The Natural Parent Magazine 33 - Summer 2018/2019 Back Issue

Shrill cicadas singing, ruby red pohutukawa blooming, cool water dips, watermelon juice on sticky chins, sandy bums, sandfly bites, the endless search for lost hats... summer is here! It’s hot, and pregnant mamas everywhere are really feeling it. Because your body is incubating your little one and there’s all sorts of extra blood flow going on too (40% more than usual), you basically are a walking heater. You may find yourself counting down the days (or minutes and hours!) until your due date. But did you know that only 5% of babies are actually born on their due date? It’s more accurately a “due month”. Annaliese Jones talks about the magical hormonal dance required to set labour in motion, and what natural strategies you can try to steer things in that direction. In the meantime, stay cool and put those feet up! However you spend your Christmas and summer, we do hope you make time for relaxation and rejuvenation. Whether that’s lazing about at the beach; feasting with family and friends; reading in the shade while the grandparents watch the kids; or just naps, glorious naps. Merry Christmas, The TNP team xxx