lulu

Hello, We are thinking of taking a long haul holiday with our little one. She will be around 8 months when we go. We haven't decided on a destination but wondered if anyone had any tips? Particularly on the practical aspects of bottle sterilisation. We were thinking of taking formula cartons as a bit worried about the water situation but this will then add extra weight to suitcases. Any advice re destination or bottles would be welcome L

I know!! People particularly older people don't get it. I fully intend to carry on using my snooze shade. It's a great piece of kit and I don't need to justify my use of it to a bunch of biddies on the bus who have nothing better to do but harass mummies!!

Thanks everyone. It's good to hear I am not the only one being subjected to this nonsense. I felt like I was being bullied. I didn't want to verbally engage as I felt a) I didn't need to explain myself and b)they were being bullies. In the end before I got off the bus I told the lady to pipe down as she didn't understand. I use the bus all the time. My top tip is to avoid travel after 3. The bus is usually rammed. I put it down to a bad experience. It's a tough gig being a mummy at times....

Or so I was told while I was on the bus with a crying baby. I was at Dulwich Park and had to catch the bs as I had a doc appointment. I was in a hurry and decided as it was a 5 -10 minute journey so sort baby out when I got to the surgery. Normally a combination of the shade and the motion of the bus sends her to sleep. In this case it didn't. As my child cried I was subjected to a barrage of abuse for keeping the shade on. First a women said she felt sorry for my child as she couldn't see daylight. Then another women insisted I take my child out and sort her out. Finally another women at the back shouted she felt it was child cruetly to use the shade!! It was incredibly stressful. Just because I use public transport does not make my baby public property. In all cases the women were older and clearly not familiar with these new fangled pieces of baby kit. It was a nightmare. I think I will walk next time.....

Ideally I would like one in Hop as that's closest to where we live

Hello, thanks for the advice. I am struggling to get a place at the moment for when I want which means being put on waiting lists with no guarantee. Pitta Patta is the only one which has availability.

Hello, Just wondered if any mums out there have babies in nurseries in Honor Oak Park? In particular Pitta Patta nursery? I was thinking about putting my 1 year old. Any other nursery recommendations are welcome. Please feel free to pm me. Thanks Roopa

Will get calling the nurseries to suss out when spots are available. Many thanks for the advice

I am in the process of working out when do I need to go back to work and putting in a request for part time hours. I just wondered whether you negotiate your return to work based on when you get a nursery place or is it vice versa. I am on waiting lists for several nurseries but haven't confirmed dates as haven't applied for part time yet. It's a bit chicken and egg. Appreciate any help you an offer. Thanks

We live in a VIctorian Terrace and need to replace a front and back door. Looking for decent quality. Spoke to London door company and the quotes were ridiculous. Recommendations welcome. Thanks

Thanks Grace will check her out

Can anyone recommend a post natal doula? Need some help ASAP. Thanks L

Hello, I am a new mum and I was thinking about employing either a maternity nurse, home help or night nurse to help out.I am breastfeeding at the moment and can't express. Baby is getting formula top ups. Just wondered what maternity or night nurse do if you are still breast feeding? Are they a help? Appreciate any help, advice or recommendations people may have. Thanks

What about Honor Oak Park. It doesn't quite have all the independents shos and bars and tell high street is quite small but its changing all the time and it's a skip away from East Dulwich, has really good transport links ( east London line and overground) and really good schools. Prices are shooting up though....

I have just given birth to my first child and am currently with the lanes. The care and attention I have received both pre, during and post labour has been amazing. My midwife is Sadie but I had Vanessa and Clemy during the birth. I had a difficult birth and they were so kind and supportive. We have been having a few issues post birth so being able to call the Lanes for help and advice has been a godsend. Sadly I have moved to Hop and won't benefit from the Lanes second time round. I was suprised to hear some people have had a negative experience because the are all lovely ladies. If you can utilise the service I would take it up a 100 percent.

Hi Kate, I can really recommend Terry. He has just completed our nursery, living room and bedroom. Both the bedroom and nursery required wallpapering. Terry did an excellent job. He was meticulous, hardworking and very tidy. Here is his number 07976214613.

I am a HOP resident and would thoroughly support any direct links with ED. At the moment I have to trek to Brockley Rise to get the 185, one of the few links to Ll. Like a lot of other HOP residents I make regular trips to ED to utilise the shops and amenities available particularly those which HOP is lacking. Given the distance by car it seems ridiculous that there are no direct public transport routes. It's a shame that no budget is available to rectify this as I think the demand is there. The east London line links are a bonus...

Sounds like he is the man! Thx

Many thanks everyone. Seems to be a lot of options so will get some quotes. R

Hello, We would like to use our fireplace but are not sure if the chimney breast is safe i.e not blocked. Can anyone recommend someone to check it out and clean it (if necessary)? Thanks

Yes I am talking about the zebra crossing by the roundabout where the edt is. It's pretty clear to see when someone is waiting to cross. Some drivers have no intention of stopping hence why I have nearly been hit.

Today is the third time in the last few weeks that i have been nearly run over by reckless drivers at the pelican crossing at the bottom of goose green and lordship lane. Each time i have waited to cross and alert drivers accordingly. Today i was half way across when i was nearlt hit by a guy driving way toO fast. I am expecting so as you imagine i got the fright of my life. I am not sure if anything can be done but i wish people would jsut be a bit more considerate and not take stupid risks.

Would love come along to the next ed winter babies meet. I am due on the 24th of Jan and would like to meet other mummies due at the same time. FYI went to a really helpful pregnancy physio class today at Kings. They are free and think they send you an invite. Lots of useful exercise to help with aches and pains. Do keep me posted Cheers Lulu

Hello, I have just tried to book myself on an NCT class in East Dulwich but to no avail. Are there any other classes and options out there? Appreciate your help!!

Oh I can't think of anything more commercial or ghastly! I have one round the corner from where I work. The food is overpriced and in my view sub standard quality. I would rather have an independent Japanese outlet. There are loads in soho and on Piccadilly and they are generally very good with a more authentic feel.