Ann

I agree with ????'s . It makes the assumption that all muslim women are forced to wear Burka's. I've met many muslim women who seem happy enough to be covered up. Interestingly, a few years ago France banned the wearing of head scarves for all muslim schoolgirls, so I suppose this is a step on from that law.

Ladymuck, I'm glad the Benzodiazepines didn't work for you, they can be horrifically addictive. Hope your sleep patern has improved. I remain unconvinced about homeopathic remedies but then have never tried any. Let's face it, it's big business and perhaps the manufacturers marketing strategies are not unlike the drug comapanies?

Thanks for the warning. My dog doesn't readily run up to strangers but who's to say she woudn't engage with a stranger with treats and how would I have known to stop her? Please keep us posted on this very serious topic.

Hope it all works out for you Fuschia, my daughter is 16 tomorrow. A trip round Top Shop and a few friends at Gourmet Burger Kitchen will do her fine. Revision for GCSE's is an entirely different matter::o

I agree with all of the above. All Fired Up is great fun and not overpriced but all the other suggestions are free ( I think), so maybe save your money for a Pizza or other treat? Definitely would recommend Hornimans, you've the combination of an amazing museum and wonderful gardens for energetic children to run around. That place is a 'Hidden Gem', not to us locals but probably to many who don't know the area. Without doubt it's a day out by itself. Good luck.

You deserve it, you have a lovely traditional ' corner shop' with friendly service and good products at reasonable price.

Haven't seen the news today but even I've heard of him and didn't realise he had died. Was it unexpected?

I think Computedshorty contributes a lot to these forums, also I think the OP's idea is a great one but lack the confidence to join in. If it goes ahead keep us all posted, it would be a great read.

My 16 year old daughter has done a lot of babysitting locally and can supply references. PM if ever your stuck.

You're booking a party in January for December and already booked up! I'm glad my children are passed that age, they'd never have had any parties at all with that amount of forward planning!

Correct Sue, I was trying to be polite.;-)

I think so, especially with high ceiling-ed Victorian houses. Can't quote figures or anything bit have left heating on low overnight in my house throughout the cold snap. If not during the night definitely consider it during the day.

Katie1997, I agree and posted in defence of Sainsbury's staff on this thread but forumite's are entitled to their opinions which I also think can be sometimes harsh but they are nonetheless entitled to

On second thoughts, could someone have confused it with the new 'Health In Pregnancy Grant', that was introduced last April?

News to me. Where did they hear it?

If you don't already have a tumble dryer get one and for goodness sake don't iron anything unless absolutely necessary. I work fulltime too and still find ironing very time consuming. Do try and get good use out of your freezer, two or three nights a week without cooking will be a help. I go to the chipshop every Friday and get a takeaway every Saturday which makes the weekends a lot easier.

Delighted that you are all home safe and well. Congratulations.

MrsC you'll be fine. My husband couldn't really take time off due to his work commitments at the time although his parents stayed for about a fortnight. I was,in a way ,ready to be by myself. The old work routines of getting up, showering, clothes and make-up are gone for a good while. With hindsight spending time alone with your baby at home is very rewarding; but you must forget your former life, for a while. It's not dead and buried, just put on the back-burner. You will develop your own routine that suits you and your baby. As others have said there are plenty local meeting places for mothers and babies/toddlers. They'll be there when you're ready for them. Enjoy your time with your baby; you, your partner and new baby are all that matters for the while. The rest will folow.

Dumb

One Harry Nillson

I think it averages about 15 to 20, but as it's impossible to predict who's going into labour and when, labour wards have to be prepared as best they can. Of course safety must never be compromised but King's do their best not to close and turn labouring women away, which would be a comforting thought to me just now if I was due to have a baby with the present conditions on the roads.

elevate

Reality TV I'll bet.

Congrats on your neww arrival, lovely baby.

On Christmas Day 2009, I've been reliably informed, by 4pm King's saw the safe arrival of no less than 25 babies. I'm not sure what the final total was but I think it illustrates the logistical task the labour ward staff sometimes contend with; as indeed do A&E staff like buggie. I'm sure your department has felt the brunt of this cold weather also and no doubt you have all risen to the task. Buggie does make a good point in that the case-loading groups like The Lanes, Brierly and Oakwood can and do, limit their numbers; in other words they never have more women than they can comfortably look after. I believe New Years Day at King's labour ward was pretty busy too, shall keep you posted if details arise!