Baby, toddler and child growth, especially in social development and relationship formation, are greatly affected by where they spend their time, who they interact with and the quality of that interaction time! 
 
What better way to get out the house, and spend quality time with your baby, as well giving your baby the chance to see other babies and toddlers of different ages playing and getting together. 
 
Looking for fun baby clubs and facilities, but not wanting to leave town? Milton Keynes has a lot of soft play venues and infant facilities where your toddlers can roam around and play. While some have entrance fees and some are free, there are numerous play areas that you and your baby can enjoy and go have fun in. 
Breast milk is very important for every baby's diet. As the main source of nutrition for newborns, it contains nutrients that are naturally essential to infant growth and development. It boosts increased intelligence, often linked to higher IQ scores of the children when they transition to adulthood. Breast milk also has antibodies, which help lower the risk of infections and illnesses that may develop in the infant's early childhood. 
 
Although highly suggested by obstetricians and gynecologists, breastfeeding is mostly a woman's personal choice. Its long-term advantages are beneficial both for the infant and the mother, some of which are listed below. 
Preterm or premature birth is when a baby is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. In the UK, around 1 in 10 babies are born preterm. Most obstetricians and neonatal doctors will be more concerned when the premature birth occurs before 34 weeks and certainly before 32 weeks of pregnancy (very preterm). This is because the earlier the baby is born, the higher the risk of long term complications or health concerns for the baby. 
Mother and Baby Bonding
Getting that positive pregnancy test is exciting but it can be a long wait to see or hear the baby’s heart beat and check on the baby’s wellbeing for many women. The usual time for a first pregnancy scan is around 11-14 weeks in the NHS. At the Aster Baby Scan Clinic, we provide early pregnancy scans to give you that peace of mind from 7 weeks. Why have an early pregnancy scan, and what can you see? We believe it is useful and can provide early reassurance and enhance the bonding experience. 
Baby Scan
 
Let’s start with the facts about the pregnancies today. 
 
• In 2017, there were almost 680,000 live births in England and Wales, a fall of 2.5% from 2016 values. 
• The average age of mothers has risen from 26 years old and is now 30 years old. 
• Over their reproductive years, women are having fewer children. 
• In 2017, fertility rates fell for every age group except for women aged 40 years and over, where the rate increased. 
• 1 in 7 couples have difficulties when trying to conceive. 
 
So lots of babies are being born and women are tending to have children when they are older. Certainly more women choose to delay starting families due to their careers and this may be a factor. The traditional definition of a family has changed, and all families are now unique. Since it is normally a good idea to prepare for important life changes, this is useful information when contemplating a pregnancy. It certainly keeps things in perspective and focuses one’s mind on realistic expectations. 
 
Honestly, there is no such thing as a perfect time. It is a decision for the couple to make. They alone know how that bundle of joy will fit into their family life and careers. However, planning is useful and does have benefits. 
Expectant Mum
Expectant Parents
You are pregnant and it’s great news! Having a positive pregnancy test changes a woman’s life. The months ahead are like a roller coaster of exciting emotions. Let’s not forget the appointments. It is really something that our parents can’t prepare us for or we ourselves can never really prepare for, and that is true for even the most prepared of women. 
 
So why is pregnancy such as big event! Well it’s down to the chemistry of pregnancy. Biologically, physiologically and psychologically our bodies change.