ABC - Antenatal, Birth and Childhood Professionals

31/12/2021

Mixing up words? Misplacing things? Walking into a room and thinking ‘Why am I here?’

Don’t worry, you’re not losing it! Pregnancy / baby brain is real!

Much like the rest of your body, your brain goes through changes in pregnancy too!

Research has shown that women’s brains actually reduce in size during pregnancy. Whilst this may sound alarming, it’s perfectly normal and serves an important purpose.

Researchers believe that your brain is actually preparing itself for new growth after your baby is born - growth that will support you in protecting, understanding and bonding with your baby.

So if you find yourself feeling forgetful during pregnancy, don't panic; you're not losing your mind. You're just building a brain that will be more responsive to your new baby! 🧠💜

30/12/2021

Many new parents worry about how much milk their baby is getting and whether or not they have had enough.

So it can be really useful to understand how tiny your baby’s stomach actually is!

Because their stomachs are so small, it is completely normal for newborn babies to feed little and often but as you can see, their stomach grows quickly so the frequent feeding won’t last forever.

28/12/2021

Are you expecting a baby? Want to learn more about the journey ahead? Take a look at our Birth and Beyond + You antenatal classes - available to book now!

Taught by qualified midwives, our B.a.B.Y course covers all aspects of labour and birth, and the early weeks, in a relaxed and informal environment where you can get to know other like-minded parents-to-be.

Antenatal, Birth, and Childhood Professionals. Experienced Midwives providing antenatal classes, 1:1 postnatal support and holistic therapies in West Sussex.

24/12/2021

Happy Christmas Eve! 🎅🏼🎄

The ABC Professionals team would like to wish you a very merry Christmas!

We hope that your celebrations tomorrow, whatever they look like this year, are happy and peaceful.

22/12/2021

Our updated website is now live!

Take a look at our 2022 Birth and Beyond + You (B.a.B.Y.) antenatal courses and our other services at www.abcprofessionals.co.uk

25/11/2021

Most pregnancies last for between 37 to 42 weeks and have three phases called trimesters.

The first trimester begins on the first day of your last period until the end of week 12. During this time your baby grows quickly. By 6 weeks a heartbeat can usually be heard via ultrasound and by the end of week 12, your baby's bones, muscles and organs have been formed.

The second trimester is from week 13 to week 28. You may find you have more energy and symptoms of morning sickness will hopefully start to subside. Your 'bump' will start to grow and you'll start to feel your baby moving sometime between 16-24 weeks.

The third trimester is from week 29 to week 40. Your baby continues to grow and you’ll have more checks with the midwife, as it’s important to monitor both you and your baby’s health. Emotions at this stage tend to go from tiredness and worry to excitement about meeting your little one 💗💙

24/11/2021

The safest place for your baby to sleep in the first six months after birth is in your room.

Never use duvets, quilts, or pillows for babies under one year.

Never place your baby’s cot/crib/ moses basket next to a radiator.

A folded blanket is the equivalent to using 2 blankets.

Use a room thermometer in the rooms where your baby sleeps.

To check you baby’s temperature feel on their chest or the back of their neck.

Babies never need to wear hats indoors.

22/11/2021

There are many benefits of breastfeeding for both you and your baby.

Breastfeeding protects your baby from a range of illnesses, including infection, diabetes, asthma, heart disease and obesity, as well as cot death. Breastmilk contains long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids which help your baby’s brain to develop.

Breastfeeding protects Mothers from breast and ovarian cancers, heart disease and reduces the risk of osteoporosis.

How amazing is that!!!

22/11/2021

Children need to explore and experiment, but sometimes this can lead to serious accidents. Some accidents are completely preventable by making simple solutions or changes to routines.
The child accident prevention trust https://www.capt.org.uk/ has some great resources and ideas of how to prevent common accidents.

19/08/2021

Becoming a mother literally makes your heart grow. ❤️
Blood volume in pregnancy increases by 40-50% and your heart beats stronger and faster.
This increase provides extra oxygen needed to support your growing baby.

17/08/2021

Knowing your baby can hear you opens up a whole new world of opportunities to interact and bond with your bump!🤰

- Singing and talking to your baby can help them become more familiar with the sound of yours and your partner’s voices.
- Playing music to your bump can help to soothe your baby or stimulate their developing brain.
- There is even evidence to suggest that babies remember music or sounds they heard in the womb for up to four months after being born.

13/08/2021

Did you know that during pregnancy, your uterus increases in size by 5-6 times? You also develop an entirely new organ, the placenta, that weighs about 700g and will be the size of a dinner plate by the time your baby is born!
Isn’t the female body amazing?!