The Herpes Simplex Virus causes cold sores and genital herpes. It is a common affliction of hundreds of thousands of people and is usually seen as quite a minor, yet uncomfortable, ailment. The virus does not always present itself with symptoms.
The Herpes Simplex Virus can cause problems for newborns and can pose a serious risk to their health.
Babies can contract the Herpes Simplex Virus during birth (from the birth canal), if he or she is kissed by someone who suffers from cold sores or if someone touches a cold sore …

For the first three months of pregnancy you may feel like you do nothing but sleep. For the second three months you may feel like you have limitless energy.
Then comes the third trimester and, even worse for your sleep patterns, your baby! The third trimester is a never ending interrupted nap with each night time bringing an inability to get comfortable, baby staying up all night kicking and regular bathroom trips. Your newborn will then keep you up for the next few months for 2, 3 or 4 hourly feeds.
Then …

Group B Streptococcus is a bacteria which can be found in our bodies, most commonly in the vagina and rectum. To us it is completely harmless however it can cause problems for a baby during a vaginal delivery.
Most women will have Group B Strep bacteria present in their bodies at one time or another and around 25% of pregnant women in the UK have it. It can dissappear before labour but if still present at the point of labour and delivery and not properly managed it can lead to early …

It is undeniable that we are reaching a crisis point in our environment but just in time we are beginning to concentrate on all things ecological. Being a parent, however, is time consuming and tools which offer more convenience and less washing are priceless.
So which diapers/ nappies should you use? The choice will come down to two things. The depth of time and attention you choose to putting into being environmentally friendly and whether the joy of convenience outweighs this. The choice is entirely yours and whatever choice you make …

Baby will not have control of his or her limbs for the first few weeks of life so will make involuntary jerky movements. Swadling can help baby to keep their limbs still and make them feel the security and warmth of being back in the womb. Swaddling is a way of wrapping your baby in a sheet or blanket to hold their arms down. This can be comforting for newborns.
To swaddle your baby:

Lay a square or rectangular blanket on the floor or bed.
Fold one corner down slightly then lay baby on the blanket …

The birth has been tiring for baby aswell as for you. For this reason baby will probably sleep a lot in her or her first week of life. Make the most of it - it won’t last forever!
When baby is not sleeping they will be demanding to be fed. This is a time to bond and also a time to begin to practice your bottle or breastfeeding skills. As baby has delicate skin and 9 months worth of waste to get rid of you will also be changing nappies after …