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Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted and District NCT Winter 2011 / 2012
Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted and District NCT Winter 2011 / 2012
Baby Face Editorial
Welcome to the Winter edition of Baby Face There has been lots of activity since the last edition of Baby Face. We had another successful Nearly New Sale and by the time you get this edition you will either be heading off to, or just back from our Christmas party. We held our first bumps and partners evening and more of these are planned for 2012. Thursdays bumps & babes café in Hemel are meeting up every week in December and the Friday coffee mornings in Hemel are also taking place on a regular basis. Our Breast Feeding Peer Support group are also helping record numbers of new mums. There are lots of comings and goings with our volunteer team, and as a result there are lots of vacancies to fill, so please do think about whether you can free up some time to help out. Without the hard work of our volunteers we would not be able to provide so many services that really make a difference to our local community – so if you can help, please do get involved. I’m sorry to say that I am one of the volunteers stepping down. With baby number 2 due at the end of April, a house move to fit in, studying for some additional qualifications in my full time job – something just had to give. I have loved working on Baby Face, so will miss it. I’ve had a few people interested in taking on the role, so once I’ve talked them through the job, I hope they will still be just as keen! However, if you are interested in helping out – please get in touch. I would like to say a huge thank you to Lucy (who is also stepping down as Advertising Coordinator), who has been a great help with Baby Face. Lucy has done a fantastic job of sourcing and retaining some great adverts –without them we would not be able to produce Baby Face. Massive thanks also go to Kate (who is stepping down as Baby Face distributor), who makes sure you get your copy of Baby Face. Kate always welcomes me with boxes of magazines, labels and envelopes and gets them out to you all in super quick time. Catherine (stepping down as Membership Secretary) also played a vital part my providing address labels and keeping me updated with all the new members. I would also like to extend my thanks to everyone else who has written articles, provided information and generally made me feel welcome. Have a fantastic Christmas and a wonderful 2012.
Clare
Editor: TBC [email protected] Advertising: VACANT [email protected]
The NCTtm (also known as the National Childbirth Trust) offers information and support in pregnancy, childbirth and early parenthood. We aim to give every parent the chance to make informed choices. We try to make sure that our services, activities and membership are fully accessible to everyone. We run antenatal classes, provide information on breast-feeding and have local support groups for parents through more than 380 branches throughout the country, with over 70,000 members across the UK. The NCT also publishes information for parents and health professionals.
WHY NOT ADVERTISE IN BABY FACE? Colour adverts now available
Copy must be received by 1st February 2012 for inclusion in
the Spring 2012 issue
For further information call 0844 2436 159 or email [email protected]
The information contained in this newsletter is for the use of NCT members, only in connection with NCT activities, and may not be used for any commercial purposes. The conditions of the Data Protection Act may apply.
The views and opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of individual contributors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the NCT or the editors.
The appearance of an advertisement in this magazine does not imply endorsement of the company or its products by the NCT, nor does it constitute a recommendation. You are strongly advised that when considering the use of any supplementary health service, you satisfy yourself that the credentials of those concerned are clearly established. The NCT cannot be held liable for loss, injury, or damage arising out of goods or services sold through any adverts in this magazine.
. NCT HQ Address Alexandra House Oldham Terrace
London W3 6NH
www.nct.org.uk
Enquiries Line - 0300 330 0770 Breastfeeding Line - 0300 330 0771 Pregnancy and Birth Line - 0300 330 0772 Postnatal Line – 0300 330 0773 Shared Experience – 0300 330 0774
Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted Branch
0844 2436 159
Prices start as little £28 for a half
page advert
Discount available if you book up to four consecutive
issues
If you are interested in advertising in
Baby Face, please complete the form at the back of this
newsletter
Why should I advertise in Baby Face? Baby Face is delivered quarterly to a target local market of pregnant women and new parents (approximately 400 households) living in Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted and the surrounding area. Readers use it as a directory of local services and refer to it month after month. It is a great way of directly advertising your business to those who will use it. All profits from the newsletter are used to fund the services and information provided by the NCT charity.
©NCT, Alexandra House, Oldham Terrace, London, W3 6NH. Registered charity no. 801395
Baby Face Branch Chair
Your chance to get involved I’m sorry to say that a number of volunteers have decided to step down from their roles. I would like to thank them all for their hard work. Without their support the branch would not be as successful as it is.
Lucy Jarmen-Lilley - Advertising Coordinator
Clare Bowers - Editor BabyFace
Catherine Duvall - Membership Secretary
Kate Holder – Baby Face Distribution
Claire Gillespie – Secretary and Social team (CMTP)
Caroline Padley – Ed talks
Sally Penny - Facebook coordinator
Louise Hopkins - Treasurer
Ruth George – MSLC, breastfeeding peer support project manager
Henry Ripley – Dad’s nights out
I’m pleased to say that we have some new volunteers to welcome
Sally Abrahamson – Social team
Michelle Wells – Social team
We do however need more volunteers; otherwise our branch might face closure. So please help out if you can.
The current list of vacancies are:
Membership Secretary
Advertising Coordinator
Baby Face Editorial Team
Baby Face Distribution
Breast Feeding Support Project Manager
Postnatal Student
Maternity Services Liaison
Bra Fitting Agent
Bumps ‘n’ Babes Café – Berkhamsted
Area Representative
Baby Face Branch Chair
The Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, Nobody, Story
This is a story about four people: Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everybody was asked to do it. Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did. Somebody got angry because it was Everybody's job. Everybody knew that Anybody could do it, but Nobody realised that Somebody wouldn't do it. And Everybody blamed Somebody because Nobody did what Anybody could have done. Anonymous
Please don’t wait for Somebody to volunteer to ensure that Hemel Hempstead branch has enough volunteers to continue to offer support to parents. Everybody is being asked to help and Anybody can but if Nobody does then unfortunately some of the branch services will stop - we don’t want this to happen and we are sure you don’t either. If Everybody helps a little bit we can have a strong team.
Please contact me to get involved [email protected] or 01923 260618. Further details on some of the key roles are included in the following pages, but please do contact me for more details. We really need your help. Amanda [email protected]
As a NCT volunteer, you can expect to: Feel valued by all personnel, paid or unpaid,
in the NCT Receive invitations to relevant meetings and
social functions Gain personal enjoyment and fulfilment from
your volunteering Receive regular and constructive feedback
from your team, and thanks for your contribution
Put your own family first and say “No” when you need to
Be consulted on matters directly or indirectly affecting your voluntary work
Carry out your voluntary work free from discrimination on any grounds: race, gender, class, age, disability, sexual orientation, parental or marital status, parental choices
Understand the outcome of your voluntary work e.g. in fundraising to be told how much money’s been raised and how it’s been used
Receive information about NCT’s achievements, vision, mission and current work plans
Be encouraged and supported to take on different roles, e.g. at a regional level
Access written descriptions of the role/tasks that make up your voluntary work
Receive information about arrangements for insurance, taking up references and reimbursement of expenses
Access the necessary guides and support to carry out your voluntary work effectively
Access appropriate guidance about health and safety and risk assessment
Be offered opportunities for further training Be trusted with confidential information in the course of your voluntary work
Know where to turn with questions or problems
If you volunteer for more than eight hours a year, you get a discounted membership rate
Baby Face Advertisement
BUGGY BLITZ
Buggy Blitz is a 1 hour postnatal specific outdoor exercise class
held in Berkhamsted & Hemel Hempstead.
Run by a qualified pre and postnatal exercise instructor, Buggy Blitz
will tone tummy, burn baby fat and correct posture. With a big focus
on legs, bums and tums, this workout promises to improve overall
body tone and leave you feeling energised.
No need for childcare as baby comes too!
Buggy Blitz classes are held on the following days & times:-
Berkhamsted Tuesdays and Fridays
9.45am–10.45am
11.00am – 12.00pm
Hemel Hempstead Wednesdays
11.00am – 12.00pm
We also run an outdoor exercise class called Body Blitz in
Berkhamsted on Saturday mornings for ladies only – leave baby at
home with dad and get some mum only exercise time!
Body Blitz classes are held on Saturdays 9 .00am – 10.00am
£5 per class
Call Emma on 07803 053934 or email [email protected] to
book your place for either
Buggy Blitz or Body Blitz.
Like us at www.facebook.com/BuggyBlitz
Follow us on www.twitter.com/BuggyBlitz
w w w . b u g g y b l i t z . c o . u k
POSTNATAL
SPECIFIC
BUGGY
WORKOUT
Follow us on www.twitter.com/BuggyBlitz
Baby Face New Members
Alice Bromwich & Jonathan Beevers Amy & Jon Warbrick Catherine & David Ogilvie Charlotte & David Livingston
Cheri & Mark Robson Claire & Kevin Shaw Claire & Philip Wilkins Debbie & Ian Shrimpton
Donna-Rae Davies & Scott Perry Emma & Edward Lawson Francesca & John Maguire Gary & Sarah Manning Gillian Kelly & Ciprian Marin Helen Callaghan & Jez Tucker
Helen Macrae & Jon Edwards Issy Webster-Norton & Jon Norton Jeanette & Lee Gibbons Joanna & Kristian Kendall Joanne & Ben Morton Joanne & Benjamin Loch
Kathryn & Benjamin Mallow Kimberley Evans Lisa & Howard Fountain Lisa Hale & William Kirk
Louise Hurley & Daniel Brill Michelle & Paul Stevens Michelle Lee & Nick Page-Chatton Mr M & Elizabeth Wills
Natalie & Tom Beecroft Natasha Wagon & Andrew Atkinson Nicola & Steven Manchester Rachel Pope & Mike Williams Rebecca Camp & Alex Kirk Sally Abrahamson & Jason Liggett
Shanna & Andy Turton Sharmani Langley & Gavin Makowski Siobhain & Steven McDermot Sit-Ming & Daniel Seabrook
Tamzyn & Daniel Wright Tatiana & Etienne Tiberghien Tracey & Victor Fung Trudi Heard & David Rintoul
Vanessa & Chris Vile
Hemel Hempstead,
Berkhamsted and District NCT would like to give a warm welcome to the following new
members
Baby Face New Members
Thank you also to all the members who have recently renewed their membership
We currently send out NCT Update emails to all members (excluding those who requested not to receive emails) on a regular basis
informing you of upcoming events
If you have not received these and would like to subscribe please email
[email protected] with a subject header of SUBSCRIBE, and your full name in the message section.
If you do not wish to receive these emails, please email
[email protected] with a subject header of UNSUBSCRIBE, and your full name in the message section.
The NCT is a membership charity with over 100,000 members across the UK. Our strength comes from the dedication of our volunteers, who work through our network of branches to provide and support local services, training and evidence-based information for parents, families and health professionals. The NCT wants all parents to have an experience of pregnancy, birth and early parenthood that enriches their lives and gives them confidence in being a parent. Our work is funded through membership fees, fundraising activities and the delivery of our services. The NCT works at both local and national levels throughout the UK. Much of the local support we provide is through our network of volunteer-run branches.
To join or renew your membership with the
NCT go to:
http://www.nct.org.uk/join
or call: 0844 243 7000
Baby Face Advertisement
The Pottery Project is a great place to meet friends, bring the kids or just
indulge yourself in creativity. We offer an extensive range of plain white
pottery ready for you to decorate using our paints and our friendly staff are
on hand to provide help and inspiration. We then glaze and fire your
piece which is ready to collect a few days later.
Little ones don't stay little for long… …Why not create a lasting impression and print your
baby’s foot or handprint on a ceramic item of your choice?
All our paints are non-toxic and wash off easily.
Finished pieces make unique personal gifts We can personalise your items by adding your
child’s name, date of birth, a special message etc.
Baby and toddler groups welcome We’re open 7 days a week serving a range of home
prepared food & drink including delicious cakes. You
don’t even have to paint any pottery!
Fridays are our ‘Baby Days’; come and paint with your
Northbridge Road, Berkhamsted, Herts HP4 1EH Tel: 01442 865544
www.thepotteryproject.co.uk
Opening Hours Monday-Friday 9am-6pm
Saturdays & Sundays: 10am-5pm
We also offer plaster outprints of hands
and feet, decorated to enhance their unique
creases / wrinkles and presented in a simple
wooden frame; a beautiful keepsake.
baby on a Friday and save £2.50 on our standard studio fee.
Advance booking is recommended as these days are popular.
Baby Face Bumps and Babes
Open to all bumps, and babies who are not yet mobile.
Members and non members welcome.
No need to book, donations appreciated. Hemel Hempstead:
Every 2nd Tuesday of the month, 10.30am – 12noon at Jack & Jill’s Day Nursery, Wood Lane End, off Breakspear Way, HP2 7HY (Lots of parking available)
Every 4th Thursday of the month, 9am – 11am at South Hill Centre, Cemetery Hill, Hemel, HP1 1JF
Suitable for Bumps, Babes, Crawlers and Walkers Every Thursday in December (up to Christmas)
Berkhamsted:
Every 1st Wednesday of the month, 11am – 12.30 at
The Old Mill Pub, London Rd, Berkhamsted, HP4 2NB. (£3 for a drink and a muffin/ danish). Parking available.
Every 3rd Thursday of the month, 10.30am – 12noon at Café Rouge, 296-298 High St, Berkhamsted, HP4 1AH
For further information or to arrange a buddy for your first visit call or email Jenny
07792 527 181 - [email protected]
Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted & District Branch
Baby Face Branch News
Congratulations from Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted and District NCT to all the new parents who attended our antenatal classes. If you would like a birth
announcement published, then please email your details to [email protected]
proud parents announce the birth of on weighing
Christy & David Woodgate Evan William 25 May 2011 6lb 8oz
Gemma & Alan Howes Alice Rose 06 June 2011 7lb 2oz
Kirsty & David Jones Amelia Martha 18 June 2011 9lb 3oz
Charlotte Hendry and Thomas Briault Noah Edward 21 July 2011 7lb 10oz
Ruth Buckley & James Finch Xavier Joseph 05 August 2011 8lb 2oz
Genevieve & Pieter Swart Marisa Sarah 06 August 2011 8lb 1oz
Lorna White and Joseph Larke Maisie Dora 20 August 2011 7lb 10oz
Julie & David Davies (and a sister for Holly & Oscar) Pollyanna Evelyn 23 August 2011 5lb 13oz
Corinna Haenschel & Andrew Parton
Sophia Margarete Anne
06 September 2011 3.4kg
Mikila & Nick Bennett Lucy Clare 07 September 2011 6lb 13oz
Andrew and Justine Bryson (and a sister for Sofia)
Cameron Peter Ruairidh
10 September 2011 7lb 3.5oz
Davina & Tom Renouf Emma India Elsie 13 September 2011 9lb 1oz
Joanne & Adam kember Charlotte Poppy 15 September 2011 6lb 13oz
Karen & Scott Vipond Daisy Esme 17 September 2011 7lb 13oz
Baby Face Branch News
proud parents announce the birth of on weighing
Brooke & Ian Donabie Dexter Hamilton 19 September 2011 7lb 4oz
Sharon & Gerwyn Leigh (and a brother for Dylan) Morgan Alexander 21 September
2011 7lb 2oz
Kate Turner and Roger Jones Rose Amelie Gillian 30 September
2011 7lb 11oz
Vicki and Anthony Hawes Ellis Tai-Jun 08 October 2011 8lb 12oz
Rachael & Nick Munby (and a brother for George) Arthur Hugh 12 October 2011 7lb 10oz
Alice & Jeff Nicholson Ava Vivienne 12 October 2011 8lb 3oz
Natalie Crane Thomas John Nicholas 12 October 2011 7lb 7oz
Carol and Charlie Spinks Charlotte Ann 12 October 2011 7lb 7oz
Emma Ascroft & Michael Lelieveld Samuel Piri George 22 October 2011 6lb 2oz
Nicola & Dave Newstone (and a brother for Benjamin) Joseph Flynn 23 October 2011 10lb
15oz
Julia & Ashley Molyneux Amelia Elizabeth 30 October 2011 7lb 8oz
Emma Rayner & Julie Potter Raphael Xavier 31 October 2011 9lb 1.5oz
Sonya & David Tolmie Heather Jane 07 November 2011 7lb 15oz
Baby Face Advertisement
NCT Bumps and Partners Evenings
These are open to members and non-members, an informal evening where expectant parents can meet others from the area and gain an
insight in how the NCT can help them and what we have to offer.
People are welcome to come along to as many meetings as they like during the pregnancy and the idea is that they run every 3 months.
Wednesday 18th January Wednesday 18th April
Wednesday 18th July Wednesday 17th October
If you are interested in attending the next meeting (venue tbc) please email
Baby Face Advertisement
Baby Face Birth Story
“The midwifes started getting things ready to put the cannulas in my hands that would give me the hormone drip and the antibiotics I needed due to my waters rupturing.
Anabel’s Birth Story
Written by Ellie Tadiello
My waters started leaking with a pinky tinge at
about 1am on Thursday morning; there was
only a very small amount so I waited until about
6am to ring Stoke. They told me to make my
way there to get checked out. We arrived at the
hospital at about 8am and went to triage. I was
put on a trace to monitor baby’s heartbeat,
which was fine, and also any contractions. The
machine was picking up several tightenings but they were not painful. After
about half an hour on the trace I was examined and the midwife said she could
definitely see liquid coming out but only a small
amount, she also took a swab. I was given 24 hours
for labour to start naturally or they would induce the
next day.
We went home and I tried everything I could think
off to start the labour but nothing happened. I kept
getting tightenings but they were not strong or
painful enough. So the next morning we went back
to Stoke for about 9am and was taken up to the
antenatal ward where again I was put on a trace for about half an hour. We
then had to wait for a space on the labour ward, which became available at
about 11am. The room we got on the labour ward was lovely, really big, with
air con and very comfortable.
I was then put on the trace again, which would stay on until the baby arrived. I
found this really uncomfortable, as even though I could still move around, the
bands and the probes really dug into my tummy. Then the midwifes started
getting things ready to put the cannulas in my hands that would give me the
Baby Face Birth Story
“The midwife decided that as the baby’s head was so low they could no longer pick up her heart beat with the trace on my tummy, so she put a probe on her head to keep an eye on her heartbeat.”
hormone drip and the antibiotics I needed due to my waters rupturing. This
was awful, two midwifes tried on both hands but just couldn’t get them in and it
was really painful. They then had to go and get the anaesthetist who did
manage to put them in, one in each hand. By then it was 2pm and that’s when
they started the hormone drip on a really low setting, increasing it every half an
hour. At some point during all this someone came in to say they had found
group b strep from the swab they took the day before, but as I was already on
antibiotics for the ruptured waters, it was already being dealt with.
By about 5pm nothing was really happening, I
was getting tightenings but they were still not
strong enough even though I was on the largest
dose of hormone drip allowed. They examined
me and said the baby was very low but they
could feel waters around her head. The midwife
then popped the waters (nowhere near as
painful and horrible as I imagined) and lots of
water started coming out. A few minutes later
the contractions really kicked in and were coming really close together so they
turned the hormone drip back down to a lower dose. After about half an hour
or so I asked for gas and air, which I found a great distraction and really
helped me concentrate on my breathing.
At about 7:30pm the contractions were still
really strong and close together so I decided
to ask for an epidural. I was examined and
was really surprised and so happy when the
midwife said I was 8cm, maybe even 9! So I
carried on just with gas and air. At this point
the midwife decided that as the baby’s head
was so low they could no longer pick up her
heart beat with the trace on my tummy, so
she put a probe on her head to keep an eye
on her heartbeat. Thankfully she was fine
Baby Face Birth Story
“I was exhausted and felt like I couldn’t push any more as it was really painful, but having that bit of local anaesthetic made all the difference and I was able to give a few more big pushes …”
and her heartbeat was stable.
The whole way through the midwives were really encouraging me to try
different positions that I could attempt whilst being on the trace and having all
the drips. I managed to sit on the birthing ball, lean over the bed whilst
standing up, lie on my side, walk around a little bit and then go on my knees
and lean over the top of the bed to push.
After a while I got a really big urge to push, which I just couldn’t control, so
that’s when they helped me onto my knees on the bed and I started pushing. I
found by this point I couldn’t use the gas and
air, so I was just taking a couple of deep
breaths on it and then gave it to Marcus to hold
whilst I pushed.
After a while in this position I got very tired and
went on my side on the bed to keep pushing.
For a bit, her head kept coming down and
going back up a bit again but eventually it
started coming out (which I touched twice!!).
The midwife decided to do an episiotomy as I was starting to tear a little, she
numbed the area with some local anaesthetic and waited a couple of
contractions for it to work and then did the cut. By this point I was exhausted
and felt like I couldn’t push any more as it was really painful, but having that bit
of local anaesthetic made all the difference and I was able to give a few more
big pushes and she was out!
We then had cuddles while I was being stitched up, this was probably the
worst part for me as it took a midwife and two doctors to do and I was in
stirrups for about two hours. I think this is also why we are now struggling with
feeding, as even though we had skin to skin, I was in quite a lot of pain and
discomfort to try and feed. Even so, as I look back on that now, the pain is sort
of forgotten when I look at my gorgeous girl.
Baby Face Birth Story
We were then transferred to the postnatal ward where we had to stay for three
nights as Anabel had to be given antibiotics twice a day. These were a
precaution as there were two risk factors; the ruptured waters and the group b
strep. They also took some blood cultures a couple of hours after she was
born and we had to wait 48 hours to check nothing bad had developed in
them.
We had a really long stay in hospital but all the maternity staff at Stoke were
fantastic and they looked after us so well.
So a VERY different birth to the birth centre, water for pain relief birth I wanted
but at the end of the day all is forgotten when you get to hold your baby for the
first time!
Anabel Rose Tadiello Born 5th August 2011
Weighing 7lb 10oz
Baby Face Advertisement
Baby Face Advertisement
For details of class venues and
times please visit our website
BERKHAMSTED . BOVINGDON . BOXMOOR . TRING
LEVERSTOCK GREEN, H. Hempstead
Janine Bennett 01442 874154 WARNERS END, H. Hempstead
Friday mornings
Lorry Slater 01438 831281
Physical fun at its best!
Baby Face NCT Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities within your local NCT branch
Can you spare some time to help out with all the good work that your local NCT branch offers? Membership Secretary – Without this role, the branch would be forced to close
Be first point of contact for all new members, enquirers and event attendees for your branch (these tasks may be shared with a General Enquiries Contact)
Job involves responding to emails or calls regarding membership. Send welcome letters/e-mails to new members Providing new member information Produce labels for Baby Face Emailing members on events and regular updates Maintain relationships with branch members to ensure that retention of
members is maximised within the branch Provide regular reports to the branch team regarding membership numbers
and trends and attend team meetings Advertising Coordinator - Without this role, we would not be able to produce
BabyFace or hold events like The Christmas Party. Liaise with the full branch team, particularly event organisers, Newsletter
Editor, to ensure full advantage is taken of sponsorship and advertising opportunities
Inspire local companies and organisations to advertise in and sponsor branch publications, events and services
Sell advertising and commercial sponsorship across the branch, from newsletter advertising to sponsorship and stalls at events.
Liaise with your branch team, particularly the Newsletter Editor and Treasurer, to help make each activity or publication profitable
Ensure that invoices raised and monies received are banked promptly and accounted for through the Treasurer
Editorial Team – Help produce BabyFace on a quarterly basis We have already got a few members interested in helping out, but by having lots of volunteers, it makes the job so much easier.
Collate new members and Birth Announcements Update local events calendar Keep local groups and contacts up to date Work with the advertising coordinator to ensure all adverts are included Work with branch team to ensure all news and events are communicated Source and edit articles Arrange printing of BabyFace
Baby Face NCT Volunteer Opportunities
Baby Face Distribution – Post out copies of BabyFace to all members
Coordinate with Editorial team and advertising regarding delivery of BabyFace and inserts.
Label up envelopes and pack them Obtain stamps from post office (claimed back from branch expenses) Post out copies to members
Bumps & Babes co-ordinator for Berkhamsted
Attend Bumps and Babes session in Berkhamsted (Old Mill & Café Rouge) on a monthly basis to welcome new mums.
A great opportunity for someone who already attends these groups. This could work on a job share basis
NCT Bra Agent - Training available for this role
Offer a service to mums-to-be and new mums a bra fitting service and sales of NCT maternity and breastfeeding bras.
Please contact Amanda for details of the following vacancies for a detailed role outline.
Breast Feeding Support Project Manager - Depending on a successful lottery grant application -
Postnatal Student
Maternity Services Liaison
Area Representative
If you are interested in any of the volunteer roles, please email Amanda Kirby on [email protected] to find
out more.
Your local NCT branch Needs You!
Baby Face NCT Classes
Classes in BERKHAMSTED
For further details contact our Parent Services Administrator on the NCT booking line: 0844 243 6 892
or email: [email protected] or call direct to Becky on 01442 876334 or Cathy on 0844 243 6159
Baby Face Advert
Baby Face Advertisement
Baby Face Advertisement
Baby Face Advertisement
Baby Face Local Nearly New Sale
SATURDAY 28th April Longdean School, Hill Common, HP3 8JH 2.00 – 3.00pm (Early entry for members at 1.30pm)* Entry: £1.50 (in aid of NCT Charity) Great quality clothes, toys & equipment for 0 - 7yrs Contact: [email protected] if you are interested in selling or helping on the day. Seller Registration opens – 5th March for non-members (helpers get first pick of the bargains, free refreshments, don’t have to queue up and don’t pay the entrance fee) *Please have your membership card/number with you to gain entry at 1.30pm
Baby Face Branch Services
Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted & District NCT Branch Services Monthly Bumps 'N' Babes Cafes for first-time parents-to-be, parents or carers with babies who are not yet mobile. All attendees are expected to put a small contribution in the NCT donation box provided. For dates see What’s On page.
Weekly Coffee Groups for parents/carers with babies, toddlers or even just a bump! All attendees are expected to put a small contribution in the NCT donation box provided. Call organiser for venues.
Area Organiser Telephone Day Time Berkhamsted Joanne Lloyd-Evans 01442 865417 Wednesday 10am – 12pm Hemel Hempstead VACANT 0844 243 6159 TBC TBC
NCT Sales We run sales of nearly new toys, clothes and equipment twice yearly. NCT members are admitted before the general public. If you would like more information, either as a buyer, seller and/or helper please call 0844 243 6159.
NCT Social & Fundraising Events We are currently seeking new volunteers to help organise the social & fundraising events. If you are interested, please call 0844 243 6159 or email [email protected]
NCT Membership We value your membership. For a local NCT membership pack or other local membership issues email [email protected], call 0844 243 6159.
Antenatal Courses for expectant parents. Places are at a premium so book early by emailing [email protected] or calling 0844 243 6892 (Monday – Friday, 8.30am – 4.30pm).
NCT Bras & Valley Cushions Fitted NCT bras to enable you to breastfeed easily and discreetly are available from www.nctshop.co.uk. Valley cushions, providing relief from discomfort when sitting after stitches from a vaginal birth, are available from Cathy Johnson on 0844 243 6159.
Breast Pump Hire We hire out electric breast pumps (similar to those used by most hospitals) for a basic hire rate of around £1 per day plus a one-off payment for the purchase of a plastic collection set. Hire rates can be reduced for long-term hire.
Hemel, Berkhamsted & District NCT- Hemel Ruth George 0844 243 6159 Hemel, Berkhamsted & District NCT- Berkhamsted Cathy Johnson 0844 243 6159
Breastfeeding Support:
Organisation National Helpline Number Local Contact NCT Breastfeeding Line 0300 330 0771- 8am - 10pm Call helpline for counsellor La Leche League National Helpline
0845 120 2918 available 24/7 Jane Christine Penny
01442 864796 01442 875136 01442 879572
NCT Peer Support www.westhertsbreastfeedingpeersupport.com Breastfeeding Network 0870 900 8787 - 9.30am – 9.30pm Helen 01442 870175
www.nct.org.uk/in-your-area/hemel
Baby Face What’s Going On?
Local NCT Events for Winter
Coffee Groups NCT coffee groups are open to all, but attendees are expected to put a small contribution
in the NCT donation box. Call the organiser to arrange a buddy for your first visit and get a list of venues.
Every Wednesday 10am – 12 noon
Berkhamsted Coffee Group, organised by Joanne Lloyd-Evans ([email protected]) - 07767 893009
NEW! Fridays 10am – 12 noon
Hemel Coffee Group, organised by Daphne Thomas. Contact Daphne for details - [email protected]
Nights Out in Berkhamsted - Contact Joanne Lloyd-Evans for more details 14th December - 8pm: Christmas Party at the Old Mill. 25th January - 8pm: Dinner at Thai Cottage
Bumps ‘n’ Babes Cafés NCT Bumps ‘n’ Babes Cafés are for mums-to-be and babes-in-arms. They are open to all, but attendees are expected to put a small contribution in the NCT
donation box. There’s no need to book a place, just turn up! Every 1st Wednesday 11am – 12.30
Berko Bumps 'n' Babes Café at The Old Mill, London Road, Berkhamsted, HP4 2NB. £3 for a drink & pastry.
Winter Dates 4th January, 1st February, 7th March Every 2nd Tuesday 10.30am – 12 noon
Hemel Bumps 'n' Babes Café at Jack & Jill’s Day Nursery, Wood Lane End, off Breakspear Way, HP2 7HY
Winter Dates 10th January, 14th February, 13th March Every 3rd Thursday 10.30am – 12 noon
Berko Bumps 'n' Babes Café at Café Rouge, High Street, Berkhamsted, HP4 1AH (next to Woods Garden Centre).
Winter Dates 19th January, 16th February, 15th March Every Thursday in December 09.00am – 11.00am
Hemel Bumps 'n' Babes Café at South Hill Centre, Cemetery Hill, Hemel, HP1 1JF - Suitable for bumps, babes and crawlers!
Winter Dates Every Thursday in December. Jan/Feb email [email protected]
.Bumps & Partners Evenings Every Quarter A chance for expectant parents to meet up and find out more about
their local NCT. Contact [email protected] Winter Dates 18th January
.Dads' mountain biking nights Every 1st Thursday of the month, 8pm
Depart from 68 Bridgewater Road, Berkhamsted. Call Paul Reynolds on 01442 863038 or 07970 080797 for details.
Dad’s Night Out Every 2nd Thursday of the month, 8pm
Contact Steen Daglas for more details on 07710 981599 – [email protected]
Other dates for your diary
Christmas Party – 10th December Nearly New Sale – 28th April
Baby Face What’s on Locally
Local Parent, Baby & Toddler Groups*
Monday Gadebridge Parent &
Toddlers Gadebridge Baptist Church 9.45 – 11.15 0 – 5 years
Playaway Toddler Group Apsley Community Centre 9.45 – 11.15 0 -5 years
Jacqu'in the Box (www.jacquinthebox.com) Boxmoor Parish Centre Morning
Sessions 0 – 4 years
Tiny Acorns (www.tinyacorns.co.uk)
Carmenta Life, Chesham House, Berkhamsted
Morning Sessions
Baby & Toddlers
Antenatal Aquarobics Sportspace, HH 10.00 – 11.00
Toddler Group Berkhamsted Town Hall 10.00 – 11.15
Messy Play Heights Community Hall 10.30 – 12.00 0 - 4 years
Postnatal Aquarobics Sportspace, HH 11.00 – 12.00
Jacqu'in the Box Berkhamsted Town Hall Afternoon sessions 0 – 4 years
George Street/Heath Lane Toddler Group
George Street Primary School HH (Term Time) 1.30 – 2.30 0 – 5 years
Postnatal Pilates ([email protected])
Chesham House, Berkhamsted 1.30 – 2.30 Mums &
Babies New Beginnings Baby
Café Warners End Community Centre, HH, HP1 3QG
2.00 – 3.00 up to 20 weeks
Strictly Strollers - Outdoor Buggy Workout
([email protected]) 3.00 Mums &
Babies
Pregnancy Pilates ([email protected])
Kings Langley Secondary School, Love Lane, Kings
Langley, WD4 9HN 6.30 – 7.30 Mums to be
Tuesday NCT Bumps & Babes Jack & Jills Day Nursery, HH 10.30 –
12.300 Every 4th Tuesday
Baby Days Gadebridge Youth Club 10.00 – 11.30
Up to 18 months
Two Waters/Heath Lane Toddler Group
Two Waters Primary School, HH (Term Time Only) 9.00 – 10.30 0 -5 years
Baby Rhyme Time Hemel Hempstead Library 11.15 – 11.45
Every 1st Tuesday
Tiny Acorns arranged by Windmill Childrens Centre
The Heights Community Room, Hemel 2.00 – 3.00 Non walkers
Baby Face What’s on Locally
Wednesday Toy Library Galley Hill Children’s Centre 9.00 – 10.00
Knee High Club Warners End Community Centre
9.30 – 11.30 0 – 4 years
Little Hoppers Bennetts End Community Centre
9.30 – 11.30 0 – 5 years
Cupids Cherubs Cupid Green Adventure Playground
9.30 – 11.30
Little Tigers Woodhall Farm Community Centre
9.30 – 11.30 0 – 4 years
Playaway Toddler Group Apsley Community Centre 9.45 – 11.15 0 – 5 years
La Leche League Galley Hill Children’s Centre 10.00 – 11.30
Every 2nd Wednesday
NCT Bumps & Babes Old Mill, Berkhamsted 11.00 – 12.30
Every 1st Wednesday
First Steps Berkhamsted Baptist Church 1.30 – 3.00 0 – 3 years
Mother & Baby Pilates ([email protected])
Boxmoor Parish Centre 2.30 – 3.30 Mums & Babies
Mother & Baby Pilates (Flirty Fitness) Galley Hill Children’s Centre,
HH, HP1 3JY
5.00 - 6.00 Mums & Babies
Antenatal Pilates (Flirty Fitness)
6.30 – 7.30 Mums to be
Thursday Little Angels St Benedicts Church Hall, HH 9.00 – 11.00
St Georges Toddlers St Georges URC, Chaulden 10.00 – 11.45
0 – 5 years
NCT Bumps & Babes South Hill Centre 9.00 – 11am Every 4th Thursday
Heath Lane/Galley Hill Under 1’s, Crawlers & Walkers
Chaulden Community Centre 10.00 – 11.30
Up to 18 months
NCT Bumps & Babes Café Rouge, Berkhamsted 10.30 – 12.00
Every 3rd Thursday
Tiny Acorns Holiday Inn Express, Apsley Morning Sessions
Baby & Toddlers
Bumble Club Leverstock Green Village Hall 1.15pm - 2.45pm
0 - 5 years
Breastfeeding Cafe South Hill Children’s Centre 1.30 – 3.00
Toy Library Galley Hill Children’s Centre 2.00 – 3.00
Baby Face What’s on Locally
Friday Flaunden Parent and Toddler Group
Flaunden Village Hall Flaunden
9.30 – 11.30 0-4 years
Gadebridge Toddler Gadebridge Community Centre
9.30 – 11.00 0 – 5 years
Dinky Dancers Warners End Community Centre
9.30 – 10.30 0 – 5 years
Cupid Cherubs Cupid Green Adventure Playground
9.30 – 11.30
Scramblers Toddler Group
Adeyfield Free Church, HH 9.45 – 11.15 0 – 5 years
Toddler Group Warners End Community Centre
10.30 – 11.30
0 - 5 years
Tiny Acorns Holiday Inn Express, Apsley Morning & Afternoon
Baby & Toddlers
Sunnyside Toddler Group St Michael & All Angels Church
1.30 – 3.00 0 - 4 years
Mother and Baby Pilates (Flirty Fitness) Little Hands and Little Feet
Children's Centre, Berkhamsted, HP4 3PE
2.15 – 3.15 Mums & Babies
Strictly Strollers - Outdoor Buggy Workout
3.15
Saturday Dad’s Stay & Play
Heath Lane Childrens Centre
10.00 – 11.15
Every other month
Working Parents Stay & Play
10.00 – 11.15
Every other month
Who Let The Dads Out Adeyfield Free Church, HH 10.30 – 12.00
Once a month
Tiny Acorns Holiday Inn Express, Apsley Moring Sessions
Baby & Toddlers
Sunday Pregnancy & Mother & Baby Pilates (Flirty Fitness)
Esporta, Maylands Avenue, HH
5.00 - 6.00 Mums to be and Mums &
babies *Please not that the information provided on these pages have been compiled from various sources. The inclusion of a group on the list does not imply endorsement of the group by the NCT, nor does it constitute a recommendation. We would strongly recommend that you contact the group organisers before attending and hold no responsibility for changes in venues/classes. Further information about local parent, baby and toddler groups can be found
on: www.hertsdirect.org, www.netmums.com or www.hertschildrenscetnres.org.uk
If you attend a group and would like to add it to this list, please email [email protected]
Baby Face Christmas Party
Baby Face Advertorial
“Efficient breathing is an essential part of any physical task, be that an exercise session or labour and delivery. “
By Helen McClorry The first weeks of pregnancy are a mix of emotions, excitement, tiredness and sometimes sickness, so often the last thing we want to do is reach for the lycra and go off for a work out. However, giving birth is a hugely physical event, and the fitter you are, the better you will cope with the experience, and the quicker you will recover afterwards. Exercising when pregnant has massive benefits, from promoting general well being and body awareness to more specific advantages such promoting better circulation and digestion, to
avoiding excessive weight gain and swelling of extremities, particularly hands and ankles. Breathing exercises and targeted exercises which aim to increase your muscular strength and endurance will increase your tolerance of labour by training you to push strongly and for longer when delivering your baby. How much and How often? Moderate intensity physical activity of at least 30 minutes every day is recommended for pregnant women. This is easier done if you had an exercise regime before your pregnancy. If fitness wasn’t part of your life before your pregnancy, then now is a great time for you to have a look at your day to day life and see where you could realistically become more physical. Walking is the best way to start whether that is with your partner, with a pet, or even parking the car or getting off the bus or tube a bit further away than normal. Other women choose to swim while they are pregnant which can be a great way to spend a lunch hour or to finish the day. For those with a serious aversion to working out, tasks such as house work and shopping can also count as physical activity, so long as you remember not to lift heavy items. If you are only just starting out then only begin with 15 minutes of continuous exercise three times a week and increase the sessions gradually to 30 minutes daily. If you are already following a regular fitness routine then aim to maintain, rather than increase, your current level of fitness during your pregnancy.
Are you Fit to Deliver?
?
Baby Face Advertorial
“Make sure that your instructor is qualified to teach pre and postnatal clients”
Whatever type of exercise you decide to do while pregnant, ensure that the level is moderate, so you should always be able to maintain a conversation whilst exercising. Pregnant women should also keep an eye on their core temperature, drink plenty of water throughout the work out and avoid sessions where there is little or no ventilation / air flow. It is also a good idea to eat a nutritious snack around an hour before you work out, and again after you have finished. I always recommend that my clients have a banana in their kit bags for this reason. Additional exercises to include in your ante-natal workout Your daily exercise routine should always include breathing exercises and pelvic floor exercises. Efficient breathing is an essential part of any physical task, be that an exercise session or labour and delivery. Learning to use your lungs fully will in turn make your muscles work effectively and work for longer. In an exercise session for pregnant women, the instructor should always warn you not to hold your breath, and ideally they will coach you in breathing techniques that will help you in the early stages of labour. During labour, correct breathing helps us mentally as well as physically, allowing us to focus on the task in hand, to feel in control, and over-ride some pain. Pelvic Floor strength and control Our pelvic floor muscles act as a hammock to cradle and support our uterus, bladder, bowels and other pelvic organs in a sort of figure of eight shape. During pregnancy, labour and delivery these muscles can become weakened and dysfunctional which can lead to urinary incontinence (leaking of urine), pelvic organ prolapsed and haemorrhoids. Specifically during labour and delivery these pelvic floor muscles need to be able to relax in order to stretch and allow the baby to move down the birth canal. A strong pelvic floor helps push your baby down and out, and it is really important to understand that a stronger pelvic floor can relax and stretch more easily than a weak pelvic floor. In later life most of us will be susceptible to incontinence problems that are linked to a weak pelvic floor. Working this area now via targeted pelvic floor activation exercises can help lower this risk.
Pelvic floor and other specific tummy exercises are often used in the treatment given to pregnant women suffering from SPD (Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction), which occurs when a hormone called relaxin softens the ligaments holding the two halves of the pelvis together in order for your baby to pass through the pelvis as easily as
Baby Face Advertorial
possible. These softened ligaments allow movement in the symphysis pubis joint, which causes pain in the back, pelvis and hips – especially if one side moves more than the other. Certain pilates exercises that focus on hip stability are particularly useful here, and I recommend these to clients so that the hips are balanced and strengthened before the trouble starts. I also offer recommendations to sufferers, based on their specific needs, on how to lessen the pain in day to day life. In my work I meet many new Mums who speak of back pain, of sciatica, of SPD and lots of other pregnancy related conditions, which could have be alleviated if not avoided altogether through exercise during the pregnancy.
A great way to meet other pregnant women and stay fit while you are pregnant is to join a specialist Antenatal or Pregnancy Fitness Class. The most popular of these are Pilates, Yoga and Aqua classes as these disciplines offer effective low impact workouts that should not put strain on your softening pregnant joints. These groups can provide you with a new network of friends and a brilliant resource for finding out more about pregnancy. At my sessions we talk about anything from pushchairs to perineal massage – nothing is off limits – and it is often a great release to see the funnier side of pregnancy with others in the same boat.
Ask your Midwife to recommend classes, as she will have had feedback from other pregnant women about local providers, or ask your friends to recommend classes that they have attended and enjoyed. Internet searches are another way to find sessions locally that fit into your schedule. Again, make sure that your Instructor is qualified to teach pre and postnatal clients – remember that you are entitled to see their qualifications if you so wish, but if you are too shy to ask then visit the Register of Exercise Professionals at: www.exerciseregister.org/REPsInstructors.html to check out their credentials. If you are already a member of a gym, ask your gym team which instructors are qualified to teach pre & post natal clients, as not all instructors have covered this area in any depth in their basic qualifications. Exercising with an inexperienced instructor can often lead to the pregnant woman being given “easier” versions of an exercise to do, which isn’t always necessary or at worse being left to work out modifications for themselves.
Baby Face Advertorial Ask your gym instructor to modify your personal programme to suit your changing body in the gym, and ask which studio timetable classes are suitable for pregnant mothers. Most gyms will have some sessions dedicated to expectant mothers – so if yours doesn’t, maybe it is time to request these. Also speak to your gym about their policy of “freezing” your membership during your pregnancy & when the baby arrives if they cannot offer you specific classes when you are pregnant, as this could stop you from having to pay gym fees if you are not actually using the facility. As a final word, I would urge everyone who is pregnant to embrace fitness and a healthy lifestyle so that you have the energy to enjoy the brilliant journey that is coming your way... parenthood. Good Luck xxx About the author Helen McClorry is a qualified Pre & Postnatal Fitness Instructor, Pre & Postnatal Pilates Instructor and an experienced Mummy of two. Helen runs pre & postnatal classes in Herts & Bucks and owns Flirty Fitness Ltd. Email: [email protected] or call 07833 511720
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Baby Face Advertisement
La Leche League GB Mother-to-mother support
for breastfeeding LLLGB National Helpline 0845 120 2918
Breastfeeding is: Free Convenient Environmentally sound Healthiest for mother and baby
La Leche League Chilterns Group offers the following series of informal
meetings covering: The Benefits of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding and your Family Breastfeeding and Avoiding Difficulties
Starting Solids and Weaning There is no charge. Mums-to-be, mothers, babies and children are always
welcome. Learn more about mothering through breastfeeding and share your experiences mother-to-mother. Learn to trust your instincts!
All meetings run from l0.00am to 12.00 noon. NEW -Antenatal Breastfeeding Classes-call for details!
For meeting details and help with breastfeeding at any time, phone our qualified counsellors:
Jane on 01442 864 796 Christine 01442 875 136
Penny 01442 879572 **********************************************************************
La Leche League GB is a registered charity, which offers: 24-hour telephone counselling monthly discussion groups a free lending library at meetings mother to mother support in breastfeeding over 30 years experience helping thousands of mothers
La Leche League (Great Britain) is a company limited by guarantee
Registered Office: 129a Middleton Boulevard, Woolaton Park, Notts. NG8 1FW Registered Charity Number 283771
Baby Face Post Natal Depression
Dealing with Post Natal Depression By Jenny Cook My pregnancy had been relatively easy going. I had all good intentions of no interventions, a natural delivery, and breastfeeding exclusively. But on the day, the birth plan went out the window. A week before my due date, I got up at 8am to my waters gushing. I went to hospital to be assessed, expecting to be sent home again until things progressed naturally. However, the midwives discovered a foetal ectopic heartbeat. I was then swept away to the delivery suite to be examined and assessed, and promptly prepared for an emergency caesarean to get the baby out quickly. It was like being caught in a tornado. I had anaesthetists explaining epidural procedures to me as a midwife inserted a cannula, a doctor examined my belly and I dressed in a gown and swallowed my pre-meds, all as I tried to process what was happening to my baby. There are a lot of people involved with a caesarean, just as my antenatal teacher had prepared us there would be. The delivery by caesarean was very quick and as he came out crying at 15:49 the relief was immense. I was given a few minutes to say hello before he was whisked away to the special care baby unit while I was stitched back together.
Baby Face Post Natal Depression
“All those daily tasks with a newborn were physically and emotionally draining and I could hardly get out of the house. I started to feel so isolated.”
“With post-natal illness the recovery can’t begin until you talk to someone about your experience.”
I then didn’t see my baby until 10pm, when I was taken up to visit the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU). He had to be given formula on a controlled schedule
and he was linked up to monitors with leads trailing out of his sleepsuit and as they flashed and beeped I had no idea what I was looking at. I panicked at the sight of this helpless little creature; I felt like I couldn’t possibly look after him. The next morning I visited the baby and nurses encouraged me to try breastfeeding. As he had been given bottles of formula first I thought my hopes of breastfeeding had been deserted, but
with hands on assistance from the supportive nurses in special care he latched on well. He had to be given formula top ups for the first week but the nursing staff helped me and with expressing and feeding and I managed to catch up with his demand. Though it was painful, it gave me something to focus on and a bond with my son through a difficult time as I felt so detached from him. The doctors explained all the lights and beeps clearly and I was involved at every stage of the monitoring. All the staff in SCBU demonstrated an excellent caring and professional approach, and knowing my baby was being looked after so well certainly helped my own healing process. 3 days passed before it really dawned on me that I had given birth and I finally decided on the name Jacob for my baby. After we were both able to leave the hospital it still took a few more weeks to heal from the caesarean. All those daily tasks with a newborn were physically and emotionally draining and I could hardly get out of the house. I started to feel so isolated. I developed a form of post-natal illness linked to post-traumatic stress disorder. I didn’t understand that my fears and feelings were an illness and I couldn’t admit to not feeling fine. It took a number of weeks before I realised I needed to reach out and seek support. With post-natal illness the recovery can’t begin until you talk to someone about your experience. Contact your health visitor who will be able to support you in getting the help you need. Reach out to your NCT friends too and you’ll find comfort to discover many mutual trials to being a new parent. A particularly hard week for me was made more bearable by simply dropping in for a cup of tea with one of my antenatal group friends.
Baby Face Post Natal Depression
“Depression is not a weakness, it’s an illness. It is important to remember you will feel better.”
Remember to look after yourself with as much rest as possible and a good diet. Be proactive when you’re struggling to face the world and get out of the house, even for the shortest time, it really will help make the day seem brighter. Try to come along to a bumps and babes group to share your experiences. Whether your labour was 3 hours or 24, if you’re having difficulty moving forward from
the experience, talk about it, write about it, share your experience and together we can work through it. Depression is not a weakness, it’s an illness. It is important to remember you will feel better. Don’t forget to keep your friends and partners in mind too and remember to listen to concerns with sensitivity and support. If you feel a friend or relative may be suffering with post-natal illness, encourage them to seek support from their health visitor or GP. If your baby has to visit SCBU, nothing I can say will stop your panic and worry. But the nurses and doctors will support your baby to fight for their survival 24/7, with care for both the vulnerable babies and their shattered parents. The support they gave me in that first week will never leave me; I have so much gratitude for the care both Jacob and I received. Talking through my experiences and getting support from outreach workers has allowed me to come to terms with the events of Jacob’s birth and move on. And now, a year on, Jacob is a happy healthy little boy keeping me on my toes and I am a happy healthy mummy.
Baby Face Advertisement
Baby Face NCT Classes
Baby Face Advertorial By Dorothy Watt Did you use the arnica in your NCT birthing kit? I did, and I used several other
remedies as well because of the nasty tear I had from the forceps delivery
which wasn’t in my birth plan... 10 years later, I can still remember lying in my
hospital bed with four midwives peering at my ‘undercarriage’, marvelling at
how quickly my injuries had healed. Arnica is a homeopathic remedy which
has a reputation going back 200 years for reducing inflammation and bruising,
hence its place in your birthing kit. I’d like to tell you a bit more about
homeopathy.
What is homeopathy? Homeopathy is a very well-established system of medicine which is
complementary to the more conventional approach used by most GPs and
doctors. Its use within the NHS is enshrined in the original charter and there
are several well-established NHS homeopathic hospitals around, as well as
GPs who use homeopathy alongside conventional medicine. Most people who
see a homeopath these days, though, do so privately.
I don’t pretend to know the exact mechanism by which homeopathy works but
it works for me, my family and clients. My best explanation is that homeopathy
is a form of energy medicine which works with the body to support it and help it
to be better balanced. Homeopathy focuses on the whole person rather than
just the bit that hurts as it considers everything in our mind and body to be
inter-related - from this point of view, it isn’t surprising that some people get
physical symptoms as a result of being nervous or angry, for example. And
because we’re all very different from each other, the choice of remedy is
tailored to each individual person; so there isn’t one cold remedy but a whole
range depending on what symptoms an individual has.
Like Arnica? Try more homeopathy
?
Baby Face Advertorial Unlike conventional medicine which works by suppressing the body’s
symptoms, homeopathy seems to help the body to cope more effectively with
the condition, thus reducing the need for symptoms: both routes lead to less
discomfort but homeopathy is safe and gentle enough to be used by newborn
babies and breastfeeding mums.
So what would make someone with a new baby go to visit a homeopath?
There are many different reasons, and lots related to life in general. Here are
a few possible ones which are directly related to the process of giving birth and
becoming a family. You’ll see many which conventional medicine can do little
about but for which homeopathy can provide real support:
Some things which might make a new mum consider seeing a homeopath for herself:
Having problems coming to terms with the birth
Difficulty coping with prolonged periods of broken sleep
Troubled by the lack of status being a ‘mum’ has in relation to that high
powered job
Bored by the monotony and tedium of coping with a new baby
Feeling unsupported
Recurrent mastitis or other issues with milk flow
Recurrent thrush / colds / feeling run down all the time
Higher than comfortable anxiety levels about the baby’s health
Some things which might make new parents consider seeing a homeopath for their baby
Never slept well since birth, either day, night or both, despite health
visitor support
Recurrent colds / ear infections / thrush
Always unsettled: crying / wailing / grizzling
Eczema
Baby Face Advertorial Some things which might make a new dad consider seeing a homeopath for himself
Feeling left out
Shell shocked by the birth
Bored by the changed lifestyle
Frustration with sex life
Higher than comfortable anxiety levels about the baby’s health
What is a homeopathic consultation like? A homeopathic consultation is like a conversation in which the homeopath
listens to what you have to say and asks questions to help them have a better
understanding of your needs. The initial consultation is always longer,
typically 1 to 1.5 hours, and follow-up consultations are usually 30 – 45
minutes long. Apart from the length it’s quite different from going to the GP’s:
clothes always stay firmly on: there will be no physical examination beyond a
look at easily observable symptoms; a homeopath is not qualified to diagnose
any medical condition, so don’t go expecting to come out with a medical label
(though if an underlying medical condition is suspected you’ll be
recommended to visit your GP for a diagnosis). While GPs focus on your
symptoms and how long you’ve had them, a homeopath is also interested in
what might have led to those symptoms in the first place. For example,
someone might have had some really annoying symptom since they moved
house, or since their budgie died, etc. There’s a huge range of homeopathic
remedies which a trained homeopath can use to support healing and at the
end of the consultation the homeopath with make a decision about the best
remedy or remedies to support your condition, and they’ll either give it/them
there and then or post them over the next few days.
Self-help with homeopathy One of the nice things about homeopathy is that anyone can learn to use a
small number of remedies to support their own and their baby’s health, and
these remedies are easily obtainable from many pharmacies and health food
stores.
Baby Face Advertorial No matter how young a baby is they can safely be given homeopathy –
imagine having that as a safety net, something you can do whilst waiting for
the appointment to see the GP or health visitor. You can easily learn to use
homeopathy to support your family in the following scenarios:
Baby - Fever, teething, separation anxiety, colic etc
Seasonal – colds and flu; over-indulgence, hayfever, minor cuts and bruises
Obviously, in any situation which you perceive to be a medical emergency,
you‘d go straight to your GP or hospital, but for those day to day events which
are troublesome rather than life threatening, homeopathy can provide you with
an alternative to the over-the-counter support from the pharmacy.
So, if you’re concerned about keeping your baby free from as many chemicals
and additives as possible, or if you’re breast feeding and need to avoid most
drugs, or if you just fancy trying a different approach to managing your family’s
health, why not try homeopathy?
About the author Dorothy Watt (LCPH MARH PhD PGCE RHom) is a homeopath practising in Berkhamsted with Crossroads Homeopathy. She is available for individual and family consultations. With a background in education she also runs short courses to teach people how to use homeopathic remedies for everyday traumas. www.crossroads-homeopathy.co.uk 07530 286942
Dorothy will be running a series of short sessions at Carmenta Life in Berkhamsted to teach new mums some of the basic remedies to support their families day to day. Details from Carmenta Life or Crossroads Homeopathy (07530 286942).
Baby Face Advertisement
Contact Dorothy for a confidential discussion about how homeopathy can help with your family’s health worries. Subsequent appointments are held at Carmenta Life, Church Lane, Berkhamsted.
Dorothy Watt LCPH MARH PhD PGCE RHom
www.crossroads-homeopathy.co.uk 07530 286942 call any time
Learn to use homeopathy in a small, friendly group
Take away some remedies to use!
Sat 14 Jan, 2-3pm Homeopathy for babies (Fever, teething, separation anxiety)
Sat 28 Jan, 2-3pm Homeopathy for colds and flu Thurs 9 Feb, 10-11am Homeopathy for bumps and bruises
Sessions at Carmenta Life, Church Lane, Berkhamsted . Each session £6 inclusive of remedies; Call 07530 286942 to book a place.
Alliance of Registered Homeopaths
Baby Face Breast Feeding Peer Support
“A record 12 mums were helped with breast feeding on the first Sunday in November”
Breastfeeding support in Dacorum continues its successful journey but with a mix of sadness ...
Our team has sadly lost Charlotte and Emily due to them moving out of the area with
their families. Charlotte continues to help by co-ordinating the hospital drop in
attendance so her presence is still felt with the team.
Thanks go to both of them for the support they have
offered in their time as Peer Supporters with us - they
will continue to help mums in their new areas.
The hospital sessions continue to be busy with more midwives referring mums to
come and see us - a record 12 mums were helped with breast feeding on the first
Sunday in November (there may have been more, it was hard to keep count being so
busy!). It is an honour to support in this environment - the mums are so vulnerable at
this stage of parenthood and often don't realise the strain that being pregnant and
birthing put on the body ... more time in bed, have a 'babymoon' and get to know your
little person is often the way forward in the very early days.
The team will also be adopting a method of reporting so that we can assess how
many mums/families we all help individually and more importantly, collectively as a
team.
The weigh in clinic at Grove Hill on a Tuesday morning is becoming busier with
breastfeeding mums, great news for that part of Dacorum where the NHS stats are
very low for breastfeeding. Chipperfield's breastfeeding cafe on a Monday is thriving
as is the weigh in clinic at Bovingdon. Our presence at antenatal sessions continues
Baby Face Breast Feeding Peer Support
‘There is a need in the community for younger mums to be supported by their peers.’
where we can help reassure parents that there is support 'out there' - these are run in
partnership with children's centres and the community midwives.
An application for funding another Peer Support training
course has been submitted to Awards for All, so please
think lots of positive thoughts as we wait to hear if we are
successful in the application! Or just cross your fingers
and toes! As soon as we get news of this, we will
advertise for volunteers again and once again, we'll aim for a mix of people, there is a
need in the community for younger mums to be supported by their peers so if you're
a younger mum, please consider applying when the time comes.
Ruth Harrison will be joining the team meetings of the Community Midwives and the
Children's Centre Managers this month. She will also be making a debut at the
Watford Maternity Services Liaison Committee (MSLC) which is a change from
previous meetings with the Breastfeeding Strategy Subgroup which meets in Welwyn
Garden City and doesn't currently focus on our area. She has also joined a Dacorum
partnership aimed at supporting families in the early years - it's not entirely relevant
to breastfeeding but is a good forum to have NCT representation and advertising of
our local services including our Nearly New Sale and, of course, BFPS.
Ruth's Breastfeeing counsellor studies continue and she will complete both parts of
her first assignment in November for submission to the university. Eeeek!
Baby Face Advertorial By Jackie Garwood Your feeling of sanity as a parent can revolve a great deal on how much your baby
sleeps in those early first few weeks. As parents we are likely to have our own
individual approaches and beliefs around sleep, but often it requires challenges and
uncomfortable feelings
FIRST FEW WEEKS 0 - 6 months This is the period of most rapid development in babies and it is also the time when
they sleep most. In the first few weeks after birth, a baby's sleep pattern is often very
chaotic with no routine.
When babies are born they are unable to distinguish night from day. In the early
weeks of life babies sleep for an average of 16 hours out of every 24, which is
divided equally between night and day
This unpredictable pattern is due to the slow development of their internal biological
clock. Rather than taking lightness or darkness as their sleep cues they rely more on
whether they feel hungry as their cue to wake.
FROM 6 WEEKS During the first few weeks with your baby, there will be no pattern to his sleeping and
waking and you will not be able to start any sort of routine. Your best strategy at this
stage is simply to "go with the flow".
From six weeks of age however, you may notice that he starts to become more
settled, and there are ways that you can begin to help him become a good sleeper.
Good sleeping habits that can be establishes early on will benefit both you and your
baby later on
Infant Sleep and Routines
?
Baby Face Advertorial SPOT YOUR BABY'S SLEEP CUES: Many babies become fussy or cry when they are tired, while others rub their eyes,
pull their ears or stare into space. Your baby may turn away from objects or people,
or bury his face in your chest.
NIGHT AND DAY: Teach baby the difference between night and day, you can do this by encouraging
him to be more active during the day, and by putting him down for daytime naps in a
room which is not too dark, and where he can hear normal sounds. By contrast keep
his night wakings calm and quiet with dimmed lighting and minimal stimulation.
SELF - SOOTHE
Your new born may like to be rocked, cuddled to sleep and to begin with you should
go with whatever calms and soothes him. By three months he will come to recognize
and depend upon any comforting techniques you may have been using as part of his
settling routine and may be reluctant to give them up. Aim to stop using these
techniques before they become a habit in order to allow him to go to sleep alone.
Jackie Garwood
FIRST STEPS PARENTING
Child Sleep Specialist
SLEEP TALK CARMENTA LIFE, BERKHAMSTED
Wed 18th January 8pm - 9.30pm
Wed 14th March 8pm - 9.30pm
To Book Contact: [email protected]
t 07535318123
www.firststepsparenting.co.uk
Baby Face Advertisement
FIRST STEPS PARENTING
PAEDIATRIC FIRST AID AND RESSUCITATION
COURSE
Sat 28th Jan 10am - 12pm
and
Sat 28th April 10am - 12pm
Carmenta Life
Berkhamsted
TO BOOK PLACE CALL 07535318123
EMAIL [email protected]
www.firststepsparenting.co.uk
Baby Face Advertisement
FIRST STEPS PARENTING
STRUCTURED POSTNATAL COURSE
STARTS WED 25TH JANUARY (6 WEEKS)
TRANSITION TO PARENTHOOD
COPING WITH CRYING
SLEEP AND ROUTINES
PLAY AND DEVELOPMENT
MINOR AILMENTS
WEANING
TO BOOK PLACE CALL 07535318123
EMAIL [email protected]
www.firststepsparenting.co.uk
Baby Face Advertisement
Baby Face Branch Contact Info
Who’s Who in Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted & District NCT?
Chair Amanda Kirby Vice Chair Jenny Cook Secretary Catherine Duvall Treasurer Carolyn Gurney Membership VACANT General Enquiries Joanne Lloyd-Evans Antenatal Classes Nicola Bazeley: [email protected]
(Parent Services Administrator) Classes Supporter Sarah Bamford, Natalie Wheeler NCT Antenatal Class Teachers
Cathy Johnson Becky Barley Nicola Lacey
Breast Pump Hire
Berkhamsted: Cathy Johnson Hemel Hempstead: Ruth George
Valley Cushion Agent Cathy Johnson NCT Bra Agent VACANT Bumps 'n' Babes Cafés Jenny Cook: 07792 527 181 – VACANY for Berkhamsted Coffee Groups bumps, babies, & toddlers
Berkhamsted: Joanne Lloyd-Evans: 07767 893009 Hemel Hempstead: Daphne Thomas: [email protected]
Breastfeeding Support Project Co-ordinator
Ruth Harrison
Nearly New Sales Belinda Regan and Genine Johnson Educational Talks Anna Dolan Social & fundraising Jenny Cook, Sally Abrahamson and Michelle Wells Magazine Editor TBC - [email protected] Magazine Advertising VACANT - [email protected] Magazine Distribution VACANT Publicity Officer Laura Gosling Maternity Services Liaison VACANT Dads’ Mountain Biking Paul Reynolds: 01442 863038 Dads’ Nights Out Steen Daglas: 07710 981599 – [email protected] Website Coordinator Maria Parker + help wanted Facebook coordinator VACANT
Unless specified, please use the main contact number or email address below
Main Contact Info Telephone Number: 0844 243 6159
Email Address: [email protected] Website: www.nct.org.uk/in-your-area/hemel
Facebook: Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted and District NCT Branch Twitter: http://twitter.com/NCTHemelBerko
Baby Face Support Groups
Contact details for some useful support groups and help lines Antenatal/Maternity Action on Pre-Eclampsia
020 8427 4217 www.apec.org.uk
Active Birth Centre 020 7281 6760 www.activebirthcentre.com Association for the Improvement of the Maternity Services (AIMS)
Publishes leaflets concerning every aspect of maternity care 0300 365 0633 www.aims.org.uk
Antenatal Results & Choices (ARC)
Offers information and support for abnormal test results 020 7631 0285 www.arc-uk.org
Maternity Action For advice and information on benefits and rights 020 7281 8716 www.maternityaction.org.uk
Baby Activities Busy Little Ones Online directory of baby activities including swimming, yoga, signing
and many others www.busylittleones.co.uk
Breastfeeding Association of Breastfeeding Mothers
0844 122 949 www.abm.me.uk
The Baby Café Charitable trust that runs a network of local drop-in centres for breastfeeding mums www.thebabycafe.co.uk
Breastfeeding Network 0844 412 4664 www.breastfeedingnetwork.co.uk Breastfeeding NHS 0844 20 909 20 www.breastfeeding.nhs.uk La Leche League 0845 120 2918 www.laleche.org.uk Midwives Online Provides a free breastfeeding email advisory and information service
www.midwivesonline.com NCT Breastfeeding Helpline
0300 3300 771 www.nct.org.uk
NCT Peer Support www.westhertsbreastfeedingpeersupport.com Colic & Crying Cry-sis Support for families with excessively crying, sleepless and demanding babies
08451 228 669 www.cry-sis.org.uk Childcare Children’s Information Service
Local information on childcare provision www.childrensinformationservice.org
Childcare Link For listings of local childminders and childcare 0800 096 0296 www.childcarelink.gov.uk
Daycare Trust Charity working to promote high-quality, affordable childcare 0845 872 6251 www.daycaretrust.org.uk
National Childminding Association of England and Wales (NCMA)
0800 169 4486 www.ncma.org.uk
Ofstead Latest reports for nurseries, childminders and schools can be found online www.ofstead.gov.uk
Working Families Information on all aspects of working families’s lives, including tax credits, childcare and legal rights 0800 013 0313 www.workingfamilies.org.uk
Baby Face Support Groups Parenting Advice (including new mums, new dads and lone parents) Bliss UK charity offering support and advice for parents of premature
babies 0500 618 140 www.bliss.org.uk
Disabled Parents Network 0300 3300 639 www.disabledparentsnetwork.org.uk Fatherhood Institute Provides information on fathers’ rights, newsletters and a chat
group www.fatherhoodinstitute.org
Gingerbread Support for lone parent families 0808 802 0925 www.gingerbread.org.uk
Foundation for the Study of Infant Death
Advice on protecting babies from cot deaths, accidents and infections 0808 802 6868 www.fsid.org.uk
Healthvisitors.com An organisation offering information for parents of children aged 0-5, compiled by health visitors 01274 427132 www.healthvisitors.com
Home-Start Nationwide charity that offers practical support and friendship to families in need through a network of volunteers 0800 068 6368 www.home-start.org.uk
Older Mothers Provides medical information and a coffee chat group www.mothers35plus.co.uk
One Parent Families 0800 018 5026 www.oneparentfamilies.org.uk Sure Start Information on childcare, education and health issues
0870 000 2288 www.surestart.gov.uk Twins and Multiple Births Association (TAMBA)
Information and support for families with twins, triplets or more 0800 138 0509 www.tamba.org.uk
Postnatal Depression Association for Postnatal Illness (APNI)
Helpline for suffers as well as a networkof volunteer supporters who have themselves experienced postnatal illness 020 7386 0868 www.apni.org
Perinatal Illness UK Charity offering support to anyone suffering from emotional or psychological difficulties during pregnancy or after birth 07925 144411 www.pni-uk.com
Weaning Allergy UK Support and information for people with allergies and
intolerances 01322 619898 www.allergyuk.org
Baby Led Weaning Site devoted to providing information and ideas on baby-led weaning www.babyledweaning.com
British Dietetic Association (BDA)
Useful source of information about weaning and other dietary matters www.bda.uk.com
Kids’ Allergies Lots of useful information and advice about children and allergies www.kidsallergies.co.uk
If there are any support groups that you feel should be included on this list, please email [email protected]
Baby Face Request to Advertise
Request to Advertise Form
Spring 2012 1. Contact info Contact Name Business Name Business Address Contact Telephone Contact Email 2. Advert info Colour advertising One issue Four issues Back Cover (12x17.5cm) £75.00 £270 Inside Front/Inside Back (12x17.5) £65.00 £234 Black & White One issue Four issues Half Page (12x8.5cm) £28 £102 Full Page (12x17.5cm) £43.50 £159 Flyer (inserted into newsletter) £54.50 £198 3. Artwork info I have emailed the artwork as a doc/ jpeg file to
[email protected] I have attached a hard copy of my artwork (for proofing) 4. Payment I confirm that I have enclosed a cheque to the value of £……….. made
payable to NCT Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted & District and that the above details are correct.
Signed………………………………………………Date……………………………
Completed forms and cheques to be sent to the address below by 1st February 2012 in order to be included in the Spring issue issue:
NCT Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted and District
Email: [email protected]
