triggers the release of the hormone relaxin- which softens your joints in preparation for the birth – so there’s more risk of injury,” says UK personal trainer Nicola Ballinger, who specialises in antenatal exercise. Switch to less intensive workouts untilyour body’s recovered from the birth – after your six-week check if everything’s okay (or 12-week check if you’ve had a Caesarean).

4. Protect your pelvic floor

The muscles that make up the birth canal need to be kept in good shape. “Pelvic floor muscles support your womb throughout pregnancy and need to be supple for delivery,” says Nicola. Find out how in our box on the Pelvic Floor Fitness Plan.

PELVIC FLOOR HTNESS PLAN

HIT THE FLOOR Exercising the vital muscles that make your birth canal strong and healthy is a priority. Keeping these muscles in shape will help you get back to normal quickly post-birth.

GET A GRIP To exercise your pelvic floor, tighten, hold, then release the muscles you clench to stop a pee. Do a mix of 10-second holds and fast in and out flexes. You can do them anywhere, just don’t hold your breath or you might feel dizzy!

NOTE Check with your doc before you start an exercise programme. Women with a history of miscarriage, blood loss or spotting in pregnancy, and those with a multiple pregnancy or an IVF conception, are advised to take extra care.

5. Treasure your chest

“Your growing stomach and breasts can cause your lower back to arch and your shoulders to hunch over, so working this area too much will exacerbate this and can be difficult to correct later,” says Nicola. Keeping an eye on your posture helps. “Any exercising of your chest should be done with supervision,” she cautions.

6. Eat healthily

New research by the Nottingham University Hospitals suggests women who diet during pregnancy or when they’re trying to conceive affect the chemistry of their baby’s fat cells, increasing the risk of their child becoming obese. “You don’t need to eat any more than before you became pregnant,” says Virginia. Stick to a healthy balanced diet. Many health professionals advise adding an extra 200 calories to your diet in the third trimester. If exercising, eat a snack – a carb such as a banana – an hour or two beforehand, and drink plenty of water.

7. Stay on the move

“As the weeks go by, mix faster-paced exercise with periods of slower exercise to allow your body to cool down while keeping muscles active,” says Nicola. She also advises frequently changing position. “There’s a risk of your blood pooling in your feet which can cause fainting,” she says. It’s important to wind down properly after exercise, too. Slow your activity gradually until you are sitting comfortably and have a rest.

8. Get off your back

From 12 weeks, stop doing curl-ups and sit-ups. According to Nicola, “Your abdominal muscles will start to open to accommodate your growing uterus. Exercising the muscles in this state can mean they may not come back together properly. Avoid lying on your back for too long from 16 weeks, as your baby could press on major veins.” When getting up, take care: roll on to your side and walk your way upright with your hands to reduce the strain on your stomach muscles.

9. Stop bouncing!

During your pregnancy (particularly the second and third trimesters) avoid impact workouts and running. “Relaxin increases the risk of jarring your joints,” warns Nicola.

10. Have perfect posture

To improve your posture Nicola recommends you ‘hug’ your baby to you to activate your core stomach muscles. “This helps correct the shift in your body’s centre of gravity caused by your growing bump and chest, and prevents your back arching – and aching,” she says.

THE FOUR BEST PREGNANCY EXERCISES

WALKING The best all-round exercise for the duration of your pregnancy.

THE BABY HUG Imagine hugging your baby in towards you with your tummy muscle, and tilt your pelvis underneath you, drawing your shoulders back.

SWIMMING But avoid breaststroke and any exercise that takes your legs wide apart. Think about your hips, you want them to be always facing forward so that your pelvis stays in the correct position.

LUNGES Standing straight with feet hip-width apart, step forward and sink down on to one foot then swap over. This exercise will keep your legs strong now they have your bump to carry, too.

If you are a new parent and live in a part of the country where the winter is severe, this is piece is especially for you. the cold  weather brings with it some special challenges for new mums and dads. We give you a ready reckoner to help you through the next few months…

The mercury will soon start dropping and you’ve been wondering what’s right and wrong for your baby in this weather. You’ve stocked up on warm clothes and bought the room heater. But is that enough? Here are a few tips for keeping your baby comfortable this winter.

1. Don’t overheat

Many of us tend to overheat the house during the winter, especially when we have a baby, because we worry about her getting too cold. But doing this creates problems such as dry indoor air and could cause your baby to become overheated. If you are comfortable in a short sleeve top, the temperature is about right for your baby.

2. Keep her covered

On cold nights, check on your baby occasionally to see that she’s covered enough to be warm and comfortable. Babies often kick off their blankets, then get too cold.

3. Dress her in layers

During the winter, it’s often cold outside but very warm inside the home or in stores and shopping malls. It’s best to dress your baby in layers that you can put on or take off as needed.

4. Use breathing fabrics

Dress your baby in cotton clothes and use cotton baby bedding. Cotton will allow your baby to stay cool and comfortable much better than non-breathable synthetic fabrics. You could even try bamboo and hemp, which are all-natural, non-bleached and, although they sound very new-agey, are actually good at keeping your baby comfortable and clean! Both fabrics are naturally anti-microbial and their excellent breathability makes them more comfortable to wear, warm in winter and cool in summer.

5. Use a humidifier

A humidifier will help add much needed moisture to the air in her room. Remember to clean the humidifier daily and sanitise weekly.

6. Keep her hydrated

This is obvious in the summer, but in the winter too, it’s important to make sure your baby gets enough fluids and stays hydrated.

7. Go outside

Going outside is good for your baby and for you. Research shows that 10 daily minutes of unfiltered sun exposure is very important. Try to get out of the house daily, or as often as the weather permits. If you’re going out for many hours, don’t forget a sunshade or sunscreen, because even that weak, wintry sunlight could harm your child’s sensitive skin if exposed for a long time.

8. Diaper her right

Soggy, sub-standard diapers or nappies that don’t offer the right protection should be avoided. Opt for diapers with superior softness and absorbency which will keep her dry and comfortable.

A step by step guide to infant massage from the experts in infant skincare

Benefits for baby

The positive benefits of infant massage have been well researched. Documented benefits include, amongst others:

•    It helps stimulate the body’s circulatory, immune, muscular and nervous systems.

•    It improves digestion and weight gain.

•    It encourages a quiet alert state when learning takes place.

•    It helps baby sleep better.

•    It improves communication and deepens bonding.

Benefits for parents

•    It provides dads, working moms and all parents with an opportunity for quiet, focussed time together.

•    It helps you recognise your baby’s unique signals and improves your understanding of each other.

•    It helps you feel more competent in your role as a parent.

JOHNSON’S® Baby Oil is ideal to use for infant massage. It has special lubricating properties and allows the skin to breathe naturally without blocking the pores. It is also an excellent moisturiser to use after baby’s bath as the clinically proven mild formula helps to lock in 10 times more moisture than many lotions and creams when applied to damp skin.

GETTING STARTED

•    Choose a place that is warm and comfortable and a time when your baby is not tired or hungry

•    Warm your hands before touching your baby.

•    JOHNSON’S® Baby Bedtime Oil with NATURALCALM™ is ideal for massage. While the oil moisturises her skin, your touch and the NATURALCALM™ aromas help to soothe and calm her.

•    You can also use JOHNSON’S® Baby Oil Regular or Aloe Vera, or JOHNSON’S® Baby Aqueous Cream or Aqueous Lotion for massage. They will reduce friction and at the same time, moisturise and condition the skin.

•    It is a calming, relaxing activity for both baby and parent

STEP 1 Legs

Using a milking motion, move your hands from the hip to the foot, one hand following the other. Hold the leg as if you were holding a baseball bat. Turning your hands in opposite directions, squeeze softly, sliding your hands up the leg and down again. Do this with her other leg.

STEP 2 Tummy

Using the outside of each hand, make paddling strokes on your baby’s tummy as if you were scooping sand towards yourself. Or you can trace the Inverted letters I, L, U on her tummy, which stands for I love you! The strokes on the tummy will help relieve gas and constipation.

STEP 3 Chest

With flat hands together at the centre of your baby’s chest, push out to the sides over her rib cage, as if you were flattening the pages of a book. Without lifting your hands, bring them round in a heart shaped motion to the centre again. Smile at your baby and maintain eye contact.

STEP 4 Arms and hands

Massage the arms, using the same gentle milking or squeeze and twist action that you used on her legs. Then hold his hands and circle the palm with your fingers.

STEP 5 Back

Move your hands back and forth from the top of your baby’s spine down to her buttocks. Always maintain contact with one hand.