Mums magazine winter 16

Mums WINTER 2016

THE ONLY REGIONAL MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO EVERY STAGE OF MOTHERHOOD

WEANING MADE EASY Simple ways to smooth your baby’s transition onto solids

FAMILY FOOD Adopt a healthy approach to family mealtimes this New Year!

WORK, REST, PLAY Fun & functional furniture to transform your child’s bedroom

) y l i m BIG (fa

YOUR

BREAK Escape the New Year lull by www.mums-magazine.co.uk planning your next family getaway

WELCOME HOME Useful accessories to help you adapt to life at home with a newborn

Mums Magazine Winter 2016

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A Premium All-Inclusive Holiday P lan!

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Mums Magazine Winter 2016

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S P H E R E - K A N I F U S H I . Mums C Magazine O MWinter 2016

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W

elcome to the winter issue of Mums Magazine. A New Year opens up many exciting opportunities for families, not least among which is the potential for new adventures and exciting changes. Whether it’s a holiday or a make-over for your child’s bedroom, having such plans on the horizon can help both parents and children through the inevitable period of dispondency now that the festive period is over for another year. For family getaway inspiration, turn to page 22 page for winter sun, skiing and UK break inspiration, and for ideas to help transform your child’s bedroom into a more inspiring or functional space, don’t miss our exclusive interiors feature on page 18. Unfortunately, the winter blues aren’t the only sore spot of the season, as many children (and adults) are affected by seasonal illnesses at this time of year. To help your little ones up their chances of fending off colds and flu, we’ve got some helpful immune-boosting tips on page 6. If the cold weather and central heating is already playing havoc with your child’s skin, some of our tips on eczema and dry skin prevention may also come in useful (page 14). In keeping with New Year’s resolutions and our good intentions to eat more healthily, we’ve also put together some helpful advice to get you and your family eating your greens in 2016 (page 19)!

Enjoy the issue!

5. Fashion for kids

6. Kids vs. winter bugs

This season’s wardrobe must-haves

8.Weaning made easy

Help your little ones to fight off colds and flu

9. Sleep time

Smooth your baby’s transition onto solids

10. Education matters Newborn bedtime essentials

11.Welcome home

Grow their computer, science and travel knowledge

13. Happy sleep

Helpful accessories for life at home with a newborn

14. Skincare for children

Sensitive and effective ways to handle bedwetting

16. Focus on headlice

Keep dry skin and eczema at bay

Caroline Seekings

17. Feed your confidence How to detect and treat headlice

Editor

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18. Work, rest, play

Getting to grips with breastfeeding

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19. Family food

Transform your child’s bedroom

20. Nappy rash

Adopt a healthy approach to family mealtimes

22. Your big family break Natural ways to treat nappy rash

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24. Grand gestures Escape the New Year lull

What rights do grandparents have in the event of divorce or separation?

26. Mums matters

How to beat the baby blues

Mums WINTER 2016

THE ONLY REGIONAL MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO EVERY STAGE OF MOTHERHOOD

WEANING MADE EASY Simple ways to smooth your baby’s transition onto solids

FAMILY FOOD Adopt a healthy approach to family mealtimes this New Year!

WORK, REST, PLAY Transform your child’s bedroom into the perfect environment for growth, development and individuality

BIG (family) BREAK

YOUR

www.mums-magazine.co.uk

Escape the New Year lull by www.mums-magazine.co.uk planning your next family getaway

WELCOME HOME Useful accessories to help you adapt to life at home with a newborn

Mums Magazine Winter 2016

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mums magazine publication @mums_magazine

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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

Mums Magazine Winter 2016

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

Imagery www.istockphoto.com

Kim IT support

Caroline Editor

Chrissy Features Editor

Amy Column ist

Richard her Photograp

Meet the team www.mums-magazine.co.uk

Shearling gilet and bobble hat www.belleenfant­-boutique.com

Girls’ fleece zip up http://hatley.com/en_uk

fashion for kids!

Nordic Grip Non-Slip Boots www.cuckooland.com

Bobble hat RRP £13.00 from www.bladeandrose.co.uk www.mums-magazine.co.uk

Splash About Russian Doll print raincoat RRP £35 Stockists www.splashabout.com Available in sizes 12months – 6years

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Kids vs. winter bugs

Temperature check Wishbone Smart Thermometer uses a free app and a small contactless thermometer to connect to any smart phone (through the headphone socket). It can accurately detect, store and track any temperature – meaning that for parents, if their little one is under the weather they can take and track their temperature without waking them. In fact the Wishbone Smart Thermometer can take the temperature of anything, including the room!

Available from www.WishboneBaby.co.uk RRP £34.99

Simple ways to help kids fend of seasonal colds and flu this winter

The importance of hand washing Within British schools, respiratory and gastrointestinal infections are a major cause of illness and absenteeism.

However, it has been proven that good hand hygiene practices can reduce the risk of diarrhoea and acute respiratory infections.

Children of primary school age have a high degree of close contact with each other, and they often share school equipment including books, toys, sports apparatus, and facilities such as school toilets and washrooms. Their immune systems are still developing, meaning that they are more likely to pick up bugs that could lead to them staying off school.

According to the government, hand washing is one of the most important ways of controlling the spread of infections, especially those that cause diarrhoea and vomiting, and respiratory disease.

Although the recommended method is to use liquid soap, warm water and paper towels, this is not always possible or practical, especially when out and about or on school trips. Aquaint is a handy solution that can fit into any school bag or lunch box.

Aquaint is a completely unique, 100% natural sanitising water that kills 99.9% of bacteria in seconds, while being safe enough to drink. The handy travel-sized spray is perfect for school bags and lunch boxes. www.aquaint-uk.com

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Mums Magazine Winter 2016

Wipe clean backpacks Keep kids clean and dry this winter with Powell Craft’s fantastic wipe-clean backpacks, lunch bags and rain macs. Powell Craft’s wipe-clean insulated lunch bags come in two designs - ballerinas and vintage planes.They have one main compartment that is lightly padded and also lined with an easy-clean wipeable fabric in case of any spillages. Fastening with a zip around the sides they have a short carry handle and are suitable for all ages to carry their lunch or snacks in. Backpacks £34.50 www.powelcraft.com www.mums-magazine.co.uk

Focus on probiotics A new survey commissioned by ProVen Probiotics has highlighted the effect of children's coughs and colds on school attendance and shown that GP's still commonly prescribe antibiotics to children with colds - despite the common cold often being a viral infection, which antibiotics won't touch!

The recent 2015 nationwide survey of 1,000 parents of primary school age children has revealed that two thirds of children take days off school every year due to the common cold and that more than 50% of those who went to the doctor with cough and cold symptoms were prescribed antibiotics.

ProVen Probiotics have introduced Fit for School stick packs, a probiotic formulation shown in a recent published trial to be consistently effective in reducing the occurrence and duration of sore throats, coughs and colds amongst primary school children.

advert 8x12cm

The new Fit for School stick packs provide 12.5 billion Lab4 friendly bacteria per stick, along with vitamins C and D to contribute to the normal function of the immune system. Simply pour the whole sachet into a cold drink, sprinkle on cereal or yoghurt, or pour directly into the mouth.

A month’s supply of Fit for School stick packs is £14.95 and available from http://www.provenprobiotics.co.uk and independent health food stores.

Case Study Like many parents, Robynne Chutkan thought of non-emergency C-sections, baby formula and preventive antibiotics as modern medical advances which could only be beneficial. She learned the hard way that nothing could be further from the truth.

After 14 hours of labour with her first baby, lying flat on her back with an antibiotic drip ‘just in case’, Robynne was told that it was time for a C-section. Afterwards, her healthy newborn was given two potent and unnecessary intravenous antibiotics. She was then put on soy milk formula – containing more oestrogen than birth control pills – after just six weeks on the breast.

By the time Robynne’s daughter was three, she had received more than a dozen courses of antibiotics and was suffering regularly from asthma, upper respiratory tract infections, ear infections and coughs.

A qualified doctor, Robynne was surprised that the antibiotics, steroids, antihistamines and bronchodilators prescribed for her daughter weren’t working. So she changed her approach completely, taking her off all the medication and instead making big dietary and lifestyle changes for the whole family.

The results were astounding. Now, at ten, her daughter is much healthier, and hasn’t taken antibiotics for seven years, and Robynne is a leading gastroenterologist whose Live Dirty Eat Clean approach to her patients has revolutionised gut care.

http://provenprobiotics.co.uk Tel: 01639 825107

Make handwashing fun!

Washing hands is one of the easiest and most effective ways of fighting the spread of diseases, but kids sometimes need encouragement, which is where these fun soaps come in...

Squid soap Squid Soap is a completely unique product which makes every day handwashing more fun for kids.

RRP: £1.99 available from Tesco, Superdrug online and in store as well as and many more.

Happy soaps

Her new book, The Microbiome Solution, provides a step-by-step lifestyle plan for how to achieve optimal gut health for the whole family, including: A birth plan for mothers wanting to avoid unnecessary and potentially damaging medical intervention, recipes to feed the whole family containing microbiome-boosting ingredients and questions to ask your doctor if you or your child has been prescribed antibiotics.

Made from natural, organic ingredients, to protect sensitive young skin, each bar of Pink Sumo Happy soap contains a little, notso-secret surprise, with a cute, recycled toy suspended in the heart of the clear cleanser, meaning that every time your little one washes they’re one wash closer to getting their hands on a prize.

Available from www.amazon.co.uk

www.pinksumo.com

www.mums-magazine.co.uk

Mums Magazine Winter 2016

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Dr Rana Conway Shares her Vital Tips for Weaning Tip 1: Offer your baby a wide range of foods Babies naturally like sweet foods to start with, but offer slightly bitter foods too such as spinach, broccoli and green beans. Don’t be surprised if these are rejected at first as your little one gets used to different flavours and textures.

Every time you try, the chances of success increase.

Weaning essentials

Helpful products for introducing solids Vital Baby Start Weaning Kit www.vitalbaby.com

Tip 2: Let your baby set the pace.

‘Responsive feeding’ is key, so if your baby shows signs that he’s had enough don’t keep trying for one more spoonful. Teething and colds can put a baby off their food and pressure to eat will just cause food battles.

Tip 3: Don’t give too much milk Giving too much milk is one of the main reasons for babies not taking to solids. Babies under 12 months need 3-4 breast feeds or 500-600ml of formula a day and giving more than this can make them too full for meals.

Tip 4: Give your baby plenty of opportunities to handle food.

Whether you’re starting with spoon-feeding or babyled weaning, give some finger foods every day. Steamed vegetables such as carrot sticks or pieces of broccoli and soft fruit like bananas and pears are ideal.

Tip 5: Make meal times enjoyable Make meal times enjoyable by sitting and eating together whenever possible. If you relax and take your time it will help your baby develop a healthy relationship with food. www.vitalbaby.com

Weaning made easy

Kiddie Cubes freeze home-cooked dishes into little cubes of goodness. www.kiddiecubes.com - Available nationwide through ASDA, Ocado, and in Cook stores.

According to new research, 64% of parents choose to combine elements of both spoonfeeding and baby-led weaning methods to create and tailor a plan that suits their family life

Banana, Plum & Quinoa Puree www.goodnessgraciousfoods.com

www.vitalbaby.co.uk

Simple ways to smooth your baby’s transition onto solids

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Mums Magazine Winter 2016

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Editor’s pick

Newborn bedtime essentials to help your little one rest and relax

Sleepy time Did you know?

21% spend money on a maternity nurse in the first few months of parenthood while one in 10 call on a sleep specialist to help say goodbye to sleepless nights.

The Slumbersac soft, pure cotton sleeping bag allows easy movement, so your baby can stretch and wriggle as much as they like!

Baby Sleeping Bag Mint Owl Tog 2.5 Size Newborn £18.99 http://www.slumbersac.co.uk

www.thebabyshow.co.uk

BABY SLEEP TIPS

Recommended by midwives and maternity nurses, the Sleepyhead® DELUXE pod is a multifunctional pod for your baby. It can be used when bed-sharing and co-sleeping or as a crib or cot insert. It is also a useful play pod and lounger and travel bed. http://www.enfant-terrible.se BEDTIME READING Researchers at the University of Sheffield found that reading a book to your baby before bedtime could help children learn more quickly as sleeping actually helps infants to retain new skills. Booktrust’s Chief Executive, Viv Bird comments: “Just by reading aloud together for ten minutes a day will see them grow into eager, confident learners, and will provide special time for parents and carers to build a strong and loving relationship with their child’

We love

Baby’s Very First Slide and See Animals (http://www. usborne.com) is an exciting new board book with sliding panels that little ones can pull out to make the animals move around the page. Great for developing essential motor skills and handeye coordination. www.mums-magazine.co.uk

Sleep specialist Mandy Gurney has these great sleep tips for new parents: • Teach your baby the difference between day and night – Your newborn baby will spend on average 16 hours of every 24 asleep. The first step is to teach your baby the connection between dark and sleep and light and awake.

Within 10 weeks your baby is capable of understanding she should sleep longer at night. During the day, immerse your baby in the hustle and bustle of normal life but during night feeds avoid stimulating them.

Combined with the soporific effects of darkness and quiet, this will eventually help your baby to learn that night-time is for sleeping.

• Happy napping – Overtired babies are very difficult to settle so napping is essential and it’s very important to learn your baby’s sleep signals. These could be them going quiet and still, rubbing their eyes, yawning or crying. Respond to these sleep cues right away by putting them in their Moses basket or cot for a nap. By the end of the first month, a napping pattern typically emerges with babies needing a nap every one and a half hours after their previous waking time.

• Have a familiar bedtime routine – This is critical to developing healthy sleep habits. A succession of events which every

night ends in your baby drifting off teaches her the simple message that it’s now time to go to sleep.

• Separate milk from sleep – During the early weeks, your baby will most likely need a feed right before bed but, in time, you can bring this feed forward to before bath time so he or she becomes less dependent on sucking to sleep.

• Lay your baby down awake – While being pushed in a pram or rocked in your arms calms a baby too agitated to sleep, try not to make it a habit. If your baby is to eventually learn how to sleep through the night, they must be aware that she is in their own basket or cot. White noise, such as a detuned radio, or a white noise app can also help a baby to fall asleep.

• Help your baby sleep well during the night – The night time sleep cycle of a very young baby lasts for around 60 minutes but from three months of age that increases to 90 minutes. If you want to teach your baby to sleep well over night, it’s vital that they learn how to settle themselves back to sleep when they stir at the end of each cycle. If your baby’s night time cries are merely grumbles, briefly check that she is comfortable, not hungry, too hot or cold, and that her nappy is clean. If all is fine, encourage her to resettle in her cot by stroking or patting them, or try rolling her on her side and gently rocking her body to and fro until she resettles. www.thebabyshow.co.uk

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Science Project MC2 is a range of dolls and a Netflix show which encourages young girls into science.

It’s all about smart and savvy science inspired play.The dolls are based on the STEM system and is a great way to introduce just how fun different aspects of science can be.

Each character has it’s own set of skills from coding, chemistry and digital technology. You can also buy dolls with experiments kits which include making you own light up lava lamp, glow stick, volcano and skateboard.

The dolls also have a corresponding Netflix show which has launched and shows the girls put their science skills to use as they become part of N0V8 and work on a secret mission. www.projectmc2.com

Computer generation Going back to school or college can be an exciting time for students, but for parents it can mean laying out for expensive uniforms, sports kits, stationery, learning materials such as text books, and the increasingly compulsory computers plus other essential equipment. In fact, a study of more than 1,000 UK parents by LaptopsDirect (http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk) has found that the cost of kitting out the kids when going back to school or college is £400 on average per student.

1 in 4 parents of primary school aged children now admit to having invested in a computer, laptop or tablet for their child and that figure rises to nearly half (48%) of parents of secondary school aged children, where homework is now commonly completed online or digitally and submitted via email.

Travel Children can hold the whole world in their hands with The Lonely Planet Kids Travel Book.

With a different country on every page, The Travel Book is a roller-coaster ride around our amazing planet.

Find out where you can climb a giant tower of sticky buns, what a bokikokiko is and who once received a polar bear as a present. From amazing animals and super sights to fun festivals and fabulous food, The Travel Book is full of fantastic facts and incredible information about every single country in the world - from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe. £14.99 ISBN: 978174360771 www.lonelyplaetkids.com 10

Mums Magazine Winter 2016

EDUCATION MATTERS Grow your child’s science, computer and travel knowledge

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 www.mums-magazine.co.uk

Welcome home The top 4 products and services helping you adapt to life at home with a newborn

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Recliner pillow

Simplygood’s recliner pillow is a uniquely-shaped pillow which naturally cradles and supports your baby’s head & body, mimicking the feeling of being held in your arms. The gentle incline and inward slope of the cushion allows your baby to safely lie down, leaving both your hands free for getting on with other tasks. £59.95 available from www.simplygood.biz / www.whitestep.co.uk

Baby at Superdrug

Superdrug has recently introduced a new discount just for parents. The launch of Baby at Superdrug is linked to Health & Beautycard membership, and members will receive ten per cent off their baby shopping when they spend £5 or more on baby products.

This includes products in the baby category including toiletries, health products, nappies and food (excluding infant milks and medicines).

As well as this brand new discount to help parents stretch their baby budget, customers will also see more products on shelf with a new range including hundreds of new brands such as Child’s Farm, Paddy’s Bathroom, NUBY, Kiddylicious, Bear Paws, NUK, Munchkin and MAM Air. Plus hundreds of new products to order online for home delivery or to their local store, including Skiphop, Dr Browns, Weleda, Bright Starts, Hush and Bebe Au Lait.

In another new move parents will find Moses baskets and bedding at Superdrug from nursery specialists Clair De Lune.

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Snugglebundl

Snugglebundl is the brand behind the world’s first baby lifting wrap. This multi award winning innovation is guaranteed to be a lifesaver in the early days! The unique design allows parents to wrap up and move their sleeping baby whilst fully supporting the head, neck and spine.

RRP: £34.99 | Stockist: www.snugglebundl.co.uk

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www.superdrug.com

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Dream blanket

This pre-washed organic cotton muslin dream blanket gets softer with every wash and is great for newborn tummy time.

Wise guys organic dream blanket £64.95 http://www.adenandanais.co.uk

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Cure bedwetting. Permanently.

An official stockist of the world’s leading Malem bedwe8ng alarms

A STOMPING GOOD TIME!

At Splash About we love all things watery! So to add to our award winning specialist baby swimwear we’ve designed a practical & beautiful range of outerwear to keep toddlers & young children dry, warm & clean, whilst they explore the wonders of mud pie making & puddle adventures.

To see our full range visit: www.splashabout.com

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Mums Magazine Winter 2016

play, explore & discover

fully lined with soft light towelling

made from splash proof PU fabric tapered cuffs for a secured fit

easy to dress full length zip

We sell a wide range of bedwe8ng alarms, so you can find the perfect soluAon to meet your child’s individual needs.

Visit The Bedwetting Doctor to cure bedwetting. Permanently.

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FREE POSTAGE ON ALL ORDERS!

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Bedwetting, also known as nocturnal enuresis, is a common problem in young children. In fact 1 in 5 children aged four and a half years old wet the bed at least one to two nights per week. Bedwetting is slightly more common in boys than girls.

Causes We all start off wetting the bed, but the process of becoming dry is one that depends on a learned link forming between the bladder and brain. The reason why some children take longer to form this link is unknown and usually there is no specific underlying cause. However, sometimes bedwetting can be a sign of a physiologically abnormal bladder, or other conditions such as diabetes. Emotional stress, such as being bullied, can also sometimes be a trigger for bedwetting.

Treatment Support and encouragement are important first steps in the treatment of bedwetting. There are many misconceptions about bedwetting treatments, including ideas such as restricting fluid intake before bedtime or lifting the child whilst they sleep to take them to the toilet so they can empty their bladder.

Neither of these things should be done. Instead normal fluid intake and toilet habits should continue. The first line therapy for bedwetting is the use of a bedwetting alarm, which wake the child on the first signs of urination. This act of waking on urination speeds up the natural link that forms between the bladder and brain. This results in the child initially learning to wake prior to wetting and then eventually leads to the child being able to sleep through the night without having to wake at all.

HAPPY SLEEP Sensitive and effective ways to handle bedwetting in children

‘1 in 5 children aged four and a half years old wet the bed at least one to two nights per week’

Throughout this process it is essential to provide positive encouragement for the child and not to punish them for wetting.This will ensure the child remains motivated to become dry and that a permanent cure of bedwetting is achieved. www.thebedwettingdoctor.com

Support For support with bedwetting please contact ERIC (The children’s continence charity) 0117 301 2107 www.eric.org.uk

‘Reassuring your child that everything is okay is important’ www.mums-magazine.co.uk

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CHILD SKINCARE Simple ways to adapt your child’s skincare routine to the winter months, to help keep dry skin and eczema at bay Dr Teixeira, Consultant Dermatologist at London Dermatology Clinic, gives her views on treating eczema in children Eczema is a very common condition among children living in the UK, and their mothers frequently come for consultation asking for allergy tests. They say to me: ‘if I only could know what my baby is allergic to, and would avoid this particular item, my baby would have nice skin’.

This, unfortunately is not true, and avoiding foods to small children will only make them undernourished, impair their growth and won’t have any effect on the skin condition.

There is not a single cause of eczema; many different factors seem to play a role. One of the main factors is an inherited abnormality of a protein present in the skin, called filaggrin.

This protein is very important to make the skin strong and resistant to irritants and infectious organisms. Patients with eczema, therefore, have in their DNA a defect that will make their skin very delicate, and although later in childhood and adolescence the skin will be tougher, it will always be more sensitive than other people’s, because their DNA won’t change. If bacteria, particularly Staphylococcus, infect the skin, the eczema will tend to take a turn for the worse.

It is well known that about 1/3 of children with eczema who undergo laboratory tests will show an allergy to some type of food, particularly egg, milk, soy, wheat, peanuts and fish.

However, suspending these items rarely will improve the skin disease, and continuation of the item will tend to produce tolerance later. However, if any food produces hives and wheezing in your child, please stop it immediately. This is not eczema- it is a severe form of allergic reaction, that has to be controlled carefully. Your GP will help you with that. www.london-dermatology-clinic.com 14

Mums Magazine Winter 2016

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The natural way to look after young skin

By Emma Arkell

Winter is a tricky time of year for skin problems, especially in babies and children.

Conditions like eczema and psoriasis don’t take kindly to cold, windy days outside, contrasting with warm, dry temperatures inside. Even normal skin can suffer, usually from dry patches and chapping in the wind and rain. Another problem can be the lack of Vitamin D which we naturally produce in sunlight and which helps some skin problems. Then there are the food triggers such as sugar, dairy and wheat, often making things worse after too many Christmas treats.

So here are my top tips to get through the winter: • Keep the skin moisturised: Do this on a daily basis by using a good natural moisturiser (such as my Little People’s Lavender Balm); and by making sure your child is drinking enough water.

A child that weighs 70 pounds (about 5 stone) should be drinking 35 fluid ounces of water every day • Keep an eye on diet: Watch to see if skin problems get worse after certain foods and drinks • Avoid synthetic fabrics: Cotton is best, as are soft fabrics that won’t rub on the skin • Catch some rays: When the sun comes out, get your children out too For further information or advice on natural remedies for skin problems, please contact Emma on 01962 776918, 07702 309688 or by email to emma@magic-cream.co.uk

BATH TIME

The NEW Aquanest baby bathtub from Babymoov is a first of its kind! Designed with an innovative, patented technology - Warm Diffuser System - the Aquanest works to maintain an optimum water temperature that’s safe for baby (37 degrees), whilst ensuring that it doesn’t cool too quickly.

Easy-to-use, parents can pre-heat the Warm Diffuser System (microwave friendly) before placing it within a secure compartment in the base of the bath. This natural and safe form of heat gently warms the water so baby can benefit from bathing for up to 10 minutes, without experiencing any reduction in temperature.

Adapting to baby’s growth, one side of the bath can be used for newborns (06m) whilst the other side can be used for older baby’s (6m+). Its ergonomic design offers excellent support and freedom of movement.

The Aquanest is compatible with all standard baby bathing supports and rings, and is available to purchase with accessories including bathstand and draining kit.

View the Aquanest video here: http://vimeo.com/100999668

www.mums-magazine.co.uk

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FOCUS ON...

HEADLICE

Effective ways to detect and treat headlice in children Head lice are tiny insects that live in human hair. They’re particularly common in children, and are spread by head-tohead contact, climbing from the hair of an infected person to the hair of someone else. A head lice infestation isn’t the result of dirty hair or poor hygiene. All types of hair can be affected, regardless of its length and condition.

Symptoms Head lice often cause a person’s scalp to itch. Itching isn’t caused by lice biting the scalp, but by an allergy to the lice. However, not everyone is allergic to head lice, so you or your child may not notice a head lice infestation.

How to spot headlice Head lice are whitish to grey-brown in colour, and smaller than the size of a pinhead when first hatched. When fully grown they’re about the size of a sesame seed.Head lice can be difficult to see, even when the head is closely inspected. Unhatched eggs or nits (empty eggshells) alone aren’t enough to diagnose an active head lice infestation. To confirm an active head lice infestation, a louse must be found through a reliable, accurate method, such as detection combing. Detection combing is the best way of finding head lice. It involves using a special finetoothed head lice comb with a tooth spacing of 0.2-0.3mm to comb through the hair.

Treating head lice Head lice can usually be effectively treated with lotions or sprays designed to kill head lice, or by wet combing, using a specially designed head lice comb. Wet combing can be used without lotions or sprays, but it needs to be done regularly and can take a long time to do thoroughly.

Information from www.nhs.uk 16

Mums Magazine Winter 2016

Organic and natural remedies for skin problems eczema, psoriasis, chicken pox and many others ...

For babies, children and adults

www.magic-cream.co.uk

emma@magic-cream.co.uk 01962 776918 www.mums-magazine.co.uk

Your TOP FIVE

Black nursing scarf www.mamascarf.co.uk

BREAST CARE TIPS Medela, the world’s leading breastfeeding brand, is thrilled to support breastfeeding mums with five top tips on essential breast care from in-house lactation consultant, Sioned Hilton.

Tip 1: If your nipples start to feel tender make sure your baby is latched on well with a big, wide mouth so that the nipple is positioned correctly in your baby’s mouth. If you are not sure contact your midwife or breastfeeding support group.

The Mamascarf nursing scarf is perfect for feeding when out and about

Tip 2: In the early days while establishing your baby’s latch, alongside a little expressed milk use PureLan before and after every feed to moisturise your nipples as they get used to feeding.

You only need a little as it goes a long way.

Tip 3: If you are experiencing milk leakage – make sure you are changing your bra pads with every feed, as they collect milk and can be a lovely opportunity for bacteria to thrive in damp warm conditions leading to sore nipples.

Tip 4: If you have a crack that won’t heal, continue applying PureLan after each feed as it supports moist wound healing. If the problem continues, seek advice from your breastfeeding adviser and GP as rarely, a persistent cracked nipple can indicate an underlying problem.

Tip 5: Once you have finished breastfeeding you can use PureLan on your baby’s skin as it contains no chemicals! In fact, Channel 4’s Kirstie Allsopp is a big fan of PureLan and has famously used it as lip balm – saying it works wonders on her chapped skin! www.medela.co.uk

RRP: PureLan 37g tube £5.75 Stockists: Amazon, Mothercare Body Silk Seamless Yoga nursing bra RRP: £34 Available from: http://bravadodesigns.com/

FEED YOUR CONFIDENCE Advice and support to help you get to grips with breastfeeding

3 KEYS TO SUCCESSFUL BREASTFEEDING

We love...

Karen Hall NCT-trained Breastfeeding Counsellor http://bfsupport.me.uk 1. Feed early - Your baby is born with reflexes that help him/her to attach at the breast.

2. Feed frequently - Frequent, small feeds are normal in the early days. A newborn baby has a stomach capacity of 5-7ml.

3. Feed effectively - Responding to your baby’s hunger signs helps to establish your milk supply. If your baby is correctly positioned at the breast, you should feel no pain. You can monitor nappy contents to check your baby is feeding well.

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Mums Magazine Winter 2016

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How to Create a Safe and Secure Bedroom for your Children You might be the most attentive parent in the world, but it’s impossible to watch your children at all times. Running around after them and cleaning up as you go, it’s not often that you lose sight of them, but you have to sleep, right?

Of course, no one wants to think of the kind of accidents that can happen when our backs are turned, but we must act in a way that minimises risk to our little ones.

Making the perfect environment for them to play, learn and grow isn’t an unachievable dream.

Whilst you can’t bundle them up in bubble wrap, there are a few things you can do to make the constant struggle a little easier.

1) Teach them You’re probably used to telling them to blow their food and watch the road, but don’t forget to teach them about safety in the home too.

They say children learn by doing, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait until they have a bump to show them their wrongs. Warn them and make sure they understand the risks.When you’re telling them not to climb the furniture or play underneath the table, explain to them the reason why they shouldn’t. Don’t just tell them they can’t without offering an explanation.

2) Monitor lighting Bedtime of course is a constant battle for parents, but you can make it easier by monitoring the light. Especially in the summer months, they know it’s not time for bed while the sun is still up so create the illusion of night with blackout blinds.

1 in 5 respondents to a recent survey conducted by Budget Blinds said one of the first things they’d do to improve their sleep would be to install blackout blinds. Your children will soon fall asleep without the distraction of the daytime sky drifting by and you can ease them into a natural routine, ensuring they get all the rest they need.

Are blackout blinds safe for children? Yes, when you use a cord safety fixing, which we offer free to all customers. Parents are still advised to move cribs and beds away from them to prevent accidents and discourage them from climbing the windowsill.We’re passionate about fitting quality blinds that pose no threat to little ones, and you can read more about this on our child safety page.

WORK, REST, PLAY Fun & functional furniture to transform your child’s bedroom

Tink Watercolour £40 from Grahambrown.com

Mermaid night light RRP: £39.95 | Stockist: www.potwells.co.uk (and major retailers including John Lewis, Jojo Mamam Bebe & Mothercare)

My Fairy Door miniature London doors. Available from www.themagicdoorstore.com Birch children’s chair set of 2 with bear ear silhouette.

Houseology.com £175.00

3) Soften all the edges We’ve all felt that unbearable cringe as our child runs past a table corner or the hard edge of our furnishings, narrowly missing an accident.

There’s no quick route to childproofing your home, but there are plenty of things you can do to minimise risk, such as introducing safety guards and subtle cushioning. http://www.budgetblindsltd.co.uk 18

Mums Magazine Winter 2016

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Learn to cook healthily

The explosion of cooking, tweeting and instagramming meals over the last few years has changed the way most people think about food. So why do we struggle to cook quick, flavoursome, inexpensive meals for our families every day? Why do we give our 6 month old weaning babies bland boring mush as their first introduction to food?

FAMILY FOOD

Adopt a healthy approach to family mealtimes this New Year!

“Jamie Oliver has been amazing at bringing attention to the quality of food school children eat and the importance good nutrition has on their behaviour and learning”, says Lydia Gerratt, the food ingredients expert behind the new lydiagerratt.com website and the new Lydia Gerratt cookery classes. “I would like to go one step back to when babies first learn to eat at 6 months and inspire busy families to discover a world of big flavours with easy recipes using the best quality ingredients and start a passion for good food while at the same time developing a healthy brain and a healthy body” “By giving infants poor quality food lacking in essential nutrients and the wrong fats we are creating a time bomb of brain and general health problems which will affect the next generation of children”, says Lydia Gerratt.

Lydia Gerratt gathered her food ingredients expertise as a senior food buyer for nineteen years, sixteen of those years with premium supermarket Waitrose. She provides the inside guide of the food chain.

It’s hard for parents to know the best quality ingredients to buy; they don’t have the inside knowledge of a food buyer to edit their supermarket shop. This is Lydia’s expertise which she built up during her travels as a buyer working with farmers, growers, producers, food technologists and chefs.

Food related diseases are on the rise; obesity, type II diabetes, behavioural problems and a life time of fussy eating. Very young children need a diet high in essential fatty acids to build their brains and then their brains, in turn, will develop their bodies.

Lydia’s degree in Biology from University College London (specialising in molecular biology and biochemistry) and her masters in Science Communication from Imperial College London inspires her to ensure that the ingredients that go into all her recipes are full of essential fatty acids and are providing the right nutrients to build a healthy brain and body. www.lydiagarratt.com

Family meals made easy

When it comes to feeding a hungry family, three hands are better than two! This was the thinking behind this funky and functionally designed flexible Smartphone holder, which can be clipped onto most surfaces, including kitchen worktops, making it perfect for following recipes while cooking.

The Lazy Arm is compatible with most Smartphones. To use, clip onto desired surface, attach your Smartphone and enjoy the comforts of The Lazy Arm! The Lazy Arm costs £8.95 from Genie Gadgets www.geniegadgets.com

www.mums-magazine.co.uk

Mums Magazine Winter 2016

19

HAPPY BABIES Effective ways to help prevent and treat 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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Change in diet

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

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Mums Magazine Winter 2016

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.mums-magazine.co.uk

www.metanium.co.uk

Mums Magazine Winter 2016

we

21

babies’ bums

) y l i BIG (fam

YOUR

BREAK Escape the New Year lull by planning your next family getaway

UK ADVENTURES

Devon Many visitors take their Devon holidays in the winter months, when the landscape takes on a completely different but equally charming character to that of the other seasons. Coming to Devon in the colder seasons doesn’t mean you’ll be stuck for things to do – there are plenty of activities to do at any time of year, regardless of the weather.You might want to take advantage of the coastal winds and do a bit of windsurfing, go to the theatre, take a craft workshop, wander through some historic houses and castles, visit the fish at the aquarium, paint some pottery, take a wine tour or go shopping. www.visitdevon.co.uk. For further information on events at Devon’s Top Attractions visit www.lotstodo.co.uk/events

SKIING If you fancy hitting the slopes with your family this winter, there are plenty of great value resorts to be found in the French Alps. Ski Famille (http://www.skifamille.co.uk) are a company which focuses on families, specialising in ski holidays with in-chalet childcare 6 days a week. All chalets are in great locations with layouts adapted to the needs of families. Flexible flights and transfers for guests wanting to use regional airports and free child places and savings on many dates are also available. This season, Monty the Marmot - a fun character who loves to ski - will also be helping with children’s activities to make sure children feel relaxed and entertained throughout their stay.

Below: Les Menuires, France - www.skifamille.co.uk

Cornwall New parents considering their first family holiday can find the thought of travelling with a baby hugely daunting.To lift any worries, the family hideaway experts at www.i-escape.com/kids have created a collection of the best ‘Baby Breaks for Beginners’: stylish escapes across the world that make the journey as easy as possible.

The collection encompasses more than 30 baby-friendly properties, all of which go above and beyond to provide stress-free holidays. Parents who don’t want to go too far from home for their first family foray should head to The Rosevine: an idyllic hideaway on the south Cornish coast whose owners have thought of everything. All the basics are available to borrow, from sterilisers and baby baths to cots and changing mats; there are even baby backpacks for strolls along the headland, and a vast selection of beach toys to keep little ones occupied once you hit the sand. Each apartment and studio has a kitchenette for simple food preparation, and in-room takeaways can be ordered for relaxing nights in.The indoor pool, friendly staff and cosy lounge (serving perfect G&Ts!) make this a deeply relaxing place to stay.

Cost: From £165 per night, based on 2 adults and 1 baby sharing a Main House Studio on an accommodation-only basis. www.i-escape.com/therosevine <http://www.i-escape.com/the-rosevine>

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www.mums-magazine.co.uk

WINTER SUN ATMOSPHERE KANIFUSHI

LOCO GRINGO

If you’re looking to treat your family to a New Year escape to sunnier climes, then you can’t beat the Maldives’ top family-friendly resort Atmosphere Kanifushi. Atmosphere Kanifushi offers a daily activity schedule for young guests and luxury facilities for parents to enjoy too.

The Kids Club team offer fun and adventurous activities and learning experiences for children to enjoy and babysitting services are also available at a charge for children below 4 years.

Over the past few years, Kay Walten has seen an amazing influx of families traveling to the Riviera Maya. As the founder of Loco Gringo, she’s handcrafted Mexico vacations for people all over the world for nearly 20 years. “I’m delighted that we’re seeing more families coming to the Riviera Maya — it’s such an accessible, magical destination for families who crave a notyour-typical-tourist-type trip.”

Atmosphere Kanifushi Sunset Family Villas are classed as some of the largest Beach Family Villas in the Maldives, and these 18-sets of interconnecting Beach Villas have separate outdoor access which makes them ideal for guests holidaying with families. The sunset family villas boast a larger combination of indoor & outdoor space than the stand-alone sunset beach villas, as well as being located closer to the main restaurant and sport’s complex and kid’s club for guest convenience.

With an entire team of “loco gringos” who both live and play in the Riviera Maya, Loco Gringo loves working with families who crave adventures. “Our ideal clients are people who love the best of the off-the-beaten-path mixed with the must-see history of the Mayan Riviera,” says Walten. “We’re not the people you call if you want an all-inclusive experience. You can get that anywhere.We want families who want the convenience of an accessible destination like Mexico yet an unforgettable experience they’re not going to find in any guidebook or online vacation-in-a-box site.”

Located on a mesmeric two kilometer long turquoise lagoon, and showcasing vast living spaces with accentuating Maldivian interiors, Atmosphere Kanifushi offers a hassle-free five star resort experience that is the perfect way to kick-start 2016! www.atomosphere-kanifushi.com

Walten and her team handle each client on a one-on-one basis.

“Our favorite part is learning about what’s important to our clients because the Mayan Riviera has such a wide range of experiences available,” says Walten. And the best part? These handcrafted adventures don’t cost her clients a dime beyond normal costs. “We make our money from the property owners and partners we’ve built relationships with here in the Riviera Maya. Those relationships give our clients the best of Mexico – it’s just what we do. It’s unparalleled customer service that keeps families coming back year after year for a new adventure with us.”

Curious about bringing your family to the Riviera Maya for an adventure beyond the typical tourist? Visit locogringo.com and start a conversation.The Loco Gringo team is excited to share their Mexico with you. www.locogringo.com

www.mums-magazine.co.uk

Mums Magazine Winter 2016

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In over 50% of marriage or relationship breakdowns where there are children involved, grandparents are often prevented from seeing their grandchildren for no good reason. Unfortunately what’s often forgotten is the emotional damage and effect this has on the children, not only as a result of the breakdown of their parents relationship, but being isolated from loving and caring grandparents who could provide them with support and help during such a difficult time and with whom they have a close and loving relationship.

We meet many grandparents who are often of the view that they “have no rights” regarding their grandchildren and feel therefore that there is nothing they can do about the situation.

This in fact is not the case. We are frequently asked what rights grandparents have when they have been denied the opportunity to spend time with their grandchildren through no fault of their own. The sad truth is that grandparents do not have an automatic right to seek assistance from the Family Court in this respect. However the Family Court does recognise the invaluable role grandparents play in their grandchildren’s lives and there is therefore provision for grandparents to seek permission from the Court to make an application for an order that they are permitted to spend time with their grandchildren. It is very rare that the Court refuse a grandparent contact with their grandchildren and the Court will promote a meaningful and ongoing relationship, unless there is evidence to suggest that it would not be in the children’s best interests to do so.

If the Court are satisfied that it is in the best interests that the children see their grandparents, it will grant permission to make an application for a “Child Arrangements Order” in the same way a parent would which will ultimately, if successful, set out when the children spend time with their grandparents.

This Child Arrangement Order replaced the old ‘contact’ Order following new legislation which came into force on the 22nd April 2014. The Order sets out the arrangements regarding when a child or children spend time with their parents or grandparents. The Order requires the person with whom the children live to allow the child or children to visit the person or persons referred to in that Order. This may not only include time during the day, but may also include overnight stays including holidays, and other special occasions, for example birthdays.

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Mums Magazine Winter 2016

Grand gestures

Following a family separation or divorce, grandparents are faced with the upsetting situation of potentially losing contact with grandchildren. Luckily, this doesn’t always need to be the case as the Family Court often recognises the invaluable role grandparents play in their grandchildren’s lives

If you are successful with your application for a Child Arrangement Order, the Court have power, if satisfied that the person with whom the children live is wilfully refusing to abide by the order, to punish that person which may, in some circumstances result in imprisonment.

The Court can also impose a fine or unpaid work (community service).

If all parties are agreeable it is possible to attend Mediation in order to try and resolve the difficulties without the need to resort to court intervention. Mediation is a process where a trained Mediator in Family Law meets with the parties together or alone in order to explore whether or not the difficulties between the parties can be resolved and will assist in this process. Normally mediation takes place at regular intervals and can take place over a period of several months. As well as mediation, there is also the Collaborative process available which is a client centred approach which focuses on finding solutions to family problems using specifically trained collaborative lawyers working on a face to face basis.

in maintaining regular visits with their grandchildren. If you are feeling isolated from your grandchildren as a result of a breakdown in their parent’s relationship we can advise and assist you with a view to resolving those difficulties whether it be via the Court process or an alternative to the Court.We are more than happy to assist you.

If you require further information then please call us today on 01753 271640, or email us at family@parfittcresswell.com.

Parfitt Cresswell Solicitors, 17/21 Victoria Street, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 1HE Parfitt Cresswell is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority No 71480.

‘Grandparents are often of the view that they “have no rights” regarding their grandchildren and feel therefore that there is nothing they can do about the situation’

The Family Team at Parfitt Cresswell Solicitors regularly assist grandparents who are experiencing difficulties

www.mums-magazine.co.uk

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 children.

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 30 minute consultation to discuss the options available. I am only able to offer this opportunity to 20 new appointments each month up until the 31st March 2016, and I know that the appointments will book up very quickly,.

“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 MM0116 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

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.

Appointments

available

at

Windsor,

London, Caversham, Haywards Heath, Tunbridge Wells and Edenbridge.

Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority No. 71480 www.mums-magazine.co.uk

Mums Magazine Winter 2016

25

Mother CARE

A closer look at the common problem of ‘baby blues’ and the support services available to help According to research, mothers across the UK are suffering in silence when it comes to the baby blues and postnatal depression after the birth of their children. The baby blues is a short period of feeling low, emotional and anxious that begins very shortly after a baby’s birth. It is a result of natural hormonal changes after giving birth and can last up to 10 days or even longer.

One study by The Baby Show (http://www. thebabyshow.co.uk) - which surveyed 1,000 mums, saw that nearly half (44%) admitted to feeling isolated once they'd given birth, and 6 in 10 (60%) women said they suffered from a form of the baby blues.

Worryingly, 23% of respondents said that these baby blues developed into a state of postnatal depression which is a much deeper and longer form of depression that usually develops within six weeks of giving birth and can come on gradually or all of a sudden and can range from being relatively mild to very severe.

These findings were reflected by similar research conducted by Action for Children, which found that a quarter (24 per cent) of British parents feel lonely and isolated, regularly feeling cut off from friends and other sources of support (*Research, of more than 2,000 parents surveyed by Survation) Support during motherhood Whilst the most common source of support for post-partum mums was family members and friends, the majority (62%) said they didn't get the support or treatment they really needed, either because their partners were working all the time (47%) or due to the feeling of losing their personal identity (39%). One in four (26%) saying it was because they didn’t feel there were enough places to go outside of their home that accommodate babies and young children (www.thebabyshow.co.uk) Rachel Boyd, Information Manager from the mental health charity, Mind says: “Many parents worry about not bonding with their new baby, or that they’re not enjoying parenthood as much as they believe they should. Having a child is never going to be plain sailing all the time, but it’s really important that new parents talk about their feelings. It’s completely normal to feel emotional after such a huge life event, but if you’ve been feeling down for more than a couple of weeks, it could be a symptom of something more serious, such as postnatal depression. Although very common, far too often, new mums suffer in silence, but help is available.”

Jan Leightley, managing director of operations at Action for Children, said “It’s troubling to see that so many parents feel isolated. Having a network that you can call on is vital, to help celebrate your child’s achievements and share those funny moments or the tougher times, which all parents face. Becoming a parent doesn’t come with

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Mums Magazine Winter 2016

a handbook; you’re always learning and as your children grow their needs, and the skills you need to call on as a parent, change. Local services like our children’s centres can offer a real lifeline to parents who feel isolated – somewhere to meet and make friends. Staff there won’t judge if you drop in looking for support, and you can take part in activities like play sessions or parenting classes.”

You can find your nearest Action for Children service at www.actionforchildren.org.uk.

Windsor Montessori School Home Park, Windsor For toddlers from aged 2 years and pre-school to age 6 years

The Primary Class within

For primary aged children from 5 years to 9 years, initially, extending to 11 years as we grow.

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

Open 38 weeks a year, term time www.windsormontessorischool.co.uk

Windsor Montessori House of Children 4 Datchet Road, Old Windsor For babies, toddlers and pre-school to age 6 years Open 50 weeks a year, from 8am to 6pm www.windsormontessorihouseofchildren.co.uk 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.

www.mums-magazine.co.uk

Group B Group Streptococcus (GBS) is the testing most common cause B Streptococcus information of life-threatening infections in newborn babies in the UK. What is Group B Streptococcus (GBS)?

Group B Streptococcus is the commonest cause of life-threatening infections in newborn babies in the UK. Most GBS infections can be prevented by giving antibiotics intravenously (through a vein) at the onset of labour to all women where GBS has been detected during their current pregnancy. It is also appropriate for those with other recognised risk factors (having previously had a baby with GBS, having a fever in labour, labour starting, or waters breaking before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy and/or waters breaking more than 18 hours before delivery).

This recommended use of antibiotics reduces the likelihood of early-onset GBS infection developing in a baby born to a woman carrying GBS at the time of delivery from around 1 in 300 to less than 1 in 6000.

Intravenous antibiotics given in labour are highly effective at preventing GBS infection in newborn babies. Oral antibiotics should not be given during pregnancy for GBS colonisation as they have not been shown to be effective. There are always small but potentially serious risks associated with taking antibiotics, and management and treatment need to be fully discussed.

Detecting a GBS carrier Screening for GBS carriage is not yet routinely offered in the NHS. Laboratory testing of GBS testing is routinely undertaken at The Doctors Laboratory (www.tdlpathology.com). The method for testing is an enriched culture medium (ECM) specifically designed for the isolation of GBS in swabs. Two swabs (lower vaginal and rectal) need to be cultured, ideally in the last five weeks of pregnancy, to best predict colonisation of GBS around the time of delivery.

Cost of GBS Screen ÂŁ35.00 (this includes the request form, postal pathology pack, 2 swabs in non-nutritive transport medium, post paid padded envelope and laboratory testing service).

How to request GBS Screening Pack(s) Please contact The Doctors Laboratory Tel: 020 7307 7373 Email: gbs@tdlpathology.com www.tdlpathology.com The Doctors Laboratory is fully CPA accredited and has a long-standing reputation for the provision of pathology services to the private sector, industry and the public sector.

For more information on GBS please contact: Group B Strep Support PO Box 203, Haywards Heath West Sussex RH16 1GF Tel: 01444 416176 E-mail: info@gbss.org.uk www.gbss.org.uk Registered charity No 1058159 Group B Strep Support is a national charity providing accurate and up to date information on GBS for families and health professionals. Group B Strep Support endorses the availability of reliable prenatal GBS testing but has no particular links with nor receives any money from any laboratory. GBSS wants to see reliable testing for GBS routinely www.mums-magazine.co.uk available to all pregnant women on the NHS. All the charityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current leaflets are available from their website or by post.

Mums Magazine Winter 2016

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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 Winter 2016

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