Australian Lifestyle, Health & Travel

Family

When Your Newborn Won’t Settle: A Parent’s Guide to the Crying Peak

Around the six-week mark, plenty of parents start to wonder what they are doing wrong. The baby who slept through visitors in the first fortnight is now crying through the evening, and the things that worked last week have stopped working. There is a good chance nothing is wrong at all. According to clinical guidance from the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, crying typically peaks at 6 to 8 weeks of age, averaging 2 to 3 hours a day, and improves by 3 to 4 months. It is often worse in the late afternoon or evening, may last for hours and can be hard to soothe, even in a baby who is well and thriving. Knowing that does not make 6pm any quieter, but it does help to know that the peak has an end. Here is what can get you through it, and where to find support. Normal Crying, Colic or Something Else? Most parents hear the word “colic” pretty quickly, often from a well-meaning relative. It helps to understand what colic is and how it differs from the ordinary crying peak, because the two can look very similar at 2am. The more important question is whether your baby seems unwell. Trust your instincts here. If you are worried, if your baby is not feeding or is having fewer wet nappies, or if the crying has come on suddenly or sounds different from usual, get your baby checked by a GP or your child and family health nurse. No one will mind that you asked. One rule has no wait-and-see attached. Pregnancy, Birth and Baby advises taking a baby under 3 months with a fever of 38°C or more to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately, even if there are no other signs of illness. If your baby is drowsy or having trouble breathing, call triple zero (000). Try One Thing at a Time When a baby is crying, it is tempting to try everything at once: feed, rock, change, jiggle, walk, repeat. Sometimes that adds to the overwhelm, for both of you. Try working through a short list slowly, giving each idea a few minutes: Check the basics: Is it time for a feed, a burp or a clean nappy? Reduce the noise and light: Evenings can be busy, so move somewhere dim and quiet. Hold your baby close: Skin-to-skin contact or a carrier can help some babies settle. Add gentle movement: Slow rocking, swaying or a walk around the house may help. Change the scene: A stroll outside in the cooler air can reset everyone, including you. No single trick works for every baby, and what worked on Tuesday may not work on Thursday. That says nothing about your parenting. Plan for the Hard Part of the Day If evenings are the difficult time, plan around them. Cook during the day if you can, or keep some simple meals in the freezer. When friends ask what they can do, tell them that a lasagne would be wonderful. If you have a partner or family member at home, agree in advance who takes which shift, so neither of you has to negotiate at the end of a long day. Protect some sleep too. Even one uninterrupted block a day, while someone else takes the baby, can change how the next day feels. It Is Always OK to Put Your Baby Down Every parent reaches a point where they have had enough, and it is an important moment to recognise. If you feel overwhelmed or angry, put your baby down on their back in a safe place like their cot, walk out and take a few minutes to breathe. Call someone if you can. This matters. The Royal Children’s Hospital notes that the peak period of infant crying is strongly linked to an increased risk of abusive head trauma, so stepping away is a responsible choice. A crying baby in a safe cot is OK for a few minutes. Never shake a baby. Where to Get Help You do not have to wait until things are desperate. These services exist for exactly this stage: Your child and family health nurse: Every state and territory has a free child and family health nursing service, and your nurse can talk you through normal infant behaviour, sleep and settling. Pregnancy, Birth and Baby: Call 1800 882 436 to speak to a maternal child health nurse, from 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week. PANDA National Helpline: Call 1300 726 306, 7 days a week, if you are struggling with your mood or anxiety. If your low mood or anxiety is not lifting, tell your GP or nurse as well, because support is available for you as well as for your baby. It Does Get Better The crying peak can feel endless when you are in the middle of it, but it does pass, usually within a matter of weeks. Lean on your people, ask for help early and go easy on yourself. Nobody finds this stage easy, even if their Instagram suggests otherwise.

Charities

Being There When It Matters

For new Be There Foundation CEO Jesse de la Croix, tackling domestic and family violence means more than raising awareness. It means showing up, offering practical help and creating a Gold Coast community where no one has to face their hardest days alone. For Jesse de la Croix, stepping into the role of CEO of Be There Foundation feels like a natural progression of work that has long been centred around empowering women, creating connection and telling stories that matter. With a background in the arts, Jesse has spent around 15 years leading teams and businesses, with much of her work focused on the power of words, art and storytelling. “My work has always centred around empowering women through words, connection, art and storytelling, which I aim to bring to this role also,” she says. In recent years, her own lived experience led her to Be There Group founders Shaan Ross Smith and Kirsty Tschirpig, who went on to establish Be There Foundation. “We instantly connected,” Jesse says. “The pull to pour my heart into this line of work felt truly aligned, so when the opportunity was presented I jumped right in. “It is an honour to be a part of the incredible team and to be able to help build the heartbeat of the foundation.” Jesse had already been working with Be There Group, which delivers bystander training across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, teaching everyday people how they can safely respond when they witness harmful behaviour. But through that prevention work, another need became increasingly clear. “Be There Foundation was born out of seeing the need that there was more that we could do,” Jesse says. “This work is all about supporting those who unfortunately have been affected by domestic and family violence who may have fallen through the cracks when it comes to support in the community.” The foundation provides practical, individualised assistance to victim-survivors, working alongside existing support services to help fill gaps that can leave people without the help they need. At the same time, Jesse wants the organisation to help bring conversations about domestic and family violence out into the open. “With curiosity and kindness at the heart of every conversation, we believe that in better understanding the drivers of the behaviour that results in domestic and family violence, we can better support each other,” she says. For Jesse, that community approach is particularly important on the Gold Coast. Behind the statistics, she says, are thousands of people living with fear and abuse in their own homes, including many whose experiences may never be reported to police. “Bringing this issue into the community and empowering us all to safely help a colleague, a neighbour, a teammate, a friend when something seems off, rather than burying our heads in the sand, can create positive impact,” she says. The pressures facing victim-survivors are also becoming increasingly complex, with the cost-of-living and housing crises making it even harder for some women to leave unsafe situations. “We have supported a number of women who have been forced to live in their cars and on the streets as a result of their circumstance, and to say it is devastating is a true understatement.” Although Jesse is relatively new to the CEO role, Be There Foundation is already providing significant hands-on support. Recently, volunteers gathered at its Yatala warehouse to pack more than 800 care packs for women in need. The organisation has also supported families in crisis, accompanied victim-survivors to court, furnished homes and provided emergency financial assistance. Jesse describes what comes next as building “the heartbeat and a collective, a community”. “My vision is more of this,” she says. “It is niche relief, custom support and standing by victim-survivors on their hardest days, reminding them of who they are, that they are supported and they are not alone.” She has already witnessed what that support can mean. “I’ve had a front row seat of witnessing this foundation help a victim-survivor not only survive but thrive in life after decades of experiencing domestic and family violence,” Jesse says. “To know that this foundation has the power to do that and help create generational change is so very important to me.” For Gold Coasters wanting to contribute, Jesse says support doesn’t have to involve a grand gesture. Locals can join the Be There Collective and volunteer at packing days, fundraising events or wherever practical help is needed. The foundation will also hold its first Around the World Rolling Lunch fundraiser at Sanctuary Cove on October 10. For Jesse, who has called the Gold Coast home for 20 years and raised her children here, building that local community of support is particularly meaningful. “Despite seeing its overwhelming growth over the years, for me it’s never lost its sense of warmth and community,” she says. “I take great honour in being a part of a community that ensures it leads the way when it comes to caring for one another.” And that, ultimately, is the message Jesse hopes people take from Be There Foundation: domestic and family violence may be an enormous social problem, but that doesn’t mean individuals are powerless to help. “You don’t have to scratch too far beneath the surface to find that all of us know someone who is facing this epidemic in some way,” she says. “It’s time we got curious about the harmful behaviours that have insidiously been normalised that drive this violence, for the sake of our community and future generations. “If you are curious how you can be part of the change, then Be There Foundation aims to be a safe space for us all to be part of that much-needed conversation.” GET INVOLVED Find out more about Be There Foundation at betherefoundation.com.au, follow @bethere.foundation on Instagram or listen to the foundation’s new podcast, @her.epodcast.

Hair and Beauty

A Guide to Different Dermalogica Cleansers and Their Uses

A Guide to Different Dermalogica Cleansers and Their Uses Choosing a facial cleanser sounds simple until you start comparing formulas for oily skin, dryness, breakouts, and sensitivity. The right cleanser should remove daily dirt, excess oil, sunscreen, and makeup without leaving your skin feeling uncomfortable. A formula that works well for one person may feel too rich or too drying for another. Understanding Dermalogica cleanser types can help you narrow down the options according to your skin’s needs and your daily routine. Dermalogica offers different cleansing products, including gentle daily cleansers, oil-based formulas, and exfoliating options. Each serves a slightly different purpose, so knowing how they differ can make it easier to choose a suitable starting point. Why Choosing the Right Cleanser Matters Cleansing is the first step in many skincare routines. It helps remove substances that accumulate on the skin throughout the day, including sweat, excess sebum, environmental dirt, and cosmetic products. However, effective cleansing does not require your skin to feel tight or completely stripped afterwards. Over-cleansing or using a formula that does not suit your skin can contribute to dryness and irritation. What to Consider Before Choosing a Cleanser Your skin type, current concerns, and preferred routine can all influence your choice. Oily Skin: You may prefer a cleanser that removes excess oil without leaving a heavy residue. Dry Skin: A gentle formula that cleanses without excessive dryness may be more comfortable. Combination Skin: A balanced cleanser can help manage oilier areas while remaining comfortable on drier cheeks. Sensitive Skin: A simple formula with ingredients your skin tolerates is often a sensible starting point. Makeup and Sunscreen Users: You may benefit from an additional first-cleansing step to help remove persistent products. Skin type can also change with weather, age, medication, and other factors. Review how your skin responds instead of assuming one formula will always meet your needs. Understanding Different Dermalogica Cleanser Types Dermalogica’s cleansing range includes products designed for everyday cleansing, removing makeup, and addressing particular skin concerns. The following examples illustrate some of the differences between its well-known Dermalogica cleanser types. Special Cleansing Gel for Everyday Use Special Cleansing Gel is a soap-free foaming cleanser intended for daily use. It is an option to consider if you prefer a traditional gel texture that rinses away easily. Its role is to cleanse the skin rather than provide intensive exfoliation or replace targeted skincare treatments. Consider it if you prefer a lightweight, foaming cleanser. Use it according to the product directions as part of your regular routine. Monitor your skin for tightness or dryness, particularly if you already use active ingredients. Foaming cleansers are not automatically unsuitable for dry skin, but the overall formulation and your individual tolerance matter. UltraCalming Cleanser for Sensitive Skin UltraCalming Cleanser is formulated for skin that needs a gentle cleansing approach. It may be worth considering if your skin frequently feels uncomfortable or reacts to products. When choosing a cleanser for sensitive skin, pay attention to the full ingredient list rather than relying on the product name alone. Avoid known personal triggers. Cleanse gently without scrubbing. Follow the product’s instructions for application and removal. Stop using it if irritation develops. Persistent redness, burning, or itching may require professional advice rather than repeated cleanser changes. Special Cleansing Options for Makeup Removal Daily sunscreen, long-wear foundation, and waterproof makeup can be difficult to remove with a single wash. Dermalogica’s PreCleanse is an oil-based cleansing product designed to help dissolve oil-based impurities before a second cleanser is used. This approach is commonly known as double cleansing. Apply the first cleanser as directed to help loosen makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum. Follow the product instructions for adding water and rinsing. Use a suitable second cleanser to complete your routine. Double cleansing is not essential for everyone. If your regular cleanser removes your sunscreen and makeup effectively, an additional step may not be necessary. Choosing a Cleanser for Specific Skin Concerns Beyond basic cleansing, some products are formulated for people who want to address uneven texture, congestion, or excess oil. The important distinction is between a cleanser that supports a particular concern and a treatment designed to manage it directly. Daily Microfoliant and Exfoliating Cleansers Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant is a rice-based exfoliating powder activated with water. It differs from a conventional gel cleanser because it provides exfoliation as part of the cleansing process. Exfoliating products may help improve the appearance of uneven surface texture, but they are not necessary for every skin type. Follow the directions for the recommended amount and application method. Avoid aggressive rubbing, particularly if your skin is sensitive. Be cautious when combining exfoliating products with retinoids or other potentially irritating active ingredients. Reduce use or stop if your skin becomes persistently red, tight, or uncomfortable. Clearing Skin and Managing Excess Oil People with oily or blemish-prone skin may prefer products formulated to cleanse away excess sebum and impurities. Dermalogica offers products within its broader range that address these needs, but the most appropriate choice depends on the specific formula and your skin’s condition. Avoid trying to eliminate all oil from your skin. Excessively harsh cleansing can compromise comfort without necessarily preventing future breakouts. If acne is persistent or severe, a cleanser alone may not provide sufficient treatment. A dermatologist can help you choose appropriate products and treatments. How to Use a Dermalogica Cleanser Correctly Even a suitable cleanser can feel uncomfortable if you use too much, scrub too hard, or combine it with too many active products. For most routines, consistency matters more than the number of products you use. Wet your face or prepare your skin as directed by the specific cleanser. Massage gently using your fingertips rather than abrasive tools. Rinse thoroughly, avoiding water that feels excessively hot. Pat your skin dry instead of rubbing it vigorously. Follow with a moisturiser suited to your skin and sunscreen during the day. Conclusion Understanding the different Dermalogica cleanser types makes it easier to select a product based on your skin’s needs rather

Health and Wellness

Feeling Off? It Might Be More Connected Than You Think

For many women, health conversations happen in fragments. You visit one practitioner for a sore back, another for fatigue, and another for hormonal shifts that leave you wondering if you’re just “getting older.” But what if all of those threads were actually part of the same story? That’s the philosophy at the heart of The Good Joint, a Gold Coast integrated health clinic where practitioners don’t just work in the same building, they work together. One Clinic, One Conversation .. A Team Built Around You Under the guidance of Founder and Head Chiropractor Luke Veverka, the team at The Good Joint brings together an exceptional group of women’s health specialists, among them Prue their Naturopath, Hollie their Acupuncturist, Victoria their Physiotherapist, alongside Chiropractor Julie (who also specialises in pregnancy care) and Remedial Massage Therapist and Manual Lymphatic Drainage practitioners Mikayla and Michele. Across chiropractic, acupuncture, naturopathy and massage, each practitioner is part of a connected conversation about your care. Women’s Health, From the Inside Out The team is particularly passionate about hormone regulation and nervous system support, two areas that are deeply intertwined and often underestimated in their influence on everything from energy and mood to pain, sleep, and recovery. “When your nervous system is dysregulated, or your hormones are out of sync, it affects your whole life,” the team explains. “Our goal is to look at the full picture, not just treat the symptom.” Whether you’re navigating perimenopause, recovering from pregnancy, managing chronic stress or simply want to feel more like yourself, Good Joint offers a warm, collaborative space to start that conversation. GOOD JOINT™ Stop Getting Passed Around.Everyone’s already here. thegoodjoint.com.au | 07 5651 65942563 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach

Health and Wellness

Beat the Sunday Scaries: 7 Things to Try Before Monday

By Zahra Ciardi, Psychologist and founder of Ascendant Bali Sunday evening can sometimes feel like the weekend has ended before it actually has. Your thoughts shift towards Monday, unfinished tasks start circling and suddenly checking your inbox feels difficult to resist. Often called the ‘Sunday scaries’, this dread can be a form of anticipatory anxiety – anxiety driven by what might happen next. Interestingly, it’s often uncertainty rather than workload that fuels the feeling. A packed but predictable week may feel more manageable than a quiet one with a single unresolved issue. There is an important distinction, though. If you’re dreading Monday because you’re returning to a harmful workplace, manager or team, that anxiety has a known cause. These strategies may help manage the immediate feelings, but they won’t solve the underlying problem. Otherwise, try these seven things in the final hours of Sunday. 1. Clear your open loops Spend five minutes writing down unfinished tasks, questions and anything you’re worried about forgetting. Choose one or two priorities for Monday and leave the rest on the page. Getting those thoughts out of your head can free up valuable mental space. 2. Reality-check Monday Separate what you know will happen from what you’re predicting. Ask yourself what might be difficult but manageable and what support you have available. The aim isn’t to convince yourself everything will be perfect, but to bring your thinking back to what’s actually known. 3. Create a moment of control Make one decision, complete a small task or set a boundary. Even when you can’t control the bigger stressor, a genuine sense of agency can help reduce distress. 4. Leave something unresolved Resist the urge to plan away every unknown. Instead, deliberately leave one manageable thing unresolved until Monday. Learning to tolerate small amounts of uncertainty can gradually reduce the need to control every detail. 5. Check messages once If completely avoiding your inbox makes you more anxious, choose one time to check it. Set a firm limit and decide what genuinely requires action. Constant checking can briefly relieve uncertainty, but quickly becomes a cycle. 6. Set a finishing time Choose a realistic cut-off for work messages and planning, then create a physical transition into the rest of your evening. Take a walk, have a shower or change into comfortable clothes – anything that signals the working week hasn’t started yet. 7. Stop solving Monday in bed If anxiety is keeping you awake, add anything you’re worried about forgetting to your list. If you’re still alert, get up briefly and do something quiet in low light rather than reopening your inbox or returning to planning. The goal isn’t to eliminate every uncomfortable feeling about Monday. It’s to stop treating uncertainty like an emergency – and allow some things to remain unknown until morning.

Home

Is Your Home Stressing You Out?

We spend plenty of time thinking about how our homes look. But what if we paid more attention to how they make us feel? That’s the thinking behind neuroarchitecture, an approach to design that considers how our brains and nervous systems respond to the spaces around us. Australian neuroarchitect Ozge Fettahlioglu says that while traditional architecture and interior design often begin with aesthetics and function, neuroarchitecture starts with a different question: what do we want this space to help us feel and do? It’s an approach she put to the test when renovating her own family beach house. “We fell in love with our beach house the moment we saw it: high ceilings, wood cladding, the nostalgic charm of a treehouse, a century-old Angophora on the block,” she says. But despite its beauty, the house lacked adequate natural light, airflow and good acoustics. Fettahlioglu decided to turn it into what she calls a “living laboratory”, applying the same evidence-based design principles she uses professionally. Central to the renovation was biophilic design – essentially, designing to strengthen our connection with nature. “You’ve already felt biophilic design working on you dozens of times without knowing its name,” Fettahlioglu says. “It’s nature’s Wi-Fi: invisible, but you feel its effects wherever you go.” And no, that doesn’t mean filling every room with pot plants. Natural light, views of greenery and sky, airflow and materials such as timber, stone and natural fibres can all influence how a space feels. “Natural light regulates our circadian rhythm, affecting sleep, mood and energy far more than most people realise,” she says. Layout matters, too. A home that funnels everyone into one noisy space can contribute to overstimulation, while creating distinct areas for rest, focus and connection can help us switch gears. Fettahlioglu says one mistake is blindly following interior-design rules without considering how we actually use a space. A sofa pushed against a wall, for example, might horrify some design purists – but Fettahlioglu says humans instinctively like to feel protected from behind. “Your home should feel like a sanctuary, not a stage set where you are the vulnerable prop.” The good news is you don’t need a major renovation to apply these principles. Fettahlioglu recommends introducing what she calls “Vitamin N” – nature – through plants, landscape artwork or natural textures. Swap synthetic fabrics for linen, wool or cotton where possible and incorporate timber in places you’ll actually touch, such as a desk, stool or handrail. Her most important advice, however, comes before choosing paint colours, tiles or furniture. “Ask what each space needs to help you do: rest, focus, connect, recover – and let that guide the light, materials and layout,” she says. “A beautiful home that leaves you stressed, sleepless or drained isn’t doing its job.”

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