christinaH

Good diverse probiotics make all The difference. The best you can buy are gutpro - but very expensive. Cheaper good option is Optibac children's. :) Have you heard of th GAPS diet. If not take a little look :)

Hi, I would love to join the group... I am expecting baby number 2 around 24th September. My daughter will be 22 months god help me :)

I had two - started using one in labour then changed first was mama tens the second was unbelievably stronger/better it was Elle Tens :) I managed with no other pain relief x

Recently had my first at home and would highly recommend :) i was with Brierley midwives now known as Birchtree xx pm me if you would like any details x

I too voted for Labour and expected them to carryout the promise of the 20mph zone without further consultation. I am a car driver but welcome this change our residential road is an hazard with those speeding at about 40mph and I am shocked each day with the road rage I can hear from my home. I don't understand how people can become so angry and at minor annoyances! Off point I know. I am not sure all the road works are linked to this though? there are always lots of road works this time of year as councils use up their budgets?

If you like fruit Jamie Olivers Raw chocolate cake is delicious :-)

I recommend KG hypno birthing! she trains most of the hypno birthing teachers, It is a weekend course run from St Thomas. It has really helped me :-) The baby and bump Club sounds great!

Thanks guys!

I have had a similar experience. I bought a baby sleepsuit for ?3 and then saw it in a pack of 5 in Primark for ?5. Its a nice sleepsuit but they are marked too high.

Just adding a different perspective - I am not keen at all. I can see that it may be convienient but it seems like such a crazy concept to me. Are gardens not for enjoying the natural beauties of the world? Should children not play on the grass and in the mud which supports their health. Creating a fake outdoors conjures up all kinds of wrongness for me :-)

Could someone explain to me the benefits of having a baby monitor? I will be a first time mum soon and wasnt going to get one. I live in a flat so i figure i will just hear if baby wants me and can keep an eye out that way. I can see the benefits if baby is a bit older and sleeping in a separate room. But would be helpful to understand from someone who uses one. Most of the monitors now adays use wifi and there is loads of new evidence that this is really bad for brain development. Many thanks, Christina

Thank you for organising, looking forward to meeting you all, Christina

I should of added that I had not had a baby at this point!

Hi, I had a coppper one fitted a few years ago, I did find it very painful during the procedure and for a couple of hours afterwards. I was told that I had a tilted uterus which may have contributed to this. But the worse thing was that I was then sent off on my way from the GP straight afterwards and fainted whilst walking home in the park! it was very scary. My advice would be after having it done ask to remain lying down for 10 minutes. I would still say that the pain and discomfort was worth it as I really didnt have to worry about contraception for the duration. It is very important to keep a close eye on it though, i do know someone that had a very nasty infection from hers.

Hi, You may know the below but just in case :-) I just wanted to let you know that you are able to get an assessment from your loacl authority Children with disabilities Team who will be able to sign post you to all relevant services and may also be able to provide many of these free of cost. You are entitiled to a new assessment and anytime and also a carers assessment. You may want to look at benefits such as DLA which is not means tested but will provide your little one with some money to cover some specialist services. There are so many great charities that can help. I have lots of experience with a brother with ASD and also work in this field so if you need any advice just let me know. The family fund is another great charity and I have found that diet is really important at this age with ASD. You could take a look at the GAPS diet. Christina

Hi Everyone, I am having my first baby in November and am new to the area so am very keen to make some new friends. Am I able to join your group? i have just requested on FB. Thanks, Christina :-)

Hi, Thanks for all of your advice it was very helpful I have persevered and am now fortunately being seen by a midwife at Brierly soon to be Beech Trees! Feeling much happier about the situation and actually looking forward to the birth. There are so many changes atm at Kings and its been tricky. Anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation give me a PM :-)

I have just transferred from St Thomas' to Kings hospital and am having a really bad experience trying to access any antenatal care. I am hoping to have a home birth but I am told because there are changes to the system and no specific home birthing team I need to continue accessing different midwives at Midwives house. I was feeling really relaxed and excited previously but am now just feeling anxious about the whole thing! I feel that I am caught in the hospitals processes and not really getting any care. I am 26 weeks and have had 2 appointments that were soley for booking in and doing the same blood tests. I am not needy and do not want a lot of support just to know someone is there when i need them. I feel I have no option other than to go private, could anyone recommend anyone? or suggest a GP surgery in West Norwood where they have good community midwives? It really is a postcode lottery. When i lived in St Thomas'catchment area I met my midwife first visit, there was a pool of home birthing midwives so you met those that would be supporting you in labour. I am having a very different experience now. Many thanks, Christina