silent reflux, home birth story, top tips for keeping safe ......silent reflux, home birth story,...

The Newsletter for the Chiltern Branch of

the National Childbirth Trust

Inside this Edition

Don't throw me away pass me on!

Registered No.2370573 (England). Registered Office: Alexandra House, Oldham Terrace, London W3 6NH. Registered Charity No.801395

Silent Reflux, Home Birth Story, Top Tips for Keeping Safe this Summer,

Local Farms -‐ family fun for all and much more!

Summer 2015

Chiltern NCT Summer 2015


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In this issue . . .

Chiltern NCT General Enquiries 0844 243 6086/[email protected]

Contacting the NCT The NCT enquiries telephone service and email address is available to all existing members

and non-‐members. The enquiry line number is 0300 330 0770 and the email address is [email protected]

You can find out your local branch numbers for antenatal and postnatal courses; ask questions

about pregnancy, birth, being a parent of a new baby and much, much more!

General

Vacancies 3

Branch News 4

Dates for Your 2015 Diary 5

Local NCT Services 8

Breastfeeding Support 11

Bumps

Bumps & Babies 15

Sling Library 15

New Members 16

Home Birth Story 36-‐39

Babes to a year

Silent Reflux 12-‐14

Birth Announcements 28-‐29

All Ages

Local farms to visit over the Summer 31-‐32

Keeping Your Child Safe This Summer Tips for sun and water 33-‐35

Parents & Carers

Quick Contacts 38


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LOOKING TO LEARN ABOUT SOMETHING NEW?

TAKING A CAREER BREAK BUT WANT TO REMAIN BUSINESS FOCUSED

ON MATERNITY LEAVE BUT WANT TO TALK ABOUT SOMETHING OTHER THAN BABIES AND SLEEP DEPREVATION

NEW TO THE AREA AND WANT TO MAKE NEW FRIENDS

BORED WITH YOUR DAY SO WOULD LIKE TO DO SOMETHING MORE

INSPIRING IN THE EVENING/AT THE WEEKEND

Volunteering is all about giving but there is a lot that you can get back in return.

people use volunteering as a way to make friends, to help ease them back into work or to help them decide what they would like to do when the go back to work. There are so many different roles which can appeal to any different variety of people. Most

cerned about doing something new. If any of the above or below applies to you then please get in touch. We need more help to continue running the Branch.

WANTED!

DO YOU HAVE EXPERINCE IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:

ACCOUNTING/BOOK KEEPING, EVENTS MANAGEMENT,

BUILDING WEBSITES, SOCIAL WORK, TEAM COORDINATION

SECRETARIAL WORK, WORKING WITH CHILDREN,

SHOP WORK, RUNNING A BUSINESS,

CREATIVE WRTING, ADVERTISING,

PROMOTING A BUSINESS, LEADING A TEAM


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Branch News

Thank You to all our Helpers , Sellers and Buyers at the April Nearly New Sale. It was a wonderful success, with great quality items at ludicrously low prices. It was definitely win win all round with Sellers making money on their un-‐wanted items, buyers getting fabulous bargains and the NCT earn-‐ing commission on every item sold. A special thanks to our out-‐going Help-‐ers Coordinator Michelle who, with a lot of energy, even though heavily pregnant, gave guidance and support to our fledgling Nearly New Sales team. She was a complete star on the day!

If you have a similar level of energy and are very organised then why not

years so there are good systems and procedures in place for doing the role Please contact Maureen at [email protected] for more information.

We really need an Advertising Coordinator! Just look at the adverts in this newsletter to see some of the businesses you would be working with if you were doing the role and then contact Maureen at branchcoordina-‐[email protected].

Please Like Us! Facebook is a great way for us to promote the branch so

You can find us on the internet: www.nct.org.uk/branches/chiltern

You can find us on facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/NCT-‐Chiltern/111288382240480. Please Like Us! You can find us on twitter: @ChilternNCT and @NCTCharity

http://www.facebook.com/pages/NCT-Chiltern/111288382240480

http://www.facebook.com/pages/NCT-Chiltern/111288382240480


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Dates for Your 2015 Diary

Date Event Address Contact Details

Tuesday 9th June

Monthly Members Meeting

Boot & Slip-‐per Pub, Am-‐ersham

branchcoordina-‐[email protected]

Tuesday 14th July




Tuesday 11th August




Every Thurs-‐day 10.00 to 11.30

Bumps and Babies Group

Little Chal-‐font Village Hall

bumpsand-‐[email protected]

First 1000 Days

the time

first 1000 days as a major life change. It should be recognised in the same way as becoming a teenager or a senior citizen. It is, after all, the time when people make the transition from seeing themselves as individuals, or part of a couple, to seeing themselves substantially or primarily as parents. Given the significance of this transition, we aim to:

development between conception and second birthday secure joined-‐up policy and services that each recognise the wider journey new parents are on do more for parents of older babies and toddlers ensure parents are involved in the design and delivery of services aimed at them * develop breakthrough solutions to enable parents to solve dilemmas they face.

These are lofty aims, but the NCT believe that new parents deserve nothing less. Stand by for future announcements on how the NCT will be working together with other charities, governments in the UK, as well as health, social care and early edu-‐

aims over the coming months and years.


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Legal Bits & Advertising Rates This is the quarterly newsletter of the Chiltern branch of the National Childbirth Trust (NCT). The NCT is a charity offering support and information in pregnancy, childbirth and early parenthood. We know that NCT members and non-‐members alike find this newsletter an invaluable source of information, and refer to it regularly throughout the quarter. Distribution is currently to 400 local people not only the Mums and Mums-‐to-‐be who form the core membership of the NCT, but also to health visitors and midwives in this area. In addition, this

newsletter is a very cost-‐effective way of reaching a clearly targeted audience with a strong interest in pregnancy and childcare. The newsletter is printed in colour on cover, black and white inside, A5 booklet format and usually contains approximately 40 pages. It is produced using a publishing package. Advertising copy can be received by email as a Word (.doc), graphic (JPEG) or PDF file, scanned or typeset depending on their style and content. Acceptance of an advertisement does not imply we have researched or endorsed a particular product or service and, therefore, cannot be held liable for any loss, damage or injury arising there from.

Newsletter Advertising Rates 2013 Cost for

1 issue (excl. VAT)

VAT @ 20%

Total for 1 issue (incl. VAT)

Total for 4 issues (incl.VAT and

10% discount if booked and paid for in advance)

Full A5 page colour

(outside back cover) 24cm x 17cm

£90.00 £18.00 £108.00 £388.80

Full A5 page colour

(inside cover) 24cm x 17cm

£78.00 £15.60 £93.60 £337.00

Full A5 page colour 20cm x 14cm

£75.00 £15.00 £90.00 £324.00

Full A5 page 20cm x 14cm

£48.00 £9.60 £57.60 £207.35

Half A5 Page 10cm x 14cm

£32.00 £6.40 £38.40 £138.20

Quarter A5 Page 1 0cm x 7cm

£21.50 £4.30 £25.80 £92.90

Flyer Insertion (400 print run) Flyers should be a maxi-‐mum of A5 and weigh no more than 10g

£17.00 per 100

£3.40 per 100

£20.40 per 100

£73.40 per 100 (400 in total)

Flyers for Nearly New Sale (400 print run)

Email for price information


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Please note that the contents of this publication are for the private consumption of members of the National Childbirth Trust (NCT), Charity Registration number 801395, in connection with NCT activities and are not to be used for any other purpose. The conditions of the Data Protection Act may apply. Any views expressed within this publication are those of individuals and do not necessarily mirror the views of the NCT, nor the Editor. However, the Editor will make every effort, grammatical error not withstanding, to print all letters and articles received in their entirety. The Editor reserves the right to alter and otherwise edit any material supplied. No original material may be reproduced whatsoever, without the permission of the Editor, in writing. All submissions will be assumed to be the copyright of this publication unless advised otherwise, in writing, upon submission.

NEWSLETTER PUBLICATION DATES

Issue Covers the months of: Deadline

Spring March, April, May 31 January

Summer June, July, August 31 April

Autumn September, October, November 31 July

Winter December, January, February 31 October

We need newsletter volunteers

We desperately need new volunteers to help with editing the newsletter and production of the newsletter in MS Publisher. No previous experience is necessary.

If you can offer any help then please contact Maureen for more details:

[email protected]


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Chiltern NCT Services for Parents Before the Birth

NCT Preg-‐nancy and Birth helpline

A fully qualified antenatal teacher can answer your ques-‐tions relating to pregnancy or birth or chat about your experi-‐ences.

0300 330 0772 (9am to 10pm, Monday to Friday)

Antenatal Couples Courses

Classes are held in a variety of formats. Cost from £220 (reduced fee available for families with an income below £26,190, or on benefits).

Contact Belinda Gubbay on 0844 243 6889 or [email protected] to book (courses are popular so early booking is essential)

Antenatal Refresher Courses

Four daytime sessions and one evening session for 2nd/3rd/4th time Mums. Cost £110. (Reductions available as above.)

Contact Belinda Gubbay on 0844 243 6889 or [email protected] to book (courses run in response to demand so book early to ensure we can run a course)

Nearly New Sales (see social diary for sale dates)

Baby equipment, clothes and toys

outgrown your baby and toddler stuff you can sell it and make money for yourself and the NCT.

To sell contact [email protected] To help contact [email protected] To advertise contact [email protected]

Bra Fitting Be fitted for your maternity/nursing bra by our qualified bra fitter.

We are currently recruiting for a Bra Fitter. Please contact branchcoordina-‐[email protected]

After the Birth Breastfeed-‐ing Support

Information and support to help you breastfeed successfully.

0300 330 0771 (8am-‐12am, 7 days a week)

Postnatal Support

Early days support for new par-‐ents.

0300 330 0773 (9am to 1pm, Monday to Friday)

Postnatal Courses

6 week course held in the day-‐time covering topics of interest to new parents such as crying, sleeping, safety, returning to work and making time for Mum and Dad. Cost from £80 (reduced fee available for families with an income below £26,190 or on benefits).

Contact Belinda Gubbay on 0844 243 6889 or [email protected] to book (courses run in response to demand

Bumps & Babies

Local group for bumps & babies, with refreshments, weekly speak-‐ers & baby gyms to keep little ones entertained.

[email protected]

General Enquiries General Enquiries

Chiltern Branch general enquiries Contact 0844 243 6086 or email [email protected]

UK Office UK Office for all helplines and general enquiries.

Contact 0300 330 0770 or [email protected] Visit the website at www.nct.org.uk

mailto:[email protected]




http://www.nct.org.uk/


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Breastfeeding Support Getting help and support with breastfeeding in the early days and weeks can make all the difference to establishing a successful breastfeeding relationship. The details of the local clinics are given below.

tional and she really made me feel better and gave me lots of practical advice. I

went back 3 times in the first two weeks. I am not sure we would have been able to

Aylesbury Aylesbury Breastfeeding Clinic Parentcraft Room, First Floor, Claydon Wing, Stoke Mandeville Hospital HP21 8AL

01296 315799

Clinics run Mondays and Thursdays from 10am until 1pm. Please call before visiting

Beaconsfield Beaconsfield Breastfeeding Clinic

Holtspur Way, Holtspur, Beaconsfield, HP9 1RJ

07798 520830

Clinics run Tuesdays and Fridays from 10am until 1pm. Park in the leisure centre and then walk towards the school, following the green railings and footprints. Please call before visiting.

Chorleywood Chorleywood Breastfeeding Support

Chorleywood and Loudwater Chil-‐ Lower Road, Chorleywood, Hertfordshire, WD3 5LB

01923 484903

Every Friday from 10am to 11.30am For mums to be and breastfeeding mums with babies up to 4 months old.

Rickmansworth Rickmansworth Breastfeeding Support Shepherds Lane, Rickmansworth, WD3 8JJ

01923 722094

Every Monday (in term time) from 10.30am until 12pm.

Chesham Chesham Breastfeeding Support 470 Waterside, Chesham, HP5 1QF

01494 783991

Every Wednesday from 1pm until 3pm. Please telephone to make an appointment.

for more information.

Please note: It is recommended that if you live in the Hertfordshire area you should attend clinics in Herts and the same for Buckinghamshire; you should attend clinics specifically in Bucks.

You can call the NCT Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 330 0771 any day between 8am and 10pm


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Chiltern NCT Sling Library Thanks to branch fundraising, Chiltern NCT Sling Library has a great selection of slings and carriers, suitable from birth to four years. A sling library is a great way for you to try out a variety of slings and carriers and meet other babywearers to share your experiences. We can explain the types of slings or carrier on offer, and their pros and cons, so that you can make an informed choice about the best one for you. Alternatively, you may already have a sling, but would like some help on how to make it more comfortable to wear. Chiltern NCT Sling Library is staffed by volunteers who would like to share with others the benefits of hands-‐free baby care for both parents and babies/toddlers.

Join us on the third Thursday of each month @ Chiltern NCT Bumps and Babies

For more information on Chiltern NCT Sling Library please call or email Kathryn on 07946511122 / [email protected]

For more information and resources -‐ www.slingguide.co.uk

Bumps & Babies Just a small taster of our weekly programme of talks and demonstrations

that are coming soon.

4th June -‐ The Happy Family Summit talk with Liz Hancock

11th June -‐ Weaning and Infant Nutrition with Felicity Bertin

18th June -‐ Baby Photography Tips with Karen Mulkern Every Third Thursday of thee month -‐ NCT Sling Library

Little Chalfont Village Hall Cokes Lane

Little Chalfont HP7 9QA

FREE PARKING! Baby Friendly. Welcome Pack. Baby Changing Facilities.

Every Thursday 10am 11:30am £2.00 voluntary contribution per adult

All bumps and babies are welcome to any of our sessions.


http://www.slingguide.co.uk/


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New Members

Welcome to our new members who have joined the branch since the last issue.

Amersham & Coleshill Chorleywood

Alice & Andy Davies Reyhan Karagoz-‐Burden & Matthew Burden

Lauren English & Gareth Ashton C & T Bending

Jade & Alex Murphy

Frances & Will Ridler Gerrards Cross

Sati Kalsi & Bari Singh Kelly & Philip Oghenekaro

Emma & Kevin Barnes Laura & Michael White

Darran & Natalie Eggleton Sarika & Rishi Dhot

Janine Mawby & Andrew Jackson Caroline Mcphillips & Birju Panchal

Olivia & Ben Beardmore

Fiona & Michael Breen Great Missenden

Rebecca & Robert Pearce

The Chalfonts Lisa Buckley-‐Hoyle & Juan Raschia

Eleanor-‐Jo Cuckney & Matthew Mcentegart Laura Miller

Barbara Vedanayagam Alina Kubiak

Faith & Allen Mayer Marta Kruczynski & James Barclay

Michaela Wallace

Liz & Chris Read Rickmansworth

Vicky Hall & Ian Grant

Chesham Melissa & Daniel Lloyd

Jessica Summerfield Jenny Kowalczyk & Ed Birth

Karen Lang & Tim Weston Tara & Anthony Coles

Laura & Daniel Woodstock Nichola & Sup Roda

Priscilla & Andy Winter Hayley & Mike Vale

Steven Obergan & Sophie Clark

Sarah & Phil Elder Outside Chiltern Area

Julia & Michael Gaine Mandy & Paul Ryan

Lucy & Jon Basson Cettina & Richard Kennedy


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Nestle Boycott

NCT boycotts Nestle products. Personally I had not heard of the Nestle boycott until I started volunteering for the NCT and even then it was not widely talked about. It was

letter that brought home to me why the NCT boycotts Nestle. But Why? Well WHO (World Health Organisation) have banned any for-‐mula making organisations giving free (yes free!) samples to third world mothers, how-‐ever Nestle continue to give out free sam-‐ples in third world countries. To find out why you will never find Nescafe at an NCT coffee morning, look at the website. www.babymilkaction.org


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Birth Announcements

Congratulations to All Our New Parents! Please accept our apologies for any precious new arrivals we may have missed

Parents Baby

Date of Birth

Barbara & Johan Vedanayagam Noah Joseph 28/12/14 Trish & Andrew Lofthouse William John 01/12/14 Jo Singleton & Tom Patrick Sebastian Cosmas Louis 28/12/14 Sanna Laine & Mark Walker Felix Edward 17/12/14 Myf Beynon & Martin Beecroft Sophia Gwyn 17/12/14

Amy & Andrew Svoboda Charlotte Rose 06/12/14

Nikki Farge-‐Bennett & David Taylor Aidan Robert 07/12/14 Emily & Julian Smith Charlie David 30/12/14 Emily & Julian Smith Jonjo Nicholas 30/12/14 Vanessa & Noel Rousseau Florence Jean 01/01/15 Anne Haynes & Charlie Radclyffe William John 09/01/15 Adele & Sean Cassidy Anna Josephine 12/01/15 Kirsty Beasley & Chris Coombs Layla Margaret 13/01/15 Gemma & Chris Gagg Charlotte Anna Mary 25/02/15

Katherine & Simon Renton Thomas 31/11/14 Jessica & David Broomhead Poppy 17/10/14 Kirsty Beale & Tim Snape Ivy 10/12/14 Tom Campbell & Shona Kennedy Harper 10/11/14 Kellie Marks & Ian Bryant Jack 13/11/14

Rosie & Michael Laws Ewan Henry 19/12/14 Lucy & Richard Price Felicity Mary 16/01/15


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Birth Announcements

Congratulations to All Our New Parents! Please accept our apologies for any precious new arrivals we may have missed

Kate Gregory & Derek Smyth Ethan Gregory Smyth 27/12/14 Priya & Nayan Mistry Mistry 20/12/14 Leah & Robert Beaver Florence Eizabeth 13/01/15 Hayley & Oliver Ringsby-‐Burgess Henry Frances 28/01/15

Nicola & James Sinclair Heath Daniel 14/03/15

Helen & Jonathan Gallop Annabelle Elizabeth Helen 07/03/15 Sarah & Anthony Hearn George 08/08/15 Charlie & James Moran Darus May 01/04/15 Rachael & Thomas Rowland Willow Grace 17/02/15 Maiko & Daniel White Hugo 02/04/14 Helen Player & Benny Harper Olivia 02/04/14

Carolyn and Will Arnold Olivia Grace 28/11/14 Kathryn & Peter Bristow Alfie Stanley 03/01/15 Marianne and Alan Hennessy Ella Mae 11/01/15

Katherine and Luke St Claire-‐Smith Daniel Christopher 12/01/15

Laura and Ross Curran Orla Harriet 30/01/15 Jayne and Clive Mann Lewis Alexander 01/02/15 Elizabeth and Lloyd Entwistle James William 29/03/15 Vanessa and Philip Samuels Oliver George 09/04/15 Jane and Andrew Moir Elizabeth Lilian 12/01/15 Samantha and Reza Sililant Ethan Milo 11/04/15 Liz Hanlon and Andrew Owen Wilfred 12/04/15 Stephanie Porter & Lee Walker Grayson Blaze Raydon 09/04/15

Parents Baby

Date of Birth


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Old MacDonald Had a Farm During the Summer, including babies and many now have indoor play areas for those rare(!) rainy days. Why not try one or more of the following. Odds Farm www.oddsfarm.co.uk Wooburn Common Road, Wooburn Common, Bucks HP10 0LX A great mixture of getting close to farm animal, outdoor play (including a huge sand and water play area) and indoor play. Summer events include swashbuckling pirate shows and the Charles Chipperfield Circus. See website for date, times and more information. Willows Activity Farm www.willowsactivityfarm.com Colney Heath, Herts, AL4 0PF Set in the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside, Willows offers a wonderful family day out with lots of animal and farm based activities. Mead Open Farm www.meadopenfarm.co.uk Billington, near Leighton Buzzard, LU7 9JH Whatever the weather a brilliant day out, with petting animals, tractor rides and their amazing outdoor adventure playground. Abbotts View Alpacas www.abbottsviewalpacas.co.uk off Moat Lane, Aston Abbotts, Bucks, HP22 4NF Not an open farm so you will need to book an appointment but a chance to tour the farm and meet the Alpacas and other rare animal breeds close up. Booking essential. Green Dragon Rare Breeds www.greendragonecofarm.co.uk Claydon Road, Hogshaw, MK18 3LA An environmentally friendly rare breeds farm in Aylesbury Vale. Set in 44 acres there is plenty of space for children to play and explore outdoors and indoors. The Bucks Goat Centre www.thebucksgoatcentre.co.uk Layby Farm, Old Risborough Road, Stoke Mandeville, HP22 5XJ A small farm with animal petting and feeding opportunities. Great for younger children as it is set in a smaller farm environment. Check website for opening times as they are not open every day.


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Old MacDonald Had a Farm continued Gullivers Dinosaur and Farm Park www.gulliversfun.co.uk Livingstone Drive, Newlands, MK15 0DT Discover a land of giant dinosaurs and also meet real life farm animals along the way or iguanas and snakes at the Reptile and Bug Centre. Thrift Farm Park www.facebook.com/thriftfarm Buckingham Road, Whaddon, Bucks MK17 0EQ The park has a good selection of farm animals along with a picnic and play area and a craft shop selling handmade woodwork, pots and gifts. Thrift farm is also a rural training centre for adults with learning difficulties. Woodside Animal Farm www.woodsidefarm.co.uk Slip End, near Luton, LU1 4DG As well as a wide range of farm, zoo and exotic animals, there are tractor and trailer rides, animal demos and lots of outdoor play fun. There is also an indoor play area for those elusive rainy days! Please check with the website or directly with the farm before visiting. Pregnant women are advised not to touch the lambs during lambing season.


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Keeping your child safe this summer

Tips on how to be safe in the sun and around water

Being safe in the sun

As we all look forward to summer and sunshine it is important to think about how we can protect our children's skin. Children's, and especially babies', skin is even more sensitive to sunlight than adult skin. Unprotected exposure to the sun's UV rays may cause sun burn in the short term and lead to an increased risk of skin cancer later on in life. Children under two are also at higher risk of developing heatstroke or suffering complications from dehydration.

Here are a few tips to protect your children in the sun. Please follow the links at the end of this article to find out more information.

Babies -‐ Babies less than six months old should be kept out of direct sunlight at all times but especially around midday. Their skin does not yet contain enough melanin, which is the pigment that protects our skin from the sun.

Shade -‐ Sunlight is at it's strongest between 10 am and 4 pm. Encourage children to play in the shade, especially at these times.

Sun screen -‐ Use a high SPF sun screen to protect any exposed parts of skin even on overcast or cloudy days. You need to cover your child's face (nose, ears, cheeks), shoulders as well as their feet several times a day. Use a waterproof sunblock for swimming and reapply after towelling.

Sun glasses -‐ Sun glasses will offer further protection to children's eyes. Check that they meet the British Standard (BSEN 1836:2005). A "CE" label should also be visible. If your child resists sun glasses, a hat with a visor or brim is a good alternative.

Sun hats -‐ Protecting the shoulders and back of the neck is particularly important when playing outside. A floppy hat with a wide brim will shade the face and neck. You can also buy hats with a flap which provide extra protection for the neck (google 'sun hat with flap'). If your hat has a string it will be less likely to come off or be pulled off buy your toddler.

Loose clothing -‐ Baggy cotton clothes provide sun protection while allowing air flow to cool the skin. Dress children in long sleeves and legs, especially babies, for example oversized t-‐shirts with sleeves.


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Hydration -‐ offer your children water frequently throughout the day. Homemade ice lollies, ice cubes and fruit such as melon will also help to keep your children hydrated.

Keeping babies hydrated -‐ If you are still breastfeeding, your baby will likely want to breast feed more often, but you don't need to offer additional water. If you are bottle feeding, you can offer cooled boiled water throughout the day in addition to usual milk feeds. Try this, especially at night if they have already had their usual amount of milk feeds.

Cars -‐ Never leave your child alone in a car during hot weather, no matter how brief. Children and especially babies are less able to regulate their body temperature and are at higher risk of dehydration.

In addition to our sun safety tips, here are a few suggestions to keep your children cool during hot temperatures:

Water play is a great way to keep children cool. Read through our safety tips below

A cool bath (15 -‐ 18°C) can help before bedtime on a hot day

Keep blinds or curtains drawn during the day; use use a fan to help circulate the air in the room

Nightwear and bedclothes should be kept to a minimum. Use a thermometer to meas-‐ure room temperature and adjust clothing accordingly. Babies may be OK in just a nappy and a 0.5 tog sleeping bag. If you use sheets, make sure they can't get loose and cover baby's face or get entangled during the night.

Being safe around water

Playing with water is a great way to keep your baby or toddler cool in the summer. However, it is essential to be safe around water. It only takes a couple of minutes face down in the water for a toddler to drown. Children between two and six are particularly at risk of drowning in shallow water or small water features and containers. Even the best supervisors maybe dis-‐tracted briefly, so please NEVER let your child play with or near water unattended.

When going on holiday or swimming in a pool, lake, river or by the sea, check the following:

Is there a lifeguard or pool attendant on duty? A pool attendant may only responsible for keeping the poolside clean, not for ensuring safety in the water

Does your pool have a barrier? In many countries this is a legal requirement, and it's especially important if you rent a house or villa


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Walk around the pool, beach, lake or river to check for any hazards (such as rocks). Remember where the emergency equipment is

Check the water safety information signs and ask a lifeguard about the safest area to swim. Ask about any dangerous currents or tides

You could consider taking a short course in first aid

Find out about any swimming and water safety courses for children offered by councils or holiday companies

Check the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents' (RoSPA) and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office websites for further advice on how to keep your children safe around water

For more information about keeping your children safe in the summer, follow the links below:

http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/1955.aspx?CategoryID=62

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-‐and-‐baby/pages/safety-‐in-‐the-‐sun.aspx#close

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Heat-‐exhaustion-‐and-‐heatstroke/Pages/Introduction.aspx

http://www.rospa.com/leisure-‐safety/water/advice/

REFLEXOLOGY BY

ANNE BAKER ITEC, CThA

Maternity reflexology specialist

Traditional reflexology for all

Baby reflexology workshops and

one to one sessions

07929 355215 [email protected]

http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/1955.aspx?CategoryID=62

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/safety-in-the-sun.aspx#close

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Heat-exhaustion-and-heatstroke/Pages/Introduction.aspx

http://www.rospa.com/leisure-safety/water/advice/


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Home Birth Story

Before my son was born I thought that home births were a bit of a mad, hippy thing after all, who in their right mind would want to give birth away from the safety of a fully equipped hospital and surely make a complete mess of their house? Then when I had George at Kingston Hospital in 2009 I endured a very uncomfortable car journey to the hospital, then was left on my own for a scary half an hour while my husband parked the car. An hour after being first examined and told I was 5cm di-lated, I had given birth. The consultant joked that they would give my husband a

labour with it. I was not particularly enamoured with the idea of either an un-planned home birth or a back-of-the-Skoda birth and so I started to consider a planned home birth. I spoke to a lot of people who had had successful home births, particularly with second and subsequent babies, and they were all extremely posi-tive about it. So I mentioned it to the midwife at the next appointment and they were all very supportive of the idea. It took a while to win my husband over (he was particularly concerned about the risk to his carpets, particularly when I said I wanted to install a birth pool in the sitting room!) but he came round eventually!

So at 37 weeks we had our home assessment and the hired birth pool duly arrived. We got piles of towels set up in the airing cupboard and had the pool semi-

ber two would be early or even on time, but even so by 8 days overdue when I had my 41 week appointment I was getting seriously fed up. I had a sweep done at that appointment, and the midwife managed to stretch my cervix to 2-3cm, and was quite optimistic it would move things along. So when I got home I took a load of raspberry leaf tablets, and massaged the bump with clary sage oil before getting in a bath with lots of

lavender and clary sage oil. Then I headed to bed in the hope that I might be in la-bour by the morning!

The following morning I woke up about 5.30am with mild period pains every 5 min-utes. I was hopeful that this might be it although sceptical as I had woken up pretty much every morning for the past fortnight hoping I was in labour! Moving around seemed to intensify them though so I told my husband (much to his delight!) not to rush off to work and got myself moving. I had a shower and washed and dried my hair to fill the time, and had some toast to keep me going. Contractions continued to be about every 5 minutes but still very manageable. However I knew that in my first labour I had gone from manageable contractions to delivery in a couple of

At about 7.45am I decided I would call triage to let them know what was happening. At this point I discovered that our phone line was down! So I had some more toast and told my husband to start preparing the pool. At 8.15am I called the hospital from my mobile. I then put my TENS machine on and called my mum to come over


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and collect George. She and my dad were off swimming so he was delighted to hear he was going swimming with them!

The midwife called me at about 8.45am to check I was still OK and whether I minded a student coming along as well, which I was fine with. The midwife, sec-ond midwife and student midwife all arrived at 9.30am, closely followed by my parents, so we were quite a crowd! It turned out that despite qualifying in 1979, the second midwife had never done a home birth, so wanted to come along for the whole thing rather than just be called for delivery. The midwife in charge ex-amined me and confirmed that I was 4cm and in established labour. This was a great relief given the crowds downstairs and the fact that between contractions I was in complete denial about that fact that I was about to have a baby!

I bounced on my ball with the TENS on while my husband, with the help of the student midwife, got the pool sorted out. I felt rather under pressure to perform with three midwives on my sofa watching me so I put some daytime TV on and my husband produced coffee and croissants for the midwives!

At 11.15am I decided to get into the pool so swapped my TENS for my tankini and jumped in. It felt absolutely brilliant. I had wanted to go in the pool with my first labour, but had already given birth by the time the pool at the hospital had been filled. I kept moving around in the pool with the contractions, chatting to the MWs and watching the TV.

At 12.15pm I started feeling some pressure with the contractions. A few minutes later (my notes say 12.21pm) I got a big contraction and made quite a bit of noise. All the MWs got up off the sofa and put their plastic aprons on, which got me ex-cited that something was going to happen soon! With the next contraction I felt my waters go.

The contractions carried on thick and fast and as I felt her head descend I had a

have any other option at this

where her head was and the classic crowning sensation. I asked for the gas and air at 12.32pm and at 12.34pm her head was delivered. They took the gas off me again and I de-livered her body with the next push at 12.35pm. I picked her up out of the water and sat back on the seat of the pool. It was the most amazing moment ever and I felt great!

We waited for the cord to stop pulsating and my husband cut it. Our gorgeous daughter was given to my husband and I stood up to get out of the pool. As I got


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QUICK CONTACTS Committee Contacts Branch Coordinator Maureen Sookha

Williams [email protected]

General Enquiries VACANCY [email protected]

Treasurer Liz Butcher [email protected]

Secretary Lois Rodgers [email protected]

Publicity Officer Emma McAndrews [email protected]

Membership Secretary VACANCY [email protected]

Parent Support Coordinator Julia Carlier [email protected]

Fundraising Coordinator Ali Williamson [email protected]

Bumps and Babies Karen Mulkern [email protected]

Nearly New Sales Coordina-‐tor

Sally Hardcastle [email protected]

Nearly New Sales Sellers Paola Walczak [email protected]

Nearly New Sales Helpers VACANCY [email protected]

Nearly New Sales Advertis-‐ing

VACANCY [email protected]

Antenatal and Postnatal Classes Parent Services Administra-‐tor (Enquiries & bookings)

Belinda Gubbay 0844 243 6889 [email protected]

Antenatal Teachers: Alison Heffernan 01494 772192 [email protected]

Colette Rix 01494 700189 [email protected]

Kathryn Maintzer [email protected]

Baby Feeding Support NCT Breastfeeding Line 0300 330 0771 7 days a week from 8am until 12am

Breast Pump Hire Ameda Egnell Hire 0870 444 8707

NCT General Region 5 Coordinator Claire Shadbolt Enquiry Line NCT National 0300 330 0700/ 4 [email protected]

Newsletter Team Editor VACANCY [email protected]

Advertising Coordinator VACANCY [email protected]

Production Manager VACANCY [email protected]




39

up the placenta delivered naturally, although I had anticipated having a managed third stage. I sat back onto my sofa, which had been covered with plastic, sheets and incopads. The midwives had some trouble delivering some stuck bits of mem-branes but it all came out in the end. We had some lovely skin to skin and Evie had her first feed which she took beautifully.

At this point my parents came back with George and he was introduced to his new baby sister. Another amazing moment as she was less than two hours old.

They rechecked me at 2.50pm and decided I needed a couple of stitches which they did on the sofa with my legs on two kitchen chairs! Evie was given her vita-min K injection while the MWs waited around for me to do a wee. Once I had per-formed, they all headed off, at about 3.20pm, taking pretty much all the mess with them. My dad then reappeared with a bottle of chilled champagne perfect! That night I was able to put George to bed as normal and then sleep in my own bed with my husband with our newborn daughter next to us in her moses basket so much nicer than being on the postnatal ward!

Overall it was a brilliant experience and I would wholeheartedly recommend a home birth to anyone without complications, particularly for a second baby. Evie

is down to the relaxed and calm nature of her entry into the world!

Birth Story courtesy of Evangeline Margaret Cotton


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We Need Your Help!

Do You Enjoy A Chat over a Cup of Tea or Coffee? Or

Do you Find Yourself Walking Round With A Sleeping Child in the Buggy?

The Chiltern NCT Branch is looking for volunteers who can donate a couple of hours of their time each month to help a good cause and have fun at the same time. As a branch we raise money for the NCT through fundraising including the Nearly New Sales, Cheeky Monkeys Tea Party, Bra Fitting and Bumps & Babies Group. The na-‐tional charity as a whole takes 70% of what the Branch raises to help pay for all of its help lines, training for specialist workers (including antenatal teachers and breast-‐feeding counsellors) and campaigning for a better birthing and early days environment for parents.

We would like to be able to hold monthly welcome meetings for new members so that they can be introduced of other new and existing members in the same area. We are looking for volunteers to organise and host the meetings at an establishment local to

the charity and to meet new people in your local area at the same time.

Or

As a branch, one of the biggest expenditures we have is the postage for newsletters and nearly new sale posters. We need local supporters to deliver the newsletter each quarter and put up nearly new sale posters in the library, local doctors clinic and

can make a real difference to local parents.

If you would like to volunteer as a local supporter then please contact Maureen at [email protected] or call 0844 243 6086 (option 1).

Areas covered By the Chiltern Branch:

Rickmansworth East Old Amersham Chartridge Rickmansworth West Amersham South Newtown Chorleywood Amersham East Chesham Central Chenies/Latimer Amersham on the Hill Chesham East Little Chalfont Amersham West Ashley Green Chalfont St Giles Amersham North Great Hivings Chalfont St Peter Hyde Heath Lye Hill/Botley Chalfont Common Chesham Bois Little Missenden Gerrards Cross Waterside Great Missenden Coleshill/Winchmore Hill Old Chesham


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