On the Coast – Families Issue 103 I December 19/January 20 | Page 29

the other good one that I love, ‘creating a rod for your back!’ Whatever happened to creating healthy attachment? Co-sleeping, another controversial subject! I know that desperation of no sleep first hand, after a long and traumatic delivery of our first daughter and once home, we discovered that she would sleep no longer than two hours at a time, both day and night. Unfortunately for her, she was misdiagnosed early on and her sleeplessness was due to a severe case of oesophageal reflux. Prior to her diagnosis and due to our desperation, we had tried everything! Crying it out, leaving her in her cot for timed intervals responding minutes later. We tried long walks and 3am car trips, only to pull into the driveway an hour later and her eyes would spring open, wide awake. It was at that point I realized that rocking our baby to sleep and breastfeeding every hour, every night was getting to be too much for myself and my family. Safe co-sleeping saved my sanity, Cancer Rehabilitation New spacious location dedicated to Cancer rehabilitation; individual & group prescribed exercise programs. Kate Perkins, B.App.Sci (Occupational Therapy) helps people who have undergone surgery and related treatment for cancer gain recovery of strength, movement, and energy. » Lymphoedema monitoring pre/post cancer treatment » Assessment and management of Lymphoedema » Strength After Breast Cancer prescribed exercise program » Scar tissue management – surgical, adhesive scar tissue, cording » Lymph and Scar Taping techniques » Low Level Laser Therapy » Manual Lymph Drainage massage » Compression garment prescription » Patient Education » EPC and Health Fund Claimable Call us on 02 4312 7033 to make an appointment @lymphaticsolutionsau E: [email protected] https://lymphaticsolutions.com.au it saved my marriage and it created a connection that I so desperately needed. Quite simply put, when you as a mother sleep next to your baby you are more able to use your own instinctive responses that every new mother has, it is a very similar instinct to your reaction to your baby’s first cry. Practical Tip: If you are worried about placing your infant between yourself and your partner you can always use a snuggle bed to put between you both or move the bassinet to be right next to you and the bed. Dr William Sears a renowned American paediatrician has also been quoted to say ‘often times I felt ridiculous giving my seal of approval to what was in reality such a natural thing to do, sort of As a new parent, I was shocked to find myself feeding my new baby literally around the clock. like reinventing the wheel and extolling its viruses. Had parent’s intuition sunk so low that some strange man had to tell modern women that it was ok to sleep with their babies?’ Lastly, when in self-doubt ask yourself is it safe? Is it respectful? And does it feel right intuitively for you and your family? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then do what feels right for you because that is what your baby needs. And if there is only one thing that you take away from reading this, I want you to remember that – sleep is only a problem if it is a problem for you and your family. Nikki Smith is a Registered Nurse and a Qualified Child and Family Nurse. A mama of three beautiful daughters with a strong belief in raising our children consciously and intuitively. Nikki is the founder of Earthway Parenting and has developed and is facilitating Post Partum Care and Tuning into your Toddler Workshops. Nikki also provides in home, one on one consultations according to the unique needs of your family focusing on gentle parenting for your infant and/or toddler. You can find more information here www.earthwayparenting.com.au Strings Summer School Program 13–16 JANUARY 2020 AGES 5 TO 18 INDOOR LASER-TAG CENTRE Family Friendly Entertainment NEW Mini UV Putt Putt & Family & Kids Escape Room Birthday parties Central Coast Conservatorium of Music 45 Mann Street Gosford Information & registration www.centralcoastconservatorium.com.au P 4324 7477 E [email protected] Laserblast offers 6 great Party Packages to suit your needs CALL US TO MAKE A BOOKING Also available for Families, Groups & Vacation Cares, Large or Small. Rain, Hail or Shine. 4392 5278 www.laserblast.com.au Unit 6, 132 Chelmsford Rd, Charmhaven DECEMBER 19/JANUARY 20 – ISSUE 103 29