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Top 10 Parenting topics in Australia

Prenatal Vitamins: Why They Matter&nbsp;
Firstly, let&rsquo;s clarify what a <a href="https://naturobest.com/collections/prenatal-vitamins" target="_blank" rel="noopener">prenatal vitamin</a> is.&nbsp; Prenatal means during pregnancy, in other words it is a pregnancy vitamin.
<a href="https://naturobest.com/collections/preconception-vitamins" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Preconception vitamins</a> are taken by both men and women during the 3-4 months prior to conception.&nbsp; This helps to boost nutrient stores prior to conception and increase your chances of a successful conception.
There are a few things you may want to consider when <a href="https://naturobest.com/blogs/pregnancy-second-third-trimester/how-to-choose-the-best-prenatal-vitamin" target="_blank" rel="noopener">choosing the right prenatal vitamin for you</a>. Nutritional needs vary each trimester of pregnancy so it&rsquo;s best to choose a prenatal that is specific for the trimester you are in.
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Is It Necessary to Take Prenatal Vitamins?
<a href="https://naturobest.com/blogs/pregnancy-second-third-trimester/prenatal-vitamins-during-pregnancy-and-breastfeeding" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prenatal vitamins during pregnancy and breastfeeding</a> provide key nutrients to help support a healthy pregnancy alongside your <a href="https://naturobest.com/blogs/fertility-preconception/preconception-nourishing-the-soil-pregnancy-nutrition" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pre-pregnancy diet</a> and lifestyle.&nbsp;
Prenatal vitamins contain nutrients such as folate, iodine, choline and vitamin B12 to help prevent birth defects and abnormalities.
Choline is an important nutrient for foetal brain development. High choline concentration in breast milk has been shown to support brain development in babies.&nbsp;
Iodine is a key nutrient for both maternal and foetal thyroid function and growth.&nbsp;
Iron is an essential nutrient during pregnancy for both mum and bub.&nbsp; During the second and third trimesters, iron demands significantly increase. A process called haemodilution naturally occurs (increase in blood volume) and can cause anaemia. Many women will become iron deficient, so a <a href="https://naturobest.com/collections/prenatal-vitamins/products/prenatal-trimester-23-plus-breastfeeding" target="_blank" rel="noopener">prenatal that contains a dose of absorbable iron can be beneficial</a>.
Iron can aggravate morning sickness, so it is important to build up your iron stores before pregnancy.
Some women make the mistake of stopping their prenatal multivitamin as soon as they&rsquo;ve given birth. Nutrient demands increase when breastfeeding, so it is important to <a href="https://naturobest.com/blogs/breastfeeding-stories/should-i-take-prenatal-vitamins-while-breastfeeding" target="_blank" rel="noopener">take prenatal vitamins while breastfeeding</a>. Nutrition influences breast milk supply and quality, so ensuring your intake is adequate is important for your baby&rsquo;s health, as they rely heavily on your breast milk quality.
If you aren&rsquo;t breastfeeding, it is also a good idea to continue taking your <a href="https://naturobest.com/collections/prenatal-vitamins/products/prenatal-trimester-23-plus-breastfeeding" target="_blank" rel="noopener">prenatal multivitamin</a>. Your own nutrient stores are likely depleted from pregnancy and birth. Optimising your nutrition is an important part of recovery in the postpartum period to help you avoid feeling fatigued and depleted.
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How to Choose Your Prenatal Vitamin&nbsp;
With so many choices out there, many women wonder <a href="https://naturobest.com/blogs/pregnancy-second-third-trimester/how-to-choose-the-best-prenatal-vitamin" target="_blank" rel="noopener">how to choose the best prenatal vitamin</a>.&nbsp; Morning sickness is common during trimester one, so choosing a <a href="https://naturobest.com/collections/prenatal-vitamins/products/prenatal-trimester-one-with-ginger-morning-sickness-relief" target="_blank" rel="noopener">prenatal that also provides morning sickness relief</a> is important.&nbsp;
Morning sickness impacts a pregnant woman&rsquo;s nutrient intake and ability to tolerate a prenatal multivitamin.&nbsp;
This is why our experienced fertility naturopath Nikki (founder of NaturoBest) formulated <a href="https://naturobest.com/collections/prenatal-vitamins/products/prenatal-trimester-one-with-ginger-morning-sickness-relief" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prenatal Trimester One with Ginger</a> with clinically trialled doses of vitamin B6 and ginger for morning sickness relief. Nikki also shares her tips on <a href="https://naturobest.com/blogs/pregnancy-morning-sickness/how-to-reduce-morning-sickness" target="_blank" rel="noopener">how to reduce morning sickness here.</a>
NaturoBest&rsquo;s <a href="https://naturobest.com/collections/prenatal-vitamins/products/prenatal-trimester-23-plus-breastfeeding" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prenatal Trimester 2 &amp; 3 Plus Breastfeeding</a> has been specifically formulated to support a healthy pregnancy and foetal development for the later stages of pregnancy, containing higher amounts of the nutrients vitamin D, iodine, iron and choline.
Another consideration when choosing your prenatal, is that the form of nutrient is just as or more important than the amount of the nutrient.&nbsp;
Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate that is commonly used in prenatal vitamins. Active folate is ideal for people who have genetic difficulties with folic acid metabolism (which many people have). This is why we choose to use Quatrefolic&reg; in our prenatals. <a href="https://naturobest.com/blogs/fertility-preconception/quatrefolic-reduces-homocysteine" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Quatrefolic reduces homocysteine</a>, which is also important for preconception health.
Iron bisglycinate is the most well tolerated and absorbed form of iron, which is why we use Ferrochel (iron bisglycinate) in NaturoBest&rsquo;s <a href="https://naturobest.com/collections/preconception-vitamins/products/preconception-multi-for-women" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Preconception Multi for Women</a>, <a href="https://naturobest.com/collections/prenatal-vitamins/products/prenatal-trimester-23-plus-breastfeeding" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prenatal Trimester 2 &amp; 3 Plus Breastfeeding</a>&nbsp; and <a href="https://naturobest.com/collections/prenatal-vitamins/products/iron-brain-support" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Iron &amp; Brain Support</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Choline is important for baby&rsquo;s brain development, especially in the last half of pregnancy, so choosing a prenatal that contains a high dose of choline is ideal.&nbsp; <a href="https://naturobest.com/collections/prenatal-vitamins/products/prenatal-trimester-23-plus-breastfeeding" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prenatal Trimester 2 &amp; 3 Plus Breastfeeding.</a> contains a whopping dose of 400mg of choline in a daily dose!
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Is It OK to Take Prenatal Vitamins If Not Pregnant?
It&rsquo;s not just OK, it&rsquo;s recommended!&nbsp;
Waiting until you fall pregnant to start taking a <a href="https://naturobest.com/collections/prenatal-vitamins" target="_blank" rel="noopener">prenatal vitamin</a> is not ideal. Your egg and sperm quality are important factors for a healthy conception and pregnancy and are nourished in your body long before they are released during the conception process.&nbsp;
We recommend both partners take a <a href="https://naturobest.com/collections/preconception-vitamins" target="_blank" rel="noopener">preconception vitamin</a> 3 to 4 months prior to trying to conceive.
Supporting your nutrient status in the three months before trying to conceive, can <a href="https://naturobest.com/blogs/fertility-preconception/prepare-for-a-healthy-pregnancy-preconception-health-for-women" target="_blank" rel="noopener">help prepare your body for a healthy pregnancy</a>. It takes 90 days for eggs and 72 days for sperm to fully mature, so your diet, lifestyle and nutrient status are important during this time.
<a href="https://naturobest.com/blogs/fertility-preconception/debunking-common-misconceptions-about-preconception" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Debunking common misconceptions about preconception</a> is important in understanding why taking a preconception multivitamin is beneficial in preparation for a baby.&nbsp;
Not everyone can meet their nutrient intake with diet alone. In Australia, only <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-conditions-and-risks/dietary-behaviour/latest-release" target="_blank" rel="noopener">6.1% of adults ate the recommended amount of both fruit and vegetables</a>. This statistic reflects most Australians don&rsquo;t meet their nutritional needs, even when they might believe they are.
Sperm accounts for 50% of the embryo&rsquo;s DNA.&nbsp; Ideally, men should optimise their sperm health during the preconception period.&nbsp; Taking a preconception multivitamin can significantly improve sperm health.&nbsp;
Men&rsquo;s multivitamins should contain high doses of the antioxidants zinc, selenium, lycopene, vitamins A, B12, E and C for optimal sperm health. NaturoBest&rsquo;s <a href="https://naturobest.com/collections/preconception-vitamins/products/preconception-multi-for-men" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Preconception Multi for Men</a> contains all of these nutrients as well as 100mg of CoQ10 which is a great antioxidant for sperm health and motility.
NaturoBest prenatal and preconception multivitamins aim to be the cleanest in the world and are ultra-low in excipients. They are Vegan Australia Certified and are hypoallergenic.&nbsp; They are free from gluten, dairy, nuts, wheat, soy and other common allergens.
NaturoBest
<a href="https://naturobest.com/collections/prenatal-vitamins" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Learn more about NaturoBest</a>
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Prenatal Vitamins: Why They Matter

The Power of Playful Parenting: Building Stronger Bonds with Your Child
Play is not just a way for children to pass the time, it&rsquo;s a powerful tool for building strong bonds and fostering healthy development. Playful parenting, characterised by a lighthearted and joyful approach to interactions with your child, can have a profound impact on your relationship. Here are five key points highlighting the power of playful parenting:
Enhanced Communication: Playful interactions create a comfortable and safe space for children to express themselves. Through play, children often reveal their thoughts, feelings, and fears more easily, allowing parents to better understand and respond to their needs.
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Stress Reduction: Play has been shown to reduce stress levels in both children and adults. Engaging in playful activities releases endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals, which can help alleviate tension and create a more relaxed environment at home.
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Promotes Emotional Intelligence: Playful parenting helps children develop emotional intelligence by teaching them to recognise and regulate their emotions. Through play, children learn to express their feelings in healthy ways and understand the emotions of others.
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Strengthens Parent-Child Bond: Playful interactions create lasting memories and strengthen the bond between parent and child. Sharing laughter and joy through play builds a positive connection that can help navigate challenging times.
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Encourages Creativity and Imagination: Play encourages children to think creatively and use their imagination. By engaging in imaginative play, children develop critical thinking skills and learn to approach problems in new and innovative ways.
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Incorporating playful parenting into your daily routine can have lasting benefits for both you and your child. Whether it's playing pretend, building forts, or engaging in silly games, taking the time to play with your child can strengthen your relationship and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
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Power of Playful Parenting

A Guide to Navigating Parenthood in Australia: 12 Key Areas to Consider.
Becoming a parent is an exciting and life-changing experience, especially in Australia. As you prepare to welcome your little one into the world, there are&nbsp; many important aspects to keep in mind:
Antenatal Care: Antenatal care is crucial for monitoring the health and development of both you and your baby during pregnancy. In Australia, this care can be provided by midwives, obstetricians, or general practitioners. Attend all scheduled appointments to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
Birth Options: Australia offers a variety of birth options, including public hospitals, private hospitals, and home births. Research each option carefully to determine which one aligns best with your preferences and needs.
Parental Leave: Australia offers generous parental leave options, including 18 weeks of paid parental leave for eligible primary caregivers. Both parents may also be eligible for up to 2 years of unpaid parental leave. Familiarise yourself with these options to plan your time off work accordingly.
Childcare and Early Education: Finding quality childcare and early education options is important. Start researching and visiting potential childcare centres early to secure a spot that meets your family's needs.
Healthcare for Your Child: Australia has a comprehensive healthcare system, including the Medicare Benefits Scheme (MBS) and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), which provide subsidies for medical services and prescriptions for children. Familiarise yourself with these schemes to ensure your child receives the necessary healthcare.
Immunisations: Immunisations are an important part of keeping your child healthy. In Australia, childhood immunisations are free and recommended by the Department of Health. Stay up-to-date with the recommended immunisation schedule to protect your child from preventable diseases.
Financial Planning: Parenthood comes with added financial responsibilities. Create a budget, review your insurance policies, and explore government benefits available to families to ensure you're financially prepared for parenthood.
Support Networks: Building a strong support network is essential. Joining parenting groups, attending local playgroups, and connecting with other parents can provide invaluable support and advice as you navigate parenthood.
Work-Life Balance: Balancing work and family life can be challenging. Explore flexible work options, such as part-time work or telecommuting, to help manage your responsibilities as a new parent.
Self-Care: Don't forget to prioritise self-care. Parenthood can be overwhelming, so it's important to take care of yourself physically and mentally. Make time for activities that help you relax and recharge and set new goals.
Legal Considerations: Familiarise yourself with the legal aspects of parenthood in Australia, including parental rights and responsibilities. Consider creating a will and appointing guardians for your child in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Parenting Classes and Resources: Consider attending parenting classes or workshops to gain valuable skills and insights into parenthood. Additionally, there are many online resources and forums where you can connect with other parents and access helpful information.
Parenthood is a rewarding journey, and with the right preparation and support, you'll be ready to embrace all the joys and challenges that come with it. Welcome to the world of parenting in Australia, we are fortunate to have so much support and opportunities available to us.&nbsp;
Mamaly Team

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Navigating New Parenthood

Preparing children for a new baby
Before your new baby is born, you can help your child feel positive about their new sibling. They need preparation, communication and plenty of understanding. If you can make this a positive and exciting time, your child is more likely to feel that the change is about everybody in the family, not just the new baby. Here are some ideas to help you do this:
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- Read stories about babies. Look at pictures and talk with your child about how your family is growing.
- Show your child pictures of themselves when they were very young.
- Let your child touch the baby bump to feel the new baby moving and kicking inside. You could even let them listen to the baby&rsquo;s heartbeat at a visit to the doctor or midwife.
- Involve your child in the practical business of getting ready for the new baby. Let them help you get your home ready, buy baby items and decorate.
- Talk with your child about what they&rsquo;re most looking forward to when the new baby comes.
- If your child is worried about the new baby, talk with them about their worries and reassure them. Give your child plenty of love and cuddles, and focus on the positives. For example, they&rsquo;ll have a new brother or sister to love.
- If possible, spend some time with friends and their newborns. Your child will see that new babies are very sleepy and need a lot of care.
- Encourage your child to socialise and play with other children. This helps your child develop the social skills to have a good relationship with a new sibling. Perhaps you can join a playgroup, or arrange for extended family members &ndash; both children and grown-ups &ndash; to spend some time with your child.
Labour, birth, hospitals and other children
Some parents consider having their child present at the birth of a new baby. Or you might be planning a homebirth and considering what&rsquo;s best for your child. If these are things you&rsquo;re thinking about, it might help to consider some ideas to help your child feel OK if you and your partner will be away for a hospital birth:
- Let your child know who&rsquo;ll be looking after them during the hospital stay. If your child doesn&rsquo;t know the caregiver well, they&rsquo;ll need time to get used to the idea.
- Print out some family photos for your child to keep near their bed while you and your partner are away.
- Arrange for your child&rsquo;s routines to stay the same as much as possible. This will help your child feel more secure.
- Keep in touch with your child while you and your partner are away. If the birth has gone well and everyone is OK, make times for your child to visit.
- Make your child feel special and loved when they visit. Tell your child how happy you are to see them.
When the new baby comes home
These ideas can help you manage things when your new baby first comes home:
- Reassure your child with a big loving hug before introducing the new baby for the first time. This is especially important for toddlers.
- Organise a small gift from the new baby to your child. Young children might like to get a small doll so they have a &lsquo;baby&rsquo; of their own.
- If family and friends are bringing gifts for the new baby, suggest they also bring something small for your child.
- Plan some quality time with your child. This could be a short outside game, some drawing or craft, or a book at bedtime.
When a new baby is coming, other children might be excited. But they&rsquo;ll have to learn to share love and attention with the new baby. This can be a big step, especially if children are still toddlers. They might feel they&rsquo;re being pushed out of the spotlight. Almost all children need to adjust when a new baby joins the family. But a positive sibling relationship will eventually develop &ndash; usually by the time the new baby has reached about 14 months.

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Preparing children for a new baby

Becoming a father for the first time is an exciting and transformative experience that comes with its unique set of challenges and rewards. In Australia, new fathers are entitled to a range of benefits and support services that can help ease the transition into fatherhood. In this article, we will discuss what to expect when becoming a father in Australia for the first time.
You will need to consider the financial impact of having a child. In Australia, parents are entitled to a range of financial support services such as Parental Leave Pay, Dad and Partner Pay, and Family Tax Benefit. Parental Leave Pay provides eligible working parents with up to 18 weeks of pay at the national minimum wage. Dad and Partner Pay, on the other hand, provides eligible working dads or partners with up to two weeks of pay at the national minimum wage. Family Tax Benefit is an income-tested payment that helps eligible families with the cost of raising children.
It's also essential to consider the physical and emotional impact of becoming a father. Many first-time fathers experience a range of emotions, including excitement, anxiety, and uncertainty. It's important to remember that these feelings are normal and that there are resources available to support new dads. For example, the Australian government offers a range of parenting courses and support groups that can provide new dads with advice and guidance on how to care for their newborns in addition to our gallery of suppliers.&nbsp;
One of the most significant challenges of becoming a father for the first time is adjusting to the changes in your lifestyle. Many new dads find that their social life and hobbies take a backseat as they focus on caring for their newborns. It's important to communicate with your partner and support each other during this period of adjustment. Many dads find that taking a break to exercise or pursue their hobbies can help them maintain a sense of balance and relieve stress.
Another essential consideration is the healthcare of your newborn. In Australia, newborns are entitled to free healthcare under the Medicare system. This includes regular check-ups with a doctor or paediatrician, vaccinations, and access to specialist medical care if required. As a father, it's important to stay informed about your child's health needs and attend appointments to ensure that they receive the best possible care.
It's also crucial to consider the role that you will play in your child's life. In Australia, fathers are encouraged to take an active role in parenting and are entitled to share parental leave with their partners. This means that you can take time off work to care for your child while your partner returns to work. It's essential to discuss your parenting goals and responsibilities with your partner and work together to create a plan that works for your family.
Another important consideration is the impact of becoming a father on your career. It's not uncommon for new dads to experience a shift in priorities and career goals as they adjust to their new role. In Australia, many employers offer flexible work arrangements and parental leave policies that can help dads balance their work and family commitments. It's important to communicate with your employer and discuss your options for balancing work and family responsibilities.
Consider the role that friends and family will play in your child's life. Many new dads find that they receive a lot of support and advice from their parents, grandparents, and friends who have children of their own. It's important to remember that every family is different, and what works for one family may not work for another. It's important to seek advice and support from those who have experience and knowledge in parenting, but ultimately, you and your partner are the experts when it comes to your child.
Becoming a father for the first time is an exciting and transformative experience that comes with its unique set of challenges and rewards. A friendly reminder in Australia, new fathers are entitled to a range of benefits and support services that can help ease the transition.&nbsp;
Mamaly
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Top 10 Parenting topics in Australia

Prenatal Vitamins: Why They Matter

Power of Playful Parenting

Navigating New Parenthood

Preparing children for a new baby

First time Father

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