nct brighton & hove summer 2015 pier support
DESCRIPTION
Newsletter for Brighton & Hove branch NCT 'Pier Support' which was sent out in June 2015TRANSCRIPT
Pier SupportBrighton& Hove NCT Member Newsletter
Spring 2015
In this issue:
l Keeping daddy in touchl Baby wearing: how mums chose theirslingsl Parents fight to keep children’s servicesl Car-free days out
And more...
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National Childbirth Trust Brighton & Hove Branch
AT THE Brighton and Hove branch we are
delighted to offer a range of activities for
both members and non-members.
The best place to get up to date informa-
tion about our events is on our Facebook
page.
The branch is run entirely by volunteers
and the activities are made possible by the
fundraising efforts of the branch.
We look forward to meeting you at one of
our great events soon!
Please email brightonhovenct
@yahoo.co.uk for further details of any of
our events.
Week one Week two Week three Week four
Monday
Tuesday Introduction towater (babies)3.30pm
Pregnancy relaxationwater sessions 4pm
Little Dippers,
Brighton
Wednesday Bumps & Babies1pm-2.30pm
Ralli Hall
Bumps & Babies1pm-2.30pm
Ralli Hall
Bumps & Babies1pm-2.30pm
Ralli Hall
Bumps & Babies1pm-2.30pm
Ralli Hall
Thursday Homebirth Support Group 8pm
Venue TBC. Pls
call for details
(see p4)
Friday Water Babiestaster swim session
12.30pm
Saturday
Sunday GymboreeChurchill
Square, Brighton
11am-1pm
0-3 years
P3
Bumps & Babies at Ralli Hall, 81Denmark Villas, Hove, BN3 3TH
A welcoming, weekly meet-up for all NCT
supporters (non-members are most wel-
come) and those looking for support.
This group is great for expectant and
new parents with children from 0-one
year. A £2 donation can be made on the
door. Free refreshments are provided.
Homebirth Support Groups
For information about meetings and fur-
ther details contact Marein on 07796
263559 or at [email protected]
Little Dippers
Introduction to water & Pregnancy relax-
ation water sessions, pre-book by email
Water Babies
Introduction to water, pre-book by calling
01273 552454 or email bubbles@
waterbabies.co.uk
Keep up with NCT Brighton andHove Branch news
Non-members are welcome to most of
our events. Please email any of the above
activities for more information on
Check our Facebook page, like and click
on get notificatoins to receive updates on
groups and up-to-date announcements on
the things the NCT is doing in your city.
Search for ‘NCT Brighton & Hove’ or use
this address:
www.facebook.com/NCTBrightonHove
Our next Nearly New Sale is on Sunday,
June 14 at Portslade Sports Centre in
Chalky Road.
A bumper pre-Christmas sale is on
Saturday, November 14 at BHASVIC in
Dyke Road, Hove.
Contact NCT Brighton and Hove [email protected] for
more information about volunteering and
selling at these events.
Your advert can reach hundreds of new and expectant parents across Brighton and Hove
This newsletter is delivered to more than 1,200 members in the city.
Advertising with us supports the branch so we can print and distribute the
newsletter and run our Bumps and Babies Group.
For details on how to advertise in Pier Support contact:
P4
Index
Inside this issue of Pier Support
6 Editor’s letter
7 Coordinator’s letter
8 Branch news
13 Modern Dads
17 Fear of weaning
18 Children’s centres saved
23 Coping with tendonitis
26 Get into slinging
28 Car free days out
31 Free fun this summer
34 Something for mum
38 Birth Story
40 Nearly new sale map
43 Keeping babies cool
44 Branch vacancies
46 Birth announcements
50 Contact us
Front page picture: Felix by Vicky Collins
P5
Letter from the Editor
Welcome readers new and established to
my first edition of Pier Support as editor.
I hope you enjoy the varied articles our
contributors have put together for this
early summer edition.
Most of the articles are written by par-
ents in Brighton and Hove for you. I feel it
is important we share our ideas and expe-
riences with each other.
If you are interested in writing for Pier
Support, please email me directly at
[email protected]. Front cover
pictures, articles on play, green
parenting and handy hints for new
parents are gratefully received.
Your birth stories are another important
element to Pier Support. Every experi-
ence is different and expectant mums
need to be prepared for the highs and
lows. In this edition Rebekah Stone
shares her story.
Maria Langford talked to dads who are
taking a more active role in childcare for
her feature titled Daddy Matters.
Earlier this year some of Brighton and
Hove’s Children’s Centres were under
threat of closure. Parents mounted a
strong campaign to save them and other
free services available in the city. Katie
Campbell writes about their actions and
success.
Nearly New Sale coordinator Alison
Woolfenden is quite the expert when it
comes to car free days out. She shares
her knowledge to help you make the most
of public transport to enjoy what Brighton
and Hove and Sussex has to offer.
She has also put together a handy map
for anyone planning to come along to the
next NCT Brighton and Hove Branch sale
at Portslade Sports Centre.
Her diagram shows you where different
items are on sale so you can head
straight for toys, clothes or larger pieces
of baby equipment, whatever suits you.
Patricia Heywood’s article about ten-
donitis will probably strike a chord with
many parents who experience joint pain
in the first months of their baby’s life. It
certainly had me nodding in agreement.
My first piece is an interview with a
mum who found the confidence to follow
baby-led weaning after attending a
course. I also spoke with baby-wearing
mothers to find out the slings they prefer.
This piece also includes expert advice on
safe baby wearing.
My final piece is about Stitching Sisters
Parents Special, the fortnightly crafting
group based in Kemp Town. It is a great
place to meet other parents and enjoy
your hobby.
Thank you all for reading. In the mean-
time, we wish everyone well in their preg-
nancies, births and early parenthood.
Sarah Booker Lewis
P6
Branch Coordinator’s Letter
Hello everyone!
I am so pleased to help introduce this edi-
tion of Pier Support, Sarah Booker Lewis’
first as Editor.
I am sure that you will all join me in wel-
coming her to the branch. We are incredi-
bly lucky to have her experience and
expertise and I think we will all benefit
from the interesting ideas and articles
which she has collated in this and future
editions.
A huge thank you to our team of volun-
teers who have contributed articles and to
those sharing their experiences of parent-
hood.
I have now completed my year as
Branch Coordinator and as I am sure you
have all seen, we are looking for some-
one to take my place and join our team.
The Branch Coordinator role is incredi-
bly rewarding and I urge you to consider
whether you get involved in this capacity.
If you don’t have the commitment to do it
alone, find a friend to share the role with.
Our current committee will be there to
help you settle in and find your feet.
Please email the address below for
more information or contact us via Face-
book(www.facebook.com/NCTBrighton-
Hove).
We hope to see you all again soon.
Whether at Bumps and Babies, in an an-
tenatal class or at our sale in November.
Remember to like us on Facebook for
up to date information. Just search for
NCT Brighton and Hove.
With best wishesAllie Polhill
Outgoing Branch [email protected]
Image by Kyle and Kelly Adams on Flick, licenced by Creative Commons
P7
Committee updateWE HAVE had a busy few months since
our last newsletter.
Our committee is now complete,
although there is always room for more
volunteers creating more events and
opportunities for our members. It is a
great time to be involved!
A special welcome to Natasha Owen, who
is sharing the branch secretary role with
Marianne Allen. Natasha is managing our
general email account, which is crucial to
the day to day running of the branch.
Rebekah Stone has also temporarily
joined our team as advertising coordina-
tor, helping us while we try to fill the role.
With Rebekah’s help we are able to bring
you this issue. A huge thank you to
Rebekah for her support.
And good bye to our branch coordinator,
Allie Polhill, who has chaired the branch
during the last year. Allie has been inte-
gral to all our branch activity and is
pleased to leave the committee in such
good position with some fantastic and
dedicated volunteers, filling all the key
roles.
She assures us she will stay in touch so
we hope to see her at our branch annual
meeting in May and also at the Nearly
New Sales in the future.
As you may know, we are currently look-
ing for a replacement for Allie so please
see page 44 for more information and get
in touch if you can help.
Newsletter sponsorshipWe would also like to extend our thanks
to Water Babies who have kindly agreed
to renew their sponsorship of our
newsletter.
We are delighted to have their support
and look forward to working closely with
them over the coming 12 months.
Nearly New SaleThanks to all who attended our table top
sale in Patcham at the end of February;
around 200 attended, raising just under
£800 for NCT locally and nationally.
If the demand is there we may run more
table top sales if we can find a new chair,
so please tell us what you think – should
we organise another and how can we im-
prove them?
Our next sale is a large ticketed sale on
Sunday, June 14 in Portslade. The venue
– a five badminton court sports hall – is
twice the floor size of the cricket ground
with separate cafe area, so should elimi-
nate the overcrowding issues we had at
the cricket ground in November.
Please see the diagram in this edition of
Pier Support for more information as well
as th ad.
We will also be offering 50 lucky NCT
members golden tickets to gain entry at
10.30am to the sale (other NCT Members
will gain entry at 11am) to further help
with customer flow.
The tickets are free (although the usual
£1 entry fee will be payable). Please
keep your eyes peeled on Facebook and
in the monthly members update for a link
to apply for one of these.
Homebirth groupAre you considering a home birth?
Our group meets on a monthly basis for
free impartial information, support and
birth stories.
Our informal evenings are open to
everyone where you can chat and ask
any questions you might have.
Partners welcome! Email Marein for
NCT Brighton and Hove
P8
more information marein@schmitthen-
ner.me
Bumps and BabiesBumps and Babies takes place every
Wednesday at Ralli Hall in Hove.
This group is open to all new parents
and expectant mums and is a relaxing
way to spend a couple of hours each
week.
You will meet other mums and can enjoy
a piece of cake and cup of tea as well.
Each week we have a speaker or taster
session for you to try.
Look out on Facebook to see what’s
coming up. We are looking for volunteers
to help run this group.
Please get in touch if you can help.
Email Lynsey at brightonnctbumps
For more news and keep up to date with
all thing NCT Brighton and Hove, please
visit our Facebook page at
facebook.com/NCTBrightonHove
Dates for your diarySunday, June 14 2015, Nearly New Sale,
Portslade Sports Centre, 11am for mem-
bers, 11.30am for non members.
Branch News
Venue location guides for Bumps and Babies and June Nearly New sale © Google 2015
P9
Thinking about having your baby in water?
P10
P11
P12
By Maria Langford
There are many support groups for mums
and babies but dads are often forgotten.
But now that dads are more involved in
childcare, mums need to consider how
they can help dads feel more “plugged in”
to family life. So, setting mummy matters
aside, I decided to give dads a chance to
share their parenting woes.
Work-life balance
My husband, Rory, works full time and is
very hands-on with our daughter Amelia.
He combines these worlds very success-
fully but told me that he sometimes feels
guilty and torn.
Rory said: “Sometimes it feels like I
have two different worlds vying for my
time. I constantly worry about work but
then I also feel that I'm not being a good
dad because I'm so preoccupied.
“It makes me feel guilty because I feel
like I have to prioritise work and sacrifice
spending time with Amelia. I end up miss-
ing out.”
How can dads who work full-time getinvolved?
In his book, Fantastic First Time Father:
50 Things You Really Need to Know Tim
Mungeam talks about legitimate and ille-
gitimate guilt.
It is reasonable to feel guilty if you are
actively ignoring your child, it is not rea-
sonable to feel guilty for going to work.
Instead he talks about striking a balance
and creating boundaries. Part of this is
making sure that you leave work at work
and are present when you are at home.
Although Rory admits it can be hard to
switch off when he gets home, he has
been trying to make play-time a priority.
“It’s great to see how excited she is
when I get home, just looking at her little
face can sometimes make me forget the
rest of the day,” he said.
Norah Carr, who runs Dad’s Baby Boo-
gie at the Jubilee Library, thinks it is good
for men to spend time with other dads
and share experiences.
She set up this group to meet the needs
Daddy matters: Keeping intouch with your family life
DADDY’S GIRL: Rory and Amelia Langford enjoying time together
P13
of dads who wanted to be more involved
in family activities.
Ms Carr said: “The dads who have taken
part felt the sessions gave them a
glimpse into what their children were ex-
periencing while they were at work and
helped them feel more connected.”
Getting it right
This is a concern for both mums and
dads, but dads who work full-time often
feel it more.
Ross Palmer, 34, of Portslade, is a full-
time teacher and works long hours. He
feels like he gets things wrong at home.
He said: “I feel that I'm not plugged-in to
what’s going on at home during the day
so it can be difficult to come back and slot
into that routine.
“I sometimes don’t do things the way
they are done during the day, in the early
days it was things like routine now it’s
more behaviour strategies.
“My wife points out the way she’s
been doing it and even though she
does it kindly, I still feel like it’s a reflection
on me.”
Psychotherapeutic counsellor Toni
Pehrsson-Knudsen, works with individu-
als and couples with parenting concerns.
She said: “In some cases, this might
lead to the dads feeling judged and at
times inadequate, and could encourage
them not to be as involved with the chil-
dren as their partner might expect.
“This could result in more arguing and in
dads feeling left out.”
Ms Pehrsson-Knudsen stressed the im-
portance of being tolerant and remember-
ing that everyone has different ideas
about the right or wrong way to do things.
Providing nothing harmful has been
done, she says dads should be allowed to
interact with the baby in their own way.
There are times I am certainly guilty of
picking Rory up on little things that he has
done “wrong”.
I always intervene when he’s struggling
to put on tights, or if he has failed to dis-
tinguish between tights and leggings.
This is not a life or death issue but I do it
anyway and had not really stopped to
think how this made him feel until now.
He told me: “I can often feel quite stupid
when you pick me up on things.
“You don’t do it that much so it’s not a
huge deal but if it was constant then it
would be pretty bad.”
Needless to say I feel pretty bad so
would recommend if your partner doesBEARDY DAD: Expectant fatherRichard Nast
“I can often feel quite
stupid when you pick
me up on things
Rory Langford
P14
small things differently, let it go.
There is definitely something to be said
for establishing consistency in key rou-
tines, for example bedtime routines and
potty training, so that there are no mixed
signals. My husband and I found that
planning a night-time routine together
made us feel more united.
After three chaotic weeks with a scream-
ing newborn, a plan seemed the only way
forward. At first we weren't working to-
gether but doing anything we could to get
our daughter to sleep: singing, bouncing,
rocking, patting, co-sleeping, and speed
walking, (to name a few.).
As a result we weren't doing anything ef-
fectively. But after we sat down and made
a plan, we felt more in control and more
connected.
Richard Nast, 31, of Brighton, works full
time and is an expectant dad. He feels
that support for dads has not been readily
available but has found speaking to other
dads invaluable.
He said: “There seems to be an in-
creasing culture of dads talking about
their experiences, which is great.
“Other dads have been quick to tell me
about their experiences and to suggest
good sources of support, including a
funny podcast called Beardy Dads.
This growing need for a male support
network is not surprising when we con-
sider the shift in traditional gender roles.
Over the last two years, nursery-worker
and dad Tom Wright, 31, of Hove, has no-
ticed an increase in the number of young
dads getting involved.
He said: “The younger dads do more
drop-offs and pick-ups and come to par-
ents’ evenings and are more interested in
their child’s day than the granddads are.”
If mums want to keep dads involved,
we have to help them “plug in” to family
life because, to quote Rory, “daddies
matter too!”
n More information on dads’ sessionsacross Brighton and Hove can be found
at online at:
www.childfriendlybrighton.co.uk/indoor-
activities/parent-and-baby-toddler-
groups/parent-and-toddler-groups/dad-ba
by-toddler-groups .
MORE INTEREST: Nursery worker TomWright
“There seems to be
an increasing culture
of dads talking about
their experiences,
which is great
Richard Nash
P15
National Childbirth Trust is a registered charity (801395)The UK’s largest charity for parents
Find your nearest course now at
P16
P17
When it comes to weaning some parents
are ready to go and others feel nervous at
the idea of feeding solid food.
Today we are advised to wait until six
months to ensure solid food does not
damage baby’s virgin gut. It is also the
time to start baby-led weaning.
Jem O’Connor was worried when her
son Dylan approached six months. Many
mums she spoke with were taking the
baby-led route but she was terrified he
might choke on sticks of boiled veg.
She decided to take a two-step ap-
proach to overcoming her fears. First of
all was a baby first aid course.
“I have to know first aid for my job but
this was particularly for babies,” she ex-
plained.
“It dealt with choking and CPR, so I felt
confident I could deal with it if Dylan
couldn’t cope with food.”
Once Dylan was six months old Jem
took him with her on a weaning workshop.
“All the kids were sat around and we
gave them a bit of food and watched
them,” Jem explained.
“I was surprised he just took to it really
naturally.
“To go from liquid to solid I expected
some hiccup or some struggling but he
just got stuck in.”
Dylan started off with a little broccoli but
was soon eating everything. Going on the
course boosted Jem’s confidence.
NCT Brighton and Hove holds monthly
workshops to help parents cope with the
shift to solid food.
Classes are held at Young Sussex Chil-
dren’s Day Nursery.
For the next day or more information call
020 8752 9105 or see the advertisement
on page 33.
Overcoming fear of weaning
By Katie Campbell
BRIGHTON’S children’s centres have
been saved from proposed cuts for one
year after tense political wrangling,
protests and an adjourned first budget
setting meeting.
Deadlock meant Brighton and Hove
Council finally set the 2015-16 budget on
March 3. A 1.99% council tax rise was
agreed meaning children’s centres and
library groups will remain unaffected until
the next round of budget talks in 2016.
The council needs to make massive
savings over the next few years: £26 mil-
lion in 2015/16, increasing each year to
£102 million in 2019/20, due to reduced
funding from central government.
Original proposals for the city’s chil-
dren’s centres included making savings of
almost £800,000 by reducing the number
of centres from 12 to eight.
Proposals were:
n Merge four centres
n Cut back on home visits
n Axe jobs
n Reducing funding to voluntary service
n Limit the number of baby groups atcentres and libraries
n Change some drop-in groups so par-ents would have to enrol for a maximum
of one term.
There was much opposition from par-
ents to the proposals, with petitions and
protests at the budget setting meetings.
Many parents of babies and young chil-
dren find the services provide a lifeline
during a time when support can be vital.
Sophie Jones, 27, of Hove and mother of
two year-old Oscar said: “I’m very worried
about the future of the children’s centres.
It would be a disaster for so many families
if cuts were made to these services.
“Having moved to Brighton just before
Oscar was born, I didn’t know many
people and have relied so much on
the groups and support available at
the centres.”
Leila Erin-Jenkins is a parent who, with
her sister Felicity, set up the Facebook
group Brighton Parents Against Children's
Centre and Library Group Closures cam-
paign.
She said: “While obviously the group is
happy our centres have been saved for
one year, it is just that, one year.
“The cuts will be worse next year.
It also offers little solace in times when
over a million pounds is being taken
from children's social work teams
across the city and youth services are
being decimated”.
The campaign group organised the
protests and petitions against the
proposed cuts and will now join forces
Battle to save children’sservices won for a year
“I didn’t know manypeople and haverelied so much onthe groups andsupport available atthe centres
Sophie Jones, mother of Oscar, two
P18
with other anti-austerity campaigners to
say no to austerity altogether.
Leila stood for election to Brighton and
Hove City Council as a candidate in
Moulsecoomb and Bevendean to keep
the group’s work in council debate.
The budget proposals sparked a lengthy
debate and stalemate between the politi-
cal parties.
In the end, at the second meeting,
Labour and some rebel Greens were able
to vote in the compromise budget with a
council tax rise of 1.99%.
Council Leader Jason Kitcat said: "I’m
very pleased that councillors have come
to agreement and set a budget.
“ There are still challenging things in that
budget that we need to do but also impor-
tant services that have been protected
and I look forward to moving forward.
There are difficult times still ahead
though.”
With such a reduction in funding over
the coming years, it is likely that many
council services will be affected and
although children’s centres will continue
as usual this year, the future of the serv-
ices remains uncertain.
Join the discussion www.facebook.com/
groups/774464522644541/
STANDING FIRM: Young campaigners outside the town hall by Jane Smith
P19
P20
P21
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www.crosbywoods.co.uk
P22
By Patricia Heywood
AFTER giving birth it felt like there was a
pamphlet for everything, it was over-
whelming.
I returned home from hospital with an A4
envelope full of information.
It seemed that every avenue of concern
was covered. However one area new
mothers are never warned about and that
is certainly an issue is tendonitis.
Tendonitis is indiscriminate. It can affect
different parts of the body. The main
cause of tendonitis is the inflammation of
the sheath surrounding the tendon, this is
known as tenosynovitis.
There are a number of treatments rang-
ing from resting, physiotherapy, anti-in-
flammatory drugs like ibuprofen, ice
packs or injecting the affected area with
steroids.
The particular strand that I suffered from
is called De Quervain's tenosynovitis or
‘mummy thumb’. When I tried to move my
thumb the pain was sometimes excruciat-
ing and on a number of occasions
brought me to tears.
The pain was caused by the sheath
thickening around my thumb’s tendons
(which run from the thumb to the wrist)
Brought to tears bymummy thumb pain
P23
this often felt like my thumb was snapping
or locking into place. Unfortunately both
of my wrists were affected.
Men can suffer from it as well however it
is more prevalent in new mums. Accord-
ing to a study in the US in 2009, women
are four times more likely to develop
Quervain’s
than men.
The cause
of ‘mummy
thumb’ can
be the repeti-
tive action of
picking a
baby
out of their
car seat or
simply pick-
ing them up.
While look-
ing after a
young baby
at home rest-
ing my wrist
and thumb
was not re-
ally an option,
unfortunately
the pain was so bad I was scared that I
would drop her because I couldn’t really
hold her securely or pick her up, this was
heart breaking.
I posted my grievance on Facebook
and was surprised by the number of
responses from other suffering mothers.
Some had suffered from pain in the same
area and others in their back, arms and
shoulders.
I was shocked that this was such a com-
mon ailment suffered by mothers. Why
was I not given information about this?
I thought I had sprained my wrist. It took
three visits to the doctor before I was cor-
rectly diagnosed.
The incorrect diagnosis I received
included a sprained wrist and soft tissue
damage, with the advice to let it mend by
itself. This was poor advice, my wrists did
not mend themselves, the pain increased
and mobility became an issue.
I’m glad I was persistent and went back
to the doctors for a third and correct diag-
nosis.
In order to assist with the healing my
husband had
to stay at
home to help
out for a few
days on a
number of
occasions. I
couldn’t really
do anything
for my baby. I
couldn’t
make a bottle
because I
couldn’t un-
screw the lid,
I couldn’t
dress her,
change her
nappy or feed
her.
A friend sug-
gested strap-
ping up my wrist at night and letting my
husband do the night feeds so that I could
rest my wrists. It took some time but rest-
ing really made a difference to the pain
and my mobility.
Although it felt never ending at times
after I had the steroid injection in one
wrist, then the second a month later and
by resting at night I thankfully made a full
recovery.
So how do you prevent getting ten-
donitis? If possible (which may be difficult
when looking after a baby) avoid repeti-
tive movements and exercise the area,
helping to strengthen the muscles sur-
rounding the tendon should hopefully pre-
vent further problems. If you experience
any of the symptoms described above
seek medical attention.
TENDER TIMES: When tendonitis is so severe sup-port is needed
P24
By Sarah Booker Lewis
WEARING your baby in a sling is a great
way to bond as well as ensure you can
get on a Brighton and Hove Bus.
A great many parents in the city are
choosing to carry their babies rather than
stick to a pram or buggy.
When you have a lot of steps to your
front door or live in a flat it is certainly
easier.
Parent watching while walking along the
streets it is possible to see an incredible
array of slings.
There are coloured wraps, buckled
structured carriers, ring slings and mai
tais to consider.
Babywearing mothers are often asked
“what is the best sling?” One of the rea-
sons there is such a variety is different
types suit different people.
It is important to consider your baby’s
age so your sling is the right size. Then
there is the comfort factor.
The right sling will feel comfortable
enough to wear for hours and have your
baby’s legs in the M position, with their
knees higher than their bottom.
What is the right sling?
It is always a good idea to try before you
buy. Brighton has a sling library operating
via the Brighton Sling Babies Facebook
page. There are similar set ups in Wor-
thing and Eastbourne.
We asked a few mums about the slings
they like.
Catherine Jones said: “I started off with
my son in a Moby wrap but by the time he
was three months it had become very
heavy and it was too hot for the summer
months.
“I had a one-to-one consultation with a
sling consultant as I couldn't leave the
house much and initially tried a Connecta
but it just wasn't comfortable. I then tried
a Hop Tye Mei Tai which was heaven.
“The straps spread on your shoulders
like a wrap and you are supported around
the waist as well. It's easy to share with
my partner as the straps don't need ad-
Slinging them on forhands-free parenting
CLOSE KISS: A Mei Tai baby carrierhas no buckles
P25
justing and lovely and soft for baby.
“I still carry him every day at 10 months
and I can barely feel the weight.”
Wrapping mumma
Emma Creed likes to wrap. She said: “I
liked the look of wrapping but wasn't sure
if I'd be able to.
“Then someone sold a Natibaby Silk Iris
which I just fell in love with.
“I sent the lovely lady a message and
she offered to meet me in next, round the
corner from my house. I saw it, fell in
love, bought it, feel in love more and
learnt forward cross carry.
“I joined WrapJedi and learnt more car-
ries and started buying more wraps. I love
the full buckle Action Baby Carrier al-
though I rarely use it.
“With wraps though it's the variety I love,
the different patterns, materials, sizes, dif-
ferent carries. It's become a real passion.”
Lighter load
Luisa Shillitowski started out using a
BabyBjorn but found her son was too
heavy for it at seven months so bought a
Manduca after researching slings.
She said: “It was a revelation - Arthur
suddenly felt as light as a feather!
“I was determined to carry him for as
long as possible as he was a wriggly in-
dependent thing, and it was the only way I
got to cuddle him sleeping.
“The look on his little face looking up at
me was magical. And so we progressed
from front-carry to back-carry, and I learnt
to somehow toss him onto my back, much
to my Mother's horror!”
After her second pregnancy Luisa
started using an Oysterbaby stretchy
wrap after a recommendation from an
NCT friend.
“I've been using it since my daughter
was three days old and we're both in love
with it.
“Babywearing is now for me a way of life
rather than just a mode of transport,” she
added.
Comfort first
My own baby-wearing journey began
STRETCHY STYLE: Baby wearing in astretchy fabric wrap
“Babywearing is now
for me a way of life
rather than just a
mode of transport
Luisa Shillitowski
P26
thanks to a friend who runs Swindon Sling
Library. Late in my pregnancy I visited for
a consultation and established a Moby
wrap was for me.
Another friend recommended the Close
Caboo. I started with the two slings, which
was handy after a poo explosion.
As my daughter grew I developed a
woven wrap addiction. I bought an Ellville
wrap in a sale and then sold my husband
my desperate need for a Didymos wrap.
Thanks to a friend I was lucky enough to
win a stunning Natibaby wrap in a Face-
book competition.
Sometimes it is just easier to plop her in
a buckle carrier, an option preferred by
my husband.
We bought an Ergo and have recently
upgraded to a toddler-sized Tula buckled
carrier.
Early on I realised ring slings and Mei
Tais were not for me. I had wanted a
Manduca buckle carrier but didn’t like it
when I hired one.
It is certainly a good idea to try out be-
fore you buy.
T.I.C.K.S rule when it comes to safebabywearing.
Tight: Holding your baby close to your
body as slack fabric will cause them to
slump.
In view: You should always be able to
see your baby’s face.The fabric of a sling
or carrier should not close
around them so you have to open it to
check on them. In a cradle position
your baby should face upwards not be
turned in towards your body.
Close enough to kiss: Your baby’s head
should be close to your chin.Any
slack/loose fabric
will allow your baby to slump down in the
carrier which can hinder their
breathing and pull on your back.
Keep chin off chest: If a baby is curled
so their chin is forced on their chest then
it can restrict their breathing. Ensure there
is always a space of at least a finger
width under your baby’s chin.
Supported back: Your baby should be
comfortably close to you and their back
supported.
Useful links:
n www.nct.org.uk/parenting/babywearing-and-how-choose-sling
n www.schoolofbabywearing.com/
n www.babywearingadvice.co.uk/types.htm
n www.facebook.com/brightonslingbabies
n eastbourneslinglibrary.co.uk
n www.serenemidwifery.co.uk/sling-library/
n www.facebook.com/groups/wrapjedi/
WRAPPED TIGHT: Trying on NatibabyMachine Volantes woven wrap
P27
By Alison Woolfenden
OUR car passed away in July 2010 after
a short illness (head gasket); repairs cost
more than the value of the car.
Instead of replacing we decided to try
being a car free family, for the first time in
14 years.
Nearly five years on we are still car free
and usually happy with our decision.
Travel costs are predictable; no more
unexpected repair bills, MOTs, servicing,
duty, insurance or fuel costs.
No more parking struggles or deciding
who refrains from alcohol to drive home.
We spend quality time with our sons
whilst travelling eg drawing, reading,
having conversations about what is
outside.
Eating, breastfeeding and toilet trips are
easier, too.
I dropped a dress size in a few weeks
commuting by train after maternity leave; I
got an hour’s exercise due to the 15 mins
walk each end of my train journey.
We have city car club membership just
in case (book by the hour car hire,
membership is just £1 with a bus key
card) and use commercial firms for trips
away if needed.
We try to book train journeys ahead, eg
one way to Devon for £15, with booked
seats included where applicable.
Our two together railcard slices a further
third off. The website
www.traveline.org.uk is fantastic for
planning your journey by public transport.
You can download maps and timetables
from there to make it as stress free as
possible.
Another benefit is undoubtedly the envi-
ronmental impact. A large number of jour-
neys by car are for distances less than
two miles.
Congestion, obesity rates and general
well-being (physical and emotional) would
no doubt improve if some of these
journeys were made by healthier
alternatives.
A few years back we tried to reclaim our
weekends by enjoying quality family time
visiting places of interest; something we
all looked forward to particularly on the
dreaded Monday morning drudge back to
work.
Weekends were no longer just a tread-
mill of cleaning, shopping and laundry.
We often enjoyed a meal out there too
given how logistically tricky evening
meals out are once children arrive on the
scene.
We have been able to visit all of the
below by public transport from Brighton
(or know it can be done), to give you
some ideas of what is possible.
Some places have offer 2 for 1 entry
when you get there by train (they have a *
by them).
The National Trust often give money off
or a free cuppa when you travel by public
transport.
Within Brighton & HoveChattri (Bus 5 or 5A does involve a walk
but offers stunning views)
Devil’s Dyke (Bus 77, open top in sum-
mer). You can walk to the Shepherd &
Dog in Fulking from there in 20 minutes
and enjoy a meal in the lovely garden.
Stanmer Park (Bus 78, will stop at any
point within the park as long as it is safe
Out and about withtwo kids and no car
P28
or 23/25 to park gates)
Ditchling Beacon (Bus 79, there is a
walk from a car park on the way to
Stanmer via bus 24/79)
Mile Oak Farm (Bus 1 or 1A, free entry,
refreshments available)
*Preston Manor (Bus 5, 5A, 5B or train
Preston Park)
Booth Museum (Bus 27, 14C)
Emmaus (Bus 1 or 1A)
Foredown Tower (Bus 6)
Hove Museum (Buses 1/1A/6)
Brighton Old Police Cells Museum,
Volks Railway, *Royal Pavilion, Brighton
Museum & Art Gallery, *Brighton Toy and
Model Museum all in centre of Brighton
East Sussex (B=Bus, T=Train, 2B=2 buses needed)
*Lewes Castle, Museum and Anne of
Cleaves House (B/T)
Charleston (T+B or 2B)
Middle Farm (T+B or 2B)
Seven Sisters/Cuckmere/Exceat (B)
Seven Sisters Sheep Centre (B)
Beachy Head (B)
*Paradise Park (B)
Lewes Martyrs Memorial (B/T + walk)
Druscillas (T+B or 2B)
Bluebell Railway (2B or B)
Sheffield Park (2B or B)
Lavender Line (3B)
Glynde Place (B/T)
Newhaven Fort (B/T)
Rye Museum& Harbour (T)
Hastings Museum (T)
Southover Grange Gardens (B/T)
Monks House Rodmell (T+B or 2B)
Ditchling Museum (B)
Alfriston Clergy House NT (T+B or 2B)
West Sussex*WWT Wetlands Arundel (T+walk)
RSPB Pulborough Brooks (T+B or 2B)
Petworth House (T+B)
Borde Hill Gardens (T/B+walk on grass
verges)
Wakehurst Place (T+B or 2B)
High Beeches Garden (B + long walk on
grass verges)
West Dean Gardens (T+B)
Washbrooks Farm (B)
Nymans (B)
Amberley Museum (T)
Bracklesham Bay Beach (T+B)
Worthing Museum and Art Gallery (B/T)
Weald & Downland Museum (T+B)
Standen (T+2B or 3B)
STUNNING VIEWS:The Chattri war memorial on the downs at Patcham By Simon Carey and licensed for reusebyCreative Commons Licence
P29
10.15am-12.00pm (09.45am member entry) at The Charmandean Centre, Forest Road, Worthing, BN14 9HS
For further information please visit our website: www.nctworthing.org.uk
Admission £1 (in aid of NCT Charity). Payment for goods by card or cash only
Saturday 26th September 2015
P30
P31
Cool free things in Brighton this summerIF summer is any good this year then it is
a great chance for little ones to get out
and explore the world around them.
There are some great free things to
keep them occupied throughout the sum-
mer months. Especially if they are walking
about.
The LevelThroughout the summer the fountains
are on from the half hour to the hour from
11am-4pm daily.
Larger jets at the centre of the fountain
area are always taken by the big kids
having water fights.
Our little people can enjoy the gentle
low fountains either side of the old bridge
structures.
A key tip for mums keeping out of the
sun; behind the curved buildings there are
great shady spots for a picnic.
The PlaybusWhere does it stop? All over the place.
Brighton and Hove City Council’s award-
winning Playbus is one of the highlights
of summer for children of all ages across
the city.
This summer it is parking up for a week
at a time in different parts of the city.
The big event is National Play Day at
Hove Park on August 5, when children
can expect a host of entertainment and
excitement as well as different ways to
play.
Expect story time, soft play, crafts, mini
sports and so much more when the full
programme is announced.
Follow the Playbus on Facebook by
iking www.facebook.com/BHCCPlaybus
or visiit www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/
playbus
P32
www.minimusic.info
Music classes for babies, toddlers and pre-school children
Holy Cross Church HallTamworth Road - Hove
Mondays, Fridays,nursery rhymes action songs
movement instrumentspuppets refreshments
call Suzanne on 01273 326 923 or text 07931 187 399 for a free trial
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ll
HTamwor
urn
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laHhcurhCssorCyloHe Hov -th RoadTamwor
ays,diays, FrdMonsemyhryres sononi act
t movemen sttsneumrtsnistepupp entsmhrefres
962337210noennauzSllaee tr a fr for99 378 11397 text 0
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m.www
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www.tobabyandbeyond.com T: 01273 702496 E: [email protected]
First aid for babies and children• Want to know what to do if a baby or child
is choking or has breathing problems?• Want to know how to deal with burns,
scolds and other common accidents and injuries?
• Want to know how to prevent accidents happening?
Learn first aid with one of our local or ‘at home’ courses
P33
P34
WHEN a little person is tugging at your
arm it is difficult to get anything done.
If crafts are you thing it is next to
impossible.
A love of sewing, knitting and crafts
as well as devotion to her two-year-old
son Sebastian, inspired Stacie Madden
to set up Brighton Stitchin’ Sisters
Parents’ Special.
The fortnightly group
meets at St George’s
Church in Kemp Town,
where the Seven Bees
Café provides refresh-
ments and an assort-
ment of toys keeps the
little ones occupied.
“I’m into sewing and
knitting. My
grandmother did teach
me to knit when I was
younger but I wasn’t
very good,” Stacie ex-
plains.
“I didn’t have the
patience but now I
have found the
patience since
becoming a mum.”
Mothers, grandmoth-
ers and the occasional
dad or granddad come
along to the group on
a Wednesday
lunchtime and share
their skills.
From quilting to cro-
chet and knitting, a
wide variety of crafts
are practised by visi-
tors.
“I love the idea ofGOOD ADVICE: Stacie receives knitting advice
Sew much fun toshare a good yarn
Something for mum
P35
making,” Stacie explains.
“I read an article about it being cathartic.
As a new mum who isn’t working I was
desperate to have an outlet.”
Stitchin’ Sisters Parent Special came
about as Stacie wanted to give other par-
ents a place where they can enjoy them-
selves and not worry about their children.
She said: “I wanted a group where chil-
dren were not excluded and we could still
be crafting.
“There is nothing like it around and it’s
successful because there’s a balance as
it is a place for parents and children.”
What is key for Stacie is the freedom
and support they need.
“Mums find it a safe and supportive net-
work,” she explained.
“They get to talk to others without it
being a mother and baby group.”
An aspect Stacie particularly likes is how
people share their skills.
The inexperienced knitter will usually
find someone to help them out with their
rib.
Stacie also runs Brighton Sewing Bee at
St George’s and Stitchin’ Sisters After
Dark at Al Campo Lounge in London
Road.
Stitchin’ Sisters Parents’ Special is on
alternate Wednesdays at St George’s
Church, St George’s Road, Kemp Town
from 11am-1pm.
Find out about Brighton Stitchin’ Sisters
Parents Special via the Facebook page
www.facebook.com/pages/Brighton-
Stitchin-sisters/61194805893764.
Brighton Sewing Bee events at
www.facebook.com/www.
brightonsewingbee.co.uk
By Sarah Booker Lewis
27th September 2015 29th November 2015 10.30am 12.00pm (10:15am entry for members)
Priory School, Mountfield Road, Lewes, BN7 2XN
Maternity Wear
Entry £1.50 suggested donation (in aid of NCT Charity) Free onsite parking
P36
Sunday, September 27Sunday, November 29
10.30am-Noon
(10.15am entry for members)
Priory School, Mountfield Road, Lewis,BN7 2XN
Baby & children’s clothes, toys & books,
equipment, maternity wear
Entry £1.50 suggested donation (in aid of NCT charity)
Free on-site parking
P37
Advertorial by Vicki Steven of WaterbabiesONE of the best things about teaching
babies to swim is Water Babies is privi-
leged to be present at such a very special
time in a family’s life.
However, while there is much joy sur-
rounding birth, there can be problems as
well. Of these issues, post natal depres-
sion is certainly one of the most signifi-
cant, with statistics suggesting it affects
as many as one in ten new mums.
About half of all new mums will suffer a
period of mild depression, commonly
known as the baby blues. This may last a
few hours, at most a few days and then
disappear.
Symptoms include feeling very emo-
tional, anxious and upset. Your sleeping
may be affected and you might feel tired
and lethargic.
Should these blues continue, becoming
worse and more distressing, it is possible
they are developing into postnatal depres-
sion. Alternatively a second type of PND
emerges more slowly and is not notice-
able until several weeks after birth.
In both cases, symptoms are the same
as with the blues, but can also include de-
pression, panic, tension, inappropriate
thoughts, loss of concentration and any
interest in sex.
One Water Babies client, Ali Blakemore,
knows only too well the anguish caused
by PND.
She said: “I found having a baby a com-
plete shock to the system, feeling com-
pletely overburdened by the 24-7 nature
of motherhood.
“I found myself thinking darker and
darker thoughts about my ability as a
mother, convinced that my son and hus-
band would be better off without me.”
One of the main problems is that often
the condition remains undiagnosed and
untreated, especially as many new mums
are reluctant to discuss how they feel.
They may think what they are experienc-
ing is completely normal, or feel embar-
rassed about feeling so miserable at such
happy time. Ali was one of the lucky ones
who knew that PND is a treatable illness.
“Eventually I took the plunge, went to my
GP and was prescribed medication,” Ali
explained.
“For my recovery I knew I also needed
some social activities to get me out of the
house, even though in the depths of de-
pression the last thing I felt like doing was
mixing with other mums who were proba-
bly coping much better than me.
“I started Water Babies lessons with
Archie when he was six months old. Right
from the start he loved it, being a very ac-
tive little boy.
“Soon we were both really relaxing and
enjoying it, and I felt I was able to get to
know him so much better. In the early
days, sharing a car with another mum and
her little daughter was also really helpful
as there were then no last minute ex-
cuses to opt out.”
Understanding of PND is increasing all
the time, enabling more and more women
to get the help they need. If you think you
might be suffering from it then do get in
touch with your doctor. The Association
for Postnatal Illness website:
www.apni.org also has lots of very clear
information.
As a Water Babies teacher I have wit-
nessed the effects of PND first hand. My
advice would be, do not hesitate to seek
help if you think this is what you are going
through. There are plenty of people who
will be able to help and empathise, and
no-one will judge you.
Vicki Steven is the director of Water Ba-
bies locally. Classes are available across
the region. For more information ring
01273 552454 or visit
www.waterbabies.co.uk .
Talking out those baby blues
P38
Six years ago was a very different story to
where I find myself now. It has been an
emotional whirl wind and I find myself
strangely the same at the core, yet a very
different person on the whole.
If nothing else, having a baby is a
marathon life experience. There’s not just
one wall that needs breaking through.
I remember being amazed in the first
weeks of being a new parent. Not just be-
cause I had a new baby, but because of
the alternate dimension I found myself:
where were all the baby changing facili-
ties, how does one breast feed in public,
how ridiculously long it took to get out of
the house with all the baby paraphernalia,
what baby groups to go to, where to get
baby advice, how does one know what’s
right with baby and what’s wrong. Good-
ness me, I felt like I was in the twilight
zone. There was mild astonishment that
this entirely unknown dimension to life
had been running alongside mine all this
time completely without my knowledge, or
at least that’s what it felt like.
Having had two pregnancies, I can say
with reasonable certainty that my per-
sonal experience is that my mind be-
comes incredible focused and driven
when pregnant. I get a sense of what
needs to be done and I steamroller ahead
and do it.
Perhaps the hormones are to thank. As
tempting as it may be, I am not sure get-
ting pregnant is the best way to help
focus one’s life priorities. If only employ-
ers realised that they could capitalise on
this and how to engage pregnant women
to their cause, they would have a work-
force to be reckoned with.
I had a c-section first time round, after a
planned home birth that was in my view
taken from me.
Second time round I was prepared to do
just about anything to have a natural
water home birth, if I could. For someone
that’s had a c-section believe me, in the
eyes of all the medical professional that’s
no mean feat.
Brighton and Hove’s medical recom-
mendation is to have a second c-section
after a first - not on my watch if I didn’t
have to.
As a first time novice mum-to-be, I
trusted in the professional to know what
was best for me and guide me. After the
first birth went in completely the wrong di-
rection, I was determined to figure out
why. It took me three years to accept my
part and others in the outcome I didn’t
want for my first birth.
I used the information and experience
from my first birth to direct the second
birth. I would need to write a book to give
the ins and outs. So instead I want to
pass on some of my learning in the hope
that others can also benefit:
Mother does know best: be confidentin what you want.
A pregnant mum knows what she needs
and when she does not she will let you
know. As a pregnant mum, grasp that nat-
ural know-how and put it to go use for you
and your new family to be. Tap into your
inner strength. It sounds all hippy like I
know, the power of prenatal hormones is
vast. Use it. Own it.
Nesting plays a big part: take time toconnect with baby.
Nesting is essential. If you are not feel-
ing it, then work at it until you do. Birth
needs nurturing. There is a whole bunch
of science behind this that would require
a thesis. In essence, mum-to-be needs to
be thinking about what colour the nursery
wall paper or knitted bootie should be,
rather than sitting at a desk trying to work
out the customer’s complaint query.
A provocative comment I know, in my
experience work becomes not the priority
Rebekah’s birth story
P39
and preparing for birth does.
Direct your birthing experience: plan for
the best and less favourable outcomes.
Preparing for giving birth can be a bit
like organising a special event. From how
to birth, where to birth, when to birth and
who with: it’s a mine field of making deci-
sions. As with all good plans, contingency
planning is necessary.
Seek out your female companion.At the time of my first birth, I had been
with the other half 16 years. I thought he
could be my birthing partner, and I was
wrong.
History tells us time and again that fe-
male support is the birthing mother’s com-
panion. I went to great expense to employ
a doula second time round and it was an
investment in my baby’s start to life worth
making.
If you are away from all the key women
in your life (Mum, Gran, Sister, best girl-
friend) then seek out a professional to be
there for you and your other half.
The female birthing companion is as
much there for the partner as they are for
the mother.
Work with the medical services.It crossed my mind to do it alone second
time round. Fortunately my doula spoke a
little sense into me. She advised to work
with the services, even though I wanted
full control. Birthing is the ultimate em-
powering experience. It is the mother that
needs to birth baby and everyone else is
there to tell her she can.
The medical services can come across
rather risk adverse, promoting concerns
through risk percentages: this could go
wrong and that could go wrong. This is
not what a mum to be needs to hear, it’s
disconcerting, disempowering and can be
out right scary.
Birthing needs security, comfort, sup-
port, calm and empowerment. The serv-
ices don’t want anything to go wrong: at
best because as individual people they
want what’s good for you and baby; at
worst they are part of an establishment
subject to targets, insurances and the
media. Cold but true, told to me by people
in the service. Once this is accepted it
then becomes the mother’s responsibility
to birth as well as she can, and to use the
services should a situation arise where
help is needed.
Hypnobirthing – what have you got tolose.
As I said earlier, I was prepared to do
pretty much anything to ensure I had a
natural birth second time round. Hypno-
birthing – yah right! For around £15 for a
CD I figured it was worth a try if there was
anything in it.
Do it. It is totally worth it. I didn’t listen to
it the recommended daily, more like bi-
weekly and only in my last trimester.
When my other half put the CD on I went
into the zone and in simple terms sepa-
rated from the discomfort of birthing. If
there is ever a next time round, I’m listen-
ing daily morning and night and some-
where in the middle too if I can squeeze it
in.
The pain is not a problem.Really? Jog on – I hear you say. I did re-
search to prepare for the second birth and
watched some amazing video footage of
euphoric birthing. I could not quite believe
it first time round, but there was no deny-
ing what was right in front of me.
Paring that with my hypnobirthing CD
mantra that the sensation of birthing was
the focus of attention, and that giving birth
is likened to doing a 50km marathon, I
came to the conclusion that birthing is
more about the effort than about pain
generally associated with hurting one’s
self. Pain is usually considered a negative
eg I’ve hurt myself. Birthing is an im-
mense amount of effort, yet something we
are designed to do.
I hope these points I share with you pro-
vide insight, trigger questions to the norn,
provide hope and positive suggestion.
Good luck with your parenting ventures.
P40
Nearly new sale coming up soonBy Sarah Booker Lewis
EVERYONE loves a bargain. There is
something for all young families at an
NCT Nearly New Sale.
The Brighton and Hove sale in Novem-
ber had a turnover in excess of £10,000,
with more than 500 people passing
through the doors at Hove Cricket Club.
Our new venue on Sunday, June 14 is
Portslade Sports Centre, where we ex-
pect a bumper amount of clothes, toys,
and all the equipment you will ever need
for a new baby and young children.
If this is your first Brighton and Hove
NCT sale experience there is a handy
map showing how everything is laid out.
Most of the clothes are on rails with
some tables for anything that does not
hang up. Sleeping bags are also hanging
on rails.
Clothing is organised by gender and
age, with separate rails for fancy dress
and maternity clothes.All large equipment
is in the middle of the room. Toys and
books are also together. It is all logical.
I remember my own first visit when I was
six months pregnant. Finding everything
organised by type and size meant I could
get an idea of what was available and
what I might need in the future.
My best bargain finds include an Ergo
sling, a stunning John Lewis romper suit
and a huge bag of Megablocks.
At one end of the room are the business
tables offering a wide variety of services
from classes to nurseries, clothing and
keepsakes.
Once you complete your purchase there
is an NCT cafe where you can put your
feet up and enjoy a cake.
There are always excellent quality items
on sale, so it is a great way to equip your
child without breaking the bank.
Once you are done with the clothes and
equipment you have, it is worth consider-
ing selling via one of these events.
All you need to do is apply, label your
items and volunteer a little of your time to
help set up the event.
A percentage of the sale money is kept
by NCT to help fund the charity’s work.
Portslade Sports Centre is in Chalky
Road, next to the school.
The number 1 bus stops outside.
Our next sale in November is at
BHASVIC.GRAB A BARGAIN: So much on offer at
the sale on June 14
P41
Queue to tillsQ
ue
ue
to
till
sT
ills, ca
rd r
ea
de
rs a
nd
ra
ffle
Clothes
Fancy dressShoes & Accessories
Cots, moses, travel, gates
DVDs, CDs, childcare, maternity books
Children’s books
Slings & other equipment
Business tables
Buggies
To
ys
To
ys
Swim
Highchairs
Bounders/Walkers
NappiesTowels/bedding
Boys4-5 5-6
2-3 3-4
12-18 18-24
6-9 9-12
3-6
0-3
Unisex newborn
0-3
3-6
6-9 9-12
12-18 18-24
2-3 3-4
4-5 5-6
Maternity
P42
Summer Sale Sunday 14 June 2015 11:30am (11am NCT Members) till 1pm
Portslade Sports Centre Chalky Road Portslade BN41 2WS Free Parking on site, Buses 1/1 Portslade Academy Christmas Sale Saturday 14 November 2015
2:30pm (2pm NCT Members) till 4pm BHASVIC Sports Centre 205 Dyke Road Hove BN3 6EG
Entrance via Crocodile Walk Free Parking on site, Buses 14/14C/27/56/77 BHASVIC Large Ticketed Sales thousands of Nearly New items - toys, books, equipment, ing 0-6. Everything is pre- really easy to find things, most clothing is hung on rails, cards accepted (no fee), free re-usable bags, free prize raffle and café. Entrance £1.
Summer Sale Sunday, June 14 11.30am (11am NCT Members) until 1pm
Portslade Sports Centre, Chalky Road, Portslade, BN41 2WS
Free Parking on sites, 1/1As (alight Portslade Academy)
Christmas Sale Saturday, November 142.30pm (2pm NCT Members) until 4pm
BHASVIC Sports Centre 205 Dyke Road Hove BN3 6EG
Entrance via Crocodile Walk
Free Parking on site, Buses 14/14C/27/56/77 (alight
BHASVIC)
Large Ticketed Sale – thousands of nearly new items – toys, books, equipment,
maternity and children’s clothinging 0-6. Everything is pre-sorted so it is really
easy to find things, most clothing is hung on rails, cards accepted (no fee), free
re-usable bags, free prize raffle and café. Entrance £1.
P43
KEEPING your child safe this summer -
tips on how to be safe in the sun and
around water.
Being safe in the sunAs we all look forward to summer and
sunshine it is important to think about how
we can protect our children's skin.
Children's, and especially babies', skin
is even more sensitive to sunlight than
adult skin. Unprotected exposure to the
sun's UV rays may cause sun burn in the
short term and lead to an increased risk
of skin cancer later on in life. Children
under two are also at higher risk of devel-
oping heatstroke or suffering complica-
tions from dehydration.
Here are a few tips to protect your chil-
dren in the sun. Please follow the links at
the end of this article to find out more in-
formation.
• Babies - Babies less than six months
old should be kept out of direct sunlight at
all times but especially around midday.
Their skin does not yet contain enough
melanin, which is the pigment that pro-
tects our skin from the sun.
• Shade - Sunlight is at its strongest be-
tween 10 am and 4 pm. Encourage chil-
dren to play in the shade, especially at
these times.
• Sun screen - Use a high SPF sun
screen to protect any exposed parts of
skin even on overcast or cloudy days. You
need to cover your child's face (nose,
ears, cheeks), shoulders as well as their
feet several times a day. Use a water-
proof sunblock for swimming and reapply
after towelling.
• Sun glasses - Sun glasses will offer fur-
ther protection to children's eyes. Check
that they meet the British Standard
(BSEN 1836:2005). A "CE" label should
also be visible. If your child resists sun
glasses, a hat with a visor or brim is a
good alternative.
• Sun hats - Protecting the shoulders and
back of the neck is particularly important
when playing outside. A floppy hat with a
wide brim will shade the face and neck.
You can also buy hats with a flap which
provide extra protection for the neck
(google 'sun hat with flap'). If your hat has
a string it will be less likely to come off or
be pulled off by your toddler.
• Loose clothing - Baggy cotton clothes
provide sun protection while allowing air
flow to cool the skin. Dress children in
long sleeves and legs, especially babies,
for example oversized t-shirts with
sleeves.
• Hydration - offer your children water fre-
quently throughout the day. Homemade
ice lollies, ice cubes and fruit such as
melon will also help to keep your children
hydrated.
• Keeping babies hydrated - If you are
still breastfeeding, your baby will likely
want to breast feed more often, but you
don't need to offer additional water. If you
are bottle feeding, you can offer cooled
boiled water throughout the day in addi-
tion to usual milk feeds. Try this, espe-
cially at night if they have already had
their usual amount of milk feeds.
• Cars - Never leave your child alone in a
car during hot weather, no matter how
brief. Children and especially babies are
less able to regulate their body tempera-
ture and are at higher risk of dehydration.
In addition to our sun safety tips, here are
a few suggestions to keep your children
cool during hot temperatures:
• Water play is a great way to keep chil-
dren cool. Read through our safety tips
below
• A cool bath (15 - 18°C) can help before
bedtime on a hot day
• Keep blinds or curtains drawn during the
day; use use a fan to help circulate the air
in the room
Keeping babies safe this summer
P44
• Nightwear and bedclothes should be
kept to a minimum. Use a thermometer to
measure room temperature and adjust
clothing accordingly. Babies may be OK
in just a nappy and a 0.5 tog sleeping
bag. If you use sheets, make sure they
can't get loose and cover baby's face or
get entangled during the night.
Being safe around waterPlaying with water is a great way to
keep your baby or toddler cool in the
summer.
However, it is essential to be safe
around water. It only takes a couple of
minutes face down in the water for a tod-
dler to drown. Children between two and
six are particularly at risk of drowning in
shallow water or small water features and
containers. Even the best supervisors
maybe distracted briefly, so please
NEVER let your child play with or near
water unattended.
When going on holiday or swimming in a
pool, lake, river or by the sea, check the
following:
• Is there a lifeguard or pool attendant on
duty? A pool attendant may only responsi-
ble for keeping the poolside clean, not for
ensuring safety in the water
• Does your pool have a barrier? In many
countries this is a legal requirement, and
it's especially important if you rent a
house or villa
• Walk around the pool, beach, lake or
river to check for any hazards (such as
rocks). Remember where the emergency
equipment is
• Check the water safety information signs
and ask a lifeguard about the safest area
to swim. Ask about any dangerous cur-
rents or tides
• You could consider taking a short course
in first aid
• Find out about any swimming and water
safety courses for children offered by
councils or holiday companies
• Check the Royal Society for the Preven-
tion of Accidents' (RoSPA) and the For-
eign and Commonwealth Office websites
for further advice on how to keep your
children safe around water.
Picture by Boudewijn Berends
P45
We are always looking for people to join
our volunteer committee. Volunteering
can be great fun and of course, looks
great on your CV.
Whether you are on maternity leave,
working part or full time or a stay at home
parent, we would love to have your help.
Our committee meets once a month and
we have a great time planning our
activities. We do hope you can help.
Roles can be shared so please get in
touch if you are interested.
Email the committee at
Branch Chair/Co-ordinatorChairs monthly meetings and ensures the
smooth running of the branch including li-
aison with head office.
A handover with the previous chair is
possible and there are also committee
members with a good amount of experi-
ence who can help advise you while you
find your feet. We suggest this role is
taken on for a year.
Deputy ChairTo deputise for the chair if required, with
the aim of taking over the chair's role in a
year's time after their year in post.
Newletter DesignerWould layout the quarterly newsletter
using publishing software such as Quark
or InDesign (you would need access to
this).
The content will be supplied by the
newsletter editor and advertising coordi-
nator. This will require concentrated
bursts of work four times a year before
the newsletter goes to print.
Volunteer Co-ordinatorRecruits new volunteers both for the com-
mittee posts when they fall vacant as well
as specific branch activities (mainly
Bumps & Babies and Nearly New Sales).
Advertising Co-ordinatorBooks adverts from local businesses for
our quarterly newsletter. We are in the
process of designing an on-line booking
form & building up a database of contacts
so this should make the role fairly
straightforward.
Membership Coordinator (New Mem-bers)Liaison with new NCT Members in the
area to welcome them with information
about what we offer. This is a small role
needing around two hours per month.
Nearly New Sales CoordinatorAlthough someone currently undertakes
this post, that individual may take on a dif-
ferent team role if we struggle to find suffi-
cient volunteers.
This change would create a gap for one
or more people to help organise the sales
(organising logistics, managing and re-
cruiting sellers, publicity etc). Organising
the sales does take a lot of work, but as
we already have another individual inter-
ested in undertaking this role it would be
shared to lighten the load.
In addition we are always looking for the
following which are not committee posts:
Bumps & Babies VolunteersA great many parents come along to our
bumps and babies session and we need
more volunteers to keep it going. It would
help share to share the work between
more people.
Arrive 20 minutes before the start of the
group to help set up the room, serve re-
freshments and clear away at the end.
The group runs each Wednesday in term
time from 1-2.30pm in central Hove.
Nearly New Sales VolunteersHelping at the three or more sales per
year with setting up, during the sale (eg
on the tills, behind the scenes, on the
doors etc) and clearing away afterwards.
Those who help can attend the pre-sale
held before we open our doors to
customers, so you get first pick of what is
on sale.
Branch Vacancies
P46
Birth announcements
Isabella Flora BraidBorn on March 19, 2015
to Josh and Francesca Braid
Sonny Nicholas William KuehneBorn on February 2, 2015
to Sara Scott and Ollie Kuehne
Max Lucas Tip-ThunBorn on February 17, 2015to Fred Thun and Linda Tip
Samuele DerudasBorn on February 26, 2015
to Marco Derudas and Silvia Meneghesso
Share your birth announcement by emailing yours and your
baby’s name and DOB to [email protected]
P47
Birth announcements
Alfie CavanaghBorn on March 18, 2015
to Kate Cavanagh and Chris Paul
Jake James and Finn StephenBorn on March 5, 2015
to Karen Nicholls and Paul Eastman
Benjamin Neil WittenBorn on March 19, 2015to Emma and Neil Witten
Arlo Jacob Allan Vincent
Born on April 2, 2015
to Clare Allan and Tom Vincent
P48
P49
Bring the salon experience to your home
With more than 20 years experience in the beauty industry, working inleading
salon and spas worldwide, Caroline at The Home Beauty Parlour can bring the
pure bliss of the salon experience into your home.
Offering facials, massage, waxing or just a quick manicure, Caroline can
provide the treatment to suit you.
The Home Beauty Parlour covers Brighton and Hove and surrounding areas.
With this Spring/summer issue you can get 10% off all treatments.
Call Caroline on 07817 711659Or email: [email protected]
P50
General enquiries [email protected]
Volunteering [email protected]
Bumps and Babies [email protected]
Nearly New Sales [email protected]
Advertising [email protected]
Homebirth [email protected]
Branch Co-ordinator Vacant at time of print
Treasurer Amy Gray & Jessie-Mae Coleman
Branch Secretary Marianne Allen/Natasha Owen
Membership Secretary Helen Shelley
PSA Link Julia Redburn
Post Natal Support Lynsey Martin
(Bumps and Babies)
Nearly New Sale Alison Woolfenden
Co-ordinator
Newsletter Editor Sarah Booker Lewis [email protected]
Advertising Co-ordinator Rebekah Stone
Socal media Co-ordinator Magdalena Ford
Homebirth Support Rep Marein Schmitthener
Antenatal TeachersAgnes Munday [email protected]
Lucy Guland [email protected]
Hilary Curtis [email protected]
Karen Penner [email protected]
Didi Craze [email protected]
Ruth McHugh [email protected]
Natasha Sharp [email protected]
Giselle Gonzalez-Bernal [email protected]
Liz Hougham [email protected]
Breastfeeding CounsellorsSheila Smith 01273 242697
Michelle Tant [email protected]
Mette Anderson Stempe 01273 551870/[email protected]
Christine Griffin 01903 877294
Facebook: facebook.com/NCTBrightonHove
Twitter: @nctbrightonhove
How to contact your branch
HOPSCOTCHChildren's Premier Nurseries
01273 385577www.hopscotch.uk.com
Discover your child’spotential at Hopscotch . . .
1988-2013
25wonderfu
l
years
HO
PSCOTCH
NURSERIE
S
BRIGHTON • HOVE • PEACEHAVEN • SEAFORD
P51
How to contact your branch
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