The Nappy Lady

Gina, I'm so sorry you're going through this. I don't have any magic answer, but agree you should be firm with your daughter. She knows what she wants, and I suspect that if you make it clear that this behaviour is not acceptable (to quote the demon Super Nanny), that she will adapt her behaviour in order to get what she really wants. If breast is what she wants, then she will work out that the pinching, picking etc. gets it taken away.......this means being really firm, and possibly putting up with some screaming/shouting/tantrums, but in my experience (only had 2, so no expert) these tend to be storms in tea cups, which soon pass when they reaslise that you are not reacting to them. Was going to suggest necklaces, which I see you've already tried them. I have a theory on this - which may be unfounded, but with DD1 - she scratched me, tweaked opposite nipple whilst feeding etc. and it was really awful - if I tried to put my hand over the other nipple she would poke and prod and scratch to pull my hand away to get to the nipple, and in the end I would give in. We stopped feeding at 16 months when she gave up of her own accord, but I can't deny it was a bit of a relief as it was becoming less enjoyable for these reasons. However... With DD2, I used necklaces from pretty much day 1, and so she never developed any bad habits - always played with the necklaces rather than me. I fed her until the day before she turned 2 and never had any of the nasty stuff at all. Now, maybe she was just a different child, as clearly not all children do this pinching/tweaking etc. but I do wonder if stopping the bad habits from starting via the necklaces really helped - who knows. I actually still have a box of necklaces under my bed - used to have them out at nappy demos, but now they have stopped I've done nothing with them. This thread has reminded me about them, and I will probably put them into an NCT sale next year, but if anyone is interested in the meantime do give me a shout. Gina, I really hope things do improve, do let us know how you get on. xx

I can see both sides....didn't leave either of mine overnight until over 1, but then was still breastfeeding so not much choice anyway. Once over 1, with DD1 we went to France for a wedding and left her overnight with Granny, and then for a weekend when she was 2.5. At 4 she stayed with them for a week, then flew out to join us in Spain with them - the week without her was wonderful, but I missed her massively by the end of the week. DD2 has been to stay with her Godmother overnight a few times since turning 1, with her sister there too which I think helps. We have a big trip looming though - taking our 6 year old on Safari next February to Africa and leaving DD2 with her Godmother, with visits from Granny too for an entire week - and yes, we will be an 11 hour flight away. I've never done anything like this, or been so far away from one of my children so it will be hard, but I 100% trust those I am leaving her with (they are her legal guardians in any case and visit her every single week), and it is tempered by the excitement of sharing something amazing with my 'big girl' and her Dad. Saila - I think your situation is really tricky, and I too would be annoyed about being 'expected' to cancel my trip if it had been booked for much longer. It sounds like it is all working out OK bit by bit...hope it continues that way.

Your milk supply should increase with demand, so don't stop feeding whatever you do. Ruth's suggestions are really good, and at that age babies are prone to cluster feed, or comfort feed in the evenings. When he is sucking but not swallowing are you sure he is still hungry rather than sucking for comfort? Could you get to one of the breastfeeding clinics to see what advice they offer? Hope things improve soon. xx

We tend to brave it these days (now girls 6 and 2) as have to walk the dog no matter what - wet weather gear including dungaree/trouser things, wellies etc. etc. and go splash in puddles 'like Pepper Pig'. We still end up indoors for half the day at least, but it does mean they have had a good 'run' and burnt off some energy. Otherwise, playgroups, and playdates at each other's houses - as usually access to new toys, or same toys but with new friends to play with gets us through. It is a nightmare though I agree.

Just thought - he's going to get fireworks on his birthday every year - how cool is that?

Huge congratulation, have a wonderful babymoon. So pleased for you. Welcome to the world baby boy. 4kg is about 10lbs more or less (better out than in...phew)! Xxx

Saila, My 2 year old has just (in the past week or so) discovered TV in the true sense. Now every morning I get begged for either Fimbles, Pepper Pig or Tellytubbies, all of which we have on DVD. She is mad on Numberjacks too, so think maybe Father Christmas will be bringing that on DVD in a few weeks time. I must admit it is a godsend when trying to get entire family up and ready for work/school/childminder etc. and also at the end of the day as a wind down pre bathtime. I don't recall our first daughter suddenly getting TV in quite the same way, it has been such a clear transition this time around. Hope you had a good evening!

LOL, this is brill....am holding my breath waiting for the next update....wonder home many of us are mentally pushing with you right now, I know I am! Reminds me of when I was in labour and updating Facebook, and one of my friends posted back "will you get off here and go and push that baby out!!"

Just found the complete boxed set on woolworths.co.uk for ?3.97, 14 episodes I think it said & free delivery. Thought, what a nice stocking filler, and one I can really enjoy watching all over again with my girls (reliving my childhood). Thought I'd tip the rest of you off as seems a bargain to me!

Thanks all, I can wait until Feb if need be, will read up on the links etc. Much appreciated.

malleymoo - the story of you getting your skirt pulled down made me laugh out loud, sooooo funny. I remember my eldest at 3 or 4 asking loudly "Mummy, why is that lady so fat?" She also once decided to lift up my top, exposing me to one and all in the middle of Sainsburys as I was carrying her on my hip (nice). Oh, and then yesterday, showing her Godmother how good she is now at writing, she was trying to spell out the word "Counting" except she missed out the 'o'..... noooooo, as I frantically tried to get her to fix one into the gap between the C and the U before anyone else noticed.

Just wanted to say good luck, and I really hope things kick off tonight....maybe try going up and down stairs a few times if you can bear it? Sideways is supposed to be very good as it gets the head down and increases pressure on the cervix etc. Thinking of you and sending loads of positive vibes.... Molly xxxx

Hi Marscapone, I find generally that the same rules in the chart follow through to the larger sizes, if that makes sense? My 6 year old is tall and thin and I've always had to go for clothes with adjustable waists (elastic & buttons etc.) with Primark tracksuit bottoms I thread my own elastic through them and stitch at each end to make the waist right otherwise they end up around her knees!

busymum, Crystal Palace Road - Left hand side if driving up from Goose Green has very long gardens and 3 bed houses. I can see the sense in what you are suggesting, maybe better to just move, live in rented whilst work is done and then end up with your ideal. But selling and moving does involve the hidden costs of estate agents feeds, stamp duty etc. which all eat into your equity remember.

Hi all, Just having a big old sort out, and found this document which I thought might be useful, especially if you have a very long or short baby.... Best wishes, Molly

If so please can you PM me with details of how to sell some stuff at the next sale? Can I do this even if I am not a member myself? Thanks, Molly

I'm with prdarling, strongly feel that a childminder is the best option for under 2's. Keep a look out in the Family Room Classifieds as childminders often advertise there, and get the list of childminders from Southwark Council too. Visit as many as you can, maybe once on maternity leave, with a view to finding a couple that really 'feel right'.....you've got plenty of time, and don't worry if they don't have space now, but ask if they will let you put your name down. This is how I got my 1st choice childminder many years ago, and she's had my girls ever since - over 5 years now, my youngest at just 2 still goes there 3 days per week. My older girl begs to go there in the school holidays! Things do change, children move on to nursery or school so places become free - they may not be willing to commit to you now of course, even if they think it is likely they will have a place at the right time, but if you find a couple you like that is a good thing as at least you will feel you have a couple of options. When my eldest had chicken pox she was still able to go to her childminder as she was the last of the children there to catch it (got infected by another child who was there too). She was totally fine in herself, but infectious, so if I had been using a nursery I'd have had to take a week off work (nightmare), I was so glad of my wonderful childminder that week. Good luck!

Hi Ruth, and all, I may pop along to this, but not sure yet what we are up to that weekend. Hugs, Molly

Isn't it just - if you escaped with only a ukelele I am impressed! :))

Ah, thanks Pebbles :-)

Hi SP there is a lovely 1 0,clock club on Chivalry Rd, which I'd highly recommend, just a five minute walk from Northcote Rd, which has lovely shops & a very child friendly cafe with a play area at the back - called ????? Can't remember but it is close to junctions with Bennerley Rd or Mallinson Rd which you walk up to get to Chivalry - maybe someone else knows? They have tables out front, ramps for buggys & soft play/2 level fort type thing at the back. I used to manage to park for free at Clapham Common West Side then walked down to all the bits I mentioned when seeing friends who live over that way. Have tub!

I'm a sucker for a hot bath, had lots during both pregnancies I'm sure it's fine (think of pregnant women in much hotter climates). It's very normal to worry about this stuff, especially first time around, but try not to as actually stress / worry is the worst thing for baby. Relaxed Mummy in the bath is good. ;-) Xx

Bio Oil for me every time, I love it, and will always associate the smell with the memories of a HUUUUGGGGEEEE bump! Don't have a single stretch mark - very lucky I know, but suspect it is more down to genetic good luck than copious amounts of oil, but still, can't hurt can it.

Oh no, what a pain. Still he may yet turn up as sounds like right arm doesn't know what left arm is doing. My last 2 Sainsburys deliveries have both had over ?20 of items missing completely! They do credit you but it is still sooooo annoying.

O loves CBeebies website too Pickle, but I only let her on as a treat or to support stuff I know she is doing at school (we found a quiz on 2D & 3D shapes yesterday which was part of her homework - perfect. We also have a DS which she plays on train/airplane etc. I think it is good, encourages reading in order to get the most out of the games, and they use PCs at school now too so need to learn mouse control etc. All things in moderation, like most parenting. You're still ahead of me' due to the recent crafty salad manoeuvre!