cashewnut

I don't think anyone doing a routine should worry too much about this research. From the paper: The variable of interest in this study is whether children were fed according to a schedule. When babies were 4 weeks old, mothers were asked: ?Is your baby fed (either by breast or bottle) on a regular schedule (e.g. every 4 hours)?? Mothers were asked to reply ?yes, always? (7.2%); ?yes, try to? (23.4%) or ?no, fed on demand? (69.4%). The results were based on the difference between the 'yes always' group and the 'yes try to' group (which was characterised as 'tried but failed' to follow a routine). The 'yes try to' group had similar academic performance to the 'fed on demand' group. I'm not sure how many people would answer 'yes always' to this question, even if they were mostly doing a routine - perhaps only those that really would make the baby wait until the next scheduled feed, even if it was hungry? Also, the 'yes always' group had some other characteristics e.g. smack their children more often, don't read to them as often as other parents. The study attempts to control for this, but without a randomised control this is never going to be perfect. I do think Saffron's point is interesting though. I tried to read books that represented a range of approaches before the arrival of my little one but found that the more helpful books tended to advocate some sort of routine (perhaps I missed out on some good ones though). As a result we leaned towards that approach, but if there had been more support about how to follow the baby's lead a bit more maybe we would have gone more in that direction.

Sorry to hear it - sounds like a pain. Last thing you need while little one is just settling into the world. I didn't have such bad problems but I think engorgement started to ease after 4-5 days so hopefully things will get better on their own very soon.

A blackboard in the kitchen changed our lives. Write things up there as soon as they start to run out. And reminders of stuff that needs doing. Also proper fortnightly supermarket delivery with meals planned out (top up from local shops middle weekend).

This van is making me angry! The music is so loud going past our house at 7pm. But I am being prevented from going out to confront the guy in case he is a serious and evil drug dealer who will make me sorry. If he's selling olives perhaps there's less of a threat.

Wow, sounds like it's all going on this weekend (when, unfortunately, we're away!). I'll keep my eyes open in the local press in future... Thanks for the suggestions everyone.

Are there any good jumble sales or places to get second hand baby clothes etc in East Dulwich? (Other than the forum itself of course!)

I called Gary after reading all the recommendations on here and he came round on the same day and fixed my dimmer switch straight away. He was also very friendly. Excellent.

I haven't experienced this personally but I just stumbled on this. There's a list of strategies to help with nighttime fears at the bottom of the page. http://www.parentingscience.com/nighttime-fears.html

I LOVE the new crossings. They make life better.