Autumn 15 mums magazine

Mums AUTUMN 2015

THE ONLY REGIONAL MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO EVERY STAGE OF MOTHERHOOD

THE GREAT OUTDOORS Outside adventures for all the family

Everything you need to know about

postnatal depression The health benefits of

PREGNANCY

YOGA www.mums-magazine.co.uk

BACK TO

SCHOOL Are your children ready for the start of term?

FASHION Mums Magazine Autumn 2015

1

Stylish and practical wardrobe essentials

Free

Get Your MEXICAN CULINARY EBOOK Today!

Visit https://www.locogringo.com/ebook-food to download

2

Mums Magazine Autumn 2015

www.locogringo.com

reservations@locogringo.com

www.mums-magazine.co.uk

W

5. Kids’ fashion

elcome to the autumn issue of Mums Magazine. With the

6. Pregnancy yoga

new school term upon us, it’s back to reality for many Mums as

This season’s most stylish looks

the mad rush to get little ones motivated and organised for a new season of learning begins. To help with those all-important

7.Worth the weight

Discover the benefits and find your local class

decisions, turn to page 14 for our round up of educational essentials. Even if you’ve got a few years yet before the school

8. Fashion

Solutions to health, fitness and body confidence

runs and uniform shopping sets in, the autumn is not without its challenges, especially if you are a new mum getting to grips with a new arrival. From breastfeeding (page 16) to nappy rash (page 18), we’ve got lots of helpful hints to help you adapt to motherhood, including advice on financial support services for families (page 17).

We all know that exercise is beneficial for warding of S.A.D syndrome as we head towards winter, but for expectant Mums, keeping active can be a challenge. With pregnancy yoga often an effective approach to both fitness and wellbeing, why not find out if you could benefit (page 6)? It also pays to find ways of making sleep more manageable as you prepare for your new arrival (page 21), as pregnancy is an especially important time to focus on your health and wellbeing. With postnatal depression widely misunderstood and under-diagnosed, it pays to know the symptoms and support services available to you (page 25).

9. Making a meal of it

Practical & stylish styles for busy mums

10.The great outdoors

Welcome back the traditional family dinner

12. Baby love

Plan your next family adventure

13. Are we there yet?

Newborn wardrobe essentials

14. Back to school

Take the stress out of car journeys

Enjoy the issue!

Caroline Seekings

16. The breast routine

Get your kids ready for the new term

Editor

17. Family matters

Helpful tips for nursing mothers

25

21

18. Rash decision

An insight into adoption and becoming a host family

21. Sleeping for two

Natural solutions to nappy rash

23. Money matters

How to get a good night’s sleep during pregnancy

24. Keeping mum (happy)

Financial support services for families

18

25. Postnatal depression

The secrets of happy, energised mums

26. Daddy matters How to recognise the signs

A look at paterntiy leave and stay-at-home fatherhood

Mums AUTUMN 2015

THE ONLY REGIONAL MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO EVERY STAGE OF MOTHERHOOD

HAPPY FAMILIES

THE GREAT OUTDOORS Outside adventures for all the family

Everything you need to know about

postnatal depression The health benefits of

PREGNANCY www.mums-magazine.co.uk

YOGA www.mums-magazine.co.uk

BACK TO

SCHOOL Are your children ready for the start of term?

FASHION Mums Magazine Autumn 2015

1

Stylish and practical wardrobe essentials

mums magazine publication @mums_magazine

www.mums-magazine.co.uk

Information in Mums Magazine is not intended as a substitute for diagnosis, prescription and/or treatment by a Medical Professional.

Opinions expressed in Mums Magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher, and the magazine is in no way liable for any such opinions. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the content of this publication is accurate, we cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. No advertisement, article or image may be reproduced without the written permission of the publishers.

The Team: Editor Caroline Seekings caroline@lifestyle-magazines.co.uk Tel: 07834 233346

Produced by:

Photography Richard Jones Photography www.richardjones-photography.com

LIFESTYLE

MAGAZINES

Get in touch: T: 07834 233346 E: caroline@lifestyle-magazines.co.uk www.lifestyle-magazines.co.uk

Features Editor Chrissy Hayes chrissy@lifestyle-magazines.co.uk

Cover image www.istockphoto.com

Kim IT support

Caroline Editor

Chrissy Features Editor

Amy Column ist

Richard her Photograp

Meet the team Mums Magazine Autumn 2015

3

LUXURY BRANDS FOR STYLE CONSCIOUS KIDS

WWW.BUSYANDTHEBOY.COM 4

Mums Magazine Autumn 2015

www.mums-magazine.co.uk

KIDS’ FASHION We all know it’s hard to close the doors on the summer wardrobe but this Autumn/ Winter there are some stunning children’s wear trends that’ll have you confidently looking forward to the cooler months.

Fashion aware parents can wrap up little ones in a brand new look with Busy and The Boy offering a handpicked collection of luxury labels for style conscious kids. With eye-catching, fashion-forward, pieces for boys and girls aged from 0-10 finding this season’s must-have kids trend is child’s play.

Let us guide you through the three to be seen in.

Amazing Animals Kids can show off their wild side in style with animal motifs roaring into fashion.

Busy and The Boy has you covered with key pieces like Mini Rodini’s unisex Bengal Tiger sweatshirt or T-shirts, sweatpants and onesies emblazoned with elephants and monkeys. Alternatively, opt for the leopard print Paula leggings and adorable Alexi French Bulldog sweatshirt from Soft Gallery.

Finish the look with cool porcelain animal pendant necklaces from A Mini Penny with designs ranging from pandas and peacocks to our favourite, the zebra, complimented with a gold plated chain.

Mini Metallics Trend favourite metallics are reinvented this season with a palette of autumnal and wintry tones including silvers, coppers and bronze. For girls, the Snowdance Jacket from Finger in the Nose offers style and versatility by transforming from silver to porcelain pink when turned inside out. The collection also includes the Wish sweatshirt with its high shine copper finish plus bronze and silver Annix knitted mini skirts which work perfectly layered over glitzy party tights. Boys can make a statement too with the fabulously shiny copper, hooded padded Magic Jacket from Someday Soon that will outshine anything else on the playground.

Brilliant Winter Brights Fun and vibrant colours are back with a bang to brighten up even the gloomiest winter day. Eye-popping hues of green, orange and neon feature throughout Busy and the Boy’s AW15 collection including the neon pink Cat Leotard with a double-sided feline print from Noe & Zoe and the striking Pink Star leggings and playsuits for girls and babies. Keep things colourful for boys with winter wardrobe essentials in bright shades like the Mini Rodini Pico Hooded Rain Jacket in vivid red.

www.mums-magazine.co.uk

Shop the new Autumn/Winter 2015 collection now atwww.BusyandtheBoy.com

Mums Magazine Autumn 2015

5

pregnancy yoga Discover the benefits of

Yoga can help to improve your physical and emotional health during pregnancy. Here’s how to get started...

Pregnancy Yoga at Home Yoga & Mindfulness for Pregnancy & Birth with Nadia Raafat is the first programme of its kind and offers over 240 minutes of practice, designed to support and transition women throughout their pregnancy and birth experience all the way into motherhood itself. Endorsed by midwifes, doctors, doulas and birth professionals, this DVD represents the gold standard of pregnancy yoga and birth prep teaching today.

Nadia’s Yoga & Mindfulness for Pregnancy & Birth programme is easy to follow and accessible for any m o t h e r- t o be, expertly bringing together three ancient traditions; yoga, meditation and birth dance and delivering them in a flowing package that makes them simple and accessible to all. It also features an introduction and five unique Mindfulness practices, covering the span of pregnancy from 14 weeks to the birth itself. This Mindful aspect of the class enables the pregnant woman to discover the awareness that emerges when she pays ‘deliberate and openhearted’ attention to each momentby-moment unfolding of her external and internal environment, training her to remain steady-minded and receptive with all aspects of herself to whatever is happening internally or externally.

Yoga & Mindfulness for Pregnancy & Birth with Nadia Raafat DVD is priced £16.99 and is available from www.yogamatters.com 6

Mums Magazine Autumn 2015

Find your local class Bump, Birth and Babies run weekly Yoga for Pregnancy classes which give mothers to be - whether they are expecting their first, second, third or fourth baby - an opportunity to get together with other pregnant mothers and spend time relaxing. The classes consist of one hour of gentle yoga-based exercises and stretches specially tailored for pregnant women to prepare them for birth. The class also focuses on breathing techniques, positions for labour and relaxation. http://bumpbirthandbabies.co.uk

BEST BUY Using a birthing ball can help you to sit more comfortably, and can optimise foetal positioning and pelvic floor strength. It can also help you to cope with contractions and aid relaxation during labour. After birth, a birthing ball will assist you with getting back into shape. http://www.naturalbirthfitness.co.uk www.mums-magazine.co.uk

Find health, fitness and body confidence during pregnancy and early motherhood

“Is eating for two” a good idea?

Pregnant women can improve their health and even reduce the risk of complications during childbirth by maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise. Research has shown that gaining too much weight during pregnancy increases the risk of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, large babies, and delivery by caesarean section; and newborns with large birth weights are at risk of childhood obesity.

Research has shown that women who exercise moderately and eat a low sugar diet are less likely to have high blood pressure, and evidence suggests that the interventions may lead to a small reduction in caesarean deliveries from 29% to 27%, “Pregnancy is a time when women have a lot of contact with healthcare providers, therefore there is no better time to engage and support women to make healthy lifestyle choices,” said co-author of the review,Tess Lawrie.

“We hope that these findings will encourage women not to overeat and to exercise regularly with the knowledge that their efforts will be rewarded with lower pregnancy weight gain and better health outcomes for themselves and their baby.”

The researchers advise that pregnant women should refer to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists guidelines on exercise in pregnancy, and that before embarking on a new exercise program that they discuss it with their midwife or doctor.

Review published in The Cochrane Library

Worth the

weight Post-baby confidence

Belly Bandit is a one-of-a-kind postpartum wrap. With its stretch and compress fabrics, it provides support and comfort after a C-Section and also during breastfeeding.

Belly Bandit Organic By Rosie Pope £69.95 http://www.itbabies.co.uk

How clever can food be?

I am a qualified nutritionist giving nutritional advice for diabetes, weight loss and digestive disorders, menopause and more.

Contact Sue Phillips at CleverFood on Tel: 07789 337 819 Email: info@clever-food.co.uk Web: www.clever-food.co.uk

Home workouts If you’re struggling to juggle exercise and motherhood, a new range of weekly fitness videos adapted specifically to meet the needs of pregnant women and new mums may be the solution. The tailor made videos provide the ultimate support for women’s changing body shapes during the various stages of pregnancy and motherhood, and there are some key moves that can be practised throughout pregnancy to ensure your body is in great condition for labour and recovery afterwards.

For more information visit http://www.joannahelcke.com

www.mums-magazine.co.uk

Mums Magazine Autumn 2015

7

Babysafe beads Nibbling babysafe necklaces and bracelets are made with 100% food grade silicone (similar to pacifiers & bottle nipples) which is safe and soft enough to chew. Nibbling jewellery is not just fashionable but also can be used to focus the attention of nursing babies, and provide chewing relief to teething babies as it’s soft on babies gums and emerging teeth.

Milker Woollen Liv Stripe Nursing Knit Dress Grey/ Black/Rose £79 www.bellamama.co.uk

Nibbling silicone is free from: BPA, Phthalates, heavy metals such as Lead and Arsenic. Necklaces have a breakaway clasp for added safety. Nibbling necklaces are tested at independent labs in the US and EU and meet or exceed product safety standards. www.nibbling.co.uk

Essential Nursing Tank RRP: £36 Available from: http://bravadodesigns.com/

Ella Cotton knit breastfeeding top lavendar Milker £45 www.bellamama.co.uk

FASHION

Practical and stylish clothes and accessories for busy mums

8

Mums Magazine Autumn 2015

www.mums-magazine.co.uk

MAKING A MEAL OF IT!

Welcome back traditional family meal times

BREAKFAST BLUNDERS One in five British parents have revealed that they often send their children off to school with only a drink for breakfast, according to a survey by leading oat producer, Flahavan’s.

While cereal, fruit and porridge were found to be the staples for many youngsters, a worrying number of those surveyed in ‘The Flahavan’s Breakfast Barometer’ don’t provide their children with a nutritious start to their day.

One in six parents admitted that their children regularly ate crisps for breakfast, one in seven said that their children often had chocolate and one in 10 a fizzy drink.

Along with the food children eat, the way that a typical family enjoys breakfast also seems to be changing. The breakfast table – once the traditional focus for the first family gathering of the day – appears to be becoming increasingly redundant in many households.

Nine in 10 parents admitted they do not insist that their children eat at the breakfast table, while one in 10 regularly allow the younger members of their household to eat breakfast in front of the TV. John Noonan, sales and marketing director for Flahavan’s, commented “It’s no secret that we all need a good breakfast to get the day off to a good start, particularly growing children.And while it’s great to see that many parents are choosing proper breakfasts for their children – opting for porridge and healthy cereals – the number of children regularly eating a less than healthy breakfast is certainly surprising, particularly given that making something nutritious and tasty just takes a little extra time.

Visit www.flahavans.co.uk for further information. www.mums-magazine.co.uk

START AS YOU MEAN TO GO ON The Tripp Trapp® Newborn Set is designed for interaction from birth, as it lifts your newborn up to your height at the table. This enables eye contact and offers a great opportunity to spend quality time together whilst building strong relationships with the whole family.

The ergonomically designed seat gently supports your newborn baby. The seat is padded with a soft, removable textile and comes with a five point safety harness with protective shoulder pads for extra comfort. The toy hanger lets your little one keep their favorite toy close at hand to keep them entertained while developing their important motor skills. www.stokke.com

THE TEENAGE DIET CRISIS Teenagers and young people today are suffering from a whole host of ailments and conditions which are brought on by their unhealthy diets and lifestyles.

According to Andrew Thomas, founder and MD of health pioneers BetterYou ‘many adolescents in the UK fail to get the basic ‘reference nutrient intake’ (below the RDA) for magnesium. Shock statistics about magnesium intake published in the Government’s UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey results from Public Health England (2008-10) show that over half our teenage girls (53%) have an intake for magnesium below that which defines gross deficiency. The reasons for this are unfortunately numerous and include depleted soil, greater food processing, weakening of stomach acid and prescription drugs. www.betteryou.com.

FAMILY UNITS Alcohol education charity Drinkaware has revealed that 44% of parents in the UK who drink in front of their child say they witness their children mimicking their drinking behaviour - such as saying ‘cheers’ or pretending to sip alcohol.

More than half (52%) of those parents admitted it did not make them reconsider how much alcohol they drink in front of their child. Of those parents (48%) who were prompted to reduce their drinking in front of their child as a result, fathers (55%) were more likely to say they now drink less in front of their children than mothers (42%).

In light of the research, Drinkaware is encouraging parents to think about their position as role models when it comes to alcohol.

For more information visit: www.drinkaware.co.uk/underagedrinking Mums Magazine Autumn 2015

9

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Outdoor inspiration Education does not always need to take place behind a desk, in a classroom or with a teacher. Family time is just as important as school time, and these 52 ‘Ed-ventures’ provide parents with a fantastic bank of ideas to support and enhance their children’s formal schooling. Each exciting adventure can easily be fitted into a weekend.

Chapters include Buildings to See, Places to Go, Travel & Transport, By the Water, Country Life and Culture & Entertainment, with each activity graded according to which particular aspect of learning it promotes – such as literacy, numeracy, science or personal development.

Within each activity there is plenty of scope to help your children develop enquiring minds, including ideas on what to do before you get there, while you’re there and when you get back, plus tips, suggestions and ways of encouraging different ways to learn via reading, listening, visual, sensory and physical means.

Whether you’re visiting a wind farm or stepping on to a train, visiting an historical building or looking at a sculpture in your local park, Learning Outdoors provides all the educational stimulation you and your children need for some great Ed-ventures in the open air.

Available from www.amazon.co.uk 10

Mums Magazine Autumn 2015

Research from ParkLives, a free activity programme from Coca-Cola Great Britain, has found that nearly half (42%) of parents think their child spends too much time indoors, especially those with older children, and nine out of 10 parents (91%) wish their family had the opportunity to play outdoors together more.

Outside adventures provide educational stimulation and entertainment for children (and adults) of all ages, so why not dig out your rain coats and make the most of your local parks and attractions this autumn?

Woodland adventures The Woodland Adventure Handbook

by Adam Dove offers 10 ‘recipes’ for Woodland adventures, each structured around a story which is designed to capture the imagination of 2-6 year olds.

Each recipe provides parents and carers with a list of the kit required (generally, simple household objects) and a set of step by step instructions.

A strong addition to the successful Frances Lincoln creative parenting list, this book focuses on activities for younger children, and connects with the fast-growing Forest School movement.

Available from www.amazon.co.uk

Triking fun Little Tikes have taken action and joined forces with Greg Rutherford to get families all over the UK out and about triking.

For more information about this campaign visit the following link: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=jtqJMFZg16c www.mums-magazine.co.uk

Ready for rain!

The Puddle Buster range from Frugi features a collection of rainwear which is 100% waterproof and is made from 100% recycled polyester fabric, cleverly made from recycled plastic bottles.

As well as the gorgeous coats, the range includes waterproof bib trousers and colourful wellington boots, so little ones will be puddle proof from top to toe! RRP: Adventure Coat £44 (0-4), £46 (210) All available from www.welovefrugi.com

The big pathwatch Experts from the Ramblers, Britain’s leading walking charity, have offered their top tips on how to get children out walking. The Ramblers are also offering families in the South East the opportunity to get involved with the Big Pathwatch, the Ramblers’ biggest and most ambitious project yet to survey every footpath in England and Wales.

Ramblers’ director of walking development Simon Barnett said: “We all know that getting kids away from computer games and out of the house can be a bit of a challenge, especially as the days get shorter and the temperatures start to drop.

“That’s why we’re sharing our top tips on the easiest ways to make walking fun and appealing for your youngsters.

“The Big Pathwatch helps to turn walking into a game, transforming an everyday walk around your local area into a walking adventure, and it’s the perfect way for kids to learn more about the great outdoors.

www.mums-magazine.co.uk

But more than that, by taking part in the Big Pathwatch your family will be helping to protect and improve our paths in the South East for generations to come.”

Fun activity sheets The Ramblers has created fun activity sheets for kids aged 5-10 which can be downloaded from the website and printed off to take along on your walk. Youngsters will love the rainbow ramble activity, sharing funny jokes and playing walk-themed bingo.

Include a destination Try to choose a Big Pathwatch square that takes in a rewarding site that children love: it could be a cave, a castle, sand dunes or a decent climbing tree. Tantalise your children with the prospect of visiting it, so they have a destination to get excited about.

Go on safari Focus on the flora and fauna to keep interest levels high. There are lots of games you can play that focus on spotting wildlife. Play wildlife bingo by drawing up a list of animals, insects, birds, flowers and trees, and award points for each one spotted. You could try to identify animal tracks in the mud - or

even create your own using a stick.

Employ diversionary tactics Have something up your sleeve for when their energy level drops. If it’s windy, pack a kite. Frisbees and tennis balls are also good.

A sketchbook and pad are always handy for a rest period, and sailing a Lego man in his little rowing boat is a great alternative to Poohsticks if you come across a stream.

Set their sights high Encourage your children’s rugged ambitions with a bit of hill climbing. Start with a grid square that takes in the highest point in your area, then move on to a bigger, better known incline, before setting a date for a real challenge: perhaps a square on Walbury Hill or Leith Hill!

The Big Pathwatch is the Ramblers’ most ambitious footpath survey ever. With the help of people everywhere, it aims to gather the full picture of the state of the path network in England and Wales.

To get involved, families simply need to download the Big Pathwatch smartphone app, walk their favourite paths and report back on what they find.

The Big Pathwatch activity sheets can be downloaded for free from www.Ramblers. org.uk/bigpathwatch

Mums Magazine Autumn 2015

11

e v o l y b a B

The cutest newborn wardrobe essentials for autumn

Jolly jungle pals gro bag £25.99 www.gro-store.com

Buzzy Bee Baby Grow www.welovefrugi.com

Best for babywear Busy and the Boy are dedicated to bringing together the very best modern, cutting edge kids fashion brands. Hand picked for style, they provide the latest pieces with an emphasis on quality and giving you peace of mind when shopping.

Bear Necessities Baby Shoes £6.99-£7.69 https://www.dottyfish.com

http://busyandtheboy.com

Skibz Pop-itz dribble bibs www.skibz.co.uk Top inset: NOÉ & ZOË SHORTIE ROMPER MINT CHEVRON £14.99 Main images: Gro Flowers Newborn Suit £21.45 from http://busyandtheboy.com 12

Mums Magazine Autumn 2015

www.mums-magazine.co.uk

Roadside assistance Family road trips can be stressful and even more so with a roadside emergency; HiQ have developed a new app, ‘Pocket HiQ’ to help motorists deal with these situations.

Additionally, the app helps parents, particularly the ones that have no interest in car maintenance, keep safe on the road by keeping up with their car maintenance with ease.

HiQ supports drivers in roadside emergencies, with a list of quick call links to breakdown providers and geotechnology to find nearby cafes and petrol stations; particularly useful in keeping children occupied whilst waiting for breakdown providers.

Snack happy Snacks are essential when keeping the kids happy on long car journeys, but if left to their own devices, clumsy trips and spills are inevitable. But not anymore thanks to the new 2-in1 snack sensation Snacky Wonder from JML. Suitable for both, children and adults, this clever all-in-one drink and snack holder allows you and your family to keep your favourite drinks and snacks all in one container, making it ideal for those on the go.

Priced at just £9.99 the Snacky Wonder is available from JMLdirect.com and all good JML stockists including ASDA, Dunelm, Robert Dyas, Wilkos, Morrison’s, The Range, Homebase and The Original Factory Shop.

Keep your car tidy The fun and innovative new car tidy product has arrived to ensure messy backseats are a thing of the past! The kooky travelling companions, from KidNative have been created to provide an engaging solution to the mess created on car journeys. The Tidy Freaks child friendly bins have been specifically designed to fit any head rest and simply attach on with an adjustable strap. www.tidyfreaks.co.uk

TRAVEL FACTS Frustrated kids go from curious to furious in just 15 minutes during long car trips, according to a new survey by Highways England.

ARE WE THERE YET?

Simple steps to help take the stress out of car journeys with children Kids to a T

Parents say that, on average, kids start asking “are we nearly there yet?” around 2 hours and 23 minutes into a journey. And by 2 hours and 37 minutes in, angry rows have started to break out.

Children can now interact with their favourite characters with the new Toyshirt. This unique concept was created by Fashion UK and allows children to pull a tab to reveal additional designs on the Shirt. It's ideal for keeping children occupied on long journeys, whilst changing them or to let them have fun.The first design released worldwide is Paddington Bear,

www.trafficengland.com

The Paddington Bear Toyshirt is available at M&CO for just £10 and available in sizes from 18mths to 5 years.

www.mums-magazine.co.uk

Mums Magazine Autumn 2015

13

Back to school reads A child’s first day at school is a big change for the whole family, but children settle in at school much more quickly if they already know what to expect.

To avoid first-day nerves, Lots of Things to Spot at School from Usborne and Dress the Teddy Bears for School offer plenty of opportunities to talk about what children will do all day at big school, and to address any concerns they might have. Listen and Learn First English Words is a fun way to help little ones build their vocabulary, which is important as from 2016 children will be tested on their reading, writing and maths skills as soon as they start school. http://www.usborne.com

Help get your kids ready for the new school term

The all new travel range from Scruff & Bluebell includes two flip top water bottles and two insulated lunch backpacks, all of which are bright, fun and feature Scruff, the mischievous dog and Bluebell, the playful cat.

Loveable lunches!

RRP: £7 (Water bottles) £15 (Lunch Backpack) | Stockist: www.tumtumtots.com

Digital adventures

Safari Tales has just released its latest learningin-literacy title for iOS and Android. Safari Tales is an enchanting animal adventure game which encourages exploration in reading and vocabulary skills by casting the player as both adventurer and storyteller. Safari Tales is available now on iOS and Android platforms, priced at £2.99.

Educational support Understanding is a key to academic success, and often children and teenagers need more support in this area than some schools are able to provide, with their often limited lesson times and opportunities for one-to-one assistance. A personal tutor is a potential solution to this problem that many parents consider, particularly in the lead up to exam time. Howland Tutors is a local agency whose tutors are all highly trained, experienced professionals who all hold a teaching qualification and/or a degree in a subject relevant to the tuition which they offer. Each tutor also has an Enhanced Disclosure from the CRB (Criminal Records Bureau). www.howlandtutors.co.uk

HOWLAND TUTORS (tuition in or close to MAIDENHEAD, WYCOMBE, SLOUGH, HENLEY, AMERSHAM, WINDSOR and the CHALFONTS) Expanding local agency (established in 1998 and owned by highly experienced teachers) offers individual tuition in twenty subjects including: all primary, biology, chemistry, economics, english, french, geography, history, spanish, maths and physics.

Further tutors welcome

Tel. (01628) 477164 www.howlandtutors.co.uk 14

Mums Magazine Autumn 2015

www.mums-magazine.co.uk

Creating memories children will treasure for a lifetime

Caring for children from 3 months to pre-school Needs replacing - Summer School Children?

If you would like your child to be part of the Jubilee experience, then please contact Lesley on 01189 701600 or alternatively visit our website www.jubileedaynursery.co.uk to find out more or request a prospectus.

We offer discounts for Armed Forces and NHS workers

Windsor Montessori School Home Park, Windsor

and

Windsor Montessori House of Children Datchet Road, Old Windsor

For infants from 6 months to primary aged children to 9 years, initially.

Flexi-schoolers will be welcome to join us in primary for two afternoons a week.

Rated Outstanding in our latest Ofsted report and founded

by Menik Ellawala, the nursery at Windsor Montessori School was the first Montessori school in Berkshire and has been established for over 35 years.

This Autumn, heralds two exciting additions: • The Crown Estate’s beautiful renovation of our 2nd premises on the Datchet Road – The Windsor Montessori House of Children, which will be open all year round and • The introduction of a primary class, initially for 5-9 year olds, adjoining our existing nursery in Home Park, Windsor Both premises are set in beautiful grounds, enabling us to explore the natural world around us.

Our highly qualified, (Association Montessori Internationale) lead guides and dedicated staff support children to be self-motivated, independent and confident learners and provide young children with the opportunity of development for life.

We provide completely free, grant funded, afternoon sessions for pre-primary.

For more information, visit www.windsormontessorischool.co.uk or call the office on: 01344 844592

Encouraging individual child development Windsor Montessori School was founded as a pre-school in 1980 to foster a love of learning and to help prepare children to be self-learners and independent thinkers.

Their fundamental belief is that each child is unique, with a natural curiosity and love for knowledge. The aim of education is to aid the natural process of development within each individual in a holistic way, and Windsor Montessori School is build built around this core belief and guides staff in every aspect of working with children and in the setting their curriculum. They support children to be independent learners; to develop respect for self and others; and to become caring, socially responsible citizens of their community and of the world. The aim is to encourage self-confidence, self-belief and self-motivation. www.windsormontessorischool.co.uk

www.mums-magazine.co.uk

Mums Magazine Autumn 2015

15

Are you sitting comfortably?

Breastfeeding support

The breast routine Essential support & advice for breastfeeding mums

Getting to grips with breastfeeding can be a challenging process. There is no training, and you have to learn on the job, hence most women find it hard work at the beginning, especially as some babies struggle to latch correctly. Not only this, because a new mum can be feeding for up to 8 hours a day in the beginning, it can be both physically and mentally exhausting. Support during this period is essential, and besides your local hospital’s lactation consultant, you can also contact The National Breasfeeding Helpine for confidential advice. They offer a non-judgmental breastfeeding support and information service and are open 9.30am – 9.30pm every single day of the year. They also have a live web chat service where you can talk to a mum who knows about breastfeeding.

Getting up in the middle of the night to feed your newborn baby can be difficult, but it is a job made easier by having a comfortable seat in your ‘breastfeeding station’ in which to rest while you feed. This comfy glider chair is perfect for nursing mothers with its spacious 55.5cm wide seat.

Finished off in a natural wood colour and softly upholstered, the Haywood chair’s bow-back design has been ergonomically designed to help with your posture. With convenient side pockets on the arm and a matching footstool, upholstered in a beige finish, this glider chair combines both comfort and practicality.

Kub Haywood Glider Nursing Chair and Footstool, Natural - £196.99 www.johnlewis.com

www.nationalbreastfeedinghelpline. org.uk

Feeding bag essentials Nursing cover by mini monkey www.lulasapphire.com

NURSING FACT: Breastfeeding mums should drink more water As 87% of milk is comprised of water, it is important that breastfeeding women keep their fluid levels high.

The National Research Council recommends fluid intake of 2,200 mL (9 c) per day for the average female.

A breastfeeding mother should drink an extra 750 to 1,000 mL/ day, an increase of at least 34%.

Source” Elsevier research journals

16

Mums Magazine Autumn 2015

Lansinoh Disposable Nursing Pads £5.69 from Boots www.mums-magazine.co.uk

FAMILY MATTERS

Easing the adoption process Cornerstone is set to make huge progress and improvements to the adoption process in the UK - it is the 10th scheme to be funded through the Department for Education's £100m Children’s Social Care Innovation Programme (https://www.gov.uk/government/ publications/childrens-services-innovation-programme.)Via Cornerstone, people who are keen to adopt will be able to ‘buddy up’ with existing adopters who will mentor them as part of an initiative being backed with £500,000 of government funding. The Cornerstone scheme will aim to support parents throughout the adoption process. Cornerstone will also offer aspiring adopters specialist parenting training to help them in their new role, from how to help their child settle into their new home to talking to them about their birth family and why they were adopted. The aim alongside providing help and practical training for first-time adopters is that it will also boost the number of adoptions taking place by encouraging and supporting prospective adopters along the approval process.

Children’s Minister Edward Timpson stressed the importance of adoptive parents getting the right support at the right time, ‘this innovative programme will support adoptive families – from those who have been adopting for years to those at the beginning of the journey – every step of the way.’ www.cornerstonenortheast.co.uk

Interested in becoming a Host Family for an International Student at a Boarding School?

Occasion weeken al ds and half terms on ly

• Learn about other cultures?

• Support young students?

For further information: Tel: 01684 252 757 or Email: ben@pippasguardians.co.uk www.pippasguardians.co.uk

Payment | Companionship | New culture | Friendship www.mums-magazine.co.uk

Welcoming an overseas student into your home can be a very rewarding experience and there are a number of ways you can become a host family.

Every year, thousands of overseas students are educated at independent schools across the UK. When their school closes for half term holidays and at weekends throughout the year, they need a great host family who will provide a home away from home.

Pippa’s Guardians has been providing high quality Guardianship services to international students for over 17 years. A family run company, they understand the value of a good home and how a host family can positively impact on a student’s wellbeing. Pippa’s Guardians know their students well and match them with well-suited families.

Thousands more overseas students come to the UK on educational visits. They usually spend between one and three weeks here and follow a programme which combines English lessons with day trips and social activities. The students live with a host family during the whole of their stay. Being part of a family and experiencing day to day family life enhances their study programme and undoubtedly plays a part in improving their English language skills.

• Do you want to earn with your spare room?

• It doesn’t matter what age you are: Our host families range from couples with young children to retired grandparents.

Could you be a host family for an international student?

As well as receiving a generous payment, there are many other advantages in being a host family. It is a great opportunity to introduce your family to other cultures and languages. Sharing your traditions and family life with an overseas student and knowing that you are helping them during their time in the UK is very gratifying. Long term friendships often develop and many host families keep in touch with the students and their families once they are back home.

Mums Magazine Autumn 2015

17

Rash

decisions

Natural solutions to preventing and treating nappy rash in babies Many babies suffer from nappy rash at some time in their first 18 months. Nappy rash can be caused by prolonged contact with urine or stools, although having sensitive skin does increase propensity towards the condition. In addition, certain soaps, detergents, wipes and also chafing can be contributing factors. Nappy rash is characterised by red patches on your baby’s bottom, or the whole area may be red.

The skin may look sore and feel hot to touch, and there may be spots, pimples or blisters.

There are certain trigger times1 when your baby may be more prone to nappy rash

Weaning

Any change in diet can lead to looser stools and a greater likelihood of nappy rash affecting your baby.

Common Cold

The best approach to treating nappy rash is prevention, and changing wet or soiled nappies as soon as possible can help to lessen the risk of irritation. Young babies need changing as many as 10 or 12 times a day, and older babies at least six to eight times. Be sure to clean the whole nappy area thoroughly, wiping from front to back and use plain water or baby wipes. It also helps to leave the nappy off for as long and as often as you can in order to let fresh air get to the skin. Barrier creams, such as zinc and castor oil may also help.

When a baby has a cold, stools are often looser, meaning that nappy rash is more likely to occur.

If your baby does get nappy rash, you can treat it with a nappy rash cream, although if the rash doesn’t go away or becomes bright red with white or red pimples, they may have a thrush infection. In this case, you’ll need to use an anti-fungal cream, available either from the pharmacist or on prescription from your GP. Ask your pharmacist or health visitor for advice.

Change in diet

Teething

A runny nose, lots of saliva and diarrhoea are often the signs of teething. It’s also a time when nappy rash can strike.

Antibiotics

Nappy rash is often linked to antibiotic use. Antibiotics may mildly upset the digestive system leading to diarrhoea and nappy rash.

First sleep through the night

Sleeping through the night means that nappy changing may be delayed, making nappy rash more likely to develop.

Such as moving on from breast milk may lead to more frequent and watery stools, potentially leading to nappy rash.

Diarrhoea

Nappy rash usually starts when the baby’s delicate skin is in prolonged contact with urine and faeces in the nappy. It’s much more difficult to prevent this if your baby has diarrhoea.

is here to help!

1.Morris H, The bottom line on nappy rash, British Journal of Midwifery, September 2012, Vol 20, No 9, pages 540-543

18

Mums Magazine Autumn 2015

www.mums-magazine.co.uk

is here to help!

We all know how unpredictable babies can be!

Even if you follow a regular routine, no two days are the same, and there are certain trigger times1 when your baby may be more prone to nappy rash 1.Morris H, The bottom line on nappy rash, British Journal of Midwifery, September 2012, Vol 20, No 9, pages 540-543

1

we an ing

2

com mon cold

Treatment

for Nappy Rash For occasions when it does strike, Metanium Nappy Rash Ointment can be used to treat nappy rash, relieving the irritation and redness.

3 teething

4 antib iotics

5

fi rst slee p through the nig ht

6

chan ge in di et

7

di ar rhoe a

Protection

from Nappy Rash For daily protection, use Metanium Everyday Barrier Ointment or Easy Spray Barrier Lotion at every nappy change to help prevent nappy rash.

Metanium Nappy Rash Ointment is a medicine. Always read the label.

www.metanium.co.uk

www.mums-magazine.co.uk

Mums Magazine Autumn 2015

we

19

babies’ bums

Your Will: The most import document you will ever sign?

Although a Will is not something that we want to think about, I cannot stress to you enough the importance of making a Will, especially for parents with young children.

As a mum to two young boys I can relate to every parent’s concerns. I am aware that this can be a very difficult document for parents to draw up and I am happy to help advise what is best for your family.

Children bring us enough worries growing up, so you need to be sure that everything is in order if in the unlikely event of your death, your children are still young.

guardians. Nobody knows your child like you do and this letter gives you the opportunity to let your guardians know what is important to you and your child and how you wish for them to be raised.

A Will will also ensure that you have made financial provision for your children’s upkeep and education. You can also decide at what age they will inherit from your estate.

The Gardner Leader Inheritance Protection Team in Maidenhead is offering all Mums magazine readers a 10% discount on their Will. Just call 01628 671636 and quote Mum2015.

By Niamh Minihane, Associate Solicitor in the Inheritance Protection Team at Gardner Leader solicitors based in Maidenhead, Newbury & Thatcham. For further advice, please contact Niamh, on 01628 671636 or n.minihane@gardner-leader.co.uk or visit www.gardner-leader.co.uk.

Statistically, the chances of both parents dying with young children is very small however, most parents prefer to have peace of mind knowing that they have made the necessary arrangements in case the worst happens.

Your Will can include the appointment of guardians of your children. I always recommend for clients to prepare a letter, which accompanies the Will and offers guidance to your

Offices based in

•

Maidenhead

•

Newbury

•

Thatcham

and CofFee HouSe Fo r fine coffee and delicious homestyle Italian food

opeN 7.30Am to 5.00pM

CooKed BreAkFast SerVed to 3.00pM The Old Bakery 52 Furze Platt Road Maidenhead, SL6 7NN

01628 788234

20

Mums Magazine Autumn 2015

www.mums-magazine.co.uk

Sleeping for two

The secret to getting a good night’s sleep during pregnancy

GOODBYE SLEEPLESS NIGHTS, HELLO SWEET DREAMS. PregnancyPillows are experts in pregnancy, maternity and nursing pillows which help mums get a good night’s sleep. We're based in Manchester and supply to mums-to-be all around the country.

We all know that sleeping can be a challenge when pregnant, a whopping 96% of pregnant women struggle to sleep through the night. So we've specially designed our range of gorgeous pillows to support and comfort women through their journey. Not only that, its uses can extend throughout pregnancy into motherhood, as the pillows offer support when breastfeeding or bottle feeding baby.

YOU DESERVE A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP With support in all the right places, the ultra-cosy designs relieve pressure, alleviate aches & pains and help you sleep comfortably on your side, just as the doctor ordered. In fact not only are the pillows mum's best friend, they are also very beneficial to those with health problems such as Fibromyalgia, Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction, Arthritis, Upper and Lower body pains.

YOU'RE SLEEPING FOR TWO NOW While sleeping is important so you feel rejuvenated, quality sleep during pregnancy has also been linked to: • better immune function, • decreased inflammation, • easier labour and delivery, • decreased necessity for caesarean sections, • improved nutrient flow to the baby, uterus, and kidneys, • and decreased postpartum depression.

POST-PREGNANCY There are a number of ways you can still use your pillow even after you give birth. Of course you can still use it as your favourite sleep-time support system as you did during your pregnancy days.

But did you imagine that it would be useful for your baby too?

Our pillows help you support the baby correctly while breast or bottle feeding by getting them in the perfect position without compromising your own posture.

Get an exclusive 10% off with code: PPMUMS10 www.pregnancypillows.net www.mums-magazine.co.uk

Mums Magazine readers get an exclusive 10% with code PPMUMS10.

For more information, visit www.PregnancyPillows.net For offers & competitions, like us on: Facebook.com/ PregnancyPillows.net and follow us on Twitter: Twitter.com/ PregPillows Mums Magazine Autumn 2015

21

Why separation and divorce can be a civilised affair IF you are experiencing the anxiety and loss of a relationship ending and suffering sleepless nights worrying about the future, you are not alone.

Almost 50% of all marriages end in divorce and for many it can be the most traumatic time in their lives.

Months and sometimes years are spent deciding whether to separate and then, when the decision has been made, it can take an age to pluck up the courage to take action. Emotions run high and delays are usually down to fear of the unknown and what life will be like after the separation. Not to mention how you’ll cope financially and what you’ll tell the kids.

The truth is there is no easy way out.

However, the actions you take now and the choices you make will have a big impact on your new life.

Your future is in your hands. You can choose to be reactive to your situation or you can be proactive and take the lead and put a stop to the fighting, anger and hurt.

Divorce and separation is a life changing event and mistakes can be costly both emotionally and financially and you must be prepared to invest in order to secure your future. To take control you need information and advice from an experienced and trusted advisor which will allow you to make informed decisions about your future.

My dedicated team are handpicked for their experience working with people who are going through a relationship breakdown. They are all members of Resolution which means that they have the legal experience required to give you the best advice and are committed to solving your problems in a conciliatory way if possible – saving you the emotional drain of the legal court battle and the legal fees that go with it. They understand the emotional pressure and stress you are going through and they can help ease the pain and will work with you to achieve the best outcome possible for you to move on with your life.

Our service is confidential, discreet and bespoke to each client and we will never disclose your information to others. Out of hours appointments are available if required.

For a limited period I am offering a selected number of potential clients an opportunity to meet with one of the family solicitors in my team for a free initial consultation to discuss the options available. Due to high demand I am only able to offer 20 appointments this month and I know that the appointments will book up very quickly.

Choosing the right legal team is key to your emotional and financial future so contact us today to see how we can help you achieve the outcome you want.

News BITES Courts annuls 180 Italian divorces registered to a Maidenhead mailbox Italian couples who used fictitious residence in Maidenhead to obtain divorce to circumvent slow Italian divorce court is ended by UK court.

The right legal team is key to your emotional and financial future.

Family Law Solicitor Teresa Payne

For further information and to apply for a free consultation just complete the coupon and post it to the address below.

Alternatively call or email us today quoting reference MM0714 Telephone 01753 271 640 Or Email family@parfittcresswell.com Name.................................................

Address............................................... ............................................................ ............................................................

Tel. No................................................

Email:..................................................

Parfitt Cresswell Solicitors 17/21 Victoria Street, Windsor SL4 1HE www.parfittcresswell.com Appointments available at Windsor, Woodley, London, Tunbridge Wells and Edenbridge

Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority No. 71480

22

Mums Magazine Autumn 2015

www.mums-magazine.co.uk

Money matters

Discover the range of financial support services for families Many families will be feeling worried by the announcement of the Child Tax Credit cap recently. Nearly half are already turning to other family members to help cover simple living costs, such as groceries and bills. However, millions of families are unaware of wider financial policies they could be benefitting from. More than half are unaware of Childcare Vouchers, for example, while a similar number are unaware of free childcare options for three to four-year-olds.

Understanding the full range of support on offer could help families offset the impact of the announcements.

taxpayer’s unused annual income tax allowance.

Couples could save up to £212 a year. Visit https://www.gov.uk/marriage-allowance-guide for more information Visit https://www.gov.uk/ marriage-allowance-guide for more information

Did you know?

· Childcare vouchers, which are available through employers, can help save many parents with kids aged up to £930 annually per parent on childcare. The allowance you are given depends on how much you earn. Visit https://www.gov. uk/childcare-vouchers-better-off-calculator for more information.

Whilst many families will be feeling the squeeze following the Budget announcements, there is still a lot of financial support provided by the Government that many aren’t making the most of, including: · The Help to Buy scheme offers equity loans and mortgage guarantees to help with the cost of a new home, and is available to first time buyers as well as homeowners looking to move. The home you want to buy must have a price tag of up to £600,000 and you must not own any other property at the time you buy.

Visit http://www.helptobuy.org.uk/ for more information · Marriage Allowance allows married couples made up of one non-taxpayer and one basic-rate taxpayer to share some of the non-

· Junior Individual Savings Accounts (JISAs) are long-term, tax-free savings accounts for children. In the 2015 to 2016 tax year, the savings limit for Junior ISAs is £4,080. Visit https://www.gov.uk/junior-individual-savingsaccounts <https://www.gov.uk/junior-individualsavings-accounts> for more information.

· Widowed Parent’s Allowance, which you may claim if you’re widowed under State Pension age and have at least one dependent child. The amount you get is based on how much your late husband, wife or civil partner paid in National Insurance contributions, and could amount to £112.55 a week.

Visit https://www.gov.uk/widowed-parentsallowance <https://www.gov.uk/widowedparents-allowance> for more information.

Small change, big difference There are a few simple measures that familites can take to help save energy and make instant savings.

Turning the temperature down by one degree could save you around £65 a year while leaving appliances on standby or charging unnecessarily can add £80 a year to your bill. Energy efficient light bulbs can save around £45 over the lifetime of a single bulb while b­ locking any draughts could save £30 a year. Research by Circle Housing found that 2.5 million British households planned to take out a loan last winter to pay for their energy bills.The affordable housing provider now hopes to show families how they can save more than £200 a year by inspiring children aged 10 and under to make simple energy saving changes. www.circle.org.uk www.mums-magazine.co.uk

Become a Mumpreneur

Forever Living are a 35 year-old company originally founded in the USA. Last year they had sales of over $2.6 billion in over 150 countries, and £50 million In the UK in the UK alone off the back of the booming health & nutrition marketplace.

The Forever Living range includes skin care products, cosmetics and supplements for weight management, sports perfomance and animal care. Aloe is the first ingredient (‘aloe-with’ not ‘withaloe’) and due to the patented stabilisation process, their products are more effective than many other Aloe based products.

You can also be assured that all of their products are endorsed and recommended by an eminent advisory board of doctors, vets and nutritionists.

Please contact Louise Fenna, an independent Distributer based in Maidenhead for more details : tel 07824567582 or email louise. sprackling@googlemail.com

Successful Driven People Required International health & beauty company expanding in UK & Europe If you want to earn extra income without compromising your current career / business call Louise Fenna now on 07824567582 Independent Distributor of Forever Living Products Aloe vera drinking gels, supplements, skincare, personal care & cosmetics Forever Living Products, Longbridge Manor, Warwick, CW34 6RB, members of the Direct Selling Association Hoap0121 www.louisefenna.myforever.biz

Mums Magazine Autumn 2015

23

KEEPING MUM

y p p a h The top 3 ‘Cs’ behind happy and energised Mums

2. chocolate

Chocolate is a key ingredient of many Mums’ survivial kit, but surely there has to be a healthier way to enjoy a sweet fix when the going gets tough?

Sweet Freedom has recently added two delicious new flavours to its hugely popular all natural liquid chocolate range: Choc Shot Orange Spice and Choc Shot Coconut.

Choc Shot has fast become the new hot chocolate choice; simply stir into hot milk for a silky smooth hot chocolate with no powdery lumps! But the secret of its success is its versatility. Ideal for drizzling direct over fruit, porridge, pancakes, yoghurt and ice-cream, it’s also perfect for adding to shakes and smoothies, replacing chocolate spread on toast and for healthier baking (use in place of cocoa and sugar in recipes) as well as for filling and topping cakes.And the best bit... its 100% natural and GM and Gluten free. www.sweetfreedom.co.uk

1. coffee

Busy days are often fuelled by coffee, so you’d be hard pushed to find a Mum who doesn’t succumb to a caffeinated pick-me-up at least once a day.

Little’s is a range of instant coffee infused with indulgent flavours set to liven up your everyday cup.

Perfect for those who like their coffee with a twist and without the bitter aftertaste often associated with traditional instant coffee.

The Little’s family know that time is of the essence, with many of us barely having time to boil the kettle, let alone make the coffee. With this in mind they have created a range of infused instant coffee, made with the finest Arabica beans and gently infused with delicious flavours.

3. company

Little’s flavour infused coffee is available from Waitrose with an RRP of £2.99 for 50g, as well as Harvey Nichols, Whole Foods and quality independents nationwide.

Comparing notes and sharing parental woes and joys is part of what keeps Mums sane through all the madness of motherhood. Mums Meet Up connects mums with other mums similar by age of child or circumstances such as single parents, mums to be, working mums etc, and in their own local areas via secure private messaging and group discussions. Mums can also join or arrange a meet up for mums in their area at any public venue.

www.wearelittles.com

http://mumsmeetup.com

24

Mums Magazine Autumn 2015

www.mums-magazine.co.uk

The low down on

postnatal depression How to recognise the signs and ask for help if you are feeling depressed or anxious during or after pregnancy

Between 10-15% of all pregnant women suffer with mental health problems such as depression and anxiety, yet data suggests that disorders in pregnancy may not be diagnosed until the postnatal period, or even at all. To encourage these women to seek help, Tommy’s, the UK leading baby charity, has launched a thought-provoking video about mental health in pregnancy.

The video, named Talk to someone, follows the story of a pregnant woman who exemplifies the real-life experiences of anxiety and depression felt by many women during pregnancy and early motherhood.

Tommy’s wants to see mental health treated on parity with physical health in pregnancy and urges women to look for help if they feel upset more than they feel happy.

Around 11% of women experience depressive symptoms in pregnancy, and around 5% have a major depressive disorder. Anxiety disorders in the perinatal period are also common, affecting around 13% of women. Although rates do not differ between pregnant and non-pregnant women, it has been suggested that identification and treatment are lower in pregnancy. The data also suggests that in a third of cases, ‘postnatal’ depression actually starts during the pregnancy but it is often not recognised or treated at this point.

Symptoms of depression and anxiety include feeling sad, hopeless, tearful, irritable and losing interest in things previously enjoyed. Some of these are also common symptoms of pregnancy which can make it difficult to identify a more serious problem. Persistent feelings that last beyond a couple of weeks should be checked out by a health professional such as the midwife, GP or health visitor.

Professor Louise Howard, Consultant Perinatal Psychiatrist and Professor of Women’s Mental Health at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London says: “There is www.mums-magazine.co.uk

the expectation that a woman’s experience of pregnancy should always be joyous, but the truth is that pregnant women often put emotional and mental pressure on themselves to feel happy all the time. It is important for pregnant women not to feel embarrassed or guilty about experiencing the emotions they didn’t expect during pregnancy.

They deserve compassionate support and should speak to a midwife, health visitor or GP for professional advice.”

Theresa, 28, from Weymouth, and her partner were going through a lot of life changes when she fell pregnant and the combination of change and pregnancy hormones triggered a spell of depression: “Soon after I got pregnant, I started to cry all the time. People would say to me that I was crying over nothing, but actually I was crying over everything, all the time.

I had everything I wanted and yet I was upset and angry. I kept it all in, and then at my midwife appointment she casually asked me how I was coping and I just burst into tears. She referred me to my GP, who suggested I go for counselling, which was massively helpful. My father had died a couple of years ago and my counsellor suggested that I hadn’t grieved properly for that, she helped me go back and address lots of things.”

Tommy’s has developed information for women around mental health in pregnancy, including advice on when you should look for help.

TOP TIPS The Tommy’s midwives have also put together some top tips to look after your mental health during pregnancy. · Rest and focus on your baby. Take time out for you to do something you enjoy, improves your mood or helps you to relax · Talk about how you feel with someone, a family member, friend, health professional · Eat well – eat a variety of different foods and plenty of fruit and veg to get all the nutrients you and your baby need · Take some exercise - gently exercise can boost your mood by raising endorphin levels · Take some time to think about and prepare for the birth and life with a new baby (a helpful Wellbeing Plan is available at www.tommys.org/file/Wellbeingplan.pdf) · Rest when you can and try to get regular sleep · Seek expert advice for worrying matters such as money, housing, employment and relationships

Visit www.tommys.org/mentalhealth.

Mums Magazine Autumn 2015

25

DADDY MATTERS

From shared paternity leave to stay-at-home fatherhood... a closer look at the matters affecting modern Dads

What’s it like being a stay at home father?

A new book reveals what it is like to be a stay at home father while your wife works and provides for the family. Written by dad blogger John Adams, ‘A modern father (…and dad blogger)’ shines a light on how a dad deals with the maternity ward, school run and the ever changing needs of his family.

Sometimes funny, often thought provoking, the book charts Surrey-based John’s personal journey after he took the unusual decision to leave the rat race and hold the babies. It has been written in 18 short, punchy chapters across 60 pages that you can dip in and dip out of with ease.

‘A Modern Father (…and dad blogger)’ has been co-published with CronxBooks and is available in both paperback and Kindle formats from Amazon.

Image by Ania Wilk-Lawton of Photography for Parents.

SOLDIER ON Louise Fetigan founded My Daddy is a Soldier Adventures (http://www.mydaddyisasoldieradventures. org) in 2011 to support children around the globe with parents who serve in the British Army. Soldiers are often away from home for long periods of time and when her own husband was serving abroad, Louise discovered there was little support for their daughter Madison, now 11. Louise, a former soldier herself, helps ‘Little Troopers’ cope with the anxiety of having have a parent away from the family home by organising treks, weekends away and summer camps and by supplying vital resources.

SUPPORT SERVICES Being separated from your children is tough if you're a dad, which is why Separated Dads have set up a support site to help fathers through these difficult times. The site covers all aspects of separation, from the emotional to the financial and legal side, and they also have a great facebook community and a new directory to help you find advice and support.

SHARED PARENTAL LEAVE This year, shared parental leave became a statutory obligation for employers for children born on or after the 1st April 2015, although new research released from Glassdoor has (http://www.glassdoor.co.uk) revealed that the uptake of the new legislation could be held back by fathers’ attitudes. In fact, less than one in four (24 percent) men surveyed agreed that new parents should share parental leave. Despite a potential low level of take up from prospective dads, further research reveals it will cost employers £17.1 million in the first year alone with an estimated 285,000 new parents eligible for it.

26

Mums Magazine Autumn 2015

http://www.separateddads.co.uk

Did you know?

According to Fathers 4 Justice, Nearly 1 in 3 children now lives without a father in the UK http://www.fathers-4-justice.org

www.mums-magazine.co.uk

Protect your children and put their needs first with a new kind of parenting plan.

Splitting up is hard enough, but when there are children involved the process can become even more complicated and painful. Last year the relationship experts at OnePlusOne developed Put Kids First, a free online programme that offers separated parents everything they need to manage shared custody. Designed with mediators, children’s centres, and other experts in child well-being, the programme is the first of its kind to help parents understand and cope with the stress that comes with co-parenting.

A series of unique videos focuses on key skills like staying calm, expressing yourself clearly and negotiating when faced with inflexibility. All of these are essential in ensuring that children are not caught in the middle – and with over a third of kids feeling like one parent is trying to turn them against the other during separation, these skills could save your child a lot of worry.

Once parents feel that they’re ready to work together and put the kid’s needs first, without anger, guilt or resentment getting in the way, the parenting plan helps make communicating as stress-free as possible. Both partners can access and customise their plans entirely online, without even being in the same room as each other. It will even send an email notification whenever a change is made, meaning that arrangements can be tried and tested until you’ve both agreed on the best plan for your children.

For more information, or to take a look around, visit www.splittingup-putkidsfirst.org.uk

www.mums-magazine.co.uk

Mums Magazine Autumn 2015

27

LEARN TO SKATE at Slough Ice Arena Learn to skate at your local accredited Ice Arena and follow a nationally recognised training programme aimed at teaching you from the basics, right up to competitive Skating level.

• • • •

Intensive 5 Day Crash Courses Weekly Block Courses Skate UK Levels 1-8 Progression to NISA Levels 1-10 (Dance/Figure)

• Private Tuition • NISA Qualified Coaches • Some of the best and most experienced Coaches around!

Enjoy the fun of learning to skate and take up an enjoyable recreational past time. If competitive skating is your bag, then we can take you from Beginner to Advanced all under one roof. We currently have British & World Junior competitors training at Absolutely Ice, who have progressed through our Learn to Skate Courses…come and give it a try and you could be next!

For more information please call us on 01753 894810 or visit www.absolutely-ice.co.uk www.mums-magazine.co.uk

Absolutely Ice, Slough Ice Arena, Montem Lane, Slough, SL1 2QG

Mums Magazine Autumn 2015

28