MEMBERSMEMBERS MAGAZIN MAGAZINE E

Winter 2014 • Issue 176

PRAM PERFECTION THE LATEST BUGGIES ROAD-TESTED FOR YOU

OFFICE TALK WHAT IT'S REALLY LIKE GOING BACK TO WORK

PLUS "What I wish I'd known about childbirth"

READER OFFER 10% At Scrummy Mummies OFF See inside for details

Registered no. 2370573 (England) The National Childbirth Trust wants all parents to have an experience of pregnancy, Registered office: Alexandra House, Oldham Terrace, London W3 6NH birth and early parenthood that enriches their lives and gives them confidence in Registered charity no. 801395 being a parent.

MEMBERS MAGAZINE CONTENTS

elcome to the winter edition of the magazine – inside you’ll find some fantastic Editor's Letter 3 original features that we hope Birth announcements 3 you will enjoy reading. Since takingW over as editor last spring, the editorial team Branch news 4-5 and I have been working hard to improve your Shopping: buggies roadtested for you 6-7 branch magazine. Branch volunteers 8 With this in mind, we have set up a short survey to Area contacts 8 help identify exactly what you want to read about and how we can improve even more. If you have Volunteering 9 just a minute to spare, please follow this link and YOUR STORIES fill in our short survey – it will really help our team Back to work 10-11 of volunteers make the magazine better than ever: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GNDH793. Local NCT services 12

Inside this issue, you’ll find the best buggies reviewed and road-tested, while real mums talk Classic family recipes: tuna pasta bake 12 about their experiences of going back to work. For those of you with one- and two-year-olds, Toddler tantrum tips 13 we also tackle the tears and tantrums associated with toddlerhood and offer some useful behaviour tips. And don’t miss our regular birth story and mums' perspective on what they Breastfeeding drop-in centres 14 wish they had known about childbirth. YOUR STORIES I hope you enjoy reading this issue, and look forward to reading your feedback soon. Sara's home birth 15 Calendar of events 16-17 "What I wish I'd known... Steph about childbirth" 30 Magazine Editor newsletter.@nct.org.uk BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

If you would like to announce your baby’s birth on the magazine, please email Claire: [email protected] BIRTH DATE BIRTH WEIGHT BABY'S NAME 7lb PARENTS' NAME 16/09/2014 6lb 13oz Isabella Juliet 06/09/2014 10lb Abi & Rob Taylor Florence Rose 20/09/2014 8lb Nicola & Sam Hope-Evans Malakai 23/09/2014 4lb 15oz Sarah & Mickel Mark-Richards Rowan Weisen 12/09/2014 4lb 13oz & 5lb 2oz respectively Clarinda Chan & James Aitken Veda 08/10/2014 7lb 9oz Early learning while you both have FUN Dee Kahlon & Rajj Bhardwaj Elsa and Joely 24/08/2014 7lb 2oz Juliette Reilly & Daniel Prowse William 10/08/2014 6lb 15oz Joanne & Martin Sellars Benjamin 25/09/2014 8lb 3oz Doerthe Schwennicke & Markus Vogt Scarlett Sophia 16/08/2014 3.75kg Harriet & Mark Rhodes Isaac William 07/10/2014 6lb 3.5oz Alexandra Wentworth-Foster & Thomas Edis Olivia 17/09/2014 10lb 10oz @ The Little Gym Amber Mandalay 31/08/2014 Emilie Philippe & James Holden 8lb Alice & Ross Avery Esme Isabella 16/09/2014 8.2lb Kate & Robert Downey-Evans Dearbhla Marie 08/07/2014 8.12lb Susannah & Fionn O'Leary Isabel 05/08/2014 7.7lb Charlie & Emily McCall Poppy 09/09/2014 7.8lb Simon & Michelle Pinnell Ashini 14/08/2014 7lb Arjuna & Rachel Soysa Benjamin 06/08/2014 7.1lb Georgina Loader Alexa 28/08/2014 7lb 6oz Adrian & Charlotte Hinds-Parkinson Rory 18/09/2014 3.47kg John & Sam Shuker Benjamin Patrick 23/09/2014 9lb 2oz Kate & Christian Doherty Isla Louise Cross 23/09/2014 9lb 3oz Martha & Edd Cross Jessica Amanda 27/06/2014 9lb 8oz Nicky & Chris Shaw Arabella Rose Gwyn 21/06/2014 7lb 6oz Elizabeth & Nick Rothwell Matilda Eleanor Gillian 03/06/2014 2.76kg Hannah Bujalska & Angus Bujalski Beatrix Rose 06/06/2014 9lbs 1oz Geri & Matthew Jacks Elizabeth Amy 01/06/2014 3.54kg Danielle & Stuart Evans Zeb Edward Harve 04/06/2014 7lb 5oz Anna Roberts & Keith Wootton Elena-Louise 10/06/2014 7 lb 9.5oz Ourania Vlahos & Jonathan Carson Annabelle Kristine 01/09/2014 7 lb 13oz Evgeniya & Craig Shaw Juno Deborah Barnes 21/09/2014 7 lb 15oz Wayne & Polly Barnes Maya Edrys McDonald 13/09/2014 7 lb 8oz Darrell & Amy McDonald Charlotte Anne Poulter 09/09/2014 8 lb 3oz Ross & Liz Poulter Jack James Finn 17/09/2014 7 lb 7oz Frank & Sinead Finn Alexander Jack Findlay Wood 15/09/2014 3.97kg Jamie & Kasia Wood Molly Rose Tucker 19/09/2014 8lb 6oz James & Kate Tucker Luca Ryan 25/05/2014 6lb 4oz Ryan and Sandy-lee Connolly Masie Clark 16/05/2014 7lb 2oz Laura & Fraser Robertson Alice Mary 14/05/2014 6lb 15oz Emma & James Healing Abigail Isabella 19/05/2014 8lb 10oz Angie Shelton & Jonathan Lucas Oliver George 09/06/2014 3.164kg Emma & Dominic Hughes Lucy Philippa 09/05/2014 8lb Ellie & Nigel Cox Grant 14/06/2014 7lb 3oz Laura Civinskalte & Andrey Kelin William Henry 20/06/2014 8lb 7oz Claire & Nick Pickens Jesse John 11/05/2014 6lb 13oz Lucia & Marcus McSorley Rory Sebastian 05/05/2014 9lb 9oz Chantell & James Mills-Callard Arthur Lee Vance 17/05/2014 3.8kg Caroline & Jacob Bridges Oliver Henry 20/04/2014 7lb 4oz Lucy & James Brice Helena Eleftheria 21/05/2014 6lb 3oz Grigoria & Blair Gray Noah Joseph 13/04/2014 7lbs 12oz Rebecca & Joe Vandervloet Ben Arthur 07/09/2014 10lb Rachel & Peter Griffiths Sylvie Taylor 19/08/2014 7lb 8oz The Little Gym Hampton & (Tel.020 8977 0099) Sarona Taylor & Simon Burden Evan Brooks 01/09/2014 7lb 11oz 94-102 High Street, , TW12 1NY / [email protected] Sarah & Jeff Montgomery Elise Rose 01/09/2014 7lb 8oz Beth Hale & Paul Duggan Jasmine Ceyda Joyce 05/07/2014 8lb 3oz Susi Ozkurt & James Joyce Olive May 25/06/2014 7lb 12oz Kelly Morrison & Sam McMulkin Amelia Caitlyn 26/06/2014 3.45kg Lisa & Leigh Evans William Joseph 09/08/2014 6lb 10oz Stephanie & Richard Felton Bella Mae 17/06/2014 Sarah & David Clark Gaia Sophie 27/07/2014 Cristina & Maurizio Russo Abigail Marie Emilie & Simon Hickman 3 www.thelittlegym.co.uk SARA'S Blog spot NEWS If you haven’t yet come across blogzine Selfish Mother, then log Branch News on now. This honest and inspiring ‘mumzine’, created and edited by journalist Molly Gunn invites selected writers to contribute t time of writing it’s a couple of weeks until Christmas, although postnatal courses. Although we haven’t the kind of musings on motherhood that you wouldn’t expect the festivities will probably be a dim and distant memory by the firmed up dates for everything in 2015 find in a parenting book, including ‘My love/hate relationship MEMBER time you receive this magazine! I hope you all had a fantastic time yet, if you follow us on Facebook A with soft play’, ‘When work feels like time off’, And ‘Was COOK, EAT, OFFER with your bumps and little ones, it’s such a magical time of year. it was or Twitter you can stay up to date parenting more fun in the 70s?’. also great to see so many of you at our Family Expo in the autumn, and with the latest information and news. “This isn’t a site about how to look after your kids,” also at all our other events and meet-ups. If you have any feedback on You can also visit www.nct.org.uk/ says Gunn. “It’s a space to share what us mothers (and fathers) anything we do, or fancy volunteering even just a few hours of your time, branches/twickenham. LOVE... are really thinking; a world away from that image of please do drop us a line at [email protected]. ‘perfection’ the media would have us striving for.” Scrummy Mummies Cooking Club are offering We’ve got lots coming up in the next few months, with another www.selfishmother.com Nearly New Sale and First Aid Course, weekly Bumps & Babies groups Sara NCT members a 10% DISCOUNT for group bookings in Isleworth and Hampton Hill, Relax, Stretch & Breathe (yoga-based) of 4-6 people – perfect for antenatal groups, and a pregnancy classes, regular coffee mornings, a monthly Home Birth Branch Coordinator 5% DISCOUNT on any course for individual NCT Group, and of course our breastfeeding drop-ins and antenatal and [email protected] members (offer valid until the end of July 2015). Based in Teddington, the cookery school offers mums the opportunity to learn how to make three fantastic meals (for two), while their babies are looked after in the What’s It All About...? Why should I go? The Refresher course allows you to draw on your first birth onsite crêche. It’s a great way to grab some me-time, REFRESHER COURSES experience and decide what you might like to do differently socialise with friends and learn a few cookery tricks next time. We also touch on postnatal topics like sibling rivalry. – with the added benefit of taking a few healthy Calling all mums expecting a second What will I take away? meals home to enjoy. or subsequent baby! Antenatal teacher In addition to refreshing your birth and newborn baby skills, Murray www.scrummymummiescooking.co.uk Marie Coveney explains why a Refresher it’s a great opportunity to make new local friends who are having babies at the same time as you. NCT course members often form Makeover course could be for you strong support networks with each other and meet up socially before their babies are born and beyond. The new and improved Murray Park in Who attends Refresher courses? Whitton is a must-visit this winter. Tired Anyone expecting a second or subsequent baby whether it is their How big are the groups? apparatus has been removed (remember second or their fifth, no matter what kind of birth they are planning. The group size tends to range from four to eight mothers, the roundabout that didn’t go round?), the or couples. zip wire and slides that remain have been FOR NEWS OF LATEST EVENTS, COFFEE MORNINGS & COURSES Where are they held? spruced up, and a truckload of shiny new Courses for mums only are held mornings over three sessions or For more information, email Marie at equipment has been installed. We love the WWW.NCT.ORG.UK/BRANCHES/TWICKENHAM daytime over two sessions. Courses for couples are held over three [email protected] or to book a place email, or four sessions in the evenings or at weekends. [email protected] sunken trampoline, lobster pot climbing frame, springy see-saw and much-needed www.facebook.co.uk/ncttwickenham toddler play area. They have also cut through the mound that separates the two sides of the @NCTTwickenham playground to improve visibility. Pop down MEET ME IN to Your Whitton Bakery in the High Street afterwards and warm up with coffee and BIG SCREEN St Margarets a slice of incredible cake. Murray Park, Kneller Road, Enjoying a good movie at the cinema needn’t Whitton, TW2 7DY. Benefits be a thing of the past when you become a Mums and Mums-to-be in St Margarets have a new mum. Parent and baby screenings allow you place to meet and chat. Adding to our list of NCT to sit down in relative peace and enjoy all the coffee mornings in the Twickenham area, is Harris latest releases – with your baby on your lap and Hoole in St Margaret's. Relax, Stretch and or in car seat/carry cot by your side – without Breathe and NCT antenatal teacher Claire Simpson, worrying about disturbing anyone else around Coffee host Claire with her two children will be at H&H on the first Friday of every month from you. The Odeon in Richmond and Kingston 10am – at the back. Of course you don't need to be a offer regular ‘Newbies’ cinema screenings for member of the NCT, all you need is a bump or a baby. parents and under-twos, while Watermans Come along and meet other mums in the area, have in Brentford does a session for mum and a cuppa and a natter and get to know each other. baby film buffs on Wednesday mornings at 11.30am for under-ones. See their Claire has also set up a Facebook page for Mums respective website for listings. in the area: www.facebook.com/StMargMums. www.watermans.org.uk It's there for all mums of St Margaret's to keep in www.odeon.co.uk/newbies contact, share birth stories and just be a virtual support. Log on and 'like' for all the latest news in the area.

4 5 SHOPPING

NEW buggies Uppababy Vista KEY FEATURES • Large overnight carrycot, which sits high on the chassis • Very large storage basket • Pop-out UV cover on the carrycot and seat unit • Competitively priced all-in-one package including car seat adapters road-tested for you Happicraft says: “The Uppababy Vista is great for parents who want a practical, very reasonably priced, and future-proof pram. The wheels are large, strong and suited to all terrains, ideal for parents who do a lot of walking. Both the seat and carrycot also sit nice and high on the chassis, making this perfect if you are on the tall side. buggy is one of the biggest purchases that parents-to-be make. The new Vista 2015, can be doubled up for two children using the existing carrycot and seat, It’s a decision that is costly, so you want to get it right, but you’re flying by purchasing two sets of adapters. It’s also suitable for twins with two car seats or carrycots." blind with no real experience of what you need it to do. Gabrielle and A Our reviewer says: “I’ve had this pram for over a year and I love it. I walk in the park Tracy from Happicraft in Twickenham, sell dozens of buggies to prospective every day with my dog and it really is great off-road. I like that the carrycot sits higher parents in the area. We asked them to take us through their best sellers, then than most. It also sits perfectly flat and doesn’t wobble - I actually used carrycot around we spoke to parents who have been using each buggy for at least six months, the house instead of a Moses basket. and asked them if they would buy it again. A big bonus was all the extras that come with the buggy like the UV cover and sun shade - which saved me having to get a separate snooze-shade. The buggy can seem a bit big – especially on public transport, and you need a fairly big car boot – but I would still Bugaboo Cameleon 3 absolutely recommend this pram to anyone.” KEY FEATURES • All-round multi-purpose pram Bugaboo Bee 3 • Light weight chassis with puncture-proof, durable large back wheels • Adjustable suspension and handle switch for rough terrain, sand or snow KEY FEATURES • Machine washable fabrics • Very lightweight and compact pram • Three-year guarantee • One-piece fold • Extendable seat unit suitable from birth with a cocoon or carrycot Happicraft says: “Great all-in-one pram, with lots of colour combinations. • Facing parent stroller Ideal for the urban walker, and those parents who don’t mind spending a little bit more for a real premium product.” • 64 colour combinations Our reviewer says: “I’ve had this buggy for over a year and while it is Happicraft says: “The Bugaboo Bee is the ideal stroller for urban parents. It’s a expensive, I do think it’s great quality. It dismantles easily and has a wide small-wheeled stroller, with all the features of a traditional pram; parent facing option, chassis, which makes it very stable, and helps when getting on and off trains. large canopy, suspension, and it’s car seat compatible. It’s great for travelling, using on I find it turns easily so you can steer with one hand. I also like the wrist strap public transport and for those with limited space at home or in the car.” as a safety feature and that the break is hand controlled. On the negative side, it is sometimes hard to tilt the seat - you need two hands – and it was hard to Our reviewer says: “I’m glad we chose this buggy – it’s worked really well for us. get into the basket when I was using the carrycot.” We only have a small boot space in the car, so this was one of the few buggies that actually would fit. It handles most terrain pretty well considering it has small wheels, but I don’t really take it off-road. I like that it goes completely flat for naps (and nappy changes), and so far, it’s grown well with our son. What I do struggle with is changing iCandy Peach 3 the direction of the seat. It is quite fiddly as you have to get it exactly aligned. Also, I would have preferred a carrycot for the early months, but the new version now KEY FEATURES offers that as an option so problem solved.” • Very compact one-handed fold • Eye-catching pram on a chrome chassis with large storage basket Baby Jogger City Mini • Can double-up for baby and toddler, or can be used for twins • Overnight carrycot KEY FEATURES • One-handed, easy, compact one piece fold Happicraft says: “The iCandy brand has become quite a designer • Large seat, suitable from birth range, you see one and you immediately recognise it as an iCandy. It’s ideal for parents who want a high-end product, and are planning • A stroller with carrycot and car seat options to have a small gap between children because it is a great double. • Large UV-protected sun canopy It can be used on or off-road, due to its large back wheels and four-wheel suspension.” Happicraft says: “The City Mini is great for the city parents on the go. It has the Our reviewer says: “The iCandy is generally a nice, smooth buggy easiest fold on the market, and is very compact for travelling and for public transport. to use around town but I live near the park and have a dog, and have It is a very reasonably priced, strong and long-lasting pushchair.” struggled to use the iCandy off-road. The front wheels constantly get Our reviewer says: “This works really well as a day-to-day buggy, but the name clogged with mud, which is a real pain. For that reason, I wouldn’t is a bit misleading because it’s definitely not a running buggy. I like that it’s compact buy this one again, but if you were going to stick to city use, enough to use on public transport, and folds small enough to fit in the car. The only I’m sure it would be fine.” negative is that you can’t turn the seat so that your child is facing you. It’s outward-facing only. That said, I would buy it again. We’ve been really happy with it.” 6 7 VOLUNTEERING We are always on the lookout for more area contacts, Chairperson Sara Evans as many areas can be shared. Meet the [email protected] The role can be short or long term. If you would like more information about becoming If you want to join Charlotte and all the Enquiries [email protected] a Postnatal Area Contact, please email Sara: VOLUNTEER other fabulous volunteers in the branch Antenatal & Postnatal Class Bookings Julie Whelan [email protected] like her, then why not get in touch at: 020 8752 2475 [email protected] [email protected] Name: Charlotte Oliver Parent Support Co-ordinator Sarah Espenhahn AREA CONTACTS Lives: Isleworth Below are just some of the positions we are [email protected] looking to fill. These aren't life-long commitments, Treasurer Karen Singleton / Tanya Cruz Children: Mum to Rosina 8, they can be shared and taken on for a minimum Angelina 6, Philomena 3 of a few months, or you could even just help at [email protected] Hampton Hill a one-off event. Come and join us! Membership Coordinator Naomi Owen Postnatal Role: Anna Smith [email protected] Breastfeeding Peer Supporter [email protected] Charlotte Oliver Branch Secretary VACANT BRANCH SECRETARY Isleworth & Osterley PSA Liaison Sarah Espenhahn Postnatal How did you become a breastfeeding peer supporter? Are you super-organised and a whizz on the computer? [email protected] Rebecca Leuw I had already been volunteering at the drop-ins for a few years: We need someone to organise us at our committee meetings, [email protected] West Middlesex Hospital Maternity Sarah Espenhahn welcoming mums, making drinks, filling in paperwork. Then the taking charge of the minutes and coordinating reports. 07957 635604 commissioners agreed to fund a Peer Support course in 2011. Services Liaison and West Middlesex 020 8255 0926 Although it shouldn’t take up loads of time, it’s a great way I did the 10-week training course, and have been helping out Maternity Services Forum [email protected] Teddington & about once a month ever since. to get involved with the whole volunteer team and all aspects Amanda Jackson Postnatal of the branch’s activities. [email protected] Michelle Sims What three tips would you give to new mums about [email protected] the start breastfeeding? Kingston Hospital Debra Flynn Tiny babies feed a lot, especially in the evening – get yourself set up WRITERS/SUB-EDITORS Maternity Services Liaison 020 8898 2846 Twickenham Central & Cross Roads with some bottled water, snacks, a book or a magazine so you can Postnatal We are looking for experienced or budding writers and make the most of the downtime. Nearly New Sales Co-ordinator Iveta Drummond Amanda Jackson sub-editors to work alongside our Editor to create lively content [email protected] [email protected] Where can women who need help with breastfeeding and local stories for this magazine. Whether it's writing about Baby Fair Co-ordinator Sonia Hanfrey get advice? the latest baby craze, interviewing local mums at a baby group, Twickenham East & St Margaret's [email protected] finding the perfect recipe or reporting on an NCT event, there's Postnatal There are five Baby Cafés in the Borough of Hounslow, and other plenty of opportunities to get involved. First Aid Courses Naomi Owen Claire Simpson support drop-ins across Richmond. [email protected] [email protected] What do you enjoy about volunteering? BREASTFEEDING DROP-IN Publicity Bettina Idberg-Corr Whitton & Hounslow I enjoy meeting mums and helping them with breastfeeding. I was [email protected] Postnatal supported in the early days with Rosina, and this is my way to give VOLUNTEERS Sarah Espenhahn something back. I also get to hang out with some very gorgeous babies. Teacher Representative Marie Coveney [email protected] We are looking for volunteers at our Baby Cafes to help set 07743 475439 020 8255 0926 Where can mums who are out shopping locally up, welcome the parents, fill in some paperwork, get people [email protected] go to breastfeed? chatting and to help pack away again. You can commit to as Webmaster Chiara Corrao Magazine Mothercare have feedings room with lovely rocking nursing chairs and many or as few sessions as you like. Training, support and DBS [email protected] Marks & Spencer, and other department stores, often have a dedicated checks are provided. Advertising feeding room. There are also plenty of coffee shops locally that are comfortable places to feed. People have always been supportive. MAGAZINE TEAM AD HOC VOLUNTEERS [email protected] Contact: Where's the best place to take children when it's raining Editor Steph Wilkinson We always need people to help out at our regular events, such for rates & information outside? [email protected] as Nearly New Sales, First Aid Courses and Bumps and Babies. We have recently put in a 'lazy lawn' so we can play in the garden in If you just have a little bit of time to help out, and don’t want Deputy Editor Susan Horn all weathers without getting muddy. The girls like filling up plastic pots with water, and painting the garden fence and furniture. to commit to a bigger role, we’d still love to hear from you. [email protected] Features Claire Simpson What do you like and dislike most about winter? [email protected] I love my three favourite festivals – Christmas, Divali and Chinese Any help can make a massive difference, New Year. But I don't like the long dark nights. Business & Classified Advertising Jo Warboys Neither the Editor nor the NCT take responsibility for the authenticity of and with the offer of comprehensive any advertisement placed in the magazine. The views expressed herein [email protected] are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the NCT. training it's not just one-sided. Come and The appearance of an advertisement in this magazine does not imply What were your New Year resolutions, and have you stuck endorsement of the company or its products by the NCT, nor does it meet other motivated and highly skilled constitute a recommendation. The NCT can not be held liable for loss, to them? Magazine Design Marta del Moral damage or injury arising out of goods sold through these columns or any advertisements in this magazine. The information in this magazine is for people. Thank you! [email protected] the use of NCT members only in connection with NCT activities and may Every year I vow that I am going to get the garden sorted out. For the not be used for any commercial purposes. The conditions of the Data Protection Act may apply. first time ever, it will finish the year looking better than it did at the start. 8 9 YOUR STORIES

HOW WE WENT Returning to work after having a baby is a big, and often daunting, step. It can be tough adjusting to after a long time off, then there’s the all-important choices that have to be made around childcare. Here, we talk to four local mothers who back to work recently returned to work, to find out how they did it

Vicky Perry Specialist physiotherapist for Katherine Harper Campaign Manager, Hazel Baker News editor for Sky News, Elena Bravo Barquero Analyst at British the NHS, based in Central London based at home based in Isleworth Gas, based in Staines

On what basis did you go back to work? On what basis did you go back to work? On what basis did you go back to work? On what basis did you go back to work? I went back to work nearly full time. I’m doing four longer days, Part-time. I actually parted from my previous employer while on Full-time. Full time, but I’m currently using accrued annual leave to work but managed to arrange a small reduction in my overall hours to maternity leave because they couldn’t offer me a suitable role on four days a week. do a four-day week. my return. When did you go back? In September, when Daniel was one. When did you go back? When did you start back? When did you start back? In August, just before Lucia turned one. In October 2014, when Ciara was 13 months old. In October, when Pheobe was almost one. What are your childcare arrangements? A childminder, five days a week What are your childcare arrangements? What are your childcare arrangements? What are your childcare arrangements? Lucia goes to nursery four days a week. I leave her at 7.30am and pick I decided to arrange a nanny share with a friend who has a child the Nursery, full-time, four days per week. Why does this childcare work for you? her up at 5pm – they give her breakfast, lunch and dinner at nursery. same age. Our nanny looks after our children, four days a week, We chose a childminder because it worked out cheaper than nursery, from 7.30am-6.30pm. Why does this childcare work for you? offered greater flexibility, and was more of a home-like environment. Why does this childcare work for you? Phoebe loves being around other children, so we wanted a highly Our son seems happy and he settled in quickly. We can drop him off My friend recommended the nursery (it’s rated as Outstanding by Why does this childcare work for you? social setting for her. One with children of various ages that she could early on days that we need to, and we're building a good relationship OFSTED), so I paid the £50 deposit for the waiting list when I was I have to be at work at 8.30am and commute into central London interact with, and learn from. We also wanted her to have more than with our child minder, so it's working well so far. pregnant. I like that they take the children to swimming lessons, organise from Isleworth, so nursery opening hours Wouldn't have worked one adult in attendance for the same reason. Big draws for us were the weekly music classes and cook organic food. Most importantly, I had a well for me. I also like the fact we have a ratio of 2:1 care in a home organisation of the nursery from meal planning to events and activities, What have been the biggest challenges for you, going back good vibe when I visited them. Another factor in our choice was that we environment. It gives me comfort, knowing that Ciara receives loving and the fact it is in a rural location but is still close to our home. to work? do not speak English at home, so we chose to go with a nursery because care, and won’t need to be collected by me immediately if she becomes The biggest challenge was combining childcare and the hours I we thought that a busy environment with lots of other children would ill. I’ve been back at work for two months and haven’t had to take a day What have been the biggest challenges for you in going worked. I couldn’t find a way to make affordable childcare work round help Lucia’s language and social skills. off yet. back to work? my previous shift pattern, so I made a case to my employers to do a The first few weeks, as everyone tells you, are really difficult, because slightly different role that would give me more consistent working What have been the biggest challenges for you, going back What have been the biggest challenges for you in going you are both adjusting to a new routine. Plus, I do find myself at different hours. My new working pattern often means I have to leave the office to work? back to work? times of day missing her company and wondering what she is up to. just as things get busy - and that makes me feel guilty, but overall I think Lucia has been ill many times since she started in nursery, so that meant Readjusting to a work scenario, and then being a mum when I come it has been a good solution for everyone. I had to take time off shortly after returning, which does not look good for home – even when I am tired after a hard day. What have been the biggest rewards in going back to work? performance. I also find it difficult to complete the household chores and Feeling like I have revived a part of my identity. At work, I’m doing What have been the biggest rewards in going back to work? then find time for myself. What have been the biggest rewards in going back to work? something I enjoy, but most importantly I have a job structure, which I've found returning to work very rewarding. After a year off I'd Getting my independence back. Working four days, and being with means I am able to balance work with quality time between myself forgotten what it was like to have a feeling of satisfaction and purpose What have been the biggest rewards in going back to work? my baby three days a week is a good balance for me. I also love seeing and Pheobe. after a good day in the office. I'm not quite sure why, but I never feel Although I do miss Lucia a lot while I am work, I like the fact that it Ciara’s smile when I walk in the door after she hasn’t seen me all day. that same sense of achievement after tantrum-free days at home with has brought structure back into my life. I still want to meet the career my son. Perhaps because I think that is largely out of my hands. objectives that I had before being a mum, so going back is obviously the first step required to achieve them.

10 11 LOCAL NCT SERVICES

Antenatal & Postnatal Courses Tara Hamilton 020 8752 2475 No more tears and tantrums [email protected] We take bookings as soon as you know you are expecting a baby. We offer first time couples’ courses, refresher courses and postnatal courses. The branch, has a very good number of NCT practitioners who have undergone thorough training and, with the NCT, are currently licensed to practise and are expected to keep up to date with new developments. Top 10 solutions for taming your toddler

Antenatal, Labour and Postnatal Equipment When telling a child off, try to criticise the behaviour, not TENS hire (Hampton area) Nicky Wesson 020 8941 6652 Keep rules simple. Describe them in terms of ‘things Breast pump hire Sarah Espenhahn 020 8255 0926 we do’ or ‘things we don’t do in this family’. And the child – make sure they know that what they DID has [email protected] 1 keep them age appropriate – e.g. “we eat as nicely 5 angered you, not who they are. as we can” so for an older child that means with cutlery and for a younger one it means not throwing Babysitting Circles Let children understand that actions have consequences, food with their toddler spoon. St. Margaret’s, Twickenham & Teddington Circle Lara Mantell/Peter Harvey 020 8977 7109 and when they choose the action they choose the 6 consequence. This stops your reactions just feeling like Try to distract your child before you see a tantrum constant punishments and gives the child an alternative. Breastfeeding Counsellors NCT Breastfeeding Line 0300 330 0771 National Helpline 0300 100 0212 coming on. Prevention is always easier than cure The easiest way to show this to a young child is to make Twickenham NCT branch Geraldine Chew 020 8977 0324 2 for the parent, especially when you’re tired. the consequence match the offence. So for example if they Breastfeeding is a new skill to learn and we all need help and support in learning new things. If you throw a toy, instead of giving them time out, simply take the are finding it painful or if you have any questions at all about breastfeeding, stopping breastfeeding, toy away and put it out of reach for the rest of the day. If With regular bad behaviour on a certain topic, make expressing milk or any breastfeeding-related question at all, do call. they throw someone else’s toy, take something of their own a mental note of what happens, what triggers it, how and put it away. So the consequence of throwing things is 3 you react, what happens afterwards etc. See if you Home Birth Support Group Marie Coveney 07743 475439 going without things to play with. [email protected] can work out what they are getting out of repeating This group offers information and support on all aspects of planning a home birth. We discuss alternative it, what their ‘payoff’ is and try to do something methods of pain relief, water birth, have guest speakers, open discussions and informal chats. Meetings different next time. Consequences also need to be age appropriate and timed are held at the Greenwood Centre, School Road, Hampton Hill, usually on the first Friday of the month from 8pm. For more information, visit: www.nct.org.uk/branches/twickenham/courses. sensibly. Losing a weekend trip to the park on a Wednesday To help run the group we ask for a contribution of £10 per person or £20 per couple. 7 might mean something to a school aged child but means If your child constantly disagrees or refuses things nothing to a toddler, for whom a consequence needs to you ask, it may be an attempt to get some sense happen within a minute or two of the offence to have Baby First Aid courses Naomi Owen 4 of control. Try using two choices instead of one meaning. Children aged 3-5 can relate a consequence [email protected] demand. E.g. instead of “get ready for bed” ask “do In collaboration with the British Red Cross we are now running Baby First Aid courses every other month. to the offence for several hours afterwards. The venue is the Baptist Church on Church Road in Teddington. The course is a two and a half hour session, you want to put pyjamas on first or brush your teeth with plenty of opportunity for parents to practise techniques and ask questions. Parents will learn about: first?” This may give them a sense of having won unconsciousness (breathing or not breathing), choking, bleeding, burns, raised temperatures, meningitis. something without needing to fight you. Be consistent. A child needs to be able to predict what you will do when they do a certain thing. The most successful 8 way to get a bad behaviour really well entrenched with a We bring you the first in our series child is to change what happens when they do it. If you give CLASSIC FAMILY RECIPES of classic, easy-to-prepare recipes them a consequence 3 times out of 4 and then do nothing that the whole family can enjoy on the fourth time, they will keep trying it and trying it to see when the next time is that you will cave in. Being inconsistent encourages persistence.

Whining – tell children that you can’t understand what they are saying when they speak in a whiney voice. Tell 9 them you want to be able to hear them, so when they ask you in a normal voice, you will be able to listen. “Normal” Tuna Pasta Bake is a loaded word, but is used here because you are trying to reinforce that whining is not normal or desirable. If you don’t like the word normal, try ‘nice’ voice or ‘grown up’ voice. Be prepared to refuse to hear anything in a whiney voice though. Again be consistent. INGREDIENTS METHOD 600g penne 1. Heat oven to 180ºC/fan 160ºC/gas 4. Boil the pasta until al If a child’s behaviour seems related to a stage in their life e.g. a 50g butter dente. To make the sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan and new sibling, starting school or new daycare, it may be a sign that stir in the flour. Cook for 1 min, then gradually stir in the milk 10 they want reassurance. Continue to offer consequences for the 50g plain flour to make a thick white sauce. Remove from the heat and stir behaviour, but at other times when they are not misbehaving, offer 600ml milk them increased cuddles, attention, playing together and praise when in all but a handful of cheese. 250g strong chedder, grated you can. Try to ignore the little misdemeanours and concentrate on 2 x 160g can tuna steak 2. Drain the pasta, mix with the white sauce, tuna, sweetcorn the biggies when a child is feeling insecure so you’re not spending in spring water, drained and parsley, then season. Transfer to a baking dish and top your whole time getting on at them when they need your positive Large can sweetcorn, drained with the rest of the grated cheese. Bake for 15-20 mins until attention most. Large handful chopped parsley the cheese on top is golden and starting to brown.

12 13 BREASTFEEDING DROP-IN CENTRES Local Breastfeeding Support Drop-in Centres ONE-TO-ONE PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT I couldn’t have asked Drop-ins are free and you don’t need an appointment MONDAY THURSDAY for a better home birth TUESDAY The Hub ONE-TO-ONE SUPPORT FROM Sara shares the story of the birth of her third son, Yusuf Barnes Children’s Centre NCT BREASTFEEDING COUNSELLOR 12.00pm - 1.30pm or come along to meet other breastfeeding mums Lowther Primary School, Stillingfleet Road, 10.00am - 11.30am y first two children were born in hospital, so I found massaging my lower back, where I was feeling most of the pain. myself in new territory when I found out I was Soon enough, I felt like I was in transition, and I started feeling Barnes SW13 9AE Tel: 020 3021 1990 Beaver’s Children’s Centre, 103 Salisbury Road, TW4 7NW Tel: 020 8570 8156 pregnant with my third boy and put under the huge pressure – it was the feeling that my waters needed to Mcare of the Home Birth team of midwives at West break, but somehow it wasn’t happening. Chiswick Breastfeeding Support Group Middlesex hospital. This meant that I could have all my antenatal 1.00pm - 3.00pm South Isleworth Children’s Centre I became very conscious of the fact that my parents and my checks at home and could choose to have my baby at home. children were now outside on the front drive, and because my 9 Devonshire Street, Chiswick W4 2AY ONE-TO-ONE SUPPORT FROM NCT BREASTFEEDING COUNSELLOR At first, I wasn’t convinced about the idea of a home birth, bedroom windows were open, I could hear them talking. It was Tel: 020 8630 3539 mainly because I knew my husband wasn’t very keen – he was very distracting as I knew they could hear me too, and I wasn’t or come along to meet other breastfeeding mums worried about the mess and the noise – and also because my comfortable with that. I could completely ‘let go’, and this felt ST NEW VENUE FROM 1 SEPTEMBER! (please come before 2.00pm if you require help parents would be staying with us to look after my two other very frustrating. When my parents and children left to go to the ONE-TO-ONE SUPPORT FROM – parking available at centre) children. Trying to push all that to the back of my mind, I spent park, I thought I’d manage to fully relax, but I literally felt like I NCT BREASTFEEDING COUNSELLORS 1.00pm - 2.30pm the following months reading up about the benefits of home was ‘stuck in transition’. I started feeling scared and frustrated or come along to meet other breastfeeding mums Worple Road, Isleworth TW7 7AP births and about hypnobirthing and relaxation techniques. and was anticipating the contractions with fear, as it felt as if the 1.15pm - 2.45pm Tel: 020 8583 5885 Deep down I’d started to wish for a home birth, but I knew my pain wasn’t ‘going anywhere’. Unfortunately, instead of breathing (Term-time only. Please come before 1.30pm if you require help) husband would prefer us to go into hospital. I knew I needed his during contractions I was now crying. First Cross Road, Twickenham TW2 5QA Brentford Children's Centre support, so I decided that if he remained strongly against the idea, Email: [email protected] 1.00pm - 3.00pm I would go to the birth centre. I was fully prepared for a home A change of scenery North Road TW8 0BJ birth, emotionally, logistically and practically, but I thought I’d FUNDED BY THE NATIONAL LOTTERY Aware of my state of mind, one of my amazing midwives started decide at the last minute. THROUGH THE BIG LOTTERY FUND Tel: 020 8569 7969 to talk to me in a very quiet tone, encouraging me to visualise my baby descending – just what I needed to get back into the zone, WEDNESDAY FRIDAY Making a decision but I was really struggling to stay in that place. In hindsight, The evening before Yusuf was born, I went to bed feeling some I think that I felt quite ‘exposed’ having my back towards the contraction-like tightening, but I didn’t think much of it, and open, bright window of my bedroom. Lampton Children’s Centre Norman Jackson Children’s Centre 12.00pm - 2.30pm at around midnight I fell asleep. At about 4am, I woke up and I was getting very uncomfortable on my knees, so my midwife ONE-TO-ONE SUPPORT FROM noticed that the tightening was still there, and realised I was suggested that I got up for a walk. It felt good to stretch my legs, 50 Windmill Road, Hampton Hill TW12 1QU NCT BREASTFEEDING COUNSELLOR actually having contractions every 10 minutes. At around 5am, and my husband helped me to our bathroom, where suddenly Dedicated comfortable room Tel: 020 8321 6420 / 020 8321 5001 I had a show and knew things were definitely happening – I had I felt the urge to push. After three big pushes, one of the with light refreshments. (Led by West Middlesex Hospital Maternity Support Workers) a feeling that we’d have a baby by lunchtime. midwives came in to ask if she could check the baby. When 10.00am - 11.30am I couldn’t sleep, so I put on my hypnobirthing CD and managed I got up so that the midwife could reach me, I could feel the Neville Close, Off Lampton Road, Hounslow TW3 4DN Alf King Children's Centre to rest in a state of deep relaxation for just over an hour. I woke up baby’s head! I shouted, “Head!”, and as I did, my waters went Tel: 020 8583 5720 ONE-TO-ONE SUPPORT FROM again because I was hungry, so at about 6:45am I went downstairs in what felt like a bit of an explosion. After what felt like a couple of minutes and a few pushes, Yusuf was born. NCT BREASTFEEDING COUNSELLOR to make myself some toast. As I got up, I realised that my Crane Park Children’s Centre or come along to meet other breastfeeding mums contractions were actually coming every 5 minutes, so I thought The midwives immediately passed him to me, and it was ONE-TO-ONE SUPPORT FROM 1.30pm - 3.00pm I’d call the midwife. She told me to call her again if I wanted to amazing. I kept saying how surreal it all felt. The midwives helped stay at home and felt it was time for her to come. At 7:20am my me back to my bedroom, and tucked me and Yusuf up in our own NCT BREASTFEEDING COUNSELLOR (Pay and display parking/5 mins from Feltham station) contractions were now three minutes apart – everyone was still in bed. By the time my parents and my children came home from or come along to meet other breastfeeding mums 7 Hanworth Road, Feltham TW13 5AF 1.15pm - 2.45pm bed, the house was silent, and I started panicking, thinking that I the park, they found a new baby in the house. Tel: 020 8583 3922 didn’t really have a room where I could go and ‘get in the zone’. Norman Avenue, Hanworth TW13 5LN It turned out I was right – the baby came before lunchtime Tel: 020 8583 5866 I called the midwife again and asked her to come, as I felt things which meant we could all sit down and have lunch together as SATURDAY were moving along quickly. I then went back upstairs to wake my a family. It was the most amazing experience, and I couldn’t have WHERE TO FIND ALTERNATIVE HELP husband and ‘claim’ my bedroom, as I felt I needed somewhere asked for a better birth. I’m really glad to have embarked on the Saturday Antenatal Clinic to focus. It was at that point that my husband asked if we were ‘journey of discovery’ which led me to have a comfortable and NCT: 12.00pm - 3.00pm staying at home – I answered with a very decisive “Yes!”, and to straightforward home birth. I’m very grateful for the support of 0300 330 0700 - www.nct.org.uk (Please note: Saturday clinics are available to mothers receiving my relief, he was extremely supportive. my husband and my two amazing midwives – I couldn’t have NHS: midwifery care from West Middlesex hospital midwives) done it without them." 0300 100 0212 - www.breastfeeding.nhs.uk My parents took my older children downstairs to give them West Middlesex Hospital, Twickenham Road TW7 6AF breakfast, and at around 8:05am the first midwife arrived. She The local NCT runs a Home Birth Support Group The Breastfeeding Network: brought everything upstairs to my bedroom and set the room 0300 100 0212 - www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk which usually on the first Friday of the month Every effort is made to provide this service, but please up. After about 15 minutes, the second midwife arrived as well at a venue in Hampton Hill. If you are interested Bengali/Sylheti Helpline: – I was definitely in established labour by then, and for a while 0844 856 4003 ring before travelling in case of unforeseen circumstances. in finding out more, please contact Marie: I was managing well with my breathing and with my husband [email protected] or 07743 475439. La Leche League: To avoid disappointment, please aim to arrive as early as 0845 120 2918 - www.laleche.org.uk possible. All drop-in­ clinics finish on time. Please note that the clinics are not open on Bank Holidays. 14 15 WHAT'S ON CALENDAR OF EVENTS

February March April Introduction 1 Bumps & Babies, Hampton Hill 1 Relax, Stretch & Breathe (Yoga), St Margaret’s 1 Relax, Stretch & Breathe (Yoga), St Margaret’s We’ve got loads going on over the next three months, so here’s Breastfeeding Drop-Ins, Hounslow/Hanworth our handy pull-out calendar with a full listing, and some more 2 Relax, Stretch & Breathe (Yoga), Twickenham 2 Relax, Stretch & Breathe (Yoga), Twickenham 2 Breastfeeding Drop-Ins, Isleworth/Hounslow information below, including location details. Please check our 3 Breastfeeding Drop-In, Twickenham 3 Breastfeeding Drop-In, Twickenham 3 GOOD FRIDAY website www.nct.org.uk/branches/twickenham for full details, 4 Bumps & Babies, Hampton Hill 4 Bumps & Babies, Hampton Hill Breastfeeding Drop-Ins, Hounslow/Hanworth 4 or email us at [email protected]. Breastfeeding Drop-Ins, Hounslow/Hanworth Weaning Workshop, St Margaret’s 5 Breastfeeding Drop-Ins, Isleworth/Hounslow 5 Breastfeeding Drop-Ins, Isleworth/Hounslow 5 EASTER SUNDAY NEARLY NEW SALES host of breastfeeding-related concerns, and they’re 6 Bumps & Babies, Hampton Hill 6 Bumps & Babies, Hampton Hill Breastfeeding Drop-In, Feltham Breastfeeding Drop-In, Feltham also a relaxed way of meeting up with other mums 6 BANK HOLIDAY All Hallows Church, Erncroft Way, Home Birth Group, Hampton Hill Home Birth Group, Hampton Hill in the area. Coffee Morning, St Margaret’s Coffee Morning, St Margaret’s Twickenham TW1 1EW 7 7 Water Birth Workshop, Twickenham 7 Breastfeeding Drop-In, Twickenham Breastfeeding Drop-Ins: 8 Bumps & Babies, Hampton Hill We will be holding a Nearly New Sale in February 8 Relax, Stretch & Breathe (Yoga), St Margaret’s 8 Relax, Stretch & Breathe (Yoga), St Margaret’s Please see p14 for location details Breastfeeding Drop-Ins, Hounslow/Hanworth or March but the date is yet to be confirmed. 9 Relax, Stretch & Breathe (Yoga), Twickenham 9 Relax, Stretch & Breathe (Yoga), Twickenham 9 Breastfeeding Drop-Ins, Isleworth/Hounslow Please check our website or Facebook for updates. Weaning Workshop, Teddington ANTENATAL SUPPORT & CLASSES 10 Bumps & Babies, Hampton Hill Breastfeeding Drop-In, Feltham Our Relax, Stretch & Breathe classes are held 10 Breastfeeding Drop-In, Twickenham 10 Breastfeeding Drop-In, Twickenham ANTENATAL & POSTNATAL MEET-UPS Home Birth Group, Twickenham weekly at St Philip & St James Church Hall in Coffee Morning, St Margaret’s 11 Bumps & Babies, Hampton Hill 11 Bumps & Babies, Hampton Hill Our weekly Bumps & Babies groups are a great way Twickenham and Gymboree in St Margaret’s. 11 Breastfeeding Drop-Ins, Hounslow/Hanworth Breastfeeding Drop-Ins, Hounslow/Hanworth to meet up with other local mums and mums-to-be. They are a great way to indulge in pregnancy and take some time out to really connect with baby 12 Breastfeeding Drop-Ins, Isleworth/Hounslow 12 Breastfeeding Drop-Ins, Isleworth/Hounslow 12 Relax, Stretch & Breathe (Yoga), St Margaret’s Bumps & Babies, Hampton Hill, 2.00pm: 13 Bumps & Babies, Hampton Hill 13 Bumps & Babies, Hampton Hill before birth. Please contact [email protected] 13 Relax, Stretch & Breathe (Yoga), Twickenham The Refectory, High Street, Hampton Hill Breastfeeding Drop-In, Feltham Breastfeeding Drop-In, Feltham (Twickenham) or [email protected] TW12 1NY 14 14 14 Breastfeeding Drop-In, Twickenham (St Margaret’s) if you are thinking of attending. 15 Bumps & Babies, Hampton Hill Bumps & Babies, Isleworth, 10.00am: 15 15 Relax, Stretch & Breathe (Yoga), St Margaret’s Our monthly Home Birth Group continues to Breastfeeding Drop-Ins, Hounslow/Hanworth St John’s Community Centre, 16 Relax, Stretch & Breathe (Yoga), Twickenham provide discussion and support for anyone 16 Relax, Stretch & Breathe (Yoga), Twickenham 16 Breastfeeding Drop-Ins, Isleworth/Hounslow 80 St John’s Road, Isleworth TW7 6RU Twins & Multiples Workshop, Hampton interested in or planning a home birth. It takes 17 Bumps & Babies, Hampton Hill 17 17 Breastfeeding Drop-In, Twickenham Our local volunteers also host regular coffee place at the Greenwood Centre in Hampton Hill Breastfeeding Drop-In, Feltham mornings in Twickenham, Isleworth, St Margaret’s, until March, and from April will take place in 18 Bumps & Babies, Hampton Hill 18 Bumps & Babies, Hampton Hill 18 and Whitton. The dates are often confirmed just Twickenham. Please contact mariecoveney@ Breastfeeding Drop-Ins, Hounslow/Hanworth Breastfeeding Drop-Ins, Hounslow/Hanworth a month or two in advance, so if you don’t see blueyonder.co.uk if you are thinking of attending. 19 Breastfeeding Drop-Ins, Isleworth/Hounslow 19 Breastfeeding Drop-Ins, Isleworth/Hounslow 19 Relax, Stretch & Breathe (Yoga), St Margaret’s 20 Bumps & Babies, Hampton Hill 20 Bumps & Babies, Hampton Hill anything listed here please get in touch by emailing 20 Relax, Stretch & Breathe (Yoga), Twickenham We also have Weaning Workshops in February Breastfeeding Drop-In, Feltham Breastfeeding Drop-In, Feltham [email protected] and we’ll put you in touch and March, a Water Birth Workshop in March, with the relevant host(s). 21 21 FIRST AID COURSE, TEDDINGTON 21 Breastfeeding Drop-In, Twickenham and a Twins & Multiples Workshop in March. 22 Bumps & Babies, Hampton Hill 22 Relax, Stretch & Breathe (Yoga), St Margaret’s 22 Relax, Stretch & Breathe (Yoga), St Margaret’s Coffee Morning, St Margaret’s, 10.00am: For more details see our course listing at Breastfeeding Drop-Ins, Hounslow/Hanworth Harris + Hoole, 135 St Margaret’s Road, www.nct.org.uk/twickenham/courses. 23 Relax, Stretch & Breathe (Yoga), Twickenham 23 Relax, Stretch & Breathe (Yoga), Twickenham 23 Breastfeeding Drop-Ins, Isleworth/Hounslow St Margarets TW1 1RG 24 Bumps & Babies, Hampton Hill 24 Breastfeeding Drop-In, Twickenham 24 Breastfeeding Drop-In, Twickenham Breastfeeding Drop-In, Feltham 25 Bumps & Babies, Hampton Hill 25 Bumps & Babies, Hampton Hill Details are correct at time of going to press, but 25 PARENTING SUPPORT & COURSES Breastfeeding Drop-Ins, Hounslow/Hanworth Breastfeeding Drop-Ins, Hounslow/Hanworth please also check our website at www.nct.org. 26 Breastfeeding Drop-Ins, Isleworth/Hounslow 26 Breastfeeding Drop-Ins, Isleworth/Hounslow 26 Relax, Stretch & Breathe (Yoga), St Margaret’s We have a Baby First Aid course coming up at the uk/branches/twickenham or the events section 27 Bumps & Babies, Hampton Hill 27 Bumps & Babies, Hampton Hill 27 Relax, Stretch & Breathe (Yoga), Twickenham Baptist Church in Teddington in March – these of our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ Breastfeeding Drop-In, Feltham Breastfeeding Drop-In, Feltham courses get booked up roughly a month in advance, ncttwickenham for up to date information, 28 28 28 Breastfeeding Drop-In, Twickenham so please do get in touch early if you’re interested in as things are getting added all the time. For more 29 Bumps & Babies, Hampton Hill 29 Relax, Stretch & Breathe (Yoga), St Margaret’s a place. The next one will be in May. details on anything you see here, or for queries of Breastfeeding Drop-Ins, Hounslow/Hanworth Our breastfeeding drop-ins continue to provide vital any kind, you can email [email protected]. 30 Relax, Stretch & Breathe (Yoga), Twickenham 30 Breastfeeding Drop-Ins, Isleworth/Hounslow support to new mums needing help with a whole We hope to see you soon! 31 Breastfeeding Drop-In, Twickenham

16 17 Winter Warmers Winter may be the season to be jolly, but it can also give you serious cabin fever when you’re at home with a baby. These activity ideas will keep you going through a cold snap

in the water from an early age. There are a range of options in the Try baby massage area with most pools offering baby classes. You can even learn to This is an ideal winter activity for younger babies. It gives you a swim outdoors in the heated baby pool at . chance to engage and bond with your baby, while also learning some techniques to help deal with wind, teething and other common issues. What’s more, babies usually fall asleep after the class, giving you the Make beautiful music perfect opportunity to indulge in coffee with the other mums. Singing and reciting nursery rhymes can help your baby with the early stages of speech development. There are lots of classes to choose from such as Tempo Tots, which lets you purchase a block of 10 classes Get into soft play to use whenever you like rather than sign up for a 10-week course. Soft play is a godsend for mums of toddlers during the winter months. Alternatively, line up some kids tunes on Spotify and use wooden It gives them a chance to burn off energy, while also honing their spoons, pots and pans to make your own musical experience. coordination skills and building strength. Some of our favourites include Snakes & Ladders at Syon Park and Mums Play Café in Hampton. Discover scarf play Put all your scarves to good use by using them to entertain your baby. Go swimming Babies will love the colours and patterns, as well as the different Babies can start learning to swim when they are three months old. It’s a textures. Juggle with them, play peekaboo, and brush them over fun activity to do together and a good idea to get babies used to being your baby's skin for a full sensory experience.

KEW, RICHMOND, TWICKENHAM AND TEDDINGTON T: 020 8847 4031 E: [email protected]

18 19 A safe and creative environment in which your child can thrive in their experience of sport and develop a love for playing the greatest game on earth! Buggyfit is the ultimate fitness class for new mums wanting to get back in shape after their new arrival. This outdoor power walking class with strengthening Twickenham and toning intervals is the answer to shifting postnatal Check us out on ETNA Community Centre weight and re-toning your body after giving birth. Facebook + Twitter 13 Rosslyn Road TW1 2AR for regular Competitions Each class is an hour dedicated to you, and Discount Codes Hampton a chance to socialise and no crèche needed Hampton Methodist Church, Percy Road, Hampton TW12 2JT as your baby comes with you! @kiddikicks Whitton Whitton Community Centre, For classes in Twickenham (and Whitton) KiddikicksHQ Percy Road, Whitton TW2 6JL and Osterley (and Syon):

Contact Marina on: 07788 204503 Get in touch Isleworth for more Isleworth Public Hall, Email: [email protected] South Street, Isleworth TW7 7BG details www.mkbwomenshealthandfitness.co.uk Brentford Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre Feltham 658 Chiswick High Road 1st Hanworth Scout Group For classes in Bushy Park: Brentford TW8 0HJS Nallhead Road, TW13 6SS Contact Kate on 07966 251852 Email: [email protected] Call to book: Call to book: www.katesmartfitness.com 020 7937 7965 0800 035 4464

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