Human foetus and umbilical cord at seven months (30 weeks).

Week 30

Mum

Bottle or breast? No matter what people may tell you, with the best intentions of course, the choice is yours. (Only, sometimes it isn’t, and even if you’re keen to breastfeed, you might find yourself unable to).

Both your own LMC and the midwife at the antenatal classes will teach you the basics of breastfeeding. Did you know that there are many different positions for feeding your baby – tummy to tummy, like a rugby ball, on the side? With so many options, it may be a good idea to take breastfeeding classes for additional information and confidence. Take your partner along, so that you’re both on the same page. His extra pair of hands will come in handy on that first day back home, without the midwife, when it seems you need to be an octopus in order to hold your baby in position while making your breast into a wedge while trying to get that baby mouth to open …

Dad

You are required by law to buy or hire a baby car seat to transport the baby. For the first three to six months, you may want to use a Baby Safety Capsule that clips in and out of its base, making the transition to and from the car super easy. It can also clip in and out of the stroller! The one disadvantage of the capsule is that it’s all too easy to leave the baby curled up in them while they’re asleep, but this position is not optimal for their spine. That’s why some parents choose a convertible baby seat straight away, one that can accommodate the baby from birth until they are at school.

Either way, get the baby car seat or base professionally installed unless you are confident you can do it yourself. The car seat must be fitted correctly for safety. It helps if your car has anchor points to secure the baby seat; if it doesn’t, consider putting them in.

Baby

Not much to report this week: You are the size of a cucumber, you keep growing, your eyesight is getting better. Keep up the good work!

Things to keep in mind 

  • In preparation for labour, it’s a good idea to get familiar with the signs by reading about them here and here.
  • Take breaks from repetitive hand movements to prevent carpal tunnel .
  • Spend some quality time socialising with your partner, friends and/or family.
  • Continue to move your body when possible, get plenty of sleep, drink lots of fluids and eat nutritious foods.

Photos in the bumpandbaby.co.nz/week-by-week/ are by Lenart Nilsson. Lenart's series was bought to fame when his photo, considered the greatest photo of the 20th century, appeared on the cover of Life magazine in 1965. “Everyone interprets images differently, depending on their social, cultural and religious background. In the digital era, I believe it is more important than ever to go back and take a look inside ourselves. What better way of doing that than with these photos?” ~ Jane Stene, art gallery director and curator of Lenart's definitive black and white series, told the The Guardian in 2019. It is Lenart Nilsson's wish that his images are never used for political debate about pro-life.

WELCOME

Lernart Nilsson's foetus series featured in our week by week, is considered the greatest photography of the 20th Century. You may be surprised at the incredible detail seen in his photos.

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