snowboarder

Detinox worked for us but it did take a LONG time - I think I basically washed his hair (well, head, he had no hair!) every night and finished the bottle. Def took a couple of months.

Ruth - S would be more than fine. It sounds really grand but it's not - this week there wasn't much out - it's like an enormous play mat basically - it didn't take little sb long to tire of it and divert to running the length of the sports centre. It SO needs a gate!! I think it's expensive for what it is - am going to send mr and little sb to try out gambados I think.

I can only report back that 6m later things ARE better in the snowboarder household - mainly because little sb has got better at lying quietly in his cot until we go and get him! We persevered with not going to him before 6, and gradually it just got a bit later. I now actually have no clue what time he wakes up, and sometimes I think he goes back to sleep for a bit or dozes. Occasionally at weekends we have managed to lie in until 7.30!! Sometimes he's quite cross when you go and get him and I think maybe then he's been awake a while...but I have come to the conclusion that there's very little you can do! It took us quite a while to get down to one nap because of the early waking - I would keep going with the 2 until it seems to be taking ages for her to fall asleep each time. Even now we have a late morning 'danger' period before lunch when lsb could fall asleep in the buggy/car if not careful.

There's a dad or two at ruby rhymes up at herne hill baptist church on Monday morning. Tuesday can be a bit empty - maybe sign them up for a swimming class or sthg - crystal palace has lessons on most days unlike the fusion centres which are really limited.

We are off to toddler world this morning (barring any more fights/car seat disputes/etc) - if anyone fancies saying hi we are fairly noticeable due to my unfeasibly large bump. Little sb will also be dressed appropriately. Toddler-tastic....

I think you have to go through the process of reading all the books before you decide to ditch them - by which point you have generally got to know your baby and talked to other mums etc. I still dip into my 'library' of gina ford/baby whisperer/elizabeth pantley (yup - wide ranging!!) when I'm lost and do not know quite how to deal with seemingly irrational toddler. Often recommended is What Mothers Do - less of a guide, more of a reflection on the bewildering world of new motherhood - gentle and reassuring and helps you see that you are NOT going mad....

There seem to be posters up all over hte Ed shops for a childrens festival at the south bank over the next 2 weeks - dunno whether that appeals/is right age group etc?

Hope this link works - am on phone so not sure...You can check fit on lascal buggy board website. We will have the same age gap and can't yet comment - but will try both options (have invested in Phil and teds) - I think depends on your toddler - mine loves to run away - thinks it is hilarious. Not sure how he will manage on a buggy board though!!

I'm considering crystal palace toddler world mon or tues this week if anyone fancies it though...if I have the energy...

littleEDfamily Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > As Forgetful is someone with personal experience > of a terrifying life threatening VBAC attempt, I > think he is well qualified to give his perspective > however he feels best captures it. Yes, of course, when it is about sharing experiences and hopes and information. As we all know birth is very emotive and I think some posts cease to be helpful and within the debate on this thread when they make accusations of 'idiocy' and 'irresponsibility' about peoples carefully considered choices and dreams. Moving on (mostly!), I suppose it is all about weighing up risk, and it's so difficult to know whether actually one is in a more 'risky' situation at home. I believe a home birth can mean relaxed familiar surroundings, the ability to move round (therefore less risk of slowing down of labour, problems etc), have a pool/bath/shower, and the CONSTANT presence of one, maybe two midwives who will provide constant monitoring of various methods. And from east dulwich amazingly quick transfer to Kings if needed. Hospital can mean traumatic (car park, lifts, on own, blah blah) transfer whilst in pain, waiting around in triage rooms, no beds, no pool, relative immobility due to monitor belts, and midwives who change shifts and due to the all telling monitor, could leave you alone for half an hour or so. Eg poor pethadine lady on one born every minute. I do really hope that I'm not being naive in thinking that actually the speedier, better care IS at home, and it's not an idiotic or irresponsible decision to at least plan for a home birth whilst all seems well. I think the stats re c section scar rupture are a bit misleading as there are varying degrees of rupture, not all of which result in the very worst of outcomes. Well. We shall see. I do really hope to report back with a positive story. ClareC - I just asked my midwife to make me a consultant appt (at about 22 weeks I think - consequently wished I hadn't bothered as saw registrar type person NOT a consultant and she merely read from her rule book - however your aims are different) - anyway - good luck EVERYONE on their post c section journey.

First week march (1st or 4th dep on whether you believe scan or me)...

Sorry dumb toddler-only-mum question -half term is next week or week after?

Hello sadly I too have a vomiting toddler and am SO huge that I am getting alarmed looks from passers by, so think will sit this one out. Baby is due on 1st March but I need it to come SOON!! Have a lovely evening....

I wish I were more 'ocd' about toys and tidiness and household things in general. There are boxes for toy types (set up by daddy!) but I just can't summon up the energy to be too bothered about the refugee duplo in the brio railway box. Now what I do need to do is iron vests because the envelope neck irritates me if it doesn't lie flat. But that's a different thing, surely....?

Am living in uggs too - but even they are now am effort to get on!! but once on keep 'em on all day for fear of not getting anything else on! Oh the glamour! Come on baby I'm ready for you now!!

Has anyone used a 'close' sling? Looks as if a good compromise between soft wrap for little ones without endless wrapping/knots etc. Agree ergo (+ others similar) are great for 4/6m plus.

Has anyone been to kidspace just beyond ikea? Looks expensive!! Little snowboarder actually quite enjoyed the rather grandly named 'toddler world' at Crystal Palace - doesn't look nearly as impressive as proper soft play, but at 1-2yrs they can't go on the big stuff, but are too old/energetic for the baby ball pit areas. At Crystal Palace he could RUN which is what he loves, and could watch the diving when lobbing giant skittles got a bit boring....

..of all the late pregnancy niggles and unpleasantness, the thing that has hit me at 37 weeks is hugely swollen ankles and feet. It's grim. Aesthetically mostly, but practically too as getting any shoes on is even more of a struggle than it would ordinarily be with an enormous bump. I don't think there's any serious medical reason - bp etc all ok - what can I do?!? It doesn't even improve overnight! Oh the misery!

Big Scream at the Clapham/Brixton cinemas (similar just started at Peckham)? Bumps and Babes in E and N Dulwich? Aren't there also quite a few yoga type things you can take little ones along to? Prambusters/power pramming in the parks? I remember reading about a salsa class where you go with baby in a sling but cannot remember where/what/how!! As others have said though - and I know it's probably a bit unhelpful - make the most of the cafe/chat days....they end oh so soon!!

I am finding the AIMS publication on VBAC interesting too...not available for download I don't think which is a shame, but see the publications list here...

Forgetful - so sorry you had such a scary experience and I really hope your little one is ok, but I think your post is unnecessarily alarmist - we have all done our research and aware of the risks of scar rupture. Accusations of 'idiocy' are rude and unhelpful. Indeed there are risks in ANY birth, it's just that the risks with a vbac can be more readily quantified. The reference to what happens (or not) in the US is not relevant, yet, thank goodness. I watched the Business of Being Born last night - wow - interesting but it certainly exposes the US system as a terrifying example of what scare stories and the over medicalisation of childbirth can create.

I was told by the Lanes mw that they did have a limited supply. But then anecdotaly that they were 'not in operation' (?) currently. I would say don't count on it...!

Shellbear - I was under the impression that none of the midwife led units will take anyone considered to be 'high risk'. Which is annoying, as those people are actually the ones who would benefit from a more relaxed approach I think! I am 36w and had a c section April 2009 with my first. I found both my nhs midwives and the registrar I met at Kings to be pro VBAC but yes, with lots of provisos re monitoring/length of labour etc. And the registrar in particular full of scare stories re scar rupture, which was nice. The thing I have slowly realised is whilst you do not HAVE (ie I'm pretty sure they can't force you) to follow their protocol, I reckon it will be pretty hard not to come the time. SO I ditched nhs midwives and have gone with an independent midwife unit who are totally unphased by the vbac issue, supportive of homebirth if that's what you want, and who would accompany you into Kings if necessary and be your 'advocates' and help you make and stand by certain decisions. Obviously this decision has come with a rather large cost, but ultimately the care I am and will get in the post natal period whatever happens is far superior. Now what is not helping my case is that my naughty baby is currently spinning and twisting around and hangs out transverse and breech. Thanks baby, get your head down! Scan on friday to chat further with the dancing one....wish me luck!

Loved it. The operatic dirty dancing singing was funny and I loved the way she bossed her husband about but did it really nicely! Pretty sure it was the first time we have seen anyone b/f too?

Hi there - I've been wondering about this too - Little sb is in one of the group 0 - 1 seats which is supposed to cater until he's 4 but it looks unlikely - I was wondering about looking at the next 'combination' size up (9m - 12 yrs supposedly) which can work with 5 pt harness or similar AND without - so would maybe be bigger? These look funky but am unsure whether they would cause extreme crossness. Practically had to karate chop the child into his car seat the other day after 20 mins of battling in the rain in sainsburys - this might be easier?!?