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mychild.ie is our online pregnancy and child health resource that contains valuable information for parents and parents-to-be.
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There are lots of reasons why tiredness is common in pregnancy. Growing a baby is hard work! It could be that you are low in iron. Your GP can do a blood test to check for this.
To learn more, visit mychild.ie: https://bit.ly/3SzLbFt
Learn what vaccines are recommended for your child when they are starting school.
If your child is in Junior Infants, they will be offered the 4 in 1 and the MMR vaccine. These vaccines give your child the best protection against diseases like measles that can be very serious for young children.
For more information visit immunisation.ie.
It's upsetting to see your baby in discomfort when their teeth are coming in.
Visit our teething guide for advice on:
šteething rings, gels and pain relief to help your baby
šteething remedies that are not safe for your baby
Learn more on our website: https://bit.ly/3Tbr1BZ
It can sometimes be hard to tell the difference between a warning sign or a normal pregnancy symptom.
Find out when you need to get urgent medical advice by visiting our website here: https://bit.ly/3xYqMmD
Did you know? Your fertility can return while breastfeeding so it's better to use contraception unless you are planning another pregnancy. The return of fertility after pregnancy is different for each person.
Learn more at mychild.ie: https://bit.ly/4d9d0MM
The podcast returns this week with a āBack to Schoolā episode, focusing on helping to prepare your child for the school year ahead. Listen for expert advice on how to help make going back to school as smooth as possible: https://spoti.fi/3Xc1laL
If your child is starting Junior Infants, it will be time for them to get vaccinated. The vaccines offered to them through the school immunisation programme will protect them against serious diseases like measles and polio.
Learn more here: https://bit.ly/HSE4in1MMR
Owning a dog can add something special to family life and can even bring other benefits like helping your child's social and emotional development. But all dogs can be unpredictable around children, no matter how much we think we know them.
To keep your child safe:
ā¢ always supervise them around dogs
ā¢ never leave your baby or child alone with a dog
Find out ways to help your child learn about dogs so they can safely spend time with their furry friends. https://bit.ly/4d6Rbxa
Planning a babymoon? Most women can travel safely while pregnant. Flying does not increase the risk of early labour or miscarriage. However, checking with your GP or healthcare provider before you go is always best.
Find more information at mychild.ie: https://bit.ly/3LzxEKb
Mastitis is an inflammation of one or both breasts and can be very painful.
We have updated our advice on treating mastitis with heat and massage.
The best advice is:
ā¢ choose heat or cold depending on what feels most soothing
ā¢ very gentle breast massage
Find more information at mychild.ie: https://bit.ly/4cQGY8A
Naps help your baby grow and develop. Children who are well rested find it easier to get to sleep at night.
Find some nap tips on our website: https://bit.ly/3W95haC
Choosing a school bag is a big part of preparing for big school. Superheroes or unicorns might be at the forefront of your child's mind but it is important to choose a bag that is right for their size and has wide padded adjustable straps. Find out what to look for when making the decision at: https://bit.ly/3A1qDiB
Happy World Breastfeeding Week!
You'll find information and advice to support you on your breastfeeding journey on mychild.ie.
This includes:
- guides to breastfeeding including tips and dealing with challenges
- local breastfeeding support group details
- 'Ask our breastfeeding expert' live chat and email service
Learn more at: https://bit.ly/3Womw85
With your little ones running around and playing outdoors during the warm weather, it's important to keep them well-hydrated. Make sure they have enough water to sip on throughout the day to reduce the risk of dehydration.
Learn more at: https://bit.ly/4cT9iGZ
Children can get cuts and grazes playing outside in summer. If your child gets a minor cut:
- Wash your hands to prevent infection
- Clean the cut with cool running water
- Check the cut for any objects stuck in it
- If there is no object in the wound, cover the cut with a sterile adhesive dressing or a plaster.
For more tips visit mychild.ie: https://bit.ly/4cOPvbu
If your child is playing outside, make sure they drink enough fluids by giving them plenty of water breaks.
To learn about the symptoms of heat exhaustion, how to prevent it and when to seek medical assistance, visit mychild.ie: https://bit.ly/4cvFRuX
Breastfeeding makes it easier to go anywhere with your baby, including on day trips or holidays.
Here are our tips for breastfeeding if you're getting away with your new travel buddy this summer.
For more tips visit mychild.ie: https://bit.ly/3VV8mLf
Are you expecting a baby? Take our survey about immunisations for your new born baby. The survey takes just 5 minutes. Take it here: https://bit.ly/3WwqiNV
There are lots of ways you can support your partner during pregnancy, for example:
- If you smoke, try to quit or avoid smoking around your partner.
- Do not drink alcohol around your partner too often. Plan activities together without alcohol like a day trip or walking.
- Exercise together to keep fit.
- If your partner is trying to eat more healthy food, join her.
Find out more at: https://bit.ly/4eZx0TV
Positive and healthy screen time is possible! Check out our tips on developing healthy screen time habits.
Learn more at: https://bit.ly/3LjdrrY
As temperatures increase in the summer months, it's important to keep your baby hydrated. Offer your baby plenty of fluids throughout the day.
Learn more at: https://bit.ly/4cBMhJ0
Getting your baby to lie and play on their tummy keeps them active. Tummy time helps to strengthen their head, neck and back muscles.
Find out more: https://bit.ly/3xHcs1I
Are you back-to-school ready?
The summer holidays have only just started but it's not too early to plan for the new school year.
Here are our top tips for parents and guardians:
ā¶ļø Know the cost of uniforms and other supplies
ā¶ļø Your consumer rights cover uniforms and devices like any other product
ā¶ļø Don't take on debt to pay for school. Talk to the school or contact your local Community Welfare Office for advice.
Read more: https://bit.ly/3xQ61Ju
Feeling unprepared or anxious about becoming a parent? You are not alone.
Visit our guide on preparing for a new baby at mychild.ie: https://bit.ly/3WcRQHY
Happy National Play Day! This year's theme is 'It's time to play!' Follow your childās lead when playing together. Everyday home items can make the best toys, such as:
* cardboard boxes
* plastic jugs
* pots and pans
* cardboard tubes
* spoons
Learn more at: https://bit.ly/45YgZt7
Measles is a serious viral infection that spreads very easily. If your baby is travelling outside Ireland for holidays before they are due their MMR vaccine at 12 months old, they can get an additional MMR vaccine for free if they are aged between 6 and 11 months to protect them before they travel. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3xMhSZg
Did you know that when the weather is warmer than usual, your breast milk adjusts to make sure your baby gets all the fluids they need?
How cool is that?
For more info on breastfeeding, visit: https://bit.ly/3RdlfyX
As your bump gets bigger in your third trimester, it can be difficult to get a good sleep.
Sleeping on your side is often more comfortable than sleeping on your back and also reduces your risk of stillbirth. Donāt worry if you wake up on your back. If it's during the night, turn onto your side and go back to sleep.
Learn more at: https://bit.ly/3x08b9d
Feeds aren't just for nutrition, they can also give comfort and reassurance to your baby.
Read our tips on how to establish a breastfeeding routine for you and your newborn: https://bit.ly/4bC8Uwh
Sticky eyes are caused by narrow or blocked tear ducts.
This often happens in newborn babies while their tear ducts are developing.
Mention to your GP or public health nurse that your baby gets sticky eyes - they can show you how to massage your baby's tear duct to unblock it.
Learn more: https://bit.ly/3Xcs7jI