bee74

I m just curious to know how many people would consider this... as I am giving some thought to training as one. Thank you. If you're not sure what a doula is: http://www.doula.org.uk/ Today's mother is generally not given the chance to enjoy her pregnancy, labour and new baby because of the pressures that society places upon her. "Doula" (pronounced "doola") is a Greek word meaning "woman servant or caregiver". It now refers to an experienced woman who offers emotional and practical support to a woman (or couple) before, during and after childbirth. A doula believes in ?mothering the mother? - enabling a woman to have the most satisfying and empowered time that she can during pregnancy, birth and the early days as a new mum. This type of support also helps the whole family to relax and enjoy the experience. Birth doulas are trained and experienced in childbirth, although they may or may not have given birth themselves. They have a good knowledge and awareness of female physiology BUT the doula is not supporting the mother in a clinical role - that is the job of the midwife/medical staff. Postnatal doulas work flexible hours to suit the family, offering practical and emotional support to the new mother and father in the home following the birth of baby. In the West today, too often mothers are rushed back into normal day-to-day activities; in many cultures women are confined to bed and rest for a period of up to 40 days. This may be impossible in our society but with the help of a postnatal doula, a mother can enjoy some of the benefits of a prolonged "lying in" period. This will help her bond with her baby and spend extra time with any older siblings. Our work is about empowering a family to take care of itself and we facilitate this by helping around the house and offering encouragement and suggestions. ? Copyright 2005 Doula Uk Ltd | Terms ou

Persevere with calling. They are very busy and only work on certain days. I've been donating milk for 14 months and I'm going to stop at some stage soon as my 15 months old is boobing less now... But the milk you give is invaluable! Thank you

Hello everyone My 15 month old has started having very clear preferences when it comes to food and it is really hard to get him to eat his greens... His diet is not bad. He loves fruit. Carbs and cheese are normally ok. And sometime he eats soup. But not eating greens is a big problem because we are all veggies in the house. So can you suggest any brilliant ideas or recipes? Although you might disagree with bringing up a baby as a vegetarian, would it be ok to keep this threat about suggestions? Thank you very much

i have a mai tai babyhawk. it is different from an ergo, i didn't get on with the ergo at all, as it was pulling on my shoulders...

It is my bday and we'll be going out from 7.45 till about 11/11.30. We'll only be round the corner and my son (14 months) should be asleep. Still, it's the first time I get a sitter and would like to know she is reliable. Thank you

I've tried so many slings and bought a few before finally finding the 'ultimate sling'. I really got on best with the Babyhawk. It was very expensive, but also a good investment. I've used it lots and it still looks brand new. It washes well in the wm and it's easy to put on and off. It has a soft fabric on the inside and a good support, esp good if they go to sleep. It has a pocket and the carnival flower design. Sadly my son is too heavy now for carrying, so I'm going to sell it. But I m also happy for anyone to try it on, if you're still not sure.

This is appaling! I just don't understand how a society can antagonise women for doing something so natural. It should be encouraged and supported. In the last month, I've had two very different experiences. In India, it was taken for granted that I'd still be breastfeeding my son (he is 14 months) and even the doctor asked how many times a day he was feeding , rather than ask if I was still feeding. Then we went to the doctor here (my son has had a persistent cough!) I started breastfeeding in the waiting room and they asked me to go into a separate room! At a GP!!!! We were then referred onto a pediatrician at King's who was shocked I was still breastfeeding and that I should really start weaning my toddler off the breast! I just could not believe. This is very sad and upsetting and I think we really need to be more visible with our breastfeeding to make it more acceptable and ordinary.

Snowboarder, how old is your baby? Sounds very similar to mine, who is 13 months in 3 days. I like Lorraine's suggestion of the little table (althogh M doesn't go to nursery so doesn't have a point of reference there.) But I do also let him get on with it - most of the time. I do a mix of spoon and self/finger feeding and it does get oh so messy. What annoys me most is the waste of good food and keep thinking it would not happen in other countries. We are going to India for a month on Thu. Been several time but it's the first time with a baby so I am really curious to see how little ones do there, esp with food and nappies. Will report back if they have any interesting tricks. As far as the inconsistencies - I guess they are still working things out and finding their way around the world. M loved bananas and now he is not bothered and I can think it is only because he is experiencing other tastes and just being curious about trying new stuff. He is into Organix cheese puffs now... He is also quite inconsistent about sleeping. One morning is 6 am the next 7.15 (more rarely, believe me!). Again, I think it might depend on what time he got up in the morning, how long he napped in the afternoon and how much he did (how tired he got!). When we go to his swim lessons he always has a long nap!

what is the address of the Goose Green Nursery so i can attend in the morning, thank you?

Hello everyone I also think there is nothing much on during Monday or Thursday afternoon around 3 pm... If I am wrong PLEASE let me know (apart from 1 o'clock club on Thur). Otherwise 9.30-12 seems good.

I would like someone reliable who can do a good thorough job. Thank you.

Kate- my son is also 8 months and we have been doing lots of free fun stuff which i picked from the Sure Start Summer Programme. Most things are coming to an end, but they will start anew in September. It is for Southwark from Dulwich to Bermondsey. We always have a good time. Call the Council for a programme.

I have looked at Which? Magazine video showing their independent tests on car seats and they horrified me. The dummies has smashed skulls on impact at only 20 mph. The seat they recommend is the Kiddy Infinity - the only one which apparently kept the baby alive! So that's what i've ordered for my boy who is just turned 8 months. If you want to watch the video you can get a ?1 trial to the mag. Hope this helps.

well, thank you very much everyone for all your suggestions. in the end, we have tried a combination of things. the second tooth has come through now. i ll brace myself for the all the other ones!

I m def up for it! I will come with my son, who is 7 months. So it's Sunday 26th at 3ish at Peckham Rye Cafe... Thank you for organising.

My boy has just turned 7 months and for the last couple of weeks keeps waking up in pain (i think). He puts his fingers in his mouth and cries desperately. One tooth has come through. Another is on its way. I am trying Nelsons' Teething Solution (chamomile) and am not keen on Calpol. Has anything worked for your little ones? Thank you.

Hello everyone interesting discussion. My son has just turned 7 months and for the last month he has only done two poos in the nappy, the rest on the potty. I initially put him first thing in the morning on the potty and made pooing/straining noises myself till he got what i was on about. Now i don't need to anymore. I put him on the potty at almost every nappy change and also allow him lots of nappy free time (especially now, the weather is warmer!). I am not obsessed with evacuation communication. It's just how it turned out. I just feel that personally, if i myself were 7 months old, i would rather not sit in my poo for very long or not at all... It is working out ok, but i try not to put pressure on my son to do it 'right.' If he goes in the nappy, that's great too. As long as he is comfortable. I don't know how it will pan out, but i suspect that he is already learning that it's better to poo and wee on a potty than in his nappy. If you are interested in EC there is a group which meets in London every month. Not sure of details, but i bet you can google it. B

I'd love to join with my 7 month old... has anything been arranged? I look forward to meeting you all!