Oh baby!

From breastfeeding tips to baby skincare, this is our expert guide to natural parenting

In recent years, there has been a notable shift towards healthier, organic and more eco-conscious lifestyles, particularly when it comes to caring for newborns. More and more parents are opting to take a natural approach to raising their children. Here we speak to a range of parenting experts to get some of their top tips for new mums and dads.

Breastfeeding
“Getting used to breastfeeding takes time,” says Sharon Trotter, a retired midwife and baby consultant working with Weleda (www.weleda.co.uk). “It is much easier if you have watched other mothers feeding and if you give yourself plenty of time to find the most comfortable position for you and your baby. Get help with positioning and attachment from the start – this does not mean ‘hands on’ manipulation of mother and baby, just one-to-one explanation and reassurance. Be inventive – there are 360° of attachment so finding the perfect position for you and your baby may take a while and a certain amount of trial and error. You will know when you have achieved this because feeding will be comfortable. Breastfeeding should not hurt – if you are in pain get help from someone who really understands breastfeeding. To have a friend or a breastfeeding counsellor who is experienced in breastfeeding would be a great help at this time. Peer support groups (search online for one in your area) can be really helpful.”

Natural nappies and wipes
The thought of using washable nappies may be daunting, but ultimately they save money, are kinder to your baby’s skin and are far more environmentally-friendly than disposables.

Statistics show that we throw away eight million nappies every day in Britain alone, which accounts for four per cent of landfilled domestic waste. And when you bear in mind that each nappy could take between 200 and 500 years to fully decompose that’s a huge strain on the environment. The Real Nappy Information Service provides a wealth of tips and advice for new parents. Visit www.goreal.org.uk to find out more.

Organic baby wipes made from natural fibres and free from synthetic chemicals are kind to your baby’s skin. Often infused with organic aloe vera or chamomile, these wipes are soft on the skin and biodegradable, making them a more environmentally friendly choice.

Baby skincare
“Baby skin is five times thinner than adults’, meaning that it absorbs externally applied substances more quickly and reacts more sensitively,” says Elizabeth King, Weleda’s skincare expert. “In the first few months, it is important not to overdo the products used on your baby’s skin. Much can be avoided – for example your baby does not need bubble bath. One bath a week is certainly sufficient in the first few months, and on other days you can wash your baby with a damp, soft flannel.”

After a few months, you can start to introduce some baby products, but look for ones that are formulated with natural ingredients. Natural and organic baby washes and shampoos are made with plant-based cleansers and are generally fragrance-free. Organic baby lotions, balms, and oils tend to be formulated with natural ingredients like shea butter, calendula, chamomile, and coconut oil. These ingredients are gentle on the skin, helping to moisturise and protect without causing irritation.

Baby massage
“Massage allows babies to deeply relax,” says Crystal Miles, an international trainer in baby massage, an infant bonding and communication expert, doula, and the founder of www.connectedbabies.co.uk. “Research suggests that regular massage can regulate your baby’s circadian rhythm to help align to your night/day cycle, as well as increase their levels of the sleep hormone melatonin.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter used by the part of the brain that helps the body to enter into a deep sleep and produce melatonin. Baby massage can decrease heart rate and blood pressure, relax the muscles, and lower stress hormones, making it easier to fall into a deeply relaxed state and to stay asleep. Oxytocin, the calming, relaxing hormone, is also released during nurturing touch.

A research team from the University of Warwick discovered that infants who were massaged cried less, slept better and had lower levels of stress hormones such as cortisol, compared to those who did not receive massage. This study was done with babies under six months. Research is wonderful, but us Certified Infant Massage Instructors see it in person, time and time again, and parents let us know how well it works!”

Read articles from our latest issue here...