Monash University researchers have developed a fast, cheap paper test that can detect bilirubin in jaundiced newborns. The tape-paper sensor is on the verge of extensive clinical trials. The in-home test aims to detect bilirubin levels and could provide results in less than 10...
Patricia Lee learns to take nothing for granted as the midwife called for the emergency obstetrician. As I slumped onto the delivery bed, panting and sweating after another contraction, I knew something was wrong. After spending the entire day in labour and pushing for hours, my...
Lara Cain Gray recounts a hairy moment involving her son. My 10-month-old son ate a spider. Let’s not sugar-coat it (although I’m sure that it's a delicacy somewhere) – it was frightening and revolting in equal measure. We’d had a typically hectic morning trying to get our...
It’s still unclear whether a shorter or longer gap between pregnancies increases the risk of complications. Amanda Henry reports Women often wonder what the “right” length of time is after giving birth before getting pregnant again. A recent Canadian study suggests 12-18 months between pregnancies is...
Feeding children too much protein when they are babies can increase their chance of being overweight when they reach primary school age, new studies have confirmed. Deakin University researchers said the significant findings could improve feeding guidelines for new parents who may mistakenly believe babies benefit...
A major report just released has revealed that many Australian babies are being placed at unnecessary risk because their birth by caesarean section is scheduled too early, without a medical reason. This is despite clear evidence that waiting until 39 weeks – unless there is...
Raise healthy, adventurous eaters and help prevent food allergies One of the most anxiety-provoking parts of becoming a new parent can be starting a child on solids. While allergies affect only a small percentage of children—about 4-8 per cent under the age of 5—numbers continue to...
Is it safe for me and my baby? Nina Jane Chad and Karleen Gribble look at the issues. Australia’s front-line health workers, quarantine staff, border control officers, and workers and residents in aged-care homes have been offered the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Some of these workers will be women...
From Norway to Vanuatu to Chile – how does pregnancy differ around the world? Sigrid Nordvik 32, NORWAY In Norway, you attend medical appointments every month with your doctor or the midwife. I could choose which one I wanted to see. We had two screenings, one around...
The word ‘colic’ can strike fear into the hearts of any parent, writes Dr Valerie Sung. But now new research could potentially give hope to those struggling with colic in a newborn baby. An international study has found that a specific probiotic group is twice as...
