The Bub Hub Newsletter

Welcome to the first Hubbub of 2004. We are proud to say that we are now truly a national web site with the addition of our final section in December covering the ACT, Northern Territory and Tasmania. All that remains is to complete the research into regional areas (already underway). Congratulations too to all the winners in our Christmas Hamper competition – winners’ names will appear on the site shortly and in the March Hubbub (we are just waiting for a final few to confirm – check your inbox to see if this is you!). There were over 60 prizes in the Christmas Hamper with a total prize pool of over $4,500 - keep reading your Hubbub for more great competitions throughout 2004!   More than 12,000 people use the Bub Hub each week and since our launch on March 27, 2002 not one person has said they did not find the site useful. So in 2004 our aim is to let parents everywhere know that this free resource exists. Some of our methods include: • Word-of mouth to new parents and parents-to-be • Getting our flyers and posters into every maternity    hospital in Australia • Exposure in National TV and print mediums    (can you help? - see box on the right)

CAN YOU HELP? Are you sick of early evening TV stories about feuding neighbours?   Do you feel that a TV article about our site would be of benefit to parents who haven't yet heard about us?   Would you like to help us get a story about the Bub Hub on to TV?   If you would, please click on the links below and mention us as a possible story:   Today Tonight (Ch 7) A Current Affair (Ch 9) The Today Show (Ch 9) Sunrise (Ch 7) Brisbane Extra (Ch 9)

It's as easy as telling someone new who might find the site useful or mentioning the Bub Hub in ante-natal classes, playgroups or mothers groups.
 
We are also keen to add new testimonials to the site from all the states and territories as well as possible use in our TV campaign. And if you have any ideas for articles that you'd like to see in our newsletter, please email us and let us know. Your feedback is always appreciated!
 

This month our features are:   Protecting Your Baby from the Sun from SunSmart;   HypnoBirthing™ from the HypnoBirthing™ Association of QLD;   The Dangers of Leaving Children in Cars on Hot Days from Kidsafe and the Melbourne      Metropolitan Ambulance Service.

 
We have great pleasure in welcoming Inez Brownbridge to the Bub Hub Team as our new Regional Manager – Victoria. But sadly say farewell and thank you to Col our Regional Manager – WA/SA since July 2002 who is moving on.
 

February often sees the reemergence of Mother and Baby Cinema sessions - visit your ‘Funtime’ page for more information on local sessions. And finally - Happy Valentines Day! The Bub Hub Team   www.bubhub.com.au

Link to the 'funtime' page in your state/territory: ACT  NSW  NT  QLD  SA  TAS  VIC  WA

 

Skin cancer is mostly caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation comes directly from the sun, but is also scattered and reflected by surfaces such as concrete, sand and water. The more sun exposure during childhood, the greater the risk of skin cancer in later life. So babies should be protected from exposure to UV radiation from the day they are born.   SunSmart recommends a combination of sun protection measures to effectively protect your baby from the sun's UV radiation. Do not rely on one form of protection alone.

Peak UV radiation times
• UV radiation is most intense from 10am to 2pm (11am to 3pm during daylight savings). Try and organise your daily routine to avoid exposing your baby to direct sunlight during peak UV times.
 
What to Wear
• Covering the skin provides the best protection from UV radiation. Dress your baby in loose fitting outfits that cover their arms and legs. Make sure your baby is not too hot and is in a well-ventilated area.
• Choose a hat that protects the baby’s face, neck and ears such as a soft legionnaire style hat, with a flap at the back that will crumple easily when they put their head down.
 
Shade
• Shade provides a barrier from UV radiation, but it will not offer total protection. It is important to note that UV rays can be scattered and reflected onto your baby from surrounding surfaces. For best protection, look for very dense shady trees or portable shade structures that have sides as well as a roof and combine with other sun protection habits.
 
Sunscreens
• Sunscreen should be the last method used to protect your baby against the sun. Use only on those small areas of the body that are not already covered by a hat and clothing.
• Use SPF 30+ broad spectrum apply 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every 2 hours. It is important to note that sunscreen does not offer 100% protection.
 
Sunglasses
• Sunglasses can protect against eye damage from UV radiation, but they are not very practical for babies. A hat and shade will offer good protection. Children can wear sunglasses when it is practical for them.
 
Out and about with your baby
• Carry a wrap, a small sheet or blanket, a soft legionnaire style hat and perhaps a baggy romper suit that covers the legs and arms and a tube of sunscreen in your baby travel bag.
• When in the car, shield your baby from direct sunlight coming in through the side windows.
• When purchasing a pram, pusher or stroller, check that the hood position can be altered so that it can be moved to block out the direct sun.
• Try to find shady places to sit with your baby when you’re outdoors, but remember to keep the baby covered up as well as UV radiation can still reach your baby, even when they are in the shadow.
 
Always be prepared, it takes only minutes for a baby to receive severe sun burn.
 
article written by Kirsten Pilatti
SunSmart - Cancer Education Unit
website: www.sunsmart.com.au
 

Don’t forget to support the ‘A’ Team. Listings preceded by the symbol support the Bub Hub by advertising on the site. Click on this symbol to read more about the advertiser - including details of any sales or special offers for Bub Hub viewers. We would appreciate it if you would consider Bub Hub advertisers where possible when considering a purchase. But no matter where you buy don’t forget to tell them the Bub Hub sent you!

HypnoBirthing™ is a birthing philosophy that teaches techniques to eliminate the fear and tension that cause pain in birthing through relaxation, breathing and hypnosis. A relatively new service in Australia, qualified practioners are emerging all the time. For more information on services in your region, visit the ‘Childbirth Services’ page.

The HypnoBirthing™ method of childbirth education is as much a philosophy as it is a technique. It is a rewarding, relaxing and stress-free method of birthing that teaches a mother, along with her birthing companion, the art and joy of experiencing birth in an easier, more comfortable and often pain-free manner. The method is based on the belief that severe discomfort does not need to be a natural accompaniment of labour.
 
The aim of the programme is to build confidence in the mother and for her to have the ability to birth her baby the way nature intended. HypnoBirthing™ teaches the mother about the wonders of her body, to eliminate fear, and to work with the birthing process rather than fight against it. In most cases it is the fear that undermines the mothers confidence in herself. HypnoBirthing™ changes the belief that the experience of childbirth is fearful and helps mothers tap into their own deep resources

to develop confidence in themselves and dismantle the Fear – Tension – Pain Syndrome.

The Child Accident Prevention Foundation better known as Kidsafe, aims to provide practical information to parents and carers. They are an important resource and we refer to them regularly in the Health & Safety Section of the Bub Hub. Recently Kidsafe and Melbourne's Metropolitan Ambulance Service combined forces to issue an urgent warning to parents over the dangers of leaving children in cars on hot days.

The campaign is aimed at reinforcing the original program which encouraged warning stickers on entry signs of all supermarket and public car parks to prevent children from being left in cars during hot days. In the past children have died from being left in cars and in recent weeks there have been some incidents of children's lives being endangered.