Pregnancy Exercise - Getting Started

Posted in: pregnancy
It is important to keep fit and active during your pregnancy.  It helps you to deal with the body changes that occur and prepares your body for labour and birth.  But, exercise should be taken with care and should be low-impact and non-contact. Particularly suitable forms of exercise are...

Nappies 101 - nappy choices explained and top nappy changing tips

Posted in: nappies & toilet training, pregnancy, baby
Nappy choices explained - disposable, eco-disposable, modern cloth or terry towelling?  Read the pros and cons and make an informed choice.  And whilst you're there, read up on our top tips for safe and easy nappy changing.

Top Tips For Avoiding Morning Sickness

Posted in: pregnancy
Scientists have long debated what causes morning sickness, and with up to 80 percent of pregnant women suffering some symptoms, it's worth knowing what you can do about it.  Read our 11 Top Tips for beating morning sickness.

Pregnancy Symptoms & Early Pregnancy Signs

Posted in: conception & fertility, pregnancy
Am I pregnant? Find out with our guide below to common pregnancy symptoms and early pregnancy signs.

Nutrition and Food Safety During Pregnancy

Posted in: pregnancy
Pregnancy is one of the most remarkable experiences in any woman's life. During pregnancy your body is working extremely hard to grow a new life within you. With the added workload comes greater nutrition and food safety needs to support your body, and to give your baby the optimum start to life, during this time.

Pregnancy and Postnatal Complications

Posted in: pregnancy, postnatal health
Sometimes, a pregnancy doesn't go a smoothly as planned and complications arise. When this happens, your healthcare provider will be there to provide you with additional care, information and support. However, it is always helpful to have some additional resources to hand and so we've detailed some pregnancy and postnatal complications, such as pre-eclampsia, HELLP, anaemia, gestational diabetes, placenta previa and Hashimoto Hypothyroid Postpartum.

Common Pregnancy Complaints

Posted in: pregnancy
Pregnancy can be quite a strain on your body and there are inevitably some 'complaints' or discomforts that come with the joy of creating and growing a whole new person. We've compiled an A-Z of some of the more common pregnancy complaints, why they occur and what you can do to ease the symptoms.

Maternity Leave Checklist

Posted in: pregnancy, household & budget, jobs & careers
Combining work and family life takes some planning, whether it is your first pregnancy or you already have children.  By considering our maternity leave checklist, you can begin to formulate a plan for maternity leave and parental leave.

Iodine and Pregnancy

Posted in: pregnancy, baby
There is now irrefutable evidence that mild to moderate iodine deficiency is widespread in Australia and New Zealand. Recent research data gathered in both countries (and many other countries in the world for that matter) has opened our eyes to a previously hidden and worsening epidemic of iodine deficiency afflicting more than 50% of pregnant women and their offspring.

Top Most Popular Baby Names in Australia for 2008

Posted in: pregnancy
What were the top, most popular, baby names in Australia in 2008?  In 1910, the top names were John and Mary - now these names don't even rate a mention in the top 100! And just in case you weren't already aware, Jack is back once more as the top boy's name in Australia. Not to say that it ever left.

What is premature birth and what are the risk factors?

Posted in: premature babies, pregnancy
What is premature birth and what are some of the risk factors during pregnancy that can result in a premature birth?

Homoeopathy Explained

Posted in: pregnancy, baby, toddler, postnatal health
Bub Hub asked Brisbane homoeopath, Patricia Hatherly, if she could provide our readers with an insight into the conditions that homoeopaths could treat from pre-pregnancy through to childhood - all naturally! Here's our 'interview'...

Pregnancy Ailments & Tips

Posted in: pregnancy
Pregnancy can bring with it ailments ranging from the slightly odd to the totally uncomfortable. Here's a guide to coping with 10 common conditions.

Mosquitoes

Posted in: safety, eco friendly, toddler, pregnancy, baby

Just picture it... a balmy evening in the backyard, BBQ sizzling, kids playing happily and cool drink in hand. Perfect except for the whine of a dive bombing mosquito. Second only on the irritation ladder to the lone mosquito in the dark who won't let you get to sleep at night. Here's a few remedies for you to try!


Complementary Therapies Overview

Posted in: conception & fertility, pregnancy, labour & birth
Osteopathy, Naturopathy, Traditional Chinese Medicine... Find out what these complementary therapies can do for you.

Helping Yourself to a Better Birth

Posted in: labour & birth, pregnancy
Many women believe that birth is painful and something that has to be 'endured'. However, it is the medicalisation of birth that has led many women and those around them to lose confidence in women's ability to give birth without interventions, or without others telling them what to do.

I Want a Doula

Posted in: pregnancy, labour & birth, baby
"I want a doula for this birth, what do you think about them?" Jodie asked. I'm a midwife and people stop me in the street to ask advice so I'm use to it. I'm usually happy to give advice but this time I was stuck?

The Importance of Breastfeeding

Posted in: feeding, baby, pregnancy

Like learning any new skill, breastfeeding can take patience and perseverance to get right. Producing breastmilk may be a natural process, but the art of actually breastfeeding needs to be learned.


Good Mental Health During Pregnancy and Parenthood

Posted in: pregnancy, baby, postnatal health, toddler
We all have beliefs and ideas about the way things should be. Buddhists believe that it is our attachment to these expectations that leads us to suffering - stress, disappointment, anxiety, anger and so on. If we can learn to let go of our expectations we are free to take each moment as it comes, to enjoy what we have got rather than focusing on what is missing or not happening.

Pets & Babies

Posted in: pregnancy, baby, safety
The arrival of a baby can dramatically affect the family dynamics - including the furry members. TV vet and mother Dr Katrina Warren shares some practical advice on preparing for the change and keeping all your kids safe and happy.

Preparing for a New Baby

Posted in: pregnancy, labour & birth, baby
Having a baby is the most amazing, beautiful and often daunting experience of your lives. The anticipation of what it will be like can be intense as your expected date of delivery draws near.

How to Naturally Boost and Preserve Your Fertility

Posted in: conception & fertility, pregnancy
It takes approximately 120 days for healthy sperm to form and the egg to mature before conception. All prospective parents - particularly those who want to preserve their fertility, overcome any fertility problems, or simply have the healthiest baby possible - should begin their conception attempts with this in mind.

Pregnancy Exercise - The Do's and Don'ts

Posted in: pregnancy

Exercise in pregnancy promotes the health and wellbeing of pregnant women and their unborn babies. Women who currently participate in a regular exercise program can continue to do so providing modifications are followed.


Homebirth in Australia

Posted in: labour & birth, pregnancy
The idea of homebirth often conjures up fear in the minds of many women in Australia who tend to associate it with being "risky" and with not being able to have pain relief. However, increasing numbers of women are choosing home birth when they find out how much more in control women feel when they birth at home.

Storing Cord Blood

Posted in: labour & birth, pregnancy, baby
There's a new question making the rounds among pregnant women across the country, 'Are you storing your baby's cord blood?' Great, you're thinking, just when you had enough to worry about along comes another decision you have to make! While it is a complex area - not without controversy - we've looked into the subject to help you make the best decision for you and your baby.

Midwives

Posted in: labour & birth, pregnancy, conception & fertility, postnatal health
Midwives provide an invaluable service with a much wider role than many may at first think. Qualified medical carers, your midwife can take you from pre-pregnancy through to early parenting help and support.

Pregnancy and the Pelvic Floor

Posted in: pregnancy, postnatal health
The muscles of the Pelvic floor are extremely important for the support of the internal organs as well as bladder and bowel function. The muscles can become strained and weakened during pregnancy and childbirth, leading to Pelvic Floor dysfunction and continence problems (amongst others).  Like any muscles, pelvic floor muscles need a regular workout to stay strong. Pelvic floor muscles need particular attention during pregnancy and post birth.

Why Teach your Baby to Sign?

Posted in: baby, toddler, pregnancy
Start teaching your baby sign language at six months and be able to communicate with them at nine. It may sound far-fetched but sign language in infants and toddlers has been proven to work.

Gestational Diabetes

Posted in: pregnancy, postnatal health

Diabetes (or significantly elevated blood glucose levels) during pregnancy are serious conditions but the risks to mothers and babies can be minimised and much better managed with early screening for diabetes, the availability of modern technologies, intensive obstetric monitoring and a variety of insulins.


Pre-Eclampsia : A Silent Killer - The disease all pregnant women should know about

Posted in: pregnancy
Why is it that 10% of pregnancies are affected by Pre Eclampsia (PE) in Australia yet it is something that is not a discussion topic among us?  Find out more about this Silent Killer.

What can Bub Hub do for Dads?

Posted in: dads, pregnancy, baby, toddler
We at the Bub Hub are making a concerted effort to match the large amount of resources we provide for parents and mums with specific stuff for the dads as well; from support from other dads in the forum, information and resources, to tipping competitions.

Am I having a Boy or Girl?

Posted in: conception & fertility, pregnancy

A quick scan and bob's your uncle - you can know your baby's sex. So will you find out, or not? Technology allows you to uncover the sex of your baby before the little bundle arrives in the world, but do you really want to know or would you prefer to keep the baby's sex a mystery?


Choosing baby safe nursery furniture

Posted in: safety, pregnancy, baby
Baby safe nursery items and furniture are an absolute must.  But what are the key points that you need to think about?  Here are some of the main factors to consider when buying, borrowing or hiring nursery furniture, prams or strollers.

Bringing Baby Home

Posted in: pregnancy, labour & birth
Being prepared is the key when bringing baby home. Whether it's husbands, in-laws or sound sleep, read on to find out how to make your new family addition a smooth transition.

Maternity Bras - Choosing the Right Maternity Bra

Posted in: pregnancy
Find out why maternity bras necessary and get top tips for getting the right fit and size for you.

Birth Plan Template

Posted in: labour & birth, pregnancy
Print off our handy birth plan template; an easy to use print-out that prompts and records your preferences for labour and birth so that nothing is forgotten.  The birth plan template can be customised to your individual needs.

Birth Plans - Writing a Birth Plan Made Easy

Posted in: labour & birth, pregnancy
If you thought writing a birth plan was a waste of time, think again. A birth plan is a means of communication, in writing, that connects the mother-to-be and her obstetrician, midwives and caregivers. It tells them explicitly about her priorities, her options and her specific needs and concerns.

Maternity Leave Entitlements in Australia

Posted in: pregnancy, household & budget, jobs & careers
Maternity Leave Entitlements in Australia are determined by Federal Government regulations.   State Government laws and individual employer policies are also applicable and can vary widely so use this information as a starting point then ensure you confirm details for your specific situation.

Pregnancy Heartburn

Posted in: pregnancy
Pregnancy comes with a whole host of new experiences. Most are great but some can be a little unpleasant. One of the latter is acid reflux, or heartburn as it's more commonly known, and it's something many women will experience during pregnancy even if they have never suffered it before.

Antenatal testing and screening tests in pregnancy

Posted in: pregnancy

The aim of antenatal care is to safeguard the health and well-being of both mother and baby during pregnancy. It enables obstetricians to identify potential problems in the early stages of pregnancy which, if not addressed or treated, could result in increased risk for mother and baby.


How to afford a baby

Posted in: pregnancy, household & budget, conception & fertility
Mother and financial planner Justine Davies takes you step-by-step through the financial minefield of starting a family.

Babies Born Prematurely

Posted in: pregnancy, labour & birth
Seven per cent of births in Australia are premature. A premature baby is classed as being born before 37 weeks of development. Babies that do survive the birth often face complications as their organs are too small or underdeveloped to function independently outside the womb.

Working to improve Australian maternity care

Posted in: pregnancy, labour & birth
In this article, Maternity Coalition shares how their organisation is working towards improving pregnancy, birth and postnatal services and maternity care for women all over Australia.

11 Morning Sickness Remedies That Might Just Work!

Posted in: pregnancy
Pregnant, with morning sickness?  Read the top 11 Morning Sickness Remedies and get back to feeling normal again.

37 things you must know now you're pregnant

Posted in: pregnancy
The test is positive, and you feel you're stepping into uncharted territory. Fear not - we can explain what's going on and offer a few priceless tips for the months ahead...

Signs and treatment of pre-term labour

Posted in: pregnancy, premature babies
All women should be aware of the signs of pre-term labour. Even if you are not recognised as having a high risk pregnancy, you are still at risk, as many of the causes of pre-term birth are still unknown. Signs and symptoms of pre-term labour can include, but are not limited to, the following.

Flavour Imprinting - Prevent Fussy Eaters

Posted in: pregnancy, feeding
Can your diet during pregnancy or breastfeeding help to prevent your child from becoming a fussy eater or a picky eater?  Our article on flavour imprinting tells you more.

Planning a Baby Shower - Baby Shower Activities

Posted in: pregnancy
Practical advice on planning a baby shower - ideas for baby shower games, themes, food and hints on organising the perfect baby shower party.

Cord Blood - the Power Cord of Stem Cell Research

Posted in: pregnancy, labour & birth
It is estimated that over 10,000 people have been treated with cord blood cells since 1972. Now recognised as a lifesaving treatment, the list of things you can do with stem cells is amazing...