Issue 3: Summer 2014
REAL LIFE
“My biggest challenge was overcoming PND after my pregnancy”
tOP MUSIC & BOOKS TO CHILL OUT
Summer playtime
• Sun Safety: what you need to know • Easy Outdoor Arts & Crafts
Scan viewto o r webu site!
The rise ofthe cloth nappy
The UK’S ONLY MAGAZINE FOR YOUNG PARENTS
EDITOR’S LETTER
Editor’s Letter H
ello again! Welcome to issue 3 of Visit from the Stork magazine – celebrating everything that is to come in Summer 2014. It looks to be a great one too – We have teamed up with Alice Charity as our partners because of the fantastic work they do with young parents. You can read more about them on our news page! I have been inspired by several things over the past couple of months. After our official launch on the 28th April, we have been blessed with charities and services that help young parents asking about working with us and helping us to achieve our goals as a social enterprise. One of these is Home Start UK, who have a fantastic network of volunteers across the country to help any parent in need – you can read more about them in our feel good feature on page 14. We have also been inspired by the amount of fabulous new products which are around to help your life as a parent that much easier – our Operations Director and writer Hayley chose just two of them to feature in our product spotlight on pages 6 and 7.
Our cover story this issue is all about the rise of the cloth nappy – a BIG topic right now between mums young and old. Washable nappies are no longer seen as a ‘dirty’ thing to have, but instead a fashion item, and a way that can save money too. Have a look on page 30 for our interview with cloth nappy specialists Baba and Boo. And for those of you who have got older ones, the summer holidays brings thoughts about your little ones first day at nursery, pre-school or even school in September. We give you the lowdown on the benefits of taking your little one to nursery and what you can do to prepare them for the big day! First though, there’s the fun stuff to think about, with lots of sunshine hopefully! We’ve got some summer arts and crafts for you to do with your little one on page 16. Thank you to all our advertisers, writers and contributors who make the magazine possible. We couldn’t do it without you. Don’t forget to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter and Instagram – the links are below. Have a fantastic Summer! Visit from the Stork @VFTSeditor
Kimberly x
Kimberly Bond, Editor-in-Chief
Visitfromthestork
THANKS TO Staffordshire University Journalism Department, University of Salford Business School and all of our advertisers. For more information about advertising in Visit from the Stork, please contact the Editor on 01613767079
www.visitfromthestork.co.uk
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Contributors
the VFTS family Kimberly Bond, Editor-in-chief @VFTSeditor
Nicole White, Magazine Designer @Nicole270293
Natalie Roberts Freelance Writer @Natalieroberts1
Hayley Auffret
Operations Director
@hayleyauffret
Gemma Walsh Journalist and Mummy Blogger @GemmaLWalsh
Nicola Simpson Mummy blogger @artscrafts624
Zoe Ashton, Writer @zoeashton22
Gemma Collins Mummy blogger @sunshineblogxo
CONTENTS
CONTENTS ON THE COVER: James Walsh OUTFIT: Cloth Nappy from Pixie Pants cloth nappies PHOTOGRAPGHER: Gemma Walsh
6 Slings for parents 7 Project B
Spotlight
9 Pregnancy essentials 10 Contraception after pregnancy
PREGANCY
14 Helping Hands Home start UK 16 Getting crafty Easy outdoor arts and crafts 17 Keeping safe in the sun
Features
28 Getting ready for school 30 The rise of the cloth nappy - interview with Baba and Boo
Baby and Toddler
20 Laura Davies
REAL LIFE
PAGE 30... 8 VFTS News 12 Subscribe and get yourself a pamper pack! 18 20% off a Bednest with our unique code 22 Chill time - our pick of the top music & books for you 26 Mummy makeup madness 24 The motherhood club (chapter 2) a VFTS exclusive comic strip 32 Useful services directory 35 Competition to win a Baby Mule changing bag
For you
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WyIN Mule
PAGE 14
g Babging Ba n cha orth ÂŁw50on w out ho35 Find page
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
Product spotlight..
Slings for parents
In each edition of Visit from the Stork we explore two new products which have been created to make your family life a tad easier. If you would like your business to appear on our product spolight page in our September edition, please send us 200 words about your business to hayley.auffret@visitfromthestork.co.uk
Baby wearing is beginning to become a lot more popular with parents, ar hands free way to be close to you baby, what is not to love? Yet where do you start? What carrier would suit your baby and needs best and who do you ask about it? It was then that we a found out about Slings for Parents, rs offe who a Laur by run ness busi ll sma drop in sessions to talk about everything babywearing! She agreed to tell us more... Tell me a little about yourself... Hi, I'm Laura, and I’ve lived in Shrewsbury for about 6 years, and been a mum for two of them. I've worked in banking, as a careers advisor in a prison, as an instrument repairer and now I'm a full time mum. I have my bad days but it's still the bestr of the lot! I've done a lot of music ove the years as a clarinettist and a singer but these days my main hobby is my business. How did you get in to babywearing?to As a prospective parent I went out a shop and bought a high street carrier (as you do). Although we got on with it quite well it was only a fewI months before it started to hurt. switched to a frame rucksack carrier, which was heavy and bulky, but I was determined. I then found my local sling meet, which was a revelation! I discovered the world of slings then, and I've been learning about them ever since. Why/How did you start your business? I've been helping out at the Shrop-
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one shire Sling Meet and then the Library, but to e plac a was ed thing that Shropshire lack ided dec had e eon som e buy the slings onc what they wanted. I'm passionate about them people trying slings on before they buy yBab of ool Sch my and after completing ut abo set I rse cou ncy sulta wearing Sling Con also I ple. peo l loca to ice serv that offering sell online as many people already knoewrepwhat they want and just want someon utable to buy from. What do you offer as a business? stand I'm an online shop, but what makes me can I that is shop t apart from a high stree out offer advice and the opportunity to tryyou help can I . them buy you re slings befo make adjust the straps or the way you tie it to less face a not I'm . sure that it fits you best on who money-making empire; I'm a real pers s! sling love you help to ts wan y atel passion ? why and What's your favourite product at most popular sling is the Tula carrier, but ir affa love a of bit a ing hav the moment I'm be to age man They ps. wra chy stret r with thei they snug and supportive for little ones, but lot of a h whic lity ona also have fun and pers ic fabr the re ado also I . lack stretchy wraps and iers, carr n ellio Reb & Rose my on choices plus big a is h they're also made in Wales whic for me. at Visit Laura’s website to see her rangeher at il ema www.slingsforparents.co.uk or .uk laura@slingsforparents.co
www.visitfromthestork.co.uk
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
Project B: Pregn
ancy subscription box
With the craze of subscription boxes sweeping through the UK , it was only going to be time before the ated for mum’s and babies.y were creFor £14 each month you can receive a box full of goodies tailored to your month of pregnancy. These items ran healthy eating, relaxation to ge from and alongside it comes expepampering exercises, recipes and what rt advice for to think about buying. The brands range from well-known, such as Pregnacare, Pathe lm ers the less familiar, like Tiddley Poand Nuk, to m and Laboraide. Owner and mum-of-two Am ber wanted to combine her love of be au ty and baby products with independe impartial advice which would help munt, ms-to-be through pregnancy. She says: “After many years working in
Want your business here? CONTACT KIMBERLY BOND 0161 376 7079
the baby industry, my own pre gnancy journey made me think ho w I wo uld love to offer something that is for mu m, but benefits baby too. “My hope is that receiving yo box will feel a little bit like Ch ur Project-B ristmas each month of your pregnancy. My each box to be exciting, intereaim is for sting, informative, helpful, nurturing .” Now who doesn’t like to be sent a beautiful package each month full of surprise goodies, especially when the box contents are worth more than the £14 subscription fee!
You can order your project-b box through www.project-b.com
www.bab www .babymule.co.uk sales@babymule.co.uk
Babymule Switches from backpack to messenger or clips to your buggy Babymule. For your next ‘little’ adventure
VFTS NEWS
SOCIAL ENTERPRISE
Visit from the Stork is more than just a magazine – we want to give young parents a chance to grow, learn new skills and feel confident that they can celebrate parenthood. We are kicking off our projects by teaming up with some fantastic
charities and services across the country that help young parents so everybody knows where to go if they are in need of help. Here’s a little of what we have been up to in the last couple of months:
VFTS IN THE PRESS
Editor Kim talking to TV cameras at the launch event
Mums, dads and business owners across Staffordshire and Cheshire helped us to officially launch the Visit from the Stork magazine at our event in April. We held the event at the Mitchell Arts Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent and had attendance from the local newspaper, Staffordshire University Careers centre, our resident lactation consultant and expert Kirsten Stewart and several creative businesses. We were also joined by mummy bloggers ‘@thecheshirewife’ and @onestopsavvy and local social enterprise PromMums too.
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Visit From the Stork
www.visitfromthestork.co.uk
We are proud to be supporting the work of Alice Charity, who help vulnerable families across Stoke-onTrent and Newcastle under lyme, including young parents. Alice was founded by Steph, whose daughter Emily was a young mum herself, and wanted to create the charity to support others. Our partnership with Alice means that a small donation from every advert and subscription to the magazine goes towards making sure that young parents can continue to access their services.
Rewarding mums in business
Mums in Business are set to be rewarded in October at the annual BizMums awards and conference. Saturday 4th October will see mums and businesss from across the country networking at a conference in Stone, in the West Midlands. Nominations for the awards are open now and ANY mum in business (don’t have to be a Bizmums member) can nominated in the following categories: Online Mum of the Year Charity Mum of the Year Direct Selling Mum of the Year Outstanding personal achievement New Business award Creative Business Award Exceptional Service Award Health and Beauty Mum of the Year Networking Mum of the Year AND...Young Mum of the Year, which is proudly sponsored by Visit from the Stork. For more information about the critreria for the awards and to nominate a mum go to http://www.bizmums.biz/bizmumsaward-nominations/
Pregnancy essentials
PREGNANCY
Mary-Kate
If you've just found out you're pregnant - Congratulations! A lot of things will be whirring around your mind right now, and no doubt you’ll be worrying about all the things you need to buy and do in the next 9 months. Well we’ve done the hard work for you - Mum of two Mary-Kate has written out her list of pregnancy essentials to help you along. Vitamins: When I first found out I was pregnant this was one of the first things we sorted out. We went to Boots as they had 3 for 2 on and stocked up on a 3 month supply of Sanatogen mum-to-be, which contains both Folic acid and Vitamin D. Vitamins are important as they ensure that you and your baby gets all the nutrients they need throughout your pregnancy - along with a healthy diet of course! Vitamin D and Folic Acid are especially important during pregnancy as they can help reduce the risk of your baby developing conditions such as Spina Bifida. The Department of Health advises that women who are pregnant or trying to conceive should take 400mcg of Folic Acid every day until the 12th week of pregnancy and 10mcg of Vitamin D throughout pregnancy and during breastfeeding.
Morning Sickness help: I found that eating ginger nut biscuits helped with my morning sickness, if I had a packet next to the bed when I woke in the morning I would have one before I even sat up & this would really help. This pregnancy my morning sickness has felt worse than my first pregnancy and I have actually eaten crystallized ginger which is yuk! But it worked. There is also a condition called Hyperemesis Gravidarum, or HG, which is basically extreme pregnancy sickness. It could mean that you feel like you can’t eat anything without being sick, and none of the usual techniques for coping with the sickness works. You may also become dehydrated with this, so it is important to seek professional help from your doctor if you think you may have HG. There is also support available from a charity called Pregnancy Sickness Support, who specialise in helping women who have HG. https://www.pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk/ Maternity Bras Some people don't bother with maternity bras but I highly recommend you do because they are so much more comfortable when your bra size is changing so much. It's best to get fitted in a local store. I have been to Mothercare and have picked up some sale bra's for £5 and some normal price bra's for £16. There are also independent companies such as Bras4mums which is a personal bra fitting service.
Midwife appointment: My first midwife appointment was my booking appointment. This happens when you're between 8 & 12 weeks pregnant. My appointment lasted about an hour and I was asked lots of questions about myself, family history and my first pregnancy which started my maternity notes. I also had a blood test and got lots of information about pregnancy.
Stretch mark cream: I have found some I loveChampneys blissful bump stretch mark oil is £10 from Boots. It's in a spray bottle so no more oil going everywhere, it smells nice and actually leaves your belly feeling nice too.
www.visitfromthestork.co.uk
Maternity pillow
I found a maternity wedge pillow so helpful during pregnancy. I have one from mothercare and it cost £9.99. The idea is more for later in pregnancy to put under your bump while sleeping or great support for your back when sitting. For more support and something to cuddle, put a body pillow such as the By Carla Little Stars Cuddle Me pregnancy Pillow for £32.99 from Mothercare
What are your pregnancy essentials? We would love to hear your ideas: send them in to visitfromthestork@gmail.com
Visit From the Stork
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PREGNANCY
iImage: Katie Little, 123rf.com
F
Playing safe
The lowdown on contraception after pregnancy
or many couples, having sex is probably the last thing on their mind after having a baby. However, we all know sex is also good for a healthy relationship, and it is important to get to know each other intimately again after being through childbirth together. Firstly, it is important to talk about sex and only get back into it when you are both ready. There is also one other big elephant in the room when it comes to sex after pregnancy – contraception of course. Whether your pregnancy was planned or not, you probably don’t want one baby after the other! It is important to talk to your GP, Health Visitor or Midwife about contraception options – you can do this at your 6 week post-natal check, or any time that is convenient to you. So what type of contraception is out there? Condoms are a method everyone is familiar with – and they come in a range of shapes, sizes, textures and flavours! For young parents, anyone between 13 and 24 can have access to a ‘C’ card, which lets you to go and pick up condoms for free from a local clinic using your card. To find out more you can go to their website http://c-card.areyougettingit.com/home.aspx Condoms are also safe to use as soon as you are ready to have sex after birth, and protect you from STI’s too.
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Other contraception methods vary in both the way you use them, and when you can use them after having a baby. It is possible to get pregnant even if you are breastfeeding and your periods haven’t returned! 21 days after the birth of your baby, you can ask to use the Implant as a method of contraception. The implant is inserted into your arm by local anaesthetic at your Doctor’s and lasts for 3 years. The implant works by using the hormone Progestogen and thins the lining of your womb, making it harder for a fertilised egg to be supported. Although your periods may become irregular, having such a long protection time is great for women who know they don’t want to become pregnant again soon. The implant is also safe to use whilst breastfeeding. Another popular method to use is the combined pill (which contains both oestrogen and Progestogen inside it) and is taken for 21 days at a time before having a break. Alternatively you could use the vaginal ring (a small plastic ring you put in your vagina for 21 days) 21 days after birth if you are not breastfeeding. If you are breastfeeding, these two methods can affect your milk supply. 6 weeks after birth, you are able to use the contraceptive injection and the diaphragm. The injection is another longer term method, being ef-
fective for up to 12 weeks at a time and is inserted either into your arm or your bum by a Doctor. You can use this whilst breastfeeding, but it will be given 6 weeks or more after birth. The diaphragm is a barrier method, like a condom, which is used with Spermicide and kills sperm. You have to keep it in your vagina for up to 6 hours after sex. Remember that there could be side effects to any type of contraception you choose and it is important to talk to your partner, doctor or midwife about any of the methods available to you. Remember that talking to your GP about contraception will always be confidential, even if you are under 16.
Some good websites and resources. The ‘C’ card scheme - find out where you can get yours at www.ccard.areyougettingit.com The NHS website has lots of information about contraception and using contraception after pregnancy. www.nhs.uk Brook is a charity focusing on sexual health for under 25’s and have their own contraception tool http://www.brook.org.uk/contraception/my-contraception-tool
ADVERTORIAL
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aring for your skin during pregnancy is as C important as at any other time in your life, and having a pampering moment can
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3 Step bump care routine:
To help you connect with your bump, Bayer Healthcare, the makers of Bepanthen Stretch Mark Cream, have developed an innovative three step approach to help mums look after their bump and care for their skin whilst pregnant.
free touch on your pressurebump 2. Stroke – use cont gentle stroking mo inuous and tions to rub in Bepanthen Stretch Cream – maintain Mark in with your bump th g touch roughout 3.Connect – imag in stroking your baby…e you are in and out slowly to breathe calm and peacefu facilitate a connection with yol ur baby.
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SUBSCRIBE TO VISIT FROM THE STORK MAGAZINE and get yourself a ‘pamper pack’ from Forever Living Products independent distributors Kimberly and Adam. Forever Living products are made with 100% stabilised Aloe Vera Gel. The Forever Product range is a testament to nature’s capacity to help us look and feel our best. Our products cover everything from our staple Aloe Vera Gel drink, suitable for all the family, to weight management and fitness items and vitamins. We have chosen a pamper pack that every mum deserves: Aloe Lotion, containing nourishing ingredients like Jojoba oil, Vitamin E, Collagen and Elastin to keep the skin smooth & supple, as well as Aloe Lips, a soothing lipbalm containing aloe, jojoba, and beeswax and is great for protecting lips all year round. You may also receive a surprise sample of one our other fab products. Come and learn more about Forever Living at www.facebook.com/KAforeverproducts
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Helping Hands Home Start UK celebrates 40 years of helping families in the UK in need of support
A
s parents, we often turn to those who have ‘been there and done it’ when we experience a crisis, or are struggling with the children. The people offering advice and wisdom are probably our own parents, or our friends around us who have also got children. But for those who don’t have parental support or friends to turn to, they can often find themselves struggling to cope. One charity has been using the ‘been there and done it’ wisdom for 40 years. Home Start UK, which was set up in 1973, trains volunteers to support parents in need in their own homes. Now, the charity has become a ‘federated network’ made up of 300 local Home Start branches across the country, and 40 years on has supported over one million children, by helping their parents through difficult times. Home Start volunteers local to each branch are trained to offer emotional or practical support to any parent that
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Visit from the Stork
Images: Immo Klink Photography
Feel good feature: Home Start UK
needs it. The volunteers, who every week and say ‘what can are all parents themselves, visit I do for you today?’, and it their ‘family’ for two hours a may be that they just want a week and can do anything chat or a cup of tea, or it may from having a chat to support- be that they really need to get ing them to attend community out of the house but haven’t groups and classes, or even been able to do so on their help them do the housework. own, so the volunteer will help Annie O’Brien, a spokestake the children to the park.” woman for Home Start UK, says Home Start helps over 32,000 the emphasis is on families each year, including what the volunteer parents under 25. In fact, can do for the just over 10% of families “Our family, at the helped by local volunteers time they need branches were are the it, rather than a younger parents in ‘standard’ prothe last 12 months. bridge to the cedure of the Annie said: community types of support “Younger parents for parents.” they can offer. have got the same She said: “Our problems as other famivolunteers are the lies – they deal with isolabridge to the commution, illness, disability and nity for the parents. It is all situations like having premaabout making a difference ture babies. early on, and gaining the trust “But we also find they may in the relationship between need extra support for other isthem. The volunteers are all sues, such as housing, which is parents, so they have ‘been very common for younger parthere and done it’ and underents. They find themselves living in unsuitable stand what that parent is accommodation and can’t going through.” do anything about it.” “Our volunteers come in
www.visitfromthestork.co.uk
Words by Kimberly Bond
Case Study Simone was helped by Home Start Alloa in Clackmannanshire, Scotland. “I was first supported by Homestart in 1997 when at 18 I had my 2nd son, I went to groups that they ran which I found really good. I was then supported in 2006, I had a 1yr old son, had been in a serious car accident and left my husband of 11yrs. The support was amazing and I don't think I could of done it without them. I was supported for about 2yrs but was still involved with homestart so became a volunteer which I loved. Thanks to homestart Alloa I am now working as a support worker working with disabled people. They always point out the positives when you’re feeling down and its a great place to make lots of new friends. I truly don't know where I'd be if it wasn't for homestart.”
Image: Immo Klink Photography
L
ynne was a volunteer for a young mum some years ago. She said: “I was a volunteer for a little over a year for a young mum who needed some support. I was in my late twenties and wasn't sure how much help I could be. I really enjoyed visiting the family and she appreciated me too. “You don't realise how just being there as someone to talk to or just to give a parent five minutes away from the children while they go and have something as simple as a shower can help.” Isolation is also a very common factor in the families that Home Start helps, and as Annie points out ‘you can be just as isolated in a big house on your own as you can in a flat on a council estate.’ To combat this, some branches, like Home Start Stoke in Staffordshire run family support groups, giving parents a chance to meet others, and take part in activities like arts and crafts. Others, like Home Start HOST, which covers Oldham, Stockport and Tameside, concentrate on other important issues like Breastfeeding support and parent-infant mental health. With their 40th Birthday this year, Home Start has launched its One Million Children campaign, urging anyone who has been helped by the charity, or has been involved as a volunteer to tell their story. Annie said: “Since Home Start was founded, we have helped One Million children through families in need, and we want to hear your stories and you can submit them online.” But she added: “Home Start is needed as much now as it was then, so if you feel that you need assistance from our volunteers then speak to your health visitor or get in touch with your local branch. “We also welcome any parents interested in donating two hours of their time a week to help a family in need.” To find out more go to Home-start.org.uk and search for your local branch
Fell Good Feature
Poor housing is just one of the many issues families deal with
Scan the QR code to watch more about the work Home Start do Visit from the Stork
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Family Fun
Getting Crafty By Nicola Simpson, aka Multicraftingmummy
Arts and crafts aren’t just for rainy days. When the sun is shining it’s the perfect time to take some of the messier activities outside and for you to include the nature around you in some of your activities.
Make a Miniature Garden Growing up as a child I have very fond memories of myself and my sister helping our granny out in the garden. One summer in particular stands out when she gave us the task of creating our own miniature gardens. She handed us an old rectangular seed tray each and helped us to fill it with soil. Then she set us free in her garden to collect flowers, stones, twigs and grass to be used to decorate our gardens how we wanted. Whilst we were creating our gardens,
Have you been getting crafty? Send in your pics to our instagram or email us at visitfromthestork@gmail.com granny would be telling us what all of the flowers were called that we had collected and explaining about how flowers grow.
I recently re-created this task with my own children in our own garden. We had great fun deciding what to include, but I m afraid I was no where near as knowledgeable about teaching my children the names of all of the flowers that we picked, well apart from the buttercups and daisies that is. We decided to give our gardens miniature owners as well just to add to the fun, my sons added Lego figures and my daughter added a fairy.
Bubble painting
All of my kids adore blowing bubbles outside. They also love painting so we thought why not combine the two. All you need to do is add a few drops of either food colouring or paint to a standard bottle of bubbles, then after you’ve laid out some large sheets of white paper, blow the bubbles on the paper and see what pictures you can create.
Chalking Chalk is perfect for outdoor artwork. It’s a real pain to use indoors as the dust it creates makes such a mess, but using it outside means the rain does the hard work for you in cleaning it all up. Toddlers will enjoy scribbling along the patio or onto the side of a wall or a shed. Older children might like to copy flowers from the garden or chalk bugs that they have seen. You could also encourage them to chalk a simple game like hopscotch onto the patio for them to play together.
minibeast bubble painting!
Collecting Leaves
For leaf rubbing all you need to do is collect some leaves from your garden or maybe from a trip down at the park, put them underneath a sheet of white paper then use crayons to rub over the leaves to create an impression onto the paper. For leaf printing brush paint over the back of the leaves and then press them down onto white paper, lift them off and see what patterns they have made. You could even turn your leaf rubbings or printings into funny faces or animals with the help of a few more crayons or paints and maybe a googly eye or two!
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Visit from the Stork
leaf printing is fun and easy to do
Sun safety
He l l o Sunshine!
Sun has got hat on: make sure you apply sun cream before your little one goes out.
Image: 123rf.com
Keeping Kids safe in the sun is a top priority during the summer for parents. Natalie Roberts gives some tips on things you need to remember whilst having fun in the sun.
K
eeping safe in the sun is important for you and your child. When the sun does make an appearance it can be easy to run outside to enjoy it while it last but, it is important to keep safe while you are having fun. A child’s skin is very sensitive and can easily burn so it is essential that when they are outside you keep them covered and apply sun protection regularly. Babies up to six months old should be kept out of the sun completely, so find a nice shaded spot for them to rest or play in. You can also keep them covered with a sun umbrella or invest in a sun tent which they will also enjoy playing in. Dress your little one in loose fitting clothes, a hat that preferably covers their neck and shades their face and sunglasses where possible. Of course they are not likely to stay on long but protecting their eyes for even short periods of time is important. For areas of their body that are not covered by clothes or a hat you can apply sun cream. When you are buying cream make sure is has UVA and UVB protection. It should tell you this on the bottle, if it doesn’t then avoid buying it.
UVA rays can penetrate skin deeply and damage cells. This can lead premature skin aging and permanent damage. UVA rays are around no matter what the season so even when it’s cloudy they can be penetrating the skin so applying sun cream any time of the year is important. UVB rays are what cause sun burn. They can be different strengths depending on the time of year. Both UVA and UVB rays can cause skin cancer but UVB rays are the most common cause. They can even reflect off water and snow. Any sun cream you use should have a minimum SFP of 15. The number on the bottle corresponds to the length of time the cream will last on the skin and the protection it will give. For example, if you didn’t use and cream it would take around 20 minutes for your skin to turn red. If you use a factor 30 sun protection it will protect the skin from going red 30 times longer. As a guide factor 15 filters out around 92% of UVB rays, factor 30 filters 96% and factor 50 around. 97%. When you are planning to be in the sun you should apply the sun cream around 20 minutes before exposing yourself and your child to the rays and applying two coats is also a good idea.
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Remember to cover areas that are often forgotten about including ears, nose and the top of feet and apply the cream thickly. Cream also needs to be applied to the parts of the skin that will be covered, as some UVA rays can penetrate clothes. Most of the creams effectiveness will have worn off within two hours so it is important to reapply regularly. If your child is going in the water then a waterproof sun cream is the most appropriate and will need reapplying when they leave the water. 11am -3pm are when the rays and heat are the strongest in the UK so avoid staying in the sun for long periods during this time and if you need to be outside stay in the shade as much as possible. It is also important to keep your child and yourself hydrated thorough out the day so keep water or juice handy and give them regular drinks. Ice lollies may also be a good way of keeping cool. Most of all have as much fun in the sun as possible!
*You can also see Natalie’s top 5 suncream picks on the VFTS website.*
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PAGE 17
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Recipe:
Vicky Charles
Beef & Pasta This recipe makes a quick dinner for up to 4 people. For 4 people, you will need: -Some beef mince (500g) -An onion -Some mushrooms -A can of chopped tomatoes -A bag of frozen vegetables
1. Chop the onion. Put an empty pan on the hob and let it get hot, then put some oil in it. I used coconut oil, but you can use whatever you have. 2. When the oil is hot, put the onion in and stir it round. Turn the heat down a bit. If you’re adding garlic, add it now. I’m very lazy, so I use the Jamie Oliver method, where you just chuck your garlic clove in the crusher without peeling it:
5. Then add the chopped tomatoes, mixed vegetables and anything else you fancy.
3. Then add the mince and stir it. If you’re adding stock cubes or seasoning, add it now and stir in. 6. Now cook some pasta in a separate pan, and serve. I always put grated cheese on the top, because I love grated cheese!
4. I’m rubbish at pre-prep, so I chop the mushrooms at this point, and put them straight into the pan.
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REAL LIFE
c i s u m n i g e l & m r a n a t s o c o “Max is going t ts to be a rock star” n a w e h s a s n o s s le We interview 23 year old P-Bloggers cofounder Laura Davies about her journey to motherhood.
What age were you when you found out you were pregnant? What was your reaction? I had just turned 20, I was in the middle of university, hadn’t been with my boyfriend that long and we certainly didn’t expect to find ourselves 26 weeks pregnant! Apart from being shocked we were just thrust into a whirlwind of emotions that took a long time for us to get a handle over. How did you break the news to your family and friends? We sat them all down. They were shocked, thought we were a bit stupid and baffled that we hadn’t worked out I was pregnant to begin with! It took them a good few days to realise it was actually a blessing and it wasn’t going to stop us achieving our dreams. My mum works with a lot of death in her workplace so her friends reassured her that bringing life into the world, even at a young age is a beautiful thing. How was the pregnancy? Was there anything you weren't expecting? We found out when I was 26 weeks along, something that may come of a surprise but I had normal periods and not much weight gain. I didn’t have a bump as we found out he was laying back to back. I didn’t expect the time
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to fly as fast as it did, I know I had got over the main part of pregnancy without realising it but without even looking we had a home, put our university on hold and were all of a sudden expecting parents. Having said that we did manage to sneak away for a cheeky weekend to Disneyland Paris, a few festivals and a handful of gigs! I don’t like to miss out when the opportunity happens, I was pregnant not bed bound! Did you have a natural labour? Yes! We went to a gig a couple of days before which actually kicked things off. One night I called my mum up and let her know that I would probably go to the hospital in the morning and would give her a ring when I was on my way. Her and Scott were to be my birthing partners. We pulled up at the hospital 6:30am. By 9am I was in full swing labour. The only pain relief was a shot of pethadine as gas and air was making me sick. Scott almost missed the birth as he went off to get something to eat and they didn’t expect me to progress so fast and at 1:50 he was born! Infact the biggest shock of the whole labour experience was finding out Max was a boy! All the scans had told us he was probably a girl, thankfully I’m not a girly person so hadn’t in-
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vested in hundreds of dresses. Have you ever been judged for being a young parent? Being judged seems to come with the package of being a young parent. I was young and at uni with a kid. None of my peers got me, there wasn’t many mum and tots groups and I was in the swing of bad post natal depression. I look a lot younger than my 23 years so when I’m at work and people hear I have a 3 year old they are shocked, walking down the street with him people have assumed I’m a babysitter or a cousin. I’ve grown to have a thick skin. Something that would have offended me before just brushes off and doesn’t affect me, it’s not a great thing to say but if I didn’t have that thick skin then it would be a lot harder to go out. It also helped that through Max’s nursery I made some great mum friends. What did you do after having your baby? A lot of people expected us to give up university and go on benefits when Max was born. In fact the opposite happened. We took a year out to focus on Max, build a bit of money and spend time together as a family. Once he was 9 months we returned to uni. Scott had an amazing time with really
REAL LIFE
supportive lecturers whilst I suffered a lot more. My course long run. We know our dream careers can’t happen and Uni had never dealt with someone that had an infant overnight and there are lots of things we miss out on as we on a course, so they didn’t know about allowances, that I are parents but knowing that we have this amazing family needed extra time and that Max was my main priority. unit means that we are so much stronger and more deterThrough a lot of perseverance we managed to hold down mined in our lives. Would you have any more? university, home life, family life and 20 hour a week “The Everyone is asking us this question. Max is at the age jobs. To say that I was running on adrenaline was biggest where a second sibling would be great as there is an understatement. challenge was What's the biggest challenge you have faced not much of an age gap. Any older and I’ll forsince becoming a mum? get all about those sleepless nights of baby overcoming PND, My biggest challenge was overcoming PND, after having only 3 years. In an ideal world we would be financially I’ve always had a tough time with my mental months to prepare stable and we could afford to have another health but making sure that my child was put myself for being a child. In a realistic world I know that Max is going first before I broke down in the bathroom was alto cost us an arm and a leg in music lessons (he mum” ways my main priority. I think the worst of it was wants to be a rock star) so maybe I am content down to the fact I didn’t have those 9 months to with just the one. There are so many different types prepare, we barely had 3. All of a sudden I had gone of families in the world that the 2.4 averages don’t exist. from having a carefree university life to being a parent in You are also the founder of Pbloggers, the parenting network and host of a Twitter chat. Can you explain a bit more? the blink of an eye. What's the best thing about being a young parent? Pbloggers originally started as a twitter chat with some parI think the best thing about being a young parent is knowing ent bloggers. Realising that they were missing a place to all that I will have so much time to watch him grown up, have talk together they started it. Unfortunately loads of people his own children and start a life. I also quite fancy the idea running it dropped out and Abi (mum in a hurry) asked me of sipping pina coladas on a cruise when I’m 40 because if I wanted to help her make it into a website. We now have my child has flown the nest! It also really made me re-eval- a thriving website where people can submit guest posts, uate what I wanted to do with my life. It’s made me more chat on the forum and connect with other bloggers. We focused on the future. also run the twitter chat each week under the handle What are your hopes for the future? @pbloggersnet where I host a weekly topic ranging from seNow that we can say that we have degrees, we might be rious blogging SEO to more fun topics such as summer craft back with my mum but we are saving for the future and try- ideas. ing to get a proper action plan together so we don’t have Who is your inspiration? to disrupt Max’s life too much. We all want that white picket It’s cheesy but my mum. She brought me and my brother fence house but in all honesty I would love to bring Max up up on one wage, a multitude of jobs, lets me and him (and trying new things and experiencing as much as he can in my brood) move back in and help us with our lives and fuhis life. Being a blogger has given me so many opportunities tures. Any problems and she’s the first person I call. When that we would never have afforded or thought to do. It’s first having Max she taught me everything. I just hope that amazing to see what a little man he is growing into. Hope- when I’m her age I can say I’m an amazingly cool nan like fully the future will hold happiness and laughter, not to men- her! Finally, any tips or advice for young mums or mums to be? tion adventure. Max is now 3, How have your lives changed since he was Don’t take judgements to heart, most of the time those peoborn? ple will never see you again. You might find out who your Since he was born I think we have grown as parents. We are true friends are but you will soon make new ones.Take time becoming more confident in how we parent and what we for yourself. You might be a mum but you are also a person think is right and wrong for our family. I think we have with a name, friends and a personality that spans further also grown up loads, not for the sake of having than nappies and babygros. And finally don’t be ashamed a child but also for the fact that we are or afraid. Bringing up a child is a wonderful thing no matter more sure of our lives, not afraid to what age you are. It isn’t a bad thing, it’s a wonderful one. sacrifice something temporarily to achieve •You can catch Laura blogging about being a mum on something else www.maxandmummy.co.uk & join her in the pbloggers in the Twitter chat every Sunday 9-10pm. #pbloggers
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You time
And breathe...
When you've got a young child, sometimes it can feel like you never have any time to yourself. But when you do get those spare few minutes, here's our pick of music and books to chill out to, and a couple your little one might enjoy too. compiled by Zoe Ashton
Bastille – Bad Blood
WE LO VE
Bastille have really taken the music industry by storm recently and it's not difficult to see why. Their indie sound is perfect to chill out too as they aren't too difficult to listen to, and their catchy tunes keep you coming back for more. Our favourite song? Flaws.
The Fault in Our Stars – John Green The Fault in Our Stars, by John Green, though originally aimed at a young adult audience has become somewhat of a sensation now it has been made into a film. Sad but uplifting and life affirming, this is the perfect book to curl up with when your baby's in bed. We challenge you not to devour it.
Chill Baby Ultimate If you're looking for something to help your little one to drift off to sleep, try the Chill Baby Ultimate album. Available for download onwww.amazon.com, you get over 7 hours of lullabies to take your pick from, so no more sleepless nights! PAGE 22
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You time
A tonement – Ian McEwan
Atonement is the classic novel by Ian McEwan. Set in the Second World War, the novel follows Briony, Cecilia and Robbie as they struggle with romance, and Briony bends the truth on one fateful day. It is ever bit clever, and brings a fresh outlook to the traditional take on the war.
MUST READ
Ed Sheeran – X
The Gruffalo Julia Donaldson
It's a classic, but we say why fix what isn't broken. This adorable story is perfect to share with your little one just before bedtime to transport them to a magical world before bedtime.
A home at the end of the world - Michael cunnigham
This album was only released on 23 June but is already a big hit. Sing, the tune featuring Pharrell Williams is already climbing up the charts, and we're sure that the whole album is going to be just as good. Scan the QR code to go straight to the official video.
A Home at the End of the World is a poignant tale about three friends and lovers Bobby, Jonathan and Clare. Told from different perspectives, you will feel like you really are getting to know the trio, as the novel is a heartfelt wade through their lives.
VFTS Comic Strip
Staffordshire University Student Emily Moore has created our very own comic strip!
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VFTS COMIC STRIP
Want to know what happens next? Check out the VFTS website to read the next chapter, and to have your say about what happens to Daisy!
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page 25
You time: Mummy makeup madness
mummy makeup By Mummy blogger Gemma Collins
madness
I personally can't leave the house without any makeup as I don't feel confident enough with acne scarring and other general face redness stuff. So I decided to put a quick look together using minimal products that all of us could do each morning when we are having the dreaded rush whether it's the school run or get ready for work etc. This simple quick look is also a great look for summer; you don't want face heavy make-up when it's going to sweat off in the heat - that’s if we get any! Step 1: I applied a bit of moisturiser and a bit of foundation on the back of my hand and mixed together with my fingers. Then applied onto face with a brush, going round in circles to buff out. I used my full-coverage matte foundation, mixing with moisturiser creates a thinner base and gives more of a glowy look to the skin.
Step 2: Using a concealer I cover up any odd imperfections and the big bags under my eyes. Using my finger to pat down into skin.
Step 3: Adding a bit of colour to the cheeks with a blush brush. I usually take a peachy pink as suits well to my skin and looks more of a flushed look. Using the 'smile' technique to do the apples of my cheeks. Step 4: Apply mascara, I tend to do a couple of coats and make sure my eyelashes are separated as well as they can be.
Step 5: Lightly sweep over my face some setting powder with a bit fluffy brush, mainly concentrating on the t-zone where I get the most oily. Step 6: Lip balm of your choice, I have an obsession with my skincare stick which I use every day for moisture and SPF protection.
Catch Gemma on her parenting and lifestyle blog www.sunshineonacloudyday.co.uk PAGE 26
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Top Tip: Add Lipstick and some eyeshadow to turn this into a perfect look for work or night out.
Visit from the Stork Online Shop
Proud stockists of Lorraine Randall jewellery Come and find Gifts, keepsakes and toys in our new online shop. Help raise moeny to provide workshops and celebration events for young parents
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PAGE 27
SBaby & Toddler
I
r o f y d a e r g n i t t Ge school
t is always an exciting day when your little one is ready to go to ‘big school’, whether that means their first day at nursery, pre-school or primary school. It may also be an emotional one for you as well, seeing your little baby ready to interact with the big wide world. There are several things you can do this summer to help your child if they are starting nursery or school in September.
Take your child for a visit Simple, but effective. Taking your child to the nursery you have chosen will help them to become familiar with the environment, and meet new children who will be there when it is their turn to start. If they see other children playing happily with toys, this will help them feel excited about the prospect of returning. For schools, many primary schools hold a visiting session where the new class of children will come in for a morning or an afternoon and meet the teacher and are able to explore the classroom. If you visit the school before putting it down as one of your choices, then ask about this to the teacher. Read with your child Reading is a very important and valuable life skill for your child to learn, as it not only helps them to understand more about the world around them, it helps them to form sentences and identify letters too. You don’t need to worry about spending hundreds of pounds on books – children’s books can be picked up for around 50p from a charity shop, and discount book stores like the Works are brilliant for
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some bargains. Don’t worry if you feel that your literacy skills aren’t up to scratch either – children’s books have lots of pictures and your little one is not going to judge about your reading. You could find them books about nursery or starting school such as ‘Bobbo goes to school’ by Shirley Hughes, available from the Book People. Make sure they have practical skills This includes getting undressed for PE – gone are the days when teachers could help all of the children in the classroom to get dressed or even let them do PE in their knickers and vest (as some of you 90’s kids may remember!). Most PE uniform is just a polo shirt and shorts so this will be quite simple, but practice makes perfect. Being able to put a coat on (maybe not the zips quite yet) will also help. For nursery, children should be able to recognise their name so they can find their coat peg
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and any clothes that are labelled. Get them in to a school-hour routine Whilst nursery hours could just be a few hours in the morning or afternoon, it might be necessary to leave them for longer daysfor example if you are studying or have to work late. For school, 6 hours is a long time, so a bedtime routine will be essential so they are not too tired in the morning. If you have been letting them stay up a little longer during the summer, slowly make the ‘Let’s get ready for bed’ schedule a little earlier each day or week until it is back where you want it to be. You could also try to maintain a consistent mealtime schedule; making sure they have breakfast in the morning, lunch at around 12 and then some dinner around 4 or 5. This will then tie in with their timetable when they get to school, and they won’t find themselves too hungry for snacks during the day.
Helping Children of all Ages ´)HHO * *RRG ) )DVWµ
Our aim is to bring the Tappy Twins to as many children and teens as possible, as a self-ŚĞůƉ ƚŽŽů ƚŚĞLJ ĐĂŶ ƵƐĞ ĂƐ ƚŚĞŝƌ ͞ƐĞĐƌĞƚ ǁĞĂƉŽŶ͘͟ tĞ ǁŝůů ŚĞůƉ and guide them to discover that they have an inbuilt ability to change how they feel, anytime they want, simply by mastering the art of Tapping. Once the EFT process has been achieved, they learn that EFT can become a familiar, trusted ally in the daily lives of young EFT users as they grow into adulthood.
Some of the areas that Tappy Twins can help are: ͻ ŵŽƚŝŽŶĂů ŝƐƐƵĞƐ͗ ĞƉƌĞƐƐŝŽŶ͕ ĂŶŐĞƌ͕ ĂŶdžŝĞƚLJ͕ ƉĂŶŝĐ ĂƚƚĂĐŬƐ͕ ƐĞƉĂƌĂƚŝŽŶ ĂŶdžŝĞƚLJ ͻ ^ĐŚŽŽů ŝƐƐƵĞƐ͗ ^ƚƌĞƐƐ͕ ďƵůůLJŝŶŐ͕ ƚĞƐƚ ĂŶĚ ĞdžĂŵ ĂŶdžŝĞƚLJ ĂŶĚ ďĞŚĂǀŝŽƵƌĂů ŝƐsues ͻ &ĞĂƌƐ͗ ^ƵĐŚ ĂƐ ĨĞĂƌ ŽĨ ĚŽŐƐ͕ ƚŚĞ ĚĞŶƚŝƐƚ͕ ƉƵďůŝĐ ƐƉĞĂŬŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ ĨĞĂƌ ŽĨ ŚĞŝŐŚƚƐ ͻ WŚŽďŝĂƐ͗ ĨůLJŝŶŐ͕ ƐƉŝĚĞƌƐ͕ ŚĞŝŐŚƚƐ ͻ Sleeping issues: bedwetting, nightmares, fear of the dark and night walking ͻ >ĞĂƌŶŝŶŐ ĚŝĨĨŝĐƵůƚŝĞƐ͗ ĚLJƐůĞdžŝĂ͕ ĂƐƉĞƌƐĞƌƐ͕ ĂƵƚŝƐŵ ĂŶĚ ADHT
Whether you are looking to book a Tappy Twins workshop, a 1-2-1 with specific children or you want us to work with you to provide a beneficial tool to your teaching kit, then call us now and become part of our Tappy family. We look forward to working with you.
Tel: 0330 660 1274 Suzanne: 07507 228319
Or email us at: enquiries@tappytwins.com
Visit Tappy Town now at: www.tappytwins.com PAGE 29
The Rise of the Cloth Nappy
The rise of the nd s arou st e o g t a he late a y wh They s round and t a make sa come ing trend to of e use t h n t e r is a n p hat etur hant r something t e p m iu r t s, for appie ms be cloth n used by mu War. st ld was fir econd Wor Eve from S the lks to alsh ta nappy W h a t m lo c m ,a Ge ll & Boo rts in a e p x B aba e . r and retaile s...well, cloth thing
Re-useable nappies, cloth-bummed babies, whatever you call it, it looks like cloth nappies for your little one are falling back into fashion. From Boots, to Mothercare, to home crafters sewing their own out of inventive materials, they now come in all shapes, sizes and fabrics - and at all prices. But that’s the problem – which nappies do you choose? Where do you start? Is it going to be as difficult as it looks on Call the Midwife and our grandparents described, with nappy pins and endless washing lines? The important thing for most parents would be how it’s going to make their lives easier. What are the advantages of using cloth over conventional disposables in this day and age? Eve: ‘There are so many reasons to make the switch. You help to reduce waste going to landfill. Financially, they save families so much compared to disposable nappies, especially if you go on to use them on subsequent children. They are kinder to baby’s skin, with no harsh chemicals. Plus, they’ve changed an awful lot since the
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terry nappies of the past and are so easy to use.’ There are so many different types of nappy, how can parents decide? “A good idea is to try before you buy. More and more cloth nappy libraries are popping up across the country. Mums (and Dads) can see what is available on the market, how they work, how you wash them. The best bit about a library is that you can speak face to face with somebody who has lots of experience with cloth and can help you make a decision.” ‘A lot of companies also do trial packs so that you can buy the essentials and see how you get on with them. At Baba+Boo, we run a scheme whereby parents can buy a nappy and give it a good try out. If
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The Rise of the Cloth Nappy
cloth nappy
it’s not working for you then simply send it back to receive 70% of your money back.” So you’ve found a type you like, invested in a few and are looking to use cloth more permanently. What extras would you not be able to live without? “A nappy bag or bucket to store the dirty nappies. A washing machine!!” Good point. Nobody wants to be dragging dirty nappies to the in-laws and explaining why they need washing! Any other tips for a first time cloth using parent that would help their transitions from disposable? ëDon’t try and make the transition too quickly or think that you need to do one or the other 100% of the time. Start off by using them around the house until you build up
your confidence. Even using one cloth nappy a day will make a difference. Never be afraid to ask questions. Chances are the question has been asked before. The evergrowing cloth nappy community is a warm, welcoming and helpful one. Google or search on Facebook and you’ll find more helpful hints and tips than you’ll ever have time to look at.” We’ve heard about the financial benefits, and the green benefits for landfill and the bin men, but what other last benefits do you notice for those who still aren’t quite sure about making the switch? ëI find that using cloth means a significant reduction in any nappy rashes. Some say that children that have used cloth nappies potty train earlier than those who use disposables (although potty training earlier for a cloth nappy addict might actually be seen as a drawback!)’ We have no doubt that we’ll all become addicts, whether once a day or full-time. You can visit Eve at www.babaandboo.com to see if her nappies could work for you.
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Useful Resou
rces Malvern Nap py Advisory Se rvicewww.facebo ok.com/Malv ernNAS The Great Brit ish Nappy Hu nt has a fab ma p of Nappy Li brary services all o ver the UK. www.greatb ritishnappyhu nt.co.u k/nappy_libra rie s. h tm l Cloth Nappy Tree is a forum and website for c loth nappy u sers. http://www.c lothnappytre e.com
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BABY WEARING
Useful services
A directory of services, charities and resources that can help young parents with problems and everyday issues. Specific advice and Support The Family planning association can answer questions and
give a wide range of support on your options during pregnancy, as well as contraception and other sexual health advice.
www.fpa.org.uk
Ectopic Pregnancy
The Ectopic pregnancy foundation has information and support on their website
http://www.ectopicpregnancy.co.uk
Care confidential has advice on unplanned pregnancy and infor-
mation about abortion.
http://www.careconfidential.com/
Brook is a sexual health charity for under-25’s. They can help with any aspects of pregnancy, sexual health and offer information about abortion. www.brook.org.uk The Miscarriage Association offers advice and guidance on
anyone suffering from miscarriage or baby loss.
http://www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk Pregnancy Sickness and Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Pregnancy Sickness support helps women suffering from extreme pregnancy sickness & have volunteers who have had it themselves. Their website offers lots of information and guidance on symptoms, and how to approach your doctor.
www.pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk
Bliss charity is for parents who sick or premature babies. www.bliss.org.uk
The Family Nurse Partnership programme is a free voluntary service for parents to be under 19. The FNP is run by specially trained nurses to give first-time young parents help and support & can help from early pregnancy. You can find your local FNP by going to www. PAGE 32 www.visitfromthestork.co.uk
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Ronald Mcdonald House Charities (RMHC) provides ac-
commodation for families who have got children in hospital. There are currently 14 Ronald Mcdonald Houses in the country. www.rmhc.org.uk
ICP Support is for anyone suffering
with intrahepatic cholestasis through their pregnancy. Their website has information and support & there is also a facebook group. www.icpsupport.org.uk
PANDAS foundation helps anyone suffering from
prenatal and postnatal depression through support groups and online advice as well as their website forum. www.pandasfoundation.org.uk
Gingerbread offers online and telephone support
for single parents. They campaign on lots of things too. www.gingerbread.org.uk
Home Start uses parent volunteers to offer home
support to parents once a week. The service is spread over 300 local branches across the UK & can be used by anyone who needs practical and emotional support with parenting. www.home-start.org.uk to find your local branch.
Free Cakes for Kids have
volunteers all over the country to make birthday cakes for children who wouldn’t necessarily be able to have one.
BABY WEARING
www.freecakesforkids.org.uk to find your local branch. NCT Breastfeeding Helpline is a helpline for
anyone wanting advice and guidance on breastfeeding - you’ll speak to real mums in their own homes. 0300 330 0771
Rosy and Bo is a fab service which provides equipment, toys and clothes for children with special needs. www.rosyandbo.com NACRO works with NEETS (not in education work or training) to improve their lives. They can provide training courses for young parents. www.nacro.org.uk Citizen’s Advice Bureau is a charity which pro-
vides free, confidential and independent advice on all subjects ranging from pregnancy, to benefits and housing. visit www.adviceguide.org.uk for self help information or go to your local branch for an appointment.
Regional support & services NHS Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire runs a support service for young parents with several groups across the city. www.stoke.nhs.uk Gingerbread runs Catherine Court, supported accommodation for lone parents and single mums. Alice Charity is a Staffordshire-based charity helping families who are homeless or need help with various problems. Young Mothers Group Trust (Bristol) provides accommodation for young mums and mums to be between 16 & 25. www.ymgt.org.uk SWISH (Brighton) is a website providing sexual health advice as well as information about local parenting classes and antenatal groups.
www.swish.org.uk
Young Health (Essex) is a website providing information about support at local children centres including a Young Fathers project. Little Miracles is a charity based in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire which
helps parents with disabled children and those with special needs.
http://www.littlemiraclespeterborough.org.uk/
www.visitfromthestork.co.uk
Visit from the Stork
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CAN WE SELFIE TOO MUMMY?
o o t e i f l e s e w n ca mummy? Gemma & Jay
Hewitt & Francesca
Micheal
Della Evans & Edward
Kimberly, Chantelle & Jayden
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ppy Gracie & Po
Jacob Alfrey
Win
VFTS COMPETITION
Baby Mule 3-in-1 changing bag worth £50
HOW TO ENTER
Just tell us the correct answer to this question: What is Baby Mule’s Premium version of their bag called? A Pegasus B Hercules C Perseus The answer can be found on the Baby Mule website: www.babymule.com
Celebrate Summer adventures and win a Baby Mule 3-in-1 Changing bag. The bag has lots of features and goes from messenger to backpack to bag-on-the-buggy in seconds. Enter now for your chance to win! Send in your answer to visitfromthestork@gmail.com or write on our Facebook wall.
ENTRIES CLOSE AT 10 PM ON THE 1ST September The winner will be drawn from the correct entries and announced via our website. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for all the latest exciting competitions, news and updates.
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Express Yourself is a new blog which is working together with Visit from the Stork to support mothers with information on Breastmilk and expressing.