Jo'sEnglish

I'm also not far away, in Hither Green. Ladywell fields is great. It is easy to get to the Horniman too. Check out the new Catford Constitutional Club pub (not baby related but nice!) and the market on the Broadway once a month. Often kids shows on at Catford Broadway theatre too.

Just to add that you can change your mind so don't let anyone think that once you have made a decision you have to stick with it if you decide that it is not for you after all. It's worth choosing the most convenient hospital for now and then spending some time visiting other hospitals and doing some research. Check out http://aims.org.uk/ and make sure you know your rights.

Look up jelly belly personal training. They do post-natal pilates at the goose green centre on a Wednesday morning and I found them great.

Hi, I'm also 31 weeks pregnant and just sorting out my form for Maternity Allowance. I'm a freelance writer so kind of a similar thing to you I suppose. I read that they count any part of a day that you work as one of your ten days but I wonder how they would know? I normally just do a few hours here and there when I get the chance. It's all a bit vague. Sorry, I'm no help at all! But if you do find out more info I'd be interested to know!

I've always just used normal low salt stock cubes...

I'm in the same situation. 2nd baby due end of April. I'm planning on having a few friends on a list for standby babysitting so hopefully someone will be available. Don't have anyone I'm close to living that close to me though so I'm hoping to ask my next door neighbours if they would be happy to have him for an hour or so until someone else gets there. It is the thing I'm most stressed about at the moment. My parents offered to come over from Spain to be on standby but I really don't think I can cope with them here for up to a month waiting for me to pop! Can't imagine trying to give birth with my hyperactive 2.5 year old around...

just heard about this place opening in West Norwood and thought of this thread: www.theshala.co.uk

Also recommend Gently Elephant in Brockley. They have a great range and seem knowledgeable. If you are quick, I think their sale is still on too!

I'm the same, it's hideous! Agree, mine is worse when overtired (I'm guessing having a small baby doesn't help with this!) Quinnine (sp?) found in tonic water is supposed to help. I find massaging my calves only help when I'm actually doing it. Sometimes having a walk around and really stretching them helps... Or some leg cooling massage gel stuff can relieve temporarily (long enough to go to sleep maybe?)

Agree with the timings. I would have been very grateful for something like this after the birth of my son but wouldn't have wanted to come on a Friday evening and would have appreciated something during the day I could have brought him too. Definitely try letting HVs and community midwifes know. A leaflet popped into all the other stuff you get given would be great. Incidentally, I got seen by the women's health counsellor at Lewisham after having my son within about 2 weeks of calling them and I think you can self-refer (although it took me quite a long time to be told such a person existed!) They have been brilliant too, both talking to me after the birth of my son and helping me now I am pregnant again.

We've got this one: http://www.bambinomioshop.co.uk/new-fitted-mattress-protector-591-p.asp It's nice and soft, no rustling at all. The cot bed one is the same size as my little boys toddler bed.

Thanks so much everyone - I'm off to look up books!

I'm expecting a baby the end of April when my little boy will be 2 years and 8 months. I thought it would be nice to get him a couple of books about what to expect for Christmas, does anybody have any they would recommend? Also, for those with a similar age gap, when did you start to talk to your toddler about having a new baby brother or sister? Thanks!

I've been to the Saturday morning one too and definitely more of a mix there too with more older siblings.

I take my 26 month old and have found that the Friday afternoon one tends to have more toddlers. He loves it!