Back in February a few of us from the Southampton NCT branch decided to start up a bumps and babes group in our side of city.
We didn't want this group to be just another toddler group. The aim was to provide information and support to parents and parents to be while their children played. We can direct parents to other support groups in the area and listen to any problems and concerns they might have.
The first group was quite daunting as we weren't sure if any parent would turn up, despite the advertising. But they did turn up and some have been coming back week after week.
It has evolved into a friendly little group and I've come to really enjoy my Thursday afternoons, drinking tea, trying not to scoff biscuits and nattering about everything from breastfeeding to shopping, episiotomies and baby poo.
NCT Bumps and Babes groups are open to both members and non-members. To find out where your local bumps and babes group is, contact your local NCT branch.
http://nctpregnancyandbabycare.com/in-your-area/bumpsandbabies
Thursday, 26 May 2011
New fluff to add to the sling stash
My two passions (other than my husband and kids) are my slings and the cloth nappies. I am trying to curb these addictions, but the FSOT (for sale or trade) board on the Natural Mamas forum isn't helping.
I've recently managed to acquire two beautiful second hand slings from a lovely mama in Switzerland.
These are my new beauties:
Both are size 6 Didymos Pfau. I LOVE THEM!
They are already nicely broken in (one of the benefits of buying second hand) and beautifully soft and blankety. They are a dream to wrap with - Check out the back carries!
I've recently managed to acquire two beautiful second hand slings from a lovely mama in Switzerland.
These are my new beauties:
 |
| Petrol Pfau |
 |
| Burgundy Pfau |
Both are size 6 Didymos Pfau. I LOVE THEM!
They are already nicely broken in (one of the benefits of buying second hand) and beautifully soft and blankety. They are a dream to wrap with - Check out the back carries!
Wednesday, 25 May 2011
shedding the baby weight...and then some!
I managed to lose a couple of stone (28 lbs) for my wedding in 2006, but since then the weight has gradually piled back on.
I didn't put too much weight on during my pregnancy with Esme, but I was already a bit overweight. A couple of weeks ago I decided it was time that all the weight had to go!
So to give myself a bit more motivation Im making it public.
I joined slimming world 2weeks ago and it has been going well... so far. I've also been out jogging a few times, doing aerobics and going to post natal pilates.
Here's the weight loss so far.
May 11th 2011 12st 4lbs
May 18th 2011 11st 13lbs
May 25th 2011 11st 12lbs
to be continued........
I didn't put too much weight on during my pregnancy with Esme, but I was already a bit overweight. A couple of weeks ago I decided it was time that all the weight had to go!
So to give myself a bit more motivation Im making it public.
I joined slimming world 2weeks ago and it has been going well... so far. I've also been out jogging a few times, doing aerobics and going to post natal pilates.
 |
| overweight and heavily pregnant |
May 11th 2011 12st 4lbs
May 18th 2011 11st 13lbs
May 25th 2011 11st 12lbs
to be continued........
Slimming World Strawberry swiss roll
This yummy pud is only half a syn (those that do slimming world will not what this is!)
100g fat free fromage frais
4 Eggs
6 Tbsp of sweetener (splenda)
1 Tsp Vanilla Essence
4 Eggs
6 Tbsp of sweetener (splenda)
1 Tsp Vanilla Essence
1 tsp baking powder
6 (or however many you wish) Strawberry's sliced
Method
- Separate all Eggs
- With the yolks mix in half a tub of Quark, baking powder, Vanilla Essence & 4 tbsp of Sweetener
- In a seprarate bowl whisk the egg whites until thick and stiff.
- Slowly stir (fold) the yolk mix into the stiffly beaten egg whites.
- Spread out evenly on a non stick baking tray and bake at 180 degrees for 15-20mins
- Mix together 2 tbsp of sweetener with the fromage frais and remaining quark
- Spread on cake, add sliced strawberries & roll
6 (or however many you wish) Strawberry's sliced
Method
- Separate all Eggs
- With the yolks mix in half a tub of Quark, baking powder, Vanilla Essence & 4 tbsp of Sweetener
- In a seprarate bowl whisk the egg whites until thick and stiff.
- Slowly stir (fold) the yolk mix into the stiffly beaten egg whites.
- Spread out evenly on a non stick baking tray and bake at 180 degrees for 15-20mins
- Mix together 2 tbsp of sweetener with the fromage frais and remaining quark
- Spread on cake, add sliced strawberries & roll
So, So yummy!!!
Friday, 13 May 2011
Back carry!
We've achieved back carries!
It has taken a while to feel confident enough to sling Esme on my back. But I started with a BWCC (Back wrap cross carry) which went a bit wrong!
I should have crossed the wrap over Esme's body rather than tucking it to the side and under her bum.
So anyway a few days later, I thought we'd try again with a different type of carry and also a different method to get her on my back.
This time I used the "Santa toss" to get her on my back. This involves laying her in the middle of the wrap an creating a hammock. Then you basically sling baby over your shoulder. It sounds scary (and it was!) but it does get the baby nice and high. I should add that Paul was my spotter and I was kneeling in the middle of the bed!
The carry I tried to do this time was the Double Hammock (DH) or Chunei carry. I actually found this really supportive as there are a couple of layers under the baby's bottom. Most of the weight is carried on your chest rather than your shoulders which I found more comfortable. I found YouTube videos on how to do this very helpful.
The picture on the left is our first attempt!
I don't think I got Esme's knees high enough as her knees should be higher than her bottom. I also should have done the chest pass a little tighter.
Still practice makes perfect, so the next day we tried again (without Paul's assistance) and don't think we did too badly. Esme fell asleep within minutes and I carried on cooking supper!
I'm going to keep practising the back carries at home, as I need to keep checking Esme's position in the mirror. For now. I'll stick to front carries when we go out as its also a good excuse for snuggle.
It has taken a while to feel confident enough to sling Esme on my back. But I started with a BWCC (Back wrap cross carry) which went a bit wrong!
 |
| How not to do a BWCC |
I should have crossed the wrap over Esme's body rather than tucking it to the side and under her bum.
So anyway a few days later, I thought we'd try again with a different type of carry and also a different method to get her on my back.
This time I used the "Santa toss" to get her on my back. This involves laying her in the middle of the wrap an creating a hammock. Then you basically sling baby over your shoulder. It sounds scary (and it was!) but it does get the baby nice and high. I should add that Paul was my spotter and I was kneeling in the middle of the bed!
The carry I tried to do this time was the Double Hammock (DH) or Chunei carry. I actually found this really supportive as there are a couple of layers under the baby's bottom. Most of the weight is carried on your chest rather than your shoulders which I found more comfortable. I found YouTube videos on how to do this very helpful.
 |
| first DH attempt |
 |
| Unassisted! |
The picture on the left is our first attempt!
I don't think I got Esme's knees high enough as her knees should be higher than her bottom. I also should have done the chest pass a little tighter.
Still practice makes perfect, so the next day we tried again (without Paul's assistance) and don't think we did too badly. Esme fell asleep within minutes and I carried on cooking supper!
 |
| Rear view shot |
 |
| enjoying a snuggly Kangaroo carry |
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