midivydale

Meredith, I think that the nursery you talk about in the church IS puddleducks. Agree that it seems a lovely nursery, I really liked the manager too.

Hi, In Sweden there is a free creche in all ikea stores - I remember being dumped there on a few occasions when I was little:) Soft ball type thing and lots of messy play work stations along with nursery staff. Not the same in the UK?

Yes Belle I too have had no end of problems with the dmc-lloyds process. To the point where it has had me reduced to tears. The final drop was when the pharmacist accused me of telling fibs..I have now cancelled it (and made a formal complaint)and have set up the same service with sainsburys pharmacy and so far I cant fault them. Not one hiccup so far. Worth a try?

Right - Baby Ivydale and Mr Ivydale are both comming. I hope that this is the right decision. Thank you all for your input and to those who sent PM's too. X

Second Homemade, best coffee by far

Me too!

Aw Pickle, it sounds like a week of bliss. So welldeserved too! Here are some things I would do if it was me. A pamper day, nails, hair massage etc. I would probably try and get some groupon deals for this. If weather is nice I would go for a pancake breakfast at homemade and bring a book or some magazines with me. I love their coffee and their pancakes are amazing too. I love sitting there (they have blankets now) and watch the world (well east dulwich) go by. For me, breakfast is my favourite meal to eat out. The ultimate me time treat! Spend one day doing the house stuff that never gets done, organise toys and clothes that are no longer used, kitchen, makeup or underwear drawers that could do with a tidy etc. I am abit sad like that:) Invite some friends over for some wine and perhaps a pamper evening. There are several beauty therapists that are mobile and would cater for this. You could all catch up while have manis, pedis etc. I would def go to some of the markets ie borough market and the flower market in east london. I would also jump on the train or tube and go somewhere I have never been for the day (or somewhere you really like). Most of all, enjoy the time to yourself and let us know how you get on, would be lovely to hear what you thought of the things that you tried. X

Thanks Liz!

Yup us too but my son is younger (15 months). I get the "no no no no" and daddy gets massive cuddles and kisses.

Pickle - firstly I am so sorry to hear of your brother. It must be a heartbreaking time for you and your family. Such a long flight home makes it a very different decision. I am fortunate that in this case it takes me 90 min to fly to Sweden so the travel doesnt even have to be a factor. I posted as I was feeling anxious about leaving my little one behind as I have never been away from him overnight. I guess I was after some reassurance that he would be ok. Thank you for giving me that - and to strawbs! I am also very keen to ensure that I can be there for my aunt and the two boys. They are in a very bad way and they need me. But then again, my parents are so anxious to see baby I and would be disapointed if he didnt come. Will speak to my other half tonight. Thank You again ladies.

Thank you all, that is another good point saffron. Bringing my son would be a source of comfort for many of my relatives. I will have a think. Thank you everyone and for all lovely well wishes.

My cousin to whom I was incredibly close has passed away suddenly at the age of 40. A very sad and distressing time. I will need to go home to sweden for the funeral and wonder if to leave my 14 month old in the UK with his dad. I have never been away from him over night before and would not contemplate it normally. I am just thinking that I can be a better support for my aunt and my cousin's children if I dont have my son with me. Any words of wisdom? X

This why I want to elope!

I too suffer from anxiety (GAD) which culminated postnatally. For me if it is really bad, medication along with life style changes is what makes it better. I have had limited success with CBT and other forms of therapy. I found CBT very stressful and like Saffron found that it increased my anxiety. I was worried that people would think that I wasnt coping with being a mother so therefor spent a great deal of time trying to convince the CBT person how much progress I had made and how much better I was feeling. I felt as if though the therapist wanted confirmation that her strategies worked so found myself saying what I thought she wanted to hear as opposed to how I felt, ridcilous of me really. Also bringing along my reflux baby to the appointment was terrible. He was always screaming from the top of his lungs and it made me feel like I was a terrible mother for not being able to comfort him. It just added to my feeling of failure. It is almost comical now when I picture the scene. I have to make some serious life style changes when things are getting bad. No alcohol, no caffeine and plenty of good low GI foods as well as spending as much time outdoors as possible. It makes a huge difference. I also feels miles and miles better when I humour the situation altough my sarcastic sense of humour may not be to everyones taste. Big hugs to the OP, feel free to PM me if you want to chat. x

Private landlord, if you can find a good one and like straferjack i think you can fgure them out when you meet them for viewings. Prior to buying we were renting in North London for 3+ years and our landlady was amazing. She just wanted her property to be well looked after (which we did) and in return nothing was too much bother for her. She kept the rent very reasonable and it was a great experience all around. We still talk about her flat and how easy life was back then:) We could just pick up the phone and call Mrs C if we had any problems. I miss those days. Good luck with your search! On another note, if you are looking for reasonable rent dont forget Brockley:)

Evelina is a fantasic childrens hospital and the cardiac team are first class. A forumite and friend works at the childrens intensive care unit, I will ask her to post or send you a PM.

Brilliant, Thank you for sharing!

Tempting! Does she do high lights with more than one colour? I normally use a mix of 2 or 3 shades. Does anyone know? Her feedback is certainly very impressive

Thank you all so so much - it is clear I need to get to this dietician. I would love to borrow booklet newtoedf, thank you!

Thank you so much for info patt1980, this is very useful. Also interesting to hear about oatmilk - hadnt even thought of that. Any other tips would be gratefully received. Thanks again

Hi SBain, We decided ourselves to see how he got on without them and touch wood so far so good. He is 14 months now and has been on them since he was 5 weeks. I just thought that he was ready and decided to give it a go. I thought that his symptoms seemed alot better, he doesnt seem at all uncomfortable lying on his back, I cant hear him refluxing, no sickness etc. Having said that, this morning my partner noticed that his breath was very smelly again (acid) and he could hear him refluxing so if this continues I guess he will have to go back on them. Trial and error....trial and error

Thanks everyone. I have managed to get an appointment with my favourite GP at the practice who I know will take me seriously but it is not until the end of May. In the meantime will give him as much leafy greens as I can. (my Swedish mum suggested herring, doubt that will be succesful). Have put a call in to the HV as well, hoping to hear back from them too. SusyP, how was your day back in the area? If you do another one it would be lovely to meet up. C x

Hi Clare, I have only heard very good things said about the school as well but I dont have any first hand experience I am afraid.

Strawbs, is this still the infant version? I am getting concerned about calcium levels... Yes please could you send me the numbers? Also I owe you a neocate tub :)

Calling all neocate/nutramigen parents. My son is coming up to 14 mnths and is still on Neocate infant formula. He has been under the care of Mr Vademalayan at Kings through our medical insurance. However, as his reflux is now much improved (he is even off meds for a trial period) our insurance does not cover any further appointments. I have asked his GP to prescribe the follow on milk but they refuse as it has to be authorised by a consultant. Problem is that I cant get to see a consultant as said GP is refusing a referal as reflux symptoms are under control (anyone following?).... I will of course try to find the funds to go and see him privately without the insurance if I must but in the meantime I was just wondering what other parents of CMPI toddlers do? Are you still using the infant formula?