June-July 2019

BODY & MIND

Addiction Help New statistics released by The Cabin, an addiction treatment centre which mainly treats expats, show that more housewives are being treated for addiction than professional women. Around 760 women have been treated at The Cabin HK, with alcohol, heroin and cocaine being the most common substance addictions. Experts at The Cabin say seeking alcohol, drug or process addiction treatment is essential to achieving and maintaining lasting recovery. Families play an important role in the success of that recovery. Call them on 2959 2339 if you, or someone you know, needs help. thecabinhongkong.com.hk

Newborn Know-How Our postnatal expert MELINDA HUNT answers some common questions How can I prepare for breastfeeding? During your pregnancy, it’s a good idea to get to know your breasts! Over the next few months, they will be growing and changing in preparation for their breastfeeding role. In the breastfeeding bible The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding , Cheryl Chapman, a nurse and massage therapist (and also author of The Happy Breast Book ), advises pregnant and nursing mums to move their breasts around at least twice a day. In fact, this can be a very good idea for all women, whether pregnant or nursing! Cheryl states that the simple exercise of bending at the waist and cupping your hands under each breast and moving it up and down facilitates better self-awareness of changes in the breasts. It also improves lymph drainage, leading to the removal of toxins and therefore enhancing the immune system. Consider talking to a lactation specialist towards the end of your pregnancy to address any concerns or questions you might have in relation to breastfeeding. The La Leche League is another useful source of information where women can share their breastfeeding experiences. Finally, if you’re going back to work and nursing, you’ll need to talk to your workplace about a hygienic and private facility to pump and store your milk and breastfeed.

Fertility Tracker Are you trying to get pregnant? Do you know much about your cycle? If you could benefit from knowing more details, then you might be interested in the Ava bracelet. This health wearable is a clinically proven, cycle-tracking sensor bracelet and accompanying app that tracks a woman’s physiological parameters (heart rate, temperature and more) and hormonal cycle to detect her five-day fertile window in real time. You wear the Ava bracelet at night and it collects all this info while you sleep. Technology is amazing! avawomen.com

Melinda Maternity is a bespoke postnatal care and night nurse service. Melinda brings first-hand experience and professional advice on topics from feeding and settling to basic baby care. 5177 7240 | melindamaternity.com

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