About seven months ago Debbie Clemens decided to provide a resource site for parents of babies with hip dysplasia after her daughter was diagnosed with the condition at birth. Debbie's daughter, Mila was fortunate to only have to wear a hip brace from four weeks old for just over six months; however it brought with it many issues such as how to clothe, bathe, change, carry and feed her!
Through her experience Debbie and her graphic designer husband have created hipbabes.com.au, a website that not only provides a selection of funky clothes suitable for babies and toddler with dysplasia, but also a huge amount of very useful and practical information on coping with the condition.
Debbie Clemens
C4K: You're a mum, business owner and employee. How do you manage the three parts of your life?
DC: Yes as well as running Hip Babes, I'm also the Marketing Manager of a small pharmaceutical distributor (BioRevive) in Melbourne, so there is always a fine line between being a wife, mum, working for oneself and for my employers.
C4K: When and why did you go back to work? Was it hard, particularly with Mila's condition?
DC: When Mila was about 8-9 months and out of her hip brace, I returned to work. This was a good time for both of us because Mila did not seem to have any separation anxiety and I needed to return to the world of adults for my own sanity!
Financially I had to return to work, like most mums nowadays, but it was no easy feat leaving my daughter for long periods at a time especially as she's our first (after many years of trying) and I was still breastfeeding. I definitely think her mum found it more heartbreaking than she did!
C4K: How did you find Mila's child care?
DC: Mila is in an excellent crèche in Fitzroy and I knew the minute I walked through the door on her first orientation day that it was the right place!
I visited a number of places and even had a few orientations. Some of those experiences were a bit harrowing and I left one centre thinking no way. I guess it's all perception but if a crèche doesn't resonate with you and the carers show absolute no interest in your child, then I think it's an obvious no.
C4K: Are you happy with your child care arrangements?
DC: Yes, fortunately, the crèche I settled on was and still is perfect for us all. I cannot really fault the carers, the attention and the love Mila receives every day and it's a huge relief that she just runs straight into her toddler room without any teary goodbyes. The only difficulty is the location - it's a little out the way from my work (I normally do pick up and drop off), however my employers are extremely flexible with the hours I work, so I miss the rush hours.
C4K: Is there anything you'd change if you had to look for child care again?
DC: No, I'm glad I sussed out a few centres and put Mila through a couple of orientation days (with me present, of course). It was such a relief when I found the right place. I always like feel like hugging the carers every week because they do such a good job and obviously make my daughter happy.
C4K: What are the main benefits of your child care arrangement for you/Mila?
DC: As a result of Mila's child care, she has become a sociable creature who does not seem to feel threatened in a room full of strangers. In fact we even take her to parties and she's happy to join in the dancing, conversations and show off her cuteness!!
I noticed how Mila is into imaginative play particularly putting dolls and teddies to bed, so it was delightful to hear on only her second day of moving into the toddler room, she already made a new friend, who was pretending to be the doll, while Mila covered her with a blanket and kissed her good night.
I'm just extremely grateful to have found a centre where the staff is so warm and interested in every facet of your child. It may be a bit out of my way, it may be a bit pricey, but to know your child is in good hands and content makes it all the more worthwhile.
For more information on Hip Babes go to www.hipbabes.com.au.
5% of all Hip Babes legwarmer sales will go to the Royal Children's Hospital.
Debbie Clemens
CareforKids.com.au®
Care For Kids Internet Services Pty Ltd
ABN 55 104 145 735
PO Box 543 Balmain NSW 2041
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