Malaga's Children's Hosptial improve facilities and care for mums and newborns!

At indybel we have long been champions of newer birthing methods and support these by selling birthing balls and slings etc .... Last year the Costa del Sol hospital became highly acclaimed in the area for their new birthing policies which included allowing mums to move around and choose their own birthing position and the insertion of a birthing pool at the hospital. It can only be a good thing therefore that other hospitals in the area are following their example. It was great to read the following article in the Euro Weekly News ( http://www.euroweeklynews.com/) this week which shows that things really are improving for mums to be in Spain .....

MALAGA Children’s Hospital aims to increase the bond between newborn babies and their parents by allowing access to the neonatal area at the time which best suits them.
This way, parents can take part in the care of their newborns which reduces stress. They will be provided with identification cards, which if they wish, they can give to other relatives at the weekend. It is believed that this increased contact will help development and increase confidence in the babies, while parents learn more about health, feeding, hygiene and safety, so they can continue to care for them once they take them home.
All parents and relatives will be supervised by medical personnel, who can ask them to leave if they consider it necessary.

The Children’s Hospital intends to improve other aspects of perinatal care, such as allowing women to give birth in a sitting position thanks to special chairs. They also plan to use massage balls and electric stimulators to alleviate back pains, as well as devices to make sure that the environment is as quiet as possible, covers for incubators, special sashes so mothers can keep their babies close to their chests, and other novelties.
The Junta de Andalucia Health Service also provides documents in which women can express how they wish to be attended during the birth of their babies, and if they have any special wishes or needs.
Some 6,638 children were born at Malaga Children’s Hospital last year, 8.7 per cent less than last year.

Many mums-to-be in Spain still not aware of the risks of drinking during pregnancy ....

I was quite surprised to read the following report in the Euro Weekly News ( http://www.euroweeklynews.com/ ) last week ....

Betweeen 25 and 45 per cent of pregnant women in Spain consume alcohol during pregnancy, according to a report by the National Association of Health Informers.
Despite the risk of the baby suffering malformations, mental and behavioural disorders, known as Alcoholic Foetal Syndrome, one in five women admit to drinking up to five alcohol drinks in one sitting.
Excessive alcohol consumption during pregnancy can cause developmental problems and damage the heart, kidneys, liver, bones and brain of the unborn child, as well as leading to an underdeveloped head, a lower bridge of the nose, a thin upper lip or small eyes.
Other possible problems include neuropsychological, memory and learning problems, hyperactivity and poor results at school, as well as alcoholism.



I have to say that I find it incredible that in this day and age when we can't fail to be aware of the risks that women can continue to put their unborn babies at risk like this. I'm not being a killjoy, I enjoyed a few drinks myself when pregnant but just one here and there when out for dinner or at a family celebration. The rest of the time I didn't need it, didn't fancy it and didn't want to unnecessarily harm my baby.

I can only assume that unfortunately these mums to be are very young or very under educated. Maybe dr and midwife surgeries in Spain need more information about the drinking recommendations for pregnancy so that everyone is able to be aware of the dangers ......

Looking for The Perfect Baby or Christening Gift in Spain?

Recently I went to a Christening and was desperately trying to find a really special and unique gift. The photo albums, silver frames, spoons and memorablilia in the shops are lovely but I was looking for something more personal and a little bit different for my friend's baby.

In the end someone mentioned a baby momento plate to me. Personalised birth momento plates are basically hand painted plates with a picture or character and the baby's name, date of birth and birth details such as weight, time of birth, length etc ... I loved this idea and commissioned a special plate for my friend's little girl featuring Tinkerbell and the baby's details. Our Christening gift was an instant hit! Everyone loved the plate which looked amazing ... really cool design and lovely glittery paints ... and featured all the baby's details which will now never be forgotten. My friend is going to mount the plate on her daughter's bedroom wall.

What was really great about this gift was that firstly it was so personal, a real baby keepsake, and secondly I was surprised by how quickly the plate was made. After I had specified the details we received a call 4 days later to say the plate was ready. Price wasn't an issue but at 39.99 euros I thought it was very reasonable considering the amount of work in the peice. A few weeks later another friend was looking for a present for a couple who had just had a little boy and I instantly thought of the plates. She loved the idea too and ordered one straight away ...

Ever the businesswoman I began to think that other customers in Spain might like these plates, either as a lovely gift to celebrate a new born, a christening or baptism gift in Spain or even a lovely present for a child's first, second or third birthday ... using of course their favourite character on the plate!

So .... we are now delighted to offer Personalised Baby Birth Plates for sale at http://www.indybel.com/ in Spain .... Customers can choose their own charater and text and our artist will do the rest ....
I can personally promise that you will be delighted with the result too!

To find out more or to order a baby birth plate in Spain for a christening, new born gift or a birthday click here!

Little Cheerleaders ...

My friend Vanessa has come up with a great new idea which will leap into action this Saturday on the Costa del Sol.

A trained cheerleader herself, this autumn Vanessa is bringing The Costa All Stars Cheerleaders to the coast. Designed for children aged from 3 - 13 years her classes will combine dance with gymnastics alongside chants, cheers and team games! Perfect for energetic little one's who need to burn off some steam!

Cherrios is for 3 -5 year olds, Sparlers for 6- 9 year olds and Costa All Stars for 10 - 13 year olds. All as well as the fun of learning to cheer, older children will show off their skills at sporting events up and down the coast during the autumn and winter.

Classes start in Sept in Benalmadena and Calahonda. To find out more email costaallstarcheerleading@gmail.com or call 677 493 280

Galaxia - New Soft Play center in San Pedro, Marbella

As it was the last week of the summer holidays and the weather was cooling down a bit we decided to check out Marbella's newest soft play last week ... Galaxia!!

Galaxia is a large well equiped soft play with great plans for the future! At present there is a party area, under 3's area with a ball pool, swing and various padded toys and a large over 3's area with a trampoline, slides, bridges and tunnels and ball shooting area.

There is also a great outside play area which is completely enclosed and safe for little ones.

There is plenty of adult seating and the outdoor seating is particularly nice with comfy outdoor sofa's and umbrellas. At the moment Galaxia provide a small mouth watering menu which is set for expansion and will include Sunday roasts in the autumn! A great idea for families wanting to eat a nice lunch in a child friendly setting.

The owners are really friendly and welcoming and really hope the center will become as much a relaxing venue for parents to chill out as an exciting place for children to play. Future plans include a toy shop, dance studio, mother and baby mornings and charity events and there is also a space exhibition center which is open for school trips. Other nice touches include mini toilets and a nice baby changing area.

We really liked Galaxia, the spacy interior, warm welcome and yummy menu mean it's def somewhere we'll be going back too!

Galaxia can be found on the Centro Comercial Guadalmina, just under Supersol. For more info check out the website http://www.galaxiaplay.com/