Jo'sEnglish

My best friend sent me a box when I was nearly due. It was really lovely and very appreciated I'll try and remember what it had.... -metanium -Ansons (?) teething powder -little bottle of rescue remedy (came in handy!) - some mama mio toiletries - fennel tea (good for milk production apparently) - a bag of pick and mix (a godsend during my long labour!) hmmm... I'm sure there were a couple of other things... I'll let you know if I think of them!

When my labour wasn't progressing one of the midwifes massaged my feet with it (I think that is what it was anyway, I was a bit out of it!). I think there are some good acupressure points there, maybe worth looking up. Hope it works!

Thanks very much for the offer Otta, it is very kind. My ring sling is fine for short trips though, it is more longer trips that I need another sling for. Yes, mumtoone, going to try and get to the sling library next week I think. Has any one used a wilkinet and have an opinion on it? They seem a lot cheaper than the others and look like they might be ok?

Thanks for all the advice guys! Hmmm... it is a mine field isn't it? But I guess it is quite a personal choice. I think the advice to go to a sling meet may be the way to go - I've looked up the South London Sling Library so I'll try and get along there I think and try some out for size. Then I'll be back on here appealing for a second-hand one of my fave to buy! I can't really afford to buy more than one so need to be confident I'm buying the right one I think. (thanks to hellosalior and sanity girl for the offers to try out there slings! I think it will be easy to try out a few at one time though - although I'll be in touch if the manduca seems good to buy it off you maybe sanity girl!)

Hello, Was just wondering if anyone had recommendations for a good sling for me. My little boy is 10weeks old now and I have a ring sling which is lovely for snuggling him close to me around the house and for short walks but not really comfy enough for walking any distance. So, what I would like is a sling that would be comfy to walk in (go into town for example). My boy is going to be big I think (he's already over 14lb) and I don't have the strongest back. I would also like one that is easy to take on and off and to swap between my husband and I. Heard good things about the ergo and beco (are they essentially the same?) but they are very expensive. Is there anything similar but cheaper? Or is it better to try and get one of these second-hand? Are baby bjorns any good (heard mixed reports...) Any guidance appreciated! Thanks.

I found the calculator here useful: http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/milkcalc.html then I just make sure I have more than that!

I agree Otta, and I think in many ways I was unlucky in that it was very busy when I was in there and I got a locum doctor. We always felt it was a gamble though, and a gamble we were prepared to take in the hope I would get to have the birth I wanted in the birth centre. All in all, if you are low risk and want that type of birth than nothing beats the Lewisham birth centre, it's amazing! Sadly, you never know how things will work out...

Just a quick recent experience of Lewisham as I gave birth there last month. I was low-risk so booked into the birth centre there and it is just lovely, very comfortable and the midwifes were all amazing. Unfortunately I had complications and had to be transferred to the labour ward and had a torrid time, so much so I made a formal complaint. Post-natal care wasn't great either. I met some fantastic individuals amongst the medical staff there but overall the system doesn't seem to be up to scratch :( Send me a PM if you want more info and good luck with your pregnancy!

I've bought a cheap, big nightshirt from Primark for ?4.50 to give birth in. I'm fully expecting it to be ruined so didn't want to spend much money on it. Would have been happy to use an old t-shirt/shirt of mine or my husband's but nothing we had came down long enough. Hoping for a waterbirth so might not get to use it at all anyway! I then have a nice, nursing nightie from Jojo Maman Bebe (which I got in the sale so was only ?13!) to wear in hospital afterwards when I want to feel nice. I think the one you've suggested looks fine for afterwards but for that money I would be worried about it getting ruined in labour. It's my first baby though so I'm guessing as much as you!

The spinning babies website is excellent, also swimming I've heard is good - particularly diving down apparently. Swimming is also bliss in general when pregnant I reckon...

Hello, I go to antenatal pilates on a Wednesday at Dulwich Therapy rooms. Nice small classes, it's great. Oh, and congrats on your pregnancy! Jo

Albania! Where else in Europe can you get a deserted mediterranean beach? The people are friendly, hardly any tourists and it is cheap. You can have beach, historic towns and lovely countryside. Alternatively, find a less popular Greek island, they will also be grateful for any tourists at the moment. I can recommend Ikaria. Getting itchy feet now.... :)

Hi, I'm a CELTA qualified and experienced English teacher who would be happy to provide classes for au pairs if you are still looking? I'm in Nunhead but I am happy to travel to give classes at your home or in another location. Send me a PM if you would like more details. Jo