Welcome
Welcome. The year is starting to heat up (whilst the weather starts to cool down) and we are pleased to announce that,
as a testament to the quality of the Bub Hub, the site has received an endorsement from the Australian
College of Midwives (ACMI). We are already working with the College to increase the quantity of
midwifery information on the site.
To make our site even more useful for parents and carers, we will be adding a
Bub Hub Community section over the coming months. To start
the Community off, we would love viewers to email us their
favourite baby recipes and/or a review of a parenting book or video that you've found particurly good or helpful. Stay tuned for more info.
A major goal for us in 2004 is to alert people and organizations that work with parents about the Bub Hub as a resource. We are
engaging the services of a PR firm to put together a national TV and Print publicity campaign for the site. If you would like to be
involved please contact us wherever you are in Australia.
This month, our articles are:
At the end of April we will be attending Kidz Expo at Fox Studios, Sydney
and invite all our NSW and ACT viewers to pop in and say G’Day to Danella and the team. Visitors to the Bub Hub stand can also
enter a competition for a chance to win prizes valued at over $1,400.
Click here to see the fantastic prizes on offer.
The Kidz Expo team have also offered 20 FREE tickets (Limit 1 per family) to our
viewers. Email Kidz Expo directly by clicking here and providing
your name, address and contact number for your chance to win.
Have a Happy Easter holiday. Easter normally means the end of term so don’t forget to sign up for your activities with your babies
and children for term 2 soon.
All the best,
The Bub Hub Team
www.bubhub.com.au
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Please support our advertisers!
We've had over 50 companies and organisations support us through booking or renewing advertising over recent
months.
Without them, the site wouldn't exist, so please, if you have the chance, consider the companies who you see advertising and
those with the magical  symbol next to their name!
And if you click on any of the
symbols throughout the site, you'll be linked to further information
about that company to help you with your purchasing choices!
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Don't Forget to Vote in our Polls!
Don’t forget to vote on our latest poll on your local home page. Almost 96% of the 877 respondents to the last poll thought
that the education system should be standardized across all states. We will be forwarding this information on to the appropriate
state government bodies!
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Separation Anxiety
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The Parenting Resources section has three pages on ‘Parenting Information’, which list many sources of additional information on
childrearing. We have invited the Triple P Clinic to provide us with an example of the sort of information they can provide.
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Although all children need to learn to cope with temporary separation from their parents, this can be difficult for both the child and
their parents.
Not only do parents sometimes need time away from their children, especially parents who work, but children benefit from time
spent with other people. Sending your child off to school can be one experience where separation problems are especially
concerning.
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When being left at school, or with babysitters, some children will cry and cling to their parents as they try to leave. They may
appear upset or worried that their parents are leaving them. These fears about parents not coming back are common in young
children, especially at times of stress such as moving house, family illness, or relationship problems.
The problem will not be solved if parents give in to their children and never leave them with caregivers. Clingy behaviour is likely to
continue if children have few opportunities to learn how to separate from their parents.
Problems can also be made worse by the way that the separation is handled. Giving children lots of attention, comfort and
reassurance when they protest may accidentally reward them for clingy behaviour. On the other hand, rushing to drop off the
children and then rushing away again can increase their anxiety.
If your child does not like to be left without you, you should talk to them about this. Explain to your child where you are going and
when you will be back to pick them up. Also, let them get to know the person you are leaving them with beforehand.
Explain to your child the steps involved in separating. Young children respond well to having a routine, so letting them know what
the rules are can be helpful. Explain that you will leave after you say goodbye no matter what they do and make sure that you
carry this out. Ignore all protests and do not go back to check on them. Never leave without your child knowing as this can
increase their anxiety.
It is a good idea to set up a reward system with your child. Explain that if they follow the rules about staying calm and saying
goodbye when you leave they can get a reward, like stopping at the park on the way home. Always praise your child enthusiastically
for following the rules.
When you leave your child with other people it is a good idea to make sure they have something to do and that they have said hello
to their caregiver and to other children. Try to make it more rewarding for your child to play in an activity than it is to stay with you.
If your child continues to cling to you, ignore them.
It is important to also follow a routine when you collect your child again. Always greet your child and spend some time with them.
Ask them questions about what they did while you were away. Be prepared for your child to be a bit clingy when you return.
When you have collected your child you should also review the rules about separation. Tell them all the things they did well and
reward them as promised. If problems occur do not give them the reward. Simply state calmly which rule they forgot to follow and
set this as a goal for next time.
For Further Information about how to access Triple P:
ph: Parentline on 1300 30 1300 (cost of a local call)
website: http://www.pfsc.uq.edu.au/
Do you have questions about medicines and vaccinations?
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Many people don’t realise that medicines that they take routinely may impact upon them when pregnant, or that certain medicines
just don't mix. If you have queries like those, there is a national helpline available to answer just these questions. We asked them
for more information. For further sources of help, see the ‘Helplines & Support Organisations’ pages in each state and territory.
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Vaccinations play a vital role in preventing illness and managing good health. It is important to remember that vaccines are
medicines that can interact with other medications. To avoid unwanted side effects and interactions, always let your child’s doctor
know about the medicines they are taking.
Knowing about medicines will help avoid any mix-ups and allow you and your family to enjoy better health. Studies have shown
that about 140,000 people are admitted to hospital every year as a result of problems with the use of medicines, including adverse
reactions to medications.
Medicines come in many forms including tablets, liquids, inhalers, drops, patches, creams, suppositories and injections. Medicines
include those that are prescribed by your doctor, those that are dispensed and purchased at a pharmacy, as well as herbal and
natural therapies.
Medicines Line is a national phone service for consumers that can answer your questions on medicines and
their use. Experienced pharmacists who can offer confidential information manage the service.
“Callers telephoning Medicines Line ask about subjects such as vaccinations for
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children, doses, complementary medicines, hormone replacement therapy, and medicines during pregnancy
and breastfeeding,” said Dr Lynn Weekes, CEO of the National Prescribing Service (NPS).
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“Interestingly, preliminary indications show that up to a quarter of the callers are asking questions on behalf of another person such
as children and that most callers are women. Callers are also reporting that they contacted Medicines Line following a
recommendation from their GP or local pharmacist,” said Dr Weekes.
Medicines Line is available by telephoning 1300 888 763, Monday to Friday, 9am – 6pm (EST) for the
cost of a local call.
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Medimate is a booklet that can guide you on things you should know about your
medicines to avoid mix-ups and side-effects, and things to discuss with your doctor or pharmacist. Medimate is available at your
community pharmacist and your local doctor.
Medimate gives you a list of questions you should ask when you are either prescribed a medicine or when a medicine is
recommended. These questions cover areas such as:
• What the medicine is for
• How to use the medicine
• When to stop using the medicine
• About special instructions
• About side effects
• What to do, and what not to do while using the medicine
For more information about your medicines:
pick up your Medimate from your doctor or pharmacist
visit the website: www.nps.org.au/consumers
or call: National Prescribing Service Medicines Line on 1300 888 763
Medimate and the Medicines Line are two services provided by the National Prescribing Service (NPS). NPS is a non-profit,
independent, Australian organisation that provides evidence-based services and resources to ensure that the prescribing and use of
medicines reflects the principles of Quality Use of Medicines (the appropriate, judicious, safe, effective and cost-effective use of
medicines).
Giveaway Winners
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We are happy to announce the winners of the 2 x $50 Coles vouchers.
Congratulations to Elizabeth K from Mayfield and Meredith W from Loganholme. You will shortly receive your prize in the mail.
The answers were:
Question 1: Yes, Milton will kill the germs that cause thrush
Question 2: 2 Milton Tablets are added to 4 litres of water
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Remember that when it comes to keeping your baby safe from germs, your baby deserves the best. By using the Milton Method,
which has been used by generations of Australian mums, you give your baby complete hygienic protection from harmful germs.
Check out the NEW website at www.miltonpharma.com.
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Saving Baby's Skin
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‘Smooth as a babies bottom’ does not always apply to all babies. Catherine Arfi of Aromababy has more on the subject of
skincare for babies and mothers.
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Residues from everything you put onto your skin are absorbed into your body. During pregnancy and breastfeeding these residues
filter through to your precious, new baby, making it an important time to think carefully about the products you use.
Bubbling, fragranced and colourful baby toiletries have been enjoyed by staff and parents in the hospital environment for decades.
But a growing number of maternity wards are now advising against the use of petrochemical based products in favour of more
natural offerings, including simple cold pressed vegetable oils for massage and cleansing, and just plain water for washing.
The question of whether skincare products are needed at all is a hot topic for discussion amongst midwives, particularly in special
care nurseries, where babies born too early are cared for.
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While many prem babies have skin that’s only a third of the thickness of a full term infants’ it develops quickly as long as it is not
irritated by harsh products.
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According to UK-based research, there is a link between the early introduction of strongly fragranced, petrochemical based product
and the steady rise in infantile eczema and associated conditions. These findings stand behind the belief commonly held by
paediatricians that dry or peeling skin on a new baby requires no treatment at all and that water only should be used to clean a
newborn’s skin.
Despite recommendations from doctors and midwives though many parents want to use products on their new babies. To satisfy
these requests the midwives and nurses in Melbourne’s Mercy Hospital neonatal intensive care unit have been using bland,
unscented offerings from the makers of Aussie brand Aromababy.
Aromababy Founder, Catherine Arfi, says: “Every second phone call I receive is from a parent whose infant has a skin irritation. I
promote the use of water first and foremost during the first important weeks of Baby’s life. If the parents then wish to introduce
products of some kind, we recommend gradually make the change from using just water to an aroma-free product.”
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While the Aromababy range includes products scented with essential oils for older babies Catherine says using scented products on
newborns can be distressing. She explains saying: “Smell is the first of Baby’s senses to develop. Within a few hours of birth babies
can recognise their mother’s scent and within minutes, if left to rest on their mother, they can find their way to the breast by
following the scent of the milk. Introducing other aromas at this time can cause a loss of distinction between smells and confuse the
baby.”
She advises waiting a few months before introducing aromas and then only using products scented with pure, therapeutic grade
essential oils.
Aromababy’s success with problem skin has prompted its involvement with the Eczema Association, where it offers sufferers access
to information and free product samples. Visit www.eczema.org.au or
www.aromababy.com for details.
Footnote
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Website address: www.bubhub.com.au
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The Bub Hub Pty Ltd, Qld 4010 ph: (07) 3862 4491
email: info@bubhub.com.au
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Separation Anxiety from Triple P;
