akc74

Seems like you've had good advice on the sleeping routines (I am a selective Gina fan, as it's helped me a lot - but like Pickle don't want to get into that debate) and I only have one so far (nearly 1 yr old) so can't comment on the challenges of 2 - but I am full of admiration. HOWEVER, the leg banging thing - I am glad to hear that wasn't just us! My son did that for months with real gusto - quite odd. Has calmed down now if that's any comfort...

Such a relevant and interesting thread for me - thanks for starting it Sophie. Nearly a year on, of my NCT group of 6, 2 are about to return to work part-time - probably not statistically typical, but there seem to be quite a few SAHMs round here, from what I can see. I always thought I'd be back at work (albeit 3 days a week) by now. However I was made redundant in December and we have decided that I will stay at home for the foreseeable future. When asked what I do though, I find it hard to give a straight answer - I worked hard in marketing for about 15 years, and still struggle to let go of that big part of me. I am contemplating freelancing but can't quite figure out how it would work. My husband is also a teacher (a reasonably senior one thankfully) so we have had a lifestyle change - but that has largely been enforced anyway. Possibly the biggest extravagance of our previous life was eating out, cinema, theatre etc. which we now we can't really do very often anyway. I have no idea when will be a good time to start working again (interesting comments about being home when they go to school) and whether it'll involve a big career change. For now I need to try to relax into my decision and enjoy it, and to savour this precious time with my son.

If you post this in the Family Room Discussion section you might get an even better array of suggestions given the more targeted audience...!

To be specific we are heading to North Yorks - with a stop off this side of York for Friday night. Google Maps says M1, but the M11/A1 alternative is only 9 mins longer - so clearly it's all about which is easier to get to on a Friday night - M1 or M11 - as clearly the first hour of the journey is going to be the worst. We won't be leaving till around 7.30/8pm so hopefully missing the worst of it. Any expert views welcome as it's not a journey we do often!

I know that you're not supposed to wear underwired bras when breastfeeding as they can cause blockages etc. Does this apply indefinitely, however long you feed for? My son is about 11 months old and I now only feed him first thing and at bedtime. I'm not sure I can bear to wear the tired old feeding bras any longer and on a practical level there's not really any need given the timings. Any views?

Hear, hear - another vote for Kellie from me!

I'm glad it wasn't just me, but Sally has discovered what the issue was and been extremely generous in trying to sort out my order, which she seemed to still have a record of... A lovely site - and a great idea - with just a brief technical blip it seems!

Just tried to order from this site but it wouldn't let me pay - tried to email but not heard back....anyone used it recently?!

I, too, got made redundant on ML - I don't believe it is illegal per se - IF there is a valid business case. If you think you can prove that your maternity leave was a factor in your redundancy that is a different matter. Usually they realise they are on slightly shaky territory and will offer better than the statutory redundancy package. In my case ACAS were involved from the outset to avoid a painful negotiation directly with my old bosses.

Thanks for the tip, sounds lovely. It may be mummy brain, but I can't see the price on their website, do you know how much it costs?

I have just bought an Airwrap from eBay (brand new though!) and decided I don't want it and am going to get a more traditional bumper. Does anyone want to make me an offer - if so drop me a PM?! It's still in its packaging and it is the 4-sided version. It was about ?26 as suggested incl delivery. I know I am not supposed to sell stuff here, but given the topic, I hope I am allowed?!

Gosh, thank you all so, so much for taking the time to post...so nice to hear back, and a real mixture of different stories. I am really going to have to try to relax until the time comes - but Molly, you are so right - we are very lucky with the help available. I just bawled my eyes out watching Comic Relief in Kibera - puts a little bit of perspective on things...

We have just had a routine 8 month check to be told we need to be referred to an orthopaedic surgeon as the asymmetry of my son's leg creases suggest possible dislocated hips. We need to go for an x-ray and/or ultrasound to get a clear picture. I think this is reasonably common (?) however isn't it usually picked up at birth or the 6-week check? I remember his hips being checked on both of those occasions. I am now very anxious about the thought of braces, casts and other such things I have heard about, given he's a big boy now, and very much more aware of what is going on around him. It is probably slightly dangerous to post here, as I may be inviting horror stories, however I think it is best to understand a bit more what we might be dealing with. I have been assured I should get a letter in the next week or two, so hopefully a prompt appointment. Luckily (I think in the circumstances) my boy has been rather slow developmentally in terms of his movement, and is not pulling himself up yet - luckily in that I don't think it would be doing him much good to bear his significant weight on his legs. Thanks in advance.

I've had a really bad back since giving back 8 months ago, and still got a long way to go - I would highly recommend Elaine, an osteo at Dulwich Therapy Rooms plus a good dose of pilates. With your stomach muscles weakened by pregnancy and birth (esp if like me you had a C-section) your back takes the brunt - so the pilates helps rebuild that much needed abdominal strength. For that, I highly recommend Kellie (Jelly Belly).

Prompted by an earlier thread about back pain during pregnancy, I felt compelled to see if anyone has any pearls of wisdom for me, 8 months after giving birth! I had a C-section just over 2 weeks after my due date after 5 days of failed inductions, and the baby was 9lbs 1. He's grown well so remains particularly heavy... So, the combination of no stomach muscles and continuous lifting (particularly in and out of cot, bath and car) just means my back has never really recovered. Now that we are starting to go to playgroups where inevitably it involves sitting on the floor, this doesn't help! I do pilates once (sometimes twice) a week, swim once a week, and I see an osteo about once a month. These keep me moving but don't seem to be enough. What would a GP suggest - physio? I should probably do pilates every day at home and then I'd probably start to see the necessary improvements in abdominal strength?! It may just be worse this week as I was away last week, so didn't do my usual modest quota of exercise. I thought I'd post in case anyone has any similar experiences and any encouragement that it will eventually get better. I know it's early days but the thought of being pregnant again and having a 2nd child is very daunting! (approaching late 30s though so can't leave it indefinitely...!) Thanks.

Thanks jollybaby - that train sounds good, will consider it. We did travel to Cap Ferret and Bordeaux by train 3 years ago, but it wasn't so direct - have to cross Paris on the metro etc - wouldn't enjoy it with the baby I don't think.

Anyone got any suggestions? I think given we have to travel at peak time (hubbie is a teacher) it's going to be most affordable if we go for a site which advertises directly on behalf of the owners....so any tips welcome. At the moment I am open minded about where, but thinking unspoilt Ibiza (never been), or south of France maybe. We'd be travelling with my parents and our then 1-yr old. Also how concerned would you be about the heat at this time of year with a 1-yr old? With minimal exposure and careful use of sun cream, shade, air con etc, it'll be OK won't it?! Thanks!

I am not sure which one I meant if you see what I mean - I just came across a mention of the Copleston venue, and am looking at options round here - I live nearer Bellenden Rd than Lordship Lane and spend most of my time on LL!

Just found this thread and wondered if there is a playgroup still on here? Anyone know anything about it - or recommend it?! Thanks

Google maps says to go over Vauxhall Bridge and west along the river, join the M4, then get the M25 back down to the M3. Is that really the best way?! Leaving at 7.30/8pm on a Friday night if that helps!

I gather that Selfridges has good baby changing facilities, not least a row of proper feeding chairs from what I gather. I wondered if anyone knew of anywhere else, similarly well equipped. I know I can BF wherever I like in theory, however I think I'll feel slightly more self conscious in town (unlike in ED where there are loads of BF mothers around during the week!) Particularly interested in places nr Green Park/Piccadilly. F&M perhaps?! National Gallery??

Yikes no I wasn't there today! I won't be able to collapse my chariot so will just have to wait if it's full. It's tomorrow, and I am going to go mid-morning - hopefully less busy than lunchtime?! We'll see...

Thanks all, about time I got on with it...looking forward to it!

Is it easy?! I am about to do my first bus trip and just want reassurance that it's straightforward - don't want to be stuck at the stop, unable to board as there's no room for the pram... Any regulars able to reassure?! Thanks.

I think it's brilliant that Southwark are doing this. We are in the pilot - I saw the letter and got all the bits delivered today, and so far I think the communication about it has been very clear. I just really hope it works so they roll it out. We could have a nappy issue as ClareC suggests - but we have a dustbin of our own out the back where we collect them before putting them out in the wheelie bin - and as long as the lid stays on it should be OK. Just might spur me on to switch to reusable nappies as I had always intended...