Nurse's Notes

Well, Summer has arrived according to the calendar but as I write this we are certainly experiencing plenty of wet weather.
Hopefully it will clear up in time for the holiday season !!!
We need to plan for the care of our babies and children during the hot summer months. Shade from the sun is very important – Use well designed hats to protect little faces, heads and backs of necks, and protective sunshades on the car windows and the stroller [especially on forward facing strollers] to protect their faces and eyes.
The glare in New Zealand is intense and I fear that serious eye damage will be prevalent in young people in a few years time if their eyes are not protected as babies. UV sunglasses are available from Pharmacies and Department stores and babies are usually quite happy to keep them on when out in the bright light.

Sunscreen is not recommended for babies under 1 year – hats and shade are!! However, special sunscreen is available for toddlers and young children that is P A B A free – take care to avoid the eyes and mouth.

Lovely brightly coloured and comfortable UV aqua suits (along with a good hat) are a great idea, and protective, at the beach and swimming venues. Beach umbrella or sail over the sandpit unless you have an obliging shady tree.

To avoid dehydration in summer it is important to ensure the little ones are given frequent small drinks of water through the day and if they wake in the night, rather than juice or sugary drinks which actually can cause dehydration.
Remember little children often don't eat as much as usual in the hot weather but they do get thirsty and will grizzle if dehydrated as they probably have a headache. A cool drink of water and a rest will help fix the problem.

Enjoy your holiday – Drive Safely –

-Have a very Happy Christmas and a great New Year with family and friends.

See you in 2002!!!

Marilyn Hemming.
December 2001
e-mail me

Auckland Central
Multiple Birth Club

Twins or triplets on the way – or already here???? For information, coffee groups and support, contact Sue Newton, phone 626-7367.

Central Auckland La Leche League

For breastfeeding information and support, click here.

Be sure to ALWAYS use the child car seats! Buckle them in firmly before you start your ride.

Public health officials say the number of reported cases of meningococcal meningitis disease this year could again reach record levels.
Last year there were 650 reported cases and 26 deaths---the highest since the current epidemic began in 1991.
So far this year there have been 210 reported cases and 9 deaths but the numbers are increasing quickly with 36 cases reported last month in Auckland alone.

Since the epidemic broke out in 1991, 150 people have died of the disease in the Auckland district, with Maori, Pacific Islanders, and children under 5 years of age being the most at risk, followed by adolescents. It is estimated that one in every 100 Pacific babies is at risk of developing meningococcal disease. Click here for more information on meningitis or email.

Amazing Mum

    Mum and Dad were watching TV when Mum said, "I'm tired, and it's getting late. I think I'll go to bed."
    She went to the kitchen to make sandwiches for the next day's lunches, rinsed out the popcorn bowls, took meat out of the freezer for dinner the following evening, checked the cereal box levels, filled the sugar container, put spoons and bowls on the table, and started the coffee pot for brewing the next morning.
    She then put some wet clothes into the drier, put a load of clothes into the wash, ironed a shirt, and secured a loose button. She picked up the newspapers strewn on the floor, picked up the game pieces left on the table, and put the telephone book back into the drawer. She watered the plants, emptied the wastebasket, and hung up a tea towel to dry. She yawned and stretched and headed for the bedroom. She stopped by the desk and wrote a note to the teacher, counted out some cash for the field trip, and pulled a textbook out from hiding under the chair. She signed a birthday card for a friend, addressed and stamped the envelope, and wrote a quick note for the supermarket. She put both near her purse. Mum then creamed her face, put on moisturiser, brushed and flossed her teeth, and trimmed her nails. Hubby called, "I thought you were going to bed." "I'm on my way", she said. She put some water into the dog's dish and put the cat outside, then made sure all the doors were locked. She looked in on the kids and turned out a bedside lamp, hung up a shirt, threw some dirty socks in the hamper, and had a brief conversation with the one still up doing homework. In her own room, she set the alarm, laid out clothing for the next day, straightened up the shoe rack. She added three things to her list of things to do tomorrow. About that time, the hubby turned off the TV and announced to no one in particular, "I'm going to bed," and he did.     Thanks to North Shore Parents Centre for this great story.

How were Mothers created? To read one beautiful version, click here.

James and Marteli at the beach.

The first three years of life last forever.
Visit the Brainwave Trust.

The Wellchild book was reviewed in the "New Zealand Herald" on 9th May 2001. To read the review, click here.

"A contented spirit is the sweetness of existence."
– Charles Dickens.

Charles Dickens

When you visit your Plunket Nurse

Marilyn will have visited you for a short period at home and she will continue to offer advice and information as part of your clinic visits.

To enable you to make the most of your clinic visits, please remember the following points:

Bring with you two cloth nappies and your WellChild book.

When you arrive, weigh your baby using the scales in the waiting room. This saves time during your appointment, as Marilyn has a lot to get through in the 20 minutes she is able to spend with you.

If you have any particular questions you wish to ask Marilyn, write them down before you come.

Make your next appointment while you are with Marilyn, and please try not to change it unless absolutely necessary.

Donations to Plunket are gratefully accepted and enable us to offer more support, information, and events to the Community.

Thank you, and enjoy your babies.

FATHERS

Hey guys - wondering how to succeed at fatherhood? Check our new Fathers page! Click here.

James instructs Dad on
engineering at the beach.

Joni

Baby
Photo
Gallery

The Grey Lynn Plunket web site now displays an ever-increasing range of photos of its babies, mostly kindly contributed by parents.
Click here to view the Photo Gallery. If you can loan us a photo of your baby to add to the Gallery, please hand it to the Plunket Nurse on your next visit.

Having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.