1. family and parenting
2. motherhood
3. pregnancy

 x
x
x
x
In search of a cure for backache How to prepare your child and yourself for the first day at nursery What do I really need to buy for my new baby? 1 2 3 NCT ·∙ Kensington & Chelsea Branch Newsletter ·∙ Autumn 2012 CONTENT CONTENT FEATURES Stressed-­‐Mum Competition 1 About Us Pregnancy and Birth 7 5 In Search of a Cure for Backache 10 DĞŵďĞƌƐ͛ŽƌŶĞƌ 6 The Mid-­‐Autumn Moon Festival 12 Branch Services 17 Into The Big Wide World 13 Contact Us 20 What Do I Really Need to Buy for ŚĞĞŬLJDŽŶŬĞLJ͛ƐdĞĂ Party 21 My New Baby Volunteer Vacancies 15 23 Advertising in the Newsletter 25 HELPLINES GENERAL 0300 330 0700 DISCLAIMER:
The views expressed in this newsletter are those
of the contributors and do not necessarily reflect
those of NCT. The information in this newsletter is
intended for the use of NCT members, only in
connection with NCT activities and may not be
used for any commercial purposes. The
appearance of an advertisement in this newsletter
does not imply endorsement of the advertiser or its
products and services by NCT, nor does it
constitute a recommendation. NCT does not
accept liability for any loss, injury or damage
arising out of goods or services sold through any
advertisement in this newsletter. Any discount
offered to NCT members by any advertisement is
done so entirely at the discretion of the advertiser.
PREGNANCIES & BIRTH 0300 330 0772 BREASTFEEDING 0300 330 0771 POSTNATAL 0300 330 0773 SHARED EXPERIENCES 0300 330 0700 4 NCT ·∙ Kensington & Chelsea Branch Newsletter ·∙ Autumn 2012 ABOUT US NCT is here to support parents. Becoming a parent is a life-changing experience, and everyone wants to
get it right. But what is right? These days, there is a bewildering amount of advice and information out there
about everything to do with pregnancy, birth and bringing up a child.
Helping parents decide
A trusted voice for parents
:H¶UH DQ LQGHSHQGHQW 8. FKDULW\ IXQGHG E\
GRQDWLRQV DQG FRXUVH IHHV :H GRQ¶W SXVK D
particular view; we believe in giving parents
unbiased, accurate information based on
evidence, in a supportive, non-judgmental
DWPRVSKHUH VRWKDW WKH\ FDQ GHFLGH ZKDW¶V ULJKW
for them and their family.
Improvements in maternity care, better services,
greater support ± for over 50 years, NCT, as the
8.¶V OHDGLQJ SDUHQWLQJ FKDULW\ KDV FDPSDLJQHG
on behalf of parents on the issues that matter to
them. We are independent experts, known for
basing our work on research evidence and
SDUHQWV¶YLHZV3DUHQWVWUXVWXVWRVSHDNIRUWKHP
in advising the government, academia and other
bodies, and to influence the research agenda on
their behalf. We believe that everyone can and
should feel confident and supported in their role
DVDSDUHQW:H¶UHKHUHWRKHOSSDUHQWV± and our
society ± to get there.
We offer practical and emotional support through
our network of 300 local branches, helplines,
courses and counselors. Our antenatal teachers,
breastfeeding counselors and postnatal leaders
are sympathetic experts. They set out the choices
and encourage questions so that parents can
explore all the possibilities and make their own
decisions.
Sharing the experience
Becoming a parent can be daunting, especially if
VRPHRQH LV WKH ILUVW LQ WKHLU SHHU JURXS 7KHUH¶V
nothing like hearing it from people who have done
LW EHIRUH 1&7¶V ORFDO VXSSRUW JURXSV DUH UXQ E\
parents for parents. They can be a lifeline in the
early days, as well as a bit of fun through shared
experiences, and continue to be a valuable
support as children get older.
Copyright NCT
Copyright NCT
5 NCT ·∙ Kensington & Chelsea Branch Newsletter ·∙ Autumn 2012 DDZ^͛KZEZ :HOFRPHWR0HPEHUV¶ &RUQHU D VSDFH ZKHUH\RX FDQ ILQG RXW DERXW EHQHILWV RIIHUV DQG promotions on
becoming an NCT member. NCT offers a few options for paying for membership to suit your needs; pick
the one most convenient to you and join us now.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BECOMING A MEMBER 1. Receive the quarterly NCT magazine
Our nationally-recognised membership magazine packed full of informative articles from pregnancy through
to early parenthood. This is supplemented with regular e-newsletters a further eight times per annum.
2. Receive the regular newsletters from your local NCT branch
Find out about local parent and baby events and support groups in your area.
3. Meet new friends through your local NCT branch
Wherever you live, we have a branch in your area where you can meet other parents going through the
same life changes as you. Many of our members make lifelong friends through their local NCT branch.
4. Exclusive discounts from NCT and Eco Range shop
Visit: www.nctshop.co.uk and www.ecoutlet.co.uk
5. Early entry to NCT Nearly New Sales
The cost of kitting out your child for the first five years can run into thousands of pounds. NCT Nearly New
Sales are the perfect solution ± WRS TXDOLW\ EDE\ DQG FKLOGUHQ¶V FORWKHV DQG HTXLSPHQW DW EDUJDLQ SULFHV
And as a member, you get early entry, giving you a chance to grab the best deals.
6. Free access to the NCT House Swap Register
Holidays are expensive and finding suitable baby-friendly accommodation can be a hit-and-miss
H[SHULHQFH1&7¶V+RXVH6ZDS5HJLVWHUKDVEHHQUXQQLQJIRURYHU\HDUVDQGHQDEOHV\RXWRVZDS\RXU
home with other registered members. You can enjoy a low-cost holiday safe in the knowledge that it will be
kitted out to meet the needs of your little ones.http://ncthouseswap.ning.com
7. Partners join for no extra cost
Your partner can be a joint member at no extra cost so why not both sign up today.
8. Be part of something great: Say YES to supporting parents NCT represents the needs and priorities
of parents across the UK, at both Government and local policy levels, to ensure continued improvements in
parent services. Your membership also helps NCT to continue to deliver services such as our busy
helplines and to support disadvantaged parents through a range of practical outreach projects.
There are several options for NCT membership:
x 18 month Membership for £48, can be paid up front or £8 per quarter by direct debit.
x 12 month membership for £40, or for £10 per quarter by direct debit.
x Reduced price membership at £10 per year. Individuals are eligible for this if they receive
Employment Support Allowance or tax credits (excluding child tax credits alone).
x Volunteers receive a reduced rate of £26/12-month membership for as long as you volunteer.
If you can, tick the Gift Aid box as it means NCT can get the most out of your membership donation at no
extra cost to you. 6 NCT ·∙ Kensington & Chelsea Branch Newsletter ·∙ Autumn 2012 PREGNANCY AND BIRTH : MY BREECH BIRTH LOUISE PRINCE
My daughter was breech from my '20-week scan'
onwards. She had her bottom nestled in my pelvis
and her feet touched her head! I never lay on my
back in my pregnancy, only ever on my left side,
or I would perch forward on the edge of the chair.
And from 29 weeks I made more concerted efforts
to encourage her to turn around ± everything from
yoga to somersaults in the swimming pool. But
she insisted on her comfy breech position!
At 36+4 weeks a final scan confirmed her
breech position. I began using moxibustion (a
traditional Chinese medicine) to try and turn her.
37 weeks marked my last day at work,
teaching two baby massage classes. I was
uncomfortable, with twinges and what felt like her
sticking her hands into my ULEV EXW GLGQ¶W SD\ LW
much thought.
By midnight I was uncomfortable with
severe Braxton Hicks (in fact this was my early
labour). So I jotted down phone numbers for my
independent midwife, doula and hospital, wrote
some brief bullet points on birth positions and
went to bed.
I woke at 2am feeling very uncomfortable
and lay down on the sofa, placing hot wheat bags
on my tummy and my back. The Braxton Hicks
were now like very bad period pains and after an
hour I realised, having dozed between them that
they were coming every 15 minutes.
I decided to take paracetamol and have a
bath, reasoning that if this really was labour it
might subside if I relaxed in water.
At 3.30 am my husband came into the
bathroom and asked if I was okay. He was due to
fly to Zurich on a business trip at 7.20am. Half an
hour later I rang my doula and independent
midwife. My midwife told me to have a bath and
take paracetamol ± then said she was on her way
ZKHQ,¶GWROGKHU,¶GDOUHDG\GRQHWKDWDQGKDGD
surge whilst trying to speak on the phone.
TENS machine on, I was getting really
uncomfortable, collapsing onto all fours during
each surge. I told hubby to start pumping up the
birth pool for my home birth. With the midwife
and doula there within an hour, it was clear there
was no going back. By 6.20am, with surges crashing over me
four times every 10 minutes, we had the
conversation about transferring to hospital. My
midwife's breech backup was on holiday and she
GLGQ¶WIHHOZKROO\FRPIRUWDEOHDWWHQGLQJD-week
breech birth at home without backup, unless I
insisted. The only thing I insisted upon was that I
ZRXOGQ¶W JR WR P\ ORFDO KRVSLWDO ZKR ZRXOGQ¶W
offer breech babies a normal, vaginal birth.
Within an hour we were at another
KRVSLWDO ,¶G EHHQ RIIHred gas and air in the
ambulance to help me to resist the pushing urges,
EXW,¶GGHFOLQHG,GLGQ¶WILQGLWSDLQIXOMXVWGLIILFXOW
WR FRQWURO 7KHUHIRUH ,¶G VHWWOHG LQWR D ULWXDO RI
throwing my coat off as I got hot during the surge
DQG µDUUUKKKKKLQJ¶ Whroughout; my hypnobirth
preparation really helped me to control my
breathing. Between surges I was telling the lady
SDUDPHGLF WKDW LW ZDV UHDOO\ TXLWH RND\ DQG ZH¶OO
make it to hospital, having overheard her telling
P\ PLGZLIH WKDW VKH¶G MXVW IRXQG RXW Vhe was 8
ZHHNVSUHJQDQW,GLGQ¶WZDQWWRVFDUHKHU
As the ambulance doors opened I opened
P\ H\HV EULHIO\ DQG µDUUUKHG¶ WKRURXJK WKH QH[W
surge. They waited for it to end before I left the
ambulance and was whisked to the labour ward.
I was vaguely aware of someone holding a sheet
up next to me and was grateful my dignity was
being preserved!
In the room I made it to the bed and set
myself in an all fours position, hanging over the
back of the bed for dear life through each surge; I
was so desperate to push, but somehow I held
back.
A vaginal examination confirmed I was
only 7cm dilated. Pushing definitely was not a
good idea. Now I accepted gas and air, which
numbed the urge enough for me to resist pushing
for a bit longer. My eyes were tight shut and I
could hear discussions going on around me. A
consultant was introducing himself, trying to set
up monitors around my tummy, talking to my
husband and trying to tell me the risks of a
vaginal breech birth versus a safe C-section
delivery.
7 NCT ·∙ Kensington & Chelsea Branch Newsletter ·∙ Autumn 2012 I held my hand up each time I had a surge and
closed my eyes, shutting everything, including
this annoying man, out of my world. Finally my
doula piped up and said, 'Yes, she does
XQGHUVWDQG WKLV ZDV SODQQHG DQG ZH¶UH KRSLQJ
for a positive birth thank you very much!' Exactly
what I would have loved to say! Thankfully this
consultant was clocking off anyway and my
husband asked him to leave the room!
I heard a familiar voice introducing herself.
Doctor K ± an OB I had worked with previously as
a doula myself. I was overjoyed, in fact, I think I
told her I knew who she was and I loved her!
Then my waters broke and 10 minutes
ODWHU , FRXOGQ¶W VWRS WKH XUJH WR SXVK 0\ HQWLUH
being bore down and I clung to the plastic
padding of the back of the bed, to the point that I
kept ripping it off the Velcro!
My midwife asked me to look at her at
some point and asked if she could put a cannula
in my hand in case we went to theatre. I said 'No'
DQG VKXW P\ H\HV DJDLQ ,¶P SHWULILHG RI
needles!)
My hubby beside me, my doula
somewhere close, egging me on, I began
pushing. I remember asking how long I had left,
as I was concerned they would recommend a Csection if I failed to make sufficient progress. My
daughter seemed happy enough and they had to
hold the monitor on my tummy as I moved around
so much they had to follow me around the room.
After some huge pushes nothing seemed
to be happening apart from a lot of dilation. I had
an in-out catheter inserted and changed position
to lie on my left side. Examination confirmed that
, ZDV QRZ FP DQG P\ EDE\¶V ERWWRP EHJDQ
appearing. Not the best position to birth a breech
in, which became clear later.
I pushed her all out, right up to the nape of
her neck. The cheeky minx had her arms
wrapped around the outside of her legs so there
was a large clunk, which I thought was her head.
My body relaxed and I heard Dr K say it
was her head left to deliver. For the first time in
ages, I fully opened my eyes and seemed to
completely come to. I asked for jasmine oil and
my doula rubbed it into my tummy. A few minutes
later I told them no contraction was coming. I was
encouraged to wait, but I just knew my body and
EUDLQ UHDOO\ KDG WKRXJKW ,¶G GHOLYHUHG KHU KHDG
already. Dr Kirkpatrick agreed she would help me
deliver my baby by an episiotomy, tucking her
chin in with forceps. I hardly noticed the epis or
the forceps and VDW XS ZKHQ , NQHZ VKH¶G JRQH
from my body.
At 11.11am my baby was born, after 2.5
hours pushing.
They took her immediately to the resuscitaire and
'U .¶V KHDG DSSHDUHG WR P\ OHIW H[SODLQLQJ WKDW
P\ EDE\ ZDV ILQH DQG µSLQNLQJ XS¶ QLFHO\ 7KHQ
she began making little sounds! I had the
injection to help deliver the placenta (I agreed to
WKLVDVWKH\¶GKDGWRXVHIRUFHSVDQGHSLVLRWRP\
I was pretty pale anyway, and wanted to avoid
bleeding). My baby was returned to me naked
with towels over the top of her.
Wow, what a feeling!
They did some investigation and thought
,¶GQHHGWRKDYHVWLWFKHVLQWKHDWUHXQGHUHSLGXUDO
as the episiotomy had cut into to my back
passage. I insisted if it had to be done it would be
under gas and air only!
Thankfully Dr K had a look and said it
KDGQ¶W FXW WKDW IDU EDFN DQG VKH ZRXOG GR WKH
stitches (I was thrilled ± I knew she was a good
VHDPVWUHVV DQ\ZD\ , KHOG P\ PLGZLIH¶V KDQG
whilst my daughter was snuggled up my
KXVEDQG¶VW-VKLUWDQGGLGQ¶WHYHQXVHWKHJDVDQG
air for the stitches in the end!
I offered her my breast, she took some
sucks, we had her weighed and gave her some
vitamin K. Then we had many cuddles and skinto-skin contact. I also had a shallow bath, aided
by my hubby and watched by a sleepy baby in the
cot, with loads of tea and toast as the room was
cleared up around us.
That evening a postnatal midwife came in
and gave me some after birth painkillers before
offering me a room upstairs, but I explained I
wantHG WRJR KRPH , ZDV WROG VKH FRXOGQ¶W ILQG
my notes so I said I was quite happy to discharge
myself. So I dressed my baby and we packed our
bags to go and sat on the bed waiting to hear
when we could leave.
No medical reason was found as to why I
had to stay in, they just wanted to check my
EDE\¶VKLSVDVVKH¶GEHHQEUHHFKIRUVRORQJ7KH
PLGZLIH FDPH EDFN DQG DVNHG LI ,¶G EHHQ WR WKH
loo (I lied) and if I had colostrum, then reached
8 NCT ·∙ Kensington & Chelsea Branch Newsletter ·∙ Autumn 2012 over and squeezed my nipple and announced,
µ2ND\ ZHOO LI \RX FDQ EUHDVWIHHG \RX FDQ JR¶ ,
GLGQ¶WOLNHWKDWEXWDWOHDVWZHFRXOGJR
Once, that is, my dad arrived with the car
VHDWWKDWZH¶GIRUJRWWHQWREULQJLQthe rush. I was
wheeled out in a wheelchair, very sore, to the
waiting car.
I got into the bath (again), went to the loo
(successfully on my own - the midwife would have
been so proud), and climbed into my own bed in
my PJs. I had a cup of tea delivered by my
attentive husband, plus a packet of biscuits, water
and everything set up for nappy changes. Then I
settled down to sleep with my baby, skin to skin
and ready to feed whenever she wanted.
9 NCT ·∙ Kensington & Chelsea Branch Newsletter ·∙ Autumn 2012 IN SEARCH OF A CURE FOR BACKACHE )217,1(6.(/721
%DFNDFKH LV DPRQJ WKH FRPPRQHVW KHDOWK
SUREOHPV H[SHULHQFHG E\ SUHJQDQW ZRPHQ DQG
QHZPRWKHUVDQGIDWKHUV
)RUDQH[SHFWDQWPRWKHURQHUHDVRQZK\
WKHVWUHVVHVRQKHUEDFNDUHJUHDWO\LQFUHDVHGLV
WKDW WKH ERG\ UHOHDVHV KRUPRQHV WR LQFUHDVHWKH
HODVWLFLW\ RI WKHPXVFOHV DURXQGWKH SHOYLF UHJLRQ
DQG VRIWHQ WKH ERQHV DOO LQ SUHSDUDWLRQ IRU WKH
ELUWK $GGHG WR WKLV SUHJQDQW PRWKHUV ZLOO RIWHQ
FRPSHQVDWHIRUWKHH[WUDZHLJKWWKH\DUHFDUU\LQJ
E\ DUFKLQJ WKHLU EDFN ZKLFK FDQ FDXVH WKHLU
VSLQDO GLVFV WR EH SXVKHG RXW RI WKHLU QHXWUDO
SRVLWLRQ
3ULRU WR EHLQJ SUHJQDQW , KDGQ¶W
H[SHULHQFHG EDFN SDLQ EH\RQG WKH RFFDVLRQDO
DFKH FDXVHG E\ FDUU\LQJ VRPHWKLQJ WRR KHDY\ ,
JHQHUDOO\ KDG JRRG SRVWXUH DQG HYHQ GXULQJ
SUHJQDQF\ , GLGQ¶W VXIIHU EDGO\ MXVW D IHZ
WZLQJHV
%XW DIWHU P\ GDXJKWHU
V ELUWK D ZDWHU
ELUWKWKLQJVWRRNDWXUQIRUWKHZRUVH )RUWKHILUVW
WZR PRQWKV , H[SHULHQFHG SDLQ HYHU\ZKHUH
H[DFHUEDWHGE\WLUHGQHVVIURPEUHDVWIHHGLQJDQG
WKHFRQVWDQWQHHGWRSLFNXSDQGFDUU\P\EDE\
7KH EDFNDFKH ZDV DOOHYLDWHG E\ O\LQJ
GRZQ WR EUHDVWIHHG ZKLFK ZDV D SDUWLFXODU UHOLHI
ZKHQ EUHDVWIHHGLQJ DW QLJKW +RZHYHU E\ WKH
WKLUGPRQWKP\OHJVVRPHWLPHVJDYHZD\ZKLOH,
FDUULHG P\ EDE\ XS WR RXU IODW 6FDUHG , DVNHG
P\ *3 WR UHIHU PH WR DQ 1+6
SK\VLRWKHUDSLVW 8QIRUWXQDWHO\ SK\VLRWKHUDS\ LV
LQ KLJK GHPDQG DQG WKHLU GLDU\ ZDV IXOO\ ERRNHG
IRUWKHQH[WIRXUPRQWKV
:KLOH ZH ZDLWHG P\ KXVEDQG ERRNHG D
IHZ DSSRLQWPHQWV IRU PH ZLWK D ORFDO RVWHRSDWK
KH KDG IRXQG RQ *RRJOH ZKR KDG JRRG UHYLHZV
RQ D QXPEHU RI ZHEVLWHV , ZDV QRW HDJHU
EHFDXVHDIWHUDSUHYLRXVWUHDWPHQWWKHERQHVLQ
P\ QHFN DQG XSSHU EDFN VHHPHG GLIIHUHQW ZLWK
SLQV DQG QHHGOHV DQG KHDGDFKHV WRR %XW RQ
UHIOHFWLRQWKLVQHZEDFNSDLQZDVVXFKWKDW,IHOW,
KDGWRJLYHWKHWUHDWPHQWDQRWKHUWU\
7KH RVWHRSDWK ZDV IULHQGO\ DQG NHHQ WR
KHOS KRZHYHU KH ZRUNHG RXW RI D VPDOO PDNHVKLIW URRP DQG WKH WKHUDS\ EHQFK ZDV VR VPDOO
WKDWDWWLPHV,IHDUHGIDOOLQJRII$VWKHWUHDWPHQW
SURYLGHGOLWWOHUHOLHI,VRRQVWRSSHGJRLQJ
0\ 1&7 DQWHQDWDO WHDFKHU VXJJHVWHG
FUDQLDO RVWHRSDWK\ $IWHU VHDUFKLQJ RQ ZHEVLWHV
VXFK DV ZZZKHDOWKFHQWUHRUJXN , IRXQG D
QHDUE\ SUDFWLWLRQHU ZLWK IDYRXUDEOH UHYLHZV VR ,
ZDVZLOOLQJWRJLYHLWDJR
,DUULYHGPLQXWHVHDUO\WKHQKDGWRZDLW
ZKLOH WKH SUHYLRXV SDWLHQW ZDV WUHDWHG IRU D
IXUWKHU PLQXWHV :KHQ LW ZDV P\ WXUQ WKH
WKHUDSLVW WRRN PLQXWHV WR DVN PH TXHVWLRQV
ZULWH QRWHV DQG DQVZHU WHOHSKRQH PHVVDJHV
WKHQ VSHQW ILYH PLQXWHV KRYHULQJ KHU KDQGV RYHU
P\ EDFN :KHQ , DVNHG IRU KHU WKRXJKWV VKH
RQO\VXJJHVWHGWKDW,VKRXOGYLVLWKHUDQRWKHUIRXU
RU ILYH WLPHV WR IHHO WKH EHQHILW ± WKDW DQG ,
QHHGHG WR SD\ KHU LQ FDVK 1HHGOHVV WR VD\ ,
GLGQ¶W UHWXUQ , KDYH KHDUG P\ H[SHULHQFH LV QRW
W\SLFDO ± IULHQGV KDYH EHHQ YHU\ KDSS\ ZLWK WKHLU
FUDQLDORVWHRSDWKV±EXWWKDWZDVHQRXJKIRUPH
, VDZ WZR PRUH RVWHRSDWKV ZKLOVW ZDLWLQJ
IRU P\ SK\VLRWKHUDSLVW DSSRLQWPHQW 7KH\ ZHUH
YHU\JRRGDWDILUPPDVVDJHEXWWKHUHVXOWVGLGQ
W
VHHP WR ODVW %\ WKLV SRLQW P\ EDFN DQG OHJ
SDLQVZHUHJHWWLQJPXFKZRUVHDQGDWWLPHV,IHOW
DOPRVW SDUDO\VHG )ULHQGV FDPH WR KHOS DQG P\
KXVEDQG WRRN WLPH RII ZRUN 1HLWKHU SDLQNLOOHUV
QRUYLVLWVWRP\*3PDGHDGLIIHUHQFH
)LQDOO\ P\ DSSRLQWPHQW ZLWK WKH 1+6
SK\VLRWKHUDSLVW FDPH DURXQG 6KH GLDJQRVHG D
K\SHUVHQVLWLYH EDFN SUREDEO\ EURXJKW RQ E\ WKH
H[WUD VWUDLQV RI SUHJQDQF\ DQG FDULQJ IRU P\
GDXJKWHU
+\SHUVHQVLWLYLW\ FDQ EH FDXVHG E\ DQ
LQMXU\ VXUJHU\ RU DQ LQWHQVH FRQVWDQW SDLQ
VWLPXOXVWR\RXU QHUYRXV V\VWHP :KDW KDSSHQV
QRUPDOO\ LV WKDW WKH ERG\ QDWXUDOO\ LQGXFHV SDLQ
K\SHUVHQVLWLYLW\ WR DLG WKH KHDOLQJ SURFHVV E\
HQVXULQJPLQLPDO FRQWDFW RIWKH LQMXUHG DUHD XQWLO
UHSDLU LV FRPSOHWH +RZHYHU VRPHWLPHVWKHUH LV
DQ DEQRUPDO UHVSRQVH DQG WKH K\SHUVHQVLWLYLW\
SHUVLVWV ORQJ DIWHU WKH RULJLQDO SUREOHP KDV
UHPHGLHGDVLQP\FDVH
7KH SK\VLRWKHUDSLVW JDYH PH ILUP
PDVVDJHVWRKHOSGHVHQVLWLVHWKHQHUYHVDQGDQ
10 NCT ·∙ Kensington & Chelsea Branch Newsletter ·∙ Autumn 2012 H[HUFLVH SODQ $OWKRXJK , VHHPHG WR H[SHULHQFH
PRUHSDLQDWILUVW,IROORZHGWKURXJKZLWKKHUSODQ
EHFDXVHVKHKDGH[SODLQHGWKDWLQLWLDOO\WKLVZRXOG
EHWKHFDVH :KHQ,WROGKHUKRZPXFKLWKXUWDW
D IROORZ-XS DSSRLQWPHQW VKH VDLG WKDW , KDG
SUREDEO\EHHQRYHU]HDORXVZLWKP\H[HUFLVHVDQG
VKRXOG VORZ GRZQ JUDGXDOO\ EXLOGLQJ XS
UHSHWLWLRQV RYHU WKH FRXUVH RI WKH PRQWK , DOVR
EHJDQVZLPPLQJ
7KH ILIWK DSSRLQWPHQW ZDV P\ ODVW
EHFDXVHVKHZDVPRYLQJWRDQHZFOLQLF %\WKLV
WLPH P\ EDFN SDLQ KDG VWDUWHG WR HDVH D OLWWOH ±
PDLQO\,EHOLHYHGXHWRSXWWLQJP\GDXJKWHULQWR
QXUVHU\ IRU D IHZ DIWHUQRRQV D ZHHN ± ZLWK WKH
ZRUVW SDUDO\VLQJ HSLVRGHV RQO\ RQFH D ZHHN
UDWKHU WKDQ GDLO\ %HWWHU EXW VWLOO IDU IURP
DFFHSWDEOH6RP\KXVEDQGIRXQGDFKLURSUDFWRU
ZKRVSHFLDOLVHGLQVSLQDOQHXURORJ\ 7KHFKLURSUDFWRUDJUHHGZLWKWKHGLDJQRVLV
RIK\SHUVHQVLWLYLW\ :KHQKHDVNHGZKDW,GLGIRU
SDLQ UHOLHI , GHVFULEHG RQH H[HUFLVH WKDW , KDG
EHHQ UHFRPPHQGHG KXJ \RXU OHJV DQG UROO IURP
VLGH WRVLGH +H VDLGWKLV ZDVDFODVVLFH[DPSOH
RI ZHOO-LQWHQWLRQHG DGYLFH WKDW GRHV PRUH KDUP
WKDQJRRGHVSHFLDOO\IRUQHZPRWKHUVZLWKRYHUO\
HODVWLFMRLQWV
7KH FKLURSUDFWRU XVHG D SXPPHOLQJ
PDFKLQH WR KHOS GHVHQVLWLVH P\ EDFN DQG
DOWKRXJK WKLV IHOW SDLQIXO ZKHQ KH GHPRQVWUDWHG
KRZ PXFK SUHVVXUH ZDV EHLQJ H[HUWHG E\
DSSO\LQJWKHPDFKLQHWR WKH SDOP RIP\ KDQG WR
P\ VXUSULVH WKH SUHVVXUH ZDV QH[W WR QRWKLQJ ,
FRXOGQ¶W EHOLHYH KRZ H[WUHPH P\ VHQVLWLYLW\ KDG
EHFRPH %HWWHU VWLOO ZKHQ KH FOLFNHG P\ ERQHV
XVLQJ FKLURSUDFWLF PHWKRGV , DFWXDOO\ IHOW
HQGXULQJUHOLHIDIWHUWKHVHVVLRQ
$V , ZULWH , KDYH VHHQ WKH VSHFLDOLVW ILYH
WLPHVRQFHDZHHNDQGKLVWUHDWPHQWVDUHUHDOO\
KHOSLQJ )LQDOO\ , KDYH IRXQG VRPHRQH ZKR FDQ
PDNHDGLIIHUHQFH 6RPH SUDFWLFDO DGYLFH IRU DQ\RQH VXIIHULQJ IURP
VLPLODUSUREOHPV
x
x
x
6HHNZD\VWROLIWORDGVE\WU\LQJWRWDNHWKH
ZHLJKW RQ \RXU OHJV EHQG \RXU NQHHV
UDWKHUWKDQ \RXUEDFN
([HUFLVH VXFK DV VZLPPLQJ LV JRRG ,I
\RX SUHIHU RWKHU W\SHV RI H[HUFLVH WU\ WR
DYRLG WKRVH WKDW SXW SUHVVXUH RQ \RXU
EDFNIRUH[DPSOHOLIWLQJZHLJKWV
$IWHU H[HUFLVH HQVXUH \RX KDYH JRRG
SHULRGVRIUHVWWRR
11 NCT ·∙ Kensington & Chelsea Branch Newsletter ·∙ Autumn 2012 THE MID-­‐AUTUMN MOON FESTIVAL )217,1(6.(/721
, ORYH IHVWLYDOV DQG FHOHEUDWLRQV EHFDXVH WKH\
UHDOO\ ERRVW \RXU VSLULWV DQG RIIHU D JUHDW H[FXVH
WR VKDUH IXQ ZLWK IDPLO\ DQG IULHQGV 1RZ WKDW ,
KDYH D EDE\ GDXJKWHU IDPLO\ WRJHWKHUQHVV
PDWWHUV WR PH PRUH WKDQ HYHU , ZDQW P\
GDXJKWHU WR H[SHULHQFH WKH PDQ\ FHOHEUDWLRQV
DQG WUDGLWLRQV LQ KHU ULFK FXOWXUDO KHULWDJH ZKLFK
LV ZK\ ,
P ORRNLQJ IRUZDUG WR WKH WUDGLWLRQDO
&KLQHVHPLG-DXWXPQPRRQIHVWLYDO
7KH IHVWLYDO IDOOV RQ D GLIIHUHQW GDWH HDFK
\HDUEHFDXVHWKH&KLQHVHIROORZWKHOXQDUUDWKHU
WKDQ*UHJRULDQFDOHQGDUIRUIHVWLYDOV ,WLVKHOGRQ
WKHILIWHHQWKQLJKWRIWKHHLJKWKPRQWK±WKLV\HDU
RQ 6HSWHPEHU 7KLV LV ZK\ \RX PD\ VSRW
&KLQHVH ODQWHUQV DQG FKDUPV KDQJLQJ RQ WKH
GRRUV DQG DW WKH ZLQGRZV RI &KLQHVH IDPLOLHV
DURXQG/RQGRQ
7KURXJKRXW WKH GD\ DQG LQWR WKH HYHQLQJ
UHODWLYHV DQG IULHQGV JDWKHU IRU D ELJ PHDO DQG
H[FKDQJH &KLQHVH VZHHWV DQG ER[HV RI PRRQ
FDNHV±WUDGLWLRQDOO\PDGHRIEHDQSDVWHZUDSSHG
LQVKRUWFUXVWSDVWU\ZLWKDVDOWHGGXFNHJJ\RONLQ
WKHFHQWUH 6RPHIDPLOLHVZLOOKDYHDVPDOOVKULQH
RUDUHDLQWKHLUKRPHVZKHUHWKH\ZLOOSODFHIRRG
RIIHULQJVDQGEXUQLQFHQVHWRWKHPRRQJRGGHVV
,W LV DQ DQFLHQW WUDGLWLRQ 5HFRUGV VKRZ
DXWXPQ PRRQ ZRUVKLS EHJDQ VRPH WKUHH
WKRXVDQG \HDUV DJR XQGHU WKH 6KDQJ '\QDVW\
- %&( EHFDXVH WKH HPSHURUV
EHOLHYHGLWZRXOGKHOSHQVXUHDJRRGKDUYHVW
&KLQHVHOLWHUDWXUHDQGSRHWU\WHOOURPDQWLF
DQG GUDPDWLF WDOHV H[SODLQLQJ KRZ WKH PRRQ
IHVWLYDOFDPHDERXW 0\IDYRXULWHLVWKHIROORZLQJ
YHUVLRQRIWKHVWRU\RI+RX<LDJUHDWDUFKHUDQG
KLVEHDXWLIXOZLIH&KDQJ¶(
2QFH XSRQ D WLPH WKHUH ZHUH VXQV 7KHLU KHDW ZDV GHVWUR\LQJ WKH FURSV DQG
SHRSOHZHUHG\LQJIURPVWDUYDWLRQ 2QHGD\+RX
<LXVHGKLVDUURZVWRVKRRWGRZQQLQHRIWKHVXQV
DQG VDYH KXPDQLW\ ,Q JUDWLWXGH WKH TXHHQ RI
KHDYHQJDYH+RX<LDERWWOHRIHOL[LUWRPDNHKLP
LPPRUWDO :LWKDFDWFKLWFRXOGRQO\ZRUNIRURQH
SHUVRQ $OWKRXJK +RX <L ZDQWHG WR EHFRPH
LPPRUWDO KH GLG QRW ZDQW WR OHDYH KLV EHORYHG
ZLIH &KDQJ¶( 6R KH GLGQ¶W GULQN WKH HOL[LU DQG
LQVWHDG DVNHG &KDQJ¶( WR ORRN DIWHU LW IRU KLP ,W
VKRZHG KRZ PXFK KH ORYHG KHU WKDW KH ZDV
ZLOOLQJ WR EH PRUWDO DQG E\ KHU VLGH UDWKHU WKDQ
OLYHIRUHYHU
$V KLV IDPH JUHZ PDQ\ \RXQJ PHQ
ZDQWHG +RX <L WR EH WKHLU 6LIX WHDFKHU DQG
PDVWHU +RZHYHU QRW DOO KLV IROORZHUV ZHUH
OR\DO 2QH GD\ ZKLOVW +RX <L WRRN KLV VWXGHQWV
RXW KXQWLQJ RQH VWD\HG EHKLQG WR VWHDO WKH HOL[LU
RILPPRUWDOLW\ +HIRXQGWKHERWWOH
VKLGLQJSODFH
EXW QRW EHIRUH &KDQJ¶( LQWHUYHQHG 8QDEOH WR
FKDOOHQJH WKH ZDUULRU VKH GLG WKH RQO\ WKLQJ VKH
FRXOG WR SUHYHQW KLP IURP WDNLQJ LW ± DQG GUDQN
WKHHOL[LUKHUVHOI
$WRQFHVKHDVFHQGHGWRWKHKHDYHQVDQG
EHFDPH WKH EHDXWLIXO PRRQ JRGGHVV GHVWLQHG
QHYHU WR VHH KHU KXVEDQG DJDLQ 6KH ZDV QRW
HQWLUHO\ DORQH WKRXJK DV D PDJLFDO MDGH UDEELW
DOVR OLYHG RQ WKH PRRQ PDNLQJ SRWLRQV DQG
KHUEDO UHPHGLHV IRU WKH JRGV ,W ZDV EHOLHYHG
WKDWLI\RXORRNHGFDUHIXOO\DWWKHPRRQ\RXFRXOG
VHHWKHRXWOLQHRIWKHUDEELWRQWKHPRRQ
$ PRUH PRGHUQ &KLQHVH VWRU\ H[SODLQV
KRZ WKH PRRQ FDNHV EHFDPH SDUW RI WKH
IHVWLYLWLHV $SSDUHQWO\ GXULQJ WKH 0RQJROV
RFFXSDWLRQ RI &KLQD LQ WKH WKLUWHHQWK FHQWXU\
UHEHOV ZDQWHG WR RUJDQLVH DQ XSULVLQJ .QRZLQJ
WKH 0RQJROV GLG QRW HDW PRRQ FDNHV WKH UHEHOV
KLGPHVVDJHVLQFDNHVDQGGLVWULEXWHGWKHPWRDV
PDQ\ &KLQHVH KRXVHKROGV DV SRVVLEOH DGYLVLQJ
WKHP WR VWULNH DW WKH 0RQJROV RQ PRRQ )HVWLYDO
GD\
<RXGRQ
WQHHGWREH&KLQHVHWRHQMR\WKH
FHOHEUDWLRQV .RUHD DQG -DSDQ DOVR FHOHEUDWH D
PRRQ IHVWLYDO ZLWK VOLJKWO\ GLIIHUHQW VWRULHV
XQGHUSLQQLQJ WKHLU SDUWLFXODU FHOHEUDWLRQV ,Q WKH
.RUHDQ WUDGLWLRQ D MDGH UDEELW OLYHG RQ WKH
PRRQ PDNLQJ KHUEDO PHGLFLQHV $FFRUGLQJ WR
-DSDQHVH FXOWXUH WKH UDEELW PDNHV ULFH FDNHV
PRFKL
&RPH 6HSWHPEHU , DP JRLQJ WR
GHFRUDWHRXUKRPHZLWKODQWHUQVDQGFKDUPVDQG
LQYLWH
RXU
QHLJKERXUV
WR
MRLQ
WKH
FHOHEUDWLRQV 3HUVRQDOO\ , ILQG WKH WUDGLWLRQDO
EHDQ SDVWH DQG GXFN HJJ \RON PRRQ FDNHV YHU\
KHDY\ EXW OXFNLO\ WKHUH DUH PDQ\ DOWHUQDWLYH
PRGHUQ ILOOLQJV 0\ IDYRXULWH DUH VXJDU-LFHG DQG
ILOOHG ZLWK LFH FUHDP 6R KHUH¶V ZLVKLQJ \RX D
KDSS\PRRQIHVWLYDO
12 NCT ·∙ Kensington & Chelsea Branch Newsletter ·∙ Autumn 2012 INTO THE BIG WIDE WORLD
HOW TO PREPARE YOUR CHILD-­‐ AND YOURSELF-­‐ FOR THE FIRST DAY AT NURSERY KATHRYN MEWES
It probably feels like yesterday that you were
sitting in your NCT class, learning about the birth
of your prize possession. You have watched your
child grow, reach all his/her milestones and now it
has arrived ± the first day at nursery school! Your
baby has grown up and is ready to fly the nest.
At least, for a few hours every morning or
afternoon.
I have spent the last 20 years working with
families and helping them with their children. I
have seen many a mother, and father, having to
'let go' at the nursery gate. This isn't easy initially,
but before you know it you will find yourself
glancing at the clock and saying, 'Is it already
time to pick him up?'
Nursery school is a fantastic thing for
children aged two-and-a-half to five years.
Children thrive when they are surrounded by
other children. The fundamental things that they
master at nursery are life skills that equip them for
the rest of their lives.
They will learn:
* to follow instruction
* the importance of waiting and sharing
* to watch and learn by copying others
* to recognise their place within a group, i.e., are
they a leader, thinker, joker, or follower?
* to take responsibility for their actions ± and
understand right from wrong
Not only will your child grow increasingly
independent, but he will have great fun in an
environment totally different from home.
I think that the best thing to do about the
fact that nursery school is near approaching is to
face it head on. I strongly advise that you talk
about school together with your child. By hearing
yourself talking out loud, this is also preparing you
for the fact that the day is soon to arrive. Even if
you know in your head that it is a positive
development, you will not be able to help feeling
apprehensive. This is totally natural but it must
be masked from your child.
I suggest you do all manner of things to
help prepare both yourself and your child for the
'big exciting day'.
The Practical Guide
Help your child with their independence.
Ask yourself the following:
* Can my child put on his own shoes?
* Can he put his coat on without assistance?
* Is he able to sit at a table and stay there while
he has a drink and a snack?
* Can he take himself to the loo and wipe, flush
and wash his hands alone?
* Is he able to share his toys?
* Is he good at sitting and listening to a story?
* Do you encourage your child's independence?
'R \RX RIWHQ VD\ ³<RX FDQ GR WKDW DOO E\
\RXUVHOI<RXDUHDFOHYHUER\JLUO´
The answers to these questions do not all
have to be 'yes', but if you work on strengthening
these skills it will make for an easier start at
nursery.
The ratios at nursery schools are often
one adult per three children. This means that
there is always someone there to help your child.
Do not worry if he is not able to put on his coat
etc. He will learn in time.
The Emotional Guide
Most people in this world, young and old, are
slightly resistant to change, and to the unknown.
Your child is no different so you need to reassure
your child and show them your enthusiasm for
attending school.
I can assure you that if you exude
confidence your child will follow by your example.
Tips
Talk to your child about when you went to
nursery. You may not have a clear vision at all
but you can elaborate on a story. If your child
sees that you enjoyed nursery when you were a
little girl this is wonderfully reassuring.
13 NCT ·∙ Kensington & Chelsea Branch Newsletter ·∙ Autumn 2012 *Drive or walk past the school on a regular basis
and talk about what you see. The pictures on the
windows, the bright red door, the flowers in the
front garden.
* Organise play dates with children who are going
to be attending the same nursery, or maybe with
children who already attend.
* Talk together about what your child is going to
wear to school. Pick out three outfits from the
wardrobe and call them your 'nursery school
FORWKHV¶
* When your child requires the loo encourage him
to do this task alone. Praise them enormously for
this and remind them that this is what all the
children do at nursery school.
* Find opportunities in which your child has to
'wait their turn'. This can be done by playing
simple board games together. Make it clear when
it is your turn and that your child has to 'wait their
turn'.
* Find opportunities in which sharing is
necessary. This can be done with sweets or
snacks. Counting and sharing them together.
Praise your child heavily for this act, even find a
sticker to put on his shirt. Sharing is extremely
difficult for children.
* Talk positively about how there will be so many
toys and activities to do at nursery. Talk about
the sand tray, the water trough, the home corner,
the art table. Mention things that you do not have
DWKRPH7KHVHDUHNQRZQDV\RXU
HQWLFHUWRROV¶
* Finally, ask your child if they have any questions
about nursery. Ask them what they think it will be
like. If they give little response do not continue.
They are not giving it quite as much thought as
you might be! Talk openly (if you feel your child
can comprehend) about the fact that you will miss
him/her a little and you will 'look forward' to
meeting him/her again at lunch-/tea-time.
nursery. This is a sudden realisation of the
transition process that they went through a few
hours ago. It does not mean that they have had
an unpleasant time. If that were the case, then a
member of staff would inform you.
Behaviour may be testing for the first few
weeks of starting nursery, but this will be due to
tiredness and adapting to the new routine. To
help things along and prevent overtiredness,
please remember to:
* Make meal times prompt.
* Make bed-time precise.
* Take the part of the day that he is not at nursery
calm and slow.
The Drop-Off
On the 'big day' the staff are very aware of the
children and the importance of distraction and
keeping them busy. They are professionals who
have dealt with this situation hundreds of times.
To help, try to make the drop-off:
* Swift
* Smooth
* Steady
* and don't forget to SMILE.
Try your best not to stay, because the longer you
hover the harder it is for everyone.
You
Now your child attends nursery you have an
oportunity to take time for yourself, or yourselfand
your baby. At times, try to indulge yourself. Buy
that new dress, read a magazine, relax at home,
or sit peacefully in a coffee shop and eat cake.
Kathryn Mewes's indispensible guide, The 3 Day
Nanny, is published by Vermilion. For further
information on the unique service Kathryn offers,
contact her on 07787 821525 or go to her
website, www.bespokenanny.com
Reuniting Again!
It is often common for a child to become tearful
when they see their parent after a session at
14 NCT ·∙ Kensington & Chelsea Branch Newsletter ·∙ Autumn 2012 WHAT DO I REALLY NEED TO BUY FOR MY NEW BABY? CATHERINE HOOKWAY
When I was pregnant three years ago, every baby
magazine offered lists of absolutely essential ±
and very expensive ± equipment that my baby
could not possibly do without. Although, like
many expectant parents, I quite enjoyed looking
at pictures of lovely new travel systems and baby
gyms, I also found it annoying that so many
people seemed to be waiting to make money out
of my baby and her needs even before she was
born. So I decided to focus on how not to be
drawn into spending hundreds of pounds on
things you only use a couple of times, how to
decide what you really need, and how to find it
cheaply!
In late pregnancy I asked all my friends
with young children to tell me what they actually
XVHG DQG ZRXOGQ¶W KDYH EHHQ ZLWKRXW 7KHQ ,
only bought the things that were on everyone's
list.
I also took the advice of a pal who
suggested I buy very little because it was not as if
I would be under siege after the baby was born ±
I might even feel quite keen to pop out and shop
± and if not, there would probably be willing
family, friends or mail order companies to do it for
me. With the added bonus that, once the baby
was born, I would get a realistic idea of whether
you can manage more easily with or without
certain gadgets.
One way to save money is buy secondhand items. You may be lucky enough to have
family and friends with older children, who can
lend or give you baby clothes and equipment.
But there are lots of other sources of bargains ±
charity shops, car boot sales, NCT nearly-new
sales. If you have access to the internet there are
eBay and other sites, such as the buy-and-sell
forums on www.ukparentslounge.com. Because
babies grow out of things and pass through
different stages incredibly quickly I found some
second-hand equipment and clothes that were in
fantastic condition.
For safety reasons, there are some things,
like car seats and mattresses, which you are
advised only to buy new. However, there are still
some good deals around. Check out local baby
shops, which often offer better discounts than the
larger chains and also a more personal service
for things like car-seat fitting. Online discount
shops such as www.kiddicare.com have great
bargains on all kinds of baby supplies. There is
also a good forum on babyworld.co.uk where you
can seek recommendations for any parentingrelated products, and advice on the cheapest
places to buy things, most reliable mail order
companies, and so on.
Finally I asked a few friends what items
they thought were the biggest waste of money.
Here are a few of their answers:
³0\ WRS RI WKH UDQJH WUDYHO V\VWHP , ZDV
desperate to get a fancy system with pram, car
seat, pushchair, raincover and footmuff that all
fitted together. But as soon as my baby was four
RU ILYH PRQWKV ROG , FRXOGQ¶W ZDLW WR SXW WKDW ELJ
heavy thing in the loft and buy a lightweight buggy
that I could sling in the car boot and push with
one hand. If I could turn back the clock I would
probably buy a cheap or second-hand pram or lieflat pushchair that would be a bit more supportive
and cosy for a newborn, and save my money to
buy the buggy, which is what you are going to be
using for two or three years DIWHUDOO´
³7KH SXVKFKDLU , KDG DW ILUVW ZDV UHDOO\
uncomfortable, heavy to push and hard to get up
NHUEV , ZLVK ,¶G WULHG LW RXW ILUVW DQG IRXQG RQH
WKDWZDVEHWWHUVXLWHGWRPH´
Of course there are some things everyone
almost certainly needs: a pram/buggy/pushchair;
a car seat; some basic clothes; nappies, and
somewhere for the baby to sleep plus bedding.
But the latter need not necessarily be the moses
basket plus pushchair with carrycot plus full-size
FRWWKDWVRPH³HVVHQWLDOV´OLVWVUHFRPPHQG
³'HILQLWHO\WKHEDE\EDWK,WKLQNZHXVHGLWRQFH
RUWZLFH´
15 NCT ·∙ Kensington & Chelsea Branch Newsletter ·∙ Autumn 2012 ³$OO-in-one suits that fasten up the back. I found
these really tricky on a newborn so would advise
anyone to just get the cheaper basic ones with
IURQWSRSSHUV´
³,ERXJKWTXLWHDQH[SHQVLYHKLJKFKDLUEXWKDWHG
it. It took up loads of room and was very hard to
keep clean. We bought a very cheap white
plastic one in Ikea for about £12 to keep at my inODZV¶KRXVHEXWOLNHGLWVRPXFKWKDWZHHQGHGXS
buying a second one for home and putting the
RWKHULQWKHORIW´
³)DQF\FORWKHV± WRRILGGO\WRSXWRQ´
16 NCT ·∙ Kensington & Chelsea Branch Newsletter ·∙ Autumn 2012 BRANCH SERVICES mothers (or dad if he is the primary carer) with
babies aged under six months. The group runs
for six consecutive weeks, usually on a weekday
morning, giving new parents the opportunity to
discuss a variety of postnatal issues (e.g. sleep,
crying, feeding, work/life balance, body image,
out and about with your baby, and many more).
The course agenda is set by the group according
to their individual needs at the time and it is a
great opportunity to make new local friends who
are in a similar situation. Early days groups are
very popular with second-time (or more) parents
and of course babies are welcome! Parents can
book directly at nct.org.uk/courses or find out
more from bookings5u@nct.org.uk. The NCT is
passionate about making courses available to all,
no matter what their financial circumstances;
please contact bookings if you require a
concessionary rate.
Stretch, Relax & Breathe Antenatal Course
These gentle classes will help to boost your
energy even if you are feeling very tired. The
emphasis is always on safety and comfort, and
you should finish the class feeling refreshed and
rested. You can learn to manage troublesome
pregnancy ailments, increase flexibility and
practice the breathing and relaxation skills that
are so helpful for pregnancy, labour and life as a
new parent. As well as gentle stretching and
relaxation, a different topic will be covered each
week, but the main emphasis of the class will be
practical and there will only be a small amount of
information given.
There will be refreshments and the
opportunity to meet other local mothers-to-be.
The instructor will encourage you to form a
support group and continue to meet once your
babies are born. There are up to six participants
per course.
Classes are taught by Jean
Goodliffe, local mum and NCT teacher, who also
works as a complementary therapist specialising
in Alexander Technique, Gentle Birth Method and
Baby Massage Classes. For further information
and
to
book
contact
Kara
at
bookings5u@nct.org.uk or on 0844 243 6882.
Introduction to Solids Courses
NCT Kensington & Chelsea are pleased to offer
sessions on introducing babies to solid foods,
covering topics such as when to start weaning,
purees and baby-led weaning, and what foods to
avoid.
These courses are appropriate for
parents/carers of babies aged four to six months.
Anyone responsible for a baby as they face the
transition from milk to solid foods is welcome. It
does not matter if you have already started giving
your baby solids when you come to the course, or
if your baby is breastfed or bottle-fed. Of course,
babies are welcome!
Courses will be held at Evolve Wellness
Centre in South Kensington on Friday 2nd
November and Wednesday 9th January, 10.3013.00. The cost is £40/person. Please contact
Kara at bookings5u@nct.org.uk to reserve a
place.
Baby First-aid Courses
NCT Kensington & Chelsea offers baby first-aid
courses, led by the British Red Cross. Two
courses are currently planned for Saturday, 20
October 2012, with more dates being added
soon.
Visit nct.org.uk/branches/kensingtonchelsea/baby-first-aid-courses
for
complete
course information and to book, or e-mail
firstaidnctkensingtonchelsea@yahoo.com
with
any questions. Previous courses have sold out
fast, so book early to avoid disappointment!
Multiple Birth Antenatal Courses
NCT in south-west London runs antenatal classes
specifically for parents who are expecting a
multiple birth. The aim of the course is to prepare
you and your partner for the birth and aftercare of
your babies. The course will be led by an NCT
Antenatal Teacher who is also a mother of twins,
and includes a breastfeeding session run by an
NCT Breastfeeding Counsellor who is also a
mother of triplets.
All courses are held in SW6. For booking
and further details, please contact Louise at
bookings4c@nct.org.uk.
Breast Pump Hire/Breastfeeding Counsellor
To hire a hospital-grade breast pump from the
NCT, contact Alexandra on 07707 214 515 or visit
www.nct.org.uk/shop. Alexandra is also a local
breastfeeding counsellor and can arrange to meet
you to discuss any issues.
Premature Birth Support
Pregnancy, birth and early parenthood are lifechanging experiences. It can also be a bit of a
shock when the birth happens earlier than
expected. That is why the Kensington & Chelsea
branch is pleased to offer support tailored to new
prem families.
Early Days Postnatal Courses
Early Days postnatal classes are suitable for
17 NCT ·∙ Kensington & Chelsea Branch Newsletter ·∙ Autumn 2012 Our Premature Birth Support volunteer is
Kerry Hart. She is on hand to welcome prem
families to the branch and to introduce them to
the services offered by the NCT.
Kerry
understands first-hand that prem families are
juggling lots of priorities during the early days in
hospital, so she can work around their schedules
and either introduce herself over e-mail or in
person over a cuppa (at the Chelsea &
Westminster Hospital or a local NCT 'Bumps &
Babies' group).
Any NCT K&C member who cancels an
antenatal course booking due to premature birth
ZLOO EH JLYHQ .HUU\¶V HPDLO DGGUHVV
nct.kensingtonandchelsea.prem@gmail.com.
Photo by: Julianne Li
* Tuesdays at Gymboree
When: Tuesdays, 12.30-13.30
Where: Gymboree, Lower Ground Floor, Baden
Powell House, 65-67 Queens Gate, SW7 5JS
Home Birth Support
We offer a supportive, friendly listening ear for
anyone who would like to:
x Talk to parents who have had a home birth
x Discuss their own home birth plans,
thoughts or concerns
x Offer support to those considering a home
birth
For anyone who is just curious and wants to
know more, our Home Birth Support contact,
Kate, can be reached at
HomeBirthNCTKensington@nct.org.uk.
7KXUVGD\VDW6W3HWHU¶V&KXUFK
When: Thursdays, 14.30-16.30
:KHUH6W3HWHU¶V&KXUFK.HQVLQJWRQ3DUN5RDG
W11 2PN (opposite Stanley Gardens)
* Fridays at Maggie and Rose
When: Fridays, 10.30-12.00
Where: The Snug, Maggie and Rose, 58
Pembroke Street, W8 6NX
All groups meet weekly except for some
holidays. Groups are free to all. Donations
gratefully received. Please check for the latest
information
at
www.nct.org.uk/Kensington or
facebook.com/KensingtonAndChelseaNCT.
6SHFLDO WKDQNV WR *\PERUHH 6W 3HWHU¶V
and Maggie and Rose for supporting NCT
Kensington & Chelsea.
Expecting Another Baby?
The local NCT runs refresher antenatal courses
that give you a chance to:
x Reflect on your previous birth and
parenting experiences
x Build on your experiences and weigh up
options for care
x Discuss sibling rivalry and postnatal
coping strategies
x Make contact with other second-/third/fourth-time mothers in this area
The sessions may also include: relaxation,
breathing, complications, assistance, pain relief
options and feeding your baby. Classes are held
on Friday mornings in Kensington, SW5. There
will be a postnatal reunion to encourage the
group to stay in touch after the babies are born.
For details and booking: 0844 243 6882 or
bookings5u@nct.org.uk
Buggy Walks
Join a group of mums and babies for a walk
around Holland Park, followed by tea from the
café and some time in the playground. Babies
and toddlers of all ages are welcome ± we walk
as slowly as necessary for everyone to keep up.
When: Mondays, 10.00-11.30
Where: Meet at the Holland Park Café
Bumps & Babies Groups
Bumps & Babies groups are for expectant parents
and new parents with their babies. They offer a
place to chat, meet other new parents and make
friends. Occasionally we have special guests or
activities such as a talk on baby-led weaning or a
baby massage course.
18 NCT ·∙ Kensington & Chelsea Branch Newsletter ·∙ Autumn 2012 DQ1&7.&WRGGOHUHYHQW7KH.LGV¶=RQHLVDQ
interactive play area with forest-and arcticthemed climbing frames for kids to scale, slide
and run through. It includes a dedicated soft-play
space for babies, plus arts and crafts, dressing-up
costumes, books, interactive toys and panels.
Even better, thanks to our generous
sponsor, onefinestay, admission is free and every
mum will receive a goody bag! Feel free to join
us in the café afterwards for a cup of tea.
Toddler Activities
Our Toddler Group runs a variety of activities to
keep our toddlers entertained! Some of our
exciting upcoming events are listed below, but be
sure to visit nct.org.uk/branches/kensingtonchelsea/toddler-activities as we are adding new
events and updating details all the time! E-mail
toddlersnctkensington@yahoo.co.uk to join our
mailing list and be kept up-to-GDWHRULI\RX¶GOLNH
to help us to plan new activities!
When: Tuesday 6 November, 10:10-11:10
Where: Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea SW3 4HT
Cost: Free. Advance booking is essential at
nctnam.eventbrite.com.
Branch Team Meetings
Our next Branch Team Meeting will be held on
Tuesday 30 October 19.30-21.30 in W8. All
members and supporters are welcome to attend.
Please contact us at nctkensington@yahoo.co.uk
or 0844 243 0007 for the location.
'RQ¶W/RVH7RXFK
We regularly email our members about branch
news, events and current activities. This is a
cheap and quick way for us to communicate with
you.
So that you don't miss out on the latest
information from the branch, it is important that
we have an up-to-date email address at which
you can be contacted ± both antenatally and
postnatally (we get a huge number of out-of-office
replies saying 'I'm on maternity leave').
Have you moved, changed telephone
number or email address? Please keep us
informed. Just send your correct email address to
membership@nct.org.uk.
Natasha Wiening Photography Ltd
Bramley's Big Adventure
Bramley's Big Adventure is an indoor adventure
playground, containing a giant three-level play
frame with slides, ball pools, swings, climbs,
spooky den, giant balls, and sound effects, with
separate areas for under 5s and babies. Parents
can relax in the café area while the children play.
Online Local Directory
2Q $SULO ZH ODXQFKHG RXU EUDQFK¶V ILUVW
online local directory, at nct.org.uk/kensingtonchelsea/local-directory. The directory provides
NCT members and local parents with a quick list
of relevant local organisations and services within
the borough. If you are a local business or
service provider and would like to be listed in the
online
directory,
please
email
advertisingnctkensington@yahoo.co.uk
When: Wednesday 10 October, 10.00-12.00
Where: 136 Bramley Road, Notting Hill W10 6TJ
Cost: £3 per child (accompanying adult free),
payable in cash upon arrival. Please book in
advance so we know how many to expect at
nctbramleysplay.eventbrite.com
Find Us Online
Keep up-to-date with our events and activities:
nct.org.uk/Kensington
facebook.com/KensingtonAndChelseaNCT
Twitter: @nct_kc
National Army Museum
We have made a special arrangement with the
1DWLRQDO$UP\0XVHXPWRXVHWKHLU.LGV¶=RQHIRU
19 NCT ·∙ Kensington & Chelsea Branch Newsletter ·∙ Autumn 2012 CONTACT US nct.org.uk/kensington
facebook.com/KensingtonAndChelseaNCT
Twitter: @nct_kc
Premature Birth Support
Contact: Kerry at
nct.kensingtonandchelsea.prem@gmail.com
Advertising
Contact: advertisingnctkensington@yahoo.co.uk
Sling Library
Contact: Abby
at NCTKensingtonSlings@yahoo.co.uk
Antenatal Courses
See nct.org.uk/courses for details.
Contact: Kara at bookings5u@nct.org.uk or
0844 243 6882
Toddler Activities
Contact: toddlersnctkensington@yahoo.co.uk
Volunteering/Branch Services
Contact: nctkensington@yahoo.co.uk or
0844 243 0007
Baby First-Aid Courses
Contact:
firstaidnctkensingtonchelsea@yahoo.com
Breastfeeding Support
Contact: National Breastfeeding Line on
0300 330 0771
Locally: Alexandra on 07717 214 515
Breast Pump Hire
Hospital grade breast pumps are available for hire
or to purchase through NCT.
Contact: Alexandra on 07717 214 515
Home Birth Support
Contact: Kate at
HomeBirthNCTKensington@nct.org.uk
Nearly New Sales
Contact: nnsnctkensington@yahoo.co.uk or
0844 243 0007
Newsletter
Contact: newsletternctkensington@yahoo.co.uk
Parent Support
Including Bumps and Babies and all other
upcoming events
Contact: bandbnctkensington@yahoo.co.uk or
0844 243 0007
20 NCT ·∙ Kensington & Chelsea Branch Newsletter ·∙ Autumn 2012 ǯ PARTY PARTY! MIRANDA THWAITES Photos by Natasha Wiening
With 70 family tickets sold in total, our Cheeky
0RQNH\¶V7HD3DUW\WKLVVXPPHUZDVDWRWDOVHOOout! Proudly sponsored by Cupcake Club, the
event was a huge success.
Cupcake provided picnic lunchboxes and
cupcakes for everyone to enjoy. Peter Rabbit
Organics provided plenty of juices for
everyone. Mums also had the treat of a mini
manicure at the Cupcake pampering station on
WKH GD\ ZKLOH WKH FKLOGUHQ¶V HQWHUWDLQHU from
Froggle Parties kept the children entranced with
magic shows, puppet shows, bubble blowing and
games. Performances from Classical Babies and
3LSSD¶V3RSSHWVDGGHGWRWKHIHVWLYDOVSLULWRIWKH
event.
technique. Meanwhile, toddlers and older
children were spellbound as they were taken into
a fantasy world by Magical Designs face
painting. As if by magic, tigers, fairies and
superheroes began to appear everywhere!
Children were also delighted with the
dreamlike tattoos provided by Bigoodi, and little
hands were kept busy and imaginations ran free
in the mask making and colouring station
provided by /RQGRQ&KLOGUHQ¶V$FXSXQFWXUH
There were many more stalls on the day,
LQFOXGLQJ/LWWOH'HOLYHU\FKLOGUHQ¶VJLIWV6PDOOSULQW
jewellery, Natasha Wiening Photography, and of
course, the ever popular NCT refreshments
table. Thank you to all of you who spent time
baking for the refreshments table and also special
WKDQNV WR *DLO¶V %DNHU\ IRU WKHLU JHQHURXV
donations. The refreshments proved so popular
that they were virtually sold out too.
There was also the chance to try your luck
at the NCT tombola station and win one of 19
amazing prizes. We would like to congratulate all
our 19 lucky winners!
We would like to thank all our members
that supported this important NCT fundraising
event, and all the volunteers whose hard work
made the event possible.
We raised
approximately £750 for the NCT charity, and a lot
of fun was had by all in the process.
The younger babies were treated to a
lovely relaxing massage at the Northcote Baby
Massage station, where mums were also able to
brush
up
on
their
massage
21 NCT ·∙ Kensington & Chelsea Branch Newsletter ·∙ Autumn 2012 6SHFLDOWKDQNVDOVRWR+ROODQG3DUNIRUSURYLGLQJWKHVSDFHIRUWKH&KHHN\0RQNH\¶V7HD3DUW\DQG
lending us the tables for many of our stalls on the day. And of course huge thanks to our lead sponsor
Cupcake Club and alO RXU RWKHU SDUWQHUV %LJRRGL &ODVVLFDO %DELHV )URJJOH 3DUWLHV *DLO¶V %DNHU\ /LWWOH
'HOLYHU\ /RQGRQ &KLOGUHQ¶V $FXSXQFWXUH 0DJLFDO 'HVLJQV 1DWDVKD :LHQLQJ 3KRWRJUDSK\ 1RUWKFRWH
%DE\0DVVDJH3HWHU5DEELW2UJDQLFV3LSSD¶V3RSSHWVDQG6PDOOSULQW
It was a hugely successful day! :HFDQ¶WZDLWIRUQH[W\HDU
22 NCT ·∙ Kensington & Chelsea Branch Newsletter ·∙ Autumn 2012 VOLUNTEER VACANCIES PARTY! We are seeking volunteers for our branch team.
If you are interested in any of the following
positions, or want to learn about other ways you
can
help,
please
get
in
touch
at
nctkensington@yahoo.co.uk or 0844 243 0007.
Full role descriptions are available at
nct.org.uk/branches/kensington-chelsea/getinvolved and on Babble, the NCT intranet.
promote fundraising and social events, and
advertise volunteering opportunities
* able to edit copy for the web and achieve
optimum layout so that browsers can find what
they need.
A successful Webmaster is a good
communicator, making the branch web pages an
interesting mix of local information and
advertising relevant to the readership. Being the
Webmaster may be challenging at times, but it is
fun, interesting and worthwhile. A computer with
internet access is essential.
Bumps & Babies Volunteers
Enjoy your Bumps & Babies group? Why not join
a volunteer rota to host every once in a while? All
you have to do is be there to hand around the
sign-in sheet, accept donations and make sure
that everyone is having a good time. Ideally, we
like to have a large rota of volunteers for each
group to lessen the commitment for each
individual.
Branch Press and Publicity Officer
7KH %UDQFK 3XEOLFLW\ 2IILFHU¶V UROH LV WR
communicate effectively and persuasively about
the NCT in order to maximise opportunities for
UDLVLQJ WKH EUDQFK¶V DQG FKDULW\¶V SURILOH WKURXJK
media coverage and other publicity materials. A
successful Publicity Officer is confident and
creative, able to build up relationships with the
local media to publicise and celebrate branch
activities and the achievements of the NCT as a
whole. 87% of people in the UK read their local
newspaper and 70% listen to their local radio
station, which shows the value of the Publicity
Officer role.
Events and Courses
None of our groups, events or courses can
happen without volunteers! Every time we hold
an NCT event, we need at least one person there
to represent our branch. Duties vary depending
on the event, but usually include things like
unlocking the door, greeting guests, helping with
refreshments, and taking donations. If you have
a few hours to spare and would like to help us
keep all our exciting programmes running, please
do get in touch. You can help out once or
become a regular volunteer.
Fundraising Co-ordinator
By raising money for the NCT, the Fundraising
Co-ordinator helps our branch to provide services
for local parents, and support the wider work of
the charity for over a million parents every year.
Duties include:
* helping the branch to raise as much money as
possible
* being a positive, motivational organiser and
delegator
* working closely with the treasurer in
PDQDJHPHQWRIWKHEUDQFK¶VLQFRPHIURPJUDQWV
events and commercial support
Branch Secretary
The Branch Secretary is administrator for the
branch team, working closely with the Branch Coordinator. The Branch Secretary is also the
Volunteer Co-ordinator, ensuring that registration
of volunteers is kept up to date. A successful
Branch Secretary assists the Branch Co-ordinator
in knowing what branches are expected to do,
planning and organising meetings, and recruiting,
retaining and supporting volunteers.
Grant Fundraising Co-ordinator
The Grant Fundraising Co-ordinator receives lots
of support from the UK Office Fundraising Team.
Successful grant applications bring considerable
sums of money to the charity, so you would enjoy
the satisfaction of enabling meaningful change for
families near you. The Grant Fundraising Coordinator:
* works across the branch, planning the funding
of projects for local parents and parents-to-be
* researches potential funding bodies
* writes (or assists others to write) funding
applications.
Branch Webmaster
Every branch website helps the NCT achieve its
goal of communicating to all parents-to-be and
new parents that we are a charity able to help
them with information, services and support.
Creative, interesting and up to date web materials
really do make a difference to parents in your
local area.
The Branch Webmaster is:
* able to work closely with the branch team to
keep the branch web pages up to date, to make
branch activities for parents accessible, to
23 NCT ·∙ Kensington & Chelsea Branch Newsletter ·∙ Autumn 2012 New Volunteer Coffee Mornings
Are you interested in becoming a volunteer for the NCT? Then we want to meet you! We hold a series of
gatherings throughout the year to give you a chance to get to know us a little bit better, and to discuss how
your particular skills and interests can be helpful to our branch. The next coffee morning will be held on
Tuesday, 30th October in W8. RSVP to nctkensington@yahoo.co.uk or 0844 243 0007.
24 NCT ·∙ Kensington & Chelsea Branch Newsletter ·∙ Autumn 2012 ADVERTISING IN NCT KENSINGTON & CHELSEA NEWSLETTER
Our A5 newsletter has colour front and back pages. The remaining pages are amixture of colour and black
and white. This is professionally printed. It is sent to all our 480 members, to our new members joining
between issues, to parents-to-be booking antenatal courses and to other similar parties. Our current print
run is 700.
EDITION ADVERTISING DEADLINE RECEIVED BY READERS BY Spring
28th February
End of March
Summer
31st May
End of June
Autumn
31st August
End of September
Winter
30th November
End of December
PRICING (INCLUDING VAT AT 20%)
Black and
White
quarter
page
Black and
White half
page
Black and
White Full
Page
Inserts
(700)
1 issue
4 issues
£32
£109
£50
£170
£80
£408
£120
£408
Colour Half
Page
Colour Full
Page
Colour Inside
Cover Full
Page (Front or
Back)
Colour Outside
Back Full Page
1 issue
4 issues
£70
£238
£100
£340
£120
£408
£150
£510
TO BOOK
You can book by contacting the advertising coordinator. Please note that both the newsletter and the insert
opportunities are limited, so will be offered on first come, first served basis. We endeavour to email invoices
within the week. Payment must be received prior to the advertising deadline to secure placement of
the advert.
Contact: advertisingnctkensington@yahoo.co.uk or 0844 243 0007
© Kensington & Chelsea NCT 2012
Please contact the Editor if you wish to reproduce anything in this newsletter at
newsletternctkensington@yahoo.co.uk
25 26 27 28