Yummy Mummy Magazine December 2022

YUMMY MUMMY

MAGAZINE

KIDZ AT THE RITZ

Creating magical memories for children

Indoor and Outdoor Friendly Keep your kids safe and playing all year round

At Buena Onda Games, our fair trade, handmade toys are not just guaranteed for life, they’re guaranteed to put smiles on your family’s faces and connect you in real life, not online.

Old school is back!

All ball games are made with 100% recycled plastic diverting over 12,000 pounds per year of bottles and bags from the landfill.

Sales are helping keep families together in Guatemala, where everything is lovingly made by hand. Sales also help fund important work like water filtration projects and securing school supplies.

For more information contact: info@buenaondagames.com

To view our full range visit www.BuenaOndaGames.co.uk

BRINGING YOUR KIDS SOMETHING NEW FOR CHRISTMAS THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL FRISBEE

There’s a new range of games and toys available, guaranteed to bring smiles and joy this Christmas season.

Buena Onda Games has been selling soft, cotton crocheted discs for over a decade in the United States, shifting millions through high-end camping and outdoor stores. They have a simple mission - to get families off their phone and connect in real life through active, healthy play.

At the same time as their games bring families together, sales of their Fair-Trade toys help keep families together in Guatemala, where everything is painstakingly made by hand. Sales helps fund important work like water filtration projects and securing school supplies.

The average Mayan child ends their schooling at the 6th grade. Buena Onda’s work has provided the income needed to keep the kids of Tzununa and 9 other villages in school longer, better preparing them to enter higher level jobs later in life.

The performance of the discs is nearly impossible to believe until you throw one. The supple crochet makes the disc mush into your hand so even the most athletically challenged feel successful. Even that visiting Aunt who eats too much trifle while knocking back the good sherry. The cotton softness is fully forgiving to faces, windows, or your favourite painting. So, you don’t

need to head outside in the cold - these games are great for the family room.

If the weather is ok, the discs fold up into your pocket and come with a lifetime guarantee. So, they’re suitable for the outdoors and even the family dog can get involved! The el Grande is the World’s farthest flying MayaFlya. Playing outdoors on a windy day? No problem with your el Grande, which can fly a whopping 200 feet (61 metres)! the ultimate travel frisbee. Packable, and comes with over 50 quirky uses.

The same size as the Sports disc, but with a patch of buoyant foam sewn underneath, the Poseidon MayaFlya gives you and your family hours of fun in and out of the water.

Buena Onda Games also offers an amazingly addictive game called YippiYappa, along with what must be the world’s lightest (and indoor friendly) Bocce. Oh, and if that annoying old Aunt doesn’t want to join in these holidays? Well, throwing the disc at her won’t bring a smile to her face. But it just might to yours, and it won’t hurt her. All ball games are made with 100% recycled plastic diverting over 12,000 pounds per year of bottles and bags from the landfill.

For more information contact: info@buenaondagames.com

To see the full range, visit buenaondagames.co.uk

Everyone from 3-93 will love Buena Onda Games

Your purchase directly helps these and thousands of other Mayan children

KIDZ AT THE RITZ

Creating magical memories for children

Take your family to enjoy five star luxury at The Ritz - and they really roll out the red carpet for their younger guests and make sure that every moment is full of fun. Time spent with the family at The Ritz is a wonderful tradition, where every moment is magical and memories are made and remembered for a lifetime.

The Ritz London have a range of familyfriendly rooms as well as a delicious and extensive children’s menu

JUST FOR THE LITTLE ONES

They have created an exclusive kidz@theritz club, where each child receives their very own VIK (Very Important Kid) membership card which comes with a host of exciting benefits, including: • Special welcome gifts

• In-room games consoles

• Children’s bathroom amenities, bathrobes, and slippers

• Complimentary ice cream with Afternoon Tea or with lunch and dinner in The Ritz Restaurant

• Children’s menus in the Michelin-starred Ritz Restaurant for £35 for two courses or £40 for three courses

• Children’s continental breakfast for £30 per child. Children’s English breakfast for £35 per child

• Afternoon Tea for £45 per child

• Children, 16 years of age or younger can stay in their parents’ room on a complimentary basis (Deluxe King or above)

• Complimentary baby cots

• External babysitting service can be arranged through Concierge

Young guests of The Ritz will remember for the rest of their lives, getting dressed up and taking their first Afternoon Tea at the world-famous hotel with mummy and daddy. They will remember their first Ritz bathrobe and slippers, identical in all but size to that of their parent’s; and little girls will remember sipping Shirley Temples with their mother as they had their first taste of a grownup world of luxury. The services offered at The Ritz are designed to create moments between families that will be cherished forever, rather than providing a distraction for children when travelling away from home.

FAMILY FRIENDLY ROOMS

• Children, 16 years of age or younger can stay in their parents’ room on a complimentary basis (Deluxe King or above)

• Flexibility to have two adults and two children in a room*

• Guaranteed interconnecting rooms at the time of booking (subject to room category)

• Non-smoking rooms

LOCATION

The setting of The Ritz, with the wide spaces of the stunning Royal Green Park on its doorstep and a variety of stores and family activities to delight children only a short walk away, The Ritz London is close to the following attractions:

• Buckingham Palace

• Hamleys toy store

• British Museum

• Madame Tussauds

• Science Museum

• London Zoo

• Sea life London Aquarium

Step through their famous revolving doors –and experience the wonders of The Ritz London. Follow in the footsteps of English playwright Nöel Coward who wrote songs at The Ritz including ‘Children of The Ritz’

THE DETAILS

Telephone reservations on: +44 (0) 20 7300 2222

Or email: reservations@theritzlondon.com

Terms and Conditions: For children up to 16 years old and subject to availability. The Ritz London, 150 Piccadilly, London W1J 9BR Telephone: 020 7493 8181

About The Ritz London Step into a five-star world steeped in 116 years of history and the finest of British traditions. When The Ritz first opened its doors on 25th May 1906, it was considered one of the greatest hotels in the world. Conceived by the famous hotelier César Ritz with the aim of becoming the ultimate destination for guests looking to stay at the most luxurious hotel in the land, no expense was spared on its opulent interiors and lavish furnishings . 115 years on, The Ritz continues to offer their guests the same exceptionally high standards and exquisitely luxurious experience that was the keystone in the creation of their world-class hotel. theritzlondon.com

BABIES & KIDS

STYLISH STORAGE

The Calle Bookcase makes a wonderful addition to any young kid’s room or play area in need of storage. Complete with animal-themed drawers for storing their favourite toys and games, this bookcase and storage unit will make tidying up just as fun as playing. sweetpeaandwillow.com

CREATIVE KIDS

Our unisex Design Your Own T shirts are the perfect gift for budding fashion designers and creative kids. Not only will they enjoy drawing their picture but they will also be super excited to show off the clothing they designed themselves! oliveandpip.co.uk

RAINY DAYS

The ideal companion on a rainy day, this lightweight children’s umbrella features a charming Ladybird print. Your little one will love feeling independent with their very own umbrella! rexlondon.com

BACK TO NATURE

A beautiful, educational, wooden children’s puzzle that encourages little ones to explore numbers in a fun way. This beautiful wooden children’s puzzle is a fun and challenging way to explore numbers. As counting skills improve, children will be able to solve the puzzle by matching the numbers to the dots on the leaves. The number is also printed at the back of the piece as extra guidance. As counting skills increase, the higher numbers will begin to come into reach. A wonderful educational children’s gift. littlepaw.co.uk

ROOM TO GROW

The Vox Paris Baby Cot Bed features curved lines, open slats and natural oak legs to create an elegant crib for your new member of the family! The chic wooden frame can be adjusted to suit your baby as they develop and grow. cuckooland.com

Christmas Gift Guide for babies, girls and teens

This Christmas discover the perfect jewellery gift for girls at Molly Brown London. From her first diamond to unique silver jewellery exclusively designed in London.

CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR BABIES

Sometimes the littlest hands hold the biggest place in your heart. Discover the definitive collection of baby jewellery from Molly Brown London to welcome new arrivals into the world.

CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR GIRLS

Give the gift of personalised children’s jewellery with the complimentary engraving service and add a special message or token of your love. Discover keepsake jewellery that is the perfect contemporary gift for a girl who deserves to be spoilt (just a little).

CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR TEENS

Introducing the teenage jewellery edit from Molly Brown London. Classic 18ct gold vermeil and timeless sterling silver pieces for special occasions, milestone birthdays and events. Our adjustable girl’s teen jewellery is designed to fit her from adolescence to womanhood. mollybrownlondon.com

Celebrate the festive season with a VIP overnight experience

Christmas Sleepover at London Zoo

Friday 16 – Friday 23 December 2022

Families can get their Christmas off to a roaring start, as ZSL London Zoo opens its gates for the London Zoo Lodges’ Meet Santa Experience - a limited series of magical, festive sleepovers.

The overnight Christmas stay will treat animalloving families to after-hours tours with incredible creatures, delicious food, and, of course, a chance to meet Father Christmas - who will visit each family, bearing gifts! Check into your own snowtopped lodge, before heading out on your first animal adventure - an exclusive tour of the Zoo’s epic Land of the Lions, and a chance to find out how Asiatic lions Bhanu and Arya will celebrate Christmas.

Make Christmas presents for the animals and enjoy a two-course dinner, before being whisked off after dark to meet some of the Zoo’s nocturnal residents for a behind-the-scenes peek into life at the famous zoo at night. After sleeping within a whisker of the lions, visitors may find themselves awoken by roars - the Zoo’s traditional

alarm clock – then enjoy a hearty breakfast.

Before the world-famous Zoo opens for the day, guests will deliver presents to the animals on an exclusive morning tour, before discovering what some of London Zoo’s other 15,000 residents might be getting for Christmas.

Guests can then spend the rest of their special day exploring the day-time festivities at the Magic of Christmas at London Zoo or hop over to Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire to see elephants, rhinos and more - as the experience includes two full days zoo entry and includes both ZSL Zoos.

A unique way to spread goodwill this Christmas, families experiencing the Zoo’s Christmas sleepover will also be supporting international wildlife charity ZSL’s vital conservation work around the world.

For an unforgettable Christmas experience, book your tickets for the London Zoo Lodges’ Meet Santa Experience online now at zsl.org

Experience the whole magic of Christmas at London Zoo from Saturday 26 November 2022 – Tuesday 3 January 2023. Enjoy Christmas festivities, twinkly light displays, animal crafts, Christmas-themed animal talks, marshmallow roasting and more – and don’t forget to look out for Santa as he visits the animals throughout the day.

For more information, visit zsl.org

“Make Christmas presents for the animals and enjoy a two-course dinner, before being whisked off after dark to meet some of the Zoo’s nocturnal residents for a behind-the-scenes peek into life at the famous zoo at night”

‘WHY DO BABYGROWS HAVE ALL THESE POPPERS?’

All ZIPPYUPs have concealed zips so they do not have contact with your baby’s skin and the tab at the neck ensures the zip puller doesn’t catch on any little chins.

Sleeves have turn back cuffs so you don’t need separate (often lost or odd) mittens.

There is a wide variety of prints and colour combinations including unisex colours such as aqua and pale grey along with traditional whites, pinks, blues and rainbows.

I am very excited to have also launched the new ZIPPYUP sleeping bag with legs and detachable arms. Select from 1 Tog and 2.5 Tog thickness, designed to be worn as a baggy fit so it can also be layered with a ZIPPYUP babygrow underneath for extra warmth. The sleeves simply zip on or off depending on your babies needs. Sizes are from 6-12 months up to 24-36 months.

BEAUTIFUL BABYGROW

This is a question most parents probably ask as they are dressing their newborn in the middle of the night.

As a Mummy of two very wriggly little boys I have first hand experience of the struggle to dress them, it’s like wrestling a lion cub trying to get them dressed after bath time. ZIPPYUP’s will make nappy and outfit changes so much quicker and easier.

With this in mind I got to work on making ZIPPYUP a brand that gives you not only useful but stylish babygrows.

Before promoting myself to the position of Mummy I had a background in textile design and fashion, a passion I didn’t want to be lost in the midsts of motherhood. I have taken the many years of experience and put it to good use by designing a babygrow that works well for both the wearer and the dresser.

ZIPPYUP products aren’t just well designed, they are beautiful quality. The collection has now expanded with an organic cotton range in a variety of colours, Winter fleece onesies are great for after swimming or just to keep cosy on strolls in the buggy…and now sleeping bags with legs. I personally source and work with the factories making ZIPPYUPs to get the best possible materials.

New to the ZIPPYUP family this month is a subscription service, you can have a range of babygrows delivered straight to your door every month! Choose how many and what size you want in either girl, boy or neutral colours and we do the rest!

At ZIPPYUP we are always developing new designs, prints and colour combinations, I look forward to sharing these with you. zippyup.com

“I couldn’t be happier with this beautiful babygrow. Night feeds in particular are so much easier now I can just zip up and I don’t have to fiddle with poppers”

–Simone M

(Spring Garden Bunny Printed Zipped

Babygrow)

BABY CLOTHES WITH ZIPS

FREEDELIVERY

www.zippyup.com @zippy.up

SLEEP CONSULTANT & SPECIALIST NURSE VICKY SCOTT

Everyone benefits from a good night’s sleep, it helps with learning and managing emotions. Research highlights the importance of giving children the opportunity to sleep at least 10 to 11 hours per night throughout early childhood, so the bedtime routine is important and begins at teatime!

All you need is one to two weeks of gentle behavioural training to help your children’s’ long-term intellectual development.

Amazing growth hormones are secreted in young children during certain sleep stages, so children need to sleep soundly and transition through these stages, which also helps to prevent obesity.

Please do contact me to discuss your family’s unique, individual sleep plan

www.moresleepmoresmiles.com vicky@moresleepmoresmiles.com Tel: 07391 501589

INSPIRING EXTRAORDINARY ADVENTURES THE BENTLEY BALANCE BIKE

The pedal-less bike teaches children 3+ how to balance on two wheels while building their confidence on a bicycle. Created in a range of colours to match paint options available to Bentley customers, the Balance Bike has been conceived with the same meticulous attention to detail and style as Bentley Motors’ designs.

Diamond-quilted handlebars echo the luxury detailing found in Bentley cars, with the iconic wings emblem prominently positioned below them. The ‘Bentley’ name is painted across the frame of each Balance Bike for a distinctive reference to the brand. Four smart and striking colourways are available, matching the exclusive paints used on Bentley’s cars. Children and parents can select their favourite colour from a choice of Onyx, Glacier White, Sequin Blue and Dragon Red.

Safety is always paramount to Bentley of course. An exclusive feature of the Bentley Balance Bike is the unique safety locking brake system, giving children greater stopping power, so they can ride with confidence – a feature not available on many other balance bikes on the market.

The magnesium alloy frame is inspired by the sleek lines of Bentley cars and can support up to 35 kg of weight, despite the frame itself only weighing 650 g – made to be portable yet robust. Aluminium wheel rims can withstand high degrees of curb weight but do not add bulk to the bike, allowing children to effortlessly push themselves forward, while the air-filled 12-inch rubber tyres ensure absolute comfort.

For further comfort, the ergonomically designed adjustable seat is made from eco-leather and features the Bentley wordmark and a carbon

The Balance Bike joins a range of exciting Bentley products for children, including the Bentley Trike, teddy bears, blankets, ride-on cars, wooden garages and puzzles.

Bentley Balance Bike, RRP £450.

For more information and to purchase The Bentley Balance Bike visit miniobjectsofdesire.com Tel: 0330 330 0126 Email: Info@mood-kids.com

fibre-inspired pattern for added style. Distinctive knurling beneath the seat gives extra grip for added reassurance.

“An exclusive feature of the Bentley Balance Bike is the unique safety locking brake system, giving children greater stopping power”

DISCOVER THE BENTLEY BALANCE BIKE FOR CHILDREN AT MOOD KIDS

The Bentley Balance Bike inspires adventures big and small.

Children from 3-years+ can travel and explore on the pedal-less bike, teaching balance and building confidence for future adventures.

Features include diamond-quilted handlebars, Bentley emblems and colours to match the Bentley paint palette, bring a touch of the brand to its youngest fans

Available in a choice of colours: Onyx, Glacier White, Sequin Blue and Dragon Red. Bentley Balance Bike, RRP £450. Can be delivered boxed or built, for the same price. For more information visit

WWW.MINIOBJECTSOFDESIRE.COM

CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS

3 IN 1 MATERNITY & BABYWEARING PARKA BY SERAPHINE

Based in London, Seraphine is the number 1 destination for stylish maternity & nursing clothes. Featuring their innovative babywearing technology, Seraphine’s bestselling 3 in 1 parka makes for the ultimate gift for new or soon-to-be mums (we have them for Dads too!). They fit perfectly through pregnancy & grow with your bump, then a zip-on kangaroo panel fits comfortably over a baby carrier or sling once the little one arrives! It’s the perfect coat for bump, for baby and forever! seraphine.com

1MOLLY BROWN LONDON

Discover the perfect gift this Christmas with Molly Brown London. Unique jewellery gifts for girls to add an extra sparkle under the tree this Christmas. Use code YUMMYMUMMY15 for 15% off! PLUS free engraving and delivery! Find out more at mollybrownlondon.com or call 0203 142 6630

TICKIT TOYS

Where will your child’s imagination take them? These lovely smooth wooden vehicles come in beautiful rainbow colours with lasered markings for sensory discovery and the chunky style is ideal for young children. The innovative TickiT range is designed to be open-ended, stimulating, educational and enduring – perfect for children of all ages and abilities. Rainbow Wooden Vehicle Sets – from £15.99 Find out more at tickit.co.uk or follow on Instagram for inspiring play ideas: @tickit_education or #tickitplay

RACHEL RILEY GIFTS

Discover Rachel Riley’s beautiful selection of carefully curated gift ideas for little ones this Christmas! Classic, timeless styles featuring fun whimsical prints, festive embroidery and handsmocking and the cutest toys and accessories to complement. Let the expert team gift wrap your selection in their luxury lilac gift boxes, wrapped in tissue and tied with a bow! See the full collection at rachelriley.co.uk

Sweet dreams with Kiki & Cashew

warm during winter. And for sensitive skins, flax linen is hypoallergenic too.

Kiki and Cashew bedding is as gentle on the environment as it is on a baby’s skin. The material has no dye and there’s zero waste in its making. Unlike cotton which requires 10,000 litres of water to grow just 1kg of cotton, flax linen just needs rainwater and sun.

There’s nothing more joyous than the arrival of a baby. But the lack of sleep? Well, that’s a different matter. On average, mums and dads get around just 4.44 hours of sleep per night during their baby’s first year. That’s where Kiki and Cashew’s baby bedding can help. Made of 100% flax linen, the material is proven to aid sleep.

The flax linen has a softness your baby will love snuggling into. But that’s not the only reason it aids sleep. The material takes away perspiration, to keep your baby comfortable. It also regulates temperature, keeping them cool in summer and

The collection is made by a co-operative of Istanbul seamstresses, who pass their skills on from generation to generation. Take a peek today at kikiandcashew.com

NURSERY AT THE MANOR PREPARATORY SCHOOL

The Manor Prep School is located in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, with excellent transport links to London.

When your child joins our PreNursery or Nursery, you are opening the door to a much broader and more varied learning experience than you may have imagined.

Being a part of our school community means your child will benefit from lessons delivered by specialist teachers for PE and Music, as well as regular visits to our Library, on site Forest School and school assemblies.

The Manor is passionate about providing high quality play experiences that inspire and motivate our children. Each Early Years space is designed to inspire the children as well as enabling them to make progress in all areas of their learning journey.

At The Manor, we have children at the heart of all we do. We promise a warm and caring

atmosphere where children can reach their full potential and move seamlessly into our Reception classes and full time school.

Book a visit at any time to see how we challenge, cherish and inspire every child.

admissions@manorprep.org 01235 858462 manorprep.org

“The Manor is passionate about providing high quality play experiences that inspire and motivate”

SQUIRRELS GET READY!

Everyone’s favourite big lovable dog HEY DUGGEE is touring for the first time EVER, we got to meet him in rehearsal and now here’s your chance to see him on stage! HEY DUGGEE THE LIVE THEATRE SHOW is going to be HUGE and will feature Duggee and the Squirrels plus many more of your favourite characters!

The smash hit CBeebies series will be brought to life through extraordinary puppetry and storytelling in this new live show for a four-week residency at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall (London) from December 14, ahead of a nationwide tour.

Betty wants to make costumes, Happy wants to sing, Tag wants to make music, Norrie wants

THE DETAILS

Hey Duggee The Live Theatre Show is playing at London’s Southbank Centre this Christmas from 14 December to 8 January and then heading out on tour to nearly 40 venues nationwide until August 2023 For more information and to book your tickets, visit heyduggeelive.com.

REHEARSAL PHOTOGRAPHY: PAMELA RAITH

to dance, Roly wants jelly and they all want you to join them at the Clubhouse. There is so much to do, but luckily Duggee has his theatre badge. Will you get yours too? A-Woof!

Adapted for the stage by Vikki Stone (#zoologicalsociety – Royal And Derngate, Romeo And Duet – ITV) and Matthew Xia (The Wiz – Hope Mill Theatre, associate director Actors Touring Company), this production promises all of the singing, music, dancing and non-stop fun that fans of the TV series would expect – as well as a few surprises along the way!

“The smash hit CBeebies series will be brought to life through extraordinary puppetry and storytelling”

MUMS OF BOYS ALERT!

Have you noticed how hard it is to find clothing with cute characters for boys? For girls and for babies, no problem, “cute” is pretty much the norm. And that’s exactly why The QT was created by a mum whose boy adores animals and everything cute, just as much as his big sister does.

The QT’s hand-painted prints of endearing animals will surely melt your heart and it’s the kind of “cute” that boys and girls of all ages can enjoy — equally. But The QT is not just about the looks. Their organic clothing is sustainably and ethically made to be as harmless as possible to all living beings and the planet, and to be as close as possible to fully recyclable, biodegradable and compostable!

Destroy gender stereotypes without destroying the planet with The QT’s very cute, cool, stylish and planet-friendly wardrobe essentials – available to buy online at theqt.co – and follow @theqtstyle for a daily dose of cuteness, goodness and positivity.

A unique school model

FOR SUCCESS

Set in more than 220 acres of beautiful North Yorkshire countryside in a secure rural location, and under 2.5 hours from the capital by train, Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate welcomes girls and boys aged from 3 months and support them through four schools - Chapter House (3 months to Year 5), King’s Magna (Year 6 to 9), The College and The Faculty (both Year 10 to 13). This unique model made up of four smaller schools is designed to maintain a nurturing family atmosphere and sense of individuality, with each school having their own Heads and staff teams.

King’s Magna is Queen Ethelburga’s middle school, supporting the transition between the Collegiate’s primary education at Chapter House and the demands of GCSEs. This supportive, vibrant and caring school environment ensures students can grow and mature into their teenage years with confidence. Visitors often comment that there is a ‘palpable sense of respect’ between students and staff, and amongst students themselves.

Daniel Machin, Principal of Queen Ethelburga’s, comments “Our King’s Magna students set the example for the rest of the Collegiate to follow with their capacity to excel in times of change, and their determination to make the best of their interests, skills and talents. We expect a great deal and they rise to the challenge, whether that be developing their independence, their motivation, their personal and social skills, or their achievements.

“No longer the Chapter House age class-based children, not yet the public exam, career and skills developing senior school students; our King’s Magna students develop the foundations for future

success with their academic studies, their broad range of activities and interests, and above all else their infectious enthusiasm in all that they take on. We have developed our own curriculum which is relevant, challenging and engaging for our learners. Our innovative, modern programmes of study foster curiosity and equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to move seamlessly to our College or Faculty at the end of Year 9.”

The Queen Ethelburga’s Admissions Team can provide further information and help arrange a visit to see for yourself what makes them so special.

Visit qe.org or email admissions@qe.org

“We have developed our own curriculum which is relevant, challenging and engaging for our learners”

The Kensington Wing

The Kensington Wing is the dedicated private maternity unit at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, providing women and birthing people with around-the-clock clinical care, comfortable en-suite private rooms and hospitality services.

Located in the heart of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital – part of one of the UK’s top rated hospital Trusts – your baby’s and your safety and wellbeing are reassuringly supported at all times. The Kensington Wing is immediately located next to the hospital’s outstanding and newly expanded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and a consultant anaesthetist remains on site at all times 24/7, dedicated to the needs of our patients.

To ensure the safety of women, birthing people and birth partners, The Kensington Wing has important infection control procedures for staff and visitors to adhere to but remain welcoming to your chosen birth partner for all stages of your pregnancy, birth and postnatal stay. Your individual room and en-suite facilities are a haven, and the catering and hospitality team ensures your stay is relaxing as well as safe. On the Kensington Wing the consultant obstetricians, midwives, nurses and maternity support workers provide care as a team and are delighted to offer both consultant-led and midwife-led maternity packages.

THE DETAILS

If you would like to talk to one of the team, call 020 3315 8616, email chelwest.kensington@nhs.net or visit thekensingtonwing.co.uk

The Kensington Wing’s highly experienced team of midwives welcome enquiries and the opportunity to discuss midwife-led care in more detail. These ‘meet the midwife’ sessions are always a relaxed and special time to talk and discover more without any obligation. For those women and birthing people who are appropriate for midwife-led care, the team provide full support throughout your pregnancy and the midwifery team are available 24 hours seven days a week for advice or concerns throughout your pregnancy, birth and postnatal stay.

The consultant-led care package allows you the choice of one of their experienced consultant obstetricians to personally guide you through your pregnancy and birth. Your consultant provides continuity and individualised expertise throughout your journey. They build a relationship with you and your partner through the antenatal period to give you confidence to birth safely with them in line with your birth preferences. They continue to support you through the postnatal period, including your 6 week postnatal check. All consultants are available to meet you and your birth partner without any obligation.

The Kensington Wing enquiry team are always happy to support with these arrangements and answer any questions.

Rest assured this festive season

With convenient care at your local Urgent Care Clinic

St John & St Elizabeth Hospital’s bigger and better Urgent Care Clinic is open, ensuring access to reliable, expert, and efficient healthcare without the wait.

ACCESS DOCTORS WHEN YOU NEED THEM MOST

Designed for life’s slips, trips and falls, as well as those unexpected minor illnesses, the clinic is ready to give you the care you need, no appointment necessary. Open seven a days a week, and trusted by the St John’s Wood community for over ten years, this new facility offers almost instant access to doctors when you need them most.

A FAMILY FRIENDLY SERVICE

The improved clinic has a designated children’s waiting area and treatment rooms, and is for all the family, including children aged one and up.

A WIDE RANGE OF TREATMENTS

The clinic can treat minor injuries and illnesses; including sprains, strains and fractures; cuts, burns and grazes; eye and ear infections; stomach bugs, and colds. If you’re not sure whether you should come in, give the friendly team a call and they can help.

If needed, instant referrals can be arranged for tests and scans (including x-ray, ultrasound and MRI), physiotherapy, and specialist consultations –all under one roof in John & Lizzie’s comfortable private hospital, so you can access results and treatment without the wait.

VISIT THE URGENT CARE CLINIC

The clinic is part of St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, which is a short walk from St John’s Wood station. Initial consultations with a doctor cost £120. If you need any scans, tests, or further treatment, these will be charged extra.

GET IN TOUCH

St John & St Elizabeth Hospital 60 Grove End Road NW8 9NH

Call the team: 0207 432 8300

OPENING TIMES

Monday to Friday 8am - 8pm (last appointment 7pm) Weekends 8am - 6pm (last appointment 5pm)

Festive opening hours 24 December: 8am - 4pm (last appointment 3pm) 25 December: CLOSED 26, 27, 31 December & 1, 2 January: 8am - 6pm (last appointment 5pm)

Find out more: hje.org.uk/ services/urgent-care-clinic

Or scan the QR code

GIVE YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM A HEAD START THIS WINTER

As the dark winter nights draw in and the air becomes cold and damp, the annual cold and flu season gets underway. Colder weather can weaken your immune system, leaving you and your family more vulnerable. In fact, a recent survey found that almost half of Brits admit they constantly worry about catching a virus.

There’s a whole lot lost on productivity at work, last minute childcare bounties, anxieties that parents feel, and more that adults must cover if they become unwell. Indeed, winter is a testing time for your immune system, but you can help beat the bugs by supporting your immune system and making proactive lifestyle changes. Dr Jenna Macciochi, a leading immunologist, shares her 8 easy expert tips to include in your everyday life that will help optimise your health and support your immune system this winter.

EXPERT TIPS ON MAINTAINING IMMUNITY:

1. Unplug regularly. Life can get very busy in the build-up to the end of the year, the stress of juggling work deadlines ahead of the holiday season can have an impact on your immune system leading to more frequent infections. Make sure you take time away from the virtual world and give yourself space to mentally declutter

2. Daily gratitude. Taking 10 mins at the end of each day to reflect and practice gratitude can help decompress, protect against negative impact of stress and has been scientifically shown to have

beneficial effects on our immune system

3. Social connection. Despite our hyper connectiveness, it feels easier than ever to feel lonely. Loneliness has been shown to make our immune system less robust. Be sure to take time to nurture your social wellbeing and connect with peers, family, friends, colleagues.

4. Nourish. Quality nutrition is essential for a strong immune system. Aim to follow a balanced anti-inflammatory diet pattern like the Mediterranean diet.

5. Supplement smartly. Give your diet a helping hand from hard working immune supporting supplements such as the Sambucol Immuno Forte and Kids range enriched with infection fighting flavonoids from black elderberries combined with immune supporting nutrients like vitamin C and zinc.

6. Nature. Surrounding yourself with nature doesn’t just help relieve stress but Trees and other plants produce phytoncides to help them fight disease and when they are inhaled, they help have benefits to our immune system too.

7. Movement. Regular physical activity indirectly supports proper immune function by helping you feel better and sleep better, but it also has direct immune enhancing effects.

8. Sleep. Good sleep plays a vital role in the immune system’s ability to function effectively and it has knock on positive effects on our stress chemistry and appetite. This makes sleep one of the most foundational ways to prepare your immune system for those seasonal infections. sambucol.co.uk

Dr Jenna Macciochi

Supplement smartly with Sambucol

“Taking 10 mins at the end of each day to reflect and practice gratitude can help decompress”

Focus on… OBESITY

DR SANJAY MEHTA, from The London General Practice discusses the risks associated with obesity

Obesity remains an increasingly common and complex issue with numerous causes. The modernisation of society has contributed to increased rates of obesity through an environment that encourages higher calorie intake and reduced physical activity.

In the UK, 26 out of every 100 adults are now obese with men being more likely to be obese than women and those aged 66-74 being most likely to be overweight or obese. In addition, childhood obesity is an increasing problem, with approximately 20% of 10-11 year olds being obese.

Risks of obesity

Whilst fat is required for healthy functioning of the body, it is vital to take steps in preventing and reducing excess fat that results in obesity due to the associated risk of serious conditions, such as heart disease and several types of cancer, as well as the impact on fertility and reproductive health. Obesity can also affect your quality of life and lead to psychological problems, such as depression, low self-esteem and stress.

Treating obesity

Whilst the most effective ways to prevent and treat obesity is to exercise regularly and to follow a healthy diet, this can be challenging to sustain long term and manage within a busy daily schedule. Regularly monitoring your weight, setting realistic goals and involving your friends and family with your attempts to lose weight can help.

Diet alone is not always the cause of increased

weight, so speaking with your doctor can help you identify whether there is an underlying cause, such as an underactive thyroid. Together, you can establish the risks your current weight is placing on your health and build a realistic, sustainable plan to help with losing weight, if it is deemed to be required.

You may also benefit from receiving psychological support to help change the way you think about food and healthy eating.

If lifestyle changes alone are not effective, involving a specialist to discuss medical and surgical options, particularly in patients with a very high weight to height ratio.

Dr Sanjay Mehta, GP MBBS BSc MRCGP DCH DRCOG AICSM

Clinical Audit Lead

A medical graduate from Imperial College London, with a further Bachelor of Science in Haematology, Dr Sanjay Mehta has been recognised as a Member of the Royal College of General Practitioners.

His previous NHS posts have been in a variety of medical, psychiatric and surgical specialties at both Oxford and Cambridge University Hospitals. Dr Mehta is Clinical Audit Lead for the London General Practice and also part of the home visiting service.

Dr Mehta’s specialist interest is in Paediatrics, holding a postgraduate Diploma of Child Health and having jointly published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood during a paediatric post at The John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford.

THE DETAILS

The London General Practice 114a Harley Street, London W1G 7JL (Entrance on Devonshire Street; between Harley Street and Portland Place)

Tel: 0207 935 1000 Or email info@ thelondongeneralpractice.com

OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK

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