 |
 |
|
Contact: Mrs Sharyn Crawford, National Co-ordinator, P.O. Box 12000, WELLINGTON 6144 E-Mail Suppport Team @ pregnancyhelp@xtra.co.nz [ Services Offered | Mission Statement | Brief History | Becoming a Volunteer | Branch Information | Events | General News | Useful Links ] |
Pregnancy Help Invercargill takes top honoursPregnancy Help takes top honoursBy Susie Nordqvist - The Southland Times | Thursday, 29 November 2007 QUIET ACHIEVERS: Pregnancy Help Invercargill committee members Anne Clarke (left) and Liz Duncan with their silverware following last night's TrustPower Invercargill Community Awards. A voluntary organisation that provides information and advice to new and expectant mums has taken top honours at the inaugural TrustPower Invercargill Community Awards. Pregnancy Help Invercargill was announced the supreme winner from 24 hopefuls at an awards evening held at the Civic Theatre last night. TrustPower community relations co-ordinator Rebecca James said the voluntary groups and organisations nominated for the awards represented hundreds of volunteers who gave their time to make their community a better place to live. Pregnancy Help Invercargill was chosen because of the unassuming way its volunteers went about their business, she said. "They work away in the background but they never ask for any recognition," she said. Pregnancy Help committee member Liz Duncan said she was dumbfounded by the award. Volunteers of the organisation are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to those in need of practical advice in caring for their baby or advice during pregnancy. The organisation is open on Tuesday morning and also acts as a drop-in centre where mums can be directed to other agencies if required. The organisation's support volunteers also knit and sew bedding and crochet rugs for clients and lends strollers, highchairs and bassinets to those who need it. In the past year the volunteers have helped 279 clients, travelled almost 3000km and given out almost 2900 clothes and almost 60 dozen nappies. Category award winners included: Heritage and environment, Bluff History Group; Health and wellbeing, Friends of the Emergency Department; Sport and leisure, Special Olympics Southland; Educational and child youth development, joint winners, Youthline Southland Incorporated and ESOL Home Tutors Southland. The supreme winner took home $1500, a trophy, framed certificate and an all-expenses-paid trip to the TrustPower national community awards next March. Alcohol During PregnancyThe general advise to women trying to conceive, or who are pregnant, or have had unprotected sex and could possibly be pregnant, is that the only 'safe' level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy is NO ALCOHOL at all.This is the advice of the World Health Organisation and experts well informed of the research on FASD (Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders). For further advice and or information follow the link on this website to the Fetal Alcohol Support Trust. Memorandum of Understanding Signed between Parents Centre & Pregnancy HelpPregnancy Help Inc is a voluntary organisation dedicated to providing practical support and information to new and expectant mothers, their family and whanau. We are currently celebrating our 30th anniversary and as part of our new strategic vision are aligning ourselves with other likeminded organisations. As part of this process we would like to advise you of our new agreement with Parents Centre.Pregnancy Help and Parents Centre are national organisations working in the communities of New Zealand providing resources and support to pregnant women and new mothers. We believe by working together whilst still maintaining our separate services more women and babies will benefit from greater access to education and practical support that each of our organisations offer. The signing took place at Stella Maris Conference Centre, 16 Fettes Crescent, Seatoun, Wellington on Friday 29 September 2006 at 12:15 pm. We are wanting to inform the communities we work in so we can better serve their needs and hope your organisation can help us achieve this. JOSHUA JOINS DRIVE FOR CLOTH NAPPIESTaupo Branch Nappy Drive AppealAt four months of age, baby Joshua just loves the softness of clean white cloth nappies. Unfortunately, Joshua won't find many to roll about in at Pregnancy Help Taupo as their supplies are dwindling. Branch President Margaret Teddy says the annual nappy drive has got off to a slow start this year and stocks are very low. They desperately need more nappies. Donations of new or pre-loved nappies can be collected, or dropped off, at the Pregnancy Help centre. Contact Taupo Branch 07 377 6071. Article and Photo from the The Taupo Weekender.  National Newsletter June 2006Bladder Control after having a babyWomen who have one baby are nearly three times more likely to leak urine and wet themselves than women who have not had a baby.Why? - when the baby moved down through the birth canal (the vagina), the canal was stretched. The nerves and muscles that keep the bladder shut (called the pelvic floor muscles) were also stretched. This can leave the muscles weak so that they are not able to keep the bladder from leaking. This leaking happens mostly when you cough, sneeze, lift or exercise. This leaking is not likely to go away unless you guard against further damage and exercise your pelvic floor muscles to help them to get their strength back. As you get older, your pelvic floor muscles will tend to get weaker. If you don't get the muscle strength back after each baby you have, you are likely to start wetting yourself. Following the menopause, there is a higher risk that you will wet yourself. For further information and support contact the BLADDER HELPLINE 0800 650 659 or vist their website www.continence.org.nz (follow the link on this website). Publicly Funded Maternity Services in New ZealandFrom the 1st January 2006, there will be a change to the Department of Internal Affairs Policy on New Zealand Citizenship eligibility.The current situation is every baby born in New Zealand is deemed to be a New Zealand citizen, and thus eligible for publicly funded health and disability services. The changes that take effect from 1 Jan 06 will mean that a baby born in New Zealand will only be a New Zealand citizen if (at least) one parent has either New Zealand citizenship or permanent resident status. Proof of relationship status will need to be demonstrated. Women who are not eligible for publicly funded health servies may be charged for antenatal, labour and postnatal services provied to them. Further more if you baby is not eligible to be a New Zealand citizen - any costs for the baby's health care will also have to be paid. For further information on eligibility and or entitlements: Contact your Lead Maternity Carer i.e. Midwife, GP, Specilist. They have been asked to determine woman's eligiblity for publicly funded maternity services and will be able to refer individuals for further advise where required. Ministry of Health 0800 MUM 2 BE - 0800 686 222 email mum2be@moh.govt.nz www.moh.govt.nz - Guide to Eligibility for Publicly Funded Health and Disability Services in NZ Department of Internal Affairs www.dia.govt.nz "Whats New" Changes to Citizenship by Birth in New Zealand from 2006 FAQ's National Newsletter September 2005MUSIC THERAPY FOR MOTHERS AND BABIESOver the last 10 years, creator Cherie Ross, has focused on researching music and has designed these albums to specifically soothe and settle. This CD is the first of its kind and is a unique production of continuous instrumental music created to give medical professionals and the general public a useful tool for relaxation. Performed by an ensemble of Australia's finest musicians from the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra with a ž rhythm which imitates the resting heartbeat. Leading Australian hospitals are using "Music For Dreaming" in their maternal and neo-natal wards as a device for nurses and parents to use to settle newborns.In October 2003, Cherie Ross created Music For Dreaming II with an emphasis on music for deep relaxation for mothers. The CD was created with the team that produced the first CD. Research has shown that specific types of music assist in improving the health of premature babies - Reduces baby's stress, Produces relaxation, Improves oxygenation, Enhances emotional stability, Improves sleep and Helps to conserve energy. Music for complementary care can be The invisible companion that gently reassures, nurtures and soothes adults and babies into the most delicate of experiences: sleep It can be used in specific therapeutic settings to elicit certain emotional states and behaviours. It can calm and restore inner harmony and balance as it carries a person from light to deep sleep This music is availabe at many retail outlets throughout New Zealand  DUNEDIN BRANCH NAPPY DRIVE 2005THANKS TO THE DUNEDIN COMMUNITY FOR ALL THE WONDERFUL DONATIONS - OUR PREGNACY HELP CLIENTS WILL CERTAINLY ENJOY ALL OF THESE WONDERFUL CLOTHES, TOYS AND OF COURSE NAPPIES AIR TRAVEL DURING PREGNANCYFlying during pregnancy is generally considered safe, good planning and awareness of pregnancy health recommendations are the key! However pregnant women should be aware that flying carries a greater health risk to the unborn baby and mother than the average passenger. The risk of DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) is greatly accentuated (consideration should be given to wearing DVT preventative in-flight socks).Background cosmic radiation levels are also higher at altitude, which can be hearmful to the foetus. General recommendations are that expectant mothers should avoid flying during the first three months of pregnancy if possible. Doctors generally recommend travelling during the second trimester weeks 14-28 gestation - these weeks are generally after the risk of miscarriage and before the risk of early labour. This is usually the time when most pregnant women are feeling their best. If you are planning to travel by air whether a short or long distance it is advisable to consult your Lead Maternity Carer(LMC). If you are pregnant with twins, have a history of miscarriage, gestational diabetes or high blood pressure, your LMC may recommend against flying long-distance. Taking a copy of your obstetric file in case any problems come up while you are away is a good idea. Women should be aware that regulations vary from airline to airline and they should find out what the policy is for the airline they intend to travel on. Air New Zealand recommends that pregnant women planning a trip seriously consider the risk of early labour. Also check Insurance cover too - not all companies will cover pregnancy-related emergencies. Some countries require written evidence of the expected date of delivery and may refuse entry to a pregnant woman without it - check with your travel agent. Some tips for flying: . book an aisle seat - so you have easy access to the toilet. . pack healthy snacks and extra water. . walk frequently during the flight, stretching and flexing your lower legs often. Women should discuss with their doctor the risk of blood clots and preventative measures. . consider potential health issues at your destintation - food and water contamination etc. . consider flying business class, especially if you are travelling long haul - there is better lege room and greater comforts. Ministry of Health recommendations: . organise your travel so that you will have plenty of time to rest. . dress for going frequently to the toilet. . if you are taking supplements such as folic acid, don't forget to take them with you. Remember if you do choose to fly during your pregnancy good advice and preparation is the key to a successful trip. For further information on Flight Health vist www.flighthealth.org National Newsletter February 2005National Newsletter February 2005 Supporting Pregnancy DiscomfortsThe following information has been complied by a Midwife and Childbirth Educator with intention to offer ideas to support Pregnancy "Discomforts".Please check with your Lead Maternity Care Provider before following any of the advice below as the recommenations are of a general nature only and may not be appropriate for all. CONSTIPATION * take small frequent meals * eat less refined and more complex-carbohydrate e.g. wholegrain and starches rather than sugar * increase fibre intake (bread, cereals, fresh fruit and vegetables) * drink plenty of fluid (8 glasses of water daily)preferably between rather than with meals * avoid using laxatives - if necessary always consult your caregiver * exercise daily * eat fruit and vegetables raw except apples which can cause constipation * chew food thoroughly * a hot or cold drink on an empty stomach may stimulate the bowels * iron tablets may increase constipation - always consult with your Maternity Caregiver before discontinuing prescribe iron tablets. * linseed and liquorice are a mild laxative * avoid too much coffee, cheese, sugar and fatty foods * follow good bowel habits - go only when you feel the need - relax and take your time - raise feet on a low stool to prevent straining - relax the pelvic floor CAUSE - the high levels of the hormone progesterone slow down the digestive system, although this allows good absorption of nutrients it may also cause constipation, flatulence, heartburn and indigestion. Sometimes these problems can also lead to haemorrhoids. VARICOSED VEINS AND HAEMORRHOIDS VEINS: * regular exercise e.g. swimming or walking * wear loose clothing, especially, on the legs * try not to stand for long periods, if need be wear support stockings * do not sit with your legs crossed * wear shoes with well padded soles * lie down with feet elevated several times a day especially if ankles are swollen * take plenty of fluids between meals * an increase in fibre intake may assist due to less straining on the toilet * calcium and magnesium supplements may help - consult your LMC before taking any course of supplements * foods rich in vitamin E and B may help also (e.g. bananas, avocados, grains, lean meat; leafy greens, liver and eggs) supplements can accumulate in the body * iron tablets may worsen the problem * the foot of the bed can be elevated if nausea or heartburn is not a problem * keep knees slightly flexed when standing HAEMORRHOIDS * try to avoid being constipated - see above * do not sit or strain for long periods on the toilet * regular pelvic floor exercises help * warm baths - 15-20 minutes daily relieves discomfort * compresses of diluted lemon juice or vinegar applied to the piles may be soothing * brief applications of ice packs CAUSE - the hormone progesterone relaxes the blood vessel walls which makes them more prone to vessel weaknesses such as piles or varcosed veins. Constipation caused by sluggish bowels usually worsens the problem, as can straining on the toilet. The pressure of the enalrged uterus and the baby on the abdominal veins, slows down the bloods return from the pelvic organs causing haemorrhoids, and varicosed veins of the legs or the vulva. NAUSEA AND VOMITING * a slice of bread or a dry biscuit before rising in the morning * yoghurt or a milk drink last thing at night or just before rising * avoid sudden movements when getting up * drink liquids between rather than with meals * meals with high protein, fruit and juices help to keep the blood sugar level up * small meals several times a day prevent the stomach from becoming too empty * fried food is hard to digest and increases nausea * fresh air and exercise may help you feel better * ginger can give relief - chewing or as a tea * try peppermints or peppermint tea is also useful * if vomiting fruit juice helps to replace body salts * avoid fatty highly spiced foods * nause may be worsened by tea, coffee, eggs, lentils, dairy products, tomatoes, plums and brewers yeast * alcohol should be avoided * avoid cooking smells * minimise stress and anxiety * acupressure wrist bands for motion sickenss may help * ensure adequate rest * avoid ant-acids * a high carbohydrate may help * iron tablets may worsen the nausea - try foods high in iron CAUSE - this feeling of nausea can occur any time of day. It is usually caused by a combination of high hormone levels, low blood sugar and tiredness. It usually resolves itself at the end of the first trimester at week 12-14 once the key fetal development is completed. CRAMPS * exercise to help circulation * keep your legs warm * take a warm bath before bed * do not point toes when you stretch * ensure adequate fluids * avoid fatigue * gentle stretching before bed may help * foods rich in calcium and sodium are considered useful eg; dairy products and non- dairy calcium such as tofu, dark green leafy vegetables, salmon with bones and molasses. * foods containing too much phosphorus should be avoided eg. eggs and nuts, note that these foods provide other valuable nutrients so this problem should be discussed with your caregiver * try a warm hot water bottle on the cramped area * stand up and walk around when cramps occur * NB never massage a cramped muscle as this usully makes it worse, and can make the area very tender. Try to stretch the muscle as this improves circulation. The stretch should be constant and gentle. * foot cramps - stand up and flatten foot * in calf-straighten knee pull foot toward head, hold relax and repeat. * front of thigh- stretch leg backward * buttock- stretch leg forward CAUSE Pressure of uterus on the blood vessels, reducing the blood flow to legs. Over-extension of the foot especially with heavy bedcovers - (a pillow to lift them at the food of the bed may help). Sudden stretching, fatigue and chilling and inadequate calcium or too much phosphorus all may lead to cramping. HEARTBURN * small sips of milk or water - including soda water * avoid coffee, alcohol and cigarettes * avoid greasy and highly seasoned food * eat several small meals rather than large ones * avoid the foods which make you feel worse * 6-8 glasses of water daily * eat slowly and chew well * drink between meals rather than with meals * avoid eating a heavy meal- 3 hours before bed * avoid bending over after meals * sleep propped up * wear loose clothing around the waist * sit in the tailor position raise arms above the head * check with your care-giver before using ant-acids CAUSE The hormone progesterone acts to relax the digestive tract so food tends to come back up. The stomach tends to produce more acid during pregnancy and the pressure of the uterus on the stomach forces this acid back up, causing heartburn. INSOMNIA * try to read before bed to ensure you are tired * wear cotton in bed to ensure you do not sweat * use extra pillows for support * small cushions under the uterus and between the knees are comfortable when lying on your side, large full length body pillows are available from a mail order company. * as pregnancy progresses most women find that lying on the left side is most comfortable * when the uterus becomes heavy lying on the back can cause the baby to move alot as it may be adapting to reduction in blood and oxygen supply * a relaxing bath before bed may help - not too hot * avoid caffeine, warm milk before bed can be helpful * relaxation or stretching exercises before bed - if you have the energy * try to eliminate distrations * a massage is relaxing * do not eat too soon before bed * a banana at supper time may be helpful * if you can't sleep spend the time doing your pelvic floor exercises CAUSE Will vary from person to person it may be natures way of preparing you for parenthood and broken nights or it could be from being over-tired in which case lifestyle adjustments may need to be made to allow for more rest. Insomnia may be from thoughts that are invading your mind and not allowing you to sleep and rest if you are worried about any aspect of your pregnancy or parenthood then you should speak to someone about these feelings. BREATHLESSNESS * try not to overexert yourself physically * sit upright propped with pillows * sleep propped upright CAUSES Generally because of the increase in weight and the fact the the body is accomodating and adapting to the baby growing within BACKACHE * try to use correct posture with shoulders back and buttocks tucked in * always bend at the knees * swimming is good exercise * good supportive shoes with low heels are best * exercise daily - such as walking or swimming * apply warmth to the lower back * try pelvic tilts - either standing upright with hands on hips or on all fours, tucking your buttock under and flattening out the hollow in your back * get someone to give you a massage or back rub CAUSE Hormones are responsible for the loosening of ligaments necessary before birth,this can also cause backache. This can be made worse by the pressure of the baby on the sacrum especially if the baby is posterior at term. Also a history of back problems before pregnancy. SWELLING * sit with legs elevated * lie down with legs elevated at least once a day * wear loose clothing and shoes * avoid knee high socks * avoid standing for long periods and eat high protein foods such as beans, cheese, fish, meat, poultry and tofu (opinion on this varies) * consume lower levels of carbohydrate * eat plenty of fibre * foods high in magnesium may help eg. seafood, apples, milk, wholegrain bread and cereals, honey, legumes * a healthy diet during pregnancy is helpful * although highly salted foods are uswise, it is important to maintain some salt in the diet * avoid caffine * if your fingers swell, it may be wise to remove rings before they need to be cut off CAUSE Varies - it is important to discuss any signs of swelling/fluid retention with your cargiver National Newsletter June 2004Dunedin Branch Celebrates 20 Years of ServiceDunedin held its 20th Anniversary of providing services with a function on the 3rd September 2004 attended by current volunteers, supporters and past members of Pregnancy Help Dunedin.Tribute was paid to Kathryn Lucas, Paul Stevenson and others who had the foresight to recognise that there was a need to establish a branch of Pregnancy Help in Dunedin and spent over a year in preparation and planning prior to the official opening in September 3rd 1984.  What is Ante-Natal Depression (A.N.D)?Antenatal depression consists of mood and behavioural disturbances that occur before the baby is born (during pregnancy). A.N.D affects 1 in 10 pregnant women and increases the risk of developing postnatal distress.SYMPTOMS Some symptoms can present as similar to "normal" pregnancy and can therefore be under-diagnosed. For example, sleeping difficulties relating to depressive sysmptoms rather that physical discomforts. A.N.D is indicated whne the symptoms are excessive (last for a week or more): * lack of motivation and interest * changes in appetite and sleep patterns * helpless or hopeless feelings * excessive fatigue * significant changes in mood * lack of concentration or focus * high levels of anxiety * extended periods of sadness * suicidal thoughts RISK FACTORS * lack of partner or social support * history of mental illness * history of miscarriage, terminated pregnancy or stillbirth * unwanted pregnancy * recent bereavement * low socio-economic status * substance abuse * existing anxious personality * health complications during pregnancy TREATMENT OPTIONS - WHAT HELPS? * General Practitioner * P.N.D. Support Group * Psychologist or Counsellor * Social Worker * Obstetrician * Psychiatrist TYPES OF TREATMENT * Therapy/Counselling * Therapy/Support Groups * Medication as indicated It is felt that the earlier the intervention, the better the outcome for the family. Treating symptoms antenatally allows networks and resources to be in place before the arrival of the baby. Untreated antenatal depression/anxiety can develop into postnatal distress. Women who have experienced postnatal distress previously can experience significant anxiety with subsequent pregancies. It is helpful to reintroduce previous support networks and explore some skills and resources that may be helpful. Information supplied by Post & Ante-Natal Distress Support Group - Wellington ZARA'S STORYZara (not her real name) is from the Middle East, now living in New Zealand. She comes from a family of substantial means who live in the United States. Zara has a supportive New Zealand boyfriend. She was fourteen weeks pregnant when we first came to know her. Zarašs mother was visiting her at the time a strong and determined woman who is protective of her family and wants the best for them, as all mothers do. But Zara is unmarried. In her motheršs eyes her life will be ruined if she continues with the pregnancy. Time is running out. She pleads with her daughter to have an abortion. But Zara is equally determined that she wants to keep her baby.In fact, it was Zarašs mother who first contacted Pregnancy Help about her daughteršs situation. Zara visited our office three times. Once with her mother, whose position was not going to be compromised. Under such extreme pressure, Pregnancy Help sought possible refuge accommodation for Zara to relieve the stress. Zara didnšt take it. A week later Zarašs mother had gone, and Zara came in with her partner. She was continuing with her pregnancy with the support of her partner, Pregnancy Help and a close relative living in New Zealand. Six months later Zara rang Pregnancy Help with the happy news of the birth of her baby boy. She even came into our office to show him off, giving permission for their photo to be taken and published. We gave her some clothes. Life was not going to be easy for Zara and her new family. Money is tight and Zara soon has to return to some part time work. But confident in the knowledge she kept to her decision and comforted by all the support she has been given she finds the strength to carry on.  |