1 THE APPLE 01 August 2015 As Child Health Association Tasmania’s Northern Regional Coordinator and a Mum, one of the things I have noticed around Launceston was the lack of convenient parent/child friendly places. I recently had the wonderful opportunity to visit The Haven in Hobart. More than a parenting room, Southern families come to feed baby, change a nappy, let toddler have a bit of a play, help themselves to a cuppa, make new friends, and participate in a number of events. This volunteer-run facility in our capital city is truly a haven. I was so impressed and thought this was just the thing that Launceston needed, as did many of the other Launceston mums I have spoken with. I have heard a number of times that the change facilities around Launceston are cold, too small or didn’t feel welcoming. Meg, a mum and Northern CHAT member, used to frequent the York Street Child and Family Clinic stating: "It was the ideal location: warm with change facilities and clean toilets for parents.” Unfortunately this centre closed in February this year. Not everyone feels comfortable breast feeding in public and many mums have said that, due to a being unable to find a warm and comfortable facility, they felt it was necessary to return to their car, or a public toilet, to feed and change baby. Meg had a lot to say about her experiences: "I get stressed in town because I can't find anywhere safe and welcoming where I can let my toddler get out of the stroller for a break, or to feed him where I don't have to freak out when he throws food on the floor, or just somewhere I can settle him for a nap. Some days I just don't come into the city because it's just too much deal with, even though I really want to get out of the house and see what the real world is up to! Having a public family space in the city would be like a safety net or a recharge station when my son or I need a time out. It would also have been brilliant when I was breast feeding because I felt very self conscious, especially when I had to pump his milk into a bottle. It was so hard to find somewhere suitable for express feeding.” Taritta shared: ”I have never had a problem with feeding my baby as I would just breastfeed anywhere, anytime. However what parenting rooms we do have, are so impersonal and cold. Even though I feed where ever and whenever I would still really benefit from a warm, comfy and cozy spot to relax and feed." Emily and Libby, both Launceston mums, also shared their concern about privacy when breast feeding or expressing. As current facilities are very public and anyone can use them, they don’t always feel comfortable breast feeding or expressing in that location. Is It Time for a Launceston Haven? By Katrina Lokan
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THE APPLE 01
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015
As Child Health Association Tasmania’s Northern Regional Coordinator and a Mum, one of the things I have noticed around Launceston was the lack of convenient parent/child friendly places. I recently had the wonderful opportunity to visit The Haven in Hobart. More than a parenting room, Southern families come to feed baby, change a nappy, let toddler have a bit of a play, help themselves to a cuppa, make new friends, and participate in a number of events. This volunteer-run facility in our capital city is truly a haven. I was so impressed and thought this was just the thing that Launceston needed, as did many of the other Launceston mums I have spoken with.
I have heard a number of times that the change facilities around Launceston are cold, too small or didn’t feel welcoming. Meg, a mum and Northern CHAT member, used to frequent the York Street Child and Family Clinic stating: "It was the ideal location: warm with change facilities and clean toilets for parents.” Unfortunately this centre closed in February this year. Not everyone feels comfortable breast feeding in public and many mums have said that, due to a being unable to find a warm and comfortable facility, they felt it was necessary to return to their car, or a public toilet, to feed and change baby.
Meg had a lot to say about her experiences: "I get stressed in town because I can't find anywhere safe
and welcoming where I can let my toddler get out of the stroller for a break, or to feed him where I don't have to freak out when he throws food on the floor, or just somewhere I can settle him for a nap. Some days I just don't come into the city because it's just too much deal with, even though I really want to get out of the house and see what the real world is up to! Having a public family space in the city would be like a safety net or a recharge station when my son or I need a time out. It would also have been brilliant when I was breast feeding because I felt very self conscious, especially when I had to pump his milk into a bottle. It was so hard to find somewhere suitable for express feeding.”
Taritta shared: ”I have never had a problem with feeding my baby as I would just breastfeed anywhere, anytime. However what parenting rooms we do have, are so impersonal and cold. Even though I feed where ever and whenever I would still really benefit from a warm, comfy and cozy spot to relax and feed."
Emily and Libby, both Launceston mums, also shared their concern about privacy when breast feeding or expressing. As current facilities are very public and anyone can use them, they don’t always feel comfortable breast feeding or expressing in that location.
Is It Time for a Launceston Haven? By Katrina Lokan
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State Executive Officer’s Report By Liz Crane
As always it has been all systems go in CHAT land. June/July, with the end of financial year, saw us busily preparing budgets and reports. A huge thanks to our finance and admin officer Matt Smith who puts in a lot of hours during this busy time of year. Now our survey results are in, I will be working closely with our very dedicated Board to prepare our next three year Strategic Plan, to set the direction of CHAT. We are thankful that our wonderful members have been able to share their thoughts to influence this process.
Our recent membership drive was a success, and we sincerely thank all of you who have renewed your membership with CHAT, there will be lots of opportunities coming your way and we know you won’t regret it. If you haven’t yet renewed your CHAT membership, or have been thinking about joining, its quick and easy via our website www.chatas.com.au. A big congratulations to the winners in our membership drive: Shannon (One nights accommodation at the Country Club Resort), Ruth (an Entertainment Book) and Kerryn (a basket of Healthy Treats by Mrs Reece). We hope you enjoy your prizes!
Sadly, we were recently advised that, due to a funding re-allocation, CHAT’s Growing Families program would be downsized and we would no longer be funded to offer the Dad’s CHAT groups in George Town and Mowbray. Due to new procedures within the federal department, it was necessary for this funding to be re-allocated to other programs in order to meet the evidence based program requirements. This came as a shock to us and we are disappointed to be losing these valuable programs, especially as the recent CHAT survey told us that our members want more opportunities for Dad’s. We will be working to look for other opportunities to fill this gap. This reduction of funding meant that we were forced to say goodbye to our dedicated Facilitators Simon McCulloch and Jason Maxwell, and Program Manager Di Martin. I would like to take this opportunity to publicly acknowledge all the hard work these three dedicated souls have done for CHAT, they have been tireless ambassadors for the organisation and we sincerely thank them for all the hard work. Best Wishes guys!
I was recently lucky enough to attend the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth (ARACY) conference - Coming together for Australia’s Children, Creating Conditions for Children to Thrive. We were privileged to be able hear from some inspiring and motivating speakers such as Dr Michelle Lucas of Opportunity Child and Emeritus Professor Dorothy Scott who gave a very moving oration - Looking Back to Move Forward. Our local Child and Family Centres were featured heavily in the Conference and it was wonderful to understand more about the great work they are doing in their communities and also to hear directly from some of the parents who have benefitted from these wonderful and supportive community facilities.
However, what sticks in my mind most from the conference was Clair Rees who spoke on the 1001 Critical Days Campaign in the UK and understanding the importance of the conception to aged 2 period (or the first 1001 days of a child’s life). Clair says: ‘There is a growing acknowledgement that those first early years of a child’s life are absolutely crucial. Getting it right as parents with professional help and public resource to support where needed has the potential to make a huge difference to how that child will grow into an adult contributing to society. This period of life is crucial to increase children's life chances, and the UK government have pledged their commitment to ensure all babies have the best possible start in life. It is agreed that society is missing an opportunity if we don't prevent problems before they arise and that it is vital that a focus on the early years is placed at the heart of the policy making process.’ For more information visit the website 1001criticaldays.co.uk
As stall holders at the Conference, together with our Family Food Patch program, we were able to do some valuable networking, spread the word of the great work our organisations is doing and make some positive partnership for the organisation. We are confident that this will be of benefit to us moving forward.
Until next month - stay warm!
It is hoped that a Launceston Haven would be volunteer run, like Hobart’s popular drop-in centre. There have been a number of mums who have already put their hands up to volunteer their time if The Haven went ahead.
Tia says: "Happy to help, if I can bring bub.” Chloe stated: "I would be happy to help and volunteer to have a space like this.”
When I first took to Facebook to see if other mums shared my experiences and desire for a Haven, I was met with an overwhelming YES! Susanna said: "YES YES YES! This is EXACTLY what we need. I've been craving this for a long time! Go for it! Brilliant". While
Katie said: "Although I am a bit past this now, it is very much needed in Launceston. There is nowhere that is good to change and feed a baby in the city.”
A Launceston Haven would be a welcoming place for parents, grandparents, carers, aunties, uncles and, of course, little ones. It would take the stress out of a days shopping in town and provide a central meeting place for parents to get together, learn from each other and make new friends. To get behind this concept, show your support by joining the Facebook group:
It’s a busy time of year. Accountants are working at capacity following the end of financial year. For the CHAT Board that means we have been working closely with our Finance Officer Matt and SEO Liz to prepare budgets for the financial year ahead.
Thank you to the members that completed the CHAT survey. We are analysing your answers. This data will inform the work we continue in order to write the strategic plan that will be supported by the budget we set.
The Board appreciate the important work our hardworking SEO leads. In particular Liz has more recently ensured our organisation is not just compliant with the Working With Children’s legislation rather she has ensured we are leaders of best practice. We thank Board members for attending the Working With Children (WWC) workshops facilitated by our Children’s Commissioner. It is a requirement for CHAT staff and volunteers to have a current WWC registration. While having the registration goes some way to protecting our children it is the procedures we put in place that supports our Child Safe Child Friendly p o l i c y . M o r e i n f o r m a t i o n c a n b e f o u n d www.justice.tas.gov.au/working_with_children
At the end of financial year it is a good time to reflect on what we have achieved thus far and set new goals. It is Annual General Meeting season - CHAT’s AGM is Saturday 24 October 2015. A number of CHAT Board members will be resigning at the end of their term. Opportunity is knocking. Have you set yourself a goal to:
• Learn about leadership? • Learn about preventative health programs? • Learn about governance? • Advocate for our most vulnerable young people
and their families? • Learn about running a not-for-profit? • Learn how to fundraise for a Not-for-profit? • Give back to a service that supported your
family? • Learn how to event plan?
We invite you to consider volunteering with a high functioning, dynamic and fun group of supportive people. Expressions of interest are invited. You are welcome to attend a Board meeting to observe to see if this Board is for you.
I cannot believe it is Third Term already, where is the year going?
Gosh my George Town CHAT ‘n’ Munch parents keep me on my toes. At the first session back after the holidays, “Have you got any new recipes Kathryn?” Because we are still in the middle of winter, my plan is to continue putting a healthy twist on the Comfort Food recipes people often turn to, whether it is a main (more vegies, less salt, a different base) or a dessert (more fruit, less sugar, low fat). I would also like to re-introduce the Secret Ingredient, where parents write down an ingredient they would like to know how to prepare and cook, and we find suitable recipes.
We had lots of new recipes in Term 2 from cookies and slices with the added goodness of cereal or stewed fruit, or muffins with yogurt and veggies added, to one pot meals with mince and traditional desserts with a twist. Although we always have a good time at CHAT ‘n’ Munch chatting, cooking and munching, my favourite times are the ‘Kids in the Kitchen’ sessions.
Term Two was a busy time with the Mobile CHAT ‘n’ Munch. I had regular visits to the Migrant Resource Centre Playgroup at Mowbray, Ravenswood Child and Family Centre Young Parents Group and Waverley Primary School Playgroups. Whether it was ‘Kathryn-with-the works’ (no fries with that!) or part thereof, the sessions often included a short talk, preparing or cooking yummy healthy food with parents, the availability of children’s activities, and recipes and information handouts for parents. It is always lovely to meet new people and to build on connections already
made. Any opportunity to pass on useful tips around cooking and providing healthy food is a bonus. It is also so much fun getting the children involved at the sessions grating, pouring, stirring, touching, tasting, and trying new foods. It is a double bonus when a parent tries a new food, activity, or recipe, as parents can be fussy eaters too!
It was also lovely to catch up with some of the Launceston CHAT Dads on two different occasions and to catch up in the kitchen with some young people at the Northern Suburbs Community Centre Vacation Care Program. FAT-FREE CHOCOLATE BROWNIES 1 cup self raising flour ½ cup cocoa powder ¾ cup brown sugar 1 cup stewed fruit (or apple sauce) 1 egg, lightly beaten 1 teaspoon vanilla essence ¼ cup olive oil
1. Prepare a moderate oven 350 F or 180 C. 2. Grease a small square cake tin or slice tin. 3. Sift together the first three ingredients into a bowl
and mix well. 4. Mix the stewed fruit, egg, vanilla essence and oil
together in a separate bowl, and add to the dry ingredients.
5. Mix together and pour into the cake tin, and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until cooked.
6. Lightly dust with icing sugar for serving.
Growing Families By Kathryn Ervin
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Rachel Baker Photography A Business Connect InterviewBy Rachel Baker, Business Connect Coordinator
Who is Rachel Baker? I am a married mum of two little g i r l s aged 5 & 3 . I am a photographer, as wel l as a registered nurse specialising in palliative care. I run a ‘hobby farm’ with my husband, where we are learning all about keeping farm animals and being more self-sustainable. I am also the co-
ordinator of Business Connect which is the absolutely awesome CHAT group for mums in business!
Tell us about your business and what you do. My business is Rachel Baker Photography. When I started out I was mainly doing newborn and family sessions, but over the years I have found that my true passion lies in photographing women. I take beauty portraits of women of all ages and I absolutely love my job! I suppose back in the 80’s you might have called it glamour photography, but it is nothing like it used to be. No teased hair and acid wash denim in my images! I hear so many women doubting themselves, criticising their bodies, reeling off lists of all the things they want to change about themselves and it just plain hurts to see them so unhappy. My goal is to show my clients that they are beautiful, just as they are.
Inspi rat ion behind start ing Rachel Baker Photography? I have always loved photography. I can remember my parents giving me my first camera when I was about 11 years old. That camera went everywhere with me. It’s still around, I think it’s in the toy box at the moment! When I reached college I studied photography at a pre-tertiary level and discovered the joy of a darkroom. It wasn’t until I was on maternity leave quite a few years later that I decided to take the plunge and try turning my love for art into a career.
What was your first step in setting up Rachel Baker Photography? First of all I looked into all the requirements of setting up a business. I wanted to make sure that I was doing it right, so that I had the best chance of succeeding. I sorted out an ABN, registered my business name (after many hours spent choosing one!), found out about all those little things that need to be done. Once all the admin jobs like those were out of the way, the first step in actually launching Rachel Baker Photography was building a portfolio of my work so that I had something to show people.
Your biggest achievement to date? I entered the AIPP Tasmanian Profess ional Photography Awards for the first time this year, and one of the images I entered received a silver award. I was absolutely over the moon about that! We have so many talented photographers in our state, it was amazing to receive an award alongside people whose work I admire greatly.
Best lesson you’ve learnt along the way? Don’t compare yourself to others. When you look at someone else’s business, you are seeing the best side of it. No one really shows off anything but their end result. You don’t see their struggles, the hours they spent working towards their goals, the times they failed, and the times they wanted to give up. So never assume that when you look at someone else’s business and see it as all shiny and wonderful, that they got there by some mystical easy road. The best thing you can do is focus on your own goals, your own situation, and pour all your positive energy into achieving your own dream!
Which person or brand do you admire, and why? I admire so many different people. It’s a never ending list, really! One woman who I absolutely admire and who inspires me daily is Taryn Brumfitt, of the Body Image Movement. Her story is just so raw. She has managed to take her self-loathing of her body, which plagued her for years, and turn her whole opinion of herself around. And not only has she done that (which, let’s face it, is a massive achievement right there) she has decided to make it her purpose in life to help other women do the same. If you haven’t heard of the Body Image Movement, or Embrace, you should go and have a look as soon as you can. Like a lot of women I have struggled with my self-esteem for years, and reading Taryn’s book just hit home for me. It’s time we start loving our bodies for what they can do!
You're a business woman—how do you balance home/work life? You know, sometimes I suck at this. Sometimes my balance is way off and I am spending too many hours working and I can feel my family life suffering. And then sometimes I spend too much time away from work and I notice the impact that has on my business. It’s a constant juggling act. I don’t think there is any right answer to how to balance work and home, it’s always changing. I am grateful that my work is so flexible – if I need to be at home with my girls because they are unwell, then I can make that happen. And if I need to get some work done, I am lucky that I have always managed to find the time to do it.
Finish this line. If I could accomplish… Just one thing with my life, I would want to change the language women use when they speak about their bodies.
Any hot tips for aspiring Business Mums? Take a big deep breath and jump right in! It’s chaotic, and scary, and thrilling, and rewarding and so many more things. But if you never try then you will never know what a success story you could be! There are so many people available to help you. Business Connect is a network of working mums, we understand how hard it can be and sometimes it’s nice to know you aren’t alone. Never be afraid to ask for help!
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Family Food Patch is really delighted this August to be celebrating the launch of our new Family Food Educator S to rybook : He lp ing Tasmanian Families Build Healthy Communities – testimonials from our wonderfu l volunteer Family Food Educators and key communi ty stakeholders across the state, on the proven success of the Family
Food Patch program on their lives and within their communities.
We would love you to join us at the regional launches, showing support for this grass roots preventative health peer education program - sending a message that funding needs to be extended past June 2016! Morning/afternoon tea is provided and everyone is welcome – the more the merrier! Please log these dates for your diary:
East Devonport Child and Family Centre Thursday, 13 August 1.30pm – 2.30pm Launch opening by the Honourable Jeremy Rockliff, Minister for Education
The Haven, 121 Macquarie St, Hobart Friday, 21 August 1.45pm – 2.45pm Launch opening by the Honourable Jacquie Petrusma, Minister for Human Services and Minister for Women
Ravenswood Child and Family Centre, Launceston Friday, 28 August 10.30am – 11.30am Launch opening by the Honourable Michael Ferguson, Minister for Health
In June we attended the ARACY (Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth) and Tasmanian Early Years Foundation conference in Hobart, with the theme ‘Coming Together for Australian Children’. Our poster presentation (see next page) on peer education was well received and it was a great opportunity to explore other ideas and resources around the country. Ngala in Western Australia has some brilliant resources on parenting and the early years including The Dad’s Booklet: Fatherhood – First 12 months. Check out their resources section: www.ngala.com.au
To keep your cockles warm and hearty this winter try a bit of spice!
Chilli Con Carne
Prep: 15mins Cook: 2hrs Serves:6
Ingredients:
¼ cup plain flour 1.2kg chuck steak, cut into cubes ¼ cup olive oil 1 large brown onion, sliced 1 large red capsicum, deseeded and diced 2 tsp chilli powder 1 tsp ground cumin 1tsp ground coriander 1 tbsp tomato paste 400g tin of chopped tomatoes 2 cups of beef stock 400g tin of red kidney beans, drained and rinsed 12 wholemeal tortillas, to serve
Method:
1. Preheat oven to 180c. Place flour in a shallow bowl. Lightly coat beef with flour. Heat 1tbsp of the oil in a heatproof casserole dish over medium heat. Cook beef, in batches, for 8 mins or until well browned. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
2. Add onion and capsicum and cook for 5 mins or until softened. Add the spices and tomato paste then stir to combine. Add chopped tomatoes and stock and bring to the boil. Add beef. Cover and cook in the oven for 1hr.
3. Remove lid and stir through kidney beans then return to oven for a further 30mins.
Serve with toasted tortillas.
Optional: To Serve/Garnish – sliced ripe avocado, chopped coriander and sour cream.
Family Food Patch By Emma Rowell
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“ O h h e ’s i n t o e v e r y t h i n g ” complains a Mother. “She’s always pulling things apart”, states a Dad. It’s always said to me like a complaint, as if it’s a bad thing to have a curious child!
Curious children are GREAT – it means their developing brain is seeking to understand, to know how and why things work (or don’t work), to understand ‘what happens if I do xyz…..’ and does the same thing happen if I do it twice, or 12 times? A curious child is the result of a learning brain, and that’s a GREAT thing! People who are curious are the ones who become explorers, researchers, musical composers or inventors. This may be in any field of science, music, the environment, the arts etc Or it may be in the social world, or understanding how people interact o r communica te – so many possibilities!
How do we assist the growth of cu r ios i t y i n ou r deve lop ing children?
Curiosity naturally develops in the young baby. They will stare in awe as their hands wave about in front of their eyes, and they will wonder about their feet and toes as they wriggle in the air! Once a baby starts to crawl, they will find a hundred curious items – things to explore in their reach…. the crumbs from your toast, their older sisters hairbrush, and powerpoints! Clearly s a f e t y b e c o m e s a m a j o r consideration once babies start to move about.
Young toddlers are curious to find out what happens when they drop their mashed potato over the high chair edge, and what is the difference when they drop their spoon. Apart from the different responses from the parent, potato and a spoon make different sounds as they hit the tiles, and may move differently. These children are also curious to see if the same thing happens when they do it a second time, or a third.
Toddlers also need to drink from both the blue cup and the green one, to find out if the milk tastes
the same in each. So many of t h e i r e x p l o r a t i o n s a n d l e a r n i n g s a r e f e l t a s challenging for the parent – they often feel that the child is being difficult when they insist on having 2 cups. This may be why the saying came about…. ‘patience is a virtue’ – maybe it was first said by a parent who realised that they needed patience to help their children really learn.
You will have noticed the different way toddlers and adults react to a puddle of water on the pavement. Adults ‘see’ wet clothes, cold and more washing, whereas a toddler is curious to see what it feels like, maybe tastes like and what happens when I jump in it. On the weekend I saw a great example of this… a child of about 18 months found a puddle at the markets. His parents watched him as he walked into it (yes, with shoes on, not boots!), he stooped down to feel the water, to splash it about – over himself, and to walk back and forth i n i t , ge t t i ng ra the r wet . I congratulated the parents on letting him be free to explore, and as we were chatting, the little fellow decided to lay down in this small puddle, and really get wet! After allowing him to be curious, the parents then took him to get changed into dry clothes. Imagine all the fun and learning the toddler got from that experience. I know it’s not always possible to let children play in the puddles, but sometimes it is!
When you give babies and toddlers new toys or books, allow them to explore it in their way – whether it’s by tasting it, turning it upside down or by using it in a way different to how you would. You don’t need to immediately show them how to push a toy car along, or how to stack the blocks – sometimes they come up with really creative solutions or inventions themselves.
Parents also have the opportunity to foster creativity when their child comes to them with a problem… the blocks fell down, I can’t get my boots on, or when they ask: ‘Why are their stars in the sky?’ If you
immediately solve their problem, then their developing brain doesn’t have to think of possibilities. Instead ask then: ‘So what can you do?’ or ‘What do you think?’ I remember driving with my 5 year old Anna and her friend Esther in the car. One of them asked me: “How do the stars stay up in the sky?” Before I had time to wrack my brain for an answer, they started guessing ‘why’ with each other and had many solutions – and as a result, many brain cells working away! The answer in case you are wondering…. God stuck them there with glue!
How will you allow your child to explore this week?
CHAT member, Sonja is a Senior Parenting Consultant, with 14 years parenting experience, on top of a 20 year teaching background. She is also a Life Coach. Sonja can be found at www.theparentingcafe.com.au or via email: [email protected]
After school holidays, The Haven has returned with a FULL roster of volunteers. Are you interested in volunteering? Come in and chat to any of the volunteers to discover what is involved. All of them bring their little ones and have found it a great way to make new friends. Email Alicia if you would like further details.
New volunteer, Mary started on Mondays with veteran volunteer, Katie. Their two toddlers hit it off and dominated the space playing follow
the leader, crawling around The Haven until they BOTH realised they could both walk! Mary looks forward to Mondays adding a nice rhythm to their week and sees it as a brilliant opportunity to make new friends as a newcomer to Hobart.
Who can use The Haven? All families are welcome at The Haven: mums, dads, bubs and kids, grandparents, carers, aunties, and uncles. Entry is $2 per family. FREE
for Child Health Association Tasmania members.
Opening Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:30am-12:30pm
Location: 121 Macquarie St, Hobart (down the alley off Macquarie St. behind St. Davids Cathedral office building)
During pregnancy, many women experience a separation of their stomach muscles. Basically with the growing baby underneath the rectus abdominals separate. This happens in approximately 1 in 3 ladies. Although often not a painful condition clearly the core is not working optimally if this separation continues. It’s not going to heal during pregnancy but there’s a few things you can do to ensure the separation is minimised during pregnancy and after baby is born.
Mostly separation occurs in the 3rd trimester, but can happen in the second and the earliest I’ve ever seen is at 12 weeks pregnancy. Exercise routines should consider the hormone relaxin. Your ligaments are more lax during pregnancy which is why continuing with your regular exercise routine should no longer contain any exercises that overly work the rectus abdominals. Best thing you can do for your rectus abdominals now and after baby is born is a combination of pelvic floor exercises and gentle ‘rectus reminder’ exercises.
Here’s my top three exercises:
1. On your back or side, gently draw close your 3 sphincter muscles at your butt, birth canal and bladder – now lift your pelvic floor forwards and
towards your heart. As a maximal lift hold for 3 seconds and then release – your lower abs should gentle tension – but let the pelvic floor lift instigate this – rather than you pulling your lower abs in – which ultimately weakens the pelvic floor.
2. Kneel on all fours – gently pull navel to spine. Hold for 6-10 seconds release and repeat up to 10 times.
3. Combine both 1 and 2. On all fours lift your pelvic floor towards your heart, add a gentle pull of naval to spine (and the more you have lifted your pelvic floor the less naval to spine there will be – this is a good thing)
Not sure how to activate your pelvic floor? I have a number of free recordings to CHAT Apple readers – so drop me an email and I’ll send you the link.
By CHAT member, Jo Cordell-Cooper, who runs award winning Active Solutions and Health Network – finding the RIGHT balance for women at all ages and stages. www.jocc.com.au or [email protected] for more information.
In the NW, CHAT started a New Parents Group in Burnie, for people who have had their first baby from November-April 2015. This group provides a great opportunity for first time parents to connect with others going through a similar stage, and also offers useful information to assist with the journey! Please contact me if you are keen to be involved in the group.
CHAT ran an oral health and a Kidsafe information session in Sheffield in June and is open to del iver ing these informat ion sessions to your local group or organisation – just give me a call. CHAT is also keen to start up some walking groups in your local area – interested in being involved?
Remember we continue to have our CHAT Rosebery and King Island playgroups, the Ulverstone Mums and Bubs group and the New Parents group in Burnie. These are all great opportunities to connect with others and you will find specific details on our CHAT website. And remember to join our NW Mums Network page to keep updated on local events, useful information and the chance to connect with other Mums in the NW area.
To join our online community of mums in North West Tasmania, visit http://goo.gl/Z9aBRO
Are you interested in meeting up with other families that have little ones of similar age? We hope to develop playdates in the near future that will serve to connect families together. The groups will be:
Over the last two months I have been super busy in the North. We have two first aid session coming up toward the end of July. We also have the lovely Family Food Patch Educators coming along to talk to CHAT about Introducing Solids to Babies.
I also attended the launch of Start Them Right – A parent’s guide to eating for under 5s, a valuable booklet produced by the Tasmanian Government. I look forward to passing this wonderful booklet along to CHAT members. My plight to get a Haven underway in Launceston, is taking a lead forward. I was able to approach Michael Ferguson, our Health Minister about gaining support to launch a Launceston Haven. Mr Ferguson was impressed and offered to pass along information to his fellow ministers. I have also gained a number of positive connections that will hopefully lead to a successful future for the Launceston Haven Project. If you would like to follow the progress or offer your knowledge or support please feel f ree to join our Facebook group – Launceston Haven – A child friendly space.
I’m excited for a busy next couple of months. Hope to see you about. If you are interested in starting a new playgroup pram walking, or mums group in your local area, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I am very eager to get groups up and going and happy to have a chat about anything you may feel CHAT can support you with
To join our online community of mums in Northern Tasmania, visit http://goo.gl/s9N9rg
Honouring Our Life Members Annette Bain Kathy Barry Mary Brain Denise Bizjak Julie Bott Mary Brain Karen Cashion Debra Chick Esme Clarke Gill Clarke Jenny Clements Barbara Cooper Elizabeth Cowan Marylynn Connelley Chris Dahlenberg Margaret Davis Dee Dawkins Brenda Dickenson Kathryn Direen Marianne Dolbey Maree Duggan Maria Eaton Kathryn Edwards Kathryn Ervin Jillian Freeman Martha Frankcombe
Ruth Freeman Maria Gill Fiona Gleeson Jan Griffiths Pat Harthen Anita Hine Lindy Holmard Suzette Holmes Eilin Hordvik Suzanne Horton Jenni Howlett Judy Hunt Pauline Hurd Mandy Jackson Elaine Johnston Anna Jones Marylynn Jones Rosemary Kellaway Mary Keller Tanya King Christine LeFevre Annette Langham Lyn Long Jillian Lynch Margaret Maine Celeste Marchant
Jessica Marston Susan McKinnon Jane McKnight Tanya McNeill Anita Meier Charlene Milner Christine Minchin Chris Mooy Louise Morgan Robyn Nandan Lynne Neep Carol Newbon Leanne Newson Sonia Ollongton Allison O’May Maree Peck Eleanor Phelan Jenny Ploughman Catherine Revell Pam Revell Audrey Richardson Fiona Ringrose Robyn Robertson Gail Saggers Judy Salter Raelene Salter
Leonie Scott Elizabeth Singleton Emily Shepherd Kaye Smith Linda Smith Tammy Smith Kristy Springer Loriee Snook Christine Stacey Janet Stephens Rhonda Stewart Anita Street Pat Swindells Shelley Thomson Lyn Williams Kerrie Walkem Ann Wedding Marion Wilson Jill Zeeman
*Please contact us regarding any missing members or edits.
We have several opportunities for volunteering. We would love the help of our members to assist our staff in the following ways:
STATE-WIDE
Volunteers to coordinate pram walking groups and CHAT groups across all regions.
NORTH
BABY AND KIDS MARKETS • Volunteers : 9-12pm, 22 August and 14
November. You will be assisting Katrina in running the kids area and passing out balloons and apples and chatting to families about what our organisation offers Northern families.
THE HAVEN • Volunteers: Monday-Friday, 9:30-11:30am and
10:30am-12:30pm — 10 Volunteers (1 per shift; 2 each day) - open up, welcome families to The Haven and pack up.
BABY AND KIDS MARKETS • Volunteers: 9-12pm, 16 August and 8 November.
You will be assisting Christine in running the kids area and passing out balloons and apples and chatting to families about what our organisation offers Southern families.
Email Christine Jolly at [email protected] or call 0400 518 154 if you are keen to lend a hand.
