BellendenBear

I sent you a PM about CG a few days ago.

Yep, Monday good for me too. See you there.

jollybaby Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Am I the only one to think that having a midwife > visit you at home in the early stages of pregnancy > is an unnecessary luxury? Whilst it may be more > relaxing and convenient for the mother it seems to > me to be a completely inefficient use of the > midwife's time. I agree JB. I also don't understand how there can be such an inequality in the level of service you can expect to receive from different midwives all linked to the same hospital. I am feeling very lucky to currently be receiving care from the Brierly team, but I feel that it is unfair that others in different parts of the Borough or who weren't aware of these teams and how to get on their books as early as possible won't get the same continuity and follow up.

All I can offer is sympathy. My daughter had evening colic from 6-12 weeks when it did literally stop overnight. It was horrible and exhausting. Like you, we tried to keep the same evening routine, and I'm still not sure whether this was the right thing or not. As has been said above, in hindsight I think we should have put her down more and let her cry because holding/rocking/feeding just seemed to make it worse, not so easy to do when you have a crying baby though. It does pass, just try to find ways of coping for the next few weeks and making sure your husband can share some of the load.

I saw Russell the physio on the recommendations above, and he was brilliant. After 30 (quite painful) minutes of massage I left virtually pain-free and able to walk almost normally again. I only needed one session. He showed me some really simple exercises to do which have also helped. Well worth the ?45.

Sounds good. Anyone bringing toddlers? Can't decide whether to take to nursery or not.

> MrsF - I can do Monday lunchtime. Is anyone else > around then? Yep, count me in.

I start Mat leave next week so will be free for lunches, coffee and evening drinks. Can't wait!

Is Russell above DMC private or NHS? Think I have developed SPD at 35 weeks. I guess it's worth getting an NHS referral to physio at KCH, but I'm still working so am keen to see someone privately asap. Any other recommendations apart from Russell? Thanks.

We're off on holiday so won't make it tomorrow. Look forward to seeing you next time. Have fun!

Playtex drop-ins were the only thing that worked for us. We tried many different types causing lots of distress all round. Then we tried the drop-ins and she just guzzled it down and looked at us as if to say 'of course I'll drink from this bottle, why wouldn't I?' Definitely worth a try.

Although statistically epidurals increase the risk of intervention, there is definitely a time and a place for them. I firmly believe that having an epidural was what stopped me from needing a C section. I had to be induced and after 24 hours, for over 12 of which I was having contractions every 3 minutes, my cervix remained tightly closed. At one point I was very quickly consented for a C section under GA because of fetal distress from the prolonged contractions. The obstetrician then decided to give it a couple more hours but strongly advised me to have an epidural as if nothing had happened by then I would need a section and at least I would be awake. Following the epidural I relaxed, fell asleep and within 6 hours was fully dilated and my baby was born an hour later. Things aren't always black and white.

I think NICE guidance covers how frequently to expect antenatal appointments. It does seem a bit strange that the schedule differs even among teams all linked to the same hospital. I am with Brierly this time who have seen me a lot less than I was seen last time, basically at booking, 16, 28, 34 weeks then every 2 weeks. I am quite happy with this though. I think it is also less common for them to routinely listen for the heartbeat because in the early stages it can be quite difficult to find and can cause unnecessary anxiety. Than later you can feel the baby moving all the time which is reassuring enough.

We travelled with Brittany ferries last summer with our then 16 month old. Plenty of room for a travel cot and total darkness. It is a brilliant way to travel with toddlers.

I'm in!

There's a Clarke's factory shop on Rye Lane. Saves at least ?10 each time you need to get new shoes.

I can't do the 4th but would be keen to meet up for coffee next time. How about trying again for some toddler mayhem on Friday 3rd?

I use a mixture of Tots Bots bamboozles and Bambinex. Like everyone above, I dry pail and wash every 2-3 days at 60 degrees. Easy. Tots wraps are fine at 60 degrees too. My daughter is at her second nursery and both have been fine about using cloth nappies. Never used the washing service, but I honestly haven't found them enough of a problem to feel the need. Good luck.

Is this afternoon still happening? We can come too now. Hope to see some of you there.

Think I'm working that Friday, unless I convince them that they don't need me. We're around later today though if anyone is free.

I am a bit like alieh. I work Mon-Thurs, swimming on Friday mornings then work some Friday afternoons. Would love to try to meet up for some toddler chaos though. Goose Green good for me!

I am due early April when my daughter will be 26 months old. Definitely keen to meet with others due in Spring, especially those who already have toddlers.

This sounds very similar to how Fusion operate their swimming lesson sign ups at Peckham Pulse. They seem to operate some kind of wall of silence in the days before opening their books with very little information on how to book and then total chaos on the actual day. The lady next to me in the queue was offered totally different days to me despite wanting exactly the same lessons. The good news is that now you have a place you will be given priority for booking from now on. So hold on to it! You get given a ticket at the end of the 8th lesson to allow you to book between then and opening to the public.

Yes, H+M. Brilliant for kid's stuff.

1. Learn to say 'no' and get better at delegating to others. I was always hopeless at this so did an assertiveness course a few weeks before going back. Money very well spent. I am now much better at saying no and setting boundaries. Did about half an hour of role play of me saying calmly but firmly and without sounding apologetic 'I have to leave at 6, I have to leave at 6...' while they tried to convince me otherwise. 2. As above - get a cleaner. 3. As above - book some holiday, even if it's just a couple of days here and there over the first couple of months to break the weeks up a bit. 4. It gets easier. Not sure what I used to take so long doing in mornings before.