With this in mind, and the fact that it’s National Dog Day on the 26th August, Safestyle are launching a nationwide #DoginWindow photo competition to tie in with this special day.

Dogs are often seen spying through the windows at home; whether they’re sat snooping out onto the street, or whether they’ve been sat at the window ready to greet you when you return from the shop with your essential supplies – Safetsyle want to see your heartwarming and funny #DoginWindow snaps!

National Dog Day is not just a time to celebrate our special pets, but it’s also to help raise awareness around the number of dogs worldwide who face cruelty and harsh conditions. Therefore as part of this campaign, Safestyle will also be donating £2,500 to a selected dog charity to show its appreciation.

The competition starts on 10th August 2020 and ends on 31st August 2020 at 11 pm and we’ll be announcing the winner within 14 days of the closing date

How to breastfeed

Nicola, a clinic nurse at MYA explains: “Although fundamentally the most natural of processes, it can take a while to feel both competent and confident in breastfeeding your new-born, but it’s a skill you and your baby can learn together.”

Here are some useful tips from Nicola;

1. Before each feed make sure you adopt a comfortable position, whether in bed or in a chair, sitting up or lying down on your side. Use pillows or cushions for extra support (a V-shaped pillow is great) – this will ensure your shoulder and arms are relaxed. Avoid interruptions.

2. Are you holding your baby close to you? Your baby’s body and head should be in a straight line, facing you ‘tummy to mummy’.

3. Supporting your baby’s neck, shoulders and back will make them feel secure and this will allow them to tilt their head back and swallow easily.

4. Always bring your baby’s head to your breast, rather than you leaning forward and ‘posting’ the breast into your baby’s mouth, as this can lead to poor attachment

5. Your baby needs to ‘get hold’ of a large amount of the breast tissue, i.e. the brown area around the nipple known as the areola – this is where the milk reservoirs are. It is really important that the baby doesn’t suck on the nipple as this is only the ‘doorway’ and will lead to sore nipples and no milk for baby!

6. Place your baby’s nose level with your nipple, as this will encourage them to open their mouth wide and to attach to the breast well.

7. Avoid holding the back of your baby’s head, so they tip their head back. This will encourage them to come to your breast chin first. This should then enable them to take a big mouthful of breast and the nipple will go past the hard roof of their mouth and end up at the back of their mouth against the soft palate.

8. You should observe for both top and bottom lip curled out, as this is a sign of good attachment. The sucking mechanism of the baby’s mouth will release the milk from the reservoirs allowing them to swallow.

9. If your baby stops sucking, tickle the underside of their feet or blow gently on their face to remind them to suck.
   

Image credit: https://www.mya.co.uk/

Can you breastfeed with implants?

A surgeon at MYA Cosmetic Surgery explains:

“Yes, it is possible to breastfeed with implants – the majority of women who have had the procedure are able to breastfeed successfully with no issues at all. 

“However it is possible for some women to experience difficulty, which can be down to a variety of reasons, such as; if you have very large implants breastfeeding may be impaired, if the woman suffers from mastitis, or if the patient experienced a complication relating to their implants (e.g. capsular contracture).” 

How long to breastfeed for?  

Nicola, a clinic nurse at MYA explains: “According to the NHS, it’s recommended that you breastfeed your baby exclusively for 4- 6 months if you are able to. Research has shown that breast milk contains all the essential nourishment for baby to thrive without having to introduce formula or solids until around this time.

“However, it doesn’t mean you should stop breastfeeding when you get to six months as continuing has great benefits to you and your baby. 

Benefits for baby include: 

• It builds up antibodies in your baby’s blood to fight against infections and certain illnesses such as asthma.
• It is gentler on your baby’s stomach and reduces the risk of gastroenteritis.
• It helps prevent glue ear and dental caries.

Benefits for Mum include: 

• It reduces the risk of osteoporosis and breast & ovarian cancer
• Helps Mums regain their pre-pregnancy figures quicker
• It is a cheaper and more convenient option. It’s also environmentally friendly.
• There are many other benefits outside of nutrition too; for example, it helps to reassure your bond and comfort your growing baby, even when they are a toddler, and gives you a chance to sit down and relax 
• The benefits of breastfeeding are more than just about nutrition, it helps to reassure the bond with your baby, and is a great way to comfort your growing baby, even when they are a toddler. It also gives you a chance to sit down and relax

“If you are comfortable with breastfeeding, there is no need to stop until you or your baby are ready to. There is no fixed endpoint. In fact, the World Health Organisation recommends continued breastfeeding, along with other nutritional sources, for two years or more – however it truly is a personal decision between you and your baby.

“Mums shouldn’t, however, be made to feel guilty or seen as a failure if they decide to give their baby formula.”

Can you breastfeed with nipple piercings?

Nicola, a clinic nurse at MYA explains: “I would strongly advise removing any form of piercings in the nipple before breastfeeding. It would be uncomfortable for the baby, as they would experience metal in the mouth when sucking. There is also a chance of the piercings blocking the nipple ducts.”

John Ryan, Chairman at MYA Cosmetic Surgery adds:

“Our research shows that a large number of people are regularly turning to the internet for advice around breastfeeding. There is a lot of information out there, and we imagine it can be a very confusing experience for those looking for genuine advice and research. Therefore, we enlisted the help of our expert surgeons to shed some light on some of these common internet searches.

“We’d always advise seeking medical advice from a professional if you have any questions or queries, as safety is the number one priority.” 

Yorkshire Day is celebrated each year on August 1, with this year’s official civic celebrations taking place in Whitby with Mayors from the three Ridings of Yorkshire leading a procession through the town to celebrate everything Yorkshire. 

But whichever part of the country you’re in, there is no better way to celebrate than enjoying the one dish that is synonymous with “God’s Own Country”, the Yorkshire Pudding.

Why these puffy batter puddings are associated with Yorkshire isn’t quite clear but the first mention of them appears in the first written recipe of it, by Hannah Glasse in 1747, in her book, The Art of Cookery Plain and Simple. 

Roast beef, gravy and perfect Yorkshire Puddings

If you’re on a quest to perfect your puddings, Jeff Baker, Executive Development Chef at Farmison & Co – an online heritage breed meat supplier, based in North Yorkshire – shares his top tips on how to make the classic accompaniment to a hearty roast. 

Beginning his career in professional kitchens in 1983, Jeff Baker was recognised for his culinary talents gaining the first Michelin star for the city of Leeds in 1995 at Pool Court. Aged 26, Jeff was the youngest chef in Yorkshire to receive such an accolade at that time.

After having spent many years perfecting the magnificent shape and golden exterior of the much-loved Yorkshire pudding, he reveals it’s key to use “the freshest eggs possible”.

“There is no better accompaniment to an incredible Topside or Sirloin Beef joint than the traditional Yorkshire pudding”, explains Jeff.

“The trick to creating a perfectly risen pud that is still crispy around the edges and soft in the middle is to ensure the fat is practically smoking before putting the batter in the trays. My tried and tested recipe promises to make about 12 Yorkshires”:

The Ingredients

• 3 fresh hen eggs
• 275ml semi-skimmed milk
• 200g good quality plain flour
• Duck or Goose Fat

The Method

1. Make the batter just before you’re about to bake the puddings by blending all the ingredients together, except the fat, until smooth.
2. Next, place the baking  tray in a hot oven at 200c with a little goose fat in each mould.
3. When the fat is nearly smoking, carefully pour the batter into the moulds through a sieve, to about  3/4 full and bake for 16 to 20 minutes to your preferred level of crispiness.
4. Remove from the oven and serve.

For further information please visit: https://www.farmison.com/community/recipe/jeff-bakers-yorkshire-puddings

Created by MYA Cosmetic Surgery, the videos show that women who have had breast augmentation surgery need to check theirs slightly differently compared to those without implants. Joanne, a clinic nurse at MYA, explains the signs and symptoms of changes you should look out for and how to examine yourself both with and without implants.

 The video also shows how men should make the same checks, particularly important as there are 390 men each year diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK.

More information can be found over on the MYA forum: https://www.mya.co.uk/mya_space/mya-supports-breast-cancer-awareness-month-by-creating-a-new-series-of-self-examination-videos/

Further advice

Joanne provided further advice for those who have had breast augmentation:

“Women that have breast implants need to be able to differentiate between their own implant and scar tissue while still being thorough when carrying out their own breast self-examination.

“It would be helpful to have your surgeon or clinic nurse identify the edges of the implants, so you are comfortable with what you are feeling. Some implant placements can push out the breast tissue, which can help make the breast self-examination easier.

“Do not examine your own breast when healing (up to six weeks post op) or when they are tender or swollen, which tends to be when you are menstruating.

“However, carrying out breast self-examination monthly is highly recommended. Many women choose the week after their period, as it is easy to remember if you are on a monthly cycle. Set a reoccurring reminder for yourself in your calendar to ensure you don’t forget.”

Joanne added: “Whether you have implants or not it is extremely important to be familiar with your breasts so that you can easily notice if something looks or feels out of the ordinary. As October is Breast Cancer awareness month, we want everyone to know what they should be looking for and offer a sense of reassurance, whether you’ve had surgery or not.”

MYA have also produced this useful graphic, highlighting the 8 main signs of breast cancer.

Autism Spectrum Disorder is not a disease or illness and it cannot be cured – the unique elements of autism are an integral part of the person’s make-up. As it is defined across a spectrum, people with autism will all experience it in a unique way, however, it usually has some effect on how individuals communicate and interact with others. As well, it is also important to remember that autism is not a visible disability.

In 2010, The Equality Act came into force in the UK and made it unlawful for any employer to discriminate on the grounds of disability. Perhaps this has made some employers reassess their approach to autism, however, employing people with a disability is not a matter of filling quotas. Instead, the focus should be on the value each individual can bring to the prospective role. Those who fall within the spectrum of autism have a huge amount to offer companies. Individuals with autism are often excellent problem solvers; have outstanding concentration and memory skills; pay great attention to detail; and are highly dependable, just some of the traits that companies are looking for in employees.

While every applicant who applies for a job should be treated as an individual, there is common ground amongst people with autism that can be reached, which, when recognised by companies can make the hiring process run much more smoothly.

Things to consider:

Communication

Some individuals with autism will find understanding body language and facial expressions difficult and this can sometimes hinder communication.

Repetitive Behaviours

People with autism will often see the world in a different way and thus they tend to enjoy the security of familiarity and routine. This is a positive trait in a working environment.

Interaction

Interaction concerns how individuals with autism behave in the presence of others. For example, if they are concerned, they may retreat within themselves; or they may sometimes appear insensitive, but only because they find it difficult to read cues from those around them.

The Interview Process

People with autism often develop a keen interest in a particular subject and become hugely knowledgeable about it. If you can discover what this interest is during the interview, and encourage the candidate to talk about it, it can help put them at ease.

Sometimes jokes and sarcasm are not understood well by individuals with autism, as physical cues are hard for them to read. Therefore, be straightforward and express yourself clearly. Also, if there are gaps in the conversation don’t rush in to fill the silence, the person may just need a little longer to formulate their response.

The Induction Process

Once an individual with autism has been hired, there are simple steps you can take to make their first few days with you as positive an experience as possible.

• Send induction material to the new employee early so they can take the time to read through and absorb it before they start. This will help to lessen first day nerves.
• If possible, try to seat the person away from noise or people passing by regularly, as this can be unsettling. It’s also important to build structure into the day so individuals know what to expect.
• People with autism can be perfectionists so it’s important to give regular feedback on how things are going and provide reassurance where necessary.

Individuals with autism tend to have strong skills in particular areas and can often outperform their peers in these capacities. It’s important therefore to tap into these strengths and allow the employee the freedom to utilise their skill-set within the working environment. When this happens much of the misunderstanding about autism falls away and employers recognise what a valuable asset the individual is to their business.

For more information click here.

The decision to breastfeed is an easy one for some mothers, but it can be an agonizing choice for others. From the outside looking in, breastfeeding can be intimidating.

All the talk of painful nipples, sore breasts, and latching issues can be scary. Moms who are going back to work in demanding, high-stress jobs will wonder how they’ll ever find the time or privacy to pump. Others worry about eating the wrong things or wonder if any medications they are on will enter their breast milk and hurt their babies.

There are multiple factors and concerns to be considered, and without adequate education and institutionalized support within hospitals, the workplace and at home, many are doomed to fail before they even start.

However, despite all of this, it’s still an exciting time to be a woman. With the concerted efforts of organizations such as WABA, today’s women are trailblazing the way for future generations, so they’ll be able to breastfeed anytime and any place they want. Scientific studies have shown that breastfeeding offers babies a better start than formula does, and moms everywhere are beginning to listen to that message.

A recent review of the medical literature by Mom Loves Best found over 70 health benefits that breastfeeding provides babies. From helping their little bodies fight off bacteria and infections such as thrush, meningitis, and pneumonia; to preventing severe and life-threatening diseases such cancer, autoimmune deficiencies, and cardiovascular disease.

Breastfeeding is a wonderful way to give a growing baby the firm foundation for a healthy life, but the benefits don’t end with our children. The literature has shown that nursing provides mothers with similar health advantages, such as protection from a breast and ovarian cancers, reduced risks of diseases such as lupus, diabetes, and arthritis, and bonus perks such as faster weight loss after pregnancy and less uterus bleeding.

While many people have long associated the breastfeeding with improved health outcomes, few are aware of how truly far-reaching the benefits are. In fact, the impact on overall health is so significant that UNICEF has estimated 1,300,000 lives could be saved each year if more women were able to breastfeed their babies. This is perhaps one of the main reasons why this year’s World Breastfeeding Week has been dedicated to “working together for the common good.”

The simple fact is, no matter how you look at it, breastfeeding is an excellent choice. It benefits babies, mothers, and anyone who lives on this planet. But there is only one way we can sustain breastfeeding, and that is by working together.

About the Author

Jenny Silverstone is the mother of two, a writer and a breastfeeding advocate. You can find sharing information for overcoming common breastfeeding struggles on her blog MomLovesBest.com.