claire101

Another recommendation for Dave and Lee from D&L Landscapes, who did a great job laying a new front path for us recently. We called them following recommendations on the forum, they gave us a fair quote and fitted the work into a tight timescale. We're really pleased with the job (digging out existing concrete path and disposing, sourcing new flagstones, laying and cementing) and would happily recommend them to others. They are on Facebook if you search under D&L Landscapes or the mobile is 07968 948339.

Thanks for all your useful comments and tips. The main piece of advice I'll take away is to follow personal recommendations from other parents you know, if you can't find a babysitter you know personally. As my son is only (nearly) 2, it will probably be a while before we can use younger sitters, but I'm going to ask parent friends and see how we get on with that. It's also nice to know we're not the only parents in the same position, so thanks for your posts and messages.

Yes, we do that amongst a group of parents which is great for week nights, not so much for weekends though as naturally enough, the weekend time is a bit more precious! Thanks though - it's a great idea for those who haven't tried it.

I'm after some advice on finding a babysitter you trust if anyone can help. My husband and I don't have any family living nearby and most of our friends have children or half decent social lives. We are happy to pay for a babysitter to sit for our nearly two year old on the occasions we need a sitter (occasional weekend eve, sometimes weekend daytime), but feel uneasy about leaving our son with someone we don't know personally (even if done reference checks, CRB etc). Which means we're a bit limited to the occasions when family visit. We could really do with someone to help out at times. Anyone got any advice about how to go about finding a babysitter you trust? Thanks Claire

Hi Saila, I wanted to second the recommendations to make sure you get a debrief from your first labour with a consultant at King's. There's lots of good advice in this thread but a consultant at King's will be able to provide you with proper medical information about your first experience, and answer any questions you have in relation to your second labour. It will be easier for them to do this if you get your medical notes, which you're entitled to a copy of (you may have to pay for the photocopying) from King's PALS. If you mention your due date to both the Harris Birthright and to PALS, then hopefully you will get an appointment in good time. Be persistent. I had a very positive experience of King's when I had my baby, but realised a few months later that I had some outstanding questions relating to my postpartum haemorrhage. I saw lead consultant Leonie Penna for a labour debrief, who having gone over the notes I brought with me from the PALS service, gave me a clearer picture of what had happened and why, which helped reassure me for any future labours. I'm sorry you had such an awful experience first time. But I'd urge you to get the NHS to give you the answers you need, from medical professionals with your notes in front of you, whether you decide to hire additional private help or not. Good luck!

I asked my husband's advice as the son of his lovely (single) mum, who sometimes had a hard time at a tough school. He said to consider if it's bullying, and if it is, to ask for the school's bullying policy and discuss the issue with them. I know you said your son is reluctant to let you speak to the school, but his view was that to not take action sends the wrong message. You could always see how the next few days go and act if it doesn't go away. An addition/ alternative is to look at the website of a charity like Beat Bullying, or Parentline Plus (now Family Lives) has a phoneline. I feel for you. Hope the little so and so's move on. We've got a young son so no direct experience as parents yet. Good luck.

Thanks for your advice. We've gone for a night flight with a short stop on the way there, and an overnight stopover on the way back. So we'll find out! And we'll be packing the Piriton... From the responses and advice from friends there didn't seem like an obviously better way to do the trip (that's worth paying the extra for anyway) so we just went with the best deal. Happy travelling

We're planning to visit Australia next March to see my brother who emigrated last year, with our baby who will be about 18 months by then. Has anyone got any useful advice, particularly about whether to fly direct or to stopover? We had been thinking of spending a few days in Singapore or Abu Dhabi on the way back, to break the journey up for the baby and to give us some time just the 3 of us. But is it better just to get the flight over and done with? Am probably more concerned about baby jet lag going all that way to feel very tired for a lot of it(brother won't be used to getting up at 2am to lend a hand!!). Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated.

12 to Oxford Circus will take you directly there, although the traffic around Trafalgar Square can be a pain so leave loads of time. I also find the 12 seems to take ages to get to Camberwell Green, so I tend to get the 176/40/185 to the green and change. If you use a baby sling and are happy taking the tube, then bus (176/40) to Elephant and Castle then Bakerloo line would be quicker, I just find tubes without lifts too awkward to navigate with a pram when I'm on my own.

How to be a Woman - Caitlin Moran I've just read it on holiday (bliss, not to be reading baby food books or textbooks...) and thoroughly enjoyed it. I'd also vote for the Kite Runner, A Thousand Splendid Suns and I've enjoyed all the Maggie O'Farrells

Thanks this sounds like a great idea, I'd definitely be interested. If a session is being organised, please let me know? jennyh - will pm you with my contacts in case you manage to get a class together.

Hello, I'm due on the 9th October with my first baby, if you meet up would love to join you. Can do 4th or Thursdays fine, including the 9th Claire

I came to the last one and hoped another would be arranged, but hadn't seen this thread and have missed it! Anyway if you're doing one mid September then count me in.

Hello, was lovely to meet everyone the other week, hope all feeling well and enjoying the cooler weather. I can't make Sat 7th (although could do Sun 8th if that's happening), so will hope to make the next get together.

Just found this thread - sounds like a great idea. I'm due early October with my first baby and would love to join you on the 11th Thanks for organising!