Monkey

Thank you - I will take a look. We're pretty sure it was on Northcross Road so if it rings a bell with anyone else, it would be much appreciated! Thank you.

My six-month-old daughter goes to the Excel Centre on Forest Hill Road. Actually, if you read recent Ofsted reports, you can easily make an instant decision to use them. They are rated as good, just like the other nurseries in East Dulwich. The staff is excellent and very, very, caring. My daughter loves it there and so do all the children in the baby room as far as I can tell. The nursery recently hired a new cook so all the food is cooked fresh on the premises.

Thank you all. I sent the hubby to the Forest Hill Road launderette this morning and we are sorted. I am sure I had heard of a company that charged for irooning by weight and not items but I can't find their details anywhere. And Lee B, we do two loads a day as well. I am forever washing and ironing Grobags, little bodysuits, PJs, bed sheets etc... Thank you all again.

I worried for years about the financial side of having a baby. In the end we just did it and it's working out fine. I have returned to work after four months and a bit and my daughter is at the Excel Centre on Forest Hill Road and absolutely loves it there. It costs GBP750 a month for a baby and we have childcare vouchers so I say we really pay about GBP600 a month. Hope this helps a bit. Also would say you don't need to spend much on baby clothes - just go to the NCT sales in Dulwich Village. Very posh clothes, some never worn. You can also get the cot, Moses basket and pushchair from there. Hope it helps!

My washing machine blew at the weekend and due to the incompetence of John Lewis Direct has still not been replaced. I am looking for a company that would come to my place, pick up the washing load and bring it back all cleaned and ironed. Anyone knows such a company? I am not lazy :-$, just working full-time with a six-month-old baby and a stinking cold... Your help would be very much appreciated! Thank you!

When I found out I was pregnant, the DMC made me put my name on a list which was never passed on to the super-efficient, highly-organised Lanes midwives. It's only because a forumite told me to chase up the midwives that I called them and got put on their list. I was about 10 weeks pregnant at the time I remember - looks like I was lucky. Annoying that the midwives are let down by inefficiencies of the DMC. I would write to the Head of the Practice if I were you.

When I was about 6, my childminder promised me a square of dark chocolate every evening for each day I did not suck my thumb. Problem sorted in two weeks. My five-month old is an avid thumb sucker so I guess I will have to use the same trick when she is a little bit older. :)) Hope this helps.

Really depends on the nursery. I put my daughter on waiting list at the Excel Centre (Forest Hill Road) in April for January start and we got a place easily. She's very happy there and I love the staff. Good luck.

My four-month-old screams when I pick her up from nursery...:-S It makes you feel rubbish too but at least she's happy there. Sorry I have no advice to offer.

Sounds like it's worth a letter to Tessa Jowell...

And if you're planning on having kids, being registered at Dulwich Medical Centre means you'll be looked after by the fabulous Lanes midwives...

I did not get anything but what I really wanted was an eternity ring...

Sorry Clare. The thread had moved on by the time I posted. Quite slow these days! Good luck with everything!

I gave birth at King's in August after I was not able to deliver my baby at home. The obstetrician and paediatrician who looked after me and the baby were WONDERFUL and I have nothing but praise for them. I stayed at King's for a couple of days and it is true that they could be a little bit more helpful when it comes to establishing breastfeeding or giving you painkillers but it's a very busy deparment and they do what they can. Some of the staff, like everywhere I guess, will try and get away with doing less than the bare minimum and I did complain about the lack of care I was given on the Saturday night (maybe a weekend problem) but I don't think it's something that would not happen at Tommy's or another hospital. Overall I was very happy with the care I received and would not want to give birth anywhere else. Agree with Ludoscotts that you want a hospital that's nearby... I travelled to King's in an ambulance with its sirens on and everyone kindly letting us through but even that short journey felt very long indeed.

Moos, No you are not the only one. I am back at work full-time from 4 Jan and baby Monkey will only be 4 months and a week then!

Some of you mentioned Powerpramming as a good way to get back in shape after having a baby. My husband says I need a big three-wheeler or a bugaboo-style pushchair (anything with big wheels) to attend the class. Is that so? All I have is a pram that's not very sturdy... Thank you.

This is the question that all cat owners would like an answer to. If you go through the RSPCA London South East branch (inundated with cats and kittens at the moment), they'll visit your home and will be able to advise you. It could be that your home is better suited for an indoor only cat. Crystal Palace Road is not too busy though so I think you'll be fine. There's always an element of risk, wherever you live.

You can call/email Sergeant Duncan Jackson from the East Dulwich Safer Neighbourhoods Team in all confidence. Given the fact that several people witnessed what happened, the kids are unlikely to pick on you as they will not know which one of the witnesses came forward. Anyway, by calling the Safer Neighbourhoods Team, you are merely informing them of what happened, not giving a statement.

I would have spoken to them if I had known exactly where the noise was coming from... Did not really fancy knocking on people's doors in the middle of the night - or even this morning for that matter - when I was not sure I had the right people.

Well it's not summer, is it you brainbox?

I have nothing against people enjoying themselves on a Saturday night especially if their windows are shut. Not difficult, very easily done and everybody's happy.

Lots of noise from a party on Bawdale Road last night. No music thankfully but very, very loud people talking at the top of their voice, until after 4.00am. Close your windows next time - thanks!

Call the South London Press. Worked for me - had a nice article and photo in the paper (slightly embarrassing ok) and the Council now leaves me in peace.

Goose Green Igloo also in the Evening Standard.

I waited for a number 40 bus for ages this morning - it might have been running this morning but it's not any more or the service is so reduced that they might just not bother at all! Lies and incomptence from Transport for London. What's new?