Yummy Mummy Magazine March 2023

YUMMY MUMMY

Histrionic Productions in partnership with Penguin Ventures

The Peter Rabbit™ Easter Adventure

Covent Garden, 21 March – 16 April 2023

One of the world’s most iconic and best-loved children’s characters will take families on an immersive adventure

Histrionic Productions is thrilled to announce The Peter Rabbit™ Easter Adventure in London’s iconic Covent Garden Piazza this Easter. Through a captivating mix of live performance and puppetry, visitors will be transported back to a Covent

Garden of old, teeming with fresh flowers, fruit and vegetables as Beatrix Potter heads out on a mission to rescue Jemima Puddle-Duck from the clutches of Mr. McGregor.

During this brand-new 50-minute interactive outdoor adventure, families will experience Peter

coventgarden.london @CoventGardenLDN #CoventGarden

Rabbit’s adventures in person as they accompany Beatrix Potter to search for secret notes, maps, and other clues and meet Peter Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny, Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, and a few surprise encounters along the way.

The show will be adapted by Calum Finlay, directed by Barney McElholm and designed by Tina Torbey. Between them, the creative team bring the experience of working at the National Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company, National Theatre of Scotland, Shakespeare’s Globe, The Almeida, Theatre Royal Bath, Manchester Royal Exchange and Birmingham REP amongst others.

above and families will have the opportunity to clamber onto Mr. McGregor’s tractor and have a souvenir photograph taken with Peter Rabbit.

ABOUT HISTRIONIC PRODUCTIONS

Histrionic Productions delivers a new, gold standard in live theatrical experiences. Following the acclaimed success of last year’s ‘Paddington Marmalade Messiness’ in Dalkeith Country Park and ‘The Peter Rabbit™ Garden Adventure’ at Blenheim Palace, Histrionic Productions continues to roll out unprecedented immersive experiences including a pioneering production of George Orwell’s masterpiece ‘1984’, due to open in London in Autumn 2023, and further shows to be announced this year. histrionicproductions.com

ABOUT PETER RABBIT™ AND BEATRIX POTTER

THE DETAILS

The perfect Easter gift, tickets are on sale for this mischievous outdoor immersive experience from PeterRabbitEasterAdventure.com. The Peter Rabbit™ Easter Adventure

Open at Chestnut Bakery, 24 Floral Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 9DS between 21st March - Sunday 16th April. (Closed Tuesday 11th April and all Mondays except Easter Monday 10th April)

Alongside the experience, The Easter Adventure Shop will open in Covent Garden’s iconic Market Building. The new store will offer Peter Rabbit merchandise, a café serving a range of delicious refreshments and drinks, as well as an activity area featuring a programme of fun-filled Easter activities for all of the family. Tickets for the show will also be available in store.

Included in the ticket will be an ‘Activity Burrow’ for creative crafting for all ages including letter writing to Beatrix Potter and a Peter Rabbit reading corner. Additional activities available on site include Mr. McGregor’s Obstacle Course for thrill-seeking children who want to test their driving skills in a mini ROVER for ages 4 and

The Tale of Peter Rabbit is one of the world’s best-loved children’s books and was created by author and illustrator, Beatrix Potter in 1902. The story has never been out of print since it was first published by Frederick Warne & Co. (today an imprint of Penguin Random House) and has sold in excess of 46 million copies worldwide. Today over 2 million of her ‘little books’ are sold globally every year, whilst Peter Rabbit has appeared on books and merchandise in more than 110 countries throughout the world.

Penguin Random House Children’s is committed to growing and protecting The Peter Rabbit™ brand. The World of Beatrix Potter™, one of the world’s largest literature-based licensing programmes, is managed in-house by Penguin Ventures. peterrabbiteasteradventure.com

The Easter Adventure Shop Open at 10 The Market Building, Covent Garden, WC2E 8RB between Sunday 5th MarchSunday 16th April, 10am to 5pm

“Alongside the experience, The Easter Adventure Shop will open in Covent Garden’s iconic Market Building”

THE LITTLE BLAZER COMPANY®

The Little Blazer Company® aims to revolutionize the children’s blazer market and is the first gender-neutral British luxury kidswear label.

Proudly authentically British and partnering timeless distinguished tradition with a free and contemporary expression of individuality, the new clothing label recognizes every child’s need for self-expression. Celebrating all personalities and differences, each vibrant piece from the collection adorned with an expression of character, empowering our mini trailblazers with the confidence to be themselves.

These hand-crafted blazers are effortlessly cool and tailored with an expert finish. The go-to statement piece can be worn all year round and/

or for special occasions. Gender neutral in their finish, with fabrics that are specially selected for sensitive skin, comfort and versatility, the blazers make a great staple to your fashionista’s wardrobe! The luxurious fabrics are entirely sustainable and use Harris Tweed®, UK-farmed 100% pure new wool. This is a unique collection with Harris Tweed® Hebrides and the bespoke cloths have been designed by Ria, the designer, and founder of TLBC label and therefore are completely unique to The Little Blazer Company. The blazers are beautifully lined in soft vegan satin and have exquisite embroidery detail, made end-to-end here in the United Kingdom.

These heirloom garments are made to last, with the hope that each blazer supports many a story as it’s lovingly passed down through generations and each blazer comes with a handmade complimentary, limited edition, colour-matching carrier. As seen in VOGUE, TATLER, WIRED. Please visit thelittleblazercompany.com and follow @thelittleblazercompany on Instagram.

THE LITTLE BLAZER COMPANY® partners timeless, distinguished tradition with free and contemporary expression of individuality.

Made in the United Kingdom, this gender-neutral collection is crafted from bespoke Harris Tweed® pure new wool, is lined with vegan satin and has exquisite embroidery detail. These heirloom garments are made to last, with a hope that each blazer supports many a story as it’s lovingly passed down through generations.

Visit www.thelittleblazercompany.com

As seen in VOGUE, TATLER, WIRED.

and follow @thelittleblazercompany on Instagram.

Kiddikicks: Girls-Only Football

Local business Kiddikicks is delighted to announce their plans for Girls-Only football skills and match play classes in Richmond. They will operate an indoor (January to March) and an outdoor season (April – December) based out of Pools of the Park and Old Deer Park. They plan to roll out their GirlsOnly classes across London shortly after.

Studies show some of the main things that motivate girls to play football are the opportunity to take part with friends and having fun in a safe and comfortable environment.

There is no doubt that women’s football has developed over the past decade being now one of the most popular team sports for girls. It’s Kiddikicks job to help this continue.

At Kiddikicks, they focus on developing skills and encouraging everyone to participate from as young as 18 months. They say there’s no need to pressure young children about perfect technique, or winning and losing. It’s far more important to learn ball control, about the fun of playing, being

active and trying hard and being resilient. Kiddikicks will be running a series of FREE TRIALS in the coming months. Register your player here kiddikicks.co.uk/register to request a free trial or email info@kiddikicks.co.uk

“There is no doubt that women’s football has developed over the past decade”

Moppet’s handmade crewel tapestries make spectacular heirloom gifts for little ones. Meticulously hand embroidered from wool in tiny batches, every piece is entirely unique. Marrying the traditional folk art design and technique of Kashmir with contemporary colourways and natural materials, each is a one-of-kind craftpiece to be treasured for generations.

www.moppetshop.co.uk

Lansinoh supports vulnerable new mums through charity partnership

Lansinoh, the global leader in maternal health and support; well known for their iconic purple tube nipple cream, have announced their support of UK-based charity Baby Basics to help vulnerable new mums get the hygiene products they need after giving birth. As part of the launch of their new Maternity Pads, an extension of their award winning Birth Preparation & Recovery range, Lansinoh have donated 16,500 Maternity Pads to the charity which will be distributed across the UK via the Baby Basics network.

Cat Ross, CEO for Baby Basics said: “When Baby Basics first began 14 years ago, we heard stories of mums in hospital without maternity pads and being shamed for it. We committed then to ensure that every mum referred to us would be provided with Maternity Pads to ensure that they had the essentials needed for themselves as well as their babies.”

But they aren’t stopping there. Lansinoh are calling on all new mums who are able to help, to donate a pack of Maternity pads via their website – Lansinoh.co.uk. Each donation will be matched by the brand, in the hope that more vulnerable new mums can be reached.

Lisa Craven, Marketing Manager for Lansinoh said: “All women experience bleeding after the birth of their baby. For many women, postpartum bleeding is heavier than a typical menstrual period, particularly in the first 2 weeks requiring a degree of protection not offered by traditional menstrual or bladder leakage pads. It’s heart-breaking to see so many women unprotected during this period of healing, so we’ve proud to be able to support Baby Basics in the wonderful work they do. Our brand mission is to ‘Stand with the Mothers’ – that means all mothers, regardless of status or situation, and we hope that by shining a light on this issue, we can pull together as a community to support those struggling when they need it the most.”

Extra Absorbent Maternity Pads: 10 pack.

RRP: £2.49; Discreet & Absorbent

Maternity Pads: 12 pack.

RRP: £2.49. Lansinoh

Maternity Pads now available from Lansinoh.co.uk and Amazon. baby-basics.org.uk

SUPERPOWER YOUR HAIR

Are you tired of seeing clumps of hair in your brush or shower drain? Hair loss can be frustrating and even downright scary, but there are natural ways to help combat it. Our Collagen supplements with hyaluronic acid, beetroot and pomegranate are three powerful ingredients that can help stop hair loss and promote healthy hair growth.

Collagen is a protein that is naturally found in our bodies, including our skin, nails, and hair. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, which can lead to thinning hair and brittle nails. Supplementing with collagen can help improve the strength and thickness of your hair by

providing the building blocks it needs to grow. Collagen supplements can also help improve the health and elasticity of your skin, giving you a more youthful appearance overall.

Hyaluronic acid is another powerful ingredient that can help prevent hair loss. This molecule is naturally found in our bodies and helps keep our skin and hair hydrated. When applied topically, hyaluronic acid can help strengthen hair follicles and prevent them from becoming brittle and breaking. Hyaluronic acid can also help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making it a great addition to any skincare routine.

Beetroot and pomegranate are two superfoods that are packed with antioxidants and nutrients that can help promote healthy hair growth. Beetroot is high in iron, which is essential for

healthy hair growth, and can also help improve circulation to the scalp, providing the nutrients your hair needs to thrive. Pomegranate is rich in vitamins C and E, which can help improve the health and strength of your hair. These two ingredients work together to provide a powerful one-two punch against hair loss.

So, if you’re looking for a natural way to stop hair loss and promote healthy hair growth, look no further than our superfood collagen range of supplements, hyaluronic acid, and beetroot and pomegranate. They are also packed with vitamin D and C With regular use, you’ll start to notice stronger, healthier hair that’s less prone to breakage and thinning. Try incorporating these ingredients into your daily routine and watch your hair transform before your eyes!

www.bepurer.co.uk

FREEDELIVERY

www.zippyup.com

@zippy.up

LUXlife Winner of the 2018 Parent & Baby Awards.

The Baby & Toddler Show

31 March – 2 April 2023, Sandown Park, Esher

Don’t miss out on the Baby & Toddler Show when it returns to Sandown Park in Surrey - the ultimate location for new and expectant parents in London and the South East, bringing together everything you need to give your baby the best start.

From all the big-name brands to local companies and services, free baby first aid workshops from the Royal Life Saving Society and expert advice talks from MAM and Organix, with many more to be announced, the Baby & Toddler Show is the one-stop shopping destination for new and expectant parents!

Kerrison Exhibitions run the UK’s leading consumer exhibition series serving the pregnancy, baby, and toddler market in key locations across the UK.

At The Baby & Toddler Show you can see over 150 brands, take home complimentary goodies, get hands-on demonstrations, meet the brand experts and ask them your important questions in person and so much more - all under one roof.

As Show Director Clare Barker explains, “The Baby and Toddler Show is the perfect way to shop both efficiently and cost-effectively. Our

brands allow you to stretch that baby budget even further with unbeatable, show-exclusive deals on all the baby essentials. Plus, we offer a best price guarantee on all the leading brands including iCandy, Nuna, Maxi Cosi, Joolz, Cosatto, OBaby, Mee-Go, Cybex, Snüz, BabyBjörn, Egg and many more. Customers also hugely benefit from all the expert advice on hand from our exhibitors – it’s great to witness the collaboration between excited parents and industry professionals, who offer advice on every step of the pregnancy journey.”

The Baby and Toddler Show is proud to be sponsored by Pura – a brand with sustainability at the core of its ethos. Founded in 2020, Pura is one of the first carbon-neutral baby care brands, combining high-quality, eco-friendly credentials with a more affordable price point. Their 100% plastic-free, biodegradable baby wipes, which also come in a Water UK certified Fine to Flush version, and eco-friendly nappies have taken the parenting world by storm. Families can get their hands on a free Pura goody bag when they visit the show!

To find out more and book a FREE pair of tickets worth £32, visit babyandtoddlershow.co.uk and quote SAVE23.

is set to deliver another incredible event this month!

“Bringing together everything you need to give your baby the best start”

OLGA VAL ENTINE S WIMWEAR

OLGA VALENTINE IS AN AUSTRALIAN-BASED SWIMWEAR AND RESORT WEAR LABEL FOR STYLE-SAVVY BOYS AND GIRLS. THE SWIMWEAR BLENDS UNIQUE PATTERNS AND GORGEOUS DETAILS WITH UPF 50+ RATED SUSTAINABLE FABRICS THAT YOUR KIDS WILL OUTGROW LONG BEFORE THEY WEAR OUT. ALL THIS WHILE MAKING A CONSCIOUS EFFORT TO REDUCE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND KEEP YOUR CHILDREN’S SKIN SAFE IN THE SUN. SIZES FROM 2 TO 16 YEARS OLD.

CODE YUMMYMUMMY 20% OFF STOREWIDE. 2 WEEKS ONLY.

THE ELITE NANNY COMPANY

childcare recruitment, but our company is run by an experienced maternity nurse, nanny & mother of 3 (including twins) and all the team are similarly experienced.

With over 22 years of childcare and domestic recruitment experience our teams here at The Maternity Nurse Company & The Elite Nanny Company offer clients a more personal experience. Making the right match is something we take seriously – whether you have a new baby or older children and whether you need a Maternity Nurse, Nanny, Governess or Housekeeper.

Not only do we have years of experience in

There are many childcare agencies in the UK, but we believe our bespoke agencies – The Maternity Nurse Company and The Elite Nanny Company stand out. We have evolved and adapted over our many years in the business and have become one of the premier child-care placement agencies not just in London, but throughout the UK and around the world.

Whether your needs are for help post-birth, during recuperation, for setting routines in the first few weeks, or for a longer-term childcare solution – we are here to help. Call today for a personal chat with one of our team – every family is different, and we are here to help and support you through the process.

Tel: 020 7751 0320 admin@maternitynurse.co.uk admin@elitenannycompany.co.uk

“Our company is run by an experienced maternity nurse, nanny & mother of 3 (including twins) and all the team are similarly experienced”

UNICORN THEATRE

BABY SHOW

“The perfect way to launch a theatre-going habit”

- The Guardian

Baby Show is the Unicorn’s ever-popular sensory performance with captivating images and intriguing sounds that keep little ones rapt. It’s a perfect first theatre experience.

During the show, you and your baby are sat in our gorgeous garden-inspired set and watch as the performer playfully explores the joys and tribulations of getting ready and exploring outside. At the end of the show there is a chance to play in the space.

For ages 6 - 18 months

Tue 14 Mar – Sun 16 Apr

SQUIRREL

“This small wonder is full of surprises... remarkable”

- The Guardian

This beautifully engaging show for the youngest theatregoers delighted audiences and critics alike when it first premiered in 2019. The Guardian’s Chris Wiegand described it as “supremely welcoming and warm-hearted” and “an irresistible treat for under-fives” in his five star review. This is a story of new growth and new beginnings with a sprinkling of magic and puppetry mayhem thrown in.

Recommended for children aged 6 months to 4 years who are actively encouraged to take part in the show.

For ages 6 months - 4 years

Sat 27 May – Sun 2 Jul 2023

THE

Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street, London SE1 2HZ Admin: 020 7645 0500

Box Office: 020 7645 0560

unicorntheatre.com

@unicorn_theatre facebook.com/unicorntheatre

C. Adams photographer for Squirrel Alicia Clarke for Baby Show

What wonders await at Longlands…

boat ‘Little Bird’ out to explore the lakeside. For a more gentle start to the day we have a yoga and meditation circle set in amongst the wild flowers where you can hear the water babbling down in the stream close by. Saluting the sun has never been so much fun!

Explore our 17 acres of woodland and wild flower meadows, or head to nearby Saunton Sands, Croyde, Putsborough or Woolacombe beach for a day at the seaside. With 3.5 miles of golden sands you’ll always find a spot for your beach towel.

Shrug off your daily cares and immerse yourself in a simpler and slower way of life, getting closer to nature and reconnecting with friends and family.

Nestling in a private secluded valley, in an area of outstanding natural beauty, overlooking the spectacular North Devon Coast are five fully equipped, beautifully furnished luxury safari lodges and a holiday cottage.

At Longlands we have our very own lake for a refreshing cold water dip pre-breakfast or postbeach. If that sounds a little too bracing, take our

Our Farm Shop comes well stocked with fresh local produce and our two freezers with delicious home cooked meals from Cook so that you don’t need to trail around the supermarkets.

Perhaps you would like to order a continental breakfast or a loaf of bread hot and steaming straight out of the oven? Or order one of our fabulous cream teas from our Food To Go menu. Then finally, once the day draws to an end book our private hot tub and watch the sun setting over the sea in the distance. longlandsdevon.co.uk

Wren Go-To Balm

A soothing salve for cracked nips, stretched hips, babies’ bums, and mummas’ tums. Made from 100% pure New Zealand lanolin This magic salve soothes babyravaged nipples, settles nappy rash, and smooths scars, stretch marks, eczema and much more.

Milk Storage Bags

Our robust milk storage bags hold up to 200ml breastmilk each and have been designed with space-saving in mind Each handy bag is resistant to snags and tears and comes with a clever, leak-resistant zipper at the top, preventing any mishaps. Thanks to their shape, they can stand up on a surface, making it a total breeze to decant your milk from a pump.

Hands Free Breast Pumps

Affordable, Hands Free and Stylish Breast Pumping. Designed to be popped into your bra. Our Pumps are fuss- free and wire-free giving you more time to yourself. Comes in Royal Green or White with all the spare parts you may need for hassle free pumping

Enjoy Education’s Top Tips for getting prepared for the 11+

1. Get started early

When it comes to the 11+, slow and steady wins the race, and putting the right preparation roadmap in place is key. Get started early to build core skills and confidence ahead of Year 6 in Maths, English, Verbal and Non-Verbal reasoning.

The Spring term and Easter holidays are a great time to begin preparation. This is the time to start visiting and registering for schools and getting to grips with the types of assessments your child will sit. Many families find it helpful to sit an academic assessment at this time of year to identify their child’s strengths and areas for improvement, which they can use to focus their preparation.

2.

Encourage curiosity

One of the best ways to get prepared is to encourage children to read and feed their natural curiosity. Reading widely across fiction and nonfiction is the best way to build a strong vocabulary. It’s also worth introducing children to childfriendly podcasts and news sources to build their understanding of current affairs, and encouraging them to try puzzles, sudokus and wordsearches to stretch their thinking.

If you’d like some inspiration for the best books, resources and podcasts, please get in touch.

3. Inspire confidence

At interview, schools may ask for children’s opinions on their interests or current events and see how well they can defend these. The best way to prepare is to talk to your child about what they’re studying in school or the news, ask their opinions, and challenge these.

4. Foster creativity

Schools want to meet passionate, interesting students. The holidays are a great opportunity to help your child build on their interests and try new things that help them stand out from the crowd! This could be anything from visiting museums or art galleries together, to taking up a new sport, building a rocket, learning to cook or getting stuck into passion projects.

Enjoy Education is London’s award-winning private tuition and home-schooling provider. We’re here to help you at every stage of the 11+ process – from identifying where to apply through to exam preparation and interview practice. We’d love to have a conversation with you about your journey; get in touch at enquiries@enjoyeducation.co.uk or on 0207 352 8800 to book your free consultation with one of our advisors.

“One of the best ways to get prepared is to encourage children to read and feed their natural curiosity”

Instilling the love of literacy from the roots of Chapter House

It is important to instil a love of literacy from an early age as literacy skills span far wider than just picking up a book. Karen Kilkenny, Head of Chapter House School at Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate talks through the innovative ways in which they ensure each, and every pupil enjoys reading from a young age.

In Chapter House, literacy and learning is at the heart of everything we do. Time is made every day specifically to enjoy sharing a book together, and each class has a specific time to visit the Chapter House library. This allows them to choose a book they can take home to share with parents and siblings.

One of their most successful, and popular initiatives has been the introduction of their reading dog, Indie, especially with the younger children. It has increased the confidence of reluctant readers by having a non-judgemental audience. The children are purely reading for pleasure with no one pointing out mistakes or questioning them on the text. It is an initiative where they have seen their confidence increase and their reading has become more animated, with more expression – one Year 1 child’s reading age has improved by two years over one term, and they are more curious about reading different texts. Throughout the school, they bring books to life

to spark imaginations. One of the ways they do this is a whole school project around a single book, all age groups from nursery upwards completed mini projects which were then shared with the rest of the school in an assembly.

Children are also encouraged to create their own dioramas (three-dimensional models of a scene with characters) and dressing up and acting out their own versions of popular books and poems, such as ‘That’s not my stick’ and ‘The naughty bus’ to create class videos.

Year 5 students are encouraged to be librarians, recommending books to their peers, creating displays in the library and using break times to share books with younger pupils. This vital engagement, extends beyond the classroom with regular parent information meetings on reading, sharing new school initiatives and advice on how they can support their child with reading at home.

Chapter House is a vibrant and engaging school that focuses on providing an enabling environment which respects, recognises and tunes into each unique child; central to their mission of ensuring each child can be ‘the best they can be, with the gifts that they have’.

To find out more, or to book a tour to come and see why Chapter House is the school where your child will thrive, visit qe.org

“One of their most successful, and popular initiatives has been the introduction of their reading dog, Indie, especially with the younger children. It has increased the confidence of reluctant readers by having a non-judgemental audience”

Your local Urgent Care Clinic

St John & St Elizabeth Hospital’s Urgent Care Clinic ensures easy access to expert and efficient healthcare without the wait.

Access doctors when you need them most

Designed for life’s slips, trips and falls, as well as those unexpected minor illnesses, the clinic is ready to give you the care you need, no appointment necessary. Open seven a days a week, and trusted by the St John’s Wood community for over ten years, the recently upgraded clinic offers almost instant access to doctors when you need them most.

A family-friendly service

The improved clinic has a designated children’s waiting area and treatment rooms, and is for all the family, including children aged one and up.

A wide range of treatments

The clinic can treat minor injuries and illnesses; including sprains, strains and fractures; cuts, burns and grazes; eye and ear infections; stomach bugs, and colds. If you’re not sure whether you should come in, give the friendly team a call and they can help.

If needed, instant referrals can be arranged for tests and scans (including x-ray, ultrasound and MRI), physiotherapy, and specialist consultations –all under one roof in John & Lizzie’s comfortable private hospital, so you can access results and treatment without the wait.

Visit the Urgent Care Clinic

The clinic is part of St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, which is a short walk from St John’s Wood station. Initial consultations with a doctor cost £120. If you need any scans, tests, or further treatment, these will be charged extra.

GET IN TOUCH

St John & St Elizabeth Hospital 60 Grove End Road NW8 9NH

Call the team: 0207 432 8300

Find out more: hje.org.uk/services/ urgent-care-clinic

Opening times

Monday to Friday 8am - 8pm (last appointment 7pm)

Weekends 8am - 6pm (last appointment 5pm)

INFERTILITY EXPLAINED

Dr Catrin Bevan, The London General Practice

This is when a couple cannot get pregnant (conceive) despite having regular unprotected sex. Most couples take their fertility for granted ...until they cannot get pregnant. Around 1 in 7 couples may have difficulty conceiving.

Causes of infertility:

Female infertility 30%, male infertility 30%, mixed male female infertility 20%, unexplained infertility 20%.

Why do infertility problems occur?

1. Timing of intercourse. Probability of conception is maximum in the three days up to and including the day of ovulation.

2. Ovulation.

3. Egg quality.

4. Tubal disease.

5. Sperm quantity and quality.

6. Uterine pathology.

7. Hormonal reasons.

In women, infertility declines steeply after the age of 35 to 37 and spontaneous abortions (miscarriages) increase steeply at the same time. Women’s ovarian reserve, that is the number of eggs (follicle number) declines very gradually from birth then rapidly from age 35 until the menopause.

When to seek help?

1. Irregular or infrequent periods. These can also be short cycles or unpredictable irregular cycles.

2. Miscarriage.

The rate of miscarriages is 15-20% if under 35, 50% if 40 years old and 80% if over 42 years old.

3. If previous medical treatment, for example chemotherapy has been received, a woman should seek help earlier.

4. If there is a family history of early menopause.

5. Previous gynae or abdominal surgery.

IVF is an option. However, it has its limitations.

Live birth rate per IVF cycle is approximately:

• 30% for 35 - 37 year olds

• less than 20% for 38 - 40 year olds

• and approximately 6% for 41 to 42-year-old females.

Summary

Fertility problems are multifactorial. Female age is very important. Prompt investigations should be initiated, and help should be sought sooner than later especially if the woman is over 35.

At the London General Practice, we offer preconception counselling gynaecological investigations as well as hormonal testing and referral for specialist investigations for infertility.

The Kensington Wing

The Kensington Wing is the dedicated private maternity unit at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, providing women and birthing people with around-the-clock clinical care, comfortable en-suite private rooms and hospitality services.

Located in the heart of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital – part of one of the UK’s top rated hospital Trusts – your baby’s and your safety and wellbeing are reassuringly supported at all times. The Kensington Wing is immediately located next to the hospital’s outstanding and newly expanded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and a consultant anaesthetist remains on site at all times 24/7, dedicated to the needs of our patients.

To ensure the safety of women, birthing people and birth partners, The Kensington Wing has important infection control procedures for staff and visitors to adhere to but remain welcoming to your chosen birth partner for all stages of your pregnancy, birth and postnatal stay. Your individual room and en-suite facilities are a haven, and the catering and hospitality team ensures your stay is relaxing as well as safe. On the Kensington Wing the consultant obstetricians, midwives, nurses and maternity support workers provide care as a team and are delighted to offer both consultant-led and midwife-led maternity packages.

THE DETAILS

If you would like to talk to one of the team, call 020 3315 8616, email chelwest.kensington@nhs.net or visit thekensingtonwing.co.uk

The Kensington Wing’s highly experienced team of midwives welcome enquiries and the opportunity to discuss midwife-led care in more detail. These ‘meet the midwife’ sessions are always a relaxed and special time to talk and discover more without any obligation. For those women and birthing people who are appropriate for midwife-led care, the team provide full support throughout your pregnancy and the midwifery team are available 24 hours seven days a week for advice or concerns throughout your pregnancy, birth and postnatal stay.

The consultant-led care package allows you the choice of one of their experienced consultant obstetricians to personally guide you through your pregnancy and birth. Your consultant provides continuity and individualised expertise throughout your journey. They build a relationship with you and your partner through the antenatal period to give you confidence to birth safely with them in line with your birth preferences. They continue to support you through the postnatal period, including your 6 week postnatal check. All consultants are available to meet you and your birth partner without any obligation.

The Kensington Wing enquiry team are always happy to support with these arrangements and answer any questions.