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At all stages of pregnancy, the ability to make informed dietary and lifestyle choices can have a positive influence on the health and wellbeing of mother and child. Under normal circumstances, the developing foetus depends upon placental efficiency to absorb a rich supply of nutrients from the maternal bloodstream. Because of this close dependence, there are certain situations which can potentially disrupt the normal course of foetal development. For example, there are a number of maternal illnesses and infections which must be avoided or treated promptly to reduce the risk of developmental abnormalities. Because several of these conditions exhibit minimal symptoms, it is beneficial for most pregnant women to undertake a periodic health assessment...

While the majority of babies manage to avoid complicated health concerns during their early months of life, all newborns are susceptible to a range of preventable illnesses, environmental hazards, sleeping difficulties, and issues related to feeding and nutrition. For the sake of their long term wellbeing, newborn infants should be assessed by a paediatrician and screened for congenital and inherited indicators. Hospitals will usually provide this service as a routine component of their care delivery; however they may be required to seek exclusive permission from the infant’s parent or primary caregiver. In those instances where problems are detected, early treatments and counselling can alleviate many of the complications which might...

Once again, packaging has surfaced as a hot topic. This time, the debate surrounds bisphenol A and its use in common household and commercial packaging items. But it is the use of bisphenol A in baby bottles - and its link with a range of health problems, including cancer, impaired immune function, early onset of puberty and diabetes - that rightly has people most concerned. What is Bisphenol A? Bisphenol A is a chemical commonly used in the manufacture of clear polycarbonate plastic. It is one of the top 50 products produced by the chemical industry, generating revenues in the order of $6 million per day in the United States, Europe, and Japan alone. Global bisphenol A production exceeds 6.4 billion pounds per year. How pervasive is it? Most...

It’s important for new parents to feel comfortable and reassured that their infant sleeps in a healthy and secure environment. At the present time it remains difficult to source infant mattresses and sleepwear which are both non allergenic and free from synthetic materials. Despite the ongoing demand for an alternative option, many of the major retailers carry basic products which incorporate synthetic fibers and filling. Over time, synthetic products can contribute to breathing difficulties and skin irritation. I’m encouraged to discover that many companies are now advertising organically certified sleepwear on the internet. So far, I’ve managed to source a range of infant nightsuits which are manufactured from blends of organic...

The introduction of solid foods is an exciting period for caregivers and children alike. For a variety of reasons this venture should be approached in a methodical and investigative manner, with an underlying emphasis on the quality and purity of the foods being offered. There is a considerable body of scientific literature examining the optimum age for introducing solid foods. A preliminary review of this material will reveal many inconsistent conclusions and recommendations as provided to caregivers and health professionals over the years. Current opinion indicates that babies should be given only breast milk or infant formula for the first six months of life. This period of time allows the digestive system to develop to a level where starches...