The Nappy Lady

Another vote for morning expressing. Put baby on the less full side and pump on your 'best' side and if you can pump and feed at once you may be amazed at the difference. I only ever expressed for the milk bank but could get 3-4oz in ten minutes with this method. Any other time / way was much harder though I found if I consciously relaxed, closed my eyes and pictured baby feeding that helped. Also hold pump lightly to breast and if flow slows try taking pump off then putting back on and starting again. Oh also with a hand pump it is squeeze handle in and hold til flow stops rather than rapid squeeze, release, squeeze, release if that makes sense. Once I worked that out it made a HUGE difference. Molly x

They say if you've got one you've got lots.....I think it is hard to avoid it in London these days. There is a chap recommended a lot in the other bit of the forum - the recommended local people room - whatever it is called! Anyway, it seems they can get in a hole as small as a pencil. You need to plug holes with Wire Wool as they can't chew through it. Can do a mix of Wire wool and expanding foam, but the foam alone is no good as they chew through. Put mouse traps under your kitchen units if you can take the bottom pelmet thing off. Set them with peanut butter or chocolate - Mars Bars are good. Children can't get to them once pelmet is back in place but mice often use this space as their 'M1'. They are very good at getting the food without getting caught in the traps though. You could put down some of the glue traps as well. But of course you have to be ready to deal with the results. Poisen is dodgy because they can eat it then crawl off and die elsewhere and you end up with a nasty smell under the floor or wherever. This man who is recommended will come in and sort it all out for you, but it costs about ?80 so I guess it depends on how bad the problem is. I think in some cases you will only really get rid of them if you start doing stuff like taking your kitchen units out, finding every little hole and filling it then re-fitting the kitchen...seriously! If you find the thread there was even a chap who set up a video camera to work out where the mice were still getting in as he thought he'd blocked all the holes .....talk about commitment! He did solve it all in the end though. It did make me laugh when I read it! All this is from reading the threads (honest) plus some experience of an invasion I had a year or two ago, I think (touch wood) I am now mouse free....for now. Until you are sorted just make sure you spray anti-bac on the high chair tray, kitchen work tops etc and wipe with kitchen roll before baby or you use surfaces etc. because obviously they pee and poo wherever they go. Oh and be sure not to leave any crumbs about as it will of course encourage them. If they would just stay at ground level I wouldn't mind quite so much. Nightmare. Good luck with it. Molly

Posted same message twice somehow....strange.

Apologies if I sounded dismissive LI, not intentional :)) Molly

Mscrawthew, on the dog poo issue, I'm afraid the dogs would still have to be walked to the 'off lead' area, and those who don't 'pick up' will still not do so even if their dog is on a lead - unless others see and confront them I imagine, so may not solve the problem entirely. I think the off lead area would have to be huge to avoid problems, and that is my main concern. Maybe if it was the entire sloping side of the park, where they have let the wild grass area grow etc. from the big house to the Oval, along the edge of the pathway....but I can't see it happening. In the summer when hot and I know the park is going to be full of people having picnics etc. I tend to avoid it, because I know for my dog it is too much temptation not to go up to people, and whilst she is friendly I don't think it is fair on people, so tend to go to Nunhead Cem instead (where it is cooler for her anyway). Given that certain dogs tend to attack other dogs when on a lead (as per the other thread about Woody), I also think in some ways those of us who are responsible will be putting our pets in more danger, because the irresponsible owners may well still let their dogs run free. If a loose dog bombs up to a dog on a lead the restrained dog often feels vulnerable and will defend themselves, so it could cause more problems in some ways. I still believe we should all be able to rub along together OK, with a bit of common sense, sensitivity and consideration. There will always be exceptions to the rules, but a fenced in off lead area will not sort these people out. I hate losing most of the park to footballers on the weekend, but have to grin and bear it, so I guess we all have to make allowances!! ;-) Molly

The tooth paste / tooth brushing thread...worth a read if you are concerned about teeth in general: http://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/forum/read.php?29,405199

Hmmm, I think it is one of those areas where you can over analyse to be totally honest. Every parent I know gives their children Fromage Frais or Little Star Yoghurts and I don't personally know of any little ones who have had problems with tooth decay. I guess if you have a child that is prone to it then you need to worry more, but otherwise I would just carry on doing what you are doing and be vigilant about tooth brushing (another thread on here about this) now, or as and when teeth arrive. Happy to be shouted down if others think otherwise! Molly

I think it just saps you completely when you have a tummy bug and your poor body is still trying to produce milk. Really hope you feel better soon. I might be worth giving your doctor a call to see if they will 'phone and give you some advice on what you can eat, if you feel up to anything. I think it is what I said early, toast, mashed potatoe etc. but may have other ideas. Oh, I was told flat coke is good too as it puts sugar back into your system, if you've got the shakes it will help a lot. But it must be flat, not fizzy. To do this quickly just pour it from one glass into another back and forth a few times and the fizz will be gone. Take care, Molly xx

Another link to more info; http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/108497.php

Should any of you ever need someone.... Tried the one by Dulwich Library and they couldn't/wouldn't fit me in until Monday, even though I had a crying 5 year old with a nasty sore toe where the nail bed had got inflamed and infected. Tried Carlton but now answer (he did call back but by then I was sorted). Called a place at Stondon Park (just past Honor Oak Park Station), and they were lovely...fully booked, but fitted us in right away when I explained the situation. Drove straight there and seen within 15 mins of my phone call. Very patient, kind and gentle man who I would thoroughly recommend; Allan Wood 020 8699 4139 It is lovely when you find a business like this and makes such a difference. What a shame that Dulwich Chiropody & Podiatry Practice couldn't see fit to spare 10 minutes for a child in pain. Sniff! Molly

Any better today? Hope so. Is Mum with you now? A friend who is a teacher said they had FIFTEEN children off with the vomiting bug yesterday - school in Camberwell. So, think we better all brace ourselves for a potentially nasty bug coming our way. Molly

Don't be afraid to use bio detergents to wash babies clothing....there was research done in 2005 and again in 2008 that showed that contrary to what all the advertising leads up to believe it is no harsher on the skin than the non bios. I can't find the link to the actual study now, but there is this article about it; http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1020902/Biological-washing-powders-NOT-cause-skin-allergies-says-expert.html We are the only country in Europe with Non-Bio detergents and no higher incidence of skin sensitivity here than in Germany, France etc. The whole 'new baby' Fairy Non-Bio thing is yet another marketing ploy. The bleaching agents in the non-bios are just as harsh on the skin as the enzymes in the biological detergents! Our experience at The Nappy Lady is that it isn't WHAT you use, but HOW MUCH. I use about a tablespoon of liquid Bio detergent to a load of washing and find it works fine. We have family history of eczema and sensitive skin, and I switched from Non Bio when the first survey came out, when my eldest was 9 months, crawling and getting filthy clothes etc. It made a world of difference to getting her stuff clean, and didn't affect her or my skin at all. I recently tried Bio D and we both reacted to that though. I also use Vanish, either in wash or spray on tougher stains. I spend a lot of time sitting and shouting at the TV! I get so cross with the way the advertisments play on parents emotions and fears to sell us stuff. I have no idea how my girls were crawling at 8 / 9 months or walking at 11 / 12 months in their huge cloth nappies...surely that is only possible in Pampers Acti Fit or whatever they are called????? Humph! Don't let them con you, they all do this stuff when they are ready. Sorry going off on a tangent and a rant, better stop now! Molly

I agree a dog license is a good idea. Re the picnic area, I have (whilst walking my dog) asked other owners to call there dogs out of this area more than once. If I see the gates open I try to close them too. I always feel that as a regular park user it is part of my duty to do stuff like this, because I genuinely care about the place, and we use it almost every single day, at least once. It upsets me when parents see my dog approach and look worried, but I do understand why. I always call her away when that happens, and also call to reassure them that she is OK, but of course I guess others would say that when it may not be the case. It is nice when I walk with the children because I guess people feel more reassured. My dog is a bit 'dog autistic' in that she tends to ignore other dogs, and will usually ignore them if they approach her, but it is surprising how often an owner will let their dog keep harrassing her rather than calling them off, that does make me cross. Molly

Oooh, yes please Fuschia, would be great to add that to stuff we have. I think it is so sad that families don't pass down stories of ancestors much any more...hope we might be able to re-instigate some of it in our family with all of this. Molly

Good move on the Mother front! Yes, fine to keep on breastfeeding him - easiest thing to digest, but will be hard on you as you are going to be 'producing milk' without having much going into you to keep energy levels up. It made me very weak and wobbily when this happened so do try to take it easy. Doctor says the best stuff is mashed potatoe, rice, pasta etc. for you and baby as and when you feel up to it. Oh or dry toast. Avoid other dairy stuff other than breast milk as the tummy bug 'feeds' on it in the gut. Really hope this helps and that you both feel much better soon. Molly xx

Hi there, Have you checked out the rearfacing.co.uk website? If not worth looking there as they also have some info on how the seats have done in trials and things I believe. Also on the Which website you can find info. Molly

Huggers, very good point. I think it would help a lot if they made it possible to walk around the outside of the park without having to do the lead on and off thing...it's not a big deal I know, but might help. I tend to take a route that almost does this by going up by the cafe, in the little gate that takes you on to what I call the 'squirrel path' (by the skate board ramps etc.), then up and around the outside. If there was a path/gate which allowed me to avoid the Oval by turning left and going down to the fence there, than along the outside edge at that point too it would be possible to do an entire circuit with a dog, without going into any of the on lead areas. Maybe this is something we should discuss with Southwark at some point? I know there used to be a gap in the fence down in that corner so you could do this unofficially, but I can't wheel a buggy through the gap, so only an option when walking child free. Molly

Thank you all....Shorty, it was a long shot I know! So interesting once you start digging though - much appreciate the PM's I've had on this too. Molly

Can anyone suggest one locally? Need one for my 5 year old. Thanks, Molly

Thanks so much! I know Oscar was Oscar 'something' (will check with Mum) Neighbour and then he was adopted and dropped the 'A' and assumed the Edwards. We thought it may be his aunt and uncle that ended up raising him from previous research, but it was ages (years) ago so it has all got a bit blurred in my head....will try to get more info from my Mum as it may help you. Molly

Emily, We wish Woody a full and speedy recovery, and hope to see both of you back in the park soon. Poor little chap. As others have said, it is such a shame that a few irresponsible owners ruin it for all of us. Molly & Coco the Irish Water Spaniel (both very friendly, though Coco is prone to stick her nose in your crotch to say hello......I stick with shaking hands!!).

Hello all, Having read another thread where ComputedShorty (hope I got that name right, sorry if not) was recalling lots of memories of a childhood in East Dulwich it has occured to me that I may be able to get some help with our family history, which we have got rather stuck with. My Grandmother, Violet Grace Edwards was brought up in Archdale Road, just off Northcross Road, I think it was house No.3. but don't have the notes in front of me. She was born in 1901, and we know that the family were still in the area during the second world war. Her father was Oscar Neighbour Edwards and her mother was Alice. Oscar gave private violin lessons. History earlier than this gets complicated, with Oscar having been adopted, and so we have got a bit stuck, but given the timescale I don't expect much help with that! If by some amazing fluke anyone on here recognises these names and can tell me anything about the people concerned it would be wonderful. Such a strange coincidence that I moved to Nunhead from the Midlands, only to discover years later that I live about 2 miles away from where my ancestors (from both sides of the family) grew up! Molly

Have a feeling it is rainy season in May isn't it? We went a couple of times pre-babies and always around Christmas time.....

pmsl....that is fantastic. When O was a toddler she was terrified of the hoover - which showed how often she'd seen one as a baby!

Ha - it wouldn't worry them east-of-the-Rye - the milk gets pasteurised before they use it......and amazingly even after that it is STILL better for the babies than formula! As long as you sterlised the pumping equipment, that's the important thing....didn't know the bank had been going for so long though - interesting. Molly