Two years ago a beautiful baby girl came into our lives. Her name is Kate Mary and she is my niece. Katie was born with a rare chromosomal abnormality of which very little is known. Over the past two years of her life she has faced many challenges to her health with countless hospital stays and operations. Her future is somewhat unknown but in her true fighting spirit she continues to face each challenge with courage and determination. Her parents and those who love her rejoice in the smallest milestones and count each day as a blessing.

One of Katie's greatest challenges has been to get sufficient nutrition to aid healthy weight gain. Breastfeeding was an enormous obstacle, as was bottle feeding. Katie's parents were left with little option but to allow the insertion of a nasal gastric tube via which Katie received sustenance for the first year of her life. After this time a Gastrostomy tube was surgically inserted into her stomach.

Katie recently turned two and whilst she has grown a little in that time she remains dependent on tube feeding and is resistant and disinterested in eating by herself. Life with a tube fed child can be a tiring struggle with parents juggling the need to ensure their child has food in their body, with the strong desire for them to participate in the everyday life of sharing a family meal. Michelle and Peter, Katie's parents lug a montage of equipment around with them to ensure Katie's needs are met. This includes pumps, formula, feeding tubes and all the accessories that go with tube feeding - and that is just to meet Katie's nutritional needs. I thought my nappy bag was full until I saw the car load that follows Katie!

Sadly in Australia there is little if no support for children like Katie to make the transition from tube to food. It is hoped that this will naturally occur as Katie develops and takes further notice of others eating. However, without the feelings of hunger there is little motivation to eat.

Being tube fed has an enormous impact on the development of Katie's language skills, her social interaction and the simplest things like listening to her body and meeting its needs.

I recently had the honour of sharing some conversations with an amazing woman called Karelle Logan. Karelle is the mother of a previously feed tube dependent child. Karelle's strong desire to find support for her son, Spencer led her overseas to Austria to a program that supports tube dependent children to eat. You can read more about Karelle's story later in this newsletter. In realising the enormous deficit in support in Australia Karelle has courageously taken on the role of advocate for the children and families affected by Feed Tube Dependency (FTD). She has set up a website that allows parents to connect with each other and share much needed information. She is also tirelessly lobbying government for change.

I guess my intent in sharing Katie's story is two fold. One, to honour a little girl's courage and her parents and grandparents determination to find the best support for their little girl. And two, to ask you as our readers to consider making a difference in the lives of these children.

This Christmas you can give a simple, free but very valuable gift to a tube dependent child. By signing Karelle's petition asking for support programs and information you are adding your name to the growing number of people who want a better life for FTD children and their families. You can do this by visiting http://tubefedkids.ning.com/forum/topics/final-version-australian

This issue is close to my heart and I understand how difficult it may be to fully comprehend the impact of FTD on children and their families, but with a couple of minutes and a simple click of your mouse, you can help make the world of difference to these precious children.

Thanks for taking the time to share this Christmas gift. I wish you all a wonder-filled festive season. May the New Year bring you much love and happiness.

Warm wishes
Susan
Editor

Gingerbread Biscuits

Making gingerbread is part of our family tradition each Christmas. It is really simple and the children love being involved. Over the years we have made many different shaped biscuits for gifts including gingerbread men, hearts, stars and angels.

These look great wrapped in cellophane with some ribbon for a gift. We have also made gingerbread houses and gingerbread reindeer and sleigh. A bit more challenging but heaps of fun. There are loads of cutters available to create your own gingerbread masterpiece. Here is a simple recipe which is easy to work with and tastes yum!

See then complete recipe here Gingerbread Biscuits

or

Visit the recipes section of our Forum

Got a recipe you'd like to share? Login to your user account and add it in our articles section!

Win one of five Aromababy gift packs valued at $45 each!

AROMABABY Packs include:
Hair Cleanse
This gentle, low-sudsing formula provides a mild cleansing action with certified organic geranium and sweet orange pure essential oils help to combat scalp dryness, leaving behind a delightful fresh aroma.

Natural Powder
This natural cornstarch powder is completely talc free and contains only certified organic, pure essential oil of French lavender to soothe Baby's skin and refresh the nappy area.

Barrier Balm -
TGA approved for nappy rash, excema skin, cradle cap and irritated skin.

To enter send an email to susan@naturalparenting.com.au with "Aromababy" in the subject title. Entries close 22nd December 2009.

Cheeki Stainless Steel Water Bottles

Win one of four funky stainless steel water bottles! Cheeki is a fresh new Australian brand of reusable stainless steel bottles. No nasty toxins or chemicals such as carcinogenic BPA to leach into your or your child's drinking water and far more environmentally friendlier than plastic. Dishwasher safe and a great range of fun designs. You'll never go back to plastic again! Available through health food stores, pharmacies and other selected retailers. www.cheeki.net.au.

To enter send an email to susan@naturalparenting.com.au with the words "Cheeki" in the subject heading. Entries close 22nd December 2009.

Winners:
Congratulations to our November winners! The lucky winner of the Dance of the Womb Bellydance DVD is Christine Nolan. Winners of the Weleda Nursing Tea are Georgia Harvey, Kerrie Nannings, Niamh Stephenson, Jen Schellhorn and Eileen Chan. Hope you enjoy your prizes everyone!

Enjoy everyone!

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Emma Davidson, one of NP's long term forum members shares with us how

How Natural Parenting Forum Changed My Life!

Position Vacant - Forum Leader

Natural Family Publishing is Australia"s leading natural parenting website and forum, providing vital information, support and resources to pregnant couples, parents and families. We are seeking an enthusiastic, experienced person to work within our existing team.

The role of Forum Leader requires a self motivated, energetic person with a passion and commitment to natural parenting. The successful applicant will enjoy leading a dynamic team and thrive on the creation of innovative projects.

Key Duties:
- To actively increase traffic and participation on Natural Family Publishing Forum.

- To create, support and resource an active team of moderators.

- To ensure the smooth running of the forum on a daily basis.

- To monitor the NFP forum and work collaboratively with its Directors to achieve agreed goals.

Key Skills:
- A high level of interpersonal and online communication skills

- Excellent team leadership skills
- A thorough understanding of the principles and practice of natural parenting

- A strong commitment to the healthy development of NFP's online community

- A proven ability to source relevant information and generate interactive discussion.

To apply
The information you need to apply for this position is contained within our application kit. You can get a copy by emailing susan@naturalparenting.com.au.

All applications must be received by 5pm, 17th January 2010.

Our Banners System is now live.

Natural Parenting friendly businesses can now get even more exposure on the Natural Family Publishing Group of sites by using our new banner system.

This can be accessed by logging into your account, and then navigating to the new banners section. You can add your own banner, choose whereabouts on our sites you want it to show... even choose what counties you want it to show in.

With over 5000 unique visitors to our sites every day it's a great way to bring your business to the attention of many. Are prices are very reasonable, much cheaper than comparable parenting sites with our aim being to make them accessible to both small and large businesses.

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