When you have a baby — particularly your first — a little advice from friends and family can be very useful. But when it comes to feeding your little one, the advice you receive may conflict with that given by your pediatrician. So what do you do when the advice begins to feel like criticism — or even pressure?

Many medical authorities worldwide, including UNICEF, the World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that babies receive only breast milk or infant formula for the first 6 months of life. But previous generations of parents received quite different advice and those same parents — now grandparents — may be somewhat dismissive, or even contemptuous, of current guidelines. They may tell you that YOU were given solid foods from 6 weeks of age and that YOU’VE suffered no ill effects. How do you respond to this?

Firstly, You can simply state that you prefer to follow the recommendations given by your child’s pediatrician, which have changed significantly in the last few years. But it may also be worth elaborating on this a little, by explaining the reasoning BEHIND current guidelines.

Huge amounts of research have been carried out in the field of infant nutrition since our parents were raising us. Studies have shown that both breast milk and infant formula provide babies with adequate nutrition for the first 6 months — and that starting solids BEFORE 6 months significantly increases the risk of babies developing food allergies and the likelihood of obesity.

This isn’t the only area of baby care for which guidelines have changed, of course — and quoting a few examples of other major differences can really help get your point across…

• In the past, parents were advised to place infants on their tummies to sleep. Research showed that this practice could contribute to SIDS (or cot death). So the recommendations were changed, advising parents to place infants on their backs instead — the number of deaths due to SIDS dropped dramatically as a result.
• Drinking and smoking during pregnancy were considered perfectly acceptable, but are now known to contribute to premature birth, birth defects and low birth weight.
• Mothers were not actively encouraged to breastfeed and were often given injections to dry up their milk supply. Now we know that breastmilk is THE best source of infant nutrition. And formula fed babies in the past were given evaporated milk formulas, which contained sugar and lacked the vitamins and iron we now know a baby needs. Because these formulas were so nutritionally inadequate, solid foods were often necessary from as early as one month of age, to provide babies with the nutrients they needed.

As these examples demonstrate, changes in infant nutrition have had a positive impact on babies’ health — so the recommendations of your pediatrician, based on the latest research, should not be taken lightly.

If you continue to feel pressure to start solid foods too early, then it’s important to state your position firmly and calmly. This is YOUR baby and, with the guidance of your pediatrician, it is up to YOU to make decisions that will impact on your baby’s health.

Don’t be swayed by the suggestion that the early introduction of solids will solve any problems you may be experiencing with your baby waking frequently at night. Starting solids too soon may actually have the OPPOSITE effect to the one you’re hoping for — your baby’s immature digestive system may struggle to cope with new foods and the resulting discomfort may cause him to wake MORE often at night!

When your parenting philosophies are being challenged in this way, a good tip is to try joining a forum for other like-minded parents. This is an excellent way to reinforce your beliefs and forums are great places to “let off steam”, without affecting those close to you.

If you’re dealing with criticism from your parents or in-laws, then make sure that you and your partner present a united front! But do remember that — as unwelcome as their “advice” might be — these comments are also an indication of their concern for your baby’s welfare. Grandparents can play a very special role in your children’s lives and it is important to nurture and preserve this valuable relationship. So be as kind as possible — a careful combination of tact, firmness and confidence — plus an acknowledgment of how much you value their interest in your baby’s life - will ensure that you can pursue the parenting style YOU choose, with no-one’s feelings being hurt!

Christine Albury is the author of http://www.homemade-baby-food-recipes.com/index.html, a site providing a range of recipes for baby’s first year, plus information, tips and advice for successful infant feeding.

Tofu - that’s just for vegetarians, right?

Wrong.

Tofu is a highly nutritious food that, rather than being seen as just an alternative to meat, should be included in your baby’s diet on its own merits!

Tofu is part of the legume family. It is fermented soymilk curd — the process by which it is made compares to the way that cheese is made from milk. Tofu is a rich source of protein, calcium, iron, fibre and fatty acids — key components for good nutrition.

There are two basic types of tofu — hard/firm tofu, often used in recipes that needs a consistency which holds together well — and soft or silken tofu, generally used for desserts, smoothies, soups and sauces.

Fresh tofu has a sweet aroma when opened — any sour odour would indicate that it is stale and should not be used for your baby. It will keep for seven days in the refrigerator and should be placed in an airtight container of water. It is, however, essential that the water is changed on a daily basis. Tofu does not freeze particularly well — upon defrosting it becomes somewhat spongy in texture and appears discolored.

You can introduce this versatile and healthy food to your baby once he/she is at least 8 months of age. (It is important, however, to be aware that soy is a potential allergen. When introducing it to your baby for the very first time, watch carefully for any signs of an allergic reaction. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stuffy or runny nose, watery or red eyes and wheezing. Should you ever suspect your baby is allergic to a particular type of food, then contact a medical professional immediately).

It is very easy to incorporate tofu into your baby’s diet because it has very little taste of its own. Instead, it absorbs the flavors of any foods it comes into contact with.

Initially, you could try blending tofu with cottage cheese or avocado, for a simple, nutritious meal. Soft tofu creamed with fruit would make a delicious dessert for baby. Alternatively, tofu can be cut into chunks and served to your baby raw, as a healthy finger food.

Taking into account tofu’s extensive nutritional properties, along with its versatility, it would clearly provide a very worthwhile boost to most babies’ diets.

Christine Albury is the author of http://www.homemade-baby-food-recipes.com/index.html, a site providing a range of recipes for baby’s first year, plus information, tips and advice for successful infant feeding.

But the question is; do you really want to?

At present, being employed and working from home with absolutely no commute to the office is generally unheard of. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 10% of the NSW workforce Teleworks. This is where they still have to venture into their office, however also have the opportunities to take work home. It may sound like they get a great lifestyle, however, in truth, they still are bound by employer agreements- they still have to ask to have holidays, they still only get paid what their employer is willing to give them etc.  

Co- Owner of Memories 2 Movies; Kelly Mouriliyan; says ‘the reality is that employment from home is extremely hard to find. You need professional skills, and you are still required to commute into the office now and then. I decided to become my own boss and really set my own hours’.

But before you even go down the path of looking around to start a business from home, there are a few things you should know before deciding that working from home is actually for you.

*You will be in your house most of the day- every day. This could really start to suck! Your house should be your sanctuary and if you start to mix work with your home, your security and sanctuary could start to feel invaded.

*You may have children running around and that can cause heaps of problems- especially if they get into things that they really shouldn’t (ie, products or papers etc) this can make it extra hard to talk on the phone or even appear professional to potential customers.

*Your social contact will be limited- especially if you have an E- Business. You will be limited to staring at the computer and start calling your kids or friends ‘Google’ or start screaming out ‘Yahoo” at the top of your lungs, or something similar…..

*Starting up a business will take loads of effort and time to set up and you will receive minimal profits for the first few months to years.

 

Statistics from the ABS reveal that business survival can be limited by whether or not you have employees in your business. Of the new business entries in 2003-04, 50% of these new non-employing businesses were still going in June 2006, compared to 80% of new employing businesses. (src-ABS media release-26/2/07)

Now, ask yourself this question; “Why do I want to work from home?”

The most common reason I hear to this question is because you need some extra money, but can’t afford to pay for childcare. I hear you on this one!!!

However, this in itself is not a good reason for starting up a business from home - especially when there is a high chance your kids will end up going to childcare anyway – as your business and your professionalism depends on having a quiet environment in which to work constructively.

Tash Hughes, Owner of Word Constructions says “I started my business from home so I could be with my daughters and do what I love, but it isn’t always easy to get away form the kids enough to actually get some work done! So I made use of family day care and occasional care.”

“Working from home around small children is a challenge, and certainly makes life interesting, but it is doable.” says Melissa Khalinsky- owner of Business Mums Network.  “You need to plan many things around the children, especially making telephone calls!  Take advantage of sleep and rest times, daycare, play dates, and any other opportunity for some uninterrupted time to do tasks that require close concentration” 

If you want to work from home for the sense of achievement it brings in owning your own business, and the true flexibility your own business can give you, then being your own boss is a great option!

Owner of Real Mums, Amanda Cox (aka Mad Cow) says ‘I get to express my creativity and do what I really love and want to be doing. I’m not helping someone else fulfill their dream, and my ideas aren’t being stifled.’

 

So, What now?? If you plan on starting your own business, but have no clue as to where to start, here are a few steps to follow:

1)      Visit www.homebusinessconnections.com.au  to get some ideas about businesses from home and for some free, unbiased advice on working from home.

2)      Research!! And ensure you do lots and lots of it!!  Ask yourself these few questions:

-“Is my business unique?”

-“If not, do I offer something else my competitors don’t?”

-“Is there a target market for my business?”

-“Is there room for potential growth?”

If you need some help in answering these questions, I suggest you employ the services of a marketing or business coach to help you get going.

3) Decide on a business name and then do the appropriate checks to ensure it’s not taken!!

4) Visit www.business.gov.au for more information on the legalities of starting your own business. Ensure you comply with all regulations imposed by the government and your local council

5) Get yourself registered on some networking forums or groups. These are highly valuable and the support and resources you can get from them will propel your business forward.  

So before you keep wishing you could work from home, have a good hard think about why!

Emma Rhoades has been working from home for over 3 years now. She started up Home Business Connections when she realised the need for some unbiased advice about working from home. Home Business Connections is a resource website for those who want to work from home but have no idea where to start. For a FREE consultation, visit www.homebusinessconnections.com.au

By Kelly Gough

 A common question from first time pregnant mums is do I really need breastfeeding clothes? Why? It’s a bit like chocolate, you don’t actually need it, but once you had some, you can’t be without it!  I discovered nursing wear after the birth of my second son and I can’t believe how I ever managed before with my first son two years prior. I now realise I spent a lot of time hidden away in mother’s rooms and away from the action. 

Specially designed breastfeeding clothes really can make your easier in the following ways:
 

No more exposed belly!
 
Like many first time mums I was very self-conscious about breastfeeding in public and definitely didn’t want to share my stretch marks and saggy tummy with the world! With regular clothes you need to undo buttons or pull up your clothing to feed your baby. Nursing wear has specially designed hidden nursing openings that allow you to easily feed discreetly without all your bits on display.

Breastfeeding in public

Many breastfeeding tops today look like the latest fashion and allow you to breastfeed in public without anyone knowing.  I found them fantastic when I was out with friends for coffee or lunch because I could breastfeed at the table without anyone knowing and no longer did I need to miss out the gossip because I had to find a mother’s room. For people who weren’t mums or parents it also made them feel comfortable as you really can’t see anything at all.

Keep you warm in winter

There is nothing worse than a cold belly and back in the middle of winter when you are breastfeeding, particularly at night. I loved the fact I could keep covered and warm in my breastfeeding clothes while nursing – especially at 2am in the morning!

Special Occasions

No longer are you stuck with oversized button-up tops for those special occasions such as weddings and christenings. Today’s contemporary nursing wear also includes dresses, which is fantastic for when you want to wear something nice and feel like a person again! The best thing is no one will ever know you are wearing breastfeeding clothes and you won’t feel uncomfortable having to feed in front of others which you often have to do in restaurants, churches, etc.

Feel Great

After the birth of a baby you can often feel a little down and frumpy as you old clothes still don’t fit and you are sick of your maternity clothes. Nursing wear is designed for the post-baby shape and will see you through the first 12 months or longer of your baby’s life.  It really does lift your spirits having something nice to wear which is also practical.
Besides you can afford to spoil yourself when you think of all the money you save by breastfeeding and not having to buy formula, bottles and cleaning equipment. You definitely deserve it!

Kelly Gough is a business mum who manages online boutique Nuvo Maternity while also caring for her two small boys!