VIPregnancy

Top Tips on Immunisations from Terri Dwyer

2010-08-28T09:10:00.000-07:00

I HATE needles and injections and have to actually close my eyes when my son has his immunisations done, I should be strong for the both of us but I just can't. I feel so bad as he is the one having the injections, not me!

If you're like me, fear not. Here are some top tips from actress, presenter and yummy mummy Terri Dwyer

1. Remember that you are doing the best for your child – it’s natural to worry about your child being in pain but I kept reminding myself that I was giving them long‐term protection with
each immunisation.

2. Try to stay calm ‐ maybe my acting background helped here, but I definitely think children pick up your mood, so even if you’re worried sick, try to put on a happy face so you don’t pass on your fear to your child. Concentrate on them and how they feel and you’ll forget your own fears.

3. Get advice from a professional – your GP or practice nurse will understand how anxious you are. I found talking to them prior to having the boys immunised really useful as it helped me understand what was going to happen. It also helped take my mind of it! If you can’t get to your surgery in advance, try your local pharmacist. There may be products they can suggest to help before and after the immunisation.

4. I hate needles myself and am really worried about passing my fear onto my children so try to put on a brave face – anything I can do to help make this a less painful process for both of us is great! By using a numbing product I feel I am helping to reduce the pain of the needle.

5. Preparation is key – like most mums I’m always running around after my children but I think it’s vital to take time out to prepare for an immunisation appointment with their favourite toys to distract them and a treat for afterwards.

6. Get family and friends to support you – immunisations can be so stressful for mums so make sure you get recognition from those around you and don’t be too hard on yourself if you find it upsetting. It’s hard to see someone stick a needle in your baby so make sure you get plenty of reassurance!

TV Presenter Amanada Hamilton talks to VIPregnancy.com

2010-03-19T03:42:00.000-07:00

She’s a nutritionist, TV Presenter and busy businesswoman. If that’s not enough, she also has 4 children to look after! Find out how Amanda’s homebirth didn’t go to plan, why Louise Redknapp replaced her on a hit TV show and why she lets her daughter go out in an Ariel outfit with cowboy boots!

Thank you for talking to VIPregnancy. Firstly, what did you enjoy the most about being pregnant?
The baby at the end! I am not the best at being pregnant, 9 months is a long time. However, I love the feeling of the baby kicking.

How did your 2nd pregnancy differ from the first?
Not so different really, I was just a bit bigger second time around. In terms of parenting I think knowing what to expect has made me much more relaxed.

How do you manage being a mum, a busy TV Presenter and run your own business!? I find it hard enough sending some emails! We want to know your secret….
A good husband is number 1, he is very hands on and we really do co-parent. Besides that, we have a visiting au-pair for the ‘mad’ hours between 5.30 and 7.30 to help with the hurricane that hits the house when feeding four children! Most of all though, I’ve learnt not to sweat the small stuff. I used to have fraught weekends trying to get my wee girl to wear something ‘sensible,’ I’ve given up; if she wants to be ariel in cowboy boots, I now just smile!

I would love to see pictures of that! Louise Redknapp has recently replaced you on the BBC programme ‘Something for the weekend’. You were fantastic on there, so why did you leave a hit show?
I needed my weekends back after 3.5yrs! Because I live in Scotland I was away from Saturday afternoon to Sunday afternoon since the show was live. Not much point having such a lovely family if the weekends are non-existent! I wish Louise well. Lots of other TV projects coming up though – just not every weekend!

Do you think woman can really have it all – the high flying career and a great home life?
At times, yes. I think a balance is really important though. I enjoy working hard mainly because I see what I can bring in to my kids lives as a result.

Your first child is from a previous relationship, has there ever been any conflicts on parenting styles and how do you cope with disagreements?
No, we are very lucky that way. Life is never perfect but I think putting the child’s interest first is a good leveller for parents.

What advice would you give to parents who are struggling to make their relationship work?
I am not a relationship expert, all I know that for me, I really did know when I met “the one” – my now husband and raising kids with the right man is just lovely. However, I remember reading a bit of advice, I think it was from Jasmine Guinness (the model) that no matter what the circumstance, you never regret having a child. That is so true. Be honest with yourself at all times and count your blessings.

You may not be a relationship expert but I’m sure people will find that helpful. Tell us more about these fertility programmes that you’ve created. It sounds very exciting but do they really work?
I am developing a Feriltiy programme with Champneys and have combined forces with their Medical Director who is a Doctor and Fertility acupuncturist. We also combine hypnotherapy, reflexology, diet planning, conception coaching – in other words, it is no wonder I’ve had good results in the past with all those experts involved.

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) said your claims that your programmes work have no scientific or medical basis. Are your retreats designed to make parents-to-be feel more relaxed about conception rather than an alternative ot IVF?
As usual, my comments were taken out of context. I have never been a spokesperson for alternative therapies in relation to fertility, rather, I work on pre-conceptual health, optimising the health of both partners for fertility. Helping people be as healthy as possible prior to conception is relevant no matter what the circumstance.

You were 3 months pregnant when you got married, was it difficult finding a dress and did you consider getting married post birth?
I did have to go up a size from the dress I had bought but the cleavage was fantastic. I could tell that my body had changed but nobody else clicked so it was a great surprise to announce it at the wedding.

That must have been lovely. Okay, so we’ve all obviously put on weight during pregnancy but how do we realistically lose it!? What are your top 3 tips?
1.Eat only when hungry rather than when bored or tired.
2.Eat real food rather than fake food – avocados, nuts, oils etc all better than ‘diet’ foods as they are naturally satisfying
3.AND be kind to yourself – you just had a baby!!!!!

Why did you decide to have a homebirth?
My first birth was straightforward, and quick, so it seemed the best option. However, after 2.5 days of active labour at home I had to go to hospital. My son was back to back with the cord round his neck. I was glad to be in hospital in the end.

Is homebirth for everyone?
It is very individual – and birth plans must be flexible enough to change as I found out!

My 10 month old has no teeth, I know some children don’t get teeth until 1 but I’m still a little worried! In hindsight, what did you worry about?
My daughter is very petite and has never had a big appetite. However, as she has gotten older I’ve realised that its just the way she is – and she is super healthy. My son is the opposite. Kids are unique from the word go!

Any plans to have a 3rd child?
No, I have 2 stepchildren too so four kids is more than enough!

What’s your top parenting tips for the VIPregnancy family?
Look after yourself well so you can parent well. Most people forget that bit!

Thank you to Amanda for taking time out of her hectic schedule to talk to VIPregnancy. We wish her lots of luck in all her parenting and pregnancy ventures :) You can keep up to date with Amanda on her website www.amanda-hamilton.co.uk

Veena features in Abortion Documentary for BBC 1Xtra

2010-03-11T03:02:00.000-08:00

I'm really glad BBC 1xtra aired this documentary about Abortion. Men don't have any support or guidance when it comes to abortion - this is what I believe. Obviously, woman physically go through the process of Abortion but everyone forgets about how the man is feeling. Not once did anyone ever ask if my childs father was okay....

Before I got pregnant, I was firmly againt abortions, but when I found out I was it was a massive shock to the system and I started seriously thinking about a termination. We went to Marie Stopes International twice, both times we just couldn't go through with it. They were brilliant; I was offered consellling, help and advice but no one stopped to think about if my childs father needed any support.

In 2008 there were nearly 200,000 abortions. It affects not just the woman, but also the man and even friends and family. I hope Abortion becomes less of a taboo subject and people start talking about it more, especially in sex education classes at school.

For more about abortion click here
www.news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/health/newsid_10050000/newsid_10059500/10059526.stm

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