Summer 2015

Competition! Be the face of our next Baby & Toddler Show

Issue No. 10

Myth BustingStay at home dads

FREE guide

for Calderdale

& Huddersfield Parents

2Charity No. 1110457

Sunday 4th October 2015 10am - 3pm The Shay Stadium Shay Syke, Halifax, HX1 2YT

4 Free entrance

4 Free parking for 400 cars

4 For all your pregnancy, birth, baby and toddler needs

4 Lots of stalls, guest speakers and demonstrations

01422 399533 or 07711 964658andrea@thebeststart.co.ukwww.thebeststart.co.uk thebeststart thebeststart

Come along and connect with local businesses

providing support, classes and shopping

opportunities.

The Best Start supports local parents on their

parenting journey from pregnancy through to

pre-school.

Want to find out what is available in your

local area?

F r o m p r e g n a n c y t o p r e - s c h o o l

Contents page

Baby & Toddler Show 2

Birth Story 4

Stay at Home Dads 7

Parenting on the Edge 8

Baby Massage 11

Home Birth Story 12

What does a doula do? 15

Baby Competition 16

Let’s Play Outside 20

Myth Busting 22

What Mother’s Do 25

Directory 27

Useful Contacts 30

What to pack in your hospital bag 31

Welcome to...Welcome to Issue 10 of The Best Start magazine, we hope that you’re looking forward to the summer months. In this issue, we have some top tips to share with you around enjoying the local area and meeting other parents.

SAVE THE DATE! Sunday 4th October 2015: our annual Baby & Toddler event, 11am-4pm at The Shay Stadium, Halifax.

Competition Time!1. Would you like your baby to be The Face of The Best Start Baby & Toddler Show? See page 16 & 17 to find out how to enter.

2. The chance to win one of two copies of ‘What Mothers Do… especially when it looks like nothing’. See our review on page 25.

We have two local birth stories and many other features, including the directory to help you find classes and services in your local area. We couldn’t run the magazine without our advertisers, so please tell them where you’ve seen their advert.

Enjoy the summer!

Best Wishes

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Disclaimer. The Best Start is a free, independent magazine for new and expectant parents in Huddersfield and Calderdale.Any statements or opinions given in this magazine are not necessarily those of the editor. Nothing may be reproduced without prior permission. Editor: Andrea Wallman. Copy Editor: Adela Stockton. Design: Print Bureau. Front Cover: Supplied by Sugarbird Photography

thebeststart @thebeststart

Andrea Wallman, Founder of The Best Start

email: hello@thebeststart.co.uk Telephone: 01422 399533 or 07711 964658

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Birth Storyby Sarah Nalborczyk

I was a week overdue and following

an uneventful check-up with my

midwife I felt sure that I was going

to have to be induced, which was

something I really did not want. To

cheer me up, my husband Andrew

suggested we went to the cinema

in Hebden Bridge for the evening.

Just as we were leaving at about

6pm, I felt a twinge. I had been experiencing Braxton

Hicks for the past few weeks but this felt

different, I knew this was it: I was finally starting my labour.

We decided to still go to

the cinema, it was a good

distraction, I just

needed to squeeze Andrew’s arm every 10 minutes or so when I had a contraction! When we got home from

the cinema the contractions were

getting stronger and more regular so

we called Huddersfield Birth Centre,

where I had planned to give birth. I

then spent the next few hours with

a hot water bottle on my back,

wandering around the house, while

Andrew got some much needed

sleep in preparation for what was to

come.

By 2am my contractions were coming

strong and fast and I knew we

needed to go in. Unfortunately when

we rang the unit, it was full. However,

they called The Royal Calderdale

birth centre and sorted everything

out, so when we arrived they were

expecting us. We had a lovely room

with a birthing pool all ready and

waiting for us, just as we had wanted.

My birth plan was to stay mobile and

use a birth pool if it was available,

with as little pain relief as I could.

On arrival the midwife examined

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me and my cervix was already 7cm dilated. I couldn’t believe it and was very relieved that things had progressed so quickly and relatively painlessly. My contractions were particularly painful in my lower back, which meant I found it really uncomfortable to sit or lie on the bed, so being in the birth pool was lovely. The midwife monitored me while I was in the water or standing up. I found breathing to be the best pain relief and Andrew was amazing, supporting me through every single contraction. I did try some gas and air while I was in the birth pool, but found it did not really work for me and just made my throat dry.

By 7am I was beginning to get quite tired and there was still no sign of our baby. The midwife suggested that I got out of the pool to move around and see if things progressed. I spent the next few hours trying different positions, kneeling on the bed, standing up, leaning on the bed and even sitting on toilet! Those last few hours were a blur, but finally I remember thinking I can feel my baby’s head and sure enough, I could feel a little tuft of hair! The midwife supported me to do what I needed to do and my body just took over. I stood up, leaning on the bed with Andrew opposite me holding my hands and breathing with me in support. I remember my legs shaking as I pushed.

Once my baby’s head was born there was such a rush of relief. The midwife said I just needed two more contractions, one to help my baby

to turn and a final one to birth. Minutes passed and no contractions came. After what seemed an eternity, the midwife said she was going to call for some help as it seemed my contractions had stopped and my baby needed to be born. At that moment I remember thinking ‘I have to do this!’. I’m not sure whether I had a contraction or not, but I pushed with all my strength and at 10.10am on 2 November 2013 Adam was born weighing 8lb exactly. It had been a 16 hour labour from the very first twinge to the birth of my beautiful baby boy.

As the midwife helped me to sit down and passed Adam to me, I could not believe we had done it. It was such an amazing experience. We can’t thank the midwives at the Royal Calderdale Birth Centre enough for letting us get on with it in our own way and providing the perfect environment to bring our baby into the world.

If you would like to share your birth story please contact us at hello@thebeststart.co.uk.

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The Rise of the Stay-at-Home DadAccording to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) the number of stay-at-home dads (SAHD) has doubled in the past 20 years, to a figure of 229,000 in the UK.

So with this small, but rising number, what are some of the reasons why men are deciding to stay at home to look after the children?

• theirwifeorpartneristhemainbreadwinner• theirwifeorpartnerisprogressingwiththeir career• participatinginthevaluableroleofbringing up their child/children• providingcontinuityofcare,nojuggling nurseries, nannies or childcare • therisingcostofchildcare

All of the above are valid reasons for dads being at home, but, importantly, I think the stereotype that childcare is ‘women’s work’ is also being challenged: the assumption that mothers should automatically take the role of primary care giver and not have any other options. Yet children growing up can see both of their parents in different roles.

One of the main difficulties for SAHDs is finding local peer support from other men in the same position. Traditionally, groups are focussed on ‘mother & baby’ and although most are inclusive and welcome grandparents or others caring for children, they can sometimes seem a little daunting for some men.

Over the page, local dad, Al, tells us about his experience and ideas for setting up a monthly meet up for SAHDs.

In the Autumn issue, we’ll be looking at shared paternity leave. If anyone has any experience of this and would like to share their story, please get in touch with andrea@thebeststart.co.uk.

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Parenting on the EdgeLocal dad, Al, shares his experience of being a stay-at-home dad

No, I am not referring to some new fangled extreme sport involving dangling upside down from a great height while clinging on to a terrified infant. No, that would be too messy for the child and for me. Besides, it’s too messy already. What I am gibbering on about is as per the findings of a recent study: apparently I am a ‘new man’ or less pretentiously, a stay-at-home dad (SAHD) for short. I find the term ‘new man’ slightly inappropriate since I became a father for the first time at the relatively grand old age of thirty-two, as well as being aware that men have been at-home dads for a lot longer than the term suggests. Secondly, I barely actually ‘stay at home’ with my eleven month old son for any length of time, due to him being as opposite to agoraphobic as you can be.

Nevertheless, I am a new parent and previously, like any new parent to be, as soon as we found

out we were having a baby, I found myself in a world I had never been in before. One where my wife and I regularly said names to each other and made faces. One where we wrote the next scan dates in our diaries (my wife’s diary) and held our breath nervously while we waited for confirmation that our baby was going to be healthy. The realisation that all you need to hear is this one fact, is sometimes overwhelming. Labour was the next challenging experience.

Obviously not in the same way as it was for my wife, who spent thirty-six hours ensuring our son arrived safely, but the experience of being there, trying to support her through this, was a challenge. I definitely felt pre-armed from the time I’d spent at NCT classes. I knew that she might want or not want to talk, she might want to walk around or not move anywhere, she might need encouragement or not want any active support measures at all. She might have wanted to throttle me, but thankfully she didn’t. After hours of nail biting (me) and deep breathing (mostly her) our baby, Laurence, arrived on 2nd May with a set of lungs I attribute to his mum! I look back on that time as one where I am hopeful that I supported my wife to achieve the labour we had planned.

From the unknown world of pregnancy, then birth, we sleepwalked cautiously into the next new arena: taking our baby home! My wife and I had lucky timing in that, as she started maternity leave I had just graduated, so we had seven months where the whole family were together. Challenges included trying to sleep, trying not to have any poo disasters and trying to sleep. Did I mention that? Sleep is so damn important, but you don’t realise it until you think four hours is a

Laurence & Dad.

...or a place where chatting goes silent when I enter the room.

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great run. We really took advantage of this time, travelling to France, Switzerland and Tenerife, having weeks in Cambridge, London and Dorset. It was great and we felt so lucky to start family life this way. But then my wife’s return to work got closer and the next part of my life was about to begin - the stay-at-home dad bit was taking on its fullest meaning.

Every day I step out into the non-paternal primary carer world and let me tell you, it’s a new world to find myself in. It can even be daunting and scary, but most surprisingly for me personally, I have discovered that it can be a very lonely world. The experience hasn’t been what I expected. The area I trudge around regularly, baby in tow, is a self proclaimed easy going, tolerant and liberal town, but not so much if you do not have lactating breasts. I experience, on nearly a daily basis, being a father looking longingly in from the outside to a mum’s-only club. A club where I am seen as being either a bit weird for not wanting to hand over my son to the care of a nursery and wanting to look after him myself: “Is it your day to look after him?” “Erm...yeah?”, or a place where chatting goes silent when I enter the room. I understand that it may not feel comfortable to chat about your sex life after birth or incontinence of yourself or your baby in front of a man. Believe me, I don’t want to talk about either. But it seems to me that a lot of people pay lip service to relaxed ideas of gender roles, as when faced with a challenge to traditional parenting they recoil in horror.

My ire is not only reserved for mums. Recently, I tried to reach out to other SAHDs by organising an informal get together at a soft play centre, utilising a well known social media site. To be honest, I was fifteen minutes late, you know how babies can throw the notion of time keeping out of the window, but when I arrived, the centre was more bereft of men than a BBC 1970’s reunion party. It seems that I was the only man wanting to hook up with fathers of the same predicament. Or perhaps no other dads are the feeling the urge to congregate. Maybe they are happy enough to carry on sitting in the corner keeping their head down, while feeding their little one

alone. Or maybe they have been better than me at integrating with other groups that exist.

Being a stay-at-home dad has inspired me to be a better person, not just a better dad, as I realise this little human being is a sponge

and ready to soak up any life lesson I have to offer. I hope he learns from me that it’s important to

do what feels right, even if others don’t always agree.

Everyone is happy as the Tour De Yorkshire flies by.

Dad’s Meet Up!

The 2nd Tuesday of every month

at 2pm at Upsy Daisies

in Mytholmroyd. Contact Al on

ahudson1@hotmail.co.uk

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Dear Parents or Parents-to-be,

Over the last 60 years the Osteopathic discipline which goes by the popular title of ‘Cranial Osteopathy’ has repeatedly demonstrated an immensely successful, gentle and safe approach for dealing with many of the common problems of the newborn, young and not so young child. These include:

• Colic• SleepDisorder• Failuretomeetgrowthtargets• Failuretomeetdevelopmentaltargets

Common sense dictates that every baby should be examined as some malfunctions are symptomless.

Callforadviceon01484 517808 or 07584 237423

Orvisitwww.huddersfieldosteopathy.co.uk

Tracy Lomax DO Registered Osteopath

Paediatric Osteopathy

Thegentle,safeapproachfordealingwithmanycommonproblemsininfanthood.

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Baby MassageMassaging your baby is a lovely opportunity to focus on each other and take a break from rushing around. It also enables you to meet other parents and have a drink and chat. The techniques used in baby massage are drawn from both Indian and Swedish massage traditions, as well as principles taken from yoga and reflexology.

On an IAIM baby massage course you will learn:• massage stokes for legs, feet, stomach, chest,

arms, hands, face and back• a short colic routine• gentle movements and touch relaxation• the best time and for how long to massage• what massage oils to use• how to adapt the strokes for your baby’s

individual needs and the growing child

Benefits of Baby MassageThe benefits of baby massage can include:• strengthen baby-parent communication• enhance your understanding of baby’s development• boost self esteem and confidence in parenting• relax parent and baby• encourage a deeper sleep for baby• relieve wind, colic and constipation• reduce crying

To book your please contact Andrea on 07711 964658 or andrea@thebeststart.co.uk

Courses Details:

Venue: Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre, Halifax

Length of course: 5 weeks

Day & Time: Monday 15th June, 12.30-1.45pm

Price: £40 - includes refreshments, course handbook, organic sunflower oil & certificate.

Other info: Please bring a towel

Venue: Copley Cricket Club, Copley

Length of course: 5 weeks

Day & Time: Wednesday 2nd September. Two times available: either 11.30 or 1pm.

Price: £40 - includes refreshments, course handbook, organic sunflower oil & certificate.

Other info: Please bring a towel

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Home Birth Storyby Jaime Wood

Martin and I planned to have a second

homebirth after a positive experience

with our first son, Alex three years ago.

On the day after my due date I woke

at 2am and couldn’t get back to

sleep. I was feeling a few twinges, but

nothing significant, so I listened to some

hypnobirthing relaxation scripts and

watched TV. Then the twinges became

more regular, so I woke my husband,

Martin and we phoned Lindsay, our

doula. She reminded me to rest and

relax. Watching Blades of Glory made

me laugh a lot, which was great for

getting labour going! Martin and Alex

prepared the birth room, putting up a

screen in the kitchen -diner and

inflating the birthpool. I began to

accept that our baby was on his way!

I had some cornflakes and got into a

warm bath with lit candles, a lavender

burner and relaxing music. Alex joined

me in the bath but although I really

wanted him to be present for the birth,

it was quite hard to stay in my relaxed

zone when he was splashing around.

Lindsay arrived and I felt reassured by

her presence. She played with Alex,

who later went out with his Grandma.

The contractions soon becamemuch more intense, just a couple

of minutes apart, so Martin called

the midwives. I ate porridge in the

bath and sucked coconut water ice

lollies. It was great to be able to eat

whatever I fancied. The first midwife

arrived quickly and Lindsay talked

her through my birth preferences. I

had chosen to decline any internal

examinations so, as no-one knew how

dilated I was, no-one could rush me,

which was helpful.

I was still in the bath when the first

midwife came to chat to me. She

seemed lovely and really supportive.

She listened to my baby’s heartbeat,

took my blood pressure and said that

everything seemed fine. I was lucky in

that my community midwife also joined

us, although the midwives stayed in our

living room most of the time, to give us

the privacy we wanted.

I eventually made it downstairs to the

birth pool and was amazed by how

beautiful the room looked. It had been

transformed into a cosy space lit by soft

pink lamps and fairy lights. The pool

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was full of warm water with mypositive birth affirmations showingthrough the transparent liner. Getting into the pool felt lovely and soothing.

Everyone encouraged me to stayactive in labour, so when thingsslowed down, I walked up and down the stairs sideways like a crab. I got back in the pool and felt the urge to push. I became quite agitated and started doubting myself, but Lindsayand Martin supported me throughthis. Then my waters broke and after about four pushes my baby’s head appeared. I relaxed and didn’t feel the need to push anymore; I just breathed him into the world. He was passed through my legs to me and I was overwhelmed with joy and relief.We stayed in the pool for a while and our 9lb baby, who we later named Sam, started feeding. Cord clamping was delayed until the placenta wasdelivered naturally (in our toilet!).

Later, I had a lovely bath, whilst Martin enjoyed some skin-to-skin time with Sam. Lindsay put clean sheets on our bed and assembled the cot.

We were all snuggled up in our own bed by midnight and we introduced Alex to his new baby brother in the morning. We felt so lucky to have had the birth experience we wanted. Staying at home made us feel as calm and in control, as possible which we believe helped things to go smoothly.

We’re so grateful to Lindsay and our midwives who enabled us to have such special memories of Sam’s arrival.

Home Birth Support GroupIf you are interested in having ahomebirth or would like to share yourown experience to support others,why not come along to our alternatemonthly meetings.

Join us on Facebook: Calderdale & Huddersfield Home Birth Support Group or email homebirthgroup@gmail.com for more information.

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Birth Preparation classes, Hypnobirthing & Massage throughout West Yorkshire

m: 07517 688 986www.hudsonholistic.co.uk

Hudson Holistic & Birth Preparation

Call Rachel Bradley on 01484 645621 or 07557 787 119

rachel@huddersfieldandholmfirthnannies.co.ukwww.huddersfieldandholmfirthnannies.co.uk

Our established Nanny Agency covers Huddersfield & surrounding areas & we provide:

•ReliableandprofessionalNannies, Mother’sHelpandBabysitters

•Relevantchildcarequalifications&/or min2yearschildcareexperience

•DBScheckedandexcellentreferences

IN THE NEXT ISSUE!Hypnobirthing Feature

& Birth Story

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What does a Doula do?By Lisa Skyes

More and more families are enlisting the services of a doula during the time around childbirth. Doulas were once perceived to be the preserve of wealthy or those seeking a particular kind of birth or early parenting experience, but the mounting evidence in favour of the benefits of doula support has brought them firmly in to the mainstream.

“Doula” (pronounced “doola”) is a Greek word meaning “woman servant or caregiver”. In today’s terms, a doula is usually an experienced woman who offers emotional and practical support to a woman, couples and families before, during and after childbirth. Unfortunately, the nature of our busy maternity care system means that women and their birth partners may not have met the staff who support them in labour. A Cochrane report concluded that “Continuous support during labour should be the norm, rather than the exception … [and that in] present maternity care environments, benefits of continuous support are likely to be greater with companions who are not hospital staff members than with members of the hospital staff.” *1

With all this in mind, plus the evidence that suggests the support of a birth doula can reduce the length of labour, lower the likelihood of

caesarean birth, the use of forceps and requests for pain medication, it is no surprise to hear that national network Doula UK are seeing an huge increase in demand for doulas. Contrary to popular belief, doulas are not only available

to support women hoping for a ‘natural’ or ‘low intervention’ birth, they support parents who are having an induced birth and planned c section too. The priority for the doula is helping to support their clients to achieve a positive birth experience, in the way that feels right for them.

As well as providing bespoke preparation during pregnancy, including debriefing past experiences and practical support measures for labour, plus continuous support through the birth, doulas can also offer support once your baby arrives. Evidence shows that mothers who enjoy the support of a postnatal doula through the highs and lows of early parenting, is more likely to establish her breastfeeding and less likely to suffer from postnatal depression. Importantly, doulas also support new fathers/partners to feel confident to participate during the birth and early days with their baby, in the way that feels most comfortable for them.

Doula UK is the largest network of formally trained doulas in the UK. Doula UK members have undertaken a Doula UK recognised course followed by a period of mentorship, and must work to an agreed philosophy and code of conduct.

If you are interested in learning more about how a doula could help you, why not take a look at www.doula.org.uk

Lisa Sykes, who is a Doula UK recognised doula that supported families across Calderdale from 2010. She is part of the Developing Doulas training team and runs the European Doula Network from her home in Switzerland.

*1 (Hodnett ED, Gates S, Hofmeyr G, Sakala C. Continuous support for women during childbirth Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2013..)

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Could your child be the face of The Best Start Baby & Toddler Show 2015?

On Sunday 4th October we will be holding our third annual baby & toddler show at The Shay Stadium, Halifax, from 10am – 3pm and we are looking for one child (aged from birth to 3) to be the face of our show.

This year we have teamed up with local photographer and dad of two, James, from Sugarbird Photography, to offer a great package for the winner.

The Prize Package includes:• Yourchild’sphotofeaturedonthefrontcoverofthe Autumn Issue of The Best Start Magazine (out on 1st September)

• Yourchildwillfeatureonallthemarketing& publicity material for The Best Start Baby & Toddler Show 2015

• Afree photo shoot with Sugarbird Photography, must be taken before Friday 31st July 2015

• A free 12’’ x 16’’ framed print of your choice, worth £150.00

• A£30 gift set from Saks Beauty Halifax

Competition

Time!

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How can I enter my baby or toddler?

You will need to come along to a 10 minute photo shoot on either

Monday 6th July, or Friday 10th July atThe Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre, Hopwood Lane,

Halifax, HX1 5ER

Booking is available via

www.thebeststart.co.uk

When does the winning photo shoot

take place?

As we need the new image very soon, the winner must be available to

attend the photo shoot before 31st July 2015. This will take place at

The Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre, Halifax, Hopwood Lane,

Halifax, HX1 5ER

sugarbird

Who decides the winner?

We let the public decide the winner by voting for their favourite, terms and conditions are available when

you book the photo shoot.

Is there a minimum or maximum age limit?

The age is from birth to three years old.

Any questions please email andrea@thebeststart.co.uk or call Andrea on 01422 399533 or 07711 964658

thebeststart

Can we purchase prints from the photo shoot?

Yes, prints can be purchased from James at Sugarbird

photography

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BABY AND CHILD FIRST AID COURSES ‘Keeping children safe’

Our courses for parents and carers cover all the basic first aid knowledge needed to help keep children safe in your care. Each 3 hour session is tailored to the group’s needs.

Resuscitation (CPR) * Unconscious casualties * Choking * Anaphylaxis * Poisoning * Bleeding Burns and Scalds * Fractures * Childhood illnesses

Our shorter courses for children are lots of fun and help them deal with basic emergencies. We have a lot of experience working with local schools, nurseries, playgyms, NCT and other parenting groups. We can run groups in one of our local venues or in the comfort of your home.

Courses cost from £15pp. Discounts for groups of

15 or more with this advert

David@kdatraining.co.uk 07773 775081 We also run Paediatric First Aid 1 or 2 day level 3 accredited courses for carers (this is in line with the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and meets the requirements of Ofsted)

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Let’s Play Outside! With the summer now here, there has never been a better time to get

outside, especially as we live in a lovely green part of the country.

People report many benefits for themselves and their children, to

being outdoors including:

Below is a list of local parents’ favourite outside spaces, with special thanks to the Motherhub Facebook group for their suggestions.

Kirklees (Kirklees.gov.uk):

Beaumont ParkBlackmoorfoot Reservoir

Bradley WoodsCastle Hill

Cliffe HouseDovestones Reservoir

Greenhead ParkPonderosa

Standedge TunnelTolson Museum

Calderdale (Calderdale.gov.uk):

Eureka!Hardcastle Crags

Manor Health ParkOgden Water Shibden HallShibden Park

Central Vale Park, Todmorden

1. It’s FREE! If you exclude ice cream, parking & any nice cafés nearby

with tempting coffee and cake2. Fun ways to learn, whether it’s developing new climbing skills, balance,

being with others or taking turns3. Being closer to nature, there are so many things to see and hear, encouraging

your child to use all of their senses to explore your local park, there are some

great visitor centres that can help too

4. Space! For parents it might be about some much needed headspace, while your

children have the freedom to run around

5. Increased Vitamin D levels, which is beneficial to everyone

6. Exercise, which can be a mood booster

7. Sleeping better for all the fresh air

8. Development of baby’s ‘circadian rhythms’ (body clock)

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Other Places (a bit further away, use google!):

Bolton AbbeyCannon Hall Farm

Dove Stones Reservoir Hollingworth Lake

National Coal Mining MuseumNewmillerdam, WakefieldOakwell Hall Country Park

Roundhay Park, LeedsSt. Ives Country Park (Bingley)

Digley ReservoirWigfield Farm, BarnsleyYorkshire Sculpture Park

Dean Hey Farm Cragg Road Mytholmroyd 01422 882010

Est. 2002

o Dedicated Baby Area - 1:2 staff to child ratio o Forest School – Mondays and Fridays o Large outdoor playground & sport hall o Free 3 - 4 year funded places available o Early Years Teacher in Pre-school o All meals cooked in our 5* kitchen

MAGICAL CHILDREN’S NURSERY set in 4-acre countryside site

The Ark, Dean Hey Farm, Mytholmroyd, HX7 5RU www.thearkexperience.co.uk T 01422 882010 Open 51 weeks, 7am-6.30pm

Netmums have regular meet-ups for local parents (everyone welcome)

across Calderdale & Kirklees.

Each group has a Facebook page, search for Netmums Meetups, Halifax and Netmums

Meetups, Huddersfield.

Plus www.yorkshiretots.com has lots of reviews about family events across the region and

www.familyroundabout.co.uk reviews family outings across the UK.

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Myth Busting!

Supporting parents to know what is fact or fiction.

When you’re a new parent you can hear all sorts of myths and the more you hear something, the more you may think ‘well, there must be some truth in it’. We all want the best start for our children, but sometimes advice can feel overwhelming. So how do we know what is fact or fiction, which story to believe?

Over the last decade there has been a great deal of research into early years infant development, and as a result we’ve never known so much about babies. Despite this, myths that get passed down the generations still prevail and it can be hard to break a cycle of continuing a tradition fuelled by a myth, often being told ‘it never did you/ them any harm’.

‘One generation full of deeply loving parents would change the brain of the next generation, and

with that the world’ Charles Raison

So where does this leave new parents?

With a whole mixture of information available to new parents it can often feel a bit overwhelming, so let’s use an example of weaning a baby onto solid food. If your mum, grandmother, sister or friend weaned at a certain age, it is likely that they would have made that decision based on the information they had available to them at the time. Not so long ago the recommended age to wean was 4 months, but now it’s 6 months; this is because new research and evidence has shown that there is no benefit to weaning earlier and weaning before 17 weeks can lead to intolerances and damage to the kidneys. The main diet for a baby under 1 year of age is milk,

so no need to rush onto 3 meals a day. No one is right or wrong here therefore, there is just updated evidence; in the context of the era, you both chose to follow current guidance.

‘We make decisions based on the information we have available to us

at the time’

Early last year Unicef produced a document called ‘Building a happy baby – a guide for parents’ maintenance.unicef.org.uk/docs/Building_happy_baby.pdf

This is a factual and easy to read document, which busts some myths giving a clear explanation of why they are incorrect. You can read a summary below, although it’s worth considering reading the whole document.

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REALITY

When babies’ needs for love and comfort are met, they will be calmer & grow up to be more confident.

Young babies are not capable of learning a routine. Responding to their cues for feeding & comfort makes babies feel secure, so they cry less, which makes your life easier.

When babies are left alone they think they have been abandoned & so become more clingy, and insecure when their parents return.

Looking at your face is the best way for babies to learn. Talking, listening & smiling triggers oxytocin & helps your baby’s brain to grow.

MYTH

Babies become spoilt & demanding if they are given too much attention.

It is important to get babies into a routine as this makes your life easier.

You should leave babies to settle alone so that they learn to be independent.

Babies benefit from lots of toys to help them learn.

‘When we know better, we do better’

Further reading

‘Why Love Matters’ by Sue Gerhardt

What every parent needs to know by Margot Sunderland

How not to f*&k them up by Oliver James

www.ahaparenting.com and books by Dr Laura Markham

www.isisonline.org.uk Sleep Development Lab

www.unicef.org.uk

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Weaning WorkshopExplore weaning, the history, myths and receive up to date information.

Help your baby to have a healthy relationship with food and enjoy mealtimes, with

no battles and lots of benefits.

Contact Andrea for more detailsandrea@thebeststart.co.uk or 07711 964658

www.thebeststart.co.uk

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By Andrea Wallman

While I was pregnant with my first child I worked full time in a job with a one hour commute each way, which made the day very long; plus I spent extra time during the evenings and weekends doing teaching preparation. I was really looking forward to my maternity leave. I finished work at 37 weeks and had all sorts of plans for my ‘year off’, I mean, how hard could it be to look after a baby?

During the run up to my due date I nested, organised and actually felt a bit bored, so much so, that I ironed all the baby vests, muslin squares and clothes. Believe me, it was a one off!

Little did I know that the postnatal period was not going to be as easy as I thought! My baby’s birth was pretty straightforward, but the postnatal period was really challenging. I had breastfeeding problems, my son had difficulties with latching and I began to express and cup feed, with weekly visits to the baby café for support.

I cried, lots, and I was lost in a sea of uncertainty where I had no idea what I was doing, and with no family support locally, I didn’t enjoy those early days at all. I think my husband thought I was losing the plot and at times, so did I. My life felt out of control and as if I wasn’t achieving much at all. However, things eventually got better and my confidence grew, so despite a shaky start, we were OK in the end.

During my maternity leave I started training to be an NCT antenatal teacher. Part of the qualification was to write up two assignments de-briefing my birth and breastfeeding experiences. More tears flowed, but writing my experiences down was a great way to make sense of how I had felt, to change things for the future and move on.

I also read lots of books about pregnancy, birth and early parenting. My all time favourite book is Ina May Gaskin’s ‘Guide to Childbirth’, but the parenting book that made me think ‘Yes, that’s exactly how I felt’ and ‘everyone should read this’ was Naomi Stadlen’s book ‘What Mother Do when it looks like nothing’. It’s brilliant! It makes sense of those days when you haven’t managed to get dressed, clean your teeth or put your baby down for two minutes, the days when you feel exhausted and find yourself wondering if it’s all worth it (it is!). The book encourages mothers to see just how much they are doing, when it might feel or look like nothing.

WIN a BOOK!We have two copies of the book

available to give away. To enter the free prize draw you can

either email to hello@thebeststart.co.uk with the subject line ‘What Mothers Do’ or look out for the Facebook post where you can like and leave your name to be

entered into the draw.

We’ll announce the winner on Sunday 2nd August on Facebook/thebeststart

(only open to people in the UK).

What do Mother’s Do?

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www.buggy4fitness.co.uk

info@buggy4fitness.co.ukor call Buggy 4 Fitness founder and principal trainer Sharon on

07825 706 983

Keep fit, get back into shape and bring baby along too!

Classes held at:• Monday 10am Manor Heath, Savile Park, Halifax

• Tuesday 10am Wellholme Park, Brighouse

• Wednesday 10am The Stray, Hipperholme

• Thursday 11am Mill Fold Recreation Park, Ripponden

• Friday 10am Play Palace, Halifax

Follow us on Facebook /buggy4fitnesscalderdale

Before my son George arrived in January 2014 I was an Executive Assistant and part time Dance Teacher. I always enjoyed exercising, keeping fit and eating healthily (with weekend treats) and this was still the case during my pregnancy. I continued to teach dance up until my 30th week of pregnancy and then slowed down over the Christmas period. The wind down period didn't last very long however, as George surprised us all and arrived 6 weeks early.

I always struggled with resistance/toning exercises, as I found them tough and boring, but doing them in a group really encouraged me to try harder, even more so through having a 9 month old explorer sitting on my stomach. After a few months of attending classes twice a week, I found that my body shape had actually changed and I had toned parts I'd never thought of before! I felt a lot more confident with even that little bit of tummy that never usually budges, actually toned up.

I would highly recommend the classes to new mums, whether you have done exercise before or not. After a bad night’s sleep, the fresh air makes you feel fantastic (even in the pouring rain), you really feel like your body is getting back to normal and you pick up lots of baby tips from other mums. I met so many other lovely women and visiting the tea rooms became a nice after class treat.

I joined the Buggy4Fitness classes in April 2014 to combine exercising while looking after my baby and to make new friends. I didn't need to lose weight as I was more or less back to my pre-pregnancy figure, but I wanted to achieve a better level of fitness. And I did, although in a different way to how I had imagined.

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Directory of Local GroupsAttending a new group can sometimes be a bit daunting, so you could take a friend with you for the first time or ring and talk to the organiser before you go. It could turn out to be a great source of support and a good way to meet other mums.

Parent & ToddlerMondays - Outlane Baby & Toddlers Outlane Methodist Church9.30 – 11.15am, 07891542170

Mondays - NCT Bumps, Babes & Toddlers Holmfirth Parish Church 10.30am – 12.00noon

Mondays - Shelley Baby & Toddler Group Methodist Church 9am – 11am, 01484 606750

Mondays - Meltham Baby & Toddler Group Meltham Methodist Church 9.30am – 11.30am

Mondays - Baby Stay & Play Hebden Vale Children’s Centre 1.30pm – 3.00pm

Tuesdays – Parent & Toddler GroupLumbutts Methodist Church9.30am – 11.30am Debbie 07899 077704

Tuesdays - Hill Top TotsColey Church Hall, ColeySharon 07860 813347, 9.30am – 11.30am

Tuesday – All Saints Parent & Toddler Group01422 320097

Tuesdays - Baby Group Siddal Children’s Centre, 1.30pm – 3.00pm 01422 395501, Babies under 12 month

Tuesdays - Ripponden Parent & Toddler Group Community Centre, Old Bank 9.30am – 11.30am, 01422 822777

Tuesdays - All Saints Parent & Toddler Group Skircoat Green, 9.30am – 11.30am and 12.30pm – 2.15pm, 01422 3200

Tuesdays - Birkby Mum, Baby & Toddler Group Community Centre, 9.30 – 11.15am

Tuesdays - Fixby Parent & Toddler Group Saint Francis Church 1.00 – 2.45pm, 01484 540728

Tuesdays - Parent & Child Group The Motherhub, Lindley, 12.00 – 3.30pm

Tuesdays - Parent & Toddler Group St Stephen’s Parish Church, Lindley 10.00am – 12.00noon (term time only)

Wednesdays - Baby Stay & Play Todmorden Children’s Centre, 1.30pm – 3.00pm

Wednesdays - Southowram Baby Group Southowram Children’s Centre, 1.30pm – 3pm

Wednesdays - Busy Babies Elland Children Centre 1pm – 3pm, 01422 373133

Wednesdays - Barkisland Parent & Toddler Barkisland Cricket Club 9.30am – 11.30am, 07718 606867

Wednesdays - Copley Parent & Toddler Group Rugby Club, 9.30am – 11.15am, 01422 376815

Wednesdays - Rainbow Baby & Toddler Group Dalton, 9.30am–11.30am, 01484 518830

Wednesdays - Little Squirrels Parent & Child Group Wonderland Playgym 9.30am – 11.30am, 07790 427609

Thursdays - Greetland Mother & Toddler Group St Thomas’ Church, Greetland 1pm – 2.30pm (£2) 07971 636236

Thursdays - Meltham Baby & Toddler GroupMeltham Methodist Church, 9.30am – 11.30am

Thursdays - Parent & Child GroupThe Motherhub, Lindley, 10am – 1pm

Fridays - Baby Stay & Play Todmorden Health Centre, 9.30am – 11.30am

Fridays - Stones Baby & Toddler Group Stones Methodist Church, Ripponden 9.30am – 11.00am, 07531 406830

Fridays - Parent & Toddler Group Birchencliffe Community Centre 9.30am – 11.30am, £1 per family

Fridays - Lindley Little Ones Lindley Methodist Church, Lindley 1.00pm – 2.45pm, 07761 784627

Twins & More Support Group Informal support from local parents

Jubillee Centre, Market Street, Paddock, HD1 4SH£2 per family (donation)

Kat 07736 937250

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Baby Massage Wednesday - IAIM Baby MassageCopley Cricket Club - 11.30am & 1.00pm Andrea 07711 964658, www.thebeststart.co.uk

IAIM Baby MassageBabyBliss, Groups & 1-2-1 in SlaithwaiteSam 07598 319576,sam@blisstherapies.org

Pregnancy MassageSaks Beauty Albion Street, Halifax01422 385125

Heal Ann CareBolton Brow, Sowerby Bridge07712 583294

Pregnancy PilatesWednesday – 6.15pm – 7.15pmBlessingway, Hebden Bridge, 07944 360594

NCT in Halifax, Huddersfield, Hebden Bridge www.nct.org.uk/coursesBookings7b@nct.org.uk, 0208 752 9127

Private 1-1 Birth preparation The Best StartAndrea – 01422 399533 or 07711 964658andrea@thebeststart.co.uk

Hypnobirthing with Abby WatsonAbby – 07871 961257www.loveyourbirth.co.uk

Hudson Holistic Jodie – 07517 688986www.hudsonholistic.co.uk

NHS Antenatal Classes and Tour of UnitSpeak to your midwife for the current numbers

Antenatal

Sling & Nappy LibraryTuesday – Huddersfield & Halifax Sling Library(fortnightly) babyballet, Halifax, HX1 1QG10.00 - 12.00 Yolanda 07747 867065

Thursday – Huddersfield Sling LibraryNorthfield Hall, Huddersfield, HD1 1GS 10.00 - 12.00 Yolanda 07747 867065

Nappy LibraryJenny 07811 455193Jen_77uk@hotmail.com

SlingDanz Daytime classes, various locations, sling providedKatherine Westwood 07871645603 or www.kwdi.co.uk

Bra FittingBrassiere Lingerie Hipperholme01422 201753www.brassierelingerie.co.uk

Childminders Mel Pollard – Ofsted registeredHebden Bridgemelpollard21@yahoo.co.uk01422 842831 or 07939 320190

Sarah’s Little ExplorersBailiffe Bridge, 07708 398548s_arahparker@hotmail.com

Photographerssugarbird Photographysugarbirdphoto.co.uk01422 399540

Tania Elizabeth Photographywww.taniaelizabethphotography.co.uk07584 126808

Paediatric OsteopathyPaediatric OsteopathyHuddersfield www.huddersfieldosteopathy.co.uk01484 517808

First Aid CoursesKDA Trainingwww.kdatraining.co.uk07773 775081

BABY AND CHILD FIRST AID COURSES ‘Keeping children safe’

Our courses for parents and carers cover all the basic first aid knowledge needed to help keep children safe in your care. Each 3 hour session is tailored to the group’s needs.

Resuscitation (CPR) * Unconscious casualties * Choking * Anaphylaxis * Poisoning * Bleeding Burns and Scalds * Fractures * Childhood illnesses

Our shorter courses for children are lots of fun and help them deal with basic emergencies. We have a lot of experience working with local schools, nurseries, playgyms, NCT and other parenting groups. We can run groups in one of our local venues or in the comfort of your home.

Courses cost from £15pp. Discounts for groups of

15 or more with this advert

David@kdatraining.co.uk 07773 775081 We also run Paediatric First Aid 1 or 2 day level 3 accredited courses for carers (this is in line with the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and meets the requirements of Ofsted)

The ArkMytholmroyd, 01422 882010www.thearkexperience.co.uk

Day Nurseries

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Monday - Buggy 4 FitnessManor Heath Park – 10-11am Sharon 07825 706983

Monday - Ipilates Mum & Baby Classes9.30, 10.30 & 11.30Halifax, Helen 07788 702622

Tuesday - Buggy 4 FitnessWellhome Park, Brighouse 10-11Sharon 07825 706983

Wednesday - Upbeat Mums Northbridge Leisure Centre 11.15am - 12.15pm01422 284435

Wednesday - Buggy 4 FitnessThe Stray, Hipperholme – 10am Call Sharon 07825 706983

Wednesdays - Postnatal Pilates with RachelBlessingway, Hebden Bridge8.00pm - 9.00pm 07944360594

Wednesday - Pregnancy Pilates6.15pm – 7.15pmBlessingway, Hebden Bridge07944 360594

Thursdays - Buggy 4 FitnessRipponden – 11am Call Sharon 07825 706983

Friday – Buggy 4 FitnessIndoor ClassPlay Palace 10-11amSharon 07825 706983

Friday - iPilates Mum & Baby Classes2pm & 3pm, HalifaxHelen 07788 702622

Postnatal Exercise

Monday - Jo JinglesBarkisland Cricket Club9.45am, 10.45am & 11.45amJo - 01706 212889

Wednesdays - Jo Jingles Play Palace, 9.45am, 10.45am & 11.45am, Jo – 01706 212889

Thula Mama - AlmondburyA singing group for mothers & pre-crawling babiesFriday 10.00am – 11.30amJess 07887 914678www.thulamama.co.uk

Thursday - Jo JinglesElland Wellbeing Centre, Elland9.45am, 10.45am & 11.45amTodmorden9.30am, 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm & 1.30pmJo – 01706 212889

Friday - Jo JinglesSt Stephen’s Church, Lindley9.45am, 10.45am, 11.45amJo – 01706 212889

Bookstart Busy Babies Songs & Rhymes for babies and toddlers. Contact Ben on 01422 392620 £2, no need to book.

Mon Hebden Bridge Library 11am -11.40amTues Brighouse Library 10.30am-11.10amThurs Halifax Library 10am- 10.40am & 11am -11.40am

Fun & Music

SensoryRhythm Time – contact Rebecca 01422 747010

Next Young Baby Courses (0-6m) 4 weeks at Copley Cricket ClubTuesday 1pm 2-23 JuneWednesdays 11am 5-26 AugustTerm Time classes run every week day – for detail see www.rhythmtime.net/rb5

Summer classes run 28 July – 28 AugustFamily classes & Babies only classesMondays BrighouseTuesdays Hebden BridgeThursdays Halifax

Mum Time Discussions around motherhood, wellbeing & mental health. Creche available (need to book).Every 1st & 3rd Wed, 1.00- 2.45pmlou@healthymindscalderdale.co.uk01422 345154 or 07879 732626

Netmums Meet up Monthly Meet-ups run by a local mum, Steph, helping connect local people.Facebook group search Netmums-Meetups-Halifaxwww.netmums.com

Support for Mums

NEW

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Calderdale Baby Café 25 Square Road, Halifax, HX1 1QG

Thursday morning from 9am - 11am

Breastfeeding SupportMany of the national organisations have really useful information on their website and facebook pages

NCT Breastfeeding helpline 0300 330 0771 (8am -10pm) www.nct.org.uk

Calderdale Breastfeeding Peer Support 07920 466 660peersupporters@calderdale.gov.uk

Association of Breastfeeding Mothers 0300 100 0210 (9.30am-10.30pm) www.abm.me.uk

La Leche League Helpline 0845 120 2918 www.laleche.org.uk

National Breastfeeding Helpline (NHS) 0300 100 0212

NCT Breast pump hire (charges apply)Helen Mellor 07931 998337

Your local GP can be contacted for help and advice.

AIMS Helplinehelpline@aims.org.uk0300 365 0663

Calderdale Birth Centre 01422 224417

Huddersfield Birth Centre 01484 342608

Home Birth Support Grouphomebirthgroup@gmail.com

LDRP / Delivery Ward 01422 222129 or 224352

Triage 01422 223492

NHS Direct 0845 4647

Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000247

Mental Health Support Kirklees 01924 284555 Calderdale 01422 222891

Stop Smoking Service 0800 1699169 Huddersfield 01484 344285 Calderdale 01422 281505

NCT Helpline – pregnancy and birth & early parenthood0300 330 0700

Huddersfield Baby Café 2a Chestnut Street,

Huddersfield, HD2 1HJ

Monday afternoon from 1pm - 3pm

Useful Contact Numbers

slinglibrary.comDo you

...have a carrier you’re unsure how to use?

...want to learn about different carrier options?

...have an uncomfortable carrier?

...want to try a carrier before you buy?

...want to hire a carrier for a wedding, holiday or special event?

Pop along to our drop in session

• Every Thursday 10 - 12 at Northfield Hall, Huddersfield

• Every Tuesday 10 - 12 at babyballet, Halifax

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What to Pack in Your Hospital BagThe day you have been waiting for has arrived and you’re about to go to hospital to have your baby. This is not a time when you want to be worrying about packing bags for yourself, your new baby and your birthing partner!

For You:m Maternity notes and Birth Plan

m Something comfy to wear in labour

m Warm socks

m Towel (dark coloured!)

m Face cloth / facial spritzer

m Lipsalve

m Hair bands, clips

m Bach’s Rescue Remedy spray

m Unscented massage oil

m Bottle(s) of water

m Straws for the water

m Birth Music

m TENS machine

m Own pillow or pillowcase

m Nightie / pyjamas

m Light dressing gown

m Slippers / flip flops

m Toiletries

m Cheap cotton knickers

m Large-size maternity pads

m Nursing bra and breast pads

m Book / magazines

m Arnica homeopathy

m Clothes to wear home

m Lavender

m Witch-hazel

For Partner:m Snacks / drinks

m Clean top and pants

m Camera and charger

m Wash bag

m Swimwear for birthing pool

m Books / magazines

m Money for car park machine

m Mobile phone and charger

m Own ipod and headphones

m Paracetamol / other painkillers

m Contact numbers of who to ring first

For Baby:m Nappies and nappy sacks

m Cotton wool or re-useable wipes

m Vests x 3

m Baby grows x 3

m Scratch mittens

m Hat

m Lightweight blanket

m Muslin square or two

m Car seat

m Depending on the weather, a coat

or all in one to go home in

It’s a good idea to get the bags packed well in advance of your due date!

If you’re having a home birth it can be really useful to have your things in one place. It makes it easier for your midwife or birthing partner to find everything, instead of having to direct them around the house.

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