A lovely recommendation

Niamh advised us on sleep routines and general infant care when our grandchild was 5 months old and her Mum had to go back to work.

She gave us, experienced grandparents – (one a child psychotherapist) and the baby’s parents – (one a doctor) the confidence to enjoy our baby – She simply whisked our worries away!

Niamh is inspirational in her dedication to healthy lifestyles for babies. She places good sleep routines at the core of things and thereby puts families on the best track possible.

She has a deep and sincere belief in the value of healthy lifestyles for babies and in the capacity families have for achieving them – from this source she inspires each and every family she meets.

The babies she sets onto the secure and healthy path are massive testimony to her skill, devotion and faith in things going well being best for all. Such a gift! Niamh operates from an ethic of putting Families First – She not only profoundly cares about supporting and caring for babies and their families – but she puts her considerable knowledge, her skills, her care and her support into action – ever and always pragmatic.
Marie and Barry Dillon, Dublin

Weaning – Breast to Bottle

Disclaimer! I do not and have never claimed to be a breastfeeding expert.  I am simply sharing information based on my experiences.  My sister is a midwife so we have had a few conversations on the subject!

I am constantly asked for tips when mums feel the time has come to move on from breastfeeding.

I am not in any way anti-breastfeeding but understand that there may come a time when, for whatever reason, you will want to stop breastfeeding your baby. Some women continue for many months, even years, while others know at what point they would like to wean their baby from the breast. You do not need to stop breastfeeding when your baby has solid food introduced to his diet and it is worth considering that your baby will need either breast or formula milk until he is 12 months old when making this decision.

However, you may need to return to work or have other practical, emotional or physical needs that require you to wean your baby off the breast.

Express In order to minimise any physical discomfort you feel at this time, you should express a little milk. However, do not express more than you need to feel comfortable, as your breasts will keep making the same amount of milk. You should try to take a little off though as otherwise your breasts could become engorged and possibly develop mastitis.

Pick the right moment. As with any change, it is not a great idea to start weaning your baby  when he is experiencing an upset routine. This might be as stressful as a move to a new house or as simple and natural, as teething. Either way, these occasions are stressful even for small babies and getting rid of the comfort that is breastfeeding, is only going to make your job harder at this time.

Take one step at a time. Unless you have been instructed to stop breastfeeding quickly (perhaps prior to being admitted to hospital), then you should make this experience a process rather than an earth-shattering event. Your baby will be able to cope with this change if it is approached in the right way. Cut down on the breastfeeds gradually. For example, at the beginning, pick one feed to drop (preferably one that doesn’t seem very important in an emotional sense to your child) and do without this one for  a week, before dropping another.
Ask for help. You will need the support of your partner at this time. If your partner has been giving your baby bottles (perhaps of your expressed milk, or of formula), then chances are that weaning will be less of an ordeal for everyone involved. He will already have helped to establish to your baby that it is not only you that is able to provide feeds. To stop giving a bedtime feed, it might be an idea to ask your partner or relative to take over bedtimes for a while. (lucky you!)

The art of distraction. You will already be a skilled at baby-focused distraction techniques and this will be the ultimate test of your skills. Get out, get walking, go to the park, go swimming, in short, do whatever it takes to occupy your baby’s time. No time to think about breastfeeding can only be a good thing. Sitting down with your baby is an open invitation for a quick guzzle!.

Above all, make sure that your baby is party to lots of hugs and kisses and is made to feel very loved. This is a big change for him and he may feel slightly insecure or vulnerable at this time. If you are finding this process of weaning your baby from the breast, do not hesitate to seek support.  There are many wonderful breastfeeding support groups around.

A few Tips

1. Babies become self-aware and quite discerning from around 2 months
2. Offer the bottle on your knee and feed with the child facing outwards
3. Don’t wait till your child is hungry – new experiences are handled better when your child is in good form and well rested
4. Let your little one play with an empty bottle in order to get used to it
5. Offer it during a dream feed
6. Perhaps have the bottle slightly warmed
7. Your childs mouth is wide open when they are feeding from the breast so try to fill their mouth with the teet as much as you can

Hope you find this useful!

Niamh

Mum! Dont Trade me In!!

Mum! Dont trade me in!

So, you’re four years old and happy to be the apple of mum and dad’s eye. You’ve heard rumours that mum is playing host to a brother or sister but to be honest, you won’t believe it till you see it! They wouldn’t do it to you….would they? You, as parents might be excited about the impending arrival, but don’t expect everyone to be as thrilled as you.
Your partner arrives home to you with a younger, smaller version of you. Not only are you told that this new person is going to be living in your house, but that you’ve got to be best friends…forever! As a child, there is no rationalising. Things are black and white to them and although some children accept a sibling with little drama, for some it can a big upheaval.
Ultimately, children want your love and attention. The age gaps between your children really don’t make much difference, little jealousies are inevitable but it’s the parents job to help positive relationships develop. From the moment a new sibling arrives, there are things you can do to get their relationship off to a good start.
When baby comes home, have a stash of inexpensive gifts for your older child when the new baby is being showered with presents, thus eliminating a little of the jealousy.
Involve the older child in activities with new baby. E.g, helping to get the bits and bobs together when nappy changing, packing baby’s bag if you’re going out and helping with bath-time.
Don’t be too protective. Your older child is going to look like a giant beside the new arrival. Don’t assume the four year old will hurt the child by getting too close. You may want eyes in the back of your head but both your children need to develop their own relationship.
Spend time with your older child. Maintain routines you have always had e.g. if you always read the bedtime story, keep doing it. Try to get the new baby minded for an hour so you can go out for a treat to the park or for coffee, in order to spend good quality time with your child and to show them that you still care about them.
It can be a difficult adjustment for all of you but, if you approach it with a positive attitude, all will be well.
Bring on the teenage years….!

(First appeared in Easy Parenting Magazine 2012)