LouLouMoving

Thank you so much to everyone who has commented above or sent me a private message. I've already started triaging the list and can't wait to start researching all the recommendations. Thank you EDF! Louise x

Hi all, There seems to be so much knowledge and experience on the Forum that I thought I'd draw upon it with my shopping list of newborn items. About me; first time mum, 5mths pregnant, small apartment, planning on breastfeeding. Which items/brands have you sworn by and wouldn't do without? Thank you in advance for your time! Louise

It might be worth sticking flyers in your neighbour's letterboxes, alerting them to your cat's Jedi mind tricks.

DEPT. Of Work and Pensions might be able to offer some advice. I would suspect (after doing lots of research on my own situation on STAT and MA) that you'll be on you current company policy for 32 wks before going down to STAT until week 39. Good luck!

Hi EDF! Great news about Pregnant Then Screwed. Yesterday, on Mother's Day, we launched our very first Crowdfunder! Since this thread started in 2015 we've gone from strength to strength but completely unfunded. We're on the cusp of changing a piece of legislation that limits pregnant women/new mothers to 90days to file discrimination claims. We launched a free, legal hotline.The time has come to grow the campaign so that we can offer more women our help with our mentor service and new campaigns. So far we've helped over 600 women and aim to assist 2,500 in the course of 2017. http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/pregnantthenscrewed If you're interested check out our video (featuring a few celebrities and MPs) and the pledge site. If you pledge, please share in your networks with friends, family, colleagues ... CSR Managers ;) so we cna give you a big shoutout and thanks! We're really hoping this will be our silver bullet for a jam-packed 2017! FOLLOW US! FB: https://www.facebook.com/maternitydiscrimination/ Twitter: @pregnantscrewed Instagram: pregnant_then_screwed Website: http://pregnantthenscrewed.com/ Baby Shop: http://pregnantthenscrewed.bigcartel.com/

This was an absolute nightmare. Pneumatic drilling and heavy operating machinery throughout the entire night.

James Nesbitt in Herne Hill

I use the bullet and I do houmous, soups, dips - all sorts of blended food, as well as juices. Do a google search on shopping prices - I got mine 20% off from Argos. I don't have a dishwasher but it is so easy to clean. No hardship!

Love that moment when you can't wait to return to your book! I second the Goldfinch by Donna Tart. A bit depressing and dark at times but one I couldn't put down last year was A Little Life. For something very casual and light which you can dip into I'd recommend by current read, Caitlin Moran 'How to be a Woman' which is pretty darn hilarious.

Hi all, I wonder if you'd be able to share your experiences of moving with us. We're in the process of finally buying our first apartment, moving from East Dulwich to Stockwell. We've always done the move ourselves with a couple of friends and a van for a day. Though, to be honest, I'm so over feeling like I'm moving for 2 weeks; the multiple trips, the deep clean afterwards, climbing the staircase hundreds of times. It's time to grow up and pay for removal men. Thing is we have no idea at pricing. We're moving from a one bed (2nd storey, stairs) to another one bed (tall storey, with lift). Has anyone had a similar experience? Are there any particular local companies that stand out? Thanks in advance, Louise

I wish I had bought one that you can use on the gas hob (to brown onions etc) then move over to slow cooking part. I tend to make batches of a certain recipe and freeze the rest. It's good for making sure you know you'll have a meal to come home to!

Jags Gym do some good "classes", including trampolining and football.

I recommend the Karcher steam cleaners. I bought mine off their outlet website for half the RRP but a really good product.

During research for a veggie diet I was amazed at where you can get protein from non-animal sources. Cottage cheese is particularly high, as are beans. I often sit with a bowl of edamame beans watching a movie, etc. One favourite is marinated tofu then flash cooked in a frying pan. Cut into inch thick strips soft white tofu and marinate for 15mins in tbs soy, tbs balsamic vinegar, tsp onion powder and tsp ginger. Serve with whatever you have in your fridge! Check the Ottolenghi cookbooks for more adventurous and tasty veggie meals.

I had a copper coil fitted in my early 20s due to my stubborn refusal to take hormones. The pain was there from the start, and continued and continued. I often felt like I would pass out from it. On one occasion the pain was so bad that I ended up in hospital for exploration for an eptopic pregnancy. My periods were incredibly heavily and painful. If I hadn't been living overseas with limited access to family planning then I would have had it removed. I would never recommend having one. 10 years on and more than one GP has questioned the suggestion to have that coil, which is classically recommended to woman who have already had children as otherwise it is known to be very uncomfortable. Maybe childbirth will be a doodle now!

I second Bare Minerals and have had a very positive experience with them in Selfridges. I rarely wear make-up and its lightweight enough that you can still see your natural skin's glow through the liquid foundation whilst providing even coverage with literally a dot or two. Think you can also order offline from QVC and return if you're not happy with the product.

Lovely (if pricey) leather backpacks at Whistles.

More great ideas! I went into Cook today and found out they offer 10% off to new mums for 6 mths after the birth of a new baby. Good to know!

Wow what a response. There are some truly great ideas in here. I got my SIL a mothers box from Neil's Yard last time round so I think I'll try to illicit if she liked anything in particular. Food and cleaners sound like a great idea, with a blanket for the baby perhaps. Great ideas - thanks all!

Great ideas - thank you. Yes I would absolutely babysit for them but they live in the West Midlands so not all that simple/convenient. I can always write an I.O.U. for when I'm visiting though. Not sure how my SIL would feel about being given booze if she's breast-feeding - might be a bit "salt-in-wound" but I'm sure my brother would appreciate it!

Hi all, My brother and his wife are soon expecting the arrival of their second baby boy. For their first born I made up a big basket of odds and ends I was assured by a friend would be very useful: basic medicines, nappies, sponges, bath thermometer, simple bath products, plain grows and a few teething toys, including the infamous Sophie. Second time round and they're sorted. Has anyone got any recommendations as to what they've found useful? I don't want to add to them them being inundated with little outfits (especially when they've got hand-me-downs from big brother) and toys. Thanks in advance, Louise

She's a lucky bride. I get no say ... !

Heard some commotion and saw the police on Melbourne Grove around 10pm tonight. Anyone know what's happened??

Does anyone have contact details for the well rated Carly?

LOVE Neals Yard Frankincense cream. I suffer from ezchema around my eyes but I can keep the area moisturised without causing irritation using this cream. I started to use a clarisonic which buffs the skin, improves circulation etc and combined my skin is looking its best in years. Whole Foods regularly sell Neals Yard products 3 for 2.