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Thanks for your replies! She finally had a midwife visit yesterday, and is up and running with feeding. I just popped round and there's a content-looking newborn. Awwww...

Wise people of the forum... My friend had her baby at Kings on Weds. The next day she was expecting a midwife visit, but no one turned up and when she rang they said she wasn't in their area as she lives in Crystal Palace. Since then she's tried Croydon, Bromley and finally Beckenham. Unfortunately they didn't visit her today but said they will tomorrow. Has anyone had a similar experience or know of anywhere she can call to get emergency help with feeding, as she's finding it hard? Thanks!

Bunmi at East Dulwich Dental Care, Forest hill Rd, is lovely with children - and grown-ups!

I know there are loads, but which one's the best? Last time I was pregnant I went to the one above Health Matters, which was run by an amazing woman with curly hair, whose name I can't remember. She then went off to have a baby. I have 12 weeks to go til d-day and I'd like a refresher on her kundalini pain-busting breathing techniques which I seem to remember were a bit magic... Any recommendations much appreciated! Thanks

Anyone know if small (under 3) children go free?

We love Bunmi at East Dulwich Dental Care in Forest Hill. She's so patient and lovely - and doesn't hurt! It's NHS and easy to get an appointment. My two year old's been and it was fine

Aw, you lot just made me get excited about having a baby in a sling! That's so useful to know - thanks for all the advice

Wise people of the forum, I need your advice... I'm expecting baby number 2 in Jan and will have an age gap of 2 years 10 months. My toddler is already refusing to go in her pram, and will only do so if forced to. So I've been letting her walk everywhere, and staying local-ish. Should I get her back in there, and think about getting a Phil and Teds? Or will I be able to do without? Saving money on buying one really appeals, but I'm aware that I may need to contain the pair of them to get anywhere...

I agree - you won't have any time for yourself! Use the time to have a wardrobe sort-out. That will also make mornings easier, when you've got two people to get dressed. And go to the South Bank beach and other places outside East Dulwich so that when you have the odd day of work you won't feel so bad about just having a relax. And then look forward to work, where you can drink a whole cup of tea while it's still hot! Good luck.

We're looking at part time childcare for our two year old. I originally fancied a nannyshare, but then realised how pricey it would be. Now I'm looking at childminders and am going through the list from Southwark. I know there have been loads of threads on this already, but can anyone share any secrets about how to find a good one? My little girl likes a sing and a laugh, so we need a fun one! I'm in a bit of a dilemma, as I've been offered a permanent job which I'd love to just say yes to, but I feel like I should get this sorted out first. Thanks!

What a kind offer! He doesn't have a fourth, as my mum refuses to get involved! I suspect he may be quite good as he plays in tournaments, and gets all competitive.

My bridge-mad dad's visiting for Christmas. Anyone know if there's anywhere he can drop in and play? I heard there was a bridge club in the Village, but not sure of when it runs. Thanks

Peckham - the 99p shop on Rye Lane is sensational. And the number 12 bus is easy to get the pram onto

Oh yes, that sounds totally normal. I left my baby for the evening for the first time to go to a gig at 11 weeks. I was so excited to be going out that I spent a week pumping milk. The fridge was full. And then I burst into tears just before I left, worrying it wasn't enough. Of course, I got drunk on one glass of wine, saw all my mates, cried at every song, had a great time and when I got home baby was fine, and fast asleep. It's so hard to leave them at first, but it does get easier. You may wish to use the breast pump the moment you get home! Have a great night - it's so good for you to get out, even if it feels weird at first.

Thanks for all the advice - and the genius back-to-front grobag idea. After waking to the sound of 'uh-oh' at 5am, and eventually just putting her in bed with us, I think it's back to the grobag for a while!

My 18 month old has got the hang of escaping from her grobag, so I bought her a duvet today. But now I'm stressing in case she's too young! What do you think? Is it totally safe? Thanks.

Yay for you and Indigo! My baby and I did this, and both loved it. She's 18 months now, and loves her food. I got the cheapest Ikea high chair - think it's called Antilop, and a large piece of plasticy material from John Lewis to protect the floor. And long-sleeved bibs from the pound shop. Yes, it does get messy! We started off on any fruit and veg cut into bits long enough for small hands to hold - steamed carrot, broc, cauli, courgette, squash, apple, etc came in handy at the start. Then if we were having a roast or something, she'd try a bit of everything. So anything with a handle! Sometimes it looks like there's more on the floor than in the tummy at first, but I wasn't too worried as she was still having about the same amount of milk. I know lots of babies who love their jars and purees, and there are pros and cons, but it worked fine for us. We also used a Doidy cup - like a slanted cup you don't have to tip too far - for water. Good luck, and hope your carpets aren't white!

I have big love for Kings. Spent many hours of labour feeling very scared at home before being rushed in by ambulance. Once I got there, I felt totally safe. The doctor who helped ventouse my little one out was amazing, the room was big with a pool and I even enjoyed the brunch afterwards! Watch where you park, though - our car was clamped and towed away. A small price to pay for a nice baby! Best of luck to you and bump x

My friend is having problems coping with het newborn. I've been visiting and doing what I can, but I feel she needs daily help to get her on her feet. We contacted the lovely doula rec'd on here but she's booked. Can anyone think of someone? She lives Bexley, Kent, way. Thanks!

Ha ha - my mum is embarking on a similar three day a week gig, and we were just talking about that! The odd afternoon activity would go down well as I'm already concerned my noisy 15 month old will be a bit full-on for her. Well, we're seeing how it goes. She's been living abroad, and loves a chat so let me know if a g-group gets together.

Thanks for your replies - I feel more motivated already! Nappy Lady: I'm working this Thurs but will certainly join you another week. Count: I'd definitely recommend trying Prambusters. I used to go on a Weds at 10.30 in Dulwich Park. It's a good way to start as you run for 100 metres at first, then build up when you get fitter. The exercises are good too, and it's very friendly.

Oh yes, I used to always wheel mine to sleep at that age - if only I'd read the books that tell you not to get into the habit of doing that! But usually the motion sets them off snoozing. Someone less amateur than me will probably have better advice on running with a pram. When we did Prambusters, Oriane who runs the class would always warn us to watch out for kids on bikes and dogs - and of course strap your baby in! And some of the pram wheels do wobble if you get some real speed up. Not that I do! Oh, and be gentle with yourself, so stop if it brings on bleeding. (oof, sorry to be graphic, but I didn't have a clue about all that when my baby was born.)

I like the fact that they still love an early snooze at this age! We sometimes even drag ourselves out a bit earlier in the summer - 8.30ish - as we're not fans of hot weather.

Would anyone be up for a morning run in Dulwich Park a couple of times a week? I used to do Prambusters (which is great, by the way!) but it doesn't fit in with the morning nap now. So now I'm running at 9am, but I keep finding excuses to have a rest. Wondered if anyone else would be up for a run with a buggy around that time of day - I need some motivation! I'm not one of those sporty types, and I'm pushing a 14 month old so I do go at a slow pace - but I'd be less likely to keep stopping if there was anyone else there.

The one at Kings is fine. In the classes I did we made a list of what we wanted to know and they went through and answered our questions. I know a lot of people do NCT to make friends, but I answered a post on here from someone who wanted to meet other pregnant ladies - I'd really recommend doing that. I was scared to go and meet them at first but I'm so glad I did. Now we have a lovely group of nearly one-year-olds and I have proper mum friends. Oh, and you can spend the 300 quid on going out for dinner before the baby's born!