Mother and Child

Russell Turkobstetrician Small studies have shown that chronic exposure to the carbon monoxide in wood smoke may be harmful to the growth of a developing fetus, and there are theories about why this may be so. This could be a major public health issu...

Russell Turkobstetrician Small studies have shown ...

Raul Artalob-gyn As long as you walk around, being on your feet isn't a big problem, though it may be tiring. But standing in an almost motionless position the way a cashier would have to could create problems. Standing still for long periods tends t...

Raul Artalob-gyn As long as you walk around, being...

Experts Answers Christina Chambersepidemiologist It's wise to avoid secondhand tobacco smoke as much as possible. Even if you're not the one smoking, some of the contaminants will get into your bloodstream if you're inhaling secondhand smoke. The mor...

Experts Answers Christina Chambersepidemiologist I...

Experts Answers Is it safe to ski during pregnancy? Mary Lake Polan ob-gyn It's probably not a good idea, especially in your last trimester. As you get further along in your pregnancy, your sense of balance decreases and your weight distribution ...

Experts Answers Is it safe to ski during pregnanc...

Experts Answers Is it safe to play tennis during pregnancy? Mary Lake Polan ob-gyn It depends. I tell patients that most sports they've been doing, they can continue to do, but don't take up any new ones.There's some data to support the theory t...

Experts Answers Is it safe to play tennis during...

Experts Answers Is it safe to jog during pregnancy? Raul Artal ob-gyn Yes, as long as you don't have any complications. If you're at risk for premature labor, have had bleeding, or have preeclampsia, then activities like jogging can worsen your co...

Experts Answers Is it safe to jog during pregnanc...

Experts Answers Is it safe to ice-skate or roller blade during pregnancy? Jeanne-Marie Guise ob-gyn You don't want to risk falling, which could bring on contractions or cause the placenta to tear away from your uterus, both of which could trigger ...

Experts Answers Is it safe to ice-skate or roller...

Experts Answers Is it safe to bowl while I'm pregnant? Raul Artal ob-gyn Bowling should be fine. While your joints and ligaments do relax during pregnancy, how much they relax varies from woman to woman. In most cases, expectant mothers aren't lik...

Experts Answers Is it safe to bowl while I'm preg...

Experts Answers Russell Turk obstetrician So far, studies of computer terminals have not shown any ill effects in pregnancy. Sitting in front of a computer all day when you're pregnant could lead to back pain, though, so it's best to take frequent ...

Experts Answers Russell Turk obstetrician So far...

Experts Answers Is it safe to swim in a chlorinated pool during pregnancy? Catherine Lynch ob-gyn As long as the chemicals are appropriately monitored, swimming in a chlorinated pool isn't a problem at all. It might actually make you feel good — ...

Experts Answers Is it safe to swim in a chlorinat...

Experts Answers Ogo Okpala ob-gyn The general consensus is that horseback riding is unsafe during pregnancy. Falling or being thrown from the horse is one danger for you and your baby. But even more important is the jostling motion of horseback ri...

Experts Answers Ogo Okpala ob-gyn The general co...

Experts Answers Is it safe to get my heart rate over 140 beats per minute during pregnancy? Raul Artal ob-gyn Instead of trying to keep your heart rate below 140 beats per minute, I recommend that you not engage in strenuous activities that could r...

Experts Answers Is it safe to get my heart rate ov...

Experts Answers Is it safe to do sit-ups or abdominal crunches during pregnancy? Jeanne-Marie Guise ob-gyn Sit-ups and crunches are fine in your first trimester. But by your second trimester, you'll need to avoid lying on your back because as your ...

Experts Answers Is it safe to do sit-ups or abdomi...

It’s important to eat well and stay healthy while breastfeeding – a healthy diet ensures perfect breast milk for your baby. Check out the pages below to find out: How much exercise is best How to safely return to your pre-pregnancy weight What to d...

It’s important to eat well and stay healthy while ...

Breastfeeding is an ongoing relationship between you and your baby breastfeeding starts soon after your baby is born it can take time for you and your baby to learn how to breastfeed with the right help almost all mothers can breastfeed Breast milk...

Breastfeeding is an ongoing relationship between y...

If you are considering using infant formula, discuss this with your midwife, Plunket staff, other well child health provider, or lactation consultant. Use an infant formula that is suitable for your baby’s age. The Ministry of Health advises that ord...

If you are considering using infant formula, discu...

Dress or change your baby before feeds when their stomach is not full. Wind your baby several times during feeds (see below for wind). Use a towel to cover yourself after feeds, to catch the milk. Have lots of large bibs. Have a towel with you to put...

Dress or change your baby before feeds when their ...

It is best to express after a breastfeed. If milk is expressed immediately before a feed this may reduce the amount available for the baby’s feed. Usually the easiest time to express is in the morning. If Mum is going to be away from the baby when a ...

It is best to express after a breastfeed. If milk ...

Breastmilk is the perfect food for babies. It’s easily digestible and provides everything your baby needs for the first six months of life. Breastmilk contains important antibodies which help fight infection, and it also helps protect babies against ...

Breastmilk is the perfect food for babies. It’s ea...

If you want to stop breastfeeding, it’s best to use a gradual process. To do this, over time you reduce the amount of milk that is removed from the breast. You can gradually reduce the number of times your baby feeds from the breast in a 24-hour ...

If you want to stop breastfeeding, it’s best to us...

It’s not unusual to feel exhausted when you first start breastfeeding – particularly when you’re having to deal with visitors as well as a new baby! Here are some hints to help you get as much rest as you can. In a maternity facility If you are stil...

It’s not unusual to feel exhausted when you first ...