QueenMab

Are you all mad? It's an awful, awful name, truly cringe-worthy! I think I'd have to be really fanatical about singing to be able to overcome my dislike of the name and actually join. For what it's worth, the same goes for powerpramming: I've been asked a few times by friends if I'd like to go but found myself shouting FUCK OFF!! before even waiting to know more about what it involves Sorry but both sound to me like they will be run by and attended by middle class twats.

I took the Pregnacare Multivits throughout pregnancy and my blood test showed good iron levels, so I don't think it could have been the iron levels for me. I definitely agree about getting to bed early before tiredness sets in though. I do remember it got worse if I stayed up when tired. Also, if I took myself off to bed the second I started getting that feeling, it tended to stave off the worst excesses of it.

I am monitoring this thread now, I also suffered from this when pregnant, and then weirdly got it really badly in my arms just after birth and during feeding, it's horrible!

Even if there ARE risks linked to the MMR jabs (although, as others have pointed out, there is NO peer-reviewed research for this), the risks to your children (and to others such as pregnant women who have to rely on group immunity) of not vaccinating is far higher. Anyone whose thinking is that they "wouldn't trust a system that uses scare tactics instead of educating and being honest" is not even being rational, which goes to show how much hysteria and irrational thinking end up informing some of the most crucial decisions for our children. Very sad.

I was in Kings 3 months ago and had a c-section birth. My partner stayed over which was helpful the first night, although I would say if I hadn't been immobile due to c-section I'd have been fine without him there; the staff were very helpful. I would say you would both sleep better if your partner goes home for the evening as s/he will only be slumped in a chair or on the floor. However everyone's experiences are different; it's great to have the option.

Does this mean you've had your baby? Or are you still waiting nikki?

Sorry I missed you today. Had to take mother-(not)-in-law to the airport. Hopefully next time. NOt sure about the Twilight Saga, mind. Or am I missing out?!

Oh, I'm just back from my hols. I'll try and catch you all tomorrow too. Looking forward to seeing your baby kapapxiana! And to meeting you finally, Ruth.

Cheers Cora!

Is there a full schedule of childrens' activities at the Bessemer Grange centre? I sent an email to them requesting more info but never got any reply...

We use them for standard laundry washes and they are excellent. Definitely not a con, as I find they get things cleaner than that 'non bio' powder, so it is not just the action of the water/residual soap. However as others say, you should apply a spot stain treatment before washing for dirty marks, spilled food stains etc.

Sounds good to me. I'm getting to the cabin fever stage here! God help me, have only had baby 3 weeks, already getting a bit claustrophobic being stuck at home all day with a baby plus my partner who is off work for the summer (he's a teacher). Now, where is the Dog Free area? I had enough trouble finding the Japanese garden last time... Nx

Congratulations on your new arrival Sarah. I also meant to say it was great to meet you the other week in the French Caf?. I was having a stressful time with the hospital pressing me for an induction and talking to you helped restore my sanity somewhat. Anyway, yes I suppose I should have mentioned that I have HAD A BABY! Sidney was born by c-section on 16 July. I can recommend a c-section, no pushing, no waiting hours to deliver the baby: 15 minutes on the slab and they hand your baby to you. Easy!

Count me in too!

If my baby has not been born by then (looking increasingly unlikely this will ever happen), I shall join you!

I've heard great reports about Bio Oil... can't confirm via personal experience yet though :)

Yes sorry can't do Weds either...have hospital appt.

Sorry I missed you all last week: I had to go to the tongue tie clinic with my friend and her new baby. I'm free this week though. Shall we try for Thursday? 2pm French caf??

I don't think you need do anything really. I've seen the odd rat in or near my garden in my time, in various locations of London. London, nay the world, is full of rats, so you're likely to see them now and again. If you start seeing them regularly in your garden you might think about calling the council or put down some poison, but otherwise I wouldn't worry

I allowed far too many bits of conflicting advice to put me off exercise during pregnancy. I think exercise is a good thing, and much better for you than not exercising, assuming there's no medical reason you can't. If you find yourself getting drastically overheated during the class you can always sit down for 5 minutes and regain your composure. A good instructor will ensure no-one gets dangerously overheated anyway. Now get your gym knickers on and get down there!

A little bird tells me Audrey might have been quite busy...

Sounds great to me, I shall be there, assuming I've not actually gone into labour by then.

So glad you're OK now Clarissa. Come and join us at 12 today at the Chandelier if you can.

"As someone who has suffered at the hands of a Southwark Council worker (or hired contractor) butchering our hedge to a complete eyesore... the entire process is completely flawed..." Well if you want perfectly manicured topiary, you could always, you know, do it yourself, or pay someone to do the job for you to your satisfaction. It shouldn't come as any surprise that Southwark doesn't provide Capability Brown-style gardening services for those who don't manage their own gardens and hedges etc.

Do join the fray Elizabeth! I found it really nice talking to everyone on Wednesday, you learn so many things from talking to other pregnant ladies. Especially Sarah who has already had a baby, so has lots of experience to share (whilst kindly refraining from sharing the horrors with us for now :) I will be racing back to The Gowlett for their pizza, it was lovely. Only, you need to order the second you arrive, as there's quite a wait for them... I thought eating a whole pizza that late would result in a sleepless night of heartburn, so I was dead pleased to awaken at 8am after sleeping like a log all night. That hasn't happened in ages. Hurray!