Kiddy Talk - Spring 2016

1

Kiddy Talk

Kidderminster & District Sling Library The Library runs alongside our monthly Bumps and Babies group The first Wednesday of the month Areley Kings Village Hall, Stourport 10-12 A range of slings and carriers are available to try for free or hire for a ÂŁ10 monthly fee (returnable deposit also required) including wraps, buckle carriers and ring slings.

2

Email for more details: kidderminster@nct.org.uk or follow us on Facebook

Kiddy Talk

Contents Branch News, Services and Regular Features Welcome

4

What is NCT?

5

Branch News

7-8

Meet the Sling Team

9

Congratulations new babies

10-11

Happy birthday

28-31

Birth stories—Zoe and Hannah

12 / 26-27

What’s on

19-22

Branch contacts

36

Special Features 60 Years of NCT

4

Busy Working Mum

18

Holidays in the U.K

32-33

Cloth Nappy Library

34

Spring Crafts

35

Thank you to our advertisers in the Spring newsletter…

Paint that Pot pg.2 Yoga Wellbeing pg. 15 The Baby Barn pg. 15 County Osteopaths pg. 15 Little Squirrels Ltd. pg. 18 R.A. Davies Insurance pg. 40

Our cover star this issue is Tilly

Front cover designed by Sarah Best of Soda Design Ltd.

3

Kiddy Talk

Welcome

Welcome everyone to the Spring 2016 edition of Kiddy Talk! Thank goodness Spring is here and we can finally look forward to lighter mornings and (hopefully) some better weather!

It’s all change here. I have just taken over the role as newsletter editor, with our existing editor, Jackie, stepping down. Jackie has done an amazing job and we at the branch are very thankful for all the hard work she has put in over the past two years. Jackie will still be heavily involved with the branch and is still part of our nearly new sale, bumps & babies and social teams!

You will notice that the magazine has a new look, but we still have all of the usual favourites, including fascinating birth stories from Zoe (pg.12) and Hannah (pg.26), along with birth announcements on pages 10-11 and birthdays on pages 28-31. Joanne, owner of Little Squirrels nursery, discusses managing her work-life balance on page 18.

In addition, NCT is celebrating its Diamond Jubilee, and you can read all about its history on page 16. We also have some ideas for holidays in the UK (page 32) and Kirsty answers your questions about cloth nappies on page 34. It really is a bumper packed edition!

I really hope you enjoy reading the Spring edition of Kiddy Talk. I would love to hear your feedback and any stories you have to share for our Summer edition. Please get in touch at newsletter.kidderminster@nct.org.uk.

Lindsey Stack Kiddy Talk Editor

Kidderminster & District Branch

THE SMALL PRINT; The views expressed in this newsletter are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of NCT or the editor. 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 conditions of the Data Protection Act may apply. (c) NCT Kidderminster & District maintains copyright on all content included in this newsletter. Reprint or reproduction is not permitted without prior consent.

4

Search for ‘Kidderminster NCT’ & ‘Like’ us!

Kiddy Talk

Welcome NCT (National Childbirth Trust) 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 We are an independent UK charity, funded by donations and course fees. We don’t push a particular view; we believe in giving parents unbiased, accurate information based on evidence, in a supportive, non-judgemental atmosphere, so that they can decide what’s right for them and their family. We offer practical and emotional support through our network of 300 local branches, helplines, classes and counsellors. Our antenatal teachers, breastfeeding counsellors and postnatal leaders are sympathetic experts. They set out the choices and encourage questions so that parents can explore all the possibilities to make their own decisions.

Sharing the experience Becoming a parent can be daunting, especially if someone is the first in their peer group. There’s nothing like hearing it from people who have done it before. NCT’s local support groups are run by 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.

A trusted voice for parents Improvements to maternity care, better services, greater support—for over 50 years, NCT, as the UK’s leading parenting charity, have campaigned on behalf of parents on the issues that matter to them. We are independent experts, known for basing our work on research evidence and parents’ views. Parents trust us to speak for them 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 as a parent.

We’re here to help parents—and our society—to get there.

NCT website www.nct.org.uk NCT helpline 0300 330 0700 for practical and emotional support in all areas of pregnancy, birth and early parenthood

5

Kiddy Talk

Your local NCT

As the UK’s largest parenting charity it pays to become a member of NCT. Members have early access to the nearly new sales – a must when hunting for bargains!

With your membership you will also gain access to relevant branch information, make new friends in your area, enjoy great family activities and be able to share your experiences of being a parent. On top of that you will also receive NCT’s membership magazine, regular enewsletters and, of course, our branch newsletter, Kiddy Talk.

On a national level, thanks to our members’ generous contributions, NCT is able to provide a whole range of invaluable services, resources and support for parents. We can also address issues of inequality and choice in society that affect mums and dads just like you.

Thank you for supporting the Kidderminster & District NCT.

Sharon Mackender Membership Secretary

Three ways to join or renew membership with the NCT:  Email membership.kidderminster@nct.org.uk for a membership form  Online at www.nct.org.uk/join or www.nct.org.uk/renew  Phone the membership hotline 0844 2437000 (9am-5pm Mon-Fri)

Welcome to all our new members Lisa & Steven Corbett Kimberley & Jens Steffen Louise & Andy Cusack ...and thank you to all that have recently renewed their membership…

Charlotte & Stuart Moran, Joanne Harvey, Jade & Alex Farmer, Joanne & Peter Smith, Joanne & Craig Ford, Kate & Tony Williams, Lisa Andrews, Sharon & Trevor Mackender, Sarah & Chris Pouney, Susie & Simon Quill, and Vicky Heeley

Support a friend and the NCT with a gift membership. The perfect gift for any new parent or parent-to-be.

What the membership includes:  NCT Matters magazine

www.nctshop.co.uk 0845 8 100 100

  

Local branch support Early access to Nearly New Sales Access to6 exclusive membership discounts on NCT Shop

All of this from £40 for the year Kiddy Talk

Your local NCT

CHANGE OF NEWSLETTER EDITOR The role of newsletter editor has now been taken over by me! (Lindsey Stack). We would like to say a huge thank you to Jackie Talbot who has been in the role for two years, working tirelessly to ensure that the branch has a vibrant and interesting newsletter. Jackie is looking forward to spending extra time with her family and will still continue in her other volunteer roles on the nearly new sale, bumps and babies and social teams.

BUMPS AND BABIES At the December bumps and babies group, the final session at Bewdley Cricket Club, Liz from ‘Sing and Sign’ did a taster session of her music, which all the little ones really enjoyed.

The January session was the first one held at the new venue & day, Areley Kings Village Hall, on the first Wednesday of the month. At the same time we started a new service, a sling library which is an opportunity for new mums (and Dads) to come and try different slings and hire them. It was hugely popular, so much so we had to over spill into the main hall!

We learnt from experience in January, so for the February group we hired the main hall and had the slings one end and Natalie from Baby Sensory Bewdley at the other end. The taster session by Natalie was a huge success and all our babies loved and responded brilliantly “I've found buying items for my first born to her. So if you are an expectant or new parent and fancy so confusing. There is just so much to choose from and not many opportunities a cuppa and a chat, come along to the next group, on to try before you buy.

Wednesday 2nd March, where Nicki from ‘Sling Swing’ will At bumps and babies last month I was be doing a taster session. We would love to see you!

NEW SLING LIBRARY AT BUMPS & BABIES Our newly launched Sling Library has had a popular start at bumps and babies, with many parents choosing to hire out slings. If you’re interested in baby carriers but are unsure how to get started, or if you’re looking to try a new type of carrier, then come along and speak to the team who will be happy to help! Find out more about the sling library team on page 9.

able to try a number of different slings.

This enabled me to find what was best for me and my baby which was tremendously helpful. I settled on a ring sling and that night I went and bought my own. The sling library is such a good idea and I thank the volunteers for the help and guidance provided.”

Hannah Rayner

NCT CHRISTMAS PARTY Back in December last year, we had our annual NCT Christmas Party which was held at Wolverley Memorial Hall. The event was very popular, and the children enjoyed a visit from a magician, and the big man himself, Father Christmas!

7

Kiddy Talk

Your local NCT NATIVITY TRAIL A rare Christmas trip to Bodenham Arboretum WITHOUT RAIN!!!!! We were all suited and booted with our waterproofs and picnics for our annual trip. We followed the nativity trail, checking the stars and answering the questions as we went round. Children enjoyed seeing all the animals as we went round the farm too. From chickens, donkeys including the baby ones and of course the all important turkeys.

Then we found the gazebo and settled down to eat our picnics where we scared a poor little bat, who had snuck in for a quiet life - oh did he make a BIG mistake!!! Once we got back to the visitor centre it was cake and hot chocolates all round. Another fantastic day out with plenty of fresh air and fun with friends.

NCT SKITTLES EVENING On a very wet & dismal December evening, we braved the weather and ventured out to The Fountain Inn at Clent for our NCT Skittles Evening. We had a great turn out of both mummies and daddies with a much needed night off during the run up to Christmas. The girls tried to give the boys a run for their money, but sadly failed—our winner was Daniel King! Well done! The superb self service buffet food of curry, coq au vin, lamb with port & mint and lasagne was delicious went down really well and many of us went up for seconds. Our own bar and barman was really friendly and helpful too. A great night all round!

WYRE FOREST WALK New Year, new start, it was time to walk off all those Christmas dinners, drinks and all the other naughties you know you shouldn't indulge in. It was a fresh January morning, dressed in our waterproofs, wellies and picnics, we had a slow and steady mooch around the forest on the Stick Man trail. Then we went in the discovery centre where the tables are always available so you can sit under shelter for your lunch. To top the day off we had a play on the play area and then into the CafĂŠ for a hot chocolate. Perfect and cheap day out for those early skint January days!

COMMITTEE MEETING After a Christmas break, our committee meetings resumed in January 2016. This meeting was held at The Rock Tavern, Stourport-on-Severn, and it was great to see so many new faces. We are always looking for new volunteers so please come along to our next meeting (dates shown on pages 20 and 21).

8

Kiddy Talk

Your local NCT

The sling library is now up and running! So we thought it would be a good idea to introduce you to our little sling team. We had a very successful first meet at Bumps and Babies in January.

Nearly all the mums and dads had a look, tried on or hired a sling, just the response we were after! The library is running alongside our Bumps and Babies sessions at Areley Kings Village Hall on the first Wednesday of the month from 10am - 12pm.

Karis I’m Karis the sling library coordinator. I’ve been baby wearing for nearly three years now. I felt that our local area would benefit from this service so volunteered to help set it up. I’ve got a lovely group of mummies (sometimes a dad too!) to help show off our slings and hire them out to you.

Kara I'm Kara, mummy to Alfie who is 2. We've been baby wearing since he was born and will continue for as long as he wants to. I work part time on a Neonatal unit in Birmingham and run Mikey's boxing gym with my husband.

Jayne I love to babywear to be closer to Ezra. It enables me to freely interact with my other three children, and get jobs done around the house while giving him the closeness he deserves! I believe it has really helped us bond, and that he has cried much less than my children that I didn't babywear.

One of my older children is a diddy nearly 5 year old and likes to be back carried on long forest walks, when it's cold and muddy. He loves the closeness and to be "tall like my Mummy", he even has a favourite carrier!

It really has made my transition to a mummy of four a lot easier!

Adele I'm Adele, stay-at-home mummy to Jacob. We started babywearing with a Close Caboo, to enable us to walk our dog Penny when my husband went back to work. As he got bigger, we started using buckles and ringslings.

Now we all love the closeness and freedom it creates, enjoying the great outdoors together.

Hester Hi I'm Hester, I’m a first time mum. My husband was keen to try baby wearing, and ordered our first sling, a stretchy wrap before our little one was even born. After hiring the ring sling from the library, we now have 2, as I find them so quick and easy to use. I find baby wearing so much easier than pushing a pushchair, which exacerbates my PGP, and previous back issues. My baby is also a lot more settled when in a sling and I know if she 9 won't settle, that popping her in there and going for a walk normally does the trick! I really enjoy helping people, I think our sling library is an invaluable resource to help others find the right sling for them.

Kiddy Talk

Birth Announcements

Ezra 30th September 2015 7lbs 10oz To Jayne and Stee

Harriet 14th November 2015 5lbs 10oz To Suzanne and Nick

Heidi 18th November 2015 7lbs 4oz To Hannah and Jack

Ronnie 19th November 2015 7lbs 15oz To Hanna and Paul 10

Kiddy Talk

Harry 27th November 2015 6lbs 9oz To Kate and Owen

Harry 16th December 2015 6lbs 6oz To Graham and Sam

Finley 2nd January 2016 8lbs 0oz To Hayley and Chris

Recently had a baby?  Announce their birth in Kiddy Talk—send us your baby’s name, birth date and weight plus a picture.  And/or tell us about your experience in11 our Birth Story feature.

Kiddy Talk

Email them over to newsletter.kidderminster@nct.org.uk

Birth Story

L

ike all expectant parents, I was incredibly nervous about what to expect when it came to labour and birth. My husband and I were curious about how bad the pain would be and how I would cope with it.

“

I was amazed that it had all happened so quickly and that I had managed that far on my own!”

My waters broke at about 2am and my contractions started immediately. I went back to bed but gradually they got worse. I hadn't told my husband at this point as I knew it would take forever to get into established labour and I knew he'd panic and stress out about it so I kept quiet. He went to work and I had a shower and got ready (none of this was easy, as I was in a lot of pain, but wanted to at least be clean).

I hadn't put anything on my birth plan as I’d known lots of people that had and it had never gone to plan. The midwives were lovely and asked what I wanted. I said I'd like a water birth and they put me in the bath whilst they filled the pool up. Whilst in the bath I felt the urge to push. This panicked both my husband and the midwives and I was told to try to breathe through it. I was now on gas and air to take the edge off the pain.

He must have known something wasn't right as he phoned home about 10am to see how I was. I told him I was in pain and he told me to ring the hospital. All I kept thinking was 'it's too soon, labour takes days and they'll only send us home'. I did give them a ring and they told me to lie down for an hour.

At this point nothing helped the pain, I was bouncing on the birthing ball, sitting, standing, walking and trying to lie down. About 20 mins later my husband came home, took one look at me and told me we were going to the hospital. I was completely calm and relaxed even to the point where he thought my contractions had stopped because I was so quiet. We ended up parking a million miles from the door as I said I could walk and didn't want to be dropped off.

Upon arriving at the hospital, we were seen quite quickly and I was examined. We were both expecting to be told I was 2/3cm and to go for a walk but I was told I was 9cm and to go straight through!

“You will meet your baby in a few hours” the midwife said! Eeek, we were so excited!

Eventually I was in the pool and still trying to breathe through as I didn't like the 'pushing' part. I kept trying to stop my body from doing what it needed to. After a while my contractions began to slow down so I needed to be put on a drip to strengthen them again. This meant being on a bed (the one thing I knew I definitely didn't want!).

The baby's heart rate then dropped as I had been in active labour for six hours so I was told I needed some help.

At 7.01pm our beautiful baby girl was born weighing 7lb 1oz by forceps delivery. In one way I felt sad that I had done so well at the start and hadn't finished it on my own but also totally overwhelmed with love for this little bundle that was placed on me.

In my experience labour wasn't as terrible as I imagined it to be and the pain was also nowhere near as horrendous as I thought it would be.

There's no greater joy than bringing a new person into the world...it's definitely worth every second.

Zoe Duquette Kidderminster & District Branch 12

Kiddy Talk

Mid May to Late June Due Dates 6A/C954 12/04/2016—23/04/2016 18.5 hour course. This consists of three weekday evening sessions and two Saturday sessions, antenatally. This course includes a session on breastfeeding.

There is also a two hour reunion for all course participants with their new baby after the births.

Venue: Kiddies Day Nursery, Kidderminster

Mid June to Early Aug Due Dates 6A/C959 12/05/2016—21/05/2016 19.5 hour course. This consists of two Saturday sessions (women plus birthing partner), two weekday evening sessions (women plus birthing partner) and one weekday evening session (women only), antenatally. This course includes a session on breastfeeding.

There is also a two hour reunion for all course participants with their new baby after the births.

Venue: Riverside Children’s Centre, Bewdley

Note: discounts of up to 90% are available on all classes, just ask Claire for details bookings6a@nct.org.uk 0844 243 6876

13

Kiddy Talk

Areley Kings Village Hall, Stourport-on-Severn DY13 0NB First Wednesday of every Month 10-12 For parents-to-be and parents with babies up to one / walking Members and non-members welcome

Email: kidderminster@nct.org.uk 14 FB: www.facebook.com/kidderminsternct Web: www.nct.org.uk/branches/kidderminster Kiddy Talk

15

Kiddy Talk

Your local NCT

This year NCT is celebrating its Diamond Jubilee! Here, we look back at what NCT has achieved for parents in the last 60 years and where the charity is today.

O

ver the last six decades, NCT has evolved as a charity but what has always remained the same – and at the heart of NCT – is the belief that parents should be supported and empowered.

This was the conviction of Prunella Briance, founder of NCT, who wanted to fundamentally change how women were treated during childbirth.

“Curious minds may wonder why I was prompted to start something as important as NCT. It was due to a horribly mis-managed birth and the loss of my precious baby girl,” she recalls.

Prunella put an advert in The Times newspaper calling women to join the Natural Childbirth Association, which would be ‘run by mothers, for mothers’ based on the childbirth teachings of physician Grantly Dick-Read.

“Having mourned deeply, I suddenly came to life and realised that someone had to do something, and so I did.”

NCT KEY ACHIEVEMENTS: 1956-2016 We’ve always been an advocate and voice for parents and there are many achievements we’re proud of from the last 60 years.

Helping parents to give birth confidently – Before NCT was established, there was very little preparation provided for women.

She received letters from women sharing unhappy and shocking stories of childbirth.

Following Prunella’s ‘call to arms’, NCT introduced the first antenatal classes in 1959. Last year, NCT courses helped prepare almost 100,000 new parents for birth and parenthood – that’s one in every 10 first-time mums and dads.

was that partners ‘should be present during labour if mutually desired’. The drive to allow partners into the delivery room began in the 1960s, though it wasn’t until the mid-1970s that it became widely accepted thanks to our campaigning.

Bringing partners into the delivery room – Today it’s the norm for women to have their birth partner with them during labour. But for previous generations the philosophy was that fathers had no place at the birth. One of the original aims of NCT

Breastfeeding in public – Today all women in the UK have the right to breastfeed in public without facing discrimination, but this wasn’t always the case. We had a strong influence on The Equality Act, 2010, which gives women in Britain

16

Kiddy Talk

“

Prunella put an advert in The Times newspaper calling women to join the Natural Childbirth Association, which would be run by mothers, Prunella rallied these women and founded what is now NCT. Their aim was to teach women how to prepare themselves for birth through antenatal education, so that they were able to approach labour free from fear and ignorance.

WHAT NEXT? NCT will continue to be an advocate for parents across the UK and you can keep upto-date with plans and progress in the quarterly issue of Kiddy Talk.

“The first members were asked for their ideas and a powerful committee grew. The inaugural meeting was held in Caxton Hall in January 1957,” says Prunella. “Grantly DickRead was elected our first President and thus it was that NCT took root and has survived and spread as I hoped it might.”

As part of NCT’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, the Wellcome Trust has also catalogued its archive. NCT has more than 270 boxes of history that document childbirth and parenthood from the last six decades. Through social media, NCT will be sharing unique memories and items from the archive over the coming months.

SUPPORT AND FRIENDSHIP ON YOUR DOORSTEP From its humble beginnings in 1956, NCT now has over 100,000 members across 320 branches covering England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands.

Each branch is run by a team of volunteers and, in 2015, they supported almost 60,000 parents through local events and activities, such as Bumps & Babies groups.

the right to breastfeed in public without being discriminated against, as well as the Breastfeeding etc. Act in Scotland, which gives women the absolute right to breastfeed a child under two in public places.

Improving maternity services – We’ve been involved with national reviews of maternity services since the 1990s. Our Senior Policy Advisers are members of both the NHS England and Scotland National Maternity Reviews. Our wide reach among expectant and new parents

Finally, thank you for the support you’ve given NCT. You are part of the UK’s largest parenting charity and a dynamic movement. Together we can achieve even more for parents over the next 60 years.

helps us to inform the findings of the reviews and contribute to ensuring that women across the country have access to the best possible maternity care in both countries.

Raising awareness and services for maternal mental health – Last year, we launched our #BeyondBabyBlues campaign, which called for improved mental health support for parents during their First 1,000 Days. And, in January, the Prime Minister announced an additional £290 million for

17

Kiddy Talk

mental health services for new and expectant mums.

We’re pleased the Government is taking this issue seriously and we will keep the spotlight on ensuring all new mothers have access to the support they need.

Find out more about the history of NCT: www.nct.org.uk/ nctachievements

Your local NCT

Joanne is a busy working mum who tells us about her experience of opening a nursery and how she has managed to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

I

am a mother of three boys James 13, Elliot 10 and Oscar 2. I joined the NCT when I was pregnant with Oscar as I wanted to meet other mummies to socialise with and have made some firm friends along the way!

Two months before having Oscar I opened an Out of school club at Upper Arley Primary School. The Head teacher was looking for someone to provide the service and I volunteered, setting up Little Squirrels Ltd. Both James and Elliot attended Upper Arley and I’m sure Oscar will too, so I was happy to support the school. We purchased equipment and run the club from a mobile classroom on school grounds, offering breakfast and quiet activities before school and a choice of outdoor, craft, drama and other activities in the afternoons.

School roll has increased since we opened and the club has become an asset to the school. We opened a preschool for a short time but sadly decided to close after lack of numbers. It is still something I plan to develop if there is enough interest in the future.

After 19 months of juggling roles I decided to leave school and purchased an existing Nursery in Shrawley. This actually meant taking on additional roles such as bookkeeper, tea lady, handyman and cleaner! Six months later we had a very positive Ofsted inspection and I can finally say I am beginning to see some work/life balance!

People say they don’t know how I do it but I don’t have much time to reflect on how and why, I just get on with things! Support from my husband is a major factor and he does the majority of the club runs for the eldest two. It is lovely that Oscar comes to work with me and I smuggle extra cuddles here & there! I have had to sacrifice some time with friends and there have been many late nights on the laptop but I would say it is worth it for the gains I have made. I have only ever wanted a career involving working with children as I find it both challenging and rewarding.

Elliot has recently told me how proud he is of me, which is the most rewarding part!

Joanne Smith Kidderminster & District Branch

DAY NURSERY FOR 0-4 YEAR OLDS Old School, Worcester Road, Shrawley WR6 6TT OPEN 51 WEEKS PER YEAR WITH THE EXCEPTION OF BANK HOLIDAYS MON-FRI 8AM-6PM FULLY QUALIFIED STAFF OFSTED REGISTERED FUNDED PLACES FOR 2 & 3 YEAR OLDS LIMITED SPACES FOR SEPTEMBER 2016 Contact Joanne Smith, Manager for more information.

Tel: 01905 18 620498 E-mail: littlesquirrelsarley@outlook.com www.littlesquirrelsltd.co.uk Kiddy Talk

What’s On

Over the next few pages you will find details of all our NCT spring special events, as well as other events happening in the local area. We also provide details of the local children’s centres and additional groups you might want to take your little ones to!

***SPECIAL EVENTS ARE OPEN TO EVERYONE, MEMBERS & NONMEMBERS*** Parents with new babies and non-walkers are always welcome. Even if your child isn’t old enough to join in with some of the fun, come along and meet other parents and have some adult conversation. We would love to see you there!

Events in the Local Area Event: World Book Day Story Time Date: Thursday 3rd March—4pm-5pm Location: Mary Stevens Park, Stourbridge (meet at the Activity Centre) Details: Listen to stories around a camp fire and create your own short stories.

Please dress up as your favourite character!

Price: Free

Event: CountryTastic Date: Thursday 31st March Location: Three Counties Showground, Malvern Details: Keep the kids entertained all day long with free activities, entertainment, their favourite countryside creatures and much more.

Price: £6 (under 3s free)

Event: Mother’s Day Craft Date: Sat 5th/ Sun 6th March Location: Whitlenge Gardens, Whitlenge Lane, Hartlebury DY10 4HD Details: Make your mum a card and present Price: £4 per child

Event: The Forbidden Door Date: Thursday 14th April 7.30pm Location: Bishops Wood Centre Details: Storyteller Dominic Kelly and musicians The Devil’s Violin Company breathe new life into ancient tales.

Price: £10 (Concessions £8)

Event: Easter Trails and Crafts Date: Sun 27th March—2-4pm Location: Bishops Wood Centre, Crossway Green, Stourport DY13 9SE Details: On Easter Sunday, follow the trails into secret glades and meadows.

Make some Easter crafts too!

Price: £4 per adult/£2 per child

Event: Peppa Pig & George Visit Date: Saturday 8th May Location: Severn Valley Railway Details: Storyteller Dominic Kelly and musicians The Devil’s Violin Company breathe new life into ancient tales.

Price: £18 per adult/£16.50 senior/£12 per child/£52 per family. Booking free £1.75.

19 enjoying one of our special events?

Have you got any pictures of your child If so, please send them us for inclusion in future newsletters Email: newsletter.kidderminster@nct.org.uk

Kiddy Talk

NCT Kidderminster & District Events MARCH Date

2

Event NCT Bumps and Babies (10am-12pm) A lovely group aimed at mums-to-be and parents with babies. Come along for a hot drink, biscuit and chat with other mums! We now operate a sling library from this session. Our March group will also feature a visit from Sling Swing.

Suggested donation £1

9

NCT Committee Meeting @ Joanne’s House (8pm) Great opportunity to come and meet the committee and see what the branch is all about. There are always roles needing eager volunteers, so if you have any spare time please get in contact or come along to the meeting!

13

NCT Nearly New Sale (Members 11am-1pm / Nonmembers 11.30-1pm) *******NEW VENUE******* The perfect place to find bargain clothes, toys and nursery equipment, all in fantastic condition. £1 entry per adult.

19

Sanders Park, Bromsgrove (10.30am onwards) An excellent park so bring your bike and picnic for a fab day out.

Location Areley Kings Village Hall Areley Common, Stourport -on-Severn DY13 0NB Contact: Jackie

Kidderminster Contact kidderminster@nct.org.uk for directions Kidderminster Harriers Supporters & Social Club Stadium Close, Kidderminster DY10 1NB Contact: NCT Social Team Sanders Park Kidderminster Road, Bromsgrove B61 7JP Contact: NCT Social Team

21

Mum’s Night Out—Love Food Italia Love Food Italia 9 New Get the babysitter sorted and come and join the girls for a Road, Kidderminster few drinks and delicious meal.

Contact: NCT Social Team

APRIL

1

NCT Easter Egg Hunt & Bonnet Parade (10.30am12pm) Kids will be egg-static when they hear our Easter Egg hunt is back! We have a sand pit, outdoor play and of course the egg hunt and bonnet parade. Prizes for the winners!

Tickets cost £4 (discount for siblings).

5

Croome Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt (10am—4pm) Croome NT High Green, This popular event is back. Follow the trail to help unravel Worcester WR8 9DW the mystery of the lost eggs.

Contact: NCT Social Team Cost: £2.50 pp which includes a Cadbury prize

6

NCT Bumps and Babies (10am-12pm) A lovely group aimed at mums-to-be and parents with babies. Come along for a hot drink, biscuit and chat with other mums!

We now operate a sling library from this 20 session. Our April group will also feature a visit from Paint that Pot. Suggested donation £1

Kiddy Talk

Wyre Forest Discovery Centre Callow Hill, Kidderminster DY14 9XQ Contact: NCT Social Team

Areley Kings Village Hall Areley Common, Stourport -on-Severn DY13 0NB Contact: Jackie

What’s On APRIL Date

Event

Location Kidderminster

13

NCT Committee Meeting @ Sally’s House (8pm) Great opportunity to come and meet the committee and see what the branch is all about. There are always roles needing eager volunteers, so if you have any spare time please get in contact or come along to the meeting, we would love to see you.

27

Mum’s Night Out @ Golden Country Chinese (8pm) Your eyes will need to be bigger than your belly for this fantastic four course buffet; you’ll leave bursting at the seams!

Golden Country Chinese High Street, Stourport DY13 8BP

4

NCT Bumps and Babies (10am-12pm) A lovely group aimed at mums-to-be and mums with babies. Come along for a hot drink, biscuit and chat with other mums! .

Suggested donation £1

Areley Kings Village Hall Areley Common, Stourport -on-Severn DY13 0NB

8

Bluebell Walk (2pm—4.30pm) Join us on a guided tour through the glades of blue as far as the eye can see. Learn more of the natural history and folklore of one of the nation’s favourite plants. Bring a picnic. £3 adult / £1 per child

Bishops Wood Centre Crossway Green, Stourport DY13 9SE

Contact Sally, 07815764840 for directions

Contact: NCT Social Team

MAY

Contact: Jackie

Contact: NCT Social Team

11

NCT AGM Meeting @ The Rock Tavern (8pm) The Rock Tavern Wilden Come along to hear how our branch performed in 2014/15 Lane, Stourport-on-Severn with reports from our reps and antenatal teachers, as well DY13 9LR as step down and take up of volunteer roles on the committee. Everyone is welcome.

12

Jubilee Gardens, Bewdley (11am onwards) Jubilee Gardens Bewdley This park is a quiet haven within the centre of the attractive DY12 2AE town of Bewdley. It has beautiful, ornamental gardens set Contact: NCT Social Team within a conservation area. The park is enclosed by old listed walls, has a ‘Green Theatre’, orchard area, and informal play area. Come for a play and a cuppa & cake in the café.

21

NCT Ladies’ Pamper Night (7pm—11pm) Our pamper and shopping event provides the perfect opportunity for mums to treat themselves to a night of self indulgence, have a catch up with friends and enjoy a glass of wine.

21

Kiddy Talk

Kidderminster Harriers Supporters & Social Club Stadium Close, Kidderminster DY10 1NB

What’s On Groups at Local Children Centres 10:32 Children’s Centre Services provide venues within the Wyre Forest area offering information and access to services for families with children under the age of five years. The Children’s Centres offer a variety of fantastic baby / toddler groups and sessions, such as baby groups, Stay & Play, baby massage and Messy Play. You can find full details of their services, including activity timetables via www.1032wyreforest.org.uk.

Additional Groups in the Local Area Group: Tots Time Out Day: Mon / Wed / Fri (10.30—12.30) Location: Wyre Forest Glades Leisure Centre Kidderminster DY10 1PP Details: Bouncy castle and soft play for little ones to run themselves ragged.

Price: £3.15 (siblings at reduced rate)

Group: Family Activity Session Day: Mon / Thurs (09.30—11.00) Location: Simply Limitless Puxton Lane, Kidderminster DY11 5DF Details: Friendly group with toys, group singing, megatods fitness and tea/coffee for parents.

Price: £2 Group: My Little Baby and Toddler Group Day: Mon (10.30—12.00) Location: Kidderminster Youth House, Bromsgrove St, Kidderminster DY10 1PF Details: Toys, arts & crafts, soft play and refreshments.

Price: £2 Group: Tots Rock Day: Tues or Fri (10.30—11.30) Location: Kidderminster Baptist Church Franche Road, Kidderminster DY11 5BE Details: Musical group for toddlers. Also includes a play session and snacks.

Price: £2.50 for up to 2 children (then £1 per child). Currently this group is full—contact totsrock@kidderminsterbaptist.com to go on the waiting list.

Group: NCT Bumps and Babies Day: Every 1st Wed of the month (10-11.30) Location: Areley Kings Village Hall Areley Common, Stourport-on-Severn DY13 0NB Details: Lovely group for pregnant ladies or parents with babies to come and make new friends. Enjoy a cuppa and a biscuit Price: Suggested donation £1 Group: Wolverley Parent & Toddler Group Day: Thur (10.00—11.30) Location: Wolverley Memorial Hall Shatterford Lane, Wolverley DY11 5TN Details: Friendly group with baby section, dressing up, crafts. Snacks for the children and hot drinks/biscuits for the adults.

Price: £2.50 (siblings £1) Group: Bounce and Rhyme Day: Thur (10.00) Location: Kidderminster Library Details: Singing and dancing Price: Free Group: St Chad’s Parent & Toddler Group Day: Fri (10.00—11.30) Location: St. Chad’s Church, Burcher Green, Kidderminster DY10 3AY Details: Group offering toys, crafts and singing. Drinks and fruit / biscuits are also served.

Price: £1 per family

Although we do our best to ensure information22is correct, please check with the venue that a group is running before making your journey. Have you been to a group you think we should know about? Contact us at newsletter.kidderminster@nct.org.uk

Kiddy Talk

Easter Egg Hunt & Bonnet Parade Come along and enjoy an Easter egg hunt and bonnet parade.

There are prizes for the winners! We will also have a sand pit and outdoor play.

Tickets ÂŁ4 per child (sibling discounts available)

Friday 1st April 10.30-1200 @ Wyre Forest Discovery Centre Callow Hill, Kidderminster DY14 9XQ

If you enjoy being a mum, why not support other parents and train as an NCT Antenatal Teacher, Breastfeeding Counsellor or Postnatal Leader?

NCT College, in partnership with the University of Worcester, continues to develop and deliver the best training and professional development opportunities in parenting education. Applications for September 2016 are now open Here are five reasons to consider it: 1.

You can study for the NCT Foundation Degree either full or part time;

2.

Most study is done at home through online learning, supported by our experienced tutors, who are also qualified practitioners. Plus, our study days and tutorials are held in regional locations;

3.

We offer generous support with fees;

4.

Once qualified you can choose to teach from courses running in your local area;

5.

We offer the only university-accredited qualifications in parenting education.

23

Kiddy Talk

For more information, visit www.nct.org.uk/nct-college

24

Kiddy Talk

25

Kiddy Talk

Birth Story

Hannah shares the birth story of her daughter Heidi and discusses her positive experience of having a Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC) at the Serenity Birthing Suite, Birmingham.

I

n March 2014 I delivered our first daughter, Jessica, via Emergency C-Section at Worcester Royal Hospital. Although I was extremely grateful for her safe arrival and having a healthy newborn, I couldn’t help but feel slightly disappointed and upset at having missed out on a natural delivery.

“

I went home feeling relaxed, calm and excited to deliver my baby somewhere I felt truly supported in my decisions.”

We’d always planned on having two children close together and I quickly began researching my options for a natural delivery for when baby number two was on the way. I soon came across the ‘VBAC Support Group UK’ on Facebook and realised that I had an awful lot more options open to me than I had initially thought. Just before Jess turned one we discovered I was expecting again and our Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC) journey had begun.

Midwife Led Unit (MLU) at Birmingham City Hospital. I discussed this with my community midwife who suggested giving them a call, and at 39 weeks I found myself sat in the waiting room of a beautifully calm and relaxing MLU waiting to discuss whether I would be able to deliver there with the Lead Midwife, Helen.

That meeting was the first time in my pregnancy I felt as though I was spoken to as a person rather than a statistic or risk factor, Helen agreed there were risks however she was also extremely positive and encouraging. I went home feeling relaxed, calm and excited to deliver my baby somewhere I felt truly supported in my decisions.

CHOOSING WHERE TO GIVE BIRTH At 16 weeks I attended a VBAC Clinic appointment and was surprised at how supportive the consultant was, unfortunately he was not my named consultant. My pregnancy continued normally and at 34 weeks I attended a second Consultant appointment with my named consultant, unfortunately, although accepting of my decisions she was not supportive and I left that appointment convinced there was no way I would be having this baby at Worcester and armed with a contact number for the Supervisor of Midwives (SoM). I specifically wanted intermittent monitoring, a water birth, no time constraints and minimal intervention.

MAKING OUR WAY TO THE HOSPITAL 40 weeks came and went with no signs of baby making an appearance, however with Birmingham City not offering induction before 40+14, I was confident that I could go into labour naturally and made the decision to decline all intervention before that date, including sweeps.

The SoM was understanding of my refusal to deliver at Worcester and suggested Redditch, rather than the Home Birth I was beginning to think was my only option.

We visited Redditch and I felt very comfortable and relaxed there, so the decision was made that we would deliver this baby at Redditch.

At 40+6 I finally lost my mucous plug and at 5pm I had my first contraction, whilst collecting my 20 month old from nursery, that evening my contractions slowly began to become more regular and we went to bed hoping things would ramp up a bit over night. It was a long night with contractions lasting anything from 40-90 seconds and varying between two and 12 minutes apart.

At 38+3 I discovered via Facebook that Maternity Services at Redditch would be transferred to Worcester, to say I was devastated and feeling let down was an understatement.

The next morning Jess had a swimming lesson so we decided that she’d stay at Nana’s for the day so I could rest and focus on preparing to deliver this baby, by 10am my contractions were consistently six minutes apart.

Labour continued in this way for the rest of the day and

I asked on the VBAC Support Group if anybody had any experiences of delivering at Russell’s Hall and a large number of women suggested the Serenity Suite 26

Kiddy Talk

“

I’d attended antenatal yoga classes from 30 weeks and found the breathing techniques I’d learnt helped me to focus and were definitely invaluable in getting me through each contraction. ”

pool, even though it was only three quarters full and she’d only checked my temperature.

I started to feel that I was going to be stuck at this point for a while. Finally at 8:30pm with my contractions varying from two to six minutes apart I rang Serenity, who told me to go in. We arrived at 9pm and were shown to a ‘Birthing Suite’.

Baby Heidi immediately began to suckle on my bikini top so I took it off for her to feed whilst we waited for the placenta to be delivered. Sarah was extremely respectful of my decision for a physiological third stage and delayed cord clamping.

STAYING CALM

Once the placenta was delivered I got out of the pool and spent a blissful few hours having skin to skin with my brand new baby girl, something I never had the chance to do with Jessica. We were brought tea and toast and at 3am I was told I could home, once I’d had a shower, if I wanted to, however we chose to stay as we would have had to bring Heidi back the next day for her 6 hour baby check. So we were shown to another room where Heidi was placed in the crib and we went to bed for a few hours whilst we waited for Heidi to be 6 hours old, it was almost like being in a hotel as when we woke up we were again offered tea and toast whilst we waited for Heidi to have her check.

OUR BABY GIRL IS HERE Once in the pool I began to push and within a few minutes the midwife said she could see my baby’s head, with the next contraction my baby’s head was born and a minute later the rest of her followed. I scooped her up out of the water and was delighted to discover we were now parents to two little girls under the age of two.

My urine sample on arrival showed I was dehydrated so I was given lucozade to try and rehydrate me, I hadn’t realised that dehydration can prevent contractions becoming regular, so I was hoping this would help get things moving, but in the meantime it simply made me very sick.

On arrival I was only 2cm dilated and it was discovered that baby was back to back, hence the pressure in my back with each contraction. At 10pm my waters went which finally relieved some of the pressure in my back and made me a little bit more comfortable. I spent the next hour and half on my feet circling my hips, hoping baby would begin to descend further and move in to a better position for delivery.

I’d attended antenatal yoga classes from 30 weeks and found the breathing techniques I’d learnt helped me to focus and were definitely invaluable in getting me through each contraction.

At 11:30pm my midwife, Sarah, offered to examine me and it was found I had only progressed to 3cm. I was extremely disheartened and began to feel that I couldn’t do this without any pain relief (I had to be 4cm to have any pain relief). I soon found myself demanding some form of pain relief and after a few choice words to my partner when he told me to ‘just breathe and man up!’ the midwife agreed to begin filling the pool for me.

Looking back at it now, I think she knew more than she was letting on regarding how I was progressing.

Heidi arrived at 12:37am on November 18th just 10 minutes after getting in the pool and amazingly I had gone from 3cm to having a baby in my arms in just over an hour.

I couldn’t recommend the Serenity Suite more, especially for women who have had previous C-Sections!

The room we were in only had an inflatable pool, which would have taken a long time to fill so we were moved to a room with a fixed pool. As soon as we got to this room I started to feel a lot more pressure and felt like I needed to push with each contraction. Previously the midwife had told me I couldn’t get in the pool until she’d taken my blood pressure and temperature, checked I was well hydrated and the pool was completely full, but as soon as I said I felt like I needed to push I was allowed in the

Hannah Edmonds Kidderminster & District Branch Further details on the Serenity Birthing Suite can be found at http://www.swbh.nhs.uk/services/maternity/

27

Kiddy Talk

Alice turns 1 on February 17th

Miles turns 1 on February 22nd

Georgia turns 2 on March 6th

Bea turns 7 on March 22nd

Jessica turns 2 on March 24th

Isobel turns 1 on March 25th

28

Kiddy Talk

Mary-Jo turns 9 on April 3rd

Hunter turns 2 on April 8th

Gabriella turns 7 on April 21st

Noah turns 3 on April 23rd

Brogan turns 2 on April 28th

George turns 3 on April 29th

29

Kiddy Talk

Matthew turns 3 on April 29th

Nathaniel turns 3 on May 1st

Malachi turns 3 on May 1st

Henry turns 3 on May 3rd

Alfie turns 7 on May 10th

Joshua turns 5 on May 16th

Max turns 4 on May 24th

30

Kiddy Talk

**************NEW VENUE************** KIDDERMINSTER HARRIERS SUPPORTERS & SOCIAL CLUB STADIUM CLOSE KIDDERMINSTER DY10 1NB

31

Kiddy Talk

Spring Feature

Thinking about a holiday in England or Wales this year with your little one(s)? Looking for some inspiration on where to go? Here, some of our members share their stories about the exciting places they have been!

BLUESTONE Pembrokeshire, Wales by Kara Tranter When: January 2016 for four nights Who went: Family and friends Accommodation: Four bedroom lodge Activities: We booked activities for the toddlers including messy play, crèche, puppet shows and puppet making as well as a few activities for the adults too. In addition there was a fantastic swimming complex with a lazy river, flumes, slides and lovely paddling areas. There is also a large adventure centre filled with soft play, bouncy castle, Lego wall, mini golf and climbing complex which was all free.

Best bit: We planned ahead and did a food shop before we went but we also had one meal out at one of the restaurants. This had a really useful children’s play area with Wendy houses to keep the little ones entertained whilst they waited for the food to arrive. Also, all the activities were well run and the staff were exceptionally friendly, helpful and engaging. We had a really fabulous time and will certainly go back.

Kara’s top tip: We’d definitely recommend booking a golf buggy as the site is a little hilly. The lodge itself was very spacious and didn’t feel over looked by other lodges. The onsite facilities were great but as it is not as big as Centre Parcs it is much easier to get offsite and explore the wonderful Pembrokeshire coast.

Bluestone National Park Resort is a 5* holiday park offering lodge and cottage breaks for all the family. It is located within the boundaries of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, South Wales. More details can be found here at www.bluestonewales.com

SANDFORD HOLIDAY PARK Poole, Dorset, England by Susie Quill When: July 2015 Who went: Myself, husband, our two children aged 2.5 and five months, our best friends and their son aged 2 Accommodation: Caravan Activities: We were extremely lucky with the weather so spent three gorgeous days at the beach, both at Bournemouth itself and Swanage, a lovely fishing village which you can access on a tiny ferry—very exciting for our son! We also went on the obligatory visit to Paultons Park and Peppa Pig world. Our son enjoyed the day but did find the queues a real challenge. I would recommend getting there as early as possible, although there is plenty of other fun stuff to enjoy in the park. A must-do for dinner is Chez Fred's in Westbourne—the best fish and chips I've ever had!

Best bit: Definitely playing on the beach at Branksome Chine. It's very much an old fashioned English seaside, complete with ice creams, buckets and spades and even a (very non-PC) punch and Judy show. Our kids absolutely loved paddling in the sea and making sand castles—you couldn't ask for more! It was very family orientated holiday park, and there was absolutely loads for children to do, I would definitely recommend it for a cheap and cheerful family getaway.

Susie’s top tips: 1) If it is a long journey, break it up if you can to save everyone's sanity. Pack the bare minimum-but for every eventuality! 2) Don't bother packing many toys, there's so much to see and do they will hardly be used. 3) If you can get away before your baby is on solids it can make life so much easier, especially if they are breastfed-we were lucky with the timings as our daughter was still exclusively breastfed then and therefore very portable. 4) Think about where you are going. If it is a holiday for the family it is really just for the kids, as if you do something 'for grown ups' they'll only moan and spoil it for you! Just accept that for now, life is more about Peppa Pig and sand castles than museum tours and shopping sprees-and all the better for it!

Sandford Holiday Park 32 offers lodges and caravans in in the peaceful Dorset Countryside. More details can be found at www.parkdeanholidays.co.uk/dorset-holidays/sandford/sandfordholiday-park

Kiddy Talk

CENTRE PARCS WOBURN FOREST Bedford, England by Joanne Ford When: August 2015 (end of the summer holidays) Who went: Myself, my husband, twins Oliver and Megan, 2, Hayden 5, Ethan, 6 and Nicky 12 Accommodation: It was a lovely 4-bedroom open plan single storey lodge. We had two bathrooms, a kitchen, dining area, living area with TV and DVD player, two double bedrooms (one with TV) and two twin bedrooms. The best part was the double sliding glass door onto the terrace where the kids spent ages watching wildlife such as deer, geese and squirrels come and go.

Activities: The main part of the holiday was spent in the Sub -tropical swimming paradise. There was a lovely kids area with bath-temperature water plus a wave pool, rapids, lazy-river and Typhoon tyre-ride with a drop of nearly 90 degrees! The kids also did roller-skating and scaled the climbing wall. We played pool, adventure golf and badminton and my daughter and husband had a morning on a segway. We spent a lot of time eating too, with every restaurant having a soft play area, colouring or even xbox’s!

Best bit: Leaving the car behind and enjoying taking our time to do things. Getting to an activity could take at least an hour by the time we’d walked there with the kids enjoying collecting pine cones and stones, watching people do tree-top adventures and playing in the adventure playground or just watching the wildlife. Plus, drinking Starbucks in my swimming costume whilst the kids floated around the lazy river!

Joanne’s top tip: I’m a last-minute packer; I have a list and I stick to it but if I pack in advance I end up adding things to it then over-pack. We have a bag of games and books in the car and snacks and drinks and always take some familiar toys with us for relaxing time. I also keep a big yogurt pot with a plastic bag inside in the car for any car-sickness emergencies!

Woburn Forest is the newest holiday village of the Centre Parcs family. It is located off M1 Junction 13, near Bedford. Visit www.centerparcs.co.uk/villages/woburn for more details

RIBBY HALL VILLAGE near Blackpool, England by Lindsey Stack When: September 2015 Who went: Myself, my husband, and two sons (aged 2.5 and six months) Accommodation: Three bedroom ’Poppy Cottage’ Activities: On-site, we spent time in the family fun pool and joined in ‘bounce & rhyme’ and ‘art attack’ activities—both of which were free! There was also a small indoor soft play and the kids loved playing in the outdoor play area. There was loads to do off-site too. We went to Blackpool Zoo and to the sea life centre in Blackpool. The Blackpool illuminations were also on at the time, but it was a bit too late for the children who were tired from their busy days!

Best bit: Although the village was smaller than some of the other places we’ve been, it was very peaceful and all the activities and restaurants were just a short walk away. We had such a brilliant day out at the Zoo as well, the kids were so happy and there was lots there to keep us entertained all day!

Lindsey’s top tip: I always bring extra toilet roll and washing up supplies too as there usually isn’t enough! At Ribby Hall you can purchase tickets for places such as the Zoo at the reception desk at a discounted price.

Ribby Hall Village is a 5* holiday park & village with a spa, situated near Blackpool and Preston. More details available here—www.ribbyhall.co.uk

SANDY BALLS HOLIDAY VILLAGE Hampshire, England by Sarah Best When: June 2015 for three nights Who went: Myself and my daughter, 2, my mum, mother-in-law, sister and her two children aged 4 and six months Accommodation: Premium plus lodge Activities: There were some lovely surrounding walks, a soft play centre, bike hire and swimming facilities all onsite. There’s also lots to do offsite and we visited the Sea Life Centre in Bournemouth, Peppa Pig World at Paulton’s Park and Adventure Wonderland Christchurch. The lodges have self catering facilities with your own kitchen and there’s also a pub and Italian restaurant onsite. We had breakfast at the lodge and took packed lunches on our day excursions and ate out onsite for dinner. The meals were great and children were well catered for.

Best bit: It was a truly lovely holiday. I’d say the highlights were the chilled out afternoons at the lodge where we sat outside and the children played together in the surrounding gardens. Bournemouth beach was also a fantastic place. So much to do with the great cafe’s, gorgeous sandy beach, the pier and fair rides for the children.

Sarah’s top tip: Plan ahead! Plan your journey there and the possible stops along the way for breaks at services. We ordered an online food shop from Asda in advance which was delivered just after we checked in direct to the lodge. This was extremely handy especially if you’re planning on a self-catering holiday.

Sandy Balls Holiday Village offers 5* lodges and caravans in the New Forest National Park, Hampshire. Head to www.sandyballs.co.uk to find out more 33

Have you been on a recent family holiday you would like to tell us about? Maybe you have visited somewhere in the UK that you would recommend, or have travelled abroad with your children? Please let us know at newsletter.kidderminster@nct.org.uk

Kiddy Talk

Spring Feature

Each year Go Real aims to bring cloth nappies to the public eye by promoting cloth nappies through a week long campaign (Real Nappy Week) which helps to show those new to cloth nappies how easy it is to make the switch. This year Real Nappy Week is being held between the 18th-24th April.

Real Nappy Week can provide the ideal opportunity to change to cloth nappies. Mum of two, Kirsty, has been running Hagley & Kidderminster Cloth Nappy Library for over two years.

Here, she answers some frequently asked questions relating to cloth nappies and the library!

WHAT IS A NAPPY LIBRARY?

WHAT CAN THE LIBRARY OFFER?

it’s a free service offered to parents to demonstrate and give advice on using cloth nappies as an alternative to disposable nappies.

The library can provide a kit (see image right) containing everything you would need to give real nappies a try for around a month. I would meet with you, go through everything and be on hand throughout your trial to answer any questions you might have.

SO WHY CHOOSE CLOTH? Reusable nappies have evolved over the years into a range of funky designs. Their Velcro fastening, poppers or plastic clips have taken the place of pins. This means you no longer have to worry about jabbing your baby while changing and most modern washable nappies are shaped like disposable nappies, so you don't need a degree in origami to fold them to the right shape. You can take your pick from a wide variety of shapes and sizes available. They are free from chemicals and soft against your baby’s skin.

If you think you might like to give it a try you can contact me through my Facebook page which can be found by typing “Hagley and Kidderminster Nappy Library” into the search bar. Alternatively , email me directly at kirstyfluffymummy@gmail.com.

Using cloth nappies means that much less waste is sent to landfill sites. About eight million disposable nappies are thrown away every day in the UK and it is thought they could take at least 500 years to decompose.

Disposable nappies make UP 4% of landfill in the UK. It’s estimated that by using cloth nappies for just one child, parents could divert as much as 874kg from landfill and reduce their carbon footprint by up to 40 per cent compared with using disposables.

WHAT HAVE PEOPLE SAID ABOUT THE LIBRARY? “Using the nappy library helped me to understand how to use cloth nappies and gave me the opportunity to try a range of nappies. Kirsty is really passionate about cloth nappies and was always happy to help and answer any questions.” - Sarah

Cloth nappies are cheaper than disposables. How much cheaper depends on the type you buy and how you wash them. Your baby will be in nappies for at least two and a half years. Using disposables for that time will cost about £600. Cloth nappies can be as cheap as around £50 but on average will cost about £250 to buy.

Where you can really save with cloth nappies is if you plan to have more children. By using your nappies again you dramatically reduce your overall costs.

Kirsty introduced us to the world of cloth and we haven't looked back since! Having the ability to loan a kit and trial different types enabled us to find what worked for our little girl and the continued support she gives is invaluable! - Kate

IS THE LIBRARY HOLDING ANY EVENTS DURING REAL NAPPY WEEK? Last year, I held a ‘real nappy picnic’ along with Jo (NCT member) and Jane (Owner of ‘The Little Nappy Shop’. Keep your eye out for similar events to be held during Real Nappy Week in April.

Kirsty Stone 34

Kidderminster & District Branch

Kiddy Talk

Spring Feature

It is always such a relief when Spring arrives! With lighter mornings and longer days, the ability to get out and about and colourful flowers, it really is a lovely time to get out and about with your baby or toddler.

Take the opportunity to talk about spring showers, read a books jumping in puddles, and talk about the weather and keeping dry. It is also an ideal time to collect some of the nature we find outside to try out various craft ideas! We’ve listed a couple of ideas below for you to try and home with your little ones.

SPRING SENSORY BOX What you will need: *Yellow dyed rice *Thin paper strips of yellow paper for a birds nest *Bright feathers *Toy fluffy chicks, rabbits, plastic eggs/egg shells *Chocolate eggs/chocolate bunnies (optional) *Plastic container or sand tray

TIP: Your children might like to add some small toy bunnies. The paper strips tend to make a bit of a mess, but your children will enjoy using their imagination and maybe finding those chocolate eggs you buried somewhere in the spring corner!

Instructions: 1. Dye the dried rice yellow and leave to dry overnight.

2. Place the rice in the bottom of your tray and then a handful of thin yellow paper strips and make a nest.

3. Place a few feathers and the plastic egg shells and a mother hen to sit on the eggs.

4. After your child has explored the items, add a couple of little yellow chicks and pretend they have ‘hatched’.

BLOSSOM TREE COLLAGE These blossom tree collage pictures are pretty to display for Spring, Chinese New Year or perhaps a Japanese theme. They are quick and easy to make, too!

What you will need: *Paper *Brown wool

*Pink tissue paper

*Glue

How to make it: 1. Rip up small pieces of tissue paper and scrunch into balls 2. Pain a tree shape in glue on the paper 3. Stick on pieces of wool to make the trunk and branches 4. Stick on the tissue paper balls as blossom 35

Kiddy Talk

Role Branch Chair Treasurer Deputy Treasurer Secretary

Membership Secretary

Name

Contact Details

Sally Sheppard

07815 764840 kidderminster@nct.org.uk

Kara Tranter Sharon Mackender

treasurer.kidderminster@nct.org.uk

VACANT

kidderminster@nct.org.uk

Sharon Mackender

membership.kidderminster@nct.org.uk

Newsletter Editor

Lindsey Stack

newsletter.kidderminster@nct.org.uk

Advertising Team

Debbie Simmonds Alisha Fullard Carrie Bache

advertising.kidderminster@nct.org.uk

Branch Publicity Web Master

VACANT Alisha Fullard

Antenatal Booking Clerk

Carrie Anne Rice

Antenatal Teachers

Emma King Janine King

NCT Birth Companion (Doula)

Janine King

Social Team

Bumps & Babes Coordinator

kidderminster@nct.org.uk

Sally Sheppard and team

web.kidderminster@nct.org.uk bookings6a@nct.org.uk 07970 291507 ee.king@btinternet.com 07962 899689 jk37@talktalk.net 07962 899689

jk37@talktalk.net

kidderminster@nct.org.uk Lynette Jones 07738 728478 / Jackie Talbot 07790 026781 / Jodie Smith 07793 402682 / Jude Bylett 07834 557925 / Karis Howard 07935 015926

VACANT

kidderminster@nct.org.uk

Nearly New Sales Seller Coordinator Volunteer Coordinator

Helen Bower Jude Bylett

nns.kidderminster@nct.org.uk

Parent Support Coordinator & PSA Link

Karis Howard

psalink.kidderminster@nct.org.uk

Breast Pump Hire Valley Cushion Hire

Janine King

07962 899689 jk37@talktalk.net

Maternity Services Reps

Janine King Emma King

07962 899689 jk37@talktalk.net 07970 291507 ee.king@btinternet.com 36

Kiddy Talk

Enquiries / Membership Line

0300 330 0700

Breastfeeding Line

0300 330 0771

Pregnancy & Birth Line

0300 330 0772

NCT Website

www.nct.org.uk

NCT Sales

0208 752 2455 www.nctshop.co.uk

Breastfeeding Network

08444 120 995

Association of Breastfeeding Mothers

0300 330 5453

La Leche League

0845 120 2918

Twins & Multiple Births Associations

0800 138 0509

Gingerbread—For lone parents and their children

0808 802 0925

Action on Pre-Eclampsia (APEC)

0208 427 4217

Miscarriage Association

01924 200 799

Bliss—for babies born too soon, too small, too quick

020 7378 1122

Maternity Action—Maternity care, benefits & rights at work info

0845 600 8533

Cry-sis—support for families with excessively crying, sleepless babies

0845 122 8669 (9am-10pm)

Relate—relationship counselling

0300 100 1234

VBAC Information and Support

01243 868 440

YoungMinds—children’s mental health

0808 802 5544

Association for Post-Natal Illness

0207 386 0868

National Autistic Society

0845 070 4004

Family Lives—parenting advice & support charity

0808 800 2222

Newlife Foundation for Disabled Children

01543 462 777 (9:30am-5pm)

Stillbirth & Neonatal Death Society

0207 436 5881

Refuge— for women in violent relationships

0808 2000 247 37

Kiddy Talk

NCT Information

NCT Kidderminster & District is an active branch with approximately 200 members. We cover a wide area, offering support and services to pregnant women or parents of young children in the areas of Kidderminster, Stourport, Bewdley, Chaddesley Corbett and Cookley. It is without a doubt a highly targeted and lucrative audience, and our advertising opportunities offer local businesses valuable access to this group.

Kiddy Talk has a circulation of 300 copies distributed directly to members as well as parents-tobe and parents of young children through Children’s Centres and GP surgeries. It is now also available online to everyone! Our rates to advertise in the newsletter as follows: 1 Issue

4 Issues

Full Page B&W

£35

£125

Full Page Colour

£50

£160

Full Page Inside Cover in Colour

£55

£175

Full Page Outside Back Cover (Colour)

£60

£200

Half Page B&W

£25

£85

Half Page Inside Cover in Colour

£35

£125

Quarter Page B&W

£20

£60 All prices are exclusive of VAT

Other advertising opportunities include: Advertorial: A one-page article promoting your business and how it links to the families of Wyre Forest. Price on application.

Nearly New Sale Goody Bags: Have your flyer inserted into our goody bags at our popular sales. Inclusion into 250 goody bags. Flyers can be up to A4 size, single or doublesided, colour or b&w. £25 per sale £80 for 4 sales.

Trade Stands: At our three main Nearly New Sales (Spring, Summer and Autumn) we have availability for three trade stands. Consisting of a table and two chairs, you will be situated in the lobby in direct contact with buyers entering and leaving the sale. £35 per sale or £45 to include 250 goody-bag inserts.

38 Contact the advertising team at advertising.kidderminster@nct.org.uk for further information.

Kiddy Talk

39

Kiddy Talk

40

Kiddy Talk