We have a short, but important window of opportunity to influence policy and implement two of the Breastfeeding Manifesto's objectives. As a supporter of The Breastfeeding Manifesto I am writing to ask for your urgent help to influence two important proposed laws which could see the implementation of objective 5 and 7 of the Manifesto- if you act now. Visit www.breastfeedingmanifesto.org.uk and send the emails to the government ministers on the 'How You Can Help' page. It's quick and easy!..:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

Objective 5-Breastfeeding in public

Objective 5 of the Manifesto is: 'Develop policy and practice to support breastfeeding in public places.' The ..:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />UK government has released The Single Equality Bill for consultation. This means that everyone including organizations and members of the public can submit their comments on this proposed new law. The Single Equality Bill covers a range of issues but one of its aims is to stop the discrimination against breastfeeding mothers in public. We are delighted that the government is finally addressing this issue. However, we feel that the bill as it currently stand is worrying; it only provides protection for those mothers who are breastfeeding a child up to the age of 12 months. By only protecting Mothers breastfeeding children under the age of 12 months the UK government is sending out a message that it is unacceptable to breastfeed a child over the age of one and therefore suggesting it is acceptable to discriminate against them. The World Health Organization recommends that babies are breastfed for two years or beyond and so we believe that the cap on 12 months could be damaging to children's health. We need you to send the email at the bottom of this page http://www.breastfeedingmanifesto.org.uk/make_your_voice_heard_1.php to ask the government to change the proposed law to ensure all women are fully protected to feed their babies in public beyond their first birthday.

Objective 7- Advertising of Formula Milk 

Objective 7 of the Manifesto is: 'Adopt the World Health Organization International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes and subsequent relevant Resolutions.' The Food Standards Agency is currently consulting regulations for the advertising and promotion of formula milk. You may have read the recent press coverage and out cry surrounding OK, the model Jordan and SMA formula milk. It is this kind of promotion which we want to stop. However the proposed regulations would not cover this kind of promotion and so the regulations are inadequate for protecting parents and babies from the influence of formula-milk promotion. Parents need reliable information based on evidence, not commercial pressure from baby milk companies. Non commerical, independent information will benefit all parents including those who bottle feed. However, the proposed regulations are inadequate for the job of protecting parents and babies from the influence of formula promotion. Objective 7 of the Manifesto calls for the implementation of The WHO Code on the Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes and it provides an excellent model for the law that is required. We need you to send the email at http://www.breastfeedingmanifesto.org.uk/make_your_voice_heard_2.php asking the Foood Standards Agenncy to go further than they propose to go.

It is only with your help and when we work together that we will be be able to influence the government and have lasting affect on children's health.

I urge you to please visit this website and send the emails, your voice really matters.

Best Wishes

Alison Baum

Co-Founder and Spokesperson, The Breastfeeding Manifesto Coalition

Say No to Plastic Bags

There has been lots of media interest in the Devon town of Modbury - the first town in Europe to go plastic bag free. Here is why you should follow in their footsteps:

• UK consumers use an estimated 10 billion plastic bags a year: that is 167 per person, accounting for 3.5 to 5.3% of total plastic packaging used in the UK.
• Around 100 million tonnes of plastic are used in packaging each year, much of which goes into the 1.2 trillion bags used worldwide.
• That means one million bags are used ever minute of every day.
• Bags are used for an average of 12 minutes before being thrown away - though they can last in the environment for decades.
• Bags that are not landfilled are incinerated but this can produce Dioxins - the most poisonous chemicals known. The residue from inside the incinerator still has to be dumped somewhere.
• And the incineration process produces Carbon Dioxide too, adding to global warming.
• Bags that are not disposed of, end up as litter: as the plastic is not bio-degradable, it will stay around in the environment indefinitely. Eventually, they will photo-degrade, breaking down into smaller and smaller toxic pieces, poisoning soil and water and entering the food chain and harming animals.
• Before the bags break down, they clutter up our countryside and seas, looking ugly and causing untold injuries to our wildlife.
• There are around 100 billion tonnes of plastic floating around the world's oceans, killing marine animals such as turtles, fish, birds and whales.
• 4/5ths of marine litter is washed or blown off the land and nearly 90% of marine litter is plastic.
• A UN report estimates that there are 46,000 pieces of plastic debris floating on or near the surface of every square mile of ocean.
• Turtles regularly die from eating plastic bags - when they float in the ocean they look remarkable similar to jellyfish, the turtles main source of food.
• A whale died in Australia after ingesting 6 square meters of plastic.
• An estimated one million birds die or are injured every year after swallowing or being caught in marine debris.

As an individual, you can really make an impact on this issue. Take your own reusable bags when you go shopping and just say no when you are offered and unnecessary plastic bag.

You can buy reusable bags from our site.

Breastfeeding support groups have condemned the actions of an attendant who fined a mother for parking in a restricted area to feed her child and then took photographs for proof.

The warden employed by a national car park management company confronted Jerricah Watson, 19, after she pulled into a permit holders-only bay in the Candle Lane area of Dundee to breastfeed her 14-week-old son Jaksyn.

You can read the full story here - http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/news/display.var.1440222.0.0.php

We all know the importance of breast milk for babies, but could it have a benefit for grownups too? You might be surprised to learn a growing number of people are turning to mother's milk as a cancer treatment!

Making smoothies is routine for Howard Cohen. They contain fruit, yogurt and milk. But not just any kind of milk: breast milk.

If you want to read the full story - it is here:

http://www.todaystmj4.com/features/specialassignment/7717452.html

Quite simply, an absolute nightmare for parents and babies alike, colic is likely to be the first major test of your parenting skills.  It is dreadful for all concerned but these tips should help you cope with this difficult time.

You must at all times remember that your baby is not crying to annoy you or to punish you for something you have not done.  It's not your fault that she's suffering in this way, nor is it hers.  All you can do is to help relieve her pain.

Is it colic?

Colic can be defined as 3 or more hours of continued crying in a day.  It is not an actual illness or physical ailment and doctors are still not sure what the cause is.  All that is known is that a number of babies will suffer from it, starting around 6 weeks and crying inconsolably for hours each day until around 3 months or later.

If your baby cries for long periods of time and you are not able to comfort her, it may be colic but you should first rule out the normal reasons for crying:

Is your baby hungry or thirsty?  Is her nappy wet, or is she too hot or cold?  Is she bored or in need of a cuddle?

If you can rule out all the above, you should ensure that she is not ill by checking the following:

• Lots of physical contact is often the only way to comfort a baby suffering from colic.  A baby that is actually ill is unlikely to want to be handled.

• Nearly every baby will bring back small quantities of milk but any actual vomiting should be checked out with your health visitor or other health professional.

• A baby suffering from colic will continue to feed and has a good sucking reflex.  An ill baby is likely to have a reduced appetite and may not suck as well.

• Colic is very unlikely to alter your baby's nappies so any diarrhoea should be investigated further.

A baby with colic will quite literally howl with pain and will bring their knees up into their chest to try and relieve it.  Many parents that with lots of patience and hard work, they are able to reduce the level of discomfort even if they are not able to end it completely. 

Causes

It is still not known why some babies suffer from colic and it is likely that there are a number of probable causes.

Many colicky babies suffer from excessive wind and doctors will sometimes prescribe anti-wind drops.

Other babies may simply find the transition to the world a little hard to cope with and display colic symptoms as a result.

A small number of babies suffer from a milk allergy (either to breast or formula milk) which may be the cause of the colic symptoms and may respond to a soya-based milk.  This needs to be monitored carefully so you must discuss the symptoms with your GP or other health professional before altering your baby's feeding.

Preventative measures

Breast-fed babies

Watch what you are eating as many foods are known to affect babies - spicy food, grapes, onions, dairy products, alcohol, tea, chocolate, coffee, garlic, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, peppers (especially raw green peppers), strawberries, oranges and grapes.  I found that grapes, onions and cauliflower were particularly bad.

You should try eliminating any foods that you know don't agree with you for a few days and see if this helps.

Breast-fed babies tend to take in less air than bottle-fed but do remember to burp your baby about 5/10 minutes into the feed and then again at the end.  Even breast-fed/fed on demand babies can gulp milk in the first few minutes so an early winding can help to remove this air before too much milk gets on top of it.

Remember to relax when you are feeding - if you are tense you may pass this on to your baby and start the process off.  Also, this may be one of the few times in which you will be able to rest yourself.  Try out a number of positions to see which is most comfortable for the two of you.  Ask for help if you need it - try the NCT Breast-feeding helpline or your health visitor.

Bottle-fed babies

A soya formula can help some babies with colic but do check with your GP or heath visitor as they have been concerns about the levels of sugar in some formulas.

If you think that your baby is swallowing a lot of air when feeding, try a different teat and always make sure that the bulb is full of milk to help reduce this.  Keep feeds small and often - this way your baby will never get panicky for a feed and gulp in air and also will never suffer from bloating caused by too full a stomach.

All babies

There are a number of other, more long term preventative measures that you can take.  Many parents swear by massage: it can help to prevent a bout of colic and also relieve the symptoms when one does occur.  Cranial-osteopathy is another treatment that many parents opt for - do ask around for a recommended practitioner.

When an attack occurs

There is no single thing that will give relief to all babies with colic but with (lots) of patience and trial and error, you will find things that will help ease the discomfort.  What your baby really needs is comforting and lots and lots of it.  This will not spoil the baby - you are simply responding to her needs and helping her through a distressing time.

Simple things often work best:

• put her over your shoulder or in another favourite position and walk up and down the room
  
  
  
• cradle her face down over your arm so that all her weight is on her stomach
  
  
  
• lay her face down across your knees and pat her back
  
  
  
• if you have a rocking chair, try sitting in it and rocking backwards and forwards
  
  
  
• if you have a baby carrier, this may help if your arms begin to get tired.
  
  
  
• talk soothingly to your baby - she is scared and in pain and this can help to calm her down
  
  
  
• try any other calming tricks that she likes such as dim lights or soothing music
  
  
  
• try massaging her stomach gently in a clockwise direction (this can also work as a preventative measure)
  
  
• try gently pushing her knees into her stomach to help relieve the pain
  
  
  
• try some of the branded gripe and wind relief preparations that are available after checking with your pharmacist which is best for your baby
  
  

It is very hard work and extremely frustrating for you but you should be able to dramatically reduce your baby's suffering if you keep at it.

If you can, share this time with another adult - perhaps you could take it in turns or maybe keep each other company as you cope with the baby's cries.

If you really are reaching the end of your patience, put your baby somewhere safe (such as the cot) and leave the room for 10 minutes.  She may scream even louder but no real harm will come to her and the short break will do you wonders.

The next day

Your baby is likely to wake up bright and early and not be any the worse for the night before.  You on the other hand, are likely to be exhausted and very aware that it will all start again in a few hours.

Forget about the housework - you and your baby need as much enjoyable time together and you need as much rest as you can get.  Even if you can't get someone to help you with the nights, perhaps a neighbour or friend would play with the baby while you catch up on some sleep.

Nor is actually getting dressed in the mornings that important - if it helps you to rest, then stay in your dressing gown until you are ready to go out.

Make your life as simple as possible: if friends call round to see you and the baby, ask them to make the coffee while you sit down for 5 minutes.  Perhaps they could even hang the washing out for you - it is amazing the difference even this will make to the quality of your life.

Order in takeaway or make simple meals such as jacket potatoes and tuna or cheese - easy to cook and easy to clean up. 

This is a very difficult time so try to hold onto the thought that it will pass in a couple of weeks.  Also, remember, this is not your fault, nor is it your baby's fault.

Susie writes:  It was dreadful - I used to dread my husband coming home from work as it would almost be the signal to our son to start crying.  My husband thought that he wasn't loved for ages.  It would start as a moaning and gradually build up to full scale screaming if we weren't careful.  We tried everything and eventually got a routine that meant it was bearable.  Lots and lots of winding and tummy massages during the day, warm bath and then cuddles, pats and walking.  My son definitely preferred to be kept upright and hated to be put down.  It was awful but we did get through it so you can too.
Sophie writes: When my daughter, Louisa was born, she had terrible colic and I tried everything I was advised to, massage, cutting out certain foods, etc but nothing seemed to help her. My health visitor then recommended Colief colic drops, which I was able to mix with breast milk and it really helped Louisa.   She is now a very happy and bouncy baby! Best wishes, Sophie.
Julie writes: I wanted to write to tell you about something that has made having a baby so much easier!  After an easy pregnancy and great birth, my two week old started showing signs of Colic.  The painful uncontrollable crying I recognised from my niece who had suffered too.  I tried what my sister had used but it didn't offer any relief.  It was actually my health visitor who recommend Colief Infant Drops, which enabled me to continue breast feedfeeding.  Almost immediately the crying and discomfort was reduced.  At the advise of my health visitor I have contined using Colief and will do so until Dominic is out of the time period linked to Colic (I think 3 -4 months olds). I really recommend it and suggest people talk to their health visiors or doctor - you can also get it from Tesco! 

THE INFORMATION GIVEN ON THIS AND OTHER PAGES OF THIS SITE IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PUROSES ONLY.  CONSULT YOUR GP OR HEALTH VISITOR IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR OR YOUR CHILD'S HEALTH.  THE NATURAL NURSERY IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONTENT OF SITES VISTED AS A RESULT OF FOLLOWING LINKS FROM OUR SITE.

We all know that breast is best but sometimes it can be a little hard to get it right.  If you need information or support, these websites and advice lines should be able to help:

Advice lines

The National Childbirth Trust

0870 444 8708

http://www.nctpregnancyandbabycare.com

The Association of Breastfeeding Mothers

The ABM..'s breastfeeding helpline telephone number is 0870 401 7711 and it..'s open every day from 9.30am to 10.30pm. All our telephone breastfeeding counsellors are volunteers who have breastfed their own children and have also received in depth training on all aspects of breastfeeding.

http://www.abm.me.uk/

The Breastfeeding Network

0870 900 8787

The system will automatically connect you to your local Breastfeeding Supporter by recognizing the area you are calling from anywhere in the UK. The service operates from 9.30am to 9.30pm every day of the year.

http://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/breastfeeding/index.php

La Leche

La Leche League helpline offers advice and information on breastfeeding, local groups and counsellors.

email: enquiries@laleche.org.uk 24hr Helpline: 0845 120 2918

Whatever your decision was, whatever your circumstances are, find all the support and advice you need here.

National Childbirth Trust - charity supporting UK parents and campaigning for breastfeeding awareness. 

NCT Breastfeeding Helpline (open to all) - 0870 444 8708 (open 8am - 10 pm every day)

La Leche League - organisation promoting breastfeeding, offering local groups, helpline, library and other pratical help for mothers.

Association of Breastfeeding Mothers  - organisation set up by breastfeeding mothers in the late 1970s to promote breastfeeding and provide support to mothers

Jane's Breastfeeding Resources - a useful site with lots of FAQs, links, articles and advice plus the chance to put your own questions to the panel of experts.

The Breastfeeding Network - an independent group of feeding supporters

Baby Led Feeding -  guide to what many mothers consider the most natural way of feeding

Food Standards Agency - advice on diet for breastfeeding mothers

Vegan Society - advice for vegan mothers

NHS Direct - clear, practical advice for parents

Commonsense Breastfeeding Topics - including clear pictures showing a good latch-on

BBC - good advice, including "don't feel guilty if you can't"

Breastfeeding at Work - advice from the Equal Opps Commission

Breastfeedingonline - includes this guide to latching on

Women's Health - many topics are covered including this article on breastfeeding as a method of contreception

UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative - campaign to promote breastfeeding, especially in hospitals

IBFN - campaign to stop baby formula advertising and misuse worldwide

Baby Milk Action - is a non-profit organisation which aims to save lives and to end the avoidable suffering caused by inappropriate infant feeding

Cherubs - Breastfeeding Support - "Cherubs" is a drop-in baby and toddler group for expectant and breastfeeding mothers.  Support from a breastfeeding counsellor, either a midwife, health visitor or a counsellor from the NCT or ABM, is always available.  Refreshments are available so come along to this friendly and supportive group.  Please note, there will be no group in August but it will restart on 8th September.  Every Thursday (not August), 12.30-2pm at Blagdon Close, Wedmore Vale, (off St John's Lane). 

La Leche League have regular meetings in north Bristol, call April on 924 0634 for more details.

If you have any suggestion for other links to include, or have a breastfeeding story or comment that you would like to share, please email us.

Information Sites

Kellymom - http://www.kellymom.com/

Jane..'s Breastfeeding Resources - http://www.breastfeeding.co.uk/

Baby Friendly Initiative- http://www.babyfriendly.org.uk/home.asp

 NHS - http://www.breastfeeding.nhs.uk/nb_nbaw.asp

how to keep your cool this summer

by Arabella Greatorex, owner of www.naturalnursery.co.uk

When the heat is on, life can become very hard when you are pregnant.  Instead of looking forward to those long, hot August days, you may find yourself dreaming of igloos and frozen ice-caps, so try out these tricks to help you keep your cool when the temperature rises.

Clothes

·      Wear loose fitting clothes that will let the air circulate - tight waistbands in particular will make you feel hot and bothered. 

·      Natural fabrics such as cotton are best, as they will allow your skin to breath. 

·      You may need to buy some larger shoes, particularly if your feet start to swell.

·      Water

·      Even if you are still suffering from morning sickness, it is vital that you drink 8 glasses of water a day as it is very easy for pregnant women to become dehydrated. 

·      Try to avoid coffee and fizzy drinks as they can act as diuretics.

Summer food

·      Think carefully about your food hygiene - it is very easy to get food poisoning in the summer.

·      Use commercially frozen barbecue foods as the freezing process kills the toxoplasmosis parasite and always make sure food is cooked right through.

·      Check that mayonnaise is made with pasteurised eggs and always wash fruit and vegetables.

Shopping

·      If you can, get your partner to take care of the big weekly shop.

·      If not, why not try shopping over the internet or at a less busy time, maybe on a Friday evening?

Keep cool

·      Pregnant women have up to a third extra blood in their system, which means they feel the heat more, so keep out of the sun as much as possible, especially between 11am and 3pm.

·      Make sure you use a high factor sun screen - some women find their skin is extra sensitive when they are pregnant.

In the swim

·      Swimming is an excellent way of exercising when you are pregnant and will help to cool you down.

·      Don't forget to check with your doctor or midwife if you are worried about your fitness levels.

Take it easy

·      Try not to get worked up about things - this will only make you feel hotter.  If things do get on top of you, sit down and take a few deep breaths.

·      If you can, put your feet up and have a rest during the hottest part of the day. 

·      As you near the end of your term, you may need to think about cutting down on the amount of walking and standing that you do.  If in doubt, talk to your midwife or HR department.

Older children

·      You may find it harder to relax if you are busy all day with older children, perhaps you could ask a friend to baby sit for a couple of hours to give you a rest.

·      Invite friends round to your house, instead of going to the park.  They will probably keep you supplied with cool drinks if you ask them nicely!

·      Paddling pools are a great way to keep your feet cool - sit in the shade and dip your toes in, your toddler will love this!

Work

·      If you are still working, make sure your office is kept cool and your working conditions are suitable to your stage of pregnancy.  If in doubt, call the Maternity Alliance on 020 7490 7639.

·      If you use public transport, perhaps you could change your working hours to avoid the rush hour crush.

·      Ask if you could work from home one day a week - that extra hour in bed can make all the difference.

Feet treats

·      When you can, sit with your feet up and try not to cross your legs as this can reduce blood flow.

·      Pamper your feet at the end of a long day.  Soak them in a basin of cool water before using a foot scrub and finishing with a massage of you feet and legs - absolutely divine if you can get your partner to do it for you!

Arabella Greatorex is the owner of www.naturalnursery.co.uk, an online store selling organic and fairly traded products for families including organic clothing and nappies, fairly traded toys and natural toiletries.

Local Food

Why should you worry about where the food you eat was grown or processed?  Generally speaking, it is better for you, the local community and the environment. 

Local Shops for Local People

Around 88% of all our food is bought from supermarkets, forcing the closure of tens of thousands of smaller shops that served out communities for years.  There are many arguments for and against large supermarkets but the fact remains that most Bristolians are now forced to shop by car several miles from their homes, adding to the already chaotic road congestion.

Many of our local shopping streets are becoming deserted as more and more shops are put out of business.  This has the greatest impact on those that can least afford it - the elderly or the poor.  For those of us with children, nipping out to get a pint of milk can now entail an hour long trip to the local supermarket and pity those who don't have a car.

Road Rage

We all know that our road systems are nearing collapse so it makes sense to buy local produce that has not added to this chaos.  Food transportation makes up 25% of the traffic on our roads causing congestion and pollution not to mention the waste of natural resources.

Save the Countryside

More and more farmers are leaving the land, ending a way of life that has existed for countless generations.  If we want to keep the countryside as the wonderful place it is for all of us, we need to buy locally produced food and not import from half way around the world.

Well Grounded?

A number of recent surveys have shown that children as old as 11 or 12 don't know that milk is the main ingredient of cheese and many have never seen a cow or pig in real life.  Trips to Bristol's great City Farms is one way to remedy this but it is important that local farms and their rich heritage remain for all to enjoy and learn from.

What Can I Do?

Well, lots actually.  Below are a few simple steps that you can take.  You may not be able to shop locally everytime and no one is going to blame a busy parent for one-stop shopping at the local supermarket.  Just aim to make a few small changes - you will be making a difference and you will be feeding your family healthier, tastier food. 

1. There are lots of Farmers Markets where you will find well grown local produce - you may also find older varieties of fruit and vegetables that are no longer available in the big supermarkets.  You could try the market on Wednesdays at Corn Street (9.30am -2.30pm).
   

2. Many farms now have a farm shop where you will find a changing range of produce for sale.
   

3. Vist the City Farms  - a great day out for the children where they will be able to get up close to the animals and you can by fruit and veg grown on the farm.
   

4. Try and do some of your shopping at your local stores - all over Bristol there are small shopping centres with an amazing range of products (and not just food) on sale.  As they say about your local Post Office - use it or lose it.
   

5. Why not have a food box delivered?  Many of them are organic and/or Fairtrade.
   

6. You could grow a few vegetables or herbs yourself - it is really easy to do and the kids will love it.  Start with someting simple such as bean sprouts or cress so that the children get the idea and then work up from that.  Even the smallest garden or windowledge can support a few pots.
   

7. Always read the labels and ask your local shops (including the supermarket) to sell local produce.
   

8. There are a number of local food groups in Bristol - contact Evolve for details of your nearest.

Useful Links

Soil Association - lots of information on organic and Fairtrade and details of working farms to visit

National Association of Farmers' Markets - loads of information

Local Food Works - information and resources and up to date news on the world of local food and shopping

Envolve - partnerships for sustainability

Voscur - information on local food groups