RachelM

Another vote for the Babyjogger City Mini - we've used it since my daughter was 6 weeks old (she's now 18 months). It's fantastic - relatively cheap, very light and the one-handed fold is genius. I bought it after seeing it on Peep Show!!

Hi everyone, I organise the Portfolio Parents group in Forest Hill and you are all very welcome to come along and meet other mums in a similar situation (we are still looking for our first dad!) We meet from 11am every Wednesday at the Foresters Bar, it's very child-friendly. We also have a night out once a month without the kids. Just PM me if you would like to know more. I work from home part time around my daughter (18 months) and have struggled with the isolation and lack of networking - hence starting the group a few months ago. Hope to meet some of you soon. Rachel

Georgina does my hair, she is very bubbly and chatty and isn't fazed by anything. Very skilled at cutting and blow drying in particular, and styles anyone from children to old people. I've got an 18 month old and she's brilliant with her. Her number is 07738 877139.

I actually tried to change GPs because of this ongoing problem. One month when my daughter was unwell several times my phone bill was ?10 higher than usual because of calls to the doctors that were never answered (or only answered after several minutes and then I was hung up on). As every call is auto-answered within one ring you are paying a premium rate just to hear a phone ring out which is intensely annoying. The doctors are generally great but getting to see them is a total nightmare. I tried to switch to a GPs closer to my home but was told that I am outside their catchment area despite them being my closest doctors! So I'm sticking with Forest Hill Road GPs for now and praying things will improve but not holding my breath. Sympathies to everyone suffering the same issues!

Just a quick update to say that we are now meeting regularly, every Wednesday at 11am at the Foresters Bar. Thanks to all those who have come along/been in touch so far - everyone is welcome (you don't have to be an established freelancer) and I hope to meet you soon. Please DM me for info - I'll stop updating this thread weekly now we have a regular day and time! Sorry to those who can't make Wednesdays - we are also talking about meeting up in the evenings now and then (without children) so please get in touch if you'd be interested in that. Rachel

Next meeting is this Wednesday, 28 March, at the Foresters at 11am. Afternoons don't suit a lot of people, it seems. The pub has agreed to open an hour early for us this week and we'll see how things go. It should give us about an hour to chat and then anyone who wants to can stay for lunch too. All welcome - it's really interesting to meet such a diverse group of people! Hope to see you there - please DM me if you would like to be added to the mailing list. Rachel

Following the first meeting (thanks to everyone who came!) we have decided to meet every Wednesday, from 1.30-3pm at the Foresters Bar (http://www.allinnone.org.uk/) I'm really sorry to those who can't make Wednesdays but it seems there is no one day that everyone can do. Everyone is very welcome - mums, dads, children of all ages, and you don't have to be freelance - if you're working part-time or on maternity leave and want to discuss issues relating to childcare, finding a balance, etc then please come along and say hi! The Foresters has a playground as well as a carpeted area indoors so there should be plenty to distract and entertain little ones - I will again bring some books and a few toys for them. Hope to see you next Wednesday Rachel

I had a homebirth with my first baby and used natal hypnotherapy (read the Maggie Howell book mentioned by Vickster above and used the CDs) - it really worked for me as I have a VERY low pain threshold yet somehow managed to stay calm and focused throughout (moreorless!). It is quite time consuming though - I listened to the CD (40 mins) almost every day from around 6 months. All the best with your plans x

I completely agree C&C is not ideal - it was the only place I could think of at short notice that would be open! Let's discuss it tomorrow and hopefully come up with a more suitable venue (and possibly a different day/time as well) x

Hi all, Only just read the replies!!! I thought I would get an email if anyone replied but I didn't. Wednesday mornings is only a tentative suggestion - I'm open to other days/times. Thursday mornings would also be good for me. HOWEVER I have just discovered that the Foresters pub only opens at midday!! I thought it would open at 10 but that's only on Tuesday for the existing mum & baby group. So the first meeting will be at Canvas & Cream in Forest Hill, tomorrow at 10am. http://www.canvasandcream.com/ But very open to looking into different days, times and location. I suggested morning because a lot of young children have a nap in the afternoon (not mine though!!) Please email me - [email protected] with your requirements or suggestions. Or DM and I will send you my mobile number. Hope to see you tomorrow but if not then next week or sometime in the future. I will update the thread asap with details of the next meeting place and time. Rachel x

Some friends and I are starting a new parent & child group for parents who are freelance/have their own business. The idea is for the children/babies to play while we chat/network/share tips/drink coffee! It's going to be at the Forresters pub just outside Forest Hill station, almost certainly on a Wednesday morning 10-11.30. There's an outdoor play area and a carpeted section with sofas so it's quite child-friendly. I'll bring a few books and toys along too (I have a 14 month old). It's free and open to absolutely anyone who works for themselves or wants to (I'm a freelance editor/translator currently doing around 3 days a week) so please PM me or just turn up if interested - first one set to be on 14 March. Hope to see you there! Rachel