Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
Summer 2009
Win!
great S
napfish
prizes in
o
family ur new
compephoto
tition!
Inspiring and informing NCT supporters
© Disney
Bringing up baby
The latest on
parenting issues
Different rules
Learning to live
with autism
Making a splash
Swimming
with your baby
tv times
Making the most of watching together
supported by
Photo: Mother and Baby Picture Library
Inside
Summer 2009
cover
story
17
© Disney
Summer solstice 4 What’s new
Hello. It’s only my second Keep up-to-date with parenting and birth news
edition and already I’m 7 In the know
feeling part of the NCT Our departments talk to you
furniture – not least because 9 Come together
of all the great letters you’ve Find out about our event-packed annual conference
sent in about the new-look magazine. 11 Your say
In addition to the regular features, this issue You tell us about your experiences
has a fascinating item on children’s TV, a 12 Picture perfect
moving article about autism, news of the NCT We reveal our Flickr competition winners, plus
details on a new nationwide photo contest
annual conference plus the results of our
photo competition and news of a new one. 15 Music lessons
One proud father tells us what happens when you
We’re also delighted to be able to announce take a ten-month-old baby to a music festival
that Persil Non-Bio and Comfort Pure now
sponsor Newgen. Their support will help us to
17 Kids on film
We explore the representation of parenting
reach even more parents. Comfort Pure and and children on TV and in film
Persil Non-Bio are both specially designed for 20 Rewriting the rules
babies and are dermatologically tested. The highs and lows of raising autistic children
Enjoy the mag and have a glorious summer. 24 Going swimmingly
A look at a new initiative to get babies in the water
Cover photography: Dee Ramadan
27 Take two
John Pinching Tales on pregnancy while looking after a toddler
email: newgeneditor@nct.org.uk 34 First person
or write to John Pinching, Newgen, NCT, Alexandra House, Garance Lawrence on antenatal training
Oldham Terrace, London W3 6NH
Calls to 0844 numbers will be charged a maximum of 5p The NCT is a Registered Charity No. 801395
Pregnancy and Birth Line: per minute (+VAT) from BT phone lines. The price of calls from All advertisements submitted for inclusion in Newgen are checked for compliance
0300 33 00 772 mobile networks will vary. with our Sponsorship Commercial Relationships & Advertising policy. The NCT
Breastfeeding Line: Published by Axon Publishing, 11 Plough Yard, reserves the right to accept or reject advertising material. No correspondence will
0300 33 00 771 London EC2A 3LP www.axonpublish.com be entered into. Advertisements are accepted in good faith but the NCT cannot be
Advertising enquiries to Mongoose Media Ltd, 2 Lonsdale held responsible for any claims made by advertisers. Please note that none of the
Enquiries Line:
Road, London NW6 Contact: Ben Shoesmith food products advertised in this magazine is suitable for babies under six months
0300 33 00 770 Tel: 020 7306 0300 Email: advertising@nct.org.uk and some will only be suitable for older children and adults.
This product is printed on paper containing a minimum of 75% recycled fibres, Views expressed by contributors to newgen are not necessarily
with the remainder coming from fully traceable paper from sustainable sources. those of the NCT charity or of Axon Publishing.
News
what’s going on in the world of the NCT
kindness?
or visit direct.gov.uk/
money4mum2be, or call
the grant helpline on
0845 366 7885.
Actress Salma Hayek sparks
off milk-sharing debate
While Touring a hospital in war-torn
Sierra Leone, the actress Salma Hayek
came across a mother who was unable to
provide milk for her malnourished one-
week-old son. Hayek took the stranger’s
baby and breastfed him. The event was
documented by the American news
network ABC, which was accompanying
her on the African charity mission.
Mexican-born Hayek, who at the time
was breastfeeding her own one-year-old
daughter, said: “The baby was perfectly
healthy, but the mother did not have any
Birth bonus
milk. He was very hungry so I breastfed the
baby. I think my baby would be very proud
to be able to share her milk.”
Wet-nursing, or cross-feeding, was
common practice before the Second
Mums-to-be get £190 grant from the Government World War. Hayek’s action has sparked off
much debate as to whether the practice
is becoming more acceptable. We’d like to
Every month, around 65,000 access this essential help. It’s easy to hear your opinions on the subject.
women in England, Wales, Northern claim. All mums-to-be can ask for a Email yoursay@nct.org.uk
Ireland and Scotland celebrate the claim form from their midwife at their
birth of a new child. Now there’s first antenatal appointment after the Beginning at home
another reason for mums-to-be to 25th week of pregnancy. All they need
celebrate as they can now claim a new to do is return the completed form to 13-20 June is National
one-off, tax-free payment of £190. HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) Childminding Week
Every pregnant woman will get the within 31 days and HMRC will then Carrying the theme of ‘Home from
Health in Pregnancy Grant, as long as pay the money directly into the Home’, the aim of the week is to
they receive health advice from a woman’s bank or building society promote the benefits of home-based
Getty Images
midwife or GP. The grant will act as an account. It is entirely up to the mum childcare to parents and parents-to-be.
incentive for mums to seek out and how the money is spent. Visit ncma.org.uk for details.
Fundraising column
This year the fundraising team are confident 24 of us will be dusting off our plimsolls
Don’t miss
the NCT Ann
ual
Conference
and Joint Fo
rum
on Friday 26 to
Sunday
28 June, Brangw
yn
Hall, Swansea
The sound of NCT voices will soar Meanwhile, the Joint Forum will involve the future of our charity. We’re looking
above the valleys as we celebrate our discussions, a presentation from Rose for record numbers of branch workers,
53rd year in the delightful Welsh coastal McCarthy on running courses for diverse committee members, volunteers and
city of Swansea. groups and debates about issues affecting specialist workers.
Come along for a range of fascinating parents in all situations. We will also be It’s going to be an inspirational, fun,
presentations, special guests – including delivering the results of our three-year educational and enlightening celebration
Penny Nicholls from The Children’s Society POPPY (Parents of Premature Babies of the year gone by and, who knows, you
– and a host of stimulating workshops. Project) study and findings from the might even make some new friends!
Other notable highlights include the evaluation of NCT antenatal classes. After the serious stuff we’re going to
brand new NCT strategy for the next We’ll also be announcing the winners of hit the conference party for some
ten years, a panel discussion on labour our first ever Specialist Worker Awards, intoxicating beverages and, no doubt, a
pain and, back by popular demand, the sponsored by Medela. few spontaneous dance moves! We’re also
Volunteer Awards. Don’t miss out on your chance to going to throw in a traditional Ceilidh band
There will even be a performance join this unique occasion. Please note, for good measure.
of ‘The Father Monologues’ – a hugely just because it’s called ‘conference’ it
entertaining dramatisation of how doesn’t mean it’s going to be a hall full If you’d like to come and join us for a
fathers can, and should, get involved of ‘suits’ using management speak. Your splendid weekend by the seaside, go
with bringing up their children. contribution is absolutely vital in shaping to update.nct.org.uk/conference
Pregnacare® supports
Your say
Win! £30 of
NCT Shop
Vouchers
3 4
Looking
Enter our new
competition!
good
Building on the success of spring’s
contest, the NCT has joined forces with
Snapfish to create the most fun and
exciting photo competition in the land!
This summer we’re staging a brand
new national photo competition. We’ve
a host of incredible prizes to give away,
so if your image seizes our imaginations,
you could win a state-of-the-art laptop or
We’ve been delighted with the response to our photo printer.
If you’re an enthusiastic snapper
spring photo competition – so much so that this is a great chance to show off your
we’ve now launched a new nationwide parenting photographic prowess. Alternatively, it
picture contest that’s open to everyone… could be an opportunity to dust the
cobwebs off your camera if it’s been
We had a great response to the photo competition in the last edition. in hibernation for the winter.
Thanks to everybody who emailed, posted or submitted images to our Absolutely everybody is welcome to
official Flickr Group on the theme of what the NCT means to you. The enter – even non NCT members – so
standard and variety of photos was very impressive. if you know someone who’s a bit flash with
Our judging panel had quite a task selecting the ten winners from a camera, spread the word! There are also
the entries we received. But, after much deliberation we’re confident no age limits for people who want to submit
that our top ten (showcased above) capture the essence of what it their shots but, beware of children who are
means to be a NCT member – and all in such different ways. better with technology than their parents!
6 7 8
6. Melodious Williams
We felt this image reflected our
aim to support the whole family
7. Rachel Thomas
A precious parenting moment
8. Tina Dowell
Celebrating the NCT’s
commitment to breastfeeding
9. Sophie Kempe
We believe skin-to-skin contact
9
is essential, so it’s great to have
an image showing this
10. Dave and Roshi
We thought this illustrated the 10
countrywide nature of the NCT
sponsored by
The theme this time is ‘My Family’. We Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland)
want to see what you can encapsulate in according to where you live (it doesn’t
one frame that best illustrates your family. matter where you take the shot – it could The rules
This theme will conjure up a myriad of ideas, be in Outer Mongolia but if your home is in Enter between now and 9 August.
so the concept is deliberately left open to Dudley your submission will be made to Each participant can enter up to
your own interpretation. the Midlands region). You will be allowed three photos. Winners of the
Family could mean how you spend your to submit three photos in total onto an regional contests will be
time with loved ones, where you live, the especially developed NCT and Snapfish determined by public judging and
people you live with or even your extended photo competition page on the Snapfish will be announced by 20 August
family – such as friends. The idea of family website. A public voting system will decide 2009 on the Snapfish site. Winners
may mean special occasions, getting back the regional winners, who will progress to a of the overall UK contest will be
in touch with relatives, helping each other national final where an expert panel of NCT determined by private judging
or having fun with other families. The notion and Snapfish judges will decide the ultimate and will be announced by
of ‘My Family’ will be different for everyone. winning photos. 10 September on the Snapfish site
You can be as adventurous and imaginative To get you started, Snapfish are offering and the Autumn issue of Newgen.
with the brief as you want. The competition all NCT members 40 free prints when they Please make sure you check your
is already live and will close on 9 August – so sign up to the service. You can claim yours inbox because winners have to
there’s plenty of time to get snapping if you at snapfish.co.uk/nctoffer. accept the prize by 13 August
don’t have the perfect shot already. Get a otherwise it will be assigned to
head start by uploading your favourite It’s easy to take part. All you need to do the next highest scoring photo.
photos onto Snapfish now. is register with Snapfish so you can No purchase necessary.
Initially, your entries will be entered upload your photos and submit them to See complete rules at
into one of six regional sections (North the contest. The photo contest is live at snapfish.co.uk/nctfamilycontest
England, South England, Midlands, snapfish.co.uk/nctfamilycontest.
Musical youth
Live music lover Matt Evans tells us about his first, very special, festival outing
with his ten-month-old daughter Freya and why it pays to be prepared...
confused and alarmed the staff, who didn’t
think babies were allowed. Managers were
summoned. They eventually let us in.
Butlin’s may not have been prepared,
but we were. Daytime was family festival
time; Freya riding in her sling or pushing her
trolley. At night we’d take it in turns to see
bands while the other stayed in the chalet
with the baby, watching DVDs in the dark.
The ear defenders were fantastic. Just
as she hates wearing a hat indoors but not
outside, Freya left them alone when they
were needed. And they were certainly
effective, as demonstrated when she
dozily breastfed through a frantic set of
experimental thrash metal.
I was concerned that Freya would be
bored, but she probably had more fun
than we did. Extremely sociable and a
show-off, she was the only baby there and
got a lot of attention. She couldn’t have
been happier, and she spread plenty of joy,
too. Then, one afternoon, between the
Butthole Surfers and Fantômas, she was
inspired to walk unaided for the first time.
When my partner Georgia and I met, A truly memorable time and place for such
we immediately bonded over music – a momentous achievement! I’m not sure
particularly the projects of Faith No More’s what she made of the music, but children
Mike Patton. So we nearly exploded with don’t have the cultural prejudices of adults.
excitement when it was announced that Festival-going as a family was easier
he would be co-curating the Nightmare than I anticipated. It just takes a little extra
Before Christmas (NBC) festival. However, planning. The biggest downside is that
just one month before the announcement, your nocturnal activities are solitary, but
our beautiful daughter Freya was born. We’d it’s a small price to pay. Freya’s presence
been to many festivals, but never as a trio… enhanced the experience immeasurably –
NBC takes place in December, which were welcome, and crèche facilities she loved it, and therefore so did we.
seemed eons away when we naïvely bought would be provided. Excited but anxious,
the tickets. Freya would be ten months old we decided to take her along.
by then, surely old enough to spend a The festival would be a cacophonous
weekend with Granny? By late summer, affair; tiny eardrums must be protected. I What’s your story?
Freya was still breastfeeding and waking tracked down baby ear defenders online. Have you embarked on any
often at night. We had no desire to switch A few clicks later, our bright-pink mufflers adventures, musical or otherwise,
to bottles, and expressing attempts had arrived. Freya hated them – as soon as they with your baby? If so, we’d love to
proved fruitless. It wouldn’t be fair or were on, they’d be yanked off again, hmm. hear from you.
practical to leave her with Granny – and December soon came around. After a Email us your account at
besides, we’d miss her too much. To our long journey, we arrived at Butlin’s – and yoursay@nct.org.uk
surprise, the festival website stated that kids things started to go awry. Freya’s presence
cover
story
What’s on
the box?
As a parent you’ve no doubt thought about the influence mass-media has in shaping
your child’s outlook. We’ve spoken to mums, an academic expert and Nancy Kanter,
senior vice-president of Playhouse Disney, on the issue, and here’s what they think
T
he role TV and film has in our Thomas,” she says. “We never watch a film messages. Just as there is good literature
children’s lives has often been all the way through – we’ll normally play for children, there are good films and video
the subject of debate among through it or pause it. Plus I get cuddles.” content for children.”
parents. What do you let your Amy Aidman, Ph.D. Senior Research
children watch? Does TV and film Fellow in Media at Emory University and TV monitor
hinder or cultivate your child’s imagination? contributor to the book Media and So how do parents avoid isolating their
Can TV and film really educate? the Make-believe Worlds of Children: children and harness the positive aspects?
Lots of mothers say that one of the When Harry Potter Meets Pokemon in Aidman says parental control is the key:
nicest things to do as a family is to cuddle Disneyland, recognises this. She also “Parents should minimise exposure,
up on the sofa and watch a movie. They say exercises a note of caution: monitor content, and support industry
it gives them a chance to relax with their “Some families develop rituals around and governmental policies for a child-
children, enjoy a shared experience and it media use that bind them as a family,” she friendly media environment. There are
also provides an opportunity to discuss any says. “But some media habits, such as long ways to use TV and film to the family’s
thoughts that come up during viewing. periods of viewing alone, isolate family advantage but even advantageous use
Mum, Karen Nash sees film viewing as a members from each other. Children can should be in moderation.”
Getty Images
time for valuable bonding with her two- learn positive messages from film and TV, Daska Davis, mum to Nancy, aged seven,
year-old son. “I love watching films with but they can also learn from the negative and Lily, aged three, maintains strict control
Box office
© Disney
babies and
TV tots
John Pinching takes a
look at how babies and
their parents have been
represented on TV and
film in years gone by
According to Nancy Kanter, Playhouse because of Fireman Sam. It’s a powerful The Omen (1976)
Disney’s senior vice-president, the medium so it must be used wisely. When In a dubious last minute baby-switch,
character “Illustrates how interesting and children’s TV is good, kids are given the orchestrated by monastery folk, baby
fun living in a diverse community can be chance to see programmes covering Damien is taken home by the affluent
and the importance of social interaction.” different jobs, how to behave well (the Thorn family. It doesn’t take long for
morality tale is alive and well) and get to the tiny infant to start instigating
Quality not quantity know characters with disabilities, or from merry hell, literally. This really does
The powerful influence of TV and its role as different cultures.” bring new meaning to ‘little devil’.
an educational tool is acknowledged by According to Amy Aidman, TV and film
parents, as Lucy Callington illustrates. “My should be handled with care. She has the Competition
two-year-old daughter Poppy’s love for following viewing advice for parents: “Babies Win HANDY Manny’s tools!
Thomas the Tank engine was a useful tool need human interaction and they need to We’ve got four sets of Playhouse
in explaining what a train is,” she says. “It play in order to develop optimally. Young Disney character Handy Manny’s tool
sparked off a love of waiting at the bridge children need to play and interact with box to give away. To be in with a chance
in Walthamstow, watching the trains.” others as well. It’s vital to minimise screen to win, simply answer the following
Karen Nash agrees: “My son Thomas time with young children and, when they question…Who owns the hardware
does base a lot of his play around his watch, make sure it is age appropriate store that Manny and his tools often
favourite TV and book characters and has programming and that you’re watching visit? Send your answers to
become interested in things like firemen with them and discussing content.” interactive@nct.org.uk
“Autistic
children
rewrite
the rules”
With two teenage sons with autism, and one son without, Charlotte Moore,
the author of George and Sam: Two Boys, One Family and Autism, provides
her own very personal account of living with the condition…
I
belong to a reading group. We’re
all mothers, all roughly of an age;
we’ve met once a month for the
last 12 years. In theory we discuss
our chosen book of the month;
in practice, of course, we talk about
everything that concerns us – our
work, our men, our homes, our bodies,
our children. Maybe our children more
than anything else.
The focus of these conversations has
changed. In the early years the joys and
frustrations of parenthood affected us in
similar ways; how, in essence, could we
save a little time for ourselves amidst the
demands our adorable but exhausting
infants made on us? How could we salvage
some sense of the carefree young women
we once were from the maze of broken
nights, tantrums, sibling squabbles and
laundry mountains generated by these
enchanting but relentless little beings?
Now, more than a decade later, the
concerns are different. The toddlers are
teenagers; maternal worries focus on
drugs, sex, self-harm, use and abuse of
“Different”
George, Sam and Jake; George,
aged ten, blocks his ears due to his
sensitive hearing; Charlotte and a
seven-year-old Sam on the garden
wall (which he spent a lot of time An NCT member on life
running on top of); Charlotte with
George aged seven and Sam aged with her autistic child
five – Sam is holding his owl, which
he carried everywhere, and George
When my son Edward was born he
holding his ‘flapper’; according to was a joy. Watching him grow and
Charlotte “George always twiddled change, I gradually became aware
something”. that he was different. I realised that he
didn’t seem to need me in the usual
ways. He never showed affection and
didn’t seem to be comforted by me
when he was scared or in pain.
He’d become more distressed if I
tried to touch and reassure him. I
learned that distraction was a way to
avoid terrifying tantrums during which
he lost all sense of danger. In his fury,
he’d try to throw himself downstairs,
onto roads and against walls.
Nothing in the baby books seemed
to make sense for us, but I learned
that humour was vital in keeping him
relaxed in high stress situations. No
matter how stressed I might feel, I had
to smile and keep all tension out of
my face and voice so that he might be
calm. This was a way I could love him.
He was diagnosed with autism
when he was three. After that followed
the awful realisation that I’ll never
have a spoken conversation with him,
he’ll never ask me about myself and
that he’ll never tell me he loves me.
There are so many contrasting
emotions… The joy of seeing him
happy, the fascination in watching
him work things out, the pain in
seeing his frustration when he
doesn’t understand, the hurt seeing
from yours. I learned to accept that a there’s a lot I’ve been spared. With autism someone afraid of him because he’s
treat for Sam was a trip to the goes an innocence, a lack of malice. different, my joy when someone
launderette, because he developed George and Sam don’t compete, or put smiles at him. There’s also the
an obsession with washing machines; each other down; they don’t lie or insult absolute delight of knowing that
however, a birthday party was torture or undermine. when he shows pleasure it’s genuine
for him. George hated being given a My evenings are still dominated by the and the terrible worry of knowing that
present, because he was afraid of age-old routines of feeding, bathing and he cannot tell me when he is in pain.
surprises; it was therefore much kinder putting them to bed – left to themselves, This is not what I planned, but I
to leave the toy lying around, unwrapped, none of this would happen – but at least I have a child I love and I am grateful,
where he could discover it for himself. don’t lie awake at night wondering where which I think makes me the same as
I became so familiar with my boys’ they’ve got to. any other mum.
peculiarities that they became second My two autistic sons are complete
nature to me. Therefore it was a shock individuals, as different from each other
– a pleasant one – to find that Jake did as either of them is from Jake. My job is What’s your story?
everything a little boy was supposed to balance three sets of contrasting, Does your child have a condition that
to, making friends, loving team sports, often conflicting, needs, while still finding affects your day-to-day life? We’d like
joining in. But the “otherness” of George a little time for my own. It’s a constant to hear about your experiences,
and Sam has its own compensations. challenge, but keeping our bizarre show so please write in to:
When I listen to my book group friends on the road brings its own rewards and newgeneditor@nct.org.uk
talking about their teenagers, I realise satisfactions.
Water babies
We look at a new project that gets babies from as young as six weeks old into the water,
building their confidence and strengthening the bond between parent and child
A I want
fter stepping on to the associate it with enjoyment. There are so
medal rostrum so many many pools now where these classes are
to get
times during her career available and attending them is a great
you’d think four times foundation for learning. Swimming will
as many people
world champion swimmer give children an appreciation of exercise
Karen Pickering MBE would feel she’d that will last as they grow older, making
as possible
given everything she could to the sport. them healthier and happier.”
However, after retirement, Karen still
to enjoy
wanted to give something back. In a class of their own
That’s why Karen founded the Baby The Baby Swim Foundation programme is
swimming
Swim Foundation, which encourages administered by fully trained professional
parents to introduce their babies to water instructors, at pools located all over the
at the earliest opportunity – even as early country. During the sessions they take the
as six weeks after being born. tiny students and their parents through a
Getting involved in this exciting activity wide range of stimulating activities. turned round and once again greeted
has given Karen a chance to use her The exercises start with a sing-song by the sight of their mum or dad (this
experience to help produce the swimmers while the parents move their babies is absolutely essential to maintain
of tomorrow. “This is my passion – I want around in the water. The babies are baby’s confidence).
to get as many people as possible to enjoy then encouraged to pursue a shiny toy. With confident babies it is sometimes
swimming,” she enthused. “It’s really This enables them to focus and form a possible to briefly propel them through
important that babies have fun at the kind of stroke as they attempt to reach the water on their own. Using the
swimming pool and, as they get older, the object. The baby’s reward is to be momentum and the movements that
Two’s company
Three mums tell us about their experiences of pregnancy second time around
and their thoughts and feelings on the impact it’s having on their toddlers
“I am
another baby. Again the first ten weeks were difficult but with associate it with the new
tiredness this time, not sickness. I found myself unable to do baby ‘pushing him out’ of his
expecting
very much, which Reuben found distressing as he’s used to old baby bedroom. Once the
me playing with him most of the time given that I am a baby is born my husband is
Finn to be
full-time mum. Reuben has, however, been incredibly excited going to take quite a bit of
about the baby who he’s named Susie (we don’t know the time off work so that Finn
upset and
sex). Whenever we go into a shop he picks things up and says will always get attention
“Oh, shall we buy this for Susie?” He also talks to ‘her’ and from one or the other of us
jealous”
asks her when she will be coming out. I am confident that when he wants it – at least
he will be a caring, loving big brother. in the first few weeks!
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property,
property pirate ship & ride-on train.
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property
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serving WiFi, are happy Sunshine & imaginative play ...
Babysitting, Poolside Bar serving
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Contact:
Contact:
Contact: Helen Humphrey
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enquiries@peyrecaty.com www.peyrecaty.com
enquiries@peyrecaty.com www.peyrecaty.com
enquiries@peyrecaty.com | www.peyrecaty.com
enquiries@peyrecaty.com www.peyrecaty.com www.pagel-france.com
3030newgen
newgenmagazine Summer2009
magazineSummer 2009
holidays
CHARENTE MARITIME, FRANCE
Pre-school toddlers and babies need a holiday as well!
www.nctsales.co.uk
NORTH
NorthNORFOLK’S
North
Norfolk’s
Norfolk’s
BestBest BEST CHILD-FRIENDLY
Child-Friendly
Child-Friendly
Cottages
Cottages COTTAGES
North Norfolk’s Best Child-Friendly Cottages
* South West France – second sunniest region in France after the Côte d’Azur
* Only 4 hours from St Malô, one hour south of La Rochelle airport
* Self Catering holiday complex 20 minutes from beaches
* All have fitted kitchen with dishwasher, DVD player, and Laundry room on site
* Large heated pool with toddlers’ pool alongside all enclosed
Big SkyBig Big
Barn, SkyBrancaster
Barn,
SkyBrancaster
Barn, Brancaster The Stables,
The Stables, Thornham
The Stables,
Thornham
Thornham Manor
Manor Manor Norton Cottage, Burnham Norton * Children’s swings, sand pit, tree house, safely enclosed in large grassy field,
HaveHave
a realaa“home
Have real“home
real “home
fromfrom from
home” home”home”
experience experience
experience
and enjoy and
and enjoy
the enjoy
unspoilt
the the beauty
unspoilt
beautyunspoiltandbeauty
and wide wide and wide sandy beaches of separate covered play area
the North ofNorfolk thecoast between Old between
Hunstanton and Wells-next-the-Sea.
sandy sandy
beaches
beaches theofNorth North
Norfolk
Norfolk
coastcoast
between Old Hunstanton
Old Hunstantonand Wells-next-the-
and Wells-next-the- * Licensed bar, fun wine tasting, BBQ for all, evening floodlit swim, family fun night
Sea. Sea.
Based in Burnham Market we have around 120 of the best holiday cottages in the area, most of which are
BasedBased
in Burnham
in Burnham MarketMarket
we have
we have
aroundaround
120 of120
theofbest
the holiday
best holiday
cottages
cottages
in theinarea,
the area,
much-loved second homes. All are very well-equipped and furnished to a high standard, with bed linen DUE TO REPEAT BOOKINGS AND POPULARITY ONLY AVAILABLE MAY,
most most
of which
ofBrancaster
which
are much-loved
are much-loved
secondsecond
homes.homes.
All are
Allvery
are very
well-equipped
well-equippedand furnished
and furnishedManor
Big Skyand
Barn,
to a high
towels
to a standard,
provided. We can provide cots and high chairs
high standard,
with with
bed linen
bed linen
and towels
and towels
provided.
provided.
We can
Weprovide
in all ofThornham
The Stables,
can provide
cots and
the cottages, arrange experienced
cotshigh
and high JUNE AND SEPTEMBER
baby-sitters, offer advice on the best child-friendly places to eat and suggest local places worth
chairschairs
in allin
visiting.
ofall
theofcottages,
the cottages,
arrange
arrange
experienced
experienced
baby-sitters,
baby-sitters,
offeroffer
adviceadvice
on theonbest
the best * Reduced ferry prices and out of season rates
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child-friendly “home
child-friendly places from
to eattoand home”
eatsuggest
and suggest experience
local local
places
places
worthworth and
visiting. enjoy
visiting.
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contact unspoilt
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sandy beaches
help help
us Please contact
find
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the of theusNorth
right
place place
for and helpNorfolk
your
for your us find thecoast
family:
family: between
right place for your Old Hunstanton
family: and Wells-next-the-
Telephone: 01328 730880 Contact Henry and Janet Wilce (direct) 0871 717 4105
Website : www.chezbelliveau.com
Telephone:
Telephone:
01328
E-mail: 01328
730880730880
info@sowerbysholidaycottages.co.uk • www.sowerbysholidaycottages.co.uk
Sea.
E-mail:
E-mail:
info@sowerbysholidaycottages.co.uk
info@sowerbysholidaycottages.co.uk
Based in Burnham Market we have around 120 of the best holiday cottages in the area,
www.sowerbysholidaycottages.co.uk
www.sowerbysholidaycottages.co.uk
most of which are much-loved second homes. All are very well-equipped and furnished
Elmfiin alleld
of theFarm
cottages,Cottages
North Norfolk Cottages
to a high standard, with bed linen and towels provided. We can provide cots and high
chairs arrange experienced baby-sitters, offer advice on the best
Near Canterbury Kent
child-friendly places to eat and suggest local places worth visiting. Please contact us and To advertise
help us find the right place for your family:
Telephone: 01328 730880 in this space,
E-mail: info@sowerbysholidaycottages.co.uk
www.sowerbysholidaycottages.co.uk please call
Looking for a child-friendly Two adjoining brick and flint cottages sleeping 8 each
plus cot. Recently restored to high spec with range cookers,
Lucy O’Neill on
For everything you need for pregnancy, birth and your baby visit
holiday in Spain?
0207 306 0300
GCH and log fires, child friendly gardens. Ideal holiday
Two cosy cottages on a farm on top of the base for families with young children - beach (Brancaster)
North Downs just 7 miles from Canterbury. 4 miles, playground 2 minutes walk, lots to do with
Detached family villa with large garden and private
Children can meet our friendly guinea pigs,
ext 206
pool. Situated on Costa Dorada, 3 minutes from under 5’s. Child friendly pubs and restaurants.
chickens and ducks and have plenty of space the beach. Near Barcelona and Reus airports Dogs welcome. Bed linen, cot, steriliser, high chair.
to play. Close by are beaches and many (cheap flights) Family friendly, fully equipped for
babies and toddlers. Tel: 01438 821962
family attractions including castles and safari
www.norfolk-lettings.co.uk
parks. Each cottage sleeps 4 + cot.
For info call 01932 782 050 or
Tel: 01227 709404 or visit email enquiries@villafleur.eu.com
Le Vieux Café
Pretty, 3 bedroomed cottage in SW France.
Sleeps 8. Comfortable and child friendly.
Coombe Mill
From £250/week
10% discount to NCT members
baby & you Superb self catering cottages and riverside lodges,
gardens, wildlife, friendly farm animals, tractor
rides, safe play area, toys and games, fishing lakes.
BBQs, Home cooking, groceries delivered, log burn-
ers, 4 posters, sandy beaches, pony trekking, indoor CONCERNED ABOUT
pool nearby, open all year
WWW.JULIANTAYLORHR.COM
Summer
Summer2009
2009newgen magazine 31
newgenmagazine 31
baby & you
TRULY
VE K
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RY
DE REE
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3232newgen
newgen Summer
magazineSummer
magazine 2009
2009
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Experiences
Learning curve
Helping patients has always motivated nurse Garance Lawrence, so it’s no surprise
she’s training to become an NCT antenatal teacher. She tells us how she got there
I’ve been interested in women’s health explained that the training is ‘family friendly’
for as long as I can remember. In fact, with the additional bonus of a huge amount
this passion became my career when of support from Ann and fellow students.
I worked on a gynaecology ward as a After that phone call, I attended the next
staff nurse. monthly tutorial to meet the other students
After four very rewarding years on the and to ensure I’d made the right decision
ward I decided it was time for a change – I haven’t looked back!
so I moved into district nursing. I enjoyed Prior to this I had no involvement with
visiting and caring for people in their own the local NCT branch and I was unaware
homes and I also got a lot out of working that such specialities existed. Indeed, in
with patients – teaching them to care for my area there is a shortfall of antenatal
themselves and giving family members teachers and these classes were hard
advice on how to give care to their relatives to source when I had my children. We’re
when I wasn’t there. However, I missed my working hard to change this.
specialist involvement with women’s health Preparing for the course has been
and wellbeing.
Initially I’d considered training to be a In my fascinating – I’ve had to learn to leave my
experiences of pregnancy and childbirth
midwife, but it’s a big commitment and,
with a young family, I knew that I would be
area to one side. This has been difficult. It’s very
hard not to talk about such a monumental
putting unrealistic pressures on myself. So I
began to research other avenues. Poised at
there is a event in one’s life. I realise it has little place
when teaching parents-to-be, as they will be
the computer, I began to search for other
specialities that were connected with
shortfall of coming to learn about their pregnancy and
how to prepare for their own birth. But my
pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding. antenatal experiences will allow me to be empathic
It was during this search that I stumbled and understanding.
across the NCT website and discovered its teachers. We’re I’m really enjoying researching different
specialist worker training. I downloaded the
information pack on becoming an antenatal working hard to births (homebirths and waterbirths for
example), which, sadly, I didn’t do when
teacher and began to read; it sounded ideal
– a perfect combination of providing care
change this I had my children. I am extremely lucky
to have my friend Lizzie, who is a very
and guidance to people that needed it and experienced senior midwife at our local
a chance to get involved in an area I was midwife-led birthing unit, who has given me
passionate about. lots of advice and help. Thank you Lizzie!
The next step was to talk to the tutor for At the end of this month I am taking on
my area, Ann Roberts. She was enthusiastic the role as class supporter at one of the
and encouraging. I spoke to her about my local NCT antenatal classes. I am really
worries regarding juggling my training while excited about this; it will give me an insight
looking after a young family. She reassured into what I am really letting myself in for.
me by explaining that yes, the diploma It will be an absolute privilege to be part of
will be hard work, but I’ll be able study these people’s lives and their momentous
at a steady pace. Most importantly, she road to parenthood.
Coming up in Newgen Don’t miss the next exciting edition! We’ve got a
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