Lactation consultant and mum of five, Pinky McKay, has launched her podcast ‘Tits Up’ in World Breastfeeding Week (1st to 7th August) and in episode #2 covers The Lactogenic Diet.

Here’s What You’ll Learn in this episode:

• What is a lactogenic diet?
• The evidence.
• Who a lactogenic diet is helpful for.
• What health challenges could impact milk supply.
• The risks of not getting appropriate help for lactation issues and particularly the implications of a poor latch for feeding, and possible longer -term impacts on infant and child development?
• Anti-lactogenic foods and myths around ‘sports drinks’.

According to Pinky, “Far too many mums are ‘broken’ by the pressure to be perfect.” Pinky sees this pressure being driven by social media and an overload of information that has women confused, striving to live up to unrealistic expectations and looking outwards for answers, instead of trusting their own intuition and powerful connections with their babies. 

As a breastfeeding expert, Pinky jokes that she has seen more tits than the late Hugh Hefner, however her podcast isn’t all about boobs. She explains, “as mums, we all have our ‘tits up’ times, and we need to laugh, cry, rage and be real about these, so we can bust the BS, superficial images of perfection that cause so much stress and anxiety to mothers about their kids, their lives and their sense of self.” “Women can feel a huge sense of relief when they see they are not ‘the only one’ just putting one foot in front of the other and hoping they don’t fall flat on their backs – tits up!”

Hello,

For those of you in your third trimester particularly, I bet you’re happy that the heat has subsided, and these fresh, cool days have arrived. I’m not even pregnant and I’m loving the cool change.

Winter is actually a nice time of year to welcome a new baby into the world. The feeling of slowing down, hibernating and snuggling up is all the more welcome when you have a baby who needs round-the-clock care. The lower temperature also means that, when you do decide to take your baby out, you can enjoy making use of all the adorable hats and winter clothing you wish came in adult-size. 

I’m encouraged to see more and more realistic views of motherhood and postpartum hitting social media. We know that Instagram in particular, has long been about people’s “highlight reels”, but behind the scenes is a much more relatable story – sleepless nights, tears, messy homes and even messier hair. 

In our new issue of BUMP&baby magazine, along with stories and pages filled with ideas and inspiration it was really important to us to also include articles that go deep into the emotion department as well. “What About Mama?” and “What If I Don’t Love Being a Parent?” are two amazing features in our magazine to ensure that whatever postpartum feelings you may have. You’re certainly not alone.

Pregnancy and postpartum is gruelling, it’s gorgeous – and it’s everything in between. 

Pamela

Editor, BUMP&baby

If you’ve just hit the 6-week pregnancy mark, then you may be scouring all your pregnancy resources trying to find some relief from morning sickness. It may in fact stick around for as long as 16 weeks (or longer, I’m sorry to tell you!), so you’ll want to arm yourself with a reliable way to relieve the nausea.

If you’re not suffering from nausea or vomiting, you’re one of the lucky ones! According to Marjorie Greenfield, ob-gyn and author of The Working Woman’s Pregnancy Book, around 70% of us will suffer from morning sickness, and 50% will experience vomiting. 

A great option for relief is the new EmeTerm Motion Sickness Wristband (reviews from real mums below) on our BUMP&baby Mall , that uses neuro modulation, which is FDA cleared and clinical proven. The electric current is sent to your nervous system via the P6 acupuncture point on underside of your wrist. The targeted electric pulses are then delivered to your brain to precisely block the signal of nausea and vomiting from your brain to your stomach.

This all sounds very technical, but it is in fact completely natural, and very safe for you and your baby. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Drug free

Therefore there no side effects such as drowsiness, constipation or dry mouth, which can result from medication.

2. Five levels of intensity

You have options to choose from depending on the severity of your nausea.

3. Not messy and very discreet

Does not require a conductivity gel like other devices and sits very discreetly on your wrist. It is completely dust-proof and water-resistant. The EmeTerm band is made with hypo-allergenic material and the device is equipped with specialized electrodes that maximize the electrical conductivity. It’s also magnetically charged for convenience and lasts up to nine hours per charge

4. Works immediately

Provides immediate relief and is more effective than the acupressure bands – Emeterm’s or TENS devices are designed to treat severe nausea.

5. Safe to use

Most importantly, it is safe to use and won’t harm you or your baby

6. Lasts for further pregnancies and has other uses

Once you have invested in your band, it will be there and ready for subsequent pregnancies, and even better,  it can be used for nausea across a multitude of situations. It works a treat for car and sea sickness, children over 6 years who suffer from travel sickness can use the band, and it really helps with altitude sickness (maybe even rollercoaster sickness!).

REVIEWS: Here’s what mums have to say

“This band has reduced my nausea by 90%. The nausea starts and then quickly dissipates with the EmeTerm, which makes it extremely useful, and for this I am very grateful.” ~Sharon

“The best one I have every had, and the fourth one I have tried, none as comfortable as this one.”~Barbara

“Sickness kicked in at 4 1/2 weeks and I waited a week before I put the wrist band on. So Glad I didn’t wait any longer!! I’m no longer extremely nauseated and vomiting. Highly rate this product!” ~Jessica

Product spotlight from the BUMP&baby Team

Here’s what our community are saying about their BUMP&baby PeekaBox combo and magazine subscription.

I LOVED my BUMP&baby PeekaBox! The BUMP&baby magazines are full of interesting information and very relevant helpful articles. I also enjoyed the recommended products section, which led me to trying products I otherwise may not have known about – this was the same for the PeekaBox

Emma

I absolutely loved the PeekaBox I received before bubs was born. This is our 3rd baby but after 6 years since our last baby, products change and it’s been helpful to have samples of various brands and products to try! Thank you!

My daughter-in-law loved her PeekaBox, it arrived while they were staying at Ronald Mcdonald house with their newborn in Christcurch Nicu. All is well now. Would love to say a big thank you for this great idea

Karman

I must say I was really impressed with the Gift Box!  Much more than I was expecting and I know my friend will be really thrilled with it all – so thank you so much!

Steph

If you’re planning to go back to work after your baby arrives, you’ll want to read this – by a writer who has chosen to remain anonymous, but has some important advice to share.

In my life before my baby I was pretty ambitious. I had a clear direction of where I wanted to go and I was well on my way there. Then I fell pregnant, and suddenly I was into the whole nesting thing, and I was so happy to finish up work and begin my new life as a mum. Secretly I was thinking that maybe I wouldn’t go back to work at all; maybe I’d be a SAHM…
Flash-forward a year and I knew the SAHM life was not for me—not at this point, anyway. I knew I needed something of my own, and I still wanted to work. Plus, I knew I would regret it if I didn’t go back and give it a go. Add to that the bills stacking up (renovating your house while on maternity leave and relying on one income is not a great idea). Weighing up our options and the exorbitant cost of day care, I decided that part-time was the way to go, and off I headed back to my old job.

Naively, I really thought it wouldn’t be a big deal. I thought to myself, I’m still me. My workplace is open-minded and is happy to accommodate me going part-time. This will be great. It didn’t exactly go according to plan. But not for the reasons I expected.

I was lucky in that, for me, the easiest part was bubs. He settled into day care (almost) seamlessly, so that was one major weight off my shoulders.

Unsurprisingly, however, after a year of singing The Wiggles and having one-sided conversations with a human blob, I was pretty rusty at my job and it took my brain a while to switch back into gear. It took a lot of smiling and nodding for me to feel competent again.

I realised I had changed after all. So much. I felt like suddenly I’d been thrown back into my old life but I was a completely different person—and those two worlds were now colliding.

Some people return to work and breathe a sigh of relief, feeling like they’re back where they belong. But that wasn’t the case for me. This sudden identity crisis struck me hard, and trying to find where I fit in now really threw me.

You find yourself navigating things like all the new staff that have come along and got comfortable while you were gone. To you, they’re the newbies, but to them, you are. Then there’s the drama that all too quickly sets back in; the office politics – it’s exhausting. And as any mum who has returned part-time will tell you, you start to try and overcompensate and go above and beyond because you don’t want to be seen as the weakest link. But despite everything you do, you often will be seen that way.
Before I got pregnant I had laid down some serious groundwork; I had been earmarked for a promotion that was apparently coming “any day now”, but then as my bump grew, I quickly came to realise that the baby was coming before any promotion was. So, with nothing on paper, I left with a, “We’ll call you when the job gets approved.” That call never came, so when I returned part-time, I was in the same role.

But what I naively didn’t realise was the effect that being part-time would have on my standing within my team and the company—and my ability to get ahead.

I didn’t get the promotion when the restructure finally happened months after my return. Instead, I got a new title. When I asked why I missed out on the role I had wanted, they told me the person who got it had really stepped up that past year (when I was of, you know, having a baby) and that the role really needed to be full-time.

And while I don’t begrudge the person who did get the role for getting ahead, it’s still a bitter pill to swallow when you know that job would have been yours had you not taken a year off and if you didn’t now have a kid.

My pride took a huge dive after that, but the good thing is, when you’re a mum you learn to put things into perspective. Once upon a time I would have been overwhelmed by my devastation, whereas now I can brush it off much easier. I made my choice to work part-time, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t still hurt.

But it’s not just the big moments like team restructures that you need to prepare yourself for, it’s also the everyday things: the meetings you’re left out of, the emails you’re left off “because you’re only part-time”, or when your desk gets moved to the end of the row beyond the most junior member “because you’re hardly ever here”.

If there’s one piece of advice I can give, it’s to ask your boss about what you returning part-time means to them. For some people, part-time is the perfect option to stay in the game while being able to take a step back from the pressure and responsibility. But if you’re there to still work hard and get ahead, then you need to make sure you’re in a company that will let you do it. It’s all well and good letting you go part-time, but if that then means you’re pigeonholed and overlooked for promotions and unable to thrive when that’s what you still want, then maybe it’s not the right workplace for you any more.

Extracted with permission from Not So Mumsy: Finding happiness, confidence and your style in motherhood, by Marcia Leone (Murdoch RRP$39.99)

Breastfeeding is important to human health at all times, but especially in times of emergency such as COVID-19.

Breastfeeding provides immunological protections to the breastfed child. Most often babies who are breastfed remain healthy even when their parents or other family members are unwell with an infectious illness.

Those women who become infected with COVID-19 shortly before giving birth and then begin breastfeeding, and those who become infected when already breastfeeding, will produce specific antibodies and other critical immune factors in their milk to protect their breastfeeding infant and enhance their infant’s immune responses. If you become unwell and you are breastfeeding your baby, it is important not to interrupt direct breastfeeding. Your baby will already have been exposed to the virus and will most benefit from continued direct breastfeeding at the breast.

This advice is for women and babies who are not admitted to hospital.

Confirmed or probable COVID-19

There is no evidence of transmission of the virus in breastmilk.  It is ok for you to breastfeed if you have confirmed or probable COVID-19, as it is beneficial to your baby for you to continue breastfeeding. To reduce spread while breastfeeding, hand washing before you feed is essential. You should also wear a surgical mask during breastfeeds. Avoid kissing and touching your baby’s face.

If you are well enough, you should continue to breastfeed directly, while using the necessary precautions. This includes washing hands before and after contact with your baby (including feeding), avoiding coughing or sneezing on them, and cleaning/disinfecting contaminated surfaces – as should be done in all cases where anyone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 interacts with others, including children.  

If you are too unwell to breastfeed, you should express your milk and give it to your baby via a clean spoon, cup or bottle – all while following the same infection prevention methods.

Your baby will also be considered a “close contact” of a confirmed case and you will be provided advice about this from your Public Health Unit.

Self-isolation after potential exposure to COVID-19

If you are in self-isolation after potential exposure to COVID-19, your breastfed baby should remain with you so that you are able to continue breastfeeding. Wash your hands before touching the baby, avoid touching their face and coughing or sneezing on them. Exclusive breastfeeding offers the best protection for babies, so if your baby is less than 6 months old, aim for exclusive breastfeeding. Even if your baby is older than 6 months, remaining with you and continuing your breastfeeding relationship is beneficial for you both.

Re-lactation

If you have recently stopped breastfeeding, it is possible to re-lactate or re-establish the production of breastmilk. Many women who re-lactate can produce enough milk to breastfeed an infant exclusively. The easiest way to bring back a milk supply is through a baby suckling at the breast. The more often a baby suckles at your breast, the more likely your breasts will make milk. Talk to your midwife or Well Child nurse for more information on re-establishing your breastmilk supply if this is something you would like to do.

This information is from the Ministry of Health. Please continue to check the Ministry of Health for updated information. 

If you are pregnant or about to give birth during the lockdown due to COVID-19, here is all the information you need to know directly from the Ministry of Health. 

Your care during pregnancy

If you are pregnant or caring for babies, it is understandable that you may be experiencing heightened levels of anxiety and distress while New Zealand is at COVID-19 Alert Level 4. This means your plans about where you would give birth and who would support you may need to change.

Your maternity care during your pregnancy will also be affected. Your midwife (or Lead Maternity Carer doctor) will do as much as possible over the phone or via video calling. Your midwife may decrease the amount of face-to-face visits and will discuss with you the best place to have these. This is to protect you and your midwife from COVID-19 infection. Pregnant women do not appear any more susceptible to the consequences of COVID-19 infection than the general population.

Your midwife, or midwifery practice, will adjust the way they work to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Before any visit with your midwife, you will be expected to confirm that you are well. If you are not well, the visit may be postponed or take place via a phone or video call.

It is important to seek support where you can. This is usually possible through normal support structures like your antenatal classes, parenting education, or parenting support groups. As these are now postponed, try to keep in touch with your whānau and friends regularly by phone or online. It is important to take care of yourself and that means taking care of your mental health as well.

Face-to-face check-ups

For most women your face-to face-check-ups may be reduced. Your midwife will still contact you by phone or by video call. You will be asked to attend check-ups alone (no partners, family members or children) and you will be required to observe strict hygiene measures, including physical distancing. The physical assessments (blood pressure and checking your baby’s growth and heart rate) will still occur but will be done as quickly as possible. It’s important you tell your midwife if you are unwell before any face-to-face visit.

Self-isolation in pregnancy

If you are self-isolating due to potential exposure to COVID-19 you must tell your midwife or midwifery practice. It could be because of a close contact or you meet the updated case definition for testing.

If you are less than 37 weeks pregnant, your midwife (or GP/obstetrician LMC) may reschedule routine antenatal visits once your 14-day self-isolation period ends. This will only happen if your midwife assesses that your maternity care can safely be deferred. If you do need a visit from your midwife, you will need to wear a surgical face mask. Your midwife will provide you with this.  Your midwife may also wear some personal protective equipment (like a mask).

If you are more than 37 weeks pregnant your midwife will continue antenatal visits according to the usual schedule. You will need to wear a surgical face mask during the visit. Your midwife will provide you with this.  Your midwife may also wear some personal protective equipment (like a mask).

Your midwife will talk with you about options in case you give birth during your 14-day self-isolation period. This will include local options for labour and birth, and your immediate postnatal care.

If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 during your self-isolation period, call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 and follow their advice. You will be treated as positive for COVID-19 until you receive a negative test result. Healthline should be your first line of contact, then also let your midwife know if you become unwell.

Diagnosed with COVID-19 during pregnancy

If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 (a confirmed or probable case), inform your midwife or midwifery practice.

If you are less than 37 weeks pregnant your midwife may reschedule routine antenatal visits until you have been cleared. This will only occur if your midwife assesses that your maternity care can safely be deferred. If you do need a visit from your midwife, you will need to wear a surgical face mask. Your midwife will provide you with this. Your midwife will wear full personal protection equipment (gloves, surgical mask, disposable apron and eye protection).

If you are more than 37 weeks pregnant your midwife will continue to antenatal visits according to the usual schedule. You will need to wear a surgical face mask during the visit. Your midwife will provide you with this. Your midwife will wear full personal protection equipment (gloves, surgical mask, disposable apron and eye protection).

Your midwife will talk with you about options in case you give birth before being cleared of COVID-19. This will include local options for labour and birth, and your immediate postnatal care.

Care of older children during labour and birth

If you have older children, you will need to organise care for them when you go into labour. They must continue to follow the rules under Alert Level 4 to stay home.  It is recommended you identify a trusted person who is part of your self-isolation group. It is vital that person is not elderly or vulnerable, and that they, and the people in their household, do not have other contacts other than with your household.

Maternity facilities (birthing or delivery suites in hospitals and birthing units in the community)

Primary, secondary and tertiary maternity facilities will remain open to provide essential services during COVID-19 Alert Level 4.

If you are due to give birth over the next few weeks, check with your midwife about the service level available at your local maternity facility.

Maternity facilities will have restrictions on the number of visitors and support people you can have with you at the facility. This includes while you are in labour, and if you need to stay as an in-patient before the birth of your baby, or afterwards. This is important to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Reducing the number of people in the facility will help protect you, your whānau, your newborn baby, other patients in the hospital, and the women’s health staff looking after you.

Some maternity facilities may need to limit the amount of time you can stay after your baby is born. Your midwife (or DHB community midwife) will visit you at home as required and keep in touch with you by phone or video call to ensure you and your baby are well.

Your postnatal care during the COVID-19 pandemic

For most women your visits will be affected. Your midwife will do as much as possible over the phone or via video calling. Your midwife may decrease the amount of face-to-face visits and will discuss with you the best place to have these. Your midwife will ask that no-one else is present during check-ups (no partners, family members or children) and you will be required to observe strict hygiene measures, including physical distancing. The physical assessments of you and your baby will still occur but will be done as quickly as possible.

If you are self-isolating

If you are self-isolating due to potential exposure to COVID-19 (close contact or you meet the updated case definition for testing) your midwife may reschedule routine postnatal visits. These will occur once your 14-day self-isolation period ends, but only if your midwife assesses that postnatal care can safely be deferred. If you do need a visit from your midwife, you will need to wear a surgical face mask. Your midwife will provide you with this. Your midwife may also wear some personal protective equipment (like a mask).

If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 during your self-isolation period, you will be treated as positive for COVID-19 until you receive a negative test result. If you develop symptoms, call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 and follow their advice. Healthline is your first point of contact, but you should also let your midwife know if you become unwell.

If you are diagnosed with COVID-19

If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 (confirmed or probable case), inform your midwife or midwifery practice. Your midwife may reschedule routine postnatal visits until you have been cleared. This will only occur if your midwife assesses that postnatal care can safely be deferred. If you do need a visit from your midwife, you will need to wear a surgical face mask. Your midwife will provide you with this. Your midwife will wear full personal protection equipment (gloves, surgical mask, disposable apron and eye protection) during the visit.

This information was taken from the Ministry of Health website, please keep checking the Ministry of Health for more updated information.

The International Association of Professional Birth Photographers is proud to announce the winners of the 2020 Birth Photography Image Competition, and they are truly incredible. Remember, while birth is beautiful, it is also messy and real. You should expect nudity when viewing the entries (and scroll right to the end so you don’t miss out on Australian Dania Watson’s dramatic entry)

Overall winner

“A moment of silence” by Jessica Vink of the Netherlands

Members choice first place

“Ring of Fire” by Katie Torres from the United States

Best in birth details

“Baby Noah Empelicado” by Jana Brasil of Brazil

Best in Fresh 48

“Denial” by Natalie Zepp of the United States

“Her Cup Runneth Over…” by Martha Learner of the United States (below)

Best in delivery

“Unmasking The Many Layers Of Birth” by Alexandria Mooney of the United States

Best in labour

“Morning Light Creeps In” by Shea Long of Canada

“I am a Birthing Goddess” by Sophia Costa of the United States (below)

Honourable mentions

“Unplanned, Furious and Free” by Bree Garcia of the United States 

“Milagre Da Vida” by Jana Brasil of Brazil (below)

“Breech” by Cindy Willems of the Netherlands (below)

“Reactions” by Paulina Splechta of the United States (below)

“A Dramatic Entrance” by Dania Watson of Australia (below)

There are even more winners of the 2020 Birth Photography Image competition that’ll knock your socks off here

What is it:

The bugaboo fox (price starting from $2,059) is a stroller that promises the “ultimate comfort for your child”. With a high seat position to make it easy to lift your baby in and out (and doubles as a high chair when you’re on the go), it’s engineered to provide a bump-free ride on any surface.

What we love:

The go-to pram for a number of celebrity mums, the bugaboo fox is a gorgeous, stylish pram that will make you feel like you’re strolling the streets of Paris or meandering through New York City’s Central Park. With bigger wheels and advanced central joint suspension (and additional rear suspension), it offers a smooth, steady ride for your child whether they’re in the bassinet or the seat. It drives very smoothly and comfortably over any terrain, for both parent and child, and it’s extremely manouvreable and easy to use. Made from super durable materials that will last through more than one child (and be passed on to family and friends), it’s designed for everyday use but built to stand the test of time. It’s easy to switch the seat from rear-facing to forward-facing, and the adjustable handlebar is perfect for parents of differing heights. Use from bassinet to birth, attach your car seat with optional click-and-go adapters, and transition to the seat position when your child is ready to sit up and see the world.

Our editor says:

I’ve got three children and I’ve had, let me think… 11 or so prams over the years. And during my parenting journey, I’ve whittled down my pram preferences to three must-haves: 1) It must be easy to push and not make me feel like I’m exercising, 2) It must hold all my crap, I mean stuff, without tipping over, and 3) It must have a decent canopy to keep out the sun, rain, and wind. I’m thrilled to say the bugaboo fox really lived up to my expectations. Pushing and steering feel effortless, even with one hand, and I found it incredibly easy to manouvre. I thought I preferred three-wheel strollers until I tried this one, and I was pleasantly surprised to be converted by the larger rear wheels and smaller front wheels, which easily navigated the bumpy terrain at my local reserve. I loved having my toddler at a height where I could easily make eye contact with her, and being able to swap the seat to face front if she wanted to see the world was quite a good bonus. I hadn’t thought of using it as a high chair as the product info suggested, and found that the adjustable seat position could be moved into the perfect angle for my toddler to sit up at the table. Then if she fell asleep, I could recline the seat right back so she was comfortably laying down to snooze. The storage basket at the bottom was the largest I’ve seen on any pram, and easily held my handbag, the nappy bag, and a picnic blanket — plus they were easy to get out (no contortionist moves trying to reach under the seat and feel around blindly for what I needed). The five-point harness is very comfortable and easy to use, and the SPF50+ canopy provides protection from the elements — and extends into a cocoon you can cover up the whole seat with. My toddler loved pulling it down and hiding inside, poking her fingers out when she wanted a snack. You can even get an optional coloured canopy to show off your personal style!

Our mum tester says:

I have a newborn and was looking for a pram that had a bassinet option as well as a regular seat for when my baby gets bigger, and the bugaboo fox surprised me when I realised the frame is the same for both stages — you just swap out the bassinet insert for the seat insert. That means less stuff to store later! It is very cleverly designed to take your child from birth to big kid. It took me a little while to get it set up, as I had never put together a pram before, but the instructions were very clear and the pram was packed beautifully in bespoke boxes which made it easy to figure out what to do. Once it was set up, it looked just regal standing in my lounge, and I couldn’t wait to take it out for a walk. My baby was very comfortable in the bassinet, which hardly seemed to move as I glided over the footpath. It was incredibly easy to push and felt like I didn’t need to make much effort pushing. I also really appreciated the adjustable handlebar as my husband is quite tall and we were each able to find a level that suited our height. I also appreciated that when I stopped and took my baby out, or when I was getting things out of the underseat basket, the pram was very stable and did not tip over. Folding it up for storage did take some getting used to, but I watched a video on the Bugaboo website and figured it out pretty quickly. I love that I can fold it up in one piece to store at home or into two pieces to place into the boot of my car. There are also lots of tempting accessories I may have to invest in! Overall, I love this pram and am very excited to continue to use it as my baby grows. I think it is going to be the only pram we will ever need.

Things to remember:

• Store in a dry place. Never leave your baby unattended in a pram, or leave them alone to sleep in a pram. It is not a replacement for a cot or bed.
• Don’t attach things or hang things from the handlebar, in order to ensure the pram is stable. When your baby is able to sit up by themselves, they must move to the seat as the bassinet will no longer be safe.

At a glance:

• Suitable from birth up to 23 kg Central joint suspension and front wheel suspension
• Changeable bassinet and seat fabric, sun canopy, grips, and wheel capsAttach accessories easily with the integrated attachment point
• All fabrics are machine washable Weight: 9.9kg with the seat
• 1 brake pedal without position (ball pen principle) Large, easily accessible underseat basket (weigh capacity max 10 kg) with storage pockets
• High seat placement: 59cm from the ground One hand removing seat frame
• One hand seat adjustability One piece compact folding and extra compact folding
• Self-standing folding in every configuration Free rain cover for both the bassinet and seat

Available from Baby City, Global Baby, and The MumMum Store.

Often called the “least understood organ”, your placenta is actually pretty incredible. Bet you didn’t know these 10 interesting facts, says Erin Harrison.

Women’s bodies are amazing. We can grow actually grow an organ to then sustain the life of another human being! But a lot of the time the placenta doesn’t get the credit it deserves, even though it is a critical part of every baby’s journey from embryo to birth. In appreciation of the underrated placenta, here are 10 facts you might not have known about it.

1. It’s a lifeline for your baby

The placenta provides nutrition, oxygen, and fluids, and while both your blood and your baby’s blood pass through the placenta, they don’t actually mix – they flow through separate arteries. If they were to combine, it would be dangerous for the baby, as your body could see it as something to “fight against” and would create antibodies to get rid of the baby’s blood. 

2. It helps your baby fight germs

The placenta also passes anitbodies and immunity through to your baby that can actually last long after birth, helping them to fight against all those pesky germs when they make it out into the world.

3. It serves as lungs and kidneys

When we breathe, we provide oxygen to our organs and tissues, and that’s exactly what we do for our baby through the placenta, as well as filtering out waste (as our kidneys do). 

4. It actually originates from dad

We have to give dads some credit to when it comes to the placenta, as sperm helps to create the blastocyst (which then turns into the placenta and the baby). 

The word “placenta” comes from the latin term for “flat cake”.

5. Babies can give back too, through the placenta

Foetal cells have been found transferred to sites of injury or illness in a pregnant woman, kind of like the baby ensuring mum stays healthy to take them full-term. 

6. It’s full of good things

Placental tissue and cord blood are rich in stem cells which are able to be banked and transferred to treat many genetic disorders including leukaemia, some cancers, and also certain inherited diseases. 

7. It’s edible 

Although it may not really be something you want to see on the menu, placentas can actually be eaten! There are some whi think it can help with raising energy and milk supply, and others who believe that eating the placenta can assist with levelling your hormones and reducing the risk of postnatal depression. 

8. The placenta makes water births possible 

Because your baby is still attached to you (and getting ocygen through the umbilical cord), they can be born into water when you are with an LMC who is experienced in water births. Remember, inside the placenta the baby is in water (amniotic fluid), so until their breathing reflexes are simulated (when the face, nose, and mouth are exposed to air), then they don’t naturally breathe through their mouth. 

9. It triggers milk production

Heard of the afterbirth? That’s the placenta, and it usually comes away within five to 20 minutes of the baby being born and is often known as the third stage of childbirth. When the placenta leaves your body, it triggers your hormones to organise milk production. And while it doesn’t happen straight away (colostrum comes first), your breast milk will typically come through a couple of days later. 

10. It’s surprisingly big

When your baby is born, the average placenta is about the size and shape of a side plate, and weighs about half a kilo. It’s usually 2 to 2.5cm thick, and is smooth on the inside where the baby grows, and the exterior is rough where it is attached to the womb. 

Placenta practices

Despite it being more common to cut the umbilical cord to the placenta as soon as the baby is born, some decide to delay cord clamping, for a variety of reasons. This is a choice any woman can make, but it is best done in consulation with your LMC. 

Given the term “lotus birth”, some mothers actually choose to leave their baby attached to the placenta until the umbilical cord falls of naturally (usually between three to 10 days after birth). Again it is important to speak to a medical professional before deciding on following this practice.