Articles written by Julie Bell

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About me - Julie Bell

Julie Bell was born in Australia but grew up in New Zealand so has experienced life on both sides of the Tasman. She claims allegiance to whichever nation is winning the cricket. After completing her training as a Registered Comprehensive Nurse, she decided

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Creative Writing > Essays Essays: War: 1 of 25
A few days before Anzac Day, 2006, I sat in a Melbourne caf, reading the paper and nursing my latte. My eye fell on an article on the debate surrounding whether descendants of deceased veterans should march in the parades. The author took issue with requests from the R.S.L. that a dress code be adhered to, as a sign of respec... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Childbirth & Labor Childbirth: Advice for dads: 1 of 11
This is your "Cheat Sheet" for Fathers!She's about to have the baby, and you haven't had time to plough through the plethora of books, articles & stuff off the internet. Birth videos make you want to leave the room and you wonder how much of what they said at the pre-natal classes you'll remember in the heat of the moment... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Childbirth & Labor Childbirth: The benefits of hiring a doula: 1 of 9
"If there was a drug that could shorten labour by an average of two hours; reduce the likelihood of ceasarian by half; decrease the need for artificial pain relief; increase a labouring woman's sense of relaxation, comfort, confidence and overall satisfaction; and promote positive feelings that promote bonding of the mother, ... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Childbirth & Labor Postpartum care: What to expect after a natural birth: 1 of 8
In our culture, new mothers are often expected to bounce back after giving birth and carry on as normal. We can have a competitive or impatient drive to do this ourselves. But your fourth trimester" is an important and precious part of your birthing journey. This is your "Babymoon" a time for milky snuggles with this soft-ski... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Childbirth & Labor Childbirth and the pain factor: 8 of 51
Birthing women are amazing!Birth is unique for each woman. Universal in some ways - so unique there's no comparison in other ways. But here's some thoughts on the pain/intensity/effort of birth.* Excrutiating period cramps hurt more than labour pain* Pain that signals serious damage to your body hurts more* Severe abdominal c... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Childbirth & Labor How to avoid unnecessary operations during childbirth: 1 of 5
Want some tried and tested tips for maximizing your potential for a straightforward, uncomplicated birth? Although rare and genuine complications sometimes do happen, through planning, preparation and building your knowledge and confidence, you can maximise your chances for a great birth and be better prepared to cope if you ... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Childbirth & Labor Homebirth vs. hospital: things to consider: 8 of 22
There she lay... a stranded beetle tethered to the bed... a bleeping machine with wiggly lines on one side... another bleeping machine infusing some kind of ominous cocktail into her veins on the other side - and suddenly she sat bolt upright and cried, "I'm frightened!"The midwife seized her by the shoulders and pushed her d... More..
Relationships & Family > Married Life Stay-at-home moms: Are they appreciated enough?: 20 of 49
This is 'The Lament of the Real SAHM' - that would be, the 'Sometimes At Home Mother'.One day there will be a movie about modern motherhood and it will be called: "Wife. Interrupt what's that darling? Interrupted."Recently I saw an article lamenting the low status of Stay at Home Mothers in modern society.The article started ... More..
Creative Writing > Reflections Reflections: Childhood memories: 64 of 144
"What?!"Dad screwed up his sweat-streaked, sun-peeled face and tilted his ear towards me. I cupped my hands around my mouth, sucked in a lungful of air and "I SAID, CUP OF TEA'S READYYY!"Dad cut the motor in mid-sentence and went cross-eyed as my high-pitched wail shattered the silence."All right, all right! No need to yell y... More..
Food & Drink > Sauce, Spread & Dip Recipes Recipes: Sauces, spreads and dips: 15 of 32
"Mmmmm, delicious dip! How did you make it?""Well, I could reveal my secret recipe ... but then I'd have to kill you."So said my gracious hostess to her guest, while tipping me a stage wink.That perked my curiosity and I resolved to shake her down later in the kitchen."C'mon, what's your secret? Did you slave for hours? Did y... More..