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Multiple Birth Awareness Week 2021: Melville mums share their stories

Liz De Prose
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Multiple Birth Awareness Week 2021: Melville mums share their stories

The theme for Multiple Birth Awareness Week (MBAW) 2021 is “Identical or Fraternal? Testing for zygosity matters“. We’ve put together some information from the Australian Multiple Birth Association, plus a Melville Mum shares her story of being a mum to identical twins.

Australian Multiple Birth Association

AMBA launched their annual Multiple Birth Awareness Week as a national Australian campaign to raise awareness around, and draw attention to, the unique realities for multiple birth families and how active advocacy, positive education and engaged communities can contribute to enabling positive health outcomes for our families.

Their mission is to enable positive health outcomes, awareness and equality for multiple birth families through advocacy, education and community. They aim to provide support from ‘those who know’, by providing practical support.

​Twin Types

In a nutshell, the two most common types of twins are identical and fraternal. Sometimes there are obvious ways to tell which type is what, but there are some complexities with determining the zygosity of same-sex twins.

Twins and multiples are usually described according to:

  • how many eggs they develop from – one or two
  • if they share a placenta in their mother’s womb

Identical or Fraternal

One of the most common questions asked of a multiple birth family is “are they identical or fraternal?” It seems like an innocent enough question, and the answer has often been based on using the number of placentas as a reference, but quite often, parents are misinformed during pregnancy and at birth regarding their children’s zygosity because prenatal scans that display one or two placentas are not a reliable means of determining whether twins are identical or not.

If twins are the same sex and each have a placenta, or if there is doubt about the type of placenta, they could be identical – or non-identical twins. The best way to be certain is to do a zygosity test. Testing zygosity provides scientific evidence to determine whether twins, triplets or quadruplets, etc. are identical (monozygotic or MZ) or non-identical (dizygotic or DZ) and identifies the type of cell union that occurred at the time of conception.

Why does zygosity matter?

Why does zygosity need to be determined at all? Identical twins are more likely than fraternal twins to get the same illness. If one of a pair of identical twins is diagnosed with a particular disease or health condition, like high blood pressure, the other twin should be checked for early symptoms. Because of their genetic make-up, identical twins will always be compatible for organ transplantation, if they ever need it. Fraternal twins are compatible only some of the time.

Knowledge about a twin pair’s zygosity can have many implications including:

  • improving the bonding of twins
  • understanding tissue compatibility in organ transplantation
  • assessing disease risk
  • the personal right to know your identity
  • legal and educational reasons
  • estimating the likelihood of the mother or close relatives giving birth to further sets of twins
  • to avoid embarrassment when asked by family, friends and strangers
  • eligibility for being involved in twin research

A Melville mum shares her story

From the Melville Mums Facebook group, we have a wonderful story from an amazing mum who has shared her journey with Identical Twins

“We found out we were pregnant with identical (monozygotic) twins pretty early at a 6-week dating scan. My husband couldn’t make it, so I had to ‘break the news’ to him over the phone while he was at work. He just laughed… slightly maniacally. He came to all the scans after that 😉

Our twins shared a placenta (monochorionic), making my pregnancy high risk for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome and I was monitored from 16-weeks with an ultrasound every two weeks to keep an eye on things. Luckily it all progressed normally, and it was very reassuring having such regular ultrasounds.

Although my pregnancy was trouble-free, the girls were my first children so I didn’t really know what to expect — both a blessing and a curse! I didn’t know anyone else with multiples either, so I joined the Australian Multiple Birth Association and attended workshops with my husband to help prepare for the journey. We found it really helpful.
I chose to breastfeed Ava and Grace, but it wasn’t easy. I was extremely fortunate to find the Possums Clinic and Dr Pamela Douglas (based in Brisbane) in the early days, and as a bonus formed some lovely friendships with other mums also requiring support for breastfeeding and sleep. They all had singletons, which was actually great because they all showered me with praise just for getting out of the house to our catch-ups and really pumped me up! Finding people to support me with values that aligned with my own was invaluable.

As a twin mum, I guess the insensitive comments towards twins can really wear you down. Some comments hurt more than others, and mostly people are just trying to make conversation because they find twins intriguing. If I had a dollar for every time I heard “double trouble”…  So many older ladies stop me to gush over the girls though, which is just lovely. If anyone makes an irritating comment nowadays, I find it so much easier to just ignore it and move on. I suppose people can have a really negative view on multiples in general and just think of all the hard aspects of it but, particularly as Ava and Grace get older, I just find the positives far outweigh the negatives! Watching the bond they have is so special and sometimes makes me jealous that I’m not part of their little gang, haha.

Having twins that are identical can also throw up another set of challenges in that people often struggle to treat them as their own people and struggle to differentiate the two. In an effort to help establish identities and personalities, I’ve never dressed them the same or referred to them as “The Twins”. And if you know identical twins, I’d suggest you try to make an effort to find out who is who (P.S. don’t ask “which is which” — they aren’t objects!) because they really are their own people with different personalities and separate identities. In saying that, I know it can be pretty hard to tell identical twins apart, but we will always appreciate the effort even if you get it wrong! Try to find something different about them and remember it. For example with my twins, Grace has a dimple and Ava doesn’t. As a mum, I also try and make this easier and tie blue bows in Grace’s hair and yellow in Ava’s for school so teachers and friends can tell them apart.

After the twins’ birth I experienced postpartum anxiety. I think a lot of it was due to my desire to ‘just get on with it’ and do things on my own — my advice to expectant and new twin mums would be to ask for help, any help! Also, we didn’t sleep well for the first 16 months and it was hard. We were lucky to have help available to us but I definitely wish I prioritised my rest more and if I did it all again, that’s what I’d do.

I try to be really positive about twins to new and expectant mums if I meet them, because no doubt they already have enough people telling them how hard it’s going to be! There are so many resources out there to help parents of multiples and as a society we need to be more positive about twins and multiples and do everything we can to support multiple birth families.”

Where to get support

If you have multiples (or you’re pregnant with twins, triplets or more) you can find some really great resources on the AMBA website, or join us in the Melville Mums Facebook group and meet other mums with multiples.

The Myth of the Perfect Mother

Guest Post
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The Myth of the Perfect Mother

Do you feel like you’re constantly comparing yourself or being compared to some perfect mother ideal?

Do you struggle with guilt and feeling like you’re constantly falling short as a mother?

You’re not alone, lovely.

We are parenting in an society that places excessive pressure on mothers and that constantly highlights all the ways they aren’t measuring up. 

There’s a reason that you feel so much pressure and judgement. There’s a reason that you feel like you can’t ever win, no matter what choices you make.

The reason is the socially constructed myth of the perfect mother. She’s an accumulation of ideas about what women and mothers should be like from the past and present. And she’s evolved into something completely unattainable. 

Who is the perfect mother?

There are many elements to the perfect mother myth. Let’s look at some of the main ones. The prefect mother:

  • Is the primary carer for her children 24/7
    • Is endlessly self-sacrificing, putting her children’s needs about her own
    • Seeks advice from experts over following her own intuition
    • Gives endless time, energy and money to raise her children
    • Is completely satisfied and fulfilled by motherhood (she doesn’t need anything else to be happy)
    • Is always composed and calm
    • Is responsible for meeting all her children’s needs –  physical, emotional, social, psychological, developmental, mental and spiritual 
    • Looks good, stays fit and bounces back to her pre-pregnancy body
    • Attends to her husband and keeps the romance alive
    • Keeps a clean and tidy house
    • Breastfeeds her children
    • Disciplines her children with a mere look
    • Cooks highly nutritious meals for her family from scratch
    • Plays with and entertains her children.

Interestingly, in modern society, the perfect mother also contributes financially to the household, which is at complete odds with being the primary carer for the children 24/7. 

Are you exhausted just thinking about that!?

I certainly am.

Individually these things are often widely accepted (even though some of them are still unrealistic on their own), but when you put them together, they are completely unattainable and leave mothers exhausted, depleted, resentful, angry, anxious, overwhelmed and unhappy. And feeling like we’re failing. As women, we are expected to give our whole selves to mothering but also be more than a mum, because mothering work is undervalued in society. 

It’s no wonder you’re feeling the pressure. 

Additionally, in modern society most children are raised by mothers alone in their homes. They do all this, and they don’t have the support they need to bear this load. 

It’s not you, it’s the expectations

We know from research that developing secure attachments with our children, requires us to be well resourced so we are actually able to regulate ourselves, be present and connect with our children. In fact, it’s logical that if we are well resourced we do better in all areas of our lives.

Imagine that you had a battery. If you were well resourced, you would be recharging regularly, and to 100% (or close to it). Instead, when faced with these unrealistic standards to live up to, we end up forgetting to recharge ourselves at all, or only have time to recharge a little, which over the long term impacts our health and wellbeing. 

When we don’t live up to the myth of the perfect mother we blame ourselves. We think we need to try harder or do more. We feel like we can’t ask for help because everyone else seems to be managing and we don’t want to burden anyone, so we end up silencing ourselves and pushing on. Thinking we’re the only ones failing.

But it’s not your fault. There’s nothing wrong with you. It’s the expectations that are the problem. They are setting us up to fail. 

Release yourself from the expectations

Once you see the expectations for what they are – socially constructed and unattainable, then this is your invitation to make a choice for yourself. 

These expectations are both overtly and subtly communicated to us from childhood through our own parents, other people in our lives, advertising, stories, social media and even the medical and education systems, just to name a few sources. We have internalised many of these expectations, so we believe that they are our own expectations. 

But now you have the opportunity to really question what you believe makes a good mother. You get to define success for yourself and release yourself from the pressure of this socially constructed myth.

Take a few minutes, grab a pen and a piece of paper and answer that question for yourself. 

Here are some questions to help you:

What is most important to you as a mother?

How do you want your children to remember you and their childhood?

What feels true and right for you in your role as a mother, partner and woman?

What do you need more of in your life?

This is just the beginning of a journey of coming back to yourself, rediscovering who you are now and what matters most to you, so you can be the mother, partner and woman you long to be.

Louise is the owner of More to Mum and is a certified Mindset and Life Coach and Matrescence Facilitator. She works with overwhelmed mums who are ready to release guilt and perfectionism and live a calmer, more intentional life that makes their heart happy.

Louise loves to help mums rewrite the beliefs that create perfectionistic thinking and behaviours, uncover their own truth, strength and grace, and rediscover themselves so they can live with more intention, freedom, ease, confidence and self-love. She supports mums in understanding their unique matrescence journey – the complete transformation of a woman as she becomes a mother. With nearly 20 years of experience in adult learning, Louise also loves to teach through her blog, speaking engagements, online courses and workshops. Louise is mum to a spunky little boy and step mum to 3 fantastic young adults. 

SPECIAL OFFER – Until 31st May 2021, mention Melville Mums and book a 90 minute consultation session with Louise for the price of a 60 minute session (not to be used in conjunction with any other offer).

Containers for Change Initiative

Melville Mums
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Containers for Change Initiative
Source: Containers for Change

Containers for Change is a new state-wide container deposit scheme that lets you cash in eligible containers for 10 cents each when they are returned to an approved Containers for Change refund point, encouraging recycling and creating a cleaner WA for everyone.

The scheme provides an exciting fundraising opportunity for schools, local sports clubs, community groups and charities; you even have the option to donate your 10 cent refund to a community group, charity or school of your choice.

In WA, we use more than 1.3 billion eligible drink containers each year and it accounts for 44% of litter.

Why do we need the scheme?

Less Litter:

South Australia has been doing this for years with containers accounting for only 3% of litter, much less than the 44% currently found in Western Australia.

Less Waste to Landfill:

Around 1.3 billion eligible beverages are consumed in Western Australia every year. Over 10 years that’s 13 billion containers – enough to fill Optus Stadium three times or enough drink containers to line a path from Perth to Broome.

Creates Employment & Opportunities:

Recycling has positive economic benefits—creating more jobs than sending waste to landfill. Every 10,000 tonnes of waste recycled creates 9.2 full-time jobs compared with 2.8 jobs when the same amount of waste is sent to landfill.

Containers for Change will create opportunities for some of our most vulnerable people with a key objective of the scheme to support employment of people with a disability and the long-term unemployed.

IT’S AS EASY AS 1, 2, 3…

1. Collect eligible containers

Most aluminium, glass, plastic, steel and liquid paperboard drink containers between 150ml and 3L are eligible.

2. Take them to a refund point

There are different types of refund points across Western Australia, so find the right one for you.

3. Earn a refund or donate

You’ll receive 10 cents for every eligible container you return which you can keep or donate.

Source: Containers for Change

Containers for Change – Where to Return

You can find your nearest Containers for Change on their website, or we have listed the centres below that are local to City of Melville.

  • Bibra Lake – Ability Centre – 30 Miguel Rd, Bibra Lake
  • Booragoon – Good Sammy Recycling – Units 3 & 4, 491 Marmion Street, Booragoon
  • Cockburn – Return it – 12 Blackly Row, Cockburn Central
  • Cockburn Central – Scouts WA Recycling – 54 – 56 Cooper Road, Cockburn
  • Coogee – WA Container Exchange – Coogee Community Hall, 19 Arlington Loop, Coogee
  • Fremantle – Containers for Change – 83 Knutsford St, Fremantle
  • Fremantle – Drop Off – City of Fremantle Reception, 70 Parry Street, Fremantle
  • Hamilton Hill – WA Container Exchange – Davilak Park, Lucius Road, Hamilton Hill
  • Myaree – Tomra Recycling Centre – 46 McCoy Street, Myaree
  • O’Connor – WA Container Exchange – 29 Bowen Street, O’Connor
  • Willetton – Good Sammy Recycling – Unit 4, 147 High Road, Willetton

Your local school might also be collecting! Participating schools are eligible to receive the full 10 cents refund on all Container for Change approved containers as credit or cash and it is a great new way to fundraise for your school.

Making change is easy. Collect your eligible containers instead of tossing them in the waste, then drop them off at a refund point where you can either keep or donate your 10 cent refund. Not only is it great for the environment, but it’s also a great way for the kids to make some pocket money or support local charities, schools and community groups.

For more information on the Containers for Change Story or to find out how you can get involved, you’ll find some great resources on their website.

Monthly Newsletter Giveaway – March 2021 (CLOSED)

Melville Mums
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Monthly Newsletter Giveaway – March 2021 (CLOSED)

Every month, we’ll be teaming up with one or more local businesses to give our newsletter subscribers the chance to win some fantastic prizes!

This month, you could win:

  • 2 week unlimited class pass (valued at $69, maximum one class per day) from Peak Pilates Studio
    PLUS
  • A Diet-Free Me DIY Package: e-copy of the Beginner’s guide PLUS 6 months access to the private Facebook group ($57 value).

Head to Peak Pilates Studio and Diet-Free Me for more info.

How to Enter

All you need to do to be entered into the draw is make sure you are subscribed to the Melville Mums eNewsletter before midnight 31 March 2021. If you haven’t already, you can subscribe here – http://eepurl.com/guqYrv

Once you’ve subscribed, look out for a welcome email. If you don’t receive it, check your spam, junk and promotions folders then add Melville Mums to your favourites so you won’t miss out on our weekly news, special offers and events updates.

Terms & Conditions

  1. To be eligible, entrants must be aged 18+ and live within the Perth metro.
  2. Melville Mums, Peak Pilates Studio and Diet-Free Me employees/contractors and their family members are ineligible.
  3. Only one entry will be accepted per person for newsletter subscription entries.
  4. Closing date for entry will be midnight March 31, 2021. After this date, no further entries to the giveaway will be permitted.
  5. No responsibility can be accepted for entries not received for whatever reason.
  6. The promotion is a Game of Chance, and the winner will be selected at random on 1 April 2021. There will be one (1) winner.
  7. The winner will be notified by email within 28 days of the closing date.
  8. Prizes are not transferable and not redeemable for cash. If a winner does not accept the prize by the time stipulated, Melville Mums reserves the right to select another winner.
  9. Prize details: 2 week unlimited class pass (valued at $69) from Peak Pilates Studio PLUS a Diet-Free Me DIY Package: e-copy of the Beginner’s guide PLUS 6 months access to the private Facebook group ($57 value).
  10. The winner agrees to the use of his/her name and image in any publicity material, as well as their entry. Any personal data relating to the winner or any other entrants will be used solely in accordance with current Australian data protection legislation and will not be disclosed to a third party without the entrant’s prior consent.
  11. Entry into the competition will be deemed as acceptance of these terms and conditions.
  12. The promoter reserves the right to cancel or amend the competition and these terms and conditions without notice in the event of a catastrophe, war, civil or military disturbance, act of God or any actual or anticipated breach of any applicable law or regulation or any other event outside of the promoter’s control. Any changes to the competition will be notified to entrants as soon as possible by the promoter.
  13. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by or associated with Facebook and/or Instagram.
  14. The Promoter is Melville Mums (ABN 78 247 134 183).

Marmion Reserve (Melville) – Playground Review

Melville Mums
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Marmion Reserve (Melville) – Playground Review

The playground at Marmion Reserve, Melville is situated next to the lake behind the Melville Junior Football Club, and is a lovely little play space.

There is a great range of play equipment suitable for all ages and abilities including small steps and slide for the little ones, log balance beam, a spiral slide, wooden bridge, climbing ropes and swings.

Dogs are allowed but on the lead only. There are picnic tables and benches, but not a huge amount of shade, so make sure you have hats and sunscreen. Whilst your kids enjoy the fresh air, you can settle back and watch. Enjoy a walk around the lake, look at the flowers and wildlife, however don’t let the kids run free as there’s no fence around the water.

Remember to BYO a coffee or grab a drink from Lawley’s Bakery Café in the North Lake group of shops before heading over.

Essential Info

Fenced? No
Toilets? Yes
Picnic tables? Yes
BBQs? No
Nearest coffee Lawley’s Bakery Café – Myaree

Location: 440 Marmion Street, Melville

For more local playgrounds, check out our Parks & Playgrounds section.

Purple Book Appointments + Find Your Nearest Child Health Centre

Melville Mums
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Purple Book Appointments + Find Your Nearest Child Health Centre

The Department of Health WA offers health and development checks, immunisation advice and support to families with young children. Community Health provides a range of free services to support families to raise happy, healthy children. We’ve got the lowdown on purple book appointments and where to find your nearest child health centre.

What is a purple book?

The Purple Book is a free, parent-held child health record, provided by WA Health to every child at birth, usually at the maternity hospital.

  • The book helps parents keep a record of their child’s health and development from birth to school entry, in partnership with child health nurses and other health professionals.
  • If you’ve lost your book or are new to the state, you can get a copy from your local child health nurse.

The purple book will help you keep a record of your baby’s health, growth and when they learn new skills.

Purple Book Appointments

All families have five purple book appointments with their community child health nurse at:

  • 0-14 days
  • 8 weeks
  • 4 months
  • 12 months
  • 2 years.

It’s important that you see the community child health nurse at these key ages to check your child’s health and development.

How can I make a purple book appointment?

If you’ve just had your baby, a community child health nurse will contact you to arrange your first appointment.

  • This appointment will probably be at your home before your baby is 14 days old.
  • The nurse will also book in your 8-week appointment during this visit.

Perth metropolitan area

If you live in the Perth metropolitan area and your child is due for a Purple Book health check, you can make an appointment up to eight weeks in advance.
Simply call 1300 749 869 or register for an appointment.

Child Health Centres

Child health centres are staffed by experienced registered nurses with qualifications in child and family health.

They provide a range of services in partnership with parents and carers of babies and young children up to the age of four years.

Child health nurses can assess a child’s health and development, as well as provide information about many aspects of parenting, maternal, family health and healthy lifestyles.

Where’s my nearest Child Health Centre?

Alfred Cove Child Health Centre

Address: 1 Lambert Street, Alfred Cove – Phone: (08) 9330 2518

Bicton Child Health Centre

Address: 294 Canning Highway, Bicton – Phone: (08) 9339 1740

Brentwood Child Health Centre

Address: 49 Moolyeen Rd, Brentwood – Phone: (08) 9364 4418

East Fremantle Child Health Centre

Address: 44 Moss Street, East Fremantle – Phone: (08) 9319 2384

Hilton Child Health Centre

Address: 3/34 Paget St, Hilton – Phone: (08) 6332 0100

Jess Thomas Child Health Care Centre

Address: 27 March St, Spearwood – Phone: (08) 9418 3950

Kardinya Child Health Centre

Address: 18 Ochiltree Way, Kardinya – Phone: (08) 9337 7826

Leeming Child Health Centre

Address: 17 Meharry Rd, Leeming – Phone: (08) 9310 3615

Meerilinga Children and Family Centre

Address: 219 Winterfold Road, Coolbellup – Phone: (08) 9331 2211

Willagee Child Health Centre

Address: 41 Winnacott Street, Willagee – Phone: (08) 9337 8187

If you can’t find a centre near you in the list above, please have a look at the Child Health Centre Locations to find your nearest one.

You can find more information to support you with your child’s development, as well as your postpartum journey, at Child Health Resources.

KidSport Initiative for Kids aged 5 to 18 years old

Melville Mums
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KidSport Initiative for Kids aged 5 to 18 years old
Source: dlgsc.wa.gov.au

The KidSport program is an initiative of the State Government to support children aged 5 to 18 years from low income families to participate in community sport. 

The program provides eligible Western Australian children with up to $150 per calendar year to assist in registering with an approved KidSport sporting club or organisation.

The program is administered by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries with the support of Western Australian local governments. 

Source: dlgsc.wa.gov.au

How to Apply

You can apply for KidSport online or by using a hard copy application form, you can find the online form on the Kidsport Application page.

KidSport applications are assessed by the local government in which you live or by the KidSport team. If an application is approved, the KidSport team will email you a voucher code (unique to your child). The code needs to be provided to the club when registering so that the approved amount can be deducted from the registration or membership fees.

Find a KidSport Club

You can find your nearest KidSport Approved Club on their website, or we have listed the clubs below that are local to City of Melville.

For even more kids classes and activities near you, browse our Local Business Directory (it even has a clickable, searchable map!)

Local Toy Libraries – What they are & how to join

Melville Mums
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Local Toy Libraries – What they are & how to join

Toy libraries are not-for-profit organisations, run by volunteers, that help you keep up with the ever changing set of interests and skills of your children, without having to spend at the shops every 6 months for new toys! They’re a great resource for ideas to keep the little ones entertained for at-home birthday parties as well. Here’s a list of local toy libraries you can join!

Attadale

Source: Attadale Toy Library

Where: 1 Carroll Dr, Bicton

Website: Attadale Toy Library

Hours: Saturday 9.00 – 10.30am

The Attadale Toy Library provides local families with access to high quality and engaging toys specifically catering for children 0 – 6. With over 600 toys available for borrowing, you are sure to have something that your child will find challenging, engaging and most importantly – fun!

Cockburn

Source: Cockburn Toy Library

Where: 219 Winterfold Road, Coolbellup

Website: Cockburn Toy Library

Hours: Tuesday 9.00 – 11.00am, Thursday 2.30 – 4.30pm, Saturday 9.00 – 11.00am

Cockburn Toy Library has a huge selection of toys, dress-ups, games and puzzles available for members and their families to enjoy. They cater for children aged 0-6 and have everything from small puzzles and activities through to costumes and outdoor play equipment.

Fremantle

Source: Fremantle Toy Library

Where: Fremantle PCYC, 34 Paget St, Hilton

Website: Fremantle Toy Library

Hours: Monday 9.00am – 2.00pm, Tuesday 9.00am – 4.30pm, Thursday 9.00am – 4.30pm, 9.00am – 2.00pm (closed each day for lunch 12.00-12.30pm)

Choose from over 1900 toys, games, costumes, puzzles and ride-ons to borrow at Freo Toy Library. Membership is available to all WA residents, including families, playgroups, parent groups and centres.

Kardinya

Source: Kardinya Toy Library

Where: 136 Le Souef Drive, Kardinya

Website: Kardinya Toy Library

Hours: 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month and every Saturday, 9.30 – 11.00am

Kulungah-Myah Toy Library is located at Kulungah-Myah Family Centre. Take home 6 new toys every fortnight!

Melville

Source: Melville Toy Library

Where: Blue Gum Community Centre, 33-35 Moolyeen Way, Brentwood

Website: Melville Toy Library

Hours: Saturday 9.30 – 11.00am and first Tuesday of the month 3.30 – 4.30pm

A world of playful learning right on your door step! Melville City Toy Library offers a wide variety of toys for loan, offering an alternative to purchasing toys.

Toy libraries are a fantastic initiative, but they do rely on support from the community, so please support your local toy library where you can. Membership details can be found on their websites.

Monthly Newsletter Giveaway – Feb 2021

Melville Mums
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Monthly Newsletter Giveaway – Feb 2021

Every month, we’ll be teaming up with one or more local businesses to give our newsletter subscribers the chance to win some fantastic prizes!

This month, you could win either:

  • A Lash & Brow Combo treatment ($100 value) + $50 voucher for a friend (Ivey Gold Beauty Studio) plus a 3-month membership for FitRight Mums – Members Only Facebook group ($57 value) OR;
  • A Microdermabrasion Facial ($100 value) + $50 voucher for a friend (Ivey Gold Beauty Studio) plus a 3-month membership for FitRight Mums – Members Only Facebook group ($57 value).

Head to Ivey Gold Beauty Studio and FitRight for more info.

How to Enter

All you need to do to be entered into the draw is make sure you are subscribed to the Melville Mums eNewsletter before midnight 28 February 2021. If you haven’t already, you can subscribe here – http://eepurl.com/guqYrv

Once you’ve subscribed, look out for a welcome email. If you don’t receive it, check your spam, junk and promotions folders then add Melville Mums to your favourites so you won’t miss out on our weekly news, special offers and events updates.

Terms & Conditions

  1. To be eligible, entrants must be aged 18+ and live within the Perth metro.
  2. Melville Mums, Ivey Gold Beauty Studio and FitRight employees/contractors and their family members are ineligible.
  3. Only one entry will be accepted per person for newsletter subscription entries.
  4. Closing date for entry will be midnight Sunday February 28, 2021. After this date, no further entries to the giveaway will be permitted.
  5. No responsibility can be accepted for entries not received for whatever reason.
  6. The promotion is a Game of Chance, and the winners will be selected at random on 1 March 2021. There will be two (2) winners. Winners are not able to select which prize they receive.
  7. The winners will be notified by email within 28 days of the closing date.
  8. Prizes are not transferable and not redeemable for cash. If a winner does not accept the prize by the time stipulated, Melville Mums reserves the right to select another winner.
  9. Prize details: Prize 1 – A Lash & Brow Combo treatment ($100 value) + $50 voucher for a friend (Ivey Gold Beauty Studio) plus a 3-month membership for FitRight Mums – Members Only ($57 value). Prize 2 – a Microdermabrasion Facial ($100 value) + $50 voucher for a friend (Ivey Gold Beauty Studio) plus a 3-month membership for FitRight Mums – Members Only ($57 value).
  10. The winner agrees to the use of his/her name and image in any publicity material, as well as their entry. Any personal data relating to the winner or any other entrants will be used solely in accordance with current Australian data protection legislation and will not be disclosed to a third party without the entrant’s prior consent.
  11. Entry into the competition will be deemed as acceptance of these terms and conditions.
  12. The promoter reserves the right to cancel or amend the competition and these terms and conditions without notice in the event of a catastrophe, war, civil or military disturbance, act of God or any actual or anticipated breach of any applicable law or regulation or any other event outside of the promoter’s control. Any changes to the competition will be notified to entrants as soon as possible by the promoter.
  13. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by or associated with Facebook and/or Instagram.
  14. The Promoter is Melville Mums (ABN 78 247 134 183).

15 Things to Do With Your Toddler on a Hot Day

Liz De Prose
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0
15 Things to Do With Your Toddler on a Hot Day

We’ve had some crazy hot days this summer and there are still weeks ahead of us before the cooler weather gives us some relief. It can be hard to know what to do with little ones when it’s so hot, especially ones who are always on the go.

Other than the beach or shopping centres, here are some suggestions of what to do with your toddler on a hot day, both at home and at local attractions. It’s best to get out in the morning before it gets too hot, try to stay at home in the air conditioning for the middle of the day and don’t forget lots of watermelon & pineapple for on-the-go refreshing healthy snacks.

Our suggested activities are suitable for toddlers and young kids, however everyone loves a water fight on a hot day!

1. Sprinkler Fun

Let them run around in the sprinkler or position it under the trampoline for more fun!

2. Water Fight

Fill those water balloons, water pistols, buckets and grab the hose for a wet adventure.

3. Water Table

Toddlers love playing with a water table, it keeps them engaged and playing happily.

4. Wash their toys

Even better, put some washing liquid in with the water and let them clean their toys!

5. Paddling Pool

Clam shells are suitable for sitting babies and blow up paddling pools work well for toddlers and young kids. Please remember not to leave your children unattended whilst in the paddling pool.

6. Bicton Baths

Bicton Baths is a lovely sheltered part of the river. It’s a beautiful spot and perfect for little ones in the shallow water.

7. John Tonkin Reserve, East Fremantle

You can find the perfect combination of river and playground next to Zephyr’s café at John Tonkin Reserve. There’s always so much activity happening on this part of the river to keep you and your little ones entertained all morning, watching boats, kayaks and if you’re lucky, dolphins! Plus the café is right there for refreshments.

8. Norm McKenzie Park, East Fremantle

Next to the Fremantle Rowing Club is a hidden part of the river where the children can have a splash at Norm McKenzie Park. This is another one with a playground, and Cool Beans cafe is open every day (except public holidays) for refreshments. This section of the river is protected from all the passing boats so you don’t get as many waves that can come at John Tonkin Reserve.

9. Hyde Park Water Playground

If you don’t mind travelling a little further afield, then the water playground at Hyde Park is fabulous fun for toddlers and little ones. There’s usually a coffee van there to keep you fuelled whilst they get wet and wild.

10. Indoor Playcentres

There’s a good selection of play centres around if you want to stay indoors, including Gymbakids at Melville LeisureFit, Tropical Twist in O’Connor, Chipmunks in Bibra Lake and Lollipops in Jandakot.

11. Swimming Centres

There are plenty of options for an indoor swimming centre with a toddler section including Fremantle Leisure Centre, LeisureFit Booragoon, Cockburn ARC. Take a look at our post about local swimming centres.

12. Make Homemade Icy Poles

Check out these delicious recipes for homemade icy poles to help keep you cool.

13. Water Bucket Relay

The aim is to transfer water from one bucket to the next. You can make it a race if you have two or more children old enough to play. Otherwise for the toddlers, just let them have fun pouring water from one to another at a pouring station.

14. Water Pistol Painting

This one is recommended for toddlers old enough to operate a water pistol safely. Simply fill up a water pistol with coloured water that you have dyed with food colouring. Then set up art paper on an easel or on the floor and let them go for it. Plenty of entertainment and lots of funky artwork to display.

15. Fishing Pond

Fill a paddling pool or water table with water and some small objects for your toddler to ‘catch’. They can use a kitchen ladle or a fishing net. They’ll have lots of fun with this one.

If you still run out of ideas, then bubbles always go down well with this age group.

Have fun! Remember to stay sun safe and drink plenty of water.

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