Something New Dorset - Winter 2019 by Something New

somethingNew THE PARENTING MAGAZINE FOR DORSET FAMILIES

Winter 2019

Decipher Your Notes

Midwife Rosie decodes those shorthand mysteries!

Shower Shenanigans Planning a baby shower just got way easier

Win!

Win a Crayola Tub with Castlemain Groundwork's colouring comp

REAL LIFE

SHOPPING

ADVICE

RECIPES

somethingnewmag.co.uk COMPETITIONS

contents 06 FAMILY FA SHION FIX Locally sourced & made fashion for the whole clan.

08 XMA S GIFT IDEA S

Shop local this Christmas and make it very merry for everyone!

12 SAY WHAT?

Midwife Rosie tells us what those shorthand squiggles in our pregnancy notes mean.

nurturing, supportive & encouraging

childcare

If you're looking for day care, breakfast, after school or holiday clubs, then we can help! Located in the centre of Poole, Little Beans Fernside is a highly recommended childcare setting with a nurturing and supportive environment.

14 SHOWER FUN!

We have some great ideas for baby shower planning and games to play.

18 SO NEAR, YET SO FAR

We've been following Karina's story - find out what happened following her dramatic birth story...

22 WE LOVE

New company The Little Beans Organic Clothing Company dazzle us with their wares.

26 TURBULANT TIMES

Great advice on handling a relationship breakdown from Laceys Solicitors.

Following our mama model call, we asked Sammie to be our cover star for this issue! This incredible image is by Almaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Home Studio, www.almashomestudio.uk

34 GOING GREEN

Find out what's new at The Green House Hotel, Bournemouth.

36 CHEEKY FACES!

Check out Dorset's cheekiest kiddos AND their pets!

38 WHAT IS THE MMR VACCINE Our resident nurse Lucy gives the DL on the MMR and what diseases it proctects against.

If you would like to see for yourself, please get in touch to book a show around.

42 BABY, IT'S COLD OUTSIDE

Our ideas for things to do in the wet and cold.

48 MARIA MAKES

Meet Maria - she's our clever and crafty wonderwoman. See what you can make.

www.littlebeansdaycare.com littlebeansdcare@gmail.com 80 Fernside Road, Poole BH15 2JL somethingNew THE PARENTING MAGAZINE FOR DORSET FAMILIES

OFSTED REGISTERED: EY481492

50 KIDS CORNER See more Cheeky Faces on pages 36 & 37. Here's Ryan trying to convince mum he needs a pet squirrel!

Do your best colouring and you could win with Castlemain Groundworks somethingnewmag.co.uk

Hello!

Welcome to the winter issue of Something New magazine.

As we step in our welly boots into the colder, wetter and darker months, we take this time to look back over the last year and say thank you to all our wonderful readers. Nearly a year has gone since we relaunched, and we have found great joy in creating a little magazine for parents, carers, grandparents and families in Dorset. We are looking forward to what 2020 holds, and there will be some exciting developments with Something New - so watch this space!

somethingNew THE PARENTING MAGAZINE FOR DORSET FAMILIES

Here's to wrapping up warm in our hats and scarfs, and hopefully falling snow over the festive season. Whether you're enduring winter walks or sitting by a warm cosy fire, we wish you a fabulous last few months of 2019. Until next time,

eanor l E & a in r eb S xxx

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'PLAY PULL ON' JOGGERS Price: £20

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Clever Dorset

MADE TO MEASURE COWL NECK JUMPER DRESS Price: £35

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WELCOME TO DINKIVILLE SET Price: £20

Last issue we introduced our new fashion spread - family fashion! 'Cos dads, mums and kiddos all love new threads :D

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Each of these beautiful garments are designed and made by Dorset denizens (and a couple over the border in Wiltshire too!)- please pop over and like each of their pages, supporting local is the most important things we can do as a community.

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LONG SLEEVE DRESS Price: £27

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'BIRD SONG' PRINT SHIRT DRESS Price: £39.99

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A very Local Christmas With SO much talent in Dorset, you don't need to travel far to find unique, beautiful gifts for the whole family. Here's some of the incredible things you can buy from local businesses, artists and artisans.

HAND PRESSED FLOWER BABYGROW Price: £19

PERSONALISED SANTA SACK Price: £15

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SEEDBOMB Price: £6.99

RAINBOW CROCHET BLANKET Price: £35

3D CAST SIBLING FRAME Price: £140

AWAKEN & HIGHTEN YOUR SIXTH SENSE Price: £12

GEMSTONE TREE OF LIFE PENDANT Price: £54.99

CHRISTMAS CROCHET GIFTS Price: Assorted prices

PERSONALISED GLASS BAUBLE Price: £6

DINOSAUR RING HOLDERS Price: £15 each

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UNDERSTANDING THE GO

As a midwife I often get asked by friends to help decipher their pregnancy notes. With this in mind, for this issue I thought I’d look at various medical terms and abbreviations commonly used during pregnancy to help you to make sense of your notes.

Rosie

At your first midwife appointment (known as your 'booking' appointment) you will be issued with your own set of pregnancy notes. These will contain all sorts of important information relating to your pregnancy such as your personal details and medical history, including details of any previous pregnancies and any relevant family medical history, appointment details, results of any blood tests and ultrasound scans, along with useful phone numbers for you to contact your midwife or the hospital. All of your antenatal care will be recorded in these notes; therefore it's important that you keep them safe and take them everywhere with you (within reason!), in case you require medical attention during your pregnancy outside of your routine appointments. Throughout your pregnancy you will have regular antenatal appointments with your

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LIN

to as a 'primigravida' whereas a woman on subsequent pregnancies is referred to as a 'multigravida'

Oedema – swelling due to water retention, which may also be an indicator of preeclampsia

Para – this refers to your parity (how many pregnancies you have had lasting beyond 24 weeks)

SFH – symphysis fundal height – this is the measurement from the top of the symphyis pubis (pubic bone) to the top of the uterus (fundus) and is measured from around 28 weeks of pregnancy

Gest(ation) – this refers to how many weeks pregnant you are

midwife and, if necessary, an obstetrician. Your antenatal appointments will consist of a physical examination and will also provide you with an opportunity to talk with your midwife about your developing pregnancy and any concerns that you may have. The examination will comprise of having your blood pressure and a urine sample checked. You will also have your abdomen examined (palpated) to monitor your baby’s growth and the midwife will listen to your baby’s heart rate with a hand-held Doppler; as your pregnancy progresses, your bump will be measured and you will also be asked about your baby’s movements.

BP – blood pressure – this is checked at every appointment and is important in screening for pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) and pre-eclampsia (PET)

Additionally, you will also have routine blood tests early on in your pregnancy and will also be offered routine ultrasound scans at 12 and 20 weeks of pregnancy. Some women may require extra blood tests or ultrasound scans during their pregnancy.

Trace – a trace of either protein or glucose in your urine

Below are listed some of the various abbreviations you may come across in relation to your antenatal appointments: LMP – last monthly period – this date is used to estimate your due date EDD – estimated due date Gravida – this refers to how many times you have been pregnant before – a woman experiencing her first pregnancy is referred

MSU – midstream urine sample – you will be asked to bring a urine sample to every appointment, as this can be important in checking for signs of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and urinary tract infections (UTIs) NAD – no abnormalities detected (often used in reference to urine tests)

+/++/+++ - increasing amounts of either protein or glucose in your urine CO - carbon monoxide level – in some areas your carbon monoxide level will be checked antenatally, as exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide can cause a risk to your baby during pregnancy. Testing can be used to identify household exposure risks (e.g from faulty boilers) thus helping to reduce further carbon monoxide exposure, or in supporting women to stop smoking during their pregnancies.

Longitudinal – baby is lying lengthways from the top to bottom of your womb Transverse- baby is lying sideways in your womb Oblique – baby is lying diagonally in your womb OA – occipito anterior -baby is lying head down with their spine at the front of your abdomen, facing backwards OL/OT – occipito lateral/transverse – baby is lying head down with their spine to either side of your abdomen, facing sideways OP- occipito posterior – baby is lying head down with the spine in line with your spine, facing outwards. An L or R in front of these indicates to which side of your abdomen the baby is lying e.g. LOA would equate to left occipito anterior – baby is lying on the left of your abdomen, facing backwards. Ceph(alic) presentation – baby is presenting head first Breech presentation – baby is presenting bottom first Palp - short for 'palpation' and, when expressed in terms of fifths, relates to the engagement of your baby's head in the pelvis (assessed through how much of the baby's

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head can be felt through your abdomen); ranging from 'free' or (5/5 palpable) meaning the baby's head is not yet in the pelvic brim, to 0/5 palpable where none of the baby's head can be felt abdominally and the head is deeply engaged in the pelvis. Eng - baby's head is engaged in the pelvis FMF – fetal movements felt FHHR- fetal heart rate heard regular Hb – haemoglobin – this forms part of a full blood count test and indicates whether you have a low iron level (anaemia) GTT- glucose tolerance test – a test that involves having 2 blood tests, one after fasting and a second after having a sugary solution, to identify gestational diabetes. USS - ultrasound scan SRM – spontaneous rupture of membranes – commonly known as your 'waters breaking' (naturally)

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Cx – cervix – the opening at the neck of the womb VE – vaginal examination – if your pregnancy is uncomplicated you are unlikely to require any vaginal examinations until you go into labour

Great fun whatever the weather!

DNA – did not attend for a scheduled appointment FW8 – a form for medical exemptions from paying for prescriptions and dental care during your pregnancy (given to you by your midwife at your booking appointment). MATB1 – a form required to claim maternity pay from your employer/ maternity allowance if self-employed (given to you by your midwife after 20 weeks of pregnancy). Hopefully this brief outline will help you to make sense of your pregnancy notes. If you are unsure of the meaning of anything written in your notes then your midwife will be able to help you to understand them.

Join us for term time activity sessions Tues-Thurs 10.30-11.15

Award-winning soft play & party centre for the under 12s t: 01202 740500 | e: play@lemurlandings.co.uk by Cineworld, Tower Park, Poole, BH12 4NY

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WHAT TO PLAY

Planning the perfect

Baby Shower

Baby showers were once something us Brits saw in American movies and TV shows - a new 'mom' to be surrounded by friends and family all bearing gifts and advice. Nowadays, it's far more usual for us to have a baby shower, either arranged by friends or by ourselves, to celebrate the impending arrival of our little bundle of joy. But when it comes to planning such an event, where do you start? What are the expectations? Should you feed people? Play games? Don't fret! There

are loads of ideas that you can use to get you started. A venue is the best place to start - are you inviting lots of people, or just a select few? Using someone's house is good if you think your games might get a bit raucous. If you are looking to create a more refined, relaxed event then going for an afternoon tea is a wonderful way to celebrate. The Green House Hotel in Bournemouth is perfect for a baby shower - the surroundings are beautiful and the food is incredible. We highly recommend it!

WHAT TO EAT A traditional afternoon tea is an elegant and easy way to celebrate together. Cucumber, salmon and cheese sandwhiches, plus pastries, cakes and scones are a real crowd pleaser. Pair with a selection of teas and you have a real winner! You can plan your own tea party, or if you'd rather someone else do the catering, book The Green House Hotel!

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make ffet is a fun way to A pink and blue bu ugh it interesting, altho your food visually s! ing th s the sweeter does tend toward ; rve You can se cre am Strawberries and ns ffi mu Blueberry ped in chocolate Marshmallows dip french fancies or cupcakes Coloured cakepops aps wr k pin in it sliced fru

GOOD LOOKIN'

For a more active party, you can split your party into two teams and have them take part in a scavenger hunt for baby-related items. You'll need to get your hands on two of each item, hide them, and have a list for each team. This is probably suited to home-hosted parties... Ideas for items to hide include; Baby bottle Dummy Nappy bag Baby doll

Muslin Baby grow Pushchair/carrier Bib

Facesmush

ent! All you A more sedate game that requires minimal equipm full page on need is a face photo of the parents-to-be printed head-on to A4 (try to find photos that are similar size and paper. the camera), 2 x scissors, 2 x glue stick and 2 x plain Get the two teams to cut up the parents' faces to create the 'face' of their future child. The results are hilarious, if not a little creepy!

Super Simple Games You might not have time or space for the more active games, so here are some that you can include. Baby Bingo - make up your own cards or buy a premade set. Bump Guess - get guests to estimate how many centremetres or inches they think the bump is, then measure your mum-to-be. Closest guess wins! Keeping Mum - on arrival everyone gets a pin to wear. You're not allowed to say the word 'baby', and if you do, anyone who hears you can claim your pin - the winner is the one with the most pins!

midnight changes

Another game that requires some space, but ties in well with the kit from the scavenger hunt. Again in the teams, have each line up. Place a baby doll a little way back, with a nappy to the side (with powder if you want to make things even harder/ messier!). Blindfold one member of each team and time how long it takes them to find the 'baby' and put the nappy on. When they finish, they have to pass the blindfold on - the quickest OR most accurate team wins!

love yourself

Little Dreamers Baby Massage Poole & Bournemouth

Learn how to massage your baby in a welcoming and supportive class. Run by Katherine and Linda, both certified instructors with the world leading International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM)

How to Treat Colic, Constipation and Wind with Baby Massage A colicky baby can be very distressing for both the baby and parents as your baby may cry for very long periods of time, several times a day. It is not known exactly what causes babies to get colic, but some babies may suffer from stomach pains and trapped wind as a baby’s gastronomical systems are not fully developed. The colic and constipation relief routine may help the parent to relax and help babies to be more comfortable when the massage routine is repeated regularly. Join one of my courses and learn the magic colic and constipation relief routine.

This is what parents are saying about Little Dreamers Baby Massage:

Some benefits of massage for your baby: x

Relieves wind, colic, constipation & teething discomfort

x Stimulates circulation, digestion, nervous & lymphatic systems x

Enhances bond with you & your baby

Develops body awareness & coordination

Increases recognition of facial & emotional expressions which support development of social skills 07802 545554 babymassagebykatherine@hotmail.com www.littledreamersbabymassage.co.uk

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“We completed our 5 week course and loved it! Katherine is so lovely and kind and the massage routines are brilliant! Really helps relax my son and also helped no end with his constipation from being on lactulose 2x a day to not needing it at all now thank you so much!!” Stephanie with baby Isaac. “I completed the private class with Katherine when my baby was just over a month old and the class was great. The colic massage is truly genius and made my little one go to the loo every single time. It has also enhanced our bonding as she now recognises when massage time arrives and gives me the most beautiful smile when I massage her legs! Katherine is lovely and really takes her time, I would recommend this class to any mum and their babies” Chloe with baby Ivy.

“Me and Arabella loved the massage course. Katherine was always professional and understanding during every session. Massage has really helped calm Arabella at times when she has been really unsettled. Thank you so much. We look forward to many more massages as Arabella grows up” Leah with baby Arabella. “Thank you for providing a calm and relaxing atmosphere each week for myself and Hallie. It has been lovely to see how she has responded to the massage, I always left with a sleepy baby! Katherine gave us some helpful advice for colic and teething which we have continued to use at home and will use in the future!” Nikki with baby Hallie. “We've just finished the 5 week course and absolutely loved it. Massage has become part of our morning and bedtime routine and has made a more relaxed baby! It’s been great to have time for a cuppa and natter with other mums at the end of each class too. And great that dad could come along to a couple too. Would really recommend these classes, thanks so much Katherine!” Michelle with baby Jasmine.

Join our group classes: Thursdays at Yarrells Preparatory School (term time only) Fridays at Tesco Tower Park in the community room

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on high levels of medication to ease the difficulty of the taxi ride to the hospital. The combination of this meant that my memory of these first moments is really rather hazy. Even now, almost six years later, I remember the main events but in no detail. I remember my Dad pushing the wheelchair through the doors of the neo-natal intensive care unit and Shaun directing us, ever so proudly, over to the twins in their incubators. I remember looking at two small babies, in turn, but I don’t remember which baby I looked at first. But despite my hazy memory, I do remember feeling as though I was dreaming. Wanting to pinch myself, but at the same time not wanting to wake myself from this beautiful dream that I was so very desperate to have.

hard going

We left Karina bed-bound in Poole hospital following an emergency c-section, while the twins were whisked away to Portsmouth hospital. Here's what happened next... It was more than 24 hours since I had given birth, whilst completely unconscious, and I was finally on my way to meet my babies. The stormy conditions outside were causing havoc on the roads and the journey seemed to go on forever but eventually, we arrived at Queen Alexandra hospital, Portsmouth. Dad, who had followed Mum and I to the hospital, pushed me in the wheelchair along the long hospital corridors, following the signs to the Neo Natal Intensive Care Unit where upon arrival, a nurse pointed us in the direction of where Lincoln and Morgan were receiving their care. Standing outside

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ALMOST

Home

of the doors I couldn’t believe that after all of these years of longing to be a mummy, the moment was here...I was about to meet my babies.

THE FIRST MOMENTS I would like to say that meeting my babies for the very first time was the most beautiful memory I hold and of course, to some extent, it is, but in reality, I don’t fully remember the moment anywhere near as much as one would hope. I had lost a significant amount of blood during the birth of the twins and had been dosed up

The next couple of weeks were intense. Very different to a parent’s ‘typical’ first couple of weeks with their brand new little human (or two!)

Rather than spending our first weeks together as a family, Shaun was spending his days, evenings and nights travelling back and forth between Portsmouth and Poole. Taking dirty washing home before returning with clean washing, nappies and any other essentials. And when not on the road, he was at the hospital providing me with much needed emotional support whilst the two of us watched our babies somewhat helplessly. And instead of spending our days holding our new additions as often and for as long as we wanted to, we had to ask the nurses for permission and were all too often told “they are too tired to be held at the moment. Maybe later”. Those words cut like a knife. It felt like we were being told what was best for our babies, by people who were mere strangers only a few days ago. But these ‘strangers’ DID know best, and we trusted them with our precious little bundles. Our tired little babies who weighed only 4lb 10oz and 4lb 13oz at birth, needed to maintain as much of their energy as possible in order to grow quickly, so even when we were allowed to hold them, cuddles were restricted to an alltoo-quick 10 minutes. They had all sorts of tubes and devices attached to them, which made it physically difficult to remove them from their incubators and meant that we needed help from the nurses to ensure that the monitoring devices stayed connected. Removing their naked little bodies from a temperature-controlled incubator also meant that we had to be careful to swaddle them with just the right number of blankets to keep them warm enough. The process of holding our little ones felt like ‘missionalmost-impossible’.

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As is often the case with premature babies, Lincoln and Morganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s digestive systems hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t developed properly. So instead of feeding the twins ourselves in one of the more conventional ways, they had to be tube fed straight into their tummies from their teeny tiny noses. As they grew a little stronger, the nurses showed us how to feed them using special little cups with soft spoon shaped mouthpieces which helped them to learn how to suck before eventually being moved over to bottle feeds. Instead of clothing our babies to keep them warm, the incubators housing Lincoln and Morgan temporarily were doing this for us. So after a few days it was a real privilege to be told that we could choose a vest for each of them to wear as the temperature of the incubator was gradually decreased. But choosing the vests was far easier than putting the vests onto Lincoln and Morgan as their arms had boards attached to them in order to support the cannulas which were inserted into the backs of their little hands. So it was a job that required the effort of both parents.

getting there So much like the process of enduring infertility treatment, when you welcome babies into the world before their due date, things can feel very much outside of your control. But there are so many exciting milestones to reach and the happiness that comes with each and every one of these milstones being reached is simply out of this world. After almost a week of being in the hospital, we hit a major milestone as the twins were transferred from their incubators into cots. We were allowed to choose one soft toy to join each of the twins in their new beds. So Morgan had a doll and Lincoln had a teddy, both of which were gifts from my Auntie. Things were slowly, but surely, beginning to normalise. One more day later, after six days of being in intensive care, we hit the most important milestone yet as the twins were transferred from the intensive care unit to the special care unit. The special care unit was far more relaxed with fewer staff hovering around us. We were able to strike up conversations with other parents without feeling as though we invading their space when they needed it the most. The atmosphere within the special care unit was something between that of the intensive care unit and how I imagined the atmosphere of a normal maternity ward to feel. The next day, on Christmas Eve, we were told that both Lincoln and Morgan were well enough to be transferred back to Poole, where we would begin the end of our long journey to parenthood...

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Beautiful, Ethical Products

DOULA? By Clem, clementinefrench.com

The list of 'essential' baby items can be a little overwhelming; bibs, muslins, grows - your changing bag looks like you're off on a weekend away! With so many items, the physical cost can be high but the cost to the environment is even higher. The mum behind The Little Beans Organic Clothing Company decided she wanted to do something about that, so she has launched a range of organic, ethically sourced baby items. Here's a few of our favourite pieces. You can view the whole range at www.thelittlebeansorganicclothingcompany.co.uk.

The Little Beans Organic Clothing Company CLIP BIB The Little Beans Organic Clothing Company, £9.99 This bib is genius! As well as being super absorbant with the cute Little Beans motif, there's a clip at the bottom for a dummy, teether or other soother. Gone are the days of dropping dummies on the floor!!

So what is a

HALFOVERSIZED MUSLIN CLOTH The Little Beans Organic Clothing, Company £24.99 This huuuge muslin is ideal for mopping up posseting, spills, as a lightweight blanket, swaddle cloth, comfort blanket...the list goes on.

ORGANIC 3 IN 1 BIB The Little Beans Organic Clothing Company, £12.99 This multi-use item answers so many dilemmas - dribble, dropped food and comfort. The double popper fastening offers great security but ease of putting on and off.

Last time I wrote about the why, now maybe it's time for the what… What is a Doula? What do we bring to the room? And what can 'doula-ing' teach us all about life in general? Firstly Doula is a Greek word and translates as ‘Woman Servant’ – Women serving Women. There is something special that women have when we get together, something we can't quite put our finger on but when we support, encourage and empower each other, mountains move. Doulas are usually experienced women who have completed some basic training. We do not offer clinical skills and are not medically trained, but we are there to encourage you to know your own strength and capability and be by your side reminding you of that just when you need it. The ultimate faith bearer. To never judge, always listen and be someone especially FOR you. Sounds a bit like the kind of friend, mother, partner we could all do with and all quite like to be right? Well, that's exactly what I have come to learn - that everything we learn in order to support women well in birth can in fact benefit our life outside of that context too…

This comes in all of the colour ways; strawberry is a gentle pink, blueberry is a soft blue, bananna is a neutral tone and apple is the signature Little Beans colour - a bright, fresh green.

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Follow me on Instagram supportedbynature or for more information www.clementinefrench.com

birth stories | newborn | family | cake smash

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20 things to ask your nursery, pre-school or childminder

When it comes to finding a suitable childcare setting for your precious little one, the choice can be overwhelming. As Dorset parents and carers, we're fortunate to have many outstanding settings to choose from but that doesn't help narrow the choice! Lots of people look for a setting that is either close to home or work, not only for the convenience, but also because getting there in an emergency is easier. That's the best place to start looking - and ask for recommendations from local friends, family and on Facebook groups like DorsetMums. So, now you've booked to see a setting, what should you ask them? Here's a list of questions that will help you find out if the nursery, pre-school or childminder is right for your child. 1. When did Ofsted last grade and is the report available to read? 2. What are the ratios for each age/room/ area? 3. Where do the children nap? 4. How are special parent requests followed? 5. How are dietary requirements/allergies managed? 6. Is there a cook onsite or does a company bring in meals?

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7. What is the food hygiene certification? 8. How does the nursery use effective communication; Between the team? With parents/carers? 9. How is a child's development and next steps communicated? 10. What do you do if you're unhappy about something and what is the complaints policy? 11. What policy and procedures are in place? 12. Do they have a SENCo? (special educational needs coordinator) 13. How do the team keep up to date with training? How often? 14. What safer recruitment do you follow? 15. How much time is spent outside each day? 16. How often are there off-site trips? 17. Is there a uniform? 18. What schools does the nursery work with/feed in to? 19. Do you hold events so you can see your chidren at nursery? (plays, open sessions) 20. Are there restrictions/guideleines on funded hours?

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2-hour First Aid for Babies classes every Monday morning and 3 hour First Aid for Toddlers classes on selected Saturdays 2-hour First Aid for Babies classes every Monday morning and hour First Aid for Toddlers classes on selected Saturdays 2-hour 2-hour First First Aid Aid for Babies Babies classes classes every every Monday Monday morning morning and and 333hour 3 hour First First Aid Aid for Toddlers Toddlers classes classes on selected selected Saturdays Saturdays 2-hour First Aid forfor Babies classes every Monday morning and hour First Aid forfor Toddlers classes onon selected Saturdays At Tesco, Tower Park, Poole, or in your own home at a convenient time (Babies always welcome at all classes !) At Tesco, Tower Park, Poole, in your own home aaconvenient convenient time (Babies always welcome all classes At At Tesco, Tower Tower Park, Park, Poole, Poole, oror or in your own own home home atat a convenient time time (Babies (Babies always always welcome welcome atat at all classes !)!) AtTesco, Tesco, Tower Park, Poole, orin inyour your own home ataat convenient time (Babies always welcome atall allclasses classes !) !)

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explore, learn, grow with

childcare

If you're looking for day care, breakfast, after school or holiday clubs in Poole, then we can help! Little Beans Garland is a highly recommended childcare setting with a nurturing and supportive environment. If you would like to see for yourself, please get in touch to book a show around.

www.littlebeansdaycare.com thehub@littlebeansdcare.com 59 Garland Road Poole BH15 2LD OFSTED REGISTERED: love yourself EY492436

Children can cope well with the changes that arise from their parents separating, but what they cope less well with is the conflict that can so often accompany it. Here are Laceys Mediation top 5 tips to reduce conflict and help you and your children cope better with separation.

s e i l i m a f Helping n o i t a r a p with se

1. Be open and flexible Try to see the bigger picture from the child’s perspective rather than getting stuck on the smaller details and not wanting to ‘give in’. Even if you have a pre-agreed schedule but one of you wants to take your child to a special, one off event, let them go. Take a step back and remind yourself that it’s important for children to create memories, and they will thank you for it when they are older. 2. Keep communication civil and non-emotive Messages sent when you are angry or upset can cause communication to break down leaving the child bearing the brunt of their parent’s issues. Re-read messages before you press send as if you were receiving them and think about how you would feel or react if receiving it. 3. Avoid conflict at handover The handover is part of the child’s contact with the other parent and as such it is the child’s right to enjoy that time, free from arguing parents or awkward silences. For your child’s sake, smile and appear relaxed (even if you are seething inside).The issues you have with your ex can be raised at another time. 4. Keep negative thoughts to yourself Try to avoid saying negative things about the other parent within earshot of your child.

257 Ashley Road, Poole, Dorset BH14 9DY Call 01202 721822 or email info@laceyssolicitors.co.uk laceyssolicitors.co.uk somethingNew THE PARENTING MAGAZINE FOR DORSET FAMILIES

Most children love and identify with both parents and negativity towards that parent can translate into a feeling of negativity to the child themselves ‘If Mummy/Daddy is bad does that mean I am bad too?’ Children have a right to love and respect both parents, irrespective of how others might feel. 5. Create a Parenting Plan A Parenting Plan is a written plan worked out between parents after they separate, helping to clarify the arrangements you need to put in place to care for your children after separation, without having to go to court. The parenting plan can be as detailed as the parents wish, or as structured or flexible as necessary, but it needs to be child-focussed. For example, how will you share birthdays and holidays? Where and when will you pick up the kids on transition days? If you co-parent, but it is proving difficult, seek early help or support and look at options that are aimed at parenting co-operatively and reaching agreement, using court only as a last resort. Mediation can help parents work together, putting the child at the centre of those discussions and decisions. It is generally quicker and less expensive than court and legal aid is available for low income families. More importantly it can create lasting agreements and establish ground rules to reduce the impact of separation on your child. For further advice on mediation please contact us in confidence on 01202 721822 or gemma@laceysmediation.co.uk who will be happy to help.

love yourself

Cook with Hari Hari Sri Lankan Spices

eat them straight away! Ingredients: 1kg Greek style natural yoghurt 320g pot Passion fruit curd (I got mine at From Dorset With Love) 1-2 tsp cinnamon powder 1/2 Lemon or lime juice 5 small sliced strawberries

Pots of Passion

You will need six - eight small pots; I used my plain tumbler glasses, so only need four of them as they are a little bigger.

If you are like me, every once in a while that sweet tooth goes into overdrive. When this happens, my fridge and cupboards are usually bare off produce to immediately quell that craving. Yes, my cupboard may have the ingredients necessary for an Exotic Banana Loaf or the Spiced Chocolate Cashew Cheesecake, but they take a little more time to make.

Time to Create: In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek style yogurt, lemon or lime juice, cinnamon powder and two thirds of the passion fruit curd.

Let me introduce you to my small but mighty Pots of Passion. Light, fresh and zingy, this dessert will take you about 5 - 10 minutes to make from start to finish, but will taste like you spent an age in the kitchen putting it together!! Loved by all, this is a great recipe to keep at the ready and get your little ones involved in the making too.

Fresh passion fruit: If you can get hold of one, add a small spoonful of the pulp on top of the filled pots. This adds a yummy zing to the finished treat.

Slice four strawberries length ways to line the inside of your pots. (Finely chop the remaining strawberry for garnish.) Once you have lined your pots with the strawberry slices, spoon in the yoghurt mix. Layer a teaspoon of passionfruit curd over the top and sprinkle a few of your chopped strawberries for the final touch. Your pudding is done!! Optional but super tasty...

Got a small handful of fresh parsley or mint leaves? Finely shred them and sprinkle over the top of the finished Pots of Passion.

Time to Prepare Pots of Passion

Chocolate. If you have a bar, grate some into the yoghurt mix or as a final garnish.

Preparation Time: 5 - 10 minutes Chill Time: Ideally about 1-2 hours but you can

You could add 1/4 teaspoon of cardamom powder instead of cinnamon powder for a different flavour dimension!! Still as tasty and super exotic.

Makes approximately 6 - 8 pots depending on pot sizes.

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STRUCTURED SESSION OR A DIP IN THE LOCAL POOL? Lots of parents love the idea of taking their baby or toddler swimming but either they aren’t confident swimmers themselves or feel as though they don’t know how to teach their child to swim correctly. This can end up in a disappointing or frustrating experience for both parent and child. Many swimming classes exist, you may find this is a more enjoyable way to take your child swimming. The best swimming classes provide an enriching setting for both parent and child to strengthen their bond and create happy memories associated with the water and learning to swim in a safe and child-led environment. Be sure that teachers have been as highly trained, accredited by STA and the school are consistently developing their programme to make sure your little ones are getting the very best lessons they can get. We recommend taking your child to a pool with a temperature of at least 30°c, that is clean and well managed; you can give them a call before your visit to make sure. Don’t be put off by timings, 15-30 minutes in the pool will be enough for their first time – you know your child best!

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SO, YOU’VE GOT TO THE POOL…NOW WHAT? It is a better experience for you all if you have some idea of what to do with your child once you are in the water. We have lots of online videos which can help you to make the most of your time in the pool and productive as possible, while having fun. Head over to our Puddle

Ducks YouTube Channel - www.youtube.com/ puddleducks. If you decide to join structured sessions with Puddle Ducks, all of this is taken care of for you. You have a dedicated teacher, as highly trained as they can be, in the water with you to help you with the details, explaining the reasons behind the activities we are doing in the water and ensuring safety It’s so rewarding to see your child progress each week, enjoying the lessons and learning a vital life skill too… Happy Swimming! Puddle Ducks Dorset are offering Something New readers 20% OFF their first booking with them*, that’s the equivalent of 2 FREE lessons! Get in touch on 01202 674676, email us at dorset@puddleducks.com or book online at www.puddleducks.com/dorset quoting ‘SOMETHINGNEW’ *Ts&Cs apply: offer valid at Puddle Ducks Dorset venues where available, not to be used in conjunction with any other offer

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UNIQUE DESIGNER GOWNS SUIT HIRE BRIDAL & GROOM ACCESSORIES 01202 986040 info@minsterbridal.co.uk www.minsterbridal.co.uk MILLSTREAM CLOSE . WIMBORNE . DORSET . BH21 1DW

After 6 months of chemotherapy and being kept in isolation at Poole Hospital for this period, she was determined to bring something positive out of her experience to help others that have been diagnosed with this disease. This is how and why Leaf was created.

Achieve beautiful skin and hair with clean, green, healthy skincare, makeup and hair care whilst caring for the environment. Tropic is freshly made in the UK, cruelty free and vegan, carbon neutral and an ethical company. If you would like to try these products or find out more information please get in touch Senior Manager Michelle Needham

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www.tropicskincare.com/ michelleneedham

Leaf – Leukaemia Educating and Fundraising was founded in 2006 from Natasha Hunt’s hospital bed after she was diagnosed with Leukaemia just 3 weeks after giving birth to her second son.

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LEAF delivers both direct support to individuals and families, as well as providing equipment to Dorset Cancer Centre, and providing essential blood cancer related training for local nurses for the last 13 years. The level of support and care that LEAF provides to individuals is varied ranging from; emotional support, provision of wigs and support re: consultations and fittings, days out and local short breaks away for quality family time together as well as practical support centred specifically

around the diverse needs of each and every individual/family such as home cleaning, transport to hospital, caring for pets, food shopping etc... Natasha says “As a charity, we pride ourselves in the support that we provide to individuals and families that are affected by blood borne cancers; we support each and every person/ family individually. The diverse needs that arise from such terrible illnesses manifest in many different ways from person to person, therefore we feel that a "one glove fits all" approach is insufficient.” This year we are proudly celebrating our 13th anniversary and we are looking forward to hosting our annual events: Our popular bingo night on 10th October, a country coffee morning on 2nd November where you can adopt one of our piggy banks and our annual Christmas Ball at The Haven Hotel on 7th December. www.leafcharity.com somethingnewmag.co.uk

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VEGETABLE PATCH

What’s Buzzing at The Green House Hotel? The Green House Hotel is one of our favourite places to grab some much-needed time out. We use the lounge for our catch up meetings, the restaurant serves divine food, and should we ever want a local getaway, this is where it'll be!

The Green House Hotel, tucked away on Bournemouth’s clifftop just eastward of the pier, is one of the town’s most in demand destinations thanks to its sought-after location, its elegant interiors and of course its world-renowned eco-credentials. But, the hotel, which is regularly listed as Britain’s greenest place to stay, offers much more than just a holiday destination.

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Since opening in 2010, the hotel has evolved and modified to offer the community the highest level of sustainable service to suit all occasions, whether that’s an al fresco Hen Do, a beautiful baby shower or a cosy spot for date night in the award-winning restaurant, Arbor. Here are just a few of the hotel’s latest sustainable initiatives which make it a must visit for Dorset families:

BEEHIVES

In its latest environmental move, the hotel has made clever use of its roof space by adding beehives. With the world’s population of bees in dramatic decline due to climate change and habitat loss, rooftop beehives provide the perfect home for bees. The beehives are tended to by a team of dedicated beekeepers year-round who, when the time comes, will help in producing local honey. All honey produced from the hives will be used by the hotel’s head

As you approach the hotel entrance you can’t fail to notice its beautifully secluded wooded gardens, ideal for enjoying a long summer lunch or an after-work drink. To make optimum use of its outdoor space, the boutique hotel has now added a veggie patch so the kitchen team will be able to grow and cook their own organic produce straight from the garden. The home-grown produce is the next step in Arbor restaurant’s sustainable ethos. Everything served at Arbor is freshly prepared on site using ingredients from specialist suppliers from the south who are passionate and committed to ethical food

"A fantastic space for al fresco dining whatever the occasion, made as stress-free as possible with Prosecco on arrival, games & themed afternoon teas." excellence. Once the food is served, the hotel’s kitchen team come up with creative ways to reuse ingredients to reduce waste and compost the remaining leftovers. With fresh ingredients, seasonal menus and a great selection of vegan dishes, Arbor is the perfect place for lunch or dinner all year round. Children are welcome up until 7pm where later we aim to have a quiet space for our adults.

GREEN HUT

If you’re throwing a party, look no further than The Green House Hotel’s intimate outdoor dining space. The Green Hut, built using some upcycled wooden pallets, is a fantastic space for al fresco dining whatever the occasion. The hotel offers party packages to make it as stress-free and

easy as possible including table decorations and bunting, Prosecco on arrival, games and themed afternoon teas. The hut also offers a pizza menu with freshly prepared pizzas from the adjacent wood-fired oven! To find out more about The Green House Hotel visit www.thegreenhousehotel.com. To speak to a member of the team or to book the hotel for your next special occasion call 01202 498900.

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Cheeky Faces! Send in your cheeky grins to eleanor@somethingnewmag.co.uk

Amelie-Rose & Blue have a squeeze

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Freya gets cuddles from roxy

Squeaky clean isla

betty and kasper make the perfect

pair

Aaron's looking dapper

Misty says well done Jessica!

Eloise- Mae and Bella - BFFs

Oliver, raff & the Guinea pigs chillin'

Ella & Forrest love walkies!

Torvi is Arlo & Luca's bestie

Lovely lola with a polar bear!

chloe is a cutie!

ringo loves harry hugs

Aaron's looking dapper

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ready to score a goal! is yourself milo love

INFORMATION ON THE MR Over a number of years there has been a steady decline in the uptake of the MMR vaccination, which can be linked to the rise in children contracting measles and mumps. This article is to inform parents as to what the MMR vaccination is, and why it's important for our children. We understand and respect that everyone has a right to make their own choices with their childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health, so this has been created to share facts about the vaccine, and address some common concerns which are associated with MMR. We urge all parents to fully investigate for themselves using the 'Green Book' as this has all the latest research and information. There are many sides to consider, and there are resources in place to help make an informed decision.

WHAT IS THE MMR VACCINATION? The MMR vaccine was introduced in 1988. It is a combined injection given in two doses which protects our children from the illnesses measles, mumps and rubella. The initial MMR vaccination is usually given to children at twelve months. This is when the MMR is scientifically proven to be the most effective, as prior to this

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our babies are protected by the mother's immunity from birth. The second dose is usually given with your childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pre-school booster.

AN OVERVIEW OF THE THREE ILLNESSES These three illnesses are very serious and infectious and can also lead to meningitis, a swelling of the brain and deafness, they can even be fatal.

Measles:

Before the vaccination was introduced measles was a major cause of child mortality. Measles is highly infectious and is an airborne illness (spread through the air). The symptoms usually present themselves 10 days after being infected. Measles presents itself in cold-like symptoms, sore red, sensitive eyes, high fever and small white spots on the insides of the cheeks. A reddish-brown blotchy rash can appear which can spread all over the body. If left untreated, measles can lead to serious and fatal complications such as encephalitis (swelling of the brain) and serious lung infections (Pneumonia).

Mumps

Before the vaccination was introduced mumps was one of the most common childhood illnesses. Mumps is extremely somethingnewmag.co.uk

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07891 599671 or 01202 387581 | castlemaingroundworks.co.uk richard@castlemaingroundworks.co.uk painful and uncomfortable for our little ones. It causes painful swellings in the sides of the face along with painful joints, severe headaches and high temperatures. Your child will essentially look like a very hot hamster! Mumps is also very contagious and is caught in the same way a common cold and flu is. Luckily for us the MMR vaccination provides up to 95% protection against mumps. There is no treatment for this illness and it usually passes after 14 days, however, it can cause infertility in males.

Rubella

Rubella is more commonly called the German measles. The German measles is mainly known for its distinctive pin-prick rash which usually appears all over the body.

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Rubella is now very rare due to the MMR vaccination and a child is extremely unlikely to catch it if they have been immunised. However German measles, if caught during pregnancy, can cause extreme complications. I hope this information has helped you understand the terrible diseases that the MMR vaccine is in place to guard against. There are plenty of resources to help parents and carers to make an informed decision when it comes to vaccinations. We all know it can be a daunting and anxious experience for both parents/carers and the child, so taking your time to read helpful resources will give you insight into what to expect.

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LEAF 2019 CHARITY FREE & LOW COST THINGS TO DO in

WINTER THE LIBRARY An obvious one, but a great one! Your local library is full of fun new books to look at, colouring in and in some, toys to play with. Most libraries run clubs and groups, too, so you can find new interests for your smalls! TOWN MUSEUMS Ok, so museums can be a hard sell to kids with cabin fever (the being quiet thing, especially) but there's so much to explore! There are museums in Poole, Wareham, Dorchester, Christchurch, Blandford, Sherborne and more. Check out www.dorsetmuseums. co.uk for info on what to find at each, opening times and directions.

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FAMILY CHALLENGE Who wins the most 2ps?

SOFT PLAY IN A PUB There are some rare gems dotted around Dorset - pubs with soft play areas! Sure, you might spend more on petrol getting there, but if you take public transport that's adding to the adventure! The Lodmoor in Weymouth (in the Sealife Adventure carpark) has a great sized soft play area, and as a Brewers Fayre - lots of deals on meals too. Dorsetmums have a great list of pubs with play areas, so for ideas of where to go see www.dorsetmums.co.uk. THE ARCADE It's not free, but it's cheap. Taking your 2ps to an arcade is a great way to while away some time.

BUS HOPPING What is it with kids and their love of public transport?! Why not take a mystery tour on the buses - if your children are under 7, they're free. BARGAIN HUNTER To make the most of your funds, especially when Christmas is right around the corner, use websites like Wowcher, Picniq & Groupon to get discounted prices on local attractions and events. Adverture Wonderland do a winter ticket for just their soft play area, and often have deals on them too! www.eventbrite.co.uk lists lots of local events, so keep an eye on it!

Christmas Ball Saturday 7th December 2019 The Haven Hotel, Sandbanks, Purbeck Suite 6.30pm Welcome Reception – 1am Carriages 3 Course Dinner | Casino | Disco | Auction & Raffle Tickets £60 per person or Tables of 12 £660 For tickets/info please contact Andrew on 07769 159039 or andrew@leafcharity.co.uk Registered charity number: 1113696 love yourself

Worth Every Penny

Foodie with Kids Hey, me again, with my personal favourite part of the magazine…. NOM NOM!!! Our foodie family review! Did you know that there is focus in early years at the moment called ‘Cultural Capital'? This is about how, what and when children experience, process and explore during their formative years. From a young age, you can utilise what is going on around you to enhance learning opportunities. One simple way to encourage adventure and interest is to use food - different tastes, smells and textures can make mealtimes fun! So, for this review, we visited Lola's, a traditional Spanish restaurant in the heart of Bournemouth. Atmostphere: This place fills the senses - there's the smell of food cooking, the sound of a Spanish guitar and wonderful treasures adorning the walls. As soon as you walk in you feel welcome, like visiting old friends. The Food: Tapas is definitely in my top 10. I love the sharing aspect - you get to try so many new things without committing to a whole plate of it, plus it's so social - perfect for casual family dinners! What makes it ideal for children is the fact they have the freedom of choice, which is great

By Sally Weber-Spokes, Head at Yarrells School

for little ones who are expanding their individual palettes. Our 19 month old had a great time eating olives, king prawns, Spanish Canarian potatoes, Spanish croquet and much more. Ophelia gave Lola's a solid 10 out of 10 for the cultural dining experience! Considerations: Lola's is all on one floor so is easily accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs. They provide highchairs and children’s colouring in to keep little ones occupied. There are no baby changing facilites, however the staff are incredibly helpful in finding privacy for nappy changing, if required. They also accommodate a variety of dietary requirements and preferences, such as vegan, gluten free and dairy free. Booking is a must, since this place is so popular. Just call 07588 065360. We promise you'll have a maravilloso time!

Sebrina x

here is no question that independent education is expensive. As parents, we feel all too keenly the fact that our incomes are squeezed and the cost of everyday living is rising: whether we are buying a house or supper for Friday evening, we see in reality that our salaries don’t go as far as they once did. So, the prospect of educating our children privately is, for many of us, a genuine financial stretch and significant sacrifice. I know as a Head and as a parent of two children, however, that it is the quality of a child’s formative years in education that pay the greatest dividends in the outcomes of adulthood. A child’s personality and character begin to form from their earliest days of life. Research has shown that by the time a child is seven years of age, they have already solidified a sense of themselves and where they fit within the world. Their approach to life, to others and indeed to themselves is setting fast. They already have a sense of how well they do things as compared to others and this sense formulates their aspirations for their futures. How critical it is then, that a child’s primary years of education are rich and diverse in opportunity, full of the highest quality teaching, learning and pastoral care, and that they believe deeply, well before they get to senior school, that there is much they can

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achieve in a variety of areas if they set their mind and motivation to it. It was my own children’s prep education that developed and nurtured them, celebrated and supported them wholly, and provided them with a breadth of experience, grounding and a firm foundation upon which to build their futures. They developed an ‘I can’ attitude, an ability and thirst to grapple with challenge, along with grit, determination and resilience. I feel immensely privileged that I was able to provide my children with an independent education at a prep school. It was a financial stretch and sacrifice. However, watching them achieve their best in examinations, take the stage in their school production, become members of the model United Nations and debate world issues, were proud moments for me. I recently waved my eldest son ‘Adieu!’ at university. He bounced off around the corner, fully fledged, whilst I quietly sobbed, but I know he is ready to face the world. It was his earliest years at prep school that set him on his positive path for the future – and for me, it was worth every penny. somethingnewmag.co.uk

Reiki Energy Healing

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Jackie Howchin RGP - Positive Energy Reiki Master/Teacher - Life Guide Healing Artist - Retreats - Workshops Call Jackie for a Consultation

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Reiki can also help with fertility and during pregnancy. It’s just a matter of removing tension at a time when the body is often stressed on many levels. The body needs to relax completely to do its job properly, whether you’re trying to give birth, nurture a child or make a baby in the first place! If you’ve never experienced Reiki, give it a try - then see for yourself what it might offer you, your baby ... your whole family. somethingNew

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Childhood should be a happy and carefree time of life, but more children are being diagnosed with serious health conditions such as Autism, ADD and Cancer - Reiki can help to rebalance the disruption in your child’s energy and help the body to heal itself.

Jackie is a natural healer

“After experiencing emotional trauma, I was left unable to concentrate on everday tasks. I had a Reiki session with Jackie which restored me back to a calm and balanced person, which was nothing short of a miracle. Jackie is my life-line. I value her so much that I travel from Switzerland to see her.” Elizabeth - Switzerland

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Babies and children tend to respond very well to Reiki’s gentle, calming sensation and it can often help babies sleep better and assist with conditions such as reflux, colic and painful teething. For the parents, Reiki can be very relaxing and can also help with tiredness, post-natal recovery and post-natal depression. Many parents find it easier to cope with their new baby after receiving Reiki - and their babies can sense the calm, light energy and are often more settled, sleep better and are easier to look after.

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i r a a M

S E K A M Food for posting

ЏЏ Paper Hungry Caterpillar body to colour/cut out/ stick on (Google Hungry Caterpillar free printable activities) ЏЏ Paper Hungry Caterpillar foods to cut out (you can draw your own or download some images) ЏЏ Clean empty snack tube ЏЏ Glue ЏЏ Scissors ЏЏ Used gift wrapping paper ЏЏ Crayons/felt tip pens (depending on child's abilities) ЏЏ Used, clean plastic milk bottle tops (1 bottle top for each food image) ЏЏ Optional - Hungry Caterpillar story book to read with your child to add extra excitement and interaction to the game.

Cut out all the different food pictures into circles and glue to the bottle tops. Leave to dry.

Your child can participate and be as hands-on as much as they/you feel they are able to. Never underestimate how much children love cutting, gluing and posting! ADULT: Using scissors, make a slot in the snack tube for the Hungry Caterpillar's mouth, wide enough for the milk bottle tops to slot into. Cut out & colour the caterpillar body segmants. Wrap and glue the wrapping paper around tube (cut out the hole for mouth in line with the hole you've cut in the tube). Stick the coloured caterpillar body pieces around the snack tube (make sure the head covers the mouth hole and cut through)

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Now you're ready to play! Using the story book, you can take it in turns to post each food item into the Very Hungry Caterpillar's mouth. If your child is older, you can try spelling games with the food, for example; 'What letter does Plum start with?'

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You'll need

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