Pregnancy care
Apr, 11

Pregnancy : The healthy weight

While pregnancy is not the time to lose weight, women should not use their expanding bellies as a reason to eat more than is necessary. The amount of food a woman needs during pregnancy depends on a number of things including her body mass index, or BMI, before pregnancy, the rate at which she gains weight, age and appetite. All pregnant women should eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods each day. It may also be necessary to take a vitamin and mineral supplement if recommended by a physician.

Many women start off pregnancy with an overweight or obese BMI and many gain more weight than is healthy during their pregnancy. Research shows the risk of problems during pregnancy and delivery is lowest when weight gain is kept within a healthy range. Obesity during pregnancy is risky for both mother and child, with some risks including gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension (high blood pressure), Cesarean delivery, birth defects and even fetal death. If a women is obese during pregnancy, it also raises the chance her child will be obese later in life.

In UK, more pregnant woman than ever are overweight or obese.

 

Weight Gain Guidelines

The latest weight gain guidelines by the Institute of Medicine are based on a women’s BMI before pregnancy. The amount of weight gained depends on which category the pre-pregnancy BMI lands in:

 

IMC = Weight (in kg) / (Height in m x Height in m)

  • Underweight: BMI below 18.5
  • Normal weight: 18.5 to 24.9
  • Overweight: 25.0 to 29.9
  • Obese: 30.0 and above

The weight ranges below are for a full-term pregnancy: 

  • Underweight: 28 to 40 pounds (12,7 to 18,1kg)
  • Normal: 25 to 35 pounds (11,3 to 15,9kg)
  • Overweight: 15 to 25 pounds (6,8 to 11,3kg)
  • Obese: 11 to 20 pounds (5 to 9kg)

For twins, the recommendations naturally go up: 

  • Normal: 37 to 54 pounds (16,7 to 24kg)
  • Overweight: 31 to 50 pounds (14 to 22,6kg)
  • Obese: 25 to 42 pounds (11,3 to 19kg)

There are no set guidelines for underweight BMI weight gain with twins.

 

Risks to you of being overweight in pregnancy

Being overweight increases the risk of complications for pregnant women and their babies. The higher a woman’s BMI, the higher the risks. The increasing risks are in relation to:   

  • miscarriage – the overall risk of miscarriage under 12 weeks is one in five (20%); if you have a BMI over 30, the risk is one in four (25%) 
  • gestational diabetes – if your BMI is 30 or above, you are three times more likely to develop gestational diabetes than women whose BMI is below 30 
  • high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia – if you have a BMI of 35 or above at the beginning of your pregnancy, your risk of pre-eclampsia is twice that of women who have a BMI under 25 
  • blood clots – all pregnant women have a higher risk of blood clots compared to women who are not pregnant, and if your BMI is 30 or more the risk is additionally increased   
  • the baby’s shoulder becoming “stuck” during labour (sometimes called shoulder dystocia) 
  • post-partum haemorrhage (heavier bleeding than normal after the birth)   
  • having a baby weighing more than 4kg (8lb 14oz) – the overall risk of this for women with a BMI between 20 and 30 is 7 in 100 (7%); if your BMI is over 30, your risk is doubled to 14 in 100 (14%) 

You are also more likely to need an instrumental (ventouse or forceps) delivery, and an emergency caesarean section. 

 

Risks to the baby if you’re overweight in pregnancy

Problems for your baby can include being born early (before 37 weeks), and an increased risk of stillbirth (from an overall risk of 1 in 200 in the UK to 1 in 100 if you have a BMI of 30 or more). 

There is also a higher risk of foetal abnormality, such as neural tube defects like spina bifida. Overall, around 1 in 1,000 babies are born with neural tube defects in the UK. If your BMI is over 40, the risk is three times the risk of a woman with a BMI below 30. 

These problems can also happen to any pregnant woman, whether she is overweight or not.

Bear in mind that although these risks are increased if your BMI is 30 or over, most women who are overweight will have a healthy baby. 

 

Calorie Intake

In general, pregnant women need between 2,200 calories and 2,900 calories a day. A gradual increase in calories as the baby grows is the best bet. Here is an overview of how calorie needs change during each trimester:

  • The first trimester does not require any extra calories.
  • During the second trimester, an additional 340 calories a day are recommended.
  • For the third trimester, the recommendation is 450 calories more a day than when not pregnant.

Additional calories should come from nutrient-dense foods including lean protein, whole grains, dairy, vegetables and fruit. Avoid unneeded extra calories by cutting down on foods high in fat and added sugars such as regular soda, sweets and fried foods.

 

Top Tips for Eating Right During Pregnancy

The 40 (or so) weeks of pregnancy are a magical time. Keeping a healthy lifestyle throughout pregnancy, as well as before and after, is key for both baby and mother. Important steps to a healthy pregnancy include eating a balanced diet; gaining the right amount of weight; enjoying regular physical activity; taking a vitamin and mineral supplement if recommended by a physician; and avoiding alcohol, tobacco and other harmful substances.

 

Foods Fit for Mom and Baby 

Moms-to-be need a variety of foods from all the MyPlate food groups. A balanced diet with a variety of foods can provide healthy women with enough nutrients for pregnancy. Safe food practices are important, too, since pregnant women are at higher risk of food poisoning.

Pregnant women need a balanced diet including:

  • Whole grains: Breads, cereals, pastas and brown rice.
  • Fruits: All types of fruits, fresh, frozen or canned without added sugars.
  • Vegetables: Eat a variety of colorful vegetables, fresh, frozen or canned with no added salt. Raw sprouts should be avoided.
  • Lean protein: Choose lean protein from meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans and peas, peanut butter, soy products and nuts. Pregnant women should avoid eating tilefish, shark, swordfish and king mackerel, and limit white (albacore) tuna to 6 ounces per week. Deli, luncheon meats and hot dogs should be reheated if consumed.
  • Low-fat or fat-free dairy: This includes milk, cheese and yogurt. Unpasteurized milk and some soft cheeses that are made from unpasteurized milk also should be avoided.
  • Healthful fats: From foods such as avocados, nuts and seeds as well as vegetable oils including canola and olive oil.

Avoid extra calories from added sugars and solid fats, which can lead to unhealthy weight gain. Cut down on foods such as regular soda, sweets and fried snacks.

 

Physical Activity

Physical activity can help manage weight gain. The activity guidelines for pregnant women are 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most, if not all, days of the week. Make sure to talk with a doctor before starting or continuing any exercise routine while pregnant.

 

For a Personalized Healthy eating plan and a regular check up, consult a Nutritionist or Dietician.

 

Amandine Auteserre – Nutritionist

Amandine consults at Make Me Feel on demand.

You can book an appointment with her by clicking HERE.

 

 

Source: The Royal College of Obs and Gyn & The British Medical Journal

Beautiful Child Girl
Apr, 11

SOIGNER LES ADOLESCENTS AVEC L’HOMEOPATHIE

Make Me Feel • Clapham

Les angoisses des adolescents • Le trac et les tension des examens • La fatigue et les problèmes de sommeil
Les troubles des règles • L’acné • Le mal de tête • Les rhûmes Les maux de gorge • Soutien immunitaire

Dimanche 22 avril 2018 • 10h30 à 12h30 • Tarif: £30
Vous recevrez un ensemble complet de notes et un remède homéopathique gratuit

Lieu: Make Me Feel, 25 Abbeville Road, Clapham, Londres SW4 9LA Inscriptions tel: 0208 675 1207 • email: www.makemefeel.co.uk

Caroline est une homéopathe qualifiée qui a acquit sa licence et diplôme du Centre for Homeopathic Education à Londres en 2008.

Caroline Harper BSc(Hons) LCHE BA(Hons) MCMA
Homeopath www.harperhomeopathy.com

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/homeopathie-workshopsoigner-les-adolescents-avec-lhomeopathie-in-french-tickets-44843026700?ref=estw

Recipe
Mar, 2

Recipe of the Month

ANTONIA x GALLINEE – JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE TOSSED SALAD

http://www.antoniamagor.com/new-blog/2017/11/5/antoniax-gallinee

This isn’t a very exact salad recipe because you can alter the quantities depending on what you have to hand or how you feel. However I would suggest keeping the ingredients along the same lines as the flavours all work well together. Resulting in a chunky, satisfying salad with soft, caramelised earthy roots, bitter tones of radicchio and parsley, creamy goats cheese and pops of freshness from the pomegranate seeds.

If you haven’t encountered Jerusalem artichokes before the nubby, ancient looking roots are usually available at farmers markets or more specialist grocery stores. They have a nutty taste slightly like parsnips or globe artichokes and can be treated cooking wise like a parsnip or potato. Jerusalem artichokes serve as a good source of prebiotic fibre, inulin. Inulin is not absorbed or broken down by the body during digestion supporting natural gut function and feeding the guts healthy bacteria.

Be aware if you are not used to eating Jerusalem artichokes that they can be difficult to digest so start with smaller portions.

 

Gluten Free and Vegetarian.

Serves 2 as a main, 4 as part of a selection

Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 2 large handfuls of Jerusalem artichokes
  • 1 red onion
  • 50 – 60grams of walnut halves
  • 50 – 60grams goats cheese
  • ½ radicchio lettuce head
  • a small bunch of parsley
  • a handful of pomegranate seeds
  • olive oil
  • sea salt
  • balsamic vinegar

 

Method:

  • Heat the oven to 180C.
  • Firstly wash and scrub the Jerusalem artichokes to remove any dirt from them. Then cut into half or quarters of the larger artichokes so the pieces are roughly even. Peel the red onion and slice into wedges.
  • Toss the onion and artichokes in olive oil and a good pinch of sea salt, lay on a baking tray and roast for 40 – 45minutes. Occasionally shaking the pan to ensure all round cooking.
  • In the meantime toast your walnuts in a shallow pan or on a baking tray in the oven for a few minutes and prepare your other ingredients.
  • Finely slice the radicchio, parsley and crumble the goats cheese, setting aside until the roots are ready.

Once the Jerusalem artichokes and red onion are cooked toss together with the rest of the ingredients and serve while warm with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.

Smoothie recipe
Mar, 2

Smoothie of the month

Lemon, Ginger & Apple Cyder vinegar by Antonia Magor x Gallinée

http://www.antoniamagor.com/new-blog/2017/11/5/antoniax-gallinee

This is a slightly advanced version of the hot water and lemon combination that I, and most of my girlfriends, seem to start the day with. The more traditional caffeinated options of coffee or tea we have first thing might start by giving you a boost but also dehydrate and stimulate a change in the body’s natural rhythm. Starting the day with a warm or room temperature drink hydrates and the sweet, tart flavour soothes while the slightly bitter, zingy taste stimulates digestion. Putting vinegar in a drink may take some getting used to but it’s an old wives tale and traditional digestive remedy that definitely still applies today.

Gluten free, diary free and vegan friendly.

Serves 2

Total Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

  • Juice of a lemon
  • 1 tablespoon apple cyder vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon light honey (or to taste, if you are new to the drink you may prefer a little more honey)
  • ½ teaspoon fresh grated ginger
  • room temperature or warm water

Method:

Mix the juice of a lemon with the vinegar, honey and ginger either in a small teapot or individual mugs.

Top with hot water and serve warm.

Tip:

For vegans use agave nectar as opposed to honey.

Note:

Apple cyder vinegar contains elements from fermented apples, pectin, a natural prebiotic complex, which supports digestion and works symbiotically with the probiotic bacteria found in the vinegar. „Raw“ or „unfiltered“ vinegar still contains the „mother“ an odd expression but really means it has not been pasteurised and therefore still contains a higher percentage of live bacterial cultures and raw enzymes. You can find i tat most good health shops or large supermarket.

Sans titre
Mar, 2

Mustela launches their UK ‘Skin Type Campaign’

Discover your baby’s skin type

www.mustela.co.uk/baby-skin-type

95% of mums believe it is important that their baby’s skincare products are formulated specifically for their skin type and would select a product based on this

proud to announce that they have launched their “Skin Type Campaign” within the UK. After 10 years of scientific research and clinical trials, Mustela remain the first brand of its kind to carry out extensive studies on baby’s skin which is what makes them so unique.

To support this campaign, Mustela has created a simple and informative online portal to guide mums in their moment of need. This unique portal encompasses a ‘how to diagnose your baby’s skin quiz’, that determines the baby’s skin criteria and allows the mother to discover which Mustela products are best suited for their baby’s skin. Mums will also be able to access ‘step-by-step how to bath time videos’ on YouTube to promote the importance of caring for your baby’s skin health; so, both mother and baby can confidently enjoy that precious bonding time.

This innovative venture is aimed to educate, and help mums successfully identify their baby’s skin type by breaking down their baby’s skin into 4 categories; Normal, Dry, Eczema-Prone and Very Sensitive which is often a misconception among mums. Parents can finally make an informed decision about the skincare choices for their children with Mustela’s Skin Type Campaign.

Skin Type Focus:
Normal Skin: For soft and smooth skin

Mustela’s Normal Skin product range is formulated with Avocado Perseose, a natural ingredient to hydrate and preserve the skin’s richness.

Dry Skin: For rough and flaky skin

Mustela’s Dry Skin product range is formulated with Avocado Perseose, a natural ingredient to hydrate and preserve the skin’s richness and with Ceramides + Cold Cream to nourish and maintain comfortable skin.

Very Sensitive Skin: For skin that reddens easily to daily stress factors

Mustela’s fragrance-free Very Sensitive product range is formulated with Avocado Perseose, a natural ingredient to hydrate and preserve the skin’s richness and Schizandra to soothe sensations of tightness and tingling.

Eczema-Prone Skin: For extremely skin itchy skin with occasional red patches

Mustela’s fragrance-free Stelatopia product range is formulated with Avocado Perseose, a natural ingredient to hydrate and preserve the skin’s richness and Sunflower Oil Distillate to soothe and replenish the skin with key lipids.

About Mustela

As an expert voice in the parenting industry for over 60 years, Mustela is not only committed to its products, Mustela is also committed to parents. It supports new and future parents as they discover the joys of parenthood. For as long as the brand has existed, Mustela has provided a wealth of advice developed in collaboration with healthcare and infant care professionals. since the brand was first created, it has been supporting future and young parents as they discover the joys of parenthood. Every day, Mustela helps young parents provide their babies with the care that they need, guiding them harmoniously as they develop.

With an innovative knowledge of skin and a collaboration with health professionals (pharmacists, dermatologists, podiatrists, toxicologists, allergists, gynaecologists), Mustela proposes expert, efficient and chemical-free skincare systems. Internationally acknowledged, these innovations have resulted in 635 patents being registered by Expanscience Laboratories throughout the world over the last 15 years. Each product range contains natural ingredients all of which are guaranteed to nurture the skin and are hypoallergenic, high-tolerance and do not contain any parabens, phenoxyethanol, phthalates or alcohol.

Today, Mustela features around 50 products strengthening its unique dermatological expertise more powerfully than ever before. Innovative, safe, effective and increasingly natural, Mustela’s products protect babies’ skin, as well as the skin of new mothers.

Discover your baby’s skin type here: www.mustela.co.uk/baby-skin-type

Ren
Mar, 2

Marine’s product of the month

I had the chance to try the new “Ready steady glow” tonic from REN skincare before it is out on the market and it has already becomes part of my daily routine!

Ren says “This effective, skin-resurfacing toner will exfoliate and brighten your complexion, whilst being gentle enough to use daily.

By stimulating the skin to naturally exfoliate, Lactic Acid and Willow Bark extract work together to smooth, tone and help reduce the pore size, while Azelaic Acid precursor will brighten and help to even out skin tone for the perfect glow.

Results:

  • Renews the skin
  • Minimizes pore size
  • Protects and repairs
  • Moisturises »

Well, my work as a pharmacist is to make sure that the composition is matching the statements and at the end the results. I have been very impressed by the glow it gives to me straight away and even the day after.

I feel my skin is really brighter and smoother.

I also agree with the “minimizes the pores” statement and that we can use it daily. I think if you have a very sensitive skin you should maybe use it every two or three days only as it can be a bit too much.

As my skin isn’t sensitive, I have used it every night after cleansing my skin (with Gallinée foam cleanser and La Roche Posay respectissime Eye Make-up remover: you will know everything!) and as a toner. Then my serum (Caudalie, premier cru serum: another new amazing product) and my cream (Esthederm radiance).

Regarding the ingredients:

Aqua (Water), Sodium Lactate, Lactic Acid, Heptyl Glucoside, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Triethyl Citrate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract, Benzoic Acid, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Flower Oil, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Peel Oil, Heptanol, Parfum* (Fragrance), Limonene

 

 

 

I like this formulation. Nothing nasty. The mandarin, grapefruit, tangerine, and orange oils are giving a lovely smell.

A real plus in beauty industry new products!

To shop this product, follow the link below:

Ren

allergy disease
Mar, 2

Homeopathy for Hayfever

By Caroline Harper, Homeopath

I first started to suffer from hayfever when I was a teenager. Every springtime would herald the arrival of itchy eyes and a streaming nose which I tried to treat with anti-histamines. But they would always leave me feeling so drowsy that some days I would fall asleep anywhere and at anytime. In my twenties I started seeing a homeopath and my hayfever symptoms improved tremendously, no more itchy eyes, no more runny nose.

As a homeopath, I now see many patients who suffer from those same debilitating symptoms of hayfever and allergic rhinitis. By far the best approach is to follow a preventative homeopathic treatment which takes place in the late winter months, before the usual hayfever season begins. But if this has not been possible, it’s never too late and the use of homeopathy during the season is still effective. Below is a list of homeopathic remedies that can be really useful to alleviate your hayfever symptoms. Each remedy relates to specific symptoms so you can choose which one fits you the best.

  • ARSENICUM – for burning symptoms

Eyes: burning eyes with acrid tears, or burning dry eyes. Swelling around the eyes.

Nose: thin, watery discharge from nose that burns the lip, sore nostrils. Sneezing brings no relief.

Throat: burning throat, with a dry irritating cough.

  • ALLIUM CEPA – when the nose runs like a tap

Nose: profuse watery nasal discharge causing very sore nostrils and upper lip. Severe frequent sneezing especially when entering a warm room.

Eyes: red eyes, teary, streaming eyes.

Throat: tickling in the throat which makes you want to scratch inside.

  • EUPHRASIA – with very itchy eyes

Eyes: swollen, red, burning, gritty eyes with continuous burning discharge (may also be thick). Swollen eyelids.

Nose: profuse, clear, watery nasal discharge.

  • NUX VOMICA – for stuffy nose

Nose: stuffy and irritated nose with noisy breathing that is worse during the night, and runny nose during the day. Severe bouts of sneezing especially in the morning.

Eyes: smarting eyes, sensitive to light. Bloodshot eyes.

Throat: itchy larynx and inner ear.

  • NAT MUR – for a runny nose that drip back into the throat

Nose: profuse nasal discharge (stringy like egg white) that drip back in the throat. Violent sneezing. Hayfever with cold sores.

Eyes: watery, burning discharge from the eyes. Sore eyes that are sensitive to light.

  • SABADILLA – with persistant sneezing

Nose: persistant violent sneezing with runny or dry nose. Alternate nostrils are blocked. Intense itching and tickling in nose.

Eyes: red and burning eyelids with burning tears.

Throat: numbness sensation in the throat with a strong desire to scratch it.

There are many other tips you can follow to alleviate the misery of hayfever:

  • Take the antioxidant Quercetin and Vitamin C.
  • Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke and car exhaust.
  • Keep rugs, carpets, stuffed animals and upholstered furniture clean.
  • Air your clothes outside.
  • Put the dryer on quickly so that mold does not accumulate.
  • Keep your windows closed during the spring / summer at the beginning and the end of the day, when the pollen starts rising outside.
  • Avoid pro-inflammatory foods and foods that are mucus producing such as dairy, yeast, and sugar.
  • Avoid foods you are intolerant to.
  • Euphrasia eye drops can be soothing
  • Nasal douching with saline solution

 

Caroline Harper BsC(Hons) LCHE MCMA BA(Hons)

Homeopath

Make Me Feel pharmacy

Oil product
Mar, 2

Hay fever and Aromatherapy

Allergies, which affect you during the spring and summer months, are commonly referred to as seasonal. The seasonal rhinitis is most often due to allergy to grass and/or tree pollens.

These pollens are airborne and are present throughout the spring/summer months. In UK, tree pollens are in the environment as early as January and grass pollen is present from May.

The pollens from trees, grass or weeds can cause the immune system to produce antibodies and release a natural substance called histamine that is present in all cells throughout the body. Unfortunately, histamine irritates all the upper respiratory passages such as the nose, sinus, throat and eyes (conjunctivitis), making them swell and produce most of the typical hay fever symptoms.

Among different essential oils, tarragon (artemisia dracunculus) is a very interesting one for treating allergy. This oil helps the body to react more smoothly during the allergy. It helps the immunity to slowdown. Emotionally, it calms and relaxes the nerves. On the other hand, it sustains the liver during the allergy. Tarragon has some similar properties to anti-histamine medicine, with no side effect. It could be an option to use it in prevention internally in sublingual. You would then need to seek for a professional aromatherapist. Or if you prefer, you can use it diluted with a base oil (black cumin oil would be the best), applied on the wrists regularly.

In addition, you can add some very calming oils (from chamomile family).

The blue chamomile which contains chamazulene has anti-inflammatory property (also interesting after insect bites). Roman chamomile has a more proactive effect on calming the nerves.

You can also use hydrosol, (floral water), extremely interesting with children and babies, as well as for cleansing the nose and washing the face.

Essential oils can help with your allergy, and they are extremely effective in addition with Chinese medicine and a holistic approach including nutrition aspect.

Eyes soothing blend recipe:

We are talking about Hydrosol and not essential oil in this recipe

– Choose 3 hydrosols between: Rose Water, Chamomile water, Lavender water, Geranium water and Cornflower water.

– 25 ml of coconut oil (reheat if solid)

– 15 ml of Aloe Vera gel (optional)

– Cotton

Prepare a blend of the 3 hydrosols (300 ml altogether) with the coconut oil and Aloe Vera gel.

Soak all the cotton pads together in this Lotion. Cover in the jar.

You can now wipe your face and eyes to sooth the itchiness causes by the allergy and get rid of possible allergens. You can relieve your conjunctivitis by applying gently the cotton on the eyelids.

Can be stored about 2 months.

 

If you want to know more about aromatherapy, feel free to contact our aromatherapist Marie LARDY

AromaBio- Marie LARDY

aromabio88@gmail.com

http://aromabio.weebly.com

https://www.facebook.com/aromabio88

Mobile : 075 0830 1377

child
Mar, 2

Tummy Time

By Emma Nicolau, osteopath.

What is it?

Tummy time is a moment when your baby has supervised time on their tummy when they are awake. It can be on the parent’s chest, lap, carried or on the floor/play mat. Accessories can be used to distract them and encourage them during the little workout.

Since the Back to Sleep campaign (1992), to prevent SIDS, it has been reported that babies spend less supervised time on their tummy while awake during the day due to the lack of guidelines given to the parents. Lack of tummy-time leads to developmental delays and head deformities, increasingly noticed by health care practitioners in paediatrics.

Why does your baby need tummy-time?

Babies spend a lot of time on their backs for obvious reasons but spending supervised time on their tummy is also very important for their development. It keeps babies mobile and helps them to build up the strength of those muscles that are not as stimulated while laying on their backs (arms, shoulder girdle, back and core). It also helps to prevent head deformity, as a baby’s skull is very soft and the bones can be affected by pressure. Head deformity is not just an aesthetic issue; it can maintain asymmetric movements at the level of the neck and creates compensation further down the spine.

Muscle strength promotes movements and better control/coordination; hence it encourages your baby’s motor and sensory development.

“It increases babies’ confidence and independence motivating them to explore their surroundings as they learn to control their bodies” (Peta Smith, 2006)

Babies with lack of tummy-time are prone to delays in their development (they eventually catch up) and plagiocephaly/brachycephaly or “flat heads”.

When to start, how long and how often?

Tummy time can be started soon after birth, ideally once the umbilical cord has fallen and healed correctly. It is recommended that a baby who is awake, alert and happy, should be placed on its tummy as many times as possible in a day, from minutes to longer (at all time supervised!); so that they can get used to lying differently and see the world through a different angle. Tummy-time does not only imply laying your child flat on the floor or playmat; it can also be done on your chest, lap, or while carrying the baby (safely) around the house.

The important part of tummy-time is to place their little hands underneath their shoulders, so they can press on them (baby press-ups). Ideally, after a nappy change and not straight after a feed. The earlier it starts, the better and the most tolerated it is! Remember: those guidelines are only to encourage SUPERVISED tummy time.

What if my baby doesn’t like it?

Tummy time does not have to be dull and spent without enthusiasm. Make the experience fun and entertaining for your baby, using colourful toys, mirrors and other accessories to encourage baby. They may complain at first, but mainly because they are not used to the position, an even stronger sign to do tummy time. As time and frequency on the tummy increase, so will baby’s tolerance.

Back to sleep:

While tummy-time is important for baby’s development, it is essential to place them on their back when asleep. According to Joyce Epstein, Director at the foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths, cot death is nine times more likely if babies are not sleeping on their backs.

Another thing:

It is important to minimise time in car seats, carriers and restrictive mattress such as Cocoonababy as it limits the infant’s movement and will inhibit their physical activity. Baby needs to move around when awake; this is part of their healthy normal development.

If any doubts:

If you find your baby demonstrates delays in their development or if you struggle with tummy time, please do not hesitate to consult with your paediatrician.

 

References:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0163638317301480

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/5128144.stm

https://academic.oup.com/pch/article/16/8/493/2639504

https://ajot.aota.org/Article.aspx?articleid=1853002

https://academic.oup.com/pch/article/22/3/159/3798466

https://ajot.aota.org/data/journals/ajot/929931/101.pdf

 

Anti Pollution skincare
Mar, 2

3 Reasons You Should Switch to an Anti Pollution Skincare Routine

Post by Zaga Colovic – founder of FOM London

We caught up with Zaga a few weeks ago and asked her for her expertise option in the field of skin health. We know that for her it is all about skin health but we wanted to know what anti-pollution skincare is and why we need it?

For those that do not know Zaga is founder of FOM London – an award winning anti pollution skincare brand created in UK. She started FOM London in an attempt to regain her own skin health. Zaga’s spent over 10 years working in environmental risk management and she saw and learnt a great deal about harmful effects of pollution.

MMF. What is anti-pollution skincare product?

Anti-pollution skincare product is a product specifically designed to protect and repair skin from damage caused by the harmful effects of pollution.

MMF. What does pollution do to skin?

  1. Pollution dries and dehydrates your skin

Pollution particles can be up to 20 times smaller than human pores, making it very easy to enter pores. Cleansing is a first step towards pollution free skincare. We have created a super easy to use cleanser and make up remover, 2in1 so you can get rid of pollution and make up at the same time. No need for cloth – all you need is clean fingers to massage the cleansing cream onto your face and remove make up even stubborn mascara.

  1. Pollution accelerates your natural aging process

This means that you look older than your age. It is all to do with free radial damage that can lead to tissue damage and as a result you get wrinkles, loss of elasticity. You need to have a product that helps repair that damage and also protect skin from future damages i.e. your skin becomes resilient and able to deal with pollution on a daily basis.

  1. Pollution causes Age Spots and hyperpigmentation

Recent studies suggests a link between a number of airborne pollution particles and the skin aging i.e. age spots. If you have pigments on your cheeks, or your forehead sadly it is pollution induced as per recent studies conducted in Germany. But don’t despair there is a solution for it in a form of a serum that you need to apply at night.

MMF: So what can we do to prevent skin damage?

You need to use a specialist anti-pollution facial skincare products with a unique science behind that works to stop pollution entering the pores and the product that acts as a skin barrier on the skin without clogging the pores i.e. allowing skin to breathe and without toxic unnecessary chemicals in formulations. Sadly if you do not protect the skin with the thin layer of protection you are risking skin damage from pollution which will result in dry, dull skin, aging skin and you will look older.

MMF. Zaga, tell us why is FOM London skincare collection different?

We are first anti-pollution skincare brand in the world to address pollution induced skin aging in an award winning ANTIOXSILKtm technology. The mechanism behind this very unique science that is only available to FOM London is to not only protect the skin but to also repair skin damages caused by the harmful effects of pollution.

Shop here: