February-April 2014
Real life stories “I HAVE 4 KIDS &
4 BUSINESSES AND I’M ONLY 26!” Grab some “You Time”...we reveal our top 5 beauty All-rounders
● HG: The Dark Side of Pregnancy sickness ● Ask an Expert:Young parents guide to Weaning ● Happy Birthday! YOUR 1st Birthday photos
*WIN A BOOK BUNDLE FOR WORLD BOOK DAY
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Editors Letter
Hello,
Kimberly x Editor-in-Chief
Can you help us get VFTS out in the big wide world? VFTS is available to download via our website anywhere in the world - and also through email subscription. Our dream is to have the magazine available via printed copies too, so we can reach even more young parents in need of help, advice or simply entertainment - so if you feel your local children’s centre, doctors, young parents group or even your local shop can benefit from VFTS please tell us!
Don’t miss our next issue - out April 11th!
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Contributors
The VFTS Family
Editor: Kimberly Bond kimberly.bond@visitfromthestork.co.uk @kimmeh_007
Vicki Moorhead Vicki is a 24-year-old mummy to a lovely little girl nicknamed ‘Mini’. She has a Bsc Hons degree in Social psychology, as well as qualifications in working with children with special needs and autism. Vicki blogs at Elliebearbabi.co.uk and she also runs her own craft business through Etsy. Vicki wrote the ‘Beauty blog’ feature on page 22.
Zoe Ashton Zoe is a 20 year old journalist and copywriter in her third year at university, studying English Language and Literature. She maintains a blog at zoeashton.wordpress.com,is a freelance writer and an active journalist in Nottingham. Although not a Mum herself, she has been involved in volunteering with children throughout her education: from teaching children to play tag rugby, getting her hands dirty teaching silk painting to toddlers, and more recently by taking part in a literary volunteer project helping 4 – 6 year olds to read. Zoe wrote ‘Top 5 Beauty all-rounders on pages 20-21 and holiday ideas on page 27.
Online Manager: Maryam Chaudhary Online Technical Manager: Mariam Begum
With thanks to all our writers and contributors Vicki Moorhead- @EllieBearBabi Zoe Ashton - ZoeAshton22 Vicky Charles - @SingleMAhoy Kirsten Spencer - Lactation consultant Logo design: Kieran Bond kieran.bond007@gmail.com Front Cover design: Cindy Jaury, Staffordshire University Magazine Design: Steven Harding Harding Designs Ltd THANKS TO Staffordshire University Journalism Department, University of Salford Business School and all of our advertisers. For more information about advertising in Visit from the Stork, please contact the Editor.
Subscriptions Vicky Charles Vicky is a single mother with a 22 month old daughter. She works from home as a copy writer and social media marketer, as well as writing for her local paper and blogging at www.singlemotherahoy.com. She hates Coldplay with a passion you should hope never to experience, and doesn't do much housework but her house is filled with smiles. Vicky wrote ‘To Eat or not to Eat’ on page11.
Kirsten Spencer Kirsten is a qualified general Nurse and professional Breastfeeding and Lactation Consultant. She has 23 years experience working on the Special Baby Unit in Staffordshire, helping mums to bond with their babies and overcome breastfeeding difficulties and stress. She wrote “INSERT NAME HERE” on page... We need YOU to help contribute to the next issue of the magazine. If you are a student journalist, expert (in anything baby-related) mummy blogger, soon-to-be parent or just want to have a go, email the Editor or tweet us @VFTSeditor and let us know.
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Visit from the Stork magazine is available digitally via free Email subscription or available to download via issuu.com. Please go to our website www.visitfromthestork.co.uk to sign up. VFTS is also available for distribution to nurseries, children centres, schools and businesses in the UK. For more information please email our Editor at kimberly.bond@visitfromthestork.co.uk or call her on 0161 376 7079
Contents Page
Editor’s Letter Contributors Spotlight
Page 18 To Eat or not to eat? Feature
4 Businesses & 4 Kids... Free Cakes for Kids You Time
Page 16 Early Years Young Parents guide to Weaning World Book Day
Page 24 Page 15 Page 29 5
VFTS Spotlight
In the spotlight... Every issue we will choose two companies to feature on these pages - people with products, blogs, or websites and ideas that we love! 
ROSY & BO
Hannah and her daughter Rose
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VFTS Spotlight
FEED ME MUMMY
Innovative: The Feed Me Mummy breast feeding vest
Want to be featured in our next product spotlight? Send in 200 words about your business/product by 31st March with your website/social media page and we’ll pick two to be interviewed by our editorial team. Send to editorial@visitfromthestork.co.uk
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Pregnancy
The importance of post-natal bonding Bonding with your baby by going back to nature and doing what your body is biologically programmed to do helps relax both new mums and the baby to help with breastfeeding. General practice Nurse and Lactation Consultant Kirsten Spencer explains.
“Only in the last century have we abandoned our 3 million year old pattern of caring for our children.
nelled and expounded by companies out to make a profit and narrow minded people who think that breastfeeding in public is something to be shunned. Therefore, due to many factors in society We have replaced continuous carrying of over the last 70 years or so the importhe child and co sleeping with the partance to mum and baby of nurturing and ents and feeding on demand with leavbreastfeeding seem to have been deing a child to lie alone sometimes meaned. ignoring his or her crying and feeding Mums are biologically programmed to every 4 hours with formula which is ancarry their babies and babies proother species milk instead of every 60 grammed to be carried. 90 minutes on average . Here are some interesting facts about There are many myths and horror stories why bonding with your baby the way naassociated with breastfeeding which at ture intended is important, to help you times override the fact that this is the and your body more relaxed and ready most important thing a woman can ever for breastfeeding. do. Many young mums see feeding The area between mum’s breasts where formula by bottle as an easy possibly babies head lies naturally receives 25% less embarrassing option. of mums blood supply after birth. Her This opinion has usually been chanheart only receives 20%. How important
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Pregnancy
Here are some statistics you may or may is that place? not be familiar with: Mum’s post-natal chest emits an odour which copies the smell of amniotic fluid. In babies breastfeeding is associated with If baby is laid on mum’s chest skin to reduced risk of skin, the contact regulates baby’s heart S.I.D.S 36-50% lower respiratory tract disease 72% rate, breathing, and temperature. G.I infections 64% When on the chest baby feels the secuType 1 diabetes 19-27% Type 2 diabetes 39% rity of hearing mum’s heart beating, her acute lymphocytic 19% smell, and bodily noises he is used to, so Leukaemia Leukaemia acute myelogenous 15% feels safe and mum knows her baby is Asthma 27% safe too. This means that mum’s and ba- Chidhood obesity 15-30% Atopic dermatits 42% bies stress hormones are reduced, makAcute ear infection 50% ing it easier to produce milk. In mothers breastfeeding is associated with This also means mum and baby have reduced risk of breast cancer 25-50% more sleep, and less crying. This bondovarian cancer 21% type 2 diabetes 4-12% ing triggers the brain wiring which is the coronary heart disease 37% hard drive for the rest of the baby’s life.
“Breastfeeding is about a baby being in the natural warm comforting habitat that is mums skin and arms.”
“Breastfeeding is not simply about a baby recieving perfectly balanced food for growth and development along with immunoglobulins and a list of wonderful beneficial ingredients, many yet unknown . It is about a baby being in the natural warm comforting habitat that is mums skin and arms . This is where mummies have the power to provide the optimum enviroment for her baby to achieve his or her potential in terms of physical , cerebral , social and psychological well being and can affect her baby and herself for the rest of their lives.”
Kirsten is a professional lactation consultant, who offers 1-1 time with mums who are struggling to breastfeed, supports them with their goals, and helps them to overcome common problems. http://www.mummypowerbreastfeeding.co.uk/
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Up and coming: Family events
Children’s film RIO is set to make a flying return to the UK on the 4th April. The sequel of the 2011 animation, (aptly named Rio 2) sees loveable bird Blu and his partner Jewel with their three kids on an adventure to the Amazon. You can view the trailer here. Haven’t seen the first one? It’s on DVD - click here.
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Pregnancy
To eat or not to eat?
There is all sorts of advice available regarding what you should and shouldn’t eat during pregnancy. But how much of it is absolutely forbidden, and how much is just old wives’ tales? Vicky Charles give you the lowdown on the top do’s and don’ts. Cheese Any cheese that has been mould-ripened, is soft or has blue veins through it is a no-no in pregnancy. Cheddar, Parmesan, Philadelphia or Dairylea are fine. The reason we’re told to avoid these is that with a mould-ripened cheese, or any cheese involving mould, there is the chance of Listeria. Eggs It’s fine to eat eggs while you’re pregnant but, as my midwife put it to me, “they have to bounce, not run.” No runny yolks, in any form - and no eating raw batter if you’re baking a cake! This is because of the risk of Salmonella from eggs. Salmonella is not necessarily damaging to an unborn baby, but it can cause a nasty bout of vomiting and diarrhoea which can cause issues such as dehydration - which are not great for your baby. This one is important to remember if you’re eating out as some restaurants may make their own mayonnaise with raw egg. Always check with the waiting staff and make sure they know you are pregnant! Smoked Meats & Fish Advice varies on this; until fairly recently pregnant women were advised not to eat smoked fish or meat, or cold-cured meat (like ham). There is a small risk that these foods could carry either Listeria or the parasite that causes toxoplasmosis. In some countries pregnant women are advised not to eat them for this reason but currently in the UK they are deemed safe to eat. I would say this one is down to personal preference. Also you should note that this doesn’t include pre-packed meat like ham and corned beef, which are perfectly safe. Sushi Sushi is actually fine to eat during pregnancy, so long as any raw fish involved in its preparation was frozen before being used. Some fish contain parasitic worms that could make you ill, but freezing kills the worms and makes the fish safe to eat. Dairy All dairy products are fine, so long as they are pasteurised. That includes most “regular” foods you’d buy from the supermarket, so most people are fine with this.
What’s Listeria? Listeria is a bacteria that causes an illness called Listeriosis in humans. For most people, it has mild symptoms such as a high temperature, sickness and diarrhoea. In some cases the infection can spread to body parts and cause meningitis. In pregnant women, Listeriosis is particularly risky, as it can lead to miscarriage, still birth or serious illness in a newborn. Pregnant women are at a higher risk of contracting Listeriosis because when we’re pregnant our immune systems are lower. What’s Toxoplasmosis? Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a parasite that can live in meat, soil, cat faeces and untreated water. Unlike Listeriosis, it often has no symptoms so it is important to be vigilant, and if you think you may have come into contact with it speak to your midwife. Toxoplasmosis can harm your baby, but it is important not to panic as cases of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women are extremely rare.
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Feature: Pregnancy Sickness
Hyperemesis Gravidarum - the dark side of pregnancy sickness
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Feature: Pregnancy Sickness
If you feel you need help or advice from Pregnancy Sickness Support or want to find out more about Hyperemesis Gravidarum then you can contact PSS via social media: Pregnancy Sickness Support @HGSupportUK Website: http://www.pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk/ Caitlin also runs a popular blog, documenting her third pregnancy with Hyperemesis, called Spewing Mummy. She will also be writing some guest posts for the VFTS website in coming weeks.
Are you pregnant and want to keep your baby happy and still be hands free? Babywearing could be for you! babies cry 45% less Carried you read your babies cues ItItshelps great for hip and spine development It helps feel safe It helps baby reduce flat head syndrome We are the first magazine of it’s kind that promotes babywearing.
Available to download TODAY! 13
Have you joined the VFTS family yet? yet? Sign up to our website and get: x Unlimited access to our forum to discuss topics and chat to other parents x A FREE newsletter with news and updates x Be the first to know about our competitions and offers x Enjoy Memberer only benefits Join us for FREE today by going to www.vis ww w.visitfromthestork.co.uk o.uk/reg /register Visit from the Stork
@VFTSeditor
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Reviews
Pics are official photos from mumkind.com
The new Health and wellbeing brand on the market MumKind asked us to review their products which have been created by pregnancy nutrition experts and midwives. We happily obliged, and sent them out to some VFTS mums and mums-to-be to try. Want to try them yourself? Get online to mumkind.com to buy.
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Your Stories
4 Kids and 4 businesses...I’m only 26! We interviewed Amanda Farren, 26 from Coventry who was pregnant at just 16 and is now the owner of 4 businesses, including one she has literally just started.
Amanda, pictured in the Mirror in 2009
Little Jems
Baby Gifts
Gifts to treasure forever Beautiful keepsakes Stylish frames
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Stunning nappy cakes Unique gift sets
www.littlejemsbabygifts.co.uk
Your Stories
“Issac was the final jigsaw piece to our perfect family”
“ I didn’t feel like I’d had my fill of babies...then on Valentines morning we found out we were expecting! ”
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Feature : Free Cakes for Kids
Helping children get their birthday wish
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Feature
“We will be working hard to help as many families as possible - one cake at a time”
Peppa Pig was created by a volunteer from Free Cakes Newbury. Pic: FCFK on Facebook
Thomas was recently created by Kath from the Free Cakes Sheffield group. Pic from Facebook, FCFK
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You Time: Beauty
Top 5 All-rounder Beauty Products
Picked by Zoe Ashton
pic: beautycrowd.com
As a Mum, you want your products to do more, because let’s face it, you don’t have the time to be lathering on tens of products with a little one running around. So because of that, here’s our pick of the best beauty all-rounders – those fantastic bottles that double up on their uses.
Pic: Fragmentedsplendour.com
pic: beautylab.nl
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You Time: Beauty
T VF
es v o SL
Pic: Thedresscode.me
pic: Boots.com, 100ml, £2.54
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You Time :Beauty
I THINK YOU’RE ALONE NOW... Being a mummy is hard work, says our mummy blogger Vicki Moorhead, but here’s some tips to make the most of ‘You Time’.
Superdrug Naturally Radient brightening balm £5.99 50ml
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You Time: Beauty
“I always feel better with a little glow of the fake variety”
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Use the tired mummy card and get yourself a lovely relaxng foot rub off your partner or friend. ”
LUSH massage bars, various prices. Lush.com and in store
Johnson’s Skin perfecting oil £9.99 from Boots
5 foods you can use as beauty products Not got enough money to spend on beauty products? Never fear as you can use these natural food products to create stunning looks...
Strawberries have the extraordinary power to whiten and clean your teeth. Mash some strawberries in a small container, then put them on your toothbrush and clean! Simple & yummy!
Cucumbers can be used to tone your face. Put either thin slices or the juice on your face, and leave on for 10 to 20 minutes, before rinsing. If you love a good bubble bath, one cup of powdered skimmed milk poured into your bath will ensure that your skin is exfoliated and soft. pic: James Wojick, realsimple.com
Finally...you can use mayonnaise as hair conditioner by lathering it gently on to damp (not soaking wet) hair, combing it to make sure it gets all over and then wrapping it in a plastic bag or shower cap to keep the heat in for 20 minutes. Then you can rinse off in the shower and put some light shampoo on it.
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fMichelle D. Milliman | Shutterstock
Early Years
Ask the experts: a young parents guide to weaning
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Early Years
“Some toddlers won’t even eat a broken biscuit!”
Want to know more? You can read the full interviews with Judy More and Jackie Novels on our website.
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Early Years
Happy Birthday! To celebrate VFTS turning one, we asked you to share your little one’s 1st birthday pics too...
Miles, from Liverpool.
Gemma and James, from Stoke-on-Trent
Jessica, from Brighton
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Harrison, from Norwich.
Corey, from Bedford.
Edward, from Weston Super-Mare.
Early Years
Half-term on a shoestring- get busy this holiday!
pic: Burghley House, Stamford, burghley.co.uk
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Helping Children of all Ages ´)HHO * *RRG ) )DVWµ
Our aim is to bring the Tappy Twins to as many children and teens as possible, as a self-ŚĞůƉ ƚŽŽů ƚŚĞLJ ĐĂŶ ƵƐĞ ĂƐ ƚŚĞŝƌ ͞ƐĞĐƌĞƚ ǁĞĂƉŽŶ͘͟ tĞ ǁŝůů ŚĞůƉ and guide them to discover that they have an inbuilt ability to change how they feel, anytime they want, simply by mastering the art of Tapping. Once the EFT process has been achieved, they learn that EFT can become a familiar, trusted ally in the daily lives of young EFT users as they grow into adulthood.
Some of the areas that Tappy Twins can help are: ͻ ŵŽƚŝŽŶĂů ŝƐƐƵĞƐ͗ ĞƉƌĞƐƐŝŽŶ͕ ĂŶŐĞƌ͕ ĂŶdžŝĞƚLJ͕ ƉĂŶŝĐ ĂƚƚĂĐŬƐ͕ ƐĞƉĂƌĂƚŝŽŶ ĂŶdžŝĞƚLJ ͻ ^ĐŚŽŽů ŝƐƐƵĞƐ͗ ^ƚƌĞƐƐ͕ ďƵůůLJŝŶŐ͕ ƚĞƐƚ ĂŶĚ ĞdžĂŵ ĂŶdžŝĞƚLJ ĂŶĚ ďĞŚĂǀŝŽƵƌĂů ŝƐsues ͻ &ĞĂƌƐ͗ ^ƵĐŚ ĂƐ ĨĞĂƌ ŽĨ ĚŽŐƐ͕ ƚŚĞ ĚĞŶƚŝƐƚ͕ ƉƵďůŝĐ ƐƉĞĂŬŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ ĨĞĂƌ ŽĨ ŚĞŝŐŚƚƐ ͻ WŚŽďŝĂƐ͗ ĨůLJŝŶŐ͕ ƐƉŝĚĞƌƐ͕ ŚĞŝŐŚƚƐ ͻ Sleeping issues: bedwetting, nightmares, fear of the dark and night walking ͻ >ĞĂƌŶŝŶŐ ĚŝĨĨŝĐƵůƚŝĞƐ͗ ĚLJƐůĞdžŝĂ͕ ĂƐƉĞƌƐĞƌƐ͕ ĂƵƚŝƐŵ ĂŶĚ ADHT
Whether you are looking to book a Tappy Twins workshop, a 1-2-1 with specific children or you want us to work with you to provide a beneficial tool to your teaching kit, then call us now and become part of our Tappy family. We look forward to working with you.
Tel: 0330 660 1274 Suzanne: 07507 228319
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Or email us at: enquiries@tappytwins.com
Visit Tappy Town now at: www.tappytwins.com
Competition
Win a Children’s book bundle for World Book Day We’ve teamed up with Usborne Books to bring you a great competition for World Book Day 2014 and celebrate our love of reading. We are offering you a chance to win a children’s book bundle of your choice * worth £25.
How to Enter
Go to www.visitfromthestork.co.uk where you will see a list of names of great childrens books we love. All you have to do is comment with your name next to your favourite book on the list - and make sure you SIGN UP to the site with your email address so we can contact you if you are the winner. It is FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE. We will write down your name on the book you have chosen and that secures your place in the draw. Once all the names of books have been chosen, they will be entered into a prize draw, and the winner will be announced on World Book Day through Facebook, Twitter and the website.
Good Luck! *Parents will have a choice of one out of two specially selected children’s book bundles suitable for toddlers+. Due to postage costs, the competition is unfortunately not open to anyone outside the UK or ROI. Participants will have to sign up to the website to enter the competition so we can contact the winner by email or Facebook. Sigining up to the website gives you the choice to subscribe to our newsletter or the magazine - for more details see our privacy policy.
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