How often should I breastfeed my newborn?

[Image Credit: @wildephotographyy]

The frequency of feeds can be such a hot topic for new parents and can be quite stressful especially the first time round. New Mum's can become overwhelmed with all of the information, instructions and learning the crying cues from your in the first couple weeks of becoming a mother.

Meanwhile its not uncommon that your family, friends and even strangers will often add their (well meaning) but often not needed piece of advice on how often your newborn 'should' be feeding. The hard part about this is that getting different pieces of advise can often be conflicting to what you may have been told firstly leading to stress and anxiety on exactly how often your newborn should be feeding.

Here are some great tips and advise from our Feeding Your Newborn workshop host; Emma Maher (Midwife/Lactation Consultant) from Empowered Lactation with Emma on how often newborns breastfeed.

How an organised, well functioning sensorimotor system helps prepare your child’s brain and body to be an effective and efficient learner to thrive in class and play. 

It is incredibly important for school readiness as it allows a child to receive feedback from their body effectively so that they can effectively perform new skills they’ll learn in class and play. 

How coordination can encompass your child's with every area of learning and play at school and home! 

Coordination is the ability to use our body in the way we want to attain a desired outcome. This definitely utilises some big brain control and consciousness however there are very important elements of the lower brain that help us move and control our bodies in ways that make us uniquely human. 

How good proprioception can help our child's body be strong and well balanced!

It is so important for a child entering school because knowing where they are in space helps them sit still in class for learning, and move their bodies well for play.

Proprioception is the ability to know where we are in space so that we can then control our body appropriately to keep ourselves balanced and strong.

How does an integrated brainstem help prepare your child's brain and body develop and thrive in class and play?

The brainstem is at the base of the brain and skull and it is the oldest and most primitive part of our human brains. The major role of the brainstem is to control the functions of basic survival. Things like breathing, swallowing, digesting and heart rate are examples of this.

How does posture help your child's brain and body to be an effective and efficient learner to thrive in class and play?

We want little brains and little bodies to be working so well that all a child has to do when they enter the classroom or playground is use their clever big thinking and doing brains to learn and play. 

Having optimal postural strength is an important driver for children to be able to use their brain effectively for concentration, focus and engagement; which in turn leads to better learning and more easeful play.

How to get enough Tummy Time this Christmas

For most of  the festivities involve being out and about, travelling between gatherings and lots of fun, however this can limit the time your baby has for free play and floor based tummy time. Tummy time not only provides the opportunity for supporting posture development, but it also gives your child time to play, explore, have space and learn elements of self regulation. So how do you make sure your baby gets enough tummy time this festive season between all your commitments?

Firstly, understanding how much tummy time your child needs will help you make sure you are providing the minimum time, and then anything more is a wonderful bonus!

How much tummy time does your babe needs each day?

Follow these simple tips to help them achieve that over the festive season! 

The festive season is upon us and those with babies will know just how many requests you receive from others to hold your baby. Everyone wants to cuddle your little squish!

Being held, passed around and moved in and out of car seats, high chairs and beds becomes much more frequent at this time of year.

Did you know this can place additional strain and pressure through the spine and shoulders of your baby?

Christmas is only 4 weeks away... and while we all look forward to the festivities, food and fun with family and friends; it is also one of the busiest times of year.

Although thinking about our health and wellness during this time may not be on the top of the to-do list; by simply adding these four things, you will find that you not only get through the silly season with flying colours – you will thrive!

Here are our four top tips for not only surviving but THRIVING this holiday season: